The Swanton Middle School (SMS) held a “Hoops for Hearts” basketball tournament on Friday at the end of the school day to raise money that would be donated to the Fulton County Heart Radiothon. Team entry fees to play and admission fees to watch were charged to raise the funds. Seven teams were organized for the single elimination event including the Big Ballaz, Sigma Boys, Basketball Pros, Bandana Mans, Cheese Ballers, Big 3 and Lamike James. The winning team would then take on the SMS Staff.
With the Big Ballaz drawing a bye in the first round, Sigma Boys defeated the Basketball Pros and the Cheese Ballers slipped past the Bandana Mans while Lamike James topped the Big 3. In the second round, the Big Ballaz edged the Sigma Boys and Lamike James outscored the Cheese Ballers to set up the championship match.
The Championship Game lived up to its hype with the winner decided when 7th-grader Nolan Koder hit a three-pointer at the buzzer to send the Big Ballaz to the final game of the day against the SMS Staff. The Big Ballaz played a great game but were not able to overcome the SMS Staff’s significant height advantage and lost in overtime.
Click on the link above to access photos from the tournament. Photos are in the jpeg format to allow for editing and can be downloaded for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.
On Friday, a luncheon was held in the Media Center of Swanton High School to honor the newest inductees to the Swanton High School Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame. The Class of 2024 included Gene Wilson (1993) and Dr. Rebecca Nelson (1994). Superintendent Chris Lake read each of their biographies to the attendees.
Gene Wilson: The path that Gene Wilson followed to be named a Distinguished Swanton Alumni is quite different and unique compared to the pathways many other Distinguished Alumni have followed. It is a path that has led him to become a successful self-made businessman who is committed to his customers and to public service.
Gene attended Township and Park Elementary Schools, as well as Swanton Junior and Senior High Schools. Upon graduation, he did an apprenticeship program with Northwest Ohio Carpenters Apprenticeship Program. During his apprenticeship he worked for Staford E Thai, earning his journeyman’s card.
Once he received his journeyman’s card, he started a small subcontracting remodeling company known as GA Wilson Builders. This company is still technically in business today but they are known as RoofOhio, Inc. The business primarily focus is on exterior building systems of the home. Over the years, Owens Corning has recognized Gene as a Platinum Preferred Contractor. Having a partnership with Owens Corning has given Gene the opportunity to help a lot of people by providing them with new roofs for their home. It has allowed Gene to grow his business and provides him the opportunity to pursue his second passion which is public service and giving back to his community.
Gene and his company are very involved with several charitable organizations including Purple Heart Homes and Fulton County Habitat for Humanity. They donate their time to help put roofs on homes for families that need just a little bit of extra help. Gene feels very fortunate to be surrounded by a community that likes to give and help those less fortunate. He credits local people including countless teachers, Village administrators, Jeep, hospital workers and other small businesses who have supported him since day one. He believes there is nothing he could ever do to repay the community for how much they have supported him. So, he considers the things he does to help others very miniscule in comparison to what the Swanton community has done for him and his family.
Gene’s advice to the younger generation pertaining to career and their career choices is this. He would advise them to find something they enjoy doing first and foremost, then throw yourself into it. He is proof that not everyone has to go to college to be successful. Also, realize that life throws changes at you constantly and things happen out of your control so don’t be afraid to fail. He says he has failed several times and that is where he learned some of the biggest and best lessons and has gained some of his strongest attributes.
Dr. Rebecca Nelson: Dr. Rebecca Nelson is a proud 1994 graduate of Swanton High School. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of Toledo, later advancing her education with a Master’s in Education and ultimately her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction in 2018.
Dr. Nelson’s academic achievements are exemplified by her acceptance to present her dissertation at the prestigious American Educational Research Association—a rare honor with an acceptance rate of less than 10%. This milestone marked the beginning of a distinguished career in education research and public speaking with presentations at numerous conferences across the country.
In her professional journey, Rebecca has become a leader in educational research and curriculum development. She has made significant contributions by designing and updating teacher education curricula to meet ever-evolving demands of classroom teaching. Her research continues to gain recognition with numerous manuscripts published in respected professional journals.
Rebecca has also assumed leadership roles in various Teacher Education departments and committees. She is the Assistant Department Chair for Teach Education Department, the interim Studies Abroad Director and the Director of the Transitional Certification Program.
Her global impact is evident in her selectin to lead the University of Nebraska at Kearney’s Studt Abroad Program in the Czech Republic, where she guided students through a 14-week immersive experience. Sha also led a group in Italy for three weeks and taught a course in Palacky University in Czech Republic on American English pronunciations.
Dr. Nelson’s dedication to education, leadership and research exemplifies the values of Swanton High School alumni, and her accomplishments continue to inspire those around her.
