Tag Archive for: college

THE ACADEMIC MONSTER

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PEPPER PIKE, OH-  Austin Thomas, a standout athlete at Orange High School, was featured in a player profile segment. With his notable achievements in academics and sports, Thomas has earned the nickname “Academic Monster” among his peers.

Thomas, a multisport athlete involved in both wrestling and football, has managed to excel in both areas, displaying remarkable dedication and time management skills. Despite his demanding schedule, Thomas prioritizes his academic pursuits, maintaining an impressive 4.7 GPA.

When asked about his ability to manage his commitments, Thomas admitted that sleep often takes a backseat. He emphasized the importance of utilizing study halls efficiently and making the most of his time after practice. Thomas prioritizes completing schoolwork, staying focused, and ensuring he makes the most of his academic opportunities.

Thomas’s dedication to academics stems from his desire to pursue higher education beyond high school solely based on his athletic abilities. He recognizes the significance of enriching both mind and body, ensuring that he can secure a college education that matches his ambitions and aspirations.

While Thomas is uncertain about his specific career path when he attends college, he has another year and a half to explore his options. With his strong work ethic and determination, Thomas is undoubtedly poised for success, no matter what path he chooses.

The podcast also delved into the relationship between Thomas’s involvement in wrestling and football. Thomas explained that wrestling has greatly influenced his football skills, particularly in terms of hand placement, footwork, and overall body control. By mastering techniques such as hand movements, foot placement, and hip positioning, Thomas has gained a competitive edge on the football field.

When it comes to his competitive mindset, Thomas revealed that he adopts a different persona in his respective sports. Whether it’s wrestling or football, once Thomas steps onto the mat or dons his football helmet, he switches into a focused and intense mindset that fuels his drive to succeed.

Surprisingly, Thomas finds motivation from his teammates and uses any frustrations or annoyances as fuel to push himself further during practice. This competitive spirit ignites a fire within him, propelling him to constantly work harder and improve.

During the podcast, Thomas also shared insights regarding his family dynamics. Living with his parents and having an older brother who is away at college, Thomas reminisced about their early roughhousing days. Although their physical playfulness came to an end after a few accidents left his brother injured, the Thomas household was always filled with laughter and good-natured sibling rivalry.

Reflecting on his high school experience, Thomas treasures the relationships he has built with his teammates, coaches, teachers, and fellow students. The camaraderie, support, and shared laughs are what he cherishes the most, as they have shaped him into the person he is today.

Thomas also mentioned his admiration for football player CJ Justin Tanner and wrestler Terrence Davis. Their dedication, work ethic, and competitive drive have served as inspiration for him, pushing him to reach new heights in his own athletic pursuits.

As Austin Thomas continues to dominate both academically and athletically at Orange High School, his determination, time management skills, and unwavering focus make him a role model for aspiring student-athletes. With college on the horizon, Thomas is set to leave a lasting impact on both the academic and sports communities he becomes a part of.

 

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

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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.

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KOZAK’S CAUSE

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PEPPER PIKE, OH- In a recent podcast episode of YSN titled “Orange Swimming Player Profile: Emma Kozak,” the spotlight was on senior swimmer Emma Kozak from Orange High School. The episode provided insights into her journey as a swimmer, her role as a senior leader, and her aspirations for the future.

Emma, a seasoned swimmer, began competing at the age of eight. While admitting to a love-hate relationship with the sport, she persevered and continued to pursue her passion. Along the way, it was her friends and teammates who motivated her to keep swimming. She embraced her role as a leader both vocally and through her actions, encouraging her teammates during practices and pushing them to give their best effort.

As a senior, Emma enjoys the privilege of being the top dog in the school. She laughs off the misconceptions that seniors are scary, highlighting the camaraderie and support that exists within the team. Her ability to create a positive and fun atmosphere during practices has made her a mentor figure to her teammates, inspiring them to push through tough workouts and strive for their goals.

Representing Orange High School in the pool holds a special significance for Emma, as she has been attending the school since preschool. She expressed her gratitude for the honor and recognizes the opportunity to make a lasting impact.

When it comes to role models, Emma looks up to her fellow swimmer, Lily Klingensmith, who has shown her how to maintain a balanced life while excelling in swimming and academics. Outside of the pool, Emma credits her mother as her ultimate role model, appreciating her amazing qualities and particularly her culinary skills. Emma’s favorite dish, her mom’s lasagna roll-ups, is renowned amongst her family.

Looking ahead, Emma has her sights set on college. While considering the University of Kentucky among her options, she plans to pursue a career in healthcare. Her personal experiences with her mother’s battle with cancer have fueled her desire to help others and make a difference in their lives.

As Emma heads towards graduation, the Orange High School community rallies behind her. With her leadership, determination, and compassion, Emma Kozak is set to leave a lasting legacy in the pool and beyond.

We wish Emma the best of luck in all her future endeavors.

 

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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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NEWMAN IS OLD SCHOOL

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CANFIELD, OH- Welcome back to another edition of “YSN/Canfield: Player Profile,” where we delve into the lives and experiences of athletes from the Canfield Cardinals. In this episode, we have the privilege of interviewing Seth Newman, a senior and defensive end for the team.

