News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area
Without fear or favor
Since 2004
Elizabeth Madison is the first ever female wrestler at Loveland High School to earn her way to the OHSAA Championships.
Madison is the 170 lbs Regional Champion.
Madison will take her 38-0 record to state this upcoming weekend and compete for a state title.
by David Miller
Loveland, Ohio – The Women’s and Men’s Loveland High School Cross Country Teams got an electrifying send-off on Friday as they left town heading to the Village of Obetz. They compete at the Fortress Obetz sports complex Saturday afternoon in the OHSAA Championship. Go HERE to read tournament info from the Ohio High Schoo Athletic Association.
It’s not too late to make plans to make the trip to cheer on our Tigers.
Read this story we published yesterday and watch the interview Cassie Mattia conducted with the teams.
Cassie Mattia – Nov 4, 2021
Here are some photos the Athletic Department published today of the teams on their Twitter feed.
by Cassie Mattia
Loveland, Ohio – As you walk the halls of Loveland High school it is not hard to feel the sense of community the students, teachers, and coaches have created! That sense of community doesn’t just linger in the hallways it’s also very present in both LHS’s academics and athletic programs. One athletic program, in particular, took that sense of community LHS created and implemented it into everything he and his team does. Darnell Parker, LHS’s head women’s basketball coach, wanted to keep that community mentality when he took over the team, but at the same time, he wanted that same mentality to set the women’s basketball program apart from all of the other athletic programs. That’s when #Ourway was created. This unique mindset has not only proven its success with the Loveland Women’s Basketball team’s win-loss record but has also created a lot of hype with all of the Loveland Tigers!
“OurWay started out as more of a tag line slash cool hashtag, but over time it became a way of life for our program! It started back in year 1 with Jenna Stanton and Madi McDermott,” Parker explained, “We had a lot of strong seniors that year, but those two really grabbed ahold of this team in the offseason and set the tone for how we were going to go about our business day in and day out! Like our community, we didn’t want to be like the Mason’s or the Lakota’s we wanted to be great the Loveland way, and that is where OurWay came from.“
The Loveland Women’s Basketball program celebrated a huge moment in history last Saturday winning their first ECC championship. The Lady Tigers finished the ECC regular season with a 13-1 record and a 19-3 record overall. And if winning an ECC title wasn’t enough for the Tigers, Coach Darnell Parker also celebrated quite the milestone this year reaching 100 wins.
“To be able to accomplish both of these milestones in the same season was unbelievable!,” Parker said, “But winning the league by far takes the cake! This is something that has never been done by Loveland in the ECC, and 17 years since the last league title of any kind in Women’s Basketball. Being able to see the absolute joy on our kids’ faces and from everyone in the crowd is what this is all about!“
Coach Parker, who from a very young age knew basketball was his passion, began coaching summer basketball camps when he was a senior varsity point guard at Findlay High School. Parker earned both all-league and all-district accolades as a point guard at Findlay High School. After Parker graduated high school he continued his stellar basketball career at Bluffton University where he played all 4 years. At Bluffton Parker was given the team captain role and was awarded best defensive player his senior year. Parker graduated from Bluffton with a degree in Business Management and immediately decided to get back into the game he just couldn’t get enough of.
Parker’s basketball coaching career started at Glen Este where he was selected to coach 6th-grade boys. For 9 years Parker successfully coached at Glen Este until Finneytown High School approached him with an opportunity to coach the Men’s JV team. While gaining experience in the men’s high school basketball circuit Parker again got an opportunity to coach but this time as the varsity head men’s basketball coach at Clermont Northeastern High School. Next on Parker’s superb coaching journey was at Clark Montessori High School where he took the position as the varsity men’s head basketball coach. At Clark Montessori, Parker made a name for himself and his team! In 2015 he not only won the Miami Valley Conference-Scarlet Championship he also was named Coach of the Year! While Parker coached at Clark Montessori he also coached AAU Basketball at Ohio Crossover Athletics gaining even more knowledge about the game of basketball.
Parker coached for 3 years at Clark Montessori before making the transition to Loveland High School as an assistant varsity women’s basketball coach. After almost immediately making a huge impact on the Loveland Women’s Basketball program Parker was asked to take the varsity head coach position in 2017.
Once Parker accepted the position he began working towards achieving the goals that he set for himself as a coach and the goals that the Loveland Women’s Basketball program had set as well. After 3 years of working towards some serious goals, this year Parker and his Lady Tigers not only grabbed their first ECC title ever in school history Parker himself also reached 100 wins and was named District 16 Coach of the Year! Parker said he couldn’t be more pleased with his team’s outstanding efforts this year and appreciates everyone that helped him get to this point in his coaching career.
