Fulton County Ohio Media

Swanton High School’s Luke Marlow has been named the 2025 Player of the Year by baseball coaches from Northwest Ohio District 1.  Marlow, a five-tool player, filled up the stat sheet for a Bulldog team that broke the school record for wins in a season with 19.  Hitting from the leadoff position, Marlow batted .429 on the year and had a remarkable .582 on-base percentage.  Once on base, he took advantage of his speed, stealing 25 bases and scoring 44 runs in 28 games, both school records.  Luke, Swanton’s starting shortstop since his freshman year, also pitched for the Bulldogs, compiling a 6-4 record with a 1.87 Earned Run Average while striking out 56 and walking 16 in 52.1 innings of work.

“It really did surprise me,” said Luke while mentioning how stiff the competition was District-wise, including his teammate and fellow junior Carson Lemons who led the District with seven triples.  “I think he drove me in 30 times of the 44 runs I scored,” he added.  Both Luke and Carson were First-Team All-District Infielders and First Team All-NWOAL Selections as well.

With his senior year still ahead of him, Luke will be honing his skills while playing on a travel baseball team out of Toledo and working to get in top physical condition.  “Get in the weight room and stay in the weight room.  I wasn’t in the weight room before and I wasn’t eating good.  I got to stick to a diet and stay bulked up,” he said of his off-season conditioning plans.

“I’m so happy for him.  He had so much potential coming off his freshman year two years ago that this is definitely is something I saw in his future,” commented Swanton head coach and District Coach of the Year, Josh Siewert.  “Last year he got hurt and missed three-quarters of the season plus summer ball and he overcame that.  It was just amazing.  He’s a great kid.  A very team-oriented player, dirt ball, loves getting dirty.  He loves making plays and you’ll always see a big smile on his face.”

Next year will bring a set of “What will you do for an encore?” challenges for Luke and his teammates after their individual and record-setting accomplishments of this past season.  And, for the first time in school history, the Swanton Bulldogs will be playing on a brand-new field on their own campus.

Photo: Luke fires a fastball during the Division V District game at Defiance High School

PRESS RELEASE:  The Swanton Area Chamber of Commerce has officially launched a Community Event Calendar aimed at promoting local events and strengthening community engagement. Available now at swantonohiochamber.com/community-events, the calendar is open to submissions from businesses, schools, nonprofits, and community groups across the Swanton area.

This new initiative is designed to highlight the wide range of events happening locally and to make it easier for residents and visitors to stay connected to what’s going on in and around Swanton. “We wanted to create a centralized place where the entire community could share and discover local events,” said Delray Busch, Executive Director of the Swanton Area Chamber of Commerce. “Whether it’s a fundraiser, festival, workshop, or open house, this calendar helps amplify the great work happening in our community.”

How it Works: ● Anyone hosting a local event can submit their details through the online form. ● Submissions are reviewed by the Chamber for approval. ● Once approved, events are published on the public-facing calendar. All submissions must be appropriate for a general audience. The Chamber reserves the right to edit or decline listings based on content and relevance. The calendar is part of the Chamber’s ongoing efforts to support local organizations and encourage collaboration and visibility throughout the region. For more information or to submit an event, visit swantonohiochamber.com/community-events. PO Box 116 Swanton, OH 43558 | Facebook | SwantonCC@gmail.com | 419.826.1941

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On Wednesday afternoon, on the campus of Swanton High School, a large crowd gathered to witness a groundbreaking ceremony to begin the construction of a new baseball/softball sports complex.  Years in the planning, the new facilities will allow the Swanton School District to relocate their softball and baseball playing fields from the Village of Swanton-owned Memorial Park onto school grounds.  Chris Lake, Swanton Superintendent, opened the ceremony with the following words:

“Good afternoon, everyone.  Thank you all for being here to celebrate this historic moment for Swanton High School.  This groundbreaking marks more than just the start of construction—it marks the beginning of a new chapter for our student-athletes, our school and our community.  For the first time in school history, our baseball and softball teams will be able to play on fields right here at their own high school.  That’s something we can all be proud of.

