Michael Leonard

5 days ago | beaconjournal.com | Michael Leonard

OFF-LEASH, a pop-punk band from Akron, Ohio, has been making music since 2018 and has won several awards. Lead singer Elliott Carter, whose family has deep roots in the Akron music scene, balances her music career with being a college student. The band has played at various venues, including the Whisky-A-Go-Go in Los Angeles, and is currently working on their first album. Some seem to think rock 'n' roll might be in trouble in the hands of Gen Z. Elliott "with two Ts" begs to differ.

6 days ago | beaconjournal.com | Michael Leonard

Woodridge's Marissa Boone won the 1,600 and 800 meters at the Division II regional meet in Austintown. CVCA's Kylee Zamecnik and Isaac Solomon won regional titles in the long jump and 800 meters, respectively. Buchtel's Akaliya White and Dwight Shade qualified for state in the 100-meter hurdles and 800 meters, respectively, but the Griffins suffered setbacks in relay events.

1 week ago | beaconjournal.com | Michael Leonard

Woodridge High School swept the 3,200-meter relay titles at the Division II regional track meet in Austintown, Ohio. Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy (CVCA) finished second in both the boys and girls 3,200-meter relays. Woodridge's Marissa Boone anchored the girls' winning relay team, pulling away from the competition in the final leg. AUSTINTOWN — There must be something about Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The high schools around it always seem to produce great distance runners.

1 week ago | beaconjournal.com | Michael Leonard

Kody Powers won the Division I regional boys pole vault title at Austintown Fitch, clearing 14 feet, 4 inches. Tallmadge's girls 3,200-meter relay team set a school record of 9:27.87, finishing second. Nordonia junior Deborah Godspower-Odiong qualified for state in the high jump, clearing 5 feet, 3 inches. AUSTINTOWN — Nordonia senior Kody Powers said he couldn't conceive of winning a regional title at the season's outset. "Last year, I didn't even podium," Powers said. "It's a good thing.

3 weeks ago | beaconjournal.com | Michael Leonard

TWINSBURG — For Twinsburg boys track, Sam Hopp is a known commodity. The junior is a returning All-Ohioan and has established himself as one of the state's top middle distance runners. This spring, however, fellow junior Sam Taneja has stepped forward for the Tigers — and the two Sams could each be due for a big postseason. Taneja and Hopp helped Twinsburg close out the Suburban League National Conference track meet May 15 with a bang.