YOUNGSTOWN, OH- The upcoming 55th Curbstone Coaches Hall of Fame banquet, generously sponsored by Briarfield Health Care Centers and Ed and Diane Reese, is scheduled for Sunday, May 5. The event will take place at Mr. Anthony’s Banquet Center in Boardman, featuring the enshrinement of 12 new members.
Guest speaker for the occasion is Gene Steratore, a former NFL official and current national television rules analyst.
The distinguished 2024 class comprises individuals such as the late Sean Durkin (basketball, baseball coach), Jill Harmon (softball), Ken Kimerer (bowling), Bob Laricca (basketball, coach), Ken Linden (all-sports award), Bill Metzinger (baseball), Terry O’Halloran (swimming & diving, coach), Kelly Pavlik (boxing), Brett Powell (wrestling, coach), Ron Strollo (contribution to sports), Cheryl Weaver (softball, coach), and Dan Yeagley (football, coach).
Doors open at 4 p.m., followed by dinner at 5 p.m. The official program is set to commence at 6 p.m.
Individual tickets are priced at $60 each, and tables of eight can be reserved for $480 starting January 1.
For additional details, interested individuals can contact 330-506-6774 or visit the organization’s website at www.thecurbstonecoaches.org.
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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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BERLIN CENTER, OH- Western Reserve’s defensive coordinator, Coach Collin Dotson, shared his insights on the team’s successful season and their upcoming rematch against Lowellville.
Coach Dotson, who has been coaching alongside Head Coach John Armeni since 2015, expressed his admiration for Coach Armeni as a mentor and friend. He described the experience of working with him as “unbelievable” and emphasized the importance of the tight-knit coaching staff at Western Reserve.
When asked why he chose football as his coaching path, Coach Dotson credited his experiences as a player at Howland for instilling in him a passion for leadership and mentoring young men. He shared his love for being around student-athletes and the opportunity to give back by offering them a positive experience like he had as a player.
Speaking about his time at Western Reserve, Coach Dotson highlighted the incredible support from the community. He described the community as tight-knit and caring, with a genuine love for their coaches and players. Coach Dotson attributed much of the team’s success to this community support and emphasized that it was not mere lip service. The genuine care and affection within the community inspired the coaching staff to reciprocate that love.
The camaraderie among the coaching staff at Western Reserve also played an essential role in their success. Coach Dotson spoke highly of the diverse backgrounds and expertise brought by each member of the staff. From former players to veteran coaches, the staff’s tight bond, both on and off the field, has contributed significantly to the team’s achievements this season.
With a senior-heavy roster, Coach Dotson applauded the leadership and resilience displayed by the players. Despite experiencing numerous coaching changes during their high school careers, these seniors have learned to adapt and have become a tough group of young men. Coach Dotson expressed his gratitude for their buying-in mentality and wished he could have had them on the team for more years.
As the defensive coordinator, Coach Dotson’s aggressive mentality shines through in his coaching style. He enjoys the versatility and freedom that coaching defense provides. Instead of sitting back and playing it safe, Coach Dotson and his defense line up in multiple formations, coverages, and blitzes, making it challenging for opposing teams to counter their strategies.
In terms of their successful season, Coach Dotson stressed the importance of performing well both in the conference and the non-conference games. He highlighted the competitiveness of their conference, including challenging matchups against teams like Mineral Ridge, Springfield, and Lowellville, with whom they now have a rematch.
Looking ahead to their upcoming matchup against Lowellville, Coach Dotson mentioned the advantage of having faced their offense before, allowing for better game planning and adjustments. He expressed confidence in his defensive unit’s ability to rise to the occasion.
The Western Reserve Blue Devils, currently the third seed in the playoffs with a 9-2 record, undoubtedly owe their success, in part, to the hard work and dedication of Coach Collin Dotson and the entire coaching staff. As they continue their playoff journey, their cohesive bond and aggressive defensive approach will undoubtedly be crucial factors in their pursuit of victory.
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CANFIELD, OH- Welcome back to another episode of South Range Player Profile, the podcast that brings you all the latest updates on South Range Raiders sports.
