Postseason run ends at sectionals

The postseason tournament run for Highland's tennis team ended at the Medina Division I Sectional.

Singles player Michael Hutchings and doubles team Logan Gsellman and Andrew Petrilla advanced to the third round of action before being eliminated from the talent-rich opener for the state tournament.

Ohio Stampede stomps out championship

Highland makes quick tourney exit

When it comes to softball games between good teams, there's a definite inverse relationship between errors and margin for error. One is tiny, the other often huge.

Hanging in the balance

Highland head baseball coach Jeff Rollyson has drilled into his players' minds that if they do things right, they can control their destiny.

Hornets squads set for postseason

Highland's baseball team, having moved up to Division I, has already been tabbed one of the big boys among the big boys. The Hornets were voted the No. 3 seed in the Hudson District.

Baseball club takes title at PA tourney

Submitted photo

The 11 and under Northern Ohio Baseball Club kicked off the season by winning the 2012 Ohio Invitational Spring Battle. The tournament consisted of all open teams from Ohio and Pennsylvania. The team consists of (front row, left to right) Jake Griffin of Wellington, Noah Good of Norwalk, Tim Manning of Mentor, Austin Mucurio of West Park, Michael Holdworth of Hinckley, Joe Meserini of Strongsville, (middle row) Jack Allington of Strongsville, Brandon Bielak of North Royalton, Nick Campagna of Broadview Heights, Braden Galaska of Olmsted Falls, Jack Frank of Strongsville, (back row) Coaches Dave Pastors, Barry, Tim Holdsworth and Danny Yonkof.

An awfully good day

To Karissa Steffas, the first half of the 45th Triway Invitational on April 21 was summarized easily.

"It's been awful," the Highland senior said.

Zidd, Hornets looking good early

Highland's girls track team has a legit superstar and a deep supporting cast. That alone should be enough for the Hornets to be competitive in most meets.

Zidd to attend Air Force Academy

Stumpf named Ohio Sportswriter of the Year

Post Newspapers Sports Editor Todd Stumpf has been named state Writer of the Year by the Ohio Prep Sportswriters Association. The latest honor was announced March 29 at the OPSWA's annual banquet in Columbus.

Honoring their veterans

Jeff Rollyson may be Highland's baseball coach, but he likes his opponents to think they are at the wrong sporting venue when the Hornets get on start running the bases.

Hornets not ready to settle

Playing as an underdog is nothing new for Highland's boys tennis team. Nor is achieving, despite that underdog status.

Last spring the Hornets bounced back from a fourth-place regular season finish in the league with a 4-3 record to place third in the Suburban League Tournament. Even without a couple of players in the varsity lineup at that time, Highland still managed to achieve.

Hail to the champs

Hornets' Petek named all-star

Highland senior Olivia Petek, whose emergence as a big-time player coincided with the Hornets' best girls basketball season in two decades, has been named a first-team Post All-Star for the 2011-12 season. Petek averaged 14.9 points, 3.5 rebounds and three steals for Highland, which posted a 15-8 overall record and a 9-5 Suburban League mark. Highland advanced to a district tournament for the first time in a decade. Petek was named first-team All-SL and received an honorable mention on the Division I All-Northeast Ohio Inland team.

Taking it to another level

While new rugby programs are popping up all over Northeast Ohio, Highland's boys and girls clubs are two of the more established teams among the group.

Kluk, Rininger place fifth

After failing to reach the awards podium last season, any place in the top eight was better for Highland's Adam Kluk than going home empty handed.

Highland places two

By LISA GAYLE GRAYSON

The Post sports writer

    As if winning a third straight championship wasn’t dramatic enough, Wadsworth senior Nick Tavanello put an added spin on his accomplishment during the 75th annual state wrestling tournament by taking his final high school match at Value City Arena to quadruple overtime.

Rininger, Kluk reserve podium spots

Then, there was one.

    Twelves wrestlers for The Post’s coverage area reserved spots on the awards podium March 2 at the Jerome Schottenstein Center following the second day of the 75th annual state tournament, but only Wadsworth’s Nick Tavanello has a shot at a state championship. Or, in his case, another state championship. The senior will be seeking his third Division I title in three years when the heavyweight competes at Value City Arena during the finals beginning March 3 at 5:45 p.m. This is the Grizzly’s first shot a 285-pound crown. His previous two championships were earned at 215.

Gymnasts rocked it at the Rock and Roll Classics

Pinnacle Gymnastics of Medina competed at Brecksville-Broadview High School, Jan. 13 to 15, at the "Rock and Roll Classic Meet."

State heartbreak for one Hornet

COLUMBUS – Two Highland wrestlers advanced to the second round of the state tournament, but a third was eliminated in heartbreaking fashion.

Hornets' run comes to end

MEDINA - It was fun while it lasted.

That phrase goes for both the tournament and the entire season for Highland's girls basketball team. In each case, the Hornets experienced more success than they had in nearly two decades.

Trio of Hornets to state

Highland senior Colin Rininger recorded a dramatic pin in the late-going of the 152-pound championship match at the Ashland Division I District wrestling tournament last weekend, and led a group of three Hornet wrestlers to the state tourney this weekend.

Hornets' Kirchner comes up big

MEDINA - Apparently, all Mike Murphy had to do was ask. Ann Marie Kirchner certainly answered.

With seniors Karissa Steffas and Olivia Petek saddled with foul trouble Saturday, Murphy needed someone to step up. Highland's coach asked Kirchner to do it - before the game even started.

Hornets escape in triple-OT

MEDINA - An already memorable season for Highland's girls basketball team got its signature stamp Tuesday night in the form of maybe the most unforgettable game in program history.

Hornet a Blessing in disguise

Zach Blessing is not trying to be one of the Big Three on Highland's wrestling team. He's trying to be one of the Big Four.

A bit less heralded than three of his very accomplished teammates, Blessing is blazing his own trail this postseason. Thus far that's included a trip to the Ashland Division I District to chase a berth in the state tourney.