Tag Archive for: Wrestling

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

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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THE ACADEMIC MONSTER

PEPPER PIKE, OH-  Austin Thomas, a standout athlete at Orange High School, was featured in a player profile segment. With his notable achievements in academics and sports, Thomas has earned the nickname “Academic Monster” among his peers.

Thomas, a multisport athlete involved in both wrestling and football, has managed to excel in both areas, displaying remarkable dedication and time management skills. Despite his demanding schedule, Thomas prioritizes his academic pursuits, maintaining an impressive 4.7 GPA.

When asked about his ability to manage his commitments, Thomas admitted that sleep often takes a backseat. He emphasized the importance of utilizing study halls efficiently and making the most of his time after practice. Thomas prioritizes completing schoolwork, staying focused, and ensuring he makes the most of his academic opportunities.

Thomas’s dedication to academics stems from his desire to pursue higher education beyond high school solely based on his athletic abilities. He recognizes the significance of enriching both mind and body, ensuring that he can secure a college education that matches his ambitions and aspirations.

While Thomas is uncertain about his specific career path when he attends college, he has another year and a half to explore his options. With his strong work ethic and determination, Thomas is undoubtedly poised for success, no matter what path he chooses.

The podcast also delved into the relationship between Thomas’s involvement in wrestling and football. Thomas explained that wrestling has greatly influenced his football skills, particularly in terms of hand placement, footwork, and overall body control. By mastering techniques such as hand movements, foot placement, and hip positioning, Thomas has gained a competitive edge on the football field.

When it comes to his competitive mindset, Thomas revealed that he adopts a different persona in his respective sports. Whether it’s wrestling or football, once Thomas steps onto the mat or dons his football helmet, he switches into a focused and intense mindset that fuels his drive to succeed.

Surprisingly, Thomas finds motivation from his teammates and uses any frustrations or annoyances as fuel to push himself further during practice. This competitive spirit ignites a fire within him, propelling him to constantly work harder and improve.

During the podcast, Thomas also shared insights regarding his family dynamics. Living with his parents and having an older brother who is away at college, Thomas reminisced about their early roughhousing days. Although their physical playfulness came to an end after a few accidents left his brother injured, the Thomas household was always filled with laughter and good-natured sibling rivalry.

Reflecting on his high school experience, Thomas treasures the relationships he has built with his teammates, coaches, teachers, and fellow students. The camaraderie, support, and shared laughs are what he cherishes the most, as they have shaped him into the person he is today.

Thomas also mentioned his admiration for football player CJ Justin Tanner and wrestler Terrence Davis. Their dedication, work ethic, and competitive drive have served as inspiration for him, pushing him to reach new heights in his own athletic pursuits.

As Austin Thomas continues to dominate both academically and athletically at Orange High School, his determination, time management skills, and unwavering focus make him a role model for aspiring student-athletes. With college on the horizon, Thomas is set to leave a lasting impact on both the academic and sports communities he becomes a part of.

 

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MERRILL’S MERIT

CANFIELD, OH- Welcome back to another exciting episode of YSN Player Profile, where we delve into the lives and stories of extraordinary individuals.

In today’s episode, we shine the spotlight on Conner Merrill, a senior offensive and defensive lineman for the Canfield Cardinals. Join us as we sit down with Conner at Cocca’s Pizza in Canfield, Ohio, to discuss his football journey, his role as a leader on the team, and the importance of family.

From his unwavering commitment on the field to his quick wit and humor off the field, Conner gives us fascinating insights into his life and what drives him.

So grab your headphones, get comfortable, and tune in to this Canfield Player Profile episode featuring the one and only Conner Merrill.

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HITTING THE MARK

AUSTINTOWN, OH- In this episode of YSN, we dive into the world of high school football as we profile Austintown Fitch player, Mark Stankorb.

Join DJ Yokley as he sits down with this talented player to uncover his journey on the field, his unique bond with his quarterback, and the comedic moments that happen within the huddle. We also learn about Mark’s love for wrestling and how it has shaped his mindset on and off the field.

