Tag Archive for: Champion

WE ARE IN THE GOOD OLD DAYS

/in /by

By DJ Yokley

COLUMBIANA, OH- There’s a scene in the series finale of NBC’s The Office where the happy-go-lucky, musically-inclined character, Andy Bernard mentions “I wish there was a way to know you’re” in the Good Old Days before you’ve actually left them.”

For sports in Northeast Ohio: They’re here, folks.

You see, the good old days are not just felt with wins and losses, they’re parlayed with competitive balance (not the OHSAA kind,) with a dash of generational talents, incredible coaches, knowledgable fan-bases, and an opportunity to be seen by more than just those in their community.

The last decade in this region has put our area back on the map.  While we’ve patiently awaited manufacturers to come back, and jobs have come and gone- our sports have shined through.  Our area of the state has a hunger for sports like no other- and not just when the trees lose their leaves.  We all know and bow down to football, but it’s fact that there are more of our student-athletes playing on a diamond at the next level than any other sport.  You look at this time of year, and our tiny place on the map we call home has representatives at all four different levels competing to win championships, our boys aren’t far behind.

I’m not taking anything away from players of yesteryear- they’re all being enshrined in halls all over for the work they did, but they were at a disadvantage with who could see them, and who heard their name called throughout the year.  Simply put, nobody told the fans, the coaches, the media, or the players that those moments were the best we’d have until their kid’s names were on the backs of jerseys.

It’d be a tragedy to see that happen again in this region.

In 2022, we witnessed what we felt was impossible when Canfield and South Range struck gold in back-to-back games in the OHSAA State Championship.  We’ve seen the return of high expectations for Ursuline football and basketball, and the championship story continues for Warren JFK in nearly every sport they compete in.  Fitch, Canfield, and South Range return to the states where we saw Austintown Fitch battle their way to a 2023 title, and look to repeat again.  Champion continues to be a household name in most circles thanks to Hall of Fame Coach, Cheryl Weaver.  We’ve seen other sports like soccer,  bowling, and lacrosse really truly excel including Howland’s soccer run was one we may never witness again.  Boardman’s State Bowling Title this year.  Archbishop Hoban Boys Basketball ending the draught in hoops with a gold trophy, and another great run the following year.  West Branch and Salem girls basketball of the last few years have been remarkable with the superior talent on the court and on the sidelines.

We’re sending over 100 athletes to Dayton this weekend to compete for championship(s) for their respective schools in track and field.  Absolutely unheard of.

I know I’m missing teams, and the list does certainly go on.

While most people play schools from the MAC, and need new shorts- its OUR teams that never waiver, and bring the best games to those teams.  Sometimes we win, sometimes we learn, but my point is that it takes two to tango in today’s day and age, and while that particular conference to the West has a fair share of titles, it’s understanding in the back of their mind that they’ll see our school’s on the other side of the bracket that keeps the dynasty talk muffled.

Our talent is significantly better than it’s ever been- and before all you Summer Joe Torre’s start barking about travel ball- my estimation is the work that is done in the offseason is the biggest difference-maker for these teams.  Studies show a direct correlation between understanding the game better, knowing their bodies better, and simply training and playing multiple sports boost student-athletes in several categories.  The days of specialization are done, or are at least reserved for the elite (no, sadly that’s probably not you.) With the construction of indoor facilities like Athletix in Columbiana popping up, athletes have scientific data to get better and aren’t just working hard, they understand strengths and weaknesses, and attack them with their own data- and the last decade has shown technology if used in the proper context, instead of a carnival game- excels those who participate regularly.

Surely, some doubters will tell us about “how soft” this generation of athletes are with wanting to look good, to feel good, to play good.  However, just remember those bicycle shorts you used to think made you look officially like a coach on the sidelines.

We are sending more student-athletes to college than ever before.  More skilled tradesmen and women than ever before.  This is the era this area has been salivating for a generous helping and a big thank you is owed to sports.

This particular generation over the last decade has proved our area’s work ethic.  In the open sea of college recruiting in today’s era, coaches would rather fish in the murky waters of a portal than the clean springs of high schools.  Loyalty is rare in college sports, the athletes will put something on tape and will jump to the next best opportunity for them and their families.  I don’t blame them, and I would never judge- but it just seals the deal for me that high school and amateur sports are one of the last things that we can hold sacred in sports.

