Johnny Richard “Rich” Prater, Jr., 53, passed away on Thursday, April 15, 2021, at 3:01 p.m. at Lima Memorial Health System.
He was born on May 13, 1967, in Lima, Ohio, to John R. and Evelyn (Downey) Prater, Sr., and they survive in Harrod.
Rich was a 1985 graduate of Upper Scioto Valley. Rich served in the Army Reserves from 1984 to 1990. He worked as a mechanic most of his life. Rich loved growing a garden, his children and grandchildren were most important to him, along with his dog Tippy.
The relays keep going thanks to successful handoffs. Here are two handoffs from last week’s tri-meet, won by Ada. In the first photo Riley Ferguson takes a handoff from Seth Swaney in the 4x800 relay. In the second photo Courtney Sumner takes a handoff from Brenna Hissong. Later today the Bulldogs compete in the Columbus Grove Invitational. (Cort Reynolds photos)
By Cort Reynolds
ADA - The host Ada tennis team lost 5-0 to powerhouse Shawnee on a chilly, windy Thursday at the park courts.
The Bulldog netters dropped to 2-5 after their third straight loss to a bigger Western Buckeye League opponent. Shawnee improved to 9-1 with the convincing victory.
All five varsity matches were decided in straight sets.
Ada senior Miranda Wills (3-4) lost at first singles to freshman Gabe Burke.
Bulldog junior southpaw Dexter Woods III (6-1) suffered his first defeat of the season at second singles to sophomore Mason Stahl.
By Cort Reynolds
ADA - Host Ada got blanked 5-0 by local traditional arch-rival Allen East in a Northwest Conference softball game marred by wind and cold Thursday evening.
The Lady Bulldogs fell to 5-4 overall and 1-2 in the NWC with the defeat. AE improved to 9-5 (2-0 NWC) with the shutout victory.
AE sophomore Nikki Thaxton hurled a complete game shutout.
The Lady Mustangs scored a run in the top of the first frame.
In the top of the second, freshman catcher Savana Brooks drilled a two-run homer over the fence in right-center field to build a 3-0 lead.
