In the heart of Ohio, Columbus is buzzing with excitement as high school football gears up for another thrilling season. One of the most significant developments this year is the transformation at West High School, where athletes are now enjoying revamped facilities that have significantly improved safety and morale. After years of struggling with a crumbling track, the West High Cowboys Athletic Booster Club successfully raised funds for a $675,000 renovation project. The new facilities boast a milled track surface, a new asphalt overlay, freshly striped lanes, and revamped high jump and long jump areas. This upgrade has been a game-changer, allowing athletes to train and compete safely and with renewed enthusiasm. "Seeing the kids out here being able to be on the track, walk on it, jump and do tumbles—is just a great feeling," said Katie Glover, Treasurer of the West High Athletic Booster. The community support has also seen a notable boost, with more people attending games than in previous years. However, not all high school football stories in Columbus have been as positive. The memory of the Bishop Sycamore High School scandal still lingers, after it was exposed as a sham in 2021. Despite this setback, the spirit of high school football in Columbus remains vibrant. 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 starts on August 1, and the season kicks off the week of August 19. The OHSAA has also outlined a detailed preseason schedule, including rules for scrimmages and summer practice sessions. For those looking to the future, Prep Redzone is highlighting top prospects in Ohio high school football. Players like Mike Robinson from Findlay and Tavien St. Clair from Bellefontaine are making waves, and platforms like Prep Redzone provide valuable rankings, recruiting information, and analysis. As National Signing Day approaches, many talented players from Ohio are still deciding their futures. Jackson Wiley from Olentangy, for example, is a three-star recruit with offers from several colleges, including Akron, Ball State, and Coastal Carolina. His impressive high school career, with 149 catches for 2,034 yards and 23 touchdowns, makes him a promising candidate for college teams. The energy around high school football in Columbus is palpable, from the revamped facilities at West High to the promising young talent and the structured competitive framework provided by the OHSAA. As the new season approaches, fans and athletes alike are eager to see what the future holds for these talented young players and their teams.
