Tag: ecc

  • [Video Interview] Loveland Men’s Soccer Win Back to Back ECC titles!

    [Video Interview] Loveland Men’s Soccer Win Back to Back ECC titles!

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland Tiger athletes continue to represent Loveland High School with flying colors earning yet again another 2019 ECC title – this time the Boys Soccer Team! Coach Mike Dunlap and his team of dedicated soccer players went undefeated in the ECC with a 7-0 record, competed in the sectional finals and grabbed some top coach, team, and individual ECC accolades.

    Loveland Magazine decided to pay another visit this week to the home of the Loveland Tigers, Loveland High School, to talk with Coach Dunlap and the Boys Soccer Team about just what went into being able to compete at such a high level and how the team achieved such great chemistry. Click below to see LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV’s exclusive interview with the Loveland High School Boys Soccer Team!


    If you find this story useful and helpful in your daily life…

  • [Video Interview] Loveland Girls Volleyball are ECC Champs for 3rd Consecutive Year

    [Video Interview] Loveland Girls Volleyball are ECC Champs for 3rd Consecutive Year

    Loveland, Ohio – Loveland High School sports are continuing to collect big wins as regular season play comes to an end and tournament season begins! This year 5 Loveland High School Fall sports teams won an ECC title, which Loveland Magazine thinks is a HUGE deal! In saying that, we decided to head over to Loveland High School to chat with the Loveland High School Girls Volleyball Team, who just ended regular season play with their 3rd ECC title in a row and a 19-4 record! Head coach Brian Baugh along with the entire varsity squad let us in on their secret to success in a Loveland Magazine TV exclusive interview! Click below to watch!

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DGYkaiq7tc]



  • All You Need To Know About The 2019 LHS Homecoming Festivities

    All You Need To Know About The 2019 LHS Homecoming Festivities

    The parade will begin at 6:30 PM at the Moose Lodge Hall on East Loveland Avenue

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, OhioThe anticipation has begun for Loveland High School’s Homecoming activities and Loveland Magazine has the 411 on what to expect this year! 

    The 2019 Tiger Homecoming events will begin Thursday, September 26th with one of Loveland’s most coveted traditions, the Loveland Athletic Booster’s Homecoming Parade. The parade will begin promptly at 6:30 PM at the Moose Lodge Hall on East Loveland Avenue. The parade will then proceed to West Loveland Avenue, to Rich Road, and then end the night at #1 Tiger Way at Loveland High School.

    RP Diamond will be selling Tiger Spirit Wear at Loveland Magazine during the Parade. Loveland Magazine is located right on the parade route in the heart of the West Loveland Historic District at 514 West Loveland Avenue and is one of the most favorite spots to view the parade because of ample parking in the District.

    Immediately after the parade, the Loveland students will take part in the annual Powder Puff Football game at Tiger Stadium.

    If you have any questions about the Parade contact Tori Morrison, the LAB Parade Coordinator (Email).

    Grand Marshall is Tony Ricci

    Tony Ricci (Photo from linkedin)

    Every year Loveland High School selects a Grand Marshall to lead the annual Homecoming parade. As always, the individuals selected to be the Grand Marshall has been someone who truly takes an interest in the success of the Loveland High School students and is a positive force in the Loveland community. This year Tony Ricci was selected to lead the 2019 parade. For the last 25 years, Ricci has owned and operated Tony’s of Cincinnati, an American Seafood and Steakhouse located at 12110 Montgomery Road. Ricci’s incredible hospitality and back to his roots cuisine has allowed him to become a Cincinnati Food Icon. Although Tony’s of Cincinnati has been a huge part of Ricci’s life over the past several years, he has always found the time to take an interest in Loveland High School and its students.

    Brian Conatser, Loveland High School’s Athletic Director, couldn’t express enough how generous Ricci and his family have been to Loveland over the past several years.

    Brian Conatser, Loveland High School’s Athletic Director, couldn’t express enough how generous Ricci and his family have been to Loveland over the past several years. “The Ricci’s have donated more than one could ever imagine! They have provided things such as senior dinners for each sport season for every senior athlete that plays a sport, a team dinner for any varsity team that wins a Team ECC championship, meals for any team that makes a deep dive in playoffs, pregame meals, donations for kids that need financial support for athletic gear or pay-to-play fees, donations to the Loveland Athletic Boosters every year at all major fundraisers, employment opportunities for students, sponsorship for Showchoir, Robotics, and Athletics, and support for Loveland co-curricular and extra-curricular sports and activities,” Conatser said. “Our student experience has been enhanced by the touch of the Ricci Family. Thank you very much, Tony Ricci, for your ongoing commitment to our programs and the Loveland Community,” Conatser added.

    Conatser was not the only person to express his gratitude for Tony Ricci and his family’s support. President of the School Board, Art Jarvis, owner of Jarvis Global Investments located near Loveland’s Downtown Historic District, also had a lot to say about Ricci and his family. When Loveland Magazine asked Jarvis what he thought about Ricci being the Grand Marshall he said, “I think it’s an excellent choice! He has done so much for the community in the last 8 or 9 years. He’s been there every step of the way with Loveland students and athletes! He’s been amazing with supplying our athletes with meals. All seniors get a dinner no matter what sport and if a sports team wins the ECC they get another dinner from Tony! I can’t even tell you how much Tony has spent on food for Loveland’s students. He’s also a huge donor for the Loveland High School Show Choir. Anything that we have gone to him for about the students in Loveland he has donated, no questions asked!”

    Jarvis also noted that Ricci spends a lot of his time in the community and added that “Tony is a dear friend of mine and is always willing to listen – no matter the topic. Tony’s steaks are the best steaks I’ve ever had! This guy knows how to make a steak and I love eating at his restaurant. Tony is just a great guy with a great family.”

    I think he (Tony Ricci) makes Loveland what it is today.” – Jeff Williams

    Jeff Williams, President of the Loveland Athletic Boosters was also eager to praise Tony Ricci. He said, “I just think that as a community we’re lucky and blessed to have someone like him. It’s not only the money he gives, but he gives a great deal of his time. I think he makes Loveland what it is today.” 

    The Homecoming festivities will continue on Friday, September 27th with a Homecoming Pep Rally at 1:30 PM at Loveland High School and the Homecoming Football Game at the Tigers Stadium at 7 PM where they will face the Milford Eagles.

    Homecoming festivities will continue on Friday, September 27th with a Homecoming Pep Rally at 1:30 PM at Loveland High School and the Homecoming Football Game at the Tigers Stadium at 7 PM where they will face the Milford Eagles. At halftime, the Homecoming Queen and King will be announced and the Marching Band and Color Guard will perform throughout the evening.

    The homecoming game will have lots of spirited Loveland High School Students as well as friends and family members so be sure to stop by and support TIGER NATION! Who knows if you stop by you may just catch some Rozzi Fireworks and Grand Marshall Toni Ricci’s helicopter arrival to deliver the game ball!

    On Saturday, September 28th Loveland High School will host the 2019 Homecoming Dance beginning at 8 PM and ending at 11 PM.