Don’t miss out on this entertaining and insightful player profile on Mark Stankorb.

 

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EAST PALESTINE PLAYER PROFILE: BULLDOG ROUNDTABLE

EAST PALESTINE, OH- In today’s episode, “East Palestine Football Bulldog Roundtable,” we gather an exclusive panel of talented players from the East Palestine Bulldogs football team. Shane Richardson, Ayvre Klingensmith, RJ May, and Anthony Lehman are joining us, each representing a different grade level – senior, sophomore, freshman, and junior, respectively.

Hosted by the “Voice of the Bulldogs” Tim Figley, this roundtable discussion takes us through the journey of these dedicated athletes, from their offseason training and team improvements to memorable moments and individual accomplishments throughout the season.

As we dive deeper into their experiences, we uncover the challenges they’ve faced, the impact of other sports on their performance, and the camaraderie that drives them forward. From heart-pumping touchdowns to game-changing tackles, this episode provides an intimate look at the mindset and dedication required to excel in high school football. So, get ready to hear inspiring stories, valuable insights, and the unwavering passion of these remarkable Bulldog athletes. Stay tuned for an episode that’ll have you cheering from the sidelines.

This is YSN: East Palestine Football Bulldog Roundtable. Let’s get started!

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BRIAN BRINGS THE BOOM

CANFIELD, OH- In today’s episode, we’re diving into the South Range player profile of Andrew Brian. As a key player on the South Range football team, Andrew has had an impressive journey, from winning the state championship as a sophomore to stepping into a leadership role as a junior.

Join us as we explore Andrew’s experiences and learn about the valuable lessons he’s learned from his teammates who have served as role models. From the fearless playing style of Billy to the strong work ethic of Shane, and even the guidance from Chris Colucci who helped Andrew transition into his position as center. We also get a glimpse into the dynamics of the huddle and some unexpected moments that happen behind the scenes.

Listen in as Andrew shares his thoughts on staying calm under pressure and his passion for lifting weights and playing poker. We’ll also learn about his love for basketball and wrestling. So grab your headphones and get ready to hear the story of Andrew Brian on this exciting episode of Player Profile, on YSN!

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LUKE-WARM RECEPTION

CANFIELD, OH-  In today’s episode, we have a special guest joining us, none other than Luke Starkey from the South Range High School football team.

Luke’s journey has been filled with ups and downs, starting with a devastating injury that left him sidelined last year. But through perseverance and unwavering support from his family, Luke has made a remarkable comeback.

As we dive into his story, we’ll explore the challenges he faced during his recovery, the motivation that fueled him, and the defining moments that made him the player he is today. Join us as we get a glimpse into the life of Luke Starkey, a rising star on the South Range team.

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PHER WHAT IT’S WORTH

CANFIELD, OH- Head down, stoic, quiet.  Three words that describe the majority of South Range football players dating back over 50 years.

Enter Christopher Colucci.

A young man who has pure joy, and passion not only for his school, community, and family but to all that know him.  Colucci has an outgoing personality that shines through past his golden locks and Disney-like smile.  When Pher walks into a room, he changes it for the better.

His outstanding work-ethic has posted him as one of the top lineman on the South Range roster in football, as well as a state champion in wrestling, and most recently an All-American selection.

We had the great fortune to sit down with the young man they call “Pher” in this week’s South Range Player Profile: Pher What It’s Worth

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RAIDER WORLD ORDER: SOUTH RANGE TAKES STATE

CANFIELD, OH- Saturday evening marked a historic event for South Range High School.  For only the second time in school history, a team captured a state championship in sports.  This time, it was the wrestling team who stunned all in attendance by holding the big trophy in Versailles.

Chris Colucci had the weight of the world on his shoulders in his match and needed a pin to finish the meet.

A pin is what he delivered, and led the celebration immediately following.

