Tag Archive for: seniors

CANFIELD BASEBALL COACH S CORNER EP 1 WITH GARY KNITTLE

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CANFIELD, OH- In the latest episode of YSN’s “Canfield Baseball Coach’s Corner,” host DJ Yokley sits down with Canfield baseball coach, Gary Knittle, to discuss the season opener and reflect on the development of players within the program. Coach Knittle, known as a mentor and leader in the Canfield community, provides valuable insights into player dynamics, coaching staff, and the upcoming spring break trip.

The conversation delved into the recent season opener, where the Canfield team secured a victory, despite the challenges posed by a young and relatively inexperienced group. Coach Knittle emphasizes the resilience and promise of the team’s freshmen, highlighting their willingness to learn and compete.
In addition to reviewing the successful start of the season, the dialogue touched upon the importance of off-field experiences in enhancing team dynamics and fostering lasting memories. Coach Knittle shared his enthusiasm for the upcoming spring break trip, emphasizing the role it plays in developing camaraderie and mutual respect among the players.

Moreover, the segment saw Coach Knittle’s reflections on the impact he aims to make on the players he mentors. He discussed his deep commitment to the holistic development of his players, not solely measured by wins and losses, but by the lasting impact on their lives beyond the playing field.

Through the candid and invigorating conversation, it’s evident that Coach Knittle’s dedication to the sport extends beyond the technical aspects of coaching. His holistic approach focuses on providing players with valuable life experiences and nurturing a strong sense of camaraderie.

The “Canfield Baseball Coach’s Corner” episode brings to light the passionate and multi-faceted nature of sports coaching, underscoring the countless impressions a dedicated coach can leave on the lives of the players under their guidance.

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David Rach, South Range

SOUTH RANGE FOOTBALL COACH S CORNER EP 12 WITH DAVID RACH

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CANFIELD, OH- In the latest episode of “YSN’s South Range Football Coach’s Corner,”  DJ Yokley sits down with head football coach of the South Range Raiders, David Rach. With the theme of Thanksgiving in the air, the conversation takes an interesting turn as the two engage in a fantasy Thanksgiving draft, selecting their favorite holiday dishes.

Coach Rach surprises with his first pick, going for buttered noodles with gravy as his top choice. Meanwhile, DJ opts for a crowd favorite, fried turkey, as his first overall pick. The draft continues with Rach selecting deviled eggs and pickled eggs, emphasizing his love for unique and traditional holiday dishes. Yokley counters with mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce, adding a classic touch to his team.

As the draft progresses, Coach Rach shocks Rach with his fifth and final pick, choosing rolls or biscuits over popular options like green bean casserole. The selection leaves DJ amused, questioning Rock’s vegetable intake.

Amidst the lighthearted draft, Coach Rach reflects on his first year coaching the South Range Raiders. He expresses the immense pride he feels for his team’s efforts and the love and belief they have for each other, citing it as the most rewarding aspect of being a head coach.

The conversation takes a brief detour as DJ challenges Coach Rock to explain the controversial rule of a forward fumble, particularly on fourth down. While the coach admits to his lack of knowledge on the specifics, he recalls an encounter with officials explaining that it is not a rule exclusive to high school football.

With the podcast episode coming to a close, Coach Rach gears up for the upcoming game against the Perry Pirates. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining the team’s high standards and executing their three-phase approach to secure victory. Additionally, the coach acknowledges the challenges they may face against a tough opponent like Perry but reinforces his belief in the South Range Raiders’ abilities.

Overall, the conversation provides insight into Coach Rach’s mindset and the South Range Raiders’ season journey. With reflective moments, humorous exchanges, and football-related discussions, this episode of “YSN’s South Range Football Coach’s Corner” offers a well-rounded perspective on the team’s dynamics and aspirations.

Be sure to tune in to the next episode for more updates and interviews with South Range football players and coaches. The competition heats up as the Raiders face off against the Perry Pirates in an exciting clash. Stay connected with YSN for all the latest South Range football updates.

 

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WESTERN RESERVE FOOTBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 3) WITH JOHN ARMENI

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BERLIN CENTER, OH- In the latest episode of YSN’s “Coaches Corner with Coach John Armeni,” the focus was on Western Reserve’s victorious Week Twelve playoff game and the upcoming rematch against Lowellville. Coach Armeni shared his insights and thoughts on the team’s performance, individual records broken, and the importance of the offensive line.

Week Twelve of the playoffs has been a whirlwind for Coach Armeni and his team. It’s hard to believe that the regular season has already reached its end, with playoff football now captivating the community. The atmosphere during their last game against Lisbon was electrifying, with the players showing immense excitement and determination. Practice sessions even took place in the snow, adding an extra challenge to their preparations.

