SOUTH RANGE ANNOUNCES COMPLETION OF NEW STADIUM EXPANSION

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NORTH LIMA, OH-  South Range Athletic Boosters are pleased to announce the completion of a state-of-the-art stadium extension. The expansion promises an enhanced experience for players, coaches, and fans alike.

The additions to Rominger Stadium boasts several exciting features designed to elevate the overall experience for spectators including: -Two new buildings, one housing a concession stand and Raider Team Shop. The other building includes restroom facilities to provide an improved game-day experience. -A spacious plaza has been built overlooking the field. It includes enough room for fans to socialize and congregate without having to miss any game time action. -Two new ticket booth buildings at our main entrance and a finished walkway under the grandstands.

The South Range Athletic Boosters are grateful to all the partners, sponsors, and community members who have supported this stadium extension project from its inception. Their belief and collaboration have made this ambitious endeavor a reality. The new stadium extension is an investment not only in the Raiders’ future but also in the community’s pride and spirit.

The South Range Athletic Boosters are confident that this development will not only enhance the athletic experience but also bring the community closer together, fostering unforgettable memories for all.

***The official inauguration ceremony will be prior to the Raiders’ first home game on August 25th with arrival at 4:45 and a ribbon cutting at 5:00 PM. The South Range Marching Band, Cheerleaders, and Football team will be present to help welcome the community into this new space. Please come and support our ribbon cutting as we open this beautiful new facility.***

YSN HEADQUARTERS TO BE REMOTE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

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EAST PALESTINE, OH- The brick-and-mortar “Headquarters” of Your Sports Network (YSN) based in East Palestine has been shut down until further notice following the train derailment on February 3, 2023.

After a mandatory evacuation within the 1-mile radius of the impact zone, YSN Headquarters along with several businesses and hundreds of homes fell into that order.

Upon lifting the evacuation order following the press conference on February 8, residents were given the option to return to their homes, and businesses could also return at their convenience.

“We returned home on Wednesday evening after the Chief, and Governor had lifted the evacuation, but when I tried to return to HQ (YSN) on Thursday, there was an odor that was faint outside the building and packed quite a punch as soon as you stepped foot inside,” said YSN Founder and CEO, DJ Yokley.

“At this time, we’re opting to shut down our headquarters temporarily to our team and the general public until we can have the air quality monitored, as well as water and several other aspects.  Much like the school and town officials have indicated- the safety of our people come first, and if we can’t deliver a safe environment to work- we’re fortunate enough through technology, that we’ll work remotely.”

While Yokley says streams and shows may look slightly different, the show must go on.

“Our team is committed to continuing to provide the area’s best sports coverage, and while our fans might have to be a little patient for some aspects- our hope is to keep the volume of games each evening at the frequency players, coaches, and fans have grown accustomed to over the years.  I believe our persistence will shine through this process.”

Fans have asked questions about the Baird Brothers Big Dogs of the Valley contest, and if there will be other interruptions due to the effects of the evacuation.  “It put a slight delay on this particular week, but I’m confident we’ll be able to promote the athletes in a timely fashion, perhaps just a day or two pushed back from what is our ‘normal’ timeframe,” added Yokley.

YSN is currently located on East Taggart Street in East Palestine.

 

ATHLETIX TO PARTNER WITH YSN

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COLUMBIANA, OH- “Stream City” will have a new address in 2024.

Plans were announced yesterday between Athletix and Your Sports Network to partner together to reside on the same campus in the next 14 months.  Currently centralized in East Palestine until January 2024, YSN has made its headquarters since its first day of business in 2017 in a plaza just off the main drag in Bulldog Country.

“To be able to start any business in my hometown was a dream come true, but to draw attention, and have student-athletes, announcers, coaches, and leaders visit East Palestine over the last 5 years has been surreal,” said YSN Founder and CEO, DJ Yokley.

The Broadcast/Streaming company will funnel into the brand-new Athletix facility that boasts two top-tier structures that are equipped with the area’s best technology for athletes of all skill levels, two full-size basketball courts, an entire field of athletic turf, TopGolf Swing Suites, a batting/pitching cage, workout facilities, interactive study rooms, as well as a fully-engaged workout facility.

“This partnership is a huge win for athletes in the area with opportunities to train and compete in our state-of-the-art facilities and gain tremendous opportunities for exposure through the impressive reach of YSN,” said Athletix co-founder, Sean Wardle.  “YSN and Athletix create an amazing team that will comet together with the common goal of providing opportunities to athletes in the Mahoning Valley and beyond,” added Wardle.

