Editor’s note: The Friday Flashback has returned for the summer season and will continue until the start of the 2026 fall sports season. This week’s Friday Flashback takes us back to December of 2013, when Van Wert traveled to Allen County and came back with a WBL victory over Shawnee. Below is the story as it appeared on the VW independent Sports page.
DAVE MOSIER/independent sports
FORT SHAWNEE — It was an ugly win, but a “W” is still a “W” as the Van Wert Lady Cougars edged Shawnee 67-63 in a Western Buckeye League girls’ basketball thriller played Thursday at Shawnee.
With the win, the Lady Cougars are now 6-2 overall and 2-1 in the WBL, while Shawnee drops to 3-5 overall and 1-2 in league play.
The Lady Indians led by a basket, 14-12, after one period of play, but Van Wert came roaring back in the second stanza, going on a 20-6 run to lead by 12, 32-20, at the half. Shawnee then outscored the Cougars 24-16 in the third quarter to cut that lead to just four points, 48-44, heading into the final period of play.
It looked like the Indians wanted the game more than Van Wert early in the fourth quarter, as Shawnee took a 53-50 lead early on and led 58-54 with a little more than 3½ minutes to play in the game. But the momentum shifted back to the Cougars’ favor as Van Wert converted Shawnee turnovers into points and hit just enough free throws to ice the game at the end.
Van Wert had balanced scoring in the game, with four players in double figures. Riley Jones led the Cougars with 19 points, while Erin Morrow added 18 points and Alexis Dowdy and Emily Bair both scored 10 points for Van Wert.
Shawnee’s Clair Dahlke led all scorers with 21 points, while Rachel Evans added 16 for the Lady Indians.
The Cougars hit 18 of 25 from the free-throw line (72 percent), with Morrow making 10 of 12, including some clutch shots down the stretch. Shawnee made 4 of 7 (57.1 percent) from the line. Van Wert was 22 of 52 from the field (42.3 percent), while the Indians made 26 of 68 field goal attempts (38.2 percent).
The Cougars junior varsity team also won, 52-47, over Shawnee. Ally Jackson led the Van Wert JVs with 22 points, while Cassidy Sinning added 11 points. The Indians were led by Dionna Lewis’ 14 points.
POSTED: 07/17/26 at 12:01 am. FILED UNDER: Sports
After a long and very successful season, plus summer ball, volleyball, basketball and travel softball, Lincolnview was finally able to hold its annual softball banquet earlier this week. The Lancers had 16 NWC Scholar- Athletes, three All-Ohio Academic Athletes, seven All-NWC selections, four All-Northwest District selections, two All-Ohio selections and set six new school records. Lincolnview also won the NWC championship, along with sectional, district and regional championships and qualified for the Division VI state semifinals. Photo submitted
POSTED: 07/16/26 at 2:25 pm. FILED UNDER: Sports
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Pitchers will now join catchers as the only players in high school softball permitted to receive one-way electronic communication from the dugout, effective with the 2027 season.
This change was one of four recommendations by the NFHS Softball Rules Committee during its June 14-16 meeting in Indianapolis. All recommendations were later approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.
“Deliberations by the NFHS Softball Rules Committee were spirited and robust,” said Sandy Searcy, NFHS director of sports and liaison to the Softball Rules Committee. “Approval of these four rules proposals was the result of data collected form the membership, and specifically state association administrators. The committee is to be commended for its attention to detail, and thorough analysis of information available.”
Updated language now includes pitchers among the players permitted to receive one-way electronic communication from the dugout during games, allowing for faster delivery of information. The use of all other electronic devices to transmit or record information remains prohibited on the field of play, and players are still prohibited from transmitting or recording audio or video from the playing surface.
The committee also simplified language regarding whether a pitcher and catcher must face the first batter on defense in relation to courtesy runners. In its comments, the committee said the change eliminates the requirement — or perceived requirement — that the pitcher and catcher listed on the starting lineup card must face the first batter on defense.
“Previously, there was a misconception that the pitcher and catcher listed on the lineup card were always required to face the first batter (one pitch), which was never the intent of the rule,” the committee noted. “This change simplifies the administration of the courtesy runner rule and eliminates a provision that applied only during the transition between the top and bottom halves of the first inning. By removing a unique scenario that applied only to the bottom of the first inning, the rule becomes easier for umpires, coaches, scorekeepers and players to administer and understand.”
