The story of the Skyvue Golden Hawks can't be summed up in a 60-minute podcast and you likely had to have lived it to truly understand the magnitude, but we do our best to bring this story back to life with guest and star guard Mitch Hannahs.
Skyvue, which was located in Graysville, Ohio (less than 100 people), eventually consolidated with Woodsfield HS in 1994 to form Monroe Central. However, a decade earlier, the Golden Hawks were rockstars in Monroe County. The team led by star guard Mitch Hannahs and running mates Todd Hilverding, Brian Leasure, Aaron Kilburn, and Vince Hogue went to back-to-back state tournaments in Class A. In 1984, Coach Mark Huffman's team dropped a (54-53) decision to Columbus Wehrle.
The Golden Hawks would return in 1985 behind almost the same cast of characters, and this time Skyvue was ready to bring home the gold. The Black-and-Gold defeated previously unbeaten Van Buren in the semis before locking up with Jackson Center in an epic title game. With Huffman's club in control, it seemed Skyvue was going to do the unthinkable and bring home a basketball state championship. However, Jackson Center would have other ideas in a "Hoosiers" like ending.
Though, two months later, Hannahs and Hilverding behind head coach Mark Huffman would help Skyvue capture the 1985 Class A State Baseball crown. The Golden Hawks defeated the defending state champs (previously unbeaten Miller City) and then Fort Loramie in the finals.
Follow Kurt on Twitter: @Ohiohshoops
