LIVING THE DREAM

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EAST PALESTINE, OH- Everybody uses YSN, but do you really know how it began?

In 2017, a bold vision emerged from the small town of East Palestine, Ohio, one that would forever change the way local sports were covered. DJ Yokley, a native of East Palestine, launched Your Sports Network (YSN) with nothing more than a hope, a dream, and a deep love for youth and high school sports. What began as a grassroots effort to spotlight the unsung heroes of local athletics has grown into a powerhouse that spans across the region, redefining how communities engage with their sports programs.

YSN’s journey began humbly, with Leetonia High School as the first school to join forces with Yokley’s fledgling platform. Yokley’s mission was clear: to restore a sense of belonging and pride to youth and high school sports by providing comprehensive coverage that celebrated athletes, coaches, and communities. From there, the momentum grew, with South Range, Crestview, and Salem quickly following suit.

“Leetonia was the first to believe in us,” Yokley recalls. “That gave us the confidence to keep going, to prove that this could be something truly special.”

Then, a late-night message over LinkedIn to a veteran football coach opened the door to what might become a prophetic moment in time. “Dan Yeagley invited me to come in and pitch the concept to him.  All I had at the time were poorly designed handouts of what we hoped to accomplish- we didn’t even have a website at that time,” Yokley recalls.  “Dan made me promise him that if they committed to YSN, that I personally committed to the Raiders as their announcer,” and the rest was history.

In the years that followed, YSN’s reach exploded. By 2024, the network had partnered with over 70 schools, stretching from Lake Erie to the Ohio River. Yokley’s vision of a hyper-local sports network had become a reality, resonating deeply with schools and fans alike.

For YSN, football reigns supreme. Friday nights under the lights are the heart and soul of the network’s programming, drawing massive viewership numbers and fueling the passion of local communities. But Yokley understood early on that to truly build something lasting, YSN needed to embrace every sport. From volleyball and soccer to wrestling and track, YSN has provided a platform for athletes in nearly every discipline, giving them the recognition they deserve.

YSN’s commitment to inclusivity has been a cornerstone of its success. To date, the network has amassed an astounding 40.3 million views, a testament to the demand for quality, hyper-local sports content. It’s not just about the games; it’s about the stories behind the athletes, the rivalries, and the communities that rally around their teams.

When the world shut down in 2020, YSN stepped up. The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges to high school sports, with strict attendance restrictions leaving many fans unable to attend games. For Yokley and his team, the answer was clear: break down the barriers to sports streaming.

YSN quickly became a lifeline for fans, parents, and communities desperate to stay connected to their teams. Through innovative streaming solutions, the network provided solace and a sense of normalcy during a time of uncertainty. Businesses were closing their doors, but YSN was opening new ones, not just for fans but for the industry as a whole.

“During the pandemic, it wasn’t just about sports,” Yokley says. “It was about bringing people together in a time when connection felt impossible.”

YSN’s pioneering efforts during the pandemic cemented its reputation as a trailblazer in sports streaming, setting a standard that many have since tried to emulate.

In 2023, YSN faced yet another challenge when East Palestine found itself at the epicenter of a devastating train derailment. The disaster forced the network to make a difficult decision: relocate its headquarters or risk being unable to operate effectively. With resilience and a commitment to its mission, YSN moved its operations to Athletix in Columbiana, a state-of-the-art facility that now serves as its home base.

The move was bittersweet for Yokley, who had built YSN in his hometown. But it was also a testament to the network’s ability to adapt and thrive in the face of adversity.

“East Palestine will always be part of our story,” Yokley says. “But moving to Athletix was the right decision for our team and our vision.”

YSN’s story is one of perseverance, innovation, and an unrelenting passion for local sports. Under Yokley’s leadership, the network has become more than a media outlet; it’s a community pillar, a rallying point for schools, athletes, and fans. From its humble beginnings in East Palestine to its current position as a regional powerhouse, YSN embodies the spirit of high school sports: grit, determination, and heart.

Looking ahead, Yokley shows no signs of slowing down. With a growing roster of schools, an ever-expanding viewership, and a commitment to excellence, YSN is poised to continue its meteoric rise.

“YSN started as a hope and a dream,” Yokley reflects. “But it’s become so much more than that. It’s a testament to what can happen when you believe in something bigger than yourself.”

For DJ Yokley, it was never just about the games. It was about the kids, the schools, and the communities that make high school sports so special. Seven years after its inception, YSN stands as a testament to the power of vision, hard work, and an unwavering belief in the value of local sports.

POLAND ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT RECOGNIZED FOR THEIR WORK

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POLAND, OH- Big congratulations are in order for the Poland Athletic Department, snagging one of Ohio’s top honors—the Bruce Brown Award of Excellence. This isn’t just any accolade; it’s a salute to the hard work Poland’s athletic program has put in to meet some of the highest standards in the state.

The Bruce Brown Award goes to Ohio athletic departments that champion education-based sports. It’s about more than just wins and losses—this award celebrates the schools that prioritize growth, learning, and a positive culture in their sports programs. Poland’s efforts hit all the marks, from risk management to sports medicine, tech and media use, and pushing for continuous improvement.

