RAMIREZ-ORTIZ CROWNED BIG DOG OF THE YEAR

/in /by

EAST PALESTINE, OH- In the realm of high school volleyball, where talent and tenacity collide on the court, one exceptional athlete has emerged as the epitome of skill and leadership. Campbell Memorial Senior, Carla Ramirez-Ortiz, recently clinched the prestigious title of Baird Brothers Big Dog of the Year, triumphing in a resounding victory with over one hundred thousand votes in her favor. This accolade is a testament to Ramirez-Ortiz’s outstanding contributions to her team, her unparalleled skills, and the overwhelming support she enjoys from her community.

October’s MVAC Athlete of the Week, First Team All District, and First Team All MVAC, Ramirez-Ortiz has left an indelible mark on the volleyball scene. Her impact was not limited to individual accolades; she played a pivotal role in guiding her team to a program-best 19-6 record and a sectional championship. Ramirez-Ortiz’s leadership and on-court prowess were instrumental in Campbell Memorial’s success, marking a historic season for the Lady Red Devils.

One of the standout achievements in Ramirez-Ortiz’s illustrious career is surpassing the 2,000-assist milestone, a testament to her exceptional skill as a setter. Her precise and strategic playmaking has been a cornerstone of the team’s success, elevating the performance of her teammates and earning her the admiration of fans and opponents alike.

The Baird Brothers Big Dog of the Year title, secured with an overwhelming mandate from the community, is a fitting tribute to Ramirez-Ortiz’s dedication and passion for the sport. Her impact on and off the court extends beyond statistics; it is rooted in the leadership, sportsmanship, and commitment she brings to every game.

Ramirez-Ortiz’s journey to success has been characterized by hard work, resilience, and a love for the game. As she helped lead her team to new heights, her influence reached beyond the confines of the volleyball court, inspiring those around her to strive for excellence. The overwhelming support she received in the Big Dog of the Year vote is a reflection of the deep appreciation and respect her community holds for her contributions.

As Ramirez-Ortiz concludes her high school volleyball career with an impressive array of accomplishments, the Baird Brothers Big Dog of the Year title stands as a crowning achievement. It is not just an acknowledgment of her skill as a player but a recognition of the positive impact she has had on the Campbell Memorial volleyball program.

The future undoubtedly holds promising opportunities for Carla Ramirez-Ortiz, and her legacy will resonate in all  of high school volleyball. The Lady Red Devils will long remember the setter who orchestrated victories, shattered records, and exemplified the spirit of a true Baird Brothers Big Dog of the Year.

O’BRIEN NAMED 2023 BIG DOG OF THE YEAR

/in /by

EAST PALESTINE, OH- In the heart of football country, where passion for the game runs deep, one standout athlete has risen above the rest. Ashton O’Brien, the senior quarterback for Cardinal Mooney, recently achieved a remarkable milestone by securing the Baird Brothers Big Dog of the Year title through an astonishing vote count that surpassed the million mark. This achievement is a testament to O’Brien’s exceptional talent, leadership, and the unwavering support he enjoys from his community.

O’Brien’s journey to becoming the Big Dog of the Year has been marked by a series of outstanding performances on the field and a dedication to excellence that has set him apart. Throughout his tenure at Cardinal Mooney, O’Brien has not only exhibited exceptional quarterbacking skills but has also etched his name in the record books, leaving an indelible mark on the program.

One of the defining qualities of O’Brien’s playing style is his ability to perform under pressure. His calm demeanor in high-stakes situations has proven crucial in guiding Cardinal Mooney to multiple playoff appearances, including the most recent one in 2023. O’Brien’s leadership on the field has been a driving force behind the team’s success, instilling confidence in his teammates and earning the respect of opponents.

The Baird Brothers Big Dog of the Year vote, with over a million voices rallying behind O’Brien, reflects not only his individual achievements but also the immense pride and support of the Cardinal Mooney community. Fans, alumni, and football enthusiasts alike have recognized O’Brien’s contributions to the team and the legacy he is leaving behind.

O’Brien’s impact goes beyond statistics and records; it extends to the intangibles that make a great quarterback. His work ethic, sportsmanship, and dedication to his craft have inspired not only his teammates but also aspiring young athletes in the community. The Big Dog of the Valley honor is not just an acknowledgment of his on-field achievements but a recognition of the positive influence he has had on and off the gridiron.

Looking back at O’Brien’s career, it’s clear that his success is the result of a combination of natural talent, hard work, and a genuine love for the game. Cardinal Mooney has been fortunate to have such a stellar athlete leading their team, and O’Brien’s impact will likely be felt for years to come.

As Ashton O’Brien concludes his high school football journey, the Baird Brothers Big Dog of theYear title stands as a fitting tribute to a quarterback who has not only set records but has also won the hearts of the community. The future undoubtedly holds exciting prospects for O’Brien, and Cardinal Mooney will forever remember the quarterback who led them to victory, leaving an indomitable legacy in the storied history of their football program.

PAGAN PREVAILS AS 2023 BIG DOG OF THE YEAR

/in /by

POLAND, OHIO – To win the Baird Brother Big Dog of the Year, an individual athlete is to show great leadership and toughness to their team, fans, and community. The award is decided by local fans who want to show their passion, support, and appreciation for a player and their community. For an athlete to be in the discussion for the Baird Brother Big Dog of the Year, they have to win a weekly poll in the regular season plus winning two different sets of polls against athletes who have also won this award.

