Loveland, Ohio – As Fall quickly approaches so does ECC postseason tournaments! Loveland High School Tiger teams gave everything they had this week in order to improve their ECC standings and in saying that there were some very impressive league battles! Here’s the Loveland Sports 411 with Cassie Mattia for September 16th through the 22nd!
Golf
The Loveland Tigers Boys Golf Team competed in 3 golf meets this week proving that their swings are not to be messed with! Tuesday the 17th the boys went to Wyoming Golf Course where they won 167 to 168 and on Wednesday the 18th they traveled to Mason where the Tigers won 152 to 156. On Thursday the 19th the Tigers went to Friendly Meadows Golf Course to compete against West Clermont and grabbed another victory 154 to 208. The Boys Golf Team is currently in 2nd place in the ECC with a 4-1 record. The Tigers are 9-2 overall. The golf team will continue their successful season on Tuesday the 24th at Ivy Hills against Turpin and then will compete in the ECC Postseason Tournament at Glenview on Thursday the 26th.
The Girls Tigers Golf Team competed at West Clermont on Tuesday the 17th and pulled out a victory, 192 to 228. The ladies had a great time swinging away the competition as pictured below in these tweets captured by fans of the Tigers!
The Girls Golf Team will be heading to Hickory Woods on Tuesday the 24th to face Turpin at 3:30 PM and then will turn around and travel to O’Bannon Creek Golf Club to compete against Lakota West and Ursuline at 4 PM. The Tigers are currently 2-3 in the ECC and 2-7 overall.
Volleyball
The Girls Volleyball Team had an unbelievable week of competition grabbing two wins, pushing their record to 7-1 in the ECC placing them in 1st place! The Tigers are 12-2 overall. On Tuesday the 17th the ladies played West Clermont in their home gym. The Tigers won all the sets at West Clermont 25-13, 25-21, and 25-12. On Thursday the 19th the ladies traveled to Anderson and claimed another victory again winning in 3 sets, 25-16, 25-21, and 25-21.
The Girls Volleyball Team hopes to keep their number 1 spot in the ECC this week as they will be playing Kings on Tuesday the 24th at home at 6:30 PM and Walnut Hills on Wednesday the 25th at 6:30 PM at home.
Tennis
Another lady Tigers Team that had a really successful week of competition is the Girls Tennis Team who improved their record to 5-1 in the ECC and 15-2 overall. The Tigers now hold the 2nd place spot in the ECC. On Monday the 16th the Girls Tennis Team grabbed a win against Anderson sweeping them 5-0 then the ladies turned around on Tuesday the 17th and claimed another victory against West Clermont beating them 5-0. The Tigers continued their winning streak when they played CCD on Wednesday the 18th beating them 5-0. On Thursday the 19th and Saturday the 21st the Girls Tennis Team participated in the GCTCA Coaches Classic. Although they didn’t necessarily place at the top as a team there were some fantastic performances by the lady Tigers! Freshmen Babs Dwyer and Alex Hytree placed 3rd for Second Doubles and Freshman Maira Hodar placed 3rd in Singles. Below are some photos of this week’s competitions that Tiger friends and family captured.
The Girls Tennis Team will represent Loveland in the ECC Tournament this week on Tuesday the 24th beginning at 9 AM at Lunken.
Soccer
The Boys Soccer Team grabbed both a loss and a win this week. The Tigers still remain number 1 in the ECC with a 4-0 record and an 8-3 record overall! On Wednesday the 18th the Boys Soccer Team went to Centerville to compete unfortunately losing a hard-fought battle 3-1. On Thursday the 19th the Boys answered back with a big win at Withrow beating them 9-0. Out of those 9 goals Emmett Webb pulled off a hat trick (3 goals) all in the first half! The Tigers will face Walnut Hills at their home field on Wednesday the 25th at 7 PM and on Saturday the 28th will play Mason on the Tigers home field at noon.
The Girls Soccer Team, who currently holds the 2nd spot in the ECC with a 2-1 league record and 5-3 overall record, hosted the 1st Annual LOMO Event Saturday the 21st and Sunday the 22nd. Both Loveland and Mason Girls Soccer Teams came together for this 2-day 10 game event! Below is a tweet sent out by Loveland Girls Soccer Team that explains the LOMO Event and what all the 2-day tourney entailed.
