Home Opener Week: Mid-Week Wins, Friday Preview & Community Spirit
The first home games of the season are almost here. Clinton-Massie welcomes Coldwater under the lights Friday night. Blanchester heads to Cincinnati Country Day. East Clinton travels to Cedarville. And Wilmington looks to rebound after a one-point Week 1 loss. But before we get to Friday, there is plenty to celebrate from an action-packed midweek of fall sports across Clinton County.
Four days after a tough 0-4 opening week, Clinton County's student-athletes got back to work. The volleyball teams took the court, the cross country runners lined up at the starting line, and the golf teams teed off in early-season league matches. The results? A winning week so far, with momentum building toward Friday night.
Rooted in Wilmington, Glasshouse Realty proudly serves Clinton County and surrounding communities. We live here, our kids go to school here, and we believe in the organizations that invest in our students. Here is your full mid-week recap, Friday home opener previews, and every way you can show up for Clinton County student-athletes this week.
Mid-Week Scoreboard: Clinton County Finds the Win Column
Wilmington Volleyball 3, Blanchester 0
Wilmington High School • Monday, Aug 24
The Hurricane volleyball team opened the week with a commanding sweep of county rival Blanchester. Coming off a season-opening match at Washington CH on Saturday, Wilmington looked sharp in the home opener. The sweep marks the first win of the season for the Hurricane and sets a positive tone as they continue through a busy early-season schedule. (Source: MaxPreps Wilmington Volleyball)
Clinton-Massie JV Golf Wins Tri-Match
Elks 797 Golf Course, Wilmington • Tuesday, Aug 25
The Falcon JV golf team defeated both Miami Trace and Blanchester in a tri-match at Elks 797 Golf Course in Wilmington. Bryson Kelsheimer earned medalist honors, leading a deep Massie squad that continues to build on the program's tradition of SBAAC dominance. The Falcons varsity team is chasing a sixth straight SBAAC American Division championship this season. (Source: Wilmington News Journal)
East Clinton Volleyball Opens Season with Road Win
Away • Wednesday, Aug 26
The East Clinton volleyball team opened the season with a 3-0 road victory against the Cardinals. The Astros showed strong chemistry and determination in their season opener, giving the program an early boost as they prepare for the heart of their schedule. (Source: Wilmington News Journal)
Cross Country Season Opens at Lost Creek Invitational
Troy, Ohio • Monday, Aug 24
The cross country season officially began with the Lost Creek Invitational in Troy. Wilmington and Clinton-Massie distance runners competed in the early-season meet, using it as a benchmark for individual and team progress. Early-season invitationals are critical for setting personal goals and establishing team dynamics ahead of conference championship meets later this fall. (Source: Wilmington News Journal Fall Sports Schedules)
Friday Night Preview: August 28 — Home Openers & Key Matchups
After a tough Week 1 that saw all four Clinton County teams drop their openers, Friday night offers a chance at redemption. Here is every matchup on the board:
Clinton-Massie Falcons vs. Coldwater
Home at Clinton-Massie High School • 7:30 PM
The biggest game of the night in Clinton County. The defending SBAAC American Division champions make their 2026 home debut after a tough 20-17 loss at Waynesville in Week 1. The Falcons will be hungry to defend their home turf, and the Clinton-Massie faithful are expected to pack the stands. The marching band performs its first home halftime show of the season, and the Clinton-Massie Athletics Boosters will have the concession stand running at full capacity. New this season: the boosters' 501(c)(3) status means all membership dues and donations are tax-deductible. Memberships start at $50 per year and directly support every Falcon athlete — join at cmathleticsboosters.org. (Source: MaxPreps Clinton-Massie)
Blanchester Wildcats @ Cincinnati Country Day
Away • 7:00 PM
Blanchester hits the road for a Week 2 clash with Cincinnati Country Day. The Wildcats showed tremendous heart in their Week 1 home opener, rallying from a 35-14 deficit to make it a one-score game before falling 35-28 to Greeneview. Cincinnati Country Day enters Week 2 ranked No. 7 in the Cleveland.com Division VII state poll after a 30-26 opening win over Cincinnati Summit Country Day. It is a tough test for Blanchester, but the Wildcats have the offensive firepower to compete. The Athletic Boosters of Blanchester are organizing travel support and preparing for the team's next home game. (Source: MaxPreps Blanchester, Cleveland.com State Rankings)
