By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

Before we get into this week’s column, I would like to propose that everyone pause their reading, pick up their cell phone and share an appreciation message to someone who deserves it.

A simple message can be such an uplifting thing.

A couple of weeks back, in a text thread between coaches for the softball team I help coach, one of our coaches pushed an appreciation message to the other three of us.

We practice a couple times a week, see each other regularly, and we share a great chemistry and synergy together.

We all speak the same language for youth sports and get along great.

We know where we stand with each other, because we are friends.

We are so much on the same page that it would be assumed that none of us needed a message to validate our appreciation for each other.

However, when the coach sent the simple message for coaching alongside each other, it was a meaningful moment.

Thank you, Johnny!

Now, it is your turn.

Who is going to receive your appreciation message?

SUFFIELD TEACHER HONORED FOR HEROIC MOMENTS

Suffield Elementary physical education and health teacher Samantha Wilson was recently honored for two life-saving moments.

Wilson, who graduated from Field and was the team’s standout starting shortstop on coach Beth Dyer’s first softball team in 2007 that were district finalists, twice performed the Heimlich maneuver on students over the last year during lunch periods.

Wilson described her jumps into action by saying, “It just seemed like nothing to go help someone. That’s what I do, as a teacher, I take care of these kids while they’re with me at school.”

Wilson’s actions were brought to the attention of the American Red Cross, which documented her heroic acts. The Suffield PTA, alongside Suffield Elementary Principal Shawn Bookman, also recently presented Wilson with a plaque of appreciation.

“Samantha has such a special passion for the kids and about learning and teaching,” Bookman said. “She is such a great representative for what a physical education teacher is, and we are so proud to have her. 

“Her quick thinking, to jump in for those situations, was incredible,” Bookman added.

Here is a video from the American Red Cross that tells more about Wilson’s heroic story.

SAMANTHA WILSON VIDEO

INCLUSIVE PLAYGROUND FUNDRAISER AT SOUTHEAST

The “Pirates Promise” organization will host a Community Night on April 24, which will serve as a fundraiser for an inclusive playground that Southeast Elementary has committed to building.

The night will feature the Southeast High School staff vs. Adaptive Sports Ohio in a wheelchair basketball game.

The project has been two years in the making and Southeast parent mentor and project coordinator Christian Hemberger said she is “thrilled” that progress continues to push forward.

“While our existing playground features a ramp, it falls short of being truly inclusive,” Hemberger said. “Children with mobility challenges struggle to navigate the mulch barrier and once on the structure, have little to engage with. There are no swings designed to meet diverse needs.

“We recognize it is impossible to address every requirement perfectly, but we are eager to do our utmost to create a space where every student and child in our community can participate,” Hemberger added.

“As a mother of a child with significant disabilities, I know first-hand the frustration of limited access. Currently, my child’s only option is to be pushed onto the structure — nothing more. A playground with broader offerings could bring all children together in play. One feature I’m especially excited about is the mobility whirl, a merry-go-round designed for wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers to join other kids in the fun.

“Inclusive playgrounds foster social skills, emotional growth and physical activity for all children, including those with disabilities, while encouraging empathy and connection among peers. This project will serve not just our school, but the wider community, as well. Given the high cost of playground equipment — particularly pieces with accommodations — we’re tackling this in phases. Thanks to a generous anonymous donor and the Portage DD Community access grant, phase one of our project is set to break ground this spring.”

COLLEGE SIGNINGS

    • Amelia Morris, Mogadore High School girls basketball, Cuyahoga Community Center

MOGADORE SOFTBALL IN TENNESSEE

The Mogadore softball team has spent the week in Pigeon Forge (Tenn.) playing against top-level competition at the Cal Ripken Experience.

The Wildcats posted a 4-2 record.

The team then returned home and picked up a pair of wins, defeating Garfield 6-1 last Saturday and 9-0 over Berkshire on Tuesday.

CRESTWOOD ASSISTANT HONORED

Crestwood girls basketball’s Tom Henderson was named the Ohio High School Basketball Coaches Association’s Assistant Coach of the Year for Division IV-V.

Henderson, who is the father of Red Devils head coach TJ Henderson, has coached across four decades.

He served as the JV girls basketball coach and varsity boys basketball coach at Eastlake North High School. Additionally, his resume includes stops as the freshman and JV boys coach at Kirtland, as well as being a varsity assistant at Aurora.

Henderson has been the varsity assistant at Crestwood the previous two years.

“With Tom on the staff, we’ve gone from a four-win season to 14 wins last year and 18 wins this year,” TJ Henderson said. “Tom plays a key role in the program, helping develop fundamental skills from our young guards to our seniors. Our program wouldn’t be the same without him. Tom does a fantastic job of bringing fun to the game, allowing the girls to enjoy the experience and the life lessons the sport offers.”

KENT’S ICE HOCKEY ALL-STARS

The Kent Roosevelt Rough Riders ice hockey team was well represented on Saturday night at the Greater Cleveland High School Hockey League All-Star Game played at Rocket Arena.

Seniors Alex Geist, Dominic France and Alex Simms all received an invitation to play in the special event, while head coach Brad Edwards was selected to coach the White Team.

BEST COACHES IN OHIO

When you have a season as successful as the Mogadore and Rootstown girls basketball teams, it seems that the postseason awards never end.

And deservedly so!

More came in on Monday, with Rovers head coach Joe Leonard being named the Ohio High School Basketball Coaches Association’s Division VI Coach of the Year and Wildcats head coach Jennifer Ritch earning the same prestigious honor as the Division VII Coach of the Year.

Rootstown finished the season with a 27-2 record and won the Portage Trail Conference championship for the fourth straight year. The Rovers then won sectional, district and regional titles — and played for the state championship game for the first time in school history, losing to Columbus Grove.

Mogadore finished the season with a 23-5 record and became the first team in program history to win a regional championship and advance to the Final Four, losing to eventual state champion Waterford.

ALL-SPORTS GOLF TOURNAMENT

We are excited to announce the 2nd Portage Sports All-Sports Golf Scramble Tournament!

The tournament is scheduled for June 29 and will once again be hosted by the Sunny Hill Golf Course on Sunnybrook Road in Brimfield.

Last year’s event proved to be an incredible amount of fun, with the unique “all sports” element allowing golfers to meet and get help from some of Portage County’s best student-athletes.

All competitors have the occasional opportunity to get assists from the student-athletes, with a tee shot from a top high school golfer, maybe an approach shot from a volleyball serve, a putt from an ice hockey standout, a fairway throw from a quarterback, and more.

Follow the QR code on the flyer to register (deadline is June 20).

The event includes 18 holes with a cart, lunch, dinner and FUN!

If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities, including hole sponsors, please feel free to email me at tomnader@portagesports.com

We look forward to another great day!