The Star Beacon; Ashtabula, Ohio

16U Jaguars split 4 at state
The Ohio Jaguars went 2-2 in pool play at the 16-and-under NSA State Tournament on Saturday in Canfield.
Post 152 scalps Erie Braves
Jefferson Post 152 wrapped up its pool-play games in style Saturday at the Mentor Firecracker Tournament, knocking off the Erie Braves, 7-4.
Beast a bear so far for Post 743
The Beast of the East has proved to be a real bear for the Kingsville Post 743 Renegades baseball squad.
A Don McCormack column: ‘Home Field’ is a gridiron home run
Paying another visit to the variety store...

Dynamite DVD
While I pride myself on being a bit of a historian for area high school athletics, when it comes to Geneva High School football — to use a sports analogy — I can’t carry Norm Potter’s jock.
Super shooter
When Lindsey Mayle defeated the other 10-year-old girls at the Ohio 2009 Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship, she received a trophy she can easily hide behind.
Champlin champing at the bit
The time has come for Nancy Champlin to spread her wings and fly.
How to get your copy of Norm Potter's, 'Home Field'
To obtain a copy of “Home Field,” stop by Winner’s Circle Trophy Shop, located at 549 E. Main St. in Geneva. For more informtation, call the shop at 466-9466.
Geneva’s true ‘Home Field’
Norm Potter was born into Geneva football. He grew up hearing about the Eagles’ football glories from his dad and his dad’s friends.
Colucci’s cooks Hardee’s
Colucci’s Pizza used a potent hitting attack and a combination of Jackie Piscalko and Paige Renee Robinson on the mound to defeat to cook Hardee’s, 14-4, in a JAGS senior division contest Thursday at the JAGS Complex in Jefferson.
Sandlot Roundup: Nate great for NAPA Wahoos
The Jefferson NAPA Indians plated eight runs in the home half of the first in downing the Reese Machine Diamondbacks, 11-6, Thursday night at Evans Field to claim the Saybrook Youth Athletic Association minor boys tournament championship.
Holding court
The Westside Shootout has become such a fixture in the community that new people are hopping on board all the time just to make sure the tournament can be played.
Slowpitch Roundup: Mighty Mick makes Legends winners
Mighty Mick Zigmund mashed a gamewinning homer in the bottom of the seventh to catapult the CBC Construction Legends to a thrilling 11-10 triumph over Shannon Fence in the Lake County Over-50 Softball League.
Sandlot Roundup: Slammin’ Sam proves to be a van man
Slammin’ Sam Chaney is still not quite old enough to drive, but he sure knows how to drive a pitch.
Huber leaving PV
Jeremy Huber took over the helm of the Pymatuning Valley boys basketball program six years ago and vowed the Lakers would play hard, regardless of whether they were winning or losing.
Stars come out for ESPN 970
ASHTABULA — Through each person’s life, there are a number of people that have opened doors along the way, allowing them to reach heights they didn’t know possible.
Visitors show strong effort
JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — Strongsville lived up to its name Monday night at Havens Complex.
Jaguars win in style
Emily Hicks clubbed a three-run walkoff homer to vault the Ohio Jaguars 16U squad to an 8-6 win against Ohio Reign to win the Sting Mecca NSA National Qualifier.
Sandlot Roundup: With Bree, it’s a breeze for Ashtabula No. 1
Bree Leonard struck out nine to lead Ashtabula No. 1 past Ashtabula No. 2, 4-3, in junior league softball action.
A Don McCormack column: Talk about a pathetic bucket list!
Paying a Monday morning visit to the variety store...

Almost empty
I know I’m late to the game, here, but I finally had an opportunity to see Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman’s tag-team effort in “The Bucket List” over the weekend.
A work of Artman
Jarod Artman likes to be challenged. He likes to earn something rather than have it handed to him.
Outdoors Insider, with Dale Sunderlin: This is one big cat!
A new state record Blue Catfish has been certified by the Outdoor Writers of Ohio State Record Fish Committee.
