Chillicothe City Schools have put a hold on activities until January 5, 2021.
In a statement from CCSD Superintendent Debbie Swinehart:
“District leaders continue to work closely with the Ross County Health District to assess the various risks facing our students and staff.
“Based on recommendations announced today for school athletics, we are suspending all athletic competitions and extracurricular activities, effective immediately until January 5, 2021.
“Unlike other local school districts, our teams often travel outside Ross County to compete. This puts our athletes and coaching staff at a greater risk of exposure and has the potential to further the spread of the virus across our communities.
“All official games and scrimmages will be postponed and rescheduled for a time when our teams can safely compete together. Practices and skills training in small groups will continue for current CCSD athletes, and our coaching staff will be strictly enforcing all screening and safety protocols, including temperature and symptom checks and increased sanitization of all athletic facilities.
“While this was a difficult decision to make, prioritizing health and safety must be our shared commitment for our school community.”
RCHD Commissioner Garrett Guillozet tells Litter Media he’s met with the superintendents of the county school districts with recommendations regarding school activities and that they come to a consensus. The other districts agreed to move forward with the limiting tickets to two family members per participant, no food concession service and an increase in mask wearing compliance.
Guillozet reaffirmed this was only a recommendation, not a health order.
In a statement made by the Ohio High School Athletic Association Wednesday afternoon “The decision for schools to move forward with sports is a local decision. Schools may certainly choose not to participate in a contest or to pause their season(s) for a period and should do what is in their best interest. The OHSAA believes that our member schools provide student-athletes with the safest possible environment to continue participating, and we all recognize the educational, physical and mental health benefits of participation.”
In a text conversation with Terri Tutt, the Commissioner the Frontier Athletic Conference in which Chillicothe participates, Tutt conveyed to Litter Media “The FAC is committed to giving a priority to league games.” At the time of our exchange, none of the other FAC members had changed their commitment to participating in their scheduled games.
“We want to follow this recommendation so that our kids can continue to compete,” said OHSAA Executive Director Doug Ute. “We believe it is crucial that parents be permitted to attend the contests of their children, but large crowds at our indoor athletic contests are not a good idea at this time. We all need to work together to give our kids and schools the best chance at having a full winter season.”
Schools will determine the process for how parents will attend athletic contests, such as how many are permitted and where they will be placed to watch the contest.
Regarding media coverage, the OHSAA asks schools to still permit media coverage of their contests, but the number of media attending should be restricted to those who regularly cover the teams involved. Schools are encouraged to provide live video streaming of their athletic contests for those who cannot attend.
The OHSAA provided the following recommendations for member schools:
· For those schools that decide to admit parents, list the names of the parents on a roster sheet that is located at your ticket window/admission table. This will help clarify who should/should not be admitted and will hopefully eliminate non-parents from attending.
· Limit media to those who normally cover your school and consider utilizing a streaming service in order for fans to view your contest(s).
· There is no prohibition on cheerleaders and pep bands, but schools should make their own decisions on these students’ participation and should strongly consider not sending cheerleaders to away contests.
As administrators were notified last week, the OHSAA winter sports seasons are moving forward as planned. That decision was made after the Executive Director’s Office had discussions with the Governor’s Office, the OHSAA Board of Directors and numerous administrators combined with the results of the membership survey in which 56 percent of the 1,464 respondents recommended that the OHSAA begin all winter sports contests as they are currently planned and scheduled.
The decision for schools to move forward with sports is a local decision. Schools may certainly choose not to participate in a contest or to pause their season(s) for a period and should do what is in their best interest. The OHSAA believes that our member schools provide student-athletes with the safest possible environment to continue participating, and we all recognize the educational, physical and mental health benefits of participation.
According to the report, the OHSAA received approval from Governor Mike DeWine’s office Wednesday.
The Ohio Department of Health Order allows for 300 fans or 15% capacity fo the venue, whichever is less. Just like during the Fall Season, the normal protocols are in place for athletes testing positive for COVID-19.
