Author: Cassie Mattia

Art Work by LHS’s Lilly Rohling is Selected for Ohio Governor’s Youth Art Exhibition

by Cassie Mattia

Loveland, Ohio – The talent in the community of Loveland and within the city’s school district cannot be denied! Over the past decade, there have been many LHS students and Loveland community members that have won both state and national awards for their talents. On May 18th, it was announced that another talented LHS student would be recognized for two pieces of artwork. Lilly Rohling, who will be a Senior at LHS was notified that her two artworks, “Shower Frenzy” (a colored pencil drawing) and “Inclination” (a video) were selected for the 2020 Ohio Governor’s Youth Art Exhibition. 300 winners were selected from 15 regions in the state of Ohio.

According to the press release sent out by Susanne Quigley, the Information Officer of Loveland Schools, “The exhibition, now in its 50th year, is open to all of Ohio’s 1,112 public and private high schools and dedicated to the educational and artistic advancement of talented youth in the state. The purpose is to provide budding artists with opportunities to advance their talent through scholarships and entering their work in a competition. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, no official awards ceremony – or actual exhibit – will take place this year.”

The Executive Director of the Ohio Governor’s Youth Art Exhibition, Thad Ricker also shared his thoughts on the COVID-19 pandemic and how it affected 2020 student-artists.

Loveland artist Lilly Rohling

“This was not the year that any of us had planned. One of the highlights of my school year is having the honor of recognizing Ohio’s talented young artists in person,” Ricker explained, “My heart is heavy for the 2020 student-artists who were selected for an exhibition that was never hung.”

Here at Loveland Magazine, we decided that we wanted the community of Loveland to get to know Lilly Rohling a little better so our very talented intern, Claire Beseler, orchestrated a few personalized questions to ask her. Below is our one-on-one written interview with Miss Lilly!

Please tell us about yourself!

Lilly I’m finishing up my junior year at Loveland and have pretty much taken every art class including photography, sculpture, graphics, etc. It’s what I’m most passionate about.

How long have you been pretty serious about your art?

Lilly   I started taking it seriously when I was about 13 and I’ve worked on it every day since:) Even if it’s just doing one small thing to keep my mind in a creative spot.

Have any Loveland teachers inspired you and your artwork?

Lilly   Going into my senior year at Loveland I’ve had every teacher in the art department for at least one class and all of them have inspired me to better myself and have shown me through their own passion that no matter where you are in life, art is something you can always have as something that is special to you.

What are your future plans after LHS?

Lilly   Hopefully studying in some sort of design program at an art school.

What are your future life goals?

Lilly   I’ll always have art as a way to express myself, and career-wise the dream is to be anywhere that allows me to think creatively, which I’m thinking right now will either be graphic design/illustration of some sort but I’m just going to see how things unfold in college and be open to whatever opportunities I come across. Mostly I just want to keep art in my life as a way to connect to myself and others.

What do you find most rewarding about creating art?

Lilly   The process of thinking creatively and finding a way to communicate a part of myself in an interesting and unique way is what is most rewarding to me. I don’t worry much about the final product because if the process of doing it was an honest expression of myself, then the final product will reflect that, at least to me. It’s rewarding just to have the release of putting part of myself into a physical work of art.

Can you tell us about the two pieces of art that were selected to be featured? Which is your favorite piece?

Lilly   Even though the still life took me weeks, I like the video because the idea is more personal to me. I was experimenting with stop motion for a class assignment and then thought it would be fun if I put two stop motion videos on top of each other. Then I started playing around with how the videos interacted and played off each other and it gave the project a different meaning. The process of trying something new and seeing where it takes you is what’s rewarding to me so I would say the video is my favorite. The still life is a fun capture of shower/bathroom products of mine that shows with vibrant colors the “frenzy” that can go into getting ready for the day.

Even though she titled her still-life “Shower Frenzy”, Inclination is quite the “Frenzy” too!

If you would like to see the full listing of this year’s Ohio Governor’s Youth Art Exhibition winners, click on the following link: http://www.govart.org/Documents/2020Winners.pdf.

CONGRATULATIONS LILLY! On behalf of Loveland Magazine and the community of Loveland we would like to express how proud we are of Lilly! We can’t wait to see what the future holds for her and her incredible artwork!

May 26, 2020
OHSAA Plans to Expand the 2021 Football Playoffs

by Cassie Mattia

Columbus, Ohio – OHSAA released some excellent news for Ohio High School Football teams on Wednesday when they announced their Board of Directors approved expanding the playoff qualifiers from 8 teams to 12 teams per region.

