Tag Archive for: opportunity

THE MASTER OF HIS CRAFT

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CANFIELD, OH- Preston Tolnar, a nine-year-old golf prodigy from Canfield, is hitting headlines as he prepares to compete at Augusta National for the prestigious Drive, Chip and Putt contest. This remarkable talent, already the talk of the town, is set to represent Mill Creek Golf Course at this distinguished event.

Preston, a fourth grader at Canfield, has already accumulated seven years of golfing experience, beginning at the tender age of two. His journey has led him to the opportunity to showcase his skills at Augusta National, a dream for many in the golfing world. The competition, organized by the PGA of America, the United States Golf Association, and the Augusta National Golf Club, invites young golfers to display their prowess in driving, chipping, and putting.

Brian Tolnar, Preston’s father, commends the contest as a vital initiative to foster youth interest in golf. Preston devotes his time to practice after school, honing his skills both on the green and in the classroom, where he excels in science, social studies, and math. Besides his dedication to golf, Preston is a multi-sport athlete with a passion for basketball and football.

This exceptional young golfer, a Phil Mickelson enthusiast, is humbly looking forward to the upcoming contest at Augusta National. Preston’s family, along with his local community, eagerly anticipates his upcoming participation in the event, as they rally behind him, cheering for success and a memorable experience.

As Preston sets his sights on the 18th green at Augusta, he embodies the embodiment of youthful ambition and sportsmanship that has made the Youngstown community proud. We wish Preston Tolnar the best of luck as he prepares to tee off at Augusta National in this exciting chapter of his golfing journey.

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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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ORANGE BOY’S BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH MARVIN RASHAD

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PEPPER PIKE, OH- In a recent episode of the “YSN – Orange Boys Basketball Coach’s Corner” podcast, host DJ Yokley sat down with Marvin Rashad, the new head basketball coach at Orange High School. The conversation was filled with excitement and optimism as Coach Rashad shared his vision for the team and his passion for the game.

Coach Rashad, a former player himself, spoke about how basketball has been a blessing in his life, teaching him valuable lessons of discipline, hard work, and perseverance. He expressed his belief that the game is not just about wins and losses, but also about personal growth and the development of life skills.

Describing his journey to Orange High School as a “Cinderella story,” Coach Rashad recounted a pivotal game three years ago when his previous team, Shaw High School, faced off against Orange in a sectional championship. Against all odds, Shaw emerged victorious, and Coach Rashad’s coaching prowess caught the attention of the administrators at Orange High School.

Since taking over as head coach, Coach Rashad has been focused on changing the culture and instilling a sense of responsibility and accountability in his players. He emphasizes that they represent not only themselves and their families but also the school and the coaching staff. The players are urged to approach the game with a sense of urgency and to give their best, knowing that every action reflects on their coach and the program.

The enthusiasm surrounding Coach Rashad’s appointment is evident in the response from the players. Over 60 students expressed their desire to play for him, a testament to his ability to inspire and motivate. Coach Rashad humbly acknowledged this overwhelming support and expressed his commitment to Orange High School, stating that he has found his home and plans to build a successful program for years to come.

Cleveland is a community that deeply values basketball, and Coach Rashad understands the high expectations that come with leading a team in this city. He acknowledges the competitive nature of the game but encourages his players to play with confidence and freedom, while still maintaining discipline and structure. He aims to create a team that is known for its resilience and fighting spirit, regardless of the outcome on the scoreboard.

As a coach who has played at the next level himself, Coach Rashad recognizes the aspirations of his players to play college basketball. He advises them to embrace the challenges that come with that goal, emphasizing the importance of listening, being coachable, and developing a resilient mindset. He wants his players to understand that nothing comes easy and that they must be ready to fight for their dreams.

Coach Rashad’s journey to becoming a basketball coach was influenced by his junior high coach, Nick Daniel Wright, who not only cared about his players’ performance on the court but also showed genuine concern for their well-being outside of basketball. This experience ignited Coach Rashad’s desire to become a coach who genuinely cares about his players’ personal growth and success.