For Basketball, expect spectators to be limited to parents of participants, which includes teams, cheerleaders and pep band members. 15 players will be permitted on the roster with 18 chairs available for all staff and six feet between those on the bench. It’s also suggested for teams traveling on separate buses for freshmen, junior varsity and varsity games with those buses departing following their contest.
Wrestling will follow similar distancing practices for their benches.
Locally, swimming presents some difficulties with tight spaces at the respective YMCA pools used for area schools, but they should be able to work around the parameters put in place. Only McClain HS has a natatorium among the area schools. However, swimming would likely suffer should the Governor’s office to close fitness centers. The same could be said for area high school Bowling teams should bowling centers receive a shutdown order.
Chillicothe’s Brandon Noel prepares for a dunk in their Cavs’ tournament win last February.
FROM THE OHIO HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION(released November 20, 2020)
COLUMBUS, Ohio – In a memo to its member schools on Wednesday, the Ohio High School Athletic Association reaffirmed its position that the upcoming winter sports seasons will begin as previously scheduled. While individual school districts can pause sports at any time due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the OHSAA does not intend to alter the statewide season dates.
The decision came after discussions with the Governor’s Office, the OHSAA Board of Directors, OHSAA staff and many school administrators, along with the results of a recent survey of OHSAA member school administrators. Of 1,464 survey responses 826 respondents (56 percent) voted to begin winter sports as previously scheduled.
“Though we are seeing a spike in COVID-19 cases in Ohio, the majority of our member schools want the opportunity to move forward with winter sports as planned,” said OHSAA Executive Director Doug Ute. “As always, the decision to play sports is a local school decision and there will certainly be schools that pause sports for periods of time in the months to come, but if the majority of our schools want to move forward, then we want to provide that opportunity. As we have said previously, our member schools provide our student-athletes with the safest possible environment to participate. If we were to delay, students would find opportunities to compete in sports through non-school programs that may not be focused on safety and are not education-based.”
The survey results showed 33 percent of school administrators favored delaying winter sports until early January, and 11 percent voted to delay winter sports indefinitely until statewide COVID-19 conditions improve.
Noting the Governor’s Curfew Order
As it relates to school sports, the Governor’s 10:00 p.m. Ohio curfew order does not mean that teams and fans must be home from their competitions by 10:00 p.m., but venues must be vacated by 10:00 p.m. The OHSAA encourages schools and conferences to alter start times, if needed, so that competitions end in time to close the facility by 10:00 p.m.
COVID-19 General Guidance (Including Mandates; Spectator Capacity, and Recommended Best Practices)
It is especially important that requirements for facial coverings, social distancing and frequent hand washing be followed and that facility hosts disinfect and clean competition and high contact areas frequently. Also note that the Order has a limit on spectator capacity, which is the lesser of 15 percent of fixed, permanent seats or 300.
Winter Sports Requirements, Recommendations and Modifications
The OHSAA staff has developed sport-specific requirements, recommendations and modifications for schools when conducting interscholastic competition in winter sports. Links to the sport-specific requirements, recommendations and modifications for winter sports are available here:
He’s a fixture on the highways and byways of Southern Ohio, head into the wind, pedaling against the clock, with a carriage for his son in tow.
Chillicothe’s Joe Lawhorn of Team Dayton Cycling, spent 12 years serving his country during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, first in the US Marine Corps, then another six years in the US Army.
A broken back forced Sgt. Lawhorn into retirement. Rehabilitating from the injury, he rediscovered cycling.
Litter Media introduced viewers to Lawhorn for a video project promoting the Tour of Ross County Heroes, a fundraising cycling event in 2019 to assist the Chillicothe VA Medical Center’s Veterans Bike Program, which Lawhorn is a peer volunteer assisting the program’s director Matt Cox, a US Army veteran. The two were friends at Unioto High School before the attacks on 9/11 in 2001.
Lawhorn tells of his cycling experiences, transitioning from a runner to a cyclist and its rewards. He also recounts the emotional ride into Chillicothe during the grueling 3,000-plus mile Race Across America and how cycling has helped him connect with veterans.
