Tag Archive for: softball

BOARDMAN SOFTBALL COACH’S CORNER (EPISODE 1 WITH FRED MOOTZ)

BOARDMAN OH- Boardman Softball is in the middle of an upswing. Coming off a 19 win season a year ago, bright skies were ahead for a fairly young Spartans team. Unfortunately the COVID-19 pandemic has halted the 2020 season. Still the spirits are high in Boardman as head coach Fred Mootz preaches that no matter when they get back on the field, they need to be ready. Boardman finds themselves with just one senior on the roster. That might seem like an easy rebuild from the outside, but when that senior caught every game for the Spartans a year ago, replacing that leadership will be tough.

Anthony Hartwig charged with Coach Mootz this week in a video conference call. They discuss the youth of the team, the tough schedule they were ready to play this season, and much more. Stay updated on Spartans softball with Episode 1 of Coach’s Corner with Fred Mootz.

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CRESTVIEW SOFTBALL COACH’S CORNER (EPISODE 1 WITH GREG ESKRA)

COLUMBIANA OH- Crestview Softball is quickly becoming a premiere program in the area. Last season the Rebels broke a handful of program records on their way to the most wins the program has ever had. They fell just short in the district championship against South Range. According to Coach Eskra, that loss has made everyone hungry to get back on the field. The Rebels graduated four seniors, but return one of the best pitchers in the area Kaedyn Sutton who has a phenomenal freshman campaign.

COVID-19 has rained out the entire spring sports season, taking a year away from everybody. Crestview has two seniors on the team who’s careers have abruptly ended. Coach Eskra feels for his seniors who have given everything to his program. He says all he can do is gear up for the next time the Rebels get to take the field.

Anthony Hartwig has a chance to chat with Coach Eskra. They discuss his seniors, the team’s roster and what it will look like going forward, and much more. The spring season may be done, but our coverage of Rebel softball is not. Enjoy Episode 1 of Coach’s Corner with Greg Eskra.

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SALEM SOFTBALL COACH’S CORNER (EPISODE 1 WITH MIKE THORPE)

SALEM OH- Salem Softball was on an upswing coming into the 2020 season. Multiple records have been broken. Despite losing some key players to graduation, the Quakers have big expectations for 2020. A team led by six seniors is always one to be reckoned with. In the midst of COVID 19, that senior season is uncertain for the six senior ladies. Coach Mike Thorpe says that is what bothers him the most that his great group of seniors may not get on the field.

The virus has made the family so important, and the Quakers have a very strong family atmosphere on the softball field. Coach Thorpe is adamant that the bond he sees from his players is like no other. It will take that strong bond to get the Quakers through these uncertain times.

Anthony Hartwig caught up with Coach Thorpe for an update on Salem softball. They discuss the uncertainty of the season, his group of six seniors, and much more. Enjoy a great discussion in Episode 1 of Coach’s Corner with Mike Thorpe.

YSN LEGENDS OF THE PAST: MARISSA BARTHOLOMEW-DAVIES

BOARDMAN OH- The YSN Mania Bracket has been narrowed down to eight. The legends that made these teams great live on their school’s legacies forever. Join us as we shed a light on the legends of the past that made these teams great. Our next legend is Marissa Bartholomew Davies of the 2001 Boardman Softball team.

Davies was the ace of the 2001 State Championship Spartans, not to mention the 2000 runner up team. The sole Senior starter on the squad Marissa led the Spartans to a 30-3 record. In her last two seasons in the circle, she went 41-5 with an ERA of 0.75. In 2001 she was named All-Northeast District, and Honorable Mention All-State. In the 2001 State Championship game against Hamilton Marissa threw a complete game giving up just 3 hits and allowing 1 run. She added 7 strikeouts as well. The Spartans won 4-1 to take home the trophy.

Davies went on to play at the next level at Mercyhurst College. She was named to the All GLIAC Softball team in 2003. She earned her degree in psychology.

 

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UNITED SOFTBALL COACH’S CORNER (EPISODE 1 WITH SAM MATHIAS)

HANOVERTON OH- The United softball team definitely took their lumps last season. The 3 win season was not the outcome anybody wanted. But it did give the Head Coach Sam Mathias and his Eagles plenty of chances to put young kids in big situations. The growth has led to some great things for the program this season. They came in fully expecting to compete in the EOAC. With the breakout of COVID-19, those aspirations for the 2020 season are in jeopardy. The uncertainty will not stop this Eagles squad from being prepared to go if they get the green light to be back on the field.

