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CANFIELD, OH- In a captivating edition of the YSN Player Profile podcast, Raider fans were treated to an insightful interview with South Range senior, Troy Combs. Celebrated as Raider of the Week, Combs spoke candidly about his journey, aspirations, and the profound impact football and the community have had on his life.

DJ Yokley, the podcast host, began by delving into what it meant for Combs to be chosen as Raider of the Week. Combs humbly shared that he was notified by a teammate and expressed deep gratitude for the recognition, believing it reflected his embodiment of the Raiders’ core values of selflessness, honesty, and respect.

The in-depth conversation revealed Combs’ deep-seated pride in donning the number 18 jersey, a tribute to both his brother and previous standout players. Combs admitted his decision was fueled partially by pragmatic reasons—discomfort with his previous number—but mostly by a desire to honor the legacy of those who he revered, including the Krumbachers.

Highlighting his commitment, Combs discussed his meticulous habit of reviewing game film, praising his offensive line for their support. This dedication to improvement has made him a formidable presence on the field. In a lighter moment, he shared an ongoing joke with teammate Lally about his honorary claim to being part of the offensive line.

Off the field, Combs is a man of many tastes—his eclectic music playlist ranges from Kanye West to Elvis Presley, with “If I Can Dream” being his Friday night anthem before games. The interview also touched on Combs’ future endeavors; while he once considered teaching, he now aspires to a career in computer engineering, inspired by his father’s work ethic and technical prowess.

When asked about the best advice he’s received, Combs cited a Vince Lombardi quote: “It’s not whether you get knocked down; it’s whether you get back up.” This philosophy intertwines with his admiration for the Rocky films, highlighting resilience as essential both in sports and life.

Looking ahead, Combs intends to create a lasting legacy defined by his work ethic and personal growth. With hopes of securing another state champion title, Troy Combs stands as a testament to South Range’s spirit and tenacity, ready to face his next chapter with the same vigor he’s shown on the gridiron.

As his final high school football season unfolds, Raider Nation will undoubtedly cherish and celebrate the contributions of number 18, an embodiment of the pride and tradition of South Range.

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LOWELLVILLE, OH- This week on YSN’s “Coach’s Corner,” Eric Hughes sat down with Lowellville’s dedicated Cross Country Coach, Eric Grow, who opened up about his journey, challenges, and sources of inspiration as he heads into his fifth year of coaching.

Grow, who began his coaching career in football, made the transition to cross country when Lowellville found themselves in need of a coach. “I had some running background, so I just filled the shoes,” he recalls.

Recruiting for the team presents a unique challenge in a school with a graduating class of just 31 students. “The amount of kids that we have to even try to recruit is very tiny,” Grow notes. Despite these limitations, he’s driven by his passion for making an impact on the students. “My favorite part of coaching is just seeing the impact I can make on the kids and hopefully see them grow,” he shared.

A highlight from Grow’s tenure as coach came when his team nearly made it to regionals for the first time in Lowellville’s history. Unfortunately, a tie for fourth place meant they didn’t advance, but the experience remains a powerful memory.

Among his team members, Grow speaks highly of leaders like Kenzie McCornick and Nathan Yon. Not only does Kenzie bring positivity and support to her fellow runners, but Nathan’s dedication — even balancing golf with his running training — sets a strong example for others.

Grow also emphasizes the mental aspect of running. “It’s definitely a mental sport… It’s hard to teach that. So, luckily, I have a lot of kids that are, you know, pretty well with that.”

Citing his own high school coach, Stephanie Yon, as a major influence, Grow acknowledges her critical role in guiding him into his coaching career. “She was a great role model as a coach. I wouldn’t be here without her,” he said.

His commitment to Lowellville runs deep, as an alumnus and community member. “My whole goal was to come back and teach and coach and try to continue to make this community grow,” Grow reflected.

With the season underway, Coach Grow remains focused on maintaining a positive atmosphere and encouraging his runners to “win that mental battle every day.” His dedication promises to inspire not only his athletes but the entire Lowellville community.

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