Additional changes allow state associations to determine umpire uniforms and clarify the definition of an initial play to better align with other areas of the rules book.
(more…)POSTED: 07/15/26 at 5:36 pm. FILED UNDER: Sports
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Beginning next year, high school baseball teams will be given the option to use an 18-inch first base or the double first base. The larger base is presented as an alternative to the previously mandated double first base, which goes into effect in 2027.
The larger first base option was one of seven rules changes recommended by the NFHS Baseball Rules Committee at its meeting last month in Indianapolis and which were subsequently approved by the NFHS Rules Review Committee and NFHS Board of Directors.
In conjunction with the double first base, allowing a larger first base has proven to be effective in reducing player collisions and enhancing player safety.
“The NFHS Baseball Rules Committee believes that providing schools with the option of using either an 18-inch first base or a double first base gives administrators the flexibility to enhance player safety while recognizing the varying needs and resources of member schools,” said Elliot Hopkins, director of sports and liaison to the NFHS Baseball Rules Committee. “Both options are designed to reduce the potential for collisions at first base and support a reduced risk playing environment without changing the fundamental nature of the game.”
One-way electronic communication will now be allowed from the coach to the pitcher and/or the catcher for the purposes of calling pitches. Prior, the catcher was the only defensive player allowed to receive communication from the coach. While the coach must still be located in the dugout/bench area, the committee believes this change responsibly integrates electronic communication that enhances game management.
Bat certification was addressed with USA Baseball assuming bat-testing standards. Effective in 2028, there will be an additional class of permitted non-wood bats. Bats that are not made of a single piece of wood shall meet either the USA Baseball Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution (USA Baseball BBCOR) of .50 or the USA Baseball Bat Performance Standard (-4, -5, -6). Bats must be labeled with a silkscreen or other permanent certification mark.
“In addition, the NFHS remains committed to fostering the growth and development of high school baseball players,” Hopkins said. “As the game continues to evolve with the adoption of the USA Baseball BBCOR standard, expanding the available drop-weight options provides younger and developing players with additional opportunities to build proper mechanics, confidence and skills while maintaining the safety and performance standards expected in education-based athletics.”
(more…)POSTED: 07/15/26 at 5:36 pm. FILED UNDER: Sports
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WREN — Wrenway Park wiffleball tournament officials will be accepting the first 15 teams with their $100 entry fee at sign-up, scheduled for 5 p.m. Saturday, August 1. The sign-up event will be held at Wren Restaurant.
The 15 teams will play the 34th Wrenway Park Wiffleball tournament August 21-22 at Wrenway Park in downtown Wren.
Anyone with questions should call Jeff Davis at 419.203.6745.
Editor’s note: The Friday Flashback has returned for the summer season and will continue until the start of the 2026 fall sports season. This week’s Friday Flashback takes us back to October of 2013, when Crestview rolled by Ada for a homecoming victory. Below is the story as it appeared on the VW independent Sports page.
Van Wert independent sports
CONVOY — The Crestview Knights took little time in dictating how its homecoming game with the Ada Bulldogs would go. The Knights scored on their first possession and never looked back in a dominating 63-12 Northwest Conference victory over Ada, which came into the game with just one loss overall and a perfect 4-0 record in the NWC.
Crestview compiled 543 yards of total offense – 396 of that on the ground – while limiting the Bulldogs to 241 yards of offense, nearly all of that through the air. The Knights had 21 first downs to just 11 for Ada.
Quarterback Preston Zaleski found Nate Owens in the open for a 10-yard touchdown pass with 7:25 ticks left on the first-quarter clock. Kameron Grubaugh kicked the extra point and the Knights took a lead they would never relinquish.
Crestview also scored the next touchdown on a 4-yard run by Justin Overmeyer with 2:57 left in the first quarter. Grubaugh again kicked the PAT and it was 14-0, Knights. Ada then scored one of its two touchdowns on a 24-yard pass from Matt Wilcox to Spencer Archer. The point-after was no good and Crestview led 14-6 with 23 seconds left in the quarter.
