Loveland, Ohio – Ohio is starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel and so are LHS’s coaches and athletes! Over the past couple of months, athletes and coaches have been in limbo waiting to see if their season will continue. During the COVID-19 outbreak, LHS’s Coaches have been hard at work with their athletes trying to keep them motivated and doing workouts even though they aren’t in school or competing. This week we spoke with LHS’s Men’s Tennis Coach, Thomas Sharpless, to see just what his athletes have been doing to stay in shape.
LHS’s Men’s Tennis Coach, Thomas Sharpless
Coach Sharpless gave a lot of credit to LHS’s Strength Coach for keeping his athletes in shape, but he also didn’t fail to recognize how dedicated his athletes have been during this time.
“Most of my athletes play tennis year-round at the club; however since the tennis clubs have been closed per the governor’s directions along with most of the local public courts, my players, like all Ohio athletes, are indeed having to find other means to stay fit,” Sharpless explained, “Luckily, we have an awesome weight coach at LHS and he has put together a nice list of dumbbell and free weight exercises for our players. I’ve shared this valuable resource with my players in the hopes that, if they have the equipment, they will utilize this information to stay in shape,” Sharpless added.
Sharpless had an unbelievable 2019 season leading his team to an ECC Championship! The Men’s Tennis team ended 2019 with a perfect 6-0 record and a 14-3 record overall.
We are excited to hopefully be seeing some Tiger competition very soon! Stay tuned to read more about what LHS coaches and athletes are doing to prepare for their potential seasons!
When: Currently we are here Monday-Friday 11:00-5:00 and Saturday 11:00-2:00 to answer calls, assist customers with ordering and curbside pick up.
Where: 370 Loveland-Madeira Rd. (This is NOT the retail store. It’s the door to the left of the store entrance.)
Why: Our retail store is currently closed but we are still filling online orders, custom orders, yard signs, banners, and decals.
During the current situation of COVID-19 we are offering FREE DELIVERY in the 45140 area code. Just simply select local pick up and enter your address in the COMMENTS section.
Loveland, Ohio – Although time seems to be slowly dragging due to the COVID-19 Stay At Home Order, for LHS Seniors time is still flying by as graduation is right around the corner! With graduation just a few weeks away, LHS Senior Athletes are also preparing for collegiate sports opportunities. We would like to take the time to give a big shout out to the LHS Senior Athletes that have committed to playing their sport at the collegiate level! Congratulations to the following LHS Student-Athletes:
Katlyn Kramer-Softball
Otterbein University
Jake Cotsonas-Wrestling
University of Mount Union
Connor Patton-Soccer
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Nathan Holman-Football
Heidelberg University
Andrew Gwynn-Football
Thomas More University
(No Photograph Available)
Iyon Davis-Football
Hocking College
A Note from the Publisher to these athletes – their teachers, coaches, and parents
Over the past, five or so years Loveland Magazine TV was at the annual Spring, Fall, and Winter signing events at LHS to record the ceremonies so the whole community could hear the athletic director brag about your accomplishments on and off the playing fields, courts, pools, and alleys.
It was also a time I could see the athletes alongside their parents with those proud smiles and their own well deserved sense of accomplishment.
It was always a wonderful afternoon seeing the representatives of the Athletic Department, the Principals, teachers, and coaches deservedly proud of their own unwavering work.
It is darned sad that the event couldn’t be held this Spring because it was something you all deserved due to your outstanding work as an athlete, in your classroom, and at home. Being there has always been a real treat for me, however, I also know you didn’t accomplish so much just to get a few moments of fame and applause. Hard work is its own reward.
Your continued success is guaranteed because you have been scholars of merit, good sports, and good representatives of your school and the entire community. I have enjoyed every single moment watching you compete.
Loveland, Ohio – On April 7 the Loveland Board of Education held a work session using a remote meeting platform.
Here is a re-play of the meeting.
