Tag Archive for: Pittsburgh Steelers

SOUTH RANGE SOFTBALL COACH’S CORNER WITH JEFF DEROSE 3-12-25

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CANFIELD OH- In a recent episode of the YSN Live podcast, Jeff “Spanky” DeRose, the head coach of the South Range softball team, shared insights and updates about his team’s preparation for the upcoming season. Despite facing several challenges, including multiple player injuries, DeRose expressed optimism for the team’s potential in 2025.

Last year, the South Range team narrowly missed clinching the state championship, finishing as runners-up. With just one senior departure, expectations are high as they gear up for another run. DeRose, who has been at the helm for 19 years, candidly shared the setbacks encountered, including key injuries to starters such as Keira Brogan and Addison Wardle. Both are now in recovery from ACL surgeries, forcing DeRose to adjust his strategy significantly. “Despite the adversity, we’re fortunate to have depth,” commented DeRose. “The girls are stepping up, and we still have promising talent ready to fill the gaps.”

The team is set for a late-season trip to Myrtle Beach, previously used as an early proving ground. DeRose aims to leverage the competitive matches there for tournament readiness. He emphasized the importance of tough regular-season matchups, including those against teams like Mentor and Hoover, to prepare for high-stakes games. Critically, the team is down to four pitchers, led by Jayli Wilt, who had an outstanding previous season. DeRose spoke of the need for learning through early-season opportunities: “Everyone gets a chance to prove themselves, and by mid-season, we start solidifying our lineup for the tournament.”

As South Range opens their season facing Lakeview, a key conference rival, the focus remains on resilience and development amid the challenges presented by the injury bug. Despite the difficulties, Coach DeRose’s commitment and passion for the sport — which began more than 20 years ago with his daughter, Carly, who is now 30 — remains unwavering. His dedication, along with a supportive staff, continues to drive the South Range softball team towards excellence. “Being around players like Jaylee keeps me coming back,” said DeRose, reflecting on his coaching journey. With a supportive staff and a determined roster, South Range is poised to tackle the season head-on, embodying the resilience and spirit of their coach and community.

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CATCHING THE CURB (10/1/24) WITH BOB CAMARDO FEATURING TOM MILLER

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COLUMBIANA, OH- In the latest episode of *YSN’s Catching the Curb*, host DJ Yokley sat down once again with Bob Camardo to delve into the successes of the Curbstone Coaches and unveil an exciting line-up of events for October and beyond. Joining them was special guest, Tom Miller, the driving force behind their renowned Hall of Fame banquet.

Reflecting on September’s achievements, Camardo highlighted standout moments, including the high school football show that brought together tenured coaches such as Dan Williams, Bob Spaitee, and Springfield Local’s Sean Guerriero. Another key event featured YSU’s Athletic Director, Ron Strollo, who was present to receive the YSU Foundation donation and discuss the state of athletics at the university.
Looking ahead, Camardo revealed a dynamic October agenda starting with Riley Jarrett, YSU’s new volleyball coach, on October 7. Jarrett’s efforts in revitalizing the volleyball program have already drawn attention and excitement. Following her, YSU football’s own Bob Hannon will take the spotlight on October 14.

Basketball enthusiasts have much to look forward to; the new YSU women’s basketball coach, Melissa Jackson, is set to make an appearance on October 21. A week later, celebrated track and field coach, JR McFarland, will share his wisdom. The men’s basketball coach, Ethan Faulkner, is scheduled to speak on November 4, coinciding with the team’s season opener.

Adding to the stellar roster, Dan Hiner, the new Vindicator sports editor, is set for November 11. A special treat is lined up for November 25, where host DJ Yokley himself will transition from interviewer to guest speaker.

A special mention went out to Tom Miller, whom Camardo described as the linchpin of their Hall of Fame banquet committee. Miller’s meticulous organization and dedication have ensured the smooth running of these prestigious events, securing their prominence for decades to come.

“Tom Miller is the heartbeat of our banquet committee,” said Camardo, emphasizing Miller’s unparalleled contribution. The first Sunday in May, the traditional date for their Hall of Fame banquet, owes much of its success to Miller’s commitment.

