Fulton County Ohio Media

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As they did during the regular season, the Wauseon Lady Indians dominated the rest of the field in walking away with the NWOAL Girls Bowling Tournament Championship held at the Swanton Sports Center this past Saturday.  Wauseon racked up 3745 pins to easily out distance runner-up Liberty Center Lady Tigers with a score of 3216.  The Bryan Golden Bears finished third with 3113, the Delta Lady Panthers were fourth at 2751 and the Patrick Henry Lady Patriots came in fifth with a 2709.  Evergreen and Swanton high schools did not field a girls team this season.

The five points Wauseon earned for the tournament victory, combined with the six points they earned during the regular season, gave the Lady Indians 11.0 total points and the 2022-2023 NWOAL Girls Bowling Title.  Liberty Center was second with 9.0 points, Bryan had 6.0, Patrick Henry had 5.0 and Delta had 4.0 points.

The Lady Indians took the first three spots in the tournament individual round with Kymberlee Yocom leading the way with a three-game series score of 655 followed by Jayde Ramos with a 617 and Kendall Horner with a 597.  Haylie Federspiel of Bryan was fourth with a 545 and AJ Seedorf of Liberty Center was fifth with a 511 total.  Wauseon also placed the first four bowlers on the five-spot First Team All-NWOAL.  Again, it was Kymberlee Yocom who led the league with a 198.37 average, followed by teammates Jayde Ramos with a 193.30, Kendall Horner with a 187.60 and Danielle Carr with a 181.30 season’s average.  Arianna Smith of Liberty Center was the other First-Team placer with a 178.19.

On the boys side of the alley, the Liberty Center Tigers and the Wauseon Indians entered the tournament tied with 6.5 points, having split their two regular season matches.  This day, however, it was the Tigers who were the better team, out rolling the Indians 4202 to 3770 for the NWOAL Boys Tournament Championship.  The Bryan Golden Bears finished third with 3649 pins, the Delta Panthers were fourth with a 3559 score, the Patrick Henry Patriots took fifth with a 3465, the Swanton Bulldogs were sixth with a 3225 and host school, the Evergreen Vikings came in seventh at 2913.

The Liberty Center tournament victory gave them 13.5 overall points, one point ahead of Wauseon’s 12.5, and the 2022-2023 NWOAL Boys Bowling Title.  Delta and Bryan tied for the third spot with 9.0 points each, Patrick Henry had 6.0, and Evergreen and Swanton tied at 3.0 points for sixth place.

The individual round for the boys saw a very tight race for the top spot.  When the final pin fell, Josh Hoops of Patrick Henry and Ryan Marks of Wauseon had both shot a three-game 656 series for first place.  Brody Waugh of Delta finished in third place, a mere two pins behind with a 654.  Land Amstutz of Liberty Center was next at 645 and Isaac Stoy of Bryan was fifth with a 643.  As you would expect, the Tigers had a very heavy presence on the First Team All-NWOAL with Landon Amstutz bowling a league-best 215.50 season’s average, Tim Blanton right behind with a 214.19 and Jacob Sexton in fourth with a 206.52.   Dakota Brandenberry of Bryan had the third highest average at 208.50 and Ryan Marks had a 204.96 to earn the fifth best spot.

After all the hardware was given out, Evergreen Athletic Director Dylan Henricks, announced that Delta Girls Coach Jerry Donaldson and Liberty Center Boys Coach Bruce Engler had been chosen Coaches of the Year by their peers.

Click on the link above to access photos from the tournament including all team and individual scores and standings as well as All-NWOAL award winners. Photos are in the jpeg format to allow for editing and can be downloaded for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.

Photo: Wauseon Girls and Liberty Center Boys

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Tyson Rodriguez drained seven shots from behind the arc for all of his game-high 21 points in leading the Wauseon Indians to a 54-31 blowout victory over the Delta Panthers in a game that pitted two of the four teams tied atop the boys NWOAL basketball standings with a 3-1 record. Landon Hines controlled the boards on both ends of the court, scoring 14 points, blocking shots and pulling down rebounds as the Indians scored in double figures in all four quarters while holding the Panthers’ offense to single digits in each frame.

The Wauseon victory kept them in a tie for the league lead with Patrick Henry at 4-1. The Delta loss slips the Panthers into a tie for third place at 3-2 with Archbold who suffered a 52-44 loss to Swanton on the same night. The Indians will try to remain in first place when they host the Archbold Blue Streaks on Friday night at 7:30 PM. Delta travels to Patrick Henry to face the league-leading Patriots on Friday at 7:15 PM, looking for a win to get back in the race for the top spot.

