Monday, September 24, 2018
Friday, September 21, 2018
Athlete of the Week: A.J. Gucciardo, Springfield High School
A.J. Gucciardo has been under center for Springfield the past three years. He’s had some memorable games during that time, Friday night, being one of them.
“It’s cool. It’s been a long ride. We’ve had some good times and some bad," Gucciardo said. "But it’s fun to just to get out here for one last time and just have fun.”
Gucciardo helped the Blue Devils overcome a 20-point deficit to get the win over Bowling Green. He also set a new school and Northern Lakes League passing touchdown record, previously held by his former teammate, Scott Seymour.
“It’s cool to follow up on a great quarterback like Scott," Gucciardo said. "He had a great career, he started the culture here at Springfield, and it’s just cool to continue what he started.”
For head coach Pat Gucciardo, he’s proud of his son’s growth and building upon what he learned from Seymour.
“In our offense there’s a lot of reads and a lot of decision-making by the quarterback," Coach Gucciardo said. "And to have A.J. and Scottie run this system for the last six years, you couldn’t ask for two better quarterbacks to run our system. They’ve both made great decisions. A.J. has built on what Scottie started and taken it to another level.”
Although it's a father-son duo, when they're on the field, it's coach and quarterback.
“If you watch A.J. play and the way that he manages the games, the way that he takes care of the football, the velocity that he puts on the ball, all the different throws he makes. He’s a really talented quarterback as you see, but there’s so much more to that," Coach Gucciardo said. "When I sit back and when I’m home that makes me proud, but during practice, during games, we’re just coaching, and I’m coaching him like anybody else.”
Gucciardo and the Blue Devils look to keep the momentum rolling as they head on the road to Northview.
Copyright 2018 WTOL. All rights reserved
“It’s cool. It’s been a long ride. We’ve had some good times and some bad," Gucciardo said. "But it’s fun to just to get out here for one last time and just have fun.”
Gucciardo helped the Blue Devils overcome a 20-point deficit to get the win over Bowling Green. He also set a new school and Northern Lakes League passing touchdown record, previously held by his former teammate, Scott Seymour.
“It’s cool to follow up on a great quarterback like Scott," Gucciardo said. "He had a great career, he started the culture here at Springfield, and it’s just cool to continue what he started.”
For head coach Pat Gucciardo, he’s proud of his son’s growth and building upon what he learned from Seymour.
“In our offense there’s a lot of reads and a lot of decision-making by the quarterback," Coach Gucciardo said. "And to have A.J. and Scottie run this system for the last six years, you couldn’t ask for two better quarterbacks to run our system. They’ve both made great decisions. A.J. has built on what Scottie started and taken it to another level.”
Although it's a father-son duo, when they're on the field, it's coach and quarterback.
“If you watch A.J. play and the way that he manages the games, the way that he takes care of the football, the velocity that he puts on the ball, all the different throws he makes. He’s a really talented quarterback as you see, but there’s so much more to that," Coach Gucciardo said. "When I sit back and when I’m home that makes me proud, but during practice, during games, we’re just coaching, and I’m coaching him like anybody else.”
Gucciardo and the Blue Devils look to keep the momentum rolling as they head on the road to Northview.
Copyright 2018 WTOL. All rights reserved
Thursday, September 20, 2018
Wednesday, September 19, 2018
Athlete of the Week: Javon Pratt, Waite High School
TOLEDO, OH (WTOL) -
On Friday night, the focus going into the game for Javon Pratt was simple.
“Beat Clay," he said.
In fact, the last time the Waite Indians beat the Clay Eagles was 2014, when Pratt’s older brother was on the team.
“His brother was fueling that fire all week sending him messages of him with the trophy, and letting Pratt know that you can do this," said Brian Lee, Waite head coach. "You stay humble, you execute and you can take over the game.”
With emotions running high, the junior quarterback did everything for the Indians.
