Cassie Mattia is a resident of Historic Downtown Loveland and the Associate Editor of Loveland Magazine
by Cassie Mattia
Loveland, Ohio – This Loveland Tiger Homecoming was one for the history books! Although many locals pray to never have to orchestrate a “COVID-19” Homecoming again here at Loveland Magazine we felt as though we should still celebrate and document the memorable event for those who were not able to get a glimpse of what it was like.
Loveland High School and the Loveland Athletic Boosters tried their best to make the 2020 Homecoming Game as normal as possible despite COVID 19 restrictions that “Ruled Sovereign” over the evening that had no crowning of a Queen or King. Loveland’s Principal Peggy Johnson after the Homecoming event assured families, students, friends, and Tiger fans that she hopes to make up for students missing the traditional Homecoming experience and would like to hold the Homecoming Saturday night dance this winter if the pandemic restrictions ease.
Even though there wasn’t a tradition Homecoming Saturday night dance Loveland Magazine’s David Miller did catch the Tiger Band busting a move for a few seconds at the Homecoming game against Little Miami!
The “non-traditional” Homecoming Parade consisted of cheerleaders and players escorted to the High School upon the red chariot of a local fire truck provided by the Loveland-Symmes Fire Department! Luckily we captured the impromptu Homecoming parade on video for you our loyal readers as it left Historic Downtown and crossed over the Little Miami River.
The tradition of delivering the game ball via helicopter did continue as Grand Marshall Otto Huber, the Loveland-Symmes Fire Chief, landed mid-field to hand off the ball to the officiating crew.
In the video below Loveland Magazine’s David Miller captured the Marching Band and Color Guard during the opening ceremony playing the fight song and the National Anthem. The video also includes some action clips from the game including the opening kick-off and the traditional pre-game fireworks as the Loveland Tigers ran onto the field!
The visiting Little Miami Panthers ruled the field of play, beating our Tigers 55-20.
Our Tigers traveled to Covington, Kentucky on Friday, September 25th to play the Holmes Bulldogs. Loveland grabbed their first win of the season, 48-14! The Tigers are now 1-3 overall and 0-3 in the ECC. The Loveland Football team will play again on Friday, October 2nd at Kings at 7 p.m.
Loveland, Ohio – On Wednesday, November 13th, several Tigers were recognized for both their minds and their athletic abilities at the 2019 Annual Fall Sports Awards at Loveland High School! LHS Athletic Director, Brian Conatser invited friends, families, and Fall Tiger student-athletes to celebrate their 2019 sports seasons.
Loveland High School Athletic Director, Brian Conaster
Conatser began the heartfelt evening with a tradition of this ceremony at LHS…the senior athletes are announced and led into the gym by their head coach. Conatser invited LHS’s Site Manager and Facilities Coordinator, Jake Elfers to announce the 2019 Fall senior athletes and their coaches.
Next Conatser took the opportunity to thank everyone who made the athletes and coaches seasons so special! “Thank you, Seniors, for your leadership and laying the groundwork within our programs,” Conatser said, “This evening I would like to introduce the administration and members from the athletic department that have joined me in this celebration. Principal, Peggy Johnson, Assistant Director of Student Athletics, Eric Fry, Site Manager & Facilities Coordinator, Jake Elfers. And Finally…our Administrative Assistant in the Athletic Department, Kristy Brulport. A special thanks to all the individuals who support and assist the athletic department and our student-athletes on a daily basis. Parents, Student-Athletes please give your parents a round of applause for their support, feeding you, driving you to and from practices, and always being a part of your games and competition,” Conatser added, “LAB Team Liaisons please stand and be recognized. We appreciate your time commitment and efforts…as you are the link between our Boosters and our Athletic Programs. Thank you for all you do. Coaches, thank you for the tremendous amount of time you spend with our student-athletes. We appreciate you mentoring our young men and women and teaching them the life skills necessary to be successful both now and in their future. Thank you! We are “Extremely Proud” of our teams and programs this Fall season. You have all been Very enjoyable to Watch and Cheer on,” Conatser said.
The Tigers’ 2019 Fall Sports Season marked one of the most successful Fall sports seasons in school history with 5 ECC Champions, 4 ECC Coaches of the Year and 2 ECC Athletes of the Year. With all of these accolades, this puts the Loveland Tigers in the number one spot in running for the All-Sports Trophy. Conatser was sure to give praise to both the coaches and athletes for their designated seasons as he shared the “Coaches Highlights of the Fall Season” told through the coaches’ own words during the ceremony.
