Reynoldsburg Roundup: Raiders boys bowling team trying to develop consistency
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With five seniors leading the way last winter when the Reynoldsburg boys bowling team won league and Division I sectional titles, opportunities were limited for other members of the squad.
Current seniors Cris Weatherly, Terrell Jackson and Mark Drake and junior Alijah Walker sometimes contributed in Baker games but rarely played full games.
Thrust into bigger roles for the first time, the Raiders’ new leaders have helped the team post competitive scores during a season that didn’t begin until early January because of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.
Westland Roundup: Cougars gymnasts preparing for OCC, district meets
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With the postseason approaching, Westland gymnastics coaches Lavon Maynard and Brittany Maynard are hoping to help sharpen their athletes’ skills and routines.
“They’re doing great,” said Brittany Maynard, who returned to Westland as an assistant after guiding the Upper Arlington program for two seasons. “They’re learning new things every week, adding to their routines for competition, making sure they’re getting their requirements in and help their scores go up. We’re very pleased.”
The Cougars will compete in the OCC-Central Division meet Feb. 20 at Thomas Worthington, followed by the district meet Feb. 27 at Worthington Kilbourne.
Upper Arlington Roundup: Clara Gallapoo, Annie Hargraves bring lacrosse know-how to hardwood
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Having played basketball since elementary school, Clara Gallapoo acknowledged that it was a tough decision to sit out her junior season in order to focus on her primary sport of lacrosse.
With a college commitment to Lindenwood behind her, the 5-foot-11 guard not only was eager to return to the court for her senior season but also has ended up being one of two lacrosse stars along with Ohio State recruit Annie Hargraves playing a key defensive role for the Golden Bears.
“That awareness I got from lacrosse, that spatial awareness, transfers (between sports),” Gallapoo said. “I’m able to see my teammates a lot better from being used to being on a bigger field. The footwork and defense (in lacrosse) are really similar to basketball.”
Upper Arlington Roundup: Veteran Golden Bears gymnasts, new coach seek another league title
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Entering her first season as Upper Arlington gymnastics coach, Anna Tzagournis wants nothing more than for the Golden Bears to experience the success Tzagournis enjoyed in high school.
A member of UA’s state-qualifying teams in 2014 and 2015 and an individual qualifier on floor exercise as a junior, Tzagournis has replaced Brittany Maynard, who resigned after two seasons.
Tzagournis, who graduated from Tennessee last spring, jumped at the chance to lead the program, in which her younger sister, Mia, is a senior.
“I just wanted to step up for her and the other seniors so they could have a good year,” coach Tzagournis said. “I’m familiar with this program because I competed here for three years (2013-16). I’m familiar with this gym (Universal Gymnasts, Inc., where the team practices) and these coaches. I wanted to provide the proper structure and s
Girls Volleyball: Ohio State assistant Susan Halverson-Maloney named coach at Upper Arlington
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Having spent most of the past 13 years as a college volleyball player or coach, Susan Halverson-Maloney was not necessarily seeking a career change.
But when the Upper Arlington girls volleyball coaching job came open in November, Halverson-Maloney a former Ohio State player and Buckeyes assistant coach the past six seasons couldn’t pass up a chance to become more involved in her hometown through the sport she loves.
“For me, (a high school job) hadn’t really been on the radar. UA is the only job I got really excited about,” said Halverson-Maloney, who was named the Golden Bears’ new coach Dec. 17, pending school board approval. “I live here and it’s a great way to stay connected in the community.”