Displaying items by tag: High School Sports

This week our 1590 WAKR Male Student Athlete of the Week is Malcolm Brown, a senior bowler from East CLC.

Malcolm said that bowling was always a fun activity from an early age and he continued throughout.

“I started when I was 5 years old and I just started doing it a lot more throughout the years and I wanted play a varsity sport in high school,” he said.

As a letterman on the team, he says that the camaraderie and fun is what makes bowling great.

He cited winning the City Series bowling title as a junior last year as one of the highlights of his time at East.

His coach Gabe Gonzalez said that Brown is a leader in many ways not only on the team, but in the school as well.

"He is what makes this team go," Gonzalez said.

One of the activities that Malcolm does in the community is being involved with the City of Akron Youth Leadership Council.

He says that being involved with that is not only beneficial for him, but the city of Akron as well, trying to better his community.

“I think it’s always good to give back to the community, because the community needs help sometimes,” Brown said.

He is currently undecided on where he is going to college and what he will major in at the moment.

Our next 1590 WAKR Female Student Athlete of the Week is Cheyenne Cunningham, a junior bowler from East CLC.

She says that being a student athlete at East is an enjoyable experience all around.

“It’s pretty fun because freshman year I didn’t know a lot of people, and everyone else on the team were seniors or juniors and getting ready to graduate, but now half of my friends decided to join and it’s pretty fun now,” she said.

In addition to being a bowler for the Dragons, Cunningham is also a member of the Color Guard, the ROTC, the drill team, and band.

She says that it’s not always easy to balance the activities with the academics and athletics, but it’s a great experience for her.

Coach Gabe Gonzalez said that she is one of the hardest working people he’s been around.

"Cheyenne is a model and motivated student who is part of our top ranked JROTC program, East High School  Band (2nd chair clarinet), and an academic honor recipient," Gonzalez explained.

In the community, Cheyenne is a Girl Scout and said that she has learned a lot from that organization.

“The lessons we learn ( in the Girl Scouts) is how to help our community, how to make it better, and what we can do as leaders,” she explained.

We wish Malcolm and Cheyenne the best in all of their future endeavors.

This week our 1590 WAKR Student Athlete of the Week is Amicia Powers, a senior indoor track athlete from North High School.

Powers is a three sport athlete competing in volleyball, indoor track , and track and field (outdoor)

She says that the balance between academics and athletics is a tough one, but very doable once you get a hold of time management.

"I balance it by getting my schoolwork done first before practice and our coaches let us get our work done so we can focus during practice," she said. 

Coach Demonte Powell says Amicia has been the vocal and physical leader since her first day of practice.

“She understands without self discipline success is impossible and she carries one of the highest gpa's on the team yearly,” he said.

“She's an athlete that keeps me going and constantly makes me work hard. When she finally leaves it will be a big loss losing such a leader and a team player we in the staff love Amicia dearly and wish her nothing but success .”

In addition to being a three sport athlete, Powers is also a member of Skills USA, the Senior Advisory Board, Viking Voices, and the cheerleading squad.

She says that being a student athlete at North is an honor and a privilege, especially with the international students, many of whom she has grown to be friends with. 

"I think it's good to know where they come from in certain situations," she said. 

Also in the community, she volunteers at the Haven of Rest in Akron, something that she takes pride in as well.

Upon graduation in the spring of 2020, she plans on attending either the University of Akron or Kent State University to study Biology/Pre-Med.

 Our next Male Student Athlete of the Week is Elijah Humphrey, a junior basketball player from North High School.

He says he got into basketball at an early age.

“ I always played since I was little, I started in rec league in third grade, and I just came up from there," he said.

Humphrey is a two sport athlete competing in both basketball and track and field and both are beneficial to his conditioning. 

“It's just easier for me to get up an down the court," 

In addition to being playing two sports for the Vikings, Elijah also is a member of DECA and Viking Voices.

Coach Marc Smith had some good things to say about Humphrey.

For community service, Humphrey also volunteers at the Haven of Rest in Akron. He says giving back to community is something he enjoys and realizes the importance of.

We wish Amicia and Elijah the best in all of their future endeavors.

This week our 1590 WAKR Female Student Athlete of the Week is Rowan Lilly, a senior bowler from Our Lady of the Elms High School.

Rowan says bowling was one of the things that her friends enjoyed and that was something that drew her attention during her sophomore year.

“I’ve really grown to appreciate the sport and I really enjoy just going all the time,” she said.

Away from the bowling alley, she is a scholar athlete at the Elms, and also is involved in her school as a student body Vice President and an officer in the Social Action Club.

She says that the Elms provides a great atmosphere for her to grow in various facets of her life.

“The opportunities that I get at the Elms are unlike any other place that I can get them.”

