Hometown Hero: Ed McCants – A Marion Champion Building a Stronger Town

Hometown Hero: Ed McCants – A Marion Champion Building a Stronger Town 

Marion, Ohio, a city with a storied past and an eye firmly on the future, is currently capturing national attention as a determined contender in the prestigious Strongest Towns contest.  This competition, which recognizes communities demonstrating innovative and resilient urban development strategies, has ignited a spark of local pride and collective purpose throughout Marion. At the heart of this vibrant community is Ed McCants, a celebrated figure whose journey from local basketball star to dedicated community advocate embodies the very spirit of strength and resilience that the Strongest Towns contest seeks to honor. We came to know Mr.
McCants in 2016 when we were planning the Central Ohio March Against Heroin, and has since become a close friend to many here at MarionWatch. We had assumed that someone would have already highlighted this not so hidden gem in our commUNITY, but have not seen a publication, so as Ed is considered amongst our most trusted allies we felt it essential to include Ed in the Marion Cinderella Story, as Ed is at the top of the Strongest Town Heavyweights in Marion, Ohio! Ed has fought his own battles with addiction and has shared his experience with us many times. He rose above that, and became a Professor of Psychology teaching the next generation of critical thinkers and unapologetic voices for the betterment of our community!

Born and raised in Marion, Ed McCants first gained recognition for his exceptional talent on the basketball court, a journey that began at Marion Catholic High School.  His dedication and skill propelled him to the collegiate level, where he played for both Northwestern University and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, achieving significant accolades during his time with the latter.  McCants’ passion for the game extended beyond his college years, leading him to a professional basketball career that saw him compete in various leagues both domestically and internationally.  This impressive athletic background has not only brought recognition to McCants but has also instilled in him a deep understanding of teamwork, dedication, and the importance of striving for excellence – values that now permeate his efforts to uplift his hometown.

Marion’s participation in the 2025 Strongest Town Contest marks a significant milestone in the city’s ongoing journey of revitalization.  Having advanced to the final Championship Round, Marion is now competing against Harrisonburg, Virginia, for the distinguished title.  This achievement is a testament to the collaborative spirit and proactive approach of Marion’s residents, who have rallied together to showcase their town’s strengths and vision for the future. The call for community support has been resounding, with residents encouraged to cast their votes online and to share the news of Marion’s progress across social media platforms.  Furthermore, a live stream event featuring representatives from both Marion and Harrisonburg is planned, providing a platform to further highlight each community’s unique qualities and aspirations.  This collective enthusiasm and engagement underscore the deep sense of pride that Marion residents have for their town.

Marion’s selection as a contender in the Strongest Towns contest is rooted in its inspiring narrative of resilience and a steadfast commitment to community-driven revitalization.  Facing economic headwinds and the challenges posed by the opioid epidemic, the people of Marion recognized the need to take collective action to shape a brighter future for their town.  This proactive spirit is perhaps best encapsulated by the words of James Walker, a planning commissioner in Marion, who poignantly stated, “No one is coming to rescue us. It is us”.  This sentiment highlights the community’s understanding that their strength lies within their own collaborative efforts, involving local government, schools, nonprofit organizations, and dedicated community leaders.  This unified approach, focusing on leveraging their collective resources and ingenuity, rather than solely relying on external aid, perfectly embodies the ethos of the Strong Towns movement.

Several key initiatives and policy changes within Marion demonstrate its commitment to becoming a stronger town. The adoption of flexible zoning regulations allows for new development by accommodating existing lots that may not meet standard requirements, streamlining the permitting process.  Efforts to create safer streets by improving walkability and pedestrian safety, including the reconfiguration of Main Street and the reduction of speed limits in key areas, further enhance the quality of life for residents.  Recognizing the impact of excessive parking requirements on development, Marion’s administration is also exploring the right-sizing of parking, alongside the piloting of a night transit service to improve connectivity and reduce reliance on personal vehicles.  The Love Your Neighborhood Initiative stands out as a prime example of community engagement, bringing city staff and residents together for cleanup and improvement projects, fostering direct dialogue and addressing local needs at a grassroots level.  Furthermore, the active involvement of elected officials in community events and meetings underscores Marion’s commitment to prioritizing public engagement, ensuring that residents’ voices are heard and valued.  These concrete actions illustrate Marion’s dedication to the principles of the Strong Towns movement, emphasizing incremental, community-focused development and a commitment to building resilience from within. Ed McCants’ journey from the basketball court to a respected community leader is a testament to his enduring connection to Marion and his desire to make a lasting positive impact. His athletic career, marked by significant achievements, has instilled in him a drive for excellence that now fuels his community endeavors. During his time at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, McCants earned numerous accolades, including the prestigious Horizon League Player of the Year award in 2005.  He was also a two-time First-team All-Horizon League selection in 2004 and 2005.  His leadership on the court was instrumental in guiding the Milwaukee Panthers to their first two Horizon League regular season championships.  Following his successful college career, McCants pursued professional basketball, competing in various leagues and showcasing his talent on an international stage.

Ed Mccants inducted into the Milwaukee Athletic Hall of Fame. Photo courtesy of Edmccants Instagram.


McCants’ most significant contribution to the Marion community lies in his co-founding of the Hidden Gems AAU program in 2005. As the active Vice President of this program, McCants dedicates himself to assisting aspiring high school athletes in preparing for the rigors of college basketball. The program’s “Summer is Serious” workout initiative is designed to instill a strong sense of tradition and pride in young basketball players within Marion, fostering not only their athletic skills but also their character and commitment to their hometown. The impact of Hidden Gems on the Marion community is undeniable, with the program having successfully helped over 100 student-athletes secure college athletic scholarships, opening doors to educational and athletic opportunities that might otherwise have been out of reach. Recognizing the program’s success and the continued need for such support, Hidden Gems has also expanded its reach into Northwest Ohio. Beyond his role as Vice President, McCants also serves as a volunteer youth basketball coach, directly mentoring and guiding the young athletes of Marion.

The dedication and vision behind the Hidden Gems AAU program resonate deeply with the core principles of the Strongest Towns approach. By nurturing the talent and potential of local youth, McCants is making a series of “little bets” on the future success and well-being of Marion’s young people. This focus on incremental development, investing in individuals and their potential over time, aligns perfectly with the Strong Towns emphasis on gradual, sustainable growth. The program’s very existence is a testament to “bottom-up action,” a local initiative born from McCants’ personal passion and commitment to his hometown. Driven by a desire to give back to the community that shaped him, McCants’ efforts embody the “chaotic but smart” approach of identifying a local need and taking direct action to address it. The long-term success and expansion of Hidden Gems suggest an inherent ability to adapt and evolve based on the feedback and needs of the athletes and the community it serves. Furthermore, the program operates at a deeply “personal scale,” with McCants directly involved in the mentorship and training of the young athletes, fostering meaningful connections and promoting individual growth. This hands-on approach creates a supportive environment where young people can develop not only their athletic skills but also essential life lessons in teamwork, discipline, and perseverance.