OHSAA’s Board voted 9-0 to expand the OHSAA Football playoffs to 12 teams per region starting in the 2021 season. The expansion was proposed by the Ohio High School Football Coaches Association. OHSAA’s Director of Communications, Tim Stried, sent out a press release explaining how the new football playoff expansion will work.

“During the first round of the playoffs, the top four seeds will have a bye, while the No. 12 seed will play at the No. 5 seed, No. 11 at No. 6, No. 10 at No. 7 and No. 9 at No. 8. In the second round, the No. 1 seed will play the winner of the 8 vs. 9 game; the No. 2 seed will play the winner of 6 vs. 11; the No. 3 seed will play the winner of 7 vs. 10 and the No. 4 seed will play the winner of 5 vs. 12.

The expansion will increase the number of football playoff qualifiers from 224 to 336. Last year there were 709 schools in Ohio that played 11-man football. Football is the only OHSAA team sport in which not every school qualifies for the postseason.

‘We still have details to work out regarding the format and specific season dates, but this vote by the Board gives us the green light to finalize those details for 2021,’ said Beau Rugg, Senior Director of Officiating and Sport Management for the OHSAA and the Association’s football administrator. ‘We are thankful for the Board’s support on this proposal, which will bring all the great things of playoff football to 112 additional schools and communities.’

Rugg also noted that the football finals in 2021 are expected to end during the same weekend as previously scheduled (Dec. 2-5). Schools will still be permitted to play 10 regular-season contests.

The higher seeded teams will have the opportunity to host their playoff games during the first and second rounds of the playoffs.

Loveland Tigers vs. Lebanon in September of 2016

The OHSAA football playoffs began in 1972 when only 12 schools qualified for the playoffs (four schools in each of three classes). Expansion first came in 1980 when the OHSAA changed to five divisions with eight teams each (40 total qualifiers). A sixth division was added in 1994 (96 total qualifiers) and the number of qualifiers was increased to eight schools per region in 1999 (192 total qualifiers). A seventh division was added in 2013 to bring the number of qualifiers to 224.”

Stay tuned for the latest Ohio and Loveland sports news!

May 23, 2020
LHS Grad Waddell Named Academic All-District at Georgia Tech!

by Cassie Mattia

Loveland, Ohio – Another LHS Student-Athlete that committed to playing collegiate sports has been recognized as part of the nation’s top student-athletes for his combined performance on the field and in the classroom! The College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) announced Thursday that Georgia Tech baseball junior, Luke Waddell was selected to the 2020 Academic All-District First Team.

The Yellow Jackets were one of just two Atlantic Coast Conference baseball teams to have multiple Academic All-District selections. Eight Yellow Jacket Juniors were selected overall. This was the first time since 2012 (Brandon Thomas and Sam Dove) and fourth time overall since 1979, that Georgia Tech earned multiple All-District selections.

Waddell had another stellar year of competition with the Yellow Jackets, as he is now recognized as one of the nation’s top shortstops and table setters. From the leadoff spot, Waddell hit .300 through 16 games, recording 18 hits, including four extra-base knocks, and nine RBI’s. He drew seven walks to average a .419 on-base percentage during his Junior campaign. Out of the nine RBI’s that Waddell earned, none proved more clutch than the go-ahead run in the eighth inning of Game 2 during the ACC’s opening weekend against Virginia Tech!

Waddell is one of the many Yellow Jackets performing in the classroom as the team overall had a banner year academically averaging a program-record 3.40 team GPA! The Georgia Tech Baseball Team was one of eight sports to record program bests in the classroom.

Those student-athletes that were selected to the First-team Academic All-District squad will advance to the Academic All-American ballot. Those selected to First, Second, and Third Team will also advance to the Academic All-American selections which will be announced in June.

For the latest information on the Georgia Tech baseball team, follow us on Twitter (@GTBaseball), Facebook, Instagram (@gt_baseball), or visit us at www.ramblinwreck.com. Stay tuned for the latest Loveland and Ohio Sports updates!

May 21, 2020
OHSAA’s Latest High School Sports Announcements and Updates!

Fortress Obetz, a 50-acre multi-purpose complex on the Southeast side of Columbus, committed to hosting the OHSAA Cross Country Championships for the next five years.

by Cassie Mattia

Columbus, Ohio – Over the past several weeks many Ohio High School athletes and coaches have been awaiting updates on when they can start up team instruction and competitions again. Last week OHSAA provided several updates on both future competitions and the no-contact ban for Ohio’s High Schools giving hope to many dedicated coaches and athletes across the state.