“There have been so many people that have contributed to me getting to this point, but first and foremost I have to thank God because, without him, none of this is possible,” Parker explained, “My Mom and my Dad to this day are my biggest cheerleaders and have been great! My two girls Alexis and Madison have sacrificed a lot of Dad time so that I could pursue my passion and I love them unconditionally for that! And to the Loveland community, thank you for accepting me as one of your own! This community has wrapped their arms around me and this program, THANK YOU! Lastly thank you to the coaching staff, Samantha, Keith, Wray Jean, Brad, and Mike. This is a team effort and these guys put up with me every single day and we wouldn’t be where we are without them,” Parker added.
Coach Parker and his Lady Tigers have already taken the postseason tournament by storm grabbing their first win against Talawanda on February 13th with a score of 62-24. As if there wasn’t enough Loveland Women’s Basketball Tiger hype, Senior Jillian Hayes broke the All-Time Leading Scorer record, putting up 19 points for the Tiger win. Jilian Partin previously held the record with 1,356 points in 2005. Senior Kate Garry also holds an impressive record for the Tigers with the Most made 3 point shots in school history. This record was also previously held by Jilian Partin in 2005 with 65 made 3 point shots. Garry also holds the spot for the most 3 point shots made this year in the ECC.
Check out what these Lady Tigers had to say about Coach Parker’s 100 win milestone!
The Loveland Women’s Basketball team will continue their “journey to the tourney” Wednesday, February 19th against Lebanon at 7:30 PM at Lakota East High School
by Cassie Mattia
Columbus, Ohio – The Loveland High School Women’s Track and Field team sent 3 athletes to represent the Tigers at the OHSAA State Track and Field Tournament in Columbus, Ohio over the weekend. Miya Brines, Jordan Morrison, and Kaitlyn Andrews raced their way into the state tournament after placing 5th at the Regional Tournament in the 100-meter hurdles, the 300-meter hurdles, and the 200-meter dash.
The school held a state tournament send off for Brines, Morrison, and Andrews Friday afternoon. Students, staff and family members showed their love and support for the Lady Tigers in a confetti-covered Loveland High School Fitness Center. Students held up whole made signs and “made some noise” as the 3 track stars enjoyed cookies and words of encouragement from peers, teachers, and coaches. Below are some of the tweets wishing Brines, Morrison, and Andrews good luck before leaving for the state tournament.
Coach Brant @CoachLbrant
What a grand send-off for the State Track and Field Meet! Thank you @LovTigers_AD for all you’ve done for @TrackLoveland this season! Good luck, girls! Go, Tigers!
LovelandAthletics @LovTigers_AD
Great State Send Off for 3 track STARS! Miya, Jordan, & Kaitlyn are on their way to Columbus for the State @OHSAASports Track Meet! #TigerNation is PROUD of you! Go Tigers!
The three Tigers made their way to the Jesse Owens Stadium at The Ohio State University and competed in their preliminary races on Friday evening.
Miya Brines, the Tiger’s 100-meter hurdler, ran an outstanding race and not only shattered the school record with a time of 14.72 seconds but also qualified for finals with a 6th place finish. Brines qualifying finish was also her personal best time for the season in the 100-meter hurdles. The previous record for the 100-meter hurdles was held by Gabby Dierling in 2016 with a time of 14.90 seconds.
Kaitlyn Andrews, who ran a personal best time of 25.06 seconds to qualify to compete in the 200-meter dash, was not able to participate due to an injury she sustained right before the meet.
Jordan Morrison, who qualified for the 300-meter hurdle state prelims with a personal best time of 45.37, finished her season strong at the state meet running a 46.78. Check out the tweet from one of the many Loveland track supporters that were at the state meet Friday.
Jenifer Dell @Dellometry
After a long delay, our @TrackLoveland state runners get to warm up! Go Tigers!! @LHSTigrInCharge
On Saturday Brines made her way down to the track to compete in the finals of the 100-meter hurdles. Brines finished the race with a 14.70, beating her school record and her personal best time. Brines earned a 4th place finish qualifying her to medal on the podium! Those who came to watch the Lady Tigers compete celebrated Brines accolades through tweets on Saturday. Check out some of the tweets Loveland Magazine found!
Loveland Girls Track @TrackLoveland
Miya Brines made finals & set a school record!! She ran a 14.72!!
Loveland Girls Track
@TrackLoveland
MIYA BRINES GOT FOURTH AT STATE!! she beat her record and got a 14.70!!
LovelandAthletics
@LovTigers_AD
Congratulations Miya Brines! Running a 4th Place 14.70 in the OHSAA State Meet 100 Hurdles. Go Tigers!
Loveland Magazine would like to congratulate Miya Brines, Kaitlyn Andrews, and Jordan Morrison on an incredible season! We wish them the best in their next endeavors! If you would like to check out what’s going on with the Loveland Girls Track Team you can visit their Twitter page at https://twitter.com/TrackLoveland or website at www.lovelandgirlstrack.com.
