"Columbus High School Football's Fresh Start: New Facilities, Promising Talent, and Revived Community Support"

In the heart of Ohio, Columbus is buzzing with excitement as high school football gears up for another thrilling season. The city is witnessing a fresh start, marked by new facilities, promising young talent, and a renewed passion for the sport.

One of the most significant developments is the transformation at West High School, where a revamped stadium has become a hub of community activity. The new facilities have not only improved the playing conditions but also boosted community support, with more people attending games than in previous years. Katie Glover, Treasurer of the West High Athletic Booster, expressed her enthusiasm, "Seeing the kids out here being able to use the track, walk on it, jump and do tumbles—everything the cheerleaders need to do—is just a great feeling."

Despite the positive momentum, the city is still recovering from the shadow of the Bishop Sycamore High School scandal in 2021, which exposed significant discrepancies in the school's existence and the team's credentials. However, this setback has not dampened the spirit of high school football in Columbus.

The Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) has announced the 2024 football divisions and regional assignments, ensuring a competitive and well-structured season ahead. Practice is set to start on August 1, with the season kicking off the week of August 19. Schools like Independence, West, and Eastmoor Academy are adjusting to new divisions, adding a fresh layer of competition to the mix. Independence and West are moving from Division II to Division III, promising exciting matchups.

The class of 2025 is particularly noteworthy, with dynamic players ready to shine. Tavien St. Clair from Bellefontaine, ranked second in Ohio's 2025 player rankings, is a standout quarterback who has already committed to Ohio State. Other promising players include Mike Robinson from Findlay and Dawayne Galloway from Marion-Franklin, showcasing the depth of talent in Columbus.

The community's support is palpable, with fans and alumni eagerly anticipating the new season. The recent state championship win by Olentangy Liberty High School has further fueled the excitement. Hundreds of community members celebrated the team's victory with a parade, and the team was even honored with a proclamation by the Mayor of Powell.

As the new season approaches, the energy around high school football in Columbus is undeniable. From the revamped facilities at West High to the promising young talent and the structured competitive framework provided by the OHSAA, there is much to look forward to. With a renewed passion and improved facilities, Columbus is ready to showcase its best in high school football, making the 2025 season one to remember.

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
This is your high school Football News for Columbus Ohio podcast.
In the heart of Ohio, Columbus is buzzing with excitement
as high school football gears up for another thrilling season.
The city is witnessing a fresh start, marked by new facilities,
promising young talent, and a renewed passion for the sport.

(00:20):
One of the most significant developments is the transformation at
West High School, where a revamped stadium has become a
hub of community activity. The new facilities have not only
improved the playing conditions, but also boosted community support, with
more people attending games than in previous years. Katie Glover,
treasurer of the West High Athletic Booster, expressed her enthusiasm

(00:43):
seeing the kids out here being able to use the track,
walk on it, jump and do tumbles everything the cheerleaders
need to do is just a great feeling. Despite the
positive momentum, the city is still recovering from the shadow
of the Bishop Sycamore High School scandal in twenty twenty,
which exposed significant discrepancies in the school's existence and the

(01:05):
team's credentials. However, this setback has not dampened the spirit
of high school football in Columbus. The Ohio High School
Athletic Association OHSAA has announced the twenty twenty four football
divisions and regional assignments, ensuring a competitive and well structured
season ahead. Practice is set to start on August first,

(01:27):
with the season kicking off the week of August nineteen.
Schools like independents West and Eastmore Academy are adjusting to
new divisions, adding a fresh layer of competition to the mix.
Independence in West are moving from Division two to Division three,
promising exciting matchups. The class of twenty twenty five is
particularly noteworthy, with dynamic players ready to shine. Taviyan Saint

(01:51):
Clair from Bellefontaine, ranked second in Ohio's twenty twenty five
player rankings, is a standout quarterback who has already committed
to Ohio State. Other promising players include Mike Robinson from
Finlay and Dwayne Galloway from Marion Franklin, showcasing the depth
of talent in Columbus. The community's support is palpable, with

(02:12):
fans and alumni eagerly anticipating the new season. The recent
state championship win by Olin Tangi Liberty High School has
further fueled the excitement. Hundreds of community members celebrated the
team's victory with a parade, and the team was even
honored with a proclamation by the Mayor of Powell. As
the new season approaches, the energy around high school football

(02:35):
in Columbus is undeniable. From the revamped facilities at West
High to the promising young talent and the structured competitive
framework provided by the OHSAA, there is much to look
forward to. With a renewed passion and improved facilities, Columbus
is ready to showcase its best in high school football,

(02:55):
making the twenty twenty five season one to remember. And
that is it. We are headed to the locker room
for today. Hit the subscribe button and never miss out.
Thanks for listening.