Revered General: Doug Berger and his five decades of contributions at Ridgewood

WEST LAFAYETTE — For five decades, one person has been a fixture on the sidelines for Ridgewood football.

Doug Berger, who turns 90 in December, has served as a statistician, among other responsibilities, for 51 years with the Generals.

He started in 1972 when his sons were in the program, and the role became a part of his life, as all four of his children graduated from Ridgewood in the 1970s and 1980s.

"I didn't like it up in the stands so I wanted to get down there," Berger recalled about his start. "I've hung around for a bit. I've seen a lot over the years, and it has run together. I enjoy it, and I look forward to each play of the game.

"I'm not involved as much as I once was, but I like to keep going down there when I can," he added. "I enjoy being around the kids. Their energy and passion for the game keeps me going."

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The Generals' mainstay

Berger was keeping stats when John Slusser played football for Ridgewood in the late 1980s, and he was there when Slusser took over the program as coach 20 years ago.

Slusser noted Berger used to ride the bus before COVID. He provided directions, knew where to park the bus, and made sure the players got off in the right spots.

Berger remains an integral part of the program by showing his support in a variety of ways.

"The best tradition of high school sports is all the people involved," Slusser said. "There's always changes around programs. The big supporters, booster presidents and others move on, but Doug has been that one constant. He provides a feeling of comfort for anyone involved. He's level-headed and provides stability here."

High school sports are a passion for Berger. He admits he doesn't care for college or pro sports, but the purity of high school athletics has kept Berger involved.

"When I first started, people said Ridgewood would never make the playoffs, but when John came on, he turned the program around. He has set the bar high, not only here, but in the IVC (Inter-Valley Conference)," Berger said. "He's been fortunate to have good, talented kids and great coaches. They have good camaraderie among the staff and players. They work well together, and it's why the program has had success."

People like Berger are vital to small-school programs like Ridgewood. He was born and raised in Uniontown, Ohio and moved to Coshocton County several decades ago where he ran a farm and milked cows.

Being self-employed meant he needed to find medical insurance. It came through being a bus driver when he was hired by Bakersville principal Jim George, who was in charge of a six-classroom school, at the time.

Berger, who also served as an Adams Township Trustee, went on to drive bus for the Ridgewood district for 38 years. He has also taken on other duties like running the scoreboard for boys and girls basketball and helping clean up locker rooms.

Athletic Director Jesse Smoulder has been impressed with Berger's contributions in his few years with the district. Berger helps ensure everything runs smoothly and it led to him receiving the Ohio High School Athletic Association's Sportsmanship, Ethics and Integrity Award last year.

"He lives in the background, but he's one of those people you have to have to make things run well," Smoulder said. "He's a solid role model for the kids and the community. I've only been here for a few years, but it's impressive to hear about his years of dedication. He's truly one of those special people willing to do what's needed."

Berger's influence huge for the Generals

While most of Berger's contributions can be seen regularly, there was one that kept Ridgewood football on its current path.

Slusser has entertained offers for other coaching jobs through the years, and one opening had Slusser's attention. But, Berger made a phone call that swayed Slusser into staying with the Generals.

"I thought about leaving a few times, and I was very serious about one job several years ago," Slusser recalled. "Doug called me and said you can do what you want, but people like you here and this is where you belong. Then he asked me when you dream of taking a program some place, is it Ridgewood or somewhere else.

"It was a reminder the grass ain't always greener," he continued. "I didn't take that other job, and it turned out to be real good advice."

Berger also has influence on the sidelines. Slusser noted Berger doesn't have to stay in the coach's box so he can provide insight in the red zone when the Generals are facing a crucial play.

"We will look to Doug and see how close we are down by the goal line, and he will hold up his hands about six, eight inches apart," Slusser said. "Then we watch film and see we were a yard or two away. It was his way of showing he had confidence in us."

Staying involved

Berger has never been one to take credit or chase accolades. He wants what is best for Ridgewood athletics.

"Getting that award last year was unexpected, but it was great to have the family around for it," he said. "I did this for my benefit. I like to stay busy and be near the action. I don't know how much longer I'll be able to do it, but I enjoy being a part of it all and will do it until I can't anymore."

Whether it's players or coaches, Berger is revered by them. He has earned it, noted Slusser.

"He's been an unbelievable great friend and mentor," he said. "The kids have always respected him for how much he puts in the program. He's so well-respected by so many, and I've been fortunate to have a great relationship with him. He's a really good man and means a lot to the whole community.

"No matter how many changes happen in and around the program, Doug has always stayed the same," he added. "He continues to support the school and put Ridgewood first. I can't imagine Ridgewood football without him."

bhannahs@gannett.com; X: @brandonhannahs

This article originally appeared on Zanesville Times Recorder: Top General: Doug Berger and five decades of dedication