The LOMO event started for the Girls Soccer Team at 7 PM on Saturday the 21st when they faced West Jessamine, a 2 time Kentucky State Champion Soccer Team. To get the Tiger Fans and youth soccer team programs involved Loveland declared an “Orange Out,” which was explained more in-depth in the following tweet.
The Girls Soccer Team was surrounded by quite the crowd as they claimed a HUGE victory against West Jessamine winning 5-0! Shraya Smolenski was the leading scorer for the Tigers kicking in 2 goals making her now 6th in the ECC as an Offensive Leader. Many action shots were caught on Twitter at the Orange Out!
The Girls Soccer Team took on Notre Dame Academy Kentucky, another premier Kentucky soccer team, on Sunday the 22nd at 3 PM at the Tiger Stadium and pulled out yet another big win, beating Notre Dame 2-0! The Tigers victory was captured on Instagram by Loveland Athletics below!
In Loveland Cheer news the team will be holding winter cheer mascot tryouts on Wednesday, November 6th from 6 PM to 9 PM and then again on Thursday, November 7th beginning at 6:30 PM. The tryouts will be held at Loveland High School.
Cross Country
The Girls and Boys Cross Country Team put on some great performances on Saturday the 21st at one of the top meets in Ohio, Centerville’s Saturday Night Lights Meet. Leading the way for the girls was Sarah Madix (3rd), followed by Ellie Carr (5th), Jessie Gibbins (6th), Ansley Richards (7th), and Nami Cannon (10th). Rounding out the top 7 were Ally Colegate (16th) and Bella Dillhoff (17th). Below are photos captured from the meet Saturday!
The Boys Cross Country Team had just as much success at Centerville’s Saturday Night Lights Meet finishing 11th out 23 teams with 335 points! The first finisher for the Tigers was sophomore Ryan Chevalier crossing the finish line for the 40th spot running a 16:35. Chevalier still holds the 4th best time in the ECC after running a 16:28 at the Loveland Invitational. Next Tiger to finish the race was freshman Brady Steiner placing 61st with a 16:52. Steiner ran his personal best time for the year placing him 8th in the ECC with his time! The next Loveland Boys to cross the finish line were senior Kyle Griffin taking the 72nd spot running a 16:59, junior Ajay Stutz in 78th place with a 17:03, senior Alex Ditchen placing 84th with a 17:07, sophomore Sam Neiger placing 89th with a time of 17:08, and rounding up the top 7 Tiger finishers was sophomore Sam Dippold placing 112th with a 17:24. 6 of the Loveland Boys ran seasonal best times placing them in the top 20 in the ECC for their 5k times!
Stay tuned for Loveland Magazine’s next Loveland Sports 411 with Cassie Mattia!
Have some Loveland High School sports scores or incredible performances you want to share? Email cassiemattia@lovelandmagazine.com so we can share these amazing sports stories with the Loveland community!
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, Ohio – As 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.
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…
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.”
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.
Loveland, Ohio – On April 17 five Loveland student-athletes signed their National Letter of Intent to play their sport beyond the high school level.
In this LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV video, you can watch the ceremony conducted by Loveland High School Athletic Director Brian Conaster as he talks about their academic and athletic achievements.
Niki Christow – Soccer (Wittenberg University) Josh Elfers – Football (Hanover College) Ian Fields – Soccer (John Carroll University) Grace Moriarty – Cross Country and Track (Nova Southeastern) Jordan Morrison – Track (High Point University)
Loveland, Ohio – Winter National Signing Day took place on Wednesday, February 6, in the Loveland High School gym. Here are the Loveland High School student/athletes, who have committed to play their sport at the collegiate level:
Andrew Hartman – Soccer (Wilmington College)
Kyle Beasley – Lacrosse (University of Utah)
J.T. Popp – Football (Grand Valley State University)
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Loveland, Ohio – This school year, the Loveland Middle and Intermediate School PTSA is advocating for social and emotional health. Every month, a newsletter is sent out to ALL parents of the 1500
John O’Sullivan, the author of the Best-Selling book, “Changing the Game.”
students at the buildings on one specific topic that faces our kids today. After an initial message to “Start Talking,” in August, they have addressed internet safety, Juuling and nicotine, anxiety, empowering girls, and suicide/depression. During the month of February, their focus is, “The Culture of Youth Sports Today.” All of their newsletters and mental health resources can be found at www.lovelandmintptsa.org.
