Columbus, Ohio – OHSAA released some excellent news for Ohio High School Football teams on Wednesday when they announced their Board of Directors approved expanding the playoff qualifiers from 8 teams to 12 teams per region.
OHSAA’s Board voted 9-0 to expand the OHSAA Football playoffs to 12 teams per region starting in the 2021 season. The expansion was proposed by the Ohio High School Football Coaches Association. OHSAA’s Director of Communications, Tim Stried, sent out a press release explaining how the new football playoff expansion will work.
“During the first round of the playoffs, the top four seeds will have a bye, while the No. 12 seed will play at the No. 5 seed, No. 11 at No. 6, No. 10 at No. 7 and No. 9 at No. 8. In the second round, the No. 1 seed will play the winner of the 8 vs. 9 game; the No. 2 seed will play the winner of 6 vs. 11; the No. 3 seed will play the winner of 7 vs. 10 and the No. 4 seed will play the winner of 5 vs. 12.
The expansion will increase the number of football playoff qualifiers from 224 to 336. Last year there were 709 schools in Ohio that played 11-man football. Football is the only OHSAA team sport in which not every school qualifies for the postseason.
‘We still have details to work out regarding the format and specific season dates, but this vote by the Board gives us the green light to finalize those details for 2021,’ said Beau Rugg, Senior Director of Officiating and Sport Management for the OHSAA and the Association’s football administrator. ‘We are thankful for the Board’s support on this proposal, which will bring all the great things of playoff football to 112 additional schools and communities.’
Rugg also noted that the football finals in 2021 are expected to end during the same weekend as previously scheduled (Dec. 2-5). Schools will still be permitted to play 10 regular-season contests.
The higher seeded teams will have the opportunity to host their playoff games during the first and second rounds of the playoffs.
Loveland Tigers vs. Lebanon in September of 2016
The OHSAA football playoffs began in 1972 when only 12 schools qualified for the playoffs (four schools in each of three classes). Expansion first came in 1980 when the OHSAA changed to five divisions with eight teams each (40 total qualifiers). A sixth division was added in 1994 (96 total qualifiers) and the number of qualifiers was increased to eight schools per region in 1999 (192 total qualifiers). A seventh division was added in 2013 to bring the number of qualifiers to 224.”
Stay tuned for the latest Ohio and Loveland sports news!
Investigators (from left) Peggy Hickman and Beverly D’Andrea and case manager Jan Watson wore protective gear while obtaining samples from parents and children. Tests involve swabs on the inside cheeks of the participants and taking their photos. Testing is assisted by a phlebotomist.
Clermont County Child Support on May 13 conducted genetic paternity testing at a tent in its parking lot, while following Responsible Protocols for Getting Ohio Back to Work,
Genetic testing normally takes place two Wednesdays per month in a conference room. Testing had been on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic.
About 20 tests took place today.
Establishing Paternity
A support order cannot be established for a child who is born to unmarried parents until the alleged father acknowledges paternity or is proven to be the father. Paternity can be established by the signing of a document to be filed with the court acknowledging paternity or, in some cases, an Acknowledgment of Paternity Affidavit which is filed with the Ohio Central Paternity Registry. If the alleged father or mother are uncertain as to parentage, genetic testing can be arranged at a laboratory which is certified to perform such tests. In many instances, genetic testing is available through the Child Support office at no cost to the parents. Paternity can be established by agreement or by court orders.
Paternity establishment can provide basic emotional, social and economic ties between a father and his child. Once paternity is established legally, a child gains legal rights and privileges. Among these may be rights to inheritance, access to medical history and to other benefits such as veterans or Social Security.
For more information about establishing paternity, see: genetic testing
Loveland, Ohio – Another LHS Student-Athlete that committed to playing collegiate sports has been recognized as part of the nation’s top student-athletes for his combined performance on the field and in the classroom! The College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) announced Thursday that Georgia Tech baseball junior, Luke Waddell was selected to the 2020 Academic All-District First Team.
