Evelyn Krauss Receives Courage Award at Central Ohio High School Sports Awards

Evelyn Krauss, a recent graduate of Delaware City Schools and wrestler for the Pacers, received the Courage Award at the 2026 Central Ohio High School Sports Awards, according to The Columbus Dispatch. The honor recognizes athletes who demonstrate exceptional resilience and strength while facing adversity.

The Columbus Dispatch identified Krauss as the 2026 recipient of the award during the annual ceremony. Krauss represented the Delaware Pacers wrestling program prior to her graduation from Delaware City Schools.

The Courage Award is a specific designation within the Central Ohio High School Sports Awards (COHSSA) designed to highlight character and perseverance over traditional athletic statistics or win-loss records.

Krauss’ recognition comes as girls’ wrestling continues to expand across Ohio high schools. The sport has seen a steady increase in sanctioned competition and participation rates in the region over the last several years.

Why was Evelyn Krauss honored with the Courage Award?

The Columbus Dispatch named Krauss the honoree for 2026, citing her journey as a wrestler for the Delaware Pacers. While the award typically focuses on an athlete’s ability to overcome significant personal or physical obstacles, the specific details of Krauss’ resilience were highlighted by the outlet as the primary driver for her selection.

The selection process for the Courage Award emphasizes the impact an athlete has on their teammates and community through their persistence. Krauss’ tenure with the Pacers is cited as the period during which she demonstrated the qualities required for the honor.

What are the Central Ohio High School Sports Awards?

The Central Ohio High School Sports Awards (COHSSA) is an annual event that recognizes outstanding student-athletes, coaches, and programs across the region. The ceremony serves as a comprehensive year-end review of high school athletics in Central Ohio.

Unlike standard All-State or All-Conference honors, COHSSA includes specialty awards like the Courage Award to acknowledge the non-competitive aspects of sports. These prizes are often based on nominations and reporting from local media and school officials.

How does this fit into the Delaware Pacers wrestling program?

Krauss’ achievement brings regional attention to the Delaware City Schools athletic department. The Pacers wrestling program has integrated girls’ wrestling into its competitive framework, mirroring a broader statewide trend in Ohio.

The recognition of a recent graduate by a major regional outlet like The Columbus Dispatch underscores the visibility of the Pacers program within the Central Ohio sports landscape.