VW independent sports/submitted information
Van Wert competes in New Haven
NEW HAVEN (IN) — The Van Wert Cougars traveled to Indiana on Friday to compete in the highly competitive New Haven Relays, facing a deep field of teams from the Fort Wayne area and beyond. Despite the strong competition, the Cougars turned in several impressive performances.
Micah Cowan delivered one of the top performances in program history in the 300-meter hurdles, finishing second overall with a time of 41.59. The mark moves him to seventh all-time in Van Wert track and field history, continuing what has been a breakout season for the Cougar standout.
In addition to his hurdle success, Cowan also competed in the 100 meters, placing seventh in a loaded field with a time of 11.89.
“His versatility and ability to compete at a high level across multiple events continue to be a major asset for Van Wert,” head coach Nate Hoverman said.
The Cougars also saw strong efforts from their distance crew. Evan Keuneke placed sixth in the 800 meters (2:04.84), while Harrison Sloan ran to an 11th place finish in the 1600 meters. Alexander Bauer added a top-10 finish in the 3200 meters, showcasing the team’s depth in the distance events.
On the girls side, Haven Hunt turned in a strong performance in the 200 meters, finishing third against a talented field. Symphony Schuerman and Noelle Byrum led the distance group, while Flannery Foster highlighted the field events with a second-place finish in the discus.
“Overall, the New Haven Relays provided a valuable opportunity for Van Wert to compete against top-tier competition,” Hoverman said. “With Cowan’s record-book performance and multiple athletes stepping up across events, the Cougars continue to build momentum as they head deeper into the season.”
Young delivers record-setting performance
BERNE (IN) — Like their county counterparts, Crestview crossed the state line, with the Knights going to Berne, Indiana to compete at the South Adams Invitational. It turned out to be a record-setting day for Derek Young, who won the 3200 meter run and set meet and school records with a time of 9:27.70. He was also part of the 4×800 relay team that finished first.
(more…)POSTED: 05/03/26 at 9:14 pm. FILED UNDER: Sports
VW independent sports
Baseball
St. Marys Memorial 2 Van Wert 0
ST MARYS — St. Marys Memorial’s Luke Rammel allowed just three Van Wert hits in seven innings and the Roughriders scored a run in the fifth and one in the sixth for a 2-0 win over the Cougars on Friday.
Jace Huebner gave up just four hits while striking out one and walking one.
Van Wert (7-9, 1-5 WBL) will host Ottawa-Glandorf on Friday.
Softball
Van Wert 6 St. Marys Memorial 3
At Jubilee Park, Van Wert jumped out to a 4-0 lead after three innings and went on to defeat St. Marys Memorial 6-3 on Friday.
Meah Johnson singled in Grace Kitson in the second inning, then in the third, Layla Sudduth scored on a fielder’s choice by Hayley Dunlap. Emma Haynes and Dunlap scored on an error after that. Van Wert’s final two runs came in the sixth when Isabella Wise singled in Dunlap and Lauren Gearhart.
Haynes, Gearhart and Kitson each had two hits for the Cougars. Emma West allowed seven hits, struck out nine and walked one.
Van Wert (6-7, 2-4 WBL) will travel to Paulding on Monday.
Lincolnview 14 Columbus Grove 0 (five innings)
COLUMBUS GROVE — Friday’s game between Lincolnview and the Bulldogs was moved to Columbus Grove but that didn’t bother the Lancers, who notched a 14-0 five inning win on Friday.
Ila Hughes pitched a no-hitter while striking out 12 and walking just one. An RBI single by Ainsley Schwab and a two-RBI double by Lainey Spear gave Lincolnview a 3-0 first inning lead. Spear later scored on an error. The Lancers plated nine runs in the second innings, including a two-RBI double by Kassidy Hammons, a run scoring double by Avery Hoaglin and another two-RBI double by Spear. Brickner Sophia closed out the scoring with a solo homer in the third.
Lincolnview (14-4, 5-0 NWC) will host Allen East on Monday.
POSTED: 05/01/26 at 8:34 pm. FILED UNDER: Sports
VW independent sports
Baseball
Van Wert 12 Ottoville 0 (five innings)
Van Wert exploded for 11 runs in the third inning and Wyatt Scott pitched a masterpiece as the Cougars blanked Ottoville 12-0 in five innings on Thursday.
Among the third inning runs: RBI singles by Griffin McCracken, Cam Werts, Easton Putman, Alex Benner and Zach Scott. Putman had two of Van Wert’s seven hits. Wyatt Scott gave up just two hits while striking out seven and walking one.
The Cougars (7-8) will travel to St. Marys to face the Roughriders in WBL today.
Lincolnview 20 Bluffton 1 (five innings)
BLUFFTON — Seth Brant had three hits, including a pair of doubles and drove in four runs to lead Lincolnview by Bluffton 20-1 in five innings on Thursday. Holden Price had three RBIs and Chayse Overholt, Gavin Evans, Chase Young and Jackson Ingledue each drove in two runs.