![Loveland women’s soccer: state champions [photo gallery+video]](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/featureb.jpg)
Columbus, Ohio – On Friday, 11/10, Loveland High School soccer competed for the Division I state title at the Columbus MAPFRE stadium. The team bested Perrysburg High School 1-0, earning Loveland the OHSAA state championship. Junior Brooke Harden scored the winning goal with 21:20 remaining in the first half. The two teams battled for the next hour but failed to score again.
Loveland competed in the state championship in 2015 and fell to Walsh Jesuit. The freshman and sophomore players– now juniors and seniors– made it their mission to come back and claim the title. Players wrote messages about “The Mission” over car windows and fans held signs. The team was sent off to Columbus Thursday evening with a performance from the Loveland Marching Band, a police and fire escort out of the City, and a crowd gathered on a Loveland street corner to wave and cheer to the busses. At MAPFRE stadium, the home of the Columbus Crew, Loveland bolstered a packed stadium section of enthusiastic black-and-orange spectators with face paint and noisemakers.
Watch Loveland defeat Perrysburg and claim the state title:
For around an hour, Perrysburg fought without avail to take away the one-point lead Loveland held. Perrysburg attempted to score several times (notably within the last minute) but goalie and senior Lauren Parker consistently deflected and guarded the goal. Parker earned her 50th career shutout. She will play for the Miami Redhawks next year.
“I can’t even put it into words. We’ve had this goal since we lost two years ago and we just did it. That’s all I can say,” Parker told Loveland Magazine in a post-game interview.
Southwest Ohio has formed a women’s soccer dynasty of sorts, claiming all the division state titles this year. Indian Hill took home division III, Summit Country Day Division II and Loveland Division I. Summit Country Day also won Divison III men’s soccer.
As the game neared an end, the stands turned to bedlam and rowdy excitement. Fans jumped, screamed, and cheered as it became clear that Loveland would take home the State Champion trophy.
When the clock hit zero, the team burst into emotion and ecstatic tears. Coaches and players embraced, jumped and screamed. A sign stating “The Mission Is Complete” appeared in the hands of players, while parents and friends embraced over the fence.
“It feels like we broke through a limit that was set two years ago”
“It feels like we broke through a limit that was set two years ago when we came in second. It felt like we finally accomplished the goal we had been working so hard for every year,” said Senior Colleen “Jelly” Swift.
Loveland paid their respects to the state runner-up while Perrysburg accepted their trophy and medals. Loveland players encouraged each other to clap for each opposing player and congratulate them on their success.
“As a coach, I am so proud of these kids and this program, but I am equally proud to have coached so many amazing young ladies. I am exceptionally of the fine young women they have turned out to be. The love and support that our alumni have shown through the years have been off the charts, as has Tiger Nation. Thanks to the Loveland community, alumni and administration… this one’s for you,” head coach Todd Kelly said in an official release.
A teary-eyed Julie Rener (athletic director) handed state champion medals to euphoric players and coaches. Teammates hugged and cried into each other’s shoulders in excited shock. Parents screamed and fans hollered. There was hardly a dry eye on the loveland side of the MAPFRE field.
“We became a family this season because we wanted to play for the player standing next to us and we did not want to let them down”
“I still can’t believe we just won state. It’s like it hasn’t processed into my brain yet because it’s just so amazing and unbelievable… We became a family this season because we wanted to play for the player standing next to us and we did not want to let them down. Also, I️ think our little saying, “Humble and Hungry”, played a big role in every one of us through our mission. Everyone used that to their own abilities which made us unstoppable,” Brooke Harden told Loveland Magazine.
“You were not only humble but hungry all the time. It’s amazing, two years later, what you can accomplish if you stay focused,” OHSAA Director of Sports Management, Jerry Snodgrass told Loveland seniors after calling them forward.
“It’s hard to believe that the mission is over. The last four years with Loveland Soccer has been a blessing to me. The girls, the coaches, and the support from the community is more than I could’ve ever asked for. This state championship has been in the making for many years. All of the alumni who taught each of us what Loveland soccer is about are the ones who made last night possible. I’m proud to be part of something so special,” said Sarah Harter after the game.
Loveland ended their season 22-1 win-loss. Colleen Swift was named the ECC women’s soccer athlete of the year and Todd Kelly coach of the year. Brice Grieshop, Brooke Harden, Riley Massey, Lauren Parker and Colleen Swift were named First Team ECC all-conference selections. Colleen Swift and Lauren Parker have been named to the Ohio Scholastic Soccer Coaches Association Division I First Team.
Loveland Magazine extends its thanks and congratulations to the 2017 Loveland Varsity women’s soccer team. We would like to offer special thanks to Head Coach Todd Kelly, Athletic Director Julie Renner, Lauren Parker and everyone who has offered their time for interviews and photos. Great job, team — it’s been a pleasure reporting on your incredible journey to a State Championship.
-Writer/photographer Sam Smith and publisher David Miller
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