This project wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support of the Swanton community.  Your belief in our students and your willingness to invest in their opportunities have brought us to this moment.  I want to thank our dedicated project committees for their countless hours of hard work, vision, and persistence in making this dream a reality.  I want to give a very big shoutout to the students who helped present our donation request to business all around the area.  They did an amazing job and impressed everyone they spoke to.  And I want to thank our school board for their support and willingness to fund this important project.

Finally, I want to thank the following generous donors who contributed to this project:  Top Donor:  No Hitter Tier – (Swanton Athletic Boosters), Grand Slam Tier – (North Star BlueScope Steel, Soaring Software Solutions, The McQuade Family), Home Run Tier – (F&M Bank, Roof Ohio, Swanton Welding & Machining Company, Steve Hurst & Family, Kevin Thornton), Triple Tier – (Sunny Day In-Home Care LLC, Worthington Industries), Double Tier – (Tri County Block & Brick, Liquid Lumination Irrigation & Lighting LLC), Single Tier – (Brett McClure & family, McNeill Chevrolet, Rotary Club of Swanton, Sandman Sales Yard, Swanton Cornfest Committee, Ballas Buick GMC), Plus several anonymous donors and numerous donors at the Bulldog Tier, Block S Tier, Purple Tier and White Tier.

We’re proud to announce that the new complex will be ready for play in the Spring of 2026.  Both the baseball and softball teams recently concluded successful seasons which resulted in sectional titles.  I can’t wait to see them build on that success while playing on their own fields.”

Click on the link above to access photos from the ceremony. Photos are in the jpeg format to allow for editing and can be downloaded for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.

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The Swanton Bulldogs scored single runs in the top of the first and third innings to lead 2-0 over the Eastwood Eagles in the OHSAA Division V District Semi-Final game held at Defiance High School. However, the higher-seeded Eagles, champions of the Northern Buckeye Conference, exploded for 12 runs over the next four innings to defeat the Bulldogs 12-2and move on to the District Finals.

Despite the loss, the 2025 Swanton Bulldogs’ baseball team broke the school record for wins on the season with 19, two more than the previous record of 17. Included in the 19 wins was an 8-2 road victory over the Tinora Rams that captured a Sectional Championship.

Click on the link above to access photos from the game. Photos are in the jpeg format to allow for editing and can be downloaded for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.

Photo: Isaiah Bolyard scores on a single by Drake Harris as Adam lemon looks on.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Delray E Busch Executive Director, Swanton Area Chamber of Commerce 419-826-1941 | swantoncc@gmail.com

Swanton Kicks Off First Summer Block Party of 2025 on June 7 – The Swanton Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to launch the 2025 Swanton Summer Block Party series on Saturday, June 7, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM at Zeiter Way in downtown Swanton. This beloved community tradition is proudly presented in partnership with Benfield Wines, Hub’s Swantucky Bar, and the Swanton Area Chamber of Commerce. Held in the heart of Swanton’s DORA district, this series is all about celebrating local pride, good food, and great company with live music and family-friendly fun.

June 7 Event Highlights: ● Live Music: Shane Piasecki and the Lone Wolves ● Food & Drink: ○ Hot Dogs 2 Go ○ Benny’s Loncheria ○ Cheat Day (desserts) ○ Tano’s on Main (pizza by the slice) ○ Drinks available for purchase at Hub’s Swantucky Bar and Benfield Wines ○ The Spot, located at 100 Zeiter Way, will open for the first time with a limited menu featuring ice cream and Red Bull Refreshers

● Family Activities: ○ Bounce house provided by Fancy Fun Inflatables (sponsored by Skye Heating & Cooling) ○ Hair tinsel station by the Swanton Area Community Coalition ○ Yard games and hands-on activities from the Swanton Public Library

● Special Feature: ○ Ribbon cutting at 7:00 PM celebrating 80 years of Hub’s Swantucky Bar and 10 years of ownership by Mike Westmeyer PO Box 116 Swanton, OH 43558 | Facebook | SwantonCC@gmail.com | 419.826.1941 Remaining 2025 Block Party Dates All events run from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Zeiter Way: ● Saturday, July 19 ● Saturday, August 16 ● Friday, September 12.

