ASHTABULA’S WILDFIRE IGNITES THE FLAME FOR YOUNG DANCERS

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ASHTABULA, OH – Energy, artistry, and passion were on full display as Sam Torres from The 440 Sports Show and YSN sat down with the talented dancers of Wildfire Dance Studio for an exclusive behind-the-scenes interview and performance showcase. Hosted by Sam Torres and now available to watch on YouTube, the feature highlights the incredible range of talent nurtured at this Ashtabula-based studio that offers classes for dancers ages 3 and up, regardless of experience level.

A Studio for All Ages, All Skill Levels

Located at 3315 N. Ridge Rd East, Suite 200, Ashtabula, OH 44004, Wildfire Dance Studio has built a reputation for being inclusive, creative, and high-energy. The accompanying video showcases six standout routines across a variety of genres—Jazz, Cheer, Hip Hop, and Contemporary—capturing the diversity of the studio’s curriculum and the skill of its dancers.

Whether you’re new to the art or dreaming of dancing professionally, Wildfire is a place to grow, perform, and find your rhythm.

Spotlight on the Seniors

In the video’s first segment, we meet the Senior Group, a cohort of dancers on the verge of new chapters:

  • Ana Wheelock (Lakeside High School) shares her excitement as she prepares to continue her dance journey at The University of Akron, majoring in Dance.

  • Kiona Justice of Conneaut High School reflects on how Wildfire helped shape her confidence and performance skills.

  • Elle Temple (Fairview High School) discusses balancing academics and the studio’s demanding but rewarding schedule.

  • Grace Hoover (Riverside High School) offers insight into the camaraderie and lifelong friendships built at Wildfire.

Meet the Company Dancers

Next up, the spotlight shifts to Wildfire’s Company Dancers, who represent the studio in competitions and performances. These driven performers exemplify what happens when dedication meets opportunity:

  • Payten Bordeaux, 9th grader from Jefferson High School

  • Sophia Vickery, 10th grader at Conneaut High School

  • Corrine Moore, 10th grader from Madison High School

  • Alice Eaton, 8th grader from Conneaut Middle School

Each dancer shares their favorite styles and how Wildfire pushes them artistically and technically to be their best.

Rising Stars Take the Stage

The final group interviewed includes younger Company Dancers already making their mark:

  • Mae Measel (Braden Jr. High, 7th grade)

  • Lauren Cameron (Conneaut Middle School, 6th grade)

  • Vinny DeFazio (Braden Middle School, 6th grade)

  • Gabby Cook and Chloe Clancy, both 9th graders from Edgewood High School

  • Vella Rood (Braden Middle School, 7th grade)

  • Chloe Del Balso (Notre Dame Middle School, 7th grade)

  • Emma Faenza (Braden Middle School, 6th grade)

  • Isabella Schreiber (Conneaut High School, 9th grade)

These dancers speak on their favorite routines, the excitement of performing, and how being part of Wildfire has helped build not just skills, but self-confidence.

Meet the Director: Scott DeCola

The final interview is with Scott DeCola, the dynamic owner and director of Wildfire Dance Studio. Scott first joined Wildfire in 2012 and took over as owner in 2021, bringing with him a wealth of experience—including 15 years as a professional dancer, 10 of which were spent in New York City.

DeCola’s vision has propelled Wildfire to be one of Northeast Ohio’s premier dance studios, and his passion for performance and mentorship shines through every student who steps on stage.

Watch the Full Experience

Don’t miss the full video, which features six original dance routines performed by the studio’s talented dancers, alongside heartfelt interviews that show the strength of the Wildfire community:
🎥 Watch Now on YouTube

Want to Dance?

If you’re inspired to get started or get back on the dance floor, Wildfire Dance Studio welcomes students of all levels and ages starting at 3 years old.

📍 Wildfire Dance Studio
3315 N. Ridge Rd East, Suite 200
Ashtabula, OH 44004

📞 Phone: 440.789.9541
🌐 Website: www.wildfiredance.com

Let your passion ignite—join the Wildfire family today!

LIFE’S A REC

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BOARDMAN, OH- At the heart of Mill Creek, where the lush treelines meet the meticulously manicured lawns of the golf courses, I had the pleasure of speaking with Corey Buck, the newly appointed Recreational Manager of Mill Creek MetroParks. His coming to Mill Creek is not just a fresh start for the park but a beacon of innovation for community sports leagues and recreational programs. In our engaging conversation, Buck shared insightful reflections on his new role and the exciting prospects for the community.

Corey Buck hails from Tennessee and brings with him an extensive background in sports, fitness, and recreation. His journey to Mill Creek started with personal ties, “I’m from Tennessee, lived there for 26 years. But my wife is from this area, so it’s kind of what brought us up here,” Buck shared. His passion for community service and active lifestyle is evident. He described Mill Creek as “absolutely fantastic,” lauding the park’s recreation programs and stating with enthusiasm, “our rec programs are even better.”

