Andy Harris
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Articles by Andy Harris
Local lacrosse teams come up short in tournament run
GREATER AKRON — As lacrosse has grown more popular across Ohio, the route out of regional tournament play and into the state tournament has gotten exponentially tougher for local squads. That truth proved out this spring as no area squads reached the state level despite outstanding seasons from several boys and girls teams in southern Summit County.
Local baseball and softball teams make postseason runs
AKRON — The heat rises for local baseball and softball squads this time of year — and not just on the weather forecast. Both sports are rapidly winding their way toward their respective state tournaments — both in Akron — and several local teams have made strong postseason runs in their push for tournament glory. Two of those squads saw their runs come to an end last week, while one kept theirs alive with an impressive district championship victory.
Local baseball and softball teams make postseason runs
AKRON — The heat rises for local baseball and softball squads this time of year — and not just on the weather forecast. Both sports are rapidly winding their way toward their respective state tournaments — both in Akron — and several local teams have made strong postseason runs in their push for tournament glory. Two of those squads saw their runs come to an end last week, while one kept theirs alive with an impressive district championship victory.
Copley, Revere baseball teams looking for strong finish
AKRON — The 2024 season has looked substantially different than the 2023 version for the Copley and Revere high school baseball teams and both squads are happy that their fortunes have taken a turn for the better this spring. They’ll bring their positive momentum into a May 9 showdown against one another in the second of two matchups for the season. One year ago, the Indians won just five games and found themselves scrapping for every win in a tough Suburban League race.
Woodridge, Manchester baseball teams ready to play ball
CUYAHOGA FALLS — When Northeast Ohio weather and spring sports collide, simply getting a chance to play games often feels like a miracle. That makes contests like the May 2 non-league baseball showdown between Woodridge and Manchester high schools a game both teams are eager to play, even if it will not impact their standings in their respective leagues.
Walsh and Green softball teams set for matchup
CUYAHOGA FALLS — The Green High School Bulldogs and Walsh Jesuit Warriors have taken decidedly different routes in the early days of the new high school softball season, but when their paths intersect April 15 at Walsh, the two local powers will have a chance to make an early statement. Walsh, like a handful of local baseball and softball squads, took a trip to warmer climates to open the campaign in Florida.
Highland, Barberton boys tennis set to meet April 3
BARBERTON — Winter-like Northeast Ohio weather or not, the spring sports season is underway for teams across the area, including the Highland and Barberton boys tennis teams. The area rivals are set to meet April 3 and as the new campaign gets going, the Hornets and Magics are aiming for a strong start. Highland, with a mix of veterans and underclassmen, is hanging its hat on balance and energy as it embarks on the early part of its schedule.
Copley girls basketball team making history
Copley girls basketball team making history The Copley High School girls basketball team is heading to the state semi semifinals. Photo courtesy of Copley-Fairlawn City Schools COPLEY — The Copley Indians looked nothing like a team playing in their program’s first regional final in nearly two decades — and that’s a good thing.
Coventry boys bowlers finish second at states
COVENTRY — Southern Summit County remains a good place to find some of the best high school bowling in Ohio and the Coventry Comets just proved it once again. With their second-place result at the Division II boys bowling state championships, the Comets added another chapter to the growing history of a sport that has become one of the school’s strongest, and added another podium finish to the tradition they have helped build along with neighboring districts Springfield and Green.
Hoban and Green boys basketball set for matchup
Hoban and Green boys basketball set for matchup By Jon | on February 01, 2024 By Andy Harris AKRON — Hoban and Green have both made their mark on Akron-area boys basketball and on the postseason in recent seasons and while both have dealt with challenges this winter, their Feb. 6 showdown figures to be must-see hoops action. Both teams, with plenty of recent titles and big wins on their respective resumes, will do battle on the Bulldogs’ home court in a non-league tilt.
