Columbus Ohio High School Football Rebounds with New Facilities and Community Spirit
In Columbus, Ohio, the world of high school football is buzzing with excitement and transformation. One of the most heartwarming stories comes from West High School, where the once crumbling track has been completely renovated, bringing new life to the athletic field. For years, the track at West High School was in a dire state, deemed unsafe even for gym classes. However, thanks to the tireless efforts of the West High Cowboys Athletic Booster Club, a $675,000 project was approved by Columbus City Schools to revamp the track. The renovations included milling the track surface, installing a new asphalt overlay, re-striping the track, and replacing the high jump and long jump areas. The impact is palpable. Students and athletes are thrilled to have a safe and modern facility. "We are just ecstatic. Seeing the kids out here being able to be on the track, walk on it, jump and do tumbles – everything the cheerleaders need to do – it's just a great feeling for all the students," said Katie Glover, Treasurer of the West High Athletic Booster. The new track has not only improved safety but also boosted team morale and community support. Football players like Jahmere Johnson and Emarion Bell have noticed a significant positive shift in attitude among teammates and the community. "Everybody on the team, we all appreciate everything. It’s really different from last year and it’s a really good upgrade," Johnson said. In addition to the track, other upgrades include new uniforms for the cheer team, a new scoreboard at Magly Field, and updates to the weight room and gym. These improvements have reignited school pride, with Head Coach Eric Robinson noting, "Back in the day, there was a lot of pride and history here, and it’s kind of gotten away from that, but we are trying to bring it back." On the other side of town, a different kind of football story has been unfolding. The Bishop Sycamore High School scandal, which exposed a purported high school football team as a sham, continues to have repercussions. The Bishop Sycamore Centurions, who claimed to be a high school team but were found to be an athletic sports training academy with no legitimate educational program, faced intense scrutiny after a televised game against IMG Academy in 2021. The scandal led to the cancellation of their remaining games and an investigation by the Ohio Department of Education. Despite attempts to revive their reputation, Bishop Sycamore's return to football has been met with skepticism. A planned game against Life Christian Academy in November 2023 fell through due to lack of equipment, highlighting the ongoing challenges the organization faces in regaining credibility. As the 2024 football season approaches, the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) has announced the new divisional breakdowns and regional assignments. The season will kick off on August 1, with the first Friday night games scheduled for the week of August 19. The OHSAA has also outlined the competitive balance process and the rules for practice and scrimmages, ensuring a fair and safe season for all teams. With renovated facilities, renewed school spirit, and a focus on fair competition, high school football in Columbus, Ohio, is poised for an exciting and promising year. As West High School hosts games at their newly upgraded Magly Field, the community is eager to fill the stadiums and cheer on their teams, celebrating the true spirit of high school athletics.
