Tag Archive for: South Range Raiders

SOUTH RANGE BASEBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH JIM HANEK

/in /by

CANFIELD, OH- South Range’s baseball team has long been a force to reckon with in high school sports, and Coach Jim Hanek is a significant reason why. With the 2024 season well underway, Coach Hanek shared his thoughts on what constitutes a successful season, the development of young talents, and his coaching philosophy on the first episode of SOUTH RANGE BASEBALL COACH’S CORNER with DJ Yokley.

For Coach Hanek, the team’s recent trip to Myrtle Beach wasn’t merely about wins and losses, though they returned with an impressive 4-1 record. He elaborated, “Wins and losses, yes. I mean, it’s… Those are important, but… the team building, the camaraderie that you get from a trip like that… it just really brings the team closer together.” The importance of team cohesion can often be undervalued, but for teams aiming for the top, it’s clear that Hanek considers it essential.

Fostering a winning culture isn’t just about celebrating victories on the field—it’s also about appreciating the lighter moments. Coach Hanek described the team’s traditional Rios night vividly, recounting moments of lighthearted competition: “There were a few kids that… tried to out eat each other. It didn’t end very well late in the evening,” he chuckled, noting even he had to pass up dessert to focus on the “main course” of the night.

When asked about cultivating standout players like senior Tyler Wardle, Coach Hanek’s pride was evident. “He’s worked hard. I mean, he continues to work hard… and I think he’s a, he’s strong in his faith, you know? And I admire him for the fact… I think that strong faith base he has… that calms him,” he shared, stressing the significance of personal development alongside athletic prowess. For Hanek, inspiring athletes to be well rounded, responsible adults is a key aspect of his coaching duties.

Coach Hanek is also known for his analytical approach to the game, digging deep into data to make informed decisions. Yet he acknowledges the role of intuition. “A lot of… in-game decisions… you just kind of see how the game’s evolving… it’s a mix,” Hanek explained. There’s a dance between following the statistics and trusting one’s instincts that Hanek seems to have mastered over his coaching tenure.

Reflecting on the pressures of winning state championships, Coach Hanek offered perspective: “I think if you’re judged solely on that and you’re looking at that as the ultimate goal and nothing else matters, I think you’re missing a lot.” He emphasized the journey over the destination, the growth of players over wins, and the broader impact a coach can have on young lives.

As South Range’s baseball season progresses, the community will be watching Coach Jim Hanek, not just for his strategic play-calling but for the way he continues to mold a group of young athletes into a tight-knit team poised for success both on and off the diamond. His depth of experience, blended with his thoughtful approach to coaching, makes each game a learning opportunity for his players and a master class for everyone watching. Keep an eye on the Raiders this season as they implement the lessons from Myrtle Beach under the steady guidance of a coach who truly understands the heart of baseball.

 

PRESENTED BY

David Rach, South Range

SOUTH RANGE FOOTBALL COACH S CORNER EP 12 WITH DAVID RACH

/in /by

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.

 

PRESENTED BY

HEEEEEEEEEATH!

/in /by

CANFIELD, OH-  South Range Raiders’ junior tight end, Heath Crouse, opened up about his experience playing for the esteemed high school football team and the impact of having a successful older brother, JD Crouse, who also excelled in the same position.

Crouse humbly expressed his admiration for his brother, stating that being in JD’s shadow is an honor as he has been an invaluable mentor and role model. He credits JD for helping him improve as a player and as a person. The tight-knit Crouse family has instilled in him a sense of greatness and the drive to always give his best, whether on the field or in his daily life.

The interview also highlighted Heath Crouse’s dedication to his craft. He emphasized the importance of hitting the weight room, improving his footwork and hand-eye coordination, and always pushing himself to the limit. Taking inspiration from his brother’s work ethic, Crouse aims to surpass JD’s accomplishments, continually striving to be better.

When asked about the differences between him and his brother on the field, Crouse acknowledged JD’s superior catching ability but emphasized his own strengths in terms of footwork. Additionally, Heath claimed to have better academic grades, while JD’s humor and storytelling skills took the crown.