He rushed for 128 yards and threw for another 140, completing 12-of-19 in the rivalry win over Clay, bringing back the Oil Barrel Trophy to Waite and improving to 3-0 for the first time in 30 years.
“That meant a lot to us, when we saw the stands, it was like, ‘wow’, like we just want to play hard, now we got to realize we’re playing for the whole east side," Pratt said. "We’re not just playing for Waite, we’re playing for the whole east side, so we just want to give it our all.”
A performance that first-year head coach Brian Lee will remember for years to come.
“In one word it was magnificent," he said. "He’s a leader on and off the field. You love to have him in your program and you hate playing against him because you never know what he’s got in his bag. The young man is tremendous,” Lee said.
While Lee has seen Pratt grow as a student of the game, for the QB, his credit goes to those around him.
“I got to praise my offensive line," Pratt said. "Without them I’m nothing. We all make plays because of the offensive line.”
Copyright 2018 WTOL. All rights reserved.
On Friday night, the focus going into the game for Javon Pratt was simple.
“Beat Clay," he said.
In fact, the last time the Waite Indians beat the Clay Eagles was 2014, when Pratt’s older brother was on the team.
“His brother was fueling that fire all week sending him messages of him with the trophy, and letting Pratt know that you can do this," said Brian Lee, Waite head coach. "You stay humble, you execute and you can take over the game.”
With emotions running high, the junior quarterback did everything for the Indians.
He rushed for 128 yards and threw for another 140, completing 12-of-19 in the rivalry win over Clay, bringing back the Oil Barrel Trophy to Waite and improving to 3-0 for the first time in 30 years.
“That meant a lot to us, when we saw the stands, it was like, ‘wow’, like we just want to play hard, now we got to realize we’re playing for the whole east side," Pratt said. "We’re not just playing for Waite, we’re playing for the whole east side, so we just want to give it our all.”
A performance that first-year head coach Brian Lee will remember for years to come.
“In one word it was magnificent," he said. "He’s a leader on and off the field. You love to have him in your program and you hate playing against him because you never know what he’s got in his bag. The young man is tremendous,” Lee said.
While Lee has seen Pratt grow as a student of the game, for the QB, his credit goes to those around him.
“I got to praise my offensive line," Pratt said. "Without them I’m nothing. We all make plays because of the offensive line.”
Copyright 2018 WTOL. All rights reserved.
Tuesday, September 18, 2018
Cleveland Browns grant buys new turf for Start High School football stadium
TOLEDO, OH (WTOL) -
The Start High School football and soccer teams are playing on a new turf this year.
It's all courtesy of a $250,000 grant from the Cleveland Browns.
The Browns have shelled out $3 million in synthetic field awards so far this year as part of an effort to enhance opportunities for youth football participation and education.
A Toledo non-profit, Local Initiatives Support Coalition, worked with the Browns to land the grant.
'"The NFL Foundation and each football team has a particular geography and we are lucky to have the Cleveland Browns support Toledo and Northern Ohio," said Kim Cutcher of LISC.
Several years ago, the Browns bought new turf for Waite High School's stadium.
The Start surface is being described as the crowned jewel of West Toledo.
"Much more of a durable surface. Football players enjoy it. It's actually safer than a natural surface," said Start Athletic Director Mike Johnson.
The turf should last twelve years and is easy to maintain.
Soccer players like Lucas Briggs loves it too.
"Not bad, bounces with the ball. Way easier to score goals, way easier to do everything."
It's also hoped the new turf will make it easier to do something else here: win games.
Copyright 2018 WTOL. All rights reserved.
The Start High School football and soccer teams are playing on a new turf this year.
It's all courtesy of a $250,000 grant from the Cleveland Browns.
The Browns have shelled out $3 million in synthetic field awards so far this year as part of an effort to enhance opportunities for youth football participation and education.
A Toledo non-profit, Local Initiatives Support Coalition, worked with the Browns to land the grant.
'"The NFL Foundation and each football team has a particular geography and we are lucky to have the Cleveland Browns support Toledo and Northern Ohio," said Kim Cutcher of LISC.
