Tag Archive for: bond

NEVER A DOUBTING TOMAS

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PEPPER PIKE, OH- In a recent episode of the YSN podcast, Orange High School swimmer Tomas Cakulev captivated listeners as he shared his inspiring story. From his early introduction to the sport to his unwavering dedication, Cakulev’s journey in swimming is one of triumph over adversity.

At the young age of ten, Cakulev was introduced to swimming by a friend who invited him to a practice at a local club. It was during these early experiences that Cakulev discovered the importance of bonding with teammates, both in and out of the pool. The camaraderie and competition formed the foundation of his love for the sport and ignited a competitive fire within him.

Cakulev’s competitive nature extends beyond the pool, as he strives for excellence in all aspects of his life. Whether it be academics or personal growth, his drive to compete and improve is ever-present. He finds motivation in beating his own records during practice, pushing himself to shave off precious seconds and continuously bettering his performance.

Despite encountering obstacles along the way, Cakulev’s determination remained unshaken. From challenging classes to inconsistent coaching, he navigated through adversity both in and out of the pool. These obstacles taught him the value of perseverance and instilled in him a sense of resilience that has carried him through his swimming career.

Throughout his competitive journey, Cakulev has developed a set of rituals to stay motivated before, during, and after events. He curates a playlist filled with his favorite songs, preferring a balanced tempo to keep himself focused yet not overly hyped. Before races, he dons his headphones, immersing himself in his own world while ensuring he stays warm to maintain peak performance. After races, Cakulev exemplifies great sportsmanship by congratulating his fellow swimmers and seeking feedback from his coach to identify areas for improvement.

Cakulev’s role models both inside and outside the pool include professional swimmers who have achieved great success. However, he also draws inspiration from his parents and his younger brother, who is making waves in his own swimming career. Their support and guidance have been instrumental in his development as an athlete.

One quote that resonates deeply with Cakulev is “if it is to be, it is up to me.” This motto serves as a reminder that he holds the power to shape his own destiny. It fuels his determination to push himself during practice, knowing that his hard work and dedication will lead to achieving his goals.

As a senior at Orange High School, Cakulev leaves a lasting impact on the swimming community, both as a talented athlete and a sportsman. His story serves as an inspiration to all aspiring swimmers, demonstrating the power of perseverance, camaraderie, and self-belief.

 

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FISCHING FOR GREATNESS

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BERLIN CENTER, OH- In this episode of YSN’s Player Profile, we dive deep into the world of Fischer Himes, the senior offensive lineman who has been an integral part of his team’s success this season. Known for his dedication and leadership, Himes sheds light on the bond within the team and discusses their upcoming playoff game against Lowellville.

Himes, who has helped pave the way for his team to score six rushing touchdowns, emphasizes the importance of team effort and acknowledges the praise they receive from their coaches. This recognition serves as a confidence boost for the offensive line, reminding them of their crucial role in their team’s victories.

As they prepare for their rematch against Lowellville, Himes expresses confidence in their advantage, having analyzed their opponent’s tactics in their previous encounter. The team’s strong performance in the first game provides them with the necessary confidence to face Lowville once again.

In regards to their offensive strategies, Himes appreciates the versatility and dynamism of their offense, where the ball can be distributed to six different players, keeping the opposing defense on their toes. This balanced and unpredictable style of play has proven successful throughout the season.

The conversation also touches on the importance of a fresh defense, with Himes emphasizing the significance of player substitutions to maintain a high level of performance throughout the game.

Outside of football, Himes reveals his passion for fishing and playing Xbox games. Himes is particularly excited for the release of Fortnite, a highly anticipated game in which he plans to join his peers.

When asked about his future plans after high school, Himes mentions his interest in pursuing a business degree, potentially at Kent State University. While he does not envision playing football beyond high school, he is focused on giving his all during his final season.

Switching to lighter topics, Himes shares his favorite gas station order, including Cheddar Slim chips and strawberry milk – a classic favorite. He also admits to enjoying throwback music.

In a lighthearted Q&A, Himes humorously relates to the scenario of having a million dollars and choosing to invest it in the most expensive boat possible, allowing him to sail along the coast indefinitely.

As Himes bids farewell and prepares for the upcoming playoff game against Lowellville, YSN wishes him and his team the best of luck in their pursuit of victory and continued success on and off the field.

 

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THE LION

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CANFIELD, OH- The South Range Raiders have found themselves a defensive gem in junior standout Troy Combs. Known for his hard-hitting tackles and game-changing interceptions, Combs is quickly gaining attention as a generational talent in the football community.

Combs, hailing from a family that bleeds Raider pride, has followed in the footsteps of his older brother Matthias, a notable wide receiver who left a lasting impression on the team. In a recent interview at Giangelo’s in Boardman, Combs expressed gratitude for his brother’s influence and praised his character both on and off the field.

Reflecting on his growth throughout the season, Combs admitted that early on, he struggled with patience and would often get juked out or penalized for holding. However, under the guidance of coach Rocks, Combs has evolved into a more composed and patient player, allowing him to make impactful plays.

What sets Combs apart is his ability to not only deliver bone-crushing hits but also showcase his speed and agility when intercepting passes. When asked to choose between laying a hit or making an interception, Combs unhesitatingly expressed his love for setting the tone with a big hit, believing it sends a powerful message to the opposing team.

Looking ahead to the playoffs, Combs emphasized the importance of continuous improvement and building a stronger bond with his teammates. He acknowledged the challenge posed by their upcoming fearless opponents and expressed excitement for the opportunity to showcase his skills against a team that throws the ball frequently.

Combs credits the close-knit bond among the South Range Raiders as a catalyst for their success. Their unique practice methods, such as “squeezing and spilling,” instill trust and belief in each other, making them a formidable force on the field.

Beyond football, Combs has his sights set on a future in architecture or graphic design, citing his love for building Legos as the inspiration behind his interest. With his dedication and talent on the gridiron, Combs undoubtedly has a bright future ahead of him, with football being a potential opportunity for success.

As the South Range Raiders continue their journey in the playoffs, Troy Combs remains focused on making a lasting impact on the team while constantly striving for personal growth. With his exceptional defensive skills and unwavering dedication, Combs is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with in high school football.

 

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GOING, GOING, VAUGHN

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AUSTINTOWN, OH-  In today’s player profile, we delve into the world of Austintown Fitch High School football and shine the spotlight on one of their star players, Deshawn Vaughn.

Deshawn, a talented quarterback and free safety, has faced his fair share of challenges, with a devastating injury sidelining him for a season. But now, in his senior year, he’s determined to make up for lost time and leave it all on the field. Join us as we explore Deshaun’s journey, his growth during his injury, and his goals for the season. Don’t miss out on this intriguing profile of a player who’s ready to make a lasting impact.

Stay tuned to YSN, where we bring you the inside scoop on the stories that matter in the world of high school sports.

 

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DON’T PUSH CUSH

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CANFIELD, OH-  In this episode, we dive deep into the life and experiences of Adam Cushman, a senior and defensive specialist for the team.

Join us as we uncover what it’s like to be a beast on the field, how Adam and his teammates rallied after a tough loss, and the importance of family and camaraderie within the South Range Raiders.

Plus, we get a glimpse into Adam’s future plans and discover his passion for hunting and the great outdoors.

So sit back, relax, and get ready for some exclusive insights in our South Range Player Profile on Adam Cushman.

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