    Loveland Magazine wishes all those involved in the Homecoming festivities the best of luck! We can’t wait to see what’s in store for this year! If you would like to stay up to date on the latest about Loveland High School’s 2019 Homecoming events you can of course visit Lovelandmagazine.com or you may visit lovelandtigers.org, lovelandschools.org or https://twitter.com/LovTigers_AD.



  • One-on-One with Loveland High School’s 2019-2020 Football Captains

    One-on-One with Loveland High School’s 2019-2020 Football Captains

    Coach Cruse believes his new captains, Liam Hamill, Austin Haas, Tyler Shelley, Nate Holman, and Gabe Ogdan will be exactly what the Tigers need to lead them to a successful season.

     

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, OhioAs a former student-athlete, I can tell you there is no better feeling than being selected to lead your team to success. Loveland High School’s new head football coach, Andy Cruse, selected the 2019-2020 team captains for the varsity squad Friday morning. Coach Cruse believes his new captains will be exactly what the Tigers need to lead them to a successful season.

    “We are so incredibly excited to have these five student-athletes represent and lead our football team as captains this year. We had a lengthy process to become a captain and all five of these young men were exceptional. This is an important group of captains as we lay the foundation for the culture of this football program,” Cruse said.

    After an in-depth interview process and an intense vote by the Loveland Football players, LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV was able to catch the announcement of the 2019-2020 Loveland High school Varsity Football captains. Senior running back Liam Hamill, Senior offensive linemen Tyler Shelley, Senior linebacker Austin Haas, Senior defensive linemen Nate Holman, and Junior defensive end and offensive linebacker Gabe Ogdan were all given the captain title for the Loveland Tigers!
    So what exactly goes into becoming a team captain or even getting a shot at the title? Whether your playing for your elementary school or playing in the professional leagues the captain or captains always have one quality that tends to be innate, and that quality is the ability to lead. I decided to invite Loveland’s newest captains to be a part of Loveland Magazine’s One on One series so that you the readers could really get a feel for how hard these guys work to not only lead their team but also lead in the classroom and the Loveland community.

    I want to congratulate you guys on such a big accomplishment and really an all-out milestone for your football careers! Being selected as a captain is such a huge honor. How do you feel now that you have been given the captain title? Did you expect it or was it a total shock?


    Liam Hamill
    Thank you that means a lot. I am very excited to help the coaches create a new culture, and turn this program back around. Growing up watching the games and being a little kid was very cool, it’s weird that I’m the one playing under the lights now for my last season. Being selected as a captain means a lot to me and I hope I can be a great example to the underclassmen and future Loveland football players. Coming into senior year I put many hours of my days working out with the team and by myself so it wasn’t a total shock to me being voted captain.

    Tyler Shelley
    Well, first of all, thank you, it truly is an honor to answer these questions, to start it off it is such an honor to get the privilege to be a captain of the Loveland football team, getting new coach’s at the beginning of this season made everyone have to prove themselves all over again, so to see that I’ve been noticed by the coach’s is a true honor! To get the title of captain of the team I was expecting because I have put in the hard work and I have the dedication to the team to make a great leader, but at the same time, I was shocked because it’s an extreme privilege and not everyone gets that privilege!

    Austin Haas

    I’m extremely excited and honored to be named one of the captains, I definitely did not expect to be selected. It was a total shock and it took a little bit for it to really sink in.


    Nate Holman
    Being voted Captain is definitely a huge honor and I am extremely grateful to be selected.  It shows that my brothers on the field trust me to lead them throughout the week and especially on Friday nights.  Whether it’s on the field, in school, or out in the community; I have always tried my best to lead by example and make my reflection as a football player a positive one. Taking the field for Friday Night High School Football is something that is indescribable, you have to experience it to understand.  Being chosen by my peers to lead them on the field was a completely unexpected and very humbling experience.

    Gabe Ogdan

    Right now I feel extremely thankful that I was voted upon by both my peers and coaches… what an honor! I will say that this did come as a shock especially only being a junior, but welcome nonetheless!


    Tell me a little about the process of being selected to be a team captain for Loveland? I heard that there was a bit of an interview process. What was that like? There was a team vote as well?


    Liam Hamill
    The first thing you had to do was fill out a captain’s application with a couple of questions. Then we had an interview with the coaches and some players on the leadership council. Lastly, the coaches and players all had the chance to select four players each vote counted as 1. We had a team meeting and everyone spread out across the room and voted anonymously. The coaches Tallied up the votes and shared the results.

    Tyler Shelley
    Well, the process was lengthy, but we got through it! The coaches have selected a few players from each class of players to be on what’s called the “Leadership council” I was selected along with senior Nate Holman to sit through every single captain application interview, during this captain application  interview players who would be asked questions by not only the council but by coach cruse and coach holland who were also present during the application process, then yes there was a team vote, we sat down in the auditorium and coach cruse presented the names in front of us, coach cruse made it very clear to every player that it wasn’t a popularity contest, it wasn’t a vote for your best friend, it was a player that would represent your team in a great manor!

    Austin Haas
    The first thing we had to do was fill out an application to be considered. From there we were brought into an interview with coaches and select players. They asked us questions about leadership and how we would lead the team, and what we could do to bring this team above and beyond.

    Nate Holman
    The process was incredibly thorough and extremely rigorous.  It was more than we had ever done in the past. Coach Cruse established a Leadership Council made up of the Coaching Staff and 2-3 players from the Junior and Senior classes. 14 potential Captains met with the Leadership Council to answer questions about why they felt they should be Captain. All 14 guys had great submissions and reasons why they could be chosen for Captain. After that, we had a team meeting to review what a Captain should be, and the whole team selected 5 Captains out of the 14 deserving candidates.

    Gabe Ogdan
    The interview process was surprisingly nerve-wracking. I usually am fairly confident, especially around friends and people that I’ve been around since middle school or longer, but the interview process was a necessary step and I’m extremely happy that it panned out the way that it did. I honestly didn’t know what to expect coming from the team vote, but I’m flattered to be named not only as a captain but sub-sequentially as a leader as well.

    Assuming all of you have leadership backgrounds, tell me what other leadership positions you have held or are currently holding. What do you think holding these leadership positions will do for your future? What have you learned from the positions?


    Liam Hamill
    I personally believe I have always played a huge role on the football team, being very vocal and excelling on the field. I want to try and play college football with that being said, I think being selected as captain will look very good in the eyes of college coaches. Growing up into the young man I am today, I have learned so much about life from football. The game truly is very emotional and not an easy sport whatsoever, that’s why not everyone does it. Facing adversity, being coached, pushing myself to extreme limits, are things that are going to help me later on in life.

    Tyler Shelley
    Well, my first responsibility was when I was being put on the leadership council, which is not only an honor but a privilege as well as being a captain! I believe these will help me in my future by giving me strong leadership qualities, helping me be a strong vocal leader, helping me be a better student, son, and father down the road! By these responsibilities having to be earned I have learned that you have to work your hardest to achieve the greatest, you must go through the “process” to achieve your end goal and that is “greatness!”

    Austin  Haas

    This is my first official leadership position, but I believe that following behind and watching other great leaders has given me the tools to truly help lead this team.


