“The LHS Athletic Department already treated me like royalty, so this is the icing on that cake.” – David Miller
by Cassia Mattia
Loveland, Ohio – It’s always an honor to receive recognition. Whether it’s for something as simple as performing an act of kindness, like volunteering for a charity, or for something as big as being honored for doing outstanding work within your career. That day has come for Owner and Editor In Chief of Loveland Magazine, David Miller!
The Members of the Southwest District Athletic Board notified Miller just a few weeks ago that he was chosen as the recipient for OHSAA’s prestigious “Media Award.” Below is the history behind the Media Award:
“In 1991, the Ohio High School Athletic Association initiated a program entitled the Sportsmanship, Ethics, and Integrity Program. One aspect of the program was to honor those special individuals who bring great recognition to our high schools, coaches, and especially, our athletes through media’s different forms. Each of Ohio’s six athletic districts was asked to put a process in place to gather nominations of individuals who fit this special category.” – OHSAA’s Official Website
When Miller received the news about being selected as a recipient of the Media Award and found out that the Loveland High School (LHS) Athletic Department Staff were responsible for him being nominated Miller was beyond the moon!
On Saturday, February 1st LHS’s Athletic Department wanted to celebrate Miller and his award so they invited him to be honored between quarters of the Loveland Men’s basketball game. Although Miller was nearly at a loss for words he wanted to take the time to thank LHS for helping him get to this point in his Journalism career.
“This really felt good for me to walk out on the court and be honored by the LHS Athletic Department,” Miller said, “Loveland’s Athletic program is incredible because it puts the students first as well as their academics. I remember being at the Senior awards ceremony at LHS last Fall and the parents were on one side and athletes were on the other. The gym was filled. The athletes were dressed in their best clothes and everyone sat and paid attention as each student-athlete received their accolades. They were so attentive and applauded for each award given,” Miller added, “I remember thinking to myself, what an impressive group of students and what an incredible amount of work went into preparing for the night! The respect the athletes have for one another is something the LHS Athletic Department doesn’t demand but they teach them how to honor and support one another.”
“Not every reporter in Ohio gets to be at games where an atmosphere of fun, safety, and respect is demonstrated by the young men and women at Loveland High School. I can’t thank the Athletic Department enough for that aspect of what they do,” said Miller.
“LHS has always made me feel welcome at their events and have always made every effort to help me get coverage for their athletes,” said Miller.
“They are so accommodating and are always giving back to those who make a difference in the Loveland community and recognizing me is one example of what they do every day.”
In praising the Athletic Department Miller stressed the hospitality they show him whenever he enters a court or field. “They are so accommodating and are always giving back to those who make a difference in the Loveland community and recognizing me is one example of what they do every day.” He added, “There is never a stupid sports question I ask that isn’t answered, and believe me, I can ask some stupid questions.” Miller talked about whenever he enters a court or field that he is greeted by someone in the Department thanking him for being there and asking him if there is anything he needs.
If being recognized in front of the wonderful people and student-athletes of LHS wasn’t enough Miller will also get the opportunity to be recognized during the finals at Ohio’s Division 1 Boys’ High School basketball game at Xavier University’s Cintas Arena. The ceremony will take place on Sunday, March 8th between quarters 3 and 4. Miller and 8 of his guests will also be treated to a sit-down dinner before the honorary ceremony. OHSAA also expressed their appreciation for Miller and everything he has done for Ohio High School sports.
“Congratulations! We truly appreciate what you have done and continue to do for our coaches and athletes,” OHSAA’s representatives said.
Miller will be joining a very talented group of journalists who previously received the Media Award. Check out past winners of OHSAA’s Media Award below!
SOUTHWEST DISTRICT
2018-19
John Bombatch (Xenia Gazette) and Dale Barger (Greenville Daily Advocate)
2017-18
Wade Linville (Brown County Press) and Elise Jesse (Cincinnati WLWT-TV)
2016-17
None
2015-16
Rick Cassano (The Journal-News) and Marc Pendleton (Dayton Daily News)
2014-15
Eric Frantz (J.J. Huddle) and Matt Hammond (Bellefontaine Examiner)
2013-14
Rob Kiser (Piqua Daily Call) and Mark Slaughter (Cincinnati WCPO-TV)
2012-13
None
2011-12
Jack Kramer (ScoresBroadcast.com) and Scott Ward (Greenville WTGR)
2010-11
Mike Dyer (Cincinnati Enquirer) and Ron Nunnari (Englewood Independent)
2009-10
Jack Pohl (Dayton WDTN-TV) and Chick Ludwig (Dayton Daily News)
2008-09
Enos Pennington (New Richmond Local Sports Radio) and Richard Crawford (Clermont Sun Newspapers)
2007-08
Sonny Fulks (Piqua WPTW) and Jerry Nardiello (Middletown Journal)
2006-07
Ken Barhorst (Sidney Daily News) and Tom Archdeacon (Dayton Daily News)
2005-06
Tom Groeschen (Cincinnati Enquirer) and Roger Barber (Wilmington WSWO-Radio and Wilmington WKFI-Radio)
2004-05
Ron Jackson (Dayton Daily News) and Omar Williams (Dayton WDTN-TV) and Guy Fogle (Dayton WDTN-TV)
2003-04
John Popovich (Cincinnati WCPO-TV) and Tom Gamble (Cincinnati WLW/WCKY-Radio)
2002-03
Jack Gordon (WPFB-Radio, Middletown) and Joe Neves (WPTW-Radio, Piqua)
2001-02
Bill Liermann (WKFI/WSWO-Radio, Wilmington) and Kert Radel (WMOH-Radio, Hamilton)
2000-01
Mark Huber (Wilmington News-Journal) and Mike Hartsock (WHIO-TV, Dayton)
1999-2000
Don McDermott (Greenville Daily Advocate) and Dave Schutte (Cincinnati Enquirer)
1998-99
Dave Long (Dayton Daily News) and Duane Bachman (WPTW-Radio, Piqua)
1997-98
Ted Landis (Brookville Star) and Warren Johnson (WPFB-Radio, Middletown)
Join us in congratulating David Miller for receiving OHSAA’s 2020 Media Award! Stay tuned for photos from the March 8th honorary ceremony!
