Sports

Grappler competes in national tourney
Sports
Marysville’s Ben Jones (left) ties up with Grayson Manning of Iowa in a Greco Roman match at 132 pounds. The Monarch went 1-2 during the 16U Greco Roman national tournament in Fargo, ND. A full recap of results from the 2025 USMC 16U and Junior National Championships will be published in Wednesday’s edition of the Journal-Tribune. (Journal-Tribune photo by Kevin Behrens)
By Aleksei Pavloff 
July 22, 2025
Glass hopes to replicate past success in return as JA head football coach
Sports
Jonathan Alder head football coach Brett Glass watches the action during a recent 7-on-7 passing scrimmage. Glass has returned to the top of the Pioneer program after serving as the head coach at Dublin Jerome the past four seasons. (Journal-Tribune photo by Aleksei Pavloff)
By Tim Miller 
July 21, 2025
Brett Glass served a successful seven-season run as Jonathan Alder’s head football coach from 2014-2020. During that time, he led the Pioneers to a 58-17 record and several appearances in the state pl...
MHS gridiron coach happy with work at Ohio Northern University camp and 7-on-7 scrimmage; not pleased about confrontations with opponent
Sports
Marysville’s Brady Carper goes up for a touchdown pass against Urbana during a 7-on-7 scrimmage Friday morning. The Monarchs ended their off-season summer work prior to taking next week off for the Union County Fair. (Journal-Tribune photo by Aleksei Pavloff)
By Tim Miller 
July 19, 2025
A week that included an annual trip to the Ohio Northern University football camp concluded Friday when the Marysville Monarchs hosted Urbana for a 7-on-7 passing scrimmage. First-year MHS head coach ...
Wildcat gridders work on craft during passing scrimmage
Sports
North Union’s Nickolas Hajjar (orange) cuts off Fairbanks’ Cooper Phelps on a route leading to a Wildcat interception. (Journal-Tribune photo by Aleksei Pavloff)
By Aleksei Pavloff 
July 18, 2025
Off-season scrimmages of any kind offer opportunities for individual players to work on their craft. For two players on North Union’s football team, one is gearing up for his second season starting at...
Pioneer graduate earns 2025 Johnny Bench Award for top Ohio prep baseball catcher
Sports
Jonathan Alder’s Jace Schrock blasts a grand slam home run in this file photo. Schrock has earned the 2025 Johnny Bench Award for the best high school baseball catcher in the state of Ohio. (Journal-Tribune photo by Tim Miller)
By Tim Miller 
July 18, 2025
Cincinnati Reds Hall of Famer Johnny Bench has gone down in history as the greatest catcher ever to play Major League baseball. His career was such that the franchise named an award after him to be pr...
Jonathan Alder gridders open 7-on-7 schedule with trip to Olentangy Orange
Sports
Jonathan Alder’s Chase Muetzel (white) secures a pass at the start of the Pioneers’ 7-on-7 scrimmage against Olentangy Orange High School. (Journal-Tribune photo by Aleksei Pavloff)
By Aleksei Pavloff 
July 17, 2025
As the summer heats up, so does the preparation for the 2025 high school football season. Programs across the state are taking advantage of the clear weather to conduct passing scrimmages. As such, Jo...
Lady Monarch grappler earns All-America honor during national tourney competition
Sports
Marysville High School wrestler Cami Leng is pictured in action during a match at the national Freestyle/Greco tournament in Fargo, North Dakota. Leng placed eighth in her weight class and earned All-America honors. (Photo submitted)
By Tim Miller 
July 17, 2025
The Marysville High School girls wrestling program is the home of its second Fargo All-America athlete. Cami Leng placed eighth during the national freestyle and Greco tournament held in Fargo, North ...
Grapplers compete at Fargo
Sports
Jonathan Alder’s Rayce Watson (left) sinks in underhooks against an opponent during a freestyle match at 120 pounds. The Pioneer went an even 2-2 in the freestyle national tournament, defeating Aaryan Sharma of Virginia (12-2) and Wyatt Zeller of Arkansas (pin at 1:13) while losing to Crason Blum of Michigan (5-1) and Eddie Figuero of New Jersey (10-0). The tournament is being held in Fargo, North Dakota. (Journal-Tribune photo by Kevin Behrens)
By Aleksei Pavloff 
July 16, 2025
Marysville’s Berkley Behrens (top) holds down his opponent during the 16U Freestyle tournament. The Monarch went 0-2 during his time competing at 138 pounds. He lost to Caden Woodall of Arizona, 11-0,...
Youngsters learning fundamentals at Lady Monarch tennis camp
Sports
Marysville High School senior Ada Burhanna (background) directs a drill while young tennis players scramble to try and gain control of their tennis ball during the opening evening of the Lady Monarch youth camp. (Journal-Tribune photo by Tim Miller)
By Tim Miller 
July 16, 2025
The sun was bright and the temperature was high for the first evening of the annual Marysville Lady Monarch youth tennis camp. Approximately 60 campers (40 girls and 20 boys) in incoming grades 3-8 pa...
Linemen get rolling
Sports
North Union’s Trenor Kyte, Landry Dible and Gavin Potts participate in a tire flipping competition at Bucyrus High School during a linemen competition separate from the recent passing scrimmage. The Wildcats’ specialists did not compete in the 7-on-7 scrimmage over the weekend, but met up with Johnstown Monday for a passing scrimmage at Ohio Wesleyan University. (Journal-Tribune photo by Aleksei Pavloff)
By Aleksei Pavloff 
July 16, 2025
Wildcat gridders look strong during 7-on-7 scrimmage
Sports
North Union defensive back and wide receiver Griffin Osborne (left) runs back an interception during a 7-on-7 scrimmage at Ohio Wesleyan University. (Journal-Tribune photo by Aleksei Pavloff)
By Aleksei Pavloff 
July 16, 2025
In its first passing scrimmage of the summer season, North Union’s gridiron squad found ways to make plays. The Wildcats ventured to Ohio Wesleyan University Monday afternoon for a 7-on-7 scrimmage ag...
National tourney underway
Sports
Marysville High School wrestler Trent Sharp is pictured in action during Monday’s opening day of the United States Marine Corps National Freestyle and Greco tournament. The event is being held this week in Fargo, North Dakota. Sharp won his opening-round match by pinning Zachary Capps of Virginia in 3:33. Sharp then dropped a 10-0 verdict in the second round to Valentin Popaduic of New Mexico. (Journal-Tribune photo by Kevin Behrens)
By Tim Miller 
July 15, 2025
Former FHS cager will have collegiate jersey displayed in women’s Hall of Fame for year
Sports
Former Fairbanks High School hoopster Macy Miller goes up for a shot as a member of the Ohio Wesleyan University women’s team. Miller will have her collegiate jersey displayed for one year at the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in Knoxville, Tenn. (Journal-Tribune photo by Aleksei Pavloff)
By Tim Miller 
July 15, 2025
A former local high school basketball standout has been honored on a national level. Macy Miller, a 2023 graduate of Fairbanks High School, will be a part of the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. Mille...
Off-season scrimmages help FHS frosh adapt to high school football
Sports
Fairbanks’ Collin Bailey (red) looks at an incoming pass attempt from quarterback Bryson Griffith during the team’s first 7-on-7 pool session against Colonel Crawford. The Panthers attended a group passing scrimmage in Bucyrus. (Journal-Tribune photo by Aleksei Pavloff)
By Aleksei Pavloff 
July 15, 2025
The offseason going into a freshman year of sports can sometimes be mysterious. Both Max Winner and Collin Bailey of Fairbanks, though, are willing to embrace the grit and grind of summer workouts and...
JA’s Mason Curtis will play lacrosse at Taylor University
Sports
Jonathan Alder’s Mason Curtis (33) sprints to the opposing goal following a face-off victory during a playoff matchup against Kettering Archbishop Alter. The former Pioneer is slated to be a part of Taylor University’s men’s lacrosse team starting next spring. (Journal-Tribune photo by Aleksei Pavloff)
By Aleksei Pavloff 
July 14, 2025
For much of his career, Mason Curtis was a main part of Jonathan Alder’s success on the lacrosse field. Now the current program leader in face-offs will take his talents to Upland, Indiana as a member...
MHS gridders at ONU
Sports
Marysville’s Kale Strickland goes up for a touchdown pass against a Fairbanks defender during a recent 7-on-7 scrimmage at MHS. The Monarchs are conducting workouts from today through Wednesday at the Ohio Northern University camp. They will host Urbana for another 7-on-7 event Friday at 10 a.m. (Journal-Tribune photo by Aleksei Pavloff)
By Tim Miller 
July 14, 2025
Continued growth of softball camp has provided players for Lady Monarch program
Sports
Marysville High School second baseman Jillian Rausch, right, helps her sister, Jessa, 12, with a fielding drill at the annual youth softball camp. The younger Rausch is a third baseman who will be entering the seventh grade in a few weeks. (Journal-Tribune photo by Tim Miller)
By Tim Miller 
July 14, 2025
The recently-completed Marysville High School girls youth softball camp is proof a strong program continues to grow. MHS head coach Jennifer Segner-Maxwel, her coaching staff and players greeted 85 yo...
FHS gridders more than happy with effort shown during summer work
Sports
Fairbanks’ Brennan Peffer (right) breaks up a pass against a Benjamin Logan receiver during a passing scrimmage session against the Raiders. The scrimmage was hosted by Marysville High School. (Journal-Tribune photo by Aleksei Pavloff)
By Aleksei Pavloff 
July 12, 2025
Effort is hard, sometimes impossible, to teach when the heat is turned up. Luckily Dave Carroll and the rest of the Fairbanks High School football coaching staff did not have to remind players about t...
Heart of Ohio golf event held
Sports
Jaxon Jolliff of North Union drives the ball during a Heart of Ohio Junior Golf Association event. Jolliff placed third in the 16-to-18 age bracket during a tournament in Waldo. (Journal-Tribune photo by Bob Putman)
By Tim Miller 
July 12, 2025
The latest Heart of Ohio Junior Golf Association event was held earlier this week at Kings Mill in Waldo. North Union’s Jaxon Jolliff placed third in the 16-18 age bracket by shooting a 73. Dawson Hal...
Marysville grid boss pleased with what he saw during passing scrimmage
Sports
Marysville quarterback Evan Beeney eyes a receiver during a 7-on-7 scrimmage against Fairbanks. Benjamin Logan also competed in the event that was held at Marysville High School. (Journal-Tribune photo by Aleksei Pavloff)
By Tim Miller 
July 12, 2025
First-year head football coach Mike Young got an initial look at his Marysville High School squad going up against athletes from different schools earlier this week. The Monarchs hosted 7-on-7 passing...
Interviews conducted for Marysville High School head baseball coaching position
Sports
Marysville High School junior Mason Springs follows through on his swing during a 2025 game. Several candidates have been interviewed to become the Monarchs’ new head coach. Journal-Tribune photo by Tim Miller)
By Tim Miller 
July 11, 2025
A total of seven candidates have been interviewed to date for the vacancy at the top of the Marysville High School baseball program. The position became open after the 2025 season when Nick Blake, who...
Softball camp draws youngsters
Sports
Morgan Baker, 10, makes a diving catch during a drill at the Marysville girls softball youth camp. More than 80 girls ages 6-13 attended the camp that ran Monday and Tuesday evenings on the Lady Monarch diamonds. (Journal-Tribune photo by Tim Miller)
By Tim Miller 
July 10, 2025
High school baseball teams will begin using double first base starting with ‘27 season
Sports
Jonathan Alder first baseman Zach Gantz attempts to swipe a tag on a retreating runner at the bag. Beginning with the 2027 season, high school baseball teams throughout the United States will use a double first base. (Journal-Tribune photo by Aleksei Pavloff)
By Tim Miller 
July 10, 2025
In a little less than two years, high school baseball teams throughout the United States will be required to implement a double first base bag. Beginning with the 2027 spring season, a double first ba...
Numerous North Union shooters will compete in national tournament
Sports
North Union’s Nathan Jones displays his award after claiming All-State status following the Ohio State High School Clay Target League State Championship in mid-June. He is the first member of the NU club to earn All-State honors. (Photo submitted)
By Aleksei Pavloff 
July 10, 2025
The North Union Shooting Club has sent participants to the national championship every spring season. This year is no different in a big way. The crew qualified 18 to the USA High School Clay Target L...
FHS shooters will compete in national tournament
Sports
Fairbanks’ Lincoln Dicke, a newcomer to the club program, qualified for this year’s USA Clay Target League National Championship this past spring season while also earning his varsity letter. (Photo submitted)
By Aleksei Pavloff 
July 9, 2025
After a good spring season on the range, Fairbanks High School’s clay target team is sending a trio to the national shootout. The Panthers are sending three competitors to the USA High School Clay Tar...
MHS pitcher pleased with 2025 season; hopes for further success as senior
Sports
Marysville High School softball pitcher Josie Bumgarner prepares to deliver the ball to the plate during a 2025 game. Bumgarner continues to work on her skills this summer heading into her senior season of 2026 at Marysville. (Journal-Tribune photo by Tim Miller)
By Tim Miller 
July 9, 2025
Josie Bumgarner had a solid season of pitching for Marysville High School’s varsity softball team this past spring. The 2025 campaign resulted in the MHS junior compiling a 17-4-1 record as the Lady M...
Jonathan Alder’s Aidan Becker seeks national title after committing to Otterbein University
Sports
Jonathan Alder’s Aidan Becker (red) splits two defenders during a regular-season home game in the fall of 2024. The former Pioneer joins the Cardinals’ men’s soccer program for the 2025 fall season. (Journal-Tribune photo by Aleksei Pavloff)
By Aleksei Pavloff 
July 8, 2025
One of Jonathan Alder’s main forces on the soccer pitch will continue his career at Otterbein University. Recent Pioneer graduate Aidan Becker will join the Cardinals this fall as a member of the men’...
Jonathan Alder lacrosse program benefits from youth development and participation
Sports
Jonathan Alder alumnus Corey Kingry (right) mimics as a defender while youth camper Will Icenhour (left), an eighth grader, tries to move up field during a passing drill at Jonathan Alder High School last week. (Journal-Tribune photo by Aleksei Pavloff)
By Aleksei Pavloff 
July 7, 2025
Youth involvement in sports can be vital to a program’s longevity and success. Jonathan Alder’s boys lacrosse program understands this as it embarks on its sixth year offering youth camps for local pl...
Youth tennis camp set at MHS
Sports
By Tim Miller 
July 3, 2025
The Marysville High School girls tennis program will be conducting a camp for boys and girls on Monday-through-Wednesday (July 14-15-16) at the MHS tennis courts. Sessions will run from 6-8:30 p.m. ea...