    Nate Holman
    I have led my youth group at church, and 5th graders at Camp Kern as a Counselor.  Whether the groups I led were younger, or my peers, I have learned to be patient, positive, and promote others through encouragement.  I believe these experiences will help shape my future by exposing me to opportunities for what I would like to do after college.

    Gabe Ogdan
    Starting varsity as a freshman exposed me early on to the level of maturity and expectations held by my teammates, and set me up for success in leadership areas around my teammates and peers. One highlight of my school year was being invited to the first annual ECC leadership summit held at Kings High School, this taught me many valuable lessons about leadership and how to help prepare others to respond to adversity.

    Let’s talk football! The season is right around the corner, what are you most excited for? Any particular teams you look forward to competing against? What would you say are Loveland’s biggest strengths this year? If you were to predict this season’s results, where would you say Loveland will fall in the league or post-season play?


    Liam Hamill
    I’ve never been more excited, and sad for something at the same time. Playing football under the lights at Loveland is something special, the support from the community is amazing and it really is an honor to play Loveland football. The team has put so much work in this offseason and I’m ready to see what we can do. I’m also sad that it’s my last year because high school flies by and I didn’t really acknowledge it until now. I still can’t believe that I’m a senior and I preach to the underclassmen that they should cherish every moment they get. I look forward to playing every team this year because it’s a blessing to play the game and never know when it’s your last game or play. Are biggest strength is our offense. I have a mentality that I would never go into something thinking I’m gonna lose so I think the Loveland tigers will win the league this year!

    Tyler Shelley
    The season is around the corner makes the energy so much stronger, but what I’m personally excited for is for week one, playing against sycamore in their stadium, ready for revenge, and striving for greatness! Loveland is a completely different team from the past few years, the energy these coaches have brought to this program is insane! So our biggest strength in my eyes would be the energy! I would say at the end of this season it will be a winning season and going to playoffs, obviously everyone’s goal to win state but for now, it’s week one!

    Austin Haas
    I am most excited to be able to go out there and play for Loveland every Friday and give this community and team everything I have. I have some ties in sycamore, so I am always looking forward to that game, but every time I get to play is a blessing. Our biggest strength is the fact that we are an underdog, and we are hungry and looking to make a statement.

    Nate Holman
    I am very proud of how much mentally and physically stronger we have become as an entire team.  The culture is completely different. There is something about the energy that is just infectious! I know countless people have said this before, but this year is going to be different. We are not where we want to be, but every day we are working our tails off to get closer to it!  I live and breath this sport, and the way we have turned things around for this season is going to be amazing! I can’t wait to play Sycamore for the Season opener because it’s my 18th birthday and I couldn’t have asked for a bigger party or a better game to play with all my friends.  I just can’t wait for this community to come out and see how hard we have worked to make this program a success. I have no doubt in my mind that we will win this year and make a run for the ECC Title!

    Gabe Ogdan
    I am most excited about the development of the new culture this season. Recently we were shown a video that was focused on emphasizing the PROCESS over the PRODUCT. This team has already taken tremendous strides and I can’t wait to see what comes in the future. As for who I want to compete against, everyone. I eat up the competition!

    I can definitely say I know exactly what you guys are growing through in regards to preparation for the season as my Dad has been a football coach for 20 plus years! Tell me about your practices and what kind of workouts you have been doing in order to get prepared for the first game. How long do you prepare for the season? Do any of you do things on your own in order to better your skillset? What are your favorite workouts/practices and what are your least favorite?


    Liam Hamill
    We have been lifting since about two weeks after last season ended because my senior class was really focused on winning games this year. There were many different guys on the team including myself, that I know worked out and did things on there own. My favorite workouts are when we do a lot of in-game scenarios. My least favorite workouts would probably be lifting, and then working out on the field after.

    Tyler Shelley
    Our workouts and practices I could throw in the same category and that are challenging! Every practice and lift is a fast pace, there is never a dull moment! To practice for our first game is basically running a bunch of plays and getting repetition, to understand the little things to focus on the big things! The preparation for this season began way back in January with offseason lifts and conditioning! I’ve done the small things by myself, being the center having to snap the ball, getting my dad our back and snapping to him to get reps, it’s the little things that help! Definitely being a lineman the number one thing I hate is the running part of practices… that sucks!

    Austin Haas
    I love all of every practice, I only have so much time left, and I am happy as long as I get to play. We have really never stopped working and grinding for the next season. I watch many hours of film and study our playbook. My favorite practice is the team because we are competing all the time. I do not have a least favorite.

    Nate Holman
    We have been working really hard as a team and it shows. We are all in the best mental and physical shape of our lives.  The culture of high energy and high expectations is really setting in. That process started earlier this year when Coach Cruse set a tone of excellence and learning how to compete.  Our practices have an entirely different feel to them. While we have workouts every day like we always have, what I love about this coaching staff is that we haven’t been just reviewing film and X’s and O’s; we’ve been learning HOW to watch film and more behind the WHY of the X’s and O’s.  We have had motivation speakers every week, some have been in person, while others have been YouTube videos. Practices are high energy with a high tempo. There is no standing around, and before you know it, time is up and we have accomplished something great that day…one more step toward our goals.   I do a lot on my own. I spend an extra 30 minutes before every practice working on my defensive footwork and moves to make a greater impact on my team. I spend several hours a week on film at school and at home with my dad, who has taught me about this game.

    Gabe Ogdan
    Being injured I haven’t been able to participate this year, but I still feel as if I am right there with the team in everything that they do. That being said I am also taking this time off to gain weight, gain upper-body strength, and better my football IQ as a whole.

    I would love to know more about you guys! How long have you been playing football? Was football a newfound passion for you growing up or were your parents or siblings heavily involved with football, therefore, you became passionate about the game? What were your family and friends’ reactions to your captain’s title?


    Liam Hamill
    I have been playing football since the first grade. I’m the youngest in the family and both my brothers played football when I was little, my dad also played in college. I grew up on a street with all older kids which I got beat up on all the time, which made me a very physical kid. The first time I played and actual football I game I fell in love with the game. There truly isn’t anything like it, you can physically hurt people and not get in trouble for it. Not saying that’s a good thing, but there are lots of kids who have built up anger in them who can result in football. My family and friends were very proud of me and look forward to what the team does this year.

    Tyler Shelley
    I have been playing football since first grade so this will be my 12th year of playing! Football was definitely a passion growing up always watching pros and college athletes, and wanting to be them one day! My family is a big football family, my dad played, my brother played and my mom loves watching it, everyone gets involved one way or another! My family and friend’s reactions were as expected and that was supportive, they were all happy for me!

    Austin Haas

    I have always loved football, most of my family are baseball people, but I have always loved football. My mother was extremely happy for me, my dad as well


    Nate Holman
    My friends and family were extremely proud of me earning the title of Captain.  They know me the best and know how hard I have worked throughout my life. I grew up playing football in “Friday Night Lights” in West Texas.  I started in Kindergarten playing flag football and progressed through the Pop Warner program after that. We moved to Loveland in the middle of my 5th-grade year and that’s when I started playing for Loveland in the youth program in 6th grade.  My dad has taught me a lot about football, and how it translates into everyday life. My dad and I share a bond through football that has made me love the sport even more.

