POLAND, OH- Big congratulations are in order for the Poland Athletic Department, snagging one of Ohio’s top honors—the Bruce Brown Award of Excellence. This isn’t just any accolade; it’s a salute to the hard work Poland’s athletic program has put in to meet some of the highest standards in the state.

The Bruce Brown Award goes to Ohio athletic departments that champion education-based sports. It’s about more than just wins and losses—this award celebrates the schools that prioritize growth, learning, and a positive culture in their sports programs. Poland’s efforts hit all the marks, from risk management to sports medicine, tech and media use, and pushing for continuous improvement.

Many congratulations to Athletic Director Brian Banfield and everyone involved in making this happen! Their commitment to building an athletic culture that’s about more than just the game is what made this award possible. The Bruce Brown Award is presented each year at the OIAAA State Conference, and Poland’s Athletic Department can hold its head high as one of the best in Ohio.

Criteria Domains:

1. Philosophy of Education-based Athletics
2. Education Strategies
3. Risk Management
4. Access/Equity
5. Assessment
6. Technology/Media
7. Sports Medicine
8. Innovation/Creativity
9. Continuous Improvement