East Clinton Astros @ Cedarville
Away • 7:00 PM
East Clinton hits the road for a Friday night matchup at Cedarville. After an opening week loss to Miami Valley Christian Academy, the Astros will look to even the record. The East Clinton Athletic Boosters continue to seek parent volunteers and community sponsors to support the program through the season. Volunteers are needed for concession stand shifts, field maintenance, and team meal coordination. Visit East Clinton Athletics to get involved. (Source: MaxPreps East Clinton)
Wilmington Hurricane — Open Week
Bye Week
Wilmington has a Week 2 bye, giving the Hurricane extra time to prepare after their heartbreaking one-point loss at Northwest in Week 1. The team returns to action on Friday, September 4 at Mt. Healthy. This bye week is a critical opportunity for the coaching staff to make adjustments and for players to recover and refocus. The Wilmington Hurricane Boosters Association is using the bye week to prepare for a busy September schedule, including the home opener against Miami Trace (rescheduled) and a slate of away games. Athletic season passes for 2026-27 are still available through the Wilmington athletic department. (Source: High School On SI - Wilmington)
Booster Clubs in Action: How You Can Help This Week
While the players are on the field, the boosters are working behind the scenes to make it all happen. Here is a snapshot of what each booster organization is focused on this week:
This week's home opener against Coldwater is the biggest fundraiser night of the young season. The boosters need volunteers for the concession stand, ticket gate, and parking. The "4 Quarter Drive" capital campaign for track expansion and turf replacement continues, and all donations are now tax-deductible through the organization's 501(c)(3) status. Check cmathleticsboosters.org for volunteer sign-ups and membership info.
With a bye week in football, the Wilmington boosters are focusing on supporting the fall teams that are already in action. Volleyball, boys and girls soccer, and cross country all have home events in the coming weeks. The boosters are also preparing for the Hurricane home opener on September 4 against Mt. Healthy. Concession stand volunteers are always needed — reach out through the Wilmington City Schools PTO and Boosters page.
The Blanchester boosters are organizing travel support for the team's road trip to Cincinnati Country Day. With the Wildcats showing strong offensive potential, the boosters are also beginning to plan upcoming home-game fundraisers, including a potential spaghetti dinner and a golf outing later this season. Business sponsorships for the season are still available. Visit blanathleticboosters.org for details.
Fresh off a volleyball season-opening road win, the East Clinton boosters are energized. Boosters president Lynette Gulley and the team are organizing volunteer sign-ups for the upcoming home games. Concession stand volunteers, field crew help, and team meal coordinators are all needed. The Astros are also seeking local business sponsors for the 2026-27 season. Learn more at East Clinton Athletics.
The marching band performs its first home halftime show of the season on Friday. Uniforms are fitted, music is memorized, and the band boosters have volunteer assignments in place for the entire season. If you missed the August 19 organizational meeting but want to support the band program, visit the Clinton-Massie Band Boosters page for information about the next meeting.
This Week in Fall Sports: Beyond Friday Night
Friday night football is the main event, but there is an entire lineup of fall sports competition happening this week across Clinton County. Here is what is on the schedule:
Aug 27: Wilmington @ New Richmond (6:00 PM) • Aug 29: NW Warrior Invitational, Springfield (cross country also competing). The Wilmington Hurricane volleyball team carries momentum from Monday's sweep of Blanchester into a road matchup at New Richmond. East Clinton volleyball looks to build on its season-opening road win.
Clinton-Massie golf continues its pursuit of a sixth straight SBAAC American Division championship. After the JV team's tri-match win on Tuesday, the varsity squad is preparing for upcoming league matches. Renni Sagraves leads a deep Falcon lineup that has dominated the conference in recent years.
After the Lost Creek Invitational on Monday, Wilmington and Clinton-Massie runners prepare for the NW Warrior Invitational in Springfield on Saturday, August 29. Early-season meets help runners establish baseline times and prepare for championship season in October.
