LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

Without fear or favor
Since 2004

Author: Cassie Mattia

  • Loveland Magazine Presents a “9/11 Photo Essay”

    Loveland Magazine Presents a “9/11 Photo Essay”

    Cassie Mattia is a resident of Historic Downtown and the Associate Editor of Loveland Magazine

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – Downtown Loveland celebrated those heroes who lost their lives during the 9/11 tragedy gathered around the Chief Candace M. Cook Firefighters Memorial, located on Harrison Avenue right along the Loveland/Little Miami Bike Trail just two Fridays ago. 

    Both the Loveland-Symmes Fire Department and the Loveland Police Department attended the beautiful ceremony as well as several dedicated community leaders.

    Luckily, Loveland Magazine was there to capture the breath-taking ceremony that included, a speech by retired Cincinnati Police Lieutenant and Republican candidate for Hamilton County Sheriff ,Bruce Hoffbauer, the playing of bagpipes as the firefighter memorial flag was lowered to half-mast, search lights resembling the Twin Towers set off into the sky, and a patriotic display of fireworks as songs honoring the fallen heroes rang throughout the night. Pastor Bill Hounshell led the gathering in prayer.

    We understand that many may have missed Loveland’s 9/11 ceremony so here at Loveland Magazine we wanted to make sure our readers could virtually enjoy the experience through our “9/11 Photo Essay.” Click below to view the compilation of photos taken by Editor-In-Chief David Miller honoring the 9/11 heroes, local first responders, and attendees.

    (The Memorial – the Monument – the Ceremony – the Fireworks – the Searchlights – the Solemn People of the Greater Loveland Area)

    Stay tuned for more of the Loveland Salad With Me, Cassie Mattia!

  • Loveland Community Celebrates LIFE Food Pantry’s new Location!

    Loveland Community Celebrates LIFE Food Pantry’s new Location!

    Cassie Mattia lives in Historic Downtown and is the Associate Editor of Loveland Magazine

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – Loveland’s very own food pantry is now open for business!

    On Thursday, September 10th, LIFE (Loveland InterFaith Effort) Food Pantry showed off their beautiful new space located at 541 Loveland Maderia Road in the Shopper’s Haven Plaza to the Loveland community with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony. Although invites to the ceremony were limited due to the COVID-19 stipulations many community members, as well as the Mayor of Loveland, Kathy Bailey, and the Little Miami River Chamber of Commerce President, CeeCee Collins, rallied around to get a look at the food pantry’s new location.

    Luckily Loveland Magazine TV got a personalized tour by one of LIFE Food Pantry’s top volunteers after the ribbon was cut and the doors were opened!

    The tour showed the 2,000 square foot space filled with donations from Walmart, Kroger, Fresh Thyme, the 13 congregations that support the pantry, and several different food drives.

    Unlike the food pantry’s previous location at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church clients will now be able to feel as though they are shopping at their local “Corner Store” because of the added space and organization.

    Aisles within the pantry include proteins, pasta, prepared meals, veggies, fruits, baking supplies, soups, and much more! Each aisle is separated by the size of the family in need making it that much easier for clients to look at their choices and shop for themselves. This is what LIFE Food Pantry calls a “Choice Pantry.”

    The pantry’s new space also includes what they refer to as a “Tiger Closet,” which is specifically for Loveland students who are in need of food and other supplies. To see the full Loveland Magazine TV video of the LIFE Food Pantry’s opening day and ribbon-cutting ceremony click below!

    Coincidentally enough LIFE Food Pantry’s opening day happened to be on the same day as World Hunger Day making the day that much more important to everyone involved.

    Since the inception of the COVID-19 pandemic LIFE Food Pantry’s clients have increased by 1/3. Currently, LIFE serves 250 families (nearly 500 people a month) and they plan on seeing that number increase now that they have opened a larger location. Anyone who lives in the 45140 zip code can be helped by the food pantry. 

    To learn more about what LIFE Food Pantry offers and the new locations hours click below!

    LIFE Food Pantry Holds New Location Ribbon Cutting Ceremony!

    To watch the exclusive full-length Loveland Magazine TV interview with LIFE Food Pantry’s Executive Director, Linda Bergholz, click below!

    LIFE Food Pantry Moves to a Beautiful new Location!

    Stay tuned to get more “Loveland Salad” with Me, Cassie Mattia!

  • A Look at Last Week’s LHS Sports and What’s to Come This Week!

    A Look at Last Week’s LHS Sports and What’s to Come This Week!

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – Loveland High School’s Fall sports seasons have finally taken off! Although COVID-19 has made school vs. school competitions this Fall season somewhat difficult the Eastern Cincinnati Conference (ECC) and the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) has implemented safety protocols that have allowed high school student-athletes to have the sports seasons they have been dying to have! 

    Last week in LHS sports proved to be quite the success as several Tiger squads had victories! Here’s the Loveland Sports 411 for the week of September 7th-13th as well as what competitions you should expect for this week in the LHS sports world!

    FOOTBALL

    The LHS Football team was supposed to have the ultimate rivalry game at Milford on Friday, September 11th, but unfortunately, the game had to be canceled due to a positive COVID-19 test involving a Milford Football player. The schools are working on rescheduling the contest.

