The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
‘One for the ages’
Chardon leaders laud state champion high school football team, coach
Chardon City Council’s recent virtual meeting was awash with warm feelings, hometown pride and downright emotion at times.
City officials finally got their chance on Jan. 14 to “personally” express appreciation to the high school football team that took home the Division III state championship title Nov. 21.
Coach Mitch Hewitt and some team members took part in the Zoom proceedings, during which City Council approved a resolution of appreciation. It reads, in part, as follows:
“Whereas, the Hilltoppers staged an amazing come-from-behind victory and defeated Columbus DeSales in the state playoffs; the Hilltoppers proved themselves to be No. 1 and earned the title of State Champions; and … with the encouragement and diligent efforts of Coach Mitch Hewitt and other assistant coaches and trainers, the Hilltoppers became State champions for the 2nd time in school history; And ... the City of Chardon desires to acknowledge the pride it has for the achievements of the Hilltoppers football team and wishes to congratulate them for the recognition they have brought to our community and school district. …”
Mayor Dan Meleski said he had the “distinct pleasure” of attending the limited-capacity games because of his sons being in marching band.
“It was an interesting situation at the final, because we were so accustomed to being up by so many points that we weren’t used to having sweat on our brow at any point in the game,” he said.
“One of the statements I made to a friend after the game ended (was) I said that was one for the ages, because I think a lot of us were thinking this is impossible, but the team knew all along it was not impossible.”
In November, Meleski issued a proclamation declaring Nov. 21 “Hilltopper Day” in anticipation of the game.
Hewitt was grateful for the community support.
“It was great to have the city behind us, it was great to unify, because obviously it’s been a year where there’s been a lot of division, a lot of heartache and a lot of setbacks,” he said.
“It was great for these young men to create a memory that will last a lifetime and bring some pride back to the city. It was a unique group of kids to navigate through all that 2020 had to offer.”
Councilwoman Deborah Chuha said the livestreamed games gave her something to look forward to every Friday night during the season.
“I had such fun posting on Facebook the scores,” she said. “Especially your (Hewitt’s) mom, when she was working, she’d check in every couple of minutes to see what the score was, so it was a great season. Thank you for giving us something to appreciate last year.”
Hewitt said it was unfortunate that not everyone was allowed to attend in person, but noted the upside of the pandemic leading to televised games.
“I think the viewership in just the state of Ohio was around 13,000 from Spectrum, and then on the Internet, it was the mostwatched MaxPreps game in the country with like over 100,000 viewership,” he said, adding that weekly reports indicated people were watching from as far away as California and New Zealand.
The team captains also were on the Zoom call. One of them was Division III All-Ohio offensive lineman Nick Fay.
“I want to thank you for the recognition and appreciation; it really means a lot,” he said. “It was an awesome season and a great way to go out. It’s nice to have the city on your back, because not every school and football team has a city behind them at all times.”
Sign situation
Council also authorized the city manager to order signs to post at the city’s eight gateways to mark the achievement. The cost would be at least $1,700 total.
There was discussion as to whether past state championship teams from the community should be included on the signs. That would be the 1994 football team, and boys and girls cross country teams from 1972 (boys), 1978 and 1979 (both girls).
“I certainly think the past state champion sports need recognition,” Councilman Christopher Grau said. “I’m super happy about football and 1994, but we need something for the runners out there that have brought home the state championships too, even if the cost is additional.”
The rest of Council agreed.