Last HS Season Before Sweeping Conference Realignment

Volume 1 Issue 6

Aug 14, 2022

This year will be the final one before much awaited realignment for many Northwest Ohio schools. Some will be changing decades worth of history and others less so. So if there are match-ups and traditions that you care about then this year may be one of the last to witness them.

The biggest story in realignment has got to be the end of the Three Rivers Athletic Conference and the subsequent influx of teams to the Northern Lakes League. The TRAC has been around since 2011 and was created following the end of the Greater Buckeye Conference and budget cuts facing Toledo Public Schools in the Toledo City League. The TRAC has since been the mainstay for the largest schools in Northwest Ohio. However, due to shifting demographics and differences between public and private schools, this will be the last for season for the conference. The private schools in the TRAC will join the Detroit-based Catholic League. Meanwhile the public schools, minus Lima Senior, will join the Northern Lakes League. This will then leave the Northern Lakes League with an awkward 11 team membership. The NLL has decided to split their league into two divisions to help alleviate the problem, yet it is still in no school’s best interest to remain at this odd number.

The reason the NLL will not have 12 schools is because of the departure of Maumee. Due to declining size Maumee has decided to join the Northern Buckeye Conference where they will be one of the bigger schools. Maumee has been a part of the Northern Lakes League since 1956, but most of the members of the current NBC were actually in the NLL at one time. Joining Maumee in the NBC will be Oak Harbor who is leaving the Sandusky Bay Conference (Bay Division) after two different membership stints. Oak Harbor has decided to leave the SBC citing travel and stability woes. With these two schools joining, Woodmore and Elmwood have decided to exit. Woodmore will be joining the SBC River Division where they will be amongst other small schools. Elmwood on the other hand will be joining the Blanchard Valley Conference to fill there open slots.

The Blanchard Valley Conference will be losing two and gaining one. Both Cory-Rawson and North Baltimore have decided to leave for the Northwest Central Conference. Their departure and Elmwood’s arrival will give the BVC nine members until Findlay Liberty-Benton leaves in 2026. North Baltimore leaves the conference after less than 10 years of membership. Meanwhile Cory-Rawson is leaving the only conference it has ever known. Both Mt. Cory and Rawson joined the BVC in 1922 and then consolidated to make Cory-Rawson in 1950. This change was due to declining enrollment and lack of competitiveness against larger conference teams.

The final change that will be happening following this season will be Lima Senior’s arrival to the Toledo City League. This will give the TCL an awkward seven members but will help Lima Senior avoid the challenge of trying to schedule as an independent. The abilities between Lima Senior is fairly well matched across the board and will hopefully give them a better chance winning conference titles than they did in the TRAC.

There is clearly a lot of moving pieces happening across the area and it is doubtful it will slow down soon. With the gaining popularity of 8-man football and the lowering population in rural areas it is only a matter of time before more realignment occurs across Northwest Ohio.

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Leading Updates

Ross Adolph (Findlay/Van Buren) was reactived to the Double-A Corpus Christi Hooks after a rehab assignment.
Jase Bowen (Northwood/Toledo Central Catholic) was promoted to the Single-A+ Greensboro Grasshoppers.
Dakota Mathias (Elida) signs exhibit contract with the Memphis Grizzlies.

Notable Game Updates

On August 8th, Chris Bassitt (Curtice/Genoa) faced 34 batters across 8 innings while giving up no earned runs and striking out 8.
On August 9th, Art Warren (Napoleon) played in the first game of his rehab assignment for the Single-A+ Dayton Dragons where he pitched one inning with two strikeouts and no earned runs.
On August 9th, Ross Adolph (Findlay/Van Buren) had two hits and an RBI in his first game back in Double-A.
On August 11th, Zach Willeman (Napoleon) pitched one inning with two strikeouts and no hits for the Triple-A Omaha Storm Chasers.
On August 11th, Jase Bowen (Northwood/Toledo Central Catholic) had a home run and two RBIs for the Single-A+ Greensboro Grasshoppers.
On August 12th, Natasha Howard (Toledo/Waite) had a double-double for the Liberty with 14 points and 12 rebounds in a win over the Atlanta Dream.
On August 13th, Seth Lonsway (Celina) pitched five innings and threw seven strikeouts for the Single-A San Jose Giants.

