Loveland, Ohio – Calling all student-athletes, coaches, parents, and fans! The Eastern Cincinnati Conference (ECC) recently announced that they will be going through somewhat of a league transformation. In addition to adding three new schools, Little Miami, Winton Woods, and Lebanon, to the ECC for the 2020-2021 sports season they are also looking to add a new conference slogan.
The ECC stated that they would love to bring more awareness and reach to the conference’s brand so the conference decided to have students, coaches, and fans submit slogan ideas. The ECC selected the top 4 slogan ideas and posted them on the ECC website so that anyone and everyone could vote on their favorite slogan! Below are the top 4 slogan selections.
1. Engage. Compete. Conquer
2. Excite. Challenge. Compete.
3. Eastern Cincinnati Conference … top-level competition with community-based values.
4. Engagement. Competition. Community. We are the ECC!
The Slogan Contest allows voters to submit their slogan selection as many times as they want up until Friday, June 26th, 2020. The new slogan will be released in early July. If you would like to participate in the Slogan Contest click the link below to submit your vote!
Loveland, Ohio – With May arriving in just a few days, many LHS students are still trying to process that they will not be stepping foot back into their schools for the remainder of the academic year. LHS student-athletes also received some devastating news last week confirming that they would not be competing in their designated Spring sport for the remainder of the school year. With all of the unfortunate news, LHS coaches have been trying to place a positive spin on everything by providing their athletes with workouts that they can do at home as well as a variety of other motivational tools!
LHS’s Head Women’s Volleyball Coach, Brian Baugh, is one of the LHS Coaches that has really been dedicating a lot of his time during the Stay At Home Order to his team in order to keep them both motivated and dedicated to their craft.
“For Women’s volleyball, the Spring and Summer are extremely important for getting the girls ready for the season. Typically we would hold open gyms and lift throughout the week,” Baugh said, “Many of the girls would be participating in club season as well, but like every team, we have had to adapt. We are fortunate that at Loveland we have Strength and Conditioning Coach, Derek Berry, on staff. He puts together workouts that are pushed out to our players through the Team Buildr app. It’s a great way for the athletes to work out at home and for me to track their workouts.”
Coach Baugh told us that many of his players have gotten very creative with their volleyball training, creating things around the house to help them work on their skills. Many of the team’s siblings and parents are helping them at home with their skill sets as well!
LHS’s Head Women’s Volleyball Coach, Brian Baugh
“To me, the most important thing is to come together as a team, so that whenever we get back on that court, we are building each other up and have each other’s backs when things get tough,” Baugh explained, “We are fortunate that our future seniors are really leading the charge. We have great leaders in Maya Jepson, Diana Clark, Abbie Miller, Alex Miller, Faith Meece, and Ellie Egan. They are high character girls. They have created different competitions for the team to complete during the quarantine. For example, they did a baking competition where they baked and decorated cakes and then put them on Twitter to have fans vote for the best. They also created a virtual pepper video that they put on Twitter. We have been sharing baby pictures of each player and are having fans guess which player or coach is featured in the picture. We also have been holding Google Meets weekly to check-in on one another.”
Coach Baugh says he has been challenging his players weekly. One of the ways Coach Baugh has been challenging his team during the isolation period is by asking them once a week how they have improved as a player and a person. After the player comes up with their answer Coach Baugh has them share their response with the team.
“It has certainly been a challenge not being on the court, but I am so impressed with how the players have responded during this time off,” Coach Baugh said with pride, “I cannot wait to see how they go for that fourth straight ECC title this coming season!”
For more LHS sports updates stay tuned to the Loveland Sports 411 With Cassie Mattia!
“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!
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!!!!
by Cassie Mattia
The ECC stated that they would love to bring more awareness and reach to the conference’s brand so the conference decided to have students, coaches, and fans submit slogan ideas. The ECC selected the top 4 slogan ideas and posted them on the ECC website so that anyone and everyone could vote on their favorite slogan! Below are the top 4 slogan selections.
Stay tuned for the latest and greatest Local Sports 411 with me, Cassie Mattia!
![[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)