Selecting the roadways for the Tour of Ross County Heroes was easy because the were routes used in his training each day. Lawhorn also talks about a special stretch of roadway he always visits near Southeastern Local Schools, the gravesite of his friend Aaron Reed who was killed in action in Iraq.
What’s ahead for 2021? Lawhorn recently posted on his facebook page, an attempt to chase 500 miles in 24 hours and breaking the Trans-Ohio record, traveling from Pennsylvania to Indiana… then turning around and going for “a double”.
The interview below is unused footage from an conversation with Lawhorn in preparation for the 2019 Tour of Ross County Heroes ride.
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio High School Athletic Association has finalized details for several upcoming state tournaments, including cross country, volleyball and soccer. In addition, updates are included for football regional final and state semifinal sites, along with divisional breakdowns for the 2021 softball and baseball seasons.
SOCCER STATE CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES TO BE HOSTED AT MAPFRE STADIUM
In partnership with the Columbus Crew SC, the OHSAA girls and boys soccer state championship games will once again be hosted at MAPFRE Stadium in Columbus. The girls finals will be Friday, November 13, followed by the boys finals on Saturday, November 14. The OHSAA applauds the Crew SC for working with the OHSAA to make it possible for the finals to remain at MAPFRE Stadium, where they have been since 1999.
“We would like to thank the Crew SC for being such a great partner during these uncertain times,” said Kathleen Coughlin, OHSAA Director of Sport Management and soccer administrator. “Due to the attendance restrictions this year, we didn’t know if it would be possible to have our finals in such an outstanding venue, but the Crew SC made it happen and we couldn’t be happier to once again crown our soccer state champions at MAPFRE Stadium.”
VOLLEYBALL STATE TOURNAMENT TO BE HOSTED BY VANDALIA-BUTLER HIGH SCHOOL NOV. 13-15
The upcoming volleyball state tournament will take a hiatus from the Nutter Center at Wright State University and be hosted by Vandalia Butler High School. In addition, the event will move to a Friday-Saturday-Sunday format (November 13-15). School will not be in session at Butler High School that Friday.
“We are very thankful that Butler High School stepped forward to host our volleyball state tournament,” said Emily Gates, OHSAA Director of Sport Management and the volleyball administrator. “We look forward to our return to Wright State University in the future, but with the small number of fans who can attend this year, we needed to find a smaller venue that was still an exceptional site. We found that at Butler High School and are very excited to work together on this great state tournament.”
The facility will be cleared and cleaned after each match, so the state tournament schedule will be adjusted to the following:
Friday, November 13: Division II semifinals at 10 AM and 1 PM; Division I semifinals at 4 PM and 7 PM
Saturday, November 14: Division IV semifinals at 10 AM and 1 PM; Division III semifinals at 4 PM and 7 PM
Sunday, November 15: Division II final at 9 AM; Division I final at 12:30 PM; Division IV final at 4 PM; Division III final at 7:30 PM
CROSS COUNTRY REGIONAL AND STATE TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
The OHSAA will now conduct all regional and state cross country races on Saturdays (Oct. 31 and Nov. 7, respectively). The schedule for the regional and state tournaments is as follows:
On October 22, the OHSAA informed schools that the better-seeded team would determine the site for the regional finals, which can be at the better-seeded team’s home stadium or another site of their choosing. The Division I regional finals are this Friday, Oct. 30, while the regional finals for Divisions II through VII are November 6-7.
Later this week, the OHSAA will announce how the regions will be paired for the Division I state semifinal games. Next week, the OHSAA will announce how the regions will be paired for the state semifinals in Divisions II through VII. The OHSAA will select neutral sites for the state semifinal games and the state championship games. Sites will be announced as soon as possible. Of note, many traditional host sites are not available to serve as neutral sites due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
SOFTBALL AND BASEBALL DIVISIONAL BREAKDOWNS POSTED FOR 2021 SEASONS
The divisional breakdowns for the 2021 softball and baseball seasons have been posted at OHSAA.org. Of note, competitive balance data was not used for the breakdowns due to the cancellation of the 2020 season.