Columbus, Ohio – The following language was approved by the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) Board of Directors in December 2019 to be included in the OHSAA General Sport Regulations. OHSAA General Sport Regulations apply to every OHSAA sport:
Head Decorations and Headwear
Approved by Board of Directors Dec. 5, 2019, as part of General Sports Regulation 17 – Athletic Uniforms
Refer to the National Playing Rules of the particular sport to determine what head decorations or headwear are permissible.
Exception: In the event a head coach represents to the referee in advance of the start of the competition that a player wishes not to expose his/her uncovered head, the referee shall approve a covering or wrap which shall not:
Fundamentally alter the sport;
Be abrasive, hard or dangerous to any other participant;
Be attached in such a way that it is likely to come off during play, and
Be deemed to be unsporting/offensive.
For other exceptions not addressed above, school administrators and/or head coaches shall contact the OHSAA sport administrator via email well in advance of the competition date to discuss if a waiver is available and, if so, the details of the waiver process.
Note: If there are any concerns about head decorations or headwear well in advance of the start of competition on that day, contest officials shall approach the head coach (or assistant coach if the head coach is not available) to address the issue.
Loveland, Ohio – Loveland High School Winter sports have kicked their seasons off with a bang! One Tiger team has really made a mark for themselves in the ECC, improving their record to 7-1 with a 7 game winning streak! The Women’s Loveland High school Basketball team is currently at the top of the ECC with several individual Tigers at the top of the conference for their own personal stats, one Tiger, in particular, being senior Jillian Hayes.
Jillian Hayes and her family on the night she accepted her commemorative 1,000th point ball. The ball was presented on Friday, December 20 during the Men’s basketball against Milford.
Hayes, a 6’2 forward, reached her 1,000 point milestone at home against Walnut Hills on Saturday, December 7, 2019. Prior to the big game, Hayes needed 27 points to reach her 1,000 points and impressively enough Hayes had 27 points and 10 rebounds. Loveland ended up grabbing the win 78-67! This was the Tigers’ first win over former ECC champs Walnut Hills since the start of the 2016 basketball season. Currently, Hayes is in 4th place in the ECC for points averaging 16.4 per game, 2nd in defensive rebounds averaging 9.1 per game, 2nd in blocks averaging 2.0 per game, and 5th in steals averaging 2.8 per game.
The scoresheet when Jillian Hayes reached the milestone of 1,000 points of her Tiger basketball career (Click image to open a new window and see a larger view)
Since Hayes’ big 1,000 point moment she has had some other very high scoring games. She scored 17 points at Turpin, 23 points at Milford, 15 points at home against Withrow, and 13 points at West Clermont giving her a total now of 1,068 points. Earlier this year Hayes committed to Coach Heard and the Cincinnati Bearcats to continue her already stellar basketball career.
Jilian Partin was the last Tiger to reach the coveted 1,000 points on December 2, 2004. Partin played for the Loveland Tigers from 2001-2005 under Head Coach Wray Jean Conner. Partin totaled 1,356 points for her beyond impressive high school career. At the time Assistant Varsity Coach, Ken Tracey decided to do some research into the world of the “1,000 point club” and said that fewer than one percent of Ohio high school basketball players, either men or women ever reach 1,000 points in their career!
Currently, Partin is at the top of the board as the All-Time Leading Scorer in Loveland Women’s Basketball history with 1,356 points. Partin also holds the Loveland Highschool Women’s Basketball record for Most Free Throws made with 329.
Jillian Hayes is officially 288 points from the All-Time Leading Scorer record! Hayes will get the opportunity to get closer to this memorable accolade on Monday, December 30th at 7:30 PM at St. Ursula.
In this video is Hayes scoring 993 through 1,000 points, receiving the game ball, and a post-game interview with her and Coach Darnell Parker.
This slide show is photos of Jillian Hayes when she scored 27 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in the Tiger’s win over Walnut Hills on Saturday, December 7, 2019.
Loveland, Ohio –The holidays are here and so is Loveland High School’s winter sports season! Thus far LHS’s winter athletics have begun their season with a bang so what better way to showcase these talented Tiger coaches and student-athletes then to bring to you part 2 of the Loveland sports 411!
Men’s Wrestling
The Men’s Wrestling team started off their season with a dual victory at Sycamore on December 5th, winning 49 to 25. The Tigers won 9 out of the 14 matches! Check out the moments captured from the big win at Sycamore below!
The Tiger Wrestlers will be in action again on Thursday against Harrison at home.
Men’s and Women’s Swimming/Diving
The Men’s and Women’s Swim and Dive team kicked off their season at Sycamore on December 3rd and December 7th for the Sycamore High School Invitational. The Tigers had both impressive dives and freestyles! Nami Cannon took first place in the 100 Butterfly and the Women’s dive team consisting of Sydney Keil, Shelby Cline, Kali Egan, and Morgan Eversole also collected some very impressive results!
