BARTELL FINISHES THE STORY AT MANIA

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EAST PALESTINE, OH- Title: Ty Bartell, YSN talent and beloved wrestling aficionado, regaled viewers of the YSN Power Hour with his journey from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, to the electrifying arenas of WrestleMania in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The episode, aptly titled “Bartell Finishes the Story,” saw Bartell sharing his thrilling experience with the show’s loyal audience.

WrestleMania Weekend – A Wrestling Fan’s Dream
Host DJ Yokley kicked off the episode by highlighting Bartell’s dedication to covering local sports and his simultaneous pursuit of a lifelong wrestling fan’s dream. The listeners were swept up in Bartell’s vivid recollections of the bustling city of Philadelphia transformed into the capital of wrestling. From discussions about the event’s economic boom to the worldwide audience in attendance, Bartell’s storytelling brought the spectacle of WrestleMania to life for YSN listeners.

Cultures Collide, American Spirit Prevails
Ty’s narrative was colored with anecdotes about the cultural melting pot that wrestling events represent. Yet, despite the varying nationalities of fans, Bartell made a point to note the undeniably American essence of the event, an atmosphere further highlighted by DJ Yokley’s pride in the red, white, and blue.
WWE Superstars – Becoming Part of the Story

Ty Bartell’s passion shone through as he described WWE World – the fan experience zone. He painted a picture of interactive sessions and shared how fans had the opportunity to connect with their favorite wrestling superstars. It was a testament to the interactive and immersive nature of the sport, encouraging every fan to, at least once, witness the grandeur of WWE’s marquee event.

An Unforgettable Main Event
The chat crescendoed as the duo dissected the thrilling main event, with DJ Yokley expressing a mix of envy and excitement. Yokley and Bartell reflected on the emotional undertones of the event, marked by unprecedented moments and surprises that would leave an indelible mark on the fans.

Linking Wrestling to Sports Commentary
Reflecting on his professional aspirations, Bartell articulated his admiration for wrestling commentary legends, drawing parallels between their work and his own approach to narrating sports. This connection emphasizes Bartell’s own narrative arc, positioning him as a storyteller capable of bringing dimension and depth to high school sports on the YSN network.

Building Relationships Beyond the Announcer’s Booth
The episode also touched on Bartell’s off-air interactions with local sports teams, including a heartfelt dinner with Austin Town Fitch’s softball squad. This behind-the-scenes glimpse into the community bonds forged through sport underpinned the narrative framework of YSN’s approach to coverage.
As the episode drew to a close, it was clear that Ty Bartell had, indeed, ‘finished the story,’ leaving listeners feeling as though they’d been ringside at WrestleMania and in the heart of Myrtle Beach beside him. It was storytelling at its finest, a testament to the powerful connection between sports and the human spirit, delivered through the lens of YSN’s dedicated hosts.

 

FINAL OBSERVATIONS FROM COLUMBUS

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By Gary Althiser


COLUMBUS OH- To say things went well for the YSN family at the state tournament would be putting it mildly. In 2023, 19 wrestlers finished in the top eight, while this season the number increased to 22. Like last season, two wrestlers were crowned champions, but unlike last season one of them – East Liverpool’s Makyah Newlun – become YSN’s first female to win a gold medal. A lot of other interesting and exciting things happened over the weekend, here are a few.

Cardiac Kids

In what might have been the most exciting match of the tournament for YSN, East Liverpool freshman Paige Cowan pulled off an improbable win over Harrison’s Caiden Baird in the opening round. Down 4-2 with 12 seconds remaining, Baird was penalized with her second stalling call, giving Cowan a point, and cutting the lead to just one. With the clock ticking, Cowan took a shot near the edge of the circle, popping her head out to the side with control as time expired. The official raisedhis hand with two fingers pointing up, signaling Cowan was awarded a takedown, giving her a 5-4 win. The win proved to be an important one for Cowan as she finished 8th for the potters.