CVCA, Manchester girls basketball set for rematch
NEW FRANKLIN — The Manchester High School Panthers and Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy (CVCA) Royals both enjoyed a rare late-season treat for any high school girls basketball team this past week — a full one-week break between games. The two Principals Athletic Conference (PAC) rivals head down the homestretch of the regular season with rested legs and an eye on their Jan. 27 showdown that doubles as a rematch of CVCA’s 55-37 home win Dec. 13.
Revere and Barberton swimmers set to meet
AKRON — The new year will kick off in emphatic fashion for the Revere and Barberton varsity swimming teams. The Minutemen and Magics will face off in a dual meet Jan. 3, then see each other the following two days at the Suburban League swimming and diving championships. It’s the start of the homestretch of the season, one that saw both sides suffer a tough loss in their respective season openers and work to grow in the weeks leading up to Christmas.
Norton and Springfield boys basketball teams to face off
Norton and Springfield boys basketball teams to face off By Jon | on December 14, 2023 By Andy Harris AKRON — There has not been any easing into the season for Metro Athletic Conference (MAC) boys basketball teams. Squads like Springfield and Norton have not gotten a handful of non-league contests against favorable opponents to kick off their years, instead diving directly into MAC games at the outset of their respective campaigns.
Woodridge, Springfield bowling teams to face off
By Jon | on November 30, 2023 By Andy Harris AKRON — The Metro Athletic Conference (MAC) preseason bowling tournament in mid-November allowed the league’s eight teams to get an early look at where they stand. On Dec. 5, two of those schools will battle one-on-one as the quest for the MAC title begins. Springfield and Woodridge will face off Dec. 5 at Spins Bowl, the Spartans’ home venue.
Manchester girls soccer finishes season 22-1
NEW FRANKLIN — It may not be the result the Manchester High School girls soccer had hoped for, but there is a lot to be proud of this season. The team came up short Nov. 7 in the Division III state semifinals being defeated 5-1 by Ottawa-Glandorf High School. The numbers are staggering this season: a 22-1 record, a 140-8 goal differential over their opponents, a Principals Athletic Conference (PAC) title and a second consecutive regional championship in Division III.
Norton football team remains undefeated
NORTON — Few area high school programs have elevated themselves as quickly, emphatically and to as lofty a perch the past three years as the Norton High School Panthers. Just three years ago, when the current senior class entered the program as freshmen, Norton went 3-6 and wasn’t considered a top team in the Portage Trail Conference, whose large-school half became the Metro Athletic Conference in 2021.
Hoban, Highland and Walsh Jesuit golfers heading to states
COLUMBIS — The pressure cooker that is the Division I state golf tournament Oct. 20 and 21 stands as the final test for multiple Akron-area teams and individual competitors at the end of an exciting season. Archbishop Hoban High School will represent the area on the team side for the boys, while Highland High School does the same for the girls. Add in Walsh Jesuit High School sophomore Anthony Spain as an individual competitor for the boys and it’s an impressive contingent.
Manchester boys golfers making history
SOUTH SUMMIT — Future ambitions have turned into history for one local golf team and as a result, that squad leads a solid contingent of area golfers heading to the Division II state tournament Oct. 13-14 at Northstar and the OSU Gray Course. The Manchester High School boys golf team is making its first-ever appearance at the state level, but that doesn’t mean the Panthers had a tough time seeing themselves golfing alongside Ohio’s best in the quest for a state title.
STVM girls golf team heading to states
DOWNTOWN AKRON — One team will represent Akron-area golf at the Division II girls state golf tournament at the OSU Gray Course Oct. 13 and 14 and likely few are surprised that it will be the St. Vincent-St. Mary (STVM) Fighting Irish. One of the best and most consistent programs in the area turned in another strong regular season, then tacked on outstanding efforts at the sectional and district levels to advance to Columbus.