Her bowling coach Pat Kelley said that Rowan is a great example of what a student athlete is in all aspects.

“Rowan is a very diligent student who works hard to be as precise as she can in everything she does; her physics studies with me, her bowling, and her dancing,” she explains.

“If she is disappointed in the result, she will quietly work at correcting what went wrong.”

In addition to being a student athlete, Rowan is also an accomplished dancer as well.

“Rowan's experience in dance has a positive influence in her bowling,” said head coach Pat Kelley.

“The position awareness she has from her dancing has helped her to be consistent in her approach and release on the lanes so I can count on her for very similar scores during a match.”

Upon graduation in the spring of 2020, she plans on attending Kent State University and majoring in Business Management.

 Our next Female Student Athlete is Bella Vesco, a senior basketball player from Our Lady of the Elms.

Basketball has been a part of her life from an early age and to this day, she truly enjoys getting better and working on her game.

“I always played basketball since the third grade,” my dad coached me and encouraged me to play,” she said.

Bella is a three sport athlete competing in soccer and track and field to go along with basketball during the winter months. Earlier this year, she was First Team All-District in soccer for 2019.

She says that being a student at the Elms has been a positive experience and one that she will always remember.

“Everyone is super supportive and it’s nice,” she explains.

Head basketball coach John Reed had this to say about his senior leader.

Upon graduation in the spring of 2020, she plans on attending either Ohio State University or Loyola of Chicago to study pre-med.

We wish Rowan and Bella the best in all of their future endeavors.

This week our 1590 WAKR Male Student Athlete of the Week is Calvin Alexander, a senior football player from Ellet High School. 

This week our 1590 WAKR Female Student Athlete of the Week is Amiyah Stallings, a junior basketball player from Buchtel High School.

This week our 1590 WAKR Female Student Athlete of the Week is Gabriela Heideman, a senior tennis player from Wadsworth High School.

She says she got into the love of tennis from an early age and hasn't stopped since.

"I started when I was 9,  my dad got us a couple of rackets, we started playing in the driveway and I started getting lessons soon thereafter, and it just grew," she explained. 

Among her accomplishments her senior year, Heideman finished 23-9, breaking her own school record in addition to finihing 3rd in the Suburban Leauge, finishing as a runner up in the sectional tournament and qualifying for the district tournament.

Her head coach Kristy Nichol also discussed how Heideman excels not only on the tennis court, but in the classroom and in the community as well.

"She is extremely dedicated to the game and loves to play tennis,” she said.

“Every day, Gabriela set the example, and girls on the team looked up to her for motivation and I am excited to watch her continue her tennis career in college.”

Outside of school, she spreads her love of the game through volunteering at tennis camps in Wadsworth.

"It's a great chance for me to grow as a teacher, and help kids love the game just like I did," Gabriela said. 

While she is undecided on where she will attend college after graduation in the spring of 2020, she plans on majoring in education.

 Our next 1590 WAKR Male Student Athlete of the week is senior football player Trey Shaffer from Wadsworth High School.

He says that being a Grizzly student-athlete has been a fantastic experience for him.

"We have a ton of pride, and it's really awesome playing here because everybody supports everybody," he says. 

Justin Todd, the head coach of the Grizzlies had this to say about his senior quarterback.

"Trey continues to be a great leader for our program and is playing his best football now, when it’s needed the most,” Todd explains. 

“His maturity and demeanor is exactly what you look for in the QB position, never too high or too low, he’s a calming voice in the huddle and on the sideline.”

Shaffer says that being the quarterback, there comes with a lot of expectations and knowledge of all the variables on the field, but having that familiarity with his seniors has been special.

"We've pretty much all been playing together since we were eight years old," Trey said. I really think that our best football is ahead of us, and it's great to go to work with not only the seniors but the rest of our guys, it's been fun to see."

Away from the field, Trey is a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council, and the Recycling Club among other activities.

He is currently undecided on where he will continue his education, but he plans on majoring in either Political Science or History. 

We wish Gabriela and Trey all the best in all of their future endeavors.

This week our 1590 WAKR Female Student Athlete of the Week is Alexis Mayle, a senior volleyball player from Barberton High School. 

This week our 1590 WAKR Female Student Athlete of the Week is Allison Spears, a senior soccer player from Norton High School.

She says that being a Norton Student Athlete is something truly special.

“Going to practice every day and just smiling and laughing and walking through the halls and seeing my teammates every day.”

In 2019, she was named a team captain and was also a recipient of the PTC Scholar Athlete Award. She says that leadership is a dual role for her as she leads by example and vocally out on the pitch.

“It just depends on how the game is going,” she said.

