Tag Archive for: Westminster College

THE JOURNEY TO MOTHERHOOD

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EAST PALESTINE, OH- In a heartfelt episode of the YSN podcast, Sarah Yokley—wife of host DJ Yokley—opened up about her long-awaited role as a mother and her integral part in building the YSN platform. Just days before her first official Mother’s Day in 2025, Sarah reflected on the challenges and joys of motherhood after adopting two children with DJ, recounting the emotional journey through fostering and adoption.

“I’ve always wanted to be a mom ever since I was little,” Sarah shared. “I have such a good mom and grandmothers to look up to. I wanted the chance to be a good mom and raise kids to be good citizens.”

Sarah described the process as “surreal,” admitting that the road had been filled with adversity and paperwork, but ultimately, “we made it.” She spoke with gratitude about being able to finally celebrate Mother’s Day, noting that for years prior, she hadn’t felt comfortable being recognized as a mom.

The podcast also delved into the family’s role behind the scenes of YSN, shining a light on the sacrifices made. DJ highlighted the early years of the business—three years without paychecks and support from Sarah at every turn. “Every married man knows it doesn’t go without mama,” DJ said.

Sarah emphasized the value of sports in her own upbringing and how it helped her persevere through tough times, both in parenting and business. She also offered advice to others struggling with motherhood, urging them not to lose hope and reminding them of alternative paths to building a family, including adoption and fostering.

“Don’t give up. There are other doors to open,” Sarah encouraged listeners.

The episode captured the spirit of Mother’s Day, celebrating the mothers who uplift not just their families, but their communities, through compassion, resilience, and unwavering support.

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WESTMINSTER BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER WITH DAVID RICHARDS (5/8/25)

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NEW WILMINGTON, PA- Westminster College is “buzzing” with excitement as David Richards, a proud member of the Class of 2009 and a “son of two Titans,” returns home to lead the men’s basketball program. Richards, who recently made the move from a highly successful stint at Chatham University, spoke with YSN’s DJ Yokley about the surreal experience of coming back to his alma mater.

“It’s been great. My family’s fired up. They’re really excited for me to be back up here at Westminster,” Richards shared. Having attended games since he was eight, Richards is steeped in Titan tradition and is eager to restore the program’s winning culture.

Richards inherits a team with a strong returning core, including standouts like Drew Weir, Jackson Hendershot, Mick Hergenrother, and a returning Trevor Petro. “We have a great core coming back,” he explained, emphasizing the school’s commitment to recruiting “gym rats and basketball junkies”—players who are passionate, hard-working, and dedicated to constant improvement even in the offseason.

Fans can expect a fast-paced but disciplined style under Richards’ leadership. While the days of “run and gun” may be in the past, Richards insists his teams will play with energy and defensive intensity. “You’ll always see with our teams just how hard we play and how we play together. That’s probably the two biggest things we’ll stress on a daily basis,” he said.

Richards is also bolstering his staff with familiar faces, including longtime coach Craig Hannon, to ensure continuity and infusion of local basketball knowledge. As he prepares for his first season, Richards is focused not just on winning, but on creating a program that values academic excellence, player development, and lifelong relationships.

“I’m here to help them as a student and as an athlete. My office door is always open,” Richards pledged to future Titans and their families.

With the buzz building in “Titantown,” Westminster basketball appears poised for a bright new era under one of its own.

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RICHARDS CHOSEN TO LEAD TITANS ON THE FLOOR

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NEW WILMINGTON, Pa.–Director of Athletics Jason Lener ’93 announced Tuesday that David Richards ’09 has been named the head coach of the Westminster College men’s basketball program.

“It is with great excitement we welcome David back to Westminster as our head men’s basketball coach. Talking with former coaches, colleagues, players and administrators, it is clear he shares our belief that this program should be consistently competing at the top of the PAC and contending for conference titles year in, year out,” said Lener. “We’re confident David has the skills, the passion, the commitment and the high standards to help carry on the legacy that has been set here.”

