Tag Archive for: Big Dogs

RAMIREZ-ORTIZ CROWNED BIG DOG OF THE YEAR

EAST PALESTINE, OH- In the realm of high school volleyball, where talent and tenacity collide on the court, one exceptional athlete has emerged as the epitome of skill and leadership. Campbell Memorial Senior, Carla Ramirez-Ortiz, recently clinched the prestigious title of Baird Brothers Big Dog of the Year, triumphing in a resounding victory with over one hundred thousand votes in her favor. This accolade is a testament to Ramirez-Ortiz’s outstanding contributions to her team, her unparalleled skills, and the overwhelming support she enjoys from her community.

October’s MVAC Athlete of the Week, First Team All District, and First Team All MVAC, Ramirez-Ortiz has left an indelible mark on the volleyball scene. Her impact was not limited to individual accolades; she played a pivotal role in guiding her team to a program-best 19-6 record and a sectional championship. Ramirez-Ortiz’s leadership and on-court prowess were instrumental in Campbell Memorial’s success, marking a historic season for the Lady Red Devils.

One of the standout achievements in Ramirez-Ortiz’s illustrious career is surpassing the 2,000-assist milestone, a testament to her exceptional skill as a setter. Her precise and strategic playmaking has been a cornerstone of the team’s success, elevating the performance of her teammates and earning her the admiration of fans and opponents alike.

The Baird Brothers Big Dog of the Year title, secured with an overwhelming mandate from the community, is a fitting tribute to Ramirez-Ortiz’s dedication and passion for the sport. Her impact on and off the court extends beyond statistics; it is rooted in the leadership, sportsmanship, and commitment she brings to every game.

Ramirez-Ortiz’s journey to success has been characterized by hard work, resilience, and a love for the game. As she helped lead her team to new heights, her influence reached beyond the confines of the volleyball court, inspiring those around her to strive for excellence. The overwhelming support she received in the Big Dog of the Year vote is a reflection of the deep appreciation and respect her community holds for her contributions.

As Ramirez-Ortiz concludes her high school volleyball career with an impressive array of accomplishments, the Baird Brothers Big Dog of the Year title stands as a crowning achievement. It is not just an acknowledgment of her skill as a player but a recognition of the positive impact she has had on the Campbell Memorial volleyball program.

The future undoubtedly holds promising opportunities for Carla Ramirez-Ortiz, and her legacy will resonate in all  of high school volleyball. The Lady Red Devils will long remember the setter who orchestrated victories, shattered records, and exemplified the spirit of a true Baird Brothers Big Dog of the Year.

VOTES ARE IN: BIG DOGS OF THE YEAR NAMED

EAST PALESTINE, OH- After a week of votes, the tally is finally in for the 2022 Baird Brothers BIG Dog of the Year Winners.

In its first year ever up for voting, wrestling was quickly shown to be a popular sport among voters.  Although it would be Liberty that would show up in a big way to crown Dominic Leone this year’s winner!

For girls hoops, it’s always a tough draw- as voting numbers remain the highest in this category.  For Struthers’ Faith Stellato- she received a backing as good as her jumper and landed as the Queen of the Court in this years contest.

As for the gentlemen- Boardman’s Trey DePietro never blinked throughout his career, and the community backed him with the highest vote totals of any competitor this year to etch his name in Big Dogs History.

Congratulations to all our nominees throughout the season, and for their success on and off the floor.  We’re grateful to be able to help shine more light on student-athletes through this contest with the help of our friends at Baird Brothers.

WEEK 6 BAIRD BROTHERS BIG DOGS OF THE VALLEY ANNOUNCED

After a big week of voting, we have two champions that have emerged in Week 6!  Our weekly contest presented by Baird Brothers had some downright amazing competition, but the support by the fanbases has been totaled.  Both winners are now eligible for the Big Dog of the Year in their respective sport which is presented to one of the area’s top student-athletes from participating schools.

Congratulations to this week’s victors.

 

VOLLEYBALL

PHOTO CREDIT: JOSH WORKMAN

Greta Cartwright -Wellsville- (vs. East Palestine) 24 Assists/4 Aces

 

 

FOOTBALL

PHOTO CREDIT: JOSH WORKMAN

Pat Guerrieri – Cardinal Mooney – (vs. East) 86 Yards Passing/72 Yards Rushing/3 TD

WEEK 5 BIG DOGS OF THE VALLEY ANNOUNCED

Is the football season really halfway complete?  For some teams the answer is yes, for others, it’s only a third of the way through.  Our Big Dogs of the Valley Presented by Baird Brothers has 5 weeks in the books, and we’re ready for two new Big Dogs to be crowned.

Both winners are now eligible for the Big Dog of the Year which is a seasonal award given to one of the area’s top players from participating schools.

With over 36,000 votes this week, your Big Dogs are:

 

VOLLEYBALL

PHOTO CREDIT: GARY LEININGER

Tess Neville – CRESTVIEW – (vs. United) 14 Points/13 Kills/7 Digs/2 Blocks/2 Aces

 

FOOTBALL

PHOTO CREDIT: JOSH WORKMAN/YSN

 

Tyler Lippiatt – UNITED – (vs. East Palestine) 12 Rushes/186 Yards/2 TD/10 Tackles

WEEK 3 BAIRD BROTHERS BIG DOGS OF THE VALLEY ANNOUNCED

EAST PALESTINE, OH- In one of the closest votes in recent history, the final tallies were counted- and counted again for this week’s announcement.  With over 16,000 votes cast in Week 3, we have your winners!  Both student-athletes now qualify for the Big-Dog of the Year title handed out this November, congratulations to both athletes and their schools.