In addition to this exciting summer series, the Swanton Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the launch of the Swanton Community Calendar—a shared space where local residents, businesses, and organizations can add events at no cost. Submit and explore events anytime at http://www.swantonohiochamber.com/community-events/ For more updates and upcoming event details, visit http://www.swantonareacoc.com or follow the Swanton Area Chamber of Commerce on Facebook. PO Box 116 Swanton, OH 43558 | Facebook | SwantonCC@gmail.com | 419.826.1941

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It is said, when great pitching meets great hitting, the pitching will come out on top on most occasions.  The power-laden lineup of the Swanton Lady Bulldogs found this to be the case when they struggled against the hard-throwing pitcher of the top-seeded Eastwood Lady Eagles and fell in the OHSAA Division V district Semi-Final game 13-0 in five innings at Liberty Center High School.  Swanton ends the season with an overall record of 13-15, including a Sectional Championship and a third-place finish (5-2) in the NWOAL

Click on the link above to access photos from the game. Photos are in the jpeg format to allow for editing and can be downloaded for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymdia.com website.

Photo: Cara Ludlow managed the only Swanton hit off the Eastwood pitcher

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Yesterday morning the Swanton Community gathered to honor all who have fallen in defense of our great nation.  Organized by the Swanton American Legion Murbach-Siefert Post #479, the solemn event began with a parade that traveled south on Main Street and concluded at Memorial Park, in front of the WWI Doughboy Statue.  Post Commander John Schmidt served as the emcee and welcomed all in attendance.  Legion Chaplin Amy Herrick offered a prayer and Poppy Princess Emerald Klump led he crowd in reciting the National Anthem.

Commander Schmidt then addressed the crowd.  “Today, we celebrate Memorial Day, a day to honor the more than one million veterans that have died in battles since the Revolutionary War.  We also honor those more than four million veterans who have worn the uniform and swore an oath to protect our country against all enemies, foreign and domestic, who are buried all over the world.”

“In the Swanton community alone, we honor almost one thousand veterans buried in local cemeteries.  At noon today, the Swanton American Legion Honor Guard will visit seven local cemeteries to render military honors to those veterans resting in eternal peace.  This is a solemn day.  But it is also a day filled with joy as we celebrate the beginning of our summer activities.  Activities we can participate in with peace and freedom because of those brave souls that have gone before us to protect our way of life.”

The featured speaker for the day was one of Swanton High School’s best and brightest, Hailey Frosch.  Hailey, the Junior Student Council President and a member of the National Honor Society and the national Society of High School Scholars, gave her in sight into what Memorial Day means to today’s generation of students as they begin to realize and understand the sacrifices yesterday’s and today’s military heroes have made.  Following her speech, the Honor Guard presented a 21-gun salute.  Upon the conclusion of the ceremony, Commander Schmidt invited everyone back to the Swanton Legion for a complimentary lunch.

Click on the link above to access photos from the day. Photos are in the jpeg format to allow for editing for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website

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The Swanton Bulldogs wasted no time in getting on the scoreboard by plating two runs in the first inning and five more in the second for a 7-0 lead on their way to an 8-2 OHSAA DV Sectional Title victory over the Tinora Rams at Tinora High School on Saturday.  In a recent regular season game on the same field, the Rams defeated the Bulldogs 18-8 in an unsarcastically poor Swanton showing.  “We’ve been preaching it for about two weeks now and it was one of those day where it all clicked.  They beat us up pretty good about a week and a half ago.  I don’t think they were expecting what they got,” said Swanton head coach Josh Siewert commenting on his team’s turnaround performance.

Adam Lemon started the Bulldog scoring barrage with a two-run single in the first inning to bring home Luke Marlow who had singled to lead off the game and Carson Lemons who followed with a double.  After adding another run in the top of the second to go up 3-0, Swanton loaded the bases with nobody out, bringing Isaiah Bolyard to the plate.  Bolyard drove a fastball into the right-center field gap for a double, pushing the Swanton lead to 5-0 and surprising the co-champions of the Green Meadows League.  “I was behind on the count a little bit, expecting the curve ball and I was sitting back a little bit, got a fastball and hit it,” said Bolyard detailing his big hit.  “Right when I hit it, I knew it was down.  It knocked in two runs and that was huge.”