Richards just completed his seventh season as the head coach at Chatham University, going 120-56 (.682) and winning Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC) Championship Tournament titles in 2019, 2023 and 2025. He was voted the PAC’s Coach of the Year following the 2023 and 2025 seasons.

“I am excited and honored to return to my alma mater and lead the men’s basketball program,” Richards said. “It is a program that I have fond memories of; it’s a very special place for me. I’d like to thank President (Kathy) Richardson and Jason Lener for presenting me with this incredible opportunity. This program holds great importance to me and many others in and around the region, and I am really eager to get to work.”

Before his run at Chatham, Richards was an assistant coach at Division ll Merrimack for two years, making Division II Championship appearances in 2017 and 2018. He spent the six years prior as the director of basketball operations at Robert Morris. The Colonials won the Northeast Conference (NEC) in 2015, earning a berth in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2010 and beat North Florida in the tournament’s First Four to secure the program’s first-ever tournament win.

A New Castle native, Richards graduated from New Castle High School in 2005. He earned a bachelor’s degree in financial economics from Westminster in 2009 and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Robert Morris in 2011. A four-year letter winner, he was a team captain during his senior season of 2008-09 season. Richards was a sophomore on the Westminster team that claimed the PAC regular season championship in 2007.

FROM SOUTH TO WEST

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CANFIELD, OH- In a heartfelt announcement on the latest episode of YSN’s podcast, “SOUTH RANGE PLAYER PROFILE,” South Range sensation Luke Rohan proudly revealed his plans to attend Westminster College. During an emotionally charged segment, which host DJ Yokley introduced with deep admiration, Rohan shared his excitement about continuing his basketball journey and education at Westminster where he will join a community that closely resembles the tightly-knit atmosphere of South Range High School.

Rohan, who has captivated local fans with his remarkable basketball skills, is one of only four players from South Range to break the coveted thousand-point boundary, securing his legacy as a leader both on and off the court. Known for his supportive nature, especially towards the next generation of Raiders, Rohan is well-respected among peers and the younger community who look to him as a role model.

During the podcast, Rohan discussed the recruitment process, sharing how Coach Turoki at Westminster made a lasting impression that other schools couldn’t match. Rohan spoke of his decision, emphasizing a strong personal connection and the sense of family he felt during his visit to Westminster. Beyond his athletic pursuits, Rohan plans to major in early education and special education, a path inspired by his fondness for working with children and his experiences with JD Semester, a fellow Raider with special needs.

As Rohan prepares to transition to Westminster College, the South Range community, led by proud hosts Anthony Hartwig and DJ Yokley, continues to rally behind him, recognizing both his past achievements and his promising future. The Rowan family, deeply woven into South Range’s legacy, also garnered high praise during the podcast, affirming the lasting impact they’ve had on the local community.

YSN’s episode wrapped up with sentiments of pride and encouragement for Rohan’s next adventure, promising that his journey and contributions to the Raider spirit will continue to inspire long after his departure.

 

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LADY TITANS FALL AT GENEVA

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BEAVER FALLS, Pa.–The Westminster College women’s basketball program dropped an 87-70 Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC) decision at Geneva College Saturday afternoon inside Metheny Fieldhouse.

Geneva ran its season record to 7-5 overall and 4-3 in the PAC. Westminster slipped to 1-11 overall and 1-6 in the conference.

Freshman guard Katie Maryo (Cleveland, Ohio, Magnificat) knocked down a program-record seven three-point field goals in the loss, finishing with a career-high 26 points. She hit seven of her 12 attempted three-pointers. Maryo’s 26 points were the most scored by a Westminster player since Natalie Murrio, the program’s all-time scoring leader, netted 26 in a 64-53 win over Allegheny College on Dec. 6, 2023.

Sophomore forward Grace Cano (Greenville, Pa., Greenville) added 15 points and five rebounds. It was her fourth game of the year scoring in double figures. Graduate student Breannda Davis (Streetsboro, Ohio, Streetsboro) snagged a career-high nine rebounds.