Post 743 pounds Titusville
The Kingsville Neal Post 743 Renegades pulled a Meat Loaf over the weekend at Mercyhurst College — two out of three ain’t bad.
Reds make Tribe blue
CLEVELAND – The weather at Progressive Field was temperate and comfortable. Yet for the Indians fans in attendance, sitting through the three hours and two minutes that comprised Sunday afternoon’s series finale with Cincinnati was brutal.
Family first
Roberta Cozad tried to make the Geneva softball team into a family in her two years at the helm.
Mack attack
Brittney Mackey learned a valuable lesson while trying to choose which college she was going to attend while playing softball. She had all but eliminated Edinboro University early in the process without a visit.
Indians color Reds blue
CLEVELAND — As far as the Indians were concerned, it was about time they had a game like Friday’s.
Sandlot Roundup: Birthday-girl Brianna presents a big night
Brianna Kingston celebrated her birthday with a triple and home run in Ashtabula Team No. 1’s 10-0 victory over the Geneva Indians Friday night during junior softball action.
A Don McCormack column: Former Herald star on the move
Paying another visit to the variety store...

Winds of change
Steve Petros, a former standout athlete during his days at St. John High School, has made a move.
A Tom Harris column: Mister Roberts
If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
A Don McCormack column: Former Beacon SE honored
Paying another visit to the variety store...

Seeing Red
The most famous person to ever sit in this chair will be receiving one of journalism’s most prestigious awards Friday afternoon.
With Finch, win cinched
JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — A deadlocked game was offset in the seventh inning by Jefferson Post 152’s Mike Finch with a double whacked into center field, bringing in his teammate Grant Wenger, resulting in a 3-2 America Legion victory over the Kingsville Post 743 Renegades at Cotton Field.
Sandlot Roundup: Paige closes book on Perry
Paige Palmer pitched a no hitter with 14 strikeouts for Madison No.1’s 6-2 victory over Perry during Major League softball action Wednesday night.
Slowpitch Roundup: CBC Legends slug their way to victory
CBC Legends used their big bats to bash their way to a 17-16 victory against Lake Truck in Lake County Over-50 Softball League action.
A Don McCormack column: A Knight’s tale...
Fade to white...
As he trots past the pitcher’s mound toward the dugout, he stops to pick up a stray baseball. Just as he does, a teammate in the batting cage beckons him to throw him a pitch before players leave the field.
A Don McCormack column: Opinions are like... well, you know
Paying another visit to the variety store...

Queens of diamonds
Since yours truly named his own all-time Star Beacon Ashtabula County softball team in our Monday, June 15 edition, I’ve received a great deal of reaction and feedback.
ESPN 970 to bring out the stars Monday night
Joe Pete, Dana Schulte and the people at ESPN Radio 970 WFUN has been raising money for the last 12 months all with eye toward giving it away.
Sandlot Roundup: Cochran, Gehring, Peggs combine to mine a gem
Aryn Cochran, Taylor Gehring, and Madalyn Peggs combined pitched a no hitter for the first three innings pitched for Union Industrial Cubs 25-4 win over Huntington Insurance Reds during Minor League softball action Tuesday night.
Slowpitch Roundup: Laurenty does lots of yard work
Dave Laurenty led Zehrco-Giancola to its 15-4 win over Thoms with three home runs in Softball City Men’s action Tuesday night.
Nicholson prevails at Hemlock Springs
Danielle Nicholson, Geneva, fired a 74 to win the girls 12-15-year-old division of the North Coast Junion Golf Tour stop at Hemlock Springs. The nesxt closest competitor was six strokes off the pace.
Post 743 pounds visiting Euclid Post 343
Tom Dunham doubled twice in three hits and Jake Savel drove in two with three hits to lead Kingsville American Legion Post 743 past Euclid Post 343, 11-1, Tuesday night.
Ford shoots 85
Shelly Ford of Jefferson stands tied for 19th after the first round of the SAP Junior Open, being contested at Redtail Golf Club.
A Don McCormack column: Little Jenna still going strong
Paying another visit to the variety store...