Next on the Fall Sports Awards agenda was the recognition of all of the Fall sports athletes who received top ECC honors. You can read about which Tigers received ECC accolades in the Loveland Sports 411 With Cassie MattiaHERE.
Next in the ceremony, each student-athlete who participated in a Fall varsity sport for all 4 years were honored. Conatser announced the following Tigers to receive this particular honor.
Men’s Cross Country
Sam Dippold, Alex Ditchen, Kyle Griffin and Brady Jeffcott
Women’s Cross Country
Sofia Dillhoff, Lexi Duff, Alexi Funk, Sarah Hallock, and Kirstin Thomas
Women’s Golf
Allison Rountree
Women’s Soccer
Maria Bashardoust and Claire Massey
Women’s Tennis
Anna Svitkovich
Following the announcement of the athletes who played all 4 years varsity in their designated sport, was the presentation of the 2019 Fall “Sportsperson of the Season,” and shortly after the presentation of the “Edward Jones Community Student-Athlete Award.” Loveland Magazine plans on featuring these two very special awards and its winners in a separate article coming soon!
At the conclusion of the 2019 Fall Sports Awards ceremony, Conatser recognized individual student-athletes that received awards “beyond” the Eastern Cincinnati Conference. Below are the student-athletes who were recognized for these very prestigious awards.
Women’s Tennis
All-City (GCTCA) Greater Cincinnati Tennis Coaches Association Award
Anna Svitkovich – 1st Team Singles
Tess Broermann and Hannah Wenger – Honorable Mention for Doubles
The Women’s Volleyball Team were ranked 6th in the city
Men’s Golf
District Academic Honors
Matt Rychlik and Luke Sence
Men’s and Women’s Cross Country
Both teams participated in OHSAA Regionals
Women’s Cross Country placed 6th at the State Meet
Jessie Gibbins was named All-Ohio Runner
Women’s Volleyball
All-District Recognition
Jillian Hayes – 2nd Team All-district
Men’s Soccer
All-Southwest City
Cole Harter and Connor Patton
1st Team All-State
Cole Harter
All-Southwest City Coach of the Year
Mike Dunlap
Women’s Soccer
All-Southwest Ohio and All-City
Kaitlyn Andrews, Lauren Donovan, and Clair Massey
2nd-Team All-State
Kaitlyn Andrews
Women’s Golf
Adopt-A-Team winner
Below are the Fall sports teams that received accolades within the ECC and in post-season play.
Women’s Soccer
OHSAA District Champions and OHSAA Regional Runner-ups (Elite 8)
Men’s Golf
2019 ECC Champs
Women’s Volleyball
2019 ECC Champs
2019 Coach of the Year – Brian Baugh
Women’s Cross Country
2019 ECC Champs
OHSAA District Runner-ups
Placed 6th at the State Meet
2019 Coach of the Year – Steve Nester
Men’s Soccer
2019 ECC Champs
2019 Coach of the Year – Mike Dunlap
2019 ECC Player of the Year – Cole Harter
Women’s Tennis
ECC Champs
2019 ECC Coach of the Year – Dara Hudson
2019 ECC Player of the Year – Anna Svitkovich
Loveland Magazine would like to take the opportunity to congratulate all of the Tiger coaches, student-athletes and their families for all the rightly deserved awards they received for the 2019 Fall sports season. I can say as former high school and collegiate student-athlete that your efforts have not gone unnoticed! The hard work, dedication, and motivation that all of you have put in during the season and off-season have paid off and for that, we are very proud to cheer loud and proud throughout the community of Loveland…..GO TIGERS!!!!
Xavier Cintas Center- Cincinnati, OH- Sunday, May 26th: a day students and parents alike anticipated for thirteen years. 12:30pm: a canopy of 365 black caps and orange tassels filed into rows along the floor of the Xavier University Cintas Center. As the Loveland class of 2019 slipped into their alphabetical-order seats, students shared glances of equal glee and nervous anticipation.
Superintendent Dr. Amy Crouse and Principal Peggy Johnson
Students begin to file into their alphabetical seats
Abie Baker and her dog walk to their seat
Katie Symmons is met with the Cintas Center ambience
Now-alumni file past the Loveland full-orchestra band. Family and friends cheered as they watched for this graduate to enter the stadium
Class vice-president Jace Nivens talks with a peer
Students and parents were greeted by a full string/brass orchestra of Loveland non-seniors, a multi-class performance unusual in years past. Band teacher Geoff Miller conducted a many-minute rendition of Pomp and Circumstance.
