Fulton County Ohio Media

Press Release from the NWOAL:  Everyone – The NWOAL is looking for a new league commissioner.  If you could mention/run this, we would appreciate it. You can contact Randy Roberts or Anthony Menna at Swanton High School for more information.

Job Title: Commissioner

Overview: The Commissioner serves as the key executive responsible for managing and overseeing league operations, ensuring compliance with league regulations, coordinating events, and maintaining communication among league officials and athletic directors.  The position requires attending meetings, organizing schedules, and managing officials’ assignments.

Key Responsibilities:

League Governance: Ensure compliance with the league’s Constitution and Policy Manual along with the OHSAA regulations.  Adapt to amendments made by league principals as necessary.  Be responsible for any OHSAA communication for the league if needed.

Meeting Attendance: Attend all league and athletic directors’ meetings to facilitate communication and coordinate duties effectively.  Along with any OHSAA or Assignors meetings as needed.

Event Oversight: Attend league tournaments

Schedule Development: Create and manage schedules for varsity-level activities, ensuring smooth operation across all organized events.

Officials Management: Develop and implement a rating system for officials to maintain a list of qualified individuals for various assignments.  Ensure the proper assignment of officials to contests, utilizing approved scheduling software and securing contracts well in advance.

Contract Management: Handle the contracting of officials for key events and contests, ensuring they are assigned to varsity and reserve events in advance of each season.

Compensation and Review: Compensation will be negotiated annually and is a supplemental pay, with expenses subject to approval by league principals. Performance will be reviewed annually by a standing committee.

Qualifications:

Strong understanding of league policies and operations.

Proven organizational and leadership skills.

Ability to manage schedules and coordinate logistics.

Experience working with officials and overseeing sporting events.

Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.

Performance Evaluation: The Commissioner’s performance will be reviewed annually by the standing committee.

Applications can be submitted to Anthony Menna at anthony.menna@swantonschools.org

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The Wauseon Boys golf team, entered the NWOAL tournament tied for the league lead with Bryan with a 6-1 regular season record, then broke the deadlock by winning the tournament with a score of 312 to finish with 14 total points, two points ahead of Bryan, which finished third in the tournament with a 324 on Friday.  Once again, Auglaize Golf Course with a very challenging par 72 layout, hosted the event.

Swanton senior Mazin Rukieh fired a one-under 71 to lead all golfers for medalist honors.  For Mazin, the 2023 NWOAL Player of the year, it was his second consecutive season as the league’s tournament medalist.  Archbold sophomore Grady Short shot an even par 72 to finish runner up and, based on his scores throughout the season, was awarded the NWOAL Player of the Year.  Grady led Archbold to a second-place finish in the tournament and third place on the season.

FINAL SCORES:  Only the top four individual scores are factored into the team total.

Wauseon Indians (312):  Carter Stuckey (74), Ethan Stuckey (79), Mykale Schneider (80), Jack Allstater (79), Maddox Schneider (100), Gavin Fisher (100)

Archbold Blue Streaks (320):  Grady Short (72), Zach Short (78), Griffen Valentine (85), Sonny Phillips (85), CJ Arroyo-Thompson (91), Jamison Waidelich (101)

Bryan Golden Bears (324):  Kai Dauber (75), Brayden Hall (79), Jayden Deel (81), Drew Engstrom (89), Landon Basset (89), Nolan Franzdorf (91)

Swanton Bulldogs (333):  Mazin Rukieh (71), Adam Lemon (81), Brady O’Shea (90), Owen Hurst (91), Grady Tipton 92), Dylan Smigelski (101)

Delta Panthers (340):  Lane Lopez (73), Adam Mattin (83), Slade Young (86), Ashton Ahg (98), Luke Spiess (98), Keegan Clapp (99)

Liberty Center Tigers (349):  Tony Capretta (77), Brody Wykehouse (88), Stone Roth (89), Braden Like (95), Owen Gebers 9105), Nolan Cordes (118)

Evergreen Vikings (363):  Michael Laver 988), Hayden Timbrook (89), Caden Beier (91), Chris Shrader (95), Brady Seabolt (96), John Herdman (97)

Patrick Henry Patriots (435):  Ian Schwab (93), Mason Jardine (103), Evan Carrizales (112), Parker Kruse (127), Wyatt Wilhelm (134), John Morris (151)

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

Photo: NWOAL 2027 Boys Golf Champions – Wauseon Indians

Small towns and villages can be great places to live with the local school system and municipal government providing the foundation for the community’s social infrastructure.  But what really provides the glue that connects all the separate entities and brings residents together to work for the public good are the selfless community servants.  John Bay, a lifelong resident of Delta and a Delta High School graduate, is one of those selfless servants.

