News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area
Without fear or favor
Since 2004
Loveland, Ohio – A five-year financial forecast was approved by the Loveland Board of Education on May 21, 2019. Here are links where you can access the Five Year Forecast presentation and Five Year Forecast Financial Report:
http://go.boarddocs.com/oh/love/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BC5MFS535BB6
Also, read:
Brendan Hogan, Connor Hogan, Christian Harris, Matt Huether, Nate Richmond, Ethan Libby, Nate Broelmann, and Eddie Pruitt
Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland High School Men’s Tennis program hosted their Inaugural “Alumni” Doubles TennisTournament on July 28th at Loveland High School.
It was a beautiful, sunny day with temperatures in the low 80’s on top of the Loveland High School tennis courts.
This event included alumni from the class of 2017, 2018 and 2019 as well as current team players. The tournament play consisted of “pro-set” matches (1 set of 8 games). Participants were assigned a doubles partner by a random draw. It was a time to catch up and relive some of their fun times and enjoy some competitive tennis with alumni and current team players.
Participants for the first annual event were Christian Harris (2017), Nate Richmond (2017), Brendan Hogan (2018), Connor Hogan (2018), Matt Huther (2019), and three current players Eddie Pruitt (2020), Nate Broelmann (2020), and Ethan Libby (2021).
Doubles teams by random draw were Christian Harris and Connor Hogan, Brendan Hogan and Matt Huether, Nate Richmond and Eddie Pruitt, and Ethan Libby and Nate Broelmann.
The tournament Champions were the team of Connor Hogan (2018) and Christian Harris (2017).
Next summer the Loveland Men’s Tennis program looks to host their “Second Annual Alumni Doubles Tournament” and hope to have even more alumni participate and create a charity event around it. It was an outstanding time for all and they encourage more alumni to come out and enjoy the event next year.
by Cassie Mattia
Loveland, Ohio – With the beginning of a new school year quickly approaching, Loveland’s top athletes have been working hard all summer to perfect their craft! Over the past few years, Loveland High school has become a powerhouse when it comes to sports, producing both collegiate and professional athletes. Well, Loveland High school has done it again! Her name is Jillian Hayes, a 6’1 multi-faceted athlete that averaged 17.3 points and 8 rebounds per game last year. Hayes is not unfamiliar with the idea of competing at the collegiate level, as her mother, Kristi Hayes broke several records in high school and at her alma mater, Drake. Kristi averaged 52 points per game her senior year in high school and went on to become the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year at Drake scoring over 1,500 points during her collegiate career. Hayes’ father, Jonathan Hayes, played 12 years in the NFL and was a tight ends coach for the Cincinnati Bengals. He is the current head coach and general manager of the St. Louis XFL team. Her brother, Jaxson Hayes, was just picked 8th overall in the NBA Draft signing to the New Orleans Pelicans.
After several collegiate offers, Jillian recently committed to the University of Cincinnati to play Bearcat basketball. As her senior year approaches, there’s no doubt the sky is the limit for her upcoming basketball season with the Loveland Tigers!
I jumped at the opportunity to chat one on one with Jillian about her passion for basketball, her love for her family, and her dedication to both athletics and her education. Instead of doing a traditional interview I decided to put a spin on the interview process and do a question and answer forum so that you, the Loveland Magazine readers, could really get to know Jillian Hayes! So sit back, kick your feet up and check out Loveland Magazine’s interview with the basketball superstar herself, Jillian Hayes!
First off congratulations on your most recent accolades and achievements! Tell me what was it like growing up in the Hayes house? Have you always lived in Loveland?
Thank you! Growing up in my house we were always on the go, trying to get from one sporting event to the next. My brothers and I grew up playing games and sports with the other neighbor kids in the driveway and the yard. I was born in Norman, Oklahoma but have been raised in Loveland since I was about 2.
When did your passion for basketball begin? I know both of your parents and your brother are top-notch athletes themselves, is that where the passion came from for the game of basketball?
