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DICK'S Sporting Goods is proud to honor Greater Miami Conference achievers in a wide variety of student activities. In the first GMC winter sport to be completed, the conference coaches selected Jason Wang of the Mason Comets as the Chess "Player of the Year".  On the "coaching side of the board"  Arnold Franklin from the Princeton Vikings was selected by his peers as the "Coach of the Year".

Jason Wang - Mason Comets - GMC "Player of the Year"

Arnold Franklin - Princeton Vikings GMC "Coach of the Year"

(Photo compliments from Princeton Athletic Department)

The Mason Comet chess "juggernaut" continued its dominance with a 13-0-1 record, sweeping the GMC season in undefeated fashion.  The only blemish on the season came at the hands of the Sycamore Aviators who stalemated the Comets 2.5 to 2.5 in their regular season match. This latest conference crown makes the 6th consecutive Comet chess championship and 10 out of the last 11 years.  Congratulations on a job well done!

Mason Comet Chess Team - 2021 GMC Champions

(Photo compliments of Mason Yearbook staff)

DICK'S Sporting Goods joins with the Greater Miami Conference in honoring outstanding achievers from this past football season.  Lending additional credibility these accolades, all these selections were made in votes by the conference head coaches.

The GMC "Offensive Player of the Year" hails from the land of the Sycamore Aviators.  In a high powered scoring and offense oriented conference, William Ingle was selected as the "best of the best" when came to offensive production.  From his unique position as a hybrid quarterback / running back, Will Ingle amassed a total of 1916 rushing yards paired with 30 touchdowns. His rushing totals included 9 games with over 100 yards on the ground and of those 9 games, he posted 4 contests of 200+ yards. On the passing side of the ledger, William Ingle totaled 970 yards along with 11 touchdown passes.  Next season will see William Ingle taking his talents both athletically and in leadership to the Naval Academy. 

William Ingle - Sycamore Aviators "GMC Offensive Player of the Year"

On the defensive side of the field, Lakota West "shutdown corner" Jyaire Brown, was selected as the GMC "Defensive Player of the Year".  This "sure tackling" defensive back consistently drew the toughest wide receiver assignments in a conference that boasts some the best pass catchers in Ohio. Jyaire was second in the conference with 5 interceptions and acted as an on-field secondary coach in dealing with multiple formations and motions. This two-time first team all-conference selection also pulled double duty as a pass receiver and kick returner . Needless to say, Jyaire Brown was one of the key ingredients to the Firebird "success story". Next year will find Jyaire wearing the "Scarlet and Gray" for The Ohio State University.

Jyaire Brown - Lakota West "GMC Defensive Player of the Year"

(photo compliments of Jenny Walters Photography)

In a conference where many of Ohio's finest football coaches call home, the GMC "Coach of the Year" honors were bestowed upon Lakota West's Tom Bolden. Leading his Firebird contingent to their second consecutive conference championship in undefeated fashion, Coach Bolden also guided Lakota West to it's second straight OHSAA Regional Final appearance. This "Coach of the Year" is even more meaningful when it is selection made by conference coaching peers.  This is also Tom Bolden's second straight "COY" honor while leading the West Firebirds.

Head Coach Tom Bolden - Lakota West  "GMC Coach of the Year"

(Photo compliments of Jenny Walters Photography)

Mike Dyer of WCPO.COM fame works overtime to capture insights into the talented athletes we see in the high school athletic arenas. He allows the public to catch a rare "behind the scenes" glimpse of these special student-athletes.  On this occasion Mike is highlighting Lakota West linebacker Aden Miller.  To see the "rest of the story" go to the link provided below:

(Mike Dyer Shares Insights into West LB Aden Miller)

Special thanks to Mike Dyer for all his support for student-athletes over the years.  It is genuinely appreciated. 

Press release and photo by Mason SID, Dan Hilen:

Mason Boys Cross Country - 2021 OHSAA State Champions

Mason Boys Cross Country magical season ended this past Saturday at Fortress Obetz near Columbus, Ohio where only a few teams can only dream. The Comet boys brought home a Division 1 State Title, making their 6th trip to the state podium as either champions or runner-up and adding a third state championship to their boy's storied program. 

Mason sealed their undefeated season with a solid 38-point victory over runner-up Dublin Coffman and the rest of the state of Ohio on a sunny, but chilly fall afternoon.

The Comets found another way to win a state title in 2021. Mason won in 2008 behind their ace runner Zach Wills. Their 2014 state championship was helped by top ten finisher Nick Grismer and a host of Comets scoring behind him.

This year the Comets were able to achieve a first-place finish with strong team depth. It is a rare occasion when a school wins a state championship without a top ten finisher, but that was key for Mason this year.

The Comets had the best 4th, 5th, and 6th runners in the race. That kind of depth turned out to be the difference-making their state title truly a team victory. 

The Comets handled the pressure of being heavy favorites with calm and poise. They got out the gate well and established a lead by the mile mark which they never relinquished. Five of the six Mason finishers improved their position over the last mile as well. 

The Comets were led to the finish line by senior Alex DeRoussel in 19th place. He was followed closely by senior Aiden Amshoff in 20th. Both of these Comets earned All-Ohio honors with their finishes.

Next to finish for the Comets was junior Keith Neuburger in 41st place. Mason's 4th man was sophomore Jerry Xu in 44th. The all-important fifth man was sophomore Max Liao in 56th place. The sixth man and displacer was junior Aidan Markich in 62nd place. Junior Isaac Schachleiter struggled with an injury and did not finish. However, Isaac contributed to the Comets' success greatly throughout the season. 

In addition to the team's athletic prowess, seven Comet runners earned Academic All-Ohio awards for their efforts on the course and in the classroom. 

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE ATHLETES AND COACHES ON A GREAT SEASON