    Currently, the LHS Football team is sitting at 0-2, with losses against Turpin and West Clermont. The Tigers are looking to grab their first win at home against Little Miami on Friday, September 18th.

    VOLLEYBALL

    The LHS Women’s Volleyball team is sitting right in the middle of the pack in the ECC with a 4-4 overall record (2-3 in the ECC). On Tuesday, September 8th the Tigers traveled to Turpin. While Loveland battled hard, they ended up losing 25-23, 25-12, winning 22-25,  and losing the final game 25-15. 

    On Wednesday, September 9th Loveland played at home against Lebanon. The Tigers played 3 games losing 25-14, 25-8, and 25-17. On Saturday, September 12th the Lady Tigers came back with a vengeance facing one of the best teams in the GMC, Lakota West, at home. The Tigers played 5 games losing the 1st and 2nd games 23-25, and 20-25.  Loveland than collected 2 wins in the 3rd and 4th games, 25-22, and 25-24. Unfortunately, the Tigers lost in a very close 5th game, 15-13. 

    The LHS Women’s Volleyball team will be back in action this week on Monday, September 14th at home against Little Miami at 6:30 p.m, Tuesday, September 15th at Anderson at 6:30 p.m, and at home against Kings at 6:30 p.m.

    MEN’S SOCCER

    The Loveland Men’s Soccer team played at Milford on Thursday, September 10th. The Tigers ended up losing 2-1 in a close battle. The Tigers are sitting at 3 wins, 1 loss, and 1 tie (1-1-0 in the ECC) thus far for the 2020 Fall season.

    The Men’s Soccer Team this week will be hosting Little Miami on Tuesday, September 15th at 7 p.m.

    WOMEN’S SOCCER

    The Loveland Women’s Soccer team has kicked off the 2020 season with a bang sitting at 1st place in the ECC with a 5-0-0 record overall (2-0-0 in the ECC). On Tuesday, September 8th they played Milford at home collecting a 3-0 win! Ryann Eversole, Brooke Hatfield, and Shraya Smolenski all had a goal in the big Tiger win.

    On Saturday, September 12th the Lady Tigers faced Sycamore at home, in which they grabbed another win, 2-1. Leiah Goedde and Brooke Hatfield both had a goal for the Tigers. 

    This week the Loveland Women’s Soccer team will play 3 games, 1 on Tuesday, September 15th at Little Miami at 7 p.m, another on Thursday, September 17th at home against Kings at 7 p.m, and on Saturday, September 19th at Mason at 5 p.m.

    MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY

    The Loveland Men’s Cross Country team has had quite the successful season thus far clocking times at the top of the ECC! On Saturday, September 12th the Tigers traveled to Corwin Nixon Park for the Mason Invitational. Loveland finished in 4th place as a team with 116 points. Ryan Chevalier took the gold for the entire invitational finishing in 1st place with a time of 16:14.8. Ajay Stutz was next finishing in 16th place with a time of 17:15.5, followed by Sam Neiger in 22nd place with a time of 17:42.5, then Caden Dyer in 38th place with a time of 18:00.4. The next finisher was Colin Beran in 59th place with a time of 18:31.1, followed by Grant Hanson in 66th place with a time of 18:40.1, then Alex Salatin in 71st place with a time of 18:44.7, and Zach Mays in 79th place with a time of 18:52.1. Rounding out the Tigers was Alex Saletta in 86th place with a time of 18:56.4. 

    Junior Ryan Chevalier’s 1st place performance out of 381 runners at the Mason Invitational gained him an ECC Athlete of the Week Nomination! Chevalier is currently sitting in 2nd place in the ECC with a time of 16:06, in which he ran at the Loveland Invitational on Saturday, September 5th.

    The Men’s Cross Country team will compete again Saturday, September 26th at the Saturday Night Lights Meet at Centerville High school.

    Read here about the Loveland Invitational that was held on September 5th.

    WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY

    The Loveland Women’s Cross Country team is running off the ECC competition this 2020 Fall season with their unbelievable 5k times! The Tigers competed in the Mason Invitational on Saturday, September 12th at Corwin Nixon Park finishing in 2nd place out of 15 teams with 87 points.

    The top finisher for Loveland was Sarah Madix clocking a 2nd place finish with a time of 19:32.6. Ellie Carr finished next in 18th place with a time of 20:43.4, followed by Sophia Huff in 20th place with a time of 20.50.1, and next in 25th place was Ally Colegate with a time of 20:58.4. The next finisher for the Tigers was Ansley Richards in 27th place with a time of 21:01.5, followed by Maaike Snider in 29th place with a time of 21:07.9, and Audrey O’Keefe in 34th place with a time of 21:14.5. Other finishers for the Lady Tigers were Lauren Gard with a time of 21:27.3 and Meghan Tibbs with a time of 21:34.3.

    Junior Sarah Madix was the 2nd Loveland Tiger this week to be nominated for the ECC Athlete of the Week for her performance at the Mason Invitational. Madix not only had the 2nd fastest time out of 347 runners she was also 1 out of only 4 girls to break 20 minutes on the new Mason 5k course.