The Yellow Jackets were one of just two Atlantic Coast Conference baseball teams to have multiple Academic All-District selections. Eight Yellow Jacket Juniors were selected overall. This was the first time since 2012 (Brandon Thomas and Sam Dove) and fourth time overall since 1979, that Georgia Tech earned multiple All-District selections.
Waddell had another stellar year of competition with the Yellow Jackets, as he is now recognized as one of the nation’s top shortstops and table setters. From the leadoff spot, Waddell hit .300 through 16 games, recording 18 hits, including four extra-base knocks, and nine RBI’s. He drew seven walks to average a .419 on-base percentage during his Junior campaign. Out of the nine RBI’s that Waddell earned, none proved more clutch than the go-ahead run in the eighth inning of Game 2 during the ACC’s opening weekend against Virginia Tech!
Waddell is one of the many Yellow Jackets performing in the classroom as the team overall had a banner year academically averaging a program-record 3.40 team GPA! The Georgia Tech Baseball Team was one of eight sports to record program bests in the classroom.
Those student-athletes that were selected to the First-team Academic All-District squad will advance to the Academic All-American ballot. Those selected to First, Second, and Third Team will also advance to the Academic All-American selections which will be announced in June.
Barberton, Ohio – “We have recently introduced a new product to assist many Market Segments with the re-opening of their businesses from the COVID-19 Pandemic, including Restaurants, Hospitality, Retail, etc. This is a clear vinyl shade to use in any guest/employee contact area,” said Don Burgstahler from Mason.
MAG Resources – A small business in Barberton, OH has introduced a product to help small businesses open safely. MAG has come out with a protective shield solution, MAG Shield, to provide safety for your customers and employees. MAG being a national supplier to many major National Accounts across the United States, quickly realized a product would be needed to help many market segments including Hospitality, Restaurants, Health Care, Offices, Retail, and many others that experience Customer/ Employee contact.
MAG has come up with a product that is certified to be in your commercial buildings. “Our product carriers a fire-retardant certificate (NFPA 701), which is required in the commercial atmosphere. We have implemented these in our own office building to help separate shared working environments to maintain employee/customer safety,” said Burgstahler. “The MAG shield is a clear vinyl shade that unlike many of the solutions now has many design options to help integrate with your facilities design.”
“We are offering three different systems to assist with different installation requirements and budgets. Each product doing their part to help provide ultimate safety.”
Loveland, Ohio – Just when local folks thought things were returning to the way they were, Barbara Streisand style, mother nature had another trick up her frock to show us who’s boss when around 4″ of rain swelled Loveland’s streams Tuesday morning. For those with a flooded basement or business, swell would be a wrong description.
Memories light the corners of my mind Misty water-colored memories of the way we were Scattered pictures of the smiles we left behind Smiles we gave to one another for the way we were
Can it be that it was all so simple then Or has time rewritten every line
Here are some of the videos and photos sent our way. We appreciate these in the way it documents Loveland, Ohio on May 19, 2020.
A return to normal is a typical Spring rain event when the town is divided by the State and National Scenic Little Miami River.
This video was sent by Cindy Wilmes.
This video was sent by reader Nick Dyson.
This aerial footage and the following photos were taken by Steve Beamer who puts all of Loveland in the passenger seat of his drone.
Wait till Steve takes you just a few feet from the railroad overpass where the water crashes into the pillar with such tremendous force.
Wait till Steve flys you under the Col. Paxton Bridge at West Loveland Avenue then soars high above Historic Downtown.
These photos were sent to us from Eileen Washburn.
Loveland, Ohio – The March 17 Primary Election results have now been reported by the Hamilton, Clermont, and Warren County Board of Elections.
On election night the preliminary result was 3,844 votes for the levy and 5,766 against the levy. After counting all votes there are 57 additional votes for the levy and 104 additional votes against the levy.
Below, are now the “Official” final results as reported by each BOE.
