Austintown Fitch High School is gearing up for a landmark moment as it transitions from Division II to Division I for the upcoming football season, marking the program’s 100th year of competition.
A Milestone Season
The Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) officially sanctioned the move, noting that the decision was driven by a crowded Division II landscape and the desire to test the Falcons against a broader slate of opponents.
Fitch will join seven other schools moving up to Division I this fall, and its schedule already features matchups against traditional powers such as Hudson, Erie, Erie McDowell and Butler (Pa.).
Community Excitement
The milestone has sparked enthusiasm across the Mahoning Valley, with alumni, parents and local businesses rallying behind the team’s quest to make the centennial year unforgettable.
Head coach TJ Parker has been vocal about the team’s preparation, emphasizing that the new competition level will demand greater discipline and adaptability.
Looking Ahead
While the OHSAA continues to gather enrollment data to finalize division placements for the newly merged schools in Youngstown and Cleveland, Fitch remains focused on its own objectives.
The Falcons’ first Division I opponents will provide a stern test, but the program views the challenge as an opportunity to showcase the talent and determination that have defined its history.