Loveland Magazine

LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

Without fear or favor

Since 2004

Category: Sports

  • OHSAA Expands Football 7-on-7 Opportunities

    OHSAA Expands Football 7-on-7 Opportunities

    COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio High School Athletic Association has announced that football 7-on-7 competition is now permitted at any time prior to and after the football season, other than the 28-day no-contact period immediately after the season. Previously, 7-on-7 competition was not permitted until May 15. Full practice and hitting are still not permitted during 7-on-7 play, with helmets and cleats being the only equipment permitted.

    Football 7-on-7 competition does not include the five interior linemen and uses either flags or touching the ball carrier to end a play, rather than tackling.

    The OHSAA Board of Directors met earlier this week and unanimously approved changes to General Sports Regulation 7 that brings football under the same off-season regulations as other team sports. Football has always had separate and more restrictive off-season regulations.

    The changes are effective immediately and student-athletes who competed in 7-on-7 competition this past winter will not be subject to a penalty.

    “We have been talking about the football 7-on-7 regulation for some time and we believe that football should be treated the same as our other team sports, essentially allowing football athletes the same opportunities as their peers in other team sports,” said Doug Ute, OHSAA Executive Director. “Most other states already allow it, so there have been a growing number of situations when Ohio student-athletes have had to pass up opportunities in the winter and spring due to our regulations. We want to stress that hitting is still not permitted in the off-season, but this change expands what football players can do outside the season.”

    The changes mean that prior to May 15, a limit of seven football players from the same school team can now play together in a 7-on-7 competition, and there is no limit on the number of 7-on-7 competitions in which a player or coach can participate. After May 15, there is no change to the current regulation, meaning there is no limit on the number of players from the same school team who can compete together in 7-on-7 competition.

    In addition, there are 13 days of coaching permitted in excess of the seven-player limit from May 15 to July 31. Contact and equipment, other than helmets and cleats, remain prohibited during that time.

  • Loveland High School Head Women’s Soccer coach Todd Kelly steps aside

    Loveland High School Head Women’s Soccer coach Todd Kelly steps aside

    Todd Kelly (Loveland Magazine file photo)

    Loveland, Ohio – Loveland High School Head Women’s Soccer coach Todd Kelly is stepping down.

    The Soccer program announced on X, “We say goodbye to a legend and could not be more thankful for the impact Coach Kelly has made on this program and the Loveland soccer community. Retiring after 29 years, he set the standard and gave us so many moments to celebrate. You will be missed, but forever a Tiger!”

    Pending Board of Education Approval, Craig Chimiel will lead the Women’s Soccer Program.

    Photo Shayne Lyons @Loveland_AsstAD

    Kelly has numerous District championships and  Eastern Cincinnati Conference titles under his belt.

    In 2017, Coach Kelly led the Tigers to a State Div I Championship and were runners-up in 2015.

    Follow the link below to the Loveland Magazine story with still photos and video.

    Colleen “Jelly” Swift hoists the state champion trophy (Loveland Magazine file photo)

    Loveland women’s soccer: state champions [photo gallery+video]

  • Injuries Ravage the Reds in Advance of Opening Day

    Injuries Ravage the Reds in Advance of Opening Day

    Matt Mclain photo by Cincinnati Reds

    by Chris Ball

    Loveland, Ohio – Under David Bell the Reds have had plenty of slow starts. Last year they were 12-16 at the end of April and many fans were settling in for what many expected to be one of the worst seasons in decades. Thankfully we were treated to a surprise campaign that saw numerous young Reds be promoted and play like seasoned veterans. Though the second half of the season was a letdown, and the Reds ultimately missed the playoffs after a valiant effort, this offseason was filled with an optimism that fans of this team haven’t felt in quite a few years. With so much young talent, that optimism was completely warranted.

    Reds Manager David Bell (photo by Cincinnati Reds)

    That is exactly why the recent injury news for the Reds has been so devastating. Before the first pitch has even been thrown the team has lost infielder Matt McLain for opening day due to a shoulder injury, outfielder TJ Friedl for 3-4 weeks because of a fractured wrist, and reliever Ian Gibaut for what could be a significant period of time. Pitchers Brandon Williamson and Nick Lodolo are also still battling their own nagging ailments and may miss time.

    After Joe Burrow’s calf, Cincinnati fans are understandably concerned with preseason injuries that untimely derail the regular season. But the bright side is that the major league season is 162 very long games. There is plenty of time for McLain and company to get healthy and have a positive impact for this season and the Reds are well provisioned to hold their own in spite of the injury bug.

    The majority of their starters are healthy, Alexis Diaz will be ready to close out games, and the re-signing of Jonathan India gives the team additional flexibility. Christian Encarnacion-Strand is 12-for-41 (.293) with eight extra-base hits and 12 RBI through 13 games. Luke Maile is hitting the cover off of the ball. There are positive aspects of the Reds’ spring training that have to give fans hope that the roster, as it is currently constructed can hold the line until its young stars make their way back into the lineup.

    Although the injury report may look bleak now, it’s a long season and if there is anything last year taught Reds fans it is to never underestimate what this team can accomplish.

    Opening Day for the Reds is this Thursday vs the Washington Nationals at 4:10 PM at the Great American Ballpark. HERE is the Reds home schedule.

    The 2024 Findlay Market Opening Day Parade will start at noon on Thursday, March 28th. Last year it is estimated that 130,000 were in attandance for the parade, so plan accordingly.

    Christopher Ball is a longtime Loveland resident and an attorney. He graduated from Loveland High School in 2003 and was a member of the football team before going on to become a coach’s assistant at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana. He has been following and rooting for the Reds and Bengals since the early 1990s and has been through the many ups and downs that fandom has wrought over the years.

  • Browns sign TE Giovanni Ricci former Loveland High School star

    Browns sign TE Giovanni Ricci former Loveland High School star

    A Press Release from the Cleveland Browns said:

    23_WEB_HEADSHOT_KELSEYRUSSO

    Kelsey Russo

    Staff Writer

    The Browns added depth to the tight end position, as they signed TE Giovanni Ricci to a contract.

    Yet, he brings a different skill set to the Browns, as he played both as a tight end and fullback in Carolina. He also contributed on special teams, as he played 647 snaps as a part of a special teams unit.

    Photo via Cleveland Browns

    Originally from Loveland, Ohio, Ricci was signed by the Panthers as an undrafted free agent in 2021. He spent three seasons with the Panthers and has played in 36 career games. In his time, he had nine receptions for 102 yards and recorded 18 special teams tackles. He had his best season in Carolina in 2022, when he started 3 of his 15 games and caught eight receptions for 100 yards.

    Ricci dealt with a shoulder injury during the 2023 season and was placed on injured reserve on Oct. 24. He played in just five games last season.

    In Cleveland, he now joins a tight end group that features David Njoku and Jordan Akins. Njoku was selected to his first Pro Bowl and finished the season with career highs in total receiving yards at 882 and receptions at 81. Njoku led the Browns in total receptions, the fifth-most by a Browns tight end in a season. He also led the Browns with a career-high six receiving touchdowns.

    The Browns also have new position coaches with Tommy Rees joining the staff in February as the new tight ends/pass game specialist.

    _____________________

    Terry Lynch and Giovanni Ricci inducted into Loveland High School Athletic Hall of Fame

    By David Miller Jan 15, 2024

    Giovanni Ricci and Terry Lynch at center court of Loveland High School

    Loveland, Ohio – On Friday, January 12, between the JV and Varsity basketball games, Terry Lynch and Giovanni Ricci were inducted into the Loveland High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

    The 6-3, 240 lbs Ricci plays tight-end for the NFL’s Carolina Panthers, played for Western Michigan, and went to the Cotton Bowl in 2017. The 2015 Loveland High School grad was a 4-year Varsity Letterman in Football and Track and Field.

    Terry Lynch ran cross country and wrestled at Loveland. The 3-year Varsity letterman in Wrestling graduated in 1983. Terry was a 2 time State placer in wrestling and 2-year Eastern Hills League Wrestling Champion.

    ________________

    Former LHS standout Giovanni Ricci joins Panthers as Undrafted Free Agent

    A member of one of the best Western Michigan teams in program history

    By Loveland Magazine

    From wmubroncos.com/news

    Photo from Western Michigan Broncos

    KALAMAZOO, Mich. – A native of Loveland, Ohio, Giovanni Ricci was a four-time Academic All-MAC selection at Western Michigan who was a third-team all-league selection in 2018 before bumping up to the first team in 2019. He finished with 21 games with two or more receptions and 22 contests with 20 or more receiving yards. Ricci received the Iron Bronco Award in 2019 for having played the most snaps during the regular season and represented WMU at the East-West Shrine Bowl in St. Petersburg, Fla., on January 18, 2020. Ricci was a standout player for Loveland High School Tigers. Ricci was on the Loveland High Schoo’s 2013 Ohio State Championship team.

    In 2013 Gio Ricci catches a pass for a touchdown late in the 4th quarter against the Zanesville Blue Devils. The Tiger win sent them to the State Championship. (Loveland Magazine File Photo by David Burig)

    Ricci has agreed to terms with the Carolina Panthers to join the NFL organization as an undrafted free agent.

    A two-time All-Mid-American Conference selection and one of eight semifinalists for the John Mackey Award in 2019, Ricci was a four-year letterwinner for the Broncos. In 45 career games with 21 starts, Ricci tallied 98 receptions for 1,114 yards (11.37) and 11 touchdowns.

    During his 2019 senior season, Ricci started all 13 games, catching 51 passes for 642 yards (12.59) and eight touchdowns. He tied for the team lead in receptions and finished second on the squad in receiving yards. Ricci also tied for the lead in the MAC, and for 40th nationally, in receiving touchdowns. Among tight ends nationally, he tied for third in receiving TDs. Ricci caught two TD passes versus Monmouth and Ohio and had one score against Michigan State, Syracuse, Central Michigan and Toledo.

    As a senior, Ricci caught two or more passes in 11 games and made four or more receptions in eight contests. He finished with a personal-best eight grabs at Syracuse and added a career-high 105 receiving yards versus the Orange. In his two games against Power 5 opponents (Michigan State & Syracuse) during the season, Ricci finished with 14 receptions for 158 yards and two TDs.

    During his junior campaign in 2018, Ricci caught 35 passes for 392 yards (11.20) and three touchdowns to finish third on the team in receptions and receiving yards. He registered two touchdown catches against Delaware State and one against Ball State, hauling in a nine-yard pass from Kaleb Eleby with 1:48 left in the fourth quarter to tie the game at 35-35. Earlier in the final quarter against the Cardinals, Ricci caught a two-point conversion pass from Eleby to knot the contest at 28-28.

  • Leprechaun Chase – One More Day – Sign up today

    Leprechaun Chase – One More Day – Sign up today

    Run or Walk or Shake your Shamrocks in the Leprechaun Chase! By yourself (Aged 14 and above only) or with a Buddy!  Sign up by March 4th to guarantee t-shirt size. 

    Just when you thought they were done, the makers of the Amazing Charity Race announce the  newest, silliest fun race around: The Leprechaun Chase! Saturday, March 16th starting at 8:30 AM!

    Why just run a boring 5K, when you can chase Leprechauns on St. Patrick’s Day weekend? And have a BLAST doing it!

    Teams of 2 (or 1) will run around Downtown Historic Loveland to find the Leprechauns and pots of gold.  Once you find a Leprechaun they will give you a piece of gold that will help you solve the final Irish riddle. You must collect all gold pieces and go as fast as you can to the finish line, where the Leprechauns will be waiting for you to solve the riddle. Once solved, you can bask in a feeling of accomplishment and enjoy an Irish breakfast brought to you by Ramseys Trailside Cafe and post race laughs.

    The distance is about a 5K and all are welcome, it will be a timed event. All proceeds from the race benefit the Loveland Legacy Foundation. $100 per team of 2. Kids 8-13 need to team up with an adult, but kids 14 and over can run alone or with anyone 14 or older.

    Visit The Website

     

     

  • Loveland Athletic Boosters Annual Mulch Sale

    Loveland Athletic Boosters Annual Mulch Sale

    Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland Athletic Boosters support the Loveland City School District athletic programs. Support of the student athletes includes donating equipment to the athletic department, sponsoring activities to promote school spirit, and enthusiasm, and funding major capital improvements. The Boosters support more than 1,000 7th through 12th grades girls & boys.

    Four options of premium mulch provided by Bzak Landscaping

    PLACE YOUR ORDER NOW

    All bags are 2 cubic foot bags

    Queen City Gold – this is our most popular mulch its triple shredded and dark brown in color – $5.25 per bag

    Black Dyed Double Shredded Mulch – All dyed mulch is processed with a water based dye. It will hold color longer than the natural hardwood mulch. – $5.75 per bag

    Red Dyed Double Shredded Mulch – All dyed mulch is processed with a water based dye. It will hold color longer than the natural hardwood mulch. – $5.75 per bag

    Longneedle Pinestraw Bales – covers approximately 45 sq. ft per bale. All natural product. Hand baled. – $14 per bale

    *10 Bag Minimum Order

    *Free local delivery of your order will be provided by Loveland Student Athletes
    *Individual bags will be delivered starting Friday, April 5th (between 5P-8P & and Saturday, April 6th (between 10A-12P)
    *Full pallets and straw will be delivered on or by April 13th
    *Satisfaction guaranteed

    If you have questions, contact us: lab45140mulch@gmail.com

    Deadline to order – March 30, 2024
  • Elizabeth Madison captures 2nd straight Ohio Wrestling Title

    Elizabeth Madison captures 2nd straight Ohio Wrestling Title

    Loveland, Ohio – On Sunday, March 10, Loveland High School Sophomore Elizabeth Madison (39-1) won her second straight Div I State Title in Wrestling at 170 pounds.

  • Sycamore athletic director Mark Harden dies in I-75 crash

    Sycamore athletic director Mark Harden dies in I-75 crash

    Photos by Sycamore Schools

    Blue Ash, Ohio – In statements to the school community, the Sycamore District said:

    The Sycamore Family is deeply saddened by the loss of Sycamore High School’s beloved athletic director, Mark Harden. His passion, dedication, and spirit will forever be remembered.

    Harden 52, was pronounced dead at the scene of a crash on southbound I-75 Wednesday afternoon.

    The Greater Miami Athletic Conference said on X:

    It is with a heavy heart the Greater Miami Conference mourns the untimely passing of Sycamore Athletics Director Mark Harden. Mark was involved in auto accident this afternoon on I75 which took his life. His presence and leadership will be difficult to replace.

  • ECC’s Tyler McKinley: 2024 Ohio Mr. Basketball Finalists

    ECC’s Tyler McKinley: 2024 Ohio Mr. Basketball Finalists

    File Photos by David Miller/Loveland Magazine ©2024

    The Ohio Prep Sportswriters Association has announced the finalists for the 2024 Ohio Mr. Basketball Award. The winner will be announced next Wednesday, March 20.

    Tyler McKinley averaged 19.4 points and 9.5 rebounds per game with Winton Woods this season. He shot 61.7 percent from the field

    In the 2024-25 season the 6-9 Senior led the Warriors to the Eastern Cincinnati Conference title for the first time finishing with an outstanding 14-2 (19 – 4) mark. A University of Cincinnati signee, he is rated the No. 1 player in the state in all publications according to the Ohio High School Athletic Association. McKinley was ECC player of the year. He also played at Walnut Hills and Link Year Prep Academy in Missouri where he won a national title.

    Voting is currently underway for the 224 registered Ohio Prep Sportswriters Association (OPSWA) members and will end at noon on Monday, March 18.

    The voting process for OPSWA members is the same as that used to deter

    mine the Heisman Trophy winner in college football. First place votes get three points, second-place votes get two points and third-place votes get one point.

    Ohio’s Mr. Basketball was selected by the Associated Press from 1987-2016. Since 2017 it has been presented by the Ohio Prep Sportswriters Association.

    The OPSWA All-Ohio teams will begin being released on Monday, March 25.

    2024 Ohio Mr. Basketball Finalists

    Finalists listed in alphabetical order. Bio text listed below as received from OPSWA district chairs.

    OPSWA membership voting ends at noon Monday, March 18.

    Winner announced at noon on Wednesday, March 20.

    J’Allen Barrino, Malvern, 6-2, sr.

    Division III East District and Inter-Valley Conference North Division Player of the Year after leading the Hornets to a 22-0 regular season. He has played 59 career games at Malvern and the team has gone 56-3. His senior year, J’Allen was 174-of-242 from the field, averaging 18.6 ppg while only taking 11 shots per game. He shot 74% from the foul line and also averaged 5.1 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 5.2 steals. Barrino surpassed 1,000 career points and owns school records for steals in a season and a career. He also currently ranks third in career assists in school history.

    Alex Bruskotter, Shelby, 6-8, sr.

    The Wright State University commit averaged 23.8 points, 9.1 rebounds and 5.9 assists per game this season. The Northwest District Co-Player of the Year was also the Player of the Year by the District 6 coaches association and the Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference. He scored 53 points in a game with 12 3s in a game this season. He is second in scoring behind the legendary Larry Siegfried. Bruskotter was also invited to represent Ohio in Italy in March. He is a three-time All-Ohioan.

    Marcus Johnson, Garfield Heights, 6-1, soph.

    NE Lakes District POY coming off an All-Ohio first team season as a freshman and ranked 12th nationally in the Class of 2026. Johnson led the Bulldogs (21-1) to a 19-0 start that included wins against Huntington Prep, Western Reserve Academy, defending Texas state champion Faith Family Christian and OHSAA champion Richmond Heights. Johnson has offers from Ohio State to Alabama, Cincinnati, LSU and Villanova. Averaged 23.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.9 steals.

    Kruz McClure, Westerville South, 6-4, jr.

    The Central District, District 10 Coaches Association (co-) and OCC Capital player of the year, McClure averaged 23.9 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.6 steals for a 16-8 district semifinalist. The guard shot 45 percent from the field (30 percent from three-point range) and 88 percent at the free throw line despite suffering from Crohn’s Disease, which flared up several times during the season and hospitalized him the night before a district tournament game. McClure, who owns 14 Division I offers (Ohio State, Dayton are very interested), has scored 1,098 points in his career.

    Jesse McCulloch, Cleveland Heights Lutheran East, 6-10, sr.

    NE Lakes District POY. Michigan State recruit led Falcons (16-5) to the No. 1 ranking in Division III as defending state champions, despite losing high profile forward T.J. Crumble to rival Richmond Heights. McCulloch averaged 22.4 points, 14.1 rebounds, 4.3 blocked shots and 2.7 assists. Also had a signature moment in mid-December, outplaying Cincinnati Winton Woods’ Tyler McKinley in a 71-45 win. McCulloch had 27 points, 18 rebounds and six blocks against him. Other signature performances include 21 points, 12 rebounds and eight blocks to beat Richmond Heights. Had a game-high 26 points, 14 rebounds and three blocks WHILE PLAYING SICK in a loss at Cleveland St. Ignatius. Had in a 55-36 win vs. Isidore Newman (La.) at Flyin’ to the Hoop. Also had 40, 15 and five in a win vs. Mentor. Completely transformed his body since his freshman season, when he was out of shape at 6-6 and 245 pounds.

    Tyler McKinley, Cincinnati Winton Woods, 6-9, sr.

    19.4 ppg, 9.5 rpg, 3.6 apg. Shot 61.7 percent from the field and led his team to the Eastern Cincinnati Conference title for the first time. A UC signee, he is rated the No. 1 player in the state in all publications. Was ECC player of the year. Also played at Walnut Hills and Link Year Prep Academy in Missouri where he won a national title.

    Hayden Nigro, Louisville, 6-5, sr

    Northeast Inland District Player of the Year. 6-4 wing averaged 20.9 points on 51.3 percent shooting from the field. Averaged 4.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists. … Huge games against some of Louisville’s best competition, including 31 points against Akron Hoban and 31 against Lutheran East. … Four-year varsity player, three-year starter. Louisville’s all-time leading scorer with 1,434 points, which rank 14th in Stark County history. … Receiving D2 and D3 college interest. … District 4 Coaches Association D1 Player of the Year. … Louisville finished 23-3, with only losses to St. Ignatius, St. Edward and Canton GlenOak in district final.

    Mason Shrout, Camden Preble Shawnee, 6-5, sr.

    24.2 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 3.7 apg, 2.6 spg, 57.2% FG, 42.0 3 PT% 1st Team Western Ohio Athletic Conference, WOAC Player of the Year; District 15 Player of the Year. Led the Arrows to a second straight Division III district title and regional semifinal berth. An unselfish player, had five assists in district title game. The first player from Preble County to surpass 2,000 career points. Signed with Purdue Fort Wayne.

    Colin White, Ottawa-Glandorf, 6-6 sr.

    Ohio State University commit averaged 24.9 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 2.1 steals per game this season for the Associated Press poll champion Titans, who are 20-3 as of March 4. White is already a two-time All-Ohio first team selection and has been O-G’s top player on three straight state semifinal teams (runners-up in 2022, 2023). White has also helped the Titans to 28 consecutive Western Buckeye League wins, three straight league titles, and has been the WBL and District 8 Player of the Year three times. A four-year starter, White has played in 105 varsity basketball games, with O-G going 90-15 in those games. He is the all-time career leading scorer in the hot-bed basketball history of Putnam County. White enters the district semifinal round with 1,876 career points.

    The OPSWA All-Ohio teams will begin being released on Monday, March 25.

  • Loveland High School cheerleaders do well at National High School Cheerleading Championship

    Loveland High School cheerleaders do well at National High School Cheerleading Championship

    Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland High School Game Day Competition team competed at the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) National High School Cheerleading Championship in Florida.

    “Not only did they get the fantastic experience of competing against the best cheerleading teams in the country, they represented Loveland in an amazing way.”

    The LHS Game Day Competition Team finished second in the nation in the Varsity DII-Non-Building-Game Day Division. This is the first time in school history that our cheerleaders made the finals, and it marks the highest point total and highest finish in LHS history.

    Cheerleaders competing were: Maddie Brankamp, Emma Breese, Peyton Bryant, Averi Case, Cameran Cook, Maddie Crawford, Kayla Docherty, Dani Hildebrand, Crystal Garcia, Lily Gruffydd, Ava Higley, Emma Loggins, Molly Moore, Brooke Morris, Janson Nichols, Katie Oaks, Auri Ray, Reagan Shadron, Celia Sovik, Peyton Sprankles, and Payton Weikert.

    Their coaches are Catie Smeyne and Emily Master.