LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

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Since 2004

Tag: David Miller

  • Loveland 6th grader Delaney Dunlap demonstrates how she helped make herself a new leg

    Loveland 6th grader Delaney Dunlap demonstrates how she helped make herself a new leg

    Is this how you test out a new socket?

    by David Miller

    Loveland, Ohio – In October Gina Rohdenburg and her daughter Delaney met a guy named Daryl Farler on the beach in South Carolina who works with ABR (Amputee Blade Runners). Gina said, “A guy who is a prosthetist happened to be next to us on the beach. Crazy but he told me about this grant and said they would love to help Delaney.”

    Gina followed up and things moved fast. Her daughter Delaney Dunlap, 11 and in 6th grade at the Loveland Intermediate School, was chosen by ABR to receive a new “athletic” leg with a high activity foot. Gina soon posted on FaceBook, “We are going to Nashville next month for a week and Delaney will help them make her leg.”

    Gina said that ABR is an amazing foundation and they were chosen by the NASCAR Foundation as one of four 2020 finalists for the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award. Gina asked her FaceBook followers to support ABA so they might receive $100,000 to help more kids like Delaney. “Please vote and do it every day if you can! Delaney really appreciates it!”

    Ryan Fann went on to run track at Tennessee State University and even earned a GOLD Medal in the Paralympics.

    Amputee Blade Runners was founded by two prosthetists, with the idea that giving someone one piece of equipment could change their life. That’s exactly what happened to their co-founder, Ryan Fann, when a local prosthetic company gave Ryan his first running leg after high school. Fann excelled in sports throughout middle school and high school, but when he was fitted for his first running leg, the world opened up. He went on to run track at Tennessee State University and even earned a GOLD Medal in the Paralympics. This is why Amputee Blade Runners was founded in 2011.

    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is donate-to-LM-5.png
    Help your hometown newspaper publish more stories like this that inspire!

    Justin Darm is the prosthetist who measured, cast, modified, and aligned Delaney’s prosthesis. He told me, “Delaney was playing on a beach in North Carolina when one of my coworkers who works at the prosthetic clinic I am employed at saw her using the prosthesis she had before to coming to us. My coworker struck up a conversation with Delaney’s parents and informed her of the charity we volunteer for called Amputee Blade Runners (ABR), which is run out of the prosthetic clinic in which we are employed.” There is only one full-time employee of the charity and the rest of the people who make it all happen volunteer their time and expertise. Delaney was advised to fill out an application to receive a grant to be provided with a free high activity prosthesis based on her current limitations and goals. She was accepted and a trip was scheduled to come to Nashville for a week to improve the current fit and function of her prosthesis. She was provided with a new prosthesis and high activity foot.

    Delaney returned home to Loveland last week.

    Justin and Delaney talk about different (lighter, cheaper) ways to make a prosthetic socket. Watch to the end to see how well she moves in it!

    https://www.facebook.com/gina.rohdenburg/posts/10221260013308615

    The Goal of Amputee Blade Runners is to provide a running prosthesis to one amputee athlete in all 50 states by 2016. They are a 501(C) 3 Non Profit organization that helps to provide free running prosthetics for amputees.
    Currently, there are 31 states with ABR athletic ambassadors.

    Delaney Dunlap is the daughter of Mike Dunlap and Gina Rohdenburg. Last January, Loveland Magazine’s Cassie Mattia interviewed Delany and Gina. Mattia wrote,” At 15 months old, Delaney encountered the turning point of her very young life; a leg amputation. Delaney was born with a condition called Fibular Hemimelia, meaning her fibular bone was missing. When the fibular bone is missing this can lead to limb length discrepancy, foot deformities, and knee deformities. Only 1 in 40,000 births encounter FH.”

    “We worked with Shriners and Children’s Hospital to determine the best course of action and we decided that having an amputation at an early age would allow her the most normal life with the least interruptions,” Gina explained to Cassie, “On March 4th, 2012, at 15 months old she had her amputation. About 3 months later she was fit for her prosthetic leg.”

    “At 2 years of age, she took her leg from us and said, ‘I do it myself!’ She proceeded to put her leg on and jump up and say, ‘all done’ with a shrug of her shoulders,” Gina said. “By 4 we had her in gymnastics with Ms. Karol Warden and she started performing in front of people. By 5 she was playing soccer, by 7 she was playing softball, by 8 she was golfing, and about 2 years ago she took up snowboarding,” Gina added.

    On the first day in Nashville at ABR getting cast for Delaney’s new leg Gina said, “She already had a great day and enjoyed every minute. Justin and both Aarons were patient, informative, and let Delaney help in the process. Already love these folks. Meeting new friends too.”

