ASHTABULA — On Jan. 10 an integral part of the Herald family passed away: Coach John “Buzzy” Buskirk. John Buskirk, who remained incredibly involved in the community up until his last days on Earth, was the rare type of person who retained his selfless attitude even in times of great adversity. He has touched the lives of many through sports and academia.
Ss. John and Paul girls basketball coach Nick Iarocci began his coaching career in 1989 when Buskirk was a freshman at Ss. John and Paul. “I remember this kid with glasses coming up to me and telling me he wanted to learn how to play football,” he said. “He made such a huge impact on my life; I just think it’s really special that I had the chance to make an impact on his.”
Iarocci and Buskirk made a highlight reel of all of his tackles throughout high school that he was actually able to share with Buskirk and the Ss. John and Paul football team senior boys on Buskirk’s last day.
After Buskirk graduated from Gettysburg College, he returned to his alma mater to obtain a teaching and coaching position.
Principal Albina Larson described their interview. “He came in wearing a suit, tie and jacket, even though it was the middle of summer,” she said. “He told me that he would be here for a couple of years, but then he would be moving on because he would be coaching college football.” He had high goals for himself and looked up to Urban Meyer.
Over the next few years, Buskirk moved throughout the area coaching football and track. When he was first diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in 2005, the Herald family supported him in every way they could, including a hugely successful pasta dinner. He fought and battled his way into remission, and everyone was happy to see him fall back into a normal routine. He returned to coaching football, and even took an assistant coaching job for the Ss. John and Paul track team.
Senior football player Erick Felaro remembers his sense of humor. “He was so hilarious,” he said.
When he went back into remission in the fall of 2007, it was easy to see that it truly upset people that a man who was so giving of himself had to endure something so terrible. However, Buskirk didn’t feel sorry for himself. So the Herald family, as well as the community, worked even harder to help him out. In January of 2008, an alumni basketball game was held in Mahoney Gymnasium to benefit the Buskirk family. An astounding number of people came out to support him, and everyone was treated to a surprise visit from Buskirk, who had received a bone marrow transplant from his brother, Bill. Although most of Buzzy’s face was concealed by a mask for protection, it wasn’t hard to see how much better he was feeling. After another tough bout with leukemia, he made it to remission.
Throughout the summer of 2008, Buskirk devoted his time to the Herald football team. He was back to normal and looking better than ever.
“He had already had two battles with leukemia; I was convinced he was done with it. Buzzy was so strong. There was no way there could be anything left to hurt him,” said senior Octavia Benedict.
However, in December of 2008 during a routine checkup, it was discovered that leukemia returned for round three. When the news got out that Buskirk was back in the hospital, the community remained optimistic.
“He had already beat it twice; I was sure he would beat it again,” Benedict said.
The varsity football team seniors had become especially close to the Buskirk family and came up with a unique way to fund-raise for Buskirk and his wife, Jessica: the BUZZSTRONG band. The yellow bands sold extremely well and were seen on hundreds throughout the area and even on the wrists of coach Urban Meyer and Heisman-winning quarterback Tim Tebow during the National Championship game.
There were times when things were not looking too well, but with every backward stride Buskirk faced, he appeared to be taking two more forward. When part of his nose and one of his eyes were removed due to a fungal infection, the future looked dismal. The next day, however, he was feeling astonishingly well.
On Jan. 9 Buskirk and his wife learned that his only kidney was failing, so they decided it would be best for him to go home where he would go to God surrounded by his family, friends and pets.
“It was hard to see him go,” senior Mary Mahoney said. “But I knew Coach Buzz was in a better place where he would never feel any pain again.”
He may no longer be here, but the absence of his presence is purely physical. Coach Buskirk lives on in the lives that he affected so tremendously, which include his wife, his students and athletes, his high school coaches, as well as those he never had the chance to meet who were inspired by his will to continue even when the odds were against him. His picture hangs in the hallway at school as part of a memorial, reminding students who never had the chance to know him how inspirational he truly was.
Next Generation
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Coach Buskirk was an inspiration for students
Ss. John and Paul High School with LIZ SHOUVLIN & MIKE SIMRAK
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