Tag Archive for: ohio

THE ACADEMIC MONSTER

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PEPPER PIKE, OH-  Austin Thomas, a standout athlete at Orange High School, was featured in a player profile segment. With his notable achievements in academics and sports, Thomas has earned the nickname “Academic Monster” among his peers.

Thomas, a multisport athlete involved in both wrestling and football, has managed to excel in both areas, displaying remarkable dedication and time management skills. Despite his demanding schedule, Thomas prioritizes his academic pursuits, maintaining an impressive 4.7 GPA.

When asked about his ability to manage his commitments, Thomas admitted that sleep often takes a backseat. He emphasized the importance of utilizing study halls efficiently and making the most of his time after practice. Thomas prioritizes completing schoolwork, staying focused, and ensuring he makes the most of his academic opportunities.

Thomas’s dedication to academics stems from his desire to pursue higher education beyond high school solely based on his athletic abilities. He recognizes the significance of enriching both mind and body, ensuring that he can secure a college education that matches his ambitions and aspirations.

While Thomas is uncertain about his specific career path when he attends college, he has another year and a half to explore his options. With his strong work ethic and determination, Thomas is undoubtedly poised for success, no matter what path he chooses.

The podcast also delved into the relationship between Thomas’s involvement in wrestling and football. Thomas explained that wrestling has greatly influenced his football skills, particularly in terms of hand placement, footwork, and overall body control. By mastering techniques such as hand movements, foot placement, and hip positioning, Thomas has gained a competitive edge on the football field.

When it comes to his competitive mindset, Thomas revealed that he adopts a different persona in his respective sports. Whether it’s wrestling or football, once Thomas steps onto the mat or dons his football helmet, he switches into a focused and intense mindset that fuels his drive to succeed.

Surprisingly, Thomas finds motivation from his teammates and uses any frustrations or annoyances as fuel to push himself further during practice. This competitive spirit ignites a fire within him, propelling him to constantly work harder and improve.

During the podcast, Thomas also shared insights regarding his family dynamics. Living with his parents and having an older brother who is away at college, Thomas reminisced about their early roughhousing days. Although their physical playfulness came to an end after a few accidents left his brother injured, the Thomas household was always filled with laughter and good-natured sibling rivalry.

Reflecting on his high school experience, Thomas treasures the relationships he has built with his teammates, coaches, teachers, and fellow students. The camaraderie, support, and shared laughs are what he cherishes the most, as they have shaped him into the person he is today.

Thomas also mentioned his admiration for football player CJ Justin Tanner and wrestler Terrence Davis. Their dedication, work ethic, and competitive drive have served as inspiration for him, pushing him to reach new heights in his own athletic pursuits.

As Austin Thomas continues to dominate both academically and athletically at Orange High School, his determination, time management skills, and unwavering focus make him a role model for aspiring student-athletes. With college on the horizon, Thomas is set to leave a lasting impact on both the academic and sports communities he becomes a part of.

 

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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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HEMBERGER IS SERVED WELL DONE

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BERLIN CENTER, OH- Nate Hemberger, a standout player for the West Reserve football team, showcased his talent and humble demeanor. Despite his imposing presence on the field, Hemberger’s soft-spoken nature belies his exceptional skills and achievements.

With an impressive tally of 155 tackles this season, Hemberger has set a new record for West Reserve. His recent performance, where he scored seven touchdowns – six on the ground and one through a pump block recovery – further solidifies his status as a star athlete. Hemberger credited the teamwork of his linemen, receivers, and defensive backs for his success, highlighting their crucial contributions.

What sets Hemberger apart is his exceptional blocking ability, which he openly admits preferring over any other aspect of the game. He takes pride in launching opponents downfield, showcasing his versatility as a fullback. His dedication to the team shines through as he expresses a desire to play on the offensive line, highlighting his selflessness and commitment to the game.

The interview also delved into Hemburger’s thoughts on being given more offensive touches due to an unfortunate injury. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity but emphasized his wish for a fully healthy team, acknowledging the importance of having a complete roster for playoff games.

As the team moves forward in the playoffs, Hemberger and his teammates relish the opportunity to play two home games, something West Reserve hasn’t experienced in a while. The support from their community fuels their drive and determination, setting the stage for an electrifying atmosphere at their home field.

Despite being a junior, Hemberger already shows exceptional leadership qualities, admiring the senior players who have led the team this season. He mentions Luke Henning, Joey Sigworth, and Josh Damp as exemplary leaders whose shoes he hopes to fill once they graduate. The podcast interview reveals Hemburger’s maturity and willingness to take on a bigger role in the future.

Looking beyond high school, Hemberger dreams of playing college football, a goal he has held for many years. However, should that path not materialize, he plans to pursue a career as a chiropractor. Coincidentally, his gas station order of two Red Bulls and a Slim Jim may come in handy, as he may find himself often approached for impromptu adjustments once he becomes a qualified chiropractor.

In a light-hearted segment, Hemberger shares his preference for Rod Wave’s music and mentions attending one of his recent concerts. This reveals his diverse interests and adds a personal touch to the interview.

