OHSAA Sportsmanship, Ethics and Integrity Awards Announced

Throughout the 2025-26 school year, the coaches associations of the sports sanctioned by the Ohio High School Athletic Association selected one of their own for an OHSAA Sportsmanship, Ethics and Integrity Award. Individuals selected reflect the values of sportsmanship, ethics and integrity through their professional responsibilities and are role models for student-athletes and others.

The OHSAA congratulates the award winners and thanks all coaches for their outstanding service to Ohio’s student-athletes.

The OHSAA is proud to recognize the following coaches who received OHSAA Sportsmanship, Ethics and Integrity Awards during the 2025-26 school year:

Girls Sports

Golf: Cindy Fesemyer, Ravenna Southeast
Cross Country: Corey Culbertson, Beaver Eastern
Volleyball: Meladee Hopkins, Worthington Kilbourne
Soccer: Trevor Tolley, Columbus Tree of Life Christian
Field Hockey: Bridget Ryan, Columbus Bishop Hartley
Swimming and Diving: Hillary Paulsen, Granville
Bowling: Jay Gibson, St. Marys Memorial
Gymnastics: John Good, Miamisburg
Wrestling: Mark Matt, Jamestown Greeneview
Basketball: Mark Gregory, Convoy Crestview
Tennis: Fredrik Nyborg, Solon
Track and Field: Chelsey Copley, Oberlin Firelands
Softball: Darrin Young, Cadiz Harrison Central
Lacrosse: Holly Pope, Wooster

Boys Sports

Golf: Rick Rettig, Perrysburg
Cross Country: Chris Ickes, Chagrin Falls Kenston
Soccer: Andy Cousens, Columbus Tree of Life Christian
Football: Chad Grandstaff, Zanesville Foxfire
Swimming and Diving: Brent Ransom, Toledo St. Francis de Sales
Bowling: Matt Hott, Cincinnati St. Xavier
Ice Hockey: Michael Berg, Pepper Pike Orange
Wrestling: Jordan Cramer, London Madison-Plains
Basketball: Terry Rowe, Sugarcreek Garaway
Tennis: Matt Rutherford, Lewis Center Olentangy Orange
Track and Field: John DePietro, Youngstown Boardman
Baseball: Chris Veidt, Mowrystown Whiteoak
Volleyball: Sean Tierney, Cincinnati Elder
Lacrosse: TBA

Frequently Asked Questions

They are awards given throughout the 2025-26 school year by the coaches associations of sports sanctioned by the Ohio High School Athletic Association. Each association selects one of its own coaches who reflects the values of sportsmanship, ethics and integrity and serves as a role model for student-athletes and others.

Northeast Ohio honorees include Fredrik Nyborg of Solon (girls tennis), Chelsey Copley of Oberlin Firelands (girls track and field), Holly Pope of Wooster (girls lacrosse), Chris Ickes of Chagrin Falls Kenston (boys cross country), Michael Berg of Pepper Pike Orange (boys ice hockey), and John DePietro of Youngstown Boardman (boys track and field).

The coaches were selected by their respective sport coaches associations throughout the 2025-26 school year.