The state title was the first for any team in Cuyahoga Heights history.

AKRON, Ohio -- For the first time in the school history, Cuyahoga Heights has a state championship team.

On Saturday, the softball team won a Division IV state title by defeating Minster, 2-1. With two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning, Brittany Nero lined a single to left field to win the game for the Redskins. 

"To be the first state championship, let alone the first female state championship, says so much about our small school," said Cuyahoga Heights coach Christy Zawadzki. "As I've stressed this entire season, this group is a family that would do anything for each other."

When Nero stepped to the plate in the bottom of the seventh, she felt the stage of the moment but knew there was a simple task at hand.

"I was a little bit nervous, but I knew I would hit the ball," Nero said.

This story will be updated shortly with a slideshow.

The win makes Cuyahoga Heights the first Northeast Ohio team to ever win a Division IV softball state title and capped an evenly matched game.

Both Cuyahoga Heights pitcher Meridith Chopka and Minster pitcher Kayla Richard were on their game. Chopka allowed just one earned run, two hits and struck out six batters. Richard allowed no earned runs and six hits.

In a game pitched like this, Chopka knew that one false move could cost the Redskins a title.

"I was kind of nervous in the beginning, but I relaxed and knew we were going to do this," Chopka said. "We always come through in the end."

Minster broke a scoreless tie in the fourth inning. Leading off the inning, Rachel Heckaman reached base after she was hit by a pitch. Two batters later, Michaela Goettemoeller drove her home with a single up the middle to give the Wildcats a 1-0 lead.

It didn't take the Redskins long to respond, though. Dayna Denner led off the bottom of the inning with a double. After Denner moved to third base on an error, Chopka hit a sacrifice fly to right field to tie the game.

The score remained 1-1 until the seventh inning. In that final inning. Samantha Rodriguez reached on an error to start things for Cuyahoga Heights. Selena Colon came in to pinch run and moved to second base on a sacrifice bunt.

After a groundout, Nero stepped to the plate and delivered the winning single on the second pitch she saw.

Before the season, the Redskins set 17 goals for themselves, and Saturday's win meant they had accomplished all of them.

"We knew we were pretty strong, and as we played more and more Division I and II schools and were having some success, the girls got more confident in themselves and believed they could be state champions," Zawadzki said.

Despite having an enrollment of just 116 girls, the Cuyahoga Heights fans packed Firestone Stadium, and the Redskins are ready to continue the celebration with them.

"We support each other in every sport we play," Zawadzki said. "I can't say enough about our fan base, and them pushing us made us want to get here even more."

Contact high school sports reporter David Cassilo by email (dcassilo@cleveland.com) or Twitter (@dcassilo). Or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.

Many members of the Cuyahoga Heights softball team played a huge role in the game.

AKRON, Ohio –In the 2-1 victory against Minster in the Division IV state softball championship, the Cuyahoga Heights softball team made history by winning the first state championship in school history.

All season long, the team has made it a focus to not let any mistakes to interfere with the chemistry of the team. From the beginning of the season making a list of goals, to having to come back from a loss to Stow in which the game was lost on a past ball. They understood that no one player was going to win or lose a game, and rather it would be a team effort no matter the result.

“We really set the tone for this season in February,” coach Christy Zawadzki said after the game. “The team went out and set 17 goals that they wanted to achieve, and what we did was number 17.”

Never had that belief been more truthful than on Saturday night, when many members of the Cuyahoga Heights softball team played a huge role in the state title.

The person who set the tone for the game was senior pitcher Meredith Chopka. All season long, Chopka has been brilliant for the team, finishing the year with a 21-3 record with a 0.82 ERA. On Saturday, she once again was her dominant self, attacking the Minster batters and trusting her defense to make plays. On offense, she got the scoring started for the Redskins when she drove in the team’s first run in the fourth inning.

The runner she drove in, was sophomore centerfielder Dayna Denner.

Denner had a big game, going 2-for-3 with two doubles. However, it was a diving catch in centerfield in the sixth inning that was her biggest play. If she had missed that ball, the Wildcats would have been set up with a runner in scoring position with only one out.

However, to her teammates, there was never a doubt that she wasn’t going to catch that ball.

“Playing with Dana everyday, you knew she was not going to let that ball get pass her,” pitcher Meredith Chopka said. “I was so happy that she caught it, I almost ran out there and gave her a high-five. It was just a great player and I knew that she was going to make the play.”