Conductor Geoff Miller seen from behind stage
Loveland band teacher and marching band conductor Geoff Miller leads the band in Pomp and Circumstance. The band played the piece for around fifteen minutes.
Jacob Aldrich plays clarinet
A student plays tuba
Soon after the Loveland class of 2019 was seated, class representative Jordan Morrison offered a welcome. Class representative Meghan Lolli introduced guests and lead The National Anthem, followed by class president Jackson Tyler Popp’s presidential address.
Between speeches, Loveland’s 2019 choral Senior Ensemble sang Irish Blessing, a long-running tradition. Hannah Ackley followed the performance with her salutatory address.
Meghan Lolli, class representative, introduces guests.
Students stand for the national anthem.
Meghan Lolli stands with her hand over her heart
Class President Jackson Tyler Popp addresses the Cintas Center
The class of 2019 Senior Ensemble continues the tradition of singing “Irish Blessing”
Isaac Harden watches The Senior Ensemble
Choir teacher Shawn Miller leads the singers
Hannah Ackley delivers the salutatory address
A sea of caps and tassels fill the Cintas Center floor
Valedictorian Seung-Min Ko addresses peers and parents
Cameron Berry, Lillian DeMillia, Ceina Fuhrman, Amanda Hains, Laura Hayes, Merrick Hummer, Jacob Kiley, Sophia Muir, Jace Niven, Megan Pedicini, Grace Powell, Kyleigh Schweitzer and Demi Sperelakis sing One Republic’s “I Lived”
Kyleigh Schweitzer singing “I Lived”
Demi Sperelakis sings with her peers
Daniel Eilert plays Cajo along with a string quartet. Laura Hayes played cello, Jacob Kiley violin, Jace Niven guitar and Megan Pedicini violin.
Individuals soon to enter the Military service stand for recognition
Principal Peggy Johnson delivers an Ernest speech
Superintendent Dr. Amy Crouse speaks to the class of 2019
A sea of graduation caps listen to the Class of 2019 faculty speeches
Board of Education vice-president Kathryn Lorenz delivers the presentation of diplomas speech
Teacher Jennifer Chast hugs a student
Graphic arts teacher Megan Burns hugs a new graduate
Principal Peggy Johnson shakes a student’s hand
Ethan Diver steps off the stage. Diver will be studying jazz at CCM.
Caspar Zierden exits the stage after walking for his diploma
Isabella Huelsman shakes hands with vice principal Matthew Buis. Huelsman will be studying photojournalism at Ohio University
Cam Louder shortly after posing for his diploma photograph
Principal Peggy takes a photo for her ever-active Twitter account.
Class representatives Elanor Cronin, Frances Cornett and Kyle Fassler initiate the changing of the tassels.
Students move their tassels to signify their graduation
Post- Loveland Students throw their caps as confetti rains down
Daniel Eilert stands in a cloud of confetti
Confetti rains on Cooper Bach
Cam Louder watches his peers begin to leave
Zach Jacobs celebrates his graduation
Cooper Back enjoys his moment of triumph
Brittany Chapman poses in a hand-made necklace of money
Vincent Proctor’s family member toys with his tassel
Ian Feilds and Abby Savage pose with a cigar
Joe Timmerman smiles outside the Cintas Center. Timmerman will be studying photojournalism at Ohio University
Jarvis Global is an investment advisory firm in Symmes Township, Ohio which offers private portfolio management and retirement services to high net worth individuals.
Loveland, Ohio – Loveland High School (LHS) has earned the College Board AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award for achieving high female representation in AP Computer Science Principles. Schools honored with the award have expanded girls’ access to AP Computer Science courses. Of more than 18,000 secondary schools worldwide that offer AP courses, LHS is one of only 685 – and less than a dozen public high schools in Ohio – to be awarded.
LHS Principal Peggy Johnson
“We’re honored by this recognition and are very proud of the achievements of our female students who take computer science,” said LHS Principal Peggy Johnson. “We’re committed to providing our female students with access to AP Computer Science courses to help prepare a more diverse workforce for critical STEM jobs.”
Schools receiving the AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award have either 50 percent or higher female representation in one of the two AP computer science courses available, or have a percentage of the female computer science examinees meeting or exceeding that of the school’s female population.
