Cold Pizza

This week's edition includes:

• SHS Wins an Exclusive Award
• SMS Basketball Open Gyms and Tryouts
• Winter Sports Registrations are Open (Basketball, Cheer, and Wrestling)
• New Travel Basketball Info
• Youth Softball Clinics
• Schedules
• Fan Behavior
• Sports Photos
• Coach Spotlight
• Issue Facts
• Eligibility
• Athletic Opportunities at SMS
• Online Team Shop
• Athletic Boosters
• Win a Car AND Support Athletics
• Ticket Price Increase
• Online Ticketing Information
• Rec Basketball Sign-Ups
• Strongsville Rec Department Program Offerings
• Click/Tap HERE for previous editions of Cold Pizza

One of the athletic departments mottos is to always strive to create championship level experiences on and off the field for the student athletes. Some of those experiences is that we're ensuring the highest levels of education-based athletics transcends across all facets of the department. Being only the second school in Ohio to win the Exemplary Level of the Quality Program Assessment demonstrates our vigilance in ensuring the student-athletes are receiving the highest levels possible!

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Strongsville High School Athletics Receives Exemplary Level Status
in 2023 Quality Program Assessment

Only 2nd Ohio School to Achieve This Recognition
From the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association

Strongsville, OH (October 6, 2023) - The Strongsville High School athletic program has been recognized as a 2023 recipient of the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) Quality Program Recognition at the Exemplary Level. Strongsville High School is just the second Ohio school to achieve this recognition, since its inception in 2009. Streetsboro High School is the only other Ohio high school to earn this award (2021).

To be recognized as a Quality Program Exemplary High School, an athletic administrator must complete a thorough analysis of his/her program and present evidence of existing policies, practices, and procedures that meet suggested criteria within the ten Quality Program assessment categories. Through this recognition program, the NIAAA embraces local school innovation and vision that makes use of best practices in high school athletic programs.

Mr. Denny Ziegler, Director of Athletics & Activities at Strongsville High School, will be presented this award at the 2023 NIAAA Annual Business Meeting, held during the NIAAA/NFHS National Conference, in December.

“Strongsville High School believes in excellence in academics, arts, and athletics. Receiving this recognition provides validation that our athletic department, student-athletes, and our community has not only met expectations, but exceeded them. Excellence in athletics is quantified not only in wins and losses, but also by how our student-athletes perform in the classroom, how they lead in the building, and how they grow as they learn the lessons that athletics provides. We are proud to receive this prestigious award and recognize the hard work of Mr. Ziegler and Mr. Keppler, our Athletic Director and Assistant Athletic Director. Thank you to the Strongsville community for their support, which is essential to the success of our programs,” said Mr. Bill Wingler, Strongsville High School Principal.

“This award reaffirms that we are providing the very best opportunities for our student-athletes in Strongsville. As an Athletic Department, we strive to be the model for other schools and districts. This recognition is confirmation that our policies, programs, and systems are in a solid place and can be an example of best practices for other programs. As an Athletic Department, District, and overall community, we are always looking for opportunities to grow and create sustainable policies, programs, and systems. We appreciate the core team involved and the many hours dedicated in preparing and submitting materials for this award; however, this truly is an award to be celebrated by our entire District. We hope that our student-athletes, our coaches and staff, our parents, and the Strongsville community are proud of this recognition,” said Mr. Denny Ziegler, Director of Athletics & Activities at Strongsville High School.

