Tag Archive for: Community involvement

SOUTH RANGE FOOTBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 11) WITH DAVE RACH

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CANFIELD, OH- In the latest episode of YSN’s “South Range Coach’s Corner,” Dave Rach and DJ Yokley welcomed a special guest: former head coach Dan Yeagley. The undefeated South Range Raiders are preparing for a crucial playoff rematch against Gerard, and the discussion was rich with reflections, strategies, and the deep bond that ties the coaching staff and their community.

As the conversation opened, DJ Yokley asked about the team’s preparation and the insights they might have gleaned from their previous game against Gerard.

“You starters are pulled, majority of them out in the second half,” said Yokley, praising their strategic depth-building. Rach responded by emphasizing the importance of providing valuable playoff experience to the younger players, ensuring they’re battle-hardened for future seasons.

A touching moment came when Rach was asked to identify someone who had profoundly influenced his life. Without hesitation, he pointed to Yeagley.

“He continues to be somebody that invests in me and leads me,” Rach shared, a sentiment echoed by his actions and words throughout his coaching career.

In a surprise turn, Dan Yeagley made his entrance alongside his wife. The atmosphere turned nostalgic as the two coaches reminisced and praised each other’s philosophies and impacts.

The upcoming game against Girard was at the forefront of the discussion. Yeagley highlighted his concerns about facing a team for the second time in a season, describing the unique challenges and psychological hurdles it poses.

“Playing the team twice… I worry about just kids being kids and taking the team lightly,” Yeagley admitted, despite his confidence in Rach’s ability to prepare the team.

With this game being the last at Rominger Stadium for the season, the emotional weight was palpable. Both coaches emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and pride in defending their home turf.

Rach summed it up aptly: “The game, your last home game, is going to be a game that you remember forever.”

Closing the episode, both coaches expressed their admiration for each other’s styles and contributions. Rach spoke of Yeagley’s consistency and relentless approach to building the program, while Yeagley praised Rach’s interaction with the kids and his professional demeanor.

“He’s special. He’s just very special,” Yeagley said, encapsulating the mutual respect and affection between the two.

As the Raiders prepare to take on Gerard this Friday at Rominger Stadium, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The winner advances, and the loser goes home. With the legacy of their coaching staff and the support of their community behind them, the South Range Raiders are more than ready for the challenge.

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THREE CHEERS FOR GORUP

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CANFIELD, OH- As the Canfield Cardinals advance into week five of their football season, cheerleader senior Emily Gorup stands out not only for her spirited performances but also for her dedication and perseverance. A guest on the latest episode of the “YSN” podcast, Emily shared her enthusiasm for her final year of high school cheerleading, providing a glimpse of her journey and what motivates her.

Emily’s cheerleading career began in eighth grade. Drawn by the passion of her friends and her own interest in the sport, she made the squad and hasn’t looked back since. Throughout the years, she has enjoyed every second, especially the opportunity to lead and inspire younger cheerleaders.

“It’s really special just seeing all the girls look up to us,” Emily said, reflecting on her involvement with Canfield’s cheerleading camps and community engagement activities. From painting faces at the local fair to lifting weights and practicing diligently, Emily and her squad dedicate countless hours to their craft.

One of the highlights of Emily’s senior year was the Canfield Cardinals’ thrilling victory over their arch-rival, the Poland Bulldogs. Despite an injury that has temporarily sidelined her, Emily remains an integral part of the team. She looks forward to returning to cheerleading, participating in both the fall football season and the upcoming basketball season, which she has always cherished.

Emily’s commitment extends beyond cheerleading. An only child, she credits her parents for their unwavering support. Academically driven, Emily plans to pursue a degree in psychology, with hopes of working specifically with children. Considering Kent State University and Youngstown State University as her top choices, she is eager to continue her education and impact others’ lives positively.

Despite facing challenges, such as her recent injury, Emily’s positive attitude and determination shine through. Her favorite school subjects, like forensics, hint at her analytical mind and curiosity—a perfect match for her future career path.

Her journey at Canfield High School has been marked by strong friendships and valuable experiences that have shaped her into a well-rounded individual. As her cheerleading chapter begins to close, Emily remains focused on enjoying every moment and supporting her team to the fullest.

In the podcast, Emily emphasized the importance of the community’s role and the support they receive from local businesses like Coca’s Pizza, which hosts Canfield Cardinal Night. These partnerships underscore the deep ties between Canfield’s student-athletes and the broader community.

For Emily Gorup, senior year is a time of reflection, celebration, and anticipation for the future. Her path from a hopeful eighth-grader to a confident and compassionate senior cheerleader is a testament to her hard work and the support of her family and community. As Canfield High School alumni, Emily and her fellow cheerleaders leave behind a legacy of determination, teamwork, and school spirit.

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ACCORDING TO MADDIE

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CANFIELD, OH- In a heartwarming episode of YSN’s “Canfield Player Profile,” senior cheerleader Maddie Accordino shared her experiences, memories, and aspirations with host Steve Leslie. The episode, aired live from Cocca’s Pizza, presented an intimate portrait of the dedicated cheerleader, whose passion for her school and sport has been unwavering since fifth grade.

Accordino reminisced about the bittersweet realization of her final year at Canfield High School. “I think it definitely hit me, like, at the end of the summer when everyone, we were getting all our stuff right. It’s the last time I was like, ‘Oh, wow,’” said Accordino, reflecting on her senior year.

