Random Thoughts: congrats, NWC, more

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

This installment of Random Thoughts centers around two of Van Wert’s relay teams, the Northwest conference, an underdog team, 2023 fall sports, All-Star football and Big 10 scheduling.

Belated congratulations

There were many fine athletes who competed at the OHSAA state track and field tournament, but congratulations to Van Wert’s 4×200 meter relay team of Kendra Deehring, Macy Johnson, Danesha Branson and Sofi Houg. The quartet finished as the Division II runner-up and the same four finished third in the 4×100 finals.

Both are very notable accomplishments.

NWC

For now, all is quiet on the Northwest Conference front. As you know, Ada and Leipsic are leaving for the Blanchard Valley Conference, most likely at the start of the 2024-2025 school year.

Three schools expressed interest in joining the NWC – Lima Central Catholic and Liberty-Benton as full-time members, and Fort Loramie as a football-only member. To my knowledge, there has been discussion but no action.

Perhaps there will be a new development or two by the end of June.

Underdog

If there was an underdog team in this year’s baseball state tournament, it was Division II Ontario, a school located just outside of Mansfield.

The Warriors got off to a 3-9 start and finished the regular season 9-14, before embarking on a tournament run that took them to the state finals. Along the way, Ontario knocked off some heavy hitters, including Perkins, Shelby and Defiance, then defeated Washington Court House in the state semifinals.

The Warriors (17-15) came up a bit short in the state championship game, falling behind 4-1 then losing 4-3 to Kenston. Even so, it doesn’t take away from an incredible postseason run.

All-Star football

I miss the All-Star football game that was played at Eggerss Stadium a few years ago. I realize those don’t have the popularity they did 10-20 years ago (for a number of reasons), but they were still fun to watch.

Fall sports 2023

Counting today, just 53 days are left until the first regular season high school sporting event of the 2023-2024 school year. Golf teams from Lincolnview and Van Wert will be on the course that day.

Big 10

Something to keep in mind with the Big 10’s new football scheduling format, which will go into effect starting with the 2024 season – it’s possible Ohio State and Michigan could play three times in a single season.

Since there won’t be divisions, the top two teams in the standings will play in the Big 10 championship game. So it’s possible that Ohio State and Michigan could play in the regular season finale then in the Big 10 championship game the following weekend, then meet in the expanded College Football Playoff.

As always, if you have thoughts or comments on any of the above topics, feel free to email me at sports@thevwindependent.com.