Nami Cannon is this weeks @RPDiamondprint Athlete of the Week. She is a senior Swimmer who won the 100 Fly and placed second in the 200IM this past week! Go Tigers! pic.twitter.com/j1EAAiX1ud
The Men’s Swim and Dive team also produced some impressive results at Sycamore! Some of the Tiger top performers were Jackson Farrell who swam in the 500 Freestyle and the Men’s 200-yard medley team which consisted of Carle, Jenkins, Ferrill, and Bacanurchi. Below are some of the moments captured at Sycamore!
The Men’s and Women’s Swim/Dive Team competed at Walnut Hills on Tuesday, December 10th, in which we will bring you the results when we receive them, and will be swimming back into action on Tuesday, December 17th at New Richmond at 4 PM.
Men’s Bowling
The Loveland Men’s Bowling Team has been bowling away the competition, improving their record to 4-1 in the ECC and 5-1 overall! The Tigers are currently in 2nd place in the ECC. On Tuesday, December 3rd the Tigers took on Kings at Mason Bowl grabbing a win with a score of 2480 to 2307. Below are Loveland’s stats from the competition.
The Men’s Tiger’s Bowling Team faced Kings again on Wednesday, December 4th at Crossgate Lanes. The Tiger’s bowled their hearts out but unfortunately lost 2571 to 2538. Loveland competed again on Wednesday, December 11th bouncing back with a big win against Walnut Hills, 2463 to 1851. Below are the results from the Tiger’s win against Walnut Hills as well as some action shots!
The Men’s Bowling team will compete again today against Walnut Hills at 3:30 PM at Stone Lanes and on Sunday for the Holiday Classic at Western Bowl.
Women’s Bowling
The Loveland Women’s Bowling are dominating the ECC holding the 1st place spot with a 5-0 record in the ECC and a 6-0 record overall! On December 3rd and 4th, the Tigers grabbed two wins against Kings with a score of 1929 to 1869 on Tuesday and 2054 to 1811 on Wednesday. Below are the impressive stats from the 2 games against Kings.
The Loveland Women’s Bowling Team grabbed another win against Walnut Hills yesterday at Crossgate Lanes, with a score of 1833 to 1504. Below are the results as well as some photos from the competition!
The Tigers are in 2nd place in the ECC for “team average,” holding a solid 700.5, and Tiger bowler Grady Pettit is in 3rd place in the ECC for her individual average, which is a 170.4. The Loveland Women’s Bowling team will compete again today against Walnut Hills at 3:30 PM at Madison Bowl and on Saturday at 9 AM at Western Bowl for the Holiday Classic.
Academic Team
The Loveland High School Academic Team has also had a great start to their season improving their record in the ECC to 3-1! On Wednesday, December 4th the Tigers competed at Walnut Hills where they gained both a win and a loss. The Academic Team won 81 to 68 in the first game and lost 77 to 69 in the second game. The Tigers competed again on Wednesday, December 11th at Turpin and achieved two big wins! Loveland won 82 to 51 in the first game and 77 to 57 in the second game. The Academic Team will compete again in the new year on January 8th against Milford at 4 PM.
And that wraps up your Loveland Sports 411 With me, Cassie Mattia!
Loveland, Ohio – As many LHS Fall athletes wrap up their seasons and collect their accolades, the Winter athletes are preparing for what they hope to be a very successful 2019-2020 season!
So what do all us Tiger fans look forward to after the big Thanksgiving feast? The beginning of basketball season! LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV took a trip back down Tiger Trail to visit with the Men’s Basketball coach, Rob Reis, and the Women’s Basketball coach, Darnell Parker, to talk about just why they are excited about the season. With the Men’s and Women’s Tiger programs coming off successful seasons last year, both coaches agreed that this could be the year that both their teams and their players change school history. If that doesn’t make you excited to see some hard nose Tigers compete I don’t know what does!
Introducing the Loveland Sports 411 with Cassie Mattia featuring LHS’s Men’s Basketball coach, Rob Reis, and LHS’s Women’s Basketball coach Darnell Parker! Click on the video below to check out the full-length interview!
Hebron, Ohio – The Loveland Women’s Cross Country Team made school history Saturday as they competed for the first time in years as a team for the Women’s State Division 1 Cross Country Championship. The race included 183 runners and took place at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday at National Trail Raceway 5K Course. The Lady Loveland Tigers earned 212 points placing 6th out 20 of teams. Finishtiming.com provided the unofficial race results, which are listed below. OHSAA has yet to post the official final race results.
30 Jessie Gibbins – 18:53
41 Sarah Madix – 19:06.
56 Ellie Carl – 19:18
60 Emmy Sager – 19:20
132 Ansley Richards – 20:15
148 Audrey O’Keefe – 20:35
150 Ally Colegate – 20:36
148 Audrey O’Keefe – 20:35
150 Ally Colegate – 20:36
*Un-official results from FinishTiming.com
We would like to give out a HUGE congratulations to the Loveland High School Women’s Cross Country Team! Thank you so much for representing the City of Loveland and Loveland High School Athletics with such pride and honor. We are excited to see what comes next for these amazing female athletes! Congratulations on being 6th in the state of Ohio!
Stay tuned for the freshest 411 on Loveland Sports with Cassie Mattia!