    Currently, in the ECC several Lady Tigers are sitting in the top 10 for their Loveland Invitational 5k times. Emily Sager is in 2nd place with a time of 18:53.5, Sarah Madix is sitting in 4th place with a time of 19:18.2, and Ellie Carr is in 7th place with a time of 20:04.03.

    The Loveland Women’s Cross Country team will be competing again on Saturday, September 26th at the Saturday Night Lights Meet at Centerville High School.

    Read here about the Loveland Invitational that was held on September 5th.

    MEN’S GOLF

    The Loveland Men’s Golf team has been having a great season as they are sitting at the top of the ECC with a 7-0 record overall (6-0 in the ECC)! On Tuesday, September 8th the Tigers beat Anderson 159-160 at Legendary Golf Course. Over the weekend Loveland competed twice, traveling to Heatherwoode Golf Course on Saturday, September 12th, and to Glenview Golf Course for the Hadley Invitational on Sunday, September 13th. The results for both competitions have yet to be posted on the ECC website.

    Several Tigers are in the top 10 in the ECC for their golf performances! Tyler Vallee is in 2nd place with a 38.36 average, Anthony Moran is in 4th place with a 38.63 average, Joe Jankowski is in 5th place with a 39.09 average, and Matthew Geist is in 9th place with a 40 average.

    The Men’s Golf team will be competing again on Monday, September 14th at Miami Valley Golf Course for the Alter Invitational and on Tuesday, September 15th at Shaker Run Golf Course against Lebanon at 3:30 p.m.

    WOMEN’S GOLF

    The Women’s Golf team, currently 1-4 in the ECC, competed at Harmon Golf Course against Lebanon on Wednesday, September 9th. The Tigers lost 212 to 191. 

    This week the Loveland Women’s Golf team will be traveling to Eagles Nest Golf Course to face Little Miami at 3:24 p.m and then will be heading to Walden Ponds for the ECC Tournament on Thursday, September 17th at 8 a.m.

    WOMEN’S TENNIS

    The Women’s Tennis Team is in 4th place in the ECC with a 10-2 overall record (3-2 in the ECC)! Loveland took on the Mason B Team on Wednesday, September 9th gaining another win, 4-1. Since collecting the Mason win, the Lady Tigers are ranked at the top of the ECC in Singles and Doubles. Maira Hodar is in 4th place in First Singles with a 6-6 overall record (2-3 in the ECC), while Grace Haught is in 6th place in Second Singles with a 9-3 overall record (3-2 in the ECC). Tess Broermann and Hanna Wenger are in 1st place in the ECC in First Doubles with an 11-0 overall record (5-0 in the ECC), while Jenna Batsch and Babs Dwyer are in 1st place in the ECC for Second Doubles with an 11-0 overall record (4-0 in the ECC).

    The Loveland Women’s Tennis Team will be playing 3 times this week! On Monday, September 14th Loveland will be competing against Indian Hill at 4 p.m, then on Tuesday, September 15th at Lebanon at 4 p.m, and on Wednesday, September 16th against St.Ursula at 4 p.m.

    Stay tuned for more of the Loveland Sports 411 With Me, Cassie Mattia!

  • LIFE Food Pantry Holds New Location Ribbon Cutting Ceremony!

    LIFE Food Pantry Holds New Location Ribbon Cutting Ceremony!

    Columnist Cassia Mattia is a resident of Historic Downtown Loveland. She is the Associate Editor of Loveland Magazine.

    Loveland, Ohio – The time has finally come for Loveland’s finest food pantry to open their new location!

    The LIFE (Loveland InterFaith Effort) Food Pantry announced Tuesday that they will be holding a ribbon-cutting ceremony at their new location, 541 Loveland-Madeira Road, on Thursday, September 10th at 4 PM. 

    LIFE moved locations from Prince of Peace to Shopper’s Haven in Loveland because of the growing demand during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the press release sent out by LIFE it stated:

    “LIFE is increasing capacity in a new space that will allow us to serve even more residents in need. This move is critical for the ever-growing demand during COVID-19. The new location will provide:
    • capacity to store and serve an increased amount of food and supplies
    • a more dignified experience for our clients
    • the capability to extend hours of operation
    • space for our volunteers to stay safe by following social distancing regulations
    • closer proximity to many of our clients
    • an adjacent outdoor area to host food drives”

    Although LIFE’s amazing staff would love everyone in the community to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony, invites are limited due to the COVID-19 restrictions. If you would like to attend the ceremony contact Linda
    Bergholz, Executive Director, at lifefoodpantry@yahoo.com. If you would like more information on the ceremony or would like to view the invite click the following link here.

    LIFE is a Freestore Foodbank partner and the primary food assistance provider in the Greater Loveland area. If you or someone you know is in need of assistance visit LIFE Food Pantry on Thursdays from 4:00–6:30 PM and Saturdays from 10: AM until 12:30 PM. If you need to contact LIFE Food Pantry email them at lifefoodpantry@yahoo.com or call at (513) 583-8222.

