By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

The Mogadore Wildcats are prepared to celebrate legendary head coach Russ Swartz.

Swartz, who is a Mogadore graduate, retired from coaching after the 2024-25 season, then also as the high school’s principal before the start of the 2025-26 school year, finished his career with 510 wins.

Swartz will be celebrated at a retirement party scheduled for Sept. 27 from 3 to 7 p.m. at Roma’s (3763 Mogadore Road).

Alumni and families are encouraged to attend, with RSVPs sent to Dianne at 330-958-1515 or Alexis at 330-958-3987.

FUTURE PORTAGE SPORTS HISTORY

A special thank you to longtime supporters Chuck and Michelle Ulrich, who recently dropped off a package of old programs and newspaper clippings that will likely be used as part of future Portage Sports history posts.

Thank you, Chuck and Michelle!

ROOTSTOWN MIDDLE SCHOOL XC

For the second straight weekend, the Rootstown Middle School boys cross country team ran to a team title.

Last week, the Rovers bested the field at the East Canton Invitational. On Saturday, the team made it two straight championships by getting to the No. 1 spot at the Streetsboro Invitational.

Stone Stevenson won the individual title on the boys side, while the Rootstown girls also had the No. 1 individual runner in Teagan Dougherty.

MORE MIDDLE SCHOOL XC

The top-10 individual finishes at the Streetsboro Invitational on Saturday included:

GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY

1. Teagan Dougherty, Rootstown
2. Matilda Anderson, Stanton
3. Taylor Hanna, Springfield
4. Nateli Sobie, Southeast
5. Gracyn Kitzmiller, Cardinal
6. Emma Mills, Stanton
7. Andi Cioffi, Southeast
8. Molly Wiler, Stanton
9. Nora Miller, Springfield
10. Aliya Springer, Cardinal

BOYS CROSS COUNTRY

1. Stone Stevenson, Rootstown
2. Ryan Krupansky, Garfield
3. Adam Canale, Southeast
4. Maxwell Salesman, Rootstown
5. Nathan Kinter, Southeast
6. Parker Holland, Norton
7. Mason Dillon, Southeast
8. Kyle Barger, Streetsboro
9. Levi Kinkier, Springfield
10. Jagger Genis, Norton

WATERLOO’S JENIOR WINS AWARD

The season has gotten off to a special start for Waterloo girls soccer’s Koralee Jenior.

The sophomore has totaled 10 goals and two assists to lead the Vikings to a 4-1-1 overall record.

Four of the standout’s goals came in a victory over Smithville last week, which helped earn her the Division V Greater Akron Scholastic Soccer Coaches Association Player of the Week award.

This week, Waterloo will host New Middletown Springfield on Monday, then will again be home to host the Garfield G-Men on Wednesday.

PERSONAL BEST FOR ANNA DRAGO

During the Rootstown girls golf team’s loss to Copley last week, senior Anna Drago fired a new personal-best score of 39.

Her nine-hole round finished at 3-over, besting her previous personal best of 40.