MORE PHOTOS AT BOTTOM OF STORY.
By Don Traxler
An estimated 300 family and friends of Zac Dysert gathered at the ONU N-Men’s Alumni Association for his “Draft Party” Saturday night, April 27. The event was sponsored by his parents Greg and Carla Dysert and his sisters, Heather and Brooke, and their families. Many local friends assisted in setting up for the event, serving food and beverages and then the cleanup.
Zac was with his mother, sisters and families and close friends at the family home when he received a call from the Broncos three minutes before the announcement was made on ESPN. Carla called Greg who shared the good news with those already at the Draft Party. There was cheering and screaming then as well as when it was announced on television. A live band added to the festivities.
Two special guests who had never met Zac were present to meet and celebrate with him. Ada Mayor David Retterer had issued a proclamation last November proclaiming November 23 as “Zac Dysert Day in Ada” in conjunction with the celebration in Oxford, Ohio, on that date.
Miami University had designated that day as “Ada Day at Miami,” to honor Zac for all he has meant to the RedHawks football program and the University for the past four and one half years that he was a student athlete there. He was a redshirt freshman his first year and was granted his degree last December.
The second special guest was Agnes Crates. She purchased the first “Ada 4 Zac” sweatshirt, which was a project of the Ada Area Chamber of Commerce. These shirts were worn by a number of persons attending Zac’s last game on Nov. 23. Agnes will celebrate her 100th birthday this coming Sept 26.
Zac spent almost five hours sharing hugs of congratulations and signing his rookie cards and other items people brought with them. He had his picture taken with innumerable people including friends with whom he had played football, basketball and baseball in Ada as well as young men with whom he had played hockey with in Findlay. He interviewed with Lima television and Findlay radio stations.
To sum it up, Mayor Retterer said, “This has to be one of the most exciting events in Ada since I’ve lived here.” Zac will report to the Broncos’ minicamp on May 9 and will be wearing the same number 4 as he did with the Miami RedHawks.