Clinton-Massie girls tennis competed at Wilmington on Monday, Aug 24 (4:00 PM). Early-season tennis matches provide valuable match experience before conference play heats up. Check Clinton-Massie Athletics events calendar for the latest schedule updates.
This Weekend: Farm to Bottle Festival & Ohio's Hospice Golf Classic
While high school athletics take center stage this weekend, two major community events are happening that are worth your time:
Farm to Bottle Festival
August 28-29 at the Clinton County Fairgrounds. Wilmington's signature late-summer festival features local food and beverage vendors, live music, artisan markets, and family-friendly activities. With a noon-to-10 PM schedule on Friday and 11 AM to 10 PM on Saturday, you can easily enjoy the festival and still make it to the 7:00 or 7:30 PM football games. General admission is $10 in advance or $15 at the gate. Read our complete Farm to Bottle guide here.
Ohio's Hospice Annual Golf Classic
Friday, August 28 at Elks 797 Golf Course (2593 Rombach Ave., Wilmington). Registration at 11:00 AM, lunch at 11:30 AM, shotgun start at noon, awards at 5:00 PM. Cost is $95 per golfer or $350 per team of four. This community fundraiser benefits hospice programs serving Clinton County families. Finish your round by 5:00 PM and still have time to head to the football game or the Farm to Bottle Festival. (Source: Ohio's Hospice)
Quick Reference: Key Dates This Week & Next
Thursday, Aug 27 • 6:00 PM
Wilmington Volleyball @ New Richmond
Friday, Aug 28 • 11:00 AM
Ohio's Hospice Golf Classic at Elks 797, Wilmington
Friday, Aug 28 • 7:00 PM
Blanchester @ Cincinnati Country Day • East Clinton @ Cedarville
Friday, Aug 28 • 7:30 PM
Clinton-Massie Home Opener vs. Coldwater
Friday-Saturday, Aug 28-29
Farm to Bottle Festival at Clinton County Fairgrounds
Saturday, Aug 29
NW Warrior Cross Country Invitational, Springfield
Friday, Sept 4 • 7:00 PM
Wilmington Hurricane @ Mt. Healthy (return to action)
Why Your Support Matters: Every Dollar Stays Local
When you buy a hot dog at the concession stand, purchase a booster membership, or sponsor a team, the money does not disappear into a central office. It stays right here in Clinton County. It buys new uniforms for the marching band. It funds track resurfacing. It pays for team meals, equipment upgrades, and senior scholarships.
The Clinton-Massie Athletics Boosters "4 Quarter Drive" capital campaign is a perfect example. Every dollar raised goes directly toward expanding the track to eight lanes and replacing aging turf — facilities that every Falcon athlete will benefit from for years to come. And thanks to their new 501(c)(3) status, donations are now tax-deductible.
This is what community looks like. It is parents working the concession stand after a long day at work. It is local businesses buying ads in game programs. It is families showing up on a Friday night to cheer for kids they have never met, because those kids wear the same school colors.
Booster Club Directory: Get Involved Today
Whether you are a parent, alumni, local business owner, or just someone who believes in the power of high school athletics, there is a place for you in Clinton County's booster community. Here is how to connect with each organization:
501(c)(3) nonprofit. Memberships ($50/yr), "4 Quarter Drive" for track/turf. Tax-deductible donations. cmathleticsboosters.org
Athletic passes, concession volunteers, scholarships. Wilmington City Schools PTO and Boosters
Spaghetti dinners, golf outings, business sponsorships. blanathleticboosters.org
Volunteer sign-ups, sponsorships, game-day support. East Clinton Athletics
Uniforms, instruments, travel support. Clinton-Massie Band Boosters
Support Clinton County Student-Athletes
Whether you buy a booster membership, volunteer at the concession stand, or just show up on Friday night with the family, your support makes a difference. Clinton County's student-athletes are counting on their community, and the community always shows up.
And when you are ready to buy, sell, or invest in a home in Wilmington or anywhere in Clinton County, Glasshouse Realty is here to help. Our team knows these neighborhoods, these schools, and these communities because we live here too.
Korrin Ziswiler • (937) 949-0006 • marketing@glasshouserealty.com