Loveland High School Athletic Director Brian Conaster said that he received the up-date from OHSAA but is proceeding cautiously before making decisions or announcements to his coaches and athletes. “I am waiting for more clarification and guidance from the OHSAA and other state and local bodies later this week. Once I have this, I can then make a more informed statement,” he said.

New venue for State CC Championships

Fortress Obetz is a multi-purpose sports and entertainment complex in Obetz, Ohio. Its bleacher system holds 6,500 people. Including standing room for events such as concerts, Fortress Obetz can hold nearly 20,000 people. It opened in 2017 on the site of the former Columbus Motor Speedway. Google image of Fortress Obetz

On April 29th, OHSAA announced that Fortress Obetz, a 50-acre multi-purpose complex on the Southeast side of Columbus, committed to hosting the OHSAA Cross Country Championships for the next five years. Last Wednesday, Director of Communications, Tim Stried sent out a press release describing the Fortress Obetz facility.

“The Ohio High School Athletic Association cross country state championships are moving to Fortress Obetz, a 50-acre multi-purpose sports complex with a 6,500-seat grandstand located in Obetz on the southeast side of Columbus, OHSAA Executive Director Jerry Snodgrass announced Wednesday.

Fortress Obetz opened in 2017 on the former site of the Columbus Motor Speedway. The racing that will now take place there in early November represents one of the largest high school cross country events in the country, with more than 11,000 fans.

Jerry Snodgrass gives the State Champion Div. I Women’s Soccer trophy to Loveland in this 2017 Loveland Magazine file photo

Of significance, much of the course will be visible from the 6,500-seat grandstands, which will lead to a greater experience for fans and participants.

‘We can’t wait for our student-athletes and Ohio’s entire cross country community to experience the state championships at Fortress Obetz,’ said Snodgrass. ‘This facility is so impressive, from the course layout for the competitors to be more spectator-friendly for the fans and we are thrilled to sign a five-year agreement. We would like to thank National Trail Raceway for hosting the state championships for the last nine years and doing an outstanding job as our host.’

Fortress Obetz was built to host sporting events, concerts, festivals, and more. It was the home of the Ohio Machine professional lacrosse team from 2017-19. The facility has five video boards, concessions, restrooms, and a huge parking lot.

‘The Village of Obetz is extremely proud and excited to partner with the OHSAA,’ said Steve Adams, National Director of Athletic Operations and Facilities Promotion. ‘We feel our Memorial Park and the Fortress is perfectly suited for the OHSAA Cross Country State Tournament. We have created a safe and challenging course for the runners and kept the spectator experience in mind as well.’

The grandstand includes 1,100 flip-down seats, 2,000 bench-back seats, and 3,400 bleacher seats.

OHSAA Executive Director Jerry Snodgrass

Scioto Downs, located just south of Columbus, hosted the OHSAA cross country state championships from 1985 through 2010 before the facility added a casino. National Trail Raceway in Hebron, 20 miles east of Columbus, hosted the state championships from 2011 through 2019.”

#howicompete campaign

On May 5th, OHSAA released that they would be launching a campaign in collaboration with Allied Organizations called #howicompete. This campaign is meant to encourage student-athletes to train on their own at home while school facilities are closed. The #howicompete campaign will collect and promote messages and videos posted by OHSAA members, media, and allied organizations in hopes that both the messages and videos will inspire athletes to train as hard as they can during the remainder of the COVID-19 pandemic. The press release below from OHSAA goes more in-depth as to what the #howicompete campaign is and how it will benefit student-athletes.

“With school facilities shuttered, student-athletes are not permitted to gather together, therefore the #howicompete campaign encourages training on their own at home and with instructions sent electronically by their school coaches.

Student-athletes and teams are encouraged to set goals and compete against themselves and others while complying with social distancing guidelines. Content will be promoted through the OHSAA’s social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram) on its handle @OHSAASports.

‘The health and safety of all Ohioans is our top priority, but we also want student-athletes to stay focused and motivated to pick up where they left off when school sports return,’ said OHSAA Executive Director Jerry Snodgrass. ‘There are so many things that kids can do on their own or with their parents and siblings. Especially something like running and walking, which is a habit that can stay with them for a long time and keep them healthy as adults.’

Organizations such as the Ohio high school coaches associations, Ohio Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (OIAAA), and many more are asked to help encourage and promote content from student-athletes and tag the OHSAA using #howicompete. The OHSAA is also excited to share this campaign in support of the Greater Columbus Sports Commission, which is encouraging stories from competitors whose resilience is helping them Live Forward during this unprecedented health crisis.”