Fortress Obetz, a 50-acre multi-purpose complex on the Southeast side of Columbus, committed to hosting the OHSAA Cross Country Championships for the next five years.
by Cassie Mattia
Columbus, Ohio – Over the past several weeks many Ohio High School athletes and coaches have been awaiting updates on when they can start up team instruction and competitions again. Last week OHSAA provided several updates on both future competitions and the no-contact ban for Ohio’s High Schools giving hope to many dedicated coaches and athletes across the state.
Loveland High School Athletic Director Brian Conaster said that he received the up-date from OHSAA but is proceeding cautiously before making decisions or announcements to his coaches and athletes. “I am waiting for more clarification and guidance from the OHSAA and other state and local bodies later this week. Once I have this, I can then make a more informed statement,” he said.
New venue for State CC Championships
Fortress Obetz is a multi-purpose sports and entertainment complex in Obetz, Ohio. Its bleacher system holds 6,500 people. Including standing room for events such as concerts, Fortress Obetz can hold nearly 20,000 people. It opened in 2017 on the site of the former Columbus Motor Speedway. Google image of Fortress Obetz
On April 29th, OHSAA announced that Fortress Obetz, a 50-acre multi-purpose complex on the Southeast side of Columbus, committed to hosting the OHSAA Cross Country Championships for the next five years. Last Wednesday, Director of Communications, Tim Stried sent out a press release describing the Fortress Obetz facility.
“The Ohio High School Athletic Association cross country state championships are moving to Fortress Obetz, a 50-acre multi-purpose sports complex with a 6,500-seat grandstand located in Obetz on the southeast side of Columbus, OHSAA Executive Director Jerry Snodgrass announced Wednesday.
Fortress Obetz opened in 2017 on the former site of the Columbus Motor Speedway. The racing that will now take place there in early November represents one of the largest high school cross country events in the country, with more than 11,000 fans.
Jerry Snodgrass gives the State Champion Div. I Women’s Soccer trophy to Loveland in this 2017 Loveland Magazine file photo
Of significance, much of the course will be visible from the 6,500-seat grandstands, which will lead to a greater experience for fans and participants.
‘We can’t wait for our student-athletes and Ohio’s entire cross country community to experience the state championships at Fortress Obetz,’ said Snodgrass. ‘This facility is so impressive, from the course layout for the competitors to be more spectator-friendly for the fans and we are thrilled to sign a five-year agreement. We would like to thank National Trail Raceway for hosting the state championships for the last nine years and doing an outstanding job as our host.’
Fortress Obetz was built to host sporting events, concerts, festivals, and more. It was the home of the Ohio Machine professional lacrosse team from 2017-19. The facility has five video boards, concessions, restrooms, and a huge parking lot.
‘The Village of Obetz is extremely proud and excited to partner with the OHSAA,’ said Steve Adams, National Director of Athletic Operations and Facilities Promotion. ‘We feel our Memorial Park and the Fortress is perfectly suited for the OHSAA Cross Country State Tournament. We have created a safe and challenging course for the runners and kept the spectator experience in mind as well.’
The grandstand includes 1,100 flip-down seats, 2,000 bench-back seats, and 3,400 bleacher seats.
OHSAA Executive Director Jerry Snodgrass
Scioto Downs, located just south of Columbus, hosted the OHSAA cross country state championships from 1985 through 2010 before the facility added a casino. National Trail Raceway in Hebron, 20 miles east of Columbus, hosted the state championships from 2011 through 2019.”
#howicompete campaign
On May 5th, OHSAA released that they would be launching a campaign in collaboration with Allied Organizations called #howicompete. This campaign is meant to encourage student-athletes to train on their own at home while school facilities are closed. The #howicompete campaign will collect and promote messages and videos posted by OHSAA members, media, and allied organizations in hopes that both the messages and videos will inspire athletes to train as hard as they can during the remainder of the COVID-19 pandemic. The press release below from OHSAA goes more in-depth as to what the #howicompete campaign is and how it will benefit student-athletes.
“With school facilities shuttered, student-athletes are not permitted to gather together, therefore the #howicompete campaign encourages training on their own at home and with instructions sent electronically by their school coaches.