Many congratulations to Athletic Director Brian Banfield and everyone involved in making this happen! Their commitment to building an athletic culture that’s about more than just the game is what made this award possible. The Bruce Brown Award is presented each year at the OIAAA State Conference, and Poland’s Athletic Department can hold its head high as one of the best in Ohio.

Criteria Domains:

  1. Philosophy of Education-based Athletics
  2. Education Strategies
  3. Risk Management
  4. Access/Equity
  5. Assessment
  6. Technology/Media
  7. Sports Medicine
  8. Innovation/Creativity
  9. Continuous Improvement

CATCHING THE CURB WITH BOB CAMARDO

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COLUMBIANA, OH- “Welcome back, ladies and gentlemen,” began DJ Yokley on the latest episode of “Catching the Curb,” a vibrant podcast dedicated to the sports scene in Youngstown, Ohio. On this episode, the ever-enthusiastic host welcomed the show’s regular guest, Bob Camardo, along with special surprises in the form of Frank Frattaroli and Tom Miller, who Camardo humorously referred to as his “bodyguards.”

The podcast kicked off with a discussion about a recent power outage at the renovated Beagley Center at Youngstown State University (YSU), where both the women’s and men’s basketball games had to be canceled. “I wait all year for basketball season, and it was going to be an exciting start,” said Camardo. “Then, 5:00 PM hits, I heard a pop, and everything went completely dark.” Camardo’s recount of the incident served as the episode’s opening hook, revealing the enthusiasm and anticipation surrounding local sports.

The cancellation was particularly unfortunate for the North Dakota women’s basketball team, who had flown in specifically to play against YSU. “Poor North Dakota women’s team had flown in just to play. They came in for nothing,” lamented Camardo. Despite this, there’s still hope for rescheduling the men’s game with Westminster, showcasing the resilience and dedication of the YSU sports community.

Moreover, the discussion soon pivoted to the impressive transformations seen within the Beagley Center. “It looks great. The seats are bigger, which helps a fat butt like me,” joked Camardo, revealing his candid yet humorous nature. He appreciated the modern improvements, including the new scoreboard, albeit acknowledging the night’s blackout, quipping, “Only in Youngstown.”

Their conversation sailed smoothly into a review of recent guests who graced the Curbstone Coaches luncheon meetings. From Riley Jarrett, YSU’s new volleyball coach, to Melissa Jackson, the pioneering women’s basketball coach, Camardo offered praise: “Melissa’s a go-getter. If you want to be on board, fine; if not, hit the road.” The same high regard was given to Ethan Faulkner, the new men’s basketball coach, whose appearance drew a “big crowd” and much excitement.

“There’s a lot of excitement, and believe me when I tell you, Ethan knows it,” Camardo stated confidently, emphasizing the significant anticipation around the YSU basketball scene. The conversation veered into reflecting on the increased fan support for YSU basketball. “What Calhoun did here is he brought it to everybody’s attention that it’s the place to be,” noted Camardo, voicing his respect for the former coach, Jared Calhoun, and his transformative impact on the program.

Yokley and Camardo also discussed the fall high school sports scene, considered a critical part of the local culture. “It’s good for the area when there’s a lot of interest in teams possibly winning state championships,” said Camardo, highlighting the local enthusiasm for high school football. Potential championship contenders like Ursuline, Warren JFK, and South Range were mentioned, which reflects the strong community support present in Youngstown’s sports ecosystem.

Before ending his segment, Camardo unveiled some exciting upcoming events for the Curbstone Coaches. Notably, the appearance of Jim Rosenhouse, Cleveland Guardians broadcaster, set for January 13th, is one event that fans won’t want to miss. “The Guardians had a heck of a year, obviously,” said Camardo, leaving the audience with something to look forward to.

In each anecdote and quote, Camardo’s passion for sports and his community role was evident. The dialog wasn’t merely about games; it was about the people, the excitement, and the shared experiences that make Youngstown’s sports culture so unique. And as Yokley signed off, it was clear that the fire for local sports was, despite all odds, burning brighter than ever.

“Catching the Curb,” then welcomed a familiar face to its recent episode. Tom Miller, affectionately known in the community as the “Banquet Guru,” returned to discuss the intricate process behind the Curbstone Coaches Hall of Fame, sharing insights and updates that captivated listeners.

Miller, who has become a notable figure in the organization of the Hall of Fame banquet, detailed the selection and induction processes, emphasizing the importance of thorough application submissions and nominations. “Right now, we’ve got about 28 or 29 applications,” Miller revealed. “From those, we aim to pick 12 to be inducted on May 4, 2025.”

During the conversation, Miller highlighted the notable leadership transition within the Curbstone Coaches. He praised President Bob Camero for his exceptional dedication. “Over the last couple of years, he took over in a situation where nobody wanted to be president. And he’s doing just a phenomenal job,” Miller shared.

The episode also took an emotional turn as Miller and Yokley found a personal connection when discussing their daughters, both named Bella. “Great minds think alike,” Yokley remarked, signifying the warm rapport between them.

Miller provided details about the upcoming induction ceremony, including the preparation stages leading up to the banquet. This year’s event will feature renowned speaker Greg Pruitt, a former Cleveland Browns player, as a highlight. “He’s a good inspirational speaker,” Miller said, reflecting on Pruitt’s reputation for engaging speeches.

