A Season of Dominance
New Albany’s baseball squad was crowned the Dispatch’s boys Team of the Year for the 2025‑26 season, a testament to a historic run that culminated in a third state championship. The Eagles closed the year with a 26‑7 record and a 4‑1 victory over Cuyahoga Falls Walsh Jesuit in the Division II final, snapping a six‑game winning streak that left opponents reeling.
The team’s success was underscored by the recognition of juniors Mason Ackermann and Bryson Gittins, who earned first‑team all‑state honors. Their contributions helped New Albany outscore opponents 9.3‑2.6 on average and compile a 48‑4 record in tournament play, a margin that placed them among the most dominant teams in recent memory.
The accolade did not stand alone. Watterson football repeated as Division III champions, extending its unbeaten streak to 30 games with a 30‑0 shutout of Toledo Central Catholic, while Olentangy Orange captured the Division I crown with a perfect 15‑0 campaign led by senior quarterback Levi Davis. In the pool, St. Charles defended its title with 348.5 points, and swimmers Jake Lloyd and Austin Carpenter added individual crowns that highlighted the breadth of Ohio’s spring‑summer sports landscape.
Beyond the scoreboard, the achievements reflect a vibrant high school athletics ecosystem across central Ohio. From the track events at Big Walnut, where four events secured a share of the team title, to the wrestling mats where Watterson’s Michael Boyle and James Lindsay each claimed state honors, the season offered a tapestry of triumphs that will be remembered for years to come.