The Akron City Series is heating up this week with championship action across softball, baseball, and track and field. Here's everything you need to know to stay in the game.
Softball Final: Ellet vs. Firestone
Tuesday, May 12, at 5 p.m. at Firestone Stadium, the top-seeded Ellet Orangemen (11-8, 8-0) take on the Firestone Falcons (8-9, 6-2). Ellet has dominated the regular-season matchups, shutting out Firestone twice—12-0 on April 15 and 10-0 on April 27. Coach Howard Leonard's squad boasts a deep lineup, including pitcher Addy Lipply, shortstop Riley Kearns, and catcher Alivia Russell. Firestone, led by coach Betsy Barr, will rely on pitcher Bri Ellerson-Dyer and shortstop Kyra Wyatt to turn the tide.
Baseball Final: Firestone vs. Ellet
The rubber match moves to the diamond Thursday, May 14, at 5 p.m. at a site still to be announced after last week's final was rained out at 7 17 Credit Union Park. Firestone (9-5, 8-0) enters undefeated in league play, while Ellet (8-10, 8-1) is right on their heels. Expect a pitchers' duel as both teams fight for the City Series crown.
Track and Field Championships
Saturday, May 16, all eyes turn to Ellet High School for the City Series track and field meet. Field events kick off at 9 a.m., followed by running events at 10 a.m. The boys' competition promises to be electric, with Buchtel's Dwight Shade—a Division II state meet standout in the 800 meters—leading the charge. Teammates Qi'Ziah Marks, Terrence Decatur, and newcomer Donte Swain Jr. (who swept the 100 and 200 last year) add depth. Firestone counters with Mekhi Parmer and Emmanuel Roebuck, while Ellet's Trey Carter is the one to watch in the long jump, currently ranked No. 1 in Division II with a leap of 22 feet, 11 inches.
Whether you're cheering from the stands or gearing up for your own season, this week's City Series action is a reminder of why spring sports are so thrilling. Get out there, support your teams, and maybe even find some new gear to match the championship energy.