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The Southwestern Buckeye League is proud to continue the SWBL Athlete of the Week program for the 2024-25 school year. The SWBL AOW is sponsored by Gameday Grille & Patio. This is Year 2 for the AOW campaign. Each Tuesday during the school year, a male and female scholar-athlete will be selected Athletes of the Week and announced on site. Winners will receive an award patch for their varsity jacket, a $25 gift card to Gameday and an SWBL AOW T-Shirt. An athlete may win the award once per season. Nominations will come from athletic directors, coaches and data (stats, results) entered on the SWBL website. Individuals may also submit nominations to swblsid@yahoo.com.

Boys: Levi Collins, Waynesville Wrestling

Senior finished sixth at the OHSAA Division III State Wrestling Championship at 165 pounds. Won his first two state matches via decision (9-6) and major decision (24-12). Finished the season 38-9 with 27 pins. Was eighth at state last year (165 pounds).

Girls: Kamyden Buck, Edgewood Lacrosse

Senior midfielder scored seven goals in a season-opening 13-2 win over Dixie Heights to reach 100 for her career. This is the third season for varsity lacrosse at EHS and Buck has appeared in all 38 games. She is the program’s all-time leading scorer and set the program’s single-game goals scored record with eight last year in a win over Alter. She plans to play club lacrosse at Miami University.

Brookville (20-10; 8-4; Buckeye Tri-Champion)
Despite the loss of nine seniors from last year’s SWBL tri-champs, the Blue Devils return arguably the league’s top 1-2 pitching punch in seniors Lane Willoughby (OF) and Nathan Waggoner (INF). That will be key as younger players gain experience. Willoughby (7-3, 64.1 innings pitched, 1.306 ERA, 59 Ks) and Waggoner (4-1, 49.1 innings pitched, 1.986 ERA, 49 Ks) were first and second team All-SWBL last year, respectively, while Willoughby was also the Buckeye Division’s Co-Pitcher of the Year. The Blue Devils open the season in Florida. “I'm excited to see how some of the young guys rise to the challenge and take on a new role with the varsity program,” head coach Tyler Eaton (45-36 in four years) said. “Our goal is to keep the standard as high as it was set last year.”
 
Carlisle (19-10; 8-4; Buckeye Tri-Champion)
The Indians must replace three All-SWBL players but return three in seniors Ethan Hamm (OF), Brendan Rowe (OF) and Cooper Steckel (IF).  
 
Eaton (11-11; 6-6; T-4th in Buckeye)
Head coach Robert Ebright enters Year 4 at EHS (43-29 record). “Our season will be determined by how well we continue to improve as players throughout the season,” Ebright said. “I am looking forward to seeing our returners and newcomers grow into a team.” Three All-SWBL players return in seniors Trevor Davis (SS/P), Luke Dunbar (OF) and Gavin Winings (OF/P). Other key returners are seniors  Dillion Jerdon (IF/P), Derrick Michael (OF/P), Anthony Watson (C) and Cooper Wilson (P/3B).
 
Edgewood (16-9; 3-5; 4th in SW)
First -year head coach Austin Hatfield, a former college assistant, takes over at EHS. Expect the Cougars to employ a new, more aggressive-styled offensive philosophy, that should challenge records for stolen bases, extra-base hits, and runs. “We are excited for an opportunity to compete this spring with a lot of returning impact players - who already have years of varsity baseball experience,” Hatfield said. “We are also excited to add some talented younger guys, and new players, to the program who will step up this season to help make a big impact.” Key contributors will be seniors Nick Kelhoffer (C/CF), Hayden Simonds (SS), Zack Boyle (IF/P), Robert Eggebrecht (3B) and Jackson Spears (RHP); juniors Roman Smith (OF) and Carson Downie (RHP/SS/CF) and sophomore JJ Vogel (LHP/1B).
 
