TIFFIN, Ohio — Columbian overview:
2023 Record: 11-3 (Division III Regional Finalists)
Head Coach: Judd Lutz (9th year)
Top Returning Players:
Ethan Reynolds, Senior OL (Honorable Mention All-Ohio)
Leo Diamantopoulos, Senior DL (Honorable Mention All-SBC)
2024 Schedule:
WEEK 1 8/23 vs. Fremont Ross
WEEK 2 8/30 @ Chardon
WEEK 3 9/6 vs. Shaw
WEEK 4 9/13 vs. Bishop Watterson
WEEK 5 9/20 @ Huron
WEEK 6 9/27 vs. Sandusky*
WEEK 7 10/4 @ Clyde*
WEEK 8 10/11 @ Bellevue*
WEEK 9 10/18 vs. Norwalk*
WEEK 10 10/25 @ Perkins*
*Denotes Sandusky Bay Conference Lake Division game
The Tornadoes are coming off another terrific season under head coach Judd Lutz. Columbian went 11-3 last year; their only losses were to Bishop Watterson in a nonconference matchup in Columbus, a 55-28 loss to league champion Perkins and a 41-6 loss in the regional finals to eventual state champions Central Catholic.
This season, however, the Tornadoes have to replace the majority of their starters on offense and defense. On top of that, the team has to replace one of their best quarterbacks in school history: Brayden Roggow, who's now at Akron. Senior Zach Shawberry is taking the reins at quarterback.
"Zach Shawberry has stayed behind. A really good quarterback for a number of years, and he's ready to go," Lutz said. "We're really excited to show how talented he is. He's a different quarterback in some realms, but we don't have to change a whole lot because he has a lot of the same tools. Really excited for him to show everyone what he has to offer."
Shawberry knows it's no small task to replace a signal-caller like Roggow, but is looking forward to showing people Columbian is still a powerhouse.
"There are big shoes to fill, but I don't think it's anything I can't handle," he said. "Definitely going to be some high expectations because of what the offense last year, but I think we'll be able to produce."
The Tornadoes open their season on Aug. 23 at home when they host the Fremont Ross Little Giants.