After finalizing the results, Poland and wrestler Dominic Pagan has been named the winner of the 2023 Baird Brother Big Dog of the Year. Pagan is not only a great Poland wrestler, but is also one of the top wrestlers in the state of Ohio. Once again, congratulations to Dominic Pagan on winning the 2023 Baird Brothers Big Dog of the Year award.

*Contributed By YSN’s Michael Wolfgang

GAULT REIGNS AS 2023 BIG DOG OF THE YEAR

/in /by

COLUMBIANA, OHIO- The Baird Brother Big Dog of the Year is a big opportunity for student athletes to show their true leadership to their team and the community that they are apart of. The Baird Brother Big Dog Award is decided by local fans who want to show their appreciation of a player in their community. For athletes to be in consideration for the Big Dog of the Year Award, they have to win a weekly poll in the regular season and as well as winning two different sets of polls against athletes that have also won the award.

After tallying up all of the votes, the winner of 2023  Baird Brother Big Dog of the Year is Drew Gault from the Heartland Christian Lions. Drew Gault has been one of the true leaders for the Lions this year and he is greatly appreciated by the Columbiana community. Congratulations once again to Drew Gault on winning the 2023 Baird Brothers Big Dog of the Year!

*Contributed By YSN’s Matt Morrison

BRANT BRINGS HOME 2023 BIG DOG OF THE YEAR

/in , /by

POLAND OH- Its been a long season of Big Dogs Of The Valley brought to you by Baird Brothers.  To win Big Dog of the Year, not only do you have to win the weekly poll against the regular season, but you also have to win two sets of polls against fellow winners.  It is a great testament to a community to have a player named Big Dog of the Year.  The votes this season are in and Poland was the fanbase that clicked the most. Your 2023 Big Dog of the Year in girls basketball is Bulldog junior Mary Brant.

Mary brought a ton of leadership to the Bulldogs roster this season. In a year that a lot of people undervalued the team, the Bulldogs still won yet another NE8 championship.  Brant was also named  first team All NE8 by the coaches of the conference.  Congratulations again to the Poland community, and to Mary Brant on winning the 2023 Baird Brothers Big Dog of the Year!

RICCITELLI GETS IT DONE AGAIN; TAKES BIG DOG VICTORY

/in /by

BOARDMAN, OH- Lady Spartan standout Mackenzie Riccitelli has chalked up her second Baird Brothers Big Dog of the Valley title in her career.

Riccitelli broke away from the crowd with over 25,000 votes in the Week 2 contest and now becomes eligible for the Big Dog of the Year at the season’s end.

Mackenzie and her teammates have the Lady Spartans off to a 5-3 start to the year and look to return the program to its championship roots.

Congratulations to Mackenzie and her family, friends, and fans for this achievement, and good luck throughout the rest of the season.

BEST TAKES THE WEEK TWO BIG DOG CROWN

/in /by

COLUMBIANA, OH- Congratulations to Crestview standout hooper, James Best who brought home the Week 2 victory in the Baird Brothers Big Dogs of the Valley contest.

Best has helped his team on both sides of the floor, and he and his teammates have the Rebels atop the MVAC standings to start 2023.

Congratulations to James along with his family, friends, and fans for bringing home the honor of Big Dog of the Valley in Week 2.

James is now eligible for the Big Dog of the Year contest which will take place at the season’s end.

COLUCCI WINS BIG DOG OF THE VALLEY

/in /by

CANFIELD, OH- It’s been a pretty good month for South Range’s Chris Colucci.  “Pher” played the game of his life in the Division V State Championships in football at the beginning of the month, and brought home his second state championship.  Followed by his 100th career victory in wrestling just a few weeks later, and now Chris Colucci is your Week 2 Baird Brothers Big Dog of the Valley in Wrestling.

Colucci, who registered over 20,000 votes on the week, held off some great competition from five other nominees.

Congratulations to Chris and his family, friends, and fans on the victory, and best of luck throughout the rest of the season.

BRANT BRINGS HOME BIG DOG OF THE VALLEY

/in /by

POLAND, OH- Poland’s Mary Brant has added another line to her impressive resume: Basketball Big Dog of the Valley!

Brant was supported heavily in the first week with a contest that produced over a half million votes in the opening week.

The Lady Bulldog standout will now put her hat in the ring for the Baird Brothers Big Dog of the Year at the conclusion of the season.

Congratulations to Mary Brant on her victory, and best of luck this season!

VAUGHN GETS THE VOTES TO ADVANCE TO BIG DOG FINALS

/in /by

AUSTINTOWN, OH- Austintown Fitch football standout, Deshawn Vaughn was voted into the Baird Brothers Big Dog of the Year Final Vote this past week!

Vaughn served as safety, and QB1 for the Falcons prior to a season-ending injury late in the season, but that certainly did not put a cap on the support of his teammates the rest of the way.

Deshawn’s support was returned this week as he defeated 3 other great student-athletes in the semi-finals to punch his ticket to the final vote!

With the win, Vaughn will go head to head with Southern Local’s Wyatt Morris for the 2022 Football Big Dog of the Year honors.  Voting will begin on Wednesday, November 9th, and will conclude the following Monday at midnight, with the winners announced on Tuesday, November 15th on YSN Social Media.

Congratulations to Deshawn and best of luck in the finals this week.

VOTE HERE: ysnlive.com/bigdogs