With the partnership, YSN plans to add to its coverage of high school sports with leagues that occur at Athletix through live streaming, and broadcasting championship-caliber events at the facility.  “It’ll have the same look and feel as what our fans are accustomed to, but being able to focus on youth and adult leagues gives both Athletix and YSN a new demographic, and new opportunities that cannot be found anywhere else in the country.”

The Network will feature chosen tournaments and leagues to be covered via streaming, and stories/pictures for the website that will include things such as pickleball, softball, basketball, hitting leagues, golf leagues, and other sports that happen in the facility.  “The opportunities are limitless.  The growth that Columbiana has seen is remarkable, and Athletix will be a cornerstone in even more growth ahead. To be able to team up with a family cut from the same cloth, and share the same vision and goals will make both companies stronger on every front, and like always, we’ll do things ‘brick by brick’,” said Yokley.

Future plans for the partnership also include a remote studio within the facility alongside “The Home Plate” concession area, as well as a full studio and office build that will house shows such as “Audible Call” “Running Point” and “Power Hour” each weekday.  Athletes and coaches will also be interviewed at the Athletix in each respective studio space for Player Profiles and Coach’s Corners.

FALL AND WINTER SPORTS SEE DIVISIONAL CHANGES

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EAST PALESTINE OH- Every two seasons, the OHSAA realigns its divisional breakdowns to account for changes in enrollment, and competitive balance.  Because of COVID-19 in 2020, it’s been a while since we’ve seen changes to divisions. Below you’ll find the teams in YSN’s family who have moved divisions.

GIRLS SOCCER:

– Poland moves from Division 2 to Division 3

– Lakeview moves from Division 2 to Division 3

– Cardinal Mooney moves from Division 2 to Division 3.

BOYS SOCCER:

– Ursuline moves from Division 3 to Division 2

– Edison moves from Division 3 to Division 2

VOLLEYBALL

-Howland moves from Division 1 to Division 2

-Canfield moves from Division 1 to Division 2

-Ursuline moves from Division 3 to Division 2

-Poland moves from Division 2 to Division 3

-Lakeview moves from Division 2 to Division 3

-Mineral Ridge moves from Division 4 to Division 3

-East Palestine moves from Division 3 to Division 4

FOOTBALL

-Hubbard moved from Division 3 to Division 4

-Niles moves from Division 3 to Division 4

-East moves from Division 3 to Division 4

-Lakeview moves from Division 4 to Division 5

-Springfield moves from Division 6 to Division 7

– Jefferson moves from Division 5 to Division 4

– Waterloo moves from Division 5 to Division 6

BOYS BASKETBALL

-Howland moves from Division 2 to Division 1

– Louisville moves from Division 2 to Division 1

– Lakeview moves from Division 2 to Division 3

– Valley Christian moves from Division 4 to Division 3

– Brookfield moves from Division 4 to Division 3

– Springfield moves from Division 3 to Division 4

GIRLS BASKETBALL

– Canfield moves from Division 1 to Division 2

– Howland moves from Division 1 to Division 2

– Ursuline moves from Division 3 to Division 2

– Beaver Local moves from Division 2 to Division 3

– Poland moves from Division 2 to Division 3

– Lakeview moves from Division 2 to Division 3

– Cardinal Mooney moves from Division 2 to Division 3

– Mineral Ridge moves from Division 3 to Division 4

– Waterloo moves from Division 3 to Division 4

– East Palestine moves from Division 3 to Division 4

BOWLING

– Hubbard moves from Division 2 to Division 1

SWIMMING & DIVING

– Canfield moves from Division 1 to Division 2

WRESTLING

– Jefferson moves from Division 3 to Division 2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

YSN PARTNERS WITH GAMECHANGER TO BOOST STREAMING EXPERIENCE

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EAST PALESTINE, OH- One of the nation’s leading broadcast streaming companies is teaming up with one of the world’s top sports scoring and content apps.  Your Sports Network (YSN) is proud to announce the beginning of a partnership with GameChanger this Summer.

GameChanger features over 550,000 teams on its platform and has over 26 million games scored since the app was launched in 2009.  With an additional six million hours of content, GameChanger stands alone when it comes to sports data input and connecting families from across the globe.

YSN will bring its experience in sports broadcast streaming to the partnership to help boost the experience on the GameChanger platform, and grow the brands simultaneously through the education and entertainment during each respective season on both platforms.

“We’re overjoyed to connect with the team at GameChanger, it’s a perfect fit for both companies.  Both sides have the best interest of families, programs, and the athlete in mind, and we’re looking forward to bringing a more exciting experience to all the teams and organizations that utilize GameChanger, YSN, and the synergy that will come along with it,” said YSN Owner and Founder, DJ Yokley.

