Tag Archive for: Addie Rudge

BOARDMAN SOFTBALL COACH’S CORNER WITH FRED MOOTZ 6/3/25

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BOARDMAN OH- In a season marked by resilience, hard work, and team spirit, Boardman Spartans softball coach Fred Mootz has been named both YSN and AAC Coach of the Year, capping an impressive run that has landed his team in the state semifinals.

Mootz, a longtime friend of the YSN family, sat down with hosts DJ Yokley and Anthony Hartwig on the latest YSN podcast episode to reflect on the Spartans’ whirlwind season. “It’s just been unbelievable. It’s an incredible ride,” Mootz said. He credited the Spartans’ success to offseason conditioning, a focus on team chemistry, and learning from last year’s heartbreak, when the team fell just short in the sectional championship. The Spartans returned much of last year’s roster and elevated their game, with players like pitcher Tori Strines reaching new heights. Tori, according to Mootz, has been “unhittable” during the team’s playoff run, giving up just one run in three games and providing constant leadership in pressure-packed moments.

Mootz, who coaches alongside his daughter Paige, expressed how deeply rewarding it has been to share these experiences with his family and team. “They’re the best group I’ve ever coached… I love these kids like they’re my own,” he said, becoming emotional as he described the close-knit culture the staff has built. The coaching honors, Mootz said, are a reflection of the collective effort. “This run has very little to do with me. I have a great support staff at home and in my dugout,” he noted, also thanking mentors Marco Marinucci and Mike Tro for guiding his journey from travel ball to the Boardman dugout.

As the Spartans prepare for their next challenge, Mootz remains grounded but optimistic. “It’s so hard to win. But as we got toward the end of the year and when we won the Canfield game, it really was that turning point,” he said. With two more wins standing between Boardman and a state title, Mootz and his Spartans are embracing the moment. “They know what’s at stake now. They know what they’re capable of,” he said. And for Mootz, the legacy is clear: “When I’m done with all this, my goal is that they still call me, and that we left a lasting impression.”

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RUDGE WILL NEVER BUDGE

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BOARDMAN OH- Boardman High School’s freshman catcher Addie Rudge is making waves in her debut varsity softball season, breaking records and leading her team to heights not seen in years. In a recent episode of YSN Live, Rudge’s impact has been felt both behind the plate and at bat—most notably when she broke the school’s RBI record as a freshman, surpassing the previous mark of 38 and finishing the season with 45.

Rudge’s journey to high school stardom began in Little League, where her name drew notice in tournaments like Feel the Dreams. She credits dedicated off-season work and strong team chemistry for helping her transition smoothly to the high school level. “It’s been taking forever, and now that I’m finally here, it’s like, whoa, you’re actually a freshman now,” Rudge said of her transition. This season, Boardman’s softball program clinched its first AAC (All-American Conference) league title since 2011 and advanced to the state semifinals, accomplishments Rudge called “great for our team.” A significant portion of Boardman’s playoff run has featured stellar pitching from Tori Strines—something Rudge, as the team’s catcher, appreciates deeply. “She’s got great speed and she spins the ball, she locates pitches very well, and she mixes up her pitches, so I get a taste of different pitches, and I just love catching for Tori,” she said.

Rudge also balances her athletic commitments by contributing as a Little League umpire during the summer, giving back to the sport and seeing it from a new perspective. “It makes me really happy to be able to give back to the community, not only by playing, but to be able to umpire,” she shared. Despite her youth, Rudge shows remarkable maturity, valuing education as highly as athletics and planning for continued success on the field. “As much as I love softball, education is my number one focus,” she stated, adding that her main goals next year include breaking the school’s hits record and defending Boardman’s conference title. Proud to follow in her father’s footsteps as a Spartan, Addie Rudge is quickly establishing herself as a leader and role model for future generations of Boardman athletes. With three more years ahead of her, the future looks bright for the Boardman backstop.

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SPARTANS POSTSEASON CHARGE CONTINUES INTO STATE SEMIS

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Boardman Survives Louisville, Punches Ticket to State Semis

Runs were hard to come by, but Boardman did just enough to outlast Louisville 3-1 in Saturday’s Division I regional final at Kent State’s Devine Diamond — and with that, the Spartans are heading to Akron.

Louisville landed the first punch, putting a run on the board in the opening frame off a Katelyn Miller RBI single. But from there, it was all about Tori Strines. The Spartans’ senior ace locked in and tossed a complete game, scattering just three hits over seven innings while striking out eight and walking two. She held Louisville scoreless the rest of the way.

Boardman’s offense stayed quiet until the fifth, when they finally notched their first hit. In the sixth, they broke through. Strines ripped a double to the right-field fence to spark the rally, Ava Freeborough followed with a single, then Addie Rudge lifted a sac fly to tie it up. Moments later, Alex Ward stepped up and knocked an RBI single to center to give the Spartans the lead. Laci Jurus added an insurance run in the seventh to help put it on ice.

Strines finished it off with a 1-2-3 seventh to send Boardman to the state semifinals for the first time since 2002.

The Spartans didn’t just win — they played clean. No errors. Rudge was everywhere on defense, leading the team with eight chances in the field. At the plate, Strines also went 2-for-4 from the leadoff spot, and Ward, Rudge, and Jurus each came through with key RBIs.

Miller took the loss for Louisville but threw well — giving up just six hits and three runs in a complete-game effort. She also went 1-for-3 at the plate with Louisville’s lone RBI. Addy Campbell and Anna Sirohman chipped in with base hits.

The regional crown is Boardman’s first since 2002 and caps off a run that’s already included their first district title since 2011 and a share of the conference crown. After finishing .500 a season ago, the Spartans have ripped off 25 wins this spring under head coach Fred Mootz — fueled by offseason grind and a team-first mindset.

Next up: Boardman will face Holland Springfield in the Division I state semifinals on Friday at 12:30 p.m. at Firestone Stadium in Akron. Two wins away from a state title.

 

12U SOFTBALL CHAMPS CROWNED IN BOARDMAN

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BOARDMAN, OH- In a year that has been selective on what can be celebrated, Boardman Community Baseball crowned their annual champion in the 12U “Varsity” division on Tuesday Night.

Members of Signature Granite captured the 2020 title after defeating Buckeye Hospice, 14-1 in four innings.

Jenna Triveri led the way from the leadoff spot with a home run, while Gabi Sferra got the job done in the circle and at the dish; giving up a lone run in the top of the fourth inning and driving in 3 RBI offensively.

Members of the Championship team are:

Ava Freeborough, Ella Dota, Mikayla Rivera, Gabi Sferra, Ellie Wymer, Addie Rudge, Alissa McFall, Abbie Jones, Sam Banko, Marah Householder, and Jenna Triveri.