The sudden deficit led to a pitching change by the Rams’ coach Brent Renollet who brought in Hunter Bostleman for starting pitcher Mason McQuillen.  Lemons greeted Bostelman with double to drive home Marlow and Bolyard, giving the Dogs a 7-run advantage, stunning the Tinora faithful.

Swanton starting pitcher, Marlow, who had breezed through the first inning, gave up three hits and one run in the bottom of the second, but was otherwise brilliant on the mound, throwing four more innings with no more hits or runs.  He did walk three batters but also struck out three hitters in picking up the win.  “The team really backed me up today.  We had 12 or 13 hits, kept putting the ball in play and did what we do best. And the defense saved my butt out there a few times,” said Marlow crediting his teammates.

For those who know this Bulldog team, Marlow was a surprise starter over Swanton ace, Adam Lemon, but Coach Siewert explained his strategy.  “These guys (Tinora) have been taking pitches all year.  They’ve had 30 walks in the last three games,” said Siewert.  “Adam was good for us all year but Marlow is more efficient out of the gate.”

With the Sectional Championship now in hand, Swanton moves on to face the Eastwood Eagles, champions of the Northern Buckeye Conference, in the District Semi-Finals on Thursday at 6:00 p.m. at Defiance High School.  When it was mentioned to Coach Siewert that Eastwood is a very good team, he replied, “So was Tinora.”

Click on the link above to access photos from the game. Photos are in the jpeg format to allow for editing and can be downloaded for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.

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Five Swanton Bulldog senior baseball players, Isaiah Bolyard, Vincent Fanelli, Drake Harris. Adam Lemon and Evan Smigelski, walked off their home field at Memorial Park following a game for the final time this past Monday. And, like many times in their four-year careers, they walked off as winners after easily defeating the Toledo Christian Eagles 14-4 in five run-rule innings.

The victory moves the Bulldogs’ overall record to 17-7. They will play the Tinora Rams on Saturday at 12:00 p.m. in an OHSAA Division V playoff game at Tinora High School.

Click on the link above to access photos from the game. Given that it was Senior Night, all photos are the the five senior players. Photos are in the jpeg format to allow for editing and can be downloaded for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.

Photo: Evan Smigelski applies the tag on a pick-off attempt from pitcher Adam Lemon

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Prior to its Monday afternoon game with the Toledo Christian Eagles, the Swanton Bulldogs’ baseball team honored five seniors who were about to play their final game on their home field at Memorial Park.  As always, it was a moment of tears and cheers as the celebrated seniors were introduced, one at a time, and a short bio read by Betty Jo Sedowski in the following order:

Iasiah Bolyard:  Our first senior is Isaiah Bolyard.  Isaiah is being escorted by Joe and Lori Bolyard.  While mat Swanton High School, Isaiah has participated in Soccer, Football, Baseball and FCA.  His future plans are to attend the University of Toledo, majoring in Business Management while continuing to work for Design Entertainment.

Vincent Fanelli:  Our next senior is Vincent Fanelli.  Vincent is being escorted by Melanie Lorenzen.  While at Swanton High School, Vinnie has participated in Soccer, Wrestling, Baseball and Frosh Fest.  His future plans are to attend Owens Community College for Electrical Engineering or take side courses at the University of Toledo in Business.

Drake Harris:  Our next senior is Drake Harris.  Drake is being escorted by Rob and Jill Harris.  While at Swanton High School, Drake has participated in Football, Wrestling, Baseball and Frosh Fest.  His future plans are to attend Adrian College to play baseball while majoring in Business.

Adam Lemon:  Our next senior is Adam Lemon.  Adam is being escorted by Lyn and Jon Lemon.  While at Swanton High School, Adam has participated in Soccer, Golf, Basketball, Baseball, Interact Club and National Honor Society.  His future plans are to attend Lourdes University to major in Marketing and play baseball.

Evan Smigelski:  Our last senior is Evan Smigelski.  Evan is being escorted by Kelli and Jeremy Smigelski.  While at Swanton High School, Evan has participated in Football, Wrestling and Baseball.  His future plans are to play football at Defiance College while majoring in Education.

Click on the link above to access photos from the ceremony. Photos are in the jpeg format to allow for editing and can be downloaded for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.

Photo: Evan Smigelski, Adam Lemon, Drake Harris, Vincent Fanelli, Isaiah Bolyard