On February 21st, there will be a FREE seminar open to ALL members of the community given by John O’Sullivan, the author of the Best-Selling book, “Changing the Game.”
The Loveland Youth Sports Council is sponsoring the author’s visit (along, in part, by the M/INT PTSA). Youth organizations in Loveland (baseball, fast pitch, soccer, lacrosse, football, and basketball) have formed a coalition to address some of the problems that are negatively impacting their players. M/INT PTSA President Megan Graff said, “Extracurricular activities should be the source of stress relief, rather than the cause of it. It’s time to change the culture of youth sports. Be engaged, start talking about how to create a positive environment for our kids, and attend the seminar.”
Loveland, Ohio – The Regular Season for most of Loveland Fall Sports are coming to a close and Postseason is just getting started. Some of Loveland’s Fall Sports teams look to have repeat success while others look to finally achieve a milestone after many hours of hard work during the offseason and season.
Womens Tennis
Senior, Peyton Beller and Junior, Anna Svitkovich both made it to Districts as Single’s Players. In the District seeding matches Peyton took 2nd and Anna took 3rd. Peyton will begin her District appearance against Beavercreek’s, Julia Bays. If Peyton wins the first round she will play either Xia Lin from Butler or Savannah Allen from Turpin to get to State. Anna will start off against Greenville’s, Natalie Milligan. If Anna advances past the first round she will either play Claire Burns from Wilmington or Caitlin Fisher from Turpin. The District Tournament will begin today and continue on Saturday at the Lindner Family Tennis Center.
Mens Golf
The Loveland Mens Golf team finished 5th in Sectionals losing to Anderson by 2 strokes, just missing advancing to Districts as a team. The Mens Golf team does have a member of their team advancing to Districts and that would be Junior, Jeffrey Main. Jeffrey earned Co-Medalist honors at Sectionals shooting a 71 at The Vineyard Golf Course. The District Golf Tournament will be held today at the Beavercreek Golf Club. Jeffrey will be teeing off at 10:50 AM with Alex Gomia of Monroe, Tyler Goecke of Carroll, and Riley Wilcoxon of Bellefontaine.
Womens Soccer
The defending State Champion, Loveland Womens Soccer team won the 2018 ECC title with a 6-0-1 record. This was the teams fifth title in the last six years. Their overall record is 11-1-3. The Tigers are #1 in the Cincinnati area coaches pool.
They will play either Colerain (#20) or Western Brown (#23) on October 20th in their opening round matchup of the State tournament. If they win that game they will play either Sycamore (#9), Middletown (#27), or Withrow (#31). Their next game is a non-conference match Saturday vs Lebanon on Senior Night at 7:00 PM.
Volleyball
Currently undefeated in conference play (13-0), Loveland captured its second consecutive ECC championship. The Tigers have won their first 13 ECC matches and sit at 19-1 overall. Their Senior Night is Thursday, October 11 against conference foe West Clermont at 7 PM.
Their Sectional match-up is vs. Western Hills October 16 at 6:30 PM.
Football
The Tigers are #6 in the ECC with a 1-3, 1-6 record. They play at #7 Walnut Hills on Friday at 7 PM. Then they will have 2 games remaining, at Kings on October 19, and their Senior Night is October 26 vs. Anderson.
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Tanner Griffin playing for Loveland High School in 2014
COLUMBUS, Ohio– The Ohio Machine have announced the addition of Tanner Griffin to their 25-man roster.
