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January 8, 2003

Larry Blohm - Ocean City Sportsperson of the Year

By TOM WILLIAMS
Sports Columnist


For four decades, the first week of January has been set aside to salute an individual (or individuals) who has made a positive impact on the sports scene in Ocean City.

Sometimes the honor goes to one who made special contributions during the previous year. At times the nod goes for accomplishments over a period of time. We have recognized coaches, athletes, administrators and volunteers.

This year, we turn the spotlight on a person who has been a positive part of the sports scene on many levels.
Larry Blohm, originally from Washington DC, coaches basketball and baseball at the Intermediate School. In those positions, he has had a positive impact on many of the athletes who have performed for Ocean City High School. One veteran observer felt that he was as good a baseball coach as most Cape-Atlantic League high school coaches.

Blohm is also an important part of area sports as an official. He has earned respect as a football, baseball and basketball official, one of the very best working in those sports. He is also the rules interpreter for the football board, one of the most important positions among officials.

Of course, Ocean City fans only get to see Blohm officiate when they go to see other schools play. He does not work Ocean City High School games because he has coached so many of the players involved.

Blohm is also an athlete. He plays tennis avidly, frequently finding a USTA-ranked player (like Upper Township’s Lacey Gray) to join him and win one or two of Phil Birnbaum’s summer tournaments.

For the integrity he brings to the officiating of high schools sports and because many of the athletes you see playing for Ocean City High School got their training in the years before high school from him, it is about time Larry Blohm be recognized as Ocean City’s SportsPerson of the Year.

Click here for a complete list of Ocean City's Sportspersons of the Year.

As the calendar year comes to an end, it is always a good time to look back on the top local sports stories. As is our custom, here are the ten sports stories that seemed to generate the most interest among Ocean City fans in 2002:

1. A fifth state championship in six years by the Ocean City field hockey team.
2. Joe Galante’s second place finish in NJSIAA state wrestling and the record 20-win season by the wrestling team, including a division championship and appearance in the Group 3 Team Tournament.
3. The record-setting accomplishments on the track during the spring by John Richardson and his second straight South Jersey title in cross country.
4. A fabulous freshman year by Brittany Sedberry, the South Jersey Runner of the Year and Group 3 champion.
5. The failure of the Ocean City football team to reach the NJSIAA playoffs for the first time in nine years.
6. Another undefeated and championship season in girls cross country.
7. The selection of Pat Dougherty for induction next month into the South Jersey Basketball Hall of Fame.
8. The transfer of Jim Thomas to Buena last winter and his failure to play football for anybody in the fall.
9. The obstacles created at Carey Stadium by the new school construction and the cooperation of those attending home football games.
10. Curt Nath taking over as the new OCHS swim coach.