MANSFIELD — There are precious few people who can rival the passion for the Mansfield Senior athletic teams that Jack Soliday has displayed for nearly a half century.
The 1969 Malabar graduate has been the Voice of the Tygers since 1996, and that’s just the latest example of his loyalty to the school.
A former baseball, basketball and football player at Malabar, a former coach and teacher at Mansfield Senior who was grandfathered in as a Tyger after the merger, and public address announcer for Senior High sporting events for nearly a quarter century, it seemed only natural on Friday night the school would rename the Arlin Field press box in his honor at halftime of the Ashland football game.
The Jack Soliday Press Box will carry his name into the future.
“He was by far one of the best teachers at Mansfield Senior. He was a mentor to many of us then and is now,” said former student Arnold Salyers. “He really took great care of his students and I for one have much love and respect for him and all he did.
“I remember the talks we had in homeroom class and how he kept us on the straight and narrow. He will forever be remembered to me as a second father figure while at school.”
Jack’s wife Cindy let friends know the honor was looming for weeks in advance through a private Facebook conversation. She noted that superintendent Stan Jefferson and board of education member Chris Elswick were instrumental in pulling the event together.
Remarkably, the community was able to keep the secret from Jack, who was floored by the announcement.
“I had no I idea,” Jack said. “I’ve been fortunate. She’s given her blessing to allow me to (be the P.A. announcer) for all these years.”
The evening proved to be a double honor. At halftime, Soliday was already on the field to be spotlighted as part of the Castle Wall of honorees in the Doug Castle Legacy project, honoring those who tirelessly work behind the scenes for the school. As the press box banner was unveiled, Soliday was joined on the field by his family, including his grandchildren.
Soliday had three sons suit up for the Tyger football teams, including twins Jeff (quarterback) and Jake (receiver), as well as younger sibling Matt (defensive standout). Jake Soliday is one of the few Tygers to reach the NFL, as a receiver with the Arizona Cardinals.
“From the time I was a little kid I always thought my dad was famous because no matter where we went, someone knew him,” Jake Soliday said. “Little did I know it was because of the tremendous impact he made on the students, athletes and people of Mansfield and the city schools.
“It was so cool in high school to hear his voice call out my name on the loudspeakers.”
Jack Soliday cites each of his sons as being among his favorite calls.
“Probably being able to call a Soliday to Soliday touchdown pass, or a tackle by Soliday when Matt played defense,” Jack reflected. “Also, I didn’t call it, but I was spotting and had to take over for about 30 seconds when Kenny Fairchild’s son caught the game-winning touchdown pass from Effie (James, against Madison in 1993). I thought Kenny was going to have a heart attack.”
Jack has seen it all. From playoff games and undefeated seasons, to dramatic victories and tough losses against rivals Madison and Massillon, and everything in-between, his sense of humor proved a consistent theme. Friday night put a cap on a lifetime of experiences as a true Tyger for life.
Along the way, he noted the influence of teachers, coaches, peers, mentors and even competitors that became friends with Ken Fairchild, Joe Prats and Dick Windbigler among them.
“The press box crew has had a lot of fun, sitting next to John Davis doing the stats for a lot of years,” Soliday said. “There’s been a lot of good times.”
This marks Soliday’s last season at the microphone and in the district. For years he taught Science and Social Studies at the school, and for the past eight years he’s worked as a tutor. But he’s stepping away from all duties as Cindy retires at the end of this school year.
“This is the last year for football and it will be the last year for basketball,” Jack said. “I think we’re going to spend some time visiting with the grandkids and doing some traveling.”
