With fifteen athletes taking the field this season, the Madison varsity and junior varsity softball team are firing on all cylinders. Coaches Scott Knight and David Love expressed immense excitement about the roster's depth, which has successfully allowed Madison to field both varsity and junior varsity teams this fall.This year's complete Madison roster includes a mix of experience and emerging talent:

• Seniors: Lizzy Dameron, Sienna Brush, and Kaylee Knight

• Juniors: Chloe Summers, Makenna Fieth, Maesyn Wayman, and Monica Wahl

• Sophomores: Jazlyn Johnston and Kinly McCoy

• Freshmen: Hallie Dameron, Bailey Spieckermann, Sydney Spieckermann, Aubrey Love, Maddison McNamara, and Vanessa Gonzales

The varsity squad is putting together a great season, including victories against Novinger, Wellsville-Middletown, New Franklin, Bucklin-Macon County, Higbee, and Van-Far. The team has proven they can battle with the best, dropping a few hard-fought matches to Harrisburg, Community, Jamestown, Glasgow, Slater, and a nail-biter against Westran that stretched into extra innings.

On the junior varsity side, the younger Panthers are gaining invaluable game experience. Though the JV squad dropped a tight 6-8 battle against Novinger, and a small loss versus Slater, the girls fought until the final out and showed that the future of Madison softball is incredibly bright.

Madison C-3 Kicks Off a "Banner Year"

With doors open wide and hallways filled with energy, the Madison C-3 school district has officially welcomed back students and staff for another promising school year. Students arriving on day one were greeted by vibrant, colorful decorations showcasing this year’s official school theme: a "Banner Year." The concept behind the theme reminds the community that success is about more than just a piece of paper—it is about setting ambitious goals and striving for excellence in every way.

Madison students are already channeling that mindset into sports, clubs, and academics. Leading the charge, the varsity softball team has kicked off the fall season with an impressive 6-4 record, marking one of the strongest starts the program has seen in recent years. Meanwhile, the junior high basketball teams are officially underway, having hit the court for practices in mid-September.

Extracurricular activities are also thriving. On September 15, the FFA chapter held its first official meeting of the year, signaling the start of a busy calendar for members. Additionally, Madison juniors and seniors recently attended the "Build My Future" event. The hands-on experience offered upperclassmen an inside look at diverse career pathways, local job opportunities, and potential college tracks available to them after graduation.

Adding to the excitement of the new school year, Madison is reinstating its beloved "Panther Families" tradition. Staff and students alike are exhilarated to participate in the program once again, uniting the student body and ensuring that every Panther feels supported as we build a banner year together.

Devyn Andrade

The expectations inside the Madison High weight room have reached a new level this school year. Under the leadership of Coach Love, student-athletes are experiencing an elevated standard of training designed to maximize potential and prevent injuries. 

From day one, Coach Love has brought a hands-on approach to the program. He actively works out alongside students, demonstrates proper technique, and ensures everyone utilizes vital safety equipment, like lifting belts, to prevent injury.

This renewed focus is driving students toward ambitious goals. Coach Love is pushing athletes to climb the ranks and join the prestigious 1000-pound club by the end of the school year. As a result, the overall atmosphere in the weight room has shifted. There is a tangible surge in motivation, with students arriving each day hungry to improve on their personal bests. Ultimately, the new standards are about more than just numbers on a barbell—they are about helping every Madison student become the strongest, healthiest version of themselves.

The Madison Panther baseball team has the entire fall baseball season to build and prepare for the spring season. We will be practicing and getting to know how all the teams are going to be like. With four seniors leaving and two juniors that are now seniors, the starters will be Brady Bollman (Pitcher), Mason Million (Catcher), Wyatt Tooley (1st), Jacob Fish (2nd), Connor Chick (Short Stop), Peyton Nickerson (3rd), Cooper Hartgrove (Left Field), Devyn Andrade (Center Field), Kayden McWilliams (Right Field). There will be a baseball after the softball game on Thursday, Sep, against Sturgeon at Madison.