    Hours after October 1st will be the following: Tuesdays from 10 AM until noon, and 4 until 6:30 PM, Wednesdays from 10 AM until noon., Thursdays from 10 AM until noon, and 4  PM until 6:30 PM, Fridays from 10 AM until noon., and Saturdays from 10 AM until noon.

    Watch the exclusive Loveland Magazine TV full-length interview with LIFE’s Executive Director Linda Bergholz at LIFE food pantry’s new location!

    LIFE Food Pantry Moves to a Beautiful new Location!

     

    Please share LIFE’s message and stay in communication as they plan events and enhanced services to support the Greater Loveland community!

    Facebook – facebook.com/LIFEFoodPantry
    Website – lifefoodpantry.org
    Twitter – twitter.com/LIFEfoodpantry

    Stay tuned for more of the Loveland Salad With Me, Cassie Mattia!

    LIFE will accept your donations during regular business hours.

    THIS WEEK’S PRIMARY NEEDS:

    Canned chicken
    Canned salmon
    Corn
    Green beans
    Coffee
    Potato dishes
    Canned mixed vegetables
Fresh potatoes
    Fresh onions
    Apples or oranges

  • New OHSAA Executive Director is Announced!

    New OHSAA Executive Director is Announced!

    by Cassie Mattia

    Columbus, Ohio – On Tuesday, the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) introduced their new Executive Director, Doug Ute, making him the 11th person to fulfill the prestigious position!

    Ute, a Bellville, Ohio native, began his journey in 1988 when he became a part-time business teacher and a basketball coach at Noble Local Schools. Eventually, he went on to teach, coach, and fulfill the athletic administrator position at Buckeye Central High School. 

    Over the last 20 years, Ute acted as school Superintendent, 9 of those years being at Marion Elgin Local Schools and 11 of those years being at Newark City Schools. During Ute’s time at Newark, he created the Social, Emotional, and Academic Success (SEAS) program. The SEAS program allows counselors, teachers, and staff to get together and discuss ways to help their students succeed in life. Ute also expanded the free lunch program and made free breakfast available to all students. With all of Ute’s hard work and efforts at Newark, the school district had its highest graduation rate of all time.

    Ute went on to accept the position as Deputy Director of the Buckeye Association of School Administrators, but shortly after was asked to fill the Executive Director position with the OHSAA.

    Ute said in a press release sent out by the OHSAA that he has always had the mindset of a coach and athletic director so OHSAA would be the perfect place for him to be.

    “I am humbled to be selected by the Board of Directors for this position and join a great team at the OHSAA office. We are all aware of the uncertainties that are before us due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but I know that together we can and will be stronger together,” Ute explained, “My focus has always been on helping students become better people, and athletics are such an important part in that. That is true now more than ever. I can’t wait to get started and help lead our member schools.”

    President of the OHSAA Board of Directors and Athletic Director at Mentor High School, Jeff Cassella, expressed his excitement for bringing Ute onto the OHSAA team in OHSAA’s press release.

    “We are excited to have someone lead our organization with Doug’s experience, both in working with student-athletes and with his experience in the workings of the OHSAA,” Cassella said, “The Board of Directors is confident that Doug’s leadership style and experience is a great fit to lead the OHSAA through this unique year.”

    Ute played basketball at Ashland University and graduated with a bachelor’s in Business Administration and Marketing. He later earned his Master’s Degree in School Administration, a Graduate Teaching Degree in Business, A Principal’s License, and a Superintendent’s License from Ashland University. Ute and his wife Kory, now have 4 children and 8 grandchildren.

    To stay up to date on Ohio and Loveland’s latest sports news tune into the Sports 411 With Me, Cassie Mattia!

  • LIFE Food Pantry Moves to a Beautiful new Location!

    LIFE Food Pantry Moves to a Beautiful new Location!

    Cassia Mattia is the Associate Editor of Loveland Magazine. She lives in the heart of it all in Historic Downtown.

    Loveland, Ohio – Loveland has always been known as the city of love, hence LOVE-land, but now Loveland is becoming more known as the city that keeps on giving! This has been proven time and time again through the countless ways Loveland and its businesses have given to local charities, families, and food pantries, including Loveland’s LIFE Food Pantry.

    LIFE, Loveland Interfaith Effort, Food Pantry has made it its mission to be “a faith and community-supported organization that provides food, financial assistance, and programs to those experiencing hardship in the greater Loveland area.” For years LIFE has serviced the Loveland area out of a 250 square foot space at Prince of Peace Church. This not only made it difficult to meet the high demand of Loveland residents in need of food supplies, but it also didn’t allow those in need to shop for their own items, especially during the COVID-19 Pandemic as there was not enough space for social distancing. 

    For Linda Bergholz, who is the Executive Director of LIFE Food Pantry, it was hard to ignore all the issues in regards to the pantry’s location and spacing, so Linda and her associates went on the hunt for a new location.

    Finally, Linda and the Food Pantry crew found the location of their dreams at Shopper’s Haven Plaza, located at 541 Loveland Madeira Road, formerly the Vision Arts Center. LIFE Food Pantry’s new location is 2,000 square feet and just a short walk for those who use the Food Pantry’s services on a weekly basis. 