Most of the area teams still alive in OHSAA playoff action will be playing Saturday night, but several will be continuing their regular season action on Friday night. All kick off times are 7pm.
The Litter Media Game of the Week features Waverly hosting McNicholas in the quarterfinals of D IV Region 16. The Tigers enter the game 7-0 after pasting Norwood 62-14 last Saturday. McNicholas was a 27-0 winner over Unioto last weekend, improving the Rockets’ record to 5-2. Watch for score updates from Waverly on the Litter Media Facebook Page Saturday night, Litter Media Extras including a game report, photos over the weekend and a game highlight package next week.
With the first round behind them, the OHSAA Football Playoffs continue this weekend.
Below are games involving area teams, including those who either opted out of the playoffs or have scheduled regular season games for the weekend. Kick-off is 7pm for the games.
TheLitter Media Cameras will be at Paint Valley as the Bearcats host the Greeneview Rams with the Litter Media Game of the Week.
PLAYOFFS – Friday, October 16:
II – Region 8
Teays Valley at Anderson (Winner plays Piqua/Harrison)
III – Region 11
Miami Trace at London (Winner plays Jonathan Alder/Zanesville)
Tri-Valley at Jackson (Winner plays Hartley/Western Brown)
VII – Region 27
Berne Union at Eastern Pike (Winner plays Trimble/Monroe Central)
REGULAR SEASON – Friday:
Huntington at River Valley
East Clinton at Hillsboro
South Point at Zane Trace
Alexander at Southeastern
PLAYOFFS – Saturday, October 17:
IV – Region 15
Indian Valley at Bloom-Carroll (Winner plays Marion-Franklin/Carrollton)
Vinton County at Gallia Academy (Winner plays Meadowbrook/Philo)
Logan Elm at Licking Valley (Winner plays Heath/Cambridge)
IV – Region 16
Norwood at Waverly (Winner plays Unioto/Anderson)
Unioto at McNicholas (Winner plays Norwood/Waverly)
V – Region 19
Portsmouth West at Wheelersburg (Winner plays Northwest/Ready)
Northwest at Ready (Winner plays Portsmouth West/Wheelersburg)
Wellston at Johnstown Monroe (Winner plays Ironton/New Lexington)
Oak Hill at Ridgewood (Winner plays Amanda Clearcreek/Liberty Union)
Amanda Clearcreek at Liberty Union (Winner plays Oak Hill/Ridgewood)
Piketon at Harvest Prep (Winner plays Columbus Academy/Coshocton)
VI – Region 23
Lucasville Valley at Worthington Christian (Winner plays Barnesville/Marion Elgin)
VI – Region 24
Parkway at Adena (Winner plays Harrod Allen East/Minster winner)
Greeneview at Paint Valley (Winner plays Mechanicsburg/Deer Park winner)
Two weeks ago, Chillicothe dominated Miami Trace 44-3. Last week, the Cavaliers were celebrating a Frontier Athletic Conference Championship in a double overtime victory over Jackson.
But the Regional Playoff game on October 9th at The O belonged to the Panthers, rallying from a halftime deficit of 14-13 to win 27-14. The win advances Miami Trace to face London next Friday night.
Chillicothe was playing shorthanded after a Junior Varsity player tested positive for COVID-19 mid-week. That placed 39 players into quarantine protocol, leaving the Cavs with just 19 players to dress for the game.
In the previous meeting, Miami Trace was hampered without starters Jayden LeBeau (RB) and Josh Gilmore (WR). Both were injured the week before against Jackson, but they were instrumental with a second opportunity to face Chillicothe.
Despite being short on players, Chillicothe got off to a good start and took a 14-6 lead. Jaiden Cain, playing quarterback for the first time since the 2019 opener at Teays Valley, was pressed into action after QBs Kamron Smith and Mason Doughty were both quarantined, leaving Cain to get caught up in a hurry.
Maxwell Lee plunged into the end zone with 5:23 left in the 1st quarter to get the scoring started. Without place-kickers, the Cavs went for two-point conversions when they had the opportunity. The first attempt failed and Chillicothe led 6-0.
Miami Trace tied the score on a pass by Weston Melvin, the first of his four scoring passes on the night. Three of those went to Gilmore, including the game tying touchdown from five yards out. The Panthers PAT failed to knot the score at 6 through the first quarter.
Scales had a 37-yard run inside the Miami Trace five. Cain crossed the goal line on a keeper to put Chillicothe and Scales followed with the 2-point PAT ahead 14-6.
Miami Trace pinned the Cavaliers back to their 1 yard line forcing a punt from their end zone. Gilmore return the kick to the Chillicothe 27. Melvin connected with Gilmore again just before the half. Zach Warnock’s PAT pulled the Panthers to within 14-13.
Late in the third period, Melvin scrambled left and found Hunter McBee on the sideline for a 28-yard touchdown pass and with 2:38 remaining Miami Trace led for the first time, 20-14.
The Panthers dashed any possibility of a Cavaliers come back bid with a 67-yard strike from Melvin to Gilmore for a 27-14 lead with just 6:54 left in the game.
Melvin completed 11-of-20 passes for 201 yards and four TD passes. Gilmore (151 yards receiving) and LeBeau (154 yards rushing) were the workhorses for Miami Trace. Cain was 11-of-19 for 106 yards and Scales rolled to 158 yards on 19 carries.
The Panthers (4-3) will travel to London next Friday in the next round of the Regional Playoffs. The Cavaliers (5-2) may have more football to play. Coach Doug Pryor confirmed Chillicothe is negotiating for some regular season action. The OHSAA modifications for football (due to the pandemic) gives schools a chance for more games after the playoffs, until the week of November 15th.
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio High School Athletic Association Board of Directors held a scheduled meeting last Thursday (Oct. 1) virtually. The following are highlights from the meeting. Complete meeting minutes will be posted at OHSAA.org.
– The Board was updated by the OHSAA staff regarding various adjustments to the upcoming fall sports tournaments due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Among the changes are:
o CROSS COUNTRY: The regional and state tournaments will have a two-day format this year to spread out the event. The Division III races will be run on Friday afternoons (regionals on Oct. 30; state on Nov. 6), while the Division II and I races will be run on Saturdays (regionals on Oct. 31; state on Nov. 7). In addition, the current Ohio Department of Health order limits the number of runners in a cross country race to 150, which is less than a typical regional or state championships race. If the OHSAA’s variance request is not approved, each race will be run in two sections. As previously announced, the state championships will be at Fortress Obetz, while the regional sites are posted at: http://ohsaaweb.blob.core.windows.net/files/Sports/Cross%20Country/CCRegionals.pdf
o GOLF: At all levels of the tournament (sectional, district and state), tickets are required for entrance and must be purchased in advance. At most tournaments, there will be a limit of two tickets available for each qualifier. The state tournament venues remain the same, with NorthStar Golf Club in Sunbury hosting the boys Division III state tournament, and The Ohio State University Golf Club in Columbus hosting the Division I and II girls and boys state tournaments. There will be limited ticketing at Ohio State. Golf Genius will be utilized for live scoring, with the link posted on the state tournament coverage page at OHSAA.org. There will be no awards presentations on Saturday.
o FIELD HOCKEY: The state tournament will move to Thomas Worthington High School after being hosted at Upper Arlington High School, which cannot host the event this year. The state semifinals will be on Thursday, Nov. 5, and the state championship game will be on Saturday, Nov. 7.
o SOCCER: The state championships venue has not been finalized. Traditional host MAPFRE Stadium in Columbus may or may not host the games.
o GIRLS TENNIS: The Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason will continue to host the state tournament, as the venue graciously does not charge the OHSAA a rental fee. If inclement weather forces play indoors, the OHSAA will communicate the limited spectator policy.
o VOLLEYBALL: The state tournament venue has not been finalized. Traditional host Wright State University in Dayton may or may not host the event.