Interesting Reads

Just For Fun

All-Time NWO Ohio State Football Team

With college football around the corner I decided to put together an all-star team of Northwest Ohio athletes that have played football for the Ohio State Buckeyes. The team is made up of players who excelled during their time as a Buckeye regardless of HS or NFL accomplishments.

Offense

QB - Bobby Hoying (1992-95) St. Henry

During his time as a Buckeye Bobby Hoying excelled on and off the field. He was a three year started and named co-captain in 1995. At the time of his graduation he held over half of the Buckeyes passing records. He was also named to the Academic All-American team and was given the William V. Campbell Award which goes to the college football player who excels on the field, in the classroom and in the community.

RB - Pete Stinchcomb (1917-20) Fostoria

One of Ohio State’s first great player, Gaylord “Pete” Stinchomb put his name in the record books early on. Stinchcomb was named an All-American in 1919 and 1920 as well as being named All-Big Ten those same years. For his years as a Buckeye he was elected into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1973.

FB - Jim Otis (1967-69) Celina

“Big” Jim Otis was known as one of the most punishing runners of his time. As a senior in 1969 was named as both an All-American and All-Big Ten fullback. He was a starter for three years at that position where as a senior he would be named team MVP. Otis average 94.1 yds per game as a Buckeye with his most memorable game coming in a win over Michigan in 1968 where he scored four touchdowns before helping them win a national championship that same year.

WR - Dane Sanzenbacher (2007-10) Toledo Central Catholic

Dane Sanzenbacher was a two year starter for the Buckeyes. As a senior he was named first team All-Big Ten and was selected as the team MVP. He tied the Ohio State record for most receiving touchdowns in a game when he hauled in four against Eastern Michigan in 2010.

WR - Bob Shaw (1941-42) Fremont Ross

Bob Shaw was a shining light for the Buckeyes during the onset of World War II. He was selected to both the All-Big Ten and All-American teams in 1942. That same year he helped Ohio State to their first even national championship. Shaw would cut his time as a Buckeye short to serve for the 104th Infantry Division in the European Theatre.

TE - Truck Myers (1919-21) Bucyrus

Cyril “Truck” Myers was an all-around athlete for the Buckeyes. He was captain of the 1921 team where he also was named first team All-Big Ten and All-American. His leadership helped Ohio State claim a Big Ten title in 1920 and outscore opponents 110-14 in 1921.

OT - Orlando Pace (1994-96) Sandusky

One of the best Buckeyes to ever play at any position, Orlando Pace was an immovable force while at Ohio State. Pace won the Lombardi Award in both 1995 and 1996 and added the Outland Trophy and Big Ten MVP to his collection in 1996 as well. He also came awfully close to winning the Heisman Trophy that same year. He was also named Big Ten Freshman of the year in 1994, Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year in 1996 and Big Ten Lineman of the year in 1995 and 1996. Pace also earned All-American status in both 1995 and 1996 as well as being named All-Big Ten those same years. He was team MVP in 1996 and finally selected into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2014.

OT - Jack Mewhort (2010-13) Toledo St. John’s

Jack Mewhort was a force of a tackle for the Buckeyes during his three years as a starter. During his co-captain senior year he was named first team All-American, first team All-Big Ten and team MVP. He was the first offensive lineman to be named team MVP since 1996.

OG - Ted Smith (1973-75) Gibsonburg

Ted Smith was known as a Champion for the Buckeyes. The Buckeyes won the Big Ten title each of Ted’s three years on the team. He was also named as an All-American and All-Big Ten player in 1975. Ted led the way for both of Archie Griffen’s Heisman campaigns.

OG - Jim Parker (1954-56) Toledo Scott

Jim Parker was like a brick wall to his opponents while suiting up for the Buckeyes. Parker won the Outland Trophy in 1956 along with being first team All-American and first team All-Big Ten in 1955 and 1956. As a senior he was also named the team MVP. Jim was elected to the college football hall of fame in 1974.

