New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter posted a long letter on his Facebook account Wednesday saying that 2014 will be his last year of playing professional baseball. Tribe fans reacted to the news.
McLaughlin, a Sheffield Village native, is a Team USA backup goalie and she did not dress for earlier games against Finland and Switzerland.
CLEVELAND, Ohio – Brianne McLaughlin was dressed and ready, and had the best seat in the house Wednesday for the U.S. Olympic women's hockey team's 3-2 loss to Canada at the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.
McLaughlin, a Sheffield Village native and Elyria Catholic graduate, is a Team USA backup goalie and did not dress for earlier games against Finland and Switzerland. The U.S. has three goalies, but only dresses two for each game. On Wednesday, Molly Schaus did not dress and McLaughlin backed up starter Jesse Vetter, who had 28 saves.
“Not the outcome that we wanted but we're hoping to see them again this tournament,'' McLaughlin told The Plain Dealer in a direct message via her Twitter account. “Dressing for those games are always great! It is such a cool atmosphere to be a part of. The place was packed and the fans were loud.''
Team USA finally gets a chance to relax a little. It did not march in the Opening Ceremony last Friday so that it would be fresh for its opener against Finland a day later. USA Hockey put a cone of silence over the team and did not allow outside communication until after the Canada game.
McLaughlin went to dinner with her family Wednesday, though her husband, Logan Bittle, was back in Pittsburgh, where he is an assistant coach for the Robert Morris University women's hockey team.
“We have a few days off here now for rest and seeing our families a little bit. We haven't been able to do many other things yet we've had a pretty busy schedule so far,'' she said. “The first day seeing everything was amazing. This place is an amusement park, it's absolutely beautiful!''
McLaughlin said she saw Russian President Vladimir Putin when he strolled through the Athletes Village last week. Teammate Kelli Stack of Brooklyn Heights was photographed laughing it up with Putin, but McLaughlin didn't get close.
“Yeah, we saw him come strolling in -- it was nuts with all the cars,'' she said.
McLaughlin also was a backup goalie in 2010 and played one period in a blowout win against China. The International Ice Hockey Federation changed the Olympic format to avert blowouts seen in past Olympics, putting the top four teams in the same group, and advancing all four to at least the quarterfinals automatically.
For McLaughlin, that means it is unlikely she will see any playing time unless there is an injury. The U.S. has a bye to the semifinals on Monday.
No. 2 Shaker Heights held off No. 1 St. Edward on Tuesday night, withstanding a furious Eagles comeback. The game was heard live on cleveland.com as part of The Fast Break. Listen to the archive of the game broadcast below as Chris Fedor and Dan Labbe were at Garfield Heights for the contest.
No. 2 Shaker Heights held off No. 1 St. Edward on Tuesday night, withstanding a furious Eagles comeback. The game was heard live on cleveland.com as part of The Fast Break.
Listen to the archive of the game broadcast below as Chris Fedor and Dan Labbe were at Garfield Heights for the contest.
We will have more live high school basketball this week when Medina takes on Shaker Heights on Friday night.
You can also help us pick our live game for Friday, February 21 by commenting here.
Here are what blogs from Cleveland and around the country are saying about the Browns. Featured today are Bleacher Report, Dawg Pound Daily and Dawgs By Nature.
Here are what blogs from Cleveland and around the country are saying about the Browns.
Cleveland Browns
"Strong arm? Check. Throws interceptions? Check. Approaching 30s? He's already there, so check. Limited NFL ceiling? See previous answer, check.
Everything's in place for Weeden to become the next starting quarterback of the Oakland Raiders and follow the path blazed by Jeff George, Aaron Brooks and some guy named Rich Gannon.
Much like with the Texans, the cupboard's pretty bare in Oakland. Does any of Terrelle Pryor, Matt McGloin or Matt Flynn inspire any sort of confidence in the fanbase?
Also like Houston, the Raiders will likely draft a QB, whether it's one of the three aforementioned options or somebody further back like Jimmy Garoppolo, Derek Carr, A.J. McCarron or Zach Mettenberger.
Weeden at least has starting experience in the league and isn't as much of a wild card as Pryor or McGloin. He could be a dependable backup while the franchise guy comes along in his development."
Peter Smith with Dawg Pound Daily takes a look at Jimmy Haslam's odd path to get in a good situation as owner of the Browns.
"As much as all of this stuff matters (and it does), the more important decision is still left to be made. The quarterback of this team for the 2014 season and beyond will paint this picture of success or failure more than anything else that this team does. This draft with the picks they have and the decision to be made as to which quarterback they draft (or the unlikely scenario where they bet on Brian Hoyer), the organization is certainly important, but the quarterback will have a huge impact on the success or failure of Farmer and Pettine.
The picture in Berea as to what is happening and who is doing what is clearer, but they still have to make the right decision and that is not lost on anyone. Farmer is not getting any excuses any more than Haslam is for this situation and he is prepared and equipped to run the draft in May, but it has to be the right set of moves. Everything Banner and Lombardi did last year (for all of the criticisms being lobbied at them) have given Farmer the tools he can use to succeed including an extra first, third, and fourth round pick. Farmer has the chance to make Haslam right; he has to do it and Haslam has to let him."
"Personally, I thought Banner helped put some great things into motion regarding the business side of things. The problem came to Banner meddling himself into the football side of things, to which new general manager Ray Farmer even said, "[Banner] would classify himself as a non-traditional football guy, and I would say that is a good representation." I can't really comment on Lombardi, because no one knows what the hell he ever actually did as a member of the organization because we never got to hear from him."
Have a post that you think should be featured in our daily Blog Roundup? Email the link here. You can also follow Glenn on Twitter.
CLEVELAND, Ohio—The state dual wrestling tournament is in the history books and now preparation is under way to crown the next group of state champions. This weekend the first round of action will begin with sectionals on Friday and Saturday. Qualifiers will make their way through next week's districts to try to earn a bid to the state tournament. ...
CLEVELAND, Ohio—The state dual wrestling tournament is in the history books and now preparation is under way to crown the next group of state champions. This weekend the first round of action will begin with sectionals on Friday and Saturday.
Qualifiers will make their way through next week's districts to try to earn a bid to the state tournament.
Here’s a look at the division sectional tournaments coming up:
DIVISION I
Austintown-Fitch
Where: 4560 Falcon Drive Austintown, OH
Schools: Aurora, Austintown-Fitch, Boardman, Chardon, Hudson, Kenston, Lakeside, Roosevelt, Solon, Stow-Munroe Falls, Twinsburg and Walsh Jesuit
When: Feb. 14, 3:45 p.m.; Feb. 15, 10 a.m., 3:30 p.m. (finals)
What’s next: Top four wrestlers in each weight class advance to the Northeast District Tournament at Mentor next weekend.
Lorain
Where: 2270 E. 42nd St. Lorain, OH
Schools: Avon, Avon Lake, Elyria, John Marshal, Lakewood, Lorain, North Olmsted, North Ridgeville, Olmsted Falls, St. Edward, Steele-Amherst and Westlake
When: Feb. 14, 5 p.m.; Feb. 15 10 a.m.
What’s next: Top four wrestlers in each weight class advance to the Northwest District Tournament at Cleveland State next weekend.
Medina
Where: 777 East Union St. Medina, OH
Schools: Berea-Midpark, Brecksville-Broadview Heights, Brunswick, Copley, Cuyahoga Falls, Firestone, Highland, Medina, Midview, Nordonia, Strongsville and Wadsworth
When: Feb. 14, 6 p.m.; Feb. 15 10 a.m., 5 p.m. (finals)
What’s next: Top four wrestlers in each weight class advance to the Northwest District Tournament at Cleveland State next weekend.
Perry
Where: 3737 13th St. S.W. Massillon, OH
Schools: Barberton, Canton McKinley, Canton Timken, Ellet, Glen Oak, Green, Hoover, Jackson, Lake, Louisville, Perry, Washington and New Philadelphia (East)
When: Feb. 14, 5 p.m.; Feb. 15 TBA. Awaiting confirmation on Thursday
What’s next: Top four wrestlers in each weight class advance to the Northeast District Tournament at Mentor next weekend.
North Royalton
Where: 14713 Ridge Rd. North Royalton, OH
Schools: Bedford, Cleveland Heights, Garfield Heights, Lincoln West, Maple Heights, Normandy, North Royalton, Parma, Rhodes, Shaker Heights, St. Ignatius and Valley Forge
When: Feb. 14, 6 p.m.; Feb. 15 11 a.m., 6 p.m. (finals)
What’s next: Top four wrestlers in each weight class advance to the Northeast District Tournament at Mentor next weekend.
Willoughby South
Where: 5000 Shankland Rd. Willoughby, OH
Schools: Brush, Euclid, Glenville, John Adams, John F. Kennedy (Cleveland), Madison, Mayfield, Mentor, North, Riverside, Shaw and South
When: Feb. 14, 5 p.m.; Feb. 15 10:30 a.m., 4 p.m. (finals)
What’s next: Top four wrestlers in each weight class advance to the Northeast District Tournament at Mentor next weekend.
Mansfield Senior
Where: 124 N. Linden Rd. Mansfield, OH
Schools: Cloverleaf and Wooster
When: Feb. 15 10 a.m., 3 p.m. (finals)
What’s next: Top four wrestlers in each weight class advance to the Northwest District Tournament at Cleveland State next weekend.