The AP Computer Science Principles course launch in 2016 was the largest in AP Program history. It has promoted the growth of AP computer science in high schools, and has led to a 135 percent increase in course participation since 2016, broadening STEM career opportunities for more students. The number of female, rural, and underrepresented minority students taking AP computer science exams has more than doubled in that period.
Providing female students with access to computer science courses contributes to gender parity in the industry’s high-paying jobs, and drives innovation, creativity and competition. According to UNESCO’s Institute of Statistics data, less than 30 percent of the world’s researchers are women; in North America and Western Europe, it is 32 percent. Research shows that women are more likely to pursue a computer science career if they’re given the opportunity to explore it in high school.
Coach Julie Plitt after the Tigers won the District Volleyball Championship in 2016
by Matt Huether,
Loveland, Ohio – This past Fall Loveland High School Athletics lost two of its distinguished Varsity Head Coaches. Coaches Julie Plitt and Fred Cranford both resigned after their respective Fall sports season due to family reasons. Both have been an integral part of Loveland Athletics since their arrival.
Coach Plitt led Loveland to a 22-2 record and their second straight ECC Conference Championship this season. Coach Plitt also reached a coaching milestone this season winning her 400th career game as Head Coach. This came in her 21st coaching season against Lakota East with a score of 24-26, 25-23, 25-15, 25-13. Coach Plitt’s coaching career includes 10 years with Reading, 7 years with Wyoming and 4 years with Loveland. In Coach Plitt’s four years with Loveland, she had much success with a 78-20 record.
Coach Cranford led the Loveland Tigers Varsity Football team for 6 seasons. During his first season as Head Coach, Loveland won the OHSAA Division II State Title as well as the ECC Conference Championship. This was Loveland’s first Division 2 State Title in the school’s history. During Coach Cranford’s 6 seasons at the helm for Loveland, he held a 33-32 record.
When asked what their impacts were on their respective Programs Loveland Athletic Director Brian Conatser said both were great leaders and were well-respected coaches making big impacts on their team’s success and the Loveland Athletic Department.
Principal Peggy Johnson said that Cranford stepped down because of the age of his children and because his wife travels for business. He told Johnson, “My kids are of the age, I need to be there for them.” Cranford has three school-age children.
Two of Plitt’s children will be attending Ball State next year. Marie Plitt will play volleyball and Drew is already playing football there. Johnson said that for Plitt to continue coaching volleyball at the high school level she would miss her daughter’s college career. “It’s very exciting to have children playing college sports, and I understand her choice.”
Brice, Julie, Marie, Steve, and Drew Plitt on the occasion of Marie’s Volleyball Senior Night on October 11, 2018.
Johnson said a timeline for hiring will be established; the positions will be posted and a committee will be put together to evaluate candidates comprised of parents, Athletic Boosters members, Constater, and other coaches outside of the respective sport. Conaster will make a final recommendation to the Board of Education.
Conaster described both Plitt and Cranford as outstanding leaders of young men and women. “On the court, on the field, they had high expectations of the student-athletes and held them accountable, and obviously with a lot of success.” Conaster mentioned Cranford coaching a State Championship football team and said that no-one can have a conversation about southwest Ohio volleyball without including Loveland and Julie Plitt in the conversation. “We owe both a lot of gratitude for setting the culture in making Loveland High School Better.”
Cranford will continue teaching physical education at Loveland High School. Plitt teaches health and physical education at Wyoming City Schools.
On behalf of Loveland Magazine, we would like to thank both coaches for their efforts and wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors.
Loveland City School District Named to College Board’s
9thAnnual AP® Honor Roll
Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland City School District has been recognized as one of only 373 school districts in the United States and Canada to earn a place on the College Board’s 9thAnnual AP District Honor Roll. To be included, districts had to increase the number of students participating in Advanced Placement (AP) coursework, while also maintaining or improving the percentage of students earning scores of at least 3 or higher on AP Exams.
Only 21 Districts in Ohio made the list this year.
“This is such great news for our Tigers and our high school team,” said Superintendent Amy Crouse. “As a comparison, there are about 614 districts just in Ohio, and Loveland was among 21 of them to make the list this year. Our high school teachers, under Principal Peggy Johnson’s leadership, are working very hard to help our students be successful. This is wonderful validation for everyone that their efforts are paying off in a big way.”
Welcome to All About Kids We invite you to come visit one of our convenient locations, talk to our staff and teachers and learn why.