Green and Woodridge volleyball teams to meet Oct. 7
Green and Woodridge volleyball teams to meet Oct. 7 By Jon | on October 05, 2023 By Andy Harris AKRON — With the postseason looming, two local volleyball programs that don’t often lock horns will take to the court Oct. 7 looking to bolster their tournament readiness. Green and Woodridge, members of the Federal League and Metro Athletic Conference (MAC) respectively, come from opposing ends of Summit County and will do battle at Green High School in search of a valuable win.
Copley and Revere soccer teams eager to face off
COPLEY — One of the games of the season for Summit County high school girls soccer is set for Oct. 4 at Copley High School and it’s fair to say both sides know the other a bit. Copley and Revere, Suburban League titans and two teams authoring strong seasons to bolster their respective programs’ legacies, will square off in a contest between teams from neighboring districts and led by head coaches who happen to be friends as well.
STEM flag football team impresses
AKRON — Just when you thought high school football couldn’t get any more popular in Northeast Ohio, think again. Only this time, it’s not the boys of fall strapping on their helmets and shoulder pads and battling it out under the Friday night lights. It’s the girls who are joining the gridiron fun as a different type of football surges into the spotlight.
Walsh and STVM football teams set to face off
Walsh and STVM football teams set to face off By Jon | on September 21, 2023 By Andy Harris AKRON — It’s never “just another game” when St. Vincent-St. Mary High School and Walsh Jesuit High School square off on the football field. The Irish and Warriors are rivals located 10 miles apart, both with storied histories on the gridiron and having waged many battles for The Bell, the rivalry’s official trophy awarded to its winner each year.
Highland, Barberton boys soccer to meet Sept. 12
GRANGER — The defense never rests, or at least it won’t if the Highland Hornets are to accomplish their goals in the Suburban League’s American Conference boys soccer race. With 14 returning seniors, including a slew of senior starters, the Hornets are in their second year under head coach Chris Schaefer and built on a possession-oriented, defense-led style of soccer that they’ll bring to the pitch for a series of early matchups that includes league powerhouse Copley and Barberton.
CVCA, Manchester girls volleyball season underway
AKRON — League play is one of the biggest components of any high school sports season. It’s the teams’ first chance to vie for a trophy and also an opportunity to battle longtime rivals. For the Manchester Panthers and Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy (CVCA) Royals, facing each other on Aug. 29, it also represents their first Principals Athletic Conference volleyball match of the season.
Woodridge, Coventry girls’ soccer looking for wins
PENINSULA — The Coventry Comets and Woodridge Bulldogs enter the high school girls’ soccer season from different directions, but both are chasing wins and growth this fall. One year ago, the Comets battled numerous challenges highlighted by a relatively small roster that didn’t afford them the same benefits of depth as many of their Metro Athletic Conference rivals like Woodridge. The result was a 1-13 record and 1-5 mark in league play.
Green, Revere girls tennis season underway
By Jon | on August 03, 2023 By Andy Harris AKRON — Two local high school girls tennis teams that are near-mirror images of one another will have a chance to answer key questions about themselves and how their seasons will unfold when they square off Aug. 8. Green and Revere will look across the net and see an opponent that, like them, is replacing a large, talented class of graduating seniors and plugging new faces into the lineup.
Walsh baseball team advances to semi-finals
By Jon | on June 08, 2023 By Andy Harris AKRON — A potential dream rivalry showdown of local parochial powers in the Division I, Region 1 final didn’t materialize, but Walsh Jesuit and Hoban further cemented their status among the area’s top programs this spring before they even reached the regional level. The rivals both advanced to the Division I, Region 1 regional semifinals June 1.
Season ends for local lacrosse teams
By Jon | on June 01, 2023 By Andy Harris GREATER AKRON — In one of the toughest, deepest regions in Ohio for boys and girls varsity lacrosse, four local teams made their mark not just with solid regular seasons, but with strong tournament runs. Although the year came to a close for each of the four in the regional tournament, each closed out the year with plenty to celebrate. Here are their stories.
