Dan the (Stat) Man

Spring-Ford stat-man extraordinaire Dan Miscavage, and his brother Alex, right, hard at work at last week's District 1-AAAA girls basketball championship at Villanova University.

By Darryl Grumling
dgrumling@pottsmerc.com
Twitter: @MercSmokinD

I like to joke around during football season that the running clock is "the sportswriter's best friend."

For anyone who has covered the Spring-Ford girls basketball team this winter, though, that title belongs to Dan Miscavage.

Miscavage, who wears many hats at Spring-Ford - he's the assistant athletic director as well as a social studies teacher - puts together a full statistical box score for each Rams home game.

And take it from someone who has done full boxes for high school games for more than 20 years - that is no small feat.

With my litany of added responsibilities during the past couple years, most notably live tweeting and shooting video, Miscavage's much-appreciated work has made my job a lot easier.

Many a fellow sportswriter has marvelled at Miscavage's handiwork when they've covered games at Spring-Ford. It almost has the feel of a college or professional event, with rosters and statistical information available to fans and media members alike upon entry to the gym.

Now that the Rams have hit the road for the remainder of their postseason, Dan and his brother Alex (who serves as his spotter) also make the trips to the various venues - much to the delight of those of us covering the game.

So here's a heartfelt tip of the cap from those of us on press row to Dan the (Stat) Man for a job well done.