Tag Archive for: physicality

SOUTH RANGE GIRLS BASKETBALL COACH S CORNER WITH JEFF FISHEL 2-21-25

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CANFIELD, OH-  In an exhilarating episode of YSN’s “Coach’s Corner,” hosts Anthony Hartwig and DJ Yokley sat down with South Range Girls Basketball Coach, Jeff Fishel, as his team gears up for the district finals. With excitement in the air, DJ opened the conversation by acknowledging the nail-biting games South Range has recently endured, highlighted by a series of one-point thrillers that Coach Fishel admitted added years to his life.

Reflecting on the team’s journey, Coach Fishel praised the commitment and leadership shown by this year’s squad. He particularly noted how players like Sophia, Gwen, and Ceci have risen to the occasion, embodying the dedication and hard work that’s become a hallmark of South Range basketball. Their efforts have paid dividends, leading the team to an impressive playoff performance.

Despite a challenging season with ups and downs, Coach Fishel emphasized the resilience and unity of his team. Their strong bond was especially evident in their recent victorious matchup against Gerard, a game where they were widely underestimated but ultimately triumphed. “The journey is the reward,” Coach Fishel reminded his team, underscoring the importance of camaraderie and growth over the course of the season.

As the Raiders prepare for Saturday’s game against Norwayne, Coach Fishel is hopeful and focused on the task at hand. He commended the South Range community for its unwavering support and expressed gratitude for the team’s opportunity to play in such a crucial match.

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THE SOUND OF DIMUZIO

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CANFIELD, OH-  At the intersection of passion and perseverance stands South Range High School senior, Zander Dimuzio, a student-athlete who deftly navigates the demanding worlds of both golf and football. In a recent interview on the YSN podcast, hosted by DJ Yokley, Dimuzio, affectionately known as “Z,” opened up about his journey and the challenges he faces.

Having picked up golf at a young age, Dimuzio described his devotion to the sport with a hint of nostalgia. “Golf became my primary focus early on, but my friends got me into football, and I’ve really enjoyed it,” he shared. His casual demeanor, however, belies the immense dedication required to excel in two demanding sports while maintaining strong academic performance.

“In golf, you have to be locked in and concentrated, whereas football demands physical prowess and time in the weight room,” Dimuzio noted. His regimen includes utilizing every moment wisely, often completing assignments during school hours to stay ahead.

When asked about his biggest challenge in golf, Dimuzio candidly admitted, “My putting could use some work, but I’m a pretty solid driver.” He expressed admiration for icons such as Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan, selecting them for his fantasy golf foursome along with his Coach Rach—a reflection of his competitive spirit and sense of humor.

Transitioning to the gridiron, Dimuzio’s competitive edge is evident in his playful trash-talking, particularly against rival Poland golfers. Despite his talents, he remains grounded, indicating no plans to pursue collegiate sports. Instead, Dimuzio aspires to study dentistry at Ohio State University, drawn by the prospect of a comprehensive campus experience and proximity to family.

Support from his parents, friends, and coaches has been instrumental in his success. With heartfelt acknowledgment, he shared, “I’m very grateful for my mom and dad always cheering me on. Not everyone has that, and I don’t take it for granted.”

As South Range continues its winning streak, aiming for success against Gerrard, Dimuzio remains focused on teamwork and community representation. “I feel like I have to represent, do my job, and try my best for the community and my family,” he said, encapsulating his ethos.

Whether on the fairways or the football field, Zander Dimuzio exemplifies dedication, balancing a busy schedule while aiming for personal and team excellence. His journey serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that with passion and time management, it is possible to excel on multiple fronts.

 

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CANFIELD FOOTBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 3) WITH JOE IGNAZIO

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CANFIELD, OH- The Canfield Cardinals soared to a thrilling victory this past Friday night, marking the first win of the Joe Ignazio era. The game, hailed as one of the most captivating of the season, showcased the tenacity and resilience of the Cardinals as they edged out their opponents in an overtime battle.

In his post-game reflection, Coach Ignazio praised his team for their standout performance and determination. “Our kids played their butt off and it was good to have one to build their confidence,” Ignazio said. The Canfield Cardinals showed significant improvement, adhering to the coach’s philosophy that the best teams grow leaps and bounds from week one to week two.

Special teams proved crucial, as the coach emphasized the importance of every phase of the game. “Young kids tend to think special teams are a playoff, and they’re absolutely not,” Ignazio remarked. The team almost faced a costly lesson, but their perseverance through two critical plays helped secure the victory.

Players like Angelo DeLucia and Enzo Coca stood out, both leaving indelible marks on the stat sheet. DeLucia, a defensive powerhouse, racked up multiple tackles and pressures on the quarterback, while Coca demonstrated versatility with significant contributions both offensively and defensively. His interception and blocked field goal in regulation were pivotal moments that propelled the Cardinals to overtime triumph.

