Tag: loveland high school

Loveland resident Chris Ball named “Sports Editor” of Loveland Magazine
David Miller is the Managing Editor of Loveland Magazine

by David Miller

Loveland, Ohio – “I am so incredibly happy that Chris will be joining the Loveland Magazine team as our new sports editor,” said President and Publisher, Cassie Mattia.

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

With his usual modest demeanor, Chris said in an introductory email, “I don’t think any of my articles will be groundbreaking but would love to contribute what I can.”

On June 7 Chris published the inaugural episode of The Queen City Sports Podcast, with co-host Mark Raines. Mark is also a graduate of Loveland High School.

Chris also launched The Loveland Magazine Sports Desk FaceBook page and posts 4 or 5 stories each day. His X account is also quite active and popular. There, you will find his commentary along with Reds, Bearcats, and Bengals reels. His tagline is, “Chris Ball at the Loveland Magazine Sports Desk, here to talk Bengals, Reds, Cavaliers, Wolverines, and all Loveland, Ohio sports!”

Chris is an excellent communicator, not only his organized story telling, but in how well he communicates with me as he and I ask daily questions to each other.

President and Publisher, Cassie Mattia

Cassie also said, “Chris is so knowledgeable on not just local sports but sports all across Ohio. Chris also has a knack for reaching all of our readers, whether they are knowledgeable about sports or not, which has always been really important to me. We have so many fantastic sports programs in Loveland and Cincinnati, and I am beyond excited for Chris to help give recognition to those programs and athletes. He is an incredible sports writer who will really help Loveland Magazine expand its reach beyond Loveland.”

Chris is fun to work with too. When I asked him to respond to what Cassie said about him for this story, he said, “I couldn’t have said it better myself. That is very nice and I thank you and Cassie so much for the recognition.”

Chris will have many responsibilities, including:
- Writing and editing.
- Assigning stories, proofreading, and making edits to ensure content is ready for publication.
- Being proficient in various multimedia platforms, such as blogging, podcasting, video production, and social media.
- Developing new writers and executing special editorial projects.
- Creating and maintaining a strong online presence.
- Interviewing players, coaches, and administrators, and reporting on happenings on and off the field.
Congratulations Chris and thank you for accepting your new responsibilities. Thank you so much for all you have done so far. Let’s continue having fun while you keep our readers engaged inside your sports world.

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Follow Sports Editor Chris Ball on these platforms:
Aug 9, 2024
Brian Damewood Named Loveland High School Tigers Head Football Coach

Photo by Loveland Athletics

EDITOR”S NOTE: This article has been corrected to reflect that the first varsity game is 8/23 @ Harrison with and the first home game on 8/30 vs Lebanon, 7P at Tiger Stadium.

by Chris Ball

Loveland, Ohio – The search for Loveland’s next head football coach was refreshingly short, and they have absolutely found the right man for the job. On June 7 Athletic Director Jayson Bruce announced that Brian Damewood would be promoted and would be the man to lead the program to the promised land in 2024 and beyond.

After the departure of Andy Cruse , who took a job with the Miami Redhawks to assume the role of tight ends coach.

The Loveland Athletic Department was keen to find his replacement and they quickly named Damewood as the interim head coach. It was only a matter of time, though, before they removed the “interim” tag and made the promotion official. Coach Damewood has many years of experience coaching defensive backs and special teams for the Tigers and is an excellent choice to helm the program in the future. Continuity is important at every level of football but especially in the high school game. The many years of experience that Coach Damewood has living and breathing Loveland’s brand of football means that the team likely won’t miss a beat with him leading them this year.

Loveland finished with a 5-7 record last year, good for 6^th in the Eastern Cincinnati Conference, though they look ready to improve on that mark next year. The Tigers open the 2024 season with their first varsity game on 8/23 at Harrison and the first home game on 8/30 vs Lebanon at Tiger Stadium with Coach Damewood at the helm and the entire city will no doubt be behind him.

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Hey readers… have an opinion about sports? How about a topic you’d like to see written about in Loveland Magazine or a thought about one of our articles?

Just need to vent and get out your frustration about the Reds, Bengals, or any other sports issues?

Feel free to share with an email to LovelandSportsGuy@gmail.com!