On Senior Night at Swanton’s Kevin J. McQuade Gymnasium, the Swanton Bulldogs broke open a close game by outscoring the Fayette Eagles 20-7 in the second quarter and went on to a 54-34 victory in non-league action. Bulldog senior Charlie Wood led all players with 18 points, including several awe-inspiring slam dunks. The backcourt tandem of Brady O’Shea and Evan Reinhard supported the effort scoring 13 and 10 points respectively. Eagle senior Xander Goble scored nine points for Fayette and Caden Leininger and Wyatt Beiber had seven points each.
The Bulldog win improves their record to 8-8 on the season. They will stay at home and welcome in the Delta Panthers on Friday. Fayette drops to 1-13 on the year and will return home to face the North Central Eagles on Friday.
Swanton Bulldogs: 9-20-8-17 = 54 Charlie Wood (18), Brady O’Shea (13), Evann Reinhard (10), Giovanni Ruiz (6), Owen Hurst (3), Carsen Lemons (2), Adam Lemon (2)
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: Fayette’s Xander drives to the basket for two points
Senior night was held on Tuesday prior to the boys’ basketball game with the Fayette Eagles. Four Bulldog basketball players (Isaiah Bolyard, Adam Lemon, Charlie Wood and Logan Young) were honored along with one cheerleader (Maddy Dodd). All seniors started the game and helped Swanton to defeat Fayette 54-34.
Former Swanton teacher, Betty Jo Sadowski, introduced and read a short bio for each senior:
Our first senior is Isaiah Bolyard. Isaiah is being escorted by Loe and Lori Bolyard. While at Swanton High School, Isaiah has participated in soccer, basketball, football and baseball. His future plans are to attend an undecided college to earn a business degree while continuing to work for Design Entertainment. Senior Isaiah Bolyard.
Our next senior is Adam Lemon. Adam is being escorted by Lyn and Jon Lemon. While at Swanton High School, Adam has participated in Interact, National Honor Society, golf, soccer, basketball and baseball. His future plans are to attend Lourdes College to play baseball and major in business. Senior Adam Lemon.
Next up is senior Charlie Wood. Charlie is being escorted by Inga and Thomas Wood. While at Swanton High School, Charlie has participated in Student Council, Interact, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, basketball and as a 6th Grade Camp Counselor. His future plans are to attend college to major in business and to continue his basketball career. Senior Charlie Wood.
Our last basketball senior is Logan Young. Logan is being escorted by Sara Young and Michael Growden. While at Swanton High School, Logan has participated in basketball. His future plans are to go into the trades for electrical work. Senior Logan Young.
Our senior cheerleader is Maddy Dodd. Maddy is being escorted by David and Casey Terry. While at Swanton High School, Maddy has participated in soccer, cheerleading and track. Her future plans are to attend Bowling Green State University to major in social work. Senior Maddy Dodd.
Click on the link above to access photos from the celebration. Photos are in the jpeg format to allow for editing and can be downloaded for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.
The Delta Archery Club hosted a tournament this past weekend at the Pike-Delta-York Middle School with 16 different schools participating including, Ayersville, Central Noble (Albion IN), Fairview, Fayette, Hicksville, Holgate, Holy Trinity, Liberty Center, Hilltop, Montpelier, Patrick Henry (PH), Pike-Delta-York (PDY), St Rose of Lima Catholic School (Monroeville IN), Stryker, TInora and Wauseon.
Finishing first at the high school level was the Delta Panthers with a score of 3314. The Fairview Apaches took the middle school championship with a score of 3278 and the Patrick Henry Patriots were champions of the elementary level with a score of 2835.
Top Individual Archers and team placers are listed below:
1st: Patrick Henry 2835 2nd: Montpelier 2612 3rd: Fairview 2558
Middle School Team
1st: Fairview 3278 2nd: Patrick Henry 3184 3rd: Fayette 3172
High School Team
1st: Pike Delta York 3314 2nd: Patrick Henry 3259 3rd: Tinora 3220
Click on the link above to access photos from the tournament. Photos are in the jpeg format to allow for editing and can be downloaded for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.
The Swanton Bulldogs were able to make only one outside shot in the first half of their home boys basketball game, scoring only 11 points, seven by Charlie Wood, and fell to the visiting Liberty Center Tigers 52-43 in NWOAL action. Down 24-11 going into the third quarter, the Bulldogs began to rally, triggered by Bray O’Shea’s three consecutive baskets from beyond the arc and a driving left-handed layup for all of his 11 points, but the Tigers were able to respond the rest of the way to hold off Swanton.
The loss drops Swanton’s record to 7-8 on the season and 0-3 in the NWOAL. They play next on Tuesday at home against the Fayette Eagles. Liberty Center improves to 6-6 for the year and 1-1 in the league. They will next host the Bryan Golden Bears on Friday.
