NUTTER NAMED OFFENSIVE SOFTBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR

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EAST PALESTINE, OH- Ursuline’s Senior Standout, Julia Nutter, has been named the 2021 “Golden Bat” Award Winner at Your Sports Network.  Nutter batted .548 during the 2021 campaign with a slugging percentage of 1.000, and an OPS of 1.574.  Out of her 51 hits this year, over half of them went for extra bases including seven long balls, and 50 RBI.

During her tenure at Ursuline, Julia set a career Home Run Record at UHS with 18 as well as set single-season RBI record her sophomore year with 52.

Julia also signed on earlier this spring to attend Slippery Rock and join their softball team in the Fall.

Congratulations to Julia on an incredible career, and for adding another honor to her resume.

A BEAM OF OPTIMISM SHINES IN BEAVER LOCAL

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EAST LIVERPOOL, OH- Progressive.  That’s a term that many districts use nationwide to describe where they want their districts.  In the halls of Beaver Local, it’s more than a cute buzzword, it’s a way of life.  Beaver Local Superintendent Eric Lowe has led by example with this mantra, and over the past 3 years especially- the district has produced progressively through their academics and athletics.  This week was no different when they brought on Bob Beam as their new full-time Athletic Director.

Beam has served as the AD at Leetonia this past year but comes with experience as a former athlete, coach, and administrator at notable stops such as Springfield Local, Boardman, and Cene Park in Struthers.

“I’m just very excited about the opportunity that Mr. Lowe, the Board of Education, and the entire community of Beaver Local for giving me the chance to be the head of their Athletic Department,” says Beam.

Beam will leave his job as a teacher at Springfield, a position he’s held since 1998.

“We are excited to have an individual committed in a full-time capacity to our athletic programs here at Beaver Local.  Mr. Beam stood out in the interview process along with being highly recommended by a number of superintendents and athletic administrators that we spoke with.  I know Mr. Beam is eager to meet our community stakeholders, begin working with coaches, student-athletes, and our athletic programs.  He has a number of varied experiences in the world of athletics which we feel will serve as an asset to our athletic programs throughout the district.  We are excited to have Mr. Beam as a part of the Beaver Local School Community.” said Beaver Local Superintendent, Eric Lowe.

“Every job that you take has their challenges, and being an Athletic Director is no different.  But, just being out at Beaver Local- everyone has made me so welcome, and the facilities and the sports that they offer…the amount of opportunities that they have for the kids out there is just so overwhelming, and it just felt like the right fit.” Beam added.

Beam intends on building relationships and trust in the community as one of the first things he accomplishes upon his arrival.

MAHONING VALLEY SCRAPPERS JOIN THE YSN FAMILY

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NILES, OH – The Mahoning Valley Scrappers and YSN Network (Your Sports Network) have jointly announced a partnership agreement for the 2021 and 2022 seasons. Scrappers game broadcasts will be available online at www.ysnlive.com and www.mvscrappers.com.

Scrappers General Manager and Vice President of HWS Baseball, Jordan Taylor stated, “the Scrappers are thrilled to be partnering with YSN. They do a tremendous job covering sports in the market. I am excited that they will be providing in-depth coverage of the Scrappers as we enter the MLB Draft League.”

“It’s a dream come true to have the Mahoning Valley Scrappers join the YSN family.  I’ve been a Scrapper fan since they arrived on the scene, and feel privileged to be able to bring a new generation of baseball fans closer to Scrappers baseball than ever before”, said DJ Yokley, CEO/founder of YSN. “We look forward to building this great relationship with the front office, the team, and the staff over the next two years and beyond to bring high-quality coverage and content to the best fans in baseball here in the Mahoning Valley.”

Your Sports Network (YSN) is the vision of two friends who thought there was a link missing from the chain of local sports, and delivery to those who enjoy them. With the evolution of technology, there should be little reason that you should never be able to stay current with live games, matches, and events at the local level.  YSN was brought to life in 2017 and currently serves over 50 schools, universities and organizations in Ohio.

The Mahoning Valley Scrappers are a founding member of the MLB Draft League, set to open up the 2021 season on the road on May 24 against the West Virginia Black Bears. The Scrappers home opener at Eastwood Field is on Wednesday, May 26 against the State College Spikes. Ticket packages are on sale now. To stay up to date with the Scrappers in the off-season or for more information on 2021 ticket packages, visit www.mvscrappers.com or contact the front office at 330-505-0000.

