Orrville’s More than a Game brings athletes and community together for night of inclusion

More than a Game was created in 2022.

For former Orrville athletic standout and now girls basketball coach Maggie Summers, it was a dream to show student-athletes the importance of giving back and "the game" beyond themselves.

“We had an event at Heidelberg (University) that I enjoyed, and I wanted to bring it to Orrville for the inclusion aspect,” Summers said. “I wanted our athletes to see outside of themselves and the importance of giving back. Giving back to the community is really big.”

It’s turned into something even more special. Now in its third year, it’s becoming one of the most anticipated events to kick off the basketball season at Orrville High School. This year it will take place Wednesday, Nov. 19 at the high school, with tipoff at 6:30 p.m. The doors will open at 5:30 p.m., and tickets are $5.

“The night is very special because it takes the eye off all Orrville athletes and puts it onto a better cause,” Red Riders football and basketball standout Trey Mosley III said. “It brings Orrville together and shows everyone that we can support more than just a sports game, and those don’t get as much recognition.”

More than a Game is where winter sport athletes from boys and girls basketball, wrestling, swimming, and cheerleading are paired with students from Ida Sue, Nick Amster and the Special Olympics. It’s a basketball game, but it's way more than just a game. It's become an event that brings a community together. It’s a night when the student-athletes get more than even they bargained for, a night where "the game" is put back into perspective.

“It’s my first time playing, but I am stoked to play in it,” Mosley said. “It really shows the joy of the game and helps reflect on how it was meant to be played.”

The best part is seeing the impact, seeing it on a bigger landscape and seeing how it's been embraced by all who have come in contact with it.

“It has been amazing to see our community and students in our school district rally to this event each year,” Summers said. “Every year it’s gotten bigger, and the number of participants continues to grow. We started with 34 in 2022. Now we’re at 61.”

Making it more special and personal beyond an amazing night of basketball is that an organization or cause is selected each year. All proceeds from this year will benefit Five Voices Food Pantry in Orrville.

“Allen and April (Bostick) are just great people, and they do everything out of the goodness of their hearts,” Summers said. “That's the purpose of the event: to raise money for the good of the community and for the good of others.”

In the past, over $10,000 was raised for Levi Bauman, a Smithville student with Down syndrome who was diagnosed with leukemia. Over $5,000 was sent to Ida Sue and over $7,000 to Nick Amster.

“This night is incredibly special for Nick Amster and the individuals we support,” said Vanetta Mast, CEO at Nick Amster. “It’s an opportunity for them to experience inclusion, teamwork and community pride. The excitement and joy that come from being on the court, playing alongside Orrville athletes, and seeing the stands filled with supporters is something they look forward to all year.

“It’s more than just a game. It’s a night of friendship, confidence and belonging.”

As for the support, Mast couldn’t have been more appreciative of the generosity of the community.

“We are incredibly grateful for the generosity and support from the community and the Orrville athletic program,” said Mast. “It’s heartwarming to know so many people care and want to be part of something that celebrates everyone’s abilities.” 

This past year, Summers and company were led to another cause with the full support of Mast and Nick Amster. 

“Each year we choose something different,” Summers said. “Originally, we wanted to raise money for a new program that Nick Amster is doing, but then we heard about Levi. Vanetta (Mast) was all behind us switching it to Levi, who was in need. His family was in need, and it was what we felt called to do.

“It was an amazing night. His grandparents were there. He was supposed to be our announcer that year. He was our announcer last year, and he will announce this year as well. It’s awesome to see.”

Seeing the many smiles, it's beyond clear what this event means to Orrville and to each of those impacted. It truly is More than a Game and an event that keeps gaining steam.

“Not only is this our favorite event each year, it is something that has brought our community and county closer together,” Summers said. “It’s incredible to see the stands packed each year, the smiles on everyone's faces all night, and the lasting impact it has had on our athletes, students and community. It’s just amazing. You can’t stop smiling, and it’s life-changing.

“We hope to see More than a Game grow every year and continue to make an impact in Orrville and Wayne County.”