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CORTLAND OH- In another episode of YSN’s Coaches Corner, hosts Anthony Hartwig and Jessica Urchek welcomed listeners to the first-ever season preview of Maplewood Softball. As the team prepares for a promising spring, Coach Urchek introduced her robust roster of 19 players, painting a picture of talent and potential across all classes.

With experienced seniors leading the team, Maplewood brings a wealth of strategic advantage. The junior contingent features versatile players who can adapt to various roles, while the sophomores and freshmen add depth and youthful vigor. Urchek’s journey to the helm of Maplewood Softball is steeped in deep-rooted ties to the community. An alumna of Maplewood herself, she embarks on her second year as head coach with pride and a mission to restore the program to its former glory. Her dedication is matched by a strong support team, including family, volunteer coaches, and school administration, all committed to overcoming challenges like limited facilities.

The team’s schedule is loaded with robust competition. Coach Urchek strategically arranged a demanding scrimmage lineup to test her players, ensuring they face quality opponents before the season kicks off. This challenging schedule aims to refine the team’s skills and prepare them for success in the tough NAC conference. As the community rallies around the Maplewood Rockets, anticipation builds for a season filled with learning, growth, and hopefully, triumphs on the field. With leaders like Coach Urchek steering the program, the future looks bright for this young, dynamic squad.

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STRUTHERS, OH—In an enlightening Coach’s Corner Anthony Hartwig sat down with Halle Minchin-Skook, the newly appointed head coach of Struthers Girls Basketball. Minchin-Skook, a Struthers alumnus, brings both passion and experience to the program she once graced as a player.

The interview opened with Hartwig’s warm introduction, celebrating Minchin-Skook’s return to her roots. Reflecting on her journey, Minchin-Skook shared, “It was a no-brainer that I wanted to take over the program. It means everything to me to give back to a community that gave so much to me.” The new head coach discussed her aspirations to instill a gritty, hard-working culture in the team, reminiscent of her days under Coach Grandy, emphasizing the significance of a robust coaching staff. She praised key members, including JV coach Kara Bornamus, seasoned scout and film specialist Coach Jack Berman, and Varsity Assistant Erica Wilson, whose extensive coaching experience provides invaluable support.

Minchin-Skook highlighted several standout players set to make an impact this season, from senior leaders Ava Croyle and Caitlin Kimball to up-and-coming talents such as freshman Mylea Law. “I can’t speak enough about just the character of all the athletes on my team,” she said. The coach didn’t shy away from addressing the competitive landscape of the NE8 conference and their rigorous non-conference schedule, which includes powerhouses like Warren Harding, West Branch, and Ursuline. “Playing tougher teams only makes you better for tournament time,” she noted. Significantly, Minchin-Skook acknowledged the expanded tournament format’s potential for fairer competition, expressing optimism about Struthers’ prospects in the new structure. The nterview concluded with heartfelt gratitude towards the supporting staff and administration, who play an essential role in the program’s success. For community members eager to support the team, the episode was a rallying cry to fill the field house for the Wildcats’ season opener on November 27th against Mineral Ridge.

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