From playing kickball, volleyball and tennis during her school days to rooting for the Cincinnati Bengals and Cincinnati Reds, sports has always been something that draws her family together.
Credit: Submitted Photo
Credit: Submitted Photo
She’s watched her kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews and other family members play sports throughout high school and some have even went on to play college. Her brother-in-law was also a professional baseball player.
The Hammons family moved from Cincinnati to Dayton after opening its bakery in 1982 at 21 Park Ave. in Oakwood.
“As my husband and I got married and got into this business — in this market area, Ohio State is so predominant and college sports as a whole, UD basketball and things like that, is such a driving force for the community," Hammons said.
Even though she didn’t watch much college football growing up, she and her husband quickly became Buckeye fans.
As The Ohio State University Buckeyes play the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the National College Football Playoff championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Monday night, the Hammons' house remains divided.
Hammons said she loves Notre Dame because she grew up going to a Catholic school and likes the traditions they hold and the values they represent.
In addition, former Notre Dame coach, Gerry Faust, had coached at Moeller High School in Cincinnati and current coach, Marcus Freeman, graduated from Wayne High School.
“Anytime you can connect the dots to your hometown, it makes it kind of special,” Hammons said. “I think it’s a great match up if you’re from the Midwest because somebody’s going to win and it’s going to be a team that’s right in our backyards.”
Her youngest daughter, Lyndsay, and her family are mostly rooting for Notre Dame, except for their son, Brayden, who is a “die-hard Buckeye fan.”
Hammons said her grandson enjoys going to Notre Dame games and has even been hoisted in the crowd when the team scored a touchdown, but when it comes down to this game, he bleeds red and gray.
They think Brayden gets his love for the Buckeyes from his older cousin, Declan, and his friends at school.
Credit: Submitted Photo
Credit: Submitted Photo
“(Declan) really wanted this matchup,” Hammons said. “I love how young kids today have that connection to those teams, colleges and sports. I think it’s just really neat to see.”
Hammons' other daughter, Ashley, and her family are rooting for Ohio State, not only because she went to The Ohio State University, but they live in Columbus.
Hammons has several other family members that went to The Ohio State University and some that even attended the University of Notre Dame.
“It will be an interesting Monday night for us,” Hammons said. “I hope it’s a close game.”
Because the game is on a Monday night, Hammons' family will not be watching it all together, but she’s expecting lots of FaceTime and phone calls.
Credit: Natalie Jones
Credit: Natalie Jones
“I really do believe food, family, friends all go together to make great football,” Hammons said. “The nice thing about our business is we can tie that all together.”
From football shaped bread to desserts such as cakes, cookies, cupcakes, brownies and chocolate dipped pretzels, Ashley’s Pastry Shop is already gearing up for game day with items decorated for both teams.
The bakery is typically closed on Mondays, but will open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 20 for all your game day needs.
“Food is an integral part of life’s celebrations,” Hammons said. “If you can take whatever you’re doing and turn it into something that is a conversation piece and draws people together, then that’s what it’s all about.”
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