Tag Archive for: freshman athlete

A DYNAMIC DEVIL DUO

/in /by

MCDONALD OH- This year, the McDonald Blue Devils baseball team is making headlines with a thrilling run to the regional semifinals, thanks in no small part to the efforts of freshman standout Quinn Schmidt and senior leader Nate Metzinger. The duo, who recently sat down for a taped interview with the YSN Live podcast, shared insights into the team’s season, the camaraderie on the squad, and their personal journeys in baseball.

Metzinger, the lone senior and a key offensive contributor with double-digit RBIs, described the pride he feels seeing younger players step up. “It feels good knowing that somebody has my back and is able to come and help me and continue our journey,” he said. Metzinger emphasized that hard work and dedication define what it means to be a Blue Devil, values he’s passed down to teammates like Schmidt. For Schmidt, his freshman year has been nothing short of eye-opening. “It’s been great… the family on this team is just outstanding—from practices all the way to going out and just having fun, eating dinner,” he said. Schmidt credits off-season training and support from coaches for his strong performance—he’s nearly batting .500—and acknowledges the role of older teammates like Metzinger in his rapid growth.

Both players highlight the all-around team effort this season, noting strong defense and timely hitting as the catalysts behind their success. Playing at the renowned Scene Park has added to the excitement, with Schmidt remarking on the energetic atmosphere and supportive community. “You have a whole community cheering for you and wanting you guys to do your best,” he said. Metzinger admits he didn’t foresee a deep postseason run at the start of the year, but as the team gelled, their prospects grew. “We started clicking as a team and then I seen the possibility,” he reflected.

Looking ahead, Metzinger hopes to pursue a career as an electrician, while Schmidt sets his sights on playing college baseball and eventually starting his own sports-related business. Despite differing plans for the future, both athletes recognize the lasting friendship and memories forged on this surprising and special season. As the Blue Devils continue their march through the state tournament, all eyes will be on these two players—representing both the future and legacy of McDonald baseball.

Presented By:

 

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:

THAT’S CHECKMATE

/in /by

CORTLAMD OH- Maplewood High School’s Claire Urchek keeps piling up the accolades. After being named YSN’s Basketball Freshman of the Year, Urchek has seamlessly brought her competitive edge to varsity softball, where she’s quickly become a pivotal player—while maintaining straight A’s in the classroom.

In a recent interview with Anthony Hartwig on YSN, Urchek detailed her journey from basketball to softball, crediting her multi-sport experience and off-season hitting lessons for a quick adjustment. “Basketball was a lot, but I got through it pretty well,” she explained. “During basketball season, I was taking hitting lessons, so that helped with softball too.” Juggling academics with a packed athletic schedule is no easy feat, but Urchek takes it in stride. “Balancing schoolwork with everything else [has been the hardest part],” she admitted. “Softball games are long and take up the whole night.” Even so, she reports all A’s and is focused on finishing the school year strong despite a wave of essays and her first finals.

Urchek also spoke about the close-knit bond of the Maplewood softball team, where many players have years of experience together. “It’s pretty cool, actually, to be a part of and we’ve been playing for a long time, a lot of us have,” she said, emphasizing how this chemistry fuels the team’s recent success. Being coached by her mother has proven to be both familiar and motivating for Urchek, who says, “She knows her stuff, so I get to talk to her about a lot of things… Sometimes we have disagreements, but I think that’s good, to learn from each other.” Sports are truly a family affair in the Urchek household—her father coaches her brother’s baseball team, and sibling rivalry keeps things competitive at home.

With three more years of high school ahead, Urchek’s goals are as ambitious as her work ethic. “I want to go far, bring my team far. I want to go to state. That’s probably my end goal for any sport,” she declared. Claire Urchek’s determination and composure, whether balancing the demands of two varsity sports or navigating a challenging academic schedule, make her a name Maplewood fans will be cheering for well into the future.

Presented By:

SONGER HITTING ALL THE NOTES

/in /by

HUBBARD OH— Freshman Layla Songer’s debut year at Hubbard High School has been nothing short of remarkable, making waves both in the classroom and on the softball field. In a recent appearance on the YSN podcast, Songer opened up about adjusting to high school athletics, her competitive drive, and the support that propels her forward.

Songer, who maintains a perfect academic record alongside a packed sports schedule, described the transition from middle school to high school as challenging but welcome. “The work is a lot harder up here. Sports are definitely more intense … but I like it a lot better than middle school,” she said. Already a leader in both offensive and defensive softball stats, Songer credits her years of travel ball experience for her poise as a varsity athlete. “What I was seeing in travel and what I was seeing in high school really wasn’t much different,” she noted. This background has fueled a confident start to her high school career, and she believes daily high school practices will only sharpen her skills for upcoming travel tournaments.

Songer is also quick to credit her support system, especially upperclassmen teammates like Haley Taylor and Lauren Komorak, as well as her family. She admits to persisting pregame rituals—like always putting on her socks and belt in her own room—and plenty of friendly rivalry with her older brother Braden, a standout on the baseball team. “Everything between me and him is always a competition,” Songer joked. With goals of reaching 1,000 career kills, digs, points, and 100 hits before graduation, Songer’s ambitions are set high. She hopes to play softball at the college level, and with her dedication, the future looks bright. “You have to surround yourself with people that you know will pick you up and not put you down,” she advises younger teammates. Layla Songer’s freshman season is proving that the Eagles’ promising star isn’t waiting for tomorrow—she’s making her impact felt today.

Presented By:

CLASH OF THE TITUS

/in /by

CANFIELD, OH- It was a Friday night to remember at Spartan Stadium as South Range’s freshman sensation, Tommy Titus, delivered a moment that will be etched in the region’s high school football lore for years to come. The young wide receiver, donning the number 88 jersey, made an incredible touchdown catch that electrified the crowd and solidified his place in South Range history.

During the South Range Raiders show at GIAngelo’s in Boardman, Titus recounted the exhilarating moment. “It felt pretty good, honestly, it was an amazing feeling,” he shared with host DJ Yokley. “I celebrated with more than two of my teammates on the sideline,” Titus added, underscoring the camaraderie within the team.

The catch, which DJ Yokley described as a play where “you blew the roof off Spartan Stadium,” saw Titus calmly securing the ball amidst roaring cheers, much like a scene in slow motion. The play didn’t just stun the crowd; it also immediately caught the attention of Titus’s father, who eagerly requested the game tape, marking the catch as a family milestone.

As a freshman, Titus’s performance has been nothing short of remarkable. Host DJ Yokley praised the young athlete for his composure and skill, noting that such an achievement places Titus and his teammate Tristan into an everlasting timeline in South Range’s storied football program. Reflecting on his journey from middle school to varsity football, Titus acknowledged the challenging transition, citing the increased speed, strength of opponents, and complexity of plays. “All my teammates and Coaches helped me,” he remarked, displaying humility despite his standout success.

Beyond football, Titus showcases versatility as a three-sport athlete, playing point guard on the basketball court and shortstop on the baseball diamond. When asked about his ambitions at South Range, Titus modestly expressed hopes for repeated state success and a continued tradition of winning.

Titus’s grounded persona, highlighted by his acknowledgment of his family’s unwavering support, paints a picture of a young athlete destined for greatness. South Range’s future looks bright with Tommy Titus stepping up, not just as a player to watch but as a symbol of hope and inspiration for the Raiders.

As Yokley aptly summarized, Tommy Titus doesn’t need many words; his actions on the field speak volumes. The South Range community, no doubt, will be eagerly watching as this young star continues to rise.

PRESENTED BY