Additional photos below

On August 27, a Punt, Pass and Kick USA, Inc.-sanctioned competition at ONU’s Dial-Roberson Stadium brought out the best in young athletes and from the Ada community. The competition was part of the 2022 Made in Ada Wilson Football Festival. Some 130 children ages 6-15 were registered for the free event which will advance top scorers to a national competition.

The Ada competition was coordinated by Winn Hauenstein for the Ada Area Chamber of Commerce. Ohio Northern Lacrosse and Wrestling athletes supplied field workers who assisted and encouraged the young athletes. Hauenstein thanked the university for providing the facilities and the Ream-McElroy VFW Post 9381 for sponsoring the event.

Hauenstein was very pleased with the efficiency of the process and behavior of the young competitors: “I didn’t have to herd cats all day. They were patient and did what they had to do. They all did a very nice job.”

While scores were being entered and tallied, the boys and girls continued to practice their football skills with friends and family. While some parents scrambled for shade, the children were clearly enjoying the treat of playing on the ONU field.

The list below shows the best overall performers in each age group. Participants came from as far away as Cleveland, Columbus and Fort Wayne.

The event was free for all participants. PPK provides ribbons as prizes. Wilson Sporting Goods also provided footballs as prizes for those awarded first place overall. Five Ada participants scored first or second overall in their age groups. The largest division was Boys 8-9 with 32 participants registered.

The is the first year that the Ada Punt, Pass and Kick competition has been part of the PPK program.

All award winners for each skill and for overall categories in each of the ten (10) competing age groups will automatically qualify to advance to the national competition in January 2023.

Girls 6-7 Overall

1 Rodabaugh, Lyla of Forest, Ohio

2 Hull, Carly of Ada, Ohio

Girls 8-9 Overall

1 Fisher, Aubree of Delphos, Ohio

2 Hull, Makayla of Ada, Ohio

Girls 10-11 Overall

1 Halker, Ashtyn of Columbus Grove Ohio

2 Carter, Lucy of Ada, Ohio

Girls 12-13 Overall

1 Alstaetter, Hannah of Defiance, Ohio

Boys 6-7 Overall

1 Sampson, Kamden of Alger, Ohio

2 Beightler, Bentley of Findlay, Ohio

Boys 8-9 Overall

1 St. Laurent, Jamarcus of Ada, Ohio

2 Giesey, Skyler of McComb. Ohio

Boys 10-11 Overall

1 Hirsch, Tanner of Bluffton, Ohio

2 Kuehner, James of Minister, Ohio

Boys 12-13 Overall

1 Heberling, Brennan of Kenton, Ohio

2 Gammon, Xavier of Kenton, Ohio

Boys 14-15 Overall

1 Cancellare, Phillip of Findlay, Ohio

2 Gossman, Slade of Ada, Ohio