Sports

Fairbanks’ Bryson Griffith looks for an open receiver during a recent 7-on-7 passing scrimmage at Marysville High School. Griffith has assumed the position of the Panthers’ starting quarterback for the 2025 campaign. (Journal-Tribune photo by Aleksei Pavloff)

Ali Hayes, far right, sends the ball over the net in this file photo. The Jonathan Alder senior-to-be will play volleyball on the collegiate level at Wright State University. (Journal-Tribune photo by Tim Miller)

Rebecca Boggs, far left, watches a Marysville High School volleyball drill. Boggs is the new head coach for the Lady Monarchs. (Journal-Tribune photo by Tim Miller)

This is a photo of the gold medal that Marysville resident Keith Haigh and his tennis doubles partner Mark Florman recently won at the 2025 National Senior Games. (Photo submitted)

Dustin Wade watches the action while coaching a baseball game. Wade has been named as Marysville High School’s new head varsity diamond boss. (Photo submitted)

New faces on the Marysville High School varsity football coaching staff are from left, Dave Gebhart, Ryan Fritch, Devon Stover and Jim Hodakievic. Not pictured, Brad McKinley. (Journal-Tribune photo by Tim Miller)

Leo Winner (36) of Fairbanks defends as Triad’s Awsom Mitchell catches a pass during a 2024 contest. The Panthers will open their 2025 campaign on Thursday, Aug. 21 with a 7 p.m. kickoff. They will play Colonel Crawford at Ohio Wesleyan University. (Journal-Tribune photo by Chad Williamson)

North Union co-defensive coordinator Jessie Miller instructs players during a run-fit period at the team’s first official practice of the 2025 season. Miller formerly served as the Wildcats’ head coach. (Journal-Tribune photo by Aleksei Pavloff)

Jonathan Alder’s Cashton Wheeler latches on to a pass during a recent 7-on-7 passing scrimmages. High school football teams across Ohio began their official preseason practices today. (Journal-Tribune photo by Aleksei Pavloff)

North Union’s Alex Jolliff follows through on his shot during a match at Blues Creek. The Wildcats opened their 2025 season with a convincing 164-236 win over Benjamin Logan on Tuesday at Liberty Hills. Jaxon Jolliff was the match medalist with a 39, while his brother, Alex, posted a round of 40. Ethan Monroe and Jenson Stover each shot a 43, while Reese Spriggs had a 48 and Brylon Riffle carded a 51. (Journal-Tribune file photo by Aleksei Pavloff)

Fairbanks’ Leo Winner reels in an incoming pass from Bryson Griffith during a 7-on-7 scrimmage at Marysville. Friday is the start of fall sports practices as coaches locally and around the state begin their instruction periods for their respective sports. Boys and girls golf teams are already beginning their competitions with most starting their 2024 campaigns today. (Journal-Tribune photo by Aleksei Pavloff)

Jonathan Alder’s Carson Gordon (8) takes the ball past midfield during a regular season game against Grandview Heights during the 2024 campaign. (Journal-Tribune photo by Aleksei Pavloff)

Fairbanks graduate Ryker Green (7) picks up yardage in a game during his senior season. Green will continue his football and academic careers at The College of Wooster. (Journal-Trikbune photo by Tim Miller)

Marysville’s Mitchell Evans (right) holds on to a pass during a 7-on-7 scrimmage against Urbana. Preseason practice for the Monarchs will officially begin Friday, Aug. 1. (Journal-Tribune photo by Aleksei Pavloff)

Marysville alumna Shannon Cordle, a 2024 graduate, clears the ball from the goal area during the Lady Monarchs’ annual alumni game at Impact Stadium. The former Lady Monarch is currently a member of MIT’s women’s soccer and track and field programs. (Journal-Tribune photo by Aleksei Pavloff)

Jason Cremeans of Richwood rides out one of several bulls during the A Bar Rodeo at the Union County Fairgrounds grandstands Thursday evening. The fair runs through Saturday evening. (Journal-Tribune photo by Aleksei Pavloff)

Jonathan Alder’s Holdon Glick (6) throws on the run during a 7-on-7 scrimmage against Buckeye Valley. The Pioneers are putting on their shoulder pads this week as the program sets up another gear for the start of the 2025 fall season. (Journal-Tribune photo by Aleksei Pavloff)

Jonathan Alder senior Raegan Tremayne sends the ball back toward the net. The Lady Pioneers are conducting summer volleyball workouts prior to beginning preseason practice late next week. (Journal-Tribune photo by Tim Miller)

Triad senior Sara Pratt sets the ball during a 2024 volleyball match. The Lady Cardinals have a new head coach for the 2025 campaign, while school officials must fill additional coaching positions as soon as they can. (Journal-Tribune photo by Tim Miller)

Jonathan Alder’s Trey Bentley (3) runs a route during a 7-on-7 scrimmage against Buckeye Valley at Volunteer field. (Journal-Tribune photo by Aleksei Pavloff)

Sixth grader Haven Martino gets a dig during a group drill at North Union High School during the Lady Cats’ youth volleyball camp being held this week. (Journal-Tribune photo by Aleksei Pavloff)

North Union Athletic Committee president Reddy Brown welcomes those attending the NUAC Reverse Raffle at All Occasions in Waldo. (Journal-Tribune photo by Bob Putman)

Marysville’s Berkley Behrens (left) ties up with Noah Brown of Missouri during a Greco Roman match at 132 pounds. The Monarch went on to win the match 5-2. The incoming sophomore Monarch went 0-2 in the 16U freestyle and 2-2 in the 16U Greco Roman brackets. (Journal-Tribune photo by Kevin Behrens)

Marysville High School assistant football coach Dave Gebhart watches the action from the sidelines during a recent 7-on-7 passing scrimmage. The former Fairbanks High School head coach will coach in MHS’ defensive secondary this fall. (Journal-Tribune photo by Aleksei Pavloff)