Down River 7/1

By John Lipez

A Loss to Western Clinton County:
Monday brought sad news to the Renovo area. Jim Morgan, longtime high school basketball referee, passed along word that Jack Hanobic, his decades-long officiating partner, had passed away after a long and courageous battle against cancer.

Jack was one of the really special ones to spend time with us: pleasant, congenial, always positive, always looking forward, always doing what he could to advance the quality of life in western Clinton County.

And he never quit. A few years back his health issues surfaced and took a hellacious toll on the previously robust Mr. Hanobic. But he fought the good fight for as long as he possibly could, all the while continuing to do all within his power to help the students at Bucktail High School in their athletic endeavors.

His officiating buddy Mr. Morgan shared with us Jack’s drive to do what he loved for as long as he was able. Faced with unimaginable health issues, Jack vowed to continue his referring career. And he was successful, overcoming virtually insurmountable obstacles to return to the basketball court to work a game where others would have quietly walked away from such a challenge.

But Jack had a love of life, a love of hoops that drove him to the very end. I was fortunate to share a few words with him a month ago when one of his beloved Bucktail teams had a home playoff game. Friends said given his health and the pandemic and all, he had been staying close to home in recent months. But he made it to the Farwell school and sat behind home plate to watch the Bucktail softball team in action.
As it turns out, that would be the last Buck athletic event he would be able to attend, but there he was, pulling for the Bucks with every ounce of his being.

Jack has left a wonderful legacy across the western end of the county and all of Clinton County with his work as a teacher, an athletic administrator and a referee.

He drew the respect of all who knew and worked with him. This was best exemplified this past school year when his fellow basketball officials spearheaded the drive to properly recognize him with the naming of the basketball court at Flory Gymnasium in his honor.

This is an appropriate time to go back to the February dedication of Hanobic Court, as reported by The Record:

FARWELL, PA – The basketball court at the Daley Florey Gymnasium at Bucktail High School is now officially Jack Hanobic Court.

A dedication for the court naming was held last Sunday with Hanobic and family members seated below the recently installed plaque honoring Hanobic for his decades of service to the school and western Clinton County community.

Mike Monoski, a longtime friend of Hanobic and a fellow PIAA basketball referee, gave an emotional thank you to Hanobic who has been battling health issues in recent years. Because of his health, the Sunday ceremony was closed to the public. Monoski lauded his friend for the impact he has had on so many people, not just at Bucktail High School, but the entire Renovo area community. Monoski ended with a quote from late North Carolina State basketball coach Jim Valvano, “Don’t give up; don’t ever give up.”

Hanobic spoke briefly; thanking those involved in the plaque and the gym-naming effort and introduced his family members in attendance.

The plaque reads:
“This court honors the legacy of Frank “Jack” Hanobic, a man who always placed his school and his community first. Jack was the athletic director and a proud supporter of all athletes. An educator for 36 years, Jack was also the Western Clinton County Youth Center director. Renovo athletes will remember Jack as a genuinely caring individual with a tireless work ethic. Mr. Hanobic, we thank you, your benevolent legacy will live on in the hearts and lives of all Renovo youth.”

The Keystone Central School Board last fall had approved naming the court “Jack Hanobic Court.” Funds to purchase the plaque were raised by local basketball officials, led by Monoski and Sean Hanna who have worked with Hanobic over the years.

Jim Valvano, the North Carolina State basketball coach referenced above, one who inspired millions with his inspirational fight against cancer several decades ago, fought that battle to the very end. Yes, Valvano said, “Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.” Jack Hanobic heard those words and fought that battle and never gave up.

Our condolences to the Hanobic family, his friends and associates in the world of athletics. He was one of the really, really good ones and he will be missed.

He never gave up, he fought the good fight and western Clinton County is the better for it.