Sales Scholarship
Alumni Continue to Honor late coach Howard Sales through Annual Scholarship
Jeff Hartley and Bruce Harlamert, both 1984 grads, are working to establish a scholarship for OHS senior athletes (all sports are eligible) in continuation of the successful Howard “The Hat” Sales Memorial effort.
The strong teams and relationships beloved Coach Sales helped cultivate among his teams and students across multiple decades will continue to live on in a legacy for student athletes annually.
2022 Recipients: Rebecca Blumer, Abigail Kraft, Emily Lloyd, Mallory Moran, and Cade Zonin
To support these alumni efforts, contact Alumni Director Katelyn Brohman.
OHS Varsity Team 1983 Co-Captains, Jeff Hartley and Bruce Harlamert
Left: Hartley (OHS Class of 1984), Right: Harlamert (OHS Class of 1984)
FORMER PLAYERS MEMORIALIZE LEGENDARY COACH HOWARD "THE HAT" SALES
The Howard “The Hat” Sales Memorial was dedicated on Aug. 27. Longtime Oakwood Schools’ educator and former assistant coach Don Walls emceed the presentation, which included former Oakwood High School educator and assistant coach Joe Gural, legendary University of Dayton football coach Mike Kelly and Patsy Sales.
A 204-page book honoring the legendary Oakwood coach, as well as commemorative hats and stickers were available with proceeds benefitting the Oakwood Athletic Boosters. Items are still available. Please contact the Oakwood Athletic Boosters for more information or to purchase.
The Man
Howard Sales was a coach, teacher and Athletic Director at Oakwood Junior High and High School from 1965 to 1995. Coach Sales came to Oakwood in 1965 as a junior high and high school teacher of social studies, health and physical education. He was head football coach from 1968-1986 and with 112 wins was the winningest of any coach in school history. He served as the Athletic Director from 1988-1995. After retiring from Oakwood, he coached football at the University of Dayton from 1995 to 2005 and returned to OHS in 2006 as an assistant football coach. In 1992, Coach Sales was elected President of the Ohio High School Football Coaches Association; in 1994 was enshrined in the Ohio High School Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio; inducted into the Sam Andrews Hall of Fame in 1998, the Oakwood Athletic Hall of Fame in 2009, and the Miami Valley Football Coaches Association in 2014. He passed on Dec. 2, 2019 at the age of 86.
The Hat
Coach Sales' impact as a teacher and coach remains long after his last players walked off the field. Upon his passing, a group of former football players came together with the goal of commemorating his contribution to Oakwood football history. In cooperation with Oakwood High School, Oakwood Alumni Association and the Oakwood Schools Foundation, the Howard Sales Memorial will be a tribute to a man who inspired his players and a motivating display for Lumberjack teams for decades to come. The memorial will sit protected under the portico - a brick and limestone base with a bronzed hat in Coach’s memory - along with two plaques honoring the man.
The Tradition
The Howard “The Hat” Sales Memorial may mark the end of a legacy, but it is also the beginning of a new tradition. As the Lumberjack football team exits the locker room, making its way to the field, players will touch “The Hat” for good luck and inspiration.
This new tradition is made possible through your generous donations. The fundraising goal was $40,000. Additional funds raised will go to produce a coffee table program booklet and to cover the costs of the dedication ceremony, scheduled for Aug. 27, 2021.
