Tag Archive for: coaches

MAIN EVENT MADISON

/in /by

YOUNGSTOWN, OH-  Madison Tromler, an esteemed journalist and news anchor from Channel 21, WFMJ, is no stranger to making waves in Mahoning Valley with her exceptional reporting skills. In a candid and engaging interview with YSN’s DJ Yokley, Madison shared insights into her career, personal life, and her excitement about participating as a guest judge at the upcoming March 24 all-star game.

Since joining the news industry, Madison has continuously set the bar for journalistic excellence, bringing her extensive experience and dedicated work ethic to cover a wide range of pivotal local and national stories. Known for her compassionate and thorough approach, she has earned accolades for her extensive reporting on both tragic and triumphant events, bringing impactful stories to viewers with empathy and professionalism.

Perhaps one of the most intriguing aspects of the interview was Madison’s candid discussion about her life outside of the newsroom. Despite her high-profile role, Madison described herself as a down-to-earth individual who enjoys simple pleasures such as spending time with family, savoring delicious seafood, and incorporating wellness activities into her routine. Her commitment to maintaining a balanced life while excelling in her career is a testament to her resilience and determination.

Madison’s unique perspective as a journalist was evident as she shared anecdotes about her experiences covering major events, from interviewing iconic figures like Erin Brockovich to confronting important issues with political figures. Her dedication to keeping the public informed and holding public figures accountable underscores her deep commitment to serving the community through her work.

It is clear that Madison’s contributions to the field of journalism extend far beyond her on-screen presence. Her impressive journey in the industry is a testament to her passion for storytelling and her unwavering dedication to delivering impactful news to the Mahoning Valley. As she takes on her new role as a guest judge, it is evident that Madison Tromler’s multifaceted expertise and genuine demeanor will continue to inspire and captivate audiences for years to come.

PRESENTED BY

MINERAL RIDGE COACH’S CORNER WITH JEN STITH

/in /by

MINERAL RIDGE, OH-  In a recent interview on the YSN, Mineral Ridge Athletic Director Jen Stith discussed the significance of her hometown community, the evolving landscape of women in sports, and the potential impact of the expansion of divisions in the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA).

Stith, who has deep roots in Mineral Ridge as a former student and long-time educator, expressed her personal connection to the community and the special role it plays in the success of the athletic programs. She highlighted the supportive and family-like atmosphere that has contributed to the rise of girls’ sports and the positive relationships between coaches and students.

Addressing the changing perceptions of women in sports, Stith shared her perspective as a woman athletic director in what was traditionally a male-dominated arena. She emphasized the growing recognition of women’s capabilities and the increasing opportunities for women to take on leadership roles in athletics at all levels.

When discussing the OHSAA division expansion, Stith expressed optimism about the potential for more competitive balance, particularly for smaller schools like Mineral Ridge. She hoped that the move would provide opportunities for schools of similar sizes to compete at a level where they can excel and achieve success, suggesting that it could lead to more championships.

Stith also touched on the significance of rivalries within the community, underlining the role of community engagement and support in fostering a strong sports culture.

The interview with Jen Stith provided valuable insights into the intersection of community, women in sports, and the future of high school athletics in Ohio. As Mineral Ridge continues to thrive in its athletic endeavors, Stith’s perspective offers a unique and important outlook on the impact of these interconnected elements on the sports landscape.

Overall, Jen Stith’s reflections serve as a testament to the transformative power of community support, the increasing prominence of women in sports leadership, and the potential benefits of the OHSAA division expansion for schools like Mineral Ridge.

PRESENTED BY

URSULINE GIRL’S BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH LAVELL TURNAGE

/in /by

YOUNGSTOWN, OH- In the latest episode of the YSN podcast, host and basketball enthusiast, DJ Yokley catapults audiences into the world of Ursuline Girls Basketball. Joined by first-year head coach, LaVell Turnage, they dive into the highs and challenges of coaching the Lady Irish.

During the conversation, Turnage reflects on the emotional journey of coming back home to his alma mater. He discusses the immense pride he feels walking into the gym, reminiscing about the memories created during his time as a student and athlete. For him, being back at Ursuline isn’t just about being a coach; it’s about making a lasting impact on the lives of his players and instilling important life lessons.
The topic shifts towards the upcoming season and the adjustments that come with being a head coach. Turnage acknowledges that the team’s success lies in building a cohesive unit, with each player understanding their role as a puzzle piece. Emphasizing the importance of communication, he encourages the girls to focus on mastering simple fundamentals such as layups, free throws, and defense, which will keep them competitive in games.

The conversation also highlights the challenging schedule ahead for the Lady Irish, with tough matchups against schools like Hoban and St. Vincent-St. Mary. While acknowledging the difficulty, Turnage states that he appreciates the opportunity to test his team’s mettle and see how they respond to adversity.
As the podcast delves deeper, Coach Turnage reveals the key players to watch out for this season. Point guard Lily Scott, committed to Mount Union next year, is lauded for her skill and dedication to the game. Coach highlights other standouts who have shown immense potential despite transitioning from middle school basketball.