Going strong
Back on Oct. 12, 2008, we brought the saga of tiny Jenna Timonere to these pages.
SJP WILL have football
Jim Timonere is mad as... heck, and if he had any kind of choice, he wouldn’t take it anymore.
A Tom Harris column: Promise fulfilled
“He’s got a wonderful desire to compete. I saw that when he was in the seventh grade,” Lakeside tennis coach Bob Walters said of Jake Kerosky.
A Tom Harris column: Getting his Phil
The history of Northeastern Conference boys tennis ended as it began, with Geneva winning the league championship.
Big 3 heads all-county squad
The Northeastern Conference tennis train pulled into the station for the last time this spring. As it has been for but a few years in the league
Sandlot Roundup: Noce fans 13 as Cards fly
Ashten Noce struck out 13 to lead the Ashtabula Cardinals past Geneva, 2-1, in major league softball action. Lauren Hodges and Kaitlynn Mayberry led the offense with two hits each and A’dria Mathers added a triple and two RBI. Cayla Conrod struck out seven on the mound for Geneva.
Slowpitch Roundup: Harley helps Bruno’s Pizza pepper Sell It Again
Courtney Harley drove in the winning run to lead Brunos Pizza past Sell It Again, 8-7, in Softball City co-ed action. Rob Lincoln and Chris Bernardski each had two hits apiece.
Falcon Ford flying on links
Jefferson standout Shelly Ford has qualified for the SAP Junior Open, going on this week at Red Tail Golf Club.
Outdoors Insider, with Dale Sunderlin: Ranger Rick had a dream
A while back, years that is, Ranger Rick Alderman from the Geneva State Park called me and asked if I could do a column on a project he had undertaken, the building of a public archery range.
Jeff’s field of dreams
JEFFERSON — Those who have not been behind the high school in Jefferson since the end of the scholastic football season will more than likely be surprised to see what’s transpired at Falcon Pride Stadium.
A Don McCormack column: Ties with Bragga go way back
Paying a visit to the variety store...

Mighty Matt
I had the pleasure of talking with and writing about Matt Bragga and the success of his Tennessee Tech University baseball team.
Joslin hurls gem for Post 743
Brian Joslin turned in a performance that impressed his manager in leading Kingsville Post 743 to a 6-0 triumph against the Iroquois Braves on Sunday at Northwestern High School in Albion, Pa.
16U Jaguars nipped by a run
The Ohio Jaguars 16-and-under squad was eliminated in the quarterfinals of the Chain Reaction Father’s Day Tournament on Sunday.
14U Jaguars bow in semifinals
The Ohio Jaguars 14-and-under squad made it to the semifinals of the Chain Reaction Father’s Day Tournament on Sunday.
Dominance continues at Derby
he Masters golf tournament is often referred to as “A Tradition Unlike Any Other.” It appears the Northeast Ohio Soap Box Derby is approaching those dimensions.
It’s a coaching high-wire act
Right fielders sitting down in the middle of a game, umpires waiting for players to return from the bathroom and coaches swinging players through the air are all a part of Little League action in Ashtabula County.
Jaguars 14-under unbeaten
With a 3-0 record in pool play, the Ohio Jaguars 14-and-under softball team fought its way into today’s action at the Chain Reaction Father’s Day Classic.
Post 152 washed out at Hillbilly Classic in W.Va.
Mike Finch and Kyle Kiser combined on a three-hitter for Jefferson Post 152 in the Hillbilly Classic at Elkins, W.Va. to put itself in a position for pool play. Then the rains that have engulfed the eastern United States struck, forcing cancellation of the rest of the tournament.
This guy no Fink for Kingsville
Fowler is back to have his way
He’s baaaack.
York puts up his dukes in Post 152 win
A walkoff three-run homer by Jon York carried Jefferson Post 152’s baseball team to a 7-4 victory over Post No. 2 from Morgantown, W.Va. in its second game of the day Friday at the Hillbilly Classic in Elkins, W.Va. to remain in contention for participation in the finals of the tournament Sunday.