Coach Cruse believes his new captains, Liam Hamill, Austin Haas, Tyler Shelley, Nate Holman, and Gabe Ogdan will be exactly what the Tigers need to lead them to a successful season.
by Cassie Mattia
Loveland, Ohio – As a former student-athlete, I can tell you there is no better feeling than being selected to lead your team to success. Loveland High School’s new head football coach, Andy Cruse, selected the 2019-2020 team captains for the varsity squad Friday morning. Coach Cruse believes his new captains will be exactly what the Tigers need to lead them to a successful season.
“We are so incredibly excited to have these five student-athletes represent and lead our football team as captains this year. We had a lengthy process to become a captain and all five of these young men were exceptional. This is an important group of captains as we lay the foundation for the culture of this football program,” Cruse said.
After an in-depth interview process and an intense vote by the Loveland Football players, LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV was able to catch the announcement of the 2019-2020 Loveland High school Varsity Football captains. Senior running back Liam Hamill, Senior offensive linemen Tyler Shelley, Senior linebacker Austin Haas, Senior defensive linemen Nate Holman, and Junior defensive end and offensive linebacker Gabe Ogdan were all given the captain title for the Loveland Tigers!
So what exactly goes into becoming a team captain or even getting a shot at the title? Whether your playing for your elementary school or playing in the professional leagues the captain or captains always have one quality that tends to be innate, and that quality is the ability to lead. I decided to invite Loveland’s newest captains to be a part of Loveland Magazine’s One on One series so that you the readers could really get a feel for how hard these guys work to not only lead their team but also lead in the classroom and the Loveland community.
I want to congratulate you guys on such a big accomplishment and really an all-out milestone for your football careers! Being selected as a captain is such a huge honor. How do you feel now that you have been given the captain title? Did you expect it or was it a total shock?
Liam Hamill –
Thank you that means a lot. I am very excited to help the coaches create a new culture, and turn this program back around. Growing up watching the games and being a little kid was very cool, it’s weird that I’m the one playing under the lights now for my last season. Being selected as a captain means a lot to me and I hope I can be a great example to the underclassmen and future Loveland football players. Coming into senior year I put many hours of my days working out with the team and by myself so it wasn’t a total shock to me being voted captain.
Tyler Shelley –
Well, first of all, thank you, it truly is an honor to answer these questions, to start it off it is such an honor to get the privilege to be a captain of the Loveland football team, getting new coach’s at the beginning of this season made everyone have to prove themselves all over again, so to see that I’ve been noticed by the coach’s is a true honor! To get the title of captain of the team I was expecting because I have put in the hard work and I have the dedication to the team to make a great leader, but at the same time, I was shocked because it’s an extreme privilege and not everyone gets that privilege!
Austin Haas –
I’m extremely excited and honored to be named one of the captains, I definitely did not expect to be selected. It was a total shock and it took a little bit for it to really sink in.
Nate Holman –
Being voted Captain is definitely a huge honor and I am extremely grateful to be selected. It shows that my brothers on the field trust me to lead them throughout the week and especially on Friday nights. Whether it’s on the field, in school, or out in the community; I have always tried my best to lead by example and make my reflection as a football player a positive one. Taking the field for Friday Night High School Football is something that is indescribable, you have to experience it to understand. Being chosen by my peers to lead them on the field was a completely unexpected and very humbling experience.
Gabe Ogdan –
Right now I feel extremely thankful that I was voted upon by both my peers and coaches… what an honor! I will say that this did come as a shock especially only being a junior, but welcome nonetheless!
Tell me a little about the process of being selected to be a team captain for Loveland? I heard that there was a bit of an interview process. What was that like? There was a team vote as well?
Liam Hamill –
The first thing you had to do was fill out a captain’s application with a couple of questions. Then we had an interview with the coaches and some players on the leadership council. Lastly, the coaches and players all had the chance to select four players each vote counted as 1. We had a team meeting and everyone spread out across the room and voted anonymously. The coaches Tallied up the votes and shared the results.
Tyler Shelley –
Well, the process was lengthy, but we got through it! The coaches have selected a few players from each class of players to be on what’s called the “Leadership council” I was selected along with senior Nate Holman to sit through every single captain application interview, during this captain application interview players who would be asked questions by not only the council but by coach cruse and coach holland who were also present during the application process, then yes there was a team vote, we sat down in the auditorium and coach cruse presented the names in front of us, coach cruse made it very clear to every player that it wasn’t a popularity contest, it wasn’t a vote for your best friend, it was a player that would represent your team in a great manor!
Austin Haas –
The first thing we had to do was fill out an application to be considered. From there we were brought into an interview with coaches and select players. They asked us questions about leadership and how we would lead the team, and what we could do to bring this team above and beyond.
Nate Holman –
The process was incredibly thorough and extremely rigorous. It was more than we had ever done in the past. Coach Cruse established a Leadership Council made up of the Coaching Staff and 2-3 players from the Junior and Senior classes. 14 potential Captains met with the Leadership Council to answer questions about why they felt they should be Captain. All 14 guys had great submissions and reasons why they could be chosen for Captain. After that, we had a team meeting to review what a Captain should be, and the whole team selected 5 Captains out of the 14 deserving candidates.
Gabe Ogdan –
The interview process was surprisingly nerve-wracking. I usually am fairly confident, especially around friends and people that I’ve been around since middle school or longer, but the interview process was a necessary step and I’m extremely happy that it panned out the way that it did. I honestly didn’t know what to expect coming from the team vote, but I’m flattered to be named not only as a captain but sub-sequentially as a leader as well.