AGENDA
1.1 Adoption of Board Agenda
1.2 Pledge of Allegiance
2. Superintendent Discussion Topics
2.1 Progress Report on Building Closure Due to COVID-19
2.2 Planning Commission
3. Superintendent Resolutions
3.1 Resolution declaring an emergency, suspending board policy related to public participation at board meetings, and authorizing remote meetings
A RESOLUTION DECLARING AN EMERGENCY, SUSPENDING BOARD POLICY RELATED TO PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AT BOARD MEETINGS, AND AUTHORIZING REMOTE MEETINGS
WHEREAS, COVID-19 is a respiratory disease that can result in serious illness or death, is caused by the SARS-C0V-2 virus, which is a new strain of coronavirus that had not been previously identified in humans and can easily spread from person to person between individuals who are in close contact with each other (within about 6 feet) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected persons coughs or sneezes. It may also be possible to contract COVID-19 through the touching of a surface that has the virus on it then touching one’s own mouth, nose or eyes; and
WHEREAS, the Governor has declared a state of emergency with respect to the spread of the novel coronavirus; and
WHEREAS, the Director of the Ohio Department of Health has ordered that all K-12 schools be closed to students through 11:59 p.m. on May 1, 2020, and this order may be extended beyond that date; and
WHEREAS, the Ohio Department of Health has further ordered residents of the state to stay at home except to conduct essential business and prohibits public or private gatherings of more than ten individuals occurring outside a single household; and
WHEREAS, House Bill 197 was enacted on March 27, 2020 as an emergency measure which was designed to assist schools and other public bodies to maintain operations during this health emergency in a way that complies with orders issued by the state and federal government; and
WHEREAS, in order to permit the fair and orderly expression of public comment at its meetings, the Board has adopted a public participation policy; and
WHEREAS, while the Board intends to continue to conduct the business of Loveland City Schools and to keep the community informed of its discussions and decisions related to the official business of the District, the Board must also act to protect the health and safety of its members, staff, students and other community members who may enter on to school premises.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Education of the Loveland City School District, that after careful consideration and evaluation of the information before it:
Section 1. The Board of Education hereby finds that an emergency exists with regard to the spread of a serious communicable disease, COVID-19.
Section 2.In order to prevent against the further spread of the novel coronavirus, the Board of Education hereby temporarily suspends its public participation policy, which shall no longer be in effect upon adoption of this Resolution by a majority of the Board. Such policy may be reinstated through a subsequent action taken by the Board of Education.
Section 3.In order to enable the Board of Education to continue with District operations during the public health emergency,the Board of Education may meet telephonically or through other electronic means, including conference calls or other meeting technology to conduct the public business of the public body while emergency orders of the federal and/or state government are in effect limiting public gatherings. Members will be considered present regardless of whether they attend in person or remotely, and their votes shall be counted for the purpose of determining quorum. Such meetings will be properly noticed to the public through the established and usual method of notice to the public.
SECTION 4. In order to provide an opportunity for attendance by the public, news media, and any other person that has requested notification of meetings via the technology utilized will be made available to the extent reasonably possible and feasible. The means of technology and information on how to access the meeting as a member of the public will be made available. The Board of Education intends to fully honor its obligations under the Open Meetings Act (R.C. §121.22) through measures approved by House Bill 197 (2020).
Section 5.The Board of Education hereby finds and determines that all formal actions relative to the adoption of this resolution were taken in an open meeting of this Board of Education, and that all deliberations of this Board of Education and of its committees, if any, which resulted in formal action, were taken in meetings open to the public, in full compliance with applicable legal requirements, including Section 121.22, ORC and House Bill 197 (2020).
Section 6.This resolution shall be in full force and effect from and immediately after its adoption and shall supersede any prior resolution or act of this Board of Education that may be inconsistent or duplicative with the provisions of this resolution.
3.2 Resolution for a Contingency Plan for the 2019-2020 school year in the event school is closed for more than the hours permitted under board policy and state law
CONTINGENCY PLAN
FOR THE 2019-2020 SCHOOL YEAR
IN THE EVENT SCHOOL IS CLOSED
FOR MORE THAN THE HOURS PERMITTED UNDER
BOARD POLICY AND STATE LAW
WHEREAS, Ohio Revised Code §3313.48 mandates that a school district must be open for instruction with pupils in attendance for a minimum number of hours each school year; and
WHEREAS, R.C. §3313.482 authorizes a board of education to adopt a plan that permits students to make up missed hours of instruction via online/remote learning in the event that schools are closed for a disease epidemic or other reasons; and
WHEREAS, House Bill 197 (2020), which was enacted on March 27, 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic health emergency, authorizes the Loveland City School District Board of Education (the “Board”) to adopt a plan to provide for online learning opportunities for students to make up an unlimited number of hours in lieu of attendance on days when buildings are not open to students during the 2019-2020 school year in compliance with any order issued by the Ohio Director of Health and/or a local board of health; and
WHEREAS, the Board has developed a contingency plan in accordance with R.C. §3313.482 under which district students will make up any time missed through online instruction/remote learning that caused the district to fall below the minimum number of hours of instruction required by section 3313.48 of the Ohio Revised Code and Board Policy; and
WHEREAS, the Board desires to adopt said plan; and
WHEREAS, House Bill 197 (2020) also permits the Board to adjust the student grading criteria and the Board has determined it necessary to modify the method for student promotion and retention during this crisis.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Education of the Loveland City School District that:
SECTION I
Pursuant to R.C. §3313.482 and House Bill 197 (2020), the Board hereby authorizes the following plan to allow students of the Loveland City School District to access and complete online/remote lessons in order to fulfill the required number of hours during the 2019-2020 school year:
Each teacher shall develop a sufficient number of lessons for the days and hours of closure.