In summary, Coach Marvin Rashad brings enthusiasm, inspiration, and a strong commitment to the Orange Boys Basketball program. He aims to build a culture of responsibility and accountability while instilling confidence and freedom in his players. With his own experiences and positive mentorship, Coach Rashad is ready to make a lasting impact on the lives of his players and the success of the program.

 

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NO NONSENSE NINA

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PEPPER PIKE, OH- In an exclusive player profile interview for YSN, Orange High School’s swimming sensation and senior, Nina Deshpande, shared her ambitions and preparations for her final year in high school swimming.

Deshpande, a state qualifier last year, is no stranger to success. As she gears up for her senior year, she faces the challenge of surpassing her previous achievements and making her mark in the swimming world.

Reflecting on her successful junior year, Deshpande emphasized the importance of dedication and effort in every practice. “Every practice matters,” she stated. Deshpande admitted feeling the pressure to maintain her stellar performance and secure a place in the state competition once again. Moreover, she revealed her determination to qualify for the finals, a goal she narrowly missed last year.

As a senior, Deshpande recognizes the added responsibility of being a role model and leader for her younger teammates. She strives to create a positive and supportive environment, encouraging her peers to perform their best both in and out of the pool. Deshpande mentioned team bonding activities as a crucial element in fostering camaraderie within the team.

When asked about her competitive drive, Deshpande attributed it to her early exposure to swimming and the highly competitive swimming community she grew up in. Having trained alongside talented athletes, both older and younger, she has developed a strong sense of competition that fuels her desire to excel.

Outside of her swimming pursuits, Deshpande enjoys indulging in her favorite pastime: shopping. Target, being her go-to store, offers her both online and in-person retail therapy.

As the holiday season approaches, Deshpande revealed her excitement for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. While she appreciates the delicious foods associated with Thanksgiving, her favorite being mashed potatoes, she also looks forward to celebrating the festive spirit during Christmas.

The dedicated athlete credited her family for their unwavering support throughout her swimming journey. She mentioned her older brother, a talented athlete himself, and her mother, who introduced her to swimming and always encouraged her to strive for her best. Deshpande expressed her desire to make her family proud with her accomplishments in the pool.

In conclusion, Deshpande’s determination, leadership qualities, and relentless drive make her a force to be reckoned with in the competitive swimming world. As she enters her final year of high school swimming, all eyes will be on Deshpande as she aims to surpass her previous achievements and leave a lasting legacy in Orange High School’s swimming program.

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AUSTINTOWN FITCH FOOTBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 6) WITH TJ PARKER

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AUSTINTOWN, OH-  This week, we dive into the Austintown Fitch Football Coach’s Corner with none other than the esteemed head coach, TJ Parker. Coach Parker joins us after a tough loss and a much-needed bye week to discuss the upcoming challenge against the formidable Massillon Tiger team.

We’ll hear about the team’s preparation during the bye week, their focus on fundamentals and health, and the special activities they participated in to keep the players motivated. Coach Parker also shares his insights on the strengths of the Massillon team, including their solid defense and a talented offense led by a star quarterback.

Join us as we delve into the strategies, mindset, and beliefs that will drive the Austintown Fitch Falcons to take on this Goliath. Get ready for an engaging and insightful episode of YSN – let’s kick it off!

 

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PHOTO CREDIT: MAHONING VALLEY SPORTS

BINDAS IS ALL BUSINESS

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CANFIELD, OH –  In this episode, we sit down with Paul Bindas to discuss his journey as he steps into the shoes of one of Canfield’s greatest quarterbacks, Broc Lowry. Paul shares his experiences of taking over the snaps and leading his team to victory in week one. We delve into the lessons he learned from Broc and how he’s applying them to his game. Plus, we’ll get to know Paul’s strengths as a quarterback, his relationships with his teammates, and his football inspirations.

 We’ll also dive into Paul’s passion for the game and his dedication to studying tape. He shares how watching film has helped shape his understanding of the game and allows him to make quick decisions on the field. And of course, we can’t ignore Paul’s love for the Pittsburgh Steelers and his favorite player, Ben Roethlisberger. And who’s the Steeler he couldn’t stand? Tune in to find out!

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