Following suit in his finals match, Cowan’s teammate on the boys side, Tristan Eckles, also pulled off a win with time expiring. Down 3-1 with 14 seconds remaining in the third period, Eckles worked from the bottom position to not only secure a reversal but also two near-fall points in the process. Those final four points gave Eckles a 5-3 win and a 7th place finish.

Heart

Louisville’s 126-pound wrestler Kolten Barker might have wrestled more minutes per match than anyone else in the tournament. Barker finished 3rd, and in his five matches, not only were there no pins, but three of the matches went to overtime, with the other two being decided by just two points each. In two of Barkers three overtime wins, the matches went to a tie breaker which means a full minute overtime period, followed by two 30 second periods after the full 6-minute match. The other overtime match went to an ultimate tie breaker, which means three 30 second periods were wrestled after the first full minute overtime. That is 36 minutes and 30 seconds of wrestling in just five matches. To put that into perspective, that’s 31 minutes and 10 seconds more than Newlun spent on the mat the entire tournament. Barker’s only defeat was a 5-3 semi-finals loss to Saint Mary’s Memorial’s Tate Hisey, the eventual state champion.

Heartbreaker

Four YSN wrestlers made it to the semi-finals, but only two came away with wins, Newlun and Garrettsville Garfield’s Keegan Sell. The other two wrestlers, United’s Dallas McCracken and Southern’s Gabriel Blissenbach, suffered defeats in overtime. Both McCracken and Blissenbach scored just before time expired in the third period to force overtime. McCracken secured a takedown that saw the 285-pounder leap over his opponent to score, while Blissenbach was awarded a stalling point with about five seconds left in the match. Unfortunately, both gave up takedowns in overtime to seal their fate. McCracken finished 5th to become a three-time state placer, while Blissenbach finished 3rd to become Southern’s first all-state wrestler.

Teammates

While they may not technically wrestle and score points for the same team, I do not think anyone will argue against using the word teammates when discussing boys and girls wrestlers from the same school. Most practice at the same time in the same wrestling room, and you can see success from one bleeding into the other. For United, McCracken was joined on the podium with two female wrestlers: Auston Brown who finished 3rd, and his sister, Dakota, who finished 7th. For Hubbard, Nick Bowser placed 4th, and Emily Flynn 6th. Howland had two wrestlers in the top eight: Adam Heckman 2nd, and Madison Burns 5th. Salem had multiple boys and girls wrestlers qualify for the state tournament, with one placer – Annika Murray who finished 6th.

68 Years

East Liverpool ended two long droughts while in Columbus, both of which have stood since the 1950’s. Newlun became the first wrestling state champion for the school since brothers Darryl and Jim Hoppel brought home titles in 1955. A year after that in 1956 was the last time three Potters placed at the state tournament in the same season until Cowan, Eckles, and Newlun accomplished the feat last weekend. The Potters girls finished 11th overall out of over 100 teams represented.

WRESTLING STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS DAY ONE RECAP

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Division 1

 

By Chris Colucci

COLUMBUS OH- It’s disappointing to learn that Marky Stankorb faced defeat in both of his matches at the state tournament. In his first match, he contended valiantly against Alex Taylor of Mount Vernon ranked 4th in the state, was edged out by a narrow margin with a 4-2 decision. Despite his best efforts, Marky couldn’t secure the win. His second match against Cliff Nicholson of Medina followed a similar pattern, with Cliff emerging victorious with a 6-2 decision.  Stankorbs season comes to an end and hope for the best as he goes to the collegiate level.

Division 2

Entering Division 2 with the largest contingent of wrestlers under our coverage is a remarkable achievement, reflecting the dedication and talent within our team. With 23 kids stepping onto the mats, anticipation was high, and our wrestlers did not disappoint. Out of this formidable group, an impressive 19 have secured their spots for tomorrow’s matches, showcasing their skill and determination. This dominance not only speaks volumes about the depth of our team but also sets a strong foundation for our performance in the upcoming rounds.