Teachers will submit the lessons to the building principal for approval. The building principal will certify that the lessons are equal to or greater than the amount of instructional time the student missed.
As soon as practicable, the appropriate administrator will direct staff about how to make lessons available through a District approved website or other technology portal.
The teacher will be responsible for posting the lessons online.
Teachers will regularly assess the progress of students and will update or replace such lessons as necessary throughout the remainder of the school year based on the results of the assessments.
For students who experience difficulty accessing the online material or who do not have access to a computer, the Board hereby authorizes “blizzard bags” as needed, which are paper copies of the lessons/assignments posted. Teachers shall prepare paper copies approximating the content of the online lessons and shall update such paper copies when updating any of the online lessons. Blizzard bags will be distributed by school personnel or during scheduled pick up times. Printed copies of any graded lessons or assignments will be included in the blizzard bags.
This plan was shared with the teacher’s employee representative.
SECTION II
Should circumstances warrant a change in the plan during the 2019-2020 school year, this contingency plan may be amended by the Superintendent at any time in his or her discretion.
SECTION III
In order to provide appropriate educational opportunities to students through alternative methods, to allow promotion from grade-to-grade, and so not as to penalize students who determine to complete assignments through the offered alternative means, the Board temporarily suspends current Board Policy 5421 on the award of letter grades, which shall no longer be in effect upon adoption of this Resolution by a majority of the Board. Such policy may be reinstated through a subsequent action taken by the Board. Any other Board Policy that is inconsistent with the action taken within Sections III and IV of this Resolution shall also be temporarily suspended until such time as Board Policy 5421 is reinstated.
SECTION IV
The Board authorizes the Superintendent and School Administration to develop and implement a system of pass/not pass grading for each course in grades 5-8 within the Loveland City Schools instructional program until such time as the Board restores the grading policy.
SECTION V
IT IS FOUND AND DETERMINED that all formal action of this Board concerning or related to the adoption of this Resolution was adopted in an open meeting of this Board, and all deliberations of this Board that resulted in such formal action were adopted in meetings open to the public, in compliance with all applicable requirements of the Ohio Revised Code.
3.3 Resolution delegating authority for determining it impracticable or impossible to evaluate employees due to COVID-19
RESOLUTION DELEGATING AUTHORITY FOR DETERMINING IT IMPRACTICABLE OR IMPOSSIBLE TO EVALUATE EMPLOYEES
DUE TO COVID-19
WHEREAS, Board of Education of the Loveland City School District (the “Board”) employees are annually evaluated in accordance with Ohio statues and Board policies; and
WHEREAS, an Order of School Closure was issued by Ohio Department of Health Director Acton on March 14, 2020 and in response to the Order of School closure, House Bill 197 (2020) was enacted on March 27, 2020; and
WHEREAS, language contained in HB 197 (2020) permits the Board to elect not to evaluate employees when it is deemed impossible or impractical to do so based on the implications of COVID-19.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Education of the Loveland City School District:
SECTION I
For the 2019-2020 school year, due to the Director of Health’s March 14th Order, or any extension of an order to close all kindergarten through 12th grade schools, and the language of House Bill 197 (2020), the Board hereby delegates authority to the Superintendent, Treasurer, or their individual designees to determine and deem it impossible or impracticable to conduct an evaluation of Board employees in accordance with the Ohio Revised Code and Board policies.
SECTION II
It is found and determined that all formal actions of this Board concerning or related to the adoption of this Resolution were adopted in an open meeting of this Board, and all deliberations of this Board and any of its committees that resulted in such formal actions were adopted in meetings open to the public, in compliance with all applicable requirements of the Ohio Revised Code.