Assuming all of you have leadership backgrounds, tell me what other leadership positions you have held or are currently holding. What do you think holding these leadership positions will do for your future? What have you learned from the positions?
Liam Hamill –
I personally believe I have always played a huge role on the football team, being very vocal and excelling on the field. I want to try and play college football with that being said, I think being selected as captain will look very good in the eyes of college coaches. Growing up into the young man I am today, I have learned so much about life from football. The game truly is very emotional and not an easy sport whatsoever, that’s why not everyone does it. Facing adversity, being coached, pushing myself to extreme limits, are things that are going to help me later on in life.
Tyler Shelley –
Well, my first responsibility was when I was being put on the leadership council, which is not only an honor but a privilege as well as being a captain! I believe these will help me in my future by giving me strong leadership qualities, helping me be a strong vocal leader, helping me be a better student, son, and father down the road! By these responsibilities having to be earned I have learned that you have to work your hardest to achieve the greatest, you must go through the “process” to achieve your end goal and that is “greatness!”
Austin Haas –
This is my first official leadership position, but I believe that following behind and watching other great leaders has given me the tools to truly help lead this team.
Nate Holman –
I have led my youth group at church, and 5th graders at Camp Kern as a Counselor. Whether the groups I led were younger, or my peers, I have learned to be patient, positive, and promote others through encouragement. I believe these experiences will help shape my future by exposing me to opportunities for what I would like to do after college.
Gabe Ogdan –
Starting varsity as a freshman exposed me early on to the level of maturity and expectations held by my teammates, and set me up for success in leadership areas around my teammates and peers. One highlight of my school year was being invited to the first annual ECC leadership summit held at Kings High School, this taught me many valuable lessons about leadership and how to help prepare others to respond to adversity.
Let’s talk football! The season is right around the corner, what are you most excited for? Any particular teams you look forward to competing against? What would you say are Loveland’s biggest strengths this year? If you were to predict this season’s results, where would you say Loveland will fall in the league or post-season play?
Liam Hamill –
I’ve never been more excited, and sad for something at the same time. Playing football under the lights at Loveland is something special, the support from the community is amazing and it really is an honor to play Loveland football. The team has put so much work in this offseason and I’m ready to see what we can do. I’m also sad that it’s my last year because high school flies by and I didn’t really acknowledge it until now. I still can’t believe that I’m a senior and I preach to the underclassmen that they should cherish every moment they get. I look forward to playing every team this year because it’s a blessing to play the game and never know when it’s your last game or play. Are biggest strength is our offense. I have a mentality that I would never go into something thinking I’m gonna lose so I think the Loveland tigers will win the league this year!
Tyler Shelley –
The season is around the corner makes the energy so much stronger, but what I’m personally excited for is for week one, playing against sycamore in their stadium, ready for revenge, and striving for greatness! Loveland is a completely different team from the past few years, the energy these coaches have brought to this program is insane! So our biggest strength in my eyes would be the energy! I would say at the end of this season it will be a winning season and going to playoffs, obviously everyone’s goal to win state but for now, it’s week one!
Austin Haas –
I am most excited to be able to go out there and play for Loveland every Friday and give this community and team everything I have. I have some ties in sycamore, so I am always looking forward to that game, but every time I get to play is a blessing. Our biggest strength is the fact that we are an underdog, and we are hungry and looking to make a statement.
Nate Holman –
I am very proud of how much mentally and physically stronger we have become as an entire team. The culture is completely different. There is something about the energy that is just infectious! I know countless people have said this before, but this year is going to be different. We are not where we want to be, but every day we are working our tails off to get closer to it! I live and breath this sport, and the way we have turned things around for this season is going to be amazing! I can’t wait to play Sycamore for the Season opener because it’s my 18th birthday and I couldn’t have asked for a bigger party or a better game to play with all my friends. I just can’t wait for this community to come out and see how hard we have worked to make this program a success. I have no doubt in my mind that we will win this year and make a run for the ECC Title!
Gabe Ogdan –
I am most excited about the development of the new culture this season. Recently we were shown a video that was focused on emphasizing the PROCESS over the PRODUCT. This team has already taken tremendous strides and I can’t wait to see what comes in the future. As for who I want to compete against, everyone. I eat up the competition!
I can definitely say I know exactly what you guys are growing through in regards to preparation for the season as my Dad has been a football coach for 20 plus years! Tell me about your practices and what kind of workouts you have been doing in order to get prepared for the first game. How long do you prepare for the season? Do any of you do things on your own in order to better your skillset? What are your favorite workouts/practices and what are your least favorite?
Liam Hamill –
We have been lifting since about two weeks after last season ended because my senior class was really focused on winning games this year. There were many different guys on the team including myself, that I know worked out and did things on there own. My favorite workouts are when we do a lot of in-game scenarios. My least favorite workouts would probably be lifting, and then working out on the field after.
Tyler Shelley –
Our workouts and practices I could throw in the same category and that are challenging! Every practice and lift is a fast pace, there is never a dull moment! To practice for our first game is basically running a bunch of plays and getting repetition, to understand the little things to focus on the big things! The preparation for this season began way back in January with offseason lifts and conditioning! I’ve done the small things by myself, being the center having to snap the ball, getting my dad our back and snapping to him to get reps, it’s the little things that help! Definitely being a lineman the number one thing I hate is the running part of practices… that sucks!