John was one of the founding members of the Delta, Ohio chapter of Lions Club International (LCI) and has served as President and Vice-President of the Club.  Founded in 1917 in Chicago, LCI shifted their focus to work for the blind and the visually impaired when Hellen Keller addressed their international convention at Cedar Point, Ohio in June of 1925 and charged the Lions to be Knights of the Blind.

Sponsored by the Wauseon Lions Club on April 1, 1972, the Delta Lions were chartered for over 35 years until October of 2007.  The first Delta Lions Club had many successes and served the Delta community very well in those 35 years.  Some of the long-term fund raisers included: Lions Club Light Bulb sales, Delta Community calendar, Toll Bridge with funds collected donated to The Open Door of Delta, a nonprofit food and clothing service, Fulton County Fair paid Lions for working the entry gates.  Other service projects included student scholarships, Thanksgiving and/or Christmas dinners in conjunction with several other community organizations, Community Food Bank in conjunction with other Delta organizations among many others.

The Delta Lions became inactive for seven years until the Delta-Liberty Lions was chartered in 2014 and lasted until the end of 2022 when they were disbanded when they were unable to sustain the required level of membership.  Sadly, they became another victim of serious decline in volunteerism seen around the country.

Still wanting to contribute, several of the remaining members joined the Wauseon Lions.  John went in the other direction and signed on with one of the most active Clubs in the area, the Swanton Lions, in January of 2023.  “I joined Swanton Lions because, whether local or international, Lions have much to offer.  In addition to service, comradery with members is part of the privilege of a service organization.”  

John’s combined service with all three Lions Clubs has now reached an incredible 45 years.  However, his legacy of serving his community extends well beyond the Lions Clubs.  He was a member of the Delta Volunteer Fire Department as a fireman and EMT for 25 years, previously served on the Delta Park Board and with the Delta Chicken Festival and is currently serving as a member of the Delta Library Board. 

With all the time spent helping others, John found time to have a life of his own.  He attended the University of Toledo’s College of Business and worked in the banking industry for 30 years before becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).  John has been married to his wife and fellow Delta High School alum, Beth for 51 years.  They have a daughter, Ellen Bernal, the Principal at Pike-Delta-York Middle School, who lives in Delta with her husband Andy.  The Bays have four grandchildren and one great-grandchild and have been members of Hope Church of Delta for their entire married life.

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Click on the link above to access photos from the pre-game and halftime activities from the Archbold at Liberty Center football 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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It was fast and it was furious.  After holding visiting Archbold to a three and out on the first series of the game, Liberty Center scored on their second play from scrimmage and the rout was on with just 89 seconds ticked off the clock.  The quick touchdown triggered a 44-0 first half offensive explosion as the Tigers opened defense of their NWOAL football championship with a 51-0 blowout of the Blue Streaks.  Liberty Center added another touchdown in the first quarter then completely dominated quarter number two, finding the end zone four more times, five if you count the safety, for 30 more points and a running clock for the entire second half.

The win places the Tigers’ overall record at 4-0 and the league mark at 1-0.  They will entertain the Swanton Bulldogs (0-4) next week as they will celebrate Homecoming.  The Blue Streaks fall to 0-1 in the NWOAL and 2-2 on the season.  They will return home next Friday to face the Delta Panthers (4-0).

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: Garrison Kruse celebrates another second quarter Liberty Center touchdown

The Swanton Chapter of Lions Club International is happy to introduce our newest member, Jean Howard. Jean, who lives in the Swanton community, was inducted last Tuesday at our bi-monthly meeting.

The Swanton Lions Club received its charter in 2009 and has become one of the most actives community service organizations in the area. Our next event is the wildly popular Halloween Hoopla on October 26th, from 3-5 PM.

We are always looking to add to our roster of volunteers. We meet every second and fourth Tuesday at 6:15 PM in the Swanton Community Center located on Chestnut Street. If you are interested in our benevolent organization, you can contact us through our Facebook Page or talk to any current Lions Club member.

Photo: Long-time Swanton Lion member Dawn Patch (Left) welcomes new member Jean Howard

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For the first 39 minutes and 59 seconds of the first half, the Evergreen Vikings and the Bryan Golden Bears boys soccer teams were locked in a defensive battle with neither team scoring. With just one second left on the clock, Bryan found the back of the net for what turned out to be to be the winning goal in a 2-0 NWOAL victory at Evergreen’s Pifer field.

