AKRON -- The Touchdown Club of Greater Akron on Sunday recognized 137 high school student-athletes and coaches from Summit and Portage counties in the sports of basketball, wrestling, swimming, diving, gymnastics and bowling at Guy's Party Centre.

 

"I was overwhelmed with the attendance, especially with the parents, coaches and the members of the community that showed up tonight," said Touchdown Club president John Floyd, Jr. "We actually had reservations for 340 and we served 339. So, that is a first for us. It came that close to our number."

 

Floyd said he expected a certain percentage of athletes to miss the banquet because so many are involved in extended activity for their sport.

 

For instance, Twinsburg's 6-foot-4 sophomore Malina Howard, the Summit County Player of the Year, missed the banquet to participate in an all-star basketball event.

 

Presentations to Wadsworth wrestling coach John Gramuglia and his state champion com...