Austin Haas –
I love all of every practice, I only have so much time left, and I am happy as long as I get to play. We have really never stopped working and grinding for the next season. I watch many hours of film and study our playbook. My favorite practice is the team because we are competing all the time. I do not have a least favorite.
Nate Holman –
We have been working really hard as a team and it shows. We are all in the best mental and physical shape of our lives. The culture of high energy and high expectations is really setting in. That process started earlier this year when Coach Cruse set a tone of excellence and learning how to compete. Our practices have an entirely different feel to them. While we have workouts every day like we always have, what I love about this coaching staff is that we haven’t been just reviewing film and X’s and O’s; we’ve been learning HOW to watch film and more behind the WHY of the X’s and O’s. We have had motivation speakers every week, some have been in person, while others have been YouTube videos. Practices are high energy with a high tempo. There is no standing around, and before you know it, time is up and we have accomplished something great that day…one more step toward our goals. I do a lot on my own. I spend an extra 30 minutes before every practice working on my defensive footwork and moves to make a greater impact on my team. I spend several hours a week on film at school and at home with my dad, who has taught me about this game.
Gabe Ogdan –
Being injured I haven’t been able to participate this year, but I still feel as if I am right there with the team in everything that they do. That being said I am also taking this time off to gain weight, gain upper-body strength, and better my football IQ as a whole.
I would love to know more about you guys! How long have you been playing football? Was football a newfound passion for you growing up or were your parents or siblings heavily involved with football, therefore, you became passionate about the game? What were your family and friends’ reactions to your captain’s title?
Liam Hamill –
I have been playing football since the first grade. I’m the youngest in the family and both my brothers played football when I was little, my dad also played in college. I grew up on a street with all older kids which I got beat up on all the time, which made me a very physical kid. The first time I played and actual football I game I fell in love with the game. There truly isn’t anything like it, you can physically hurt people and not get in trouble for it. Not saying that’s a good thing, but there are lots of kids who have built up anger in them who can result in football. My family and friends were very proud of me and look forward to what the team does this year.
Tyler Shelley –
I have been playing football since first grade so this will be my 12th year of playing! Football was definitely a passion growing up always watching pros and college athletes, and wanting to be them one day! My family is a big football family, my dad played, my brother played and my mom loves watching it, everyone gets involved one way or another! My family and friend’s reactions were as expected and that was supportive, they were all happy for me!
Austin Haas –
I have always loved football, most of my family are baseball people, but I have always loved football. My mother was extremely happy for me, my dad as well
Nate Holman –
My friends and family were extremely proud of me earning the title of Captain. They know me the best and know how hard I have worked throughout my life. I grew up playing football in “Friday Night Lights” in West Texas. I started in Kindergarten playing flag football and progressed through the Pop Warner program after that. We moved to Loveland in the middle of my 5th-grade year and that’s when I started playing for Loveland in the youth program in 6th grade. My dad has taught me a lot about football, and how it translates into everyday life. My dad and I share a bond through football that has made me love the sport even more.
Gabe Ogdan –
I have been playing football since 5th grade, but I have been a football fan since I was born. The thing I heard most after being chosen as a captain was “proud”, and that makes me feel so proud of myself and thankful for the wonderful community around me.
Alright, now it’s time to brag about yourselves! Tell me about some of your accolades! What honors or awards have you been given in your football careers? Do you have any favorite football moments or memories you would like to share? Are you planning on playing football at the collegiate level, if so, where?
Liam Hamill –
I was first-team all-conference, and Southwest all-district last year as a junior. I have so many memories from football, but if I had to pick one it would have to be when I returned a 95-yard kick return last year against walnut hills. I plan on playing football at the next level, but I’m not sure where I am going to play yet.
Tyler Shelley –
Well to start off freshman year I got brought up to varsity and got JV reps, then sophomore year got varsity reps as well as my junior year, during my junior year I also got named second-team all ECC! Those were some of my highlights, but last year was my best knowing that I could keep up with two, four-star recruits going division one! I am open to going to college but I haven’t truly made up my mind on where though!
Austin Haas –
I, unfortunately, do not have very many accolades. My favorite moment was last year at the walnut hills JV game, seeing us come together and feed off of each other to beat them was a great moment.
Nate Holman –
Some of the most memorable moments in my high school football career have been being elected the Freshman team captain, filling in as the fullback my sophomore year against Kings and being handed the ball 10 times in a row for an 85 yard quarter-long Touchdown Drive, my first varsity start last year as a junior, playing against my cousin who was the quarterback at West Clermont, and many others last year that went on to play football at very high levels in college. I am excited for a great season of football and the opportunity to play in college after high school.
Gabe Ogdan –
High Honors academics both freshman and sophomore years, heart and hustle award sophomore year football. My favorite football memory is simply every moment around my guys, these teammates are my brothers and we would do anything for each other. My dream is to play college football at the University of Wisconsin.
Loveland City Schools were just ranked among the top 10 schools in Cincinnati, which I think is pretty awesome considering there are so many great schools in this area. Tell me about your experience attending Loveland City Schools. What has made the experience so great? Do you think because you go to Loveland you will have advantages in college or even after college because of everything the school has offered you? What has it been like participating in sports at Loveland? Do you have any favorite coaches, teachers or classes you want to mention?
Liam Hamill –
Loveland has great teachers and coaches. My experience at Loveland has been awesome. Meeting new people and making friends along the way had made high school more enjoyable. I believe Loveland does the best the can do to help you exceed at the next level. The Loveland community is the best out there, they come to support every sport, and definitely now how to pack a stadium or gym. Coach Cranford because he helped become the young man I am today.