    Gabe Ogdan
    I have been playing football since 5th grade, but I have been a football fan since I was born. The thing I heard most after being chosen as a captain was “proud”, and that makes me feel so proud of myself and thankful for the wonderful community around me.

    Alright, now it’s time to brag about yourselves! Tell me about some of your accolades! What honors or awards have you been given in your football careers? Do you have any favorite football moments or memories you would like to share? Are you planning on playing football at the collegiate level, if so, where?


    Liam Hamill
    I was first-team all-conference, and Southwest all-district last year as a junior. I have so many memories from football, but if I had to pick one it would have to be when I returned a 95-yard kick return last year against walnut hills. I plan on playing football at the next level, but I’m not sure where I am going to play yet.

    Tyler Shelley
    Well to start off freshman year I got brought up to varsity and got JV reps, then sophomore year got varsity reps as well as my junior year, during my junior year I also got named second-team all ECC! Those were some of my highlights, but last year was my best knowing that I could keep up with two, four-star recruits going division one! I am open to going to college but I haven’t truly made up my mind on where though!

    Austin Haas
    I, unfortunately, do not have very many accolades. My favorite moment was last year at the walnut hills JV game, seeing us come together and feed off of each other to beat them was a great moment.

    Nate Holman
    Some of the most memorable moments in my high school football career have been being elected the Freshman team captain, filling in as the fullback my sophomore year against Kings and being handed the ball 10 times in a row for an 85 yard quarter-long Touchdown Drive, my first varsity start last year as a junior, playing against my cousin who was the quarterback at West Clermont, and many others last year that went on to play football at very high levels in college.  I am excited for a great season of football and the opportunity to play in college after high school.

    Gabe Ogdan
    High Honors academics both freshman and sophomore years, heart and hustle award sophomore year football. My favorite football memory is simply every moment around my guys, these teammates are my brothers and we would do anything for each other. My dream is to play college football at the University of Wisconsin.

    Loveland City Schools were just ranked among the top 10 schools in Cincinnati, which I think is pretty awesome considering there are so many great schools in this area. Tell me about your experience attending Loveland City Schools. What has made the experience so great? Do you think because you go to Loveland you will have advantages in college or even after college because of everything the school has offered you? What has it been like participating in sports at Loveland? Do you have any favorite coaches, teachers or classes you want to mention?


    Liam Hamill
    Loveland has great teachers and coaches. My experience at Loveland has been awesome. Meeting new people and making friends along the way had made high school more enjoyable. I believe Loveland does the best the can do to help you exceed at the next level. The Loveland community is the best out there,  they come to support every sport, and definitely now how to pack a stadium or gym. Coach Cranford because he helped become the young man I am today.

    Tyler Shelley
    Loveland is a great school they have great programs and great teachers! The teachers have definitely made my school experience the greatest, all the teachers I’ve had have helped me in any way possible if I’d ask they would help! I believe going to Loveland will help me out of school because they help with skills out of school that you need to learn to go through life! The sports at Loveland are definitely an amazing thing, there is some type of feeling you get walking out on that field on a Friday night in front of your community and representing your community! I would hate to say a favorite because they all have made a major impact on my life, in my eyes, they all are my favorite!

    Austin Haas
    The people around the town made Loveland great to be in, it gave me the skills to handle stress and look to the future. Loveland sports are very fun and give us a great team-building environment.

    Nate Holman

    I have had some great teachers since I have gone to Loveland, but the 2 who stand out the most to me are Mrs. Viox and Mrs. Rose.  What I think sets us apart from other schools is the impact the community has on the school and the school has on the community. Loveland is full of traditions and is just all-around fun to be a part of, and having the opportunity to represent Loveland on and off the field for the community is just something else.


     

    Gabe Ogdan

    Everything good that Loveland has to offer can be accredited to the wonderful community we have here. I truly believe that there is no other community like the one in Loveland and I am forever grateful for the awesome people of this city. Shoutout to Dad, Coach Hart, and Coach McClain, you guys are all like family to me and I wouldn’t trade that for anything.


    Now for the fun questions! This is just a random selection of questions that I like to throw out there so our readers can learn a little bit more about you and your interests! Here we go…

    What’s your favorite food?

    What’s your favorite hobby other than football?

    Do you have a “football” role model?

    What’s your favorite movie?

    What’s your pre-game routine? Any superstitions?

    Nike or UnderArmour?

    If you could trade places with anyone who would it be?

    Who is your favorite college football team? NFL team?

    What do you plan on doing as a career after college?

    How would you describe Coach Cruse using one word?

    If you had to select the most effective leader on Loveland’s Football team who would it be and why?


     

    Liam Hamill
    Steak. Hanging out with friends. DeAndre Hopkins. The Other Guys. Listen to 50 Cent and get in my zone. Nike. Nobody, I love myself! Bengals. I’m not sure yet. Passionate. Me, because I can make big plays in big-time situations.

    Tyler Shelley

    My favorite food is definitely steak and a baked potato, nothing beats that! My favorite hobby is playing video games with friends, or hanging out with friends and having fun! My football role model is Barry Saunders, he’s just a dude! My favorite movie is benchwarmers! The pre-game routine is just getting dressed and hyping everyone up! I love Nike! My favorite college team is UC! After college, I would love to be a police officer and move on after that to a maximum goal of CIA or FBI! Describing coach cruse in one word would be “ hard-working” I know that’s two words but he’s a truly a great man, and he has achieved most of his goals and he is still pushing and I admire that! The most effective leader in my eyes would be Coach cruse because he knows how to bring the energy, and he’s a great man!


    Austin Haas
    Steak, playing with my puppy, ray lewis, top gun, I pray before every game, Under Armour, Ray Lewis, Bengals, LSU, I am joining the air force after high school, energetic, Gabe Ogdan, he is a natural leader that is hungry to play and will bring everyone to there best.

    Nate Holman
    Chinese. Fishing. My dad. Roadhouse. No superstitions, just music that gets my heart pumping, my blood flowing, and my headbanging! That’s a tough one! I like them both, but if I have to choose, Nike wins with a slight edge. Peter Pan, so I can never grow up, and play football for the rest of my life! Clemson Tigers and Cincinnati Bengals. Either some form of Business or Education. Energetic. This may be breaking the rules a bit but the coaching staff as a whole are the most effective leaders. They have come in and turned things around and I can not wait for Loveland to see it on full display on August 30th. GO TIGERS!

    Gabe Ogdan
    Wings, lifting, Julian Edelman or JJ Watt, Varsity blues or the Program, Listen to music and get in the zone, Under Armour, JJ Watt, Wisconsin Badgers, and Cincinnati Bengals, Doctor of Physical Therapy,  FEARLESS, Austin Haas, the most uplifting and positive kid I’ve ever met.

