Loveland, Ohio – For the Loveland Tigers Football Team, last season was a learning experience to be sure. Under the stewardship of interim head coach Brian Damewood, Loveland finished 3-7. They posted wins against Turpin, Walnut Hills and Little Miami by a combined score of 99-16. Numerous players, including Brady Stidham, Max Carver, Kole Dahlke, Dylan Hacker, Sawyer Muchmore, and Luke Kline were named as 2024 Cincinnati Enquirer Football All-Stars for Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.
By all accounts the 2024 season was a very positive effort that demonstrated that good things are on the horizon for this team.
WCPO is reporting yet another bright spot for next season. According to their reporting, the Tigers have named Bob Mullins as its head football coach, pending Loveland Board of Education approval. By way of background, “Mullins was the Monroe coach for five seasons (2019 to 2023) where he led the Hornets to two playoff wins. He led Monroe to a Southwestern Buckeye League East division co-championship in 2021.”
This is a great hire for Loveland football. Coach Mullins’ resume is impressive and extensive. He has postseason experience and appears to be poised to help this team take the next steps to get this great program to the next level of continued to success in the Eastern Cincinnati Conference.
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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?
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.
Loveland, Ohio – Loveland High School Spanish Teacher Lisa Brinkman has been selected for the 2025 NEA Foundation Global Learning Fellowship. The Fellowship is a year-long opportunity for her to learn and grow as an educator and bring her learning back for the benefit of our students.
Lisa has been teaching Spanish at LHS for 20 years, is the chairperson of the World Language Department, and her two children attend Loveland Schools.
Outside of the school day, Lisa will dedicate time to webinars, online coursework, a two-day conference, and an international field study.
She is one of only 48 educators from across the country to be chosen for this prestigious opportunity.
More about NEA Foundation Global Learning Fellowship
Through the NEA Foundation Global Learning Fellowship, public school educators develop the knowledge and skills to integrate global competency into their daily classroom instruction, advocate for global competency in their schools and districts, and help students to thrive in our increasingly interconnected world. Fellows transform their classrooms to give students a global perspective.
Over the course of a year, NEA Foundation Global Learning Fellows immerse themselves in:
Ongoing workshops and webinars with global competency and education
Fellows’ independent study followed by group reflection and discussion
Group mentoring
A two-day in-person conference
Completion of a capstone project incorporating one or more of the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals into classroom instructions
A 10-day international field study to examine another country’s education system, culture, and historical context
Described by many fellows as “transformative,” the international field study experience guides fellows through thoughtful investigation of the historical and cultural contexts of the country visited while they also learn about its education system.
Fellows meet with policymakers, community and nonprofit leaders, educators, students, and school administrators. The NEA Foundation carefully selects field study destinations where fellows can forge fruitful relationships while deeply immersing themselves in a new environment. Previous field study destinations include Peru, China, Brazil, South Africa, and Costa Rica.
Fellows emerge from the Global Learning Fellowship with a deeper appreciation for cultural differences, stronger perspective taking skills, and firsthand experience of another culture’s approach to education. Their experiences throughout the fellowship reinforce the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in meeting the needs of students and communities.
Fellows also develop an informed understanding of what global competency looks like in the classroom, why it’s critical to incorporate it into their teaching practices, and how they can be advocates for global competency at their schools and districts. They establish meaningful relationships with fellows across the country, many maintained throughout their careers and lifetimes.
Since its inception in 2011, more than 500 public school educators have participated in the Global Learning Fellowship. Fellows have come from all 50 states, teaching every subject, at every grade level, and at all stages of their teaching careers. For many past fellows, participating in the field study was their first time traveling abroad. The Global Learning Fellowship has expanded the horizons of fellows, their students, and their communities.
Loveland, Ohio – National Merit Commended students from Loveland High School Class of 2025 are Harrison Hentz, Carter Lucas, Benjamin Tibbs, and Adam Yesso. National Merit Commended students are among the highest achievers in the country on the PSAT.
Loveland, Ohio – Loveland High School senior Josie Cooper has been selected to serve on the National Hope Squad Council. Hope Squad is a nationwide peer-to-peer mental well-being and suicide prevention program that has been part of Loveland City Schools for many years.
As a member of the National Hope Squad Council, Cooper will have an opportunity to collaborate with Hope Squad members from across the country, advocate for mental health awareness and suicide prevention, and help shape Hope Squad programming.
Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland Athletic Booster’s 2024 Loveland High School Homecoming Parade will be rolling down the streets of Loveland on Thursday, September 19th, beginning at 6:30 PM.
The Grand Marshal of the 2024 Homecoming Parade is longtime Loveland resident Tori Morrison who the Boosters say, “Has tirelessly supported our students, athletes, and community over the years.”
Morrison has stepped down, but organized the Homecoming Parade for ten years. She served on the Board of the Athletic Boosters for four years in roles as Vice President and Treasurer.
“It is a big honor to be chosen as this year’s LAB Homecoming parade Grand Marshal. I have enjoyed planning the parade over the years. I have met so many great people that became my friends.”
Tori added that she has spent countless years as a team mom for all three of her children.
The parade begins at the new Loveland-Symmes Fire Department Health and Wellness Center/East Nature Preserve parking lot located at 227 East Loveland Avenue. The parade continues through Historic Downtown and along West Loveland Avenue before turning down Rich Road and ending at Loveland High School.
The Loveland Middle School and Loveland Youth program participants will exit the parade route when it reaches Phillips Park.
The annual Powder Puff football game and other Homecoming Spirit Week activities will be held at the Loveland High School stadium immediately following the parade.
The Homecoming football game will be played on Friday, September 20th, with the Loveland Tigers taking on the Turpin Spartans. Kickoff is at 7PM.
Loveland, Ohio – On this week’s podcast episode, Chris connects with Loveland Tigers head football coach Brian Damewood. Coach Damewood recaps the end of the Tigers’ preseason and talks about all the fight on display against Harrison on Friday night. While the end result wasn’t ideal, Loveland’s players refused to give up and played with heart and tenacity. They were already in the film room on Saturday finding ways to get better in advance of next week’s matchup against Lebanon. Go Tigers, and we thank Coach Damewood for taking the time to be with us!
Have a listen and don’t forget to leave your comments and feedback!
We’re also aware of some audio issues with this weeks’ episode and will have those ironed out for all our future talks with Coach Damewood, so thanks for your patience!
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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?
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.
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:
Loveland, Ohio – On this week’s all new Queen City Sports Podcast Chris rides solo and discusses the approach Nick Krall took for the Reds at the trade deadline and how it was a safe play given the state of the team. But was it the right play? Also, the Ja’Marr Chase situation drags on for the Bengals in training camp, along with some concerning injuries. Finally, Chris hits on the 2024 Loveland Tigers Football schedule and some of the best matchups to look for this fall!
Have a listen and don’t forget to leave your comments and feedback!
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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?
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.
The automated external defibrillator (AED) at the Loveland Town Clock
David Miller is the Managing Editor of Loveland Magazine
“I think the new law by Governor DeWine is definitely needed. If this can save one life, then it is worth it.”
– Loveland High School Athletic Director Jayson Bruce
by David Miller
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed House Bill 47 on Wednesday. The new law will require automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to be placed in every public and chartered nonpublic school in Ohio, as well as all municipally owned or operated sports and recreation locations.
It will also require schools to adopt emergency action plans for the use of AEDs and practice these plans quarterly, among other provisions.
Among those in attendance for Tuesday’s bill-signing ceremony were representatives from the NFL and several other organizations that make up the Smart Heart Sports Coalition.
Loveland City Manager Dave Kennedy told Loveland Magazine that there is an AED at the Loveland Bike Trail next to the town clock at West Loveland Avenue and Railroad Avenue, Phillips Park, and McCoy Park. “We have cameras protecting the AED’s and if the alarms go off when accessed, the communication center will see them first hand.”
Loveland High School Athletic Director Jayson Bruce told Loveland Magazine, “We have been extremely blessed to have been way ahead of this for many years here in Loveland. As a matter of fact, Loveland High, Middle and Intermediate schools are all certified as Heart Safe schools through Project ADAM. And as part of this certification, we had to create and execute plans to respond to heart emergencies. A huge part of these plans are the AED’s. Our High School and Middle/Intermediate school campuses are extremely well equipped with AED’s for not only the school day, but all of our athletic teams. The number one priority is and always will be safety. We are blessed to be able to provide access to AED’s to all of our sports teams.”