Student-athletes and teams are encouraged to set goals and compete against themselves and others while complying with social distancing guidelines. Content will be promoted through the OHSAA’s social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram) on its handle @OHSAASports.
‘The health and safety of all Ohioans is our top priority, but we also want student-athletes to stay focused and motivated to pick up where they left off when school sports return,’ said OHSAA Executive Director Jerry Snodgrass. ‘There are so many things that kids can do on their own or with their parents and siblings. Especially something like running and walking, which is a habit that can stay with them for a long time and keep them healthy as adults.’
Organizations such as the Ohio high school coaches associations, Ohio Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (OIAAA), and many more are asked to help encourage and promote content from student-athletes and tag the OHSAA using #howicompete. The OHSAA is also excited to share this campaign in support of the Greater Columbus Sports Commission, which is encouraging stories from competitors whose resilience is helping them Live Forward during this unprecedented health crisis.”
UD to host OHSAA women’s basketball tournaments
The recently renovated University of Dayton Arena.
On May 12th, OHSAA made the announcement that the Ohio High School Women’s Basketball State Tournament would be hosted at the recently renovated University of Dayton for the next three years. In the past, UD has not only hosted 125 NCAA Basketball Tournament games but the state of the art facility has also been the home court for March Madness more than any other athletic facility in the country! The Arena itself can seat up to 13,000 fans. OHSAA’s Executive Director Jerry Snodgrass expressed his excitement for the UD venue in the press release below.
“We are very excited to sign a three-year agreement for our member schools to experience UD Arena,’ Snodgrass said. ‘Southwest Ohio loves and supports basketball and the people at the University of Dayton have made it clear that they really want this state tournament on their campus. We believe that we have found a great home for the Women’s basketball state tournament.’
Photo by the University of Dayton
UD Arena recently completed a transformation project that was the largest construction effort in the University’s history. It is regarded as one of the nation’s premier basketball facilities to go along with fan support that consistently ranks among the best in college basketball.
‘We’re very proud that the OHSAA has entrusted us to host the women’s basketball state tournament at the University of Dayton Arena for the next three years,’ said Scott DeBolt, Senior Associate Athletics Director at the University of Dayton and Executive Director of UD Arena. ‘The same ingredients that make UD Arena the ideal place for the NCAA First Four – community support and excitement for the game of basketball, our facilities, staff, and tournament hosting experience – will help create lifelong memories for the young women who come to Dayton to play in the state tournament and their school communities.’
In the 45 years of the OHSAA girls basketball state tournament, it has been hosted at The Ohio State University 44 times (all but 1986 when it was hosted at the University of Akron). However, there are now a limited number of dates available to use OSU’s Jerome Schottenstein Center or St. John Arena in March.
The 2021 girls basketball state tournament is scheduled for March 11-13. The 2021 OHSAA boys basketball state tournament will be played at St. John Arena March 18-20. There is currently no host site in place for the men’s basketball state tournament in 2022.”
Loveland Magazine readers stay tuned for more of the latest 411 for both Loveland and Ohio sports!
Ricky Mulvey’s Podcast: “Total Fighter” about Cincinnati’s Ezzard Charles
This podcast shines a new light on the underrated Cincinnati Cobra; the greatest light-heavyweight of all time.
Ricky Mulvey is a former sportswriter and talking head at Loveland Magazine
Part 2 of Ricky Mulvey’s 5 part podcast series on Ezzard Charles, “Total Fighter” is up now.
Episode 2: “Cobra Strike” covers Ezzard’s tragic and career-defining boxing match, his experience in World War II, and his manager who was “allegedly” connected to the New York Mafia.
Featuring interviews with P Man Jones, Ezzard Charles II, William Dettloff, author of “Ezzard Charles: A Boxing Life,” and Buddy LaRosa, founder of LaRosa’s Pizza.
“Total Fighter,” is a narrative, nonfiction podcast about Ezzard Charles, Cincinnati’s heavyweight champion, and hosted by Loveland native Ricky Mulvey.