In closing, Yokley and Camardo’s discussion painted a vibrant picture of the Curbstone Coaches’ impact on the local sports community, setting the stage for another season of engaging and insightful events.
For more on these upcoming events and to stay connected with the local sports scene, tune in to *YSN’s Catching the Curb*.

DJ Yokley also sat down with one of the unsung heroes of the Youngstown community, Tom Miller. Often described as the backbone of local events, Miller’s contributions span from organizing the esteemed Curbstone Coaches banquet to judging world-class boxing matches.

During their conversation, Miller revealed the intricacies behind planning the annual banquet, a responsibility he has embraced solo for the past four years following the passing of his co-chair, Helene Salrino. Known for his meticulous organizing skills and penchant for attention to detail, Miller’s efforts ensure the banquet’s seamless execution. His secret? Beginning preparations the very day after the previous event concludes.

Miller shared his challenges in securing keynote speakers, noting how he successfully lined up future speakers like Greg Pruitt and Louis Lips. His knack for networking and negotiation is evident as he modestly recounted his experiences sourcing speakers, often against odds posed by modern financial constraints.

Listeners were also taken aback by another facet of Miller’s remarkable life: his career as a world-renowned boxing judge. Starting his journey in 1992, Miller’s dedication has seen him officiate in over 350 bouts, including 81 world title fights. His stories of officiating iconic fights, such as the second bout between Manny Pacquiao and Juan Marquez Jr., captivated the audience, rounding off with the memorable payday of $7,000 for the match.

Yet, with all his accomplishments, Miller remains grounded, motivated by the impact he can make locally. “It’s the challenge of seeing everybody happy and contributing to the community,” he said when asked what drives him to return year after year.

As DJ Yokley aptly summarized, Miller’s passion and dedication make him a true community cornerstone—a silent guardian in the shadows, much like Batman. The Youngstown community is undoubtedly richer for his tireless contributions.

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CURBSTONE COACHES

SWEET MADELINE

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POLAND, OH- In the heart of football season, there’s no better place to catch the energy and insights of high school sports than YSN’s Pullman Bulldog Show. Recently, Matt Romeo sat down with Ricky Madeline, a standout athlete from Bulldogs Bar and Grill, to discuss his love for history, the challenges of balancing academics and sports, and his thoughts on the upcoming NFL season.

When asked about his favorite school subject, Ricky was quick to reveal his passion. “Oh, I’m a big history guy,” he shared with enthusiasm. Exploring the past and understanding current events seem to capture his interest deeply. “I just, like, I just kind of like knowing, like, everything that’s going on in the world, pretty much everything from the past, what’s going on now,” Ricky elaborated.

As a student-athlete, Ricky faces the demanding task of juggling schoolwork and football. He described his approach deftly: “You kind of got to take it as, like, two separate workdays, pretty much.” His strategy involves dedicating his mornings to academics and then seamlessly transitioning to football. “In the morning, you know, you got to dial in. You got to lock in for the books and stuff like that in the morning. And then when the bell rings, you know, you go out and you suit up every day. You just. You just play football,” Ricky said.

This disciplined approach demonstrates Ricky’s understanding that both academics and athletics require full commitment and focus. He views each part of his day with responsibility, akin to a full-time job. “Absolutely. Like it’s a full-time job, right?” Matt chimed in, to which Ricky agreed.

Reflecting on a memorable moment from a recent game, Ricky explained how the team handles on-field setbacks. After a challenging turnover, the team’s immediate reaction was crucial. “Our coaches, when something like that happens, we all scream ‘sudden change’ on the sidelines. Everybody’s got to know that something big just happened, and we got to lock back in,” Ricky recounted.
This mentality, deeply ingrained through rigorous training, is essential for maintaining focus and composure. “We kind of just got to take it step by step, kind of just get there and make sure nothing happens,” he added.

Concluding on a lighter note, Matt connected with Ricky over their shared enthusiasm for the NFL. Ricky revealed his allegiance to the Pittsburgh Steelers and admiration for star player TJ Watt. “I’m a big Pittsburgh Steelers guy,” Ricky said. For his fantasy football picks, he championed Justin Jefferson as his top choice, showcasing his eye for talent in the league. “Me, I’m probably going Justin Jefferson,” he advised, endorsing the receiver’s dynamic playstyle.

