The Greater Akron-Canton High School Sports Awards show celebrated the achievements of athletes, coaches and teams from the area with a total of 37 awards presented. Tess Bucher, a tennis star from Greater Akron-Canton High School, was honored as the Overall Girls Athlete of the Year, while Colin Cernansky, a football star from Marlington High School, received the Overall Boys Athlete of the Year award.
Bucher had an incredible four-year career dominating Northeast Ohio tennis. She ended her senior year with a perfect 43-0 record and totaled 151 wins overall – the most by any player in Stark County history. Throughout 2023, she only lost 3 sets, showcasing her skill and determination. Bucher also achieved league, sectional and district titles all four years. Her standout high school journey included success in softball as well before continuing her tennis career at the University of Kentucky.
Cernansky led his team to three consecutive team state championships in cross country and secured individual state titles in track. With wins in the 1,600 and 3,200 meters, he set all-time Stark County records in these events. His outstanding performances led to six outdoor state titles, three indoor state titles and a cross country state championship making him one of the most celebrated high school athletes in Stark County history. He will continue his running career at Ohio State University after graduating from Marlington High School.
The USA TODAY High School Sports Awards program recognized this event as part of its largest high school sports recognition initiative in the country that highlights exceptional talents and achievements of high school athletes across the United States. The show received support from sponsors including Meijer