Loveland High School Seniors Abigail Docter (top left), Sophia Muir (top right) and Tyler Gray (bottom).
National Merit Scholarship Program Names Three LHS Seniors as Commended Students
Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland City School District has announced that Loveland High School (LHS) Seniors Abigail Docter, Tyler Gray and Sophia Muirwho have been named Commended Students in the 2019 National Merit Scholarship Program. Commended Students placed among the top 50,000 scorers of more than 1.6 million students who entered the competition by taking the 2017 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).
“The recognition is a testament to the academic ability of these amazing students who stand among the best of the best in the nation,” said LHS Principal Peggy Johnson. “We are thrilled and congratulate them all on this fantastic accomplishment!”
Established in 1955, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) is a not-for-profit organization that operates without government assistance. It was established for the sole purpose of managing the National Merit Scholarship Program. Scholarships are underwritten by NMSC with its own funds and by approximately 420 business organizations and higher education institutions that share NMSC’s goal of honoring the nation’s scholastic champions and encouraging the pursuit of academic excellence. Although Commended Students do not continue on in the scholarship competition, they are recognized for exceptional academic promise demonstrated by their outstanding performance on the qualifying test used for program entry.
Take Home Tano is about fresh, wholesome food for the frenzied family Our goal is to meet the needs of busy families.
Loveland, Ohio– Loveland High School Seniors Hannah Ackley, Quinn James and Megan Pedicini have been named Semifinalists in the 64thannual National Merit Scholarship Program, officially announced today. The students will have an opportunity to compete for approximately 7,500 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $31 million to be offered next spring.
“Our warmest congratulations to Hannah, Quinn and Megan!” said Peggy Johnson, LHS principal. “We are extremely proud of these hard-working students whose achievements have placed them among the nation’s academic elite.”
To be considered for a scholarship award, Semifinalists first have to fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist level. More than 90 percent of the Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing, and about half of the Finalists earn the Merit Scholar title and the Merit Scholarship award. Student initially qualify by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.
Loveland, Ohio– In announcing that Sam David will be the Grand Marshal of the 2018 Loveland High School Homecoming Parade, Loveland Athletic Boosters’ Parade Coordinator Tori Morrison said, “As you know Sam has done a lot for our schools and community and we look forward to honoring him.”
The Parade is on Thursday, September 13 at 6:30 PM. The Homecoming game will be on Friday, September 14 at 7 PM vs the Withrow Tigers.
Grand Marshal Sam David has lived in Loveland since 2009 and had two kids graduate from Loveland High School.
Booster President Jeff Williams said, “Sam David has been the most generous person I know in dealing with the community and the students of Loveland. Sam has donated hundreds of hours to our community in volunteer hours and also personal investments over the years. Sam is all about Loveland.”
David began working for Larosas at the age of 16 and became General Manager of the Loveland store in 1985. In 1989 he became one of the owners. Since then he has joined his brother in owning six locations. He is on the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance Board of Directors.
Upon hearing about the choice of Grand Marshal, Loveland School Superintendent Amy Crouse said, “Sam is a great choice. He genuinely cares about the whole Tiger experience for our students and staff. He is one of our biggest cheerleaders both academically and in sports.”
David will be honored at halftime of the Homecoming Game with this statement:
He has served the Loveland Athletic Boosters as Director of Banner Sales, and more recently spent four years as 2nd Vice President. He has mentored countless kids over the years and is always willing to give of his time. He is currently a part of the Building Tiger Nation Committee.
Over the years he has made many donations to Loveland athletics and other activities. He and Michelle Petit are major donors to both the Tiger Turf and the Fitness Center. We as a community cannot thank Sam enough for all he has done and continues to do.
Please join us in honoring Sam David who is accompanied by his granddaughter Charli Jo.
The Parade starts at the Moose Lodge Hall on East Loveland Avenue, continues on West Loveland Avenue, to Rich Road, and ends at #1 Tiger Trail at Loveland High School. The annual Powder Puff football game will be held at Tiger Stadium immediately following the parade.
“Sam works for the betterment of the Tiger experience for all students. He treats all students with kindness and respect,” said Loveland High School Principal Peggy Johnson.
Jarvis Global is an investment advisory firm in Symmes Township, Ohio which offers private portfolio management and retirement services to high net worth individuals.
![[w/photo album] Loveland Magazine Presents Loveland High School’s 2019 Fall Sports Awards!](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/2019-fall-lhs-sports-awards.jpg)
