Two Bluffton High School cross country runners competed in the 2026 OHSAA Cross Country State Championships on November 7 at Fortress Obetz in Obetz, Ohio.
Pirate Junior Levin Essinger ran in the Boys Division 3 race, finishing in 17:15.6. Essinger placed 110th in a field of 214 runners. Essinger’s personal best is 16:43.60.
Pirate Junior Xandra Gatchell ran in the Girls Division 4 race, finishing in 20:20.6, placing 91st in a field of 215 runners. Gatchell’s personal best is 19:41.80.
MEDIA RELEASE__Bluffton University welcomed Dr. Joy Vaughan, assistant professor of New Testament at Asbury University, who presented “The Phenomenal Phenomena: Biblical and Multicultural Accounts of Spirits and Exorcism,” exploring how biblical accounts of exorcism have been interpreted throughout history and what global cultural perspectives can contribute to understanding spiritual experiences.
MEDIA RELEASE__Bluffton University relaunched its Leadership Development Program (LDP) with an inaugural Leadership Development Retreat bringing together more than two dozen students and staff for a day of reflection, connection and leadership development.
The retreat marks a new chapter for the longstanding program, which is being reimagined for today's students as part of the university's strategic plan. Funding for the retreat and the 2026-27 program year is provided through a NetVUE Vocation across the Academy grant.
By James H. Legge III, APRN-CNP
Certified Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Center of Northwest Ohio
Cell phones, social media, group chats, and nonstop notifications have created a more connected and, in many ways, more efficient life. But they’re also portable distractions that we carry in our pockets, set on desks, bring to dinner, and integrate into nearly every aspect of our lives. When does the abundance of distractions turn from helpful to overwhelming, making us more distracted than ever?