Her coach Dan DiPasquale says that Spears exemplifies what you’re looking for in a student athlete.

“Allison is a soccer player that I first noticed when she was in the 8th grade! “ he says.

“Her dedication & hard work has made her into the amazing soccer player, leader & mentor that she is today, and I am very proud of everything she has accomplished!"

Away from the pitch, Spears is a member of the National Honor Society as well as the National Technical Honor Society and does some great work in the community as a Safety Town Volunteer for the past six years.

Upon graduation in the spring, Allison plans on attending the University of Akron to study Pre-Med.

 Our next Male Student Athlete of the Week from Norton High School is Tim Jervis, a senior football player.

Tim says the atmosphere for Norton and their student athletes is second to none.

“It’s nice because it’s a small community and everyone supports you,” he said

His coach Kevin Pollock said he’s a great young man both on and off the field.

“Great kid, Great grades, and huge impact for us on both sides of the ball,” Pollock explained.

Tim is a two sport athlete for the Panthers playing along the offensive and defensive line in football and throwing shot and discus on the track and field team during the spring.

When not studying or playing sports, Tim is a member of the Spanish Club and a member of Superintendent Advisory Group. In addition to those activities, he also works at the Wadsworth YMCA.

He is currently undecided on where he will attend college in the fall of 2020, but he says he wants to get into the medical field.

We wish Allison and Tim the best in all of their future endeavors.

This week our 1590 WAKR Male Student Athlete of the Week is Joey Klein, a junior soccer player from Revere HIgh School. 

This week our 1590 WAKR Female Student Athlete of the Week is Karly Devaney, a senior golfer from Springfield High School. 

This week our 1590 WAKR Male Student Athlete of the Week is senior football player Ben Lahoski from Woodridge High School.

Congrats to our G&G Fitness Coach of the Week Dan Massarelli of Canton Central Catholic.

His team is trying to get back to states against Ashtabula Edgewood.

Congrats to all our Coaches of the Week and we will pick it up again in the 2019-2020 school year.

On the Feel Good Friday edition of the Sam and Brad Show Podcast:

Brad Russell spoke with OHSAA Executive Director Jerry Snodgrass to talk about the state softball tournaments at historic Firestone Stadium this weekend and the state baseball tournaments next week at Canal Park. 

Our G&G Fitness Coach of the Week is Rod Swartz, the head baseball coach of the Norton Panthers.

Their last game they won the PTC Metro over Coventry.

Swartz says that the "third season" is going well.

"We play Marlington in the districts Monday at 2pm down in Louisville," he says. "We have a deep and experienced team, and it's been a pleasure to be around."

Their record is currently 19-1 on the season. Stay tuned for next week's 1590 WAKR G&G Fitness Coach of the Week, 

Our 1590 WAKR G&G Fitness Coach of the Week this week is Bill Gamble of the Jackson Polar Bears. He is the head baseball coach for the Polar Bears.

He talked about the team his run has been on, winning 50-plus Federal League games and getting ready for the post season.

Coach Gamble says his team is getting close to where he wants them to be, despite their tremendous success.

"We know the pitching is elite, we know that every play is going to matter the further and further we go in the tournament," he says. 

Stay tuned for the Coach of the Week next week on the Sam and Brad Show.

Our G&G Fitness Coach of the Week this week is Eric Mitchell the Track & Field coach of the Firestone Falcons.

"The track team is looking really good, we've finished the City Series undfeated in both the boys and the girls side, so we're moving in the right direction," he said.

In addition to coaching track and field, he is also the head coach of the football team over at Firestone. 

Stay tuned for next week's 1590 WAKR Coach of the Week from G&G Fitness! 

This week our 1590 WAKR G&G Fitness Coach of the Week is Dave Mariola, the new wrestling coach at Walsh Jesuit high school.

Mariola comes to Walsh Jesuit from Barberton High School.

 Dave says it was a tough decision to make.

"It was a real emotional decision, three months no sleep," he says. "The people at Walsh said they needed the program to be built up, they contacted me, and little by little, I made the decision to go there."

Mariola will still teach at Barberton. 

Stay tuned for next week's 1590 WAKR G&G Fitness Coach of the Week! 

Our 1590 WAKR Male Student Athlete  of the Week is Christian Beckett a senior lacrosse player from CVCA High School.

This week our 1590 WAKR Female Student Athlete of the Week is Jenna Stout, a senior softball player from Stow-Munroe Falls High School. 

This week our 1590 WAKR G&G Fitness Coach of the Week is Kenny Linn of Tallmadge.

 Linn has coached the Blue Devils for the last 21 seasons. He says he encourages his kids to play multiple sports.

"I truly have worked with great coaches in the other sports here at Tallmadge, and we have no problem sharing the athletes," he said. 