DIVISION II
St. Vincent-St. Mary
Where: 15 N Maple Street Akron, OH
Schools: Benedictine, Brooklyn, Cleveland Central Catholic, Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy, Holy Name, Orange, Padua, Ravenna, Revere, St. Vincent-St. Mary, Streetsboro and Woodbridge
When: Feb. 14, 4:30 p.m.; Feb. 15 9 a.m., 3 p.m. (finals)
What’s next: Top four wrestlers in each weight class advance to the Northeast District Tournament at Alliance next weekend.
Lake Catholic
Where: 6733 Reynolds Rd. Mentor, 44060
Schools: Chagrin Falls, Collinwood, Conneaut, Edgewood (Ashtabula), Geneva, Harvey, Jefferson Area, Lake Catholic, Notre Dame-Catholic Latin, Perry, University School and West Geauga
When: Feb. 14, 5 p.m.; Feb. 15 10 a.m., 6 p.m. (finals)
What’s next: Top four wrestlers in each weight class advance to the Northeast District Tournament at Alliance next weekend.
Northwest Fieldhouse
Where: 8580 Erie Ave. N. Canal Fulton, OH
Schools: Archbishop Hoban, Buchtel, Canton South, Coventry, Kenmore, North (Akron), Northwest, Norton, Springfield, Tallamadge and Triway
When: Feb. 14, 5 p.m.; Feb. 15 10 a.m., 6 p.m. (finals)
What’s next: Top four wrestlers in each weight class advance to the Northeast District Tournament at Alliance next weekend.
Medina
Where: 777 E. Union St. Medina, OH 44256
Schools: Bay, Brookside, Buckeye, Clear Fork-NW, Clearview, Fairview, Firelands, Keystone and Lexington-NW
When: Feb. 14, 6 p.m.; Feb. 15 10 a.m., 6 p.m. (finals)
What’s next: Top four wrestlers in each weight class advance to the Northwest District Tournament at Bowling Green next weekend.
West Branch
Where: 14277 Main St. Beloit, OH
Schools: Alliance, Canfield, Crestwood, Field, Howland, Hubbard, Marlington, Poland Seminary and Salem
When: Feb. 14, 6 p.m.; Feb. 15 11 a.m., 5 p.m. (finals)
What’s next: Top four wrestlers in each weight class advance to the Northeast District Tournament at Alliance next weekend.
DIVISION III
Northwestern
Where: 7473 N. Elyria Rd. West Salem, OH
Schools: Chippewa, Dalton, Fairless, Hillsdale, Loudonville, Mapleton, Northwestern (W. Salem), Norwayne, Orrville, Rittman, Smithville, Tuslaw and Waynedale
When: Feb. 14, 5:30 p.m.; Feb. 15 11 a.m., 5 p.m. (finals)
What’s next: Top four wrestlers in each weight class advance to the Northeast District Tournament at Garfield Heights next weekend.
Independence
Where: 7733 Stone Road Independence, OH
Schools: Black River, Columbia, Cuyahoga Heights, Elyria Catholic, Independence, Lutheran West, Manchester, Mogadore, Oberlin, Trinity, Villa Angela-St. Joseph, Warrensville Heights and Wellington
When: Feb. 14, 4 p.m.; Feb. 15 11 a.m., 6 p.m. (finals)
What’s next: Top four wrestlers in each weight class advance to the Northeast District Tournament at Garfield Heights next weekend.
Beachwood
Where: 25100 Fairmont Blvd. Beachwood, OH
Schools: Beachwood, Berkshire, Brookfield, Cardinal, Grand Valley, Hawken, Kirtland, Ledgement, Newbury, Pymatuning Valley, Richmond Heights and Wickliffe
When: Feb. 14, 6 p.m.; Feb. 15 11 a.m., 6 p.m. (finals)
What’s next: Top four wrestlers in each weight class advance to the Northeast District Tournament at Garfield Heights next weekend.
Rootstown
Where: 4190 State Route 44 Rootstown, OH
Schools: Canton Central Catholic, Columbiana, Crestview (Colum.), Garfield (Garrettsville), Girard, Jackson-Milton, Leetonia, Liberty, Rootstown, South Range (N. Lima), Southern-I and St. Thomas Aquinas
When: Feb. 14, 5:30 p.m.; Feb. 15 10:30 a.m., 5:30 p.m. (finals)
What’s next: Top four wrestlers in each weight class advance to the Northeast District Tournament at Mentor next weekend.
Seats for the April 12 game in Ohio Stadium are now available at $12 a ticket, but the cost the day of the game will be $20. In 2009, tickets to the game were $5.
COLUMBUS, Ohio - After ending last season on a two-game losing streak, Ohio State is guaranteed to get a win the next time it takes the field, for the spring game in Ohio Stadium on April 12.
The cost of attending that game, where the Buckeyes go against themselves and produce a winner and a loser, has quadrupled for day of game tickets in the last five years. Seats are now $12 in advance and $20 the day of the game.
The game will continue to be played as part of a doubleheader with an OSU men's lacrosse game. That game against Michigan will start at 11 a.m., with the spring game to follow.
Last year the spring game was played at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati because of renovations at Ohio Stadium. The cost for tickets in that NFL venue was $18 for club seats and $12 for general admission.
The last time the game was at Ohio Stadium in 2012, tickets were $7 in advance and $15 the day of the game. So this year represents a $5 increase over those tickets.
In 2010, advance tickets were $5 and day of the game seats cost $10.
In both 2009 and 2008, fans could buy a ticket the day of the game for $5.
After Indians new closer was traded from Milwaukee to St. Louis last year, he found out he'd been tipping his pitches.
GOODYEAR, Ariz. – He still won’t say exactly what it was that the St. Louis coaches told him. Whatever the secret, it helped convince the Indians that John Axford could be their closer.
Axford saved 105 games for Milwaukee from 2010-12. Last year he lost the job in early April because of a World Baseball Classic-induced dead arm, which produced a dead fastball. The Brewers traded him to the rival Cardinals on Aug. 30, where franchise officials told Axford that he’d been tipping his pitches for the last several years.
Not only did it make Axford paranoid, but it put his brain in rewind to try and recall every game he’d pitched against Cardinals and what the results of those games were. In the end, however, being exposed helped him.
“They told me at the back end of our first meeting after the trade,” said Axford. “They said, ‘you know, you’re been tipping your pitches for the last few years and we’ve seen it.’
“When you hear that it’s a little shocking, but there’s also an understanding, especially coming from the Cardinals, and how well they’ve done. ... It does make you paranoid pretty quick, but at the same time you know not every player is going to use that and not everyone in the batter’s box is going to try and search for that or look for it.”
The Cardinals’ coaches showed Axford on video how he was giving away his pitches before he threw them.
“The fact that their coaching staff knew, that their players knew and that they could point it out and show me on video, definitely opened my mind and I realized I needed to change a few things,” he said.
Axford, who had no idea how many other clubs knew the same thing, worked quickly to correct the problem.
“It took a little time to get used to it, but once I did, it just felt natural and everything just went from there,” he said. As for what exactly was his “tell,” Axford wouldn’t say.
“I don’t want to say exactly what it was, but there was one thing in the whole encompassing part of my motion,” he said.
Axford went 1-0 with a 1.74 ERA in 13 games for the Cardinals. He struck out 11, walked three and allowed two earned runs on 11 hits. The 6-5, 220-pounder was even better in the postseason, going 1-0 with a 1.42 ERA with 18 strikeouts, six walks and two earned runs in 12 2/3 innings.
St. Louis won the NL pennant before losing the World Series to Boston. Axford pitched 2 1/3 scoreless innings, striking out five, in the series.
Along the way, Indians scouts following Axford were convinced his fastball – which averaged 95.4 mph – was back and that he could close for them if St. Louis didn’t keep him. More importantly, Axford was convinced.
“I think my nerves were tested enough with the Cardinals and pitching in the playoffs,” said Axford, non-tendered by St. Louis in December. “I pitched down the stretch and in my first World Series. I stayed pretty honest and true to myself and the way I used to pitch in the ninth inning when I was closing.”
The Indians signed Axford to a one-year, $4.5 million deal. It could turn into a multiyear deal because Axford has only three years and 170 days in the big leagues. He became a free agent because he was non-tendered.
Axford said manager Terry Francona played a big role in him signing with the Indians.
“I got to understand how the clubhouse is and how he likes things in the clubhouse,” said Axford. “It was very enlightening to hear that from him. Just talking to him was one of the biggest reasons to get me excited about coming here.”
There were other reasons as well. The Indians made the postseason last year and Cleveland is only a 4½-hour drive from his hometown of Port Dover, Ontario. But the most important reason was a chance to pitch in the ninth inning with a one-run lead.
“I’m champing at the bit to get back in that role and do it all over again,” said Axford.
The Cleveland Indians continued spring training in Arizona Wednesday. See a photo gallery and video from Plain Dealer photographer Chuck Crow.
The Cleveland Indians continued spring training in Arizona Wednesday. See a photo gallery and video from Plain Dealer photographer Chuck Crow.
CLEVELAND, Ohio — Mascots dressed as former presidents and food items running around sports parks have entertained fans for a number of years. That led us to wondering how local mascots would stack up against each other. Today's high school sports question of the day is: Which Northeast Ohio high school mascot would win a 100-meter race?
CLEVELAND, Ohio — Mascots dressed as former presidents and food items running around sports parks have entertained fans for a number of years. That led us to wondering how local mascots would stack up against each other.
Today's high school sports question of the day is: Which Northeast Ohio high school mascot would win a 100-meter race?
If readers have a photo of the mascot, cleveland.com encourages them to share those images in their responses.
New this school year: Readers can now comment on all cleveland.com high school sports stories—and we encourage it.
Look for the comments section at the bottom of every post. Registering for an account is free and takes just a few minutes (click here for an account). Once you register you will have the ability to comment on all posts.
Contact high school sports reporter Nathaniel Cline by email (ncline@cleveland.com) or Twitter (@nathanielcline). Or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.
The Cavs are on the brink of their first four-game winning streak since LeBron James departed via free agency after the 2009-10 season as they face the Pistons in Detroit tonight.
The Cavs are on the brink of their first four-game winning streak since LeBron James departed via free agency after the 2009-10 season as they face the Pistons in Detroit tonight.
Get updates from The Plain Dealer on Twitter @PDCavsInsider and post your comments during the game below.
Team USA will probably cede the Olympic title to those Nordic Bullies, the Evil Empire of Winter Sports.
KRASNAYA POLYANA, Russia - The six fans were dressed as Vikings, which was only fitting, since their home nation is taking its halberds and axes and turning the Olympic competition into a bloody pulp. "Three medals in 15 minutes," said smiling...
Laura Okmin, Peter Schrager, Jen Engel and Robert Lusetich of Fox Sports weigh in on the biggest fashion fails at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.
Video: Laura Okmin, Peter Schrager, Jen Engel and Robert Lusetich of Fox Sports weigh in on the biggest fashion fails at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.
Interim head coach Loyer attended Akron, and was a graduate assistant for Bob Huggins before making his way to the NBA.
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – Not so long ago, the Cavaliers and Detroit Pistons were two perennial playoff teams, two Central Division rivals who faced each other often in the postseason.
Now, they're two rebuilding franchises in the throes of tumultuous times.
Last week, Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert fired general manager Chris Grant. A few days later, Pistons coach Mo Cheeks lost his job.
Interim Detroit coach John Loyer might be leading a team for the first time in his coaching career, but the 49-year-old is no stranger to Ohio and Cleveland-area basketball. Loyer grew up in Galion and attended the University of Akron, where he played basketball and was a graduate assistant -- under Bob Huggins -- for two years.
"(I have) very good memories," he said. "I'm from Ohio. Spent six years in Akron, both playing and coaching. It was home for me, and I really enjoy it still. When you go back to Cleveland it kind of feels like home. I grew up watching the Cavs and listening to Joe Tait on the radio, so it brings back a lot of memories."
He also understands how difficult it is for teams like the Cavaliers and Pistons to endure mid-season overhauls, and how important it is for players to buy into the changes.
"It's traumatic any time you have a change like this, especially with a guy we all enjoy being around, a guy who brought me here and brought the rest of our staff here," Loyer said of Cheeks. "But we're professionals. At some point you're going to get fired."
Loyer isn't counting on any job security yet -- he still has the interim title after just four days -- and understands there's only one way to forge ahead with a rebuilding team.
"In coaching, you don't really have vacation," Loyer said. "That's what happens, hopefully, after you make the playoffs."
Bennett, revisited: Anthony Bennett might have had fun for the first time in a long time when he recorded his first career double-double Tuesday against Sacramento, scoring 10 points and grabbing 10 rebounds.
But coach Mike Brown won't quantify what he felt at the sight of Bennett's standout game as "relief."
"I wasn't relieved -- maybe because I've seen it," Brown said. "And for me, it's just like it was a matter of time. I didn't feel relieved, I just felt like he went out and did what he's capable of doing. Now, will he do that every night? Probably not. But some of the things you saw (Tuesday) night, he's definitely capable of doing on a nightly basis."
Karasev recalled: Rookie Sergey Karasev was recalled Wednesday from the Cavaliers' Development League team, the Canton Charge. Karasev has appeared in 12 games for the Charge, averaging 12.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.2 steals in 30.0 minutes per game.
He spent most of Wednesday traveling to Detroit, he said. The Charge had a game in Sioux Falls, S.D., on Tuesday, and a canceled flight and four-hour delay meant he arrived just a couple hours before tip-off.
Akron Zips open the door for Western Michigan to pull off a late victory, 57-54, on the road.
KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- A poor overall shooting night combined with a rash of turnovers, and two tough whistles at the end led to a 57-54 loss at Western Michigan for the Akron Zips and a midcourt meltdown with the officials by head coach Keith Dambrot.
With the game tied, 54-54, the Zips twice blocked WMU's David Brown's shot, and both times he recovered. But with the shot clock nearly out he attempted an off-balance heave that led to a whistle against Demetrius Treadwell and two free throws with 25.5 seconds to play.
Brown made both for a 56-54 lead. Akron (16-8, 8-3) then got a clean look in the corner for Kwan Cheatham that hit back iron. The loose ball rebound went to the floor, followed by a scramble. Instead of a jump ball, Akron was called for another foul with 10.1 second to play. WMU (15-8, 8-3) split the pair, then held on.
Treadwell would finish as the only Zip in double figures with 16 points and 12 rebounds. But 15 turnovers, nine in the second half, and 33.3 percent shooting for the game, also set the stage for WMU's triumph as five Broncos scored in double figures led by Brown with 17.
Before there was Jimmy Haslam, Joe Banner or Michael Lombardi there was Mike Holmgren.
CLEVELAND, Ohio - Before there was Jimmy Haslam, Joe Banner or Michael Lombardi there was Mike Holmgren. The self-proclaimed "Big Show" rode around Berea in a golf cart for three years (2010-12) flashing his Super Bowl ring while wearing Tommy Bahama shirts.
Like so many that came before him, Holmgren watched the losses pile up, failing to turn the Browns into a winner despite proclamations to the contrary. He brought fans the unimpressive trio of Jake Delhomme, Colt McCoy and Seneca Wallace at quarterback. He also tabbed Pat Shurmur as his head coach.
After numerous failed moves, Holmgren was shown the door in one of the first moves owner Jimmy Haslam made after taking the reins from Randy Lerner. The rest of his staff soon followed.
It’s now 2014. There have been more empty promises. And things have been shaken up again inside the Berea walls. Banner, the former CEO, has been asked to leave. He will take Lombardi with him as Ray Farmer was promoted to general manager Tuesday morning.
As the news of the dramatic shakeup was surfacing, many people around the league were trying to digest what was happening in Cleveland. Reactions came from everyone, including Holmgren. The former Browns president was a guest on Sports Radio KJR – AM 950 in Seattle with Dave “Softy” Mahler where he shared his thoughts on the surprising changes.
“I talked to a couple of guys today and I asked do you think I could get my old job back? They said, ‘yeah do it. Phone them.’ I’m going, ‘yeah I’m going to phone them.”
Mahler moved on, asking Holmgren a question about how his time in Cleveland came to an end and how the perception of the Browns' organization could impact the team in the future.
On hearing the news:
“A couple of things struck me. Tom Heckert, who was my general manager, now in Denver and all the people that were executives that we brought in, they all have good jobs. I mean they’re good, vital guys in different organizations in the league. We had a really good management team I thought. Take me out of the equation. The guys I hired were really good and went on to get other jobs. My question to Mr. Haslam when he came in, I said, 'why can’t we stay? Do you feel you have to make a change?' He said, 'well it’s start over'…he gave me something so I said, 'OK.' I enjoyed coaching more than I enjoyed the executive part anyway. I thought, ‘well we have good guys in positions here that you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. What happened when he hired Joe, he came in and anybody associated with me was on borrowed time. Then they eventually let everyone go.
I’m stunned because in this business, it’s not like other businesses. A lot of the owners who are friends of mine, I know, who I was involved with when I was acting as Randy Lerner's surrogate at the owners meetings often, they’re billionaires in the oil business. They’re billionaires in cable television or whatever it is. But the football business I always thought it was kind of unique and while they could certainly afford to do this – and not many people can – to actually run the business part of it, to run the football business, I think it takes – you have to be trained to do that I think. When I tried to explain these types of things to him and how good the people were that were in place, once he hired Joe Banner then Joe came in and let everyone go. Continuity in an organization is so important. You have to weather the storm with a couple of tough years if you have good people. But they have never done that in Cleveland. Every two years they blow everything up and blam off you go.”
Whether it’s hard to overcome the negative perception about the owner and the team being a mess:
“I think it is particularly in free agency and things like that and also attracting a coach. Look at how long it took them to hire a coach. You can listen to the people saying, 'well we were taking our time, we wanted to get the right guy and da da da da da' but the fact of the matter is I think guys honestly were nervous about going in there given the management structure and so on and so forth. I don’t know that but that is how I feel and that’s how I think. That’s hard to overcome.”
You can listen to the full interview here. The Browns-related content begins at the 6:45 mark of the podcast.
Temperatures are expected to hit the 60s on Friday. At the Winter Olympics.
Things are really heating up in Sochi.
The way the photos are tumbling in from the Olympics, we're ready to check the schedule to see when track and field and beach volleyball begin.
The motto for the 2014 Winter Olympics is "Hot. Cool. Yours." But this may be taking it a bit too far.
Sunglasses and missing sleeves are the sudden fashion statements of these games. And tomorrow it's going to be even warmer. Temperatures are expected to hit 63 degrees on Friday. By the weekend, things may chill a bit -- perhaps enough to warrant a light jacket (gasp!). It's crazy. The word "balmy" keeps getting tossed around.
Sophie Caldwell, a US cross-country skier, tweeted after going sleeveless in the 10-K women's classic event:
According to Norwegian TV, @sadzarue and I raced in "bikinis" today. Not quite, but that was tough and tropical! pic.twitter.com/S8PwmIfA0i
-- Sophie Caldwell (@dophed) February 13, 2014And US goalie Molly Schaus tweeted:
Got my first sunburn of 2014 at the Winter Olympics #forgotmysunscreen #sochiisbeautiful
-- Molly Schaus (@schaus729) February 13, 2014From the AP: The ground just below the park looks like a spring thaw. And in the stands, young women are wearing tank tops and reapplying sunblock, while some Canadian guys are cheering without shirts at all. Even Bobby Brown, the only American in the finals who didn't medal in slopestyle, took his two runs in a T-shirt: "You don't have to wear a jacket. It's always warm in Colorado in the spring so I love it. Makes me feel like I'm riding back home."
Michelle Kaufman, from the Miami Herald, tweets a photo that looks a lot like where she works, rather than a Winter Olympics site:
While Southeast USA deals with snow, 62 degrees, blazing sun (and flame) here at #sochi #olympics @miamiherald pic.twitter.com/fHwc8ZxW2N
-- Michelle Kaufman (@kaufsports) February 13, 2014Tomorrow, no Olympic site is expected to even come close to the freezing mark. While a portion of the United States is being beaten and bruised by an enormous nor'easter, folks at what's supposed to be the height of winter sports are reapplying sunblock -- and enjoying fabulous sunsets.
WOW RT @AlexShibutani: Last night's #SochiSunset. One of the most breathtaking I've ever seen. #Sochi2014 pic.twitter.com/5LRjEC0Rg8
-- NBC Olympics (@NBCOlympics) February 13, 2014International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach told The Associated Press that the weather is not posing a "major risk" to the games, since organizers have stored spare snow. And past Winter Games have also seen warm-weather problems.
But the temperatures in Sochi have forced a schedule adjustment for Friday, with the downhill portion of the men's super-combined pushed up an hour, before the sun has time to warm up the snow.
No word yet on the beach volleyball. But there's still time. The Wall Street Journal puts this Olympic heat wave in perspective for us right here:
When's track & field start? @WSJ The U.S. is freezing but warm weather in #Sochi has turned the snow to 'slushy.' pic.twitter.com/sMo0RHv1PW
-- sgoldman (@sgoldman) February 13, 2014AMHERST, Ohio — Amherst High announced Bill Fishleigh will become the Comets' new head football coach to open the fall season this afternoon. “Yes. That was my first response. I was very excited,” Fishleigh said when he got the news. “I’m really fortunate to be at a place like Amherst. They’ve got great people here, great administration, great players...
AMHERST, Ohio — Amherst High announced Bill Fishleigh will become the Comets' new head football coach to open the fall season this afternoon.
“Yes. That was my first response. I was very excited,” Fishleigh said when he got the news. “I’m really fortunate to be at a place like Amherst. They’ve got great people here, great administration, great players and I’m just fortunate to land a shot.”
Fishleigh has coached at Perry and Avon Lake. This past season he served as a varsity assistant and the coach for the JV team at Avon. The varsity team compiled a 36-5 record over the past three seasons, competed for a state championship in 2011 and advanced to regionals the past two seasons.
“We are fortunate to attract someone of Bill’s caliber that has experience with one of the premier football programs in Northeast Ohio,” Amherst Athletic Director Casey Wolf said in a news release.
The Board of Education will be taking action on Fishleigh’s recommended employment at its Feb. 24 meeting. Fishleigh will also serve as the assistant high school principal.
In December, former coach Chad DiFranco was told he would not be retained for the upcoming season. The Comets were 4-26 under DiFranco after three seasons.
Watch as Cleveland Browns players, coaches and alumni participate with special olympians at their Play 60 football festival in Berea.
BEREA, Ohio -- The Cleveland Browns hosted a football festival Thursday for 700 special olympians from the Cleveland Metropolitan School District at their facility in Berea as part of the NFL’s Play 60 program.
Quarterback Brian Hoyer, new head coach Mike Pettine and Browns alumni interacted with the special olympic athletes as they moved from station to station participating in different football activities.
The Browns Play 60 initiative is part of a NFL nationwide program that promotes health and wellness to youths by getting them active for a least 60 minutes every day.
The CMSD's Special Olympics provides year-round sports and training in many sports for students with Intellectual disabilities.
On Twitter: @CLEvideos
Topping this week's Outdoor Calendar is the annual Buckeye Big Buck Club convention and show, the Coyote Open in Geauga County and the OCBS Steelhead Workshop.
Editor’s Note: Hunting, trapping seasons listed at end of Outdoor Calendar.
Feb. 14-17: 5th annual Coyote Open held by the Maple Country Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation. Coyotes can be harvested by any legal means. Contest open from sunrise on Feb. 14 to sunset on Feb. 17. Final weigh-in time at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 17 at the Hambden Country Inn, 13960 Rt. 166, Hambden, Ohio. Entry $10. Pre-registration mandatory. visit www.maplecountrynwtf.com or call Bill Trump (440-983-7203), Tony Bitner (440-221-9786), Adam Hollobaugh (440-313-7406) or Matt McDermott (330-221-3063).
Feb. 15: 55th annual Buckeye Big Buck Club Meeting, Banquet and Awards Ceremony, Convocation Center, 638 Jefferson St., Ashland. Doors open at 12:30 p.m., scorer’s meeting at 2 p.m., question and answer session with Ohio deer management head Mike Tonkovich at 3 p.m. Banquet and awards begin at 5:30 p.m. Banquet ticket deadline Feb. 6.
Feb. 16: All-Breed Hunter’s Trial, 8 a.m., South Cuyahoga Sportsmen’s Association, 5370 Erhart Rd. (south of West Smith Rd.), Chatham Township. Entries close Thursday. Call Mike Kristof, 216-663-6427.
Feb. 16: Turkey Shoot at the South Cuyahoga Sportsmen’s Association, 19300 Ridge Rd., North Royalton. Breakfast begins at 6 a.m., shoot begins at 9 a.m. Visit www.scsasportsmen.com.
Feb. 17: SCSA Youth Indoor Archery, basic archery instruction with emphasis on safety and basic archery techniques for boys and girls 6 to 15 years of age, 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at the South Cuyahoga Sportsmen’s Association, 19300 Ridge Rd., North Royalton. Sessions now full. To be put on a waiting list contact Patrick Martelon, 330-324-2705.
Feb. 19: Fly Tying for Beginners Class, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Ohio Division of Wildlife District 3, 912 Portage Lakes Dr., Akron. Materials and equipment will be provided. Create a dry fly, woolly bugger, pheasant-tail nymph and bead-head nymph with Aaron Brown. Pre-registration needed. Call Ken Fry, 330-245-3030.
Feb. 20: 6th annual OCBS Steelhead Workshop, free and open to the public, Ohio Central Basin Steelheaders, 7:30-9:30 p.m., AMPOL Club Hall 4737 Pearl Rd. Cleveland. Topics include center pin, fly and spey rod fishing, egg curing. For information visit www.ohiosteelheaders.com.
Feb. 21-23: The League of Ohio Sportsmen’s 106th annual meeting and convention, NorthPointe Hotel & Conference Center, Lewis Center. For information visit www.leagueofohiosportsmen.org.
Feb. 22: Ohio Ducks Unlimited State Convention and Awards Banquet, 9:30 a.m.-11:30 p.m., Cherry Valley Lodge, 2299 Cherry Valley Rd. SE, Newark. Call Aaron Dynes, 937-903-4035, or visit www.ducks.org/ohio. Conservation talk, 9:30-11 a.m.; State Committee Luncheon, 11-12:30 p.m. ($20, kids $10), state duck stamp competition, 4-5 p.m., awards dinner, 5-9 p.m. ($50, $25 youth).
Feb. 21-23: Bassmaster Classic. Lake Guntersville, AL, with daily weigh-ins and Outdoors Expo at Birmingham Convention Complex. Visit www.bassmaster.com.
Feb. 22: 4th annual Wingfoot Lake Charity Ice Tournament, Wingfoot Lake, Suffield. Registration opens at 6:30 a.m. Tournament benefits the Akron-Canton Regional Food Bank. For information, contact Carl Bachtel, cbachtel@wkyc.com.
Feb. 22: Western Reserve Chapter of Whitetails Unlimited annual banquet, E.O.U.V., 8636 Pekin Rd., Novelty. For tickets or information call 440-335-0183, Dennis Malloy (330-507-9489) or visit www.whitetailsunlimited.com.
Feb. 22: Sandusky River 2nd Amendment Dinner, Whitetails Unlimited, American Legion Post 121, 2000 Buckland Ave., Fremont. Tickets $40, couples $30. Call Keith Kralik, 419-202-9544, Dennis Malloy (330-507-9489) or visit www.whitetailsunlimited.com. Doors open at 5 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m.
Feb. 23: Tournament bass fishing with pro angler Frank Scalish, The Rodmakers Shop, Strongsville. The free session is from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., with reservations required. Call 440-572-0400.
Feb. 23: All-Breed Hunter’s Trial, 8 a.m., Wayne Coon Hunters Association, 4900 Secrest Rd., Wooster. Entries close Thursday at 7 p.m. Call Ron Burkey, 330-988-3987.
Feb. 23: Turkey Shoot at the South Cuyahoga Sportsmen’s Association, 19300 Ridge Rd., North Royalton. Breakfast begins at 6 a.m., shoot begins at 9 a.m. Visit www.scsasportsmen.com.
Feb. 24: SCSA Youth Indoor Archery, basic archery instruction with emphasis on safety and basic archery techniques for boys and girls 6 to 15 years of age, 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at the South Cuyahoga Sportsmen’s Association, 19300 Ridge Rd., North Royalton. Sessions now full. To be put on a waiting list contact Patrick Martelon, 330-324-2705.
Feb. 28-March 1: 17th annual Earlybird Sports Show, 307 Hostettler Rd., Orrville.
Feb. 28-March 2: Niles Sportsman’s Show, Eastwood Expo Center, 5555 Youngstown-Warren Rd., Niles (located behind Eastwood Mall on Route 422). Show hours: Friday, noon-8 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission $6, kids 12 and under free. For information call 300-544-8951 or email JHenFFR@aol.com.
March 1: Ohio Division of Wildlife Open Houses for review, comments on 2014-2015 fishing and hunting regulations, noon-3 p.m. Open houses at seven locations around Ohio. Northeast Ohio locations include Fairport Fisheries Unit, 1190 High St., Fairport Harbor and ODOW District Three Office, 912 Portage Lakes Dr., Akron. Comments can also be made online at www.wildohio.com.
March 1: 33rd annual Ohio Charter Captains Conference, 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Cedar Point Conference Center at Firelands Campus of Bowling Green State University, 1 University Dr., Huron. Fee $45. Registration requested. Contact Tory Gabriel, 419-898-3631, grabriel.78@osue.edu. Presentations on Lake Erie by Ohio Sea Grant, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ohio Division of Wildlife and Lake Erie Charter Boat Association.
March 1: A 2014 Ohio fishing and hunting license now required.
March 1: Lake Erie walleye daily bag limit is reduced from 6 to 4 fish per day. For details, visit www.wildohio.com or call 1-800-WILDLIFE.
March 1: All About Coyotes Seminar, Ohio Division of Wildlife at The Bath Church, 3980 W. Bath Rd., Bath. Free public program, reservations needed. Call the DOW at 33-644-2293. Free community breakfast before the 8:30-9:30 a.m. presentation on coyote biology, ecology, population trends and current status.
March 2: Dec. 29: All-Breed Hunter’s Trial, Pinecrest Shooting Preserve, 8 a.m., 1035 Derussey Road, New London. Entry deadline is Thursday at 7 p.m. Call Tim Reznik, 440-236-9131.
March 3: SCSA Youth Indoor Archery, basic archery instruction with emphasis on safety and basic archery techniques for boys and girls 6 to 15 years of age, 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at the South Cuyahoga Sportsmen’s Association, 19300 Ridge Rd., North Royalton. Sessions now full. To be put on a waiting list contact Patrick Martelon, 330-324-2705.
March 5: Ohio Wildlife Council monthly meeting, 6:30 p.m., Ohio Division of Wildlife District One Office, 1500 Dublin Rd., Columbus. For information call 1-800-WILDLIFE or visit www.wildohio.com.
March 6: State Fish and Wildlife Hearing, 9 a.m., Ohio Division of Wildlife District One Office, 1500 Dublin Rd., Columbus. For information call 1-800-WILDLIFE or visit www.wildohio.com. Public comments welcome on season dates, regulations.
March 8: Annual banquet of the Ohio Chapter of Safari Club International, Michauds Towne & Country, 16808 Pearl Rd., Strongsville. Dinner, raffles, games and the return of the Duck Drop. Tickets $50. Contact Paul Potemski (216-695-3800, paul@twendesafarissa.com) or visit www.ohiosafarichapter.com or www.twendesafarissa.com.
March 8: Annual banquet for the Lake Erie Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, Harpersfield Community Center, 5604 Cork-Cold Springs Rd., Harpersfield. Call Joshua Laurenty, 440-862-7895.
March 8: Annual banquet for the Sippo Valley Longbeards Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, Knights of Columbus Hall, 988 Cherry St., Massillon. Contact David Zwick, 330-484-5114, dzwick@sbcglobal.net.
March 8: Annual banquet of the Wayne County Chapter of Ducks Unlimited, Quailcrest Farm, 2810 Armstrong Rd., Wooster. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Tickets $50, couple $80, greenwings $35. Call John Wesalowski, 330-317-6814, or visit www.ducks.org/ohio.
March 8-9: Ohio Decoy Collectors and Carvers Association's annual Decoy and Wildlife Art Show, Strongsville Holiday Inn, 15471 Royalton Rd., Strongsville. Visit www.odcca.net. Weekend pass $5.
March 9: All-Breed Hunter’s Trial, 8 a.m., R & G Ventures at Cuyahoga Coon Hunters Association, West 130th St. at Sleepy Hollow Rd., Hinckley. Entries close Thursday. Call John Rizzo, 440-338-6578.
March 10: SCSA Youth Indoor Archery, basic archery instruction with emphasis on safety and basic archery techniques for boys and girls 6 to 15 years of age, 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at the South Cuyahoga Sportsmen’s Association, 19300 Ridge Rd., North Royalton. Sessions now full. To be put on a waiting list contact Patrick Martelon, 330-324-2705.
March 11: Managing Conflicts with Canada Geese Seminar, 6-8 p.m., Ohio Division of Wildlife, 912 Portage Lakes Dr., Akron. Canda goose conflict management, biology, ecology and population trends. Free. Pre-registration required. Contact Laura Graber (330-245-3008, Laura.Graber@dnr,state.oh.us.
March 13: Managing Conflicts with Canada Geese Seminar, 6-8 p.m., Ohio Division of Wildlife at the Lariccia Family Community Center, Rotary Room, Boardman Park, 375 Boardman-Poland Road. Canda goose conflict management, biology, ecology and population trends. Free. Pre-registration required. Contact Bryan Kay, 330-245-3026, Bryan.Kay@dnr.state.oh.us.
March 14-16: Ohio Deer & Turkey Expo, Bricker Building, Ohio Expo Center, Ohio State Fairgrounds, 717 East 17th St., Columbus. Show hours: Friday, 2-9 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission $14; two-day pass, $22; hunter education graduate 12-18 years old, $10; first-year hunter, free; ages 6-11, $4; five and under, free. For more information visit www.deerinfo.com/ohio.
March 15: Whitetails Unlimited Central Ohio Deer Camp Tour 2014, Crowne Plaza North, Columbus. Featured are dinner, raffles, exhibits, games and Travis “T-Bone” Turner of Michael Waddell’s Bone Collector television show. For tickets visit www.whitetailsunlimited.com or call Joel Reynolds (614-205-1037), Jim Schlater (937-403-5811), WU (1-800-274-5471) or area director Denny Malloy, 330-507-9489. Tickets $35, which includes a WU Deer Camp shirt. Doors open at 5 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m.
March 16: All-Breed Hunter’s Trial, 8 a.m., Columbia Game Club, 237 Route 224 (2.4 miles west of Route 301), Sullivan Township. Regular trial and youth trial. Entries close Thursday. Call Frank Reznik, 330-723-1679.
March 16: Youth Fishing Program Workshop to teach volunteers to become certified Passport to Fishing instructors with the Ohio Division of Wildlife, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., ODOW District 3 Headquarters, 912 Portage Lakes Dr., Akron. Free, with pre-registration required. All participants required to have a background check. Volunteers will learn to teach the basics of fishing and how to run a four-station fishing program. To pre-register contact Ken Fry, 330-245-3030.
March 17: SCSA Youth Indoor Archery, basic archery instruction with emphasis on safety and basic archery techniques for boys and girls 6 to 15 years of age, 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at the South Cuyahoga Sportsmen’s Association, 19300 Ridge Rd., North Royalton. Sessions now full. To be put on a waiting list contact Patrick Martelon, 330-324-2705.
March 19: The Trout Club of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History dinner meeting featuring a fly fishing presentation by Clark Smyth of Rock Creek Anglers, Saddlestring, Wyo. Doors open at 6 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m., program at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $35. Contact Karen Menn (216-231-4600 Ext. 3278) or visit www.cmnh.org.
March 21-23: Bowhunting Supershow, Columbus Convention Center, Columbus. Show hours: Friday, noon-9 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission $15, $20 for the weekend. NRA members free. For exhibitor, show information contact bowshowcontact@gmail.com.
March 22: Annual banquet of the North Coast Chapter of Ducks Unlimited, 5-10 p.m., Tom’s Country Place, 3442 Stoney Ridge Rd., Avon. Tickets $45, couples $80, greenwings $25. Call Chris Wheaton, 440-821-4987, or visit www.ducks.org/ohio.
March 22: Annual banquet and gourmet game dinner of the Medina County Chapter of Pheasants Forever at South Cuyahoga Sportsmen’s Association, 5370 Erhart Rd., Chatham Twp. Admission $65, couples $95, includes membership in Pheasants Forever. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m. Call Dave Clements (330-722-5241) or Jim Helms (440-346-3316). Ticket deadline is March 15.
March 22: 53rd annual Ohio Huskie Muskie Club Awards Banquet, Prime 93, 4215 Manchester Rd., Akron. Exhibits, vendors and raffles at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and awards. Swap meet open from noon-5:30 p.m. Admission $30, $15 for 12 and under. Send fee before March 13 to: OHMC, 10327 N.Bramblewood, Perrysburg, Ohio 43551.
March 23: All-Breed Hunter’s Trial, 8 a.m., South Cuyahoga Sportsmen’s Association, 5370 Erhart Rd. (south of West Smith Rd.), Chatham Township. Regular trial and youth trial. Entries close Thursday. Call Mike Kristof, 216-663-6427.
March 24: SCSA Youth Indoor Archery, basic archery instruction with emphasis on safety and basic archery techniques for boys and girls 6 to 15 years of age, 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at the South Cuyahoga Sportsmen’s Association, 19300 Ridge Rd., North Royalton. Sessions now full. To be put on a waiting list contact Patrick Martelon, 330-324-2705.
March 27: Ohio Central Basin Steelheaders meeting, 7:30 p.m., Firehouse Pub & Grille 2768 Stark Dr., Willoughby Hills.
March 28: Whitetails Unlimited Big Buckeye Deer Camp, Pritchard Laughlin Civic Center, 7033 Glenn Hwy., Cambridge. Featured are a buffet dinner, raffles, exhibits, games and Travis “T-Bone” Turner of Michael Waddell’s Bone Collector television show. For tickets visit www.whitetailsunlimited.com or call Chris Fausett (740-680-2119), WU (1-800-274-5471) or area director Denny Malloy, 330-507-9489. Tickets $30, which includes a WU Deer Camp shirt. Doors open at 5 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m.
March 28: Annual banquet for the Thundering Toms of Trumbull County Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, Garden Brook Banquet Hall, 4820 Warren Rd., Cortland. Contact Richard White, 330-240-2415, drwhite96@aol.com.
March 29: Annual banquet for the Portage County Callers Chapter of the National Wild turkey Federation, VFW, 6000 New Milford Rd., Ravenna. Contact Michael Bedilion, 330-281-7815, turk835@neo.rr.com.
March 29: 14th annual Shreve Spring Migration Sensation, Shreve Elementary School, 598 N. Market St., Shreve. Fee $15, $20 for family. Registration opens at 7 a.m. Workshops, wildlife and wetlands displays, family programs and self-guided tours. Visit www.ShreveMigration.org.
March 31: SCSA Youth Indoor Archery, basic archery instruction with emphasis on safety and basic archery techniques for boys and girls 6 to 15 years of age, 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at the South Cuyahoga Sportsmen’s Association, 19300 Ridge Rd., North Royalton. Sessions now full. To be put on a waiting list contact Patrick Martelon, 330-324-2705.
April 3: 8th annual banquet for the Lakeshore Longbeards Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, Port Clinton Elks Lodge, 231 Buckeye Blvd., Port Clinton. Contact Jim Frattaroli, 419-967-0149, jbfratt@aol.com.
April 5: 47th annual Invitational Winner’s Trial of the All-Breed Hunter’s Trial Circuit, 8 a.m., Wayne Coon Hunters Association, 4900 Secrest Rd., Wooster. Entries closed. Open to the public.
April 5: The 36th annual banquet of the Trout Club of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, 1 Wade Oval, Cleveland. Tickets $80, $150 per couple. Silent and live auctions, raffles and dinner. Doors open at 6 p.m., dinner, live auction and raffle at 7:30 p.m. Contact Karen Menn (216-231-4600 Ext. 3278) or visit www.cmnh.org.
April 5: Lake Erie Walleye Trail Tournament on Lake Erie at Magee East Marina & Campground. Two-angler teams. Sponsored by the Western Basin Sportfishing Association. For information visit www.wbsa.us or contact Joe Yingling, 419-621-4751, joe.yingling@yahoo.com.
April 5: 5th annual Vance Outdoors Buckeye Lake Open Bass Tournament, Liebs Island Ramp, Buckeye Lake. Contact Ron Groves (rgroves@vanceoutdoors.com, 740-928-9474.
April 9: Ohio Wildlife Council monthly meeting, 6:30 p.m., Ohio Division of Wildlife District One Office, 1500 Dublin Rd., Columbus. OWC will vote on proposed regulations, dates for 2014-2015 seasons. For information call 1-800-WILDLIFE or visit www.wildohio.com.
April 10: Annual banquet for the Northcoast Limbhangers Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, North Olmsted Party Center, 29227 Lorain Rd., North Olmsted. Contact Shawn Dicket, 216-433-0565, sdickey@nwtf.net.
April 11: Annual banquet for the Huron River Fantails Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, Elks Lodge 285, 120 E. Adams St., Sandusky. Contact Doug Johnston, 419-684-7158, dougmjmarcia@att.net.
April 12: Annual banquet of the Medina County Chapter of Ducks Unlimited, 5-11 p.m., The Galaxy, 201 Park Center Dr., Wadsworth. Tickets $70, couples $100. Call Rick Hawk, 330-338-4871, or visit www.ducks.org/ohio.
April 12: Doug Hanes Memorial Ice Breaker Bass Tournament, Moundwood Ramp, Indian Lake. Contact Bill Cochensparger (bluegillbill@woh.rr.com, 419-201-9031)
April 13: Great Lakes Largemouth Series Open Bass Tournament, Cullen Park Boat Launch, 4526 Summit St., Toledo. For information, entries visit www.greatlakeslargemouthseries.com or contact Craig Burwell (birdie2277@yahoo.com, 419-701-8440).
April 16: Youth Fishing Program Workshop to teach volunteers to become certified Passport to Fishing instructors with the Ohio Division of Wildlife, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., ODOW District 3 Headquarters, 912 Portage Lakes Dr., Akron. Free, with pre-registration required. All participants required to have a background check. Volunteers will learn to teach the basics of fishing and how to run a four-station fishing program. To pre-register contact Ken Fry, 330-245-3030.
April 17: Ohio Central Basin Steelheaders meeting featuring Dave Dyer on fishing Indiana’s Trail Creek and Lake Michigan for Skamania trout in spring and early summer. Meeting from 7:30-9 p.m. at Ampol Club Hall, 4737 Pearl Rd., Cleveland. Visit www.ohiosteelheaders.com.
April 19: Ohio Mega Bass Tournament Trail, Buckeye Lake. For information visit www.ombtt.com.
April 19-20, 2014: Youth wild turkey hunting spring season. For information visit www.wildohio.com or call 1-800-WILDLIFE.
April 21: Spring wild turkey hunting season opens through May 18, 2014. For information visit www.wildohio.com or call 1-800-WILDLIFE.
April 24-May 19: Walleye Spring Fling fishing derby, Ohio waters of Lake Erie. Entry $25. Derby begins at 12:01 a.m. on April 24 and ends at 8 a.m. on May 19. Sign-up session April 19 from 1-3 p.m. at Shine’s Bait & Tackle, Cleveland. Awards party on May 23 from 6-9 p.m. at Elmwood Park Cabin, 600 Elmwood Rd., Rocky River. For information call Frank Murphy, 440-221-2822, visit www.lakeeriefishingderby.com or email lakeeriefishingderby@gmail.com.
April 25: Hunters Night Out banquet held by the Tinkers Creek Chapter of Whitetails Unlimited, Days Inn, Richfield. Featured are dinner, raffles, exhibits, games and Travis “T-Bone” Turner of Michael Waddell’s Bone Collector television show. For tickets visit www.whitetailsunlimited.com or call WU (1-800-274-5471) or area director Denny Malloy, 330-507-9489.
April 27: Great Lakes Largemouth Series/Central Lake Erie Division, Ottawa County Launch Ramp, West Harbor, Catawba Island. Two-angler team event. For information, entries visit www.greatlakeslargemouthseries.com or contact David Hoheisel (david@h2hsales.com. 614-361-5548.
April 27: Team Bass Xtreme/Central Ohio Division, Buckeye Lake. For information visit www.TeamBassExtreme.com.
May 2-4: Catawba Island Boat Show, Catawba Island Club, Catawba Island. For information visit lemta.com.
May 2-4: Lake and Trails Fishing Camp, FFA Camp Muskingum on Leesville Lake, Carrollton. Registration opens Feb. 15 for youngsters 9 and older. An adult must accompany youth attendees. For information or to sign up visit www.lakeandtrails.org or call Karen Metzger, 330-725-8747.
May 3: Mosquito Creek 60 Gun Raffle, Mosquito Creek Chapter of Whitetails Unlimited, Yankee Lake Ballroom, 1814 Rt. 7, Brookfield. For information, tickets contact Denny Malloy, 330-507-9489.
May 3: Lake Erie Walleye Trail Tournament on Lake Erie at Lakevue Marina, Lakeside. Two-angler teams. Sponsored by the Western Basin Sportfishing Association. For information visit www.wbsa.us or contact Joe Yingling, 419-621-4751, joe.yingling@yahoo.com.
May 4-June 28: Lake Erie FishCrazy Spring Walleye Derby. Visit www.lakeeriewalleyederby.com for rules. Entry $50, $10 for one-day entry. Weekly, monthly and overall winners.
May 10: Ohio Mega Bass Tournament Trail, Grand Lake St. Marys. For information visit www.ombtt.com.
May 17: Lake Erie Walleye Trail Tournament on Lake Erie at Sandusky. Two-angler teams. Sponsored by the Western Basin Sportfishing Association. For information visit www.wbsa.us or contact Joe Yingling, 419-621-4751, joe.yingling@yahoo.com.
May 17: Walmart Bass Fishing League/Buckeye Division, Grand Lake St. Marys. For entries, information visit www.flwoutdoors.com.
June 7: Youth Fishing Program Workshop to teach volunteers to become certified Passport to Fishing instructors with the Ohio Division of Wildlife, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., ODOW District 3 Headquarters, 912 Portage Lakes Dr., Akron. Free, with pre-registration required. All participants required to have a background check. Volunteers will learn to teach the basics of fishing and how to run a four-station fishing program. To pre-register contact Ken Fry, 330-245-3030.
June 7: Ohio Mega Bass Tournament Trail, Indian Lake. For information visit www.ombtt.com.
June 7-8: Championship of the Lake Erie Walleye Trail Tournament on Lake Erie at Huron Public Launch Ramps, Huron. Two-angler teams. Sponsored by the Western Basin Sportfishing Association. For information visit www.wbsa.us or contact Joe Yingling, 419-621-4751, joe.yingling@yahoo.com.
June 8: Team Bass Xtreme/Central Ohio Division, Alum Creek Lake. For information visit www.TeamBassExtreme.com.
June 28: Walmart Bass Fishing League/Buckeye Division, Tanner’s Creek on the Ohio River. For entries, information visit www.flwoutdoors.com.
June 29: Great Lakes Largemouth Series/Central Lake Erie Division, Ottawa County Launch Ramp, West Harbor, Catawba Island. Two-angler team event. For information, entries visit www.greatlakeslargemouthseries.com or contact David Hoheisel (david@h2hsales.com. 614-361-5548.
June 29: Great Lakes Largemouth Series/Presque Isle Division, Marina Ramp, Presque Isle State Park, Erie, Pa. Two-angler team event. For information, entries visit www.greatlakeslargemouthseries.com or call Aaron Gast, 814-314-9847.
June 29: Ohio Mega Bass Tournament Trail, Alum Creek Reservoir. For information visit www.ombtt.com.
July 6: Great Lakes Largemouth Series/Mentor Lagoons Division, Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve and Boat Ramp, Mentor Lagoons, Mentor. Two-angler team event. For information, entries visit www.greatlakeslargemouthseries.com or contact Joel Prince (jcprince193@gmail.com, 330-936-6434).
July 6: Great Lakes Largemouth Series/Toledo Division, Cullen Park Boat Launch, 4526 Summit St., Toledo. For information, entries visit www.greatlakeslargemouthseries.com or contact Craig Burwell (birdie2277@yahoo.com, 419-701-8440).
July 13: Great Lakes Largemouth Series/Central Lake Erie Division, Ottawa County Launch Ramp, West Harbor, Catawba Island. Two-angler team event. For information, entries visit www.greatlakeslargemouthseries.com or contact David Hoheisel (david@h2hsales.com. 614-361-5548.
July 13: Team Bass Xtreme/Central Ohio Division, O’Shaughnessy Reservoir. For information visit www.TeamBassExtreme.com.
July 16: Ohio Wildlife Council monthly meeting, 6:30 p.m., Ohio Division of Wildlife District One Office, 1500 Dublin Rd., Columbus. For information call 1-800-WILDLIFE or visit www.wildohio.com.
July 19: Walmart Bass Fishing League/Buckeye Division, Ohio River at Maysville. For entries, information visit www.flwoutdoors.com.
July 20: Great Lakes Largemouth Series/Toledo Division, Cullen Park Boat Launch, 4526 Summit St., Toledo. For information, entries visit www.greatlakeslargemouthseries.com or contact Craig Burwell (birdie2277@yahoo.com, 419-701-8440).
July 20: Great Lakes Largemouth Series/Presque Isle Division, Marina Ramp, Presque Isle State Park, Erie, Pa. Two-angler team event. For information, entries visit www.greatlakeslargemouthseries.com or call Aaron Gast, 814-314-9847.
July 26: Ohio Mega Bass Tournament Trail, Indian Lake. For information visit www.ombtt.com.
July 27: Great Lakes Largemouth Series/Central Lake Erie Division, Ottawa County Launch Ramp, West Harbor, Catawba Island. Two-angler team event. For information, entries visit www.greatlakeslargemouthseries.com or contact David Hoheisel (david@h2hsales.com. 614-361-5548.
Aug. 3: Great Lakes Largemouth Series/ Mentor Lagoons Division, Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve and Boat Ramp, Mentor Lagoons, Mentor. Two-angler team event. For information, entries visit www.greatlakeslargemouthseries.com or contact Joel Prince (jcprince193@gmail.com, 330-936-6434).
Aug. 7: Annual banquet for the Medina County Strutters Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, Buffalo Creek Retreat, 8708 Hubbard Valley Rd., Seville. Contact Bill Suliks, 330-635-0878, bsuliks@aol.com.
Aug. 9: Walmart Bass Fishing League/Buckeye Division, Tanner’s Creek on the Ohio River. For entries, information visit www.flwoutdoors.com.
Aug. 10: Great Lakes Largemouth Series/Central Lake Erie Division, Ottawa County Launch Ramp, West Harbor, Catawba Island. Two-angler team event. For information, entries visit www.greatlakeslargemouthseries.com or contact David Hoheisel (david@h2hsales.com. 614-361-5548.
Aug. 10: Great Lakes Largemouth Series/Presque Isle Division, Marina Ramp, Presque Isle State Park, Erie, Pa. Two-angler team event. For information, entries visit www.greatlakeslargemouthseries.com or call Aaron Gast, 814-314-9847.
Aug. 17: Great Lakes Largemouth Series/ Mentor Lagoons Division, Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve and Boat Ramp, Mentor Lagoons, Mentor. Two-angler team event. For information, entries visit www.greatlakeslargemouthseries.com or contact Joel Prince (jcprince193@gmail.com, 330-936-6434).
Aug. 17: Great Lakes Largemouth Series/Toledo Division, Cullen Park Boat Launch, 4526 Summit St., Toledo. For information, entries visit www.greatlakeslargemouthseries.com or contact Craig Burwell (birdie2277@yahoo.com, 419-701-8440).
Aug. 20: Ohio Wildlife Council monthly meeting, 6:30 p.m., Ohio Division of Wildlife District One Office, 1500 Dublin Rd., Columbus. For information call 1-800-WILDLIFE or visit www.wildohio.com.
Aug. 24: Great Lakes Largemouth Series/Central Lake Erie Division, Ottawa County Launch Ramp, West Harbor, Catawba Island. Two-angler team event. For information, entries visit www.greatlakeslargemouthseries.com or contact David Hoheisel (david@h2hsales.com. 614-361-5548.
Aug. 31: Great Lakes Largemouth Series/Toledo Division, Cullen Park Boat Launch, 4526 Summit St., Toledo. For information, entries visit www.greatlakeslargemouthseries.com or contact Craig Burwell (birdie2277@yahoo.com, 419-701-8440).
Sept. 6-7: Walmart Bass Fishing League/Buckeye Division, Indian Lake. For entries, information visit www.flwoutdoors.com.
Sept. 7: Great Lakes Largemouth Series/Central Lake Erie Division, Ottawa County Launch Ramp, West Harbor, Catawba Island. Two-angler team event. For information, entries visit www.greatlakeslargemouthseries.com or contact David Hoheisel (david@h2hsales.com. 614-361-5548.
Sept. 7: Great Lakes Largemouth Series/Presque Isle Division, Marina Ramp, Presque Isle State Park, Erie, Pa. Two-angler team event. For information, entries visit www.greatlakeslargemouthseries.com or call Aaron Gast, 814-314-9847.
Sept. 9: Youth Fishing Program Workshop to teach volunteers to become certified Passport to Fishing instructors with the Ohio Division of Wildlife, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., ODOW District 3 Headquarters, 912 Portage Lakes Dr., Akron. Free, with pre-registration required. All participants required to have a background check. Volunteers will learn to teach the basics of fishing and how to run a four-station fishing program. To pre-register contact Ken Fry, 330-245-3030.
Sept. 11-14: North American In-Water Boat Show, Cedar Point Marina, Cedar Point Amusement Park, Sandusky. For information visit lemta.com.
Sept. 14: Great Lakes Largemouth Series/ Mentor Lagoons Division, Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve and Boat Ramp, Mentor Lagoons, Mentor. Two-angler team event. For information, entries visit www.greatlakeslargemouthseries.com or contact Joel Prince (jcprince193@gmail.com, 330-936-6434).
Sept. 14: Great Lakes Largemouth Series/Toledo Division, Cullen Park Boat Launch, 4526 Summit St., Toledo. For information, entries visit www.greatlakeslargemouthseries.com or contact Craig Burwell (birdie2277@yahoo.com, 419-701-8440).
Sept. 17: Ohio Wildlife Council monthly meeting, 6:30 p.m., Ohio Division of Wildlife District One Office, 1500 Dublin Rd., Columbus. For information call 1-800-WILDLIFE or visit www.wildohio.com.
Sept. 18: State Fish and Wildlife Hearing, 9 a.m., Ohio Division of Wildlife District One Office, 1500 Dublin Rd., Columbus. For information call 1-800-WILDLIFE or visit www.wildohio.com. Public comments on season dates, regulations.
Sept. 21: Great Lakes Largemouth Series/Central Lake Erie Division, Ottawa County Launch Ramp, West Harbor, Catawba Island. Two-angler team event. For information, entries visit www.greatlakeslargemouthseries.com or contact David Hoheisel (david@h2hsales.com. 614-361-5548.
Sept. 21: Great Lakes Largemouth Series, Marina Ramp, Presque Isle State Park, Erie, Pa. Two-angler team event. For information, entries visit www.greatlakeslargemouthseries.com or call Aaron Gast, 814-314-9847.
Sept. 27: Ohio Mega Bass Tournament Trail, Delaware Lake. For information visit www.ombtt.com.
Sept. 26-28: Masters Walleye Circuit qualifying tournament, two-angler teams, Lake Erie at Huron, Ohio. For information, entries visit www.masterswalleyecircuit.com. MWC Championship to be held Oct. 8-11 at Devils Lake, N.D.
Oct. 11-12: Championship of the Great Lakes Largemouth Series, Ottawa County Launch Ramp, West Harbor, Catawba Island. Two-angler team event. For information, entries visit www.greatlakeslargemouthseries.com or contact David Hoheisel (david@h2hsales.com. 614-361-5548.
Oct. 15: Ohio Wildlife Council monthly meeting, 6:30 p.m., Ohio Division of Wildlife District One Office, 1500 Dublin Rd., Columbus. For information call 1-800-WILDLIFE or visit www.wildohio.com.
Oct.16-18: Walmart Bass Fishing League/Buckeye Division Regional Championship, Kentucky Lake. For entries, information visit www.flwoutdoors.com.
Nov. 6: Youth Fishing Program Workshop to teach volunteers to become certified Passport to Fishing instructors with the Ohio Division of Wildlife, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., ODOW District 3 Headquarters, 912 Portage Lakes Dr., Akron. Free, with pre-registration required. All participants required to have a background check. Volunteers will learn to teach the basics of fishing and how to run a four-station fishing program. To pre-register contact Ken Fry, 330-245-3030.
HUNTING SEASONS
DEER HUNTING SEASONS
Deer archery: Sept. 28-Feb. 2, 2014;
WATERFOWL HUNTING SEASONS
Ducks – South Zone: Dec. 14-Jan. 26
Geese – North Zone: Nov. 30-Jan. 30
Geese – South Zone: Nov. 30-Jan. 30
SMALL GAME HUNTING SEASONS
Squirrel: Sept. 1-Jan. 31, 2014
Ruffed grouse: Oct. 12-Jan. 31, 2014
Cottontail rabbit: Nov. 1-Feb. 28, 2014
Fox, raccoon, opossum, skunk and weasel: Nov. 10-Jan. 31, 2014
Mink and muskrat: Nov. 10-Feb. 28, 2014
Mink, muskrat, raccoon, opossum, skunk and weasel (Erie, Ottawa and Sandusky counties, and Lucas County east of the Maumee River): Nov. 10-March 15, 2014
Beaver: Dec. 26-Feb. 28, 2014
River otter: Dec. 26-Feb. 28, 2014
Crow: June 7-March 8, 2014; June 6, 2014-March 7, 2015 (Friday, Saturday and Sunday only)
Youth spring wild turkey: April 19-20, 2014
Spring wild turkey: April 21-May 18, 2014
Coyote and wild boar: No closed season
Groundhog: Closed only during deer gun season.
The walleye fishing around Western Lake Erie is still in the spotlight, but anglers must be careful when heading offshore. The bluegill and crappie are biting at many area ponds, lakes and reservoirs.
CLEVELAND, Ohio – The walleye fishing around Western Lake Erie is still in the spotlight, but anglers must be careful when heading offshore. The bluegill and crappie are biting at many area ponds, lakes and reservoirs. The Cleveland Metroparks winter rainbow trout stockings are giving anglers a bonus catch right now. Steelhead trout anglers are still shut out, with thick ice on all of the popular rivers and streams.
WESTERN LAKE ERIE
Fair to very good catches of walleye have been reported all around Western Lake Erie, with Swedish Pimple or Crippled Herring spoons and Jigging Rapalas tipped with emerald shiner minnows a mainstay. With a light walleye bite, ½-ounce and 3/8-ounce jigging spoons in green-gold and silver-blue color patterns have been best.
The top spot has been about 3 miles west of Catawba State Park in the G Can area, with walleye hanging around 19 to 20 feet of water. Many anglers are heading a few miles west of Mouse Island and fishing the West Sister Island area and the reef complex off Crane Creek State Park and the Magee Marsh Wildlife Area. Some anglers are heading as much as 5 or 6 miles offshore, where ice conditions are more treacherous and ATVs continue to go through the ice.
Stay away from the Mouse Island area on the north side of Catawba. Lake Erie current erodes the ice at that choke point, always making it a dangerous place to drill holes.
The ice is thick along the west side of South Bass Island, and anglers are taking walleye around Green and Rattlesnake islands, and beyond.
Lake Erie fishermen will see the daily walleye bag limit shrink from six to four fish on March 1. The walleye size limit is 15 inches.
LAKES AND RESERVOIRS
Fishermen are crowding Wallace Lake in Berea, which gets the bulk of the rainbow trout stockings by the Cleveland Metroparks. The mid-winter stockings were completed last week. The trout fishing has slowed, most likely because oxygen levels are slumped under the ice and snow. Some trout are still being caught on tiny jigs tipped with maggots or waxworms, or small jigging spoons. The trout stockings also include Shadow Lake in Solon, Ledge and Judge lakes in Hinckley and Ranger Lake in Strongsville.
The Portage Lakes have been a good spot for bluegill, redear sunfish, yellow perch and crappie on tiny ice jigs and maggots or waxworms. East Reservoir is giving up bluegill, crappie and some perch in the Portage Lakes Dr. area. Medium-sized minnows are taking bass and crappie off the new state park ramp on Rex Lake.
Turkeyfoot Lake is a good spot for perch and redear sunfish. Wingfoot Lake is been good for perch and crappie. Mogadore Reservoir redear and bluegill have been biting.
The crappie bite is heading up about 50 to 100 yards off the Mosquito Lake causeway. Walleye and crappie are hitting along the buoy line on the north end of Mosquito, and anglers are finding some success off the cemetery on the south side of the lake.
RIVERS AND STREAMS
The Lake Erie tributaries are covered with ice and won’t be producing steelhead trout until the next serious thaw.
DOG TRIALS
Ferencak Memorial/Shamp-Weber Classic All-Breed Hunter’s Trial
Columbia Game Club, Sullivan
Dogs of the Day – Pointing: Marc Toennies, English setter (ES), Hazel. Flushing: Bob Rinehart, English springer spaniel (ESS), Gracie.
All-Age – Pointing Marc Toennies, ES, Hazel; Dick Motz, ES, Abby; Dan Kaminski, German shorthaired pointer (GSP) Tucker; John Kelley, GSP, Casey. Flushing: Regis Wolanin, ESS, Dakota; Eric Lingler, Labrador retriever (Lab), Duke; John Kelley, ESS, Titan; Justin Reznik, Lab, Amber.
Open – Pointing: Deb Hronek, English pointer (EP), Marcy; Russ Hartman, GSP, Brutus; Bert Scali, EP, Kate; Jack Nutter, ES, Patch. Flushing: Bob Rinehart, ESS, Gracie; John Rizzo, Lab, Deke; Justin Reznik, Lab, Lily; Dan Steingraber, ESS, Scout.
Derby – Pointing: Autumn Yasanvro, EP, Sampson; Bill Thomas, ES, Lucy; Bert Scali, GSP, Remi; Brent Close, EP, Mickey. Flushing: Dan Tuttle, ESS, Stewart; Jacob Steingraber, Lab, Drake; Dan Steingraber, Lab, June.
Puppy – Pointing: Bill Keplar, EP, SI; Dennis Barbish, EP, Josie. Flushing: Dan Steingraber, June, Lab; Dave Miller, Lab, Taz; Dan Steingraber, Lab, Drake; Don Spice, golden retriever, Jackson.
Senior – Pointing: John Costanza, GSP, Haley; Dennis Barbish, EP, Boss; Joe Pitts, EP, Rocky; Martin Manges, Brittany, Harley. Flushing: Dan Tuttle, ESS, Logan; John Denczak, ESS, Pearl; Howard Shanklin, Lab, Jack; Matthew Jackson, Lab Maize.