    After hearing about this incredible opportunity for LIFE Food Pantry to serve more of those in need of food and more often here at Loveland Magazine we knew we had to visit Linda and the new location! 

    We are excited to present to you the community of Loveland an exclusive on-camera interview with Linda where she not only shows us the new space but also talks about LIFE’s history and what she sees for the future of the local food pantry! Without further ado here is Loveland Magazine TV’s on-camera interview with Linda Bergholz! 

    NOTE about the History of L.I.F.E

    Unable to find a new “home” the Loveland Free Store closed in 1999. Several months later the community was called together by resident David Miller, while volunteering with the Loveland Shalom Initiative (now the Loveland Initiative) to resurrect a program that was so vital to community life and thus, the L.I.F.E. Food Pantry was founded. Miller (the Publisher of Loveland Magazine) wrote the original business plan for the L.I.F.E Food Pantry.

    During the 1980s recession, Eleanor Baker founded the Loveland Free Store in a tiny extension of the laundry room at the MacArthur Park Apartments on Park Avenue.

    The Loveland Free Store had humble beginnings and purpose. Eleanor started giving people the food out of her own cabinet and then got other people involved. People in the complex would often have bare pantries, and other tenants sometimes had a little something extra. Moms brought what they could to the laundry room and shared with the other moms so their friend’s children and the elderly would have food to eat.

    The laundry room quickly became inadequate when the broader community found out what Eleanor was doing, chipped in and helped her collect food and daily necessities. The program grew and soon began organizing during Thanksgiving and Christmas to provide meals and presents for children. The Loveland Firefighters Association gave them space to operate from their Loveland Firefighter’s Hall at the intersection of St. Rt. 48, Broadway, and Second Street (the 5-Way intersection in Historic Downtown). Eventually, the Firefighters sold their building and it was demolished when the intersection was re-configured to what you see there today.

  • Plitt Named to Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Watch List

    Plitt Named to Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Watch List

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – A former LHS student-athlete has found himself on another prestigious list for excelling in the game of football! Ball State redshirt Senior, Drew Plitt, was placed on the watch list for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award just two weeks after being placed on the watch list for the Manning Award, which recognizes the top-performing quarterback in America.

    The Golden Arm Award was named after Johnny Unitas, an 18-year NFL veteran, who began his stellar football career with the Baltimore Colts in 1958. Unitas was not only responsible for creating football’s 2-minute drill he also racked up some very impressive stats throughout his career. 

    The recipient for the Golden Arm Award each year is selected by the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Educational Foundation and the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Selection Committee. The top Senior quarterback is chosen based on their performance on and off the field. This year Plitt joins Kent State’s Dustin Crum on the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award watch list. Plitt and Crum are the only MAC quarterbacks on the list. 

    2020 Golden Arm Award Watch List

    Jack Abraham, Southern Miss
    Jake Bentley, Utah
    James Blackman, Florida State
    Ian Book, Notre Dame
    Alan Bowman, Texas Tech
    Myles Brennan, LSU
    Charlie Brewer, Baylor
    Chase Brice, Duke
    Anthony Brown, Oregon
    Shane Buechele, SMU
    Sean Clifford, Penn State
    Jack Coan, Wisconsin
    K.J. Costello, Mississippi State
    Dustin Crum, Kent State
    Micale Cunningham, Louisville
    Sam Ehlinger, Texas
    Justin Fields, Ohio State
    Feleipe Franks, Arkansas
    Chase Garbers, California
    Jarrett Guarantano, Tennessee
    Donald Hammond III, Air Force
    Sam Hartman, Wake Forest
    Hendon Hooker, Virginia Tech
    Josh Jackson, Maryland
    Mac Jones, Alabama
    D’Eriq King, Miami

    Trevor Lawrence, Clemson
    Levi Lewis, Louisiana
    Adrian Martinez, Nebraska
    Dylan McCaffery, Michigan
    Davis Mills, Stanford
    Kellen Mond, Texas A & M
    Tanner Morgan, Minnesota
    Jamie Newman, Georgia
    Patrick O’Brien, Colorado State
    Asher O’Hara, Middle Tennessee
    Brandon Peters, Illinois
    Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh
    Drew Plitt, Ball State
    Brock Purdy, Iowa State
    Peyton Ramsey, Northwestern
    Shawn Robinson, Missouri
    Anthony Russo, Temple
    Nick Starkel, San Jose State
    Zach Smith, Tulsa
    Zac Thomas, Appalachian State
    Skylar Thompson, Kansas State
    Dorian Thompson-Robinson, UCLA
    Kyle Trask, Florida
    Brady White, Memphis
    Zach Wilson, BYU
    Terry Wilson, Kentucky

    To read more about Plitt’s phenomenal career thus far at Ball State click the following link: Former LHS Student-Athlete Listed on Pre-Season Manning Award Watch List!

    After the MAC made the decision to postpone all scheduled fall contests in 2020, as well as MAC championships, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Plitt expressed his feelings on the cancellation and the honor of being placed on the Golden Arm watchlist.