When asked about what he would do with $1 million, Hemberger surprises with an answer that speaks volumes about his passion for football and his team. He expresses a desire to purchase turf for the football field, a gesture that would benefit the entire team and future generations of players.

As Hemberger prepares for the next playoff game against Lowville, the young athlete remains focused, humble, and eager to give his best on and off the field. His dedication, talent, and leadership qualities make him a true asset to the West Reserve football team and a role model to his peers.

 

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WESTERN RESERVE VOLLEYBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 2) WITH KRISIE HUGHES

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BERLIN CENTER, OH- Welcome to another episode of Coach’s Corner on YSN, where we dive deep into the world of sports. In this episode, we sit down with Coach Chrissy Hughes, the volleyball coach at Western Reserve High School.

With an impressive 22-1 record and a strong performance in the playoffs, Coach Hughes and her team have been making waves in the volleyball scene. Join us as we discuss the importance of entering playoffs with a great record, the leadership of the team’s four seniors, the incredible athleticism of players like Allie Jones, and the unique challenges of coaching your own daughter.

We’ll also explore the impact of the underclassmen and the exciting future ahead for Western Reserve volleyball. So crank the volume, and get ready for a volley of insights and stories in this Coach’s Corner episode on YSN.

 

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FROMEL RESERVE, WITH LOVE

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BERLIN CENTER, OH-  In today’s episode, we have a special profile on Andrew Fromel, a senior at Western Reserve High School, who is not only an accomplished cross-country runner but also has a passion for the outdoors and the agricultural world.

Join us as we get to know Andrew and learn about his experiences in cross country, his involvement in 4-H, and his plans for the future.

Stay tuned for an insightful and inspiring conversation on this edition of YSN.

 

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LYVING HER BEST LIFE

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BERLIN CENTER, OH- Welcome back to another episode of YSN, the network that brings you profiles of exceptional young athletes. In today’s episode, we have a special focus on Alyvia Hughes, a senior at Western Reserve High School.

Alyvia is known for her incredible talent and leadership on the volleyball court. We’ll hear from Alyvia herself as she opens up about her role as a senior player, her bond with her teammates, and the impact of having her mom as her coach.

Join us as we dive into Alyvia’s journey, and her aspirations for the future, and get a glimpse into the life of a dedicated athlete. Stay tuned for an inspiring and insightful episode on YSN.

 

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NOBODY BETTER THAN JONATHAN

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BOARDMAN, OH- Welcome back to another exciting episode of YSN’s Player Profile, the podcast where we bring you all the latest updates and profiles of talented athletes. In today’s episode, we have a special player profile featuring Jonathan Vergos-Perez, a freshman on the Boardman cross country team.

Join us as we dive deep into Jonathan’s background, his love for running, and his journey from California to Ohio. We’ll also discuss his experiences in different sports and his ambitious goals for the future. Stay tuned to hear about Jonathan’s determination, his family’s support, and his plans to excel in both academia and athletics. Get ready to be inspired by this talented young athlete.

 

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MERRILL’S MERIT

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CANFIELD, OH- Welcome back to another exciting episode of YSN Player Profile, where we delve into the lives and stories of extraordinary individuals.

In today’s episode, we shine the spotlight on Conner Merrill, a senior offensive and defensive lineman for the Canfield Cardinals. Join us as we sit down with Conner at Cocca’s Pizza in Canfield, Ohio, to discuss his football journey, his role as a leader on the team, and the importance of family.

From his unwavering commitment on the field to his quick wit and humor off the field, Conner gives us fascinating insights into his life and what drives him.

So grab your headphones, get comfortable, and tune in to this Canfield Player Profile episode featuring the one and only Conner Merrill.

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DAN EVANS 3.0

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AUSTINTOWN, OH- In today’s episode ofPlayer Profile, we dive into the exciting world of high school football with a profile on the talented Dan Evans III from Austintown Fitch High School. Dan, also known as “D111,” has made quite the name for himself with his record-breaking performances and numerous college offers.

We’ll hear from Dan as he reflects on his journey, his senior year, and the recruitment process amidst the new normal of COVID.

But it’s not all about football with Dan. We’ll also learn about his competitive nature, his love for video games, and his favorite NFL wide receivers. And of course, we’ll discuss the important role his family and fans play in his life on and off the field

. Get ready for an exciting and insightful profile on one of Youngstown, Ohio’s most electrifying football players.

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NO BLANK SPACES IN THE TROPHY CASE

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BOARDMAN, OH- In today’s episode, we have a special guest joining us from Boardman, Ohio. We sit down with McKenzie Riccitelli, a talented student-athlete who is making a name for herself in cross country and basketball.

McKenzie shares the incredible journey she has been on, from balancing her sports commitments to her aspirations for the future.

We also delve into her close-knit family and the role they have played in supporting her dreams. Plus, McKenzie reveals a surprising talent that not many people know about.

So sit back, relax, and get ready for an inspiring and entertaining conversation with McKenzie Riccitelli.

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