Stay tuned next week for our 1590 WAKR G&G Fitness Coach of the Week! 

This week our 1590 WAKR Female Student Athlete of the Week is Mary Rohrer, a senior softball player from Firestone High School.

This week our 1590 WAKR Female Student Athlete of the Week is Syndie Wolf, a senior softball player from Ellet High School.

She said that she got into softball from an early age and with her family dynamic with her sisters playing and her grandfather coaching the team, it's been in her blood from the start.

"When I was five, I started going to games, and I always wanted to play, It was fun watching my sisters play," she said.

Sydnie is a three-sport athlete in softball, volleyball, and cheerleading. Among her accomplishments at Ellet, in volleyball she was an All City Honorable Mention, academic all-city performer and a three-year letterman.

In softball she was an academic all-city selection and a 4 year letterman.  and in cheer, she was an academic all city and a 2 year letterman.

She says her and her fellow seniors make practice fun and lighthearted.

"It's hard to explain, but it's always one of us," she says.

Her coach and grandfather Chuck Shuman says that Sydnie is a very hard worker on and off the softball diamond.

"I respect her for the time she puts in," Shuman said. "She does everything I ask, we're going to ask her to pitch some this year."

Despite having fought through some injuries over the years, she shown hard work and dedication.

"She never misses a day, she's a very dedicated athlete, and we appreciate the effort that she gives us."

Upon graduation in the spring, Sydnie plans on attending the University of Akron or Ohio University to study Biology and Pre-Med.

Our next 1590 WAKR Student Athlete of the Week is Josh Jaeger a senior baseball player from Ellet.

He always enjoyed the game of baseball growing up and says he enjoys working with his coaches and teammates at Ellet.

  "It's just a fun experience having to learn and be able to make yourself better with other people and share experience with everyone around you," Jaeger said.

His coach John Sarver talked about his versatility and work ethic.

"Josh Jaeger is one of our hardest workers. He can play multiple positions, including pitching.," he explained.

"He is very coachable and one of our best hitters. He seems to play his best in the most important games."

Upon graduation in the spring, Josh plans on attending Thiel College in Greenville, Pennsylvania to play baseball and study Biology.

We wish Sydnie and Josh all the best in all of their future endeavors. 

This week our 1590 WAKR Female Student Athlete of the Week is Katherine Davis, a senior track and field athlete from Copley High School.

Davis said she got into track and field from her family.

"What really got me into track and field was that my dad was a decathlete in college and I had three other siblings that ran track," she said.

She is a two-sport athlete in both volleyball and track and field and in addition to those two sports, she is also a member of DECA, a part of the marketing program at Copley.

Her head coach John Legrair said that she is a great student athlete who leads by example.

"She's willing to focus on quality, not quantity of athletic preparation , during the pre season and that attitude has paid multiple dividends," he said.

One of the other things she is passionate about is the community service she does at her church.

"At my church we have Wednesday night activities for the youth, all the way up through high school, we all go and do service for people, whether it's at a retirement home or at a homeless shelter, I've always had fun helping others,' she explained.

Upon graduation in the spring, Katherine plans on attending Utah Valley University to study marketing.

Our next 1590 WAKR Male Student Athlete of the Week is Kyler Farkas, a senior baseball player for Copley High School.

He says that the team concept and the dynamic of playing with guys he's grew up playing with is the enjoyable part of playing baseball at Copley.

"It's just a good atmosphere to be able to play at," he said.

 A team captain and letterman this year, Farkas takes that responsibility seriously and says his leadership style is a combination of both vocal leadership and leadership by example.

"It's more by example, on the field I like to lead vocally as well though and push my teammates," he explained.

Baseball Coach Ray Fantozzi said that Farkas is a solid competitor on the diamond and a solid young man away from the field.

"Kyler is a third year varsity infielder, who has a great outlook on baseball," he said.

"He is a tough competitor on the field, and has a great work ethic. Always diligent in his preparation, and focused. He puts his team results first, and is looked up to by his teammates."

In addition to playing baseball, Kyler is a member of DECA and volunteers at Grace Church and serves as a volunteer basketball coach.

Upon graduation in the spring, Kyler plans on attending the University of Akron and majoring in Business Management.

We wish Katherine and Kyler the best in all of their future endeavors. 

This week our 1590 WAKR Female Student Athlete of the Week is Jess Vari a senior basketball player from Revere High School. 

This week our 1590 WAKR Female Student Athlete of the Week is Savannah McGraw, a senior bowler from Coventry High School. 

This week our 1590 WAKR Student Athlete of the Week is Shae Moles, a senior basketball player from Springfield High School.

He says he got into basketball at an early age and kept it going ever since.