An essential cutoff date for nominations was addressed. Miller urged potential nominees to submit their applications by November 10th, though he hinted at a brief extension to November 11th. “No application, I can’t get you in,” he stressed, encouraging timely submissions.

The broadcast concluded with Miller offering his contact information for any last-minute applications, ensuring the community stayed informed and involved. The episode reinforced the deep sense of community and dedication that drives the Curbstone Coaches Hall of Fame, leaving listeners eagerly anticipating the grand event in May.

PRESENTED BY

CURBSTONE COACHES

Ways You Can Easily Cite a Sports Reference in Your Paper

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There are several popular opinions on what is considered the most important part of writing academic papers. Some will say that it is the style and general neatness, while others will point out the depth of research. Today, we will discuss another famous opinion: sources, citations, and solid references are paramount. 

How do you easily include a sports reference in your paper? This is the primary question we will be answering in the article. We will also discuss the importance of proper citation, checking the source’s credibility and relevance of your sports citation. If you have difficulties finding credible sources, consider using CustomWritings Citation Generation. 

Why Include Citations in Your Paper? 

Citations are an essential part of writing academic papers, and several significant reasons exist. For starters, adequately listed citations can act as your shield against plagiarism accusations: you can always point to the citation for every quote, which allows you to use the pieces of writing from different sources legally. 

The following vital reason to use citations is to reinforce your argument. When each of your statements is supported with concrete information from credible sources, it makes your opinion and your arguments more compelling. Professors love well-researched papers and always consider the list of citations you have included. 

Few Tips on How to Format Sports References

There are general academic requirements to formatting and placing sources, no matter the niche of the source. Below you will find basic academic tips for citations, which are also suitable for sports references. 

1 – Follow Your Academic Style Guide 

Document formatting and content should adhere to the guidelines outlined in a style guide. You’ll have to use one when you decide to write a research paper. Verify that you know the appropriate style guide to apply while writing your paper. Each style has its own specific guidelines for things like reference lists, in-text citations, and layout.

The Modern Language Association (MLA), the American Psychological Association (APA), and the Chicago Manual of Style are among the most popular academic style guides. You should probably contact your professor in order to ask for a recommended style guide. 

2 – Be Consistent with Your Citation 

Typically, a professor or other member of your department’s faculty will decide on your style guide. You might need to switch up your approach for some classes. Be consistent throughout the project with any style you pursue. Before turning in your essay, check your citations one last time to ensure there aren’t any typos or missing information. 

3 – Be Careful with Period Placements 

It’s peculiar that a single period (.) might ruin your study paper, but well, that’s just how academia works! Be mindful of the citation style you’re using, and ensure that the placement of your full stops is consistent. 

The period is often put outside and after the parenthesis (brackets) according to most style guidelines, such as APA and MLA. Remember that the citation should be placed within the sentence it refers to. 

4 – If Necessary, Cite Yourself 

It’s possible to do self-plagiarism without realizing it’s a crime. You are committing plagiarism if you have ever written a paper and wanted to use an idea from it again but forgot to cite it.

For example, let’s pretend that you’ve been studying in a particular area for a while and that your current project builds upon your earlier work. When this happens, it’s OK to repurpose information from an earlier publication. Always appropriately credit your work when using it, as you would when citing someone else’s. 

 

5 – Understand When to Cite References 

Preparing a sports paper involves gathering and citing information from various sources to support your arguments. Citations are required if you use someone else’s words, whether in a direct quote, a paraphrase, or even a broad idea. If you want to avoid accusations of plagiarism, it’s better to cite your sources extensively rather than inadequately.

Citations are unnecessary unless you come across someone claiming otherwise! Everyone knows that World War I began in 1914; therefore, there’s no need to cite this for example. 

6 – Don’t Repeat Citations 

If you’re not careful, you could end up mentioning a source in almost every sentence. It might come from the same place every time, making things repetitious. 

In most reference styles, you can avoid this problem by indicating that subsequent sentences will only cite one source. Include a reference to the source in your lead-in sentence, but be careful to differentiate between the ideas presented by the source and your own. 

Easy Ways to Cite Sport Sources 

There are several easy ways to cite sports sources. The most obvious one is using an online generation tool, for example, but you can also assist yourself by creating a map of in-text citations and lightning citations without hesitation right in the writing process! 

Use an Online Citation Generation Tool 

An online citation generator (of course, we recommend using one by CustomWritings) is a perfect solution for streamlining the process. Such generators allow you to specify your source and formatting style and get appropriately formatted citations in just one click. You may copy and paste this citation into your list of references, and rest assured while enjoying your perfect formatting. 

Don’t’ Put It Off Until Later, Cite as You Write! 

Let’s think about your writing as a sports game. You probably know every player’s move on the field is more valuable when done on time. So, we recommend including citations in your text right on the flow without postponing anything for better times. 

Get the citations done while you write! This is an essential step after gathering your materials and writing your paper. Do not succumb to the temptation to compose the paper first and then worry about citing and formatting sources. 

Writing a good sports essay demands meticulous attention to detail, and you can be exhausted by the time you finish your paper. Begin early, write expertly, and reference your sources as you go. 

Map Your In-Text Citations 

An in-text citation or footnote and a reference list or bibliography item are required if you use material from another source. The problem is that inserting an in-text citation without including the whole citation at the end is easy.  

