Tag Archive for: friends

RAE IS RARE

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PEPPER PIKE, OH- Junior basketball standout, Rae Oberster, is poised to make a significant impact on the court as a leader for the Orange Lady Lions. In a recent interview on the YSN podcast, Oberster shared insights into the challenges and aspirations that come with being a junior on the team.

Oberster recognizes the weight of her new role, highlighting the delicate balance between authority and unity among teammates. As the team’s floor general, she strives to lead by example, emphasizing the importance of understanding and directing plays to guide the team to success.

When asked about her passion for basketball, Oberster credited her parents for inspiring her determination, especially her mother’s courageous move to a foreign country during high school. She reflected on her love for the sport, emphasizing the value of hard work and the gratification of seeing results through dedication and skill.

While her offensive prowess is undoubted, Oberster’s commitment to growth and patience during times of adversity bodes well for the Lady Lions. She emphasized the significance of celebrating small victories as key stepping stones towards a successful season.

Oberster’s family plays a significant role in her life, particularly her father, with whom she shares a strong bond over basketball. Her enthusiasm for the game extends even to her Christmas wish, as she eagerly anticipates a win at the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse.

As she gears up to represent her school and community on the court, Oberster’s infectious excitement and dedication make her a standout player to watch this season. With her leadership and offensive prowess, all signs point to a promising season for the Orange Lady Lions.

The Orange Lady Lions’ fans can look forward to witnessing Rae Oberster’s unwavering commitment and skill as she takes charge on the court.

 

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TO THE VICTOR COME THE SPOILS

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PEPPER PIKE, OH-  In the latest episode of the YSN podcast, the spotlight shone on Orange High School’s sophomore wrestling sensation, Victor Kangas. The young athlete sat down with host DJ Yokley for an in-depth interview, discussing his goals for his sophomore year, his growth as a wrestler, and his plans for the future.

Kangas expressed his desire to be more of a leader on the mat this year, especially for the incoming freshmen wrestlers. With a year of experience under his belt, Kangas believes that he can provide guidance and support to the younger members of the team.

Reflecting on his challenging freshman year, Kangas revealed that he endured countless beatings in practice due to being the lightest weight class wrestler. Facing opponents who were always heavier and stronger than him, Kangas credits these difficult experiences for developing his mental toughness and improving his skills on the mat.

Despite the grueling nature of the sport, Kangas has embraced the discipline and dedication that wrestling requires. He emphasized the importance of pushing oneself during practices, acknowledging that they may never become easier, but they ultimately contribute to becoming a better athlete.

Kangas discovered his passion for wrestling in eighth grade, even though he was unable to compete due to a broken hand. Watching his teammates practice and witnessing the tight bond they shared made him realize that he wanted to be a part of this team sport.

Off the mat, Kangas expressed his appreciation for his family’s unwavering support. His parents, often driving long distances to attend his meets, are always there cheering him on. The young wrestler recognizes their presence as a tremendous source of motivation and comfort.

When asked about his post-match rituals, Kangas humorously admitted that food is typically the first thing on his mind. He fondly recalled indulging in skittles, which became his go-to snack due to their availability at the meets. But beyond the snacks, Kangas experiences a rush of excitement after a win and a drive to improve if he suffers a loss.

Looking towards his future, Kangas expressed an interest in pursuing a trade after graduation. Exploring fields such as welding, he hopes to find a career that allows him to work with his hands and avoid the confines of a traditional desk job.

When he’s not wrestling, Kangas enjoys spending time with his friends, some of whom are also on the wrestling team. Additionally, he finds solace and entertainment in playing video games, though he admits that his current favorite game is constantly changing.

As Victor Kangas continues to showcase his talent and dedication on the wrestling mat, the Orange High School community eagerly anticipates his leadership and contributions to the success of the team in the years to come. Best of luck to this rising star as he strives towards his goals and makes his mark in the world of wrestling.

 

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NEVER A DOUBTING TOMAS

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PEPPER PIKE, OH- In a recent episode of the YSN podcast, Orange High School swimmer Tomas Cakulev captivated listeners as he shared his inspiring story. From his early introduction to the sport to his unwavering dedication, Cakulev’s journey in swimming is one of triumph over adversity.