Nine of Lincolnview’s runs came in the first inning, then the Lancers added three runs in the second and third innings and five in the fifth. Overholt, Evans and Greg Mosier teamed up to strike out eight Bluffton batters.
Lincolnview (10-2, 4-0 NWC) will travel to New Bremen today to resume a suspended game from last Friday. The game will resume in the fourth inning with the Lancers leading 5-3.
Crestview 4 Delphos Jefferson 1
DELPHOS — Crestview improved to 3-8 overall (3-4 NWC) with a 4-1 road win over Delphos Jefferson on Thursday.
Owen Heckler earned the win for Crestview by striking out 10 in seven innings and giving up just three hits with four walks. At the plate, Dever McDougall went 2-for-3 and Evin Brincefield drove in three runs.
The Knights will travel to Haviland for a non-conference matchup against Wayne Trace today.
Softball
Crestview 5 Delphos Jefferson 3
DELPHOS — Crestview trailed 3-0 after two innings but the Lady Knights plated three runs in the third and two more in the fifth for a 5-3 win over Delphos Jefferson on Thursday.
(more…)POSTED: 04/30/26 at 10:30 pm. FILED UNDER: Sports
VW independent sports/submitted information
COLUMBUS — Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton will host the inaugural Ohio High School Athletic Association girls flag football state championship on Saturday, May 16. Eight schools will qualify to the one-day state tournament in the home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game and the OHSAA tackle football state championships.
The Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals will host regional tournaments in early May. The regional finals are Monday, May 11, with the top four finishers from both regions earning a spot in Canton on May 16.
There are currently 162 high schools in Ohio that sponsor girls flag football. The Browns, Bengals, Pro Football Hall of Fame and the OHSAA are collaborating to conduct the state tournament.
“We are very excited for this state tournament and would like to thank the Pro Football Hall of Fame for hosting it inside Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium,” said Doug Ute, OHSAA Executive Director. “This sport has grown so fast over the last few years and we are proud that the young ladies will compete for an OHSAA state championship inside the stadium. We look forward to being a part of a great day in Canton.”
Four playing fields, which are 25 yards wide by 70 yards long, will be set up inside the stadium. The quarterfinals will start at noon on four fields, followed by the semifinals and championship game.
POSTED: 04/30/26 at 8:17 pm. FILED UNDER: Sports
Lincolnview’s Ainsley Hoffman (above), Van Wert’s Noelle Byrum and Symphony Schuerrmann (below) and Crestview’s Graylie Grose (bottom) were among the participants at this week’s Van Wert County Invitational. Hoffman won the pole vault. Byrum placed second in the 1600 meter run and Schuerman was the runner-up in the 3200 meter run. Grose was part of the winning 4×100 and 4×200 relays and won the 100 meter dash. Wyatt Richardson photos
POSTED: 04/30/26 at 7:38 pm. FILED UNDER: Sports
Crestview’s Alli Thatcher hurls a pitch during Wednesday’s non-conference softball game against Bath. Unfortunately, the Lady Knights lost the game 15-9. Crestview had 13 hits but plagued by 11 errors in the game. Wyatt Richardson/Van Wert independent
POSTED: 04/30/26 at 3:13 pm. FILED UNDER: Sports
VW independent sports/submitted information
LIMA — Due to rain this week, along with the cold temperatures expected for this (Thursday) evening and Friday, Limaland Motorsports Park management and the Great Lake Super Sprints have been forced to cancel Friday night’s Season Opening Shootout event at Limaland Motorsports Park.
Limaland will try again for opening night next Friday with the Mike Streicher Memorial featuring the USAC D2 Midwest Thunder Midgets, Otterly Baths UMP Modifieds along with Thunderstocks and Dirt Track Truck Series. Grandstand gates will open at 5 p.m., hot laps will start at 6:30 p.m., followed by racing action at 7:30 p.m.
POSTED: 04/30/26 at 3:07 pm. FILED UNDER: Sports
VW independent sports
Crestview, Lincolnview and Van Wert finished 1-2-3 on the boys’ side and Lincolnview, Van Wert and Crestview 1-2-3 on the girls’ side at the Van County Invitational held at Lincolnview on Tuesday.
The Knights had first place finishers – Drayden Hoffman in the 100 meter dash (11.14), Hoffman in the 200 meter dash (22.96), Hayden Perrott (400 meter dash, 53.25), Hudson Perrott, (1600 meter run, 4:40.11), Derek Young (3200 meter run, 9:39.25), the 4×100 relay team (Hayden Perrott, Drayden Hoffman, Liam Putman, Braxton Leeth, 45.17), 4×200 relay team (Drayden Hoffman, Liam Putman, Brentyn Rodriguez, Braxton Leeth, 1:35.37), 4×400 relay team (Braxton Leeth, Kale Vining, Hayden Perrott, Brentyn Rodriguez, 3:37.01), 4×800 relay team (Derek Young, Lincoln Smith, Ian Owens, Kale Vining, 8:40.83) and Bentley Scott (pole vault, 10-0).