Tyler Shelley –
Loveland is a great school they have great programs and great teachers! The teachers have definitely made my school experience the greatest, all the teachers I’ve had have helped me in any way possible if I’d ask they would help! I believe going to Loveland will help me out of school because they help with skills out of school that you need to learn to go through life! The sports at Loveland are definitely an amazing thing, there is some type of feeling you get walking out on that field on a Friday night in front of your community and representing your community! I would hate to say a favorite because they all have made a major impact on my life, in my eyes, they all are my favorite!
Austin Haas –
The people around the town made Loveland great to be in, it gave me the skills to handle stress and look to the future. Loveland sports are very fun and give us a great team-building environment.
Nate Holman –
I have had some great teachers since I have gone to Loveland, but the 2 who stand out the most to me are Mrs. Viox and Mrs. Rose. What I think sets us apart from other schools is the impact the community has on the school and the school has on the community. Loveland is full of traditions and is just all-around fun to be a part of, and having the opportunity to represent Loveland on and off the field for the community is just something else.
Gabe Ogdan –
Everything good that Loveland has to offer can be accredited to the wonderful community we have here. I truly believe that there is no other community like the one in Loveland and I am forever grateful for the awesome people of this city. Shoutout to Dad, Coach Hart, and Coach McClain, you guys are all like family to me and I wouldn’t trade that for anything.
Now for the fun questions! This is just a random selection of questions that I like to throw out there so our readers can learn a little bit more about you and your interests! Here we go…
What’s your favorite food?
What’s your favorite hobby other than football?
Do you have a “football” role model?
What’s your favorite movie?
What’s your pre-game routine? Any superstitions?
Nike or UnderArmour?
If you could trade places with anyone who would it be?
Who is your favorite college football team? NFL team?
What do you plan on doing as a career after college?
How would you describe Coach Cruse using one word?
If you had to select the most effective leader on Loveland’s Football team who would it be and why?
Liam Hamill –
Steak. Hanging out with friends. DeAndre Hopkins. The Other Guys. Listen to 50 Cent and get in my zone. Nike. Nobody, I love myself! Bengals. I’m not sure yet. Passionate. Me, because I can make big plays in big-time situations.
Tyler Shelley –
My favorite food is definitely steak and a baked potato, nothing beats that! My favorite hobby is playing video games with friends, or hanging out with friends and having fun! My football role model is Barry Saunders, he’s just a dude! My favorite movie is benchwarmers! The pre-game routine is just getting dressed and hyping everyone up! I love Nike! My favorite college team is UC! After college, I would love to be a police officer and move on after that to a maximum goal of CIA or FBI! Describing coach cruse in one word would be “ hard-working” I know that’s two words but he’s a truly a great man, and he has achieved most of his goals and he is still pushing and I admire that! The most effective leader in my eyes would be Coach cruse because he knows how to bring the energy, and he’s a great man!
Austin Haas –
Steak, playing with my puppy, ray lewis, top gun, I pray before every game, Under Armour, Ray Lewis, Bengals, LSU, I am joining the air force after high school, energetic, Gabe Ogdan, he is a natural leader that is hungry to play and will bring everyone to there best.
Nate Holman –
Chinese. Fishing. My dad. Roadhouse. No superstitions, just music that gets my heart pumping, my blood flowing, and my headbanging! That’s a tough one! I like them both, but if I have to choose, Nike wins with a slight edge. Peter Pan, so I can never grow up, and play football for the rest of my life! Clemson Tigers and Cincinnati Bengals. Either some form of Business or Education. Energetic. This may be breaking the rules a bit but the coaching staff as a whole are the most effective leaders. They have come in and turned things around and I can not wait for Loveland to see it on full display on August 30th. GO TIGERS!
Gabe Ogdan –
Wings, lifting, Julian Edelman or JJ Watt, Varsity blues or the Program, Listen to music and get in the zone, Under Armour, JJ Watt, Wisconsin Badgers, and Cincinnati Bengals, Doctor of Physical Therapy, FEARLESS, Austin Haas, the most uplifting and positive kid I’ve ever met.
We are so excited to see what the Loveland Football team accomplishes this year and couldn’t be more impressed with the leadership Andy Cruse has instilled in his 5 new captains! The season is quickly approaching so we encourage all of the Loveland community to take a look at the Tiger’s football schedule below so you can plan when you will be sporting your Tiger stripes! If you would like to follow more in-depth on what exactly the Loveland football team is up to you can visit lovelandtigers.org or follow @Loveland_FB on twitter.
Watch this LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV video as Head Coach Andy Cruse introduces the captains, how and why they were chosen, and watch each captain talk to the team.
Editor’s Note: The photos in the original version of this story were not of Hanna Wenger. The story was corrected on 6/12/19
by Cassie Mattia
Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland Tigers have developed quite the reputation in the world of athletics this year, grabbing once again several post-season honors. Now Junior, Hanna Wenger, one of Loveland’s top Women’s Lacrosse players, received The OSLA Division 1 First Team All-State Honors and 2019 Loveland High School grad Zach Segal, a member of the Tigers Baseball Team, received Honorable Mention, SWOBCA All-City Honors. Below are a few tweets from the Eastern Cincinnati Conference congratulating Wenger and Segal on their honors.