 

VOLLEYBALL:

PHOTO CREDIT: GARY LEININGER

MADDIE LIBERATI – LISBON

20 Kills/8 Points/40 Digs/2 Assists vs. Wellsville

 

 

FOOTBALL:

PHOTO CREDIT: GARY LEININGER

MARCO FERRY – LEETONIA

9 Rushes/303 Yards/5 Touchdowns vs. Chalker

 

 

BELL, STRANK ARE BIG DOGS OF THE YEAR ON THE DIAMOND

EAST PALESTINE, OH-  Some last pieces of hardware are to be handed out after great baseball and softball seasons respectively around the valley.  Two players who went out swinging and left their name in their respective school record books.

With the support of Baird Brothers Fine Hardwoods, YSN is proud to announce the 2019 Baseball and Softball Big Dogs of the Valley.

Lisbon’s Logan Bell was chosen as First Team in Division IV and represented the Northeast in their selections.  Bell boasted a 7-2 record this season with a 0.91 ERA in just over 60 innings of work.  He also shattered Lisbon school records for strikeouts in a game (18) and in a season (131).  Bell’s numbers at the plate were just as impressive with a .506 batting average in 2019 which ties a school record as well.

Those numbers are no surprise when you take a look at the University of Akron recruit’s career marks for strikeouts (311) and ERA at 1.59.

PHOTO CREDIT: PATTI FINCH

Crestview’s Olivia Strank got it done in the field, and in the batter’s box in 2019.  The Lady Rebel Senior broke the record for singles in a season (37) and total hits in a campaign with 41.  Liv also carried a .398 average through the season with 10 stolen bases.  In the field, Strank had a .987 fielding percentage along with 47 putouts, and 31 assists while only committing a single error this season.

Congratulations to both student-athletes on outstanding seasons, and representing their families, schools, communities, and fans so well in 2019.  Best of luck in all their future endeavors.  We’re incredibly proud of your success, and for the opportunity to cover part of your journey.

WEEK 5 BIG DOGS OF THE VALLEY ANNOUNCED

With OVER 43,000 Votes cast during the fifth week of Spring’s Baird Brothers Big Dogs of the Valley, two very deserving student-athletes brought home the title!

 

Congratulations to both winners!  You’ll be entered automatically into our Player of the Year awards at the end of the season.

 

MCKENNA DAILEY – LISBON

PHOTO CREDIT: GARY LEININGER

McKenna took care of business offensively against Cardinal Mooney last week when she went 2-3 at the dish with a walk,  2 dingers, 7 RBI, 2 runs and 8 total bases!

 

JAKE GEHRING – SOUTH RANGE

PHOTO CREDIT: MIKE V.

Jake has been a regular on our list this year.  The South Range Sophomore has a perfect game to his credit, and last week went a complete game while striking out 13, walking one while giving up two hits to Jefferson batters.

WEEK 3 BIG DOGS OF THE VALLEY ANNOUNCED

 

With OVER 24,000 Votes cast during the third week of Spring’s Baird Brothers Big Dogs of the Valley, two very deserving student-athletes brought home the title!

 

Congratulations to both winners!  You’ll be entered automatically into our Player of the Year awards at the end of the season.

 

TORI LONG- COLUMBIANA

PHOTO CREDIT: GARY LEININGER

Tori diced up Western Reserve’s lineup for 13k, while not giving up any runs, scattering two hits, and two walks.  Offensively she also went 2-4 with a home run and 4 RBI.

 

SETH KERNER- WELLSVILLE

PHOTO CREDIT: MANDY CORBIN

Seth went 7 strong on the mound giving up a run on 4 hits to Leetonia while striking out 12.  He also went 2-3 at the dish with a walk, and a run.

BIG DOGS OF THE VALLEY WEEK 1 ANNOUNCED

With Nearly 70,000 Votes cast during the first week of Spring’s Baird Brothers Big Dogs of the Valley, two very deserving student-athletes brought home the title!

 

Congratulations to both winners!  You’ll be entered automatically into our Player of the Year awards at the end of the season.

 

HAYDEN CARNER- SALEM HIGH SCHOOL

Hayden went 2-3 with a walk and drove in 3 runs in her game against Alliance.

 

LOGAN BELL- LISBON

Logan dealt 6 full innings against United and struck out 13 Eagles while scattering only 2 hits, and walking one.

BIG DOGS OF THE VALLEY-WEEK 1 WINNERS

With over 100,000 votes cast between Sunday at 7 PM and Wednesday at midnight, the Week 1 Winners have been chosen for Baird Brothers’ Big Dog of the Valley.

 

Congratulations to Lisbon’s Ryan McCullough (37,189 votes) whose 26 points and 6 assists over Crestview earned him the boy’s reward.

PHOTO CREDIT: JKB PHOTO

Congratulations to Beaver Local’s Jenna Riccardo (23,011 votes) who posted 30 points and 11 boards in a win over Carrollton, and got the Week 1 nod for the ladies.

PHOTO CREDIT: JILL RICCARDO