Tag Archive for: coaching relationships

BREAKING IN LIKE BARRESS

/in /by

JEFFERSON OH — Few freshmen make their mark on varsity sports quite like Alaina Barress has this softball season. Sitting down with YSN’s Anthony Hartwig, Barress spoke about her stellar debut and the determination that’s powered her through adversity.

Coming off a significant injury that sidelined her for six months, Barress credits her rigorous offseason work for her immediate impact. “I’ve worked really hard in the offseason…showing up in the open gyms, and I think it’s showing,” Barress said. Transitioning from middle school to high school is no small leap, but Barress has handled it with poise both on the field and in the classroom, juggling honors courses alongside a demanding athletic schedule. Time management and using school hours wisely have been key. “I try to keep up with my grades… and if I do have homework, I just get it done that night so I’m not running behind,” she explained.

Barress also praised her teammates and coaches for creating a welcoming, team-first environment. Senior standouts like Allie Hill and Marilia have been role models, while her coaches and family—especially her father, who doubles as her coach—have provided continuous support. Despite the hectic spring weather and frequent schedule changes, Barress keeps her competitive edge with pre-game rituals and a tight-knit team dynamic. “I always have to have two French braids…and flip my batting gloves three times before I step in the box,” she shared. As she nears the end of a memorable freshman campaign, Barress is already looking to inspire the next wave of underclassmen. Her advice: “Look up to the older girls and put the work in, because it will really pay off during the season.” With young stars like Alaina Barress, the future of Jefferson softball looks bright.

Presented By:

POLAND FOOTBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH RYAN WILLIAMS

/in /by

POLAND, OH-  As the mid-season mark approaches, the Poland Seminary High School Bulldogs are preparing for what could be their most challenging game yet. The Bulldogs are set to face off against the undefeated Hubbard team in a high-stakes match that has the community buzzing with excitement.

In a recent episode of the Poland Bulldog Show, Coach Ryan Williams shared his extensive journey in coaching, having started in 1992 at Crestview High School before making significant stops at Cardinal Mooney and Austin Town Fitch. His experience, combined with his passion for mentoring young athletes, has cemented his status as a cornerstone of Poland Seminary’s coaching staff.

Despite a recent nail-biting loss to Canfield, where Poland fought back from a two-touchdown deficit only to fall short by a yard on a crucial fourth down, Coach Williams remains optimistic. “Our guys battled. I mean, we played hard. We didn’t play real smart sometimes, and that’s frustrating, but we were playing our hardest as time ran out. We were real proud of our guys that way,” Williams said.

Attention now shifts to Hubbard, a team Williams describes as balanced and confident. “They’ve done a nice job of matching personnel with what they’re asking them to do. They’ve got a couple of nice wideouts, a big physical back, and a quarterback who is a dual threat,” he noted. With Poland also boasting dual-threat quarterbacks, the upcoming game promises to be a fiercely competitive affair.

As anticipation builds, there’s no denying the excitement surrounding this mid-season clash. With homecoming festivities adding to the electric atmosphere, Coach Williams and his team are eager to showcase their perseverance and tactical prowess on the home field.

The Poland Bulldogs are ready to prove that they can bounce back stronger, embracing the challenge that comes with facing an undefeated team. As Williams aptly put it, “The most important game of the season is the next one.”

Kickoff is set for 7:00 pm at Poland Seminary High School’s home field. Fans are encouraged to show up in strong support as the Bulldogs look to make this a memorable contest.

PRESENTED BY