Purple Greatness

Dave Bruney and football are synonymous. The Martins Ferry icon has devoted nearly all his life to either playing or coaching football. He was a tremendous gridder for the Purple Riders before playing for the Bobcats at Ohio U. His playing days dovetailed in a coaching career which has spanned 37 years and counting. He has elevated Purple Rider to football to a level not seen since the Purple domination of the early 1960s. After more than 200 wins, countless OVAC championships and post-season berths, Bruney has been tabbed to join the Ohio Prep Football Coaches Hall of Fame. I felt all along that Coach Dave was a Hall of Famer. His selection was a mere and overdue formality. His success is done in old-school style. Bruney does it with discipline, passion and hard work. I tip my helmet to a true coaching legend.