'Crushing it' all year

FINDLAY — The Hancock County Buckeyes are heading to state this weekend, bringing an undefeated record and a determination to finish the season on top. Both of Hancock County's Special Olympics softball teams secured their regional victories in August to qualify for the 2025 Special Olympics Ohio State Softball Tournament in Marysville. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Special Olympics in Ohio, with the two-day competition set to take place at the Union County Joint Recreation Complex. The Buckeyes claimed their place to states with back-to-back tournament wins. On Aug. 9, the coach pitch team won the title at the Mike Piero Foundation Memorial Tournament at Roger Young Park in Fremont. The following weekend, both the coach pitch and traditional pitch teams went undefeated at the regional tournament held at Marathon Diamonds behind the Cube in Findlay. For families, the experience has been unforgettable. Tomas Paniagua, whose two daughters play on the coach pitch team, said their first-year of softball has been life-changing. "My younger daughter, who's 16, she's been playing really well," Paniagua said. "They're getting out there and having some sort of a normal routine, that'll hopefully help them in the future." Paniagua added that his daughters are beyond excited for the opportunity to head to states. "They're just all worked up and excited to go," Paniagua said. "I used to play softball myself. I had my own team, and I coached for over 30 years. We always went to states, and it was always a big thrill." To celebrate the big weekend, the teams gathered for a pizza party sendoff Friday at Swan House in Findlay. Families and friends will follow the team shuttle down to Marysville Saturday morning to cheer them on. "They played their hearts out all year long," Paniagua said. "They haven't lost a game all season and that's counting the regular season and the tournaments. They're crushing it."