Postings

Posted on August 15, 2002 at 23:59:54

Remembering Shane Roush.

I didn't know Shane Roush very well. We were just acquainted by seeing each other at tennis tournaments over the years. We each had mutual friends. But after his tragic death earlier this week, I found myself feeling as if I lost a close friend. I think it's because not even my best friends treated me any better than Shane did. Always friendly, he was quick to share a smile. He was one of those people you were always glad to see. I regret not knowing him better. This week, I felt the profound loss of the whole tennis community here in Central Ohio. When something like this happens, the way we look at our lives comes into a sharp focus. We all suddenly see what is really important. I invite you to share with us your rememberances of Shane Roush as a tribute to his life. Alan Kinnard

This is such a hard thing to begin to comprehend. My initial reaction to this is the timeworn quote, "why do bad things seem to happen only to good people," and Shane was good person. One only had to look at the long lines at St. Mary's grade school on Thursday or the standing room only crowd at St. Mary Catholic Church at the funeral to show how much respect and love everyone had for this young man. Shane surely made Bob, Suzie, and Jason Roush proud to have him as son and brother. Though Shane was a obviously a great player, what I will always remember about playing the Roush brothers was the FUN I always had just being on the court with them. I think that was very obvious as Mark Mathias and I were playing them in the finals of the Fairfield County tournament that fateful August 11 day. All four of us are very competitive and although we all were trying hard to win, fun was the primary objective. And I think that was underscored when Suzie later told me a couple of things, which amused her during that match. I have never been what you'd call a good loser, but in retrospect, if I ever had to lose a match, I'm glad it was this one.

I didn't know Shane very well, but I did have the opportunity to play against him and Jason a couple of years ago in a tournament. What stands out for me is what an enjoyable match it was- everybody just kept bringing it on, fighting tooth and nail, but it remained gentlemanly and FUN. I always looked forward to playing the Roush brothers again, but it never panned out. It saddens me that it never will.

Id just like to say Shane was a great ambassador for tennis.Up until a few months ago i had never seen a tennis match let alone played .I went to watch Shane play and though i said it was boring to watch he assured me it was fun to play.So it was thanks to Shane that now I love to play,and play whenever possible.He was a great role model,and I will continue to play and remember him.

I am not a tennis player but was really hoping for Shane to teach me someday. Jason showed me the article on this site and I thought I'd reply with a few good memories of my good friend Shane Roush. My name is Aaron Comstock and I only knew Shane for 2 years by meeting him while in the Lancaster Men's Chorus. I knew of him in High School while at Liberty Union but have been blessed to be his friend these last 2 years. We hung out a lot at local bars in Lancaster and during our summer Barbershop meetings every Sunday night. He called my that fateful Sunday to let me know he was traveling to see his friend and couldn't be there for practice. It has been hard not seeing him beside me singing or drinking and talking at our local hangouts, but I am coping by remembering our good times (as hard as it is). We had long and great conversations about music, life, and love. I enjoyed these conversations b/c we had so much in common. We loved complaining about our students and he was really looking forward to teaching Phys. Ed. this year. A huge smile came to his face when he commented on not having to do tests and grades all the time. We both had hopes of finding a true love and both had aspirations of singing in the Lancaster Men's Chorus and some barbershop on the side. I really looked up to him when it came to music. I am a music teacher and I only wish I had the musicianship he did. He inspired me to do more and be a better teacher. He was shy and good hearted and was always there for me whenever I needed a lift or a helping hand. That helping hand also pulled me to the bar many nights after rehearsal for beer and more beer. I didn't complain b/c I knew I was among a great bunch of guys. I miss Shane and our times together. More than anything, I miss that we won't grow old together as friends. I knew that we were going to be good friends for a long time, and now that opportunity has been taken away. But I will remember those awesome moments together that will keep me smiling until my dying days. Thank you for this opportunity to share my memories of this great man. He will live on in me and I only hope to reach others and my students like he did. He is a hero to me and many people and may he live joyfully in heaven until we meet again. God Bless all! Aaron J. Comstock

I, along with the Lancaster community, was shocked and deeply hurt by the tragic news of Shane's passing. After this past week I can say with absolute confidence that Shane was first and foremost a teacher. He taught his students reading, writing and arithmetic. He taught his athletes basketball, tennis and, of course, good sportsmanship. And in death, he taught everyone - those who knew him and those that didn't - how fragile life really is and introspection. When I met Shane I joked with him about how I had held the OU-L Women's Single's Title for one year. I only held the title because I was the only women's singles player and not a good one at that. Shane told me that we weren't going to have a Tennis Coordinator who didn't know how to play tennis. So we went out one Friday night with a few of our members and we hit some balls. I felt like a klutz as I hit balls outside the court. But Shane shrugged it off and we took turns "chasing balls" in the high grass surrounding the courts. After we practiced serving and our short game we challenged some of our older, more experience members to a doubles match. I told Shane, "You know, you are the team." He just laughed and said I would be fine. It was neat to play in that match. I was so bad the guys would hit the ball to Shane until they became tired. They would then hit it to me and I would miss, of course and they would win the point. But while they weren't hitting the ball to me I just stood there, transfixed. At one point I forgot that I was playing until the little yellow ball came hurtling towards me. After we got hosed, Shane told me I didn't do a bad job and offered to take me to dinner. I lose the match and I get free dinner? Who else would have done that but Shane. I was far from a star tennis player, but that night he made me feel like one. I am sure someday we will play again. But, until then I think I am going to practice a little more. Sarah Ashley Reid

Posted on September 08, 2002 at 00:04:59:

I'm sure that I have the same feeling as many who experienced this loss. Though it has been nearly month now, there is not a day that goes by that I don't think about Shane's death and the loss to the tennis community. Though i did not not "know" Shane that well we played each other on 6-7 occasions and always had a chat here and there when i saw him at a tourney. All I can say is that he was a great guy and I always enjoyed going out on the court against him cause i knew that regardless of the outcome we could always have fun out there. In fact the last time I ever picked up a racquet was approximately one year ago when I (and Tom Oliver) played Shane and Jason in the doubles final at the Masters. Even though we got the better of them that day (they had beaten us a few weeks before in Reynoldsburg) i remember how casual the atmosphere was and how we were able to talk after the match like we were old friends. So I just want to say thanks Shane for all the memories, I just wish i had the chance to play you again. Scott Sahl

I remember Shane from St. Mary's. He was a year behind me. Though my memories are from long ago, what I do remember of him that he was a very sweet kid, never a bad thing to say about anyone. Unfortunately, during my 8th grade year at St. Mary's I moved to Florida, but my memories of the happiness Shane brought to those around him, still remain.