Coach Ignazio’s leadership and ability to cultivate a competitive environment were evident throughout the game. Reflecting on the physicality and competitive nature ingrained in the team, Ignazio attributed it to his upbringing and the enduring tradition of Canfield athletics. “We’ve talked to our team about consistency,” he said, highlighting the repetitive practice and relentless work ethic that are key to building confidence.

As the Cardinals prepare for their next challenge against Homestead Falls, Coach Ignazio remains focused on fostering growth and maintaining high standards. “When we got back to the locker room, they presented me with the game ball, and that was special. But I told them right away, put that thing in the trash because it really is not about me,” Ignazio stated, underscoring his team-first mentality.

The victory serves as a significant springboard for the remainder of the season, with the team eager to continue their journey under Coach Ignazio’s guidance. As the Canfield Cardinals take to the field once more, the community’s support and the team’s dedication promise an exciting chapter ahead.

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A UNIQUE WAY FOR ANEKWE

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PEPPER PIKE, OH- In the podcast episode titled “YSN⧸ORANGE BASKETBALL PLAYER PROFILE: DOM ANEKWE,” we get an inside look at the life and mindset of Dom Anekwe, a senior basketball player at Orange High School. Dom talks about the physicality and toughness required for his position as a big man down low for the Lions. He emphasizes the importance of staying motivated, being consistent, and constantly improving his game, especially his mid-range shooting.

Throughout the conversation, Dom reflects on his track and field experience and how it has contributed to his basketball skills, with a core focus on consistency. He also shares his expectations for the team’s upcoming season, including their defensive strength and their ability to handle close games.
One of the most poignant moments of the episode is when Dom talks about his role models, including Kobe Bryant, Michael B. Jordan, and LeBron James. However, he reserves a special place in his heart for his grandmother, who is a source of unwavering support, encouragement, and valuable life advice.
Dom’s deep admiration for his grandmother is evident as he shares how she attends all his games and provides him with wisdom and guidance. He discusses the impact of her presence in his life, and the valuable advice she has given him, which includes keeping God in his favor.

The conversation takes a heartwarming turn as Dom shares his excitement for the upcoming Thanksgiving celebration, highlighting his grandmother’s delicious dishes and the memorable family moments they share.

In a lighthearted moment, Dom reveals his cooking skills and his specialty—spaghetti, and eagerly responds to the idea of trying a spaghetti sandwich, showing his fun and adventurous side.

The episode wraps up with Dom expressing his excitement and determination as he gears up for the games, ready to give his best and be great for the Lions. The conversation offers a glimpse into the life of a dedicated high school basketball player, highlighting the impact of family, values, and the determination to succeed both on and off the court.

 

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HEEEEEEEEEATH!

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CANFIELD, OH-  South Range Raiders’ junior tight end, Heath Crouse, opened up about his experience playing for the esteemed high school football team and the impact of having a successful older brother, JD Crouse, who also excelled in the same position.

Crouse humbly expressed his admiration for his brother, stating that being in JD’s shadow is an honor as he has been an invaluable mentor and role model. He credits JD for helping him improve as a player and as a person. The tight-knit Crouse family has instilled in him a sense of greatness and the drive to always give his best, whether on the field or in his daily life.

The interview also highlighted Heath Crouse’s dedication to his craft. He emphasized the importance of hitting the weight room, improving his footwork and hand-eye coordination, and always pushing himself to the limit. Taking inspiration from his brother’s work ethic, Crouse aims to surpass JD’s accomplishments, continually striving to be better.

When asked about the differences between him and his brother on the field, Crouse acknowledged JD’s superior catching ability but emphasized his own strengths in terms of footwork. Additionally, Heath claimed to have better academic grades, while JD’s humor and storytelling skills took the crown.

The South Range Raider expressed his gratitude for the close-knit community and the strong bonds formed within the team. He attributes their success to the chemistry they share, branding it as a key factor that sets them apart.

Off the field, Heath looks up to his parents and JD as his role models. Their unwavering support and guidance have shaped him into the person he is today. Among his parents’ and brother’s qualities, he admires their knowledge and their ability to push him to become a better individual.

Heath Crouse also delved into his personal life, revealing his interest in cooking. He mentioned that being more like his father in terms of his strong work ethic, and his mother in terms of culinary skills, has played a significant role in shaping his character.

The YSN podcast interview provided insight into the life of Heath Crouse and shed light on his journey as a South Range Raider. With his dedication and the support of his family, teammates, and community, Heath Crouse is poised for continued success on the football field and beyond.

 

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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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