Highland Honors Oren Gosney

Oren Gosney, who passed away Jan. 11, 2024, was honored at a Highland Softball game, Sept. 9. Oren was a Highland High School fan since the beginning of the school in the fall of 1970. Softball coach Paul Scifres spoke at the beginning of the softball game. Scifres began by saying that Oren was one of Highland’s greatest and most dedicated fans. Oren was born and raised in Lewis and Marion Counties. After serving his country in the United States Navy, Oren returned to Lewis County. From a young age, Oren loved local athletics. Oren served as a coach and umpire for many years and served the youth of Lewis County well. 
In his later years, you could always find Oren at a Highland sporting event. He was a staple at almost every Highland softball and basketball games. While Oren liked to follow the St. Louis Cardinals and the Kansas City Chiefs, the Highland Lady Cougars certainly stole the show for Oren. He was a consistent figure on the front row, along with his ball game buddy Delbert Hoteling. Oren and Delbert traveled all over the state watching the Lady Cougars compete. This did not go unnoticed by the Highland players and coaches who tried to always share a word with Oren and Delbert after the contests. The appreciation and respect that oren garnered from coaches, players and other fans was well deserved and certainly earned. 
Scifres continued, To Oren we extend our love and thanks for all of the love and support he showed our students, our athletes, our coach and our school in general. To Oren’s family we thank you for sharing him with us for 92 years. 
A moment of silence was observed. The first pitch was thrown out by Oren’s granddaughter. The softball team will continue to honor with his name on their helmets.