She also shared insights into her cheerleading journey, which began with a childhood fascination at local football games. Her family, described as a strong support system, played a pivotal role in encouraging her pursuits. “My mom and dad are so supportive of everything I do,” she said, noting the significant influence of her older siblings.

Leslie acknowledged the demanding nature of cheerleading, equating it to other sports in terms of time commitment and physical preparation. Accordino confirmed, “It is a sport,” emphasizing the rigorous practice schedules, community engagements, and the extra responsibilities cheerleaders undertake.

A highlight of the conversation was Canfield’s recent victory over their arch-rivals, an experience Accordino described as “really fun” and a unique perspective from the cheerleader’s vantage point. She also expressed pride in contributing to the school spirit, stating, “Cheerleading is a big part of a school. Cheerleading is a big part of a community.”

Looking ahead, Accordino revealed her aspirations to pursue a career in nursing, considering several Ohio-based institutions for her studies. Despite the busy schedule cheerleading entails, she also enjoys playing lacrosse — a sport she has been involved in since fifth grade.

As her senior year progresses, Accordino remains committed to giving back to the community. She coaches younger cheerleaders, a role she finds enriching. “It’s really special, especially when you go out in public and see the impact you make,” she noted.

The episode concluded with Leslie praising Accordino’s bright future and encouraging her to savor the remaining moments of her senior year. “You only get one senior football season. One season,” Leslie advised.

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CALL OF DUTY; BELL WINS BOWLING GREEN’S MEDAL OF HONOR

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BOWLING GREEN, OH-  In a recent episode of YSN’s podcast, host DJ Yokley sat down with Logan Bell, the 2024 Medal of Honor recipient and Medal of Excellence winner from Bowling Green State University. Bell, a standout athlete from Lisbon David Anderson High School known for shattering records and later taking his talents to the baseball diamond, opened up about his journey, the essence of teamwork, and his aspirations for the future.

Bell’s commitment to excellence both on and off the field was recognized when he was awarded Bowling Green’s prestigious Medal of Honor. This accolade is not just a testament to his athletic prowess but also a nod to his leadership and community impact. Reflecting on the moment he found out about the award, Bell shared, “I’m very thankful to have been nominated and received the award, and I’m glad that I can represent BGSU in the way that it intends athletes to represent the school.”

Bell’s collegiate career was punctuated by significant challenges, including undergoing the harrowing experience of Tommy John surgery. “Relying on my parents and my faith to get me through those, that long summer and that long return to playing is kind of the biggest thing that has helped me,” stated Bell, emphasizing the support system that saw him through his trials.
He credits his never-give-up attitude to taking things one day at a time, focusing on each step of the recovery process rather than being overwhelmed by the road ahead.

Throughout the interview, Bell consistently highlighted the importance of being a good teammate, a philosophy he lives by. “It’s not about my accomplishments, it’s about the team’s accomplishments,” he profoundly iterated, reinforcing the message that individual recognition always takes a backseat to the collective success of his team.

Bell is no stranger to hardship. He discussed the numerous rejections he faced in high school, noting, “Pick out something that you see every day and write down your goals.” He added that resilience amid criticism is key – to see it as a means to enhance one’s capabilities instead of taking it personally.
As for his future, Bell is clear on his aspirations and pragmatic about the possible trajectories his baseball career could take. He spoke passionately about the prospect of winning a MAC championship and venturing into professional baseball. “Whether it takes me the next 20 years of my life or whether it takes me five years,” Bell mused, underlining his commitment to achieving what many only dream of.

Logan Bell’s story is one of resilience, dedication, and humility. Showcasing remarkable talent and a veteran’s poise, he serves as an embodiment of what it means to overcome adversity and emerge victorious. Bell exhibits the heart and hustle of a true champion, and according to DJ Yokley, he does it all while sporting a work-in-progress mustache.

In the world of collegiate athletics, where stars shine bright, Bell is undoubtedly one of the luminaries guiding the way for future generations.Bell’s story serves as an inspiration to young athletes everywhere — fight for your dreams, lean on your community, strive for excellence, and remember that the journey is every bit as significant as the destination.

MINERAL RIDGE BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER WITH BOB MOLNAR

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MINERAL RIDGE, OH- Bob Molnar, the 8th grade basketball coach at Mineral Ridge, recently achieved an impressive feat as his team completed an undefeated 18-0 season, with a perfect 14-0 record in the conference. In a recent episode of the YSN podcast, hosted by DJ Yokley, Molnar shared his insights into the coaching profession and his dedication to the young athletes in his community.

Molnar emphasized the importance of setting and achieving goals, highlighting the girls’ determination to go truly undefeated in the MVAC and win the championship. He attributed their success to early training and exposure to competitive basketball, nurturing and mentoring the girls since the third grade. Molnar also stressed the significance of teaching life lessons through sports, instilling a long-term perspective in the young athletes.

With a background as a father of five and extensive coaching experience since 2000, Molnar expressed his preference for coaching girls due to their focused attention to detail and increased seriousness about their athletic and academic future. He also shared his involvement in other sports programs, illustrating his enduring commitment to the local community and its youth.

Molnar’s dedication to teaching and mentoring through sports has had a profound impact on the Mineral Ridge community, fostering a culture of perseverance, commitment, and sportsmanship among the young athletes he coaches.

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MINERAL RIDGE COACH’S CORNER WITH JEN STITH

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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.

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