Toreki enjoys legendary night
Chris Toreki had two home runs among his three hits and seven RBI to lead CBC Construction Legends to a 18-9 victory over Shannon Fence in Lake County Over-50 Softball League action.
Paula just grand in Carpet Mart win
Paula Cothrum hit a grand slam to lead the Carpet Mart Pirates to a 16-7 win over the Union Industrial Contractors Cubs in Minor Softball action Friday night.
Mixers celebrate 20 years
This year’s Northeast Ohio Soap Box Derby in Conneaut is special in a number of ways.
Mitchum carries Zehrco-Giancola past One-Cut
A six-run third inning and a pair of five-run rallies powered Zehrco-Giancola to an 18-6 victory Thursday over One-Cut Construction in Softball City Men’s League action and kept it undefeated.
Robertson lifts Eagles to win
Stephen Robertson singled home A.J. Dawes in the bottom of the seventh inning Thursday to provide the Geneva Eagles with a 7-6 victory over the Conneaut Athletics in junior division baseball.
She’s got it all
Certainly an athlete’s performance is the strongest benchmark of their capabilities and the qualities they possess. But a very strong gauge of what they mean to their team and their competitors can be discerned from what their coaches have to say about them.
HOF to induct new members
A new set of 15 people who have had great impact upon high school football in Ashtabula County and beyond have been chosen for induction into the Ashtabula County Football Hall of Fame for 2009.
GSH slides past Brininger
Ray Henderson delivered a game-winning hit in the bottom of the seventh to lead Geneva Spinal Health past Briniger Roofing, 7-6, in Ashtabula City Rec softball action.
Dragon smokes Pirates in Braves’ win
Dalton Dragon ripped a game-winning double among his three hits and drove in four runs to lead the Ashtabula Braves past the Ashtabula Pirates, 8-7, in minor league baseball action Tuesday.
NCAA track — It’s electric
A WARREN DILLAWAY COLUMN: The electricity in the air was more than literal last weekend as the NCAA men’s team track championship came down to the final race.
Moving to head of the class
Running thousands of mile during the last eight years paid off recently as Edgewood graduate Jason Headman set the 5000- (3.1 miles) and 10,000-meter (6.2 miles) records at the University of Akron.
Mattson to chase passions to Tiffin
When it’s executed correctly, a skillfully-played tennis match can be like a work of art, the players moving fluidly back and forth and side to side.
Blon hero in win over ARC
Jefferson Post 152 (2-4) defeated Ashtabula Rubber Company Post 103, 10-6, behind the pitching of Jon York, Adam Placek and Kyle Blon on Monday.
Sjoden paces JD’s
Ryan Sjoden blasted three hits, including a triple, to lead JD’s Pizza past Sell It Again, 13-7, in Softball City Co-Ed action.
Eric Hunt added three hits, including a double. Rob Burckhartte and Jimmy Ward each had three hits for Sell It Again.
n Young Men’s Social Club 17, The Outlaws 9 — Adam Jordan, Sherri Britton, Tyler Scalise and Jim Ward Jr. each had three hits to lead the Young Men’s Social Club.
Mollick keeps Rockers fishing
Cassidy Mollick struck out 10 and smacked two hits including a double to lead the Ashtabula Marlins past the Geneva Rockers, 19-18, in major league softball action Monday.
A Don McCormack column: This is my team...
While plowing through our microfilm library a couple weeks ago, I had a thought (shocking, I know): What if God decreed to me, “You have one high school softball season to play, made up of players from only Ashtabula County and your fate rests on the outcome.
Outdoors Insider, with Dale Sunderlin: Violators pay price nationally
It’s working, folks. We’re getting the bad guys and they are paying dearly. Since Ohio became an Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact (IWVC) member state on Jan. 1, 2008, 146 violators have been entered into the system by Ohio wildlife law enforcement officers.
2009 Star Beacon Spring Scholar-Athletes: Mahoney all she can be
Who in life wouldn’t want to have plenty of options to explore? Mary Mahoney knows she’s fortunate to have lots of them.