The loss places the Vikings’ record at 1-1-1 in the league and 4-3-1 overall. Bryan moves to 2-0 in the NWOAL and 5-2 on the season.

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

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On Monday, at Valleywood Golf Club, prior to competing in a tri-match against Division I schools, the Perrysburg Yellowjackets and the Toledo Central Catholic Fighting Irish, the Bulldog Boys golf team celebrated Senior Night, recognizing two of their players, Adam Lemon and Mazin Rukieh, form their contributions to the program.

Adam Lemon:

 Parents Lyn and Jon Lemon

Activities while at Swanton:  Interact, National Honor Society, Golf, Soccer, Basketball and Baseball

Future plans: Attend college to play baseball and major in business

Mazin Rukieh:

Parents: Sy and Jody Rukieh

Activities while at Swanton:  Varsity Soccer, Golf and Wrestling

Mazin was first and second team All-League honors, first team All-District in 2023 and NWOAL Player of the Year 2023.  He is active in the Toledo Junior Golf Association and competed in back-to-back Inverness Golf Club Tournament invitations.  In 2024 he represented Swanton and the United States amongst 23 other US players in Scotland in a Junior Ryder Cup competition.  He placed 6^th in that competition. 

Future Plans:  Possibly continue his golf career at the collegiate level while earning a degree in mechanical engineering.

Perrysburg fired a 156 to win the match.  Swanton shot a 163 followed by Central Catholic’s 195.  Individual scores for the Bulldogs:  Mazin Rukieh (One under 36), Adam Lemon (One over 38), Dylan Smigelski (44), Brady O’Shea (45), Owen Hurst (46), Grady Tipton (46)

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

Photo: Seniors Adam Lemon and Mazin Rukieh

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Yesterday, in a 9-hole match against the Clay Lady Eagles and the Springfield Lady Blue Devils at Valleywood Golf Club in Swanton, the Lady Bulldogs recognized seniors Ann Urbina and Miranda Yeager for their contributions to the program.

Ann Urbina

Parents: Simon and Kim Urbina

Activities while at Swanton:  Golf, Marching Band, Bowling, Track and Field, Choir, Show Choir E-Sports, Yearbook, Quiz Bowl, Frosh Fest, Prom Committee, Leadership class, Interact, and Jazz Band. 

Future Plans: Attend Bowling Green State University and join the color guard and major in the medical or dental field. 

Miranda Yeager

Parents: Jessica and Kevin Yeager

Activities while at Swanton: Soccer, Golf, Basketball, Track and Field, Softball, Student Council, 6^th Grade Camp Counselor, Frosh Fest, Youth Leadership Toledo, Interact, and a NWOAL Leadership Conference Attendee.

Future Plans: Attend college and further her education in cosmetology. 

Clay won the match with a score of 185 ahead of with Springfield a 205 and Swanton with a 235.

Lady Bulldog Scores:  Gabbie Orner (54), Miranda Yeager (57), Anna Rukieh (61), Audrey McFarland (63), Ann Urbina (67), Hailey Frosch (68)

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

Photo: Ann and Miranda

At home football games this season, Evergreen High School is recognizing local military veterans for their service to our country.  This past Friday, during the Vikings’ 36-6 victory over the Rossford Bulldogs, Tina Studenka, a long-time resident of Lyons, was recognized and honored by a cheering home town crowd.  Below is transcript of Tina’s introduction read to the Evergreen faithful by the public address announcer between the first and second quarters.

At this time, we would like to recognize this week’s Hometown Hero, Tina Studenka.  Tina grew up in Sylvania, Ohio where she graduated from Southview High School in 2002.  Both of her grandfathers, her father and all six of her uncles served in the military along with her two brothers who served together as United States Army Rangers. 

Tina enlisted in the Army Reserve after high school and joined the Military Police.  Immediately after graduating Basic Training and the Army Advanced Individual Training (AIT), she was deployed to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba for a 12-month deployment serving in Camp Delta as a block guard.

After returning from deployment, Tina met her husband, Davey Studenka, and they married and moved to Lyons, Ohio.  She is the mother to Riley and Hayes Studenka and has lived in the Evergreen community for the last 17 years and says it is, by far, the best she has ever been part of.

Tina’s favorite military memory is her deployment to Guantanamo Bay.  Her most heartbreaking military moment was watching her brothers leave for the Army together.

Tina is passionate about photography, teamwork and uplifting others.  She values family, freedom and the American way of life.  Tina believes you should always try to leave a place better than you found it, always let your light shine, and help a stranger when you can because you ever know who you will positively affect.

Photo: Tina with daughter Riley on her right