Wauseon: 12-13-16-13 = 54 Tyson Rodriguez (21), Landon Hines (14), Jace Leatherman (12), Jude Armstrong (4), Elijah McLoed (3)

Delta: 7-7-9-8 = 32 Bryce Gillen (11), Bryar Knapp (7), Nolan Risner (6), Justin Ruple (4), Brayden Ruffer (3)

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: Landon Hines (24) jumps ball with Bryce Gillen

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The Delta Panthers took a 145 pin lead over the Bryan Golden Bears after the two rounds of individual bowling then almost doubled that advantage in the three Baker games to handily win the match at the Swanton Sports Center 2330-2044. In a closer match, the Delta Lady Panthers lost to the Bryan Lady Golden Bears 1937-1785.

Bryan Boys: Issac Stoy (175+188 = 363), Dakota Brandenberry (146+209 = 355), Aaryan Singh (155+155 = 310), Alexander Douglas (159), Skyler Crooks (139), Noah Mills (138), Trevor Graig (131), Baker Games (170+118+161 = 449) Total = 2044

Delta Boys: Konrad Hawkins (229+200 = 429), Brody Waugh (196+170 = 366), Dylan Stricker (170+163 = 333), Brenden Pribe (156+162 = 318), Paul McQueen (151+143 + 294), Baker Games n(238+186+166 = 590) Total = 2330

Bryan Girls: Jessica Federspiel (158+187 = 345), Ashley Grymonprez (155+169 = 324), Haylie Federspiel (125+168 = 293), Polly Sleesman (156+115 = 271), Kyah Davis (113+128 = 241), Baker Games (153+164+146 = 463) Total = 1837

Delta Girls: Lexi Brown (179+192 = 371), Ciarra Flickinger (164+178 = 342), Alana Hoyt (112+140 = 252), Olivia Tipton (106+106 = 212), Serena Shelhart (108+87 = 195), Baker Games (132+136+145 = 413 Total = 1785

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: Top Delta Bowlers Lexi Brown and Konrad Hawkins

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This past Friday, prior to a match against the Bryan Golden Bears, the Delta Panthers bowling team recognized their seniors for their efforts and contributions to the program during their careers. Representing the Class of 2023 were Ciarra Flickinger, Lexi Brown, Alana Hoyt, Camden Leonard, Paul McQueen, Brenden Pribe, Dylan Stricker.

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

Photo L to R: Ciarra Flickinger, Lexi Brown, Alana Hoyt, Paul McQueen, Brenden Pribe, Dylan Stricker, Camden Leonard

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The Archbold Lady Blue Streaks bolted to a 20-7 opening period lead and never let off the gas until the fourth quarter as they cruised to a 52-17 victory over the Swanton Lady Bulldogs on the road. Carly Grime led a balanced Streak scoring attack with 12 points and Archbold shot 75% (12/16) from the free throw line in the easy win. Alaina Pelland had five points to lead Swanton.

Archbold: 20-17-14-1 = 52 Carly Grime (12), Sophia Rupp (10), Alayna Perez (8), Leah McQuade (7), Grace Meyer (7), Alanna Pedraza (5), Alivia Rodriguez (2), Nyah Grime (1)

Swanton: 7-2-6-2 = 17 Alaina Pelland (5), Emma Crow (4), Olivia Gowing (4), Jessica Finfera (2), Katie Floyd (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: Carly Grime lays one in for two of her game-high 12 points

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The Wauseon Bowlers, girls and boys, defeated the Delta Bowlers in NWOAL action on Monday night at the Swanton Sports Center. The Lady Indians beat the Lady Panthers 2467-1984 and the Gentlemen Indians edged the Gentlemen Panthers 2289-2235.

Wauseon Girls: Kymberlee Yocom (210+231 = 431), Danielle Carr (205+222 = 427), Kendall Horner (191+200 = 391), Rachel Carr (190+144 = 334), Jayde Ramos (193), Natalie Stevens (187), Baker Games (200+138+156 = 494) Total = 2467

Delta Girls: Ciarra Flickinger (225+194 = 419), Lexi Brown (194+159 = 353), Alayna Hoyt (140+132 = 272), Olivia Tipton (126+100 = 226), Serena Shelhart (125+100 = 225), Baker games (202+118+169 = 489) Total = 1984

Wauseon Boys: Parker Black (199+172 = 371), Kage Little (181+188 = 369), Ryan Marks (178+177 = 355), Kane Panico (165+166 = 331), Evan Stevens (113+132 = 245), Baker Games (147+265+206 = 618) Total = 2289

Delta Boys: Brody Waugh (190+181 = 372), Konrad Hawkins (166+190 = 356), Dylan Stricker (142+211 = 353), Paul McQueen (183+144 = 327), Brenden Pribe (116+150 = 266), Baker Games (166+176+220 = 562) Total = 2235

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.

