News

Press release from Hamilton Athletic Department:

Steve Heckman announces his retirement After 36 years with the Big Blue softball program, including 34 years as head coach, Steve Heckman has announced his retirement as Head Softball Coach. During his remarkable tenure, Coach Heckman compiled 474 career victories and guided the Big Blue to three Final Four appearances in 2001, 2002, and 2006. He was also recognized as the Greater Miami Conference Coach of the Year on five separate occasions, a testament to the excellence and consistency of his program. Beyond the softball field, Coach Heckman made an equally meaningful impact inside the classroom and throughout the school community.

As a social studies teacher, he educated and inspired countless students. He also served as the school's Dean of Students for two years, led as a department head for many years, and dedicated his time to students through his role as National Honor Society advisor and numerous other advisory groups. There simply are not enough words to express what Coach Heckman has meant to Big Blue. He is deeply respected, genuinely loved, and will be greatly missed. His influence extends far beyond wins and losses, leaving a lasting legacy with the countless athletes, students, families, and colleagues whose lives he has touched.

A special thank you to his wife, Rebecca, for her unwavering support throughout this incredible journey. Coaching demands countless hours, evenings, weekends, and sacrifices, and none of it is possible without the understanding and support of family.

Thank you for sharing Coach Heckman with the Big Blue community and for being such an important part of this remarkable legacy. Thank you, Coach Heckman, for everything you have done for BIG BLUE. Your impact will be felt for generations to come. Enjoy your well earned retirement, Coach. You have certainly earned it.

The Greater Miami Conference (GMC) qualified a total of 52 boys and girls individual entries and 14 relay teams to the OHSAA (Ohio High School Athletic Association) State Track and Field Championships this past weekend in Columbus (June 6-7). When the dust settled on the 2026 OHSAA, conference schools placed 23 in the top 8 for the girls and 6 in the top 8 for the boys. The Mason girls program in addition to bringing home 4 state championships, finished third overall in the team point standings.

For complete results see the OHSAA link: OHSAA Live Scoring State Track and Field Championships

The Greater Miami Conference is proud to claim state titles by:

Azarae Hawkins (Mason) in both the 100 meter dash (11.61) and the 200 meter dash (23.98).

Saniya Taylor (Lakota West) brought home gold in the 400 meter dash (55.04).

Austin White (Mason) outdistanced the field in the shot with a winning throw of 44'8".

The Mason 4 x 100 meter relay team brought home a state championship with a time of 46.78.

Five Division I state titles on the GMC girls side of the track is an incredibly strong showing. Top flight performances were turned all around by the leagues premier athletes.

The Greater Miami Conference sincerely appreciates the financial support of its corporate advertisers, whose partnership with our member schools helps provide GMC student-athletes with a truly first-class athletic experience.

Thank you!

Advanced Transportations Systems

Airrosti Rehabilitation Systems

Beacon Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine

Buffalo Wings and Rings (Liberty Township)

Cincinnati Floor

Creach Law

DICK'S Sporting Goods

Eli's Sports Bar

Fiduciary Wealth Group

First Financial Bank

Ford's Garage

Graduate Services

Headlines Sports

Jake Sweeney Automotive

Ken Kindsay Allstate Insurance Agency

Kroger Company

Lakota Family YMCA

Mellisa Vasquez State Farm Insurance Agency

Mercy Health

Brent Phelan Insurance Agency

Plato's Closet

Sharefax Credit Union

Stevens Investment Group

The Motz Group

Titan Siding and Roofing

Torchy's Tacos

WING SNOB of West Chester

If your organization would like to join the GMC team, support an impactful cause, and gain high-profile exposure across one of Ohio’s premier athletic conferences, we welcome the opportunity to connect. Interested partners may reach out to us directly at GMCSPORTSSID@gmail.com to learn more about how their involvement can make a meaningful difference for GMC student-athletes.

Greater Miami Conference (GMC) athletes stepped up the challenge at the OHSAA (Ohio High School Athletic Association) Super Regional meet last week and qualified several individuals to the OHSAA State Track and Field Championships on June.

The GMC qualified 31 individuals in girls events along with an additional 9 relay teams. While on the boys side of the track, the guys qualified 21 individuals in boys events along with 5 relay teams.  

Total Boys and Girls Qualifier link: State Meet Boys and Girls Qualifiers by Events

State Meet Details link: OHSAA Track and Field Championship Details

Press release and graphics by Mason Sports Information Director, Dan Hilen:

BERNADSKY MAKES COMET TENNIS HISTORY!
REPEATS AS OHSAA STATE SINGLES CHAMPION

MASON, OHIO – Mason senior Greg Bernadsky capped off one of the most remarkable careers in program history on Friday at the Linder Tennis Center by successfully defending his OHSAA Division I State Singles Championship, defeating his opponent 6-0, 7-6 (0) in the state final.

Bernadsky delivered some of his finest tennis of the season in the opening set, dominating from the first point and cruising to a commanding 6-0 victory. The second set presented a greater challenge as he fell behind 5-2, but the Mason standout demonstrated the resilience, determination, and competitive spirit that have defined his career.

Refusing to let the match slip away, Bernadsky battled back to even the set and force a tiebreaker. With the state title hanging in the balance, he elevated his game once again, playing clutch tennis and winning the tiebreaker 7-0 without surrendering a single point.

The victory secured Bernadsky's second consecutive OHSAA State Singles Championship and made him the first player in Mason Boys Tennis history to win two individual state titles.

Even tournament officials took notice of the senior's remarkable accomplishment, offering praise following the match. The second championship was especially meaningful for Bernadsky, who battled through a hand injury during the offseason and spent months working to regain both his health and confidence entering his final high school season.

The championship was a fitting conclusion to an extraordinary career that firmly established Bernadsky among the greatest players ever to wear a Mason uniform. His accomplishments, leadership, and competitive excellence have helped continue the tradition of one of Ohio's premier tennis programs.

First-year Mason head coach Brendan Reedy praised Bernadsky's performance and the legacy he leaves behind.

"Greg played some of his best tennis of the season in the first set and really set the tone early," said Reedy. "When he found himself down 5-2 in the second set, he showed the toughness, composure, and belief that have made him such a special player. He fought his way back, played some incredibly clutch tennis, and was flawless in the tiebreaker."

"It was a perfect ending to an incredible career," Reedy continued. "Greg has cemented himself as a legend in our program and made history as the first player in Mason Boys Tennis history to win two state singles championships. I couldn't be prouder of him and everything he has accomplished. While we're certainly sad to see him go, we're all excited to watch the next chapter of his journey as he heads to Cornell to compete at the next level."

Bernadsky leaves Mason as one of the most decorated athletes in school history and will continue both his academic and athletic career this fall at Cornell University, where he will compete at the NCAA Division I level.