Your Sports Network currently is partnered with over 50 schools and 20 organizations in Northeast Ohio and Western Pennsylvania.

The partnership will include simulcasted sports broadcasts live to the GC platform with YSN commentary and broadcast-quality streams.  Programs that choose to utilize this service can sign their teams up at no cost at GC.com, or download the app to their device.  GameChanger also recently unveiled automatic video clipping for baseball and softball that allows athletes and their families to find their clips and create their own highlight reels, or share to social media at their convenience.

 

YSN TO HOST ANNUAL ALL-STAR GAMES THIS SUMMER

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EAST PALESTINE, OH- It’s the most wonderful time of the year, it’s baseball and softball all-star season, and the area will once again be well represented this summer at the YSN All-Star Games.

Each YSN school will have at least one player invited to attend and play in the Summer Classic, players will be drafted in the weeks to come by YSN to their respective teams.  Coaches will be selected by YSN Executive Staff, and will be invited to bring their coaching staffs to the game to represent their schools and communities as well.

This year’s logos were developed and designed by Kyle Wills of Canfield.  Wills is a student at Youngstown State University, and currently serves as an intern at YSN.

The YSN Baseball All-Star Game will once again take place under the bright lights of Bob Cene Park on Saturday, June 25th at 7pm.  Cene Park will showcase over 50 schools and uniforms on the field in the same night, which is an honor that no other game can claim stake to.

The YSN Softball All-Star game will take place this summer as well (date TBA) at Youngstown State University.  The Ladies will have one more chance to represent their school on the area’s biggest stage!

In both cases, as YSN always does; the All-Star Games will focus on a deserving foundation and/or local business that inspires change, and major impact directly in our area- and for this particular set of events YSN is partnering with Project MKC to assist in awareness and benefitting the local organization.

“We are pleased to be partnering with YSN who does such a fantastic job highlighting our local athletes in the Mahoning Valley,” said Project MKC’s Justin Coffin  “Loyal, Local, and Live are key attributes to YSN’s mission and success and at Project MKC our mission is to make the lives of children and their families a little brighter by focusing on their individual needs with the help of volunteers. These missions are both a solid partnership because of both of our organization’s belief of kids in our area!”

Project MKC our main program is our diaper bank which distributes over 80,000 diapers a month and roughly a million diapers per year along with wipes and other essentials. We distribute 1,200 comfort kits a year to children in foster care throughout 10 counties in Northeast Ohio.

“We’re once again honored to have our local student-athletes represent their schools in this showcase.  While it’s always important to shine a light on the talent on the field, it’s awesome to see these young men and women make an immediate impact locally,” said YSN Founder/Owner, DJ Yokley.  “Project MKC is a perfect example of a mission that continues to contribute to area families with no strings attached.  They’ve affected more families than they’ll ever understand, and if we can help be a small part of helping in that mission- it’s the least we can do.”

This will be the second year for the events, and all proceeds of ticket sales will benefit Project MKC.

HUBBARD STUDENT, SCHOOL BUILDING FEATURED IN MARCH MADNESS PROMO

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HUBBARD, OH — The NCAA basketball tournament kicks off this weekend with Selection Sunday. As millions of people tune in to watch March Madness over the next couple of weeks, they’ll see Hubbard Schools featured in a Werner Ladder NCAA basketball commercial. Werner Ladder is the official ladder of March Madness. 

Hubbard High School senior Kaden Lowe along with another student-athlete from Struthers are featured in the Werner Ladder Company’s NCAA basketball commercial that was filmed inside the gymnasium at Hubbard Middle School. A couple of months ago, the district’s athletic department was contacted about using the school’s facilities as a backdrop for the commercial. Cinemanix, the local production company that filmed the commercial, selected the student-athletes. 

“It is so great to see Kaden and our middle school be showcased this March Madness season. We want to thank Werner Ladder Company and Cinemanix for giving us the opportunity to appear in the commercial and for their donation to our athletic department,” said athletic director Kevin Hogue. 

EAST LIVERPOOL TO INDUCT NEW MEMBERS TO HOF

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EAST LIVERPOOL, OH- The East Liverpool High School Athletic Hall of Fame will induct 11 across 2019, 2020 and 2021 classes at its induction ceremony to be held July 1 in conjunction with the East Liverpool Alumni Association All-Class Reunion. The ceremony will be held in Potter Fieldhouse with ticket information being released in the near future.