UD to host OHSAA women’s basketball tournaments

The recently renovated University of Dayton Arena.

On May 12th, OHSAA made the announcement that the Ohio High School Women’s Basketball State Tournament would be hosted at the recently renovated University of Dayton for the next three years. In the past, UD has not only hosted 125 NCAA Basketball Tournament games but the state of the art facility has also been the home court for March Madness more than any other athletic facility in the country! The Arena itself can seat up to 13,000 fans. OHSAA’s Executive Director Jerry Snodgrass expressed his excitement for the UD venue in the press release below.

“We are very excited to sign a three-year agreement for our member schools to experience UD Arena,’ Snodgrass said. ‘Southwest Ohio loves and supports basketball and the people at the University of Dayton have made it clear that they really want this state tournament on their campus. We believe that we have found a great home for the Women’s basketball state tournament.’

Photo by the University of Dayton

UD Arena recently completed a transformation project that was the largest construction effort in the University’s history. It is regarded as one of the nation’s premier basketball facilities to go along with fan support that consistently ranks among the best in college basketball.

‘We’re very proud that the OHSAA has entrusted us to host the women’s basketball state tournament at the University of Dayton Arena for the next three years,’ said Scott DeBolt, Senior Associate Athletics Director at the University of Dayton and Executive Director of UD Arena. ‘The same ingredients that make UD Arena the ideal place for the NCAA First Four – community support and excitement for the game of basketball, our facilities, staff, and tournament hosting experience – will help create lifelong memories for the young women who come to Dayton to play in the state tournament and their school communities.’

In the 45 years of the OHSAA girls basketball state tournament, it has been hosted at The Ohio State University 44 times (all but 1986 when it was hosted at the University of Akron). However, there are now a limited number of dates available to use OSU’s Jerome Schottenstein Center or St. John Arena in March.

The 2021 girls basketball state tournament is scheduled for March 11-13. The 2021 OHSAA boys basketball state tournament will be played at St. John Arena March 18-20. There is currently no host site in place for the men’s basketball state tournament in 2022.”

Loveland Magazine readers stay tuned for more of the latest 411 for both Loveland and Ohio sports!

May 20, 2020
Loveland Magazine’s David Miller Brings Home OHSAA / SOUTHWEST DISTRICT 2020 Media Award

by Cassie Mattia

Loveland, Ohio – Over the past few months, citizens all across Ohio have been searching for a light at the end of the tunnel. In the midst of the Stay At Home Order, many people have been doing what they can to spread positivity in light of all the negative situations regarding the COVID-19 outbreak. That bit of positivity made it’s way to Loveland Magazine’s front door in the form of OHSAA’s legendary Media Award!

In February Loveland Magazine’s Editor in Chief, David Miller was notified by OHSAA that he had been selected for the 2020 Media Award.

“In 1991, the Ohio High School Athletic Association initiated the Sportsmanship, Ethics, and Integrity Program. One aspect of the program was to honor those “special individuals” who bring great recognition to our high schools, coaches, and especially, our athletes through media’s different forms. Each of Ohio’s six athletic districts was asked to put a process in place to gather nominations of individuals who fit this special category.” – https://ohsaa.org/SWDAB-Home/Media-Service-Awards

When Miller found out he had won the Media award he had no idea that Loveland High School and the Athletic Department were responsible for nominating him for the prestigious award! Click the photo below to check out what Miller’s reaction was to winning OHSAA’s Media Award.

Loveland Magazine’s very own David Miller is Recognized by OHSAA and LHS

Luckily Miller was able to experience somewhat of a celebration for his achievement before the COVID-19 pandemic hit Ohio. On Saturday, February 1st LHS’s Athletic Department honored Miller in front of a packed LHS gym in between quarters of the Loveland Men’s basketball game (above photo).

Immediately after leaving the Cintas Center, David sent this photo to those who he un-invited to attend because he was concerned about them contracting the COVID 19 virus.

Nearly a month after being recognized at LHS, Miller was honored once again only this time during the finals of Ohio’s Division I Men’s High School basketball game at Xavier University’s Cintas Arena. The ceremony took place on Sunday, March 8th between quarters 3 and 4. Originally Miller and 8 of his guests were supposed to be treated to a sit-down dinner and then shortly after watch Miller honored on the court with the Media Award, but due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Miller’s guests stayed safely at home cheering Miller on from afar! Thankfully Miller was still honored as planned just in front of a smaller, socially distanced crowd of the friends he had wanted to attend the Cintas event with him. “It broke my heart to dis-invite, my friends and supporters, to the dinner,” Miller said, “But when I awoke that Sunday morning reading about more warnings about staying away from large crowds, that is what I needed to do.”

Miller’s disappointment was because his guests had played such an important, role for decades, for the attention he alone was receiving.

David Miller in all his glory receiving the 2020 Media Award at Xavier’s Cintas Center in March

Tim Stried, OHSAA’s Director of Communications, when asked about Miller reminisced on the moment he first him in 2013.

Tim Stried, OHSAA’s Director of Communications

“I first got to know David in 2013 when Loveland made its run to the 2013 Division II football state championship,” Stried said, “I read much of his coverage of the team in the playoffs and I remember his excitement and professionalism covering the team in Canton for the state championship game.”

OHSAA also included quite the biography on Miller on their website after he was honored with the 2020 Media Award. Below is an excerpt from OHSAA’s website.

“Mr. David Miller Editor and publisher of the Loveland Magazine. Mr. Miller has covered the Loveland schools for forty years. He plays a central role in training aspiring journalists from Loveland High School. He designed and branded the logo used by the Loveland High School Booster’s Club. He has published 1,400 sports stories in his magazine. He attends the annual athletic college signing day and promotes the honorees by producing a video of this event. Throughout his community, he initiated Habitat for Humanity’s efforts to build two houses. In 2006, the Loveland Magazine was awarded the prestigious Booth Spirit Media Award beating out all other media or stations in the Tri-State area. Recognition for going the extra mile in making his community healthy and strong. Congratulations Mr. Miller for doing a great job in promoting our athletes and coaches!” – https://ohsaa.org/SWDAB-Home/Media-Service-Awards

“It has been a gift from God that I’ve had the privilege of being around the Loveland High School’s athletic program for so many years,” Miller said, “I couldn’t imagine a more thoughtful and kind group of people. It was like biting into the most delicious apple pie that someone else mixed up all just the right ingredients into and baked for me. And, I got an award for eating it? I thank them for nominating me. And, I thank all of the current and former athletes and their parents for making attending their sporting events so rewarding and fun,” Miller added, “I am extremely grateful to Assistant Director of Student Athletics Eric Fry who spearheaded the nomination process, Director of Student Athletics Brian Conatser, Athletic Administrative Assistant Kristy Brulport, Site Manager Jake Elfers, and LHS Principal Peggy Johnson for the help and hospitality they have always given me. I also want to express my gratitude to Loveland Magazine’s LHS interns, Ricky Mulvey, Willie Lutz, Chris Shoals, Dean Parker, Sam Smith, and Matt Huether for all of the great sports reporting they did for our readers over the past decade. Also, Jen Morrison and David Burig for their incredible sports photography.”

Community of Loveland – please join me in saying CONGRATULATIONS to Mr. David Miller for receiving OHSAA’s 2020 Media Award! I think we can all agree that there would be no LOVE in LOVE-LAND without David Miller!

PAST MEDIA AWARD WINNERS

1997-98: Ted Landis, Brookville Star; Warren Johnson, WPFB Radio, Middletown
1998-99: Dave Long, Dayton Daily News; Duane Bachman, WPTW Radio, Piqua
1999-2000: Don McDermott, Greenville Daily; Dave Schutte, Cincinnati Enquirer
2000-2001: Mike Hartsock, WHIO TV, Dayton; Mark Huber, Wilmington News
2001-2002: Kert Radel, WMOH Radio, Hamilton; Bill Liermann, WSWO Radio, Wilmington
2002-2003: Jack Gordan, WPFB Radio, Middletown; Joe Neves, WPTW, Piqua
2003-2004: Tom Gambel, DSA Sports, Cincinnati; John Popovich, WCPO Radio, Cincinnati
2004-2005: Omar Williams, WHIO-TV, Retired; Ron Jackson, Dayton Daily News; Guy Fogle, WHIO TV
2005-2006: Roger Barger, WKFI WSWO Sabina; Tom Groeschen, Cincinnati Enquirer
2006-2007: Tom Archdeacon, Dayton Daily News; Ken Barhorst, Sidney Daily News
2007-2008: Sonny Fulks, WPTW, 1590WPTW.com; Jerry Nardiello, Middletown Journal
2008-2009: Enos Pennington, www.newrichmond.localsportsradio.com; Richard Crawford, The Clermont Suns Newspaper
2009-2010: Chick Ludwig; Jack Pohl, WDTN-Channel 2 Sports Director.
2010-2011: Mike Dyer, Cincinnati Enquirer; Ron Nunnari, Englewood Independent
2011-2012: Scott Ward, WTGR, Greenville; Jack Kramer, ScoresBroadcast.com
2012-2013: Dirk Allen; George Vogel
2013-2014: Mark Slaughter, WCPO-Channel 9; Rob Kiser, Piqua Daily Call.
2014-2015: Matt Hammond, Bellefontaine Examiner; Eric Frantz, J.J. Huddle
2015-2016: Marc Pendleton, Dayton Daily News; Rick Cassano, Cox Media Group
2016-2017: Debbie Juniewicz, Cox Publications (Dayton Daily News, Springfield/Middletown news); David Fong, Troy Daily News, Piqua Daily Call, Sidney Daily Call
2017-2018: Elise Jesse, WLWT, Cincinnati; Wade Linville, Brown County Press, Ripley Bee, News-Democrat.
2018-2019: Dale Barger, Greenville Daily Advocate; John Bombatch, Xenia Gazette.

Read this other recent article about our Publisher…

Local business owners recognized at LCSD board meeting

May 14, 2020
LMR Chamber President Foresees a Very Bright Future for Loveland’s Local Businesses!

by Cassie Mattia

Loveland, Ohio – Citizens all across the state of Ohio are getting used to the “new” normal and aren’t hesitating in asking the question, “When will Ohio open up?” Thursday we not only received the answers we have been so anxiously waiting for from Governor DeWine we also received new information about Loveland “opening-up” as well from Little Miami River Chamber Alliance President, Cee Cee Collins.

Cee Cee joined me and Loveland Magazine Publisher, David Miller virtually through Zoom and she not only shared with us some of the life-saving measures the Chamber has taken to keep local businesses healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic but also provided us with some very positive predictions about Loveland’s financial recovery.

Loveland Magazine readers gather around the computer, virtually of course, and tune in to LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV’s Zoom interview with Cee Cee Collins…oh and don’t forget…WE ARE AND ALWAYS WILL BE THE SWEETHEART OF OHIO!

May 8, 2020
Loveland Magazine TV: Mihaela Manova is Part of Loveland’s DNA!

Each citizen in Loveland makes up an important piece of the community, but in saying that it’s up to the citizen as to what they do with their role as an important piece of that community. This is what makes up a community’s “D.N.A.”

Over the past two years, Loveland Magazine has been in search of community members that truly play an important role in Loveland’s D.N.A.

by Cassie Mattia

Loveland, Ohio – Many people from all over Ohio in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic have had to find “virtual” ways to communicate with their friends, families, and co-workers. The “Zoom” application (allows you to connect and hold meetings with anyone that also has the application virtually) has skyrocketed in popularity over the past couple of months as it has proven itself to be quite a useful tool for workplaces, schools, media outlets, and local governments to connect with one another.

Due to the social distancing regulations and the Stay At Home Order, here at Loveland Magazine, we decided to try Zoom for ourselves and conduct our first virtual interview for our Loveland Magazine readers! Our segment, “What’s In Loveland’s DNA,” has featured several amazing Loveland community members over the past year and the feedback from the community about the segment itself has been overwhelmingly positive. Instead of our typical sit down one-on-one interview in our LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV studio we decided to conduct our latest DNA interview using Zoom!

Mihaela Manova

We would like to take this time to introduce our newly selected DNA candidate, Mihaela Manova. Mihaela is not only the 2nd youngest DNA candidate we have ever selected she is also the first to be interviewed using Zoom at Loveland Magazine! Mihaela is a big part of the Loveland High School culture and an even bigger part of the Loveland community. Mihaela recently joined the Loveland Magazine team as a staff writer, quickly gained her very own climate column, and was recently promoted as Editor of our Covering Climate Now series, a global journalism initiative committed to bringing more and better coverage to the defining story of our time. Mihaela is a native of Bulgaria and visits her homeland often, making her the ideal choice to cover international stories. She has already begun impacting her adopted small-town home of Loveland with her inspirational voice! Mihaela is a member of Loveland High School’s Class of 2020 and has chosen to study Journalism at Miami University-Oxford in the Fall.

Mihaela recently did her own “What’s in Loveland’s DNA” segment on Madeline Killion which you can read HERE.

Loveland Magazine Publisher David Miller had many great things to say about Mihaela!

“Being from Bulgaria, Mihaela brings a unique perspective to our newspaper and has made an enormous impact on us,” Miller said, “Her youthful honesty, respect, and complete dedication to her craft are invaluable. It’s as if we have an international reporter on staff now. She has certainly altered Loveland’s and Loveland Magazine’s DNA.”

So without further ado, LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV presents “What’s In Loveland’s DNA: Mihaela Manova!”

Click below to see the exclusive Zoom interview with Miss Mihaela!

Read more of our, What’s in Loveland’s DNA” stories…

May 2, 2020

Check out the Most Popular Baby Names of 2020!

by Cassie Mattia

Loveland, Ohio – Although many people around the United States are expecting birthrates to skyrocket due to the COVID-19 pandemic, currently that just isn’t the case, in fact, it’s quite the opposite! Birthrates thus far in 2020 are remaining very consistent. Names.org decided to release their latest predictions on what the most popular baby names would be this year.

Veronica Parsons from Prism PR shared with us that the names Henry and Alexander have newly entered into Names.org’s top 10 this year for the boys and the name Mila has made its way into the top 10 this year for the girls.

“The rankings were determined by analyzing the most recent data from the Social Security Administration, trends from the past five years, and current user interest from millions of visitors to our site,” Parsons explained.

So without much further ado here are Names.org’s Top 10 boys and girls Names for 2020!

Top 10 Boys Names for 2020

2020 Ranking	2018 Ranking (2019 not released)	2018 Actual Totals	2020 Projections
1. Liam	No. 1	19,837	20,740
2. Noah	No. 2	18,267	16,980
3. William	No. 3	14,516	13,270
4. Oliver	No. 5	13,389	13,040
5. Lucas	No. 8	12,585	12,510
6. Benjamin	No. 6	13,381	12,300
7. Elijah	No. 7	12,866	12,260
8. James	No. 4	13,525	11,960
9. Henry	No. 16	10,649	10,690
10. Alexander	No. 11	11,989	10,480

Top 10 Girl Names for 2020

2020 Ranking	2018 Ranking	2018 Actual Totals	2020 Projections
1. Emma	No. 1	18,688	16,250
2. Olivia	No. 2	17,921	15,850
3. Ava	No. 3	14,924	13,400
4. Isabella	No. 4	14,464	12,790
5. Charlotte	No. 6	12,940	12,500
6. Sophia	No. 5	13,928	12,430
7. Amelia	No. 8	12,301	12,290
8. Mia	No. 7	12,642	11,530
9. Mila	No. 14	8,126	10,790
10. Harper	No. 9	10,582	10,700

Want to learn more about the meaning of your name and its origin? Visit https://www.names.org/ for all the fun details! Stay tuned for more Loveland Salad With Cassie Mattia!

May 1, 2020

LHS’s Head Football Coach Shares What his Athletes are Doing to Stay in Shape!

by Cassie Mattia

Loveland, Ohio – Summer will be here before you know it, which means football season is right around the corner! Many LHS athletes have been working hard during the Stay At Home Order so that they are prepared when competition starts up again. Coach Andy Cruse and his football players are one of the Tiger teams that have made sure that they are staying in shape for the 2020 upcoming season!

Coach Cruise told us that his players have not only been working hard but they have also been very creative with their workouts.

“One of the things we have tried to do as a football program to make sure we continue to make progress in the off-season is using the Team Buildr App. This app is great for bodyweight workouts and it also includes videos that show the proper technique for each exercise,” Cruse explained, “The app also has both dumbbell workouts and home gym workouts. We also created a 3k push-up challenge for the month of April, in which each player completes 100 push-ups a day. Many of our players are doing it with family members and often record themselves doing it to have a little fun with it. They are doing this on top of their regular workouts,” Cruse said.

Andy Cruse when he was introduced as the Tiger Head Coach in February of 2019 (File Photo)

Coach Cruse said that twice a week he is holding Zoom meetings with his players in order to get to know them better and discuss football.

“The Zoom meetings have been very positive. I think the players are really enjoying having interaction with their teammates and coaches during this time,” Cruse said, “We have encouraged our players to do position-specific drills as well. As a program, we are retweeting our players working out and spreading positivity as much as possible during this time,” Cruse added.

Due to all of the gyms being closed and of course, LHS athletes are not able to use any of the LHS facilities, Tiger athletes have been forced to get creative with how they are staying in shape. A few Tiger football players shared with us what they have been doing at home during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gabe Ogdan was a Captain of the 2019 team. (File Photo)

Gabe Ogdan said, “I’m lucky enough to have my own home gym, but still have had to get creative for certain things! It’s been interesting but with not as much school I’ve been able to devote more time to speed and agility training as well as weight lifting and bulking.”

Max Huddleston said, “My home gym is minimal, and for some exercises, I may not have the right equipment. For example for pull-ups, since I don’t have a pull-up bar, I’ll do them on a steel beam in my basement.”

Mason Moore said, “I don’t have a home gym and the heaviest dumbbells I have are eight pounds, so I have to do my best to get my workouts in with what I can make do. I use paper plates as ab sliders, I do pull-ups on a metal beam on my ceiling, and I do lots of cardio along with the bodyweight workouts our coaches have us do.”

My dad is a landscaper so he had some stuff I could get creative with. I used bricks and stones to do various things and made a bench out of stones and a board and used a tube and metal bars to make a bar. – Weston Manske

Zach DeWitt said, “I am thankful to have many opportunities to maintain and build upon what we have been building this offseason. The absence of a field, however, has made me turn the front yard and driveway into everything I need for speed and agility training.”

Luca Aquilino said, “Since I only have a couple of things of workout equipment I’ve been sticking to lots of bodyweight workouts from our TeamBuildr app. I’ve had to use wooden shelving in my garage to do pull-ups and I have had to put bands around trees and around my basketball hoop to add a little bit of weight to workouts.”

Weston Manske said, “My dad got a bench this past weekend so now I can use that but before I had to get creative. My dad is a landscaper so he had some stuff I could get creative with. I used bricks and stones to do various things and made a bench out of stones and a board and used a tube and metal bars to make a bar. At my mom’s, I have resistance bands and then I found cinderblocks in my shed I use. I’ve also found basketball hoops are good for pull-ups.”

Be sure to tune in to Loveland Sports 411 With Cassie Mattia for Loveland’s latest sports news and updates!

April 28, 2020
LHS’s Head Women’s Volleyball Coach Tells us What his Athletes are Doing to Stay in Shape!

by Cassie Mattia

Loveland, Ohio – With May arriving in just a few days, many LHS students are still trying to process that they will not be stepping foot back into their schools for the remainder of the academic year. LHS student-athletes also received some devastating news last week confirming that they would not be competing in their designated Spring sport for the remainder of the school year. With all of the unfortunate news, LHS coaches have been trying to place a positive spin on everything by providing their athletes with workouts that they can do at home as well as a variety of other motivational tools!

LHS’s Head Women’s Volleyball Coach, Brian Baugh, is one of the LHS Coaches that has really been dedicating a lot of his time during the Stay At Home Order to his team in order to keep them both motivated and dedicated to their craft.

“For Women’s volleyball, the Spring and Summer are extremely important for getting the girls ready for the season. Typically we would hold open gyms and lift throughout the week,” Baugh said, “Many of the girls would be participating in club season as well, but like every team, we have had to adapt. We are fortunate that at Loveland we have Strength and Conditioning Coach, Derek Berry, on staff. He puts together workouts that are pushed out to our players through the Team Buildr app. It’s a great way for the athletes to work out at home and for me to track their workouts.”

Coach Baugh told us that many of his players have gotten very creative with their volleyball training, creating things around the house to help them work on their skills. Many of the team’s siblings and parents are helping them at home with their skill sets as well!

LHS’s Head Women’s Volleyball Coach, Brian Baugh

“To me, the most important thing is to come together as a team, so that whenever we get back on that court, we are building each other up and have each other’s backs when things get tough,” Baugh explained, “We are fortunate that our future seniors are really leading the charge. We have great leaders in Maya Jepson, Diana Clark, Abbie Miller, Alex Miller, Faith Meece, and Ellie Egan. They are high character girls. They have created different competitions for the team to complete during the quarantine. For example, they did a baking competition where they baked and decorated cakes and then put them on Twitter to have fans vote for the best. They also created a virtual pepper video that they put on Twitter. We have been sharing baby pictures of each player and are having fans guess which player or coach is featured in the picture. We also have been holding Google Meets weekly to check-in on one another.”

Coach Baugh says he has been challenging his players weekly. One of the ways Coach Baugh has been challenging his team during the isolation period is by asking them once a week how they have improved as a player and a person. After the player comes up with their answer Coach Baugh has them share their response with the team.

“It has certainly been a challenge not being on the court, but I am so impressed with how the players have responded during this time off,” Coach Baugh said with pride, “I cannot wait to see how they go for that fourth straight ECC title this coming season!”

For more LHS sports updates stay tuned to the Loveland Sports 411 With Cassie Mattia!

April 26, 2020