Michael Leonard

5 days ago | beaconjournal.com | Michael Leonard

TALLMADGE — The 2025 season has been a transition year for Tallmadge softball, from the arrival of new coach Meghan Haynes to trying to replace seven seniors from last year's regional team. Haynes admits her squad had a bit of a rocky start but, as the saying goes, "Tradition doesn't graduate."Tradition for Tallmadge softball includes winning in the postseason. "I think we've had a little bit of slow start with more competitive teams," Haynes said.

1 week ago | beaconjournal.com | Michael Leonard

STOW — Dino McIntyre will return to the sidelines this fall, wearing a different shade of maroon and gold. McIntyre has been hired to be Stow's girls soccer coach. He returns to the high school game after spending four years away. A native of Naples, Italy, McIntyre replaces Jim Dudones, who decided not to return after the 2024 season. According to Stow athletic director Cyle Feldman, McIntyre was one of 16 candidates for the job. "We opened it up and we got some good candidates," Feldman said.

1 week ago | beaconjournal.com | Michael Leonard

At their core, track and field meets are conglomerates of specialized events. No event is more specialized than the pole vault. What makes someone want to run down a lane with a fiberglass pole, stick it in the ground and launch himself or herself more than 10 feet in the air? "It's just like anything else. It looks fun. I've had plenty of kids come over and say, 'Can I try it?'" said Nordonia coach Ron Gura. "It depends on the nature of the kid.

2 weeks ago | beaconjournal.com | Michael Leonard

St. Vincent-St. Mary graduate Sencire Harris has found a new college basketball home. After entering the NCAA transfer portal last month, Harris has signed with the University of Cincinnati, according to Bearcats coach Wes Miller. A Canton native and 2022 STVM graduate, Harris will move on to Cincinnati after playing for fellow Big 12 member West Virginia during the 2024-25 season. "Cincinnati fans are going to absolutely love Sencire Harris," said Miller in an April 23 news release.

2 weeks ago | beaconjournal.com | Michael Leonard

The Akron Public Schools Athletic Department is set to induct a 2025 Athletics Hall of Fame class that includes athletes who span a century of greatness. The Class of 2025 includes:Shirley Fry — Central, Class of 1944, TennisErnie Kusnyer II — Firestone, Class of 1969, BaseballWhitney Mercilus — Garfield, Class of 2008, FootballJoe Plouse — North, Class of 1991, WrestlingLarry Poole — Garfield, Class of 1971, FootballNeed a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.