By Source, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=42512075
This podcast shines a new light on the underrated Cincinnati Cobra; the greatest light-heavyweight of all time. The series will ultimately follow Charles to his match against Joe Louis, and the characters who followed him– his family and the mafia. The premier episode, “More Than a Gym Fighter” is a deep-dive into a very different Cincinnati. Go to a bustling Findlay Market in the 1940s, in between the pool tables and cigar smoke at the American Legion Hall in Newport, Kentucky for Charles’ first boxing match, and a Battle Royale in Lawrenceville, Georgia.
Play Episode 1
“Total Fighter” features interviews and stories from Buddy LaRosa, founder of LaRosa’s Pizza, William Dettloff, author of “Ezzard Charles: a Boxing Life,” Frank Wettencamp, one of Ezz’s high school classmates, and more. This show explores his complex character; why the name “Ezzard Charles” became an insult by Frank Sinatra and an inspiration to the composer George Russell.
Play Episode 2
You can first hear new episodes and updates right here on Loveland Magazine or by following Ricky Mulvey on Facebook, @rickymulvey on Instagram, and @rickssoslick on Twitter.
You can find the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or most other platforms.
If you are going, here is the Ohio Department of Health’s mandatory and recommended best practices for hair salons, day spas, nail salons, barbershops, and tanning facilities.
The following businesses and operations remain closed as of May 15, 2020, as part of Ohio’s plan to prevent the spread of COVID-19:
K-12 schools.
Childcare services (permitted to reopen May 31).
Restaurants and bars dine-in service.
Carry-out and delivery services are permitted.
Outdoor dining is permitted.
Dine-in service permitted May 21.
Older adult day care services and senior centers.
Adult day support or vocational habilitation services in congregate settings.
Rooming and boarding houses, and workers’ camps.
Entertainment/recreation/gymnasium sites.
Includes, but is not limited to:
All places of public amusement, whether indoors or outdoors, such as:
Laser tag facilities, roller skating rinks, ice skating rinks, arcades, indoor miniature golf facilities, bowling alleys, indoor trampoline parks, indoor water parks, arcades, and adult and child skill or chance game facilities remain closed.
Gambling industries. (Horse racing is permitted without spectators May 22.)
Auditoriums, stadiums, arenas.
Movie theatres, performance theatres, and concert and music halls.
Public recreation centers and indoor sports facilities.
Parades, fairs, festivals, and carnivals.
Amusement parks, theme parks, outdoor water parks, children’s play centers, playgrounds, and funplexes.
Aquariums, zoos, museums, historical sites, and similar institutions.
Country clubs and social clubs.
Spectator sports, recreational sports tournaments and organized recreational sports leagues. (Non-contact and limited-contact sports leagues are permitted to reopen May 26.)
Health clubs, fitness centers, workout facilities, gyms, and yoga studios (permitted to reopen May 26).
Swimming pools, whether public or private, except swimming pools for single households. (Public pools and club pools regulated by local health departments are permitted to reopen May 26.)
Residential and day camps.
Campgrounds, including recreational camps and recreational vehicle (RV) parks (permitted to reopen May 21).
Excludes people living in campground RVs with no other viable place of residence.
Excludes people living in cabins, mobile homes, or other fixed structures that are meant for single families and where preexisting residential activity already has been established. (E.g., for people who have part-time preestablished residences at campgrounds for the summer months.)
For answers to your COVID-19 questions, call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634).
Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. If you or a loved one are experiencing anxiety related to the coronavirus pandemic, help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call the COVID-19 CareLine at 1-800-720-9616.
OHSAA’s Board voted 9-0 to expand the OHSAA Football playoffs to 12 teams per region starting in the 2021 season. The expansion was proposed by the Ohio High School Football Coaches Association. OHSAA’s Director of Communications, Tim Stried, sent out a press release explaining how the new football playoff expansion will work.
The expansion will increase the number of football playoff qualifiers from 224 to 336. Last year there were 709 schools in Ohio that played 11-man football. Football is the only OHSAA team sport in which not every school qualifies for the postseason.
by Cassie Mattia
![[Video/Photos] The Covid 5/19 High Water](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/feature-covid-flood.jpg)
