Mark Podolski

Sports Editor at The News-Herald (Willoughby, OH)

Sports Editor of News-Herald in Willoughby and Morning Journal in Lorain; I write about local colleges (John Carroll, others), pop culture, whatever else.

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Articles

Stipe Miocic in retirement suits ex-UFC champ just fine

6 days ago | news-herald.com | Mark Podolski

When asked the last time he did anything related to mixed martial arts — throw a punch, grapple on the canvas, anything — Stipe Miocic was quick with his response. “November 16,” said Miocic on May 7 at Buffalo Wild Wings in Brooklyn, where he and Browns first-round draft pick Mason Graham filmed a commercial […] Subscribe to continue reading this article. Originally Published: May 8, 2025 at 5:57 PM EDT
Stipe Miocic in retirement suits ex-UFC champ just fine

6 days ago | morningjournal.com | Mark Podolski

When asked the last time he did anything related to mixed martial arts — throw a punch, grapple on the canvas, anything — Stipe Miocic was quick with his response. “November 16,” said Miocic on May 7 at Buffalo Wild Wings in Brooklyn, where he and Browns first-round draft pick Mason Graham filmed a commercial and did a meet-and-great with fans. It’s been nearly six months since Miocic — arguably the greatest heavyweight in UFC history — lost to champion Jon Jones Nov.
Monsters lose at Laval, eliminated from AHL playoffs

1 week ago | news-herald.com | Mark Podolski

The Monsters’ season came to an end May 6 at Laval in a 4-1 loss in Game 4 of their second-round American Hockey League playoff series. Cleveland lost the best-of-five series, 3-1. The Monsters needed to win three straight games at Laval to take the series after they dropped the first two at Rocket Arena. After winning Game 3 on May 4, Cleveland kept its hopes alive, but the play of Laval early on in Game 4 was too much to overcome.
Kent State receiver Luke Floriea of Mentor invited to Browns rookie minicamp

1 week ago | news-herald.com | Mark Podolski

Luke Floriea won’t have to travel far for a shot at making an NFL roster. May 6, it was announced by Kent State on its social media platforms the Golden Flashes wide receiver from Mentor was invited to the Browns’ rookie minicamp, which begins in Berea on May 9.
Cavaliers-Pacers looking like a long, tough series | Opinion

1 week ago | news-herald.com | Mark Podolski

Anyone who watched Game 5 of the Pacers’ first-round series against the Bucks should have realized Indiana wasn’t going quietly against the Cavaliers in the second round of the playoffs. In that game, the Pacers trailed Milwaukee, 118-111, with a little less than 40 seconds remaining in overtime. Indiana was the benefactor of two critical […] Subscribe to continue reading this article. Originally Published: May 4, 2025 at 10:01 PM EDT
Monsters win at Laval, 3-1, stave off elimination

1 week ago | news-herald.com | Mark Podolski

Losing the first two games of their second-round American League Hockey playoff series at home to Laval put the Monsters in a difficult spot moving forward. It left Cleveland with one option if it has any hopes of advancing to the AHL’s North Division championship round. That option is simple: Win three straight road games to close out the best-of-five series. On May 4 in Quebec, the Monsters crossed off step 1 with a 3-1 victory and staved off elimination.
OHSAA returns boys, girls basketball state semifinals to Dayton area

2 weeks ago | news-herald.com | Mark Podolski

After one season in which state semifinals for the boys and girls state basketball tournaments were held at other venues not named UD Arena at the University of Dayton, the Ohio High School Athletic Association on April 30 announced a return to a familiar format. That format includes state semifinal and state championship games held in Dayton, but there is a twist. Not all games will be held at UD Arena. Next season will be a first as the Dayton area will host all games in the seven divisions.
David Njoku Celebrity Softball Game June 19 at Classic Park

2 weeks ago | news-herald.com | Mark Podolski

This year’s David Njoku Celebrity Softball Game is set for June 19 at Classic Auto Group Park in Eastlake, the Lake County Captains announced April 29. Last year’s event was highlighted by Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, a graduate of Cleveland Heights, winning the home run derby. At last year’s event, Kelce’s girlfriend Taylor Swift was late in arriving but in attendance nonetheless. She saw Kelce outduel former Browns running back Kareen Hunt, 11-10, to win the home run contest.
Case receiver Noah Coyne of NDCL invited to Giants rookie minicamp

2 weeks ago | news-herald.com | Mark Podolski

The road to the NFL for a Division III college football player is never easy. Half the battle for any player at that level is simply getting one team to take notice. Case Western Reserve wide receiver Noah Coyne of NDCL got noticed, and now he’s getting what many at that level dream of, and that’s an opportunity.
Cavaliers looking for series sweep of Heat

2 weeks ago | news-herald.com | Mark Podolski

At this rate, the Miami Heat will be hard-pressed to see a Game 5. The Cavaliers posted the biggest NBA playoff road win in nearly eight years on April 26, going into Miami and winning Game 3 of their first-round playoff series by 37 points. It was the largest margin of victory for a road […] Originally Published: April 27, 2025 at 5:08 PM EDT