At the young age of ten, Cakulev was introduced to swimming by a friend who invited him to a practice at a local club. It was during these early experiences that Cakulev discovered the importance of bonding with teammates, both in and out of the pool. The camaraderie and competition formed the foundation of his love for the sport and ignited a competitive fire within him.

Cakulev’s competitive nature extends beyond the pool, as he strives for excellence in all aspects of his life. Whether it be academics or personal growth, his drive to compete and improve is ever-present. He finds motivation in beating his own records during practice, pushing himself to shave off precious seconds and continuously bettering his performance.

Despite encountering obstacles along the way, Cakulev’s determination remained unshaken. From challenging classes to inconsistent coaching, he navigated through adversity both in and out of the pool. These obstacles taught him the value of perseverance and instilled in him a sense of resilience that has carried him through his swimming career.

Throughout his competitive journey, Cakulev has developed a set of rituals to stay motivated before, during, and after events. He curates a playlist filled with his favorite songs, preferring a balanced tempo to keep himself focused yet not overly hyped. Before races, he dons his headphones, immersing himself in his own world while ensuring he stays warm to maintain peak performance. After races, Cakulev exemplifies great sportsmanship by congratulating his fellow swimmers and seeking feedback from his coach to identify areas for improvement.

Cakulev’s role models both inside and outside the pool include professional swimmers who have achieved great success. However, he also draws inspiration from his parents and his younger brother, who is making waves in his own swimming career. Their support and guidance have been instrumental in his development as an athlete.

One quote that resonates deeply with Cakulev is “if it is to be, it is up to me.” This motto serves as a reminder that he holds the power to shape his own destiny. It fuels his determination to push himself during practice, knowing that his hard work and dedication will lead to achieving his goals.

As a senior at Orange High School, Cakulev leaves a lasting impact on the swimming community, both as a talented athlete and a sportsman. His story serves as an inspiration to all aspiring swimmers, demonstrating the power of perseverance, camaraderie, and self-belief.

 

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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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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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ANSWERING THE BELL

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AUSTINTOWN, OH-  In today’s episode of Fitch Player Profile, we have a special treat for you. We have Donavan Bell Sullivan, a standout football player, joining us to talk about his journey on and off the field.

As a three-year starter for his team, Donavan has made a name for himself and caught the attention of YSN. In this interview, we dive deep into his personal goals for the season, lessons learned from past experiences, and his passion for both football and baseball.

We also get a glimpse into Donavan’s friendship with his teammate Dom and his strong bond with his family. Join us as we explore the life and accomplishments of Donavan Bell Sullivan in this exciting episode of Player Profile!

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MUSIC TO MIA’S EARS

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BOARDMAN, OH-  In today’s episode, we have a special treat for you as we dive deep into the life and passions of Mia Brown, an exceptional athlete and key player on the Boardman High School cross country team.

But there’s more to Mia than just her running skills. Join us as we uncover her unique story, from her mixtape prowess to her close-knit team dynamics, and even her aspirations beyond high school.

Get ready to be inspired by Mia’s journey as we bring you this exciting player profile.

Stay tuned as we delve into the world of Mia Brown, only on YSN!

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ONE AND NOT SCHIALDONE

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BOARDMAN, OH- In today’s episode, we dive into the world of Boardman High School’s girls soccer team and get to know one of its talented players, Ellie Schialdone. Ellie shares her journey of getting back into soccer after a break, the challenges she faced, and the joy of being a senior on the team.

We also explore her leadership style and the motivating factors that brought her back to the sport. Additionally, Ellie opens up about her aspirations to become a veterinary technician and her family life, including her supportive father who cheers her on at every game.

Get ready to be inspired by Ellie’s determination, resilience, and love for the game. Stay tuned as we bring you this exclusive player profile on YSN, the Network that celebrates student-athletes.

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CANFIELD FOOTBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 2) WITH MIKE PAVLANSKY

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CANFIELD, OH- This week we dive deep into the world of high school football. In today’s Coach’s Corner, we’ll be joined by the head coach of the Canfield Cardinals, Mike Pavlansky.

We’ll be recapping their big week one win and discussing their upcoming matchup against the Mansfield Tigers. Coach Pavlansky shares insights into the team’s performance, the importance of mental toughness, and the expectations for the players stepping up due to injuries.

Get ready for an action-packed episode as we break down the X’s and O’s of this exciting high school football episode.

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