 

In the heat of competition, the first match often sets the tone for the day. For eight of our wrestlers – Tristan Eckles, Bobby Buchheit, Adam Heckman, Tyler Scharrer, Jonathan Bissell, Ryan Chafins, Aiden Stecker, and Isaac Griffith – victory in their opening bouts meant an early conclusion to their matches for the day. Their ability to secure swift wins underscores their readiness and preparation, setting a high standard for the team.

 

However, wrestling is a sport that demands resilience in the face of adversity. For those who stumbled in their initial matches, the journey wasn’t over. Nine wrestlers – Justice Fisher, Cody Carpenter, Kaiden Barker, Colton Rhoads, Joey Kana, Kyle Vencill, Gabe Morgan, Gabe Miller, Christopher Mijavec, and Nick Bowser – demonstrated remarkable grit, bouncing back to claim victories and secure their spots for tomorrow’s matches. Their ability to overcome setbacks speaks volumes about their determination and fighting spirit, setting the stage for an exciting continuation of the competition.

Division 3

In Division 3 wrestling, our team faced both triumphs and challenges, with a total of 7 wrestlers competing. Despite the smaller size of our group, the majority displayed impressive skill and determination, with 5 out of the 7 wrestlers securing victories in their first matches. This remarkable achievement not only demonstrates the talent within our team but also highlights the strength of their preparation and execution on the mats. For Jermaine Watson, Tyson Seesholtz, Gabe Blissenbach, Keegan Sell, Scotty Edwards, and Dallas McCracken, their successful performances in their opening matches have earned them a well-deserved rest, as they eagerly await tomorrow’s matches.

 

However, wrestling is a sport where challenges are inevitable, and unfortunately, two of our wrestlers, Dominic Kemble and Johnny Bailey, faced setbacks in both of their matches, bringing their season to an end. While their journey may have concluded for this season, their efforts and dedication throughout the competition are commendable. Their resilience in facing tough opponents serves as a testament to their character and commitment to the sport. As they reflect on their experiences and look towards the future, they can take pride in their contributions to the team and use this as motivation for future endeavors.

Girls Division

In the Girls Division of wrestling, our teams showcased their prowess and determination with a total of 12 wrestlers competing. The majority of our wrestlers, 8 in total, displayed exceptional skill and tenacity, securing victories in their matches earning themselves a well-deserved spot to continue competing tomorrow. The triumphs not only highlight their individual talents but also reflect the collective strength of our team, demonstrating our dedication to excellence on the mat. Additionally, 3 of our wrestlers faced initial setbacks but showed remarkable resilience, bouncing back to win their second matches and extend their tournament journey into tomorrow. Their ability to overcome adversity underscores the fighting spirit that defines our team and sets the stage for further success as we progress in the competition.

 

However, amidst the victories and comebacks, there was one wrestler, Sloane McNally, who faced a tougher day on the mats, losing both of her matches. While her journey in this tournament may have ended sooner than hoped, Sloane’s efforts and perseverance throughout the competition are commendable. Her determination to compete at the highest level serves as an inspiration to her teammates and a reminder of the challenges inherent in the sport. As we move forward, Sloane’s resilience will undoubtedly contribute to the team’s collective resolve, as we continue to strive for success in the Girls Division of wrestling.






WARRIORS TAKE DOWN EAGLES ON HOME MAT

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Photo by MAVG Photography

Story Contributed by Larry Jennings

East Ashtabula, OH- In a showdown that echoed with the weight of tradition and nostalgia, the Edgewood Warriors squared off against the Geneva Eagles in their final home match of the season. The atmosphere was electric as the Edgewood faithful filled the stands to honor the departing seniors and witness a clash of titans on the wrestling mat.