2009 Star Beacon Spring Scholar-Athletes — Part II
n APRIL HOLDSON, CONNEAUT — Graduating 10th of 173 seniors at Conneaut, Holdson maintained a 3.953 grade-point average.
2009 Star Beacon Spring Scholar-Athletes:
n CONNEAUT — Ben Betteridge, Tyler Howard, Leandra Sears, Kia Thomas.
2009 Star Beacon Spring Scholar-Athletes — Part I
n CODY BLOOD, CONNEAUT — With a 3.678 grade-point average, Blood graduated 25th of 173 seniors at Conneaut.
Prince Albert puts Tribe in can
CLEVELAND — In making his first major-league start in two seasons, Tomo Ohka performed above and beyond the call of duty. But like so many others, he couldn’t control Albert Pujols.
Sandlot Roundup: Miller hits a winner
Sean Miller drove home Daniel Camplese with a hit to complete a rally by the Geneva Indians as they overtook the Ashtabula Indians, 9-8, in eight innings Saturday in junior division baseball.
Drews’ slam keys Post 743 victory
A 12-hit offensive surge allowed Kingsville American Legion Post 743’s baseball team to earn a split Saturday with Richmond Post 740, winning the opener, 9-7.
Tyler terrific for EAC
Tyler Cox’s no-hitter wasn’t necessary for the East Ashtabula Club baseball team in its 19-3 victory Saturday over the Mentor Cardinals in Great Lakes Baseball League 13-and-under action, but it certainly was appreciated.
A Don McCormack column: A lifetime of service, satisfaction
The seaman first class saw the pack airplanes coming from a good distance as they buzzed their way toward his ship, the minesweeper destroyer USS Rodman, as it zigs and zags its way through the Pacific waters in the battle of Okinawa.
Sandlot Roundup: Beckwith buzzes NAC Stingers
Bailey Beckwith of Jefferson, playing for the Willoughby Starzz 12U squad, pitched a four-hitter, striking out nine and walking none in 3-0 shutout against the NAC Stingers in six innings Friday night during the Willoughby Starzz College Showcase Tournament.
Timely hits back Showalter on the mound for Post 743
Tom Dunham cracked three hits, while J.D. Drews backed him with a pair — including a double — as Kingsville Post 743 recorded a 6-3 American Legion baseball triumph at Steubenville Post 33 on Friday night.
ARC, EAC post victories
Brandon Goss was the winning pitcher for Ashtabula Rubber Company Post 103’s 7-1 win over the Wild Milds Friday night.
Tribe shuffles Cards
CLEVELAND — If the Indians are going to make a serious run in the AL Central Division, the starting rotation has to come together.
A Don McCormack column: He goes yard... at age 9
What is it with these prodigies?
Wahoos rally past Royals
CLEVELAND — In the three-game series the Indians just concluded with visiting Kansas City, they made a living out of playing come-from-behind baseball.
Sandlot Roundup: Carpet Mart Pirates loot Cubs
The Carpet Mart Pirates held off a late charge from the Union Industrial Contractors Cubs for a 14-11 victory Thursday in minor division softball action.
A Don McCormack column: A former Dragons coach heads to W.Va.
Paying another visit to the variety store...

Still at it
Tom Bruney’s time spent in Ashtabula County lasted only one year.
As he Drew it up
Winning only the second Northeastern Conference baseball title in school history was a huge objective for Andrew Showalter and his Edgewood teammates this year.
A pair of winners
There are usually one of two ways a group of seniors on a team can go, particularly in spring sports. They can either commit to do something special or pretty much go through the motions as their minds shift to thoughts of graduation, open houses and getting ready for college, the military or entering the work force.