3.4 Approve rescheduling of Board Meetings
Move the April 21, 2020 Board of Education Business Meeting to April 30, 2020
Move the May 5, 2020 Board of Education Work Session to May 12, 2020
Move the May 19, 2020 Board of Education Business Meeting to May 28, 2020
These meetings will all be conducted in a virtual format due to the extension of the “Stay at Home” order signed on 4/2/2020.
4. Treasurer Discussion Topics
4.1 Costs Related to the Building Closure Due to COVID-19
5. Treasurer Resolutions
5.1 Recommend to refund tuition for full day kindergarten for 50% of March and 100% for April
On Senior Night, April 26, 2019, during the Dawn Dahart Track and Field Invitational, Cooper Smeller cleared 14’9” to break the school pole vault record by an inch.
by Cassie Mattia
Loveland, Ohio – As May inches closer and closer, many LHS athletes are working hard to stay in the best shape they can in preparation for their Spring seasons. School is set to potentially open on May 4th and if indeed that happens Spring sports will reconvene as well!
Over the past couple of weeks, we have made it our goal to check in with LHS’s coaches and athletes to see just what they are doing to stay in shape in light of the COVID-19 outbreak. We have received some impressive responses from several motivated athletes and coaches! This week we chatted with LHS’s Head Men’s Track and Field Coach, James Vanatsky, to see what he is having his team do just in case the 2020 Track season continues.
LHS’s Head Men’s Track and Field Coach, James Vanatsky
Coach Vanatsky shared that he has been consistently sending out optional workouts every morning at 7:30 A.M. for his dedicated team.
“Some of our guys are early risers and they want to know what the workout will be so they can plan accordingly as to where and how they may have to complete their workouts,” Vanatsky said, “We send our workouts out through an app we have used for several years called ‘Remind 101.’ Before the quarantine I would use the app to send reminders to our guys for all kinds of things in the off-season and in-season but is it obviously handy in our current situation.”
Vanatsky also mentioned that the other Men’s Track team coaches have been getting involved by sending him daily optional workouts so that he can then add the workouts to what he sends out to the team.
“Our strength coach Derek Berry sends the team various workouts they can do based on the teams’ access to available weights, dumbbells, stretch bands, etc,” Vanatsky explained, “Our kids have told us they have been using the Loveland Bike Trail quite a bit for their workouts. They are supposed to be practicing social distancing while they workout but without being there in person (which we are not allowed to do) so it is hard to say if kids are completely by themselves or if they are getting up with a teammate or two in order to stay motivated and accountable for their workouts.”
With large neighborhoods spread throughout Loveland and easy access to the Loveland Bike Trail, Coach Vanatsky told us that he is very fortunate that his team is able to train outside in a safe and open environment.
“What percent of our kids are actually working out is hard to say,” Vanatsky added, “Also we do not know what intensity and regularity the workouts are being completed. It is obviously difficult to stay motivated when the season is not guaranteed or even probable at this point but we have a lot of very committed guys who I am sure are staying on top of their fitness levels.”
Here at Loveland Magazine, we commend all of the LHS coaches and athletes that continue to strive for success through these very tough times! We will continue to bring you the latest updates on what LHS athletes and coaches are doing to stay in shape so STAY TUNED!
While many in Loveland are losing their jobs and their businesses, our school board persists in asking us to raise our taxes. As it stands today, they may very well get their way simply by virtue of low voter turnout. So, if you
Kim and Rick Donaldson live on Paxton Road in Miami Township
haven’t already done so, apply for an absentee ballot now. The primary election originally scheduled for March 17th is now by mail only. Completed ballots must be postmarked no later than midnight, April 27th or dropped off at your county board of elections by 7:00 PM April 28th. Since you will first need to apply to have a ballot mailed to you, there is no time to lose.
Now back to the original question: should our school taxes be increased? We are told that additional funding is needed to “protect our progress”. This would imply that past increases have improved district performance. However, according to Ohio Department of Education data, Loveland’s overall performance index score ranked in the top 15% of Ohio schools from 2010 through 2014, with correspondingly high overall grades. In 2015, Loveland’s performance dropped precipitously, nearly to the bottom 25%. Various explanations have been floated for this drop: Common Core implementation, testing changes, students opting out of testing, etc. Available data do not definitively show what the explanation is, but it does show what it isn’t: spending. Referring to the first chart, note that Loveland’s 2019 overall performance is virtually identical to its 2010 to 2014 performance, but expenditure per pupil is as much as 20% higher after adjusting for inflation.Also note that Loveland’s performance had already recovered to pre-2015 levels by 2018, before the big ramp-up in expenditure.
