Coach Linerode says of Tana, "She is our senior whose infectious spirit has become the fuel that powers the entire team’s momentum. For four years, Tana has been a proud and steady part of the East Canton bowling program, helping shape the team's road to success this season. Her impact has been recognized beyond our lanes as well, earning Second Team All‑IVC honors for her performance and consistency. Whether she’s stepping onto the approach or cheering from behind the lanes, Tana brings a spark that lifts everyone around her. Her presence sets the tone for East Canton—focused, confident, and ready to compete. Tana delivered one of her strongest performances yet at the 2026 OHSAA Division II Sectional Tournament, rolling an outstanding 560 series and finishing 2nd overall at Spins Bowl Kent. Her consistency and ability to rise to the moment helped drive East Canton to the sectional championship, and she was instrumental in helping the Hornets finish 2nd at the Rebman OHSAA District Tournament, a performance that secured the team’s advancement to the OHSAA State Championships—the first bowling team in school history to reach the state finals. What makes Tana special goes far beyond her scores. She’s the team’s whimsical spark, the one who lightens the mood and keeps practices and matches lively with her humor and personality. Her commitment to improving—and her willingness to experiment with unconventional fixes for the weaknesses in her game—has transformed those very areas into some of her greatest strengths.
Coach McGonagle says, "Aiden Kandel is our athlete of the week. "Trip" is just about everything we try to grow our players to be. He is an elite competitor that has high character & is willing to sacrifice as an individual so the TEAM can have success. As a consistent starter, Aiden is willing to do whatever is asked of him at the highest possible level. Furthermore, Aiden is unafraid of a challenge. His competitive drive, selflessness & character make him such an important part of our team, but because of these qualities look for Aiden to do special things in LIFE. Lastly, as a captain of our team we couldn't be more proud of the leadership he brings. He is one of the few players we've coached that views the game from a coaching perspective, where team success is what matters most. He brings great leadership every single day & is part of the glue that holds our team together.
Coach Christa says of KamRyn, "KamRyn is a varsity high school cheerleader. KamRyn has cheered for East Canton for me for 13 years. She has been a huge asset to East Canton cheerleading for years. KamRyn has worked extremely hard in all of her cheering, stunting, and cheer competitions routines. We are so excited for all of our seniors this year. Once a Hornet always a Hornet!"
Coach Linerode says of Hunter, "This week, we’re proud to recognize Hunter Spencer, a bowler whose steady growth and team‑first mindset have become a driving force for the Hornets. Over the past two seasons, Hunter has elevated every part of his game, and that hard work paid off in a big way at the Struthers Baker Format Tournament, where he set the tone as our lead‑off bowler and helped guide the team to a championship win. Hunter was also an integral part of capturing the IVC Tournament Championship for East Canton. Hunter’s improvement hasn’t just shown up on the scoreboard — it’s influenced the entire roster. His confidence, consistency, and positive energy have become contagious, lifting up his teammates and strengthening the group as a whole."
Congratulations to this week's athletes of the week, Rocco Stefanick and Caidynce Murphy!
Coach McGonagle says of Rocco, "Rocco Stefanick is our athlete of the week for East Canton Basketball. We are so proud of Rocco. First of all, he is a great young man who is going to graduate high school and do special things in life. Secondly, he is a great teammate who works hard & is coachable. Rocco's individual circumstances have constantly changed this season, but his commitment to our team has never waivered. He played big minutes for us in a close game vs. Minerva & provides an energy spark off the bench. Rocco is a guy that young kids at East Canton should strive to be like. We're proud of you, Rocco!"
Coach Miller says of Caidynce, "Caidy has definitely been our best defender all season and one of our best rebounders all season. She doesn't score alot for us but does all the dirty work for this team. She always defends our opponents best post player and has been a starter the past 2 years. She never complains about her stats she just plays hard and enjoys competing at a high level. She has worked so hard all season not only in games but she practices hard all the time. She has been a huge part of our success this season, which we are currently 13 - 6."