    We are so excited to see what the Loveland Football team accomplishes this year and couldn’t be more impressed with the leadership Andy Cruse has instilled in his 5 new captains! The season is quickly approaching so we encourage all of the Loveland community to take a look at the Tiger’s football schedule below so you can plan when you will be sporting your Tiger stripes! If you would like to follow more in-depth on what exactly the Loveland football team is up to you can visit lovelandtigers.org or follow @Loveland_FB on twitter.
    Watch this LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV video as Head Coach Andy Cruse introduces the captains, how and why they were chosen, and watch each captain talk to the team.

    2019 Varsity Football

  • It’s True Loveland, The NFHS has Announced Basketball Rule Changes!

    It’s True Loveland, The NFHS has Announced Basketball Rule Changes!

    “As the game has become more physical there may be times when tempers flare and cooler heads must prevail. Having more Coaches to help facilitate that In a timely fashion is a win in my book!” –  Loveland High School Varsity Women’s Basketball Coach, Darnell Parker

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – Do you know someone who plays high school basketball? If so, you may want to continue reading as the National Federation of State High School Associations announced on June 13th, 7 rules changes, 6 that will go into effect for the 2019-2020 basketball season.

    During an April NFHS committee meeting, all 7 recommended rule revisions were approved by the NFHS Board of Directors. The NFHS decided to wait until 2024-2025 to implement one of the 7 rule revisions. This particular revision now states the number on a basketball player’s jersey can no longer be the same color as the jersey itself. Before the NFHS made this change the number on a jersey could be the same color as the jersey if it was bordered by a contrasting color. The NFHS Board of Directors implemented a 5-year plan on this particular revision so that schools are allowed time to budget for new uniforms. Below is the official rule revision:

    3-4-3e (2): The team jersey color itself when bordered with not more than two ¼ inch solid border(s) contrasting with the team jersey color.

    The remaining 6 rule revisions going into effect for 2019-2020 are as follows:

    3-5-4b: A headband is any item that goes around the entire head.  It must be a circular design without extensions.  If worn, only one headband is permitted, it must be worn on the forehead/crown. It must be nonabrasive and unadorned, and it must be no more than 3 inches wide.

    3-5-4d: Add to (d) – Hair control devices are not required to meet color restrictions

    3-5-5: Add Note: NOTE: Provided the shorts are not in conflict with 3-4-5, no drawstring or other part of the shorts intended to maintain them in a normal position causes potential harm to the player or others and wearing of the shorts is not objectionable in exposing the anatomy, there is no restriction on folding or rolling the shorts at the natural waistband seam.

    3-5-8 NEW: MOUTHGUARD

        1. A tooth and mouth protector (intraoral), if worn shall:
        2. include an occlusal (protecting and separating the biting surfaces) portion;
        3. include a labial (protecting the teeth and supporting structures) portion;
        4. cover the posterior teeth with adequate thickness;
        5. It is recommended that the protector be properly fitted, protecting the anterior (leading) dental arch and:
        6. constructed from a model made from an impression of the individual’s teeth, or
        7. constructed and fitted to the individual by impressing the teeth into the tooth and mouth protector itself.
        8. State associations may deem a tooth and mouth protector required equipment.

    Change section 6 to 7; change section 7 to 8.

    9-9-1: Exception: A ball in team control of Team A in the frontcourt that is deflected by a defensive player, which causes the ball to go into the backcourt, may be recovered by either team unless the offense was the last to touch the ball before it went into the backcourt.  If the offense was last to touch the ball in its frontcourt, only the defense can legally recover the basketball. 

    10-5-5 Note: The head coach and any number of assistant coaches may enter the court in the situation where a fight may break out – or has broken out – to prevent the situation from escalating.

    Stop Clock for Jump/Held Ball-Part 3 of the NFHS Basketball Officials Manual-#3: When a held ball occurs, covering official(s) shall stop the clock using signal #2 (straight arm, open palm extended) while simultaneously sounding their whistle. Then both arms are extended straight out, at chest level, with fist clenched. Thumbs are displayed as a part of the signal. The signal is given with both arms moving in an upward motion. Should be followed with a directional signal (See #6) indicating team possession.

    *Occurs when opponents both have their hands on the ball and neither can gain control

    *When an opponent places their hand on the ball and prevents an airborne shooter from passing or releasing the try.

    So you may be one of the many parents or spectators of high school basketball that are asking why revise these rules now? Theresia Wynns, NFHS director of sports and liaison to the Basketball Rules Committee, made sure she acknowledged any revisions that could be controversial or misunderstood at the committee meeting in April. One of the revisions Wynns commented on was Rule 3-5-5, a revision that now allows athletes to roll their uniform shorts. According to Wynns, this new change to the original rule “modernizes the rule and allows players to adjust their shorts in a manner that serves no harm to the game or its integrity.” 

    The NFHS released a rationale on Rule 3-5-5 saying that “rolling of the shorts is only illegal by interpretation, not by the current rule.” The NFHS also stated in the rationale that changing the rule, is an attempt to modernize the rule and allow what players seem to want and what serves as no harm to the game or its integrity. The interpretation was made because allegedly manufacturers did not intend on the shorts to be rolled when in fact many manufacturer reps will tell you that the seams are intentionally made to offer options in the way they are worn.

    A significant Change to control outbreak of fights

    Another revision that is sure to stir up a conversation is assistant coaches now will be able to go onto the court with the head coach

    Loveland Head Coach Darnell Parker

    in an effort to restore order when a fight breaks out among players. Wynns gave a very good rationale as to why the NFHS revised this rule stating that “it can be difficult for officials to separate players involved in a fight on the court.” Wynns added that “this change will allow assistant coaches to enter the court with the head coach to assist officials in regaining control of the situation and restoring player safety.” There has been an outbreak of fights in high school basketball over the past couple of years so the revision of this rule now keeps the players’ safety and the integrity of the game of basketball intact according to the NFHS’s rationale to the rule change. 

    The NFHS said that “it is difficult in our society for officials to be able to help to separate players involved in a fight since our society has become very litigious. Changing the rule to allow the head coach and assistant coaches to assist in these types of situations will help the officials to regain control of the entire situation more quickly and especially in regard to player safety.”

    Loveland Magazine asked Loveland High School Varsity Women’s Basketball Coach, Darnell Parker, what his insight was on the 7 high school basketball rule revisions. 

    “One rule in particular that I am a fan of is 10-5-5. In my opinion, this rule is all about establishing order as quickly as possible!” – Loveland High School Varsity Women’s Basketball Coach, Darnell Parker

    “I’m always excited when the NHFS is making changes that are for the betterment of our game! When I look at these changes, the word that comes to my mind is consistency,” Parker said, “Making our game more uniform and safer should always be a top priority and that is what this batch of rule changes does. One rule in particular that I am a fan of is 10-5-5. In my opinion, this rule is all about establishing order as quickly as possible! As the game has become more physical there may be times when tempers flare and cooler heads must prevail. Having more Coaches to help facilitate that In a timely fashion is a win in my book!”

    If you would like to learn more about the NFHS visit www.nfhs.org. If you would like to see what Loveland athletics are up to check out www.lovelandtigers.org or @LovTigers_AD on twitter. Loveland Magazine will always keep you up to date on the latest Loveland sports! Check us out on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/LovelandMagazine/ or Twitter at https://twitter.com/lovelandmagazin.

