Tag Archive for: McDonald community

MCDONALD GIRLS BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH TYLER KILBOURNE

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McDonald, OH – Excitement and anticipation are in the air as McDonald High School welcomes Tyler Kilbourne as the new head coach for the girls basketball team. A native with deep family roots in McDonald, Kilbourne takes on the role with a heartfelt commitment to revive the program’s former glory.

“I’m thrilled to be here,” Kilbourne shared in the latest Coach’s Corner on the YSN Podcast. “McDonald has always been close to my heart, and I’m ready to bring new energy and success to our girls basketball team.” Kilbourne has already made significant strides, emphasizing community involvement and a robust recruitment drive to boost team numbers. “McDonald has great athletes. It’s just about finding them and getting them to come out for basketball,” he said. The team has shown promise with 15 varsity and JV girls participating consistently in summer training sessions, and an equally impressive turnout from the youth program.

Coach Kilbourne has high hopes, inspired by his dedicated roster led by standout players such as senior Gracie Callows, guard Juliana Crumpack, and forward Sierra Shyly. “These girls are incredible. They work hard, they have great personalities, and they lead by example,” Kilbourne stated. Kilbourne’s basketball journey started at a young age under the influence of his father, a long-time coach. After stints with boys teams and a head coaching role at Brookfield, Kilbourne is now focused on building relationships and fostering trust within his team at McDonald. “My coaching philosophy is about creating a cohesive, family-like atmosphere where everyone supports each other,” he explained.

McDonald fans will have their first chance to cheer on the new-look team at their season opener against Liberty on December 25th. “We’re hoping for a great crowd and a great game to kick off an exciting season,” Kilbourne said. With a solid coaching staff beside him and youth programs buzzing with enthusiasm, Kilbourne aims to put McDonald girls basketball back on the map. The local community stands ready to rally behind their new coach and spirited team.

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DREW IS JACKED

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MCDONALD, OH-In a lively and engaging profile on YSN’s Player Profile, hosted by DJ Yokley, listeners were taken on a vibrant and candid journey through the life of a standout athlete, Drew Zajack. Now a junior at McDonald, Drew’s story is one of dedication, resilience, and community pride.

From the moment DJ introduced Drew, there was an air of familiarity and mutual respect. DJ fondly compared Drew’s striking looks to that of Thor, teasing him about a recent haircut that nearly masked his iconic hairstyle, known and loved in the McDonald community. Drew chuckled, confessing that, despite its fame, he used no special products in maintaining his hair.

Entering his junior year at McDonald, Drew reminisced with DJ about the evolution of his high school experience. Starting varsity as a freshman felt overwhelming, like drinking from a fire hose. Yet, as years passed, the game slowed down, and Drew found his rhythm. Coach Williams’ decision to move Drew from quarterback to running back was a thrilling change, aligning perfectly with Drew’s love for running the ball and “running through people’s faces,” a phrase that both amused and impressed DJ.

But Drew’s talents extend beyond just his athletic prowess. He’s become a cornerstone of the team, his leadership style defined by his actions on the field. His philosophy is simple yet powerful: work hard, be selfless, and lead by example. He exudes calm confidence, viewing the pressures of his role not as burdens, but as blessings and opportunities to perform and inspire.

Off the field, Drew’s life has had its challenges. Dealing with ADHD, he’s turned what many see as a curse into a source of energy and focus. Drew shared how this condition fuels his determination, allowing him to pursue his goals with relentless passion.

For the younger athletes looking up to him, Drew’s message is clear: consistency and hard work, even when no one’s watching, make all the difference. Reflecting on his own inspirations, Drew named former McDonald stars as his idols. He hopes to pass the torch to promising talents like Josh Crumpack and Carter Koma, emphasizing the same values of hard work and selflessness.

Family, too, plays a crucial role in Drew’s journey. Describing them as his rock, he recounted moments of doubt during his freshman year where their unwavering support made all the difference. They are his biggest supporters, and their smiles are his greatest reward.

As the conversation wrapped up, DJ posed an intriguing question about which pro or college players Drew compared himself to. After some thought, Drew mentioned AJ Hawk and TJ Watt, highlighting his love for the physicality of the game.

With humor, humility, and a clear sense of purpose, Drew Zajack’s profile not only showcased his athletic abilities but also painted a vivid picture of a young man deeply connected to his roots, driven by passion, and poised to leave a lasting impact on his community. As DJ Yokley aptly concluded, there’s a lot more to look forward to with Drew Zajack on and off the field.

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