POLAND HIRES PAVLANSKY AS NEW FOOTBALL COACH

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POLAND, OH-  Pending School Board approval on Monday, February 22nd, the Poland Athletic Department would like to welcome HOME Tom Pavlansky as the 15th Head Football coach at Poland Seminary High School. Tom takes over a Poland football program previously led by Ryan Williams from 2015-2020. Coach Williams resigned in mid-December. “Coach Pavlansky brings enthusiasm, dedication, and a true passion for the game to our Poland football program,” “As a former Poland Bulldog student-athlete, to have Tom come home and coach on a field named after his father gets me extremely excited for our community, our fans, and most importantly our student-athletes,” said Brian Banfield, Athletic Administrator for the Poland Local Schools.

  Tom has served the past 22 years as the head coach for the Lakeview Bulldogs. During his tenure at Lakeview, his teams have won four conference titles and have been to the OHSAA playoffs seven times. Coach Pavlansky has also coached in the North/ South All-Star Game and was also the head coach for Ohio in the 2010 Big 33 Classic played in Hershey, Pennsylvania.  Tom served as the 2019-2020 President of the Ohio High School Football Coaches Association.

Tom graduated from Poland Seminary High School in 1987 and The Ohio State University in 1991. He and his wife, Kate, of 27 years currently reside in Cortland with their four children, Annie (21), Stephen (18), Maggie (16), and Tommy (14).

 

*Courtesy of Brian Banfield

YSN TO CARRY POSTSEASON BASKETBALL GAMES

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EAST PALESTINE, OH- YSN will be offering a pay per view model for the 2021 boys and girls postseason basketball tournament. All games will be subject to availability and will be determined by a number of factors including announcer availability, location, weather, and access. That said, Your Sports Network remains committed to covering as many games as we can. This model will be similar to what we had for football season, for $9.99 a day that gives you access to all the games available for the day you purchased. 

Unfortunately, there will be no refunds unless there is an extreme circumstance, we will be doing everything on our part to get these games up and running for you. Once you purchase your ticket, there will be detailed instructions on how to get the game up and running. 

Feel free to reach out to us via social channels or by email ([email protected]) so we can help you get these games up if you are having problems. 

You can view the full press conference below from YSN Founder/CEO, DJ Yokley.

As always, keep a lookout on YSNlive.com for all game updates and cancellations.  

PENN IN HAND: JAMISON HEADING TO IVY LEAGUE

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SALEM, OH- The Lady Quaker multi-sport athlete, Kyla Jamison will trade her Salem colors in at the end of the spring for some new threads to wear at the next level.  Jamison will continue her academic and athletic career with Penn University as a member of their Track and Field program.

Jamison, who currently is finishing up her season in basketball, where she recently went over 1000 points, will throw for UPenn in the fall of 2021.

“KJ” also is one of the area’s top throwers, was also highly recruited for her 4.0 GPA.

Congratulations to Kyla and her family on an outstanding athletic and academic career, and best of luck in everything you do moving forward.

 

OHSAA MOVING FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS TO MASSILLON

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For Immediate Release – November 19, 2020

OHSAA Contact – Tim Stried, Director of Communications, [email protected]

OHSAA Moving Football Championships to Massillon Washington This Weekend

New Franklin County health advisory prevents games from being played at Fortress Obetz

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Due to a new health advisory issued by the Franklin County Department of Health and the Columbus Department of Health Wednesday afternoon that recommends the games not be played in Franklin County, the Ohio High School Athletic Association is moving this weekend’s football state championship games to Paul Brown Tiger Stadium in Massillon, which has offered to host all six games. The games were scheduled to be played at Fortress Obetz in southeast Columbus.

The schedule remains the same as announced Wednesday, with games on Friday and Saturday at 1:15 and 6:15 and then Sunday at 12:15 and 5:15. Of note, in the Division II title game, Akron Archbishop Hoban High School has agreed to play Massillon Washington on Massillon’s home field. The OHSAA has now designated Hoban as the home team in the game.

The decision came Thursday morning after discussions with officials at Obetz and Franklin County. The OHSAA met virtually with the 12 finalist schools at 11:30 a.m. to inform them and answer questions.

“Completing this weekend’s state championship games is very important to the schools, student-athletes and communities, so we felt strongly about finding a place to play,” said OHSAA Executive Director Doug Ute. “These 12 schools just want to play and we thank them for accepting this change. We would also like to especially thank Massillon Washington High School for stepping up to host, and also Hoban for agreeing to play there.”

Paul Brown Tiger Stadium served as a host of the OHSAA football state championships from 1990 through 2013.

“This is a big change at the 11th hour, but Massillon Washington can accommodate these games and the number of fans that are permitted to attend,” said Beau Rugg, OHSAA Senior Director of Officiating and Sport Management and the OHSAA’s football administrator. “We are pleased to be playing football this weekend and are excited that these 12 schools will be able to finish their seasons.”

The Franklin County and Columbus health advisory recommends a pause on all extra-curricular activities for schools and asks all persons to be home by 6 p.m.

“Fortress Obetz was excited to host these games and we appreciate all the work that they put into preparations,” Ute said.

Football State Championship Games

All games at Massillon Paul Brown Tiger Stadium. Home team listed first.

State Championships Coverage: https://www.ohsaa.org/Sports-Tournaments/Football/Football-2020/2020-OHSAA-Football-Playoffs-Coverage

Division VII

Friday, November 20, 1:15 p.m. – New Bremen (9-2) vs. Warren John F. Kennedy (9-2)

Division II

Friday, November 20, 6:15 p.m. – Akron Archbishop Hoban (10-0) vs. Massillon Washington (10-1)

Division V

Saturday, November 21, 1:15 p.m. – Kirtland (10-0) vs. Ironton (11-0)

Division III

Saturday, November 21, 6:15 p.m. – Columbus St. Francis DeSales (9-1) vs. Chardon (11-0)

Division IV

Sunday, November 22, 12:15 p.m. – Van Wert (10-1) vs. Mentor Lake Catholic (8-2)

Division VI

Sunday, November 22, 5:15 p.m. – New Middletown Springfield (11-0) vs. Coldwater (11-0)

### OHSAA ###

FALL UPDATE FROM OHSAA

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COLUMBUS, OH- In continuing our constructive, ongoing conversations with the Governor’s Office, we were advised this week that ending our season earlier in football was in the best interest of the participants due to the uncertainty of what colder weather could do to COVID-19 cases. Therefore, our Board of Directors today approved a modification to the OHSAA football season that we believe will be a win-win for all parties. It should be noted (and as previously communicated) that school vs. school competition in football (and the other contact sports of soccer and field hockey) will not move forward unless the Ohio Director of Health’s Order is amended.

While affirming that our fall sports seasons will start as planned, the modification will shorten the length of the 2020 football regular season to a six-game schedule prior to the playoffs beginning. With this, all football-playing schools will now be eligible to enter the 2020 playoffs. Schools also will be afforded the opportunity to play 10 total regular season contests – whether they continue regular season games after they are eliminated from the playoffs or should they decide not to enter the playoffs – as long as they complete their season by November 14. This raises the possibility of schools generating some revenue through gate receipts, and allowing schools to play after being eliminated from the playoffs is similar to regulations that already exist for many other OHSAA sports. Additionally, this means schools that may be delayed in starting their seasons could still have a football season.

The Board approved the measure by a unanimous 9-0 vote earlier today following a recommendation from the OHSAA staff.

As part of this plan, the Harbin Computer Ratings to determine playoff qualifiers will not be used for the 2020 football season and instead a seed system, similar to what occurs with other OHSAA team sports, will be utilized to place teams on the bracket of their respective divisions. New regions will be determined, and pairings will be announced on October 1.

“To both ensure we can offer students the opportunity to participate in education-based athletes but do so with their best interests in mind, we believe this modified plan offers a positive solution by addressing many of the concerns of our member schools,” said Jeff Cassella, president of the OHSAA Board of Directors and athletic administrator at Mentor High School. “Those that are able to start their seasons on time will be able to do so. Those that are starting later can still have a season. Add in the option of all schools entering the playoffs and the possibility of schools still being able to play 10 regular season contests, and this plan is helpful to virtually all of our schools.”

The highest number of responses to one of the questions posed of superintendents, principals and athletic administrators in a recent OHSAA membership survey indicated that nearly 60 percent (890 of 1,498 respondents) favored either reducing the regular season and maintaining full OHSAA tournaments or maintaining the full regular season and maintaining full OHSAA tournaments.