2009 Star Beacon Ashtabula County Baseball Coaches of the Year
n 2009 — Justin Cafaro, Geneva
— Steve Kray, Edgewood
n 2008 — Scott Barber, Jefferson
n 2007 — Scott Barber, Jefferson
n 2006 — Scott Barber, Jefferson
n 2005 — Steve Urchek, PV
n 2004 — Tony Nappi, Lakeside
n 2003 — Dave Rozzo, SJP
n 2002 — Rick Havens, Jefferson
2009 Star Beacon Ashtabula County Baseball Players of the Year
n 2009 — Andrew Showalter, Edgewood
n 2008 — Ryan Morford, Jefferson
n 2007 — Adam Miller, Jefferson
n 2006 — Adam Miller, Jefferson
n 2005 — Brandan Palm, Lakeside
n 2004 — Paul Burleson, SJP
— Chad Campbell, Lakeside
n 2003 — Dan Juhola, Lakeside
n 2002 — Kurt Kapferer, Jefferson
2009 Star Beacon All-Ashtabula County Baseball:
Position Player School Class
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
P Andrew Showalter Edgewood Senior
CO-COACH ES OF THE YEAR
Justin Cafaro Geneva
Steve Kray Edgewood
Sandlot Roundup: Bleil mines gem for Ashtabula Tigers
Josh Bleil of the Ashtabula Tigers pitched a no-hitter Wednesday night in a 12-1 win over the Ashtabula Cardinals during a Ashtabula major division baseball game.
A Don McCormack column: A message straight from the heart
Paying another visit to the variety store...

The Mailbag
For many years, one of the most interactive features found on these pages was the Mailbag, where you, Loyal Readers, would write and I would publish your letters and offer a brief reply.
Cellar dwellers no more
CLEVELAND — Don’t look now, but the Indians are out of last place in the AL Central Division.
Hill has new mountain to climb
Bryan Hill was a big part of the Madison High School boys basketball program’s rise into one of the best in the area. Now, he hopes to help Notre Dame College in South Euclid continue its rise to prominence.
Sandlot Roundup: Siekkinen, Diemer get it done
Hanah Siekkinen and Faythe Diemer both pitched two innings for the Ashtabula Giants, only giving up one hit for the 9-6 win over the Indians during an Ashtabula minor division softball game Tuesday night. Brianna Scruggs had the Indians only hit.
Slowpitch Roundup: Just in Time snaps way to W
Nick Presciano had a cycle at the plate to lead Just In Time Staffing to a 16-12 win over Snap Fitness on Tuesday night.
Ford motors way to win on golf tour
The defending champions for the Star Beacon Invitational and one of the area’s exciting young golf talents got the North Coast Junior Golf Tour to a blazing start Tuesday at Lost Nation Golf Course in Willoughby.
A Don McCormack column: Ron is no Butcher on the links
Paying a visit to the variety store...

He’s an ace!
Hopefully, it won’t take Ron Butcher quite as long to get his second hole-in-one as it did his first.
Because if it does, he’ll be 83 years old.
A Tom Harris column: Conneaut's Super Dave
Dave Simpson never suffered from a lack of material. A few weeks after President Richard Nixon resigned, Simpson began his career with the Conneaut schools; he was assigned to teach Current Affairs and Urban Studies.
Sandlot Roundup: Joslin the hub for Kingsville Cubs
Daniel Joslin of the Kingsville Cubs pitched a no-hitter with eight strikeouts for the 10-0 victory over the Conneaut A’s in major-division baseball action Monday.
A Don McCormack column: Still standing, after all these years...
Make it seven decades — and counting — for Bob Garvey of the Harbor Mariners.
Ashtabula County Track and Field Records:
GIRLS
EVENT NAME SCHOOL MARK YEAR
Shot put Bessie Noble Ashtabula 41-7 1999
Discus Nadine Cox Geneva 155-2 1980
Outdoors Insider, with Dale Sunderlin: Please don’t fawn over fallen fawns
Each spring, thousands of fawns are born throughout Ohio. These fawns are wild animals and should remain that way.
STATE CHAMP!
COLUMBUS — Edgewood girls track coach Steve Hill said what led to Saturday’s special moment at the Division II state meet was actually a year in the making.
Mahoney earns her place(s)
COLUMBUS — One of the most productive careers in Ashtabula County track history came to end Saturday with a day of high performance.