#ModelMustang

***All participants MUST be registered through Final Forms and have an active physical uploaded to attend open gyms and tryouts.***

Girls Open Gyms:

• 9/27, 3:30-5:30 @ Strongsville Rec
• 10/16, 3:00-5:00 @ SMS
• 10/18, 3:00-5:00 @ SMS

Girls Tryouts:

• 10/30, 3:00-5:00 @ SMS
• 10/31, 3:00-4:30 @ SMS
• 11/1- Teams announced
• 11/2- Practices begin, times TBA

***All participants MUST be registered through Final Forms and have an active physical uploaded to attend open gyms and tryouts.***

Boys Open Gyms:

• 10/18, 5:00-6:00 @ SMS- 8th grade only
• 10/19, 5:00-6:00 @ SMS- 7th grade only
• 10/25, 5:00-6:00 @ SMS- 8th grade only
• 10/26, 5:00-6:00 @ SMS- 7th grade only

Boys 7th Grade Tryouts:

• 11/3, 4:30-6:00 @ SMS
• 11/6, 3:00-4:30 @ SMS
• 11/8, 3:00-4:30 @ SMS- Front Gym Only

Boys 8th Grade Tryouts:

• 11/3, 3:00-4:30 @ SMS- Front Gym Only
• 11/8, 4:30-6:00 @ SMS- Front Gym Only
• 11/9, 3:00-4:30 @ SMS- Front Gym Only

***All participants MUST be registered through Final Forms and have an active physical uploaded to attend open gyms and tryouts.***

If your child is looking to wrestle or play basketball for SMS this winter please know that process begins by logging into Final Forms. Access that site HERE. More details below about registration are below. .

• Detailed Registration Instructions
• Having an active physical on file with the athletic office is a requirement. You can access the physical form HERE.
• Pay-to-Participate Info
• All Pay-to-Participate and prior year school fees must be paid in order for students to be eligible to participate.
• SMS students must have passed at least 4 classes in their previous quarter to be eligible. If their GPA is below a 2.0 they will have to submit weekly progress reports.

GET THE LATEST TEAM UPDATES:

• We post game/event results on Twitter HERE
• Follow game/event results on Facebook HERE

FOOTBALL/CHEER:

• FB Game Schedule

• 8th Grade Cheer Game Schedule

• 7th Grade Cheer Game Schedule

VOLLEYBALL:

• VB Match Schedule
  

CROSS COUNTRY:

• CC Meet Schedule

INTRAMURALS:

• Running and Volleyball Schedule

Strongsville City Schools, its students, its staff, and its services are all part of a first class community. The roots of our first class nature are derived from the actions of the great families that comprise Strongsville. With that said, being first class doesn't mean being perfect in all actions. In part, it means having the desire, open-mindedness and skillset to get better when needed. Last year some of our students, perhaps unknowingly, engaged in some unsportsmanlike conduct from the bleachers at some recent athletic contests. Most of us know that being good neighbors to our opponents, their fans and the officials is a part of being first class. It might not be known to many middle school aged students who are starting to experience their first sense of freedom.

I am strongly encouraging all families to have the following conversation with your middle school aged child. Please inform them that the only acceptable behavior at sporting event is being positive. Any negative behavior/speech is strictly prohibited. Below is a brief explanation as it relates to acceptable and unacceptable fan behavior. Thank you for your cooperation!

Tell everyone a little about yourself?

• I grew up in Parma, Ohio. Went to Holy Name High School and both John Carrol University as well as the University of Toledo. Married to my beautiful wife Maureen for over 15 years and I have 3 wonderful children (Ryleigh - Freshman at SHS, Ethan - 7th grader at SMS and Owen - 6th grader at SMS). I love watching my children participate in sports and live out their passions.
  

What team(s) do you currently coach (in and out of SCS)?

• 7th grade Offensive Coordinator and 5/6 Grade Head Coach for SFL
  

Why did you get into coaching?

• My love of the game and passion to help young men grow and learn from all the benefits that come with the game of football.
  

What was your favorite coaching moment?

• Watching the players support each other and have fun. Seeing all your hard work pay off and players that come up to you and thank you for pushing them to be better. That’s the best!
  

Who is your favorite coach and why?

• My Holy Name freshman football coach Joe Ehrbar. He cared so much and knew something about every player that played for him. He wanted you to become a successful young man while he taught football. I saw him last year when Holy Name made the state semifinals and he still remembered the grade school that I went to back in the early 90’s. He was and still is something else.
  

