Oil City assistant coach Ritt Smith said when he started coaching in 1993 Dave "Bossman" May was already there. In fact several years earlier May, as a high school student, started serving the Oilers as their football aficionado, aka "ball boy."
Or is it ball man?
May, scurrying back from retrieving an extra point ball last Friday night, said he has been doing this for 33 years.
He has assisted legendary coaches: Dan Brown, Paul Stamm, Bill Heber, Matt Laverde, and now Dan York over the last three decades.
Yes, his favorite team is Oil City.
"I just like helping out people," he says almost as a mantra. Smith said May volunteers to help anyone in need.
May's dedication to the area goes beyond the sidelines, he is out in the community, especially during the holidays, taking on long hours in the cold ringing in donations for the Salvation Army.
But on he is always on the sidelines with the Oilers commenting on the game.
Four years ago when first year head coach Dan York took over the squad and they struggled, May would say "this going to be a long night."
Since then, however, he is wondering different things. "How many touchdowns do you think we'll get tonight?"
"He has been an important part of all three district championships with Oil City. He loves his Oil City Oiler football teams and we are very thankful to have his assistance with preparing for the games," Smith said.
Smith recalls a time back in the 90s when the action came to the side lines and May got caught up in the action and was hurt. "He finished the game running footballs but I had to take him to the emergency room [after the game]. He is a great help and I consider him a close friend," Smith said.
The Bossman and the 2020 version of the Oilers will be back on the field this Saturday for another District 10 Championship game, this time against the Harbor Creek Huskies. The Huskies and Oilers are both undefeated. Kickoff is expected at 7 p.m. at the Oil Field as the Oilers go for a three-peat.
The 33-year oiler veteran is glad to help out, but he also has a sense of perspective. He knows that win or lose he is happy to be a part of it all and is glad to help. "It gives me something to do," he said.
Or is it ball man?
May, scurrying back from retrieving an extra point ball last Friday night, said he has been doing this for 33 years.
He has assisted legendary coaches: Dan Brown, Paul Stamm, Bill Heber, Matt Laverde, and now Dan York over the last three decades.
Yes, his favorite team is Oil City.
"I just like helping out people," he says almost as a mantra. Smith said May volunteers to help anyone in need.
May's dedication to the area goes beyond the sidelines, he is out in the community, especially during the holidays, taking on long hours in the cold ringing in donations for the Salvation Army.
But on he is always on the sidelines with the Oilers commenting on the game.
Four years ago when first year head coach Dan York took over the squad and they struggled, May would say "this going to be a long night."
Since then, however, he is wondering different things. "How many touchdowns do you think we'll get tonight?"
"He has been an important part of all three district championships with Oil City. He loves his Oil City Oiler football teams and we are very thankful to have his assistance with preparing for the games," Smith said.
Smith recalls a time back in the 90s when the action came to the side lines and May got caught up in the action and was hurt. "He finished the game running footballs but I had to take him to the emergency room [after the game]. He is a great help and I consider him a close friend," Smith said.
The Bossman and the 2020 version of the Oilers will be back on the field this Saturday for another District 10 Championship game, this time against the Harbor Creek Huskies. The Huskies and Oilers are both undefeated. Kickoff is expected at 7 p.m. at the Oil Field as the Oilers go for a three-peat.
The 33-year oiler veteran is glad to help out, but he also has a sense of perspective. He knows that win or lose he is happy to be a part of it all and is glad to help. "It gives me something to do," he said.
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