Anthony Hartwig has the chance to talk with Coach Mathias. They discuss the COVID-19 situation, what makes United so special to him, and much more. Hear all about Eagles Softball in Episode 1 of Coach’s Corner with Sam Mathias.

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COLUMBIANA SOFTBALL COACH’S CORNER (EPISODE 1 WITH MADISON KURTZ)

COLUMBIANA OH- Columbiana softball is a program searching for stability in the head coaching position. First-year head coach Madison Kurtz is just the person to bring it for them. Having a tremendous playing career herself, in high school and college Madison knows and understands what her players are going through. Unfortunately, no one was prepared for COVID-19. Once excited for her first season at the helm, now Kurtz is just hoping the Clippers can get some games in. What a way to start out a head coaching career. One thing is for sure, it will make Coach Kurtz, and the Clipper program stronger as a unit.

Anthony Hartwig got caught up with Coach Kurtz through video conference this week. They discuss the team’s state of mind, the Clippers seniors, and much more. Get your Clipper softball fix while stuck inside on Episode 1 of Coach’s Corner with Madison Kurtz.

 

SOUTH RANGE SOFTBALL COACH’S CORNER (EPISODE 1) WITH JEFF DEROSE

CANFIELD OH- The South Range softball program was back on an upswing last season winning the district championship after two straight seasons of not making it to the title game. The win made it seem like the program was back to its former glory, being its 6th title in 10 years. COVID-19 has put a damper on the program’s momentum this spring, however, as now the season’s fate is up in the air. The Raiders join every program in the state in juggling ways to respond to the current situation. Coach Jeff DeRose has tons of experience at the helm, and there are not too many people more qualified to steady the Raiders ship through this storm.

D.J. Yokley has a chance to catch up with Coach DeRose to highlight his program. They discuss the COVID-19 situation, the impact it has on the Raiders seniors, and much more. So, if you miss Raider Softball no worries we have you covered with Episode 1 of Coach’s Corner with Jeff DeRose.

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KALI-FORNIA DREAMING

CANFIELD, OH- It’s a year that is going to be full of adjustments for many in our coverage area. An entire season that is hanging in the balance, and for the Class of 2020, one that they’ve been dreaming of their entire careers. We’re here to help them make the best of it, and one of the bright sides of our jobs is talking to the leaders of tomorrow.

Enter South Range’s Kali Dudich. The Senior super-utility player found herself on first base last year, and never looked back.

Dudich has done an outstanding job of filling in wherever she played on the diamond and continues to excel in the classroom as well. As Dudich looks to move on from high school to the college ranks, she has her goals and ambitions set on helping others, just like she’s done on and off the field so far in her life. We had the chance to sit down with Kali this week to discuss the COVID-19 situation, as well as what she’s most proud of about being a Lady Raider.

All that and more on this week’s South Range Player Profile: KALI-FORNIA DREAMING

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LAKEVIEW SOFTBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH NATE SCHICK

CORTLAND, OH- The foundation is strong for Lakeview in 2020, as the Lady Bulldogs will line up with a young, but talented lineup this season.  It’s been a long time coming for Lakeview to try to return to the top of the mountain, but second-year coach, Nate Schick feels he has the pieces to compete in an uber-competitive conference.

We sat down to talk to Coach Schick to discuss the situation at hand with the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as what his favorite parts of coaching in today’s culture.

All that and more on the Lakeview Softball Coach’s Corner with Nate Schick!

 

WILBER SIGNS WITH AKRON

JEFFERSON, OH- Lady Falcon pitcher and outfielder Sheridon Wilber made her announcement to continue her academic and athletic career at the highest level of competition today.  Wilber will attend Akron and join the Zips in the Fall.

Sheridon batted .472 in 2019 with 9 doubles and 5 round-trippers for the Lady Falcons.  Wilber also contributed 13 walks on the year which essentially means she was on base more than she wasn’t last year, which is certainly appealing to Akron.

Also considered eye-catching are Wilber’s numbers in the circle.  An ERA of 2.47 was second among the entire NE8 while leading the way in innings pitched by over 20 innings.  Wilber rung up 181 batters last year and led the conference in wins with 18.

We wish Sheridon all the best at the next level and congratulate her on her success inside the classroom, and between the lines in the spring.  You’ve made your family, friends, school, and community very proud.  Best of luck in all you do!