Graph provided by Kim and Rick Donaldson
Since increased funding doesn’t seem to be improving our district’s rating, it is difficult to see exactly what progress we are protecting. Moreover, if we are to invest more of our hard-earned and increasingly scarce money in the schools, we expect to reap some benefit as a community. So far, our children don’t seem to have reaped the benefit of a better education and our property owners haven’t reaped the benefit of the appreciation that should result from a better-rated school system. However, there is one segment of the community who has reaped the benefit: teachers.
According to Ohio Department of Education data, presented in the second chart, Loveland’s average teacher salary was $63,566 in 2010, which was about average for an Ohio school district with similar demographics among both the community and the teachers. In 2019, Loveland’s average teacher salary had increased to $78,248, 10% above the comparable Ohio district average. Loveland’s average teacher salary has also risen faster than median income. In 2010, the average teacher salary was 28% above median income. By 2019 it had risen to 47% above median income. While some might argue that paying teachers more improves educational quality, Loveland’s teacher salary and performance trends do not support that claim. Statistical analysis of statewide trends also shows no practical benefit for paying teachers above-market salaries.
Graph provided by Kim and Rick Donaldson
We do not question the quality, dedication or professionalism of Loveland teachers. Nor do we fault them for negotiating the most favorable compensation package they can. It is the responsibility of the board of education and administration to negotiate effectively on behalf of the Loveland community at large to deliver a high-quality education at a cost we can afford. Sadly, they do not seem to be doing an adequate job of cost control at a time when residents cannot afford to pay more.
While no one knows how severe the current economic downturn will be or how long it will last, we do know the proposed levy will cost property owners an additional $20 per month for each $100,000 of appraised value, forever. Under the circumstances, it would be appropriate for the Loveland School Board to withdraw the levy, and we wholeheartedly agree with those who have already called on them to do so. However, the board’s past behavior indicates they are unlikely to heed those calls. The only way we can stop this levy and impose fiscally responsibility is to get an absentee ballot and vote no.
Columbus, Ohio – Athletes all over the state of Ohio are at a standstill as they wait to hear if their 2020 sport seasons will continue. Well the wait, for now, has ended as OHSAA announced last Wednesday that if school facilities reopen in early May Spring sports schedules and tournaments are in place and ready to go!
OHSAA’s Director of Communications, Tim Stried, and Executive Director, Jerry Snodgrass constructed and sent out a press release last Thursday addressing the state of Ohio’s concerns about high school athletes continuing their Spring sports schedules. Below are the plans OHSAA has put in place for Ohio High School Spring athletes.
“School facilities are closed through May 1 due to the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. If the closure is extended beyond May 1, the OHSAA will provide updated information. If school facilities do not reopen this school year, there will not be a spring sports season.
State tournament venues listed below are subject to change.
‘If the Governor and Ohio Department of Health deems it safe to reopen school facilities in early May, then we will have a shortened spring sports season that extends into June,’ said OHSAA Executive Director Jerry Snodgrass. ‘I commend our sports administration staff for putting the schedules together working on state tournament sites.’
Wednesday’s memo to school administrators also included details regarding Pupil Activity/Coaching Permits, annual awards certificates, District Athletic Board elections and academic eligibility for fall sports and college-bound seniors. The memo is posted at https://www.ohsaa.org/news-media/articles/school-administrators-update-april-8
‘We continue to applaud each of you for helping provide guidance and leadership to your coaches and your efforts to keep students engaged,’ Snodgrass wrote to school administrators in the memo. ‘This crisis has heightened the awareness that students want to be back in the classroom. Teachers want students back in the classroom. In our solid belief that school-based athletic programs are an extension of the classroom, we hold that same belief for our student-athletes and coaches. Getting kids back with coaches is much more than winning and we feel it a vital part of returning life to normalcy.’
SPRING SPORTS OVERVIEW
– If school facilities are closed for the remainder of the school year, spring sports will be canceled.
– The dates below for each sport are tentative and are based on the Governor’s optimistic direction that schools will reopen May 4. We will adjust accordingly.
– The mandatory no-contact period remains in place through May 1. No practices or group workouts may occur through this date, but the OHSAA encourages coaches to maintain electronic correspondence with their student-athletes.
– With a current return on May 4, the schedules below have been adopted for spring sports. Specific information relative to sectional and district tournaments, playing dates, seeding procedures, game sites, will all be provided in communications from the respective six District Athletic Boards.
– State tournament venues listed below are subject to change.
