BOARDMAN BASEBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH JOE GABRIEL

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BOARDMAN OH- It’s just about baseball time in the area, and no one is more excited to get back to action than the Boardman Spartans.  After a season where a young team went through adversity, the Spartans are banking on experience being a fantastic tool to success.  Coach Joe Gabriel and his staff have always put their players in the best position to win, and now with an experienced group of players that job gets easier.  The Spartans play in a tough AAC that will always keep them on their toes.  They’ll try to push through it and make some serious waves in the standings.

Coach Gabriel took the time to catch up with YSN’s Anthony Hartwig to talk about the upcoming season in Boardman. They talk about the lessons learned from last season, being a part of the coaching room inside the conference, and so much more. Check out Episode 1 of Coach’s Corner with Joe Gabriel.

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HOWLAND SOFTBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH NICOLE WAYT

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HOWLAND OH- Start flipping your calendars towards spring, and get yourself ready for softball season. The excitement is building in Howland’s program as they’ve had a very successful preseason so far.  The Tigers may have lost 6 important senior leaders to graduation, but they still have a big group of core players that are geared up for a run.  Howland’s head coach Nicole Wayt knows what it takes to develop talent.  We’ve seen her roster grow in ability in skill over their career, and it might just culminate into something special this year.

Coach Wayt took time out of her busy day to chat with YSN’s Anthony Hartwig to talk about the upcoming season.  They talk about the mix of experienced leaders, and young talent, and so much more. Check out Episode 1 of Coach’s Corner with Nicole Wayt exclusively on YSN!

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HOWLAND BASEBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH BRITTON TAYLOR

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HOWKAND OH- The changing from winter to spring doesn’t just bring about warmer temperatures, it brings about new opportunities for every high school athlete who graces the baseball diamond.  It has also brought a fresh start to the Howland baseball program as they bring aboard first year head coach Britton Taylor.  Britton is a Howland guy through and through and calls this job nothing less than a dream come true.  He inherits a good mix of core leadership, along with young and hungry talent.  There are plenty of reasons to be excited for what the Tigers will bring to the dish this year.

Coach Taylor was kind enough to stop by YSN’s Running Point live to talk to Anthony Hartwig about what he expects from his club. They talk about instilling a culture, building relationships, and much more! Check out Episode 1 of Coach’s Corner with Britton Taylor exclusively on YSN!

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MINERAL RIDGE BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER WITH BOB MOLNAR

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MINERAL RIDGE, OH- Bob Molnar, the 8th grade basketball coach at Mineral Ridge, recently achieved an impressive feat as his team completed an undefeated 18-0 season, with a perfect 14-0 record in the conference. In a recent episode of the YSN podcast, hosted by DJ Yokley, Molnar shared his insights into the coaching profession and his dedication to the young athletes in his community.

Molnar emphasized the importance of setting and achieving goals, highlighting the girls’ determination to go truly undefeated in the MVAC and win the championship. He attributed their success to early training and exposure to competitive basketball, nurturing and mentoring the girls since the third grade. Molnar also stressed the significance of teaching life lessons through sports, instilling a long-term perspective in the young athletes.

With a background as a father of five and extensive coaching experience since 2000, Molnar expressed his preference for coaching girls due to their focused attention to detail and increased seriousness about their athletic and academic future. He also shared his involvement in other sports programs, illustrating his enduring commitment to the local community and its youth.

Molnar’s dedication to teaching and mentoring through sports has had a profound impact on the Mineral Ridge community, fostering a culture of perseverance, commitment, and sportsmanship among the young athletes he coaches.

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MINERAL RIDGE COACH’S CORNER WITH JEN STITH

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MINERAL RIDGE, OH-  In a recent interview on the YSN, Mineral Ridge Athletic Director Jen Stith discussed the significance of her hometown community, the evolving landscape of women in sports, and the potential impact of the expansion of divisions in the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA).