Several years ago, the Browns bought new turf for Waite High School's stadium.
The Start surface is being described as the crowned jewel of West Toledo.
"Much more of a durable surface. Football players enjoy it. It's actually safer than a natural surface," said Start Athletic Director Mike Johnson.
The turf should last twelve years and is easy to maintain.
Soccer players like Lucas Briggs loves it too.
"Not bad, bounces with the ball. Way easier to score goals, way easier to do everything."
It's also hoped the new turf will make it easier to do something else here: win games.
Copyright 2018 WTOL. All rights reserved.
Getting Real about Teal, a football game for a cause
GENOA, OH (WTOL) -
Every year close to 22,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer and about 14,000 of them will die.
Ovarian cancer can be known as a silent killer as symptoms can go undetected, but one group is making sure it's not silent anymore.
It's another night full of football, but Friday was more than Genoa's homecoming game, more than a game against their rival Lake, it was also to support ovarian cancer.
"It's cool that like even though we are rivals we can come together," said Abby Loving, a Lake student.
It means more to Kathy Mannon, president of the Ovarian Cancer Connection. She lost her grandmother and mom to the disease.
"Yesterday was the five-year anniversary of my mom's passing and I miss her more than anything in the world," said Kathy Mannon. "The things that she wanted us to do was tell people about it, so I promised her. I promised the woman who had such influence on my life and so I am telling people."
While both her mom and grandma were diagnosed later in life, Kathy wants others to be aware of the signs and symptoms early.
"Mom and grandma both battled hard," explained Mannon. "But if we would have known the symptoms earlier we might have had a different outcome so that's what I really try to do, is bring the awareness."
Fans at the Genoa versus Lake game heard that message.
"We can bring awareness and hopefully one day a cure," said Genoa staff over the announcements. "Let's keep fighting cancer together!"
Ovarian Cancer Connection volunteers handed out symptom cards using the acronym BEAT for fans to remember. They want people to be aware of bloating, eating less and feeling fuller, abdominal or back pain, and toilet changes.
Ribbons flew across the stadium at the game while fans wore them for support.
"We're just like spreading it so people know about it," said Jillian Gladiux, an eighth grader at Lake.
September is Ovarian Cancer awareness month. They will host their 14th Annual Ellen Jackson Ovarian Cancer Walk tomorrow September 15th at Eleanor Dana Cancer Center on the University of Toledo Health Campus (UTMC).
If you want to learn more about Ovarian Cancer, the Ovarian Cancer Connection or the events they have planned, you can do so here.
Copyright 2018 WTOL. All rights reserved.
Every year close to 22,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer and about 14,000 of them will die.
Ovarian cancer can be known as a silent killer as symptoms can go undetected, but one group is making sure it's not silent anymore.
It's another night full of football, but Friday was more than Genoa's homecoming game, more than a game against their rival Lake, it was also to support ovarian cancer.
"It's cool that like even though we are rivals we can come together," said Abby Loving, a Lake student.
It means more to Kathy Mannon, president of the Ovarian Cancer Connection. She lost her grandmother and mom to the disease.
"Yesterday was the five-year anniversary of my mom's passing and I miss her more than anything in the world," said Kathy Mannon. "The things that she wanted us to do was tell people about it, so I promised her. I promised the woman who had such influence on my life and so I am telling people."
While both her mom and grandma were diagnosed later in life, Kathy wants others to be aware of the signs and symptoms early.
"Mom and grandma both battled hard," explained Mannon. "But if we would have known the symptoms earlier we might have had a different outcome so that's what I really try to do, is bring the awareness."
Fans at the Genoa versus Lake game heard that message.
"We can bring awareness and hopefully one day a cure," said Genoa staff over the announcements. "Let's keep fighting cancer together!"
Ovarian Cancer Connection volunteers handed out symptom cards using the acronym BEAT for fans to remember. They want people to be aware of bloating, eating less and feeling fuller, abdominal or back pain, and toilet changes.