Outside of the Mustangs, who is your favorite sports team?

• Cleveland Browns
  

What is your favorite sport to play and/or watch?

• Football

What is your favorite sports memory?

• Not the personal highlights, nor all the team wins, but rather the time I spent in the locker room with my fellow teammates. The good times we had together when we weren’t playing on the field is what I remember the most. Those were teammates that had my utmost respect because on the field we knew we had each other’s backs.
  

What is your favorite sports quote?

• I don't count my sit-ups. I only start counting when it starts hurting because they're the only ones that count - Muhammad Ali.
  This is just one of many sports quotes that I love. This one is special because it’s all about growing and stretching yourself beyond what you thought you were capable of. When it’s hard, that’s the time to test yourself even more both physically and mentally. That’s when the counting should start and you’ll be surprised how much you learn about yourself when things are tough.
  

What is something that most people don't know about you?

• I may call plays on offense and really enjoy doing it, but I am a defensive guy at heart. Played Free Safety and Corner Back in HS and College.
  

Tell everyone a little about yourself?

• I am a student at Baldwin Wallace University studying Sport Management and Hospitality Management with a minor in Athletic Coaching. I currently am the assistant manager at the Guardians team store and work game day operations for the Browns.
  

What team(s) do you currently coach (in and out of SCS)?

• 7th grade Cheerleading @ SMS
  

Why did you get into coaching?

• I wanted to coach cheer because I was having a hard time coming to terms with leaving the sport I did for 18 years of my life. As I began coaching, it became more than that. I wanted to be the coach who made athletes feel better physically, mentally, and emotionally while helping them grow into the athletes they were meant to be.
  

What was your favorite coaching moment?

• My favorite coaching moment was meeting my first team for the first time.
  

Who is your favorite coach and why?

• My favorite coach is Mike Tomlin because I like his approach on all things coaching. I like to watch all his interviews and hear his take on being a coach at the professional level, it's much different than any other.

What is your favorite sport to play and/or watch?

• Football

What is your favorite sports memory?

• My favorite sports memory is stunting with BW alumni at homecoming every year
  

What is your favorite sports quote?

• I have two
  “You must continue to dream the wild dream that you dreamed when you were young”
  -- Mike Tomlin
  “If you’re not making mistakes, you’re not trying hard enough.”
  -- Vince Lombardi
  

What is something that most people don't know about you?

• I have been to 3 Super Bowls
  

Tell everyone a little about yourself?

• I was born and raised in Jamestown NY. After attending BW, I met my current wife and relocated permanently to Cleveland. I have two daughters 21 and 17. I'm an Intervention Specialist at Strongsville High School and just started my 26th year of teaching.
  

What team(s) do you currently coach (in and out of SCS)?

• Cross Country SMS
  

Why did you get into coaching?

• After playing baseball in college, I wanted to find a way to stay around the game. Coaching was the best way to do that.
  

What was your favorite coaching moment?

• Being on the coaching staff of the 2006 SHS State Title baseball team

Who is your favorite coach and why?

• My favorite coach was Brett Butler my college pitching coach. He was the first coach that pushed the importance of the mental game in regards to being a better athlete competitor. He could make you believe you could do anything with the right mindset.
  

Outside of the Mustangs, who is your favorite sports team?

• Boston Red Sox
  

What is your favorite sport to play and/or watch?

• Favorite sport to watch is college football. My favorite sport to compete in is Triathlon.
  

What is your favorite sports memory?

• Pitching a complete game, beating the number one team in the nation.
  

What is your favorite sports quote?

• It doesn't matter what you are capable of, it only matters what you are willing to do. - Mike Tomlin
  Only athletes willing to put in the work will fully maximize their talent.
  

What is something that most people don't know about you?

• I have a degree in Sports Medicine from BW.
  