I grew up around basketball it was always a part of my life. Through competition – and the more I played, the more I fell in love with it.
You are going into a very important year at Loveland High school in regards to education and sports, what are you most excited about? What has your experience been like as a student-athlete at Loveland?
I’m so excited for one last go around with all of my friends, teammates, and coaches. Being a student-athlete at Loveland has been amazing. We have such a supportive community!
I have chatted with Coach Parker about some of the athletes he has had the pleasure of coaching and he seems to really have a passion for the game of basketball and his athletes. What does Coach Parker mean to you? How has he helped you as a student, athlete, and person?
Coach Parker is such an amazing coach! You can truly tell how passionate he is for the game and his players just by watching him in games. He brings so much energy! He makes it known from the very beginning that academics come first and are very understanding when it comes to needing to stay after school to make up a test or ask questions. Every day in practice and even outside of practice he continues to push us and is always there to open the gym when we need to use it. Coach Parker really has helped shape me into the person I am today by teaching me various life lessons on and off the court.
Let’s talk about basketball! What position do you play? What position do you prefer? What’s your favorite part about the game of basketball? Do you have a basketball role model?
I play anywhere from 1 to stretch 4 for Loveland. I’ll play whatever position my coach needs me to, but I mostly play a 3 or stretch 4. I love the competing aspect of it and continuing to challenge myself to become the best player and teammate I can be. My basketball role model would have to be my mom. She averaged 52 points in her senior year of high school and was an All American division 1 player. Not only did her accolades make her great she also had such an amazing basketball IQ and had counter moves for every defender that tried to stop her.
Ok so let’s take a moment to go over your awards and accolades as a basketball player! What are your proudest accolades? Have you been selected to be apart of an elite basketball team or play in any all-star games? It’s okay to brag about yourself for a minute!
My proudest accolade is getting the chance to play for Coach Heard at UC and getting 3rd in the nation at Nike Nationals. I got the chance to play for an EYBL team for the AAU season. The EYBL is a Nike circuit that has the top competition from all around the country.
We have heard as a Loveland community about the big announcement….you have committed to The University of Cincinnati to play basketball! Are you excited to play sports at the collegiate level? Was UC your first choice? Talk about your journey to deciding where you wanted to play and why.
I am thrilled to be able to play division 1 basketball. UC was the perfect fit for me. Every time I stepped on campus it felt like home and I would just light up. The relationship I have with Coach Heard is amazing! We have such a great bond. Coach Heard and the rest of the staff already feel like family!
Your family is a huge SPORTS family with your mom being a former basketball all-star, your dad being a Bengals coach, and your brother committing to play for the NBA. Do you put pressure on yourself because of your family’s success in sports? If so why and how? What have you learned from your family?
No, each person in our family has their own story and although we are big competitors we don’t compete against each other, but rather support one another. I have learned everything I know from my family, they truly have shaped me into the person I am today.
Being an athlete myself I know that we are always reaching higher for bigger and better goals, what are some goals you would like to achieve over the next few years?
For my senior year, my goal is to help the team win sectional finals. We’ve come a little short in previous years. I would also like to make it to the NCAA tournament my first year at UC and really go on a run in the tournament.
What are you doing now to prepare for this year’s basketball season? Do you have any advice for any student-athletes out there that are trying to make it to the collegiate level?
Training with Coach Keith Braswell, lifting and explosion training. No matter what role you have I think you should always lead with confidence, have fun with it and enjoy every chance you have to be out on the court.
Let’s get a few fun facts out there about you for our loyal readers! What is your favorite color? What is your basketball pre-game ritual? What’s your favorite food? What is your favorite movie? Do you have a favorite basketball team, if so, who? What are some of your favorite hobbies? What do you LOVE about Loveland? Do you have any favorite Loveland “spots?”