    If you see value in having a hometown newspaper with Loveland News in it and are enjoying seeing your neighbors and friends featured in interviews, videos, and stories, please show your appreciation by clicking the button below.

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    Jarvis Global is an investment advisory firm in Symmes Township, Ohio which offers private portfolio management and retirement services to high net worth individuals.

  • Loveland High School’s Hanna Wenger and Zach Segal Grab Top Post-Season Awards

    Loveland High School’s Hanna Wenger and Zach Segal Grab Top Post-Season Awards

    Editor’s Note: The photos in the original version of this story were not of Hanna Wenger. The story was corrected on 6/12/19

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland Tigers have developed quite the reputation in the world of athletics this year, grabbing once again several post-season honors. Now Junior, Hanna Wenger, one of Loveland’s top Women’s Lacrosse players, received The OSLA Division 1 First Team All-State Honors and 2019 Loveland High School grad Zach Segal, a member of the Tigers Baseball Team, received Honorable Mention, SWOBCA All-City Honors. Below are a few tweets from the Eastern Cincinnati Conference congratulating Wenger and Segal on their honors.

    (1 of 2) POSTSEASON AWARDS: OSLA DI awards recipients in girls’ lacrosse: ALL-STATE: Loveland’s Hanna Wenger (1st Team)…
    (3 of 3) West Clermont’s Gavin Pitts (Second Team) and Bailey Bravo and Trevor Conley (Honorable Mention); and Loveland’s Zach Segal (Honorable Mention). Congratulations!

        Segal ended his senior season as a Loveland Tiger with a bang placing very high in the ECC with his individual statistics. Segal pitched 9 games with a 3 and 5 win-loss record, a 46.1 IP, which earned him 3rd place in the ECC, and a 1.5 ERA. Segal earned 3rd place in the ECC for strikeouts as well totaling out with 58 for the season. Segal also received First Team All ECC Honors. Other Tigers who grabbed awards were Carson Deer, who earned Second Team All ECC and Matt Westley, who received Honorable Mention Honors.

        Wenger had an incredible sophomore season as a Loveland Women’s Lacrosse player as the Tigers came in second in the ECC with a 4-1 record in ECC matches and a 13-3 record overall. On top of Wenger’s First Team All-State Honors, she grabbed ECC Player of the Year and OSLA Division I First Team All-Region Honors along with her teammate Carly Wilhoite. Wenger’s teammates Josey Storm earned All-Region Second Team Honors and Maggie Nance received All-Region Honorable Mention.

    Loveland Lacrosse head coach Ryan Hanson

        “Hanna is a phenomenal athlete and has a tremendous passion for the game. The number one thing that everyone always notices about Hanna is that she always has a smile on her face while playing lacrosse. This isn’t an I am goofing off smile, or I am just out here to have fun and not try hard smile. This is the most genuine I love this sport smile,” Loveland head coach Ryan Hanson told Loveland Magazine.

        Wenger was ranked among the top Women’s Lacrosse athletes in the ECC with her offensive statistics. Wenger totaled 44 goals and 26 assists for the season averaging 3.67 goals per game and 2.17 assists per game. Wenger ranked 3rd in the ECC in assists.

        Head coach Hanson also said that Hanna Wenger is the ultimate competitor and whenever given the option at practice she wants to continue playing. He said that the coaching staff jokes that although the practice is “only” 2 hours a night, they don’t think Hanna would complain if they practiced four hours each night. He added that her love for the sport and desire to always want to improve herself shows every moment she steps on the field. “She isn’t just talented in one facet, Hanna is one of the most complete lacrosse players we have ever coached. She doesn’t work to be good in just one area, she wants to master every skill. When you have natural talent, a drive to be the best, and a passion for the game, you get Hanna Wenger.” He said it was no surprise that she was named ECC Women’s Lacrosse MVP, 1st Team All-Conference, 1st Team All-District, and 1st Team All-State both her Freshman and Sophomore years.

        Last December, Zach Segal, signed a National Letter of Intent to play baseball at the University of Cincinnati.

        Here are photos of Hanna Wenger in her game against Mason on May 20.

    If you would like to see just what the Loveland Tigers Baseball team is up to you can visit https://lovelandtigers.org/index.aspx?path=base or visit the team twitter page at https://twitter.com/LHSTigersBase.

     

    To learn how you can follow the Loveland Women’s Lacrosse team success visit https://lovelandtigers.org/archives.aspx?path=glax or visit the team twitter page at https://twitter.com/LovelandLax.



  • Former Loveland Baseball Stand-Out Luke Waddell Drafted by the Diamondbacks

    Former Loveland Baseball Stand-Out Luke Waddell Drafted by the Diamondbacks

    Loveland Magazine file photo of Luke Waddell playing for the Loveland Tigers – ©2017 by David Miller

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – It’s no secret that here in Loveland there is no shortage of phenomenal athletes. A 2017 Loveland High School grad and nationally recognized baseball player, Luke Waddell, received the news on June 5th that he was drafted in the 32nd round of the MLB Draft to the Arizona Diamondbacks. Many celebrated the news voicing how excited they were for Waddell on twitter and facebook, but no one celebrated more than the Loveland Tiger supporters! Below were some of the tweets posted after the 32nd round draft results were released.

    The Assistant Principal at Loveland High School said…

    Matthew Buis

    @LHS_MrBuis

    Congrats Luke! @lucas_wadd07

    The Georgia Tech Baseball Team said…

    Georgia Tech Baseball

    @GTBaseball

    DRAFTED! Congratulations on Luke Waddell hearing his name in the 32nd round of the @MLBDraft by the @Dbacks

    The Loveland High School Tigers Baseball Team said…

    LHSTigersBaseball

    @LHSTigersBase

    Always knew this day was coming since he was 8, but bigger and better things always on Luke’s horizon.

    Luke Waddell as a Loveland Tiger in 2017. Loveland Magazine © File Photo by David Miller

    Waddell, who was born and raised in Loveland, excelled in baseball, football, and basketball at Loveland High School. Waddell racked up a number of accolades with the Tigers some of the most prominent being baseball honors. In 2017, Perfect Game rated Waddell as the number 3 shortstop and the number 11 overall prospect in Ohio. Waddell also received an All-American Honorable Mention nod in 2017 in addition to becoming the ECC Baseball Athlete of the Year. Waddell, a 4 time ECC first team all-conference selection and 2-time all-state selection, still holds the Loveland High School Baseball record for career games played, hits and doubles.

    Waddell did not shy away from other sports in high school just because he was so gifted in one sport, which in his case was baseball. He also lettered in football and basketball at Loveland. In 2013 when the Loveland Tigers Football team grabbed the state championship title, district title, and the ECC conference title, Waddell aided in the Tiger’s success tremendously setting records in career rushing yards, receiving yards, touchdowns, points scored, and the most rushing yards and touchdowns in a single season. In fact the day Waddell broke Loveland High School’s 49-year-old, single-game rushing record he didn’t even realize he did it until record keeper and facilities manager, Kevin Taylor told him after the game. He told Loveland Magazine at the time, “I was honestly shocked. I knew I had a good game, but didn’t know I broke any records. So, it was pretty exciting.” 