Ribbons flew across the stadium at the game while fans wore them for support.
"We're just like spreading it so people know about it," said Jillian Gladiux, an eighth grader at Lake.
September is Ovarian Cancer awareness month. They will host their 14th Annual Ellen Jackson Ovarian Cancer Walk tomorrow September 15th at Eleanor Dana Cancer Center on the University of Toledo Health Campus (UTMC).
If you want to learn more about Ovarian Cancer, the Ovarian Cancer Connection or the events they have planned, you can do so here.
Copyright 2018 WTOL. All rights reserved.
Monday, September 17, 2018
Thursday, September 13, 2018
Wednesday, September 12, 2018
Athlete of the Week: Dimitri Mitsopoulos, St. John's Jesuit High School
TOLEDO, OH (WTOL) -
Following last year, Dimitri Mitsopoulos got some words of advice from head coach Larry McDaniel.
“Coach Mac told me, he’s like, ‘yeah I weighed 150 last year, so he’s like, I got to put on some weight’,” Mitsopoulos said.
The St. John’s junior put on 20 pounds in the offseason and in just two weeks of play, Mitsopoulos is already seeing a difference.
“It’s definitely helped me, helped me break some arm tackles here and there and just working out in the offseason," he said. "Putting work in with Braydon (Lichtenberg) in the offseason and the other wide receivers, getting that chemistry down.”
Last week against Perrysburg, Mitsopoulos had 213 yards, 11 catches and 2 touchdowns in the Titans’ 19 to 7 win.
“Coaches put me in the right spot, the wide receivers blocked, Thomas (Zsiros) had a nice couple blocks on the outside, and I just got the ball and tried to go," Mitsopoulos said.
Besides his growth mentally and physically, coach McDaniel says his versatility on the field helps fuel the offense.
“We know that it’s something defenses have to plan for," McDaniel said. "So from a schematic standpoint, the more we get the ball in his hands, the more we know defenses are going to follow him. So it allows you to do some things with decoys and things like that. And the other big thing is our kids get excited when he has the ball.”
As the season continues, Mitsopoulos says he’ll just keep focusing on being a leader with hopes of reaching one main goal.
“I’m hoping to make it back to the playoffs," he said. "That’s the main focus. Make it back to the playoffs, keep working.”
Copyright 2018 WTOL. All rights reserved.
Following last year, Dimitri Mitsopoulos got some words of advice from head coach Larry McDaniel.
“Coach Mac told me, he’s like, ‘yeah I weighed 150 last year, so he’s like, I got to put on some weight’,” Mitsopoulos said.
The St. John’s junior put on 20 pounds in the offseason and in just two weeks of play, Mitsopoulos is already seeing a difference.
“It’s definitely helped me, helped me break some arm tackles here and there and just working out in the offseason," he said. "Putting work in with Braydon (Lichtenberg) in the offseason and the other wide receivers, getting that chemistry down.”
Last week against Perrysburg, Mitsopoulos had 213 yards, 11 catches and 2 touchdowns in the Titans’ 19 to 7 win.
“Coaches put me in the right spot, the wide receivers blocked, Thomas (Zsiros) had a nice couple blocks on the outside, and I just got the ball and tried to go," Mitsopoulos said.
Besides his growth mentally and physically, coach McDaniel says his versatility on the field helps fuel the offense.
“We know that it’s something defenses have to plan for," McDaniel said. "So from a schematic standpoint, the more we get the ball in his hands, the more we know defenses are going to follow him. So it allows you to do some things with decoys and things like that. And the other big thing is our kids get excited when he has the ball.”
As the season continues, Mitsopoulos says he’ll just keep focusing on being a leader with hopes of reaching one main goal.
“I’m hoping to make it back to the playoffs," he said. "That’s the main focus. Make it back to the playoffs, keep working.”
Copyright 2018 WTOL. All rights reserved.
Monday, September 10, 2018
Tuesday, September 4, 2018
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