​Since the track and field season concluded in early June, Paul Siler II has shifted his focus to another sport—football. “I’ve been conditioning, lifting, reviewing formations, working on footwork… you name it,” the incoming Edgewood senior explained. He hopes to begin the new school year in athletics in the same strong fashion in which he closed the last one. “I want to be a better version of myself than I was last year,” he said.
A state placer in Division III discus, Siler was named the Ashtabula County Boys Field Events Athlete of the Year, a distinction determined by coaches’ votes. “I am very grateful for this reward… all the hard work and dedication I put in throughout the season to earn this award,” he remarked. In Columbus last month, he launched a throw of 159 feet 1 inch to reach the finals, maintaining his form through a sixth-place finish at the Division III state championships. Had his third throw not counted, he might not have reached the finals or climbed the podium. His other marks included 126 feet 5 inches, 159 feet, and 157 feet 5 inches.
“What I learned from track is that I’m capable of doing a lot more than I thought I could in that sport,” Siler reflected. He was a dominant force in field events for the Warriors all season. He even set a school record with a 168 feet 2 inches throw at the Chagrin Valley Conference Lake Division championships held at Jack Britt Stadium in Painesville. At the Ashtabula County meet, Siler won the discus with 148 feet 3 inches and the shot put with 45 feet 10.5 inches. In postseason competition, he threw 161 feet 5 inches at the Perry District and 163 feet 6 inches at the Austintown Fitch Regional.
Looking ahead to next school year, Siler aims to emerge as more of a leader. “This is my senior year, and I want to set a good example for the younger guys when I’m gone,” he said. Yet track will have to wait for now, as he still has football and basketball seasons to compete in first. Last season on the football field, he recorded 25 pancake blocks and graded out at 85% from the guard position on offense. On defense, he totaled 49 tackles, three sacks, and returned an interception 55 yards for a touchdown. Siler is expected to be a key contributor for coach Olajuwon Cooper on the defensive line. “He has a rare combination of size, speed, and strength,” Cooper said. “He’s extremely athletic and plays with a physicality you can’t teach. He’s improved his footwork tremendously this offseason. You can see the fruits of that work on the track where he placed at the state meet.”
On the basketball court, Siler brought relentless hustle, crucial rebounds, and occasional scoring. Yet his heart remains in track. “I love football, but track is my favorite sport because that’s what I want to do in college and that’s what my heart desires,” Siler stated. “My personal goal is to break the county record in discus this year.” He also hopes to help the Warriors football team achieve a Division success, contributing to stronger performances in the upcoming campaign.