(3 of 3) West Clermont’s Gavin Pitts (Second Team) and Bailey Bravo and Trevor Conley (Honorable Mention); and Loveland’s Zach Segal (Honorable Mention). Congratulations!
Segal ended his senior season as a Loveland Tiger with a bang placing very high in the ECC with his individual statistics. Segal pitched 9 games with a 3 and 5 win-loss record, a 46.1 IP, which earned him 3rd place in the ECC, and a 1.5 ERA. Segal earned 3rd place in the ECC for strikeouts as well totaling out with 58 for the season. Segal also received First Team All ECC Honors. Other Tigers who grabbed awards were Carson Deer, who earned Second Team All ECC and Matt Westley, who received Honorable Mention Honors.
Wenger had an incredible sophomore season as a Loveland Women’s Lacrosse player as the Tigers came in second in the ECC with a 4-1 record in ECC matches and a 13-3 record overall. On top of Wenger’s First Team All-State Honors, she grabbed ECC Player of the Year and OSLA Division I First Team All-Region Honors along with her teammate Carly Wilhoite. Wenger’s teammates Josey Storm earned All-Region Second Team Honors and Maggie Nance received All-Region Honorable Mention.
Loveland Lacrosse head coach Ryan Hanson
“Hanna is a phenomenal athlete and has a tremendous passion for the game. The number one thing that everyone always notices about Hanna is that she always has a smile on her face while playing lacrosse. This isn’t an I am goofing off smile, or I am just out here to have fun and not try hard smile. This is the most genuine I love this sport smile,” Loveland head coach Ryan Hanson told Loveland Magazine.
Wenger was ranked among the top Women’s Lacrosse athletes in the ECC with her offensive statistics. Wenger totaled 44 goals and 26 assists for the season averaging 3.67 goals per game and 2.17 assists per game. Wenger ranked 3rd in the ECC in assists.
Head coach Hanson also said that Hanna Wenger is the ultimate competitor and whenever given the option at practice she wants to continue playing. He said that the coaching staff jokes that although the practice is “only” 2 hours a night, they don’t think Hanna would complain if they practiced four hours each night. He added that her love for the sport and desire to always want to improve herself shows every moment she steps on the field. “She isn’t just talented in one facet, Hanna is one of the most complete lacrosse players we have ever coached. She doesn’t work to be good in just one area, she wants to master every skill. When you have natural talent, a drive to be the best, and a passion for the game, you get Hanna Wenger.” He said it was no surprise that she was named ECC Women’s Lacrosse MVP, 1st Team All-Conference, 1st Team All-District, and 1st Team All-State both her Freshman and Sophomore years.
Last December, Zach Segal, signed a National Letter of Intent to play baseball at the University of Cincinnati.
Here are photos of Hanna Wenger in her game against Mason on May 20.
Coach Brant is on the left, Coach Williams is on the right, and Coach Laughman is in the center above Miya Brines.
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.
Miya Brines on the podium at the Jesse Owens Stadium to receive her medal.
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.
The Loveland High School Athletic Department is among three high school athletic departments in Ohio that have been selected to receive the Annual “Award of Excellence” recognition in 2019.
Brian Conaster is the Loveland High School Athletic Director
The award, a collaboration between the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) and the Ohio Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (OIAAA), recognizes schools that provide exemplary support and promotion of education-based athletic programming in their school and community.
Recipients of this year’s award are Findlay High School (Nate Weihrauch, athletic administrator), Loveland High School (Brian Conaster, athletic administrator) and Woodridge High School (Nick Mayer, athletic administrator).
The focus of this award is to recognize on-going and consistent efforts on the part of Ohio interscholastic athletic departments that demonstrate best practice in the endorsement and promotion of education-based athletic programming. Specifically, this award recognizes schools that demonstrate intentional efforts to shift the culture of school-based sport programs on an on-going process.
Recipients of the “Award of Excellence” will be honored at the Ohio Men’s State Basketball Championships, March 21-23, 2019 at the Schottenstein Center at The Ohio State University.
The OHSAA and the OIAAA believe there are several benchmarks which identify quality, education-based athletic programs:
School athletic programs are inherently educational
School athletic programs compliment the educational experience
School athletic programs enhance the educational mission of the school
School athletic programs serve as an extension of the academic classroom
School athletic programs teach life lessons not regularly available in the academic classroom
School athletic programs have courts, fields, tracks, pools and courses as teaching classrooms
by Cassia Mattia
“This really felt good for me to walk out on the court and be honored by the LHS Athletic Department,” Miller said, “Loveland’s Athletic program is incredible because it puts the students first as well as their academics. I remember being at the Senior awards ceremony at LHS last Fall and the parents were on one side and athletes were on the other. The gym was filled. The athletes were dressed in their best clothes and everyone sat and paid attention as each student-athlete received their accolades. They were so attentive and applauded for each award given,” Miller added, “I remember thinking to myself, what an impressive group of students and what an incredible amount of work went into preparing for the night! The respect the athletes have for one another is something the LHS Athletic Department doesn’t demand but they teach them how to honor and support one another.”
![[Video/Photos] Tiger basketball star Jillian Hayes reaches 1,000 points](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/jillian-hayes-1000-points.jpg)
Jillian Hayes is officially 288 points from the All-Time Leading Scorer record! Hayes will get the opportunity to get closer to this memorable accolade on Monday, December 30th at 7:30 PM at St. Ursula.
Liam Hamill –
Tyler Shelley –
Austin Haas –
Nate Holman –
Gabe Ogdan –
by Cassie Mattia