– If for any reason specific sites are shut down due to Governor’s orders, ALL sites will be shut down and tournaments will not be held.
BASEBALL
State tournament dates determined by the availability of Akron Canal Park.
Acclimation Period – May 4-8
Season Begins – May 9
Tournament Entry/Withdrawal – May 11
Tournament Draw/Coaches Meeting – May 17
Sectional Tournaments – May 23-30
District Tournaments – June 1-6
Regional Tournaments – June 11-12
State Tournament at Akron Canal Park (subject to change) – June 19-21
Season Concludes (regular-season games can be played up until this date) – June 27
SOFTBALL
Acclimation Period – May 4-8
Season Begins – May 9
Tournament Entry/Withdrawal – May 18
Tournament Draw/Coaches Meeting – May 24
Sectional Tournaments – May 30-June 6
District Tournaments – June 8-13
Regional Tournaments – June 15-20
State Tournament at Akron Firestone Stadium (subject to change) – June 25-27
Season Concludes (regular-season games can be played up until this date) – July 4
LACROSSE
Acclimation Period – May 4-8
Season Begins – May 9
Tournament Entry/Withdrawal – May 18
Tournament Draw/Coaches Meeting – May 25
Regional Qualifying – May 26-30
Regional Tournaments – June 1-7
State Semifinals – June 8-10
State Championships at Ohio Wesleyan University (subject to change) – June 13
Season Concludes (regular-season games can be played up until this date) – June 13
BOYS TENNIS
Acclimation Period – May 4-8
Season Begins – May 9
Tournament Entry/Withdrawal – May 18
Tournament Draw/Coaches Meeting – May 24
Sectional Tournaments – May 30-June 6
District Tournaments – June 8-13
State Tournament at Hilliard Davidson High School (subject to change) – June 18-20
Season Concludes (regular-season contests can be played up until this date) – June 27
TRACK AND FIELD
Athletic facilities at The Ohio State University will not be available in June, so the state tournament will be split into three different sites, per division. The details are below.
Acclimation Period – May 4-8
Season Begins – May 9
Tournament Entry/Withdrawal – May 25
Tournament Draw/Coaches Meeting – May 31
District Tournaments – June 9-13
Regional Tournaments – June 17-20
State Tournament – June 26-27
State Tournament Sites (subject to change): Division I at Hilliard Darby; Division II At Pickerington North; Division III at Westerville North
Season Concludes (regular-season meets can be held up until this date) – June 27″
For the latest news in the world of OHSAA, you can visit www.ohsaa.org. If you have any urgent questions about the tentative Spring sport plans contact Tim Stried at tstried@ohsaa.org.
Loveland, Ohio – This painted photo was taken by Scott Carney at the Loveland Bike Trail where it crosses Broadway. This plant sits right between the trail and the parking lot that is adjacent to Loveland Canoe and Kayak.
Scott said, “Trying to bring a little beauty and positivity into the day. Have a great one guys! Peace.”
Fastpitch Head Coach Mike Rapp explaining the ground rules to the ump before the start of the Senior Night Game in 2017
by Cassie Mattia
Loveland, Ohio – As the COVID-19 outbreak continues students and teachers will now not be returning back to school until May 4th. So what does that mean for LHS’s athletes?
Here at Loveland Magazine, we have made it our mission to talk to both LHS’s coaches and athletes to see just what they are doing to stay in shape in order to prepare for their potential seasons! This week we chatted with LHS’s Head Women’s Softball Coach, Michael Rapp, and LHS’s Strength Coach, Derek Berry, to see just what their athletes are up to.
Coach Rapp said that although it’s been tough for all of the LHS athletic programs, Strength Coach Derek Barry has really come through with some excellent workouts for the athletes.
Photo of Derek Berry from IGNITION ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE GROUP, LLC
“Our strength coach, Derek Berry, has created some training programs for our athletes,” Rapp said, “He just rolled out an App for the athletes to use on their phones from home!”
Coach Rapp added that although the new workout App that Berry rolled out has been primarily what the Women’s Softball Team has been using to stay in shape, Rapp has also been giving his Lady Tigers a few softball related workouts of his own.
“I told my softball players they could do 100 reps a day (3,000) for April including swings, and band work or our ab routines to stay in shape. Some are throwing with family members and some are doing the program that our Coach Berry sent out. I even promised them that I would do 100 reps a day plus walk the local park,” Rapp added.