State Track and Field Notebook: Conklin enjoys staying in the game
COLUMBUS — Each year’s state track meet must be a relaxing event for Rob Conklin. At least it has been for the past 11 years.
Sandlot Roundup: Anthony on the mark for Wychock Physical Therapy A’s
Anthony Platt hammered a homer, tore his way to a triple, drilled a double and drove four runs as the Wychock Physical Therapy Athletics beat the Loudermilk Tractor Marlins, 17-1, Saturday in major-division play of the Saybrook Youth Athletic Association.
Jefferson’s Lizzy Ziemski takes second in the Division II high jump
COLUMBUS — A state track meet that holds so much promise for area girls got off to a great start Friday at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium. It was started by Jefferson high jumper Lizzy Ziemski in the Division II ranks with a second place by clearing 5-4.
Boys have tougher day
COLUMBUS — As good a day as it was for the area’s girls competitors, it was a day of disappointment for the five boys qualifiers to the state track meet Friday.
State Track and Field Notebook: Dream Weaver
COLUMBUS — Even though she is doing so from far away, there is at least one other person with Ashtabula County roots who is hoping the 21-year drought that has been endured in having a county girl earn a state track or field state championship.
Sandlot Roundup: ‘Lex’ flexes way to no-no
Lexi Zappitelli had it going in a big way Friday night against the Geneva Rockers, firing a no-hitter and whiffing 16 in leading the Conneaut Braves to a 7-1 major softball triumph.
Flame-throwing Dragon
Edgewood pitcher Megan Dragon doesn’t like to be beaten. There is no greater evidence of that than the way she willed the Warriors through each inning in a 2-0, 15-inning loss to Poland in a Division II district championship at the JAGS Complex in Jefferson.
Star Beacon Ashtabula County Softball Players of the Year:
n 2009 — Megan Dragon, Edgewood
n 2008 — Courtney Francis, Jefferson
n 2007 — Trisha Dreslinski, Edgewood
n 2006 — Trisha Dreslinski, Edgewood
n 2005 — Jaci Neczeporenko, Edgewood
n 2004 — Pam Dreslinski, Edgewood
County’s best lead team
During the course of the 2009 season, Edgewood and Pymatuning Valley were the two best softball teams in Ashtabula County.
2009 Star Beacon All-Ashtabula County Softball:
Position Player School Class
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
P Megan Dragon Edgewood Senior
COACH OF THE YEAR
Shelley Monas Edgewood
Monas departs on high note
After the Edgewood softball team lost to Geneva a year ago in a Division II sectional championship game, some of the older Warriors approached coach Shelley Monas.
Star Beacon Ashtabula County Softball Coaches of the Year:
n 2009 — Shelley Monas, Edgewood
n 2008 — Paul Bodnar, Jefferson
n 2007 — Shelley Monas, Edgewood
n 2006 — Shelley Monas, Edgewood
n 2005 — Shelley Monas, Edgewood
n 2004 — Shelley Monas, Edgewood
n 2003 — Shelley Monas, Edgewood
n 2002 — Dave Melaragno, Edgewood
Sandlot Roundup: Super Shawn comes through
Shawn Gilbert drove in the tying run in the seventh inning and scored the winning run for the Ashtabula Tigers’ 5-4 victory over Geneva No. 2 in junior baseball action Thursday.
Slow-pitch Roundup: Life of Brian
Brian McConnell led One-Cut at the plate by going 3-for-3 with three home runs in a a 25-5 win against Subway/Chop’s in a Softball City men’s game Thursday night.
Terrific trio
Rarely have Ashtabula County competitors been in such a position to have the impact they can this weekend at the girls state track meet.
Fab 5 for the boys
This is the moment every senior athlete dreams about, finishing up their career on their sport’s biggest stage.
Sandlot Roundup: Walker helps Mets run past Cards
Jarrod Walker led the Conneaut Mets to an 18-0 shutout with 57 pitches in five innings against the Pymatuning Valley Cardinals during a junior league baseball game Wednesday night.