Lincolnview’s first place finishers were Noah Peters (100 meter hurdles, 15.10; 300 meter hurdles (41.08) and Lucas Grubb (high jump, 5-6; long jump, 20-1.75).
Van Wert’s Evan Keuneke won the 800 meter run (2:05.49). Maverik Bigham won the discus (122-8) and Nick Edwards was the shot put champion (40-1.25).
On the girls’ side Lincolnview’s Brynleigh Moody swept the long distance events (800 meter run, 2:29.12; 1600 meter run, 5:46.39; 3200 meter run, 12:33.54). Joey-Kate Carey won the 400 meter dash (1:04.91) and the long jump (15-5), while Annabel Horstman was the 100 and meter hurdles champion (16.51; 48.63). Ainsley Hoffman won the pole vault (7-6) and Beth Hughes captured the shot put title (36-2.25).
Van Wert was led by Haven Hunt (200 meter dash champion, 27.02), Livie Parrish (4-10), Flannery Foster (discus, 113-10), along with the 4×400 relay team of Ruby Dicke, Harper Roop, Leah Krites, and Haven Hunt (4:18.48). Livie Parrish and Lily Greve shared the high jump title (4-10).
Crestview’s 4×100 and 4×200 relay teams (Delanie Balliet, Graylie Grose, Lydia Grace, Ellieannah Ward) won those events with times of 52:58 and 1:52.82). Grose won the 100 meter title with a time o 12.95.
Full results can be found here. Check back Thursday for more pictures.
POSTED: 04/28/26 at 9:39 pm. FILED UNDER: Sports
VW independent sports
Softball
Wapakoneta 8 Van Wert 1
WAPAKONETA — Wapakoneta broke a scoreless tie with three runs in the third and three more in the fourth and the Redskins went on to defeat Van Wert 8-1 on Tuesday. Van Wert’s only run came in the top of the fourth when Isabella Wise singled in Haley Dunlap.
Van Wert will host Wapakoneta on Friday
Allen East 10 Crestview 7
CONVOY ––Kylee Williams and Dakota Thornell each drove in two runs but Crestview fell to Allen East 10-7 on Tuesday. All seven of Crestview’s runs came in the sixth inning and pulled the Lady Knights to within one, 8-7, before the Mustangs plated a pair of runs in the seventh.
Crestview will host Bath today.
Tennis
St. Marys Memorial 5 Van Wert 0
St. Marys Memorial remained undefeated in WBL play with a 5-0 sweep of Van Wert on Tuesday.
First singles: Jake Ackroyd over Zach Stoller 6-4, 2-6, 6-3
Second singles: Noah White over Cole Story 6-0, 6-2
Third singles: Brady Triplet over Beau Bear 6-0, 6-0
First doubles: Ollie Chrisman/Trent Ruane over Ben Verville/Kaz Moynihan 6-4, 6-2
Second doubles: Damien Neeble/Lincoln Parnes over Levi Schlemmer/Deagan Schlemmer 6-1, 6-0.
The Cougars will host Ada on Friday.
POSTED: 04/28/26 at 9:39 pm. FILED UNDER: Sports
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent sports
This week’s installment of Random Thoughts includes congratulations, teams in first, a quick firing, a college quarterback entering rehab, and a draft that looks good.
Belated congrats
Congratulations to Lincolnview’s Lainey Spear for becoming the school’s new softball record holder for career RBIs. She has 146 and counting, surpassing the previous record of 145 held by former standout Destiny Coil. Earlier this season – Game No. 2 to be exact – she broke the school’s career home run record, which was 35.
Last week, Lincolnview head coach Eric Schwab hit 100 career wins. Also last week, Ila Hughes surpassed 300 career strikeouts.
So far so good
Of course it’s very early in the Major League Baseball season but if you’re a Cincinnati Reds, Chicago Cubs or Cleveland Guardians fan, there’s some good news. As of Monday, the Reds were alone in first in the NL Central division, with the Cubs just a game behind. The Guardians were a game behind first place Detroit in the AL Central division.
That didn’t take long
What have you done for me lately? For Alex Cora, not enough for the Boston Red Sox, who fired him on Saturday, just 27 games into the season. Boston was 10-17 at the time. He wasn’t the only one to be shown the door – five members of his coaching staff were given the boot as well.
Cora won the 2018 World Series, then was fired by the Red Sox in 2020 in connection with the sign stealing scandal. He was brought back the following season but has had just two winning seasons since then – 2021 last year.
Despite his struggles, he’ll mostly likely be a highly sought after hire in the offseason.
(more…)POSTED: 04/27/26 at 9:34 pm. FILED UNDER: Sports