Derek Berry, who is the Director of Sports Performance, is head of the LHS weight room. Berry stated that during these times he has been forced to get a little creative, but has received a lot of great feedback on the new workout app he has launched with LHS’s Athletic Director, Brian Conaster.
LHS Fastpitch Softball Coach, Mike Rapp recieved the prestigious 2019 Southwest District; Sportsmanship, Ethic & Integrity Coaches Award.
“We have partnered with a company called Teambuildr that provides an online Athlete Management System. Once the athletes register with their teams, they have full access to any workouts I put on there,” Berry explained, “Some features of the app include videos for all the exercises, a leaderboard for kids to compete with each other, and options to either check off the exercise as completed or how many reps you did. Coaches can then have a master account which shows them the progress of their team. On the app, I have only been releasing bodyweight workouts for the time being, but outside of that, I have been sending coaches two other options for athletes that may have a more advanced setup, which is a dumbbell workout, and a home gym workout,” Berry added.
Strength Coach Berry is apart of a contracted sports performance company called Ignition APG. Ignition APG was ultimately responsible for the partnership with Teambuildr. Ignition APG also offers a similar app to Teambuildr to the public for a small monthly fee.
Berry has also been releasing informative videos on social media that display creative ways to exercise.
“On @lovelandstrength I have been releasing informative videos on how to get creative with limited exercise options, and we’ve been having the kids post time-lapses of their workouts,” Berry explained, “I have also begun a wall sit competition for the month of April. Whoever can hold a wall sit for the longest time receives a prize!”
Thank you to the coaches and athletes that have been sharing their at-home workouts with Loveland Magazine and all of our readers! Stay tuned for the next “What are LHS’s Athletes Doing to Stay in Shape?” segment!
Ohio’s new stay at home order goes into effect at midnight tonight.
Columbus, Ohio –Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted, and Dr. Amy Acton, MD, MPH, provided the following updates on Ohio’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic this afternoon.
HOSPITAL CAPACITY
The announcement said that Ohio must double its hospital capacity due to the oncoming COVID-19 surge, Ohio has developed a plan to expand healthcare services at alternative sites in addition to the traditional medical care facilities. Representatives from health care systems, local governments, county emergency management agencies, state agencies, the Ohio National Guard, among others, examined buildings across the state that could support large numbers of patients.
The following sites have been selected based on considerations such as distance to an existing hospital, conditions safe for patients and health care professionals, and space to meet the region’s expected needs, including the Duke Energy Convention Center in downtown Cincinnati.
Seagate Convention Center, Lucas County
Case Western University’s Health Education Campus, Cuyahoga County
Dayton Convention Center, Montgomery County
Covelli Convention Center, Mahoning County
Duke Energy Convention Center, Hamilton County
Greater Columbus Convention Center, Franklin County
These facilities would be used for the mildly ill, while the sickest patients will be housed in traditional hospitals.
Assessments of other sites will continue if needed.
The press release from the Governor’s office said that health care regions in southern and southeastern Ohio have determined the existing hospital facilities in their areas will, with additional equipment, be capable to handle a surge in patients without going to an off-site location.
OHIO NATIONAL GUARD TO ASSIST FEDERAL PRISON
Governor DeWine announced that he has authorized the Ohio National Guard to assist federal authorities in the Elkton Federal Correctional Institution in Columbiana County where seven inmates have tested positive for COVID-19, and three inmates have died from the disease.
“To be clear, this is not a state facility, it is a federal prison – but, this prison is in Ohio. Ohio citizens work there, and their families live here,” said Governor DeWine. “As we’ve said for weeks, we’re all in this together, and providing state help for this federal prison is the right thing to do.”
The Ohio National Guard’s mission will be focused on providing medical assistance. They will not be armed, nor will they be providing security.
The guardsmen and women will assist in the prison’s infirmary with non-COVID-19 cases and with patients who are showing symptoms of the disease. These soldiers, who all work in the medical field, will have N-95 respirators for protection while they work to augment the current prison medical staff. They will treat those they can and triage others with serious symptoms for hospital care.
The guard also stands ready to help with transporting the seriously ill patients to the hospital in the event of a surge of sick inmates. In addition to staff, the guard will bring equipment and ambulances with them as well.
Governor DeWine also requested that the Federal Bureau of Prisons and U.S. Department of Justice cease accepting new inmates at the facility.
DISPUTE RESOLUTION
Lt. Governor Husted announced that the administration’s Dispute Resolution Commission, which was initially announced last week, is now prepared to receive submissions from essential businesses as well as county health departments.