    View this slide show to see the start of the making of Delaney’s new leg

    On the second day at ABR, they let Delaney help with the fabrication of her leg and let her be a part of the whole process. “She left with a new leg and will be back the next day for adjustments. She already walks better and can see the difference this new leg will make. “Thank you ABR,” said Gina on FaceBook.

    This slide show will show you, Delaney, helping with the fabrication and using her new leg.

    Delaney will receive free prosthetic care until the age of 18 now that she is part of the ABR family.

    The family grant recipients provide their own financial resources for lodging, food, and fun while in Nashville and the prosthesis is provided at no cost. Justin Darm said, “So, at this point expenses were covered by Delaney’s family and through funds ABR has set aside to provide her with a prosthesis. We always welcome donations so we may continue to provide Delaney with free care as she will require routine items like socks or a new prosthesis as she grows. Donations will also allow us to help the numerous grant recipients across the country we have already helped and the ones who we have not had the opportunity to help yet.” Sign up for the ABR newsletter.

    Joshua Southards

    Joshua Southards, JD, MMN, is the Executive Director of Amputee Blade Runners and said, “Thanks so much for your interest in Delaney and Amputee Blade Runners.” Southards said that Delaney is a “great kid” and he was thrilled to be a part of her story. “Our applicants go through a vetting process and she passed everything with flying colors,” said Southards.

    Delaney produced this video of her ABR experience. It shows the process and how she helped with making her leg

    https://www.facebook.com/1195316158/videos/10221328692625555/

    Watch this slo-mo video of Delaney tumbling on her new leg

    https://www.facebook.com/1195316158/videos/10221329053634580/

    Loveland Magazine’s Cassie Mattia interviewed Delany in January of this year because she is part of Loveland’s DNA. Read more about Delany and watch the interview”

    11 Year Old Local is “Tumbling” into a Bright Future!

    Since my last visit to Rodi Italian, the restaurant has been totally transformed! Loveland Magazine’s Editor in Chief, David Miller, myself, and my nephew, Emmett, visited Rodi last week just to see the transformation, and after seeing all the new additions, we are more than excited to welcome Rodi Italian into the Loveland restaurant culture!

    Peloni walked as through his restaurant as he explained what went into all the new restaurant additions and how proud he was of what Rodi was becoming.

    Since August, Rodi Italian’s Stefano Ferrara Neapolitan Wood-Burning Pizza Oven has been installed and is up and running. Peloni said that they recently made their first pizza and he couldn’t wait to share them with Loveland! Click the link below to see a video of Rodi Italian’s first pizza being made in their brand new pizza oven!

    https://www.facebook.com/rodiloveland/videos/165089161926803

    Each pizza served on Rodi Italian’s menu will be Neapolitan style and cooked from scratch in their 900-degree wood-burning pizza oven. Some of the unique pizza’s that will be served on Rodi Italian’s menu is, Brussels, which will include shaved Brussel sprouts, pancetta, and fontina, finished with ricotta and lemon drizzle, Figs, which will have olive oil, fontina, fresh figs with gorgonzola, and fig puree, and The Fun Guy (FUNGHI), which will include cream, Tallegio, fontina, sausage, a blend of mushrooms, and sea salt. Gluten-Free pizza crust will be available as well.

    As we walked through Rodi Italian Peloni showed us another one of their newest additions, The Faema E91Coffee Espresso Machine, which will feature Cafe Filicori Coffee straight from Bologna, Italy! Rodi Italian is the only restaurant other than a few spots in New York, California, and Chicago, that will have this specialty coffee. Peloni shared with us that his restaurant will be serving Brunch on Saturday’s and Sunday’s, he just hasn’t decided on the hours as of now.

    As an Italian myself, when I think of a traditional Italian meal I always end up grabbing a beautiful Italian wine that will pair nicely with my meal. Peloni reassured me that finding the perfect wine to match my meal wouldn’t be a problem at Rodi Italian as the restaurant will feature over 70 different labels from Italy and California. As I looked around Rodi Italian I could already see that wine would be a major part of the restaurant as it had gigantic beautifully sculpted wine holders framing one of their doorways and a state of the art mahogany bar located in the heart of the restaurant surrounded with chairs for guests. Rodi Italian’s one-of-a-kind bar was built by The Cincinnati Wood Collaborative, a group that specializes in repurposing wood. The bar will also include 10 beers on tap and 10-15 bottled beer options.

    What goes better with a glass of wine than a traditional Italian appetizer or salad? No need to look any further as Rodi Italian will have plenty of legendary family recipes for the community to enjoy! Rodi Italian’s salads and small plates section of the menu will feature items such as The Cesare (an old family recipe), which includes anchovy, garlic, and romaine, the Burrata Tartufato, which is a ball of hand-pulled burrata cheese over arugula, shaved black truffles, and crostini, and the Sacchetti ‘Beggar’s Purse’ (a house specialty), which will feature a pizza dough purse filled with roasted garlic and herbs in olive oil.

    Although Rodi Italian’s menu isn’t entirely official yet, Peloni was kind enough to give Loveland Magazine the okay to share a few of the Pasta options, “Chef Rob’s Seasonal Menu,” and the Dinner Plates. A few of the Pasta menu items, which will be made from scratch in the restaurant, that grabbed my attention was the Rodi Pasta, which features Fusilli (GF option available) sauteed with thin onion, pancetta, green peas, and white wine, the Family Recipe Lasagna, a traditional meat sauce lasagna created by Peloni and his family, and the Risotto Al Porcini, which includes Porcini mushrooms, shallots, and green peas.

    Peloni told us that he will consistently be featuring a Seasonal Menu crafted by him using ingredients that are in season for that particular time of the year. One of the seasonal meals that caught my attention was the Ravioli Di Zucca, a pumpkin filled ravioli sauteed in brown sugar and sage finished with pieces of toasted hazelnuts. YUM!

    Rodi Italian’s Dinner Menu also includes a “Plates” section and of course a few items for the Bambini’s a.k.a The Kids! One particular item on the Plates section that sounded delicious is the Cacciuco, which includes clams, mussels, shrimp, calamari, white fish, and salmon in a tomato and fish stalk broth. This traditional seafood soup originated in Liguria where Peloni’s family is from. Of course, we can’t forget about the Bambini’s menu, which will feature Kids Antipasto, Mini Cheese Pizza, S’ghetti, and the Cheese and Fries Pizza (a kid favorite in Italy), which will literally be an 8-inch pizza, covered in tomato sauce, and mozzarella topped with french fries!

    The Faema E91Coffee Espresso Machine, which will feature Cafe Filicori Coffee straight from Bologna, Italy!

    Walking through Rodi Italian and seeing what the building was in August compared to what it is now has made us more than excited to introduce this traditional family Italian restaurant to the community! Like I mentioned previously Rodi Italian is set to have a soft opening in December but as for the official date, Peloni said he will announce it via Rodi’s Facebook Page or Website. Rodi Italian’s dinner hours are set to be Tuesday – Friday 11:30 A.M. – 10 P.M. Again Peloni plans on opening up on Saturday’s and Sunday’s for Brunch, but the hours are yet to be set.

    Rob Peloni showing me the early draft of the RODI menu

    We want to thank Rodi Italian and Rob Peloni for letting Loveland Magazine be a part of the Rodi journey and we cannot wait for opening day! Take a few moments to check out our photo album featuring our walk-through at Rodi Italian last Friday!

    Click on an image to see it larger and to click through the photo album.

    For more of the Loveland Salad with me, Cassie Mattia, stay tuned!

  • L.H.S’s Coach Parker Gives Sneak Preview of 2020-2021 Season!

    L.H.S’s Coach Parker Gives Sneak Preview of 2020-2021 Season!

    by Cassie Mattia

    Cassie Mattia is the Associate Editor of Loveland Magazine and lives in Historic Downtown Loveland
    Can’t imagine a Countdown without the Kid, Our Capt @tessbroermann
    AKA T-Wip! Tess has been my Coach on the floor for 3 yrs & now as a Sr she is the undisputed engine & leader of our program! Proud of you is an understatement! Let’s run it back one last time kid #OurWay     – Coach Parker

    Loveland, Ohio – It’s that time of year again that gives many, including myself, an endless amount of joy! You maybe asking yourself, “Well what is so significant about this time of year?” IT’S BASKETBALL SEASON BABY! Of course the single phrase has to be said in a Dick Vitale voice!

    Basketball teams all across Ohio are preparing for what should be a very interesting season in light of COVID-19. The L.H.S Women’s Basketball team has not been letting the pandemic slow them down as they have been safely practicing hard in preparation for the first game that will be held on November 24th at the Tiger’s home gym against Lakota East at 7:30 P.M.

    Coach Darnell Parker and Assistant Coach Keith (Breezy) Braswell celebrating the ECC Championship in 2020
    Coach Parker from #Darnell Parker on Twitter

    L.H.S’s Women’s Basketball team is coming off of a historical 2019-2020 season, grabbing their first league title, sectional title, and an outstanding overall record of 22-4. Although they have lost some unbelievable female athletes such as the Tiger’s top performer, Jillian Hayes who will begin her career as Cincinnati Bearcat this year, Head Coach Darnell Parker says that he has two incredible leaders returning in Seniors Jenna Batsch and Tess Broermann that are sure to give the team that fire they need to succeed this year!

    So without further ado, here is the 2020-2021 Loveland High School Women’s Basketball Season Preview!

    The following graphics and photos provided by team photographer, Gayle Rothmeeler.

    Tiger Nation let me introduce you to Our @ViviClayton
    AKA ViVi! Vivi is a team-first guard willing to do whatever her team needs! Greatness is already in your DNA kid, go ahead and put it on display for all to witness! Orange and Black looks good on you Viv!#OurWay     – Coach Parker

    Cassie – What have you and the Tigers been doing in preparation for this season?

    Coach Parker – Preparation for this season started over the summer with our team lifting and conditioning sessions, as well as our super popular 6 A.M, Breakfast Club workouts. This is a great time for our kids as we start forming bonds and shaping the identity of this year’s team!

    She had her coming out party against the number 1 team in the state last year and Our Miss @EarlyJosie is hungry for more! Ultra competitive guard with a knack for slicing through defenses! Remember the name folks, get your ready! #OurWay – Coach Parker

    Cassie – What effect has COVID-19 had on your preparation?

    Coach Parker – Keeping our Student-Athletes safe is our top priority.  Each player, coach, and member of our program is diligent in following the guidelines set by our District and the OHSAA. Our kids have done a great job adjusting and it hasn’t affected our preparation too much.

    No better place to start than with the Captain @JennaBatsch
    aka STRETCH! Don’t let the smoothness fool you, the Kent St commit is an absolute BEAST on the court! It’s her time to shine bright! #OurWay     – Coach Parker

    Cassie – Who are some of the players that are returning? Any starters? Who do you expect to be a captain or “leader” for the other ladies to look up to this year.

    Coach Parker – SR-Jenna Batsch(Kent State Commit, Second leading scorer last year 11ppg)-Captain, SR-Tess Broermann(4-year starter 6.3ppg last season)-Captain, SO-Olivia Raby(Lead the team in FG% 52% 3.5ppg), SO-Josie Early(3ppg, Strong tournament run last season), Jr-Nia Kemper(PG Transfer from Wyoming 14ppg, Excellent shooter and defender), Jr-Vivian Clayton(G Transfer from Sycamore 8ppg, Great Defender and strong guard attacking the basket).

    Next up it’s Our Miss @ellanagel_AKA Shirley(another inside joke)! A summer spent grinding and getting better, and the Jr is ready to Soar! You have the green light to be great kid! All gas no brakes!! #OurWay – Coach Parker

    Cassie – Any big games you and the team are looking forward to?

    Coach Parker – We always enjoy the matchups with Walnut Hills and West Clermont. They have been the Gold standards in the league for a lot of years. This year we add three new teams in Little Miami, Lebanon, and Winton Woods. Starting new rivalries with these schools will be fun!

    LIV!!!!! Big sis may be gone but the Raby legacy continues! Our @Olivia_Raby_
    established herself as a big-time rim protector last season and this Summer added to her offensive game! Don’t take my word for it though, just enjoy the show #OurWay     – Coach Parker

    Cassie – What will be some of your primary focuses or things you would like to improve on from last season this year?

    Coach Parker – This season we will really focus on sharing the basketball and attacking opposing defenses from a lot of angles. We have 6-7 girls that could get double digits points on any given night and as a coach that is very exciting!  Defensively our pressure is going to be suffocating and we are going to be able to pressure teams for 32 minutes or more if necessary!

    I call her Laverne(inside joke) but Our @Yeager_Rachel15 is coming off of a solid Summer and ready to make her mark! You won’t find many who work as hard as Yeags, and that hard work is starting to pay dividends! Watch out Tiger Nation she’s ready to explode! #OurWay – Coach Parker

    Cassie – Will the coaching staff be the same as last year or do you have any newcomers?

    Coach Parker – We return our entire coaching staff from last year.  Really helps with continuity.

    Salute to the next in a long line of great #24s Our Miss Twitterless Gabby Saletta! The freshman is Lightning Quick on both sides of the ball and a ton of toughness after spending the fall on the pitch! Keep working Gabs! You got Next! #OurWay – Coach Parker

    Cassie – Do you have any Freshmen or Sophomores that you are expecting big things from this season?

    Coach Parker – Josie Early and Olivia Raby received significant minutes and experience as a freshman last year. They are going to be a big piece of the puzzle this season!

    Tiger Nation allow me to introduce a NewComer to the program Our Miss @NiaKemper4
    AKA FLEEK! Don’t Blink because if you do the ultra-quick sharp shooting PG will be gone! Don’t let the smile fool you she’s looking to take Someone’s lunch money on that Court #OurWay     – Coach Parker

    Cassie – What are some of your personal coaching goals this year? Team goals?

    Coach Parker – Personally my goals have shifted based on my health situation. Every day that I am able to spend with my team is a blessing!  When I am physically able I want to be with the team. I draw energy from them. The team really wants to defend out ECC crown and get back and when a District title. The community has really rallied behind myself and this team, I really feel we are destined for great things!

    We play in the present but the future looks bright especially for Our @HannahPawlikow1! This is one tough Freshman who doesn’t mind mixing it up in the paint! Excited to watch her develop in the next 4 years!! #OurWay – Coach Parker

    Cassie – Will you be competing against any schools that you haven’t competed against in the past or haven’t competed against in quite some time? If so what teams?

    Coach Parker – As Mentioned above we will start playing the new teams in our conference. We also open up with Lakota East who we haven’t played in recent times.

    Big shoes to fill after she took over her pals # but Our @SophiaKapsz
    (just call me KAPS) is up for the challenge! Infectious energy and an animal on the boards, she ready to wreak havoc this year. I hope she even breaks out the dance moves #OurWay     – Coach Parker

    Cassie – Any new mottos this year other than your infamous #Ourway?! 

    Coach Parker – Haha, OurWay will always be the motto that we follow.  With my diagnosis, the Girls have reached a Mantra of OURWAY, OURFIGHT. They are in this battle with me. That’s what Family does!!#OurWay

    Another one of our Fab Frosh making the Countdown! Our Miss @bebout_sara
    is well on her way to being a force in the paint for our Tigers! The future is bright for you kid! Keep working and getting better every day!     #OurWay – Coach Parker

    For more of the Sports 411 with me, Cassie Mattia, stay tuned!

    https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=T9887DUMPQ2W8
  • Loveland Magazine Presents “National College Signing Day” at L.H.S!

    Loveland Magazine Presents “National College Signing Day” at L.H.S!

    by Cassie Mattia

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

    Loveland, Ohio – It’s that time of year again to honor the L.H.S student-athlete Seniors as we send them on their way to play collegiate sports at the conclusion of this school year!

    L.H.S’s National College Signing Day was held on November 12th at 2:30 PM, in the legendary Tiger gymnasium. Although the Loveland Athletic Department tried to make the ceremony as normal as they could for the student-athletes they did send out COVID-19 safety precautions so that everyone attending would feel as comfortable as possible. Below are some of the safety precautions L.H.S took for the National Signing Day ceremony:

    1.  Athletes, please e-mail Ms. Brulport the number of family members attending. We need to know this for seating and contact tracing.

    2.  Your family and student-athlete will be assigned seating in our Main Gym Bleachers. Please look for the placard with your child’s name on it. You will be socially distanced from other families.

    3.  No congregating is allowed prior to, during, OR after the ceremony. All families must leave immediately following the ceremony.  

    4.  Face coverings ARE REQUIRED AT ALL TIMES.  

    5. No group photos of the student-athletes together is permitted. Only pictures of the student-athlete, with their family, will be taken.

    6. There will be NO student body allowed. This is for immediate family ONLY, plus 1 coach.

    The L.H.S National Signing Day ceremony turned out to be quite the event as the Tiger student-athletes’ coaches, parents and family members celebrated the Seniors’ achievements and wished them the best of luck in their future college endeavors! The following Senior student-athletes signed to participate in athletics and get a college education in 2021!

    Photos and Graphics provided by the Loveland Athletic Department.

    Sarah Lolli signed to compete in Water Polo at Indiana University.

    Connor Ruble signed to play Tennis at Wittenberg University.

    Lauren Donovan signed to play soccer at the University of Minnesota.

    Carly Wilhoite signed to play lacrosse at the University of Tampa.

    Hanna Wenger signed to play lacrosse at the University of Central Michigan.

    Josey Storm signed to play lacrosse at Notre Dame College.

    Sherron Peacock signed to compete in Bowling at Tiffin University.

    Brock Perkins signed to play baseball at Bluffton University.

    Spencer Rodriguez signed to play baseball at Clark State Community.

    Jenna Batsch signed to play basketball at Kent State University.

    We would like to take the time to congratulate these OUTSTANDING Tiger student-athletes for getting the opportunity to fine-tune their crafts at the collegiate level! It has been a joy watching each and every one of you thrive as students and excel as athletes. We will be cheering all of you on as you take the next step in your athletic and education journey! LONG LIVE THE LOVELAND TIGERS! GOOD LUCK SENIORS!

    For more of the Sports 411 with me, Cassie Mattia stay tuned!

  • Tiger Seniors Jenna Batsch and Lauren Donovan Announced as part of 2021 Collegiate Recruiting Classes!

    Tiger Seniors Jenna Batsch and Lauren Donovan Announced as part of 2021 Collegiate Recruiting Classes!

    The above photo is Jenna Batsch in action in the District Semi-Final for the Loveland Tigers last season (Loveland Magazine file photo)

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

    Loveland, Ohio – As the end of the school year nears, L.H.S’s Senior student-athletes are making plans for the future! It was announced last week that two Tigers, Jenna Batsch and Lauren Donovan committed to playing collegiate athletics at two very prestigious schools.

    Lauren Donovan

    University of Minnesota’s Head Women’s Soccer Coach, Stefanie Golan, announced last Wednesday, that L.H.S’s Lauren Donovan would become a part of the Women’s Soccer 2021 Recruiting Class. Joining Donovan will be five other talented women, two forwards, two midfielders, one defender, and one goalkeeper.

    Donovan has had quite the impressive Tiger journey earning All-City and First Team All-Southwest honors in 2019 for Soccer as well as two varsity letters in Basketball and Track and Field (in addition to Soccer). This year Donovan was apart of the 16-4 L.H.S Women’s Soccer Team that not only secured a District Championship but also Regional Runner-Up honors.

    Head Coach Golan is excited to see Donovan’s contribution to what Golan thinks will be a stellar 2021 recruiting class!

    In addition to playing soccer, Donovan will be majoring in Communications at the University of Minnesota.

    To see the full article on Lauren Donovan click the following link: https://gophersports.com/news/2020/11/11/gopher-soccer-announces-2021-recruiting-class.aspx.
    Lauren Donovan

    Jenna Batsch

    The University of Kent State’s Women’s Basketball Coach, Todd Starkey, also announced on Wednesday that Loveland Tiger basketball stand-out, Jenna Batsch, along with three others, would be joining the 2021 Recruiting Class.

    Head Coach Starkey said that he believes Batsch will be a much needed addition to an already talented group of student-athletes! Starkey then went on to predict a possible Mid-American Conference Championship throughout the course of the 2021 Recruiting Class’s four seasons.

    Six-foot guard, Batsch was a part of last year’s Loveland Women’s Basketball Team that made history earning their first-ever ECC Championship, a Sectional Title, and a 22-4 record. Batsch collected First Team All-ECC, Honorable Mention All-District, and was ranked in the ECC’s top 10 in both steals and blocked shots, averaging 10.9 points, 2.5 steals, and 0.8 blocked shots per game.

    To read the full article on Jenna Batsch click the following link: https://kentstatesports.com/news/2020/11/11/womens-basketball-starkey-adds-four-to-begin-early-signing-period.aspx.

    To stay up-to-date on the latest Loveland Tiger sports news tune into the Sports 411 with me, Cassie Mattia!

  • OSU AT MARYLAND FOOTBALL GAME CANCELED

    OSU AT MARYLAND FOOTBALL GAME CANCELED

    Maryland pauses team-related activities; the game was set to be played at College Park, Md., on Saturday

    by Cassie Mattia

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

    Columbus, Ohio – COVID-19 has yet again claimed another college sporting event as the football game between No. 3 Ohio State University and the University of Maryland, which was scheduled for tomorrow at 3 p.m. in College Park, Md., televised on the Big Ten Network, has been canceled. The game will not be rescheduled.

    Earlier this week the University of Maryland put out a press release saying that they would be hitting the pause button on all team activities because of the rise in COVID-19 cases. Maryland’s press release said that “the joint decision to pause football activities and cancel Saturday’s game was made by Director of Athletics Damon Evans and University of Maryland President Darryll Pines, following a recommendation from University health officials, and in consultation with the Big Ten Conference.”

    According to the Maryland press release, during the past seven days, eight Maryland Football players have tested positive for COVID-19. Maryland Athletics released a testing update stating that between September 30th and November 10th 1,510 on-campus PCR screening tests were conducted for student-athletes in all sports. 10 student-athletes tested positive. 

    The Big Ten Conference started testing football student-athletes on September 30th and the men’s and women’s basketball team on October 26th. All other student-athletes will continue to be tested weekly.

    For the latest sports updates stay tuned the Sports 411 with me, Cassie Mattia!

  • Clermont County set to Host the Vintage Baseball National Showcase in 2021!

    Clermont County set to Host the Vintage Baseball National Showcase in 2021!

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

    by Cassie Mattia

    Batavia, Ohio – Clermont County will be bringing vintage baseball to a city near you! It was announced on October 26th in a press release from The Clermont County Convention and Visitors Bureau that they would be partnering with Olympic Fields to host the 2021 National Showcase of Vintage Baseball. The prestigious baseball event is scheduled for June 12th and 13th of 2021.

    The Vintage Baseball theme is meant to represent the rules and customs from baseball clubs and origins dating back to the 1800s. The National Showcase is played using rules and uniforms from the 1850s, 1860s, and 1880s.

    The respected event is set to bring in at least 40 teams from all across the United States with 15 players on each team. The baseball showcase, which will be managed by Oaks of Locust Corner BBC and Moscow Monarchs BBC, is expecting nearly 500 spectators in attendance with an estimated 650 Clermont County hotel rooms booked creating an estimated $300,000 for the county’s economy, according to Discover Clermont County’s press release. If the first year proves successful the vintage baseball event will be hosted annually in Clermont County.
    There will be some differences in the way the vintage baseball games will be played compared to today. There will only be underhand throws to the batter (striker), there will be no fences, no gloves will be used, and the ball will be allowed to be played off one bounce.
    In addition to all the baseball fun, those attending the baseball showcase will be able to get Cincinnati’s best food, and craft beer as well as shop at local baseball merchants and enjoy live music!
    To read the full press release from Discover Clermont Country about the 2021 National Vintage Baseball Showcase you can click the following link: https://discoverclermont.com/clermont-news/clermont-county-cvb-to-host-national-vintage-base-ball-tournament/.
    To learn more about Vintage Base Ball and the 2021 National Showcase visit-  www.vbba.org / www.locustcornerbbc.org
    Stay tuned for more the Sports 411 with me, Cassie Mattia!
  • A Tribute to Coach Darnell Parker and his Loving Tigers

    A Tribute to Coach Darnell Parker and his Loving Tigers

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

    Loveland, Ohio – It has been a sad week for the Loveland High School Tiger Family as Head Women’s Basketball Coach, Darnell Parker, announced that he has been diagnosed with Colon and Liver Cancer.

    Coach Parker made the devastating announcement over Twitter on October 29th and almost immediately the Loveland community rallied together to root him on in his battle with cancer. Below is the announcement Coach Parker made a little over one week ago.

    Originally tweeted by Darnell Parker (@CoachDParker) on Oct 29, 2020.

    Thank you all in advance for your Prayers and Support! I know I can’t respond to everyone but just know it’s appreciated!

    Coach Parker has not been the only one to remain positive after being diagnosed with Colon and Liver Cancer; the support from the Loveland community and many others across Ohio has been outstanding! Below are just a few of the tweets that have been dedicated to Coach Parker’s post-cancer announcement.

    It’s no secret that Coach Parker has not only done a lot for Loveland High School but has also succeeded in developing an unbelievable Women’s Basketball program, breaking several school records along the way. Click below to read about Coach Parker’s stellar coaching career and his 100 win milestone!

    LHS’s Head Women’s Basketball Coach Reaches 100 Wins!

    Coach Parker has touched the lives of everyone he has surrounded himself with including myself. The first meeting I had with Coach Parker and his Tiger basketball team was last year when I decided to do a feature on-camera interview with him, his coaching staff, and the women’s basketball team. I remember walking into the gym excited to feature a Tiger women’s team that was kicking butt and taking names! Last year the women’s basketball team had one of their most successful seasons in history and of course, it had something to do with the talent Coach Parker had on his team but it had more to do with Coach Parker’s “ourway” philosophy. Below is the interview I conducted on that very special day!

    Loveland High School Basketball Programs Look to Change School History!

    The passion, the excitement, and the heart Coach Parker displayed the first day I interacted with him inspired me to the core. I remember asking Coach Parker why he created the #ourway and his response made me want to join the Tiger women’s basketball team myself! He told me that he didn’t want the Tiger program to mimic any other program, he wanted to do things their way. Coach Parker wanted his team to stand out through the way they played and through the way they carried themselves off the court and in school. I loved his mentality. His tenacity honestly reminded me of my own experience of playing basketball for my father which is saying something because I consider my father one of the best coaches around.

    My next encounter with Coach Parker other than through emails as I always made sure I kept him up-to-date on any articles featuring him and his Tigers, was when the women’s team faced Mount Notre Dame for the 2019 District Title at Princeton High School. Although I had heard about Coach Parker’s coaching style I had never experienced it in person. I was so impressed with how Coach Parker and his coaching staff were able to get the Tigers so focused while encouraging them to stay positive and just play the game they were born to play.

    Unfortunately, the Tigers lost that day and of course, the players were upset but the one thing I noticed is that everyone including the fans, parents, and assistant coaching staff went directly up to Coach Parker gave him a big hug, and thanked him for his dedication to them and the game of basketball. That really spoke to me. The fact that the first thing everyone did after the loss was go up to Coach Parker to encourage and congratulate him on an outstanding season said to me that the Tiger community knew he gave the team and LHS his all regardless of the loss. Click below to read about the Tiger’s 2019 District Title run!

    [Photo Album] Tigers fall in close game vs. Mount Notre Dame

    When I heard the news about Coach Parker and his battle with cancer my heart broke in two. Why does such an amazing human being have to go through so much pain? It just didn’t make sense to me. Then I read about the positive outlook Coach Parker decided to take on the entire situation. Wow what a selfless person. Instead of giving up on life, Coach Parker has decided to inspire others battling cancer through words of encouragement and sharing his own story. Although I am more than saddened by Coach Parker’s cancer diagnosis I know that he will do everything in his power to defeat cancer and spread love and kindness along the way!

    Coach Parker, I want you to know that you have inspired me to not only be a better person but also spread positivity with a smile on my face regardless of what obstacles may be challenging me. I am here for you, your awesome family, and the Tiger’s Women’s Basketball Team, and I will do whatever I can to help you spread that cancer won’t defeat your spirit or dedication to the Loveland/Tiger community! We love you here at Loveland Magazine and we can’t wait to see how successful you will be in the near future!

    Sincerely,

    Cassie Mattia

    Continue reading to see Loveland Magazine Editor in Chief, David Miller’s tribute to Coach Parker.

    Dear Coach Parker,

    You’ve become too much of a personal friend not to offer anything but, “Loveland Magazine is here for you to offer our support in any way we can.” You are more to me than just someone Loveland Magazine covers as a sports figure. I’ve come to love how you coach, always that big smile, always that grin, always that encouragement to your players. Even the prodding I see towards the officials is done with your natural good nature.

    To Coach’s players… I am here for you too. Trying to put myself in your Nike’s is impossible because I have never been there, but I acknowledge how difficult this is for you. Loveland Magazine is here for you too!

    Loveland Magazine is here for you… to help you all cut down this net too and we will be here to cover you cutting down many, many more!

    With love and fighting spirit,

    David Miller

  • [Photos] LHS XC headed to State Finals this morning

    [Photos] LHS XC headed to State Finals this morning

    Alex Saletta (alternate), Brady Steiner, Sam Neiger, Grant Hanson, Cayden Dyer, Emmy Sager, AJ Stutz, Colin Beran, Alex Salatin (alternate), and Ryan Chevalier

    by David Miller

    Loveland, Ohio – It is a contribution of many factors that sends Loveland High School Cross Country runners to compete in the Ohio State Championship finals. The culture of running in Loveland that began decades ago when Loveland became the mecca of road running for enthusiasts from all over the Tri-State when Loveland became the first trailhead of the Little Miami Scenic Trail. Known forever around these parts as the Loveland Bike Trail. It’s in no small part attributable to excellent coaches over the years that are highly respected throughout Ohio. No doubt, parents who are raising these young men and women. No doubt the culture of running that begins in early grades within the school system with their after-school running clubs. No doubt the numerous road races held in Historic Downtown and along the Loveland Bike Trail. It’s the high school and middle school athletic departments teaching those in their care the right attitude and balance between competition and academic studies as well as hiring the right coaches.

    Thus, LHS sent off the Men’s team and one Woman runner this morning to compete tomorrow at Fortress Obetz in Obetz, Ohio; to participate in the purest of athletic pursuits of running a 5K the fastest.

    No fancy equipment is required. Of course, they will be running in some pretty expensive shoes, but New Balance and Nike aren’t going to determine the outcome tomorrow. It will be thousands of miles of practice that came before. It will be what’s in the runners’ heads tomorrow. It will be what has been in their head for many years; honing their technique, learning what to eat and not to eat, before, after, and in-between. It will be the endless days coping with injuries and resting injured muscles and shins when every constant thought is a painfully, agonizing crave too quickly returning to the pavement to get that next fix of adrenaline and endorphin. It’s the personal self-discipline to balance what the right and left brain are arguing about. It’s a well-developed skill of resolve to know how many or how few miles to put in the days leading to the next starter’s gun.

    An hour before heading to the crowded starting line will be years of muscle memory kicking in knowing how much to run for a warm-up.

    Round or flat laces and how tight to tie them.

    Going to the State Final has been many years of lacing up and heading out the door when your mind plays a tug of war between a daily run or putting it off until tomorrow when you have a running buddy.

    Here are photos of the LHS runners who did all that – and more – and photos from their school when they left this morning escorted through town by the Loveland Police Department. They also went by the Loveland Primary and Elementary School campus and were cheered by future Tiger runners.

    This won’t be the last race they ever run, as every time they head out the door in the future they will still have an imaginary or real finish line ahead. Most have already developed something they will never get out of their system and will become life-long runners. They will never have to find a court or field, or someone to compete against, no one to throw the ball to… they will always have the road just outside their front door. The suburban street. The friendly community trail. A high school or college track. The inter-city block. The rural road. Just themselves and their shoes.