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Delta senior James Ruple was able to secure a loose ball under the basket and connect on a five-foot jump shot as time expired to lift the Panthers to a shocking 35-34 victory over the Swanton Bulldogs at Swanton’s Kevin J. McQuade gymnasium last Friday night.  The Panthers, who had trailed by as many as nine points in the second half, had whittled the deficit down to one point and were frantically working the ball for a chance to take the lead with the clock winding down.

With 5.8 seconds remaining in the game, Justin Ruple fired up a shot from beyond the arc that would eventually fall well short of the rim and bounce on the edge of the baseline, headed out of bounds.  Bryce Gillen, Delta’s leading scorer on the season who was held to no points on the night, leaped over the baseline and threw the ball back under the basket where it pin-balled off several legs and hands until it was finally grabbed by James Ruple.  Ruple went straight up, released the ball and watched as it hit the back rim before falling through the hoop as the buzzer sounded, setting off a wild court-storming celebration of the Panther faithful.

The Delta win, combined with Patrick Henry’s loss to Wauseon, created a log jam at the top of the NWOAL with four teams, including Archbold, tied at 3-1.  The Panthers also claimed the best overall record on the season so far with 14 wins and just two losses.  Next Friday, Delta will play host to the Wauseon Indians in hopes of breaking that tie and remaining in contention for the league title.  Swanton drops to 1-3 in the league and 12-5 overall and will travel to Archbold with an opportunity to play spoiler in the race for the top spot.

Delta: 10-5-7-13 = 35 James Ruple (14), Justin Ruple (9), Bryar Knapp (7), Nolan Risner (5)

Swanton: 8-12-8-6 = 34 Cole Mitchey (10), Luc Borojevich (9), Hayden Callicotte (8), Charlie Wood (4), Kayden Davis (3)

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: James Ruple scores over Swanton’s Charlie Wood

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Holding just a four-point lead entering the fourth quarter, the Delta Panthers put the game away with a 13-3 scoring advantage to defeat the Swanton Bulldogs 43-29 in a Junior Varsity basketball game in Swanton. Derek Sargent led the Panthers with 11 points. Bulldog Keyon Johnson-Couch scored a game-high 15 points.

Delta: 5-16-9-13 = 43 Derek Sargent (11), Brady Morr (7), Walt Hallet (7), Tyler Ruple (6), Wyatt Gibbons (4), Brodey Roth (4), Ethan Huffman (2), John Brasher (2)

Swanton: 5-7-14-3 = 29 Keyon Johnson-Couch (15), Brennon Mersing (5), Grady Tipton (3), Brady O’Shea (3), Logan Young (3)

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: Derek Sargent scores inside

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Unable to host the match against the Swanton Bulldogs last Monday in their home bowling center, River City Bowl-A-Way in Napoleon, due to a water main break, the Liberty Center Tigers made themselves at “home” at the Swanton Sports Center and defeated the Bulldogs 2293-1808. Tiger Tim Blaton led all bowlers by rolling a 232 +202 = 434 series.

Click on the link above to access phots 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.

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This past Friday afternoon, an Induction ceremony and luncheon was held in honor of the Swanton High School Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame Class of 2022.  This year’s honorees were Benjamin Gombash (’07) and Linda Novak Chambers (’84).  Later in the evening, during the halftime of the boys’ varsity basketball game, Ben and Linda were each presented with a plaque to commemorate their induction.  Below are the bios from the ceremony’s program.

Benjamin Gombash –

Ben is a 2007 graduate of Swanton High School.  He was teen volunteer at the Toledo Zoo and in 2007 Ben was chosen as the Teen Volunteer of the Year.  After graduation he attended The Ohio State University graduating in 2012 Magna cum Laude with Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Science and Bachelor in Science with honors in Anthropology.  In 2016 Ben received his Master’s in Primate Behavior from Central Washington University.  He is currently at the University of Notre Dame working on his PhD in Biological Sciences. 