Class of 2019

-Modern Era-

Andy Durk (Class of 1997) – Andy Durk is widely considered to be one the greatest defensive Potter football players of all time, as he was named First Team All-Ohio (Division I) while also being named the Eastern District Defensive Player of the Year. Andy was also named first-team All-OVAC, All-District, and All-Area while leading the Potters to a 9-1 record and nearly missing the OHSAA playoffs.

Robin Theiss-Henderson (Class of 1982) – Robin Theiss-Henderson is a prominent former multi-sport athlete for the Potters, excelling in volleyball, basketball, and track and field. As a volleyball player, she was first-team All-OVAC, All-County, All-Eastern District, and All-Area. On the basketball court, she was named first-team All-County and All-Eastern District, as well as second-team All-OVAC and special mention All-Ohio. On the track, as a four-year letter winner, she was a member of the school record-setting 1600 meter relay team with a time of 4:11.4, while qualifying for the regional track meet.

Jim “Boddie” White (Class of 1985) – Jim “Boddie” White is a former standout Potter athlete excelling in multiple sports during his time at East Liverpool. On the track, he was a four-year letterman who was team MVP and qualified for the regional meet in six different events each year. He was also a three-year letterman on the football team en route to being named team MVP, as well as being named All-State, All-OVAC, All-District, All-Eastern Buckeye League, All-County, and All-Area. He played in the Ohio vs. PA and Ohio vs. West Virginia All-Star games. He holds the school record for carries in a game (38) for 170 yards, and is ranked fifth for pass receptions in a season (34 for 5 touchdowns and 615 yards) and second for pass receptions in a game (8 for 100 yards). He was also a two-year letterman on the basketball team.

-Special Category-

Robert Shansky – Coach Robert Shansky is the winningest coach in East Liverpool volleyball history where he served as head coach and/or athletic director for 39 years. He led his Potter teams to 10 OVAC championships, 14 sectional championships, 2 championships in the EBL, River Valley League, and Eastern District, as well as 2 appearances in the Final 16 and 1 in the Final 8. He was named the Ohio High School Volleyball Coaches Association District 1 Coach of the Year eight times, was also given the Lifetime Achievement Award from that organization, and was given the NIAAA State Award of Merit for his work as an athletic director.

Class of 2020

-Senior Era-

Bill Montgomery (Class of 1969) – Bill Montgomery was a standout two-sport athlete for the Potters, excelling on both the basketball court and the baseball field. Most notably, Bill was the pitcher on the 1969 Potter baseball team that placed second in the state championship. His love of Potter sports continued throughout this life in his tenure serving as a radio broadcaster for Potter basketball and as the founder of the Potter Holiday Classic, which brought national talent to the Potter Fieldhouse every year. Bill is widely regarded as one of the greatest fundraisers and community supporters in East Liverpool sports history.

-Modern Era-

Marky Thompkins (Class of 2012) – Marky Thompkins is considered by the Potter faithful to be one of the best talents to ever wear the blue and white as an All-Ohio athlete in both football and basketball. On the hardwood, Marky ranks third in all-time scoring in East Liverpool history, being a member of the elusive 1000 point club while earning first-team All-District and All-Area. He was awarded the annual Hi-Y award his senior season. On the football field, he has the distinction of holding the career yardage record for East Liverpool with a total of 4198 all-purpose yards (1852 rushing, 2346 passing) during his career. He threw for 11 touchdowns and scored a total of 146 points. He was selected to play on the prestigious Ohio-Pennsylvania All-Star Football Game en route to being awarded the Bill Booth award his senior season.

Class of 2021

-Modern Era-

Alicia Copestick-Henderson (Class of 2001) — Alicia Copestick-Henderson is considered to be one of the greatest Potter swimmers of all time, being a four-time OVAC champion in both the 50 Free and 100 Free. Additionally, she was the District and Sectional champion in both events. At the state meet, she placed fourth in the 100 Free and fifth in the 50 Free as a junior, second in the 50 Free, and third in the 100 Free as a senior. Aside from the state meet, she was undefeated in all meets both her junior and senior years and qualified for the nationals where she finished ninth in the 50 Free and eleventh in the 100 Free. She still holds 4 individual school records 20 years post-graduation.