    Luke Waddell as a Loveland Football Tiger. Photo by David Burig © 2015

    Waddell was also named by MaxPreps, second-team freshman All-American in 2013 and first team all-conference by the ECC for all for 4 years of his high school football career. 

    The Midland Redskins summer baseball team got the pleasure of having Waddell for 3 seasons before he took off to play collegiate baseball at Georiga Tech. In Waddell’s freshman season with GT in 2018 he played in 42 games starting in 31 of those games. Waddell had quite the impressive stat sheet as a freshman hitting a .283 batting average and posting an on-base percentage of .348. In 2019 Waddell had an even more successful year playing in 57 games hitting a .328 batting average. Waddell’s on-base percentage also improved to a .442. The 2019 results Waddell brought in for the Yellow Jackets earned him 20th best batting average in the entire ACC. 

    After years of hard work and dedication to improving his craft, Luke Waddell was selected last Wednesday in the 32nd round of the MLB draft to join the Arizona Diamondbacks.

    Although Waddell is thrilled with being drafted he has made the decision to return to Georgia Tech for his junior year season. Waddell’s former coaches, teammates, and classmates are still very excited to hear about Waddell being drafted. Included below are thoughts from Brian Conaster, Loveland High School Athletic Director, and Ken Reed, Waddell’s former high school baseball coach, about Luke Waddell.

    “Luke is an incredibly talented player who was a pleasure to coach at LHS. Not only was he one of the most productive players in the state of Ohio, but he was also a great teammate. The Loveland community should be very proud of how well Luke has represented the town,” Ken Reed said.

    “Luke Waddell was not only a record-breaking high school stand out multiple sport athlete, but a person of high character in and out of the classroom. Luke always embodies the Loveland core values of respect, responsibility, integrity,  and pride,” Brian Conaster said.

    If you would like to follow Luke Waddell’s journey with the Georgia Tech Yellowjackets you can go to the Georgia Tech’s baseball twitter page at https://twitter.com/GTBaseball, their website at https://ramblinwreck.com/sports/m-basebl/, their FB page or Loveland Athletic’s twitter page at https://twitter.com/LovTigers_AD. The Loveland Magazine team will also be following Waddell’s progress if you would like to check out our Facebook page or Twitter page at https://twitter.com/lovelandmagazin.



  • Winter sports season impressive

    Winter sports season impressive

    by Matt Huether

    Loveland, Ohio – Loveland High School wraps up a special Winter Sports Season. Loveland teams had many great accomplishments that were earned by the great individual and team efforts.

    Final ECC Standings for all teams include:

    • Men’s Basketball, tied 4th (with Milford)
    • Women’s Basketball, tied 3rd (with Kings)
    • Wrestling, 2nd
    • Men’s Swimming, 5th
    • Women’s Swimming, 4th
    • Men’s Bowling, 4th
    • Women’s Bowling, tied 2nd (with Milford)
    • Academic, 2nd
    • Cheer, 3rd
    • Dance, 6th.

    The updated All-Sports trophy standings are as follows:

    • Loveland (112.5)
    • Turpin (110.5)
    • Kings (106.5)
    • Milford (100)
    • Walnut Hills (87)
    • West Clermont (83)
    • Anderson (82)
    • Withrow (10.5)

    Loveland has won the All-Sports trophy 4 out of the 6 years that the ECC has existed and looks to make it 5 out of 7 with a win this year.

    Jillian Hayes was named AP All Southwest Ohio 2nd Team in basketball.

    Winter ECC All-Conference Honors

    BOYS BASKETBALL:

    1st Team
         Jalen Greiser
         Matt Toigo
    2nd Team
         Tripp Willis
    Honorable Mention
         Ian Cox

     

    GIRLS BASKETBALL:

    1st Team
         Jillian Hayes
    2nd Team
         Kate Garry
    Honorable Mention
         Marie Plitt

     

    BOYS BOWLING:

    1st Team
         Alton French
    2nd Team
         Matthew Rychlik
    Honorable Mention
         Jeffrey Scott

     

    GIRLS BOWLING:

    1st Team
         Grady Pettit
         Maria Reich
    2nd Team
         Caitlyn Campbell
         Maria Eha
         Yanni Kahrs
    Honorable Mention
         Destiny Pelfrey

     

    BOYS SWIMMING & DIVING:

    1st Team
         Brandon Day – 200 Yd. Freestyle
    2nd Team
         Brandon Day – 200 Yd. Medley Relay
         Colin Blackburn
         Evan Lucas
         Trey Stutz
    Honorable Mention
         Colin Blackburn – 100 Yd. Breaststroke

     

    GIRLS SWIMMING & DIVING:

    Honorable Mention
         Nami Cannon

     

    WRESTLING:

    1st Team
         Jake Cotsonas
         Richard Mendoza
         Kobi Milam
         Jarod Mendoza
    2nd Team
         Brett Hogan
         Michael Soupene
         Blake Poteet
         Brock Erman
         AJ Bailey

     

    ACADEMIC TEAM:

    Coach of the Year
         Jennifer Chast
    1st Team
         Hannah Ackley
         Simon Grome
    2nd Team
         Sophia Muir

     



  • Competition Has Never Sounded Or Looked So Good!

    Competition Has Never Sounded Or Looked So Good!

    The Loveland High School Cheerleaders were dressed for Christmas at a recent basketball game

    Cassie Mattia is a resident of Historic Downtown Loveland

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – Hundreds of parents and spectators will be cheering their way into a packed gym for the 2019 Eastern Cincinnati Conference Cheer and Dance Competition on February 2nd at Walnut Hills High school.

    The ECC Cheer and Dance Competition will be held at the Walnut Hills High school gymnasium on February 2nd; where the dance competition will begin at 11 a.m. and the cheer competition will begin at 1 PM Admission will be 6 dollars for adults and 4 dollars for students and seniors. For more information visit the Eastern Cincinnati Conference website at www.eccsports.com.

    Student athletes from Loveland, Milford and Kings, to name a few, will take part in one of the most important cheer and dance competitions of the season sponsored by the ECC beginning at 11 AM. Each school in the ECC will be represented in the competition that is said to be the highlight of the cheer and dance team’s year.

    “It is the one time a year that these cheer and dance teams can come together as a league and compete in their sport. They do so much for the school throughout the year; it’s their chance to be highlighted,” Assistant District Director of Student Athletics at Loveland High school, Eric Fry explained.

    Each cheer team can bring 30 cheerleaders and each dance team can bring 16 dancers. Fry says in the past this competition has been so well attended that there has been a line to get in the door.

    “The past several years the gym has been packed! The crowd is cheering for the athletes and there is a great atmosphere all the way around,” Fry said, “Walnut’s gym has a great set up for this competition and has worked well the last couple of years.”

    Loveland High School Cheer Team dressed for Christmas at a recent basketball game

    Last year, Milford won the event in cheer, Loveland came in 4th in cheer and Kings won in dance. This year for the first time Loveland will be competing in the dance competition.