C - Jack Lininger (1946-49) Van Wert

Jack Lininger was an all-purpose athlete for the Ohio State Football team. As a senior in 1949 he was a first team All-Big Ten selection as well as being named team MVP for his role in helping Ohio State win the Big Ten title.

K - Josh Huston (2001-05) Findlay

Josh Huston had a cannon for leg while kicking for the Buckeyes. He was named to the All-Big Ten team as a senior and helped Ohio State share the Big Ten title. He is tied for the Ohio State record for most field goals in a game which he did when he made five against Texas in 2005. He is also one of less than 25 Buckeyes to score over 100 points in a season.

Defense

CB - William White (1984-87) Lima Senior

William White was a stellar underclassman cornerback for the Buckeyes. He was a four year starter that helped the Buckeyes to the Big Ten title in 1984 and 1986. As a senior in 1987 he was named captain and earned All-Big Ten honors. He is tied for the most interceptions in a single game in Buckeye history when he had three against West Virginia in 1987.

CB - Gerry Krall (1946-49) Toledo Libbey

Gerry Krall was a leader for the 1949 Big Ten champion Buckeyes. As a senior he was an All-Big Ten first team selection. That same year he helped lead the Buckeyes to a Rose Bowl win over No. 3 California.

S - Damon Moore (1995-98) Fostoria

Damon Moore was a hard hitting safety at Ohio State. As three year starter for the Buckeyes he helped Ohio State to Big Ten titles in 1996 and 1998. He was also named first team All-Big Ten in 1997 and 1998. In addition, he was named first team All-America in 1998. Moore is also tied for the most interceptions in one game when he picked three against Iowa in 1996.

S - Gerald Ehrsam (1966-68) Toledo Rogers

Gerald Ehrsam was a force for the Buckeyes for three years. He helped Ohio State to a national championship in 1968. Ehrsam is one of only less than half a dozen NWO athletes to play safety for the Buckeyes.

LB - Gary Moeller (1960-62) Lima Senior

Gary Moeller was a three starter for the Buckeyes. As a senior he was co-captain for Ohio State. Moeller was a shining star for Buckeyes squad that was in the middle of 14 year Big Ten titleless drought.

LB - Tom Lease (1989-92) Kenton

Tom Lease was classic fill the gap linebacker who was a two starter for Ohio State. He played both inside and outside linebacker. Lease is the last ever player from Hardin County to play for Ohio State.

LB - Ross Homan (2006-10) Coldwater

Ross Homan was a three year starter for the Buckeyes. As a senior he was named co-captain and first team All-Big Ten. He was a part of four Big Ten championship teams and led the team in tackles in 2009.

DL - Tim Anderson (2000-2003) Clyde

Tim Anderson was a three year starter for Ohio State who helped to a Big Ten title and National Championship in 2002. As a senior in 2003 he was named as a co-captain and selected to the first team All-Big Ten squad. In the Illinois game in 2002 he blocked a 4th down pass in overtime to avoid the upset and ensure an undefeated season.

DL - Luther Henson (1977-80) Sandusky

Luthern Henson was a forceful defensive lineman at Ohio State. Henson was a two year starter for the Buckeyes who was a part of two Big Ten championship teams. In 1979 he was named as a member of the first team All-Big Ten squad.

DL - Bob Brudzinski (1973-76) Fremont Ross

Bob Brudzinski was one of the most agile lineman to play for the Buckeyes. He was a first team All-American in 1976. Brudzinski was also named first team All-Big Ten in 1975 and 1976 and was team in 1976 as well. As a senior he helped Ohio State to an Orange Bowl win over Colorado.

DL - Paul Schmidlin (1967-69) Toledo Rogers

Paul Schmidlin made his impact as a Buckeye early on. Schmidlin was a three year starter for the Buckeyes where he won two Big Ten titles and a National Championship. As a senior in 1969 he was a first team All-Big Ten selection.

P - Tyson Gentry (2004-08) Perkins

Tyson Gentry is the only punter from Northwest Ohio to play for the Buckeyes for more than one season. During his time as a Buckeye he transitioned into playing wide receiver full time. He suffered a permanent neck injury during a practice and has since lunched the New Perspective Foundation.

Northwest Ohio Sports Weekly

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