    “This has been an unexpected and frustrating year for us and the cancellation of the season was extremely disappointing. The team was playing really well having a lot of fun and enjoying the little bit of normal we were experiencing when on the field for practice,” Plitt explained, “For all us, football is an escape from reality, a time to forget everything else in the world, put on the helmet and pads and be a kid again and it’s very disappointing and very frustrating that we won’t be playing and really didn’t have much say in the entire decision making. The award watchlist is a tremendous honor and really a testament to my teammates because, without them, I wouldn’t be able to do what I do. It’s awesome to be apart of the watchlist but I’ve got other things on my mind like winning a MAC championship first and foremost! That’s what our team wants, the awards come when a team performs great and wins.”

    If you would like to read the MAC’s full announcement about postponing Fall sports click the following link: MAC Announces Postponement of Fall Sports

    Plitt’s parents Steve and Julie said they couldn’t be prouder of their son’s accomplishments and hope they will get to see him play his final college season.

    “As Drew moves through each phase of his sports career and life he continues to amaze me and make me proud. This is just another example,” Julie Plitt said, “He is privileged to have great coaches and players to help him in this journey.”

    Bryce, Julie, Marie, Steve, and Drew Plitt at Marie’s volleyball Senior night in 2019

    “For me personally, being raised and growing up in Baltimore, this resonates deeply inside. Johnny Unitas went to our church and I saw him there often,” Steve Plitt explained, “His youngest son graduated from the same high school as I did.  Johnny Unitas was the pinnacle of success in Baltimore, not for just being maybe the best QB of all time, but his time off the field spent in the community helping others. My roots are from Baltimore, and I know that there is a little of that ‘blue-collar’ Baltimore grit in Drew’s spirit as well. Johnny U was my father’s favorite QB, Drew never had the chance to meet his grandfather, so in some way this connection is both humbling and very, very special for me.”  

    Here at Loveland Magazine, we want to congratulate Drew Plitt for representing Loveland in such a positive way! We admire Plitt’s hard work and dedication and commend his parents for raising such a top-notch student-athlete! We will be rooting for you Drew when you get back out on the field!

    For more of Ohio and Loveland’s sports updates stay tuned to the Sports 411 With ME, Cassie Mattia!

  • Fall High School Contact Sports Receive the Go-Ahead From DeWine

    Fall High School Contact Sports Receive the Go-Ahead From DeWine

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – Student-athletes all across Ohio jumped for joy Tuesday when Governor Mike DeWine announced that he will be signing a new Ohio Department of Health order. This order will permit the Fall contact sports of Field Hockey, Soccer, and Football, to move forward with competition against other schools.

    Although the Governor confirmed his support for the new health order in a press conference on Tuesday he also said he wanted to ensure that Ohio’s coaches continued to inspire their student-athletes to follow safety precautions. DeWine stated that he hopes that by allowing high school athletes to have a season that will then inspire them to be as careful as they can be.

    “I hope that our coaches will use this an opportunity to focus on helping these young people understand what really is at stake,” Dewine said, “Coaches, you, in a normal year, inspire, you mentor, you instruct, you instill discipline and self-discipline in your student-athletes. For all of that, we are very grateful for what you do. You make a lot of sacrifices, work long hours and you inspire our kids. We thank you very much for that. But this year, it’s going to take more. It’s going to be inspiring them in regards to the goal of keeping COVID out of their team,” DeWine added.

    Field hockey, Soccer, and Football will now be joining the OHSAA’s previously approved Fall sports, which were Girls and Boys Golf, Girls Tennis, Girls Volleyball, and Girls and Boys Cross Country.

    With the majority of high schools in Ohio desperately wanting to play sports this Fall, the OHSAA has been working with the Governor’s Office and the Ohio Department of Health to create a new health order that contains modifications from the previous health orders released. With the new Health Director’s Order comes two separate mandates and recommended best practices documents for schools to follow for competitions. If practices aren’t followed the OHSAA could issue consequences for the violation of these requirements as prescribed in Bylaw 11, Penalties. The new health order will still include symptom assessments, mandated facial coverings, enforcement of social distancing, cleaning and sanitizing, and what to do when faced with confirmed COVID-19 cases or exposure to the virus. The finalized health order will be sent to schools this week.

    Bob Goldring, the OHSAA’s Interim Executive Director, also voiced his support of contact sports being allowed to compete in Ohio.

    “The OHSAA is moving forward because we want kids to have an opportunity to participate, and the Governor’s Office is providing that opportunity and a chance,” Goldring explained, “So for that, we are most appreciative. It’s important to remember that our student-athletes have been practicing and training with others for weeks and even months, and it has gone well. So, we believe they deserve the chance to move forward, and that the high school space is also different than the collegiate space.”

    The OHSAA staff has also been consistently working hard to create sport-specific modifications and recommendations for schools when conducting interscholastic competition.  If you would like to read over the updated sports modifications and safety precautions you can click on the following link:https://ohsaa.org/Home/OHSAA-COVID-19-Correspondence.

    OHSAA’s Goldring, like Governor DeWine, when speaking on Tuesday also emphasized the importance of student-athletes, coaches, and school administrators being the absolute best advocates for safety.

