News

In the Greater Miami Conference (GMC) Track and Field Championships just completed, three GMC records fell.

On the girls side of the track, Mason senior, Azarae Hawkins, bettered the previous 100 Meter Dash time by running a National Federation Accredited time of 11.92 seconds.

While on the girls relay circuit, the Mason 400 Meter Relay team of: Nora Moore, Kate Buckley, Taylor Birdsong and Azarae Hawkins set a new GMC mark with a time of 47.3 seconds.

Girls GMC Records Link: GMC Girls Track and Field Records

On the boys side of the all-weather oval, the Princeton Viking 400 Meter Relay team of: BJ Martin, Tyreke Smith, Jordan Hall and Monsanna Torbert posted a conference record time of 41.7 seconds.

Boys GMC Records link: GMC Boys Track and Field Records

DICK'S Sporting Goods is proud to honor the Greater Miami Conference (GMC) softball outstanding achievers for the 2026 season. Year in and year out, the GMC ranks among the very best in Ohio and is frequently represented in the OHSAA’s final rounds of tournament championship play. While the league is filled with exceptional players who make the GMC “a tough out,” at the end of each season the head coaches gather to reflect on the campaign just completed and then undertake the very difficult task of selecting the “best of the best.”

In a conference dominated by outstanding players, a pair of seniors carried the day with Oak Hills ace Annaliese Szabo earning "Pitcher of the Year" mound honors, while Hamilon's Emili Schappacher brought home the all-around "Player of the Year" accolades.

Annaliese Szabo epitomized senior "mound presence" as she mowed opponent batters at a 1.01 ERA clip - which led the league, followed by her conference leading 17 victories and then for icing on the cake, Szabo led the GMC with 206 strikeouts. Her field leadership was tremendous asset to the Highlanders as they finished the league season in second with a 15-3 record and 21-5 overall slate.  

Annaliese Szabo   Oak Hills  GMC "Pitcher of the Year"

(Photo cmpliments of Oak Hills Athletic Department)

Hamilton senior Emili Schappacher came to play every single day, giving the Big Blue their best chances for success. A four-year varsity starter, Schappacher provided a level of senior leadership that is difficult to match. She was both an offensive force at the plate and an outstanding pitcher in the circle.

Doing “double duty” on a daily basis, Schappacher finished 3rd in the conference with a .526 batting average and 4th in RBIs. On the mound, she ranked 3rd in ERA at 2.36, 3rd in wins with 13, and 2nd in strikeouts with 147. Her career excellence is further underscored by being selected first-team All-GMC in all four of her varsity seasons. Based on her all-around exceptional abilities, the GMC Head coaches selected Emili Schappacher as the GMC "Player of the Year".

Emili Schappacher   Hamilton   GMC "Player of the Year"

(Photo compliments of Hamilton Athletic Department)

In an incredibly competitive softball league that showcases some of Ohio’s best action, it is equally evident that the GMC is home to some of the state’s finest coaches. In most seasons, more often than not, a GMC program finds itself playing deep into the final rounds of the OHSAA State Tournament.

This year, after posting a dominant 17–1 conference record (23–5 overall), the Lakota East Thunderhawks — under the leadership of Head Coach Steve Crawford — captured the coveted league title. It marked the Thunderhawks’ first GMC Championship since 2019.

Statistically, both offensively and defensively, “the Hawks” owned the diamond. They scored 193 runs in conference play while surrendering only 47. In recognition of his leadership, program-building savvy, and the Thunderhawks’ championship performance, the GMC head coaches selected Lakota East's Steve Crawford as the GMC  "Coach of the Year".

Head Coach Steve Crawford  Lakota East    GMC "Coach of the Year

(Photo compliments of Lakota East SID Dan Hilen)

Press Release and Graphics from Mason SID Dan Hilen:

MASON BASEBALL MAKES HISTORY WITH 8TH STRAIGHT GMC CHAMPIONSHIP

The Mason Baseball program continues to build one of the greatest dynasties in Greater Miami Conference history, capturing its eighth consecutive GMC Championship and 11th overall league title in commanding fashion on Friday night.

The historic eight-year championship streak is unprecedented in the 59-year history of GMC Baseball. No other program has achieved this level of sustained excellence, and Mason now stands alone as the only school to win 11 GMC baseball championships in the modern 10-team era of the conference.

Only Hamilton (22) and Fairfield (13) have claimed more overall GMC baseball titles since the league began sponsoring the sport in 1967, firmly placing the Comets among the conference’s all-time elite programs.

On Friday, Mason showcased its championship form early, erupting for five runs in the opening inning and never looking back in a dominant 9-0 victory. Liam Sander highlighted the big first inning with a two-run single, while Braden Johansen added an RBI hit, and Chase Gandert drove in a run after being hit by a pitch with the bases loaded.

The Comets continued to apply pressure offensively, extending the lead to 7-0 in the second inning behind another RBI single from Johansen.

On the mound, Brett Gandert delivered another strong performance, tossing five shutout innings while allowing just one hit and striking out five to earn the victory. Drew Bamford was outstanding in relief, striking out five over two scoreless innings without surrendering a hit.

Mason totaled 11 hits in the win, with Johansen, Sam Davies, and Dylan Heimbuch each recording multi-hit performances. Johansen finished 2-for-3 with a team-high three RBIs as the Comets also turned a double play defensively.

Mason (17-9, 15-3 GMC) will close out the regular season at home against Lancaster on Tuesday, May 19.

The Comets now turn their attention toward postseason play after earning the #5 seed in the upcoming OHSAA District Tournament. Mason will host Western Hills on Tuesday, May 26.

