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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.

Mason has just secured its 19th consecutive Greater Miami Conference All-Sports Championship, extending one of the most remarkable runs of consistency in Ohio high school athletics. The Comets’ success this year included 6 GMC titles in the fall, 5 in the winter, and 5 in the spring, reflecting a broad commitment to excellence across all seasons.

The All-Sports Championship is determined by points awarded based on each school’s finish in every varsity sport. For example, in football the league champion earns 11 points, second place receives 9, third place earns 8, and the scale continues downward until the final team receives 1 point. Across the conference, 27 varsity sports and activities contribute to the annual standings, making the All-Sports Championship a true measure of a school’s overall athletic balance.

Since joining the GMC in 2007–08, Mason has captured the All-Sports title every year. Their sustained success underscores the strength of their athletic structure, but it also reflects the competitive spirit found throughout the conference. Each GMC school contributes to a league known for its high standards, strong coaching, and year-round commitment to student-athletes.

The All-Sports standings serve as a meaningful indicator of program development and balance, offering every school — regardless of size — a clear picture of where their athletic programs are growing and where future opportunities lie.

As always, the Greater Miami Conference remains defined not only by championships, but by the shared commitment of all ten member schools to provide student-athletes with meaningful, high-quality competitive opportunities. Week after week, GMC programs measure themselves against some of the best competition in Ohio, creating an environment where growth, resilience, and sportsmanship take center stage. Regardless of size or circumstance, every school contributes to the strength and reputation of the league, and the All-Sports standings serve as a reminder of the collective effort that makes the GMC one of the state’s premier athletic conferences.

This past week, with a two-day league championship being contested in track and field, the Greater Miami Conference (GMC) hosted one its largest participation events . While the Mason Comets ran away with both the Boys and Girls GMC Championship trophy, DICK'S Sporting Goods also recognizes and appreciates all the outstanding efforts and dedication of the coaches who stand behind all their student-athletes.

With many outstanding achievements taking place throughout the two day event, at the end of the competition, the league's head coaches get together to select the GMC "Coaches of the Year" for both Girls and Boys Track and Field.  There are many criteria at play in this thought process, some times simply winning is in the forefront, while on other occassions there exists a program buidling theme.  This year's balloting was a blend of both, recognizing the first class quality of the league champions, as well as "tipping the hat" to an up and coming program. 

On the girls’ side of the track, Mason Head Coach Tony Affatato was selected as the GMC “Coach of the Year” after leading the Comets to dual GMC titles in both girls and boys track and field.

In recognition of his program-building efforts, Lakota West Head Coach Brenton Eisenhard was selected as the GMC “Coach of the Year” for the boys.

Mason Head Coach  Tony Affatato  Girls GMC "Coach of the Year"

(Photo compliments of Mason Athletic Department)

Lakota West Head Coach Brenton Eisenhard  Boys GMC "Coach of the Year"

(Photo compliments of Mason Athletic Department)