This area, while fiercely competitive, gets it.

We pull for the teams that continue even though our team didn’t.  We either show up or tune in to watch this area succeed with that glimmer of hope and maybe a misty eye when the final score is posted.

We understand that when COVID killed our sports seasons, it was more important than ever to become creative at home and perhaps get a golf club into the student-athletes’ hands for the first time.  Not to mention the first major events back to a somewhat normal level?  Sports.

This area continues to excel in all levels of sports, not just because we’re good.  It’s because in some cases, these memories we create now are the only ways to restore the flames of what once was.

A story.

A picture.

A memento.

Paying homage.

As I prepare and reflect on the potential these next 2 weeks of competition could bring to the area, I wish ALL the teams well- bring home the gold, enjoy every moment, and cherish every memory.

These are the good old days, folks.  I’m here to tell you.

LADY RAIDERS SLIDE IT OFF TO STATES

/in /by

AVON, OH- There are good games, and there was this one.  An instant classic and perhaps one of the greatest softball matchups ever played in the modern era between two state championship contenders, but it was  the South Range Lady Raiders who pulled off a thrilling 1-0 walk-off win over the Champion Golden Flashes on Friday. The game remained scoreless until the bottom of the eighth when Giada Pauline smacked a solo inside-the-park home run to send the Raiders to the state semi-finals.

Both teams brought their A-game in the circle. South Range’s Jayli Wilt struck out eight en route to an impressive no-hitter, while Champion’s ace, Gaby Gradishar, fanned 14.

Jayli Wilt was stellar for South Range, pitching eight hitless innings with eight strikeouts and five walks. Gradishar was tough to beat, giving up just one run on four hits over seven and two-thirds innings.

Pauline led the Raiders’ offense, going 1-for-3 with the game-winning RBI in dramatic fashion.  Addison Wardle, Solena DeJesus, and Ashley Rupert each chipped in with a hit. Defensively, South Range was flawless, with Heidi Bartels recording nine outs.

Champion showed discipline at the plate, drawing five walks. They also played error-free defense, with Addison Warzala making 15 plays.

South Range will prepare to battle South Webster on Thursday at Akron Firestone Stadium at 5:30pm for the right to play in the state championship.

 

CHAMPION SETS UP REGIONAL REMATCH WITH THE RAIDERS

/in /by

BEREA OH- Champion absolutely rolled past Norwayne in Wednesday’s Regional Semifinal, cranking out an 11-2 victory and keeping their foot on the gas throughout the game.

Sam Strock was swinging a hot bat, going 2-for-4, including a homer that brought in three runs and saw him crossing the plate twice. Bella Meyer also had a strong showing at the plate, contributing with a 2-for-5 outing and driving in a pair of runs. Grace Hadley chipped in with a 1-for-3 performance, knocking in two runs, while Addie Warzala turned in a 2-for-5 day that featured a triple and an RBI. Gabby Gradishar was a force both in the batter’s box and on the mound. She scored three times and walked twice in her 2-for-3 day at the plate.

On the rubber, Gradishar was practically untouchable. She delivered a complete game, striking out 16 batters and allowing just two runs on two hits over seven innings.

Next up, Champion sets the stage for a heavyweight rematch from last season’s Regional Championship. They’re facing South Range this Friday at Baldwin Wallace with a 5:00 PM first pitch.

GRADISHAR TIES STATE RECORD IN CHAMPION TUNE UP

/in /by

BRECKSVILLE OH- The Champion Golden Flashes built a 4-run lead early in the game and barely clung on for a 4-3 win over the Brecksville-Broadview Heights Bees on Monday. The Bees rallied late, narrowing the gap with a double and a ground out that pushed runs across the plate.

Gabrielle Gradishar was on fire, fanning 16 batters across seven innings. Despite giving up just two hits and three runs, she maintained control, walking only three in a dominant outing. Not only did she control the game from the mound, but Gradishar also made history at the plate, blasting her 23rd home run of the season to left field in the first inning, tying the state record for home runs in a single season.

The Golden Flashes struck first, jumping out to a lead in the opening frame with Gradishar’s record-tying homer and a ground out by Zoe Palette that brought in another run. A costly error by the Bees in the second widened Champion’s lead to 3-0.

An additional run in the third, again following a Bees error, put the Golden Flashes up 4-0, setting the stage for the late-game drama.

