Longtime public address announcer Andris Baltputnis was honored on Thursday with a dedication of Crestview's new athletic center in his name. (Photo by Ron Firth)

COLUMBIANA — Andris Baltputnis arrived at Crestview’s track and field meet Thursday two hours before the first event like he usually does.

This day was different than the others as the Andris Baltputnis Athletic Center was dedicated in his honor.

“This will be the heartbeat of our school and our community,” Baltputnis said. “I came in here and saw all of the kids. It’s already happening.”

“His dedication was never about recognition, but about making a difference to each student,” Crestview superintendent Dan Hill said.

The new $1.5 million facility is 85-by-150 feet and is 28 feet high at the peak of the 25-yard turf field.

“I’m very grateful,” Baltputnis said. “The community did it, it wasn’t me. The community wanted it for the kids.”

All school sports are utilizing the facility, which also has a weight lifting area, locker rooms, restrooms and a coach’s office. The facility also houses the administration offices and the board meeting room.

Baltputnis is a former Crestview teacher, coach and athletic director and currently the public address announcer.

“Your recognizable voice goes beyond our community,” said state Rep. Monica Robb Blasdel, who was one of his students.

She presented Baltputnis with a formal commendation from the Ohio House of Representatives.

“He didn’t get paid enough,” Hill said. “It’s pennies on the dollar. He symbolizes Crestview Local schools. I’m proud of the legacy he has left.”

Baltputnis said the athletic center is the culmination of work that started in 1993 when he was the athletic director.

“The school board said, ‘We have big plans and want you to guide us through it,'” he said. “I knew it wouldn’t happen all at once.”

The all-weather track was put in place in 2003, the stadium was renovated in 2004 and the artificial turf was installed in 2019.

“Matt Manley was superintendent and he said they wanted to put the turf in with donations,” Baltputnis said. “He said, ‘You’re the guy who could raise the money for it.’ I said what do you mean? It’s hard to refuse them when they have that much faith in you.”

The athletic center has been used throughout the school year, but Hill said they wanted to do a formal recognition during the Mr. B Middle School Invitational on Wednesday so he could share the day with his fellow track officials.

The Bob and Linda Sebo family donated toward the coach’s offices, locker rooms and flooring in the facility.

“Kenny and Carol Robb knew we wanted to do something for him and said how could we support you?'” Hill said. “They wanted to do something to recognize his dedication. There is no other Mr. B in the state of Ohio.”

The Robb family donated for the digital sign outside the athletic center, which will display upcoming events.

“It’s incredible,” Baltputnis said. “The difference it makes for the kids when we have the atrocious weather we have here in Ohio. This is what happens when you believe in our students.”

Baltputnis — a 1964 graduate of Salineville High School — was a Crestview teacher for 25 years and then athletic director for 19 years.

“I don’t feel 80, I feel like I did at 40,” he said. “I’m fortunate to have my health.”

He didn’t stick around for the refreshments being served. There was another track meet approaching, the one with his name on it.

Notes

• Baltputnis’ son, Chris, came in from Columbus to attend the dedication. It had been 10 years since his last visit to Crestview.

Chris, a 1991 graduate of East Palestine High School, and teammate Jamie Hillyer were a pair of 14-second high hurdlers.

• Baltputnis keeps busy most nights announcing track meets. He did the Mahoning County Middle School Meet at Boardman on Monday, avoided any rain at Stow on Wednesday and is heading to the Optimist Meet in Austintown on Saturday.

He also will work the Columbiana County Meet in Salem next Thursday and is set for the state track meet in June.

• Baltputnis taught chemistry, physics and German at Crestview.

He also coached track, football, golf and basketball at various levels.

• Everyone knows him simply as Mr. B.

“If you said Mr. Baltputnis, they might not know who you are talking about,” Hill said.

The athletic center is already referred to as “The B.”

• Hill said the new school, being built beside the current school, is still scheduled to open in December 2026.