In this week’s episode, we have a special player profile segment featuring freshman volleyball player, Anna Toy. Get ready to hear about Anna’s journey into the sport of volleyball, her dedication to the game, and how she has become an integral part of the South Range Raider team.
Join us as we dive into Anna’s story and discover what makes her such a talented and promising athlete. Stay tuned, because this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
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BOARDMAN, OH- In today’s episode, titled “Boardman Player Profile: Andrew Cvercko,” we delve into the fascinating world of a talented young athlete from a sports-oriented family. Andrew joins us to discuss the unique dynamics and pressures that come with being part of a competitive household.
We explore his journey in various sports, from soccer to swimming, and the influential role his family has played in his athletic pursuits.
Join us as we uncover Andrew’s passion for football, his determination to excel, and his plans for the future. So, sit back, relax, and get ready for another engaging player profile on YSN!
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BOARDMAN, OH- In today’s episode, we have a special player profile featuring Tomas Andujar, a standout athlete from Boardman High School.
Despite facing some challenges this season, Tomas has always had a positive outlook and made the best out of every situation. We’ll hear about his resilience, his road to recovery, and how he continues to inspire his teammates both on and off the field. Stay tuned as we dive deeper into Tomas’s journey and learn about his aspirations for the future.
This is an episode you don’t want to miss!
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BOARDMAN, OH- Welcome back to another exciting episode of YSN’s Player Profile, the podcast where we bring you all the latest updates and profiles of talented athletes. In today’s episode, we have a special player profile featuring Jonathan Vergos-Perez, a freshman on the Boardman cross country team.
Join us as we dive deep into Jonathan’s background, his love for running, and his journey from California to Ohio. We’ll also discuss his experiences in different sports and his ambitious goals for the future. Stay tuned to hear about Jonathan’s determination, his family’s support, and his plans to excel in both academia and athletics. Get ready to be inspired by this talented young athlete.
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CANFIELD, OH- Liv Meli, a senior volleyball player for South Range High School, sits down with DJ Yokley for an interview on YSN. Liv reflects on her four years of playing volleyball and how fast it has gone by. As a senior, she has taken on a leadership role on the team, emphasizing the importance of being a team player and bringing energy to the court.
When asked about where she learned confidence, Liv credits her parents for always encouraging her to be confident and put herself out there. Although she admits that she is not the loudest person, she tries her best to be confident. Liv’s sister, who is younger but has a big personality, has also been a role model for her in terms of confidence.
Liv discusses the importance of having fun during games and how it contributes to the team’s energy on the court. She mentions that when her teammates are there to support and uplift her, she can switch into a more assertive mode during games. Despite facing tough competition throughout the season, Liv sees it as a learning experience and believes that the team’s strong bond and Coach Iron’s support will contribute to their success.
Off the court, Liv shares a close bond with her sister, often going out for coffee or food together. She mentions their love for Starbucks and going to restaurants like Olive Garden. Liv expresses her gratitude for her family’s support, highlighting how they are always there for her through ups and downs.
When asked about one quality from each of her parents that she would like to adopt, Liv admires her mom’s caring nature and her dad’s confidence. She appreciates how her mom always tries to make everyone happy, while her dad encourages her to put herself out there and not worry about what others think.
Outside of volleyball, Liv enjoys shopping and often goes on spontaneous shopping trips with her sister. She mentions that she loves browsing both online and in physical stores, appreciating the experience of looking around.
Overall, Liv’s profile showcases her dedication, leadership, and the importance of having fun both on and off the volleyball court. With the support of her teammates, coach, and family, Liv has high hopes for the team’s success in the upcoming season.
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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.
CANFIELD, OH- In today’s episode of South Range Football Coach’s Corner, we dive into a riveting conversation with Coach David Rach from the South Range Raiders football team.
Join us as we explore the aftermath of a tough loss to a Division II team in Green, the emotions in the locker room, and the valuable lessons learned. We also delve into Coach Rach’s bold coaching decisions, the unwavering faith in his team, and the fearless mindset that drives the players. Plus, we discuss the importance of honoring Coach Yeagley and the celebration of the majestic new stadium that has left everyone in awe.
Get ready to be inspired by the resilience, determination, and passion that defines Raider Nation. Let’s jump right in!
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