The second quarter was the Knights’ big quarter, with four scores in the quarter. The first came on a 34-yard run by Malcolm Oliver with 10:42 left in the quarter. Grubaugh ran the ball in for two points on the PAT attempt and it was 22-6, Crestview.
The Knights scored just over 2 ½ minutes later when Jake Lippi ran the ball in from Ada 2-yard-line to make it 28-6. Grubaugh kicked the extra point to make it 29-6 with 8 minutes even left in the second quarter.
Lippi scored again on an 81-yard run with 3:12 remaining in the quarter. Grubaugh kicked the PAT and Crestview led 36-6.
The Knights’ final score of the first half came with 23 seconds remaining in the half when Zaleski found Oliver for a 29-yard aerial scoring strike. Grubaugh again kicked the point-after (he made six on the night) for a halftime score of 43-6.
Ada scored in the third quarter on a 16-yard pass from Wilcox to Archer with 9:05 remaining in the quarter. The PAT was no good and it was 43-12, Knights.
(more…)POSTED: 07/10/26 at 12:01 am. FILED UNDER: Sports
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent sports
The latest installment of Random Thoughts centers around a job well done, new basketball divisional assignments and LeBron James.
Well done
A tip of the cap goes to Eric McCracken and Kevin Price and everyone involved in the June 24 Lincoln Highway Classic, which was played at Russell Fisher Field in Van Wert.
The first annual event was a smashing success. Interest was high and it was very well attended. The idea didn’t come to fruition overnight – it took a great deal of time and planning.
It was well done and should become an annual staple of summer.
All-MAC final?
This is eight months away, but could we see an all-MAC Division VII boys basketball state championship game?
Maybe. Obviously, a lot of things have to happen, but it’s possible defending Division VII state champion Delphos St. John’s could face Division VI state runner-up Marion Local. The Flyers dropped down to Division VII for this coming season.
Yes, Cameron Elwer graduated but Delphos St. John’s still returns a stable full of great players. Marion Local should cause all sorts of matchup problems in Division VII.
So possible? Yes? Probable? We’ll see.
Another change
When basketball divisional assignments were announced last week, there were no changes in the Western Buckeye League. However, there could be a change that helps Van Wert, with an emphasis on could.
(more…)POSTED: 07/06/26 at 8:35 pm. FILED UNDER: Sports
VW independent staff/submitted information
Main Street Van Wert and Van Wert basketball are teaming up to hold the the second annual Main Street Madness 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament, on Saturday, August 1, at the east side Goedde Building on S. Jefferson St.
Open to boys and girls entering first through eighth grades, the tournament promises a fun-filled day of basketball, competition, and community spirit.
Tournament highlights include:
- Divisions for first-eighth grade boys and girls
- A maximum of 10 teams per division
- Two play-in games to determine tournament seeding
- Single-elimination tournament
- Games played with a 20-minute running clock or first team to 15 points
- Every registered participant receives a free tournament T-shirt
Participants are encouraged to check in 30 minutes before their scheduled game time. Tournament game times will be announced closer to the event.
“This tournament continues to grow each year and provides a great opportunity for young athletes to compete while bringing families downtown to enjoy everything Van Wert has to offer,” said Mitch Price, Executive Director of Main Street Van Wert. “We’re excited to once again partner with Van Wert Basketball to make this a memorable event.”
The cost is $80 per team. Registration is available online by scanning the QR code on the event flyer. Payment can be made by check or through Venmo @MainStreet1.
For additional information, contact Main Street Van Wert at 419.238.6911.
Editor’s note: The Friday Flashback has returned for the summer season and will continue until the start of the 2026 fall sports season. This week’s Friday Flashback takes us back to late January of 2012, when Van Wert traveled to Celina for a WBL boys basketball tilt. The game turned out to be a nailbiter. Below is the story as it appeared on the VW independent Sports page.
DAVE MOSIER/independent sports
CELINA – The Van Wert Cougar boys’ basketball team has struggle many times in the Celina High School gymnasium and Friday was no exception, as the Cougars were lucky to escape with a 63-61 Western Buckeye League victory over the Bulldogs on their home turf.