The South Range Raider expressed his gratitude for the close-knit community and the strong bonds formed within the team. He attributes their success to the chemistry they share, branding it as a key factor that sets them apart.

Off the field, Heath looks up to his parents and JD as his role models. Their unwavering support and guidance have shaped him into the person he is today. Among his parents’ and brother’s qualities, he admires their knowledge and their ability to push him to become a better individual.

Heath Crouse also delved into his personal life, revealing his interest in cooking. He mentioned that being more like his father in terms of his strong work ethic, and his mother in terms of culinary skills, has played a significant role in shaping his character.

The YSN podcast interview provided insight into the life of Heath Crouse and shed light on his journey as a South Range Raider. With his dedication and the support of his family, teammates, and community, Heath Crouse is poised for continued success on the football field and beyond.

 

PRESENTED BY

TOY STORY 2

/in /by

CANFIELD, OH- Welcome back to another episode of South Range Player Profile, the podcast that brings you all the latest updates on South Range Raiders sports.

In this week’s episode, we have a special player profile segment featuring freshman volleyball player, Anna Toy. Get ready to hear about Anna’s journey into the sport of volleyball, her dedication to the game, and how she has become an integral part of the South Range Raider team.

Join us as we dive into Anna’s story and discover what makes her such a talented and promising athlete. Stay tuned, because this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

 

PRESENTED BY

David Rach, South Range

SOUTH RANGE FOOTBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 8) WITH DAVID RACH

/in /by

CANFIELD, OH-  In today’s episode of “South Range Football Coach’s Corner,” we have a special guest, David Rach, the head football coach of the South Range Raiders. Coach Rach joins us to discuss the team’s recent dominant win and how they are preparing for their upcoming game against Niles. We delve into the details of their execution on offense, defense, and special teams, and Coach Rach shares his thoughts on the challenges they faced and the areas they need to improve on.

Additionally, we talk about the importance of maintaining focus and intensity throughout the season and the role of player development in the team’s success. With a championship on the line, Coach Rach shares his perspective on the game against Niles and the team’s determination to secure a decisive victory.

Get ready for an insightful and exciting conversation with Coach David Rach in this episode of “South Range Football Coach’s Corner.”

PRESENTED BY

David Rach, South Range

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

/in /by

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!

PRESENTED BY

DON’T MESS WITH THE ZANDER

/in /by

CANFIELD, OH-  Today we have an exclusive interview with a standout player from the South Range Raiders, Zander Mercer.

Join us as we dive into the life of this senior blindside tackle and uncover his love for the game, his aspirations for the future, and the legacy he hopes to leave behind.

Get ready for an inspiring and entertaining conversation with Zander Mercer.

PRESENTED BY

David Rach, South Range

SOUTH RANGE FOOTBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 4) WITH DAVID RACH

/in /by

CANFIELD, OH- In Episode 4, as always, we have a special guest joining us, David Rach, the head coach of the South Range Raiders.

We’ll be diving into the aftermath of their impressive 41-3 victory over Warren JFK, making them 2-1 for the season. Coach Rach reflects on the team’s preparation, the importance of establishing a dominant run game, and the defensive prowess displayed by his players.

We also discuss the challenges of practicing during a week with no school and the unique scheduling situation this year. Stay tuned for an insightful and engaging conversation with Coach David Rach on this week’s episode.

PRESENTED BY

David Rach, South Range

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

/in /by

BOARDMAN, OH-  In this episode, titled “South Range Football Coach’s Corner (Ep 2) with David Rach,” we dive into the exhilarating world of coaching with South Range head coach, David Rach. Join us as we discuss his first-ever game as a head coach, the preparation and anticipation leading up to the game, and the emotions he experienced throughout the week.

From the nerve-wracking moments to the proud triumph of securing a victory, Coach Rach shares his insights and reflections on this unforgettable experience. Stay tuned for an inside look at the South Range Raiders’ journey and the passion that drives this football program. It’s time to step into the Coach’s Corner with David Rach!

PRESENTED BY