Tag Archive for: player injuries

LOWELLVILLE VOLLEYBALL COACH’S CORNER WITH LISA MODELSKI (1-9-25)

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LOWELLVILLE, OH- In a special “Coach’s Corner” episode recorded at Giovanni’s in downtown Lowellville, Girls Basketball Coach Lisa Modelski opened up about the highs and lows of the current season and her nine-year tenure with the team.

Joined by host DJ Yokley, Modelski discusses the struggle of maintaining student interest in sports, specifically basketball, in a small school environment. Highlighting the demanding physical toll on players, she praised the determination and resilience of her nine-player squad.

“Basketball is hard,” Modelski acknowledged. “These girls sacrifice their bodies for their community. They play with such dignity, and I’m so proud of them.”

Facing challenges with maintaining player numbers and dealing with injuries, Coach Modelski focuses on developing her players beyond just their athletic skills. She emphasized that creating a positive atmosphere is key, noting that keeping the team spirits high is as vital as winning games. “It’s not always about winning,” she stated. “It’s about making these girls better basketball players and individuals.”

Modelski also expressed her commitment to fostering a family-like environment within the team. Reflecting on her own family’s involvement in basketball, she strives to instill a sense of unity and support among her players. “You don’t have to be best friends, but when you’re here, you’re going to be sisters,” she said.

The coach mentioned the significant impact of her three seniors, Alyssa Kazan, Morgan Lewis, and Michelle – highlighting their leadership and perseverance despite personal and injury challenges.

As the season progresses, Modelski remains focused on reigniting the team’s motivation and maintaining a positive outlook. “They need to get back to just focusing on having fun and what they do well,” she urged.

Balancing her professional and personal life, Modelski credited her coaching staff for helping her remain centered. “They center me,” she said, appreciating the mutual support within her team.

Looking ahead, Modelski dreams of a beach vacation in Fiji to unwind from the season’s stresses. However, she remains dedicated to her team’s growth and success above all.

Coach Modelski’s unwavering dedication continues to inspire her players and the Lowellville community, proving that success is measured by more than just the number of wins.

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SOUTH RANGE FOOTBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 7) WITH DAVE RACH

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CANFIELD, OH- In the latest episode of the “South Range Coach’s Corner,” head coach Dave Rach sat down with host DJ Yokley at Giangelo’s on 224 to discuss the latest developments in the South Range Raiders’ football season. With six consecutive home games behind them, the Raiders now face the challenges of playing away. Last week’s opponent: the formidable Girard team.

Rach emphasized the new experiences gained from playing on the road. “We were excited to get on the road and go into a hostile environment. Our kids understood the adversities and managed to create their own energy,” Rach said. The South Range team, now seasoned through seven tough games, is beginning to integrate younger players into key roles, a strategy that Rach believes will be pivotal for a long season’s success.

Effort and adaptability are cornerstones of Rach’s coaching philosophy. “We need to become more dynamic, more explosive,” he asserted, citing the need for extended offensive tactics and a sharper defensive edge. Developing fresh talent, Rach indicated, is both a necessity and a challenge, noting, “Freshmen and sophomores are stepping up, but they need the confidence to see themselves as the coaches do.”

One significant test ahead is Bo Rein Stadium in Niles, known to be a challenging venue for the Raiders. Rach remains optimistic. “We’ve had some big losses there, but also some historic wins. We’re working toward making another good memory this Friday.”

The episode concluded on a reflective note, where Rach reminisced about his high school and college playing days, highlighting the importance of overcoming personal weaknesses—a lesson he’s keen to impart to his players. “I left a lot out there in high school, which I regret. I wish I made myself more uncomfortable and worked on my weaknesses,” he admitted.

Listeners and fans of the South Range Raiders can catch new episodes of “South Range Coach’s Corner” every week, where Coach Dave Rach continues to offer deep insights into the team’s journey, strategies, and personal reflections on leadership and growth.

 

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POLAND FOOTBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 5) WITH TOM PAVLANSKY

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POLAND, OH-  Despite a challenging game last Friday, the Poland Bulldogs and their head coach, Tom Pavlansky, are keeping their heads held high and eyes focused on the future. During a lively discussion at Bulldogs Bar and Grill, Coach Pavlansky shared his insights and reflections with host Matt Romeo on the latest episode of the YSN Poland Bulldog Show.

“We didn’t get the result we wanted, but our kids fought hard,” Coach Pavlansky stated. “It’s important to learn from our experiences and keep working hard in practice.”

The conversation touched on the high-intensity atmosphere of Friday’s game, which closely mirrored the Georgia-Alabama clash in college football. Both teams showcased their resilience, demonstrating why high school football is such a beloved part of the community.

Despite less-than-ideal weather conditions, the Bulldogs maintained their focus. With the onset of “football weather,” Coach Pavlansky emphasized that no drastic changes were needed in their practice routines. “We need to be ready for anything. The other team faces the same conditions,” he remarked.

Romeo also took a closer look at Coach Pavlansky’s pregame rituals, highlighting his dedication both in the classroom as a social studies teacher and on the field. “Coaching is teaching, and teaching is coaching. They are one and the same,” Pavlansky explained.

Looking ahead, the Bulldogs are gearing up for their next match against Niles, a young and eager squad. While acknowledging their opponent’s recent challenges and strengths, Pavlansky maintained that his team’s focus remains solely on the game ahead.

“We play Niles this week, and that’s where our focus should be,” Pavlansky asserted. “We know we have to be ready to go.”

With this unwavering spirit and a positive outlook, the Poland Bulldogs are determined to continue growing and improving as they progress through the season. As Coach Pavlansky aptly put it, “There’s too much negative in the world. We have to stay positive and keep believing in each other.”

 

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SOUTH RANGE FOOTBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 2) WITH DAVE RACH

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CANFIELD, OH- In the lively ambiance of Giangelo’s on 224 in Boardman, South Range Raiders’ head football coach Dave Rach shared insights on the team’s latest triumph and future aspirations. Invited by YSN’s DJ Yokley for the “South Range Coach’s Corner” podcast, Rach reflected on a significant victory against their long-time rivals, Springfield.

Coach Rach emphasized the natural motivation his team has for rivalry games, underscoring the deep roots and pride in such competitions that resonate within the community. His reflections on the packed stadium demonstrated the overwhelming support from fans, which Rach cherishes and draws inspiration from ahead of each kickoff.

Discussing the team’s performance, Yokley and Rach touched upon the robust start of the offense and areas ripe for improvement. Rach expressed a focus on reducing penalties and tightening discipline, highlighting that while aggressiveness is encouraged, it must be channeled appropriately.

In looking ahead to the next challenge against Salem, Coach Rach identified their opponent’s stout run defense and physical style as key hurdles. However, he remains confident in the Raiders’ game plan, emphasizing the fundamentals of ball protection, special teams excellence, and owning the ground game.

Tales of senior leadership also peppered the conversation, with Rach praising the maturity and growth of his players. The commitment of seniors like Tristan Toy, who notably returned to play despite an obliterated jersey, personifies the team’s spirit and dedication.

Balancing football with community commitments, especially during events like the Canfield Fair, Rach spoke on the team’s ability to adapt and prioritize. The synergy between football obligations and life outside the sport is a hallmark of South Range’s support system.

Coach Rach also shared lighter fare, literally, with his favorite Canfield Fair treats – steak hoagies and chocolate milkshakes.

In all, the podcast episode offers a window into the ethos and strategy driving the South Range Raiders this season. For more updates and in-depth football commentary, tune into YSN’s broadcast.

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