Before the first whistle blew, the spotlight shone on three remarkable seniors: Zeke Lukas, Kyle Vencill, and Ben Wolfe. These seasoned athletes have poured their hearts into the Edgewood wrestling program, and their contributions were duly celebrated. Lukas and Vencill, in particular, were lauded for reaching the impressive milestone of 100 career wins each, a testament to their dedication and skill.

As the action unfolded, spectators were treated to a gripping spectacle of athleticism and determination. The match swung like a pendulum, with momentum shifting between the two teams in a back-and-forth struggle for supremacy. It was a contest where every point mattered, and every move held the potential to sway the outcome.

In a decisive moment at the 215-pound weight class, Chris Skwera emerged as the hero for the Warriors, securing a crucial pin that propelled his team to victory. With the scoreboard reading 35-33 in favor of Edgewood, the home crowd erupted in jubilation, savoring the sweet taste of triumph.

Throughout the evening, the Warriors showcased their prowess with a display of pinning combinations and strategic maneuvers. Joining Skwera in the ranks of pinning victors were Gregory Helmbright, Vencill, and Lukas, whose stellar performances ignited cheers from the stands. Meanwhile, Haiden Peterson, Aiden Burch, and Michael Ochoa demonstrated their mettle with hard-fought decisions, contributing vital points to the team’s tally.

Amidst the thrilling exchanges, one match stood out as a testament to the grit and determination of the Warriors. Haiden Peterson’s gritty 8-5 decision victory underscored the team’s resilience in the face of formidable opposition, proving that every point earned is a step closer to victory.

While the Geneva Eagles fought valiantly, scoring pins through the efforts of Tanner Williams, Dominic Palmasano, Matthew Van Sickle, and Wyatt Habina, as well as a hard-earned decision by Liam Dittler and a forfeit victory by Nathan Miller, it was the Warriors who emerged triumphant on this memorable night.

With the home victory secured, the Edgewood Warriors now set their sights on the next challenge: the sectional matches looming on the horizon. Fueled by their indomitable spirit and hunger for success, they march forward with unwavering resolve, ready to seize their destiny on the path to the state championship. As the final whistle echoes through the arena, one thing is clear: the legacy of the Warriors endures, written in the sweat and sacrifice of champions.

TIGERS TAKE DOWN WARRIORS

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Photo by MAVG Photography

Story by Larry Jennings:

1/18/24, East Ashtabula, OH- In a match held at Edgewood High School, the visiting Howland Tigers showed their prowess, defeating the Warriors by a score of 46 to 23.  Howland won 8 of the 11 matches, with both teams having a forfeit.

For Howland, Pins were recorded by Bryden Cortese, Patrick Neff, Adam Heckman, Joey Gajski, and Chris Mijavec, and decisions by Aiden O’Donnell, Deacon Mock, and in the last match of the night, Noah Swope got a takedown as time expired in the third period to win a hard fought match, 2 -0 over Ben Wolfe.
 
The Warriors got all their wins by pins: Gregory Helmbright III, Kyle Vencil, and Zeke Lucas, all recorded falls.
 
In an exhibition match, Madison Burns won over Peyton Corrigan.
 
The Warriors’ next event is January 26 and 27, when they travel to Beachwood for the CVC Championships, while Howland will be hosting their own 56th Howland Invitational Tournament, this coming Saturday, January 21

WARRIORS COMPETE IN SCHOOL’S FIRST GIRLS WRESTLING MATCH

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History was made Tuesday night as three Lady Warriors competed in West Branch’s first ever girls wrestling match at Northwest High School.

Junior Jocelyn Brink, sophomore Trista Swanson, and freshman Brooklyn Stoufer competed as representatives of the West Branch girls wrestling team which is a first for West Branch High School.  The three girls took on opponents from Northwest High School.

Congratulations to all three girls for making West Branch History!

