by Cover photo – Christine Dort Photography
We would like to spotlight Gabe Bagger, #77 for Berea-Midpark.
Gabe is a senior offensive lineman and nose tackle who has worked extremely hard both on and off the field. He is a National Honor Society member, earned 12 Division I football offers, and ultimately committed to the U.S. Naval Academy.
One of the things to note is how Gabe approached his college decision. Rather than chasing potential NIL money, he looked at the bigger picture: his education, his future, the opportunity to play Division I football, become a Midshipman, and eventually serve his country.
Gabe is now competing nationally for Youth Athlete of the Year, a competition involving Russell Wilson and benefiting his Why Not You Foundation.
He has already survived several rounds of voting and made the Top 10 in his group. He is currently sitting at #4, with only the Top 5 advancing when this round closes Thursday at 8 PM.
Beyond the voting competition, he’s a Northeast Ohio high school athlete succeeding in the classroom and on the field who earned 12 D1 opportunities but chose a path centered around education, football, leadership, and service.
The voting link to support , or possibly doing something more with him, we would certainly appreciate any support you can provide.
Here is his direct page:
https://athleteoftheyear.org/2026/gabe-fa40
Voting is FREE once every 24 hours, and right now every vote matters as we try to keep #77 inside that Top 5.
Congrats to Gabe and good luck!