We caught up with the two gentlemen partially responsible for the championship wave the Raiders are riding: Michael Lally, and Chris Colucci, where we discussed the run up to the state duals, the legacy they’d like to leave, and what a win like this means for a program like theirs.

EOWL STAGE SET

Austintown Fitch High School is the scene for what is setting up to be a very competitive two days of high school wrestling.   The Eastern Ohio Wrestling League Tournament, slated to begin today at 3pm, is annually one of the most talked-about tournaments in Northeast Ohio.  Twenty-six schools will be competing in the two-day tournament which will certainly prove as a measuring stick for those looking at state glory in the coming weeks.  Two-time defending team champ Louisville is primed for the three-peat behind multiple top-seeded wrestlers.  The host Austintown Fitch,  Beaver Local, Boardman, Brookfield, Canfield, Columbiana, Crestview, Garrettsville Garfield, Girard, Howland, Hubbard, Jackson Milton, Jefferson, Liberty, Poland, Salem, South Range, United, Waterloo, Wellsville, and West Branch all are vying to knock off the Leopards and claim the team title in 2022.  Each weight listed with each respective top seed and those to watch out for in the tournament:

106– 1. Hunter Newell (SR) 26-3, Quinton Burns (LIB), Lacy Harvey (LOU) 23-6, 28-3, Mason SImms (WEL) 13-3

113– 1. Kolten Barker (LOU) 26-6, EJ McCarthy (HUB) 28-3, Kaden Welker (SR) 23-6, Dominic Leone (LIB) 25-5,

 120- 1. Gavin Pahanish (SR) 24-4, Jacob Ferguson (AUS) 23-2, Michael Dorris (WB) 21-7, Grayson Hoover (GG) 18-2

 126- 1. Mason Amadio (RSE) 21-6, Dylan Rhoads (LOU) 20-9, Tyler Scharrer (CAN) 31-3,  Adam Heckman (HOW) 17-4

 132- 1. Pablo Castro (LOU) 31-2, Ray Cmil (SR) 21-0, Jaymin Salsberry (BL) 15-2, Arthur Croom (AUS) 27-6

 138– 1. Michael Markulin (SR) 28-2, Mark Emmerling (BL) 15-4, Rian Spangler (HOW) 22-5, Dominic Hoffarth (LOU) 22-4

144- 1. Collin Wonner (CR) 19-2, Dorian Jackson (BL) 10-5, Jacob Richardson (SR) 26-2, Ashton Labelle (BRD) 18-8

150– 1. AJ Coppersmith (CR) 21-0, Aric Smith (AUS) 21-8, Niko Poullas (CAN) 31-4, Jenson Baker (UTD) 29-6

157– 1. Logan Ours (BL) 21-1, Brenden Severs (LOU) 26-6, Jake Starkey (SR) 24-5, Noah Frank (CAN) 24-7

165– 1. Hunter Andel (GG) 18-3, Logan Cormell (SR) 32-2, Tyler Lintner (AUS) 32-1,  Justin Fox (WLO) 20-2

175– 1. Keegan Sell (GG) 21-1, Noah Peterson (LOU) 12-7,  Sean O’Horo (BRD) 30-0,  Husdson Brink (WB) 24-7

190- 1. Jaidyn Sapp (RSE) 26-2, Blake Schaffer (LOU) 30-3, Dillon Smith (POL) 15-2, Dom Zemko (AUS) 23-11

 215– 1. Steven Marra (WB) 28-0, Chris Colucci (SR) 26-3,  Sam Murray (SAL) 20-6, Payne Brereton (UTD) 26-6

285- 1. Cameron Brazek (LOU) 26-3, Nick Bowser (HUB) 27-4, Dallas McCracken (UTD) 29-4, Michael Lally (SR) 25-7

Action slated to begin at 3pm today and continues at 10am Saturday.  Final round action is slated for 4:30pm Saturday afternoon at Fitch High School in Austintown

 

*STORY CONTRIBUTED BY YSN’S CHRIS SIGLER