Coventry, Springfield track in postseason
By Jon | on May 18, 2023 By Andy Harris COVENTRY/SPRINGFIELD — Fresh off the meat grinder that is Metro Athletic Conference (MAC) track and field, the Springfield Spartans and Coventry Comets are set to start in postseason competition. Both squads have had standout performances, setting the stage for district, regional and state meet aspirations. Here’s a look at the season to date for the Comets and Spartans. Coventry “Unlikely heroes” has been the theme for the Comets this season.
Track teams focused on tournament play
By Jon | on May 18, 2023 By Andy Harris GREATER AKRON — It’s postseason time for high school track and field and several local teams are looking to build on successful regular seasons as they race toward district, regional and state meet success. Walsh Jesuit, Woodridge, Firestone and Buchtel high schools are among the squads with an eye on a strong homestretch season. Walsh Jesuit The Warriors have a strong tradition in track and field and are set to add to that legacy.
Copley, Revere girls lacrosse heading to tournament play
By Jon | on May 11, 2023 By Andy Harris BATH/COPLEY — Two local girls lacrosse programs are enjoying winning springs and although each is at a different place in their respective development processes as a program, both have reason to be proud of their accomplishments. It’s been a season of progress and firsts for a Copley High School girls lacrosse program in just its third full season.
Green girls lacrosse battling ‘tough’ season
By Jon | on May 11, 2023 By Andy Harris GREEN — Some seasons are more challenging than others. That’s a reality the Green girls lacrosse program knows well. The Bulldogs underwent a coaching change just prior to the season and before new head coach Dan Culver was named to lead the program there was some doubt that the team would have a season, with some members making other plans for the spring. “It’s been a tough year,” said Culver, adding that the players’ attitudes have been positive throughout.
CVCA, Hoban lacrosse teams competitive
By Jon | on May 04, 2023 By Andy Harris EAST AKRON — The high school boys lacrosse regular season is winding down quickly and as the postseason looms, two local schools are looking to make the most of their chances to build momentum for the tournament.
Manchester boys tennis returns to face Barberton
By Jon | on April 27, 2023 By Andy Harris BARBERTON/NEW FRANKLIN — Restarting a program in any sport at the high school level is a major undertaking. Players and coaches have to come together, overcome the deficit of experience they often have compared to their opponents and build the foundation for their team while competing at a high level.
Revere, Barberton coming up to bat
By Jon | on April 06, 2023 By Andy Harris BATH — There are few things as erratic and unpredictable as the schedules of Northeast Ohio high school baseball teams in the first few weeks of the season. Both Revere and Barberton high school baseball are part of that contingent of teams hoping for weather that allows them to get on the field regularly in the weeks ahead, including their April 10 Suburban League showdown at Revere.
Local boys basketball teams to compete at state finals
By Jon | on March 16, 2023 By Andy Harris AKRON — Summit County will be well represented at the Ohio High School Athletic Association boys’ basketball state tournament March 17-19 in Dayton. The tournament will feature two local squads who have each battled a grueling postseason slate to earn their place among the state’s final four in their respective divisions.
Area girls basketball play ends before state event
By Jon | on March 09, 2023 By Andy Harris GREATER AKRON — Making a deep postseason run is no easy feat, especially for varsity girls basketball teams in Northeast Ohio. The region is stacked with some of the best squads in the state, making what three local teams accomplished even more noteworthy.
Local student bowlers headed to state tournament
By Jon | on March 02, 2023 By Andy Harris GREEN — With the Division I and II state bowling tournaments set to unfold March 3-4 and 10-11, one area team and one individual bowler are rolling right along as they have all season. The Green girls bowling team, which posted its third straight undefeated regular season, was first in the Federal League and first in its sectional tournament, continuing a run of success that has cemented the Bulldogs’ status as one of the area’s best programs.