    “COVID-19 certainly has created a risk factor, and that is something on which each family has to decide for their student, and each local school district has to make decisions on moving forward based on all the information they have been presented,” Goldring continued. “But we also believe our student-athletes, coaches and school administrators – in education-based programs – are suited to be the best advocates for safety, strongly promoting and following mandates and recommendations to wear facial coverings, stay socially distanced and so forth. Our coaches, especially, are role models to so many of our student-athletes. So hopefully our student-athletes will follow their lead and guidance, especially when they talk to students about what to consider away from school.”

    If you would like to look over the full text from Tuesday’s updated memo sent to the OHSAA’s member schools visit the following link: https://ohsaaweb.blob.core.windows.net/files/BulletinBoard/20200818AdministratorUpdate.pdf

    OHSAA’s Fall Sports Seasons are Scheduled to Begin on the Following Dates:

       Friday, Aug. 21 – Soccer and Field Hockey

       Monday, Aug. 24 – Volleyball, Cross Country, and Football

       Both Golf and Girls Tennis Seasons have already begun.

    Have more questions about the new sports health orders and mandates? The Governor’s Office, the Ohio Department of Health, the National Federation of State High School Associations, colleagues at other state high school athletics/activities associations, members of the OHSAA’s Joint Advisory Committee on Sports Medicine, and members of the Governor’s Sports League Advisory Group created a series of questions and answers for those wanting to learn more! Click on the following link to read:https://ohsaaweb.blob.core.windows.net/files/Sports/2020/OHSAAReturnToPlayQA.pdf.

    For the latest updates in the world of sports be sure to tune into Sports 411 With ME, Cassie Mattia!

  • [VIDEO] Local Soccer Program Donates Checks to Mile42 Coffee and the Loveland Legacy Foundation

    [VIDEO] Local Soccer Program Donates Checks to Mile42 Coffee and the Loveland Legacy Foundation

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – The COVID-19 pandemic has effected many across Ohio including those involved in Loveland’s elite kids’ sports programs. A local soccer group by the name of “Loveland Storm FC” has become very familiar with the obstacles COVID-19 has created many of the obstacles coming right before their Spring soccer season.

    Due to the pandemic Loveland Storm FC had no choice but to cancel their Spring soccer season. Because of the season cancellation, the local soccer program quickly recognized that their financial outlook was troubling because they had already made investments before COVID-19 made itself known. On top of the prior investments, Loveland Storm FC  also felt a strong obligation to return the downpayment parents had already made for the spring season registration. At the same time, the Storm did not want to totally bankrupt the youth soccer program.

    In order to help out the Loveland Storm FC soccer program and get the community involved the decision was made to hold a Virtual 5k Walk/Run Fundraiser with donations going towards the soccer program. Although the Loveland Storm absolutely wanted the community involved in the Virtual 5k Walk/Run the soccer program also wanted to be sure that the way they asked the community for help was done in the right way especially with so much economic hardship present due to the pandemic.

    Local mother and Loveland community advocate, Libby Westerman, took the time to explain to us and our many readers in the video interview below how the Virtual 5k Walk/Run decisions were made, and how the Loveland Storm FC program’s plan would emphasize the values that they make a top priority. According to the soccer program’s mission statement, the Loveland Storm FC is meant to be a “player-centered, family-friendly, community connected, competitive soccer program that grows players, has fun, and gives back.” The Loveland Storm FC program stands by their mission by asking each team to take on a community service project each season as part of its investment in the community.

    After the Virtual 5k Walk/Run was all said and done the Loveland Storm FC program was able to not only refund the money they received for registrations but also give away a doughnut or pizza party to the top teams in the Virtual 5k Walk/Run.

    On Friday, August 7th the local soccer program was able to take more of the donations they received from the Virtual 5k Walk/Run and give back to both the Loveland Legacy Foundation and Mile42 Coffee located in Loveland’s Historic Downtown District. The President of the Loveland Youth Soccer Program, Bruce Jones, along with Loveland Storm FC representatives personally presented checks to the Loveland Legacy Foundation and Mile42 Coffee in a special ceremony on Friday, August 7.

    The Loveland Legacy Foundation will use their check to support the foundation’s mission which is “the betterment of Loveland, now and in the future.” Mile 42 Coffee plans on using their donation on providing Loveland teachers with free coffee. Loveland teachers will need to present their school I.D to retrieve a 4 dollar credit towards a coffee or specialty drink of their choice.

    Katie Butler, the owner of Mile42 Coffee, expressed her gratitude for the donation as well as explained what the coffee shop would be doing with the donated check in the on-camera interview below. You will also witness the check being presented to both Katie and her mother, Jackie Butler!

    In the interview below Libby Westerman shares with us how the Virtual 5k Walk/Run came to fruition, why the money was raised by the Loveland Storm FC, and why she wanted herself and her children involved in such a great local sports program!

    In the 3rd on-camera interview, we captured on Friday we talked to Steve Max, CeeCee Collins, and Brian Garry, who were representing the Loveland Legacy Foundation, about the donation check and what they would be using the donation for!