Since 2019, the last time Strongsville City Schools had a renewal on the ballot, the Auditor of State has established new guidelines with regard to school levies and how information can be shared from Ohio school districts to local communities for ballot issues. It is important that Strongsville City Schools provides the facts for upcoming ballot issues. The information highlighted below is intended to assist our community members in making an informed decision.

What is Issue 14?
Strongsville City Schools seeks the renewal of a 5.9 mill operating levy that was initially approved by voters in May 2019. This was the first time new operating money was authorized by the voters since November 2007.

How much revenue will the renewal levy generate for SCS?
The renewal of the 5.9 mill operating levy will generate approximately $9.9 million dollars per year.

How will the renewal levy impact community members?
A renewal levy is a continuation of a previously approved levy, which means there will be no impact/increase to your current taxes.

What is the ballot language for Issue 14?
A renewal of tax for the benefit of Strongsville City School District for the purpose of current expenses and that the county fiscal officer estimates, will collect $9,854,000 annually, at a rate not exceeding 5.9 mills for each $1 of taxable value. This amounts to $179 per year / $14.92 per month / $3.44 per week for each $100,000 of county fiscal officers appraised value*, beginning in 2024, first due in calendar year 2025. * To locate your total auditor assessed value, visit https://myplace.cuyahogacounty.us/

Our District has invested millions of dollars in Academics, Arts, Athletics, and Well-Being which has provided valuable opportunities for our students including:

• $500,000 annual investment into technology, providing tools and resources, such as new software applications, to assist and drive student learning outcomes
• Implementing multi-year training in the "science of reading" across our District which supports teachers in research-based literacy practices - this training at SCS began two years ago, prior to it now being required by the state of Ohio
• Created a recording and music production lab for Strongsville High School students to utilize and explore their creativity and expand their music interests and talents
• Added five new supplemental secondary music extracurricular contracts to provide additional opportunities in jazz band, show choir, and chamber strings in grades 6-12
• Added new Assistant Athletic Director position to support the District's athletic department with a specific focus on middle school athletics programming
• Expanded athletic offerings at SMS, including fall and winter cheerleading squads and reinstated 8th grade teams for volleyball, girls basketball, and boys basketball
• Added new elementary school counselors - currently one counselor at each of our elementary buildings

Our District has invested in students, providing opportunities for all students to develop important skills, both inside and outside of the classroom. To learn more about how the dollars generated by the renewal of the 5.9 mill operating levy, as well as utilizing additional District resources, will allow SCS to maintain these opportunities provided to all students, click HERE (https://www.strongnet.org/community/issue-14-renewal-levy).

I also invite you to reach out if you have questions about Issue 14. To submit your questions, please click on this form.

When a volleyball friend is in need our 7th grade volleyball players and coach has your back!

Player eligibility is determined by SCS and OHSAA policies. Some of the eligibility criteria is listed below.

• Students must maintain at least a 2.0 G.P.A. Should their G.P.A. fall below a 2.0 they will be put on a weekly progress reports to assure assignments and effort are up to snuff. If not the players will be required to sit until improvement is made.
• Students must have passed at least 4 classes in the previous quarter (5 credits if at SHS). Should this criteria not be met a student will not be eligible for the forthcoming athletic season.
• Pay to Participate and previous year academic fees must be paid in order to partake in athletic games/contests. Students will be withheld from all contests until fees are paid.

• OHSAA Eligibility Resource Center

• https://ohsaa.org/Eligibility

See the graphic below for details regarding athletic opportunities for SMS students throughout the course of a school year.

If you're looking for some spirit wear to help support the Mustangs please know that spirit wear can be purchased through the Strongsville Mustangs Athletics Website linked below. Christmas is just around the corner, don't miss out on some great gift ideas! A couple of examples of the 100's of items found in our online spirit shop are pictured below.