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

Jun 9, 2024
2024 Loveland Emergency Services Scholarship presented to Katherine Watson

Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland Police Department (LPD) and the Loveland Citizens Police Academy Association (LCPAAA) have awarded the 2024 Emergency Services Scholarship, a $1000 scholarship which is awarded to one qualified applicant yearly who will be pursuing Ohio Peace Officer certification training, or a Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related field.

The scholarship committee reviews all applicants’ transcripts, essays, letters of recommendation, and a video introduction to get to know them in areas such as good citizenship, community service, volunteerism, and academic activities, as well as their future educational plans.

The committee said that they was very pleased with one candidate who stood out this year. She is a 2023 graduate of Loveland High School, and she is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Sociology Pre-Law at Ohio University, where she has just finished her first year of studies.

The 2024 Emergency Services Scholarship has been presented to Katherine Watson.The Alumni Association said, “Congratulations Katherine and best wishes for a successful academic career and beyond.”

For more information about the yearly Emergency Services Scholarship, inquire at lovelandcpaaa@gmail.com or follow the LCPAAA Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/LovelandCPAAA. Updated information is sent out in the Fall each year.

Jun 8, 2024
Watch and Listen to Loveland’s Memorial Day Ceremony and Parade

by Andrew Sichak and David Miller,

Loveland, Ohio – The City of Loveland’s Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony was on Monday, May 27. The event started with a parade an ended with a ceremony at the Loveland Veterans’ Memorial in the West Loveland Historic District.

The ceremony featured a speech by Colonel J Scott Calder, a Loveland High School grad with a long career in the US Air Force Medical Services.

The things Col. Calder highlighted were:

• Not all combat injuries are readily apparent.

• Tales of his most rewarding military experiences.

• During his 2009 tour his unit cared for over 300 combat casualties a month.

• He honored the incredible strength of Gold Star and military families that have endured an unimaginable sacrifice and loss.

• When the injured he cared for were first able to speak, the first thing they asked was not about themselves, but of their friends. “Did anyone else get hurt?” Too often, he had to be the first one to tell the wounded soldier that their friend had died.

• Over 80% of the deaths are non-battlefield deaths.

• How to talk with the many current and former veterans that never openly speak about the pain and struggles that haunt them. Their injuries extend far beyond the battlefield. You must do the hard thing beyond just asking, “How are you? Persist! Your efforts will not be wasted and you may send them on a path to healing.

• We owe a special debt to the Gold Star Families. Thank the families who gave so much.

The photos in this slide show were taken by Intern Andrew Sichak and Loveland Magazine Managing Editor David Miller. Andrew produced this video.

Intern, photographer, and video editor Andrew Sichak is a Junior at Loveland High School

Jun 6, 2024

[Video] Fine Arts College Signing Day at Loveland High School

David Miller is the Managing Editor of Loveland Magazine

by David Miller

Loveland, Ohio – On Thursday, May 9 art lovers, parents, teachers and administrators gathered in the Loveland High School media center to congratulate the student artists who will transition from their high School graduation next week to attend college, and study their chosen career path.

	Student Name	School	Program	Introduction Teacher
1	Chet Bentley	University of Cincinnati-CCM	Media Production	Mr Jim Barrett
2	Ian Parrish	University of Cincinnati-CCM	Media Production	Mr Jim Barrett
3	Laney Ott	University of Cincinnati DAAP	Interior Design	Mrs. Megan Burns
4	Valerie Parnin	Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design	Communication Design	Mrs. Megan Burns
5	Lauren Rutz	The Art Academy of Cincinnati	Illustration	Mrs. Deayna Woodruff
6	Jonathan Kaseff	UC or Carnegie Melon or Depaul University	Percussion Performance	Mr. Chris Huening
7	Paul Laufersweiler	Northern Kentucky University	Jazz Performance/ Music Education	Mr. Geoffrey Miller
8	Denver Riddle	Hocking College	Music	Mr. Geoffrey Miller
9	Conner Wilson	Northern Kentucky University	Jazz Performance	Mr. Geoffrey Miller
10	Jens Arill	UC DAAP	Fashion	Mr. Geoffery Miller
11	Sophia Herbon	Anderson University (Indiana)	Musical Theater and Management	Mr. Shawn Miller
12	Jasper Kern	University of Cincinnati – DAAP	Fashion Design	Mr. Shawn Miller

May 10, 2024

Loveland High School teacher Steve Kenyon (1971-2024)

Loveland, Ohio – A gathering to remember the life of Loveland High School math teach Steve Kenyon will be held in the Loveland High School gym on Wednesday, May 15. The ceremony will begin at 6 PM.

Kenyon was a Loveland High School math teacher, baseball coach, Loveland graduate, and long-time Loveland community member. He passed away Sunday, May 5, 2024, after a sudden medical event.

Services and internment will both be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be directed to The Steve Kenyon Memorial Scholarship, C/O Loveland Schools Foundation; 757 S. Lebanon Road, Loveland, OH 45140, or by using this link https://secure.anedot.com/loveland-schools-foundation-oh/kenyon.

If any students or staff need support during this time, the District said they can reach out to their building principal, school counselor, or school psychologist.

The event will be closed to the media at the request of the family.

Steve Kenyon Obituary

Stephen E. “Steve” Kenyon Jr., of Loveland, OH, born on September 20, 1971 in Lakewood, OH. Passed away suddenly on May 5, 2024 at the age of 52. Survived by his wife Dana (nee Hoffmann) Kenyon of 27 years. Loving father of Jaylin Madison Kenyon and Olivia Michelle Kenyon. Dear son of Mary Ann (Mike May) Kenyon and the late Stephen E. Kenyon Sr. Cherished brother of Christopher (Chrissie) Kenyon. Brother in law of Aimee (Dirk) Byerman, Sara (Scott) Hamey and Katie (Rick) Hayden. Also survived by nieces and nephews; Brittany (Mike Sullivan) Kenyon, Danielle (Luke) Waddell, Marisa Kenyon, Ben Byerman, Adam Byerman, Isabella Hamey, Alexa Hayden, Braxton Hayden and survived by a great niece Brooklyn McNamara. Son in law of Pamela Hoffmann and the late Ronald Hoffmann.

Steve was a beloved Loveland High School math teacher, baseball coach, Loveland graduate and long time Loveland community member. Through his passing Steve’s legacy will continue with his life-saving gift of organ and tissue donation.

Services will be held privately at the convenience of the family.

A public Celebration of Life Service will be held on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at 6 PM at Loveland High School, 1 Tiger Trail, Loveland, OH 45140.

The interment will be privately held at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Montgomery, OH.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be directed to The Steve Kenyon Memorial Scholarship, C/O Loveland Schools Foundation; 757 S. Lebanon Road, Loveland, OH 45140 or by using this link https://secure.anedot.com/loveland-schools-foundation-oh/kenyon

May 8, 2024
[Video] Spring Athletic Signing Day at Loveland High School

David Miller is the Managing Editor of Loveland Magazine

by David Miller

Loveland, Ohio – Today in the gym of Loveland High School (LHS), six student athletes signed their letter of intent to accept college scholarships and play their sport at the next level.

Athletic Director Rich Bryant introduced the students and their family, and read a short bio of the student’s accomplishments while at LHS.

Congratulations to the following student athletes who will be continuing their athletic and academic careers at the collegiate level:

Cody Hustead – Bluffton – Football

Mya Veeneman – Ohio Northern University – Soccer

Averi Case – University of Cincinnati – Cheer

Vinny DeSalvo – Transylvania University – Baseball

Andrew Kitts – Otterbein University – Baseball

Aiden Hansen – Centre College – Baseball

Apr 17, 2024
Loveland High School Head Women’s Soccer coach Todd Kelly steps aside

Todd Kelly (Loveland Magazine file photo)

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

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

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

Photo Shayne Lyons @Loveland_AsstAD

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

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

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

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

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

Apr 5, 2024
Browns sign TE Giovanni Ricci former Loveland High School star

A Press Release from the Cleveland Browns said:

Kelsey Russo

Staff Writer

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

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

Photo via Cleveland Browns

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

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

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

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

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

By David Miller Jan 15, 2024

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

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

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

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

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Former LHS standout Giovanni Ricci joins Panthers as Undrafted Free Agent

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

By Loveland Magazine

Apr 26, 2020

From wmubroncos.com/news

Photo from Western Michigan Broncos

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mar 15, 2024
Elizabeth Madison captures 2nd straight Ohio Wrestling Title

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

Mar 14, 2024