*Contributed By Ryan Wolf at wbathletics.org

ORANGE WRESTLING COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH BRODY ARRUNDALE

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PEPPER PIKE, OH- In the latest episode of YSN’s “Orange Wrestling Coach’s Corner,” Coach Brody Arrundale opens up about his first year as head coach of the varsity wrestling program at Orange High School in Pepper Pike.
Coach Arrunndale reflects on the rising popularity of wrestling, crediting the inclusion of women in the sport for its recent growth. He emphasizes the importance of managing expectations for the young team, highlighting their potential and strong leadership qualities.
With a focus on making the sport enjoyable and beneficial for the student-athletes, Arrundale stresses the significance of instilling discipline and nurturing personal growth. He also shares his own journey into wrestling, speaking about his passion for the sport and the invaluable lessons it has taught him.
As the team only has one senior, Arrundale sees this as both a challenge and an opportunity for the underclassmen to step up and develop their skills.
Arrundale’s leadership style revolves around creating a supportive and motivating environment, where students are encouraged to work hard for each other and understand the personal growth that comes from their dedication to the sport.
The coach’s personal motivation stems from his deep understanding of what wrestling can offer beyond traditional achievements, and he is committed to passing on the sport’s valuable lessons to the next generation of athletes.
Orange High School’s wrestling program is in good hands with Coach Arrundale at the helm, and the upcoming season looks promising under his guidance.

 

PRESENTED BY

THE ACADEMIC MONSTER

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PEPPER PIKE, OH-  Austin Thomas, a standout athlete at Orange High School, was featured in a player profile segment. With his notable achievements in academics and sports, Thomas has earned the nickname “Academic Monster” among his peers.

Thomas, a multisport athlete involved in both wrestling and football, has managed to excel in both areas, displaying remarkable dedication and time management skills. Despite his demanding schedule, Thomas prioritizes his academic pursuits, maintaining an impressive 4.7 GPA.

When asked about his ability to manage his commitments, Thomas admitted that sleep often takes a backseat. He emphasized the importance of utilizing study halls efficiently and making the most of his time after practice. Thomas prioritizes completing schoolwork, staying focused, and ensuring he makes the most of his academic opportunities.

Thomas’s dedication to academics stems from his desire to pursue higher education beyond high school solely based on his athletic abilities. He recognizes the significance of enriching both mind and body, ensuring that he can secure a college education that matches his ambitions and aspirations.

While Thomas is uncertain about his specific career path when he attends college, he has another year and a half to explore his options. With his strong work ethic and determination, Thomas is undoubtedly poised for success, no matter what path he chooses.

The podcast also delved into the relationship between Thomas’s involvement in wrestling and football. Thomas explained that wrestling has greatly influenced his football skills, particularly in terms of hand placement, footwork, and overall body control. By mastering techniques such as hand movements, foot placement, and hip positioning, Thomas has gained a competitive edge on the football field.

When it comes to his competitive mindset, Thomas revealed that he adopts a different persona in his respective sports. Whether it’s wrestling or football, once Thomas steps onto the mat or dons his football helmet, he switches into a focused and intense mindset that fuels his drive to succeed.

Surprisingly, Thomas finds motivation from his teammates and uses any frustrations or annoyances as fuel to push himself further during practice. This competitive spirit ignites a fire within him, propelling him to constantly work harder and improve.

During the podcast, Thomas also shared insights regarding his family dynamics. Living with his parents and having an older brother who is away at college, Thomas reminisced about their early roughhousing days. Although their physical playfulness came to an end after a few accidents left his brother injured, the Thomas household was always filled with laughter and good-natured sibling rivalry.

Reflecting on his high school experience, Thomas treasures the relationships he has built with his teammates, coaches, teachers, and fellow students. The camaraderie, support, and shared laughs are what he cherishes the most, as they have shaped him into the person he is today.

Thomas also mentioned his admiration for football player CJ Justin Tanner and wrestler Terrence Davis. Their dedication, work ethic, and competitive drive have served as inspiration for him, pushing him to reach new heights in his own athletic pursuits.