Stepping into his new role, Buck outlines his responsibilities, indicating, “I oversee the recreation department’s sports leagues and various different programs that happen… mainly at Wick Recreation area and also at various points throughout the park.” As someone who has been intricately involved in recreational management across different states, Buck brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to his role at Mill Creek.

The spring and summer months are shaping up to be vibrant and full of activities under Buck’s management. He shared exciting details about the new initiatives, “We just kicked off this past Tuesday a women’s par three league at the Wick recreation area. We also have a kayak club which is new this summer, which is open for beginners to advanced individuals.”

Interesting to note, beyond the routine responsibilities, Buck is enormously family-oriented—a value that deeply influences his work at Mill Creek. As a loving husband and a father, his personal experiences enrich his professional role. “Fatherhood is absolutely fantastic,” he gushed, explaining how parenthood influenced his patience and understanding—qualities that surely enhance his capabilities as a community leader.
On a lighter note, Buck retains his charming southern accent, which he mentions often reminds people of his Tennessee roots. “People still say they’re like, ‘oh, yeah, you’re not from here,’” Buck chuckled, taking pride in his heritage, “I love where I’m from. I love how I was raised.”

Corey Buck is more than just the new Recreational Manager at Mill Creek; he’s a beacon of community engagement, a loving father and husband, and now, an integral part of the Mill Creek family. As he settles into his role, the community can expect a surge in spirited and inclusive recreational programming that promises to invigorate and unite.

As the landscapes of Mill Creek continue to flourish under his stewardship, we are reminded of Buck’s words, “just being active and outdoors was always something that I loved.” It is this passion that is likely to transform Mill Creek into a dynamic hub for recreation and community bonding in the coming months.

PRESENTED BY

THE VOICE OF THE LEOPARDS EARNS HIS SPOT

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LOUISVILLE, OH- On Tuesday night, Louisville High School was the proud host for a special ceremony where Rob Johnson was honored with the OHSAA State Award for Exemplary Service. Rob, who has been a beloved figure and the voice of the Leopards across various platforms, took a significant leap in 2024 by joining the team at YSN to expand his reach and share his talents on a larger scale.

 

Rob’s dedication to Louisville sports isn’t just about calling games. It’s about the hours he spends supporting and uplifting the student-athletes of “The ‘Ville.” His enthusiasm and commitment shine through in every broadcast, making him a household name among the community and an integral part of the sports scene.

This award from the Ohio High School Athletic Association recognizes individuals who bring exceptional sportsmanship, ethics, and integrity to high school sports. It’s meant for those who not only support athletic programs but also serve as positive role models and contribute significantly to the welfare of young athletes. Rob embodies each of these qualities, making him a standout recipient.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Rob Johnson for this well-deserved recognition. His ongoing contributions have undoubtedly made Louisville a better and more vibrant community for sports. Thank you, Rob, for your unwavering support and for setting a high standard of excellence. Here’s to many more years of your fantastic commentary and dedication!

THE GREAT RACE

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East Palestine OH- A long-running office argument has finally come to an end and a result has been made. Two contestants stepped onto the East Palestine football field on Friday morning but only one stepped off of it victorious. That victor was DJ Yokley the founder of YSN who beat employee and graphics man Quinn Puskar in devastating fashion. Off the rip, in both races, Quinn slipped on the turf after not choosing not to bring cleats which he proclaimed before the race that he did not need. Those slips did end up giving DJ an easy road to the finish line and bragging rights to say he’s the fastest in the office….for now

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrjTc_lGyW0[/embedyt]

EAST PALESTINE SCHOOLS LOOKING TO PROVIDE MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

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EAST PALESTINE, OH- Voters in East Palestine have an opportunity to have their voices heard on March 17th.  The Village residents will have the ability to cast their vote on the East Palestine School District’s .5% tax increase over the next 5 years.

Much has been discussed in the realm of “pay to play” in regards to sports and other extracurricular events if the subject does not pass later this month.  How will this vote affect sports and the future of sports in Bulldog Country?

We sat down with East Palestine Superintendent, Chris Neifer to discuss the proposal and the plan on both sides of the vote.

 

INTERVIEW:

HOME FIELD DISADVANTAGE?!?!