    “I know that teams have been working hard for this competition. I know the Tigers will be there and represent well,” Fry said, “Kings has had a phenomenal dance program and Milford has been doing well in years past in cheer. This year is anybody’s championship to take!” 

    Loveland High School Cheer Team dressed for Christmas at a recent basketball game

    Those who attend cheer and dance competitions as spectators are of course entertained by the athleticism and musicality of the student athletes, but many don’t truly understand how technical the competition itself actually is and how intensely the teams are scored. Tournament Manager, Heather Kaiser, says judges for the ECC Competition are selected based on experience and have to be licensed cheer and dance judges from the Universal Cheerleaders Association and Universal Dance Association organizations.

    “This is a pretty competitive event so we use some of our very best judges. Judges are looking for an overall well executed performance routine,” Kaiser explained, “Difficulty comes into play as well. Cheer has to compete in two different categories, Game Day and Performance. Dance performs in two different categories as well, Pom, Jazz or Hip-Hop. For both the cheer and dance competitions two scores are then averaged to pick an overall winner,” Kaiser said.

    Last year, Milford won the event in cheer. This photo is from January 4th during player introductions when the Loveland Men traveled to play Milford H.S.

    Seems simple enough right? Wrong! On the ECC website I found score sheets for both the cheer and dance competitions and the judges really have to pay close attention to every single detail as the points given to the teams are broken down into subcategories. For example, on the Cheer overall score sheet judges are expected to score “Jumps” out of 15 points. They must look at proper technique, form, height, synchronization, type of jumps, connections, combos and variety. Judges also look deeper into

    Loveland High School Cheer Team dressed for Christmas at a recent basketball game

    “Dance,” which is out of 10 points. In this category judges look at technique, sharpness, placement, timing, spacing, use of levels, overall choreography and visual appeal. Lastly, on the overall score sheet for Cheer judges score the “Overall Impression,” which is 5 points. The judges base this score on routine creativity, flow, use of formations and transitions. This is just one of the score sheets involved in the Cheer competition! There is also a “Game Day and Crowd Leading” score sheet, which is 50 points, a “Game Day, Fight Song and Band Chant” score sheet, which is 50 points, and a

    Loveland High School Cheer Team

    “Tumbling” score sheet, which is 35 points. While the Dance competition is one individual score sheet the subcategories on the score sheet are just as intense! Judges look at “Execution” of movement, skills, synchronization, uniformity, spacing, communication and projection for a total of 50 possible points. The score sheet also includes “Choreography,” where judges look at creativity, musicality, routine staging, complexity of movement and difficulty of skills for a total of 40 possible points. Lastly, the judges will score the “Overall Effect,” which is based on the overall impression of the music, costume and choreography for a total of 10 possible points.

    Loveland High School Cheer Team

    “Teams can stand out if they really focus on the difficulty category,” Kaiser said, “For cheer; crowd leading routines are very appealing. Tumbling and dance also play a big part. For dance; choreography plays a huge part. If they include turns and lifts the judges find that really appealing as well,” Kaiser explained.

    The Loveland High School Cheer Squad dressed in a Christmas theme at a December basketball game

    As the competition draws nearer athletes are fine tuning their final routines and, according Kaiser, couldn’t be more excited to show their parents, friends, coaches and the judges the final product.

    The athletes take extra pride in this event because it’s against the teams they see all year long.

    “The athletes take extra pride in this event because it’s against the teams they see all year long. Conference Championship games are always a big deal in every sport plus they get so many fans to come to this particular event and the support is HUGE,” Kaiser said.

    This will also be the first year the ECC will include cheer and dance to be counted towards the All Sports Trophy Title.

    “The competition is fairly new, so the league wanted to get it right before it was included in the ECC All Sports standings,” Fry explained.

    The ECC Cheer and Dance Competition will be held at the Walnut Hills High school gymnasium on February 2nd; where the dance competition will begin at 11 a.m. and the cheer competition will begin at 1 p.m. Admission will be 6 dollars for adults and 4 dollars for students and seniors. For more information visit the Eastern Cincinnati Conference website at www.eccsports.com.


     

  • Loveland High School Head Coaches Fred Cranford and Julie Plitt step down

    Loveland High School Head Coaches Fred Cranford and Julie Plitt step down

    Coach Julie Plitt after the Tigers won the District Volleyball Championship in 2016

    by Matt Huether,

    Loveland, Ohio – This past Fall Loveland High School Athletics lost two of its distinguished Varsity Head Coaches. Coaches Julie Plitt and Fred Cranford both resigned after their respective Fall sports season due to family reasons. Both have been an integral part of Loveland Athletics since their arrival.

    Coach Plitt led Loveland to a 22-2 record and their second straight ECC Conference Championship this season. Coach Plitt also reached a coaching milestone this season winning her 400th career game as Head Coach. This came in her 21st coaching season against Lakota East with a score of 24-26, 25-23, 25-15, 25-13. Coach Plitt’s coaching career includes 10 years with Reading, 7 years with Wyoming and 4 years with Loveland. In Coach Plitt’s four years with Loveland, she had much success with a 78-20 record.

    Coach Cranford led the Loveland Tigers Varsity Football team for 6 seasons. During his first season as Head Coach, Loveland won the OHSAA Division II State Title as well as the ECC Conference Championship. This was Loveland’s first Division 2 State Title in the school’s history. During Coach Cranford’s 6 seasons at the helm for Loveland, he held a 33-32 record.

    Coach Fred Cranford (Loveland Magazine File Photo © 2019)

    When asked what their impacts were on their respective Programs Loveland Athletic Director Brian Conatser said both were great leaders and were well-respected coaches making big impacts on their team’s success and the Loveland Athletic Department.

    Principal Peggy Johnson said that Cranford stepped down because of the age of his children and because his wife travels for business. He told Johnson, “My kids are of the age, I need to be there for them.” Cranford has three school-age children.

    Two of Plitt’s children will be attending Ball State next year. Marie Plitt will play volleyball and Drew is already playing football there. Johnson said that for Plitt to continue coaching volleyball at the high school level she would miss her daughter’s college career. “It’s very exciting to have children playing college sports, and I understand her choice.”

    Brice, Julie, Marie, Steve, and Drew Plitt on the occasion of Marie’s Volleyball Senior Night on October 11, 2018.

    Johnson said a timeline for hiring will be established; the positions will be posted and a committee will be put together to evaluate candidates comprised of parents, Athletic Boosters members, Constater, and other coaches outside of the respective sport. Conaster will make a final recommendation to the Board of Education.

    Conaster described both Plitt and Cranford as outstanding leaders of young men and women. “On the court, on the field, they had high expectations of the student-athletes and held them accountable, and obviously with a lot of success.” Conaster mentioned Cranford coaching a State Championship football team and said that no-one can have a conversation about southwest Ohio volleyball without including Loveland and Julie Plitt in the conversation. “We owe both a lot of gratitude for setting the culture in making Loveland High School Better.”

    Cranford will continue teaching physical education at Loveland High School. Plitt teaches health and physical education at Wyoming City Schools.

    On behalf of Loveland Magazine, we would like to thank both coaches for their efforts and wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors.