Tag Archive for: leadership

WESTERN RESERVE FOOTBALL COACH’S CORNER WITH COLLIN DOTSON

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BERLIN CENTER, OH- Western Reserve’s defensive coordinator, Coach Collin Dotson, shared his insights on the team’s successful season and their upcoming rematch against Lowellville.

Coach Dotson, who has been coaching alongside Head Coach John Armeni since 2015, expressed his admiration for Coach Armeni as a mentor and friend. He described the experience of working with him as “unbelievable” and emphasized the importance of the tight-knit coaching staff at Western Reserve.

When asked why he chose football as his coaching path, Coach Dotson credited his experiences as a player at Howland for instilling in him a passion for leadership and mentoring young men. He shared his love for being around student-athletes and the opportunity to give back by offering them a positive experience like he had as a player.

Speaking about his time at Western Reserve, Coach Dotson highlighted the incredible support from the community. He described the community as tight-knit and caring, with a genuine love for their coaches and players. Coach Dotson attributed much of the team’s success to this community support and emphasized that it was not mere lip service. The genuine care and affection within the community inspired the coaching staff to reciprocate that love.

The camaraderie among the coaching staff at Western Reserve also played an essential role in their success. Coach Dotson spoke highly of the diverse backgrounds and expertise brought by each member of the staff. From former players to veteran coaches, the staff’s tight bond, both on and off the field, has contributed significantly to the team’s achievements this season.

With a senior-heavy roster, Coach Dotson applauded the leadership and resilience displayed by the players. Despite experiencing numerous coaching changes during their high school careers, these seniors have learned to adapt and have become a tough group of young men. Coach Dotson expressed his gratitude for their buying-in mentality and wished he could have had them on the team for more years.

As the defensive coordinator, Coach Dotson’s aggressive mentality shines through in his coaching style. He enjoys the versatility and freedom that coaching defense provides. Instead of sitting back and playing it safe, Coach Dotson and his defense line up in multiple formations, coverages, and blitzes, making it challenging for opposing teams to counter their strategies.

In terms of their successful season, Coach Dotson stressed the importance of performing well both in the conference and the non-conference games. He highlighted the competitiveness of their conference, including challenging matchups against teams like Mineral Ridge, Springfield, and Lowellville, with whom they now have a rematch.

Looking ahead to their upcoming matchup against Lowellville, Coach Dotson mentioned the advantage of having faced their offense before, allowing for better game planning and adjustments. He expressed confidence in his defensive unit’s ability to rise to the occasion.

The Western Reserve Blue Devils, currently the third seed in the playoffs with a 9-2 record, undoubtedly owe their success, in part, to the hard work and dedication of Coach Collin Dotson and the entire coaching staff. As they continue their playoff journey, their cohesive bond and aggressive defensive approach will undoubtedly be crucial factors in their pursuit of victory.

 

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TOY STORY 2

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CANFIELD, OH- Welcome back to another episode of South Range Player Profile, the podcast that brings you all the latest updates on South Range Raiders sports.

In this week’s episode, we have a special player profile segment featuring freshman volleyball player, Anna Toy. Get ready to hear about Anna’s journey into the sport of volleyball, her dedication to the game, and how she has become an integral part of the South Range Raider team.

Join us as we dive into Anna’s story and discover what makes her such a talented and promising athlete. Stay tuned, because this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

 

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THE MAD HITTER

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CANFIELD, OH- Madison Dado, a senior at South Range High School, was the guest on the YSN podcast’s South Range Raider show. Madi was a multi-sport athlete, excelling in both volleyball and softball.

Deangelos asked Madi about her responsibilities on the volleyball team, and she explained that she played different positions each year. She had gained a strong understanding of the middle position after playing it for two years, and she also played in the back row.

When it came to training for both sports, Madi mentioned that she consistently went to Troy Parks throughout each season. She focused on the specific sport she was playing at the time, giving her full attention to the current season.

Deangelos then mentioned Madi’s impressive abilities on the softball field, particularly her powerful throws. He noted that in both volleyball and softball, speed played a significant role. Madi explained that while she was in control as a center fielder in softball, playing volleyball required a different level of communication and understanding with her teammate, Anna Troy.

The conversation shifted to Madi’s role in guiding Anna, a freshman on the team. Madi credited Anna’s natural talent and ability to assimilate into the team seamlessly. Madi herself had received guidance from Reagan, a teammate who helped her navigate the back row position.

Her recent successful run with the team, having faced tough opponents has been impressive. The busy schedule allowed little time to relax, as they had to quickly shift focus to the next opponent. Madi also mentioned how she managed to balance her time during homecoming week, thanks to a day off provided by Coach Irons.

As the conversation moved toward Madi’s future goals, she expressed her desire to continue playing a sport at the collegiate level. She explained that her passion for the sport and the relationships she built through it were driving factors. However, she also shared her aspiration to become a physician’s assistant after college, inspired by her love for the show Grey’s Anatomy and her family’s background in healthcare.

Madi spoke fondly of her family, acknowledging the sacrifices they made to support her and her sisters’ sporting endeavors. Her parents, a nurse and a police officer, served as role models, always encouraging her to pursue her dreams.

Before wrapping up, Madi gushed about her excitement for a trip to Myrtle Beach. and expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming experience.

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GOING, GOING, VAUGHN

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AUSTINTOWN, OH-  In today’s player profile, we delve into the world of Austintown Fitch High School football and shine the spotlight on one of their star players, Deshawn Vaughn.

Deshawn, a talented quarterback and free safety, has faced his fair share of challenges, with a devastating injury sidelining him for a season. But now, in his senior year, he’s determined to make up for lost time and leave it all on the field. Join us as we explore Deshaun’s journey, his growth during his injury, and his goals for the season. Don’t miss out on this intriguing profile of a player who’s ready to make a lasting impact.

Stay tuned to YSN, where we bring you the inside scoop on the stories that matter in the world of high school sports.

 

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EAST PALESTINE PLAYER PROFILE: BULLDOG ROUNDTABLE

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EAST PALESTINE, OH- In today’s episode, “East Palestine Football Bulldog Roundtable,” we gather an exclusive panel of talented players from the East Palestine Bulldogs football team. Shane Richardson, Ayvre Klingensmith, RJ May, and Anthony Lehman are joining us, each representing a different grade level – senior, sophomore, freshman, and junior, respectively.

Hosted by the “Voice of the Bulldogs” Tim Figley, this roundtable discussion takes us through the journey of these dedicated athletes, from their offseason training and team improvements to memorable moments and individual accomplishments throughout the season.

As we dive deeper into their experiences, we uncover the challenges they’ve faced, the impact of other sports on their performance, and the camaraderie that drives them forward. From heart-pumping touchdowns to game-changing tackles, this episode provides an intimate look at the mindset and dedication required to excel in high school football. So, get ready to hear inspiring stories, valuable insights, and the unwavering passion of these remarkable Bulldog athletes. Stay tuned for an episode that’ll have you cheering from the sidelines.

This is YSN: East Palestine Football Bulldog Roundtable. Let’s get started!

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DON’T MESS WITH SMESKO

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CANFIELD, OH- In this episode, we dive deep into the world of South Range football and get to know one of their talented players, Dylan Smesko. Join us as we embark on a journey to uncover the life, experiences, and passions of this outstanding junior athlete.

From his nerves before interviews to his favorite Gatorade flavor, we cover it all. Discover the secrets behind South Range’s close-knit team and the role models that have shaped Dylan’s journey. We’ll also explore his leadership on the field, his love for speed, and his dream job in cybersecurity.

Get ready to be inspired by the incredible stories and aspirations of this rising star in the world of football. So, sit back, relax, and tune in to this captivating episode of YSN, as we present the South Range Player Profile: Dylan Smesko.

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IT’S HAMMER TIME

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BOARDMAN, OH- In this episode, we have a special guest joining us – the talented Gabe Hammerton, who has been a fixture of our coverage since his early days. Gabe comes from a sports-heavy family, with his father serving as the assistant athletic director and head girls basketball coach.

While he used to play baseball, Gabe decided to focus on tennis and soccer, ranking tennis as his best sport.

We dive into Gabe’s journey, including his team’s challenging start to the season, his leadership style learned from his dad, and his aspirations to go pro in basketball.

Get ready for an exciting conversation as we learn more about Gabe Hammerton’s player profile.

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JAFFER NOT JOKING AROUND

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CANFIELD, OH- In today’s episode, we have an exclusive player profile featuring Jace Jaffer, the senior wide receiver for the Canfield Cardinals.

Join us as we sit down with Jace at Cocoa’s Pizza, to get an inside look at his senior year, his role as a leader in the wide receivers’ room, and his future aspirations. From his dedication to the game, to his plans for further education and building a business with his brother,

Jace shares valuable insights about his journey on and off the field. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation with a talented young athlete who has his sights set on success both in football and in the real estate industry.

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BOARDMAN GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH RICK SYPERT

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BOARDMAN, OH-  In this episode, we dive into the world of Boardman Girls Cross Country with the legendary Coach Rick Sypert.

We talk about the amazing group of girls he has this year, led by talented seniors and driven underclassmen. Coach Sypert shares insights on their training, including their weight program and the exponential changes he’s seen in his athletes.

We also get a sneak peek into their upcoming night race and the unique experience it offers. Join us as we chat with Coach Cypher and get to know the incredible team he leads.

Get ready for an exciting and inspiring conversation on YSN’s Boardman Coach’s Corner!

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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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