Riverside Local Schools to Join the GCC
Greater Cleveland Conference Welcomes Painesville Riverside Local Schools
CLEVELAND, OH -The Greater Cleveland Conference (GCC) is proud to announce the unanimous approval of the Painesville Riverside School District as its newest member. Effective for the 2026-2027 school year, this addition marks an exciting new chapter in the conference’s commitment to excellence in high school athletics.
The Painesville Riverside School District will become the newest member of the GCC, bringing approximately 2,200 middle school and high school students and an impressive athletic program featuring 21 varsity sports. Their strong athletic traditions and commitment to student development align perfectly with the GCC’s mission, ensuring the conference maintains its hallmark competitive balance.
The addition of the Painesville Riverside School District to the GCC was carefully considered, emphasizing athletic balance, sportsmanship standards, academic alignment, and geographic proximity. Painesville Riverside’s traditions of athletic excellence and strong community support made it an ideal candidate for inclusion.
“Riverside is both excited and humbled to be joining the Greater Cleveland Conference (GCC),
starting in the 2026-2027 school year. This move provides our students with the opportunity to
collaborate and compete at a high level alongside some of the top school districts in Northeast
Ohio. While fostering new rivalries and enhancing our overall academic and athletic
experience, we look forward to showcasing the dedication, talent, and pride of our community
as we take this exciting next step!”-Riverside Athletic Director Dave Bors
When the transition takes effect in 2026, the GCC will consist of Brunswick, Cleveland Heights, Euclid, Lorain, Mentor, Painesville Riverside, Shaker Heights, and Strongsville high schools.
The Greater Cleveland Conference remains committed to providing premier athletic competition while fostering student academic growth, sportsmanship, and character development.
Contact:
Mike Babinec
Greater Cleveland Conference President
babinec_m@shaker.org
216-295-4284 (O) / 216-308-7857 (C)
About the Greater Cleveland Conference
The Greater Cleveland Conference is a high school athletic league within the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA). Dedicated to organizing and overseeing athletic competitions among member schools, the GCC promotes fair play and the values of integrity, respect, and community. The conference strives to be a leading high school athletic conference that promotes sportsmanship, teamwork, and academic achievement, preparing students for success both on and off the field.