Liberty Center Tigers:10-14-18-10 = 52 Blake Garber (12), Gavin Geahlen (11), Grady Miller (9), Eathen Gray (6), Isaiah Badenhop (5), Wes Wilhelm (3), Garrison Kruse (2), Hunter Spangler (2), Max Walker (2)
Swanton Bulldogs: 5-6-22-10 = 43 Charlie Wood (23), Brady O’Shea (11), Adam Lemon (4), Evan Reinhard (3), Logan Young (2)
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: Charlie Wood slams home for two of his game-high 23 points
Prior to the Swanton versus Liberty Center boys’ basketball game, the Swanton National Honor Society (NHS) honored U.S. Army veteran Jerry Lemons for his service to our country. Swanton senior and NHS member Hannah Crouse read a short biography to the crowd. The bio read as follows:
Jerry Lemons, a proud 1966 graduate of Fairview High School, excelled as a standout track and cross-country runner and was also a starter on the varsity basketball team. Shortly after his graduation, on October 18, 1966, Jerry answered the call of duty and was drafted into the U.S. Army, serving with the 25th Infantry Division, famously known as “Tropic Lightning.”
Jerry served as a Specialist 4th Class Technician, stationed in Cu Chi, Vietnam, near Saigon and the Hobo Woods. His service coincided with the intense Tet Offensive, during which he recalls the frequent reality of being mortared a dozen times in a single night. For his bravery and dedication, Jerry was awarded three Bronze Stars during his time in Vietnam.
After two years of honorable service, Jerry returned home to the United States on October 18, 1968, a day he was thrilled to set foot back on American soil.
Jerry has been happily married for 55 years and is the proud father of two children; his son Ash of Swanton and his daughter Autumn of Columbus. He is also the beloved grandfather of three grandsons, Alex, Brady and Carsen.
After dedicating 35 years of hard work to General Motors, jerry retired but continues to stay active. He keeps busy as a seasonal mower for the city of Bryan and enjoys being a part of several coffee groups, attending auctions, exploring sales and building his collection.
Photo (L to R): Lillyanna Valderas, Zara Wylie, Hannah Crouse, Jerry Lemons, Brady O’Shea
At halftime of the Swanton vs Liberty Center boys basketball game, the packed house of the Kevin J. McQuade Gymnasium was treated to several routines from dozens of Little Lady Swanton Bulldog cheerleaders.
Click on the link above to access photos from the performance. Photos are in the jpeg format to allow for editing and can be downloaded for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.
With what may have been their toughest test of the season, the Delta Lady Panthers took their spotless 14-0 record into the Archbold Thunder Dome and held off the always dangerous Lady Blue Streaks 57-48 to run their school record of opening season consecutive wins to an incredible 15.
Archbold entered the contest with an impressive overall record of 12-3 and employed a zone-trapping defense to disrupt the Delta offense. However, in the first half, the Panthers executed precise and timely ball movement to easily overcome the Streaks’ defensive strategy, leading to easy baskets underneath and drawing several fouls in the act of shooting. “We’ve been working on that, just better ball movement,” explained Delta head coach Kelsey Gillen. “At times just kept passing the ball and we were able to pull it together.” Delta outscored Archbold 19-4 in the first quarter and led 30-10 at one point in the second quarter before going into halftime with a 30-16 advantage.
Early in the third quarter, the Streaks mounted a comeback and were able to reduce the deficit to single digits. But the Panthers regrouped with senior Kendall Sprow scoring 8 of her 14 points in the frame, helping to keep Delta’s 14-point lead heading into the fourth quarter. Again, Archbold rallied and pulled with five points before Delta was able to stretch the lead back to nine for the 57-48 NWOAL victory. “You have to give them a lot of credit,” Coach Gillen said of the Lady Blue Streaks and the comeback they made. “They have a great coach and a great team.”
Delta freshman standout Anna Lohman led all players with 21 points but her defense was also a major contributor to the win. With Archbold drawing close late in the fourth quarter, Lohman made a thunderous block of a three-point attempt and the Streak shooters became very gun-shy when being guarded by her. “It felt really good,” said Lohman of the defensive play. “I was watching her warm up and I knew she liked to shoot from there.”
Delta’s stellar 15-0 overall record includes 3-0 in the NWOAL. They will play the Fayette Lady Eagles on Saturday in the “Jungle” at Delta High School. Archbold drops to 12-4 on the season and 2-2 in the league. They will welcome the Springfield Blue Devils into the “Thunder Dome” on Saturday.
Archbold Lady Blue Streaks: 4-12-17-15 = 48 Miley Gericke (19), Charlie Forward (11), Klaire Kern (8), Alana Pedraza (6), Makena Thiel (4)
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 fuiltoncountymedia.com website.
Mark Butler, Swanton High School Class of 1976, has produced a movie about the experiences of African-American soldiers from Ohio who trained at Camp Delaware during the Civil War. The camp was named after the City of Delaware, Ohio and was located on the east bank of the Olentangy River.
Mr. Butler will be screening the movie at Swanton High School on Saturday, February 15, 2025 from 2:00 – 5:00 pm, as a fundraiser for the Community Arts Network Performing Arts Scholarship that he provides to a Swanton High School graduate.
Fulton County Ohio Media 