You may simply avoid making this standard error. When you believe you’ve finished, return to the end and link your in-text citations and footnotes to their respective entries. Doing this little check will spare you a ton of trouble! 

Cite the Right Amount of Sources 

Is it better to cite 100 or 10 sources in a 1,000-word essay? There is no hard and fast rule about the optimal number of citations to use in an essay; more isn’t necessarily better. How well you incorporate sources into your essay is what matters. On the other hand, if you’re still confused, ask your professor for a ballpark figure for the number of sources they typically ask for.

The Bottom Line: How to Reference Sports Articles 

Citing sports citations is easy! Don’t be afraid of citing your sources; all you need to do is figure out academic citations in general and integrate these guidelines into your sports paper writing. We recommend using online citation generators to streamline the process, including citations right on a flaw and providing you with some helpful citation lifehacks for everyone.

MILL CREEK METROPARKS EXCITED ABOUT APP AND BUG DAY

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BOARDMAN, OH- Nestled amidst the natural beauty of Mill Creek Metroparks, a new digital frontier emerges, effortlessly connecting nature enthusiasts with the resources and recreational spots the park has to offer. Recently on YSN, DJ Yokley had the privilege of speaking with Jaime Yohman from Mill Creek Metroparks, who shed light on two exhilarating developments: the release of the park’s mobile app and the upcoming Bug Day event.

“Yes. So we’re very excited,” Jaime enthused as she introduced the newly launched Mill Creek Metroparks app. Released at the end of June, this innovative app aims to provide park visitors with an easily navigable and accessible mobile-friendly experience. “It’s just another way to get in touch with our park visitors and make the navigation through the park and that kind of thing easily accessible through mobile.”

Jaime explained how the app works: “When you go onto your app store, like you said, it’s through Apple and Android, and you would just type in outer spatial.” Powered by OuterSpatial, it houses multiple park systems, and by searching for Mill Creek Metroparks and favoriting it, users can explore various park amenities. She mentioned, “You can see restrooms, facilities such as picnic areas, recreation fields, all of that. So everything is at your fingertips.”

Interestingly, while diving into the digital age, the park decided to retain traditional paper guides as well. Jaime noted, “We do still provide our paper trail guide, our paper visitor guide…So there is still that option for maybe the not so technology savvy park visitors.”

As the conversation pivoted, the focus shifted to an upcoming event that promises excitement for both young and old—the much-anticipated Bug Day.
“We have a great event coming up. This is our summer event,” Jaime stated. Scheduled for Saturday, July 20, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Bug Day is set to launch with a fanfare at the recently renovated Ford Nature Center. Jaime mentioned, “This is the first large event that’s being held at Ford Nature Center…We thought it would be a great thing to do a Bug Day event.”

Visitors can expect a plethora of exciting activities. As Jaime highlighted, “We will have bug exhibitors there with live bug exhibits…We’re gonna be having a tattoo station, a craft station. We’re also doing bad bugs walk throughout our Virginia Axeman trail over at Ford Nature Center.” For those who relish a touch of whimsy, a bug-themed photo booth and other interactive exhibits await.
The event is a fantastic free-of-charge opportunity for the community to engage with nature. As Jaime emphasized, “It’s just going to be a really fun event, free of charge for the community. And we’re going to be offering trolley rides for a small fee.”

For those interested in more information on either the app or the Bug Day event, Jaime directed listeners to visit their official website, “So it’s millcreekmetroparks.org. and you can also follow us on social media. We’re on Instagram and Facebook.”
Embrace the fusion of technology and nature with Mill Creek Metroparks’ new app and join in the buzzing excitement of Bug Day. As DJ Yokley perfectly summed up, Mill Creek truly remains “the crown jewel of our area.”

A LOT TO CELEBRATE: AUSTINTOWN PREPARES TO LIGHT UP THE SKY FOR COMMUNITY

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AUSTINTOWN, OH- BIG things are happeneing in Austintown, and they are set to continue on June 30th at Hollywood Gaming, we had the privilege of hosting Jim Davis, the dedicated chairman of the Austintown Fireworks Celebration, in an insightful and heartwarming episode. Hosted by DJ Yokley, the conversation delved deep into the history, significance, and future of Austintown’s celebrated tradition. Here’s an exclusive recap of the highlights from the interview.

For many residents of Austintown, the fireworks celebration marks the pinnacle of community spirit and unity. Jim Davis shared nostalgic memories from his own childhood that underscore the event’s long-standing importance.

“I remember the July 4th picnics and fireworks from when I was a kid. It was all about family and community,” Jim reminisced. “Bringing that tradition back was one of my key promises when I ran for trustee in 2009.”

This year, the fireworks celebration is set for June 30, a strategic move to alleviate the stress on safety forces and take advantage of more affordable options. The event has been relocated to Hollywood Gaming, a decision influenced by both community feedback and the need for more space.
“Hollywood Gaming has been a pillar of support for our community for years, so moving the event there made perfect sense. They offered us space and sponsorship,” Jim explained. “We needed more room for food trucks, kids’ activities, and to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment.”

Austintown has recently celebrated several sports victories, particularly in girls’ softball and cheerleading, contributing significantly to the excitement surrounding the fireworks event. Jim was particularly enthusiastic about honoring local champions.
“We’ll be presenting championship rings to the Austintown Fitch cheerleaders on stage at 8:00 p.m. It’s a moment to celebrate their hard work and success,” Jim said proudly. “The Fitch concert choir will also perform just before that, from 7:45 to 8:00 p.m.”