As the interview wound down, Ricky’s humility and dedication shone through, especially when asked about his own celebratory acts on the field. “You ever think about [doing the gritty dance] when you score a touchdown?” Matt asked. Ricky’s honest and disciplined response was, “No. Coach would rip my head off.”

Ricky Madeline’s conversation with Matt Romeo on the Pullman Bulldog Show was a rich blend of personal insights and disciplined routines, underscoring the balance required to excel as a student-athlete. From his love of history to his strategies to manage dual commitments, Ricky embodies the grit and focus that define a true competitor.

To catch more of these inspiring conversations, tune in to the next episode of YSN’s Pullman Bulldog Show. Ricky’s journey offers valuable lessons to aspiring athletes and scholars alike, reminding us that dedication and balance are keys to success both on and off the field.

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FAMILIAR RIVALS SHARE INSIGHT

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AUSTINTOWN,  OH- Hollywood Gaming was buzzing with excitement as two NFL legends, Hanford Dixon of the Cleveland Browns and Louis Lipps of the Pittsburgh Steelers, took center stage during the Austintown fireworks celebration. Hosted by DJ Yokley and Sam Torres, this episode of YSN Player Profile dove deep into the lives, careers, and experiences of these two storied professional athletes.

The camaraderie and humor between Dixon and Lipps were palpable right from the start. When DJ Yokley introduced Lipps as “Mister Louis Lipps,” Dixon playfully interjected, “What the hell? We got a problem already? What I do, you say, mister Louie Lips and you say, and then you gonna say, here for Dixon, you know.”

The event was not just a reunion for the two former athletes but also a nostalgic trip through the annals of football history. Both guests shared their fond memories of fans and the passionate football culture in Cleveland and Pittsburgh.

Hanford Dixon reminisced about the fierce rivalries and devoted fan bases: “It’s just awesome, man. And the people, I tell you, they just like you. I know you’re still a fan.”
Louis Lipps echoed Dixon’s sentiments, adding a humorous anecdote about game days: “They got the grills already smoking, they drinking beer, they tossing the football all over the place. And I look at these people and I’m like, what is wrong with these people, man? They crazy.”
Even though Lipps found fans’ early-morning rituals perplexing during his playing days, he admitted that retirement has given him a new perspective. “But now that I’m retired, I find myself doing the same thing,” he confessed.

Yokley and Torres steered the conversation towards the evolution of football, specifically the changes that have occurred since Dixon and Lipps hung up their cleats. Both ex-players agreed that the financial landscape and gameplay rules have transformed drastically.
“For me, I would say the money, first of all, and then secondly, the passing game,” Lipps stated. Dixon concurred, expressing his amazement at today’s salaries: “I’m happy. I’m glad they’re making every dime or every dollar that they can make.”

One of the highlights of the interview was when DJ Yokley brought up the iconic Dog Pound, a term coined by Hanford Dixon that has become synonymous with the Cleveland Browns’ fan base. Dixon reflected on its origins with pride and a hint of humor: “But you know what? On a serious note, I’m really, really happy because this thing is still going.”
Dixon explained that the concept began as a way to motivate the defense: “We were thinking about the defense, mainly because we had the two all pro quarterbacks, myself and Frank Minnie Field, and Clay Matthews. ” The idea was simple: defensive players were dogs, and the quarterback was the cat.

As the conversation came to a close, both Dixon and Lipps shared advice for young athletes dreaming of professional careers. Louis Lipps urged: “Just keep shooting for your dream, man. You never know what the ending is going to be until you give up.”
Dixon, drawing from his own upbringing, emphasized the importance of belief and faith: “You could do anything you want to do. You just got to believe it… Keep God first in your life. Everything else will work out.”

This special episode of YSN Player Profile offered not just a walk down memory lane but also invaluable lessons in perseverance, camaraderie, and community engagement. Hanford Dixon and Louis Lipps exemplify what it means to carry the torch for future generations, both on and off the field.
As DJ Yokley aptly concluded, “Thank you for what you’ve done for the sport. You’ve grown the sport.”
For more captivating stories and interviews from the world of sports, stay tuned to YSN Player Profile, where legends share their legacy.

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