Stith, who has deep roots in Mineral Ridge as a former student and long-time educator, expressed her personal connection to the community and the special role it plays in the success of the athletic programs. She highlighted the supportive and family-like atmosphere that has contributed to the rise of girls’ sports and the positive relationships between coaches and students.

Addressing the changing perceptions of women in sports, Stith shared her perspective as a woman athletic director in what was traditionally a male-dominated arena. She emphasized the growing recognition of women’s capabilities and the increasing opportunities for women to take on leadership roles in athletics at all levels.

When discussing the OHSAA division expansion, Stith expressed optimism about the potential for more competitive balance, particularly for smaller schools like Mineral Ridge. She hoped that the move would provide opportunities for schools of similar sizes to compete at a level where they can excel and achieve success, suggesting that it could lead to more championships.

Stith also touched on the significance of rivalries within the community, underlining the role of community engagement and support in fostering a strong sports culture.

The interview with Jen Stith provided valuable insights into the intersection of community, women in sports, and the future of high school athletics in Ohio. As Mineral Ridge continues to thrive in its athletic endeavors, Stith’s perspective offers a unique and important outlook on the impact of these interconnected elements on the sports landscape.

Overall, Jen Stith’s reflections serve as a testament to the transformative power of community support, the increasing prominence of women in sports leadership, and the potential benefits of the OHSAA division expansion for schools like Mineral Ridge.

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CANFIELD SOFTBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH MIKE KERNAN

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CANFIELD OH- They say the closer you get to the championship the harder it is to come up short, last year Canfield got as close as you can. The 2023 state runners up come into the new season with fuel and drive to get themselves ready for a second chance at the state trophy.  The Cardinals graduated 8 seniors which would be a heavy hit on everyone.  However, they also return plenty of key pieces that got them to the state final last season, including 1st team All-State pitcher Malena Toth.  With plenty of goals locked and loaded the Cardinals are ready for a fun spring on the softball diamond.

Head coach Mike Kernan took the time this week to catch up with YSN’s Anthony Hartwig.  They talk about the fuel that getting a state championship gives the team to get back, who is stepping up to the leadership plate this season, and much more. Check out Episode 1 of Coach’s Corner with Mike Kernan exclusively on YSN!

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BOARDMAN SOFTBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH FRED MOOTZ

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BOARDMAN OH- Spring is in the air, the weather is turning and that means that softball is right around the corner.  In Boardman Fred Mootz returns for another season heading up a talented Spartan team hungry for success in 2024.  With a lot of experience returning, especially in the infield Boardman feels like this year will be a big step up.  They finished the season 10-15 a year ago, but feel a lot of those losses can easily be turned into wins.

it’s time to turn the lights on and preview the upcoming season. Coach Mootz took the time to chat with YSN’s Anthony Hartwig to talk about the experienced roster the Spartans have, the tough league they play in, and much more. Check out Episode 1 of Coach’s Corner with Fred Mootz!

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CATCHING THE CURB (EP 7) WITH BOB CAMARDO

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COLUMBIANA, OH-  In a recent episode of the YSN podcast, host DJ Yokley and guests Bob Camardo and Chuck Fizet discussed the upcoming speakers set to appear at the Curbstone Coach’s get-together at Avion on the Water every Monday. The podcast, which focuses on sports-related topics, highlighted the impressive lineup of speakers scheduled to lead discussions in the coming weeks.

Chuck Fizet, a regular on the podcast, provided insight into the list of speakers, revealing that local radio and sports personality Champ Summers is slated to appear on April 11. The lineup also includes notable figures such as Stan Boney, as well as high school champions from various sports disciplines, including bowling and golf.

The podcast further delved into the process of selecting speakers, with Fizet sharing information on how individuals can suggest potential speakers for future episodes. He extended an invitation for anyone interested in speaking, emphasizing that recommendations for speakers are always welcome.

Bob Camardo, a prominent figure in the organization, shared exciting updates about the event.
Scheduled for two months from now, the banquet has been diligently prepared by the vice president, Tom Miller, who has been working tirelessly to secure an impressive lineup of proclamations, speakers, and inductees. With guest speaker Gene Sterator, the NFL rules analyst and NCAA basketball figure, alongside a star-studded list of inductees, including posthumous honorees such as Sean Durkin for baseball and basketball, the event promises to be the organization’s biggest and best to date.

The banquet aims to attract between four and 500 attendees, offering an opportunity for sports enthusiasts and local businesses to show support. With over 200 tickets already sold and a goal to reach even higher numbers, the community is encouraged to get involved.

For those interested in attending, reservations can be made through Patty Shuley, the reservations person, for $60 per ticket or $480 for a table of eight. Additionally, businesses are offered the chance to advertise in the program book, with proceeds going towards the organization’s charitable initiatives.
Bob Camardo emphasized the significance of the banquet as the organization’s sole fundraiser of the year, and highlighted that the proceeds would be directed towards charitable causes, as the organization operates as a nonprofit.

As anticipation for the event continues to build, the local community is invited to mark their calendars for an evening of sports celebration and charitable giving.

For further details on reservations and participation, interested individuals can visit the organization’s website at thecurbstonecoaches.org or find information on their Facebook page.

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CURBSTONE COACHES

YOUNGSTOWN STATE BASEBALL COACH’S CORNER WITH SHANE DAVIS

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LOUISVILLE, ,KY-  In a recent episode of the YSN podcast, host DJ Yokley sat down with Youngstown State University’s baseball assistant coach, Shane Davis, to discuss the unique challenges and experiences of being a pitching coach.

During the insightful conversation, Shane Davis shed light on the stress and mental preparation that goes into coaching pitchers, likening the role to that of a corner man in boxing. He emphasized the importance of managing personalities and ego, particularly in today’s digital age where players are constantly under public scrutiny.

Davis also touched on the impact of fatherhood on his perspective, highlighting how it has influenced his coaching approach and provided him with a sense of perspective and balance.

The discussion wasn’t all about baseball, as Davis shared his thoughts on recruiting and the talent pool at Youngstown State, emphasizing the learning curve for players transitioning from high school to Division I baseball. Additionally, he revealed his favorite dishes to enjoy while traveling for games, including the necessity of having grits in the south.

The episode offered a rare glimpse into the multifaceted world of coaching and the personal growth experienced by individuals within the sport. Listeners were left with a deeper understanding of the dynamics at play in college baseball and the dedication required to succeed at this level.
The YSN podcast continues to provide engaging and insightful content, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the diverse personalities and stories within the world of sports.

Shane Davis, also brought a blend of humor and wisdom to the episode, leaving the audience eagerly anticipating his return to the podcast for future discussions.
Listeners are encouraged to tune in to the YSN podcast for more captivating interviews and in-depth conversations with prominent figures in the sports industry.

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YOUNGSTOWN STATE BASEBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 3) WITH DAN BERTOLINI

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LOUISVILLE, KY-  The YSN podcast recently released the third episode of the “YSU Coach’s Corner” featuring Youngstown State University baseball coach Dan Bertolini. The conversation took place in Louisville, Kentucky, where the team was scheduled to play.

During the podcast, Coach Bertolini discussed the team’s optimistic outlook despite a slow start to the season. He emphasized the importance of scheduling games against top-tier teams like Louisville and Georgia Tech to prepare the players for league competitions. He highlighted the potential they have and the need to make adjustments based on the information gathered from such challenging games.

Bertolini also touched on the team’s leadership, pointing out players who have stepped up on and off the field. The importance of motivation, positive reinforcement, and learning from experiences were key topics of the discussion. Moreover, he elaborated on the impact of technology in baseball, specifically addressing the use of innovative devices for calling plays and managing the running game.

The podcast concluded with a light-hearted discussion about the team’s culinary experiences while on the road, with Coach Bertolini sharing his enthusiasm for local cuisines.

In this insightful and engaging episode, Coach Bertolini provided a behind-the-scenes look at the YSU baseball team, their mindset, and the strategies they employ both on and off the field.

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