BEAVER TOWNSHIP – It was the early morning hours of Sunday, August 21, a date forever etched now in the mind of Dana Balash, sports director of 21 WFMJ television.

On that date, the dean of area sportscasters — he is in his 21st year as sports director and 37th overall with the station — was having discomfort in his chest. Little did he know that those early symptoms were signs of a heart attack.

Had he not gone immediately to the emergency room at Mercy Health in Boardman, his fate might have been sealed.

“That truly was a scary time for me,” Balash told the Curbstone Coaches during Monday’s luncheon meeting at Avion Banquet Center. “I woke up in the middle of the night, had some discomfort but wanted to brush it aside. When I realized the pain wasn’t going away any time soon, l headed over to the emergency room and luckily for me the medical staff recognized my symptoms.

“An ambulance was available and took me immediately to Mercy Health downtown, where I was met at the doors and immediately tended to. I am a lucky person and around today to talk about the ordeal.”

Balash continues his rehab and is most happy to be back at work, slowly working his way into a full weekly schedule during what he notes is his busiest time of the year.

“I am glad to be back, albeit on a limited basis and remain grateful to the medical professionals at both Mercy Health Boardman and Mercy Health Downtown for their excellent care,” Balash added. “I encourage anybody with any discomfort in their chest area to immediately seek medical treatment. Do not wait because it might be too late. I am one of the lucky ones still around to talk about that day, a day that has changed my outlook on everything I used to take for granted.”

Despite his absence from work, Balash kept up daily with all that was going on in the sports world, both locally, statewide and nationally. He continued his weekly high school picks while pushing other prognosticators for the top spot in the overall standings.

“During my absence I always looked forward to picking the weekly Vindicator-Tribune Chronicle high school games,” Balash stated. “I do not know what it was, but I actually did quite well. Perhaps spending more time at home was the answer.”

Regarding the high school grid scene, Balash feels that multiple area teams can make a deep run come playoff time.

“Despite their loss to Mogadore last weekend, Warren JFK still has an excellent shot at playing for a state championship in Division VII. It is the meat portion of their schedule now with Rootstown up next,” he noted. “So far they have been able to stay healthy. Lowellville and Southern Local are in the same region but JFK’s schedule should prepare them for a deep postseason run.

“In Division V, South Range is the best team in the area. With Kirtland in Division VI, the road becomes a little bit easier but Perry and Sugarcreek Garaway will have something to say in that region.

“It’s tough getting a read on Austintown Fitch. They are 5-1 but have played just one area team, Ursuline. The Falcons have their work cut out for themselves with the dangerous part of their schedule upcoming. Strongsville and Wadsworth await the Falcons as well as local rivals Boardman and Warren Harding.”

Balash is pleased his station is back televising YSU football road games.

“21 WFMJ and WBCB are once again happy to bring YSU road games back to the area,” he said. “It all starts this Saturday when they travel to FCS and league powerhouse North Dakota State. All road games will air on WBCB, however, since their road finale at Missouri State is the Missouri Valley Football Conference game of the week, we are not permitted to pick it up.

“We will get a sense of where the team stands this weekend against the Bison. The Penguins dominated teams they were supposed to in Duquesne and Dayton, losing to FBS Kentucky, who is currently ranked No. 7 in the nation. That is where most had the Penguins pegged after three games.

“I believe Jaleel McLaughlin gets a good look at the next level. His speed alone should turn some heads and he would be a terrific return specialist for some team.”

Balash is anxiously awaiting the start of the YSU and high school basketball seasons.

“There is no doubt that this will be head coach Jerrod Calhoun’s best team since coming to YSU,” Balash added. “There has been much talk about the team and hopefully they can stay injury free. John Barnes’ squad will reload again and coming off a conference co-championship, his unit could take that next step.”

Next Monday, Ron Strollo, YSU executive director of athletics, will serve as guest speaker.