The OHSAA contact sports are on target to begin their seasons later this month, pending the Ohio Director of Health’s Order being amended. Soccer and field hockey contests are scheduled to begin August 21 and the first week of the football season beginning the week of August 24. The low/non-contact sports of golf and girls tennis have already started playing contests, and the other low/non-contact sports of volleyball and cross country can begin playing contests on August 21 and 24, respectively.

With the modified schedule, here are the OHSAA plans for the 2020 football season:

  2020 OHSAA Football

  • A six-game regular season will begin the week of August 24
  • All teams eligible to enter the OHSAA playoffs
  • Number of playoff rounds dependent upon the number of schools entering the playoffs in each division
  • Schools eliminated from the OHSAA playoffs or that choose not to enter the OHSAA playoffs have the option to

schedule additional regular season contests through Saturday, November 14 (maximum of 10 regular season contests permitted)

  • Regular season Week 1:  Week of August 24
  • Regular season Week 2:  Week of August 31
  • Regular season Week 3:  Week of September 7
  • Regular season Week 4:  Week of September 14
  • Regular season Week 5:  Week of September 21
  • Regular season Week 6:  Week of September 28
  • Playoffs begin Friday, October 9
  • State finals end no later than Saturday, Nov. 21

 

Other Playoff Details

  • Playoff seeding will be via a vote of the coaches the week of September 28 (Harbin Ratings suspended for 2020

season)

  • All playoff contests through the regional semifinals (and possibly the regional finals) will be hosted by the higher

             seeded team

  • Schools must commit to participate in the playoffs by 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, September 17
  • Playoff regions will be drawn on Friday, September 18
  • Schools may withdraw from the playoffs without penalty until Thursday, September 24

For additional questions and answers regarding the modified OHSAA football season, please go here:

https://ohsaaweb.blob.core.windows.net/files/Sports/Football/2020/2020FootballModificationsQandA.pdf

Additional Note on OHSAA Contests

In concert with the Governor’s Office and Department of Health, the OHSAA is prepared to set COVID-19-related requirements for schools to follow for competitions and could issue consequences for the violation of these requirements as prescribed in OHSAA Bylaw 11, Penalties. It is hopeful that those requirements will be finalized next week. The requirements will be related to many of the same protocols and mandates already in place for many sectors as they relate to symptom assessments; temperature checks; facial coverings; social distancing; cleaning and sanitizing, and confirmed COVID-19 cases/exposure to the virus.

The Governor understands that interscholastic sports are different than other forms of competition because we are education-based and are able to implement best practices for dealing with COVID-19 restrictions. So, if we want our students to have the privilege of competing in interscholastic athletics, it’s going to be up to all of us to make sure all mandates and protocols are being followed. We all need to be diligent and be disciplined.

OHSAA TO PERMIT LIVE VIDEO OF FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

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COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio High School Athletic Association Board of Directors has accepted a proposal from OHSAA staff that now allows schools to seek rights fees from local media outlets or video production companies to provide live video of their home regular-season Friday night football games during the 2020 season.

Since the mid-1990s, live video of Friday night regular-season football games has only been permitted by the host school on the school-owned TV station or website or the school-controlled webpage, leaving media to show Friday night games only on delay. At the time, that regulation was added at the request of a majority of OHSAA member schools to protect ticket revenue from their home games and have a statewide policy.

While continuing to provide their own live video, a growing number of schools have asked to partner with third-party sources to generate revenue from rights fees and pay-per-view of their Friday night home football games due to decreased crowd sizes that are expected this fall because of the coronavirus pandemic. Schools are already permitted to do that for all other regular-season contest in any sport, and regular-season football games that are not played on Friday.

“We believe that many of our schools will be able to work with partners to steam and televise their home regular-season football games,” said Bob Goldring, OHSAA Interim Executive Director. “Most of our schools rely on revenue from their home football games to help fund their athletic department, so this is one way that schools can still do that while facing limited ticket sales.”

Spectrum News 1 is the official TV partner of the OHSAA. As the home of the OHSAA, Spectrum will resume its Friday Night Game of the Week and Scholar-Athlete program when the fall season begins.

Of note, live video of any OHSAA postseason tournament contest is still only permitted by the official TV partner of the OHSAA or with OHSAA approval.