We discuss the tight-knit bond of the senior class, their ability to overcome adversity, and the traditions that have shaped them. Seth shares his reflections on personal growth, the legacy he hopes to leave behind, and his plans for the future beyond high school.

Stay tuned as we uncover the story of this remarkable player and the lessons he has learned both on and off the football field. Get ready for an inspiring and candid conversation with Seth Newman on today’s episode: Canfield Player Profile.

 

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ECKERT KEEPS PERSPECTIVE

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CANFIELD, OH-  In today’s episode titled “Canfield Player Profile: Tyler Eckert,” we have the pleasure of diving into the life and experiences of Tyler Eckert, the senior inside linebacker and special teams extraordinaire for the Cardinals.

Throughout this conversation with Tyler, we explore the grit and determination he exemplifies week after week, fighting for his spot and making the most of his playing time. As a senior, Tyler understands the fleeting nature of the game and how every snap could be his last, pushing him to give it his all each time he steps onto the field. But what led Tyler to the world of football in the first place? We delve into his early beginnings and his love for the game, instilled in him by his father. From wanting to be the star quarterback or running back, Tyler found his role as a special teams player and spot player, something that his coach greatly values. We explore what it means to him to be singled out by his coach and how it fuels his drive to do whatever it takes for the team.

Football, as we know, teaches valuable life lessons, and Tyler shares some of his insights. Despite facing injuries in the past, Tyler’s perseverance and the support of his team kept him coming back for more. We discuss the importance of resilience and the bond he shares with his teammates – a brotherhood that has grown over the years. But Tyler’s interests extend beyond the football field. We learn about his hobbies, including hunting trips with his uncle, playing video games like Fortnite and Madden on his PS5, and his love for the Philadelphia Eagles, particularly rooting for Jalen Hurts.

Family plays a significant role in Tyler’s life, and he opens up about the influence of his mom, who is his rock, and the lessons his late father taught him about perseverance. We also hear about his older sister, who is currently a freshman in college, and Tyler’s own aspirations to study pharmacy, continuing the family legacy.

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THE TALE OF THE DRAGON

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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.

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DON’T MESS WITH THE ZANDER

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CANFIELD, OH-  Today we have an exclusive interview with a standout player from the South Range Raiders, Zander Mercer.

Join us as we dive into the life of this senior blindside tackle and uncover his love for the game, his aspirations for the future, and the legacy he hopes to leave behind.

Get ready for an inspiring and entertaining conversation with Zander Mercer.

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YSN TITANS UP COVERAGE

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NEW WILMINGTON, PA- One of the most historic colleges in Western Pennsylvania will be receiving a boost in sports coverage this year. Westminster College and Your Sports Network will work together to provide further coverage through Westminster Cable Network (WCN) Titan Radio, and YSNLive.com.

“I owe much of what I do, and who I am to my time at Westminster College.  My education was highlighted with the hands on experiences in and out of the classroom, but greater than that, the support of the professors, peers, and alumni made the difference in who I believed I could be,” said YSN Founder and CEO DJ Yokley.

Yokley, who is a 2007 Graduate of WC was a beneficiary of the award-winning broadcasting communications track during his time, and sees the pairing of his network and Westminster’s programs as a chance to bolster coverage and experience for all.  “This isn’t just a feel-good project, we’re on a mission together to provide increased coverage for student-athletes, real-world opportunities for student workers, and to feature opportunities to receive a world-class education on a campus that is not far from the majority of our viewers,” added Yokley.

WCN and Titan Radio have been the home for Titan Sports for decades, in addition to Westminster athletic events, the programming includes high school football on Friday night, as well as Coach’s interviews, player interviews, and fully detailed news programming for the the campus and those in Lawrence County.  “DJ’s success and what he has built is inspirational on so many fronts. He and I share a passion for local sports, and partnering with the YSN brand provides valuable visibility and recognition for the great work our students are doing” said Technical Operations Manager of WCN and Titan Radio, Gary Swanson.  “DJ’s passion, professionalism, and creativity is infectious. Having both him and the YSN team available as a resource and outlet for our broadcast students provides concrete examples of the things we illustrate in the classroom and lab. The expanded exposure across Ohio will be a huge benefit to our students, athletes, and programs. It provides them with professional networking, experience and an open stage to showcase the spectacular broadcasting opportunities and the incredible D-3 athletics environment available here at Westminster.”

Dr. David Barner is a featured leader in the classroom, but double was the voice of the Titans on WWNW for over 30 years.”Partnering with YSN opens up a whole new audience for Titan athletics in Northeast Ohio” said Barner.  “Students at Westminster will be exposed to new streaming technologies while gaining access to and support from DJ Yokley, a Westminster alum who is a leader in operating a streaming network.”
The audio stream will be available at titanradiolive.com, and ysnlive.com/westminster.

NO BLANK SPACES IN THE TROPHY CASE

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BOARDMAN, OH- In today’s episode, we have a special guest joining us from Boardman, Ohio. We sit down with McKenzie Riccitelli, a talented student-athlete who is making a name for herself in cross country and basketball.

McKenzie shares the incredible journey she has been on, from balancing her sports commitments to her aspirations for the future.

We also delve into her close-knit family and the role they have played in supporting her dreams. Plus, McKenzie reveals a surprising talent that not many people know about.

So sit back, relax, and get ready for an inspiring and entertaining conversation with McKenzie Riccitelli.

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