Jim Davis has pulled out all the stops to make this year’s celebration unforgettable, engaging sports personalities like Carlos Baerga, Hanford Dixon, and Louis Lips to participate in the festivities.
“We’ve reached out to sports agents and local connections to bring in some amazing personalities who connect with our community,” Jim noted. “People like Greg Greenwood and Coach Parker have played significant roles in driving this effort.”

The event features activities designed to cater to all ages, from family-friendly inflatables and pony rides to sports-themed attractions and a spectacular fireworks show at 10:00 p.m.
“We’re expecting over 12,000 people this year. We’ve got everything set up from a ribbon-cutting at 1:00 p.m. to a variety of entertainment acts throughout the day,” Jim highlighted. “It’s going to be bigger and better than ever.”

The success of the fireworks celebration is a testament to the collective effort of sponsors, trustees, and community members. DJ Yokley acknowledged Jim’s tireless efforts, praising him as a role model.
Jim echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the role of the community in making the event possible.
“I’m deeply grateful to the sponsors and individuals who have supported us. Our goal is to make Austintown the top destination for fireworks in the valley, and we’re well on our way,” Jim concluded. “Creating lasting memories, especially for the kids, is what it’s all about.”

As Jim excitedly confirmed his attendance for June 30th, his passion and commitment to the Austintown community shone through. His favorite moment? Standing on stage with his daughter during the final moments of the fireworks show is a tradition that symbolizes the event’s heart – family and community.

Stay tuned to YSN Live for more updates and exclusive coverage of the Austintown Fireworks Celebration. We hope to see you there on June 30th for a day filled with joy, memories, and an extraordinary display of fireworks.
—
Make sure to mark your calendars and be a part of this incredible community event.

SCHEDULE FOR THE YSN LIVE SHOW ON JUNE 30TH

*Guests and times subject to change

4:00 KICKOFF

4:05: GUEST: GREG GREENWOOD

4:20: STEVE WARD (AUSTINTOWN FITCH SOFTBALL COACH, 2X STATE CHAMPION)

4:35: TJ PARKER (AUSTINTOWN FITCH FOOTBALL COACH)

4:50: AUSTINTOWN FITCH CHEERLEADERS (STATE CHAMPIONS)

5:05: JIM DAVIS (CHAIRMAN OF AUSTINTOWN FIREWORKS CELEBRATION)

5:20: CARLOS BAERGA (FORMER CLEVELAND INDIANS INFIELDER)

5:40: HANFORD DIXON (FORMER CLEVELAND BROWN)

6:00: LOUIS LIPPS (FORMER PITTSBURGH STEELER)

6:20: COMMUNITY SEGMENT

6:40: ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION

6:55: CLOSING REMARKS

OHSAA DISTRIBUTES SCHOLARSHIPS

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COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio High School Athletic Association and its six District Athletic Boards have awarded $169,000 in college scholarships to 169 recent high school graduates following selections made by each of the OHSAA’s six District Athletic Boards.

Each of the 169 scholarships is a $1,000 award. The OHSAA’s college scholarship program, now in its 29th year, returned in 2022 following a two-year hiatus due to pandemic-related financial constraints.

“The college scholarship program is a point of pride for our District Athletic Boards, OHSAA staff, Board of Directors and member schools,” said OHSAA Executive Director Doug Ute. “These student-athletes represent the very best of high school athletics, and it is an honor for us to help these young leaders work toward their educational and career goals. We congratulate them on their accomplishments and look forward to celebrating their future achievements.”

More About the Scholar-Athlete Selection Process

Scholar-athlete recipients are selected based on a point system which rewards students for grade point averages; class rank; community service activities; varsity letters earned; and individual and team athletic honors. The number of scholarship recipients from each district are based upon the number of schools within the district. The recipients were selected by special committees within each of the OHSAA’s six athletic districts. Individuals who receive athletic scholarships from NCAA Division I or II institutions or appointees to military academies are not eligible for an award.