Emily Garvin, the league’s leading scorer with an 18.8 points per game average, paced four Geneva players in double figures with 26 points on 10-of-14 shooting. Alexandra Cozzens posted a 22-point, 14-rebound double-double while Anna Ulmer added 12 points and nine rebounds. Mackenzie Barricklow chipped in with 10 points and eight boards.

Westminster jumped out to an early 7-1 lead and led by five, 23-18, after the first. Maryo scored 15 first quarter points, drilling four three-pointers in the period. Geneva used an early 12-0 second quarter run to go up three, 32-29, with just under seven minutes left in the half and went into the break leading 44-43. Saturday was Westminster’s highest first-half point production this season. The opening half featured three ties and 11 lead changes.

Maryo had 18 points in the first half, going 5-of-6 from three-point range. Cano added eight second quarter points, finishing with 12 at the half. She was 5-of-6 from the floor in the opening 20 minutes. Senior forward Emily Hess (Edinboro, Pa., General McLane) added six points and four rebounds in the opening half. Garvin led Geneva with 16 first half points.

Geneva scored the first 14 points of the third, stretching its lead to 15, 58-43, before back-to-back Maryo three-pointers cut the deficit to 10, 59-49, with under seven minutes left in the period. The Golden Tornadoes outscored the Titans 32-13 in the third and was up 20, 76-56, entering the fourth. Geneva’s fourth quarter lead swelled to as many as 24 (87-63) with just over four minutes remaining before nabbing the 17-point win.

Westminster committed a season-high 33 turnovers Saturday, which Geneva turned into 34 points. The Golden Tornadoes outrebounded the Titans 50-40, finishing with a 21-8 advantage on the offensive glass.

Up Next
Westminster will host Allegheny College Wednesday. Tipoff from Ron Galbreath Court inside Buzz Ridl Gymnasium is scheduled for 6 p.m.

HENDERSHOTT HAS CAREER HIGH; WC FALLS TO GENEVA

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BEAVER FALLS, Pa.–Despite erasing a 12-point second half deficit, the Westminster College men’s basketball program was upended 75-72 in a Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC) overtime loss at Geneva College Saturday afternoon inside Metheny Fieldhouse.

Geneva, the defending PAC champion, evened its overall record at 6-6 and improved to 4-3 in league play. Westminster fell to 3-8 overall and 0-6 in the PAC. It was the first overtime tilt for the Titans since a 71-69 win over Washington & Jefferson College on Jan. 10, 2024.

Junior guard Jaxon Hendershott (Salem, Ohio, West Branch) paced Westminster with a career-high 30 points, finishing 11-of-19 from the field and 7-of-9 from three-point field goal range. He added four rebounds and a pair of steals. Hendershott’s seven made three-pointers are the most by a Westminster player since Austin Armwood hit seven in an 80-68 win over Geneva on Feb. 14, 2018.

Junior guard Drew Weir (Salem, Ohio, Salem) finished with a 19-point, 10-rebound double-double, his third in the last four games. He finished 8-of-15 from the floor. Freshman forward Michael Burbach (West Farmington, Ohio, Bristol) added nine points and four boards while junior guard Mick Hergenrother (Canfield, Ohio, Cardinal Mooney) totaled eight points, three rebounds and a career-high eight assists.

Mark Rachic led three players in double figures for Geneva, going for 27 points. He was 10-of-21 from the floor and 5-of-9 from beyond the three-point line. Ryan Rachic finished with a 14-point, 13-rebound double-double while Trevor Tipton added 11 points.

Geneva connected on eight of its first 15 three-point field goal attempts, going up 12, 30-18, with just under seven minutes left in the first. Weir’s three-pointer with 1:40 remaining in the half cut the halftime deficit to seven, 35-28. Weir finished the first with nine points, going 4-of-7 from the floor. Hendershott knocked down a pair of first half three-pointers. Mark Rachic had 13 first-half points for Geneva.

