MELARO: An unexpected honor for Ozzie


February 02, 2002


PORTVILLE — The last thing Ozzie Dunbar expected when he walked into the Portville Central School gymnasium this past Tuesday night was to be walking across the court, the source of admiration by the entire crowd.
But that’s exactly what happened to the 83-year-old retired Clark Brothers employee.
Before the tip-off of Portville’s boys’ basketball game against long-time rival Allegany-Limestone, Section 6 sportsmanship chairman Archie Bradley took the public address microphone from school principal George Nuffer.

“I’VE COME here tonight to play tribute to and honor an individual who we feel exemplifies the true meaning of the word sportsmanship,” Bradley announced to the crowd. “And what an honor it is for me to be making this presentation at a Portville/Allegany-Limestone ball game.
“Everybody here understands the depth of the rivalry between these two schools. Portville has long set a standard for sportsmanship and it’s something that your community can take pride in.”
At that point, some fans figured that Bradley was going to call out the name of a player from the Portville bench.
To everyone’s surprise, Bradley called out the name of a fan.
“At this time, I would like to honor Ozzie Dunbar as a recipient of a Section 6 sportsmanship certificate and t-shirt,” he said.
“We at Section 6 understand Mr. Dunbar has long been a fan of Portville athletics and we would like to pay tribute to his loyal support throughout the years.”

AND IF receiving a special citation from Section 6 wasn’t enough, Dunbar also won the game’s 50-50 raffle worth $67.
“I never expected to get anything like this,” said Dunbar. “I’m proud to accept the honor.
“I never competed in any sports in high school. I dabbled a little bit in wrestling and basketball.”
Dunbar moved into his home in Westons Mills in 1944.
“I go to a lot of high school events, probably between 30 and 40 every year,” said the former assembly floor worker who retired in 1981. “I have a cottage on Black Lake, about 45 miles north of Watertown. We spend four or five months every year up there and I attend high school games there.
“Mostly, if there isn’t a conflict I try to get to all the games at Olean and Portville. And if there is a conflict, I’ll go to the Portville game.
“I don’t have any time for watching college and pros,” said the 1939 Olean High graduate. “I’d rather watch high school sports. To me, that’s the epitome of athletics.
“Heck, I just like to come to the games and watch the kids play.”
A simple thought, but one that speaks volumes about the spirit of sportsmanship.

“THIS IS just one of the many programs we’ve come up with to promote sportsmanship,” said Bradley, “not only among the players and coaches, but also with the fans at the games as well.
“We hear so much negative stuff about certain athletic situations these days — disciplinary problems and stuff like that — we want to focus on the good in athletics.
“I’m calling on athletic directors from around Section 6 and we’re trying to honor one person from each league,” he continued.
“I’ve already been to Wilson and Holland and we’re going to be visiting a school in the Niagara-Orleans league and a Buffalo city school.
“When I contacted (Portville athletic director) Mike DeBarbieri, he gave me Mr. Dunbar’s name and told me that he was probably one of the most loyal supporters of Portville athletics,” said Bradley.
“He said, win or lose, you can always look into the stands and see Ozzie.
“What’s special about this award,” he continued, “is that it goes to somebody who never expects it. The surprised look on their faces just tells you that they never expected to receive such recognition.
“This award goes a long way in reinforcing the true spirit of sportsmanship throughout the community. It’s an extension of the sportsmanship that the student-athletes and coaches at Portville set every time they compete.
“When Mr. Dunbar was walking across the gym floor, I sensed that he was a special person in the eyes of the Portville fans,” said Bradley. “And when he stood next to me, I had to look up.
“He’s a rather big guy and I would imagine he gets a lot or respect from a lot of people.”
Respect and admiration for just being a fan.
(Jim Melaro is a sports writer for The Times Herald.)