Bruce said that on the High School campus their trainers have an AED with them at all times. There is also an AED mounted on the outside of the team room at Loveland High School Stadium. At Loveland High School, they have AED’s mounted outside of the gyms and the workout facility. Bruce added, “We also have backpack units that go along with our teams that train or participate off campus, like cross country, etc.”
The Loveland Middle and Intermediate school campus is very similar to the High School. “We have AED’s mounted directly outside of each gym. The trainer, who is at football practices and games, always has an AED with them. Since we have teams that practice off campus as well, we send them with AED’s,” Bruce said.
Founded in March 2023 in response to the life-saving emergency response and care provided to Buffalo Bills Safety Damar Hamlin after he experienced a sudden cardiac arrest, the Smart Heart Sports Coalition is comprised of nearly 40 member organizations – including major sports leagues and organizations, as well as leading patient and health advocacy groups across the country – that advocate for efforts to prevent fatalities from sudden cardiac arrest among student-athletes. (Click here to read letter of support from Damar Hamlin)
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The following individuals/organizations involved with the coalition offered statements in support of Governor DeWine’s signing of HB 47:
NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE & RELATED INDIVIDUALS
T.J. Carrie, Founder, T.J. Carrie Foundation, NFL Cornerback “Governor DeWine, we are honored to be a part of this significant milestone. The dedication, vision, and countless hours of effort from many individuals have driven transformative change for our communities. We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who supported HB 47 and made this achievement possible.”
Kenneth Edmonds, Vice President of Public Policy and Government Affairs, National Football League “On behalf of the National Football League and the nearly 40 members of the Smart Heart Sports Coalition, I applaud Governor DeWine and the Ohio legislature for enacting this common-sense, life-saving measure. With this bill crossing the goal line and into law, Ohio’s school communities and athletic venues are better equipped and prepared to swing into action and respond effectively to a cardiac emergency if it occurs. This is a victory for student safety.”
Damar Hamlin, Buffalo Bills Safety “Today’s bill-signing is a testament to leadership and teamwork, and I thank and applaud Governor DeWine, the leaders of the Ohio legislature, the bill sponsors, and the many Smart Heart Sports Coalition team members who came together to move this life-saving legislation forward. I’ll always consider Ohio my second home, and I’m delighted that this new law makes the places around the state where young people learn, play, and compete safer, more resilient, and better prepared to respond to a cardiac emergency. This is a big win for young people throughout Ohio.” (Click here to read letter of support from Damar Hamlin)
Paul B. Sparling, Head Athletic Trainer Emeritus, Cincinnati Bengals “By signing this bill, once it is fully implemented, it is just a matter of time before someone who suffers a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) at an athletic event or facility in Ohio will be given a second chance at life. I had a ‘front row seat’ at the SCA episode involving Damar Hamlin in January 2023, and got to witness the end result of planning, preparing, practicing, and execution of a well-designed emergency action plan and use of CPR and an AED. Thank you to all of those involved in sponsoring and supporting this life-saving legislation.”
Denzel Ward, Founder/President, Make Them Know Your Name Foundation, Cleveland Browns Cornerback “This legislation is so important and I’m glad to see Ohio taking such strides in the right direction to help avoid heart-related fatalities. Having grown up in Cleveland and being an Ohio State Buckeye and Cleveland Brown, it’s an honor to use my platform to advance the safety measures in place for our communities.”
Nicole Ward, Executive Director/Co-Founder, Make Them Know Your Name Foundation (Denzel’s Mother) “When my son Denzel got drafted to the Cleveland Browns and we set up the Make Them Know Your Name Foundation, our vision was always to take part in life-changing heart health initiatives like HB 47. It’s not lost on me the number of tragedies many of us have had to face to get to this point, and it brings a sense of pride that the story of my family’s tragedy played a part in making this bill a reality.”
OTHER “SMART HEART” ORGANIZATIONS
American Heart Association “The American Heart Association appreciates the legislature and the governor for supporting legislation that will require the placement of AEDs in all public schools along with a requirement that emergency action plans be adopted at these sites and for staff to be trained in using AEDs. This life-saving policy compliments and reinforces Ohio’s existing requirement that coaches be certified in CPR. Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of sudden death in young athletes and most commonly occurs during or just after physical exertion, while engaged in practice sessions, organized competition, or other sports activities. With only seconds to react and every minute crucial, having an appropriate plan in place during a sudden cardiac emergency will certainly make a difference in survival.”