Van Wert led 15-13 at the end of the first period and was up by three points, 32-29, at the half. The Cougars had stretched their lead to seven, 52-45, by the end of the third quarter and were up by 12 points early in the fourth stanza when Celina switched to full-court pressure and the Cougars lost their composure — and their free-throwing shooting touch — but held onto the lead for the win.
It was the second game in a row where Van Wert’s free throw shooting was subpar. The first game was a 61-40 loss to Kalida on Tuesday when the Cougars went an incredible 0-for-8 at the line, including an 0-for-3 performance by Jacob Myers, a 90-percent free-throw shooter.
Myers was 7 of 9 from the line Friday, but Joey Hurless, also an excellent free-throw shooter, made only 2 of 8 free throw attempts, with most of those misses coming in the crucial fourth quarter. On the other hand, the two baskets he did make at the charity stripe were the difference in the game, coming as they did with less than a half-minute remaining.
Another indication that the Cougars had trouble with Celina’s defensive pressure was the 21 turnovers they made in the game, compared to 12 for the Bulldogs.
Myers had a season-best 32 points for Van Wert, while Reggie Smith added 10 points for the Cougars. Scott Moeder was unstoppable inside for Celina, scoring 25 points to lead the Bulldogs, while Matt Buschor scored 13 points and Braden Billger added 11 points for Celina.
Van Wert was 21 of 41 from two-point range (52.1 percent) and made 3 of 8 three-point attempts (37.5 percent). The Cougars hit 12 of their 23 free-throw attempts (52.2 percent). Celina made 25 of 42 two-point attempts (59.5 percent) and was 3 of 11 from three-point range (27.3 percent). Thankfully for Van Wert, the Bulldogs had a bad night at the free-throw line, hitting only 4 of 17 attempts at the line (23.5 percent).
(more…)POSTED: 07/03/26 at 12:01 am. FILED UNDER: Sports
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KENTON — More than 500 swimmers and their families will descend on Kenton on Friday and Saturday, July 10-11, for the 44th Western Ohio Aquatics League (WOAL) Championship. The WOAL meet is for swimmers aged 5-18 who are members of a league team.
The Kenton Municipal Swimming Pool is the host site for the 2026 Swim Champs and will host teams from Ada, Bluffton, Findlay, Kenton, Shawnee Country Club, Wapakoneta, Westside and Van Wert. The eight teams will compete for the 2026 league title.
Events will begin at 9 a.m. Friday, July 10, and will conclude around 2 p.m. Day two of championships will start at 9 a.m. Saturday, July 11, and will conclude around 3 p.m. The league champs will be crowned at the end of day two.
“The WOAL Swim Championships are a celebration of our communities,”
said Jason Howe, Kenton area swim team WOAL pool representative and head official. “They teach young swimmers the value of sportsmanship, friendly competition, and having fun while striving to do their best. Just as importantly, they give older swimmers the opportunity to mentor younger swimmers, creating a positive environment where everyone can learn, grow, and enjoy the sport of swimming,”
Each year, the championships rotate between the Bluffton, Kenton, and Wapakoneta pools.
On Saturday, one female and one male WOAL 2026 high school graduating swimmer will be awarded the Beverly R. Little Memorial Scholarship in recognition of their participation in the WOAL Swim League. The Lima Mayor’s trophy will also be awarded by Kenton Mayor Lynn Webb to recognize outstanding individual(s) service to the WOAL.
Local companies and individual sponsors for the WOAL include; Diamond M Veterinary Clinic, Graphic Packaging, HeartLight Pharmacy Services, Hixon Zuercher Capital Management, JTB Tech, LLC, JS PRO Display, Kenton Fire Department, Orthopedic Institute of Ohio, Precision Aerial Solutions, LLC, Quest Federal Credit Union, Rogers Insurance, Rudolph Foods, Scooters Coffee, SHC Entertainment & Technology, T&D Interiors, Inc., The Velvet Monkey Retreat, and the YMCA of Van Wert.
Heat Winner Sponsors include Wilson’s, Ohio Northern University, and SHC Entertainment & Technology.
Admission is free and open to the public. Food and beverage purchases will be available throughout the event at the pool concession stand and visiting food trucks.
POSTED: 07/01/26 at 8:19 pm. FILED UNDER: Sports
