Mike Reuben was a sportsman.Jackson Starr and Herald – Ripley and Ravenswood

After all, the lovable “Roubaix” impressed me in life. Roube set out every day to help someone or something.

He was an award-winning journalist/editor.

He was a highly respected public address announcer at both his alma mater, Ripley High School and Marshall College.

jackson newspaper We reached out to some people in the area to hear their thoughts on the Rube.

Below are some of those comments, along with some that posted their sentiments about Ripley’s favorite son on Facebook.

Lori Marino Mahan, retired county educator, former Ripley High cheerleading coach, legendary Viking Head football coach, proud daughter of the late Frank Marino — (Facebook) “I have rarely been speechless, but now I am. Mike Reuben meant the world to my family. He was a part of everything we do, including being an officiant at my father’s retirement and funeral, and if I needed anything my father and mother said, ‘Call Mike. He will be able to write it.” Not only was he talented in the world of sports, he also wrote and directed my children’s first film, The Last Gallows. It was amazing! Mike said, “Mr. It will be missed today, tomorrow and forever.”

Fred Taylor, Ravenswood Head Football Coach Legend – (Facebook) “He said, ‘Mr. Even though we were on different sides of the county, there was respect there.”

Greg Mattix, former editor of The Jackson newspaper, award-winning author and Ravenswood sports historian — (Facebook) “I called him ‘Admiral’ and he called me ‘Captain Mattix’. Over the years we worked together, we often exchanged goofy salutes in the office. Mike Reuben bleeds blue and white I bleeds red and black Mike bleeds green and white I bleeds blue and gold Still it gets in the way We always worked well together and with others jackson newspaper and produced West Virginia Press Association Offering award-winning state-of-the-art football tabs, progress sections, history sections, hatchet tabs, playoff specials, weekly county news, and county sports coverage for years. We complemented each other and made it work. Put your ego aside. He worked for me and I worked for him, but we always worked together. A lot of blood and sweat and staying up late, but there is always a lot of laughter and good fellowship.

“‘Mr. Ripley loved his town, his high school, his county, and his people. Rest in peace, Admiral. Thank you so much for your friendship and camaraderie, and I salute you one last time.’ ”

Steve Thayer, Ripley Head Football Coach, Former Head Wrestling Coach — “Mike loved Marshall and Ripley. He has supported hundreds of Ripley athletes over the years without fanfare. He came and had the results in every wrestler that week’s newspaper. All the teams and players were important to him, and it was nice to be able to talk about anything personally.

“A few years ago he was in the coach’s office teasing him into getting good tickets to a Marshall (football) game. He told me to pick a game. The week of that game he had a stroke and was admitted to a hospital in Huntington.He confirmed from the hospital that I had received a ticket.It was that kind of person.His death is a huge loss to our community. It will leave a big hole.”

John Kennedy, Ripley’s head women’s basketball coach — “He bled blue in any sport. They broke the mold with him. He was loyal to all Viking athletes. He was ‘the voice of the Viking.’ he was a great man I am still shocked by this. ”

Mick Price, Ravenswood Head Boys Basketball Coach – “I had a good relationship with Mike. I know he bled blue and I don’t blame him. He graduated from Ripley and came from there. He did a great job as the public address announcer for their basketball game.He was just a great guy.”

Brian Canterbury, Ravenswood Head Cross Country and Assistant Boys Basketball Coach — “It was always fun to meet Mike. He asked how the cross-country and basketball teams were doing and showed genuine interest. He helped me with the first Ravenswood basketball media guide. , gave me some very helpful ideas and insights.He brought up sports in Ravenswood while we were writing sports in class.He told us about 55 great things about West Virginia. He wrote a wonderful tribute to the Cross Country Championships.He made any event he broadcast feel like a blast.He was one of the nicest people.”

Brian Johnson, former standout kicker at Ripley and Kentucky Universities, local insurance agent, play-by-play announcer for WCEF-FM (C-98) – “Everything Roube did in his life was focused on improving other people. He loved our town, he loved Ripley High School and its students. I don’t want the pomp and the circumstances that are about to happen at the funeral of Ripley, but he deserves everything he gets and more. It feels like a hole that can’t be filled.”

Derek Mullins, Ripley Head Boys Basketball Coach – “Rube was the definition of Ripley. He really was a staple in athletics and the community at large. Diamonds in the gym, I still get chills every time I hear his voice in the PA. He was a legend in so many different ways in this community.

Will Hossafrook, Former Ripley High Athlete of the Year, Marshall Footballer, Ripley High School Principal, and current Jackson County School Superintendent – “Where do you start? Mike Reuben has been a pillar of our community. From athletics to community events, he has been there. He had an indescribable impact on my life.

“From running onto the football field at Ripley High School to hearing him announce my name after making Thundering Hurd’s first college tackle, his voice resonates with many. All life he may come into contact with.His attention to detail, cordial personality and constant willingness to listen set him apart from the rest. I’m here.

“I always wish I could have one last conversation with someone. In the case of Mike Reuben, it’s like, ‘Thank you…for being you…and for making a difference.'”

Terry Landis, longtime county educator and coach and Ripley High’s first Athlete of the Year (1969) – “I was shocked to hear the news about Mike. He was personable, articulate, and humorous, but always humble about his many talents.

“People will never know all that he has done behind the scenes, especially financially for Ripley High School and this community. We need to come together to do something.”

Shane Cust, Ripley’s head baseball and assistant football coach Like many people say, Mike Reuben was one of a kind. He remembers going to his first game as a kid. Let’s take the Vikings” or “Batting now…” You don’t forget that.

“Six or seven years ago, we were playing a baseball game against St. Albans on a Saturday. While we were talking, he got a text message, which he read and said, “No doubt.” So I asked what he was talking about. Asked where he would be playing today, he replied, “Ripley,” to which others texted back, “A great concession stand and the best PA person in the state.” The reaction was consistent with what everyone at Ripley already knew.

“Rube was more than a great PA announcer. He didn’t have any children of his own, but he treated us like his own, and if we needed a ride, he would If we needed something to eat, he fed us, if we needed money, he gave it. Always happy to help.

“In 2016 we were gearing up for the state tournament. As always, I tried to keep the schedule as tight as possible. I was only in 10 games, against teams from New York, Kentucky, and Ohio.

“There were nine days of layoffs between the regional finals and the state tournament. Every day, a former player and inspirational speaker would come to practice and talk to the boys about Ripley baseball. helped.

“The night before the state tournament, he was talking to the boys with tears in his eyes. The last thing he said was, ‘Coach, I thought you had a crazy schedule like this year. I don’t think any other team in the state could have handled it like these boys.You, your staff and these players make us all very proud. Roubaix wasn’t the only one with tears in his eyes.

“For the first time in my life, there will be parts of me not looking forward to the home opener this spring. I haven’t heard anything other than running late.

“I don’t know how it will turn out and I’m not looking forward to that moment. Yes, we’ll be playing baseball again this spring. But things are definitely different. Every time we go out on the field, he’s absolutely I know I have the best seats in and a view of Viking Park.