Hendershott fired in 11 early second half points to help cut the lead to five, 50-45, seven minutes in after drilling a three. Geneva surged to a seven-point lead, 60-53, following a quick 6-0 scoring run before a Hendershott three-pointer, followed by a Weir layup, slashed the deficit to one, 60-59, with under five to go. Hendershott’s seventh made three-pointer gave Westminster a 62-60 lead with 1:41 left. Ryan Rachic hit a pair of free throws with 1.6 seconds remaining to send the game into overtime. The Titans connected on five of their nine attempted three-pointers in the second half.

The overtime featured six ties and four lead changes. Weir’s three-pointer, his second of the day, with 2:42 left gave Westminster a 69-67 advantage. A Hendershott step-back jumper with 17 seconds remaining cut Geneva’s lead to two, 74-72, before Tipton split a pair of free throws with six seconds to go that sealed the Golden Tornadoes’ win. Mark Rachic scored seven of Geneva’s final eight points.

Westminster shot 46 percent (29-63) from the field and hit nine of its 21 (.429) three-point attempts.

Up Next
Westminster will host Allegheny College Wednesday. Tipoff from Ron Galbreath Court inside Buzz Ridl Gymnasium is scheduled for 8 p.m.

TITAN MEN DEALT LOSS AT DUAL BY FLORIDA SOUTHERN

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LAKELAND, Fla.–The Westminster College men’s swimming and diving program opened the new year with a 118-70 dual meet loss at Florida Southern College, currently the 16th-ranked Division II program in the nation, inside the Nina B. Hollis Wellness Center Pool Monday afternoon.

Florida Southern evened its dual meet record at 2-2 with the win. Westminster fell to 1-5 in dual meet action this season.

Senior Cory Webster (Coraopolis, Pa., Moon) finished first in the 100 freestyle with a Division III “B” cut and personal-best time of 44.94 seconds. Sophomore Hayne Webster (Wellsboro, Pa., Wellsboro) was the runner-up in the 100 freestyle with a time of 45.33 and finished third in the 100 breaststroke (1:15.37).

Seniors Sam Duda (Tulsa, Okla., Bishop Kelley) and Mason Peck (Cary, N.C., Panther Creek) were second and third, respectively, in the 500. Duda finished in 5:18.50 while Peck finished in 5:46.61. Freshmen Avery Bumbach (Ocala, Fla., Forest) and Ethan Schohn (Pittsburgh, Pa., Plum) finished second and third in the 100 butterfly. Bumbach posted a time of 56.81 while Schohn finished with a time 1:00.44. Freshman Jack Katigbak (North Canton, Ohio, Lake Center Christian) and senior Steel Boyer (Mohrsville, Pa., Schuylkill Valley) were second and third in the 100 backstroke, with Katigbak registering a runner-up time of 59.20 while Boyer finished in 1:10.64. Senior Patrick Benedict (Pittsburgh, Pa., Upper St. Clair) was second in the 100 breaststroke with a time of 1:10.27.

Westminster capped off the meet with a first-place finish in the 200 freestyle relay, registering a time of 1:35.06. Members of the relay included Bumbach, Schohn, Duda and Katigbak.

Up Next
Westminster will travel to The College of Wooster on Saturday. The non-conference dual meet is scheduled to get underway at 1 p.m. inside the Timken Natatorium.

WESTMINSTER TOPS MARIETTA IN EXTRA POINTS BOWL

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CANTON, Ohio–The Westminster College football program earned a 27-13 victory over Marietta College in the Extra Points Bowl Saturday night at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.

The Extra Points Bowl was part of the inaugural Opendorse Bowl Series, which also included Saturday’s ForeverLawn Bowl. Hanover College from the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) posted a 13-10 win over Wabash College from the North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) on Clint Hearne’s walkoff 37-yard field goal.

Westminster wrapped up its season with an 8-3 record. It is the fifth season winning eight or more games under 11th-year head coach Scott Benzel. Marietta, the Ohio Athletic Condference (OAC) representative, fell to 8-3.