However, Turnage acknowledges that challenges lie ahead, particularly in nurturing the underclassmen and helping them find their identity within the team. With more underclassmen than upperclassmen, he sees it as an opportunity to build for the future and cultivate a team that will compete at a high level in the coming years.

Throughout the podcast, Turnage’s love for Ursuline and his dedication to the development of young women are evident. Drawing from his own experiences growing up in a single-parent household, he sees coaching as a means to provide guidance and love to his players. He strives to move the needle for girls’ basketball, both locally and nationally, and inspire his players to pursue opportunities in the sport beyond the high school level.

The YSN podcast continues to shed light on the impactful work being done by passionate coaches like LaVell Turnage. His commitment to his team and his desire to mold young women extends beyond the basketball court, making him a role model for players and coaches alike.

 

PRESENTED BY

ORANGE GIRLS BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH LASHAWN BROWN

/in /by

PEPPER PIKE, OH- In the premiere episode of the YSN podcast, “Orange Girls Basketball Coach’s Corner,” host DJ Yokley sits down with the renowned La’Shawn Brown, head coach of the Orange High School’s girls basketball team. With an impressive 14-year coaching career and a legendary basketball background herself, Brown offers a captivating glimpse into her life and coaching philosophy.

For Brown, basketball was not initially on her radar. Standing as the tallest girl in her high school and middle school, she originally had ambitions to pursue track. However, she was encouraged to give basketball a try, despite facing the setback of having lost her fingers in an accident at a young age. Overcoming this challenge, Brown showcased her skills and had a breakthrough sophomore year at Heights High School, paving the way for a storied basketball career.

Through her personal adversities, Brown developed resilience and discipline, instilled in her by her grandmother, who taught her to view herself no differently from anyone else. The experience of being treated like any other player and accepting her amputated hand propelled her to excel on and off the court.

As the head coach of the Orange girls basketball team, Brown is grateful for the opportunity to build a strong program and elevate her team’s level of play. She acknowledges the progress made in her inaugural year as head coach and expresses high expectations for the upcoming season. Brown commends her players’ dedication and hard work during the summer and anticipates the positive impact of new team members on the court.

Reflecting on her coaching journey, Brown highlights the importance of instilling discipline and affirmations to push her players beyond their comfort zones. She aims to create an environment where being uncomfortable, tired, or sore is accepted as part of the growth process.

Challenges remain for Brown in controlling expectations, particularly when it comes to understanding her players’ abilities and pushing them to exceed their limits. However, she welcomes the assistance of her experienced coaching staff and relishes the opportunity to mold her team into one that is prepared to fight, hustle, and do whatever it takes to succeed.

As the Orange girls basketball team heads into a new season, Coach Brown wants opponents to know that her team won’t back down. With a resilient and determined mindset, her players are ready to give their all, fight for every win, and leave it all on the court.

To hear more from Brown and gain insight into the world of Orange girls basketball, tune in to the full episode of the “Orange Girls Basketball Coach’s Corner” on the YSN podcast.

Stay tuned for future episodes highlighting the behind-the-scenes stories of coaches and athletes in the Orange High School community.

PRESENTED BY

ORANGE SWIMMING AND DIVING COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH WALLY LUTKUS

/in /by

PEPPER PIKE, OH- In the first episode of the podcast series “Orange Swimming and Diving Coach’s Corner,” host DJ Yokley sat down with Wally Lutkus, the esteemed head swimming coach at Orange. With over five decades of coaching experience, Lutkus shared his insights on the evolution of swimming and the joys of coaching young athletes.

When asked about the changes he has witnessed in swimming over the last 60 years, Lutkus observed that today’s young swimmers seem less inclined to work hard compared to past generations. He attributed this change to the myriad of distractions and responsibilities that young individuals face in their daily lives.

One of the highlights of the conversation was Lutkus’s mention of his wife, who serves as his assistant coach. With an impressive swimming background, including being part of the American record-holding Cleveland Swim Club and the Pan Am team, she provides invaluable tips and guidance to the coaching duo. Their dedication to each individual swimmer, both in and out of the pool, ensures a holistic approach to training and development.

The interviewer asked what keeps Lutkus motivated after all these years. He simply stated that he genuinely enjoys coaching. Lutkus shared an anecdote about competing against former swimmers who now represent a rival team, highlighting the satisfaction that comes from preparing his team to overcome challenges and succeed. The commitment and hard work displayed by his current team is a testament to their determination and passion.

The conversation also touched on Lutkus’s diverse interests beyond coaching. He revealed that he played rugby for many years, even earning an award in his name as a freshman at Dartmouth College. His involvement with various individuals, including working with the son of renowned coach Frank Ryan, quarterback of the Cleveland Browns, has enriched his life and kept him engaged with the sports community.

Throughout the discussion, Lutkus emphasized the rewarding aspects of coaching young swimmers. Witnessing their improvement and seeing them excel in their chosen events brings him great fulfillment. One of his swimmers mentioned that Lutkis often impresses upon them the simple mantra “If it’s going to be, it’s up to me,” reminding them of their own responsibility in achieving success.