Anna Wise took the hard-luck loss for the Bees, allowing four runs—only two earned—over six and a third innings, along with striking out seven without issuing a walk.

At the plate, Sam Strock, Addison Warzala, and Gradishar each snagged hits for the Golden Flashes, with Gradishar and Palette chipping in RBIs.

Zoe Parks was the standout for the Bees, driving in two of their three runs and going 2-for-3 on the day, putting up a strong fight in the middle of the lineup.

Looking ahead, the Golden Flashes are set to face  Norwayne this Wednesday in the Regional Semifinals.

CHAMPION MAKES IT BACK TO REGIONALS

/in /by

LEAVITTSBURG OH- Champion snagged their second consecutive district title Thursday night, they showed off their dominance with a decisive 4-0 shutout over Lakeview—their second against them this season.

Gabby Gradishar brought the heat, swinging for the fences with a homer, knocking in one and crossing the plate twice herself. Hailey Householder didn’t land any hits but made her presence felt with 2 RBIs. Zoe Palette added her own touch with a 1-for-3 night, driving in a run. Addie Warzala and Bella Meyer rounded out the scorecard with Warzala grabbing a hit, walked and scoring once, and Meyer adding a run on her 1-for-4 outing.

In the circle, Gradishar was near untouchable, delivering a complete game with just one hit and one walk allowed while striking out 13 batters.

Lakeview’s offense managed only a single hit from Kennedy Bartlett and a walk from Izzy Haines.

Ava Bacon held her own in the circle for Lakeview, lasting 4.1 innings with seven hits and one earned run against her while striking out three. Isabella Isenberg came in relief to throw 1.2 perfect innings.

Looking ahead, Champion is gearing up for the Regional Semifinals against Norwayne, who pulled off an upset against top-seeded Triway. Catch them in action this Wednesday at Baldwin Wallace at 5:00 PM.

FLASHES FALL SHORT AGAINST PERRY

/in /by

PERRY OH- At Perry High School on Wednesday, the Champion were edged out by the Perry 8-3 in the sectional finals. The Pirates took charge in the third inning with Cade Henderson kicking things off with an RBI single.

The fourth inning saw the Pirates really break things open, plating six runs on just four hits. The scoring frenzy was helped along by a couple of costly errors from Champion, alongside key plays from Luke Sivon and Trent Taylor, who notched a two-run double.

Logan Buehner was dominant on the mound for Perry, letting up just one run and striking out nine across six innings to secure the win. On the flip side, Carson Fife struggled for Champion, giving up seven runs over four innings.

Champion did manage to scrape together hits from Shane Hixson, Cooper White, Carter Boggs, and Carter Chapin, with Dylan Howell and Zack Morris each knocking in a run. But the story was different for Perry. Henderson and Taylor were lethal at the plate, both chalking up a pair of hits and RBIs, driving the Perry offensive.

Adding some speed to their game, Owen McKoon swiped two bases, keeping the Flashes on their toes. Perry’s blend of timely hitting and aggressive base-running proved too much for Champion, as they sailed to a comfortable victory.

CHAMPION IS MADE FOR TITLE GAMES

/in /by

LEAVITTSBURG OH- Addie Warzala was a big part of Champion’s offensive output, nailing three hits to power Champion past Berkshire with a convincing 11-0 shutout in the district semifinals. Warzala kicked it off with a double in the second, and didn’t let up, adding singles in both the first and fourth innings.

Gabrielle Gradishar was untouchable on the mound, fanning 12 while scattering just two hits across five innings, keeping the Badgers’ lineup at bay without issuing a walk.

Champion jumped out early, scoring right off the bat in the first inning when Isabella Meyer singled home a run, followed by Zoe Palette earning an RBI the hard way with a base on balls. They stretched the lead in the second with Warzala and Meyer both delivering RBI doubles.

The fourth inning was a hit parade with five runs blasting across the plate. Meyer lifted a sac fly, Palette singled in another run, Sam Strock ripped a two-run triple, and Bella Weber grounded out but still knocked in a run.

When it was all said and done, Champion racked up 11 hits. Meyer was a major playmaker, driving in four runs and going 2-for-2. Gradishar also got in on the hitting action with two of her own. Warzala showcased her speed, swiping two bases.

Defensively, Champion was flawless, notching zero errors, with Warzala involved in a dozen plays.