Westminster scored touchdowns on offense, on defense and on special teams Saturday. Freshman Andrew Caranna (Copley, Ohio, Revere) also drilled field goals from 33 and 30 yards, respectively. His nine made field goals are the most by a Westminster player since Justin Dahl went 15-of-20 in the 2016 season.

Junior running back Gavin Greaves (Miami, Fla., Felix Varela) staked Westminster to an early lead after returning a punt blocked by freshman defensive back Cayetano West (Cranberry Township, Pa., Seneca Valley) 14 yards for a touchdown just one minute, 35 seconds into the opening quarter. It was Greaves’ second blocked punt returned for a score this season.

Leading 7-3, graduate student running back Ryan Gomes (Tampa, Fla., Walter L. Sickles) scored from 7-yards out to extend the lead to 10, 13-3, with just over seven minutes to go in the first. Junior quarterback Ty McGowan (Moon Township, Pa., Moon) fired a 17-yard completion to junior wide receiver Taite Beachy (Moon Township, Pa., Moon) before connecting with senior wide receiver Jalen Washington (Orlando, Fla., Dr. Phillips) on a 25-yard strike during the scoring drive.

Gomes’ touchdown was the 25th rushing score–and the 30th total–of his career. He’s tied with Nick McKolosky (2006-09) for No. 5 on the College’s all-time touchdowns list. McCloskey finished with 26 rushing touchdowns and four receiving scores. Gomes now ranks sixth on the program’s all-time rushing yards list (2,999) and is seventh in career carries (683).

Westminster went into halftime leading 16-6.

Midway through the third quarter Vante’ Hodges capped a 10-play, 53-yard drive after scoring from a yard out to cut Westminster’s lead to three, 16-13.

Freshman defensive back Deshawn Vaughn (Youngstown, Ohio, Austintown Finch) opened the fourth with an interception of Connor Vierstra on Marietta’s third play of the quarter. It was Vaughn’s first career interception. Caranna’s 30-yard field goal midway through the fourth pushed the Titans’ lead to six, 19-13. With just over two minutes left in regulation, senior defensive lineman Jean Garry Joseph (North Miami, Fla., Ebenezer Christian) snagged a one-handed takeaway, returning the Connor Vierstra interception 11 yards for a score. It was Joseph’s first career interception. Senior quarterback Billy Levak (Macedonia, Ohio, Nordonia) found Beachy for the two-point conversion.

Gomes finished with 21 carries for 55 yards and a score. It was his second game of the season totaling 20 or more carries. Washington caught five passes for 50 yards. He has 106 catches for 1,418 yards and 12 touchdowns in 39 career games. Washington is the 14th player in program history to eclipse 100 career receptions.

Junior linebacker Dylan Sleva (Moon Township, Pa., Moon) registered a career-high 16 tackles (10 solo) while posting two tackles for loss, a sack, a fumble recovery and a pair of pass breakups. He is Westminster’s first player with 16 tackles since Bryce Thomas against Grove City College on Sept. 25, 2021. Senior defensive back Brice Butler (Farrell, Pa., Farrell) had seven stops (5 solo) and four pass breakups. Freshmen linebackers Aiden Fletcher (Pittsburgh, Pa., Deer Lakes) and Ricky Cooper (Port St. Lucie, Fla., Port St. Lucie) also had seven stops. Fletcher added 2.5 tackles for loss, a sack and a forced fumble while Cooper intercepted Vierstra with just over five minutes left in the third. It was Coopers’ first career interception.

Marietta outgained Westminster 380-170. The Titans’ defense racked up 6.0 tackles for loss and 3.0 sacks.

WESTMINSTER SWATS YELLOW JACKETS

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NEW WILMINGTON, PA-Westminster came out strong in their season opener, securing a 23-10 win over Waynesburg in a solid showing at Memorial Field on Saturday. This was the Titans’ first game of the season after a Week 1 bye, and they made it count on Family Day, highlighted by the induction of five new members into the Titan Sports Hall of Fame during halftime.