There is lots of other information there as well!

http://strongsvilleathletics.org

• Game Schedules
• Game Results/Recaps
• Athletic Forms
• Sports Medicine Info
• Ticketing Info
• Online Team Shop
• Sports Registration/Tryout Info

The Strongsville Athletic Boosters is comprised of parent volunteers that raise funds and provide support to all of the Strongsville High School and Middle School athletic programs and student-athletes. Every dollar raised by the booster club is invested back into the student-athlete experience. We purchase uniforms, warm-ups, training equipment and other items to help our student-athletes perform to the best of their ability in representing Strongsville City Schools. Our ultimate success depends on the commitment of parents! Click HERE to join the Athletic Boosters for the 2022-2023 school year. Becoming a member not only helps your student's success but it also gets you some free SWAG. Details in the graphic below.

Help the athletic teams and potentially win a Chevy Trax! Click HERE to buy raffle tickets!

Greater Cleveland Conference Approves Ticket Price Increase

The Greater Cleveland Conference (GCC) will be raising admission ticket prices for all athletic events beginning in the 2023-2024 school year. In May, GCC principals approved the increase in athletic ticket prices after GCC Athletic Directors conducted a review of ticket prices for surrounding conferences in Northeast Ohio and found most to already be at these price levels. Ticket sales revenue generated from the events is the main source of funding used by member schools to cover costs for sports and the overall athletic department budget. While costs of game officials, security, sporting equipment, along with all the other costs associated with these events have increased and ticket prices have not. The increase is intended to help offset costs without sacrificing family, student and community experiences. This is the first price increase the GCC has issued since the formation of the league in 2020. The GCC consists of member schools Brunswick, Cleveland Heights, Euclid, Medina, Mentor, Shaker Heights, and Strongsville.

Varsity Football:

$10 at the gate for Adult/Student General Admission

$8 Adult Presale flat fee until 2 hours before kickoff (was $7)

$5 Student Presale (no change)

*Season tickets for home contests are at the discretion of the home school

Varsity/JV (All other Varsity Sports):

$8 Adult/Student (was $7)

Freshman or JV (stand alone):

$5 Adult/Student (was $4)

Middle School Sports:

$5 Adult/Student (was $4)

Senior Citizens Ticket Prices

Free admission (no change)

GCC Passes

Distributed by individual schools, GCC passes admit one spectator per pass

GCC Tournaments:

$8 Adult/Student (was $7)

No charge for pre-school age children

No Senior Citizen passes accepted

Sign-in sheet will be used for school officials

Anyone that plans on attending a home contest for the Mustangs can purchase their tickets multiple ways. Keep in mind that ticket prices are set by the GCC

All other VARSITY sporting events will have $7.00 tickets for adults and $5.00 for students.

For stand alone JV, Freshman AND Middle School games, tickets will be $4.00 and $2.00

1. Tickets will be sold online through our NEW online Ticketing Partner, Hometown Ticketing. The link can be found HERE. This is the preferred method of payment for all home contests. You can also purchase tickets by going to STRONGSVILLEATHLETICS.ORG and by clicking on each team's schedule, there is a BUY TICKETS option. If you have question, please reach out to the Athletic Office.

2. We will offer at the gate cash and CREDIT CARD sales for all home contests. Again, if you do not want to wait in line, the online ticket option would be best

3. SENIOR CITIZEN DISCOUNTS. The GCC will allow Senior Citizens into any contest free of charge. At Strongsville, we will be issuing Senior Citizen All-Access passes that will allow them to attend any HOME sporting event free of charge. Passes will issued at any ticket gate upon entrance to an event.

(Please keep in mind that when we play non-league contests away, those schools may have a different senior citizen policy)

If you have any questions about the ticketing policy, please do not hesitate to contact the athletic department.

Click/tap HERE for what sports programs are upcoming for the Strongsville Recreation Department.

Email: jkeppler@scsmustangs.org
Website: strongsvilleathletics.org
Location: 13200 Pearl Road, Strongsville, OH, USA
Phone: 4405727090
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Strongsville-Athletics/100057494767336/
Twitter: @scsmustangs