Regarding the victory over Lisbon, Coach Armeni credited their offense for having little trouble during the game. Their offensive line dominated, allowing them to open up running lanes and get their skill players involved. Defensively, there were some struggles early on, but adjustments were made, leading to an improved performance. One crucial moment in the game was calling a timeout and being able to score right before halftime, which boosted their momentum and ultimately propelled them to victory.

Nathan Hemberger, an exceptional talent and the league leader in tackles, played a significant role in the game against Lisbon. Not only did he score six rushing touchdowns, but he also blocked a punt and scored a touchdown off the block. Hemberger’s outstanding contributions broke multiple records, including the most touchdowns scored in a game, most touchdowns in a season, and the school record for Western Reserve. Additionally, Air Henning, with both a thousand yards passing and rushing, showcased his importance to the team’s success.

Coach Armeni emphasized that the personal accomplishments and records are a testament to the team’s overall success. Of course, he acknowledged that none of it would be possible without the support and efforts of the offensive line. The linemen have been dominant recently, and their contributions should not go unnoticed.

Looking back at the regular season, Coach Armeni noted that their biggest win was against Louisville, a fiercely competitive opponent. He praised Lowellville’s coaching staff and their talented roster, including strong linemen and skilled athletes. Western Reserve’s game plan was to control the tempo, which they executed successfully, resulting in a hard-fought victory. As they head into the rematch, the team aims to replicate their previous strategy and turn the game into a battle rather than a track meet.

Coach Armeni mentioned that his players have responded well to the playoffs and are focused on playing their best football. While personal accomplishments and records are great, the primary goal remains winning games and advancing further in the playoffs.

As Western Reserve gears up for their rematch against Louisville, the entire community is filled with anticipation and excitement. The team’s dedication, the spectacular performances, and the resilience of their offensive line have all contributed to their success. With the playoffs in full swing, Coach Armeni and his players are determined to continue their winning streak and make their mark in the postseason.

 

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WESTERN RESERVE FOOTBALL COACH’S CORNER WITH COLLIN DOTSON

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BERLIN CENTER, OH- Western Reserve’s defensive coordinator, Coach Collin Dotson, shared his insights on the team’s successful season and their upcoming rematch against Lowellville.

Coach Dotson, who has been coaching alongside Head Coach John Armeni since 2015, expressed his admiration for Coach Armeni as a mentor and friend. He described the experience of working with him as “unbelievable” and emphasized the importance of the tight-knit coaching staff at Western Reserve.

When asked why he chose football as his coaching path, Coach Dotson credited his experiences as a player at Howland for instilling in him a passion for leadership and mentoring young men. He shared his love for being around student-athletes and the opportunity to give back by offering them a positive experience like he had as a player.

Speaking about his time at Western Reserve, Coach Dotson highlighted the incredible support from the community. He described the community as tight-knit and caring, with a genuine love for their coaches and players. Coach Dotson attributed much of the team’s success to this community support and emphasized that it was not mere lip service. The genuine care and affection within the community inspired the coaching staff to reciprocate that love.

The camaraderie among the coaching staff at Western Reserve also played an essential role in their success. Coach Dotson spoke highly of the diverse backgrounds and expertise brought by each member of the staff. From former players to veteran coaches, the staff’s tight bond, both on and off the field, has contributed significantly to the team’s achievements this season.

With a senior-heavy roster, Coach Dotson applauded the leadership and resilience displayed by the players. Despite experiencing numerous coaching changes during their high school careers, these seniors have learned to adapt and have become a tough group of young men. Coach Dotson expressed his gratitude for their buying-in mentality and wished he could have had them on the team for more years.

As the defensive coordinator, Coach Dotson’s aggressive mentality shines through in his coaching style. He enjoys the versatility and freedom that coaching defense provides. Instead of sitting back and playing it safe, Coach Dotson and his defense line up in multiple formations, coverages, and blitzes, making it challenging for opposing teams to counter their strategies.

In terms of their successful season, Coach Dotson stressed the importance of performing well both in the conference and the non-conference games. He highlighted the competitiveness of their conference, including challenging matchups against teams like Mineral Ridge, Springfield, and Lowellville, with whom they now have a rematch.

Looking ahead to their upcoming matchup against Lowellville, Coach Dotson mentioned the advantage of having faced their offense before, allowing for better game planning and adjustments. He expressed confidence in his defensive unit’s ability to rise to the occasion.

The Western Reserve Blue Devils, currently the third seed in the playoffs with a 9-2 record, undoubtedly owe their success, in part, to the hard work and dedication of Coach Collin Dotson and the entire coaching staff. As they continue their playoff journey, their cohesive bond and aggressive defensive approach will undoubtedly be crucial factors in their pursuit of victory.