"Football was my first love for any sport, but once I started playing in youth and got up to junior high, I just fell in love with the game," he said.

He says working with his teammates and coaches has been a truly rewarding experience over the course of his career as a Spartan.

His head coach Tim Cole said Shae's hard work is apparent on the court and in the classroom.

"Shae is a perfect example of what we want a Spartan Basketball player to be," Cole says. "He works really hard in the classroom, volunteers in the community, and excels in all parts of the game on the floor. He never misses practice, works hard in the offseason, and is a leader for both his senior teammates and underclassmen alike. He leads a small-cell group of underclassmen and has taken them under his wing to teach the next generation ‘The Spartan Way’.“

 "They (coaches and teammates) help you each step of the way," he explained.

Shae' s a three year letterman and was 2nd team All-PTC and participated in the PTC All Star Game. He's also showing excellence in the classroom as well, with a 3.4 GPA and participation in such extracirriculars such as senior council.

In the community, Shae serves as a referee for youth sports basketball games in the area.

Upon graduation in the spring, Shae plans on majoring in either education or physical therapy.

Our next Student Athlete of the Week is Natalie Phillips, a junior basketball player from Springfield High School.

She says seventh grade is when she got into the sport of basketball

"My brother did it and I started it because I wanted to try something new.

Phillips is a two-sport athlete at Springfield in both basketball and cross country all while maintaining a 3.6 GPA.

Her head coach Kevin Pletcher has this  to say about one of his leaders.

“Natalie loves the game of basketball, she loves being part of the girls basketball program,” he said. “She represents herself first class as a student-athlete here in the Springfield school system and community."

 She said one of the cool aspects of playing basketball for the Lady Spartans includes playing at the Q (Quicken Loans Arena) during the course of her career.

"We go every two years, so that's pretty unique," she says.

Phillips is a 3 year letterwinner in basketball heading into her senior season in 2019-20.

We wish both Shae and Natalie the best in all of their future endeavors.

The 1590 WAKR Male Student Athlete of the Week from Kenmore-Garfield High School is Brandon Evans, a senior basketball player.

Brandon says he fell in love with the game of basketball at an early age.

"I just instantly had an interest for it, and I've played from 5 years old and I just never stopped," he said.

Brandon's a three sport athlete at Kenmore-Garfield with football, basketball, and cross-country.

He says the balance between academics and athletics is a tough, but managable one.

"School is always the first priority of mine, he said.

His coach Murray Hooten says Brandon's a leader on and off the court. 

"Brandon Evans is a good student in the classroom and an amazing athlete on the court. He has an oustanding work-ethic that allows him to compete at a high level for us. Brandon leads by example and I wish we had him in our program for one more year. He will be a great asset to any college program he decides to play in."

Among some of the highlights for Brandon include being named  Player of the Month for December, an honor he was truly proud of.

"It felt good and it felt like my talents are being noticed and that my hard work and dedication has been noticed.

 Upon graduation in the spring, Brandon plans on studying sports medicine.

Our next Student Athlete of the Week is Alexis Radcliff a senior basketball player from Kenmore Garfield.

She said she got into basketball at an early age and stuck with it ever since,

"I didn't get serious until my junior year, and then my senior year has been a great one for me.

Among some of the honors for Alexis this year, Academic All City, Player of the Year, and First Team All City.

Coach Yontami Jones had this to say about Alexis.

 "We are truly going to miss our leader on and off the court!," she said.

"Alexis is like a daughter to me. I was truly blessed to have her as a player!!"

She says the best thing about being a student athlete at Kenmore-Garfield is the family atmosphere.

 "I love the school and I love how we all support each other through everything.

Upon graduation in the spring, Radcliff plans on studying business management.

We wish Brandon and Alexis the best in all of their future endeavors. 

This week our 1590 WAKR G&G Fitness Coach of the Week is Yontami Jones, the girls' basketball coach of Kenmore Garfield Golden Rams.

 The Lady Rams won the 2018-19 City Series title.

She says that her team fought through some adversity earlier in the season, but perservered and came through. 

Stay tuned for next week's Coach of the Week! 

This week our 1590 WAKR Male Student Athlete of the Week is Tommy Cummings, a senior basketball player from Walsh Jesuit High School.

This week our 1590 WAKR Female Student Athlete of the Week is Kylee Beaty a senior basketball player from Wadsworth High School.

This week our 1590 WAKR Female Student Athlete of the Week is Nicole Lester, a senior basketball player from Norton High School.

This week our 1590 WAKR Male Student Athlete of the Week is Cameron Fitzsimmons, a senior wrestler from Barberton High School. 

This week our 1590 WAKR Male Student Athlete of the Week is junior basketball player Lukas Swartz of Mogadore High School. 