2023 OHSAA Scholar-Athlete Scholarship Recipients 

Southeast District

Andrew (George) Arnett, Lucasville Valley — OHSAA Southeast District Scholarship

Lucie Ashkettle, Lucasville Valley — OHSAA Southeast District Scholarship

Xander Dornon, South Point — OHSAA Southeast District Scholarship

Carson Emery, Mowrystown Whiteoak — OHSAA Southeast District Scholarship

Dax Estep, Bainbridge Paint Valley — OHSAA Southeast District Scholarship

Keetyn Hupp, Seaman North Adams — OHSAA Southeast District Scholarship

Leighton Loge, Nelsonville-York — OHSAA Southeast District Scholarship

Isabella Neal, Lancaster Fairfield Union — OHSAA Southeast District Scholarship

Reid Packer, Thornville Sheridan — OHSAA Southeast District Scholarship

Zander Rawlins, South Webster — OHSAA Southeast District Scholarship

Riley Raynard, South Webster — OHSAA Southeast District Scholarship

Ronald Rowley, Lancaster Fairfield Union — OHSAA Southeast District Scholarship

Samuel Simpson, Ironton Rock Hill — James Mains Memorial Scholarship

Ethan White, Ironton — OHSAA Ethnic Minority Scholarship

Madison Whittaker, Wheelersburg — OHSAA Southeast District Scholarship

Evan Williams, Ironton — Roger Thompson Memorial Scholarship

Nolan Wright, Wheelersburg — OHSAA Southeast District Scholarship

Jiarui Zhang, Chillicothe Zane Trace — OHSAA Ethnic Minority Scholarship

Central District

Matthew Bland, Mount Gilead — Kyre/ Young At Large Scholarship

Ally Carr, Newark — OHSAA Central District Scholarship

Hailee Cobb, Powell Olentangy Liberty — OHSAA Central District Scholarship

Maxwell Cummings, Gahanna Lincoln — Ethnic Minority Scholarship

Madilyn Elson, Mount Gilead — Kyre/ Young At Large Scholarship

Lily Goodfellow, Columbus Bishop Watterson — OHSAA Central District Scholarship

Eli Hitzhusen, Worthington Thomas Worthington — OHSAA Central District Scholarship

Ethan Hostetler, West Jefferson — Kyre/ Young At Large Scholarship

Taylor Iden, Marion Harding — OHSAA Central District Scholarship

Madeline Kauble, Newark Catholic — OHSAA Central District Scholarship

Robert Keuchler, Pickerington Central — OHSAA Central District Scholarship

Emma Kim, Columbus School for Girls — Ethnic Minority Scholarship

Elaina Lahmers, Milford Center Fairbanks — OHSAA Central District Scholarship

Olivia Morse, Columbus School for Girls — Kyre/ Young At Large Scholarship

Syncere Royster, Newark — Ethnic Minority Scholarship

Ryan Rudzinski, Columbus Bishop Watterson — OHSAA Central District Scholarship

Brendan Sheehan, Newark Catholic — OHSAA Central District Scholarship

Jabreel Smith, Newark — Ethnic Minority Scholarship

Erik Underwood, Columbus Bishop Hartley — OHSAA Central District Scholarship

Caleb Wagner, Milford Center Fairbanks — OHSAA Central District Scholarship

Southwest District

Isabela Arredondo, Cincinnati Madeira — OHSAA Scholarship

Adam Ballas, Fort Loramie — OHSAA Scholarship

Alaina Baughn, Greenville — Franklin Young Memorial Scholarship

Olivia Baumann, Eaton — OHSAA Scholarship

Tyler Bond, Franklin — OHSAA Scholarship

Ryleigh Brown, Springfield Kenton Ridge — Dr. John Kronour Honorary Scholarship

Kyle Brueckman, Tipp City Bethel — Bob Huelsman Honorary Scholarship

Natalie Combs, Cincinnati Turpin — OHSAA Scholarship

Jamie Confer, Beavercreek — OHSAA Scholarship

Christian Conner, Batavia — Scott Kaufman Honorary Scholarship

Daniel Cooper, Cincinnati Mariemont — OHSAA Scholarship

Caroline Diels, Wilmington — OIAAA/SWOADA Scholarship

Samari Freeman, Cincinnati Elder — OHSAA Scholarship

Colin Gottron, Centerville — Gene Klaus Honorary Scholarship

AnnaBelle Hacker, Kettering Archbishop Alter — OHSAA Scholarship

Isabella Hamilton, Bradford — Fred Durkle Memorial Scholarship

Kolby Hamilton, Eaton — Dave Gray Honorary Scholarship

Jonathan Hildebrand, Urbana — George Rise Honorary Scholarship

Henry Hoblitzell, Oxford Talawanda — OHSAA Scholarship

Camille Lafferty, Franklin — Dave Gray Honorary Scholarship

Claire LeRoy, Cincinnati Madeira — Angus King Memorial Scholarship

Nathan Massie, Beavercreek — OHSAA Scholarship

Ty Molfenter, Dayton Archbishop Carroll — OIAAA/SWOADA Scholarship

Jace Mullenhour, Jackson Center — Fred Durkle Memorial Scholarship

Anne Murphy, Fayetteville-Perry — Tim Cook Honorary Scholarship

Sophie Nerl, Cincinnati Mariemont — OIAAA/SWOADA Scholarship

Carter Pleiman, Botkins — Dale E. Creamer Honorary Scholarship

Taylor Poeppelman, Anna — Andy Bixler Honorary Scholarship

Joy Resig, Mason — Emerson Brown Honorary Scholarship

Torie Richards, New Madison Tri-Village — OHSAA Scholarship

Jack Sandul, Cincinnati Miami Valley Christian Academy — Rossi-Denney Memorial Scholarship