Ben has done field course work through University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee in 2014 on Primate Conservation Genetics and in 2018 at East Carolina University Balinese Macaque Ethno primatology Field Project in Anthropology.  In 2010 Ben was a volunteer at the American Primate Educational Sanctuary APES in Blacklick, Ohio.  He was the project assistant for the Orangutan Health Project in Bukit Lawang SU Indonesia from 2012-2013.  The Orangutan Health Project (OHP), the first of its kind for orangutans, investigates the special behaviors and ecological conditions necessary to maintain health in wild orangutans. Ben managed finances, supervised volunteers, prepared botanical and fecal samples, collected data and photographed plants in the jungle for research purposes. In 2013 Ben worked with the United States Forest Service as a Biological Science Aide working in a small group collecting data for emerald ash borer research, helped identifying plants and collected DNA samples for Quercus spp.  

Ben worked in the Alouatta Sanctuary in David Panama from 2015-2016 as Primate Rehab Project Intern Coordinator and Site Manager.  Some of his responsibilities included Identification of howler monkeys and hands-on rehabilitation experience with mantled howlers, Geoffrey’s tamarin, white headed capuchin, black headed spider monkeys and kinkajou. Ben attended Central Washington University where he worked on DNA purification and lecturing to graduate and undergraduate classes.  He received his Master’s in Primate Behavior in 2016.  In 2018 Ben traveled to Upud, Bali Indonesia for his field study in Balinese Macaque Ethno primatology.  He worked on research and collected data on the rehab of primates. 

Ben has received the Fredrick Douglas and Susan B. Anthony award in Humanities and Social Science from the University of Rochester while in high school, the Athur J. Schmill Presidential Fellow scholarship 2016-2021, Zahm Research Travel Award 2018 and GLOBES Interdisciplinary Mini Grant Competition in 2018.  Ben can also speak Spanish, Swahili, Kiswahili, Indonesian, Bahasa Indonesia, and American Sign Language.

Ben gave much of the credit for his achievements to the education he received in the Swanton Local School District and referred to it as a “springboard to launch off to something greater.”   He also mentioned the considerable increase in educational opportunities Swanton Schools offer today compared to when he graduated 15 years ago.  “I like the spirit of this award and the fact the school is starting to recognize folks and promote them to let everybody know you can do whatever you want coming from here.  The sky’s the limit,” added Ben.

Linda (Novak) Chambers –

Linda graduated from Swanton in 1984.  During her time at Swanton, she was active in the Student Council and was a cheerleader.  After graduation, Linda attended Owens Community College to receive her Associates Degree in Physical Therapy, graduating with honors.   She continued her education at the University of Findlay graduating Suma cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy in 1997.  In 2014 Linda graduated from the University of Findlay Suma cum Laude with an MBA Degree.  

Linda worked at Flower Hospital from 1986-1991 as a Physical Therapist aide, in 1992-2001 she was a therapist for ProMedica.   In 2001 Linda was the Rehabilitation Services Coordinator for Toledo and Flower Hospital.  Linda became the Manager for Rehabilitation Services for ProMedica Health Systems in 2005, and then was the Manager for Rehabilitation Services for ProMedica Home Health Care and Health Systems.  

She was named Director of Operations Therapy Services in 2012.  She distinguished herself by showing her strong leadership skills at ProMedica.   She created the Home Care Division at ProMedica which combines the areas of Nursing, Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy.   That same year Linda became the Administrative Director of the ProMedica Home Health care and Health Systems.  She achieved a 41 % growth in the average daily census through brand re-imaging, systems integration, network capture and physical engagement.   Linda was responsible for 27 counties in NW Ohio and SE Michigan.

In 2017 she was named the Associate Vice President of ProMedica Health Systems.   She is responsible for rehab services for acute care, in patient rehab facilities and outpatient clinics. She is responsible for the oversight of rehab operations that include 400 rehab professionals across 31 locations, resulting in approximately $190 million gross revenues.   

Linda has successfully developed and implemented social determinate health screen and connect programs across primary care and out-patient oncology with plans to expand to acute care hospitals.

Linda is a member of the advisory Board of Habitat for Humanity and Ahave (cancer patient support group).

“To be inducted into the Swanton High School Hall of Fame, among many other successful alumni, I’m honored, I’m humbled and I’m joyful,” said Linda in expressing her “heart-felt” gratitude.  “There are so many deserving alumni out there in this community, in this state and in this nation and across this world.  And like Ben, I agree, this is a springboard and a foundation to achieve great things and achieve success.”

Click on the link above to access photos from the ceremony.