America 250- History Lives Here | September 2026
In 2026, we will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States by exploring the many ways Ohio and Seneca County have contributed to U.S. History. Each month, a new theme will highlight Ohio’s unique and lasting contributions. Learn more about the 2026 Celebration Themes here
For September, the statewide focus turns to sports and wellness in Ohio. Athletics have long served as the heartbeat of American communities, fostering resilience, teamwork, and healthy living across generations. From youth leagues to collegiate powerhouses, sports embody the true American spirit of dedication and unity.
Seneca East’s Stars, Stripes, and Lights | Honoring Heroes on the Course
Seneca East’s Stars, Stripes, and Lights is a high school cross country meet honoring our past, celebrating our freedoms, and remembering our heroes. This year, the event is especially meaningful as it commemorates our nation’s 250th anniversary, as well as the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001.
Held under the lights, the race honors the freedoms we celebrate with numerous American-spirited events, including local vendors, a United States Air Force flyover, fireworks, a patriotic drone show, and more. Together, these traditions turn a standard cross country meet into an unforgettable celebration of athletic achievement and national pride.
Campus Champions | Collegiate Spirit in Seneca County
In Tiffin, we are proud to be home to two outstanding higher education institutions, Tiffin University and Heidelberg University. Both schools boast rigorous athletic programs driven by student-athletes who dedicate countless hours to their craft. Whether stepping onto the field, track, or mat, these competitors represent their universities and our region with pride.
- Tiffin University competes at the NCAA Division II level in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (GMAC), consistently delivering top divisional performances and national attention.
- Heidelberg University competes at the NCAA Division III level in the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC).
Ohio has always been a state built on grit, community, and pioneering spirit, and the rapid rise of women’s wrestling is a true reflection of those American values.
Laying the Foundation | A New Era on the Mat
When Tiffin University stepped up in 2018 as the first collegiate women’s wrestling program in the state, they took a leap that sparked a movement. Growing from one visionary program to twelve across Ohio, two in Tiffin alone, in less than a decade shows what happens when a community rallies around its athletes. It reinforces a long-standing tradition of grassroots sport in America, where dedication, local support, and sheer determination open doors for the next generation to succeed right here at home.
This winter, Heidelberg will showcase their athletic heritage during the Berg Holiday Duels, a weekend of action-packed collegiate wrestling. An estimated 1,500 fans will pack the new state-of-the-art Frann’s Fieldhouse across three days, where over 20 collegiate programs and hundreds of wrestlers will compete over 12 mats.
Small Towns, Big Pride | The Local High School Tradition
The athletic tradition runs deep across all of Seneca County, which is a proud home of eight local high schools participating in Ohio High School Athletic Association athletics:
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Tiffin Columbian
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Seneca East
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Mohawk
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Tiffin Calvert
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Old Fort
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Hopewell-Loudon
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Fostoria
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New Riegel
Hundreds of local student-athletes share their talents from fall to spring, with many advancing to compete at the state level. These high school sports programs do more than build athletic skills, they bring neighbors together and teach life lessons in leadership, perseverance, and sportsmanship.
This connection to sportsmanship is further highlighted through Operation Buckeye Guard. A collaborative effort between the Ohio Army National Guard and Ohio High School Football Coaches Association, this initiative supports schools hosting military appreciation games. Participating teams have the honor of wearing specialized camouflage jerseys during select home games. It is a powerful visual reminder of our service members and a moving display of gratitude for those who protect the freedoms we enjoy today.
From the cross-country trails of Seneca East to the wrestling mats at Heidelberg and the Friday night lights across our eight local high schools, athletics in Seneca County reflect the very best of the American spirit. Sports teach us how to push our limits, stand together as a community, and honor those who serve our country. As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary this September, we honor not only our rich history, but also the dedication, pride, and healthy traditions that will carry our community forward for generations to come.