Congrats to our athletes of the week, bowlers Dylan Lint and Zoey Williams!
Coach Thomas says of Dylan, "Dylan Lint is our Nominee for player of the week. Dylan started the season a little slower than last year, but he is peaking at the right time, as we head into the last couple weeks of the season. Dylan showed up big during the East Canton Sectional Preview tournament. Dylan was 5th high individual for the tournament, and he came through in several clutch situations throughout the tournament. Dylan rolled strikes, when needed, in the 10th frame of several games to enable his team to continue to advance in the championship round of the tournament. The team finished runner-up after qualifying in the 6th position. Although some of his teammates had a rough day, Dylan continued to be positive and encouraged his teammates throughout the day. I am proud of the way Dylan handled the pressure situations."
Coach Linerode says of Zoey, "This week we’re proud to recognize Zoe Williams, whose readiness, composure, and competitive fire made a huge impact at the Eastbury Sectional Warm‑Up Tournament Zoey stepped into the lineup during the second game and immediately delivered when her team needed her most. Her scores of 153 and 168 were not just solid—they were critical contributions that helped propel East Canton toward the championship. Her ability to rise to the moment, stay focused, and perform under pressure shows exactly what it means to be a true teammate and a clutch competitor. Congratulations to Zoey Williams, our Student‑Athlete of the Week! Your effort and execution played an integral role in bringing home the tournament title. Keep building on that momentum, Zoey!
Coach McGonagle says of Frank, "Our guy Frank is athlete of the week for boys basketball. Frank is very much a model of our core values on a consistent basis. He has championship habits that have allowed him to grow tremendously as a player, but it’s these same habits that make Frank a great young man. He is very much a valued member of our program. Proud of you, Free Throw Frank!"
Coach Linerode says of Daisy, "This week, we’re celebrating Daisy Becker, a bowler who has absolutely earned her moment in the spotlight. Through determination, extra practice, and a relentless drive to improve, Daisy worked her way onto the varsity roster — and once she got there, she made an immediate impact with several standout matches. In her final JV tournament this past weekend, Daisy delivered an impressive 212 game, the highest of the entire Norton Panther Challenge Tournament. That’s the kind of performance that shows exactly how far hard work can take you. Congratulations to Daisy Becker, our Student‑Athlete of the Week — your growth makes East Canton proud. Keep that momentum rolling.
Congrats to our first athletes of the week in 2026, bowler Colton Stanojevic and basketball player Charlie Robinson!
Coach Thomas says, “Colton made his way into the Varsity roster for the first time before Christmas break and performed very well. Colton has realized that spare conversions make a big difference in his scores. Colton converted 70% of his spares this week. I look forward to Colton's continued improvement throughout the season."
Coach Miller says, “Charlie has been one of our top 3 scorers in each game for us this far. The main reason I want to nominate her is her defense. I always put Charlie on the teams best player to defend. She doesn't always get recognized for her efforts but she has helped our team get off to a decent start.”
Coach Linerode says of Katie, "This week’s Bowler of the Week is Katie Buehler for her outstanding sportsmanship, positive attitude, and commitment to being a great teammate. She consistently supports her teammates, celebrates their successes, and represents the team with class on and off the lanes. Her dedication to improving her game is evident through countless hours of summer bowling and taking advantage of weekend opportunities to practice and compete. She even finds time to bowl out of state over Thanksgiving break to ensure that she doesn't go too long without picking up her bowling ball and using it. Her aggressive play, hard work, perseverance, and team-first mindset make her a well-deserving recipient of this honor."
Coach McGonagle says of Owen, "Owen McCroskey has had a remarkable career as an East Canton student-athlete. He received just about every award last year as an individual basketball player, then led our football team on a remarkable run and is having a great start to the season for us. Owen is a leader, a winner & a special young man. Personally, I feel blessed with the opportunity to coach him for 4 years. He is going to be successful in whatever he chooses. Keep leading from the front, Owen!"