The first episode of “Orange Swimming and Diving Coach’s Corner” promises an engaging and insightful series featuring the experiences and wisdom of seasoned coach Wally Lutkus. Listeners can look forward to future episodes delving deeper into the world of swimming and diving in Orange.

PRESENTED BY

GLISTA DEMANDS

/in /by

BOARDMAN, OH- This week we’ll be profiling Aaron Glista, an impressive offensive lineman who embodies the true essence of being a Spartan. Join us as we explore his journey, from his love for Spirit Week to his passion for football and the energy he feels when playing in front of his supportive school.

We’ll also learn about his family dynamics, his favorite holiday traditions, and even some interesting insights into his potential future career as a history teacher.

Get ready to be inspired by Aaron’s dedication and love for the game as we delve deep into his player profile.

PRESENTED BY

SOUTH RANGE VOLLEYBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 2) WITH TJ IRONS

/in /by

CANFIELD, OH- In this episode of the YSN’s South Range Coach’s Corner, we join host DJ Yokley at GIAngelo’s in Boardman for the South Range Raiders show. His special guest for the night is the head volleyball coach of the South Range Raiders, TJ Irons. They kick off the conversation by discussing the unusual break in their schedule, with a couple of Tuesdays off in a row.

Coach Irons explains that while it’s strange, volleyball allows for more flexibility in scheduling compared to other sports. The discussion then turns to the tough schedule that the team has had in the past week. Coach Irons recounts the challenging matches against Gerard, East Liverpool, and Lakeview, all of whom are strong teams in their league. Despite the tough competition, the girls came back ready to go after a breather against Western Reserve.  The conversation shifts to the delicate nature of high school sports and how external factors can sometimes affect the team’s performance. Coach Irons mentions that homecoming festivities added a bit of distraction for the girls, with some of them getting their nails and hair done. However, he commends the girls for looking great and having fun at the homecoming dance. Looking ahead to the playoffs, Coach Irons discusses the importance of creating a legacy for the team. He mentions the success of other South Range teams in various sports and how it inspires the volleyball team to believe in their ability to go far in the tournament. The host notes that the girls seem to have adopted a winning mentality from their fellow athletes in the school, with many having brothers on successful teams. With five seniors on the team, Coach Irons emphasizes the special role that they play and the discussions they have about the legacy they want to leave. He acknowledges that thinking about legacy is not easy for high school kids, but they are aware of how fortunate they are to compete with their friends every night. The main focus before every game is to have fun and make the most of the opportunity.

In reflection, Coach Irons is pleased with the team’s progress throughout the season. He mentions the increased emphasis on strength training in the weight room, hoping it will give them an advantage in the upcoming postseason. Overall, it’s a candid and insightful discussion about the challenges and aspirations of the South Range Raiders volleyball team, as they strive to leave their mark in the playoffs and create a lasting legacy for their school.

 

PRESENTED BY

AUSTINTOWN FITCH FOOTBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 6) WITH TJ PARKER

/in /by

AUSTINTOWN, OH-  This week, we dive into the Austintown Fitch Football Coach’s Corner with none other than the esteemed head coach, TJ Parker. Coach Parker joins us after a tough loss and a much-needed bye week to discuss the upcoming challenge against the formidable Massillon Tiger team.

We’ll hear about the team’s preparation during the bye week, their focus on fundamentals and health, and the special activities they participated in to keep the players motivated. Coach Parker also shares his insights on the strengths of the Massillon team, including their solid defense and a talented offense led by a star quarterback.

Join us as we delve into the strategies, mindset, and beliefs that will drive the Austintown Fitch Falcons to take on this Goliath. Get ready for an engaging and insightful episode of YSN – let’s kick it off!

 

PRESENTED BY

DON’T MESS WITH SMESKO

/in /by

CANFIELD, OH- In this episode, we dive deep into the world of South Range football and get to know one of their talented players, Dylan Smesko. Join us as we embark on a journey to uncover the life, experiences, and passions of this outstanding junior athlete.

From his nerves before interviews to his favorite Gatorade flavor, we cover it all. Discover the secrets behind South Range’s close-knit team and the role models that have shaped Dylan’s journey. We’ll also explore his leadership on the field, his love for speed, and his dream job in cybersecurity.

Get ready to be inspired by the incredible stories and aspirations of this rising star in the world of football. So, sit back, relax, and tune in to this captivating episode of YSN, as we present the South Range Player Profile: Dylan Smesko.

PRESENTED BY

 

THE TALE OF THE DRAGON

/in /by

AUSTINTOWN, OH- In today’s player profile segment, we dive into the story of Trevor Dragon from Austintown Fitch High School. Join us as we explore Trevor’s journey from a latecomer to the sport of football to becoming an imposing force on the field.

We’ll hear about the challenges he faced and the hard work he put in to earn a starting position on the team. With aspirations of playing at the college level, Trevor shares his determination and love for the game. But football is just one aspect of his life.

Tune in as we uncover Trevor’s ambitious career plans outside of the sport, his inspirations, and the impact of his father and coach on his life.

Plus, get ready for some off-the-rails fun as we put Trevor in the hot seat with our desert island book, movie, and album questions.

You won’t want to miss this inspiring and entertaining episode on YSN.

PRESENTED BY