This week our 1590 WAKR Male Student Athlete of the Week is Romello Pacely, a junior basketball player from North High School.

This week our 1590 WAKR Female Student Athlete of the Week is Andreana Gotto, a senior basketball player from Tallmadge 

his week our 1590 WAKR Female Student Athlete of the Week is Emily Andrassy, a senior basketball player from Stow-Munroe Falls High School.

Emily says she started playing basketball from an early age, and has enjoyed the game ever since.

“My parents are very athletic, but I’ve always been athletic and I enjoyed playing outside with my neighbors,” she said.

As a four-year letterwinner and two-time captain both junior and senior year, Emily said that even though she can motivate her teammates vocally, she mostly leads by example on the practice floor, and on game day.

"I probably lead more by example, but I try to be more vocal, but it’s all about coming to practice and working hard.”

 Her head coach Bob Podges had some great words for Andrassy and what she brings to the court.

"Emily is the heart and soul of our team," he said. "She's our best defender with an oustanding competive spirt."

The leadership qualities that she displays on the court also are on display off the court as Andrassy participates in the Freshman Mentorship program, something she takes a great deal of pride in.

Upon graduation in the spring, Emily plans on attending Kent State University.

Our next Male Student Athlete is Jackson Carlson, a senior basketball player from Stow High School.

He said he too fell in love with the game of basketball from an early age.

"My dad put a basketball in my hand since I before I can remember, and I’ve always been around the sport and loved it,” he said. 

As a two-sport athlete for Stow (basketball and baseball), Carlson says he enjoys being with his teammates and working with them towards a common goal.

Coach Dave Close, the longtime coach of the Bulldogs, said that Jackson has grown as a player and as a person.

"He is a young man who has worked very hard to improve as a player and as a junior, he did not receive a lot of playing time. But he rolled up his sleeves and worked hard 
the entire off-season to become a better and more well-rounded player," he said. 

He also works hard off the court as well to become a more well-rounded person as well.

"He too has volunteered at Open M and has volunteered in the summer helping to teach youngsters 
the game of basketball," Close said.

 Carlson plans on majoring in education when he attends college in the spring, He says helping youngsters is something he's really interested in.

"I always liked being around students and want to coach as well,” he explained.

We wish Emily and Jackson the best in all of their future endeavors. 

This week our 1590 WAKR Female Student Athlete of the Week is Imani Jackson, a senior basketball player from Buchtel High School.

“Imani is in the Nursing Program at Buchtel CLC, maintains an accumulative GPA of 3.8, scored a 24 on her ACT & is an overall outstanding individual.”

This week our 1590 WAKR Male Student Athlete of the Week is Zach Miller, a senior hockey player from CVCA.

Hockey’s been a big part of his life from his early years when his parents had him taking skating lessons.

“Ever since I was seven years old, I started playing hockey and have played it ever since,” Zach said.

He says being around the guys is one of the best aspects of being on the team.

“Being around the guys is so much fun, because of the atmosphere that’s provided,” Miller said.

  His coach Doug Fairchild says that Zach is a true leader both on and off the ice.

“Zach is an outstanding student, one of the top students in our engineering program at CVCA,” Fairchild explains.

“Zach was a unanimous selection as a team captain this season due to his hard work and dedication. He is an excellent example for our younger players to follow.”

When he’s not playing hockey, Zach’s a part of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the National Honor Society. He’s also done some volunteer work for the Akron–Canton Regional Foodbank.

Upon graduation in the spring, Zach plans to major in Areospace Engineering.

Our next Student Athlete is Lauren Davis, a senior basketball player from CVCA.

She says working with her coaches and teammates is something she truly enjoys whenever she steps on the basketball court.

“We all just care about each other so much and it makes for a good atmosphere during games and practices,” she explained.

She is a two year captain, and a three-year varsity letter winner for the Royals.

Her coach Andy O’Keefe says that leadership translates to all facets of Lauren’s life.

“She exemplifies what it means to be a servant leader. Lauren's toughness, skillset, and determination make her a force to be reckoned with on the basketball court,” O’Keefe.

“At the same time, her selfless and humble character makes everyone on the team better.”

Upon graduation in the spring, Lauren plans to attend Kent State University to study nursing.

We wish Zach and Lauren the best in all of their future endeavors.

This week our 1590 WAKR Male Student Athlete of the Week is junior basketball player Josh Fleming from Woodridge High School.

This week our 1590 WAKR Male Student Athlete of the Week is Samuel Lord, a junior wrestler from Ellet High School. 

 He started wrestling at an early age, but now as a junior in high school, the grind and the discipline of the sport drives him and his teammates.

“The coaches push us to be our best and the athletes in there all really push each other to be better every day,” he said.