Press Release from Mason SID Dan Hilen:

MASON BOYS//GIRLS TRACK & FIELD

SWEEP 2026 GMC CHAMPIONSHIPS

Comet Girls Track and Field Champions

(Photo compliments of Mason Athletic Department)

Comet Boys Track and Field Champions

(Photo compliments of Mason Athletic Department)

The Mason Comets once again proved why they are among the premier track and field programs in Ohio as both the boys and girls teams captured the 2026 Greater Miami Conference Championships in dominant fashion.

The Mason boys earned 1st place with an incredible 199 team points, outdistancing runner-up Lakota West by 100 points. The championship marks the boys’ 16th GMC title since joining the conference 18 seasons ago.

The Mason girls also claimed the GMC Championship, finishing in 1st place with 139.5 points, securing the girls’ 16th GMC title as well in 18 seasons of competition.

The Mason Comets once again proved why they are among the premier track and field programs in Ohio as both the boys and girls teams captured the 2026 Greater Miami Conference Championships in dominant fashion.

The Mason boys earned 1st place with an incredible 199 team points, outdistancing runner-up Lakota West by 100 points. The championship marks the boys’ 16th GMC title since joining the conference 18 seasons ago.

The Mason girls also claimed the GMC Championship, finishing in 1st place with 139.5 points, securing the girls’ 16th GMC title as well in 18 seasons of competition.

Under the leadership of head coach Tony Affatato and his coaching staff, Mason delivered exceptional performances throughout the meet with athletes contributing key points in sprints, distance races, relays, jumps, throws, and field events.

GMC HONORS

Girls GMC Athlete of the Year – Azarae Hawkins 

Boys GMC Athlete of the Year – Caden Winship 

Boys GMC Field Event Athletes of the Year – Andy Hutton and Joey Corcoran 

Girls GMC Coach of the Year – Tony Affatato 

GIRLS NOTABLE PERFORMANCES

GMC Champions / 1st Place Finishes

Shot Put – Austin White – 44’ 0” 

100 Dash – Azarae Hawkins – 11.92 

4x200 Relay – Nora Moore, Kate Buckley, Tori Killens, and Taylor Birdsong – 1:40.70 

1600 Run – Atalia Hawkins – 4:59.00 

4x100 Relay – Nora Moore, Kate Buckley, Taylor Birdsong, and Azarae Hawkins – 47.30 

200 Dash – Azarae Hawkins – 24.15 

The girls' championship performance showcased elite sprint speed, distance strength, and relay dominance, highlighted by multiple event champions and outstanding depth across all disciplines.

BOYS NOTABLE PERFORMANCES

GMC Champions / 1st Place Finishes

4x800 Relay – Luke Berkebile, Eligh Amshoff, Paras Yadav, and Carson Wyss – 7:55.87 

Discus – Andy Hutton – 160’ 2” 

100 Dash – Dante Appolon – 11.02 

1600 Run – Caden Winship – 4:20.44 

800 Run – Paras Yadav – 1:56.03 

3200 Run – Caden Winship – 9:47.56 

High Jump – Aldo Dokouzov – 6’ 7.25” 

Shot Put – Joey Corcoran – 54’ 9.5” 

The boys' championship effort was powered by a dominant, balanced attack across distance, sprints, and field events, with multiple individual champions and relay success fueling the 199-point total.

The GMC championships once again highlighted the consistency, culture, and competitive excellence of the Mason Track and Field program. Year after year, the Comets continue to establish themselves as one of the elite programs in the state of Ohio.


Under the leadership of head coach Tony Affatato and his coaching staff, Mason delivered exceptional performances throughout the meet with athletes contributing key points in sprints, distance races, relays, jumps, throws, and field events.

GMC HONORS

Girls GMC Athlete of the Year – Azarae Hawkins 

Boys GMC Athlete of the Year – Caden Winship 

Boys GMC Field Event Athletes of the Year – Andy Hutton and Joey Corcoran 

Girls GMC Coach of the Year – Tony Affatato 

GIRLS NOTABLE PERFORMANCES

GMC Champions / 1st Place Finishes

Shot Put – Austin White – 44’ 0” 

100 Dash – Azarae Hawkins – 11.92 

4x200 Relay – Nora Moore, Kate Buckley, Tori Killens, and Taylor Birdsong – 1:40.70 

1600 Run – Atalia Hawkins – 4:59.00 

4x100 Relay – Nora Moore, Kate Buckley, Taylor Birdsong, and Azarae Hawkins – 47.30 

200 Dash – Azarae Hawkins – 24.15 

The girls' championship performance showcased elite sprint speed, distance strength, and relay dominance, highlighted by multiple event champions and outstanding depth across all disciplines.

BOYS NOTABLE PERFORMANCES

GMC Champions / 1st Place Finishes

4x800 Relay – Luke Berkebile, Eligh Amshoff, Paras Yadav, and Carson Wyss – 7:55.87 

Discus – Andy Hutton – 160’ 2” 

100 Dash – Dante Appolon – 11.02 

1600 Run – Caden Winship – 4:20.44 

800 Run – Paras Yadav – 1:56.03 

3200 Run – Caden Winship – 9:47.56 

High Jump – Aldo Dokouzov – 6’ 7.25” 

Shot Put – Joey Corcoran – 54’ 9.5” 

The boys' championship effort was powered by a dominant, balanced attack across distance, sprints, and field events, with multiple individual champions and relay success fueling the 199-point total.

The GMC championships once again highlighted the consistency, culture, and competitive excellence of the Mason Track and Field program. Year after year, the Comets continue to establish themselves as one of the elite programs in the state of Ohio.