Local swimmers headed to state finals
By Jon | on February 23, 2023 By Andy Harris CANTON — Local schools will be well represented at the Ohio High School Athletic Association Division I and II swimming and diving state championships at C.T. Branin Natatorium Feb. 21-25. The final meet will include athletes from schools in both Summit and Medina counties, with Green, Firestone, Hoban and Copley all represented.
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Norton, Springfield boys basketball to meet again
By Jon | on January 26, 2023 By Andy Harris NORTON — For as long as the Metro Athletic Conference (MAC) has existed, and even in the final years of its predecessor, the Norton Panthers have been one of its top boys basketball teams. Their counterparts at Springfield have been among the teams looking to narrow the gap between Norton and the rest of the league and also when the two sides meet Jan. 27 at Norton High School in their second matchup of the season.
Top girls basketball contest set for Jan. 14
By Jon | on January 12, 2023 By Andy Harris AKRON — A decade ago, they were Suburban League rivals. On Jan. 14 they face off as leaders of their respective leagues and also as two of the best girls basketball programs in the area. The Green Bulldogs and Copley Indians have bolted from the starting gate this season, leading their leagues and setting up a showdown that is sure to draw plenty of attention.
Highland gymnastics ready for healthy competition
By Jon | on December 29, 2022 By Andy Harris GRANGER — It’s a numbers game for the Highland gymnastics team and as the season gets underway, the Hornets are excited about how the math is shaping up. After dealing with injuries that kept them from having a full team to compete at meets last season, they’ve got a healthy roster of seven competitors ready to tackle the campaign. Head coach Jen Lewis and her staff field a team with athletes who train at six different local gyms.
Green swimming energized for the season
By Jon | on December 22, 2022 By Andy Harris GREEN — The energy around the Green boys and girls swimming teams is strong as the Bulldogs near the midway point of the season. With experienced seniors leading both squads in the pool, weight room and away from the water, veteran head coach Mike Lazor’s enthusiasm is evident as he talks about the Bulldogs’ prospects this year. “For the girls, they’re just dynamic,” he said.
Woodridge, Coventry girls basketball teams to meet on court
By Jon | on December 15, 2022 By Andy Harris AKRON — Nearly halfway through the high school girls basketball season, the Woodridge Bulldogs and Coventry Comets have taken differing paths to a Dec. 22 showdown. It’s the first of two meetings this season between the Metro Athletic Conference (MAC) rivals. The Bulldogs, winners of four of their first six games, entertain hopes of toppling MAC heavyweight Norton and battling for the league title.
Norton, Woodridge to meet at Norton Challenge
By Jon | on December 01, 2022 By Andy Harris NORTON — December is early-season tournament time for Ohio high school bowling and one of the events on the schedule for local squads is the Norton Panther Challenge at Charger Lanes in Norton. Host Norton will welcome local schools including Woodridge for the two-day event that will see the girls bowl Dec. 3 and the boys Dec. 4.
High school wrestling season underway
By Jon | on December 01, 2022 By Andy Harris SOUTH SUMMIT — Several local wrestling teams find themselves facing challenges such as young rosters and inexperience, as well as difficult schedules, but don’t expect any of them to use those as excuses. Springfield, Coventry and Manchester have enjoyed success in their respective histories, but this season is a fresh slate for all three. [Green High School did not respond to a request for information].
Highland volleyball powers to first regional final since 1981
By Jon | on November 10, 2022 By Andy Harris MEDINA — The Highland High School Hornets lost nine seniors from last season’s roster, but they didn’t do much losing on the court this season. Led by a contingent of players intent on capitalizing on their chance to shine after waiting their turn behind those aforementioned seniors, Highland posted a 23-4 record en route to the regional finals for the first time since it won the Class AA state volleyball championship in 1981.
Local soccer teams now in regional play – West Side - Akron.com
By Jon | on November 03, 2022 By Andy Harris GREATER AKRON — Area girls’ and boys’ teams are hoping to make it to the finals in the Ohio High School Athletic Association soccer play, set for Nov. 11-12 at Lower.com Field in Columbus.
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