Isaac Davidson (Class of 2016) – Isaac Davidson is recognized as being of the greatest multi-sport athletes in modern Potter history, excelling in four sports. On the basketball court, he was twice named All-State (second team as a senior), and was the 2016 Eastern District Player of the Year. He holds the county record for consecutive free throws made (54) which also places him fourth all-time in the state. He once held the single-game scoring record (48 on three occasions) and is tied for the most three-pointers in a game with nine. On the golf course, he was an OVAC champion who was the number 2 golfer on the first golf team to make it to the state match, while also being the Buckeye 8 individual champion twice. On the tennis court, Isaac was an OVAC champion on a doubles team and led his team to an undefeated regular season. Lastly, on the soccer field, he was an integral member of the best soccer team in East Liverpool history who won the OVAC, Buckeye 8, and Sectional Championships.

Blake Prince (Class of 2014) – Blake Prince is viewed by many as one of the greatest golfers in East Liverpool history, earning first-team All-Ohio while leading his team to a runner-up place at the state match. He was a three-time OVAC individual champion, two-time Eastern District Player of the Year, and two-time District Tournament Medalist. Additionally, he was first-team All-District all four years with the Potters. During his senior year, he finished his outstanding career by tying for third overall individually amongst all golfers in the state. Blake earned four letters in golf while also leading the Potters to a sixth-place finish in the state his junior season.

Chad Hager (Class of 1991) – Chad Hager is one of the most accomplished wrestlers of all time for the Potters, finishing his outstanding career with an overall record of 64-5 in his final two seasons with the Potters. It is noted that Chad was never pinned, but only lost a few matches by points. He was a two-time sectional champion and was ranked the number three wrestler in Ohio for Division 1. Additionally, he was a two-time King of the Hill champion, a two-time winner of the Ohio Top 20 Award, and qualified for the state meet on two occasions. He later became the head coach of the Potter wrestling team.

-Special Category-

Richard “Dick” Wolf — Richard “Dick” Wolf is widely regarded as one of the greatest supporters of Potter sports in East Liverpool history. Richard was the founder of the East Liverpool High School Athletic Hall of Fame, the East Liverpool Pony League, the Pottery Festival Run, and the Matt Salsberry Memorial Scholarship. Additionally, he served East Liverpool as a member of the board of education for 37 years and was a governing member of the OVAC. Richard was well known for being a season ticket holder for many Potter sports, and for creating all of the welcome signs one sees as they travel into East Liverpool that displays Potter sports schedules. He also volunteered countless hours in the construction of the East Liverpool wrestling room, amongst other renovation projects.

 

*Contributed by Jimmy Joe Savage

GAME UPDATES FOR FEBRUARY 4TH

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EAST PALESTINE, OH- With the Winter Weather coming into the area, we’re providing a one-stop-shop for active games, and cancellations around the YSN Family of Networks.

This page will be updated as we receive information throughout the day.

 

Last updated: 2/4/22 at 12:05PM

GIRLS BASKETBALL
7pm: Cardinal Mooney @ Ursuline PPD
5:30pm: Northwest @ Louisville (BOY/GIRL DOUBLE HEADER) PPD (Made up 2/5)
BOYS BASKETBALL
5:30pm: Northwest @ Louisville (BOY/GIRL DOUBLE HEADER) PPD (Made up 2/5)
7pm: Badger @ Windham ACTIVE
7pm: Campbell Memorial @ Crestview PPD
7pm: Canfield @ Boardman PPD (Made up 2/19)
7pm: Carrollton @ Salem PPD (Made up 2/12)
7pm: Champion @ Brookfield PPD
7pm: Columbiana @ Leetonia PPD
7pm: East Palestine @ United PPD
7pm: Hubbard @ South Range PPD (Made up 2/5 @7pm)
7pm: Liberty @ LaBrae PPD
7pm: Lisbon @ Wellsville PPD
7pm: McDonald @ Western Reserve PPD
7pm: Mineral Ridge @ Waterloo PPD
7pm: Newton Falls @ Garfield PPD
7pm: Niles @ Lakeview PPD
7pm: Oak Glen @ Beaver Local PPD
7pm: Poland @ Girard PPD
7pm: Sebring @ Lowellville PPD
7pm: Springfield @ Jackson-Milton PPD
7pm: Struthers @ Jefferson PPD (Made up 2/5 @4pm)
7pm: Urban Scholars @ East PPD

 

JEFFERSON TO EXIT NE8

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JEFFERSON OH- According to sources, Jefferson Area High School will be exiting the Northeast 8 Athletic Conference effective the 2023-2024 school year. Those same sources say that Jefferson will be heading to the Chagrin Valley Conference.

21 WFMJ Sports Director Dana Balash got a quote from Northeast 8 commissioner Rob Conklin.

Stay tuned to YSN for updates on developments to this ongoing story.

 

 

DANA’S TWEET: