Bexley City honors OTCA Division 2 state tennis champions; student rep Ruthie Grall introduced

The Bexley City Board of Education on June 10 celebrated the high-school tennis team's OTCA Division 2 state team championship and welcomed Ruthie Grall as the district's student representative.

Superintendent Dr. Jason Fine congratulated the Lions on the program's first team state title since 2017 and read remarks from coach Will Gingry thanking the community. Dr. Fine highlighted the team's playoff run: a 3-0 victory in the state semifinals and a 3-2 win over Indian Hill in the championship match. He singled out key performances, including Henry Lassard's first singles win (6-1, 6-1), Amaya's victory at third singles (6-4, 6-3), and Harrison Lassard's match-clinching win (7-5, 7-6).

Captains Adrien Schiff, Lolan Reese and Henry Lassard, among others, introduced themselves and briefly described plans for next year: Amaya said she will attend Michigan State and play on the women's team; Lolan Reese said he will attend Ohio State to study finance; Adrien Schiff said he will attend Miami University (Ohio). The board invited the team to the podium for recognition and took a group photo.

Dr. Fine also introduced Ruthie Grall as the incoming student representative, noting her leadership in journalism, theater, student council and orchestra; Ruthie spoke briefly to accept the role.

The board used the celebration as part of its regular agenda and confirmed award presentations and student recognition are part of ongoing community engagement; no formal action was required to recognize the team or the student representative.