Griffin, a Loveland, Ohio native, played four seasons at Hofstra, starting 47 games during his career. The defenseman tied the team lead with 10 caused turnovers during his senior season and ended his career with the Pride with 98 groundballs and 35 caused turnovers. Griffin was a two-time All-CAA second team selection and CAA Commissioner’s Academic Award recipient.
Griffin’s Hofstra and LHS File
Griffin played four years of lacrosse and football at Loveland (OH) High School. Named to the USILA All-America team and voted Southern Ohio Player of the Year as a senior. Also an all-region first team pick in 2014…Picked up 93 ground balls and tallied three goals and two assists in 2014…Earned Under Armour Underclassmen All-America honors as a junior after scooping up 108 ground balls and notching three goals and three assists…Two-time All-ECC selection and all-region pick in 2012 and 2013. Was a three-year varsity starter at safety for the Loveland football team and played on the Ohio Division 2 State Championship team in 2013.
In 2014 Griffin was recognized as one of the top 20 HS lacrosse players in the Midwest.
About the Ohio Machine
The Ohio Machine is a professional lacrosse team based in Columbus, Ohio. The Machine is one of nine teams competing in Major League Lacrosse (MLL), the premier professional outdoor lacrosse league. The team has been competing in the MLL since 2012 and won the franchise’s first MLL Championship in 2017. The team competes at Fortress Obetz, the nation’s first professional lacrosse specific stadium. For more information on Ohio Machine lacrosse, please visit www.theohiomachine.com or follow the Machine on Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram @machinemll
Jarvis Global is an investment advisory firm in Symmes Township, Ohio which offers private portfolio management and retirement services to high net worth individuals.
Alten earned just about every possible award a football player could receive during his senior season with the Oilers
Findlay, Ohio – Senior football player Andrew Alten was named the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) Male Scholar Athlete of the Year, which was announced on July 10 by the league office.
Alten, a native of Loveland, Ohio, earned just about every possible award a football player could receive during his senior season with the Oilers and helped the team to their very first appearance in the NCAA Division II National Playoffs.
Alten secured All-American honors from D2Football.com, the Associated Press, the Division II Conference Commissioner’s Association (D2CCA) and the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA). He also picked up all-region accolades from the D2CCA and AFCA during his final year at Findlay.
The 2017 Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) Offensive Lineman of the Year, Alten was voted first team all-league as well.
While Alten had much success on the field, he was equally as impressive in the classroom. Alten carried a 3.91 grade point average and majored in computer science and math applied computer science. He also had a minor in information processing and is now a graduate student.
Re-print with the permission of University of Findlay Athletics.
The Andrew Alten File
Height:
6-2
Weight:
308
Year:
Sr.
Hometown:
Loveland, Ohio
High School:
Loveland
Position:
OL
2017 – Appeared and started in nine games…Named G-MAC Offensive Lineman of the Year…Named first team all-G-MAC…Named first team all-American by AFCA…Named second team all-American by the D2CCA…Named second team all-American by the Associated Press…Named first team all-region by D2CCA…Named Don Hansen first team all-region…Anchored an offensive line that, prior to his injury in week nine, protected its quarterback better than any o-line in the country, allowing just 0.33 sacks per game at that time…In Alten’s nine games, Findlay rushed for 292.3 yards per game (fourth in the country), scored 47.7 points per game (third in the country), and picked up 248 first downs (second in the country). His efforts helped lead an Oilers offense that was one of just two teams in the country in any division to post 250+ yards of rushing offense and passing offense (the other was Ohio State).
2016 – Appeared and started in ten games…Named first team all-GLIAC…Named second team all-region by Don Hansen’s Football Gazette..Helped pave the way for an offense that, for the first time in school hisory, featured a quarterback with 2,500+ passing yards, a receiver with 1,000+ receiving yards, and a tailback with 1,000+ rushing yards in the same season.
2015 – Apperaed and started in all 11 games…Blocked for an offense that put up 36.1 points per game and 477.5 yards per game.
2014 – Appeared in eight games…Made seven starts…Played center, right guard and left guard for the Oilers during the year…Helped pave the way for the Oilers to average 448.4 yards per game and 35.3 points per contest.