Black or blue. Listening to music. Sushi. Like Mike. New Orleans Pelicans because my older brother plays for them. I like hanging with my friends and playing volleyball. I love the community because they continue to be supporters of all Loveland’s sports. Two of my favorite spots are Loveland Dairy Whip and Trailside Ice Shack Hawaiian Ice in downtown Loveland.
Thank you Jillian for your time. Loveland Magazine will certainly be following you on the volleyball and basketball courts your Senior year. Best of luck in all you do.
“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
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.
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
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.
Jarvis Global is an investment advisory firm in Symmes Township, Ohio which offers private portfolio management and retirement services to high net worth individuals.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article has been updated to reflect that New Hope Baptist Church is not a “Drop-off” location.
Loveland, Ohio – Loveland’s local running store JackRabbit has joined the team at the Loveland Initiative and will be helping families that live in the Loveland City School District to receive a backpack filled with school supplies for their children when they return to school in the Fall.
Read below to find out how to enroll your child or volunteer for the program
The goal of the back to school program is simple but powerful: If we can get all the resources in our community together, we can help economically disadvantaged children start off the new school year with many of their school-related needs.
Students that benefit from this program receive items such as:
New Backpacks
New school supplies like notebooks, paper, pens and pencils
Calculators
JackRabbit is located in the Downtown Historic District in the old R.R. station. They have their own parking lot so don’t worry about those hassles. (MAP) 127 W. Loveland Avenue
Monday – Friday: 10am-8pm
Saturday: 10am to 6pm
Sunday: 11pm-6pm
NOTE: New Hope Baptist Church is not a “Drop-off” location.
Over 20 Years and Still Going StrongThe Loveland Initiative was founded in 1996 by a group of neighbors with a mission to provide educational support and assistance to underserved children and their families. The organization focuses its attention through a wide variety of programs to help lower-income residents meet basic needs along with educational enrichment.
WHERE: New Hope Baptist Church, 1401 Loveland Madeira Road
DATES & TIMES: July 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25 and August 6, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
TO QUALIFY, PARENTS MUST BRING THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION
Any questions contact Executive Director Terri Rogers at (513) 739-2354.
Qualifying families who meet income guidelines and live in the Loveland City School District can receive a backpack filled with school supplies for their children. Families MUST sign up students for this program.
The goal of the back to school program is simple but powerful: If we can get all the resources in our community together, we can help economically disadvantaged children start off the new school year with many of their school-related needs.
Students that benefit from this program receive items such as:
New Backpacks
New school supplies like notebooks, paper, pens and pencils
Calculators
Our Annual Back Pack Program gives Loveland School children the chance to start the year off with NEW Backpacks and Supplies. If you can donate a filled backpack, the children would appreciate it more than you can imagine. If you are not able to complete an entire bag by yourself, please consider sharing this project with a friend. Donations are greatly appreciated!
We need volunteers…
In addition to donations, we also need volunteers to help registered families, sort, pack, and distribute backpacks. We also need help with set up and managing stations for the Back to School Fair.
by Cassie Mattia
Loveland, Ohio – These are the ECC All-Academic Award Winners from Loveland High School for each sport for the 2018-2019 season.
FALL CHEER: Kayla Adkins, Lora Kate Bezjak, Evie Henderson, Olivia Herrmann, Madyson Hoffman, Lauren Karle, Jolee Kohus, Megan Mesmer, Megan Pedicini, Olivia Powers, Kyleigh Schweitzer, Caroline Spikes, and Simone Voellmecke.
MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY: Greg Ballman, Colin Beran, Ryan Chevalier, Stefan De Jongh, Alex Ditchen, Thomas Gear, Matt Huether, Sam Neiger, Ajay Stutz, and Brian Van Smith.
WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY: Samantha Badzik, Alaina Bender, Ellie Carr, Sydney Cree, Skyler Daumeyer, Sofia Dillhoff, Bella Dillhoff, Lexi Duff, Claire Dwyer, Kristina Feighery, Allie Fogel, Alexi Funk, Jessie Gibbins, Sarah Hallock, Hannah Karp, Johanna Larkin, Grace Moriarty, Audrey O’Keefe, Emily Reardon, Jenna Reis, Ansley Richards, Madylyn Saunders, Maaike Snider, and Kirstin Thomas.