She’s not on thin ice
Juliana Brotzman has been zipping around ice rinks on a pair of skates for the better part of 14 years.
Sandlot Roundup: Deanna gets it done in W
n Madison No. 1 14, Cork Pink Ladies 3 — Alicia Major smacked a double and scored three runs to lead Madison while Emma Burkholder, Meara Elersic and Taylor Henry each scored twice. Alexis Cross had a hit and scored to lead the Pink Ladies while Rachel Scibona had an RBI and scored a run. Morgan Scibona scored once, Hailey Doherty drove in a run and Cristi Crites added a hit.
Eagles soar... again
The Geneva junior high girls track team recently closed out its season by winning the final NEC Meet, outdistancing Braden by almost 100 points.
The girls won 11 of the 14 events and set two new meet records.
Slow-pitch Roundup: Colbert clobbers 3 hits in 12-run triumph
Varick Colbert blasted three hits, including a double and a triple, to lead Los Compadres past the Wild Side, 17-5, in Ashtabula City Rec Men’s Softball action Tuesday.
A Don McCormack column: Bragga revels in regional experience
Paying a visit to the variety store...

Having a ball
No, the Tennessee Tech University baseball team didn’t do what it had wanted to accomplish at the NCAA Regional at Clemson over the weekend.
A Jason Tirotta column: Walk of life
Katy Carkhuff knew she needed to make s a change. When her doctor told the then 60-year-old social worker she had a pre-diabetic condition and was high risk for a heart attack, she knew she was heading down a familiar path.
Indiana (Tech), here she comes
Jefferson senior Katelynn Hamilton knew she wasn’t going to let her softball career end when she graduated. She just didn’t know where or for who she’d be playing next.
Final area softball statistical leaders:
INDIVIDUAL BATTING
(Minimum 40 at-bats)
PLAYER SCHOOL AVG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB
April Holdson Conneaut .475 59 20 28 6 2 1 13 n/a
Pallavi Iyer Grand Valley .446 56 12 25 0 0 0 8 0
Brittany Stevenson Geneva .442 77 14 34 1 2 0 3 19
Lauren Childs Edgewood .424 92 27 39 0 0 0 3 29
Jenn Tennant Pymatuning Valley .417 103 34 43 5 5 6 36 4
Tawna Whited Madison .413 75 14 31 n/a n/a 1 21 0
Marissa Olmstead Conneaut .412 51 12 21 6 4 0 16 n/a
Final area softball standings:
Walk on the wild side
CLEVELAND — The saying says that walks will haunt. True, especially when you when they come in large bunches.
Sandlot Roundup: Angie zaps Andover Phillies
Angie Zappitelli pitched three innings with eight strikeouts, no hits, and no walks for Conneaut in a 17-0 win over the Andover Phillies in junior-league softball play Monday night. Tayler Kantola added two strikeouts on the mound.
A Don McCormack column: Young Austin showing off his powers
Paying a visit to the variety store...

Prodigy update
Loyal Readers might recall the story of Austin Jacobs, the 9-year-old who recorded a hole-in-one at Hemlock Springs Golf Course on April 25.
We brought the story of the son of Tom and Christy Jacobs to you in our Tuesday, May 5 edition.
Jhonny on the spot pays off with game on line
CLEVELAND — Jhonny Peralta might be developing an affinity for the number three.
Star Beacon Senior Softball Classic: Aces come up aces
JEFFERSON — Megan Boggs just wanted to be sure and move the runner. But if she happened to find a hole in the defense, there was little doubt that Lauren Childs was going to score from second.
A Jason Tirotta column: Bundles of fun...
Notes, quotes, thoughts and observations from the press box and the dugouts at the Star Beacon Senior Softball Classic at the JAGS Complex in Jefferson...
They make batters hurl
JEFFERSON — As the curtain rings down on another fine season for softball teams in Ashtabula and Lake counties, the opportunity for meeting players from other schools is a good thing in the world of education for the players and coaches.

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