Tag Archive for: coach

AUL OR NOTHING

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MINERAL RIDGE, OH- Mineral Ridge High School volleyball senior Samantha Aulet recently sat down with DJ Oakley on the YSN podcast to discuss her transformative senior year, leadership on and off the court, and her impressive record of 2000 assists.

Aulet expressed the excitement of approaching her senior year and the desire to make lasting memories while leading her team. She emphasized the importance of not just leading the offense as a setter, but also providing guidance and support for the younger players and during practice sessions.

Having been a pivotal player throughout her high school career, Aulet talked about her evolving role and leadership style, highlighting the shift from focusing on the back row as a freshman to leading the entire team and fostering a positive attitude.

During the podcast, Aulet also shared insights into the strategic aspects of the game, discussing her role as a coach on the floor and the communication with coaches and teammates during the games.
Aulet credited the growth of the volleyball program to the solid foundation laid by former players, emphasizing the contribution of her senior-year teammates in building the team’s success.

Regarding her record of 2000 assists, Aulet candidly discussed the competitive nature within her family and how she set her sights on achieving the record after her sister accomplished the same feat. Though she fell six assists short due to an injury during a game, Aulet’s determination and competitiveness shone through as she reflected on the experience and the lessons learned from facing adversity.

The podcast showcased Aulet’s pride in her career achievements, including winning the league three out of four years and her role in the team’s success. She also humorously mentioned the regret of an injury that occurred during a game and how it affected her pursuit of the record.

Aulet’s resilience and dedication were highlighted throughout the interview, showcasing her positive impact on Mineral Ridge’s volleyball program. As she looks forward to the next chapter, Aulet’s commitment to leadership and her impressive record of 2000 assists set a shining example for future athletes at Mineral Ridge High School.

With her senior year coming to a close, Mineral Ridge’s Samantha Aulet continues to leave a lasting legacy in the volleyball program, overcoming challenges and making a profound impact both on and off the court.

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MINERAL RIDGE BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH AMY HARRISON

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MINERAL RIDGE, OH- In a recent episode of the YSN podcast, Mineral Ridge Lady Rams’ coach, Amy Harrison, sat down with host DJ Yokley to discuss the team’s remarkable 22-season, which culminated in an 11-1 record and a share of the MVAC championship.

During the interview, Coach Harrison reflected on the program’s success and the transition from being a player to coaching a new generation of players. She expressed gratitude for the coaching she received as a player and highlighted the continuity of the program as former players, now coaches themselves, are involved in shaping the next generation of players.

Moreover, Coach Harrison shared her pride in the team’s accomplishments and discussed how she instills the value of pride, respect, and multi-sport participation in her players. She also acknowledged the challenges faced by female athletes and emphasized the importance of encouraging versatile athletic participation.

Looking towards the future, Coach Harrison discussed the transition from a winning season to preparing for new challenges, noting the significance of maintaining the players’ confidence and drive for success. She credited the strong personalities of the team and stressed the importance of maintaining a winning mindset from one season to the next.

The conversation shed light on the close-knit community of Mineral Ridge, where Coach Harrison has deep personal connections and where she has dedicated herself to shaping future generations of athletes. She expressed her pride in raising the championship banner and how the experience is something her players will carry with them throughout their lives.

In the spirit of reflection, Coach Harrison revealed that if she could change one thing from the season, it would be to start one of the games differently, believing that an altered approach could have made a significant difference.

The episode provided valuable insight into the dedication and passion Coach Amy Harrison brings to the Mineral Ridge Lady Rams’ basketball program, as well as the impactful experience of leading a successful team in a tight-knit community.

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WESTERN RESERVE WRESTLING COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH ANTHONY DUFFIELD

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BERLIN CENTER, OH- In a recent episode of YSN’s Coach’s Corner, Anthony Duffield, the first-year coach of the Western Reserve wrestling program, discussed the challenges he faced in his inaugural year and the promising future of the team.

Coach Duffield candidly shared the initial financial struggles of the program, revealing that when he started, there was barely any funding with only a dollar in the account. He mentioned that the team had to engage in door-to-door fundraising during the summer, ultimately raising an impressive $5,000. This allowed the program to acquire much-needed equipment, including two sets of singlets and warm-ups for the wrestlers.

Despite the financial hurdles, Duffield’s dedication to the sport and the team’s potential shone through. Duffield spoke passionately about his love for wrestling, having wrestled since a young age and even competing in college. His enthusiasm for the sport and determination to provide a positive experience for the athletes was evident throughout the interview.

The conversation also highlighted the promising talent within the team, with Duffield expressing confidence in the skill and potential of the 15 wrestlers under his guidance. Notably, the team included one female wrestler, Amelia Paraki, who earned praise for her dedication and perseverance on the mat.

Duffield’s commitment to the sport and the Western Reserve wrestling program was evident, showcasing the positive impact he aims to instill in the athletes. As the team continues to grow, Duffield’s leadership and passion are poised to guide the program towards further success in the coming years.
Overall, the episode provided insights into the challenges faced and triumphs achieved by Coach Duffield and the Western Reserve wrestling program, offering a glimpse into the determination and passion that drives the team forward.

By providing these details, the article highlights the overcoming of financial challenges, the passion for wrestling, and the potential growth of the program, effectively capturing the essence of the YSN podcast episode.

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CURBSTONE COACHES

CURBSTONE COACHES SET TO INDUCT 12 IN MAY

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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.

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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WESTERN RESERVE FOOTBALL COACH’S CORNER WITH COLLIN DOTSON

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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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TOY STORY 2

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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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ALL GO FOR CVERCKO

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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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THE “T” IN ADVERSITY

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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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NOBODY BETTER THAN JONATHAN

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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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