News Summary

The Heath community is set to honor the late baseball coach Dave Klontz on Saturday with a celebration of his life and legacy. The event will begin at 5 p.m. at Heath High School, inviting attendees to wear casual attire and Bulldogs’ apparel. Following the ceremony, participants will enjoy Klontz’s favorite foods while raising funds for a life-size statue in his honor. Celebrated for his coaching achievements and influence on young athletes, Klontz’s legacy will continue on the newly named Dave Klontz Field.

Heath Gears Up to Honor Legendary Baseball Coach Dave Klontz

This Saturday at Heath High School, the tight-knit community will come together to celebrate the life and incredible legacy of beloved baseball coach Dave Klontz. The event, known as a “celebration of life”, is set to kick off at 5 p.m., but organizers are encouraging everyone to arrive by 4:30 p.m. or even earlier to ensure a good spot.

Casual Dress and Team Spirit

For those planning to attend, a casual dress code is the order of the day. Attendees are especially encouraged to don their Bulldogs’ apparel or outfits in the school colors—orange and brown. It’s a perfect way to show off team spirit while honoring a coach who dedicated 45 seasons to building a winning culture in Heath.

A Remarkable Coaching Journey

Dave Klontz, who passed away in January at the age of 78 after a long illness, had a coaching career that many can only dream of. Over the span of his tenure, he racked up an impressive 668 wins and led the Bulldogs to not just one, but two state titles in Division III in 2002 and 2007. His mentorship went far beyond the field, teaching his players valuable life lessons alongside baseball fundamentals.

Culinary Delights Await

After the initial service in the gym, the community’s celebration will transition to the high school cafeteria. Here, attendees can look forward to savoring some of Klontz’s favorite foods and refreshing beverages. It sounds like the perfect way to honor a cherished figure while enjoying good company and good food!

Commemorating a Great Coach

The ceremony is not just a moment for reflection; it also serves as a fund-raiser for a life-size statue of Coach Klontz. So far, the community has raised $10,000 toward the $75,000 goal. The statue, which will honor his contributions to the sport and his players, is expected to be completed in two years. Donations will be accepted in the form of checks or credit card payments processed on the day of the event.

Legacy of Achievement

Klontz’s influence extended well beyond just wins and losses. He is a proud member of several prestigious halls of fame, including the Heath High School Hall of Fame and the Ohio School Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame. His teams captured an astonishing eight league championships, 17 sectional championships, and three regional championships during his time as coach. After his retirement in 2016, Tom Warren took the reins, and Coach Klontz was there to witness the Bulldogs clinch a third state championship this past June in 2024.

The Heart of the Community

In addition to his remarkable coaching achievements, Klontz was known for mentoring young men, instilling values that many still carry with them today. The Licking County sports community deeply mourned his passing, with tributes and memories flooding social media from former students and colleagues alike. His legacy is firmly established—not only in the trophies and titles won but also in the lives he touched and shaped.

A Lasting Honor

In tribute to his impact, the baseball field at Heath High School has been named Dave Klontz Field, ensuring that his spirit continues to inspire future generations of players. The upcoming celebration of life will truly be a heartfelt tribute to an outstanding individual who gave so much to the game, the players, and the community.

Join the Celebration

For further information about the event or the statue fund, community members can reach out to John Tomlinson (JT) at 740-403-0915. This Saturday promises to be a wonderful gathering, where everyone can reflect and celebrate the incredible life of Coach Klontz.

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