Prep – Lettered in football, wrestling and track…Named all-Ohio in football…Was a first team all-conference pick…Earned all-city honors…Named all-conference in wrestling…Was the Ohio 2014 Wrestling State Champion in the heavyweight division. Andrew as a senior was on the 2013 Loveland High School Div. II championship team as an OL.
Personal – Born Andrew Devin Alten…Son of Ed and Leah Alten…Has two brothers, Jacob and David.
Front row – Austin Young, Griffin Hughes, Amanda, Donahue, and Camryn Olson
Back Row – Cayse OsbornePeyton Breese, Mason Bernhardt, and Kyler Mueller
Eight Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy seniors recently participated in National Signing Day, signing letters of intent to commit to playing at schools next year. The ceremony took place on Thursday, February 8, at CHCA’s Martha S. Lindner Upper School.
Mason Bernhardt of Loveland signed with Ohio University, located in Athens, OH, to play football. Bernhardt was named 1st Team All MVC, 1st Team All District, and Honorable Mention All State.
Peyton Breese of Loveland signed with Valparaiso University, located in Valparaiso, IN to play football. Breese was named 2nd Team All MVC.
Kyler Mueller of Mason signed with Ashland University, located in Ashland, OH, to play football. Mueller was named 1st Team All MVC and Honorable Mention All District.
Austin Young of Mason signed with Wilmington College, located in Wilmington, OH, to play football and lacrosse. During his football season, Young was named 1st Team All MVC, as well as All Academic Team. CHCA Lacrosse Coach Mark Lynch shares, “The men’s lacrosse program is excited for Austin. He is the very first NCAA lacrosse commit for CHCA. Austin exemplifies the values we preach in our program: hard work, a team-first mentality, and being a versatile athlete. We know he will be a great representation of CHCA at Wilmington on the gridiron, lacrosse field, and in the classroom.”
CHCA Football Coach, Mark Mueller, says, “I am excited for Mason, Peyton, Kyler, and Austin to extend their playing careers. They will each be an awesome addition to their new programs. As for us at CHCA, we have our hands full, filling the major roles they played for us. I wish them all the best, and am especially excited to watch my son, Kyler, play for my alma mater.”
Amanda Donahue of Morrow signed with Baldwin Wallace, located in Berea, OH, to play soccer. Donahue is a four-year varsity letter winner. She received MVC Honorable Mention for one year and 2nd Team All MVC for two years. CHCA Girls’ Soccer Coach Heather Vibberts says, “Baldwin Wallace is not only getting a top quality athlete and student, but a great person. I know she will be successful no matter what the future holds. We are so excited to see her continue her soccer career and develop her skills at the next level.”
Griffin Hughes of Loveland signed with Queens College, located in Charlotte, NC, to play baseball. He also received the prestigious Presidential Academic Scholarship. Hughes led his team in stolen bases in the 2017 spring season.
Camryn Olson of Mason signed with Hillsdale College, located in Hillsdale, MI, to play softball. In her 2017 season, Olson hit .712, led the league in total strikeouts with 175, her ERA was 0.64, she set a team record of three homeruns in one game, and was voted MVC Player of the Year. In addition to her time on the field, Olson also played basketball, is a member of National Honor Society, works in the Leaning Eagle Coffee Bar, and was part of the cast of CHCA’s production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
Cayse Osborne of Sycamore Township signed with University of Montevallo, located in Montevallo, AL, to play baseball. Osborne was named 2nd Team All MVC for baseball. He was also named 2nd Team All MVC for football, as well as All Academic Team.
CHCA Director of Athletics Eric Taylor shares, “It was an incredible honor to celebrate excellence and the upcoming opportunities for our CHCA student-athletes. These athletes have left quite a legacy at CHCA and their leadership will impact many future teams. These eight athletes represent five sports and include all collegiate divisions. We are excited to see them enter the next phase of their lives”
by Cassie Mattia
Liam Hamill –
Tyler Shelley –
Austin Haas –
Nate Holman –
Gabe Ogdan –
![[video] Niki Christow, Josh Elfers, Ian Fields, Grace Moriarty, and Jordan Morrison sign National letters of Intent](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/maxresdefault-1.jpg)