 

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SOUTH RANGE VOLLEYBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 2) WITH TJ IRONS

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CANFIELD, OH- In this episode of the YSN’s South Range Coach’s Corner, we join host DJ Yokley at GIAngelo’s in Boardman for the South Range Raiders show. His special guest for the night is the head volleyball coach of the South Range Raiders, TJ Irons. They kick off the conversation by discussing the unusual break in their schedule, with a couple of Tuesdays off in a row.

Coach Irons explains that while it’s strange, volleyball allows for more flexibility in scheduling compared to other sports. The discussion then turns to the tough schedule that the team has had in the past week. Coach Irons recounts the challenging matches against Gerard, East Liverpool, and Lakeview, all of whom are strong teams in their league. Despite the tough competition, the girls came back ready to go after a breather against Western Reserve.  The conversation shifts to the delicate nature of high school sports and how external factors can sometimes affect the team’s performance. Coach Irons mentions that homecoming festivities added a bit of distraction for the girls, with some of them getting their nails and hair done. However, he commends the girls for looking great and having fun at the homecoming dance. Looking ahead to the playoffs, Coach Irons discusses the importance of creating a legacy for the team. He mentions the success of other South Range teams in various sports and how it inspires the volleyball team to believe in their ability to go far in the tournament. The host notes that the girls seem to have adopted a winning mentality from their fellow athletes in the school, with many having brothers on successful teams. With five seniors on the team, Coach Irons emphasizes the special role that they play and the discussions they have about the legacy they want to leave. He acknowledges that thinking about legacy is not easy for high school kids, but they are aware of how fortunate they are to compete with their friends every night. The main focus before every game is to have fun and make the most of the opportunity.

In reflection, Coach Irons is pleased with the team’s progress throughout the season. He mentions the increased emphasis on strength training in the weight room, hoping it will give them an advantage in the upcoming postseason. Overall, it’s a candid and insightful discussion about the challenges and aspirations of the South Range Raiders volleyball team, as they strive to leave their mark in the playoffs and create a lasting legacy for their school.

 

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David Rach, South Range

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

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CANFIELD, OH-  In this week’s episode, we dive into the thrilling matchup between the South Range Raiders and the undefeated Poland team. It was a David versus Goliath showdown, and once again, David came out on top with a 21-7 victory.

Join us as we hear from Coach Rach about the mindset of his underdog team going into the game and the challenges they faced against a strong opponent. We’ll also discuss the game strategy, the defensive approach, and how both teams aimed to slow the game down and control the time and possession. Don’t miss out as we uncover the secrets to South Range’s success and the growth of their young players.

Stay tuned for another insightful episode on YSN, where we bring you all the action from the South Range Football Coach’s Corner!

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IT’S HAMMER TIME

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BOARDMAN, OH- In this episode, we have a special guest joining us – the talented Gabe Hammerton, who has been a fixture of our coverage since his early days. Gabe comes from a sports-heavy family, with his father serving as the assistant athletic director and head girls basketball coach.

While he used to play baseball, Gabe decided to focus on tennis and soccer, ranking tennis as his best sport.

We dive into Gabe’s journey, including his team’s challenging start to the season, his leadership style learned from his dad, and his aspirations to go pro in basketball.

Get ready for an exciting conversation as we learn more about Gabe Hammerton’s player profile.

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AUSTINTOWN FITCH FOOTBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 5) WITH TJ PARKER

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AUSTINTOWN, OH- In today’s episode, we have a special Coach’s Corner segment featuring the legendary TJ Parker, head football coach at Austintown Fitch High School.

Join us as we discuss the team’s recent big win, their momentum going into the second half of the season, and the upcoming rivalry game against Ursuline. Coach Parker shares his insights on team dynamics, preparing for multiple talented backs, and the importance of living in the present moment.

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BOARDMAN GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH RICK SYPERT

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BOARDMAN, OH-  In this episode, we dive into the world of Boardman Girls Cross Country with the legendary Coach Rick Sypert.

We talk about the amazing group of girls he has this year, led by talented seniors and driven underclassmen. Coach Sypert shares insights on their training, including their weight program and the exponential changes he’s seen in his athletes.

We also get a sneak peek into their upcoming night race and the unique experience it offers. Join us as we chat with Coach Cypher and get to know the incredible team he leads.

Get ready for an exciting and inspiring conversation on YSN’s Boardman Coach’s Corner!

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CANFIELD FOOTBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 2) WITH MIKE PAVLANSKY

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CANFIELD, OH- This week we dive deep into the world of high school football. In today’s Coach’s Corner, we’ll be joined by the head coach of the Canfield Cardinals, Mike Pavlansky.

We’ll be recapping their big week one win and discussing their upcoming matchup against the Mansfield Tigers. Coach Pavlansky shares insights into the team’s performance, the importance of mental toughness, and the expectations for the players stepping up due to injuries.

Get ready for an action-packed episode as we break down the X’s and O’s of this exciting high school football episode.

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