COAL GROVE – March Madness fever was not exclusive to the NCAA basketball ranks yesterday.

Friday, March 15, 2002

COAL GROVE – March Madness fever was not exclusive to the NCAA basketball ranks yesterday.

At Dawson-Bryant High School, students from Open Door School, clients from Tri-State Industries and a team of representatives from local media outlets laced up their sneakers for MR/DD Awareness. And those in attendance saw plenty of excitement.

In the first game, the Open Door Jets posted a 57-47 win over Tri-State Industries. Donnie Cooper led Open Door with 34 points and Dwayne McSweeney scored 21 for Tri-State Industries.

In the nightcap, Tri-State Industries came from behind to post a 52-49 win over the media representatives. Nathen Waggoner led Tri-State with 25 points and WSAZ morning meteorologist Scott Sabol led the losers with 25.

"We are very excited to have such good participation by our local media," said Jimmie G. Thacker, superintendent of the Lawrence County Board of Mental Retardation/Developmental Disabilities. "The media can shape the opinions of the public. We hope that by meeting our consumers and getting involved first-hand, the media will have a greater understanding and respect of people with MR/DD."

Local media representatives participating in the event included WOWK TV meteorologist Spencer Adkins, WLGC general manager Chuck Black, Ironton Tribune managing editor Shawn Doyle, WTCR general manager and morning personality Judy Eaton, Ironton Tribune photographer Howie McCormick, and Sabol.

Bill Cornwell, news director for WKEE FM announced the game.