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On the heels of a World Series where neither team has won a game at home, It seems compelling to thoroughly examine whether or not a fiery crowd going nuts for the home team helps to alter the outcomes of games in modern-day sports. You can argue that certain teams have an advantage because of the field they play on, Look at Boise State football and the blue turf they play on at Albertsons Stadium. They have a record of 186-39 (14 Conference Championships) since THE BLUE surface was installed before the 1986 season. The program has lost only nine times on its home field since the start of the 1999 season. Or simply because of fans roaring and shaking the stands at any soccer match! Soccer has the best home-field advantage of any mainstream sport. The home team wins 49% of the time, and the away team only wins 29% of the time. Draws make up the other 22%. To get more specific in an article published by www.latimes.com the website states that Denver athletics has the top home-field advantage in every sport [Except hockey. In past seasons the Cleveland Cavaliers broadcast team said that playing in Denver would be a challenge even if you only consider just the altitude alone. But just because a few stats or stories say that having hundreds or thousands of fans cheering for one team or individual is a definite advantage, Certain trends are taking place in particular on the high school level during in-game action that says otherwise. while doing some digging for this story I found that thirteen area football programs from four different conferences in 2019 have a combined home record of more than ten and in some cases more than twenty games below the break-even mark, (500.) at home with some schools already suffering with as many as five home losses. The schools I looked at are from the (All-American Conference) (Austin-town Fitch) (Boardman) (Crestview) The (Buckeye 8 Conference) (Beaver Local) (East Liverpool) and (Edison)

the (Eastern Buckeye Conference) (Salem) and the (Eastern Ohio Athletic Conference) (Columbiana) (East Palestine) (Leetonia) (Lisbon) (United) (Wellsville) Most of the programs have more home losses than they do wins. Also, multiple teams have a better road record than the home record. During 2017 at one point in the NHL postseason. Home teams were just (33-33) exactly .500 on the road which at the time was the combined home team’s worst playoff record since 2012 when teams had a losing record at home at 39-47. Just to play Devil’s Advocate and even up the arguments that are for and also against the home field being a serious game-changer, The final example I give in this story is the Cardinal Mooney Cardinals, football team. I’ve attended a Mooney game for seven of the last eight years and Mooney has one of the most passionate fan bases I’ve seen on the high school level, a collection of fans that I feel relate to the Cameron Crazy student section at Duke University, but on the high school level. I see similarities to Duke and like to call them the Cardinal Crazies! But with all that being said Mooney has a losing record at home where they are 1-3 and a winning record of 3-2 on the road. Some may argue that Mooney has played better teams at home. But Mooney plays top-shelf opponents every week, So I don’t buy that.

Anyway, all of this begs the question. Is home field advantage still a major factor in sports or more of a 2019 myth??! You the reader can be the judge. However,  Browns fans beware. The debate is very real!

 

*Story by YSN’s Scotty Mincher

LISBON BLUE ANGELS

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LISBON, OH- It gives me no greater pride and joy to return back to my alma mater the home of the blue and the white, Lisbon David Anderson High school. This is my final Christmas as a DAHS parents, we’ve been blessed with the legacy of students and student-athletes not because they have a ball in their hand or because the rushed or outscored their opponents but because they are kind, generous, and humble.

A week ago, Tuesday two senior students, Miranda Wood, and Hailey Toot, knew of a fellow senior student that wasn’t expecting much for Christmas. In a simple Social media post,” we need help” these two young ladies rallied an entire student body, Lisbon staff, and community to raise enough funds in just a few short hours to purchase the Christmas gift that he had longed and hoped for. The funds came in so quickly to not only buy the gift he so chooses, but they also raised enough money to purchase him other items that he needed for his home. Lisbon students and their community stuck beside one another and gave an amazing Christmas to one young man to make his Christmas outlook what is now,  “Merry and Bright”.

 

 

Haley Toot is a Varsity Cheerleader, the daughter of Dave and Heather Toot, Miranda Wood, faithful student supporter, is the daughter of Melinda Reynolds and Jason Wood.
Lisbon Student Council also rallied their troops and purchased gifts for 8 students in their prospective classes under their advisor Mrs. Carrie Smith. The Junior High Student Senate sponsored 4 of their fellow students.
HS Student Council-Natalie Ammon, Varsity Cheerleader, Treasurer, Chloe Smith, Varsity Basketball/Cheer, Co-President, Hailee Carpenter, Varsity Basketball, Secretary, Missing: Alivia Leyman, VP, Brice Blackburn Co-President
JR High student senate: Aliza Baker, Basketball, Nick Freeman, Addison Andric, Cheerleader Missing: Madalyn Lowther
 As a fellow DaHS parent, this delights my heart to know there is so much goodness flowing In the hallways of Lisbon DAHS.
Happy Holidays!
-Dana Blackburn

RAIDER GOLF CLASSIC

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South Range Athletic Boosters 29th Annual Raider Golf Classic

Friday, June 29th 2018

 

A Match Made in Heaven: FCA and YSN

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(EAST PALESTINE, OH) When Your Sports Network was created, it was based on a vision to empower schools, and athletes as well as reach local businesses and help them achieve growth through networking.

Fast forward a few months to where we had the chance to sit down with Bob Kimpel (Bobby K to those who know him) and discuss the concrete vision he has been gifted by God.

After a few messages back and forth, and a sit down conversation in Bob’s home; the partnership was inevitable. The missions of both organizations are based on service, and giving student athletes a platform to reach their goals and dreams.

YSN Founder DJ Yokley had the opportunity to sit with Bobby K and discuss the FCA mission, and the official announcement of the partnership between organizations.