The panel, which includes Ohio Department of Commerce Director Sheryl Maxfield, Development Services Agency Director Lydia Mihalik, and Public Utilities Commission of Ohio Chairman Sam Randazzo, will specifically seek to resolve disputes when two county health departments disagree on whether a type of business should or should not be deemed essential during the state of emergency. The purpose of the commission is to provide clarity and ensure that similarly-situated businesses are treated fairly, regardless of which side of a county line they operate.
Ohio’s new stay at home order goes into effect at midnight tonight. You can find the full order at coronavirus.ohio.gov.
Retailers will be required to determine a maximum number of customers allowed in the store to account for proper physical distancing. That number must also be displayed at the businesses’ entrances.
REMINDER – SNOWBIRDS MUST SELF-QUARANTINE
Governor DeWine today reminded “snowbirds” that they must quarantine for 14 days once they arrive in Ohio.
“I know that many of our Ohio snowbirds will soon be returning from places like Florida, and we want to make sure that you remain healthy and that those around you remain healthy,” said Governor DeWine.
In addition to those returning after spending winter elsewhere, anyone who has traveled outside of Ohio for any other reason must also self-quarantine for 14 days upon their return. This order excludes truckers, healthcare workers, other workers providing essential services, and those who live on the state border.
CURRENT OHIO DATA
There are 4,450 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ohio and 142 deaths. A total of 1,214 people have been hospitalized, including 371 admissions to intensive care units. In-depth data can be accessed by visiting coronavirus.ohio.gov.
4,450 – Confirmed Cases in Ohio
371 – Number of ICU admissions
1,214 – Number of Hospitalizations in Ohio
142 – Number of Deaths
<1–101 – Age Range
54 – Median Age
48%* – Sex – Males
52%* – Sex – Females
LAST UPDATED: 04/06/20 (UPDATED DAILY AT 2 P.M.) *<1% SEX NOT REPORTED
In Clermont County there are 27 cases, 4 hospitalizations, and 1 death.
In Hamilton County there are 394 cases, 66 hospitalizations, and 9 deaths.
In Warren County there are 37 cases, 5 hospitalizations, and 0 deaths.
In Butler County there are 75 cases, 29 hospitalizations, and 2 deaths.
Video of today’s full update, including versions with foreign language closed captioning, can be viewed on the Ohio Channel’s YouTube page.
For more information on Ohio’s response to COVID-19, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov or call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH.
Loveland, Ohio – Schools out, non-essential businesses are closed, parks are shut down and all sporting events are canceled, so just what are Loveland High School’s athletes doing to stay in tip-top shape in preparation for their potential sports seasons?
We understand that there are many people out there wanting some insight on how to stay in shape during this time so we asked the LHS coaches and athletes to share with us and the community of Loveland what workouts they are doing and where they are doing them at. According to the LHS coaching staff, the COVID-19 outbreak has forced them to get very creative with workouts and the locations of the workouts. Many of the coaches have said that their athletes have not only been doing the workouts that they have been giving them but the athletes themselves have also been creating some of their own workouts!
The first LHS coach to share with us his experience with his athletes and their workouts is JV Men’s Basketball Coach, Griffin Williams! Williams provided us with a statement describing how dedicated his athletes have been doing this tough time.
“Our varsity coach Rob Reis is doing a very nice job in trying to keep everyone engaged, as well as having the kids put some pressure on one another to make sure they are continuing to work and continuing to progress,” Williams said, “For me, it’s been fun to follow along to see who is checking in and who is posting their stuff for us to share. If you visit our program’s Twitter account https://twitter.com/Loveland_MensBB you will be able to see some content on how our players and the youth are working on their games,” Williams added.
Stay tuned for more workouts and workout locations from LHS’s very own coaches and athletes!
by Cassie Mattia
Over the past, five or so years Loveland Magazine TV was at the annual Spring, Fall, and Winter signing events at LHS to record the ceremonies so the whole community could hear the athletic director brag about your accomplishments on and off the playing fields, courts, pools, and alleys.
![[Exclusive Video] April 7 meeting of the Loveland Board of Education](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/maxresdefault-1.jpg)
Wednesday’s memo to school administrators also included details regarding Pupil Activity/Coaching Permits, annual awards certificates, District Athletic Board elections and academic eligibility for fall sports and college-bound seniors. The memo is posted at 
LHS Fastpitch Softball Coach, Mike Rapp recieved the prestigious 2019 Southwest District; Sportsmanship, Ethic & Integrity Coaches Award.