Franklin (8-19; 0-8; 5th in SW)
Injuries hampered the Wildcats run last year and head coach Kyle Wainscott (84-62 in six years) is looking for a healthy season. If that happens, the Wildcats will be competitive. Strong performances on the mound will be crucial as well. “Pitching will be the key to our season,” Wainscott said. “If we can get enough quality innings on the mound we can be in the hunt for our 19th league title in school history.” Key returners are seniors Luke Eyink (C/P), sophomore Zack Beeson (LHP) and juniors Aiden Standifer (SS/RHP), Connor Monk (OF), Liam Rebholz (MIF/RHP), Andrew Cooke (OF/INF) and Braylon Williams (INF). Eyink was first team All-SWBL last year, while Standifer was second.
 
Madison (8-16; 2-10; 7th in Buckeye)
Head coach Ryan Gross (second year at MHS) and the Mohawks look to continue a climb towards the top of the division. “We are focusing on building consistency and a love for the challenge and opportunity to compete,” Gross said. A veteran cast led by seniors Grady Combs (SS), Devin Lindsey (OF) and Conner Robertson (P) will look to continue the ascent. Defense and base-running are team strengths. “We need the health bug to avoid us and have some timely hitting,” Gross said. “If we can do that, we have the ability to be a very tough group this season. This group is fun to be around. It's an older group with a core of players that are going on to compete at the next level. They enjoy the little stuff like the weight room, cage and practice days. We are looking to continue taking the steps necessary to bring back a highly competitive baseball program at Madison.”
 
Monroe (16-12; 6-2; SW Runner-Up)
The Hornets graduated six starters off last year’s SWBL runner-up squad, but head coach Ed Beck (61-52 in six years) expects his program to compete for the league crown again. “We have good leadership this year and that will help us through a tough schedule,” Beck said. “There will be a lot of moving parts, because our pitchers are position players as well, so guys will have to move around quite a bit.” Key returners for Monroe are seniors Nolan Craig (C), RJ Schwab (P), Drew Heagen (2B) and Connor Witte (P) and junior outfielders Joe Tarin and Dawson Watts. Tarin, Schwab and Heagan were All-SWBL last year.
 
Oakwood (21-8; 8-4; Buckeye Tri-Champion)
Optimism is high for the Lumberjacks who have a nice mixture of veterans and youth. “We need to stay healthy and the goal is to win a district championship this year,” head coach Tyler Venters (entering second year) said. “We had success last year, but didn’t meet our end goal. The players are determined and ready to compete every day.” Key returners include juniors Cooper Francis (P/OF), Owen Hoersting (OF) and Braden Devine (INF); senior Nate Patterson 12 (C/P/OF) and sophomore Briggs Beam 10 (PF/P). Francis (23 runs and 19 RBI), Hoersting (18 runs, 14 RBI and 11 SB) and Patterson (13 runs, 20 RBI and 13 SB) were All-SWBL last season. Said Venters: “The players are coming into the season and setting that culture of success and helping us continue to build on what we improved last year.”
 
Ross (20-5; 7-1; SW Champion)
The Rams graduated seven seniors from last year’s league title team but return a staggering 13 this season, including five that have committed to colleges - Ben Voegele (Cincinnati), Carson Sackenheim (Wittenberg), Kerry Snyder (Miami Middletown), Kris Ellis (Miami Hamilton) and Dylan Heath (Hiram). “While we lose a lot on paper, I think we gain with some guys that should step in and produce,” head coach Brad Voegle (41-12 entering third season) said. “Defense and pitching have won us a lot of games and will continue to put us in good positions this year. We will defend with anyone in the city and our pitching is deep once again.” Ben Voegele, a four-year starter at SS, was the SWBL Southwestern Division Player of the Year last season after batting .420 with 22 runs, 22 SB, 18 RBI and eight doubles. Seniors Nolan Ertel (P/INF), Brady McFarland (OF) and Snyder (P/C) and junior Griffin Mueller (OF) are all three-years starters. Ertel and Mueller were second team All-SWBL last spring. The pitching corps will be led by Ertel (3-2, 38 innings, 2.026 ERA, 24 Ks), Snyder (3-1, 22.1 innings, 1.567 ERA, 22 Ks), Sackenheim (1-0, 16.1 innings, 1.714 ERA, 11 Ks) and fellow senior Collin Leal (3-1, 18.1 innings, 2.673 ERA, 23 Ks). A couple big bats coming up from the JV team will aid the offense.
 
Valley View (10-16; 4-8; 6th in Buckeye)
Former JV coach Bailey Montoya takes over at VVHS. “The season is going to be a fun and exciting time for the Spartans,” Montoya said. “With only a handful of juniors and seniors on the roster, the Spartans are packed with young talent making this team hard to ignore in the next couple of seasons. (Valley View is) determined and ready to make a run for the SWBL.” Junior Austin Johnson (OF) was first team All-SWBL last year, while sophomore Wyatt Burkett (SS/P) was second team. Senior Andon Grant (P/OF) was honorable mention all-league. Other key contributors will be juniors Garrett Hodson (1B/3B/P) and Sam Berry (OF) and sophomore Luke Shade (OF/P).
 
Waynesville (10-12; 6-6; T-4th in Buckeye)
Head coach Ryan Hill (115-62 in eight years) returns a senior-heavy team that “should be solid with defense and pitching.”  Heath will be key towards competing for the league title, but not the only factor. Said Hill: “This team's willingness to do whatever the program needs to win will ultimately determine how much success we have.” The Spartans lose four all-league players, but return one in senior Ben Freese (CF/SS/P) who was first team. Freese will play in college at Ashland. Other key returners include sophomore Jackson Garner (1B/P/C) and seniors Luke Bulach (P/IF), Nate LeBlanc (P/OF) and Kellen Philpot (C/IF).

The Ohio Prep Sports Media Association recently released its All-Ohio Basketball Teams and the SWBL was well represented. Franklin senior and SWBL Southwestern Division Boys Player of Year Kai Cook was named first team All-Ohio in Division III, while Bellbrook's Austin Webb (sr.), Ross' Ben Voegele (sr.), Edgewood's Keegan Sullivan (jr.) and Monroe's MJ Mapp (sr.) were honorable mention. Valley View sophomore Brody Denny was second team All-Ohio in D-IV, while Eaton's Conner Bach (sr.), Valley View's Ty Fritz (so.), Brookville's Dom King (sr.) and Oakwood's Luke Rubin (sr.) and Owen Hoersting (jr.) were honorable mention. Carlisle senior Blake Lawson, the school's all-time leading scorer, was second team All-Ohio in Division V, while teammate Brendon Rowe (sr.) was honorable mention along with Waynesville's Lucas Rocha (jr.) and Madison's Grady Combs (sr.). Ross senior Lainey Lipps was second team D-III All-Ohio on the girls side, while Bellbrook freshman Libby Bunsold was special mention. Bellbrook's Jordan Frantz (sr.) and Lauren Fabrick (so.) and Ross' Carmen Bosse (jr.) were honorable mention. Eaton's Emilee Hargis (jr.), Carlisle's Brynn Gill (so.) and Oakwood's Evelyn Connor (jr.) and Caroline Roelle (jr.) were honorable mention All-Ohio in D-IV. Waynesville's Katie Berrey (jr.) and Brookville's Jolie Gudorf (fr.) were second team All-Ohio in D-V. Waynesville junior Maggie Stephenson was special mention and teammates Tori See (sr.) and Avery Whitaker (sr.) were honorable mention along with Brookville's Kinley Kummer (fr.) and Valley View's Rivers Lemke (jr.) and Paisley Phillips (fr.).

Brookville
Senior Coy Hyre is out to defend his Division II state titles in the 100 and 200. The Blue Devils boys team is also looking to build on their sixth place finish as a team at last year’s state track and field meet. In addition to Hyre, key sprinters for the Blue Devils will be seniors Walter Adams and Grace Taylor and juniors Ethan Bench and DJ Moore. Returning distance runners of note include seniors Lucas Tipton; Dylan Ballin, Logan Wright and Hunter Gardner. Expect seniors Xavier Stacy (shot) and Garrett Peters (disc) and Mallory Hoover (HJ) to contribute in the field events. “Both teams are hoping to have a healthy and successful season,” head coach Melissa Ross (fifth year head coach) said. “The boys' team is looking forward to building on its successful postseason from last year.”
 
Carlisle
Head coach Brian Sprandel returns for his 23rd season at CHS. “The boys have some real potential for some of the individuals, as a team we are going to have to be creative in how to fill all events as our numbers are low,” Sprandel said. “This year's girls' team looks like it could be one of the most talented and athletic teams that we have had in several years. We are very excited to see how they perform. I'm very excited to see how this year's freshman and newcomers will fit in with the upper classmen.” Junior thrower Austyn Benton and sophomore Elliot Dobbins (sprints/LJ/HJ) headline the boys roster, while the girls will be led by seniors Dakota Frantz (sprints/jumps) and Baylie Sprandel (sprints). Frantz was the Indians season points leader from last year. A pair of freshman – Greenlee McReynolds (LJ) and Brenna Matthews (HJ) – are poised to make a splash as well.
 
Eaton
Veteran head coach Glen Mabry takes over at Eaton after spending 28 years prior at Twin Valley South (as girls T&F coach). Developing depth and improving on last year’s numbers are the goals. Key returners are juniors Wes Kitchin (800), Jack Richardson (800) and Elijah Rich (HJ); senior Emily Haynes (800); and junior Julianne Deaton (shot and disc). “I have a hard working group of athletes who are willing to listen and improve each day,” Mabry said. “If that continues throughout the season, we should see some great results towards the end of the season.”
 
Madison
Excitement is building at MHS where the roster is expanding. “We are small but mighty,” head coach Jon Armstrong said. “We are in Year 2 of growing our program. We have almost doubled the number of athletes on the team from last year and we look forward to growing that even more.” Key returners for Armstrong and fellow coach Jenny Curp include Jazmyn Tucker (100 hurdles) and Aiden Reece (1600).
 
Ross
The RHS girls are out to defend their league title, while the boys are looking for a young squad to gain experience. “We are very excited for the opportunity to defend our conference championship from last year,” head coach Kyle Ratliff (fourth year at Ross) said. “We return 3-of-4 legs on both our girls 4x200 and 4x400 relays that were painfully close to qualifying for state last season. We have a young team that we are looking forward to seeing big steps from. We have a supremely young (boys) team that has made big strides this winter into the preseason. We’re looking forward to (them) competing and improving our league standing.” In addition to the relays, the girls will be chasing several school distance records (4x800, 800, 1600 and 3200). Sophomore Sarah Johnston recently compete in the indoor state championship for the 800, after breaking the school 3200 record last season. In addition, the Rams broke all three records in the sprint relays last season and are looking to chip off more time again this spring. Key returners for the girls include senior Caroline Chernock (sprints) and Brooke Davis (pole vault); juniors Kaylee Vocke (sprints), Morgan Holmes (distance), Sami Elliott (throws) and Jojo Rider (throws); and sophomore Ellie Fogt (sprints). Key returners for the boys include senior Kenneth Rakes (distance), juniors Nathan Sommers (distance) and Lucas Kunkel (throws) and sophomores Alex Galante (sprints), Parker Jackson (sprints) and AJ Sparks (pole vault). “We are encouraged by the increase in numbers in our program,” Ratliff said. “We are hopeful that our last run in Division I will produce some State qualifiers.”
 
Valley View
Last season the Spartan girls team won its third SWBL title in a row and the 4x200 relay team earned a spot on the podium at the D-II state meet. The boys were SWBL and D-II district runner-up. Junior Addy Abner competed in the Nike Indoor Nationals in New York City in mid-March and finished 11th in the 800. Her 4x400 relay team finished fourth.  Three of the four runners return from the 4x200 state team (Hayden Sorrell, Mary Schade and Grace Rettich). Junior Anthony Valenti (400, LJ) and sophomore Owen Neal (PV) will lead the boys team, which also returns three of four from its 4x400 state qualifying relay. Head coaches Devin and Laura Stoutenborough are back for a seventh season.

Bellbrook
The Eagles and head coach Mili Layrisse will lean on junior Jonah Grismer who is looking to become a three-time district qualifier and defend his SWBL first singles title. Grismer was undefeated in SWBL play last spring. Other key returners include junior Alexander Howell (defending SWBL second singles champ) and sophomore Luke Williams (defending SWBL third singles champ). Expect sophomore Alexander Dore and freshman Rithik Mall to man first doubles and junior Isaiah Betts and senior Daniel Betts to compete at second doubles.
 
Carlisle
Opportunity is plentiful at CHS where the Indians lost six of their top seven players from a year ago. Head coach Kevin Witt (14 years) said the squad is “Looking to get back on track with a mix of young/veteran players this spring.” Key contributors will be senior Caleb Britton (singles) and Matthew Harrison (singles), sophomores Jackson Cottrell (singles) and Caleb Powell (doubles) and freshman Ben Rust (singles).
 
Eaton
Graduation hit the Eagles hard with the loss of five seniors, including three four-years starters. Opportunities abound for a roster that includes the largest incoming freshman class in head coach John Hitchcock’s tenure (since 2012). Expect sophomores Brayden Pieratt (second doubles last year) and Declan Kennedy to lead the varsity. Six freshmen will be competing for various positions, including Billy Bruce who will challenge for a singles spot. Promise and potential are abundant. “The group has great energy and are motivated to get better,” Hitchcock said. “We'll be taking some lumps along the way but as long as we're learning and improving, it will be beneficial moving forward.”
 
Franklin
There is a lot of promise in Franklin. “We return five players from last year and four of those are seniors,” head coach Justin Rossi (six years at FHS) said. “I am excited to see the progress of a few of our players who have been putting in the work in the off-season.” Key contributors will be seniors Jacob Furnas (singles), Jason Hopper (doubles), Isabelle Romero (doubles) and Kyle Combs (doubles) and junior Alex Kincaid (singles).

Monroe
The Hornets and head coach Noah Kappers (third year at MHS) have a strong doubles contingent returning with defending league champions back at first (seniors Gavin Volk, and Evan Hale) and second (senior Jerry Brown and junior Jerry Li) doubles. Singles play will come from seniors Kayden Merritt and Ian Race and junior Jackson Brandehoff.
 
Oakwood
Head coach Christy Heppner returns for her second season. Sophomore Grant Zhou will man first singles. Said Heppner: “Oakwood hopes to continue its tradition of excellence with many returning players and some new players.”
 
Ross
The Rams enter the season looking to defend their SWBL title. With a strong returning core and experienced leadership, the team is poised to compete at a high level once again. Eight players with varsity experience return, including five all-conference selections:  Jack Johnson, Nathan Green, Jordan Reid, Luke Eads and Cohen Rice. In addition, Andrew Garland, Anthony Krabbe, and Ethan Schlasinger bring valuable varsity experience that will provide the team with depth and versatility in both singles and doubles play. The mix of seasoned players and exciting newcomers has Ross poised to be a top contender in the conference again.
 
Valley View
Head coach William Hesistand returns for his 13th season at VVHS. His squad will be led by senior Josh Neal who is looking to set program records for career overall wins, career overall doubles wins and career first doubles wins. Singles will be manned by seniors Landon Jensen (first singles last season) and  Jesiah VanHorn (third singles last season).