FOOTBALL: Zachary Bebout, Dakota Blum, Josh Elfers, Curtis Fender, Remi George, Nathan Holman, Ben Malloy, Sean McElveen, Ben Meckey, Gabe Ogdan, J. T. Popp, Sam Slyder, Drew Vanderhorst, Connor Wasmund, Natron Webster, and Ben Westley.
MEN’S GOLF: Aiden Callahan, Joe Jankowski, Matt Rychlik, Luke Sence, Tyler Vallee, and David Villegas.
WOMEN’S GOLF: Erin Dickman, Kali Egan, Allison Rountree, Samantha Skarda, Kathryn Taylor, and Alex Vanderhorst.
MEN’S SOCCER: Keith Broermann, Aaron Earl, Ian Fields, Helge Harris, Cole Harter, Drew Hartman, Matthew Karp, Aiden Kopec, Mikhail Lusk, Pierce Madson, Drew Moore, Connor Patton, Aaron Paulson, Josiah Pokopac, Blake Poteet, Elijah Suttschenko, Aidan Voellmecke, Emmett Webb, Nick Williams, and Daniel Zamagias.
WOMEN’S SOCCER: Kaitlyn Andrews, Georgie Early, Josey Fleming, Caroline Florea, Mollie Fogel, Leiah Goedde, Brooke Harden, Emily Kubin, Claire Massey, Jordan Morrison, Abby Pawlikoski, Allison Reynolds, Lauren Williams, andAlyson Yeager.
WOMEN’S TENNIS: Peyton Beller, Maira Hodar, Erin Hopkinson, Alex Hytree, Jensen Knecht, Cassidy Nowiski, and Anna Svitkovich.
VOLLEYBALL: Ally Batsch, Kate Garry, Hannah Hart, Jillian Hayes, Olivia Kenyon, Calire Krabacher, Katlyn Kramer, Ashley McDonald, Hannah Muehlenkamp, Audrey Planner, Clara Planner, Marie Plitt, Brie Saunders, and Corinne Wilson.
ACADEMIC QUIZ TEAM: Hannah Ackley, Simon Grome, Laura Hayes, Daniel Hinrichsen, Emerson Monks, Sophia Muir, and Samantha Skarda.
MEN’S BASKETBALL: Ian Cox, Jalen Greiser, Collin Hedgepeth, Matt Huether, Joe Lindgren, Gabe Rubio, Matt Toigo, Tripp Towle, and Drew Wallis.
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL: Jenna Batsch, Tess Broermann, Jillian Hayes, Courtney Henthorn, Maira Hodar, Marie Plitt, Sophia Raby, Shelby Whitaker, and Alyson Yeager.
MEN’S BOWLING: Alton French, Anthony Jerdack, Joey Kapszukiewicz, Matt Rychlik, and Jeffrey Scott.
WOMEN’S BOWLING: Caitlyn Campbell, Maria Eha, Ashley George, Yanni Kahrs, Molly Lipp, Grady Pettit, and Maria Reich.
WINTER CHEER: Kayla Adkins, Madyson Hoffman, Jolee Kohus, Megan Mesmer, Blake Moore, Olivia Powers, Caroline Spikes, and Simone Voellmecke.
MEN’S SWIMMING AND DIVING: Alex Bacanursci, Jacob Carle, Cade Jenkins, Evan Lucas, and Jack Shanahan.
WOMEN’S SWIMMING AND DIVING: Erin Albert, Riley Bullock, Nami Cannon, Kali Egan, Kamryn Eversole, Morgan Eversole, Nia Gruffydd, Hannah Hart, Sarah Klenke, Jordan Lawrence, Meghan Lolli, Sarah Lolli, Alli Salzl, and Lauren Williams.