Dr. Stuart Berger, M.D., President, Citizen CPR Foundation, and Medical Director, Project ADAM “We are beyond delighted that Governor DeWine is signing HB 47 into law and are thankful to the state of Ohio. This bill will require AED placement in schools and will undoubtedly save the lives of both students as well as adults. To the state of Ohio, where Damar Hamlin had a very successful public resuscitation after a cardiac arrest, we say THANK YOU!!!!”
Lindsay Davis, Former Miss Ohio, Eponym of Lindsay’s Law, Heart Patient “As a former Miss Ohio, athlete, and current heart patient, I helped pass Lindsay’s Law. I am humbled and grateful to build on that legislation with the support of Representative Brown, Representative Bird, Governor DeWine, and all of the inspiring NFL Smart Heart Sports Coalition advocates who have worked so hard to pass HB 47. As Ohioans, we are leading the charge to safeguard our children’s futures and I couldn’t be more proud.”
Mary M. Newman, President & CEO, Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation “As a national nonprofit organization, advocating for the prevention of death and disability from sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) with a vibrant SCA survivor community, and as a member of the Smart Heart Sports Coalition, we commend the Ohio legislature for passing HB 47. We believe this legislation will undoubtedly help save lives by requiring placement of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in public and chartered nonpublic schools and public recreational facilities; requiring staff at these locations to be trained in the use of AEDs; requiring the Ohio Department of Health to develop a model emergency action plan; and providing liability protections for those using AEDs in good faith.”
Darren Sudman, Simon’s Dad and Co-Founder of Simon’s Heart “There are so few instances in life where major problems have an easy solution. HB 47 is one of them. Schools and the people inside of them are now prepared to respond to sudden cardiac arrest. All you need are chest compressions, an automated external defibrillator, and a plan. Thanks to this law, we do.”
The Governor was also joined for Tuesday’s ceremony by the bill’s primary sponsors, as well as leadership from the Ohio Senate and Ohio House of Representatives:
Ohio House Speaker Jason Stephens (R-Kitts Hill) “Having three sons who competed in high school sports, and one of our teammates almost had an incident, it really does hit home. Hopefully this will affect people throughout the state of Ohio, and it will be a positive thing and something that shows we care about our kids in Ohio, and we care about our future.”
Ohio Senate President Matt Huffman (R-Lima) “The stories are certainly compelling. We know that, unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident. It happens throughout the United States and throughout the world. Our legislature does a lot of work to bring things like this together. I want to congratulate the bill sponsors, the Speaker, and the Governor for this day.”
State Rep. Richard Brown (D-Canal Winchester) “AEDs in combination with CPR can and will save lives. Canen Dickman is here with us today because of this. What we wanted to do was to pass a bill that was common sense, bipartisan, that will do what it did for Canaan: save lives – and not just young people, but everybody around the state of Ohio. I am honored to be the person that was entrusted by my constituents to bring this idea forth. I thank Representative Bird for cosponsoring this bill with me, everyone in the legislature, and all of the other entities that gave their support. It takes a village to do something like this, and I thank everyone who was involved.”
State Rep. Adam Bird (R-New Richmond) “Only a couple of months after the whole nation watched Damar Hamlin’s life be saved by an AED in Cincinnati, a 17-year-old student in my district back home passed away from sudden cardiac arrest during the school day. After those events took place, the opportunity presented itself for me to join Representative Brown on this bill and I quickly jumped on that opportunity, because we all see the importance of doing everything that we can to save young people’s lives.”
Loveland, Ohio – On a special edition of The Queen City Sports Podcast, Chris catches up with his former mentor and current head coach of the Loveland Tigers High School football team, Brian Damewood. The guys discuss the state of Loveland football and the future for their 2024 campaign. The future is so bright under Coach Damewood and we hope you enjoy this interview and get as hyped as we are for the upcoming high school football season!
All this and more on The Queen City Sports Podcast, take a listen and don’t forget to leave your comments and feedback!
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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?
We would love to hear from our readers, and we thank you for your support and engagement.
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.
by Chris Ball
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.
Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland Athletic Booster’s 2024 Loveland High School Homecoming Parade will be rolling down the streets of Loveland on Thursday, September 19
All this and more on The Queen City Sports Podcast, take a listen and don’t forget to leave your comments and feedback!