Sports

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...
Blues Creek hosts Heart of Ohio Junior Golf tournament
Sports
Alex Jolliff of North Union follows through on a shot at Blues Creek Golf Course. Competition came during a Heart of Ohio Junior Golf Association event. (Journal-Tribune photo by Aleksei Pavloff)
By Tim Miller 
July 3, 2025
The Heart of Ohio Junior Golf Association held its most recent event of the 2025 season earlier this week. Young linksmen competed at Blues Creek Golf Course, just north of Marysville. A few local gol...
Local athletes honored for track and field performances
Sports
In the photo to the left, Fairbanks’ Ally Gearhart (left) shouts encouragement to teammate Sydney Nicol after a relay handoff during the Division II state track and field meet. In the photo to the right, North Union’s Gabby Lindsey speeds down the stretch at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium. Lindsey placed second in the state 400-meter dash and is the local area’s track/field athlete of the year. (Journal-Tribune photos by Aleksei Pavloff)
By Tim Miller 
July 3, 2025
The 2025 high school track and field season produced some memorable performances by Union County area athletes. The top performance of the season came from North Union High School sophomore Gabby Lind...
Freshmen were key members of another successful Marysville softball squad
Sports
Marysville softball freshmen Lexi Hakola (left) and Brie Jennings played vital roles during the Lady Monarchs’ run to another Division I district title. Both respectively started at first base and in the outfield during the 2025 campaign. (Journal-Tribune photos by Tim Miller)
By Tim Miller 
July 2, 2025
Making the switch from middle school sports to the high school level can be a very big adjustment for any athlete. Going from the younger age group to earning a spot on a varsity roster is quite an ac...
Golfers compete at Blues Creek
Sports
Dawson Griner, representing Fairbanks, follows through after teeing off on Hole 16 at Blues Creek Golf Course during a Heart of Ohio Junior Golf Association event. Results will be available in the weekend edition of the Journal-Tribune. (Journal-Tribune photo by Aleksei Pavloff)
By Aleksei Pavloff 
July 2, 2025
Jonathan Alder girls basketball squad climbs to Division III; Lady Cardinals drop to D-VII for 2025-2026 campaign
Sports
In the photo to the left, Triad’s Gracie Martin (1) goes up against Claire Meihls of Fairbanks for a shot during the 2024-2025 season. In the photo to the right, Jonathan Alder’s Kennedy McGrath drives along the baseline toward the basket. Triad’s girls team has moved down from Division VI to Division VII for the 2025-2026 campaign. The Lady Pioneers have moved up to Division III from Division IV. (Journal-Tribune photos by Tim Miller)
By Tim Miller 
July 1, 2025
The Ohio High School Athletic Association recently released its boys and girls basketball divisional lineups for the 2025-2026 season. Most of the teams in the Union County area will compete in the sa...
North Union Lady Cat cagers look strong during off-season
Sports
North Union’s Gabby Lindsey (right) tries to get past a defender during a regular season game against Olentangy Berlin during the 2024-25 high school campaign. (Journal-Tribune photo by Aleksei Pavloff)
By Aleksei Pavloff 
July 1, 2025
Teamwork and partnership were the main focal points for North Union girls head basketball coach Mitchell Loomis going into the offseason. So far his Lady Cats are holding their end of the bargain foll...
Lady Monarch athlete hopes to continue progression on softball diamond
Sports
Marysville’s Brook Gamby prepares to release a pitch during a 2025 spring game. Gamby is playing summer travel ball and working with MHS coaches as she strives to make progression on the diamond. (Journal-Tribune photo by Tim Miller)
By Tim Miller 
June 30, 2025
It’s generally expected that a high school athlete will continue to improve his or her skills over the course of their career. Marysville High School softball player Brook Gamby feels she followed tha...
Large number of campers learn grid skills during Jonathan Alder youth workouts
Sports
Jude Rauh, an eighth-grade camper, punts a football during a skills drill at Volunteer field during the last day of Jonathan Alder’s football youth camp Wednesday morning. Approximately 130 campers participated in this summer’s youth camp.
By Aleksei Pavloff 
June 27, 2025
Brett Glass helped shape Jonathan Alder’s youth football camp, starting all the way back to 2014. Now he’s back in Plain City ahead of the 2025 fall season and could not be happier. Glass was more tha...
Local softball squad puts in summer off-season work to maintain success
Sports
Jillian Rausch takes a swing during a batting drill at a Marysville High School softball workout session. Helping with the front-toss drill is Addi Altizer. (Journal-Tribune photo by Tim Miller)
By Tim Miller 
June 27, 2025
For fans, the high school softball season runs from late March to hopefully, the first week of June. For players and coaches, however, it’s a much longer endeavour. For the past 16 years, Marysville H...
Large number of campers learn grid skills during Jonathan Alder youth workouts
Sports
Jude Rauh, an eighth-grade camper, punts a football during a skills drill at Volunteer field during the last day of Jonathan Alder’s football youth camp Wednesday morning. Approximately 130 campers participated in this summer’s youth camp. (Journal-Tribune photo by Aleksei Pavloff)
By Aleksei Pavloff 
June 27, 2025
Brett Glass helped shape Jonathan Alder’s youth football camp, starting all the way back to 2014. Now he’s back in Plain City ahead of the 2025 fall season and could not be happier. Glass was more tha...
Local softball squad puts in summer off-season work to maintain success
Sports
Jillian Rausch takes a swing during a batting drill at a Marysville High School softball workout session. Helping with the front-toss drill is Addi Altizer. (Journal-Tribune photo by Tim Miller)
By Tim Miller 
June 27, 2025
For fans, the high school softball season runs from late March to hopefully, the first week of June. For players and coaches, however, it’s a much longer endeavour. For the past 16 years, Marysville H...
FHS football team gets back on field for 7-on-7 scrimmage
Sports
Fairbanks’ Carson Shope (left) looks in an incoming pass after finding an opening in Urbana’s defense on the first play from scrimmage. The Panthers hosted the Hillclimbers earlier this week for the team’s first offseason scrimmage. (Journal-Tribune photo by Aleksei Pavloff)
By Aleksei Pavloff 
June 26, 2025
The simple joy for Fairbanks head football coach Dave Carroll is walking out onto the field and seeing white lines covering the gridiron. “When you see those pylons and yard markers… it’s exciting,” h...