– The board approved a recommendation from OHSAA staff to use the current base enrollment data in 2021-22 for a third school year, instead of obtaining new enrollment data this fall from the Ohio Department of Education to start a new two-year cycle next school year. Therefore, a new two-year cycle for enrollment data will begin in 2022-23. The data is used to help determine divisional alignments for tournaments, in addition to school classifications for District Athletic Board elections.
– The board approved a joint proposal from the softball and baseball coaches associations that provides an exception within General Sports Regulation 8 to increase the number of team members permitted to be together to receive individual skill instruction outside of the school season or defined no-contact period. Softball and baseball coaches are now permitted to provide coaching to a maximum of six members of their school team at the same time in all facilities.
– The board approved a proposal from the Ohio High School Ice Hockey Advisory Committee to move the non-interscholastic date back to December 30 instead of the previously established date of November 20 to assist student-athletes who are pursuing a future team placement with USA Hockey.
– The board approved the 2020-21 OHSAA budget, which includes a projected $1.3 million deficit due to decreased spectators permitted at tournament contests. The OHSAA continues to explore cost saving measures and is working toward reducing that deficit as much as possible in order to continue providing services to member schools, its 26 sanctioned sports, and more than 15,000 contest officials.
– The Board reviewed the list of recent infractions by OHSAA member schools. Since the Board’s last meeting, Consequences were issued to 11 schools for violations of OHSAA bylaws or sports regulations. The list of infractions will be included in the complete Board meeting minutes posted at OHSAA.org.
– The Board ratified the contract between the OHSAA and Spectrum to serve as the OHSAA’s official television partner for the 2020-21 school year, which will include exclusive live television coverage of selected football and basketball games. Delayed television coverage, and some live video streaming coverage, is permitted for football and basketball games not selected by Spectrum. The board also approved the OHSAA to finalize a contract with the NFHS Network to provide live streaming coverage of selected tournament contests. The OHSAA will also promote the network to member schools for their regular-season contests.
– The board approved the softball and baseball divisional breakdowns for the 2021 spring season. Of note, competitive balance data from the cancelled 2020 season was not used when determining divisional alignments for 2021, and only school enrollment data (EMIS) was used.
After a 10 year absence and finishing second the last two seasons, the Adena Warriors are finally back atop the Scioto Valley Conference.
Adena blanked Zane Trace 46-0 to finish 6-0 in the COVID-19 shortened football season. The Warriors nearly matched their game average of 48 points per game to earn a Gold Ball for the undefeated SVC season.
Preston Sykes had a scoop and score just 11 seconds into the game and tacked on a 56-yard TD pass on the Warriors first offensive play to post an early 16-0 lead.
“I came on a blitz” said Sykes “I didn’t think I was gonna get there – then all of a sudden, linebacker Cole Williams, he smacked a guy and I saw the ball shootin’ out… my eyes got real big. I thought ‘Oh I can scoop this and score on this’.” And like that, it was 8-0 after Sykes scored on a two-point conversion.
After forcing the Pioneers to punt on their next series, Sykes connected with Tate Myers on a 56-yard pass for a touchdown. And like that, the Warriors were ahead 16-0 1:54 into the first quarter.
Cade McWhorter tacked on a 18 yard field goal for a 19-0 lead. Nate Throckmorton punched in a 5-yard run and with just 13 seconds before halftime, Sykes found Logan Bennett on an 8-yard pass to lift the Warriors to a 32-0 lead.
Sykes wasn’t finished, he broke into the open field and sprinted 67-yards for a score. Gabe Stark was on the receiving end of Sykes’ third TD pass to finish the scoring.
“Starting off fast was the key” said Adena’s John Penwell. “It’s a big deal. Especially when you have a team like Zane Trace, who’s talented, young… The ,kids came out and played well. “
Adena was awarded a first round bye for the playoffs and won’t play until they host on October 17th. Zane Trace travels to Coshocton next Friday as the playoff season begins.
Adena’s John Penwell was all smiles with his family celebrating a 46-0 win over Zane Trace. The Warriors fell short of a title the previous two seasons. Photo by Dan Ramey/Litter Media
