From OHIO HARNESS HORSEMEN’S ASSOCIATION
The Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association has awarded 13 scholarships, totaling $25,000, to college students for the 2026-27 academic year.
This year’s recipients are Garrett Bateson of Rudolph, Mason Konesky of Bowling Green, Sydney Ater, Andrew Collins, Hannah Dingledine, Ryan King, Sarah Martin, Samantha Mayhugh, Sylvia Mayhugh, Alexa Nisonger, Kyra Suleski, Parker Twaddle, and Kamdem Wolfe.
Garrett Bateson is the son of Steve and Terri Bateson. A graduate of Bowling Green High School, he is entering his third year at Ohio University majoring in sports management. During his time at OU, he has been a member of the Ohio Sports Business Association, Professional Selling Program, and the Schey Sales Centre and has worked as a football recruiting assistant and sports journalism intern. His family has been involved in harness racing his entire life. His dad has owned, trained, and driven horses and is a past president of the OHHA, and his brother, Case, drives and has a small stable. Upon graduation, Garrett hopes to pursue a career in the sports industry.
Mason Konesky is the daughter of Patrick and Wesley Konesky and a graduate of Bowling Green High School. She will be a sophomore at Purdue University in the fall and is majoring in biochemistry.
“Biochemistry is a major where I can combine my lifelong passions and pursuits in the fields of science and math to meaningfully contribute to the problems of humanity,” Mason said.
While at Purdue, Mason has been a member of the Biochemistry Club and has studied abroad in New Zealand. Her family has been involved in the harness racing industry for three generations as drivers, trainers, and owners. Her grandfather, John Konesky III, is a past president and active board member of the OHHA. Mason has assisted her grandfather with various equine-related tasks at his stable and competes in the non-Standardbred activities of dressage, stadium jumping, and cross country. She has also been involved in the United States Pony Club for eight years and is a nationally-rated H-B member in horse management as well as vice chair on two national committees with the USPC National Youth Leadership Board.
The OHHA Scholarship is available to graduating high school seniors and students enrolled in a degree or certificate program. Graduate students are eligible if they are enrolled in a harness racing-specific graduate or professional-level program. The scholarships are based on academic merit and must be used toward the cost and expenses related to coursework and a degree being pursued at a college or university. In addition, the applicant or a family member must be an OHHA member.
The OHHA is a non-profit organization serving Standardbred horse owners, breeders, trainers, drivers, and fans who participate in the sport of harness racing in the Buckeye State.