As always, the host school controls media access and seating in the press box. Due to the pandemic, some schools will limit the number of people in the press box. For postseason games, host facilities are asked to follow the OHSAA’s press box priority seating guidelines, posted at: https://www.ohsaa.org/Portals/0/Sports/Football/FBMediaPressBoxMemo.pdf

Section 2 (television) and Section 4 (streaming) of the OHSAA media regulations will be updated to reflect the change for 2020 for Friday night regular-season football games. The OHSAA and Board of Directors will reevaluate the regulation prior to the 2021 season.

 

OHSAA UPDATE ON FALL SPORTS

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COLUMBUS OH- Per an email sent out by Bob Goldring

The Ohio High School Athletic Association Board of Directors today reaffirmed their position that the OHSAA fall sports seasons will go forward as planned. That means low/non-contact sports and contact sports will be permitted to begin official practices tomorrow (August 1) as had been previously announced. Additional details on the fall sports seasons are below.

“It is important to keep athletic activity moving forward,” said Dan Leffingwell, president of the OHSAA Board of Directors and superintendent of the Noble Local Schools in Sarahsville. “And with that, we believe our member schools provide our student-athletes with the safest possible environment to return to play and that our school programs are the best avenue to help students learn lifelong lessons and provide social, emotional and physical benefits that other programs cannot. Moving forward allows those students to continue to be engaged with their school coaches and teammates. Membership data also supports this decision.

“If we were to delay, our students will find opportunities to compete in sports through non-school programs that may not be focused on safety and are not education-based,” Leffingwell said. “Should data on COVID-19 change and/or the Governor’s Office makes changes to our plan, we have flexibility that would allow us to look at implementing other models for our seasons.”

Low/Non-Contact Sports (Golf, Girls Tennis, Volleyball)

  • Official practices may begin on Saturday, Aug. 1.
  • School vs. school scrimmages and/or contests will follow per their normal OHSAA permissible dates and regulations.
  • Golf – 1 scrimmage permitted any time during season; first contest Aug. 5.
  • Girls Tennis – 1 scrimmage permitted after practice begins and prior to first match; first contest Aug. 7.
  • Volleyball – 5 scrimmages and 1 preview permitted after practice begins; first contest Aug. 21.

Football

  • Official practices will begin on Saturday, Aug. 1, with the normal acclimatization period in place.
  • No school vs. school scrimmages are permitted.
  • School vs. school contestswill follow per their normal OHSAA permissible dates and regulations with a target date of

    the week of Monday, Aug. 24 (Note: This date is subject to change and subject to the approval from the Governor’s

    Office/Ohio Department of Health and with the stipulation that COVID-19 testing will not be required).

Other Contact Sports (Soccer, Field Hockey, Cross Country)

  • Practices will begin on Saturday, Aug. 1, with the normal acclimatization period in place for cross country.
  • No school vs. school scrimmages are permitted in soccer or field hockey.
  • School vs. school contestswill follow per their normal OHSAA permissible dates and regulations with a target date of

    Friday, Aug. 21, for soccer and field hockey and Monday, Aug. 24, for cross country (Note: These dates are subject

    to change and subject to the approval from the Governor’s Office/Ohio Department of Health and with the stipulation

    that COVID-19 testing will not be required).

Additional Notes

  • If contact sports are not approved for school vs. school competition by Friday, September 4, fall contact sports

    and remaining winter and spring sports will move to a condensed schedule that will take place between mid-

    December and the end of June. Fall non-contact sports would move forward as scheduled.

  • If the fall seasons begin and, for some reason, are stopped but then resume, the OHSAA has plans to move to a

    modified fall sports season.

  • If contact sports are approved for school vs. school competition, the OHSAA is prepared to set COVID-19-

    related requirements for schools to follow for competitions as requested by the Governor’s Office. The OHSAA will

    govern and issue consequences for the violation of these requirements as prescribed in OHSAA Bylaw 11,

    Penalties.

  • Conversations with the Governor’s Office/Ohio Department of Health continue regarding the status of field hockey

     and/or cross country being placed into the low/non-contact category. The membership will be updated if that

     changes for either or both sports.

  • The OHSAA continues with conversations with the Governor’s Office on its plans to ensure we are in concert.

NOTE: At this time, the OHSAA is finalizing a series of Questions and Answers that have come up in recent days, and we will be forwarding that document to school administrators later Friday afternoon.

 

Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time, and we will continue to provide updates as they become available.