His coach Brian Biel said that the junior captain knows the meaning of working hard and staying focused.

"He leads by example and has earned the respect of his teammates and coaches through his hard work, positive attitude, and pursuit of personal and team growth," he said,

Lord said that school always comes first and the coaches and his fellow teammates are always cognizant of that.

“Sometimes practices have to be short so we can get our work done, but it’s all about balance,” he said.

As always, the goal is States, but last year in just his sophomore season, Samuel was 6th in sectionals and 7th in the North Coast Classic. 

 As a team leader, he says leadership by example is more his style, but he’s not afraid to motivate a teammate when he knows they can do better.

Our next 1590 WAKR Female Student Athlete of the Week is Sarah Mason, a senior basketball player from Ellet High School.

 She learned the sport of basketball growing up with 6 brothers and grew to appreciate the game that way. 

“I just grew up around basketball,” she said.

She also appreciates her head coach Tina Wallace, who is a tough coach, but looks out for her team day in and day out. 

“She’s always there for us and always there to support us and teach us what we need to know,” she explained. 

Coach Wallace talked about Mason’s hard work on and off the court 

“She’s a relentless defender, first one in the gym, last one to leave, I call her the rock in your shoe” Wallace said.  

“But the most impressive quality is her character, Sarah has Great Parents and she truly exemplifies Student-Athlete.”

 Sarah is a four year starter and letter winner for Ellet and says it’s great playing basketball with people she’s grown up with and enjoys being around.

“It’s just a great feeling,” Mason said with a smile. 

Upon graduation in the spring, Sarah says she plans on attending the University of Akron to study art. 

We wish Samuel and Sarah the best in all of their future endeavors. 

This week our 1590 WAKR Male Student Athlete of the Week is Logan Johnson a senior wrestler from Firestone. 

This week our 1590 WAKR Male Student Athlete of the Week is Tyris Dickerson, junior football player from Archbishop Hoban High School.

This week our 1590 WAKR Female Student Athlete of the Week is Theresa Damm, a senior basketball player from Our Lady of the Elms High School.

She says she got into basketball at an early age and as a senior leader, she wants to lead her team not only vocally, but by example as well.

"We have a young team, a lot of freshmen, so it's going to be a lot of them (the coaches) coaching, but also myself helping out the younger players learning the game," she says.

Coach John Reed echoed that sentiment as he offered his take on Theresa both as a player and as a person.

"She is a role model on and off the court and we are looking for her to model and teach the younger ladies how to play the game and how to do things the "Elms" way,"
he explained.

On the court, she will be expected to lead as well, Reed says.

"This will be her 4th year in the program in which she excels in every facet of the game and she has the ability to handle the ball and to post up."

Damm says that the Elms community is a very close one and they encourage leadership and being involved all across the board.

"Everybody really gets a fair shot at leadership and to have a voice, and to speak and be heard," she explained.

 Theresa is also her class vice president, and is involved in community activities such as volunteering at the Haven of Rest and the American Red Cross.

Upon graduation in the spring, Theresa plans on attending the University of Akron to study criminal justice and participate in the ROTC program. 

Our next 1590 WAKR Male Student Athlete of the Week is Nick Llewellyn, a senior football player from St. Vincent-St. Mary High School.

Nick says that the brotherhood amongst the football players and especially his fellow seniors was one of the things he most enjoyed during his time with the Fighting Irish.

"Not much has changed with our group, we were always fighting and shooting  for what we want, that was the main thing that kept us going all the way through."

He said that the alumni who played for the Irish also helped  guide the team as well.

"Everyone comes back and the whole school supports you, and it's a great family atmosphere," he said.

Llewellyn's coach, first year head coach Bobby Nickol talked about his grit and toughness on the football field.

"He's an Unbelievably hard working player and gives every ounce of his 160 pound frame to play a position meant for 200 pound guys," Coach Nickol said.

Nick 13 tackles, a forced fumble and an interception on Friday, their last game of the 2018 season.

As a young man, Nickol says Llewellyn is just as impressive.

"He has 4.0 GPA and is going to be highly successful in anything he chooses to do in life," Nickol continued. " He is the definition of a STVM student athlete."

 Nick is a two-sport athlete as a football player and a wrestler.

In addition to those things, he is also a Peer Minister, a member of the National Honor Society, and a member of the Irish Athletes for Christ, among other clubs and groups.

We wish Nick and Theresa the best in all of their future endeavors. 

This week our 1590 WAKR Student Athlete of the Week is junior football player Ethan Wright of Manchester High School.

Ethan says he got into football at an early age and loved the team aspect and the camaraderie of his teammates, some of whom he plays with today.

“I just love the game,” Ethan says. “I started playing in second grade, and have just loved it ever since.”