As Austin Thomas continues to dominate both academically and athletically at Orange High School, his determination, time management skills, and unwavering focus make him a role model for aspiring student-athletes. With college on the horizon, Thomas is set to leave a lasting impact on both the academic and sports communities he becomes a part of.

 

PRESENTED  BY

TO THE VICTOR COME THE SPOILS

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PEPPER PIKE, OH-  In the latest episode of the YSN podcast, the spotlight shone on Orange High School’s sophomore wrestling sensation, Victor Kangas. The young athlete sat down with host DJ Yokley for an in-depth interview, discussing his goals for his sophomore year, his growth as a wrestler, and his plans for the future.

Kangas expressed his desire to be more of a leader on the mat this year, especially for the incoming freshmen wrestlers. With a year of experience under his belt, Kangas believes that he can provide guidance and support to the younger members of the team.

Reflecting on his challenging freshman year, Kangas revealed that he endured countless beatings in practice due to being the lightest weight class wrestler. Facing opponents who were always heavier and stronger than him, Kangas credits these difficult experiences for developing his mental toughness and improving his skills on the mat.

Despite the grueling nature of the sport, Kangas has embraced the discipline and dedication that wrestling requires. He emphasized the importance of pushing oneself during practices, acknowledging that they may never become easier, but they ultimately contribute to becoming a better athlete.

Kangas discovered his passion for wrestling in eighth grade, even though he was unable to compete due to a broken hand. Watching his teammates practice and witnessing the tight bond they shared made him realize that he wanted to be a part of this team sport.

Off the mat, Kangas expressed his appreciation for his family’s unwavering support. His parents, often driving long distances to attend his meets, are always there cheering him on. The young wrestler recognizes their presence as a tremendous source of motivation and comfort.

When asked about his post-match rituals, Kangas humorously admitted that food is typically the first thing on his mind. He fondly recalled indulging in skittles, which became his go-to snack due to their availability at the meets. But beyond the snacks, Kangas experiences a rush of excitement after a win and a drive to improve if he suffers a loss.

Looking towards his future, Kangas expressed an interest in pursuing a trade after graduation. Exploring fields such as welding, he hopes to find a career that allows him to work with his hands and avoid the confines of a traditional desk job.

When he’s not wrestling, Kangas enjoys spending time with his friends, some of whom are also on the wrestling team. Additionally, he finds solace and entertainment in playing video games, though he admits that his current favorite game is constantly changing.

As Victor Kangas continues to showcase his talent and dedication on the wrestling mat, the Orange High School community eagerly anticipates his leadership and contributions to the success of the team in the years to come. Best of luck to this rising star as he strives towards his goals and makes his mark in the world of wrestling.

 

PRESENTED BY

GARFIELD BRINGS HOME A PAIR OF STATE CHAMPIONS

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COLUMBUS OH- Garfield has always had a strong tradition in their wrestling program. They build strong kids, that are technically sound, and able to navigate the grind of a long wrestling season. Through all the years and grapplers that have walked the halls in Garrettsville, that elusive state championship has always eluded them. That is until this season. After a long weekend in the Columbus Garfield came in to Sunday with two wrestlers having a chance to win a title. Hunter Andel, and Keegan Sell.

Hunter was up first.  In an incredible defensive battle against his fellow Portage County stand out Cody Coontz from Rootstown.  After two rounds the match was still scoreless, neither athlete could find space over the other.  Andel opened up the third with an escape to grab a 1-0 lead.  He would seal the deal later with two points on a takedown to Garfield their first ever wrestling state champion.

Keegan saw his teammate win his match and knew that his school couldn’t walk out of Columbus with just 1 title.  He would not be outdone.  It was Sell’s signature speed that gave him the edge in his title match. He took on Wyatt Ripke from Archbold.  He got a takedown in the first that was faster than you could blink, then another in the second while he made Ripke loose his footing as he tried to escape trouble.  With a third take down to follow Sell would hold on to the 6-4 win to give Garfield their second state champion of the day.