    For more of Loveland’s latest sports stories stay tuned to the Sports 411 with me, Cassie Mattia!

  • OHSAA Announces Shortened HS Football Season Proposal

    OHSAA Announces Shortened HS Football Season Proposal

    OHSAA adjusts high school season if football is approved by Governor

     

    by Cassie Mattia

    COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Governor’s recommendation to shorten Ohio’s High School Football seasons has been approved! The Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) announced Friday that due to concerns COVID-19 may spike in the early winter, all Ohio HS football teams will enter into the playoffs on October 9th. The HS State Championship games would be played no later than November 21st. This is only in the event that the Governor’s Office approves Ohio HS Football being played this year.

    The proposal for a shorter football regular season was approved by the OHSAA Board of Directors with a 9-0 vote. OHSAA released a press release after the vote saying that they considered the proposal a win-win situation for all schools because it would then not matter how many games each team played leading up to the playoffs.

    So how will it be determined which HS football teams qualify for the playoffs you may be asking yourself? Well, instead of using the traditional computer ratings system, coaches in each region will conduct a tournament seed meeting the week of September 28th in order to form the regional brackets. This is very similar to how several other team sports within the OHSAA determine which teams qualify for playoffs.

    Loveland High School is apart of the Eastern Cincinnati Conference.

    The shortened football season guidelines state that schools may keep their first six previously scheduled games, but all regular-season football contracts will be now voidable by either school. This is especially important in the event that conferences redo their league schedules so that games will fit into the first six weeks. The OHSAA will also determine new playoff regions in September. Teams that are eliminated from the playoffs may continue to schedule regular-season games up until November 14.

    MAC Announces Postponement of Fall Sports

    The Mid-American Conference (MAC) has announced the postponement of all scheduled fall contests, as well as MAC championships, due to continuing concerns related to the COVID-19 global pandemic. Read on…

    The Big 10 is expected to announce the cancelation of the Fall football season on Tuesday.

    Those schools that have paused sports due to COVID-19 are still able to begin their season in September or early October as well as compete in the playoffs. If a school finds that they would rather play regular-season games up until November 14th and not compete in playoffs they are able to do so.

    “To both ensure we can offer students the opportunity to participate in education-based athletics but do so with their best interests in mind, we believe this modified plan offers a positive solution by addressing many of the concerns of our member schools,” President of the OHSAA Board of Directors and Athletic Administrator at Mentor High School, Jeff Cassella said, “Those that are able to start their seasons on time will be able to do so. Those that are starting later can still have a season. Add in the option of all schools entering the playoffs and the possibility of schools still being able to play 10 regular-season contests, and this plan is helpful to virtually all of our schools.”

    Here are the most important details in regards to the OHSAA’s modified Ohio HS Football season and changes to the Playoffs process:

    • Regular-season games will begin the week of August 24 (same regular-season starting date).
    • All teams are eligible to enter the OHSAA playoffs. New regions will be determined in September.
    • The number of playoff rounds is dependent upon the number of schools entering the playoffs in each division. Coaches in each region will seed all playoff teams in the region to form a bracket, similar to other OHSAA sports.
    • Schools eliminated from the OHSAA playoffs or those schools that choose not to enter the OHSAA playoffs have the option to schedule additional regular-season contests through Saturday, November 14 (maximum of 10 regular season contests permitted).
    • Playoff seeding will be determined via a vote of the coaches the week of September 28 (Harbin Ratings is suspended for the 2020 season).
    • All playoff contests through the regional semifinals (and possibly the regional finals) will be hosted by the higher-seeded team.
    • Schools must commit to participating in the playoffs by 11:59 PM on Thursday, September 17.
    • Playoff regions will be drawn on Friday, September 18.
    • Schools may withdraw from the playoffs without a penalty until Thursday, September 24.

    Below is what the new modified Ohio HS Football season will look like:

    • Regular season Week 1:  Week of August 24
    • Regular season Week 2:  Week of August 31
    • Regular season Week 3:  Week of September 7
    • Regular season Week 4:  Week of September 14
    • Regular season Week 5:  Week of September 21
    • Regular season Week 6:  Week of September 28
    • Playoffs begin Friday, October 9
    • State Finals end no later than Saturday, Nov. 21

    Still, have questions on OHSAA’s modified football season and the new Playoffs process? Click HERE for all of the Q&A’s!

    Thus far the decision on whether or not spectators will be allowed to be present at contact sports this year has not been made yet. The OHSAA stated that “At a minimum, parents should be permitted to attend.”

    Luckily four of the OHSAA’s Fall sports, golf, tennis, volleyball, and cross country, have been determined to be low-contact by the Governor’s Office which means these particular sports will be permitted to have contests with other schools. The remaining Fall sports, field hockey, soccer, and football, have been determined to be high-contact, so the OHSAA, the Governor’s Office and the Ohio Department of Health are working together to create a safe game plan so that these three sports may participate in contests with other schools as well.

    To get the latest 411 on which of Ohio’s High School sports will be competing this year and the most up to date COVID-19 sports safety protocols stay tuned to the Sports 411 With me, Cassie Mattia!