He plays for the Panthers and legendary coach Jim France, Ohio’s all time wins leader in high school.

France says Wright, who plays running back and safety at Manchester, is a team-first player despite a great deal of individual accomplishments.

“Ethan Wright is a quality young man who strives to get better as an athlete and human being each and every day,” France said.

On the field, even though he was a first team all state performer and a three year letterman, France explains that Ethan’s work ethic sets him apart.

“Ethan is a hard working and humble guy, he is team oriented and is a winner.”

Wright says the team success this year on the gridiron stems from the togetherness and brotherhood that has started since before the season began.

Ethan says that his work on the field translates to the classroom as well, saying it’s going to prepare him for college and beyond, taking pride in his work.

“You just got to work hard in the classroom, you have to have the right GPA or coaches won’t look at you,” he said.

Our next 1590 WAKR Female Student Athlete of the Week is Audrey Dolan a junior soccer player from Manchester High School.

Audrey says the coaches and teammates are what keeps her going and looking forward to working with them day in and day out.

“It’s actually a lot of fun,” Dolan said. “It gets stressful when the games get hard, but it’s fun.”

Her coach Eddie Kissner says that Dolan’s work ethic in both the classroom with a 3.5 GPA and the soccer field is apparent to all.

“Audrey has improved so much as the season has progressed. Audrey works extremely hard as a forward pressuring backs to create turnovers,” he said.

“She has also become a great finisher scoring some of our biggest goals of the season.”

In addition to being on the soccer team, Dolan is also a member of the Ski Club and the Art Club.

When she’s not on the soccer field or staying on top of her studies, she volunteers at the Cuyahoga Falls Women’s Club.

“My grandma plays cards there and I cook and clean there a couple times a week,” she says.

Audrey says she enjoys her time there and she’s always picking up some good advice from the people at the Women’s Club.

We wish Ethan and Audrey the best in all of their future endeavors.

This week our 1590 WAKR Female Student Athlete of the Week is Brooke Sells a senior soccer player from Coventry High School.

This week our 1590 WAKR Male Student Athlete of the Week is Maxwell Moldovan a junior golfer from Green High School.

This week our 1590 WAKR Student Athlete of the Week is Caleb Eckenrode of Springfield High School. 

This week our 1590 WAKR Female Student Athlete of the Week is Emily Dente, a junior soccer player from Copley High School.

As a team captain, Dente says her leadership on the pitch is both vocal and by example.

“I’m very vocal on the field,” she says. I play center back, so I can see everything.”

 Her head soccer coach Wally Senk echoed that sentiment.

"Emily is a bonafide competitor with an innate ability to lead. She doesn't have an off-switch, embracing the grind and paying attention to the little things that make her and her teammates better,” he said.

Dente is a multi-sport athlete playing soccer, basketball, and track for the Indians.

Away from the field, Senk said she maintains that focus and intensity in the classroom as well.

“Emmy's determination, perseverance, and self-motivation are contagious and evident on the field as well as in the classroom, where she keeps her GPA above 4.0."

Emily comes from an athletic family as her dad Mark, is the boys and girls basketball coach at Copley High, and also has two brothers in sports.

“I really like it (being in an athletic family)because we all support each other,” she said.

Upon graduation in the spring of 2020, Emily plans on studying pediatric nursing.

We wish Emily the best in all of her future endeavors.

This week our 1590 WAKR Male Student Athlete of the Week is senior football player Tyler Lenke of Copley High School.

Lenke said he got into football at an early age, and says it’s a lot of fun getting to work with his coaches and teammates day in and day out.

“There’s times, but there’s a lot of good times, and you just make the best of it,” he said. Tyler’s head coach Scott Chouinard, talked about his work ethic on the field. “Tyler Lenke is a three year starter and captain of our 2018 football team,” Chouinard explained. “He has played Offensive Line and Defensive Line and has been one of our most consistent players for the past three years.”

Away from the gridiron, Lenke also exhibits leadership, according to Coach Chouinard. “Off the field he is a kind and thoughtful individual who is always willing to help teachers and fellow students and he represents the best of Copley High School in his actions and his performance on the football field and in the hallways.”

 Tyler has played every position along the offensive line during his time at Copley, and as a captain, that versatility gives him insight and credibility with his teammates, especially his mates along the line. “When you’ve played every position along the line, you get to know what everyone’s supposed to do, and if someone needs help, you know exactly what to do, and you help them.”

Upon graduation in the spring, Tyler plans on attending college and mechanical engineering could be a possible course of study. We wish Tyler the best in all of his future endeavors.

This week our 1590 WAKR Male Student Athlete of the Week is Tyler Scott, a junior football player from Norton High School.