Tag Archive for: student athletes

CALL OF DUTY; BELL WINS BOWLING GREEN’S MEDAL OF HONOR

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BOWLING GREEN, OH-  In a recent episode of YSN’s podcast, host DJ Yokley sat down with Logan Bell, the 2024 Medal of Honor recipient and Medal of Excellence winner from Bowling Green State University. Bell, a standout athlete from Lisbon David Anderson High School known for shattering records and later taking his talents to the baseball diamond, opened up about his journey, the essence of teamwork, and his aspirations for the future.

Bell’s commitment to excellence both on and off the field was recognized when he was awarded Bowling Green’s prestigious Medal of Honor. This accolade is not just a testament to his athletic prowess but also a nod to his leadership and community impact. Reflecting on the moment he found out about the award, Bell shared, “I’m very thankful to have been nominated and received the award, and I’m glad that I can represent BGSU in the way that it intends athletes to represent the school.”

Bell’s collegiate career was punctuated by significant challenges, including undergoing the harrowing experience of Tommy John surgery. “Relying on my parents and my faith to get me through those, that long summer and that long return to playing is kind of the biggest thing that has helped me,” stated Bell, emphasizing the support system that saw him through his trials.
He credits his never-give-up attitude to taking things one day at a time, focusing on each step of the recovery process rather than being overwhelmed by the road ahead.

Throughout the interview, Bell consistently highlighted the importance of being a good teammate, a philosophy he lives by. “It’s not about my accomplishments, it’s about the team’s accomplishments,” he profoundly iterated, reinforcing the message that individual recognition always takes a backseat to the collective success of his team.

Bell is no stranger to hardship. He discussed the numerous rejections he faced in high school, noting, “Pick out something that you see every day and write down your goals.” He added that resilience amid criticism is key – to see it as a means to enhance one’s capabilities instead of taking it personally.
As for his future, Bell is clear on his aspirations and pragmatic about the possible trajectories his baseball career could take. He spoke passionately about the prospect of winning a MAC championship and venturing into professional baseball. “Whether it takes me the next 20 years of my life or whether it takes me five years,” Bell mused, underlining his commitment to achieving what many only dream of.

Logan Bell’s story is one of resilience, dedication, and humility. Showcasing remarkable talent and a veteran’s poise, he serves as an embodiment of what it means to overcome adversity and emerge victorious. Bell exhibits the heart and hustle of a true champion, and according to DJ Yokley, he does it all while sporting a work-in-progress mustache.

In the world of collegiate athletics, where stars shine bright, Bell is undoubtedly one of the luminaries guiding the way for future generations.Bell’s story serves as an inspiration to young athletes everywhere — fight for your dreams, lean on your community, strive for excellence, and remember that the journey is every bit as significant as the destination.

MAIN EVENT MADISON

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YOUNGSTOWN, OH-  Madison Tromler, an esteemed journalist and news anchor from Channel 21, WFMJ, is no stranger to making waves in Mahoning Valley with her exceptional reporting skills. In a candid and engaging interview with YSN’s DJ Yokley, Madison shared insights into her career, personal life, and her excitement about participating as a guest judge at the upcoming March 24 all-star game.

Since joining the news industry, Madison has continuously set the bar for journalistic excellence, bringing her extensive experience and dedicated work ethic to cover a wide range of pivotal local and national stories. Known for her compassionate and thorough approach, she has earned accolades for her extensive reporting on both tragic and triumphant events, bringing impactful stories to viewers with empathy and professionalism.

Perhaps one of the most intriguing aspects of the interview was Madison’s candid discussion about her life outside of the newsroom. Despite her high-profile role, Madison described herself as a down-to-earth individual who enjoys simple pleasures such as spending time with family, savoring delicious seafood, and incorporating wellness activities into her routine. Her commitment to maintaining a balanced life while excelling in her career is a testament to her resilience and determination.

Madison’s unique perspective as a journalist was evident as she shared anecdotes about her experiences covering major events, from interviewing iconic figures like Erin Brockovich to confronting important issues with political figures. Her dedication to keeping the public informed and holding public figures accountable underscores her deep commitment to serving the community through her work.

It is clear that Madison’s contributions to the field of journalism extend far beyond her on-screen presence. Her impressive journey in the industry is a testament to her passion for storytelling and her unwavering dedication to delivering impactful news to the Mahoning Valley. As she takes on her new role as a guest judge, it is evident that Madison Tromler’s multifaceted expertise and genuine demeanor will continue to inspire and captivate audiences for years to come.

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ORANGE WRESTLING COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH BRODY ARRUNDALE

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PEPPER PIKE, OH- In the latest episode of YSN’s “Orange Wrestling Coach’s Corner,” Coach Brody Arrundale opens up about his first year as head coach of the varsity wrestling program at Orange High School in Pepper Pike.
Coach Arrunndale reflects on the rising popularity of wrestling, crediting the inclusion of women in the sport for its recent growth. He emphasizes the importance of managing expectations for the young team, highlighting their potential and strong leadership qualities.
With a focus on making the sport enjoyable and beneficial for the student-athletes, Arrundale stresses the significance of instilling discipline and nurturing personal growth. He also shares his own journey into wrestling, speaking about his passion for the sport and the invaluable lessons it has taught him.
As the team only has one senior, Arrundale sees this as both a challenge and an opportunity for the underclassmen to step up and develop their skills.
Arrundale’s leadership style revolves around creating a supportive and motivating environment, where students are encouraged to work hard for each other and understand the personal growth that comes from their dedication to the sport.
The coach’s personal motivation stems from his deep understanding of what wrestling can offer beyond traditional achievements, and he is committed to passing on the sport’s valuable lessons to the next generation of athletes.
Orange High School’s wrestling program is in good hands with Coach Arrundale at the helm, and the upcoming season looks promising under his guidance.

 

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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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