The Torch

Memories of the Twenties
by Tom E. (Tommy) Davis, Class of 1928

It was mid-September of 1925 that Mr. H. C. Dieterich, the first Superintendent of Bexley Schools, presided at the semi-monthly assembly in the old high school located on East Main Street.

Mr. Dieterich stated a new name would be given for the Bexley High newspaper; however, he wanted the students to have a voice in the name of the paper.  He urged all senior high students to participate, and he spoke briefly regarding the rules to be followed.

A panel composed of several faculty members would review the entries and make a recommendation to Mr. Dieterich.

At the student assembly of October 1925, held in the gym, our superintendent stated that many entries had been received.  My entry, "The Bexley High Torch," was chosen as the new name for the paper.

I was overcome, and that is a vast understatement.  All I could say was, "Thanks."

The first publication of The Torch was late October or early November 1925.

Bexley Lions

From the Sawdust Pit
by Martin M. (Marty) Heil, class of 1927

When I was the Sports Editor of the Torch in 1925, I was a great fan and admirer of Coach Lou Little and the Columbia University football team.  (This, of course, was before they lost so many games.)  At that time they were chosen to go to the Rose Bowl to play, I think, Stanford.  They were very much the underdogs by about 21 points.

Needless to say, they won 7-0.  They, then, came to Ohio Stadium to play Ohio State, and, also they were the decided underdogs again.  However, they gave a very good OSU team fits.

I was ushering with the boy Scouts and was thrilled to see them in person.  Columbia's colors were blue and white, and they were known as the Columbia Lions.  Since Bexley's colors were also blue and white, I took it from there.

The next game we played (I think it was Grandview), I wrote the article about the game and stole the name "LIONS" for our Bexley team.   From that point on I always called our team The Bexley Lions, and the name struck.