Softball: ‘Coachable’ Olentangy Berlin Bears driven to succeed
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The Olentangy Berlin softball team features six players returning from 2019, including four starters, as coach Jenna Tullis tries to make the most of a more experienced roster.
Senior first baseman Allie Burkhart batted .384 with two homers, 13 RBI and 16 runs as a sophomore, while senior Remy Camp and junior Syd Billy started at shortstop and second base, respectively. Junior Kali Bateman returns at pitcher, and senior outfielders Sydney Cain and Autumn LeFevre also saw varsity time.
“We have a nice blend of young players and veterans, and I think the girls have a willingness to learn and grow,” Tullis said. “They are open and coachable and constantly want feedback in order to get better. The girls are willing to stay after practice for reps, and they want to get better.”
Boys Volleyball: Olentangy Orange Pioneers looking to outwork opponents
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Spring break provides a chance for many students to take a respite. That wasn’t the case for the players in the Olentangy Orange boys volleyball program.
The Pioneers were hard at work during the break, trying to hone their skills for a season in which they have high expectations. They were seventh in the initial Division I state poll and the top-ranked team in the East Region.
“They work really hard, and they never complain about coming to gym on weekends or over spring break,” third-year coach Karlie Foy said. “They are ready to go. When we walk into the gym there is an extreme level of focus.
Notebook: Dublin Coffman Shamrocks gymnasts capture OCC-Central title
The Dublin Coffman gymnastics team has come a long way in a short time.
In the 2019 district meet, the Shamrocks finished last of 24 teams with a 97.075 score and just four competitors.
Coffman didn’t have enough gymnasts to post a team score in last year’s district meet, but the addition of sophomore Emily Yoshino and an overall increase in participants signaled that the program was on the rise.
Heading into the district meet Feb. 27 at Worthington Kilbourne, the Shamrocks had emerged as one of central Ohio’s best teams behind the continued growth of Yoshino and another strong group of newcomers.
Gymnastics: Dedicated Dublin Jerome Celtics seek more success
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According to coach Kristen Willms, doing “whatever it takes” has been the focus for the Dublin Jerome gymnastics team this winter.
When practices were allowed for prep teams last summer, Willms immediately was impressed with the work ethic she saw from the athletes she works with in all three Dublin programs.
The Celtics have added a trio of freshmen with past experience in the sport and again are aiming high after making appearances at the state meet each of the past two seasons.
“We have a really good group this year,” Willms said. “The girls have been so dedicated. We did twice as many hours over the summer as we usually do to help them get back into shape and get their skills back on track. They have a really positive outlook and they really just want to compete. They’re willing to do whatever it takes to get to compete and we’ll be ready.”
Wrestling: Dublin Scioto s Dylan Le eager to make another push for state
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Dublin Scioto senior Dylan Le still wonders “what if” when he thinks about the cancellation of the Division I state wrestling tournament last March because of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.
Le, who competed at 113 and 120 pounds last season and is expected to compete at 120 this year, will be attempting to earn his third state berth.
He was supposed to be joined at state a year ago by 2020 graduates Daniel Segura (152), Deron Pulliam (182) and Donovan Hardin (heavyweight). They lost out on a final chance to compete during their prep careers because of the pandemic.