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Franklin County honors dozens of fall state high-school champions
Summary
Franklin County commissioners hosted dozens of student-athletes, coaches and athletic directors for a recognition ceremony that highlighted state championships across soccer, golf, cross country, field hockey and tennis and included college commitments and program milestones.
Franklin County’s Board of Commissioners paused routine business to recognize dozens of fall state high‑school champions on Tuesday, celebrating teams and individuals from Central Ohio and beyond.
The event opened with President O’Grady reminding student athletes that winning “should not be the biggest thing that you ever do in your life,” and urging them to thank the parents, coaches and school staff who supported their seasons. Guests included Arianna Tyler of the Greater Columbus Sports Commission and representatives of the Ohio High School Athletic Association, who praised athletes’ dedication and sportsmanship.
Coaches and captains from multiple schools described season highlights and, in several cases, college plans. Bishop Watterson’s boys soccer coach Aaron Linden and captains highlighted a comeback-filled playoff run; Dublin Jerome’s boys golf coach Brad Sparling said his team set school and state scoring records and was ranked No. 1 nationally, and individual champion Brady Barnum thanked coaches and teammates and noted a college commitment. Olentangy Berlin’s tennis champion Soleil described overcoming cramps in the final — aided by a last‑minute home remedy — and said she is verbally committed to Bowling Green.
Other programs recognized included girls and boys golf, cross country, field hockey and soccer from schools including Thomas Worthington, Worthington Christian, Columbus Academy, Gahanna Lincoln and Olentangy schools. Several athletes used the mic to list college commitments or plans; coaches emphasized teamwork, program culture and academic performance.
Commissioners closed the recognition portion by inviting interested students to learn how Franklin County government works and reminding them that the ceremony is intended as a springboard to future achievements.
The Board then returned to its regular agenda and proceeded to adopt a series of routine resolutions.