Junior wideout Taite Beachy made his presence felt, hauling in six passes for 85 yards, including a 37-yard touchdown grab from quarterback Ty McGowan on the Titans’ opening drive. McGowan was lights out, completing 17-of-19 passes for 213 yards and that early TD. He even tacked on a rushing score in the fourth quarter, cementing Westminster’s control.

The Titans had their ground game rolling too, with junior backs Gavin Greaves and DeMere White combining for 104 yards on 17 carries. Greaves led the way with 62 yards on 10 attempts, while White added 42 yards on seven. Sophomore receiver Clayton Cannon Jr. also got in on the action, scoring on a 13-yard run early in the second quarter.

Westminster’s offense racked up 404 total yards—213 through the air and 191 on the ground—while going 6-of-9 on third downs, keeping Waynesburg’s defense on the back foot.

On defense, junior linebacker Dylan Sleva led the charge with 10 tackles (8 solo), while senior DB Corte Williams and senior safety Brice Butler added a combined 17 tackles and 2 tackles for loss. Freshman linebacker Aiden Fletcher had a standout debut, notching two sacks and forcing two fumbles.

For Waynesburg, Zayne Cawley was a bright spot, rushing for 129 yards and a touchdown. Quarterback Samuel Barber went 11-for-14 for 75 yards, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Titans’ well-balanced attack.

Freshman kicker Andrew Caranna made his debut for Westminster, nailing a 19-yard field goal in the second quarter to extend the lead to 17-7. He hit his first two extra points but had one blocked in the fourth.

Westminster improves to 1-0 and will hit the road next Saturday to face Allegheny College under the lights. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Frank B. Fuhrer Field.

 

LENER LEADS THE WAY FOR TITAN ATHLETICS

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NEW WILMINGTON, PA-  A groundbreaking partnership was announced yesterday between Your Sports Network (YSN) and Westminster College, set to bring broader visibility to the college’s athletic events. In an exclusive Coaches Corner interview, Westminster College Athletic Director Jason Lener and YSN’s DJ Yokley revealed the exciting collaboration, which will see the majority of Westminster’s athletic events simulcast on YSN’s platform.

“We’re super excited about the partnership,” said Lener, a proud Westminster alum. “Anytime we can partner with an alum on any venture, it’s just an added bonus. This is a win-win situation for both Westminster and YSN.”

The partnership aims to shine a brighter light on Westminster’s athletic programs across Northeast Ohio and Western Pennsylvania. Yokley highlighted, “It is a 50-50 partnership that benefits both sides. For Westminster, this means increased exposure, and for YSN, more content and engagement with our growing audience.”

Lener, who began his tenure as Athletic Director in 2021, expressed deep pride in both his alma mater and the student-athletes he oversees. “It’s incredibly rewarding to be in this role. Our job is to ensure that our student-athletes have a wonderful experience at Westminster,” he shared. The college’s focus on maintaining and improving upon its facilities is also a key component of Lener’s strategy to attract and retain top talent. Recent renovations, including a state-of-the-art gymnasium and ongoing updates to other sports facilities, underscore this commitment.

Looking to the future, Lener revealed plans to further enhance Westminster’s athletic infrastructure. “We’re pursuing a fundraising campaign to add press boxes to our baseball, softball, and soccer/lacrosse fields. Improvements like these help set Westminster apart in a competitive recruitment landscape.”

YSN’s Yokley praised Lener’s dedication and vision, saying, “The commitment that Jason and his team have to all athletic programs is extraordinary. We’re thrilled to be part of promoting the outstanding talent and programs at Westminster.”

This partnership marks a significant milestone for both entities, aimed at enriching the college sports experience for athletes and fans alike. “We’re very excited about creating more exposure for current student-athletes and helping prospective students learn more about Westminster,” Lener emphasized.

As preparations for the upcoming athletic season get underway, both Westminster College and YSN look forward to a fruitful collaboration that promises to highlight the excellence and dedication of Westminster’s athletic community.

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