News

From Brookville Local Schools:

Brookville Local Schools proudly recognizes the retirement of longtime, respected, and admired Head Football Coach Mike Hetrick, following 25 years of selfless dedication to the Brookville football program.

Coach Hetrick leaves an indelible mark on nearly three decades of student-athletes, building a program grounded in accountability, hard work, and discipline—establishing a standard of excellence that resulted in sustained success year after year. As the longest-serving head coach in program history, he amassed a program-record 167 career wins, four SWBL league championships (2002, 2003, 2008, 2015), two undefeated seasons (2008, 2015), and 10 state playoff appearances.

Coach Hetrick will be deeply missed by the Brookville community, but his impact extends far beyond the field. His legacy lives on through the program he built and the countless young men whose lives he shaped. We wish him nothing but the very best in a well-earned retirement.

Press Release From Edgewood City Schools:

Edgewood City Schools is excited to announce the selection of Matt Root as our next Edgewood High School Head Football Coach and leader of our football program.

Coach Root is a proud Edgewood Alumni and was part of the 2003 State Finalist team with two league championships as well as multiple playoff appearances and wins during his time as a student.

Professionally, Coach Root has served our high school students as an intervention specialist for the past 17 years. As a coach during this time, Coach Root held the role of Offensive Coordinator for 12 of these years and helped lead our teams to 5 league championships, 7 playoff appearances and 8 total playoff wins. His service extends beyond these roles to supporting our community and programs as a youth coach, and running various summer camps.

Coach Root expressed humility and thanks when approached with this opportunity, "Every team brings a new challenge but also new opportunities to influence and inspire young men to be better. We will work on building a winning culture on and off the football field."

Curtis Philpot, Edgewood City Schools Superintendent stated, "Matt Root is Edgewood football royalty. My family and I were in the snow in Canton in 2003 when he led the Cougars to the state championship game, a moment that still defines Edgewood football. Matt brings a proven record of success not only as a standout player, but also as a coach and an educator within the building. He understands firsthand what it means to be an Edgewood student-athlete, and I'm excited to see the lasting impact he will have on the football program, our school, and the entire Edgewood community."

We look forward to the next chapter of the Edgewood City Schools Football Program under Coach Root's leadership.

Zevin Sesslar turned Friday night into a record-setting showcase.

The Waynesville senior guard buried 10 3-pointers to break the school record for most made triples in a game, powering the Spartans to a 78-35 victory over Madison in Southwestern Buckeye League Buckeye Division play. Sesslar also scored a career-high 30 points.

Sesslar’s shooting display highlighted a balanced offensive performance for Waynesville, which improved to 7-2 overall and 5-1 in the Buckeye Division. The Spartans have now won five straight.

Already known as one of the league’s top playmakers, Sesslar entered the night leading the SWBL in assists at 5.1 per game. The senior is averaging 13.3 points per contest this season, but Friday’s outburst underscored his ability to take over games from beyond the arc.

Waynesville’s surge in the league standings has been fueled by steady guard play and efficient offense, with Sesslar setting the tone as both a scorer and facilitator. Friday’s performance added a milestone moment to that run, as his 10 triples eclipsed the program’s previous single-game mark.

The Spartans will look to keep their momentum rolling as they continue Buckeye Division play next week.

(Photos by Oakwood Athletics)

Oakwood honored active-duty service members and veterans prior to Saturday’s girls basketball game, then closed the afternoon with a 54-35 victory over Valley View as senior Evie Connor reached a career milestone.

Before the varsity tipoff, Oakwood recognized those who have served, thanking active-duty personnel and veterans for their sacrifices and commitment. The pregame tribute underscored the freedoms that allow communities to gather for events like high school athletics.

On the court, Oakwood built an early advantage and maintained control throughout. The hosts led 13-7 after the first quarter and extended the margin with a 13-0 second period to take a 26-7 halftime lead.

Valley View responded with a stronger fourth quarter, outscoring Oakwood 16-12, but the deficit proved too large. Oakwood steadied itself in the fourth, matching Valley View’s energy while preserving the double-digit cushion.

Connor capped the day by scoring her 1,000th career point during the game, a milestone celebrated by teammates and the home crowd.