WRESTLING: Parker Ashby, Jacob Cotsonas, Brett Hogan, Jarod Mendoza, Richard Mendoza, Ethan Missar, Blake Poteet, Caelan Quigley, Ibrahim Shalash, Michael Soupene, Morgan Switzer, and Drew Vanderhorst.
BASEBALL: Zach Bebout, Avery Braddock, Shane Chrusniak, Ian Cox, Carson Deer, Marisa Kenyon, Bobby Kieffer, Tyler Lake, Jaxon Laudick, Matthew Losekamp, Jackson Lux, Marie Plitt (manager), Jack Portune, Spencer Rodriguez, Zach Segal, Jaedon Shepardson, Joe Timmerman, Tripp Towle, Matt Westley, and Shelby Whitaker.
FASTPITCH: Ally Batsch, Kaylee Chapman, Emma Christian, Grace Hageman, Olivia Kenyon, Katlyn Kramer, Livia McClellan, Taylor Owens, Lindsay Smith, and Isabel Vuyk.
MEN’S TRACK: Juliano Aquilino, Greg Ballman, Colin Beran, Sam Cox, Josh Elfers, Max Flanders, Collin Hedgepeth, Ryan Hetzel, Quinn James, Sam Kluender, Chris Kuhn, Gabe Ogdan, Nathan Ponchot, Thomas Pruett, Aaron Schuetter, Brayden Shepard, Ethan Smith, Ajay Stutz, Matt Toigo, Brian Van Smith, Matthew Vollmer, and Jaden Walton.
WOMEN’S TRACK: Kaitlyn Andrews, Miya Brines, Atalie Brown, Nami Cannon, Ellie Carr, Leah Carrigan, Frances Denman, Kali Egan, Kendall Ewert, Kristina Feighery, Erin Flanagan, Allie Fogel, Jessie Gibbins, Nia Gruffydd, Brooke Harden, Courtney Henthorn, Sophia Horrigan, Samantha James, Sarah Klenke, Megan Korniak, Claire Krabacher, Mikayla Loomis, Ashley McDonald, Nancy Taylor McKibben, Maddy Miner, Grace Moriarty, Jordan Morrison, Zoe Ott, Reilly Patton, Brooke Pitula, Abby Pawlikowski, Ansley Richards, Carson Sarver, Kirstin Thomas, Meghan Tibbs, Kyra Watters, and Corrine Wilson.
MEN’S TENNIS: Alex Ditchen, Sam Greenberg, Matt Huether, Joey Kapszukiewicz, Ethan Libby, and Connor Ruble.
MEN’S LACROSSE: Kyle Beasley, Jake Cotsonas, Aidan Kruse, Jake LeMaster, Weston Manske, Sean McElveen, Jackson Noe, Ryan Paolino, Matthew Parfett, J.T. Popp, Caelan Quigley, Ethan Toms, Dylan Tuttle, Drew Vanderhorst, and Benjamin Wenger.
WOMEN’S LACROSSE: Katie Beasley, Lora Kate Bezjak, Morgan Catalfino, Frannie Cornett, Emma Cotsonas, Bella Dillhoff, Sofia Dillhoff, Barbara Dwyer, Kamryn Eversole, Alex Hytree, Alex Miller, Emily Molitor, Skylar Mosconi, Maggie Nance, Maggie Norris, Kelsie Richey, Hanna Wenger, and Carly Wilhoite.
by Dr. Amy Crouse, Loveland City School District Superintendent
The days leading up to end-of-school are always busy and full of excitement, and I’m often asked if I look forward to summer vacation. The truth is, while the work over the summer changes, it doesn’t slow down much; it simply means I’m given a couple months to work with my fellow administrators and staff to make our district even better for our Tigers when they return for the new school year in August.
This summer we will focus on Building Tiger Nation, continuing to refine our options for the most affordable way to fund the facility master plan adopted by the Loveland Board of Education in April. The master plan addresses the needs outlined in the building assessments and includes the enhancements described as priorities by our community through the many meetings and focus groups we’ve held over the past year.
Although we are excited about the plan and moving it forward, it’s critical that we thoroughly vet all funding options as the cost of the master plan will affect our taxpayers. We will use the summer months to be diligent in this work – our commitment is to leave no stone unturned until we create the most advantageous funding structure. To this end, we have added two board meetings in late July so we can still make the ballot filing deadlines set by the Board of Elections for a November vote. The meetings are scheduled for Monday, July 22 at 9:30 a.m. and Friday, July 26 at 9:30 a.m., and will be open to the public.
We will also “deep clean” the buildings after another busy year of activities. As they do every summer, the maintenance staff will be hard at work making repairs and getting our buildings ready for the new school year. While they do an amazing job with the upkeep, our facilities have reached the point where the cost to maintain over the next 10 years will exceed the cost to upgrade and renovate or, in some cases, rebuild. We appreciate the extensive involvement of our community over the past year as we developed a facility master plan that provides solutions for the many issues with our buildings that stand in the way of providing the best possible experience for our Tigers.
On the academic end of our preparations, we will begin to incorporate the themes of the Portrait of a Tiger into our action plans for 2019-20 and beyond. Each school’s improvement plan has been updated and will be implemented to achieve our goals for growth, care and innovation, which are all aligned with the Portrait. Regarding the education at Loveland, all decisions will be focused on how to ensure that every Tiger has the experiences identified as essential by more than 800 students, staff, parents and other community members in the process of creating the Portrait of a Tiger.
Last, but certainly not least, teachers and staff will continue to improve their craft by taking classes, participating and leading book studies, and attending and presenting at professional workshops throughout the summer. Our administrative team will complete a long list of interviews with the intention to hire only the best new teachers and staff to serve our students. We look forward to fresh perspectives that align with our mission and contribute to the work we do every day.
I will greatly miss the students over the summer, but welcome the opportunity to take a step back, reflect and plan to bring them even better experiences in the fall. I wish you all a safe summer, making many happy memories.
In service to our Tigers,
Dr. Amy Crouse, Loveland City School District Superintendent
Luke Rohling (LHS ’19) (above) received awards in two categories: Lead Actor in a Musical and Male Critic.
Loveland, Ohio – After being nominated for 21 Cappies for the fall production of The Drowsy Chaperone, Loveland High School (LHS) students brought home six awards from the annual Cappies Gala at the Aronoff Center on May 23:
Orchestra – The Drowsy Orchestra
Ensemble in a Musical – “The Gangsters” – Andrew Hoffmann and Aidan McCracken
Featured Actor in a Musical – Myles Lamson
Lead Actor in a Musical – Luke Rohling
Song – Toledo Surprise
Male Critic – Luke Rohling
The Cappies of Greater Cincinnati recognizes the hard work and talent of the local high school theater community, including young writers, performers, and technical crews. Students who participate in the Cappies program are trained as critics, attend shows at other schools, and write and publish reviews. At the conclusion of the program, student critics vote to give awards to their fellow students for outstanding productions, group and individual performances, as well as achievements in various technical categories.
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…
Congrats Luke! @lucas_wadd07
The Georgia Tech Baseball Team said…
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…
Always knew this day was coming since he was 8, but bigger and better things always on Luke’s horizon.
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.
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.
Loveland, Ohio – Scott Carney is an artist and photographer and says that he and his family have lived in the Loveland area for over 30 years. He grew up in Carmel, Indiana and studied Fine Art at Ball State University. He took this iconic photo in Historic Downtown on the bank of the State and National “Scenic” Little Miami River. The Little Miami River is one of 156 American rivers designated by the U.S. Congress or the Secretary of the Interior as a National Wild and Scenic River.
You can see more of Carney’s photography and his other art on his Facebook page.
Many know Scott as a former Pole Vault coach at Loveland High School.