Zane Shappie, Russia — OHSAA Scholarship

Emma Smith, Clayton Northmont — OIAAA/SWOADA Scholarship

Lindi Snodgrass, Casstown Miami East — Dale E. Creamer Honorary Scholarship

Alaina Snow, De Graff Riverside — Rossi-Denney Memorial Scholarship

Caroline Soller, Cincinnati Mariemont — OHSAA Scholarship

Sarah Thomas, Fort Loramie — Harry Moore Memorial Scholarship

Harshita Uppuganti, Mason — OHSAA Scholarship

Kayla Watkins, Bellefontaine — Harold Shank Memorial Scholarship

Northwest District

Rhenn Armey, Continental — OHSAA Scholarship

Emma Aumend, Convoy Crestview — OHSAA Scholarship

Owen Auxter, Port Clinton — OHSAA Scholarship

Adam Ayad, Toledo Ottawa Hills — OHSAA Scholarship

Owen Barker, Convoy Crestview — OHSAA Scholarship

Paige Brown, Sylvania Southview — OHSAA Scholarship

Nathan Buderer, Oak Harbor — OHSAA Scholarship

Isabelle Burnett, Pioneer North Central — OHSAA Scholarship

Maddix Crutchfield, Van Wert — OHSAA Scholarship

Arda Dastan, Findlay — OHSAA Scholarship

Jack Gerker, Toledo St. John’s — OHSAA Scholarship

Camden Glaser, McComb — OHSAA Scholarship

Jared Griggs, Arlington — OHSAA Scholarship

Jacob Hershberger, Harrod Allen East — OHSAA Scholarship

Hailey Hochstettler, Findlay Liberty-Benton — OHSAA Scholarship

Sofia Houg, Van Wert — OHSAA Scholarship

Ashlee Hug, Edgerton — OHSAA Scholarship

Justin Kaup, Coldwater — OHSAA Scholarship

Jerome Kloepfer, Vanlue — OHSAA Scholarship

Parker Moore, Antwerp — OHSAA Scholarship

Caden Nesterk, Edon — OHSAA Scholarship

Tyler Ray, Bellevue — OHSAA Scholarship

Samantha Scoles, Bluffton — OHSAA Scholarship

Bryn Tegenkamp, Continental — OHSAA Scholarship

Maggie Verhoff, Ottawa-Glandorf — OHSAA Scholarship

Jayla Watson, Toledo Central Catholic — OHSAA Scholarship

Jayden Welker, Van Wert — OHSAA Scholarship

Hayden Welly, Bascom Hopewell-Loudon — OHSAA Scholarship

Gabriella Wetherill, Kenton — OHSAA Scholarship

Carrie Zeedyk, Sherwood Fairview — OHSAA Scholarship

 

East District

Cabot Arbaugh, Cadiz Harrison Central — OHSAA Scholarship

Marshal Bier, Hannibal River — OHSAA Scholarship

Carson Copeland, McConnelsville Morgan — Ethnic Minority-Male OHSAA

Riley Crupper, Cambridge — OHSAA Scholarship

Benjamin Hamm, Dover — OHSAA Scholarship

Hailey Helter, Coshocton — OHSAA Scholarship

Hansel Holmes, Dresden Tri-Valley — East District Overall Winner

Myrakle Johnson, Coshocton — Ethnic Minority-Female OHSAA

Nathan Lopez, Cambridge — Ethnic Minority-Male OHSAA

Megan Malin, St. Clairsville — OHSAA Scholarship

Hannah Raper, Hannibal River — OHSAA Scholarship

Ty Shawger, Zanesville West Muskingum — OHSAA Scholarship

Max Silverthorn, Toronto — OHSAA Scholarship

Navaeh Smith, Cambridge — Ethnic Minority-Female OHSAA

Abigail Starkey, Wintersville Indian Creek — OHSAA Scholarship

Reese Triplett, New Philadelphia Tuscarawas Central Catholic — OHSAA Scholarship

Carter Vandall, New Philadelphia — OHSAA Scholarship

Northeast District

Griffin Barton, Youngstown Ursuline — OHSAA Scholarship

Chloe Bautista, Gates Mills Hawken — OHSAA Scholarship

Jenna Boyd, Massillon Tuslaw — OHSAA Scholarship

Nicholas Brandt, Mentor Lake Catholic — OHSAA Scholarship

Colin Casey, Wickliffe — OHSAA Scholarship

Allison Chinchar, North Ridgeville — OHSAA Scholarship

Gaetano Difini, Chagrin Falls Kenston — OHSAA Scholarship

Caleb Domitrovich, McDonald — OHSAA Scholarship – Al Lopez

Sierra Dorobek, Amherst Steele — OHSAA Scholarship

Ella Gregorino, Leetonia — OHSAA Scholarship

Gage Gretter, Gates Mills Hawken — OHSAA Scholarship

Tamia Hall, Parma Heights Valley Forge — OHSAA Scholarship

Bradely Hamilton, Kinsman Badger — OHSAA Scholarship

Jacob Harms, Canton GlenOak — OHSAA Scholarship

Taylor Hennessey, Madison — OHSAA Scholarship

Vladimir Herdman, Lodi Cloverleaf — OHSAA Scholarship

Sophia Hook, Brookfield — OHSAA Scholarship

Dallas Hostetler, Kidron Central Christian — OHSAA Scholarship

Jake Hoverstock, Jeromesville Hillsdale — OHSAA Scholarship

Robbie Huber, Westlake — OHSAA Scholarship

Samuel Janning, North Ridgeville — OHSAA Scholarship

Dominic Johnson, Gates Mills Hawken — OHSAA Scholarship

Anna Jones, North Canton Hoover — OHSAA Scholarship

Kaci Kanicki, Ashtabula Edgewood — OHSAA Scholarship – Ed Batanian

Madeline Kavenagh, Richfield Revere — OHSAA Scholarship

Chance Laczko, Struthers — OHSAA Scholarship

Elijah Ladue, Lakewood — OHSAA Scholarship

Brandon Lucek, Strongsville — OHSAA Scholarship

Megan Mcginnis, Chesterland West Geauga — OHSAA Scholarship

Nicholas Michael, Akron Firestone — OHSAA Scholarship

Nash Minor, Alliance Marlington — OHSAA Scholarship

Jacey Mullen, New Middletown Springfield — OHSAA Scholarship

Donovan Pawloski, Brookfield — OHSAA Scholarship

Kylee Purdy, West Salem Northwestern — OHSAA Scholarship

Hayden Ringle, Creston Norwayne — OHSAA Scholarship – Larry Acker

Lauren Rogers, Canton McKinley — OHSAA Scholarship

Divya Shanmugam, Massillon Jackson — OHSAA Scholarship

Sarosh Sheth, Warren John F. Kennedy — OHSAA Scholarship

Ethan Stuz, Dalton — OHSAA Scholarship

Aurora Tedrick, Willoughby Cornerstone Christian — OHSAA Scholarship

Nicholas Vesey, Warren Champion — OHSAA Scholarship

Jacob Wakefield, West Salem Northwestern — OHSAA Scholarship

Ella Wong, Gates Mills Hawken — OHSAA Scholarship

Vincent Woods, New Middletown Springfield — OHSAA Scholarship

Kailey Zagst, Massillon Jackson — OHSAA Scholarship

ROAD 2 RECOVERY SHOWCASES HOPE FOR EP

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EAST PALESTINE, OH- The road over the last few months has been a bumpy one for the residents of East Palestine following the February 3rd train derailment.  However, like so many small towns in the United States, there have been residents that have set a great example of how to overcome adversity, and challenges that may be facing- and East Palestine has been no different.

Resident and youth advocate in the town, Matt Werner has put his hand in the pile of people looking to pick up the pieces and put things back together better than before.  Werner has been leading the efforts in creating the Road2Recovery Walk/5K event on June 10th in downtown East Palestine.  Proceeds will benefit youth activities throughout the village, and it’s not just limited to sports.  “The money is specifically going to go to youth initiatives and youth programs.  It could be EPYSA, Rotary soccer, wrestling, Little Bulldogs, as well as K-12 stem programs or whatever is suggested within the school” said Werner.

The event will feature NFL Hall of Famer, and legendary Pittsburgh Steeler Runningback Jerome Bettis during the day.  “If you look up his story, and you understand what he went through in middle school/high school to get to where he is now…the adversity he went through lined up with ours,” added Werner.

Werner emphasized the fact that The United Way of Northern Columbiana County will be helping with the donations, but ALL 100% of donations will be funneled through a committee to aid in the recovery efforts for youth in East Palestine.

“I think all of our sponsors are going to be extremely proud to know they donated money to this campaign and they had a huge impact on letting these kids succeed and distracting them from the negative messaging going on in the village,” said Werner.

Interested parties can register at www.road2recoveryep.com

RICK’S RIDE

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EAST PALESTINE, OH- Noah Ricks has been a popular voice heard across all YSN platforms this summer. Ricks called over 80 games during the Youngstown Class B baseball season this summer at Bob Cene Park.

Ricks began his broadcasting career at a very young age while at Chalker High School. Ricks traveled with the Wildcats basketball team, and did his own play-by-play on his cell phone at games. Ricks took a big leap in his career when he enrolled at Youngstown State University, to begin his studies in the sports broadcasting department.

Noah Ricks left the broadcasting department during his college tenure, and began a new journey in coaching. He loved to coach, but after the 2020 pandemic, Ricks jumped back in to his true passion of sports broadcasting. He has become the new voice of the Howland Tigers, and will spend the upcoming fall season broadcasting Tiger football.

To hear more about Noah Ricks journey, here is an interview with Noah on the YSN Power Hour:

 

 

IT’S ALL IN THE CARDS

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COLUMBUS, OH- Let’s turn back the clock 25 years to a simpler time, a time where you and your friends would gather on your bikes, ride down to the local mini-mart or convenience store, and trade in a couple of crisp George Washington’s that would burn a hole in your pocket for a pack of fresh, mint, out of the box trading cards.

You’d rip open the pack to discover a new set of opportunities to trade, play, learn or idolize until the next pack came around.  Trading cards were a hot commodity in the late 80’s and early 90’s, it was the juvenile equivalent to the stock exchange or the gold rush.

Then…it went away.

Most of those cards were not worth the ink that was printed on them, useless, valueless, and many times homeless or kindle for a fire.

Much like Beanie Babies in the late 90’s, trading cards fell belly up on collectors and left hundreds, sometimes thousands of dollars in investors in their wake.

Fast forward to 2020: everything is closing due to a global pandemic, but like a phoenix rising from the ashes- here comes trading cards.  Now, most will tell you that our country had some spare time on their hands, so the prosperous combination of wives and mothers giving ultimatums about trading cards in the attic, and natural boredom from binge-watching reruns of The Office may have pushed that generation from trading cards on the street with their friends, to selling cards online with complete strangers.

Either way, it rebounded the industry back to the days when you could look at a pack of cards, and the nostalgic smell of stale bubblegum came rushing back to your nose.

We sat down with Chuck Filek of Midwest Cards to talk about the new generation of cards, collections, and no matter how much things have changed, some things will always stay the same.