Looking ahead, Champion is set to face Lakeview in the district championship this Thursday at LaBrae. First pitch is at 5:00 PM, and it’s shaping up to be a thriller.

CHAMPION WINS THIRD TIME AGAINST CAMPBELL TO ADVANCE

/in /by

WARREN OH- Dylan Howell was a beast on the mound for Champion, striking out 10 batters in their solid 4-1 win against Campbell this Monday at home. Howell kept the hits low, giving up just three, and allowed only one run across seven innings, walking just one batter.

The Red Devils got on the scoreboard first due to an early error, but Champion didn’t let that rattle them. In the third inning, they swung back into the lead thanks to Marky Nolan’s strategic sacrifice bunt and Carson Fife’s clutch double, each driving in a run.

On the flip side, Sway Rodriguez shouldered the loss for Campbell. He lasted six innings, surrendering four runs (but only one earned) on six hits, managing three strikeouts without issuing a walk.

Carson Fife was on fire at the plate, going 3-for-3 and leading Champion with hits. Fife, along with Carter Chapin and Howell, each knocked in a run, contributing to the team’s total. Champion also flashed some leather, turning a slick double play during the game.

Kosta Patris stood out for Campbell , notching two hits in three at-bats.

With this win, Champion is set to face Perry in the sectional finals this Wednesday. The action moves to Perry with a 5:00 PM start time.

THE FANTASTIC MR FIFE

/in /by

For the past four years, Carson Fife has been nothing short of a cornerstone for Champion’s baseball team, embodying the spirit and skill that every coach dreams of in a high school athlete. As he rounds out his senior year, Carson’s impact on the mound is undeniable: he’s notched 41 strikeouts in just 32 innings pitched, boasting an impressive ERA of 2.16. His prowess as a pitcher places him among the elite in the area, proving that he’s a force to be reckoned with every time he steps up to the rubber.

But Carson doesn’t just dominate as a pitcher; he’s also a heavy hitter. Batting a robust .451, he’s second on the team in average and leads with 17 RBIs, adding a home run to his tally for good measure. Whether he’s pitching or swinging, Carson has a way of making big plays look easy.

Behind these stats is a work ethic that is both relentless and focused. Carson’s drive to excel and push his limits has shaped him into the standout athlete he is today. It’s this determination that has not only propelled his performance but also made him a role model on the field.

Leadership is something that Carson has learned from those who came before him. Influenced by the senior Flashes of his early years, he absorbed the essence of leadership that those players demonstrated, from showing up first for practice to the last to leave. Now, as a senior himself, Carson is determined to pass on these lessons, setting a high bar for the next generation of players.

As for the future, it’s looking as bright as a stadium floodlight for Carson. He’s set to continue his baseball career at Mount Union, where he will also dive into the world of mechanical engineering. His journey doesn’t just stop at graduation; this young man is on track to make significant impacts both on and off the field. Champion High has indeed shaped a player-and a person-who’s ready to knock it out of the park in every aspect of life.

Presented By:

WARZALA’S 100TH HIT HIGHLIGHTS CHAMPIONS SECTIONAL WIN

/in /by

Gabrielle Gradishar was unstoppable, driving in five runs with just two swings to lead Champion in a 17-0 rout over Cardinal Mooney this Friday at Champion High School. Gradishar crushed a three-run homer to center in the fourth and kicked things off with a two-run double in the first.

In the circle, Gradishar was just as dominant, striking out 11 Cardinals and pitching a no-hitter through five innings, despite walking a couple.

Champion exploded right from the start. In the first inning alone, Addison Warzala and Zoe Palette each doubled to bring in runs, Hailey Householder added an RBI single, Bella Weber grounded out to score another, and Maylee Nadaud’s single added one more. Gradishar’s double then brought in two, and an error allowed another run to cross the plate.

In the second, Weber and Maddison Sylvester kept the hits coming with RBI singles, and Warzala notched her 100th career hit.

The fourth inning saw Champion piling on seven more runs. Gradishar’s big blast scored three, Householder knocked in another, Sam Strock tripled for two more, and Weber added another RBI single to the mix.

By the game’s end, Champion had amassed 14 hits. Gradishar, Strock, Weber, Householder, and Sylvester each had a pair of hits. Gradishar also dazzled with an immaculate inning in the second, fanning three batters on just nine pitches.

Defensively, Champion was flawless, not making a single error. Warzala led with 11 chances in the field.