The Redskins got hits from Alicia Falorio, Samantha Rodriguez and Bria Galang-Swanson. Rodriguez’s hit came in the seventh inning that eventually became the game winning run, while Galang-Swanson made a huge play early in the game when she made a terrific catch, while having the presence of mind to double up the runner at second base.

Then there is Brittany Nero, the Redskins No. 9 hitter. She entered the final at bat 0-for-2 on the day with a strikeout, but did not let that affect her as she roped a line drive to left field for the game-winning hit.

In sports, too many times one person gets the credit for a win, or the blame in a loss when it is a team sport. However, the Cuyahoga Heights Redskins softball team in its state championship reminded us what makes sports so special; being able to go out and compete with your teammates.

Contact high school sports reporter Mark Kern by email mkern@cleveland.com or Twitter (@Markkern11). Or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.

North Royalton lost the 2014 Division I state baseball championship to Massillon Jackson, 5-1.

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Surrounded by big buildings and big dreams at Huntington Park on Saturday, North Royalton and Massillon Jackson baseball played a game that was a tale of two firsts.

Two baseball teams in search of their first state title. Both looking for glory. Neither wanting to succumb to defeat.

North Royalton (22-8) was trying to accomplish it in their first year with Brad Klingbeil at the helm, after he spent a decade as an assistant.

The head skipper choked back tears in post-game interviews as Massillon Jackson (26-5) raised its 2014 Division I state championship trophy after a 5-1 victory.

This was the game where they played unlike they had played all season long, but not in the way that wins a state title.

The Bears are known for big, loud bats that get them on base and then helps them score through small ball. Almost anything loud that came off the end of a NoRo bat was silenced by a Massillon Jackson glove.

“Through the whole year we’ve been the team that gets that hit,” Klingbeil said. “Today we hit it. It just went to somebody that was standing right there. We just couldn’t get anything to fall.”

Senior pitcher Noah Sasse’s nerves got the best of his arm in the top of the first inning. He allowed a single and then a sacrifice bunt that turned into not being a sacrifice when Jackson’s second batter ended up standing on first, then a walk that loaded the bases.

Sasse (6-2) got out of the inning in five batters, but not before two of them crossed home plate.

In the bottom of the second, North Royalton was able to get on the board when the Bears’ ninth hitter Frank Frate knocked one to short center and it fell just before the glove of Jackson’s centerfielder, allowing Reese Albright to score. The Bears would leave two stranded that inning. It would also be their only streak of four straight batters on base.

“The first pitch I threw, first curveball, it barely flew off and got the Blue and then the bunt, I think it was really nerves,” Sasse said.

Jackson would score again in the top of the fourth, sixth and seventh.

Before the game Klingbeil told his team to stay relaxed.

“To play our game,” Sasse said. “Didn’t do that today.”

The only player who would have a good day from the plate for the Bears was again senior pitcher Bryan Bielak, who went 2-for-3 with a walk.

The team they were was one that defeated two top 20 teams, including the 2013 state runner-up, en route to this year’s state title game. The team they were facing in Massillon Jackson was also a team who defeated two top 20 talents in Mentor and Moeller.

For the first year in three years, Cincinnati Archbishop Moeller wasn’t the team that would be handed the state title trophy.

Losing to a powerhouse or a team in search of its first state title still hurts the same, though.

“Losing is losing,” Sasse said.

“It hurts no matter what,” Bielak said. “We don’t care what the name is on the other jersey. We just play.”

The tale of two firsts ended in agony for North Royalton, but the good thing about tales is another one can always be written.

“You’re going after the same thing and any time that you’re not on the winning end of that, it hurts,” Klingbeil said. “Everybody this year played hard throughout the entire year. I feel bad we couldn’t get it done for them. Hopefully they made some pretty good memories being down here.

“And we can hopefully continue something.”

Contact high school sports reporter Stephanie Kuzydym by email (skuzydym@cleveland.com) or on Twitter (@stephkuzy). Or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.

Five golfers are one shot apart at the top of the Cleveland Open field.

PAT GALBINCEA
Special to The Plain Dealer

It's a position former Walsh Jesuit High School and Ohio State standout Ryan Armour has been hoping to be in -- a chance to win a professional golf tournament ... and near his hometown of Silver Lake.

Armour shot a 5-under 66 Saturday at Westlake's Lakewood Country Club to post a 10-under total of 203 and give himself a good chance to win the 2014 Cleveland Open and his first Web.com Tournament. He trails the leader, Meen Whee Kim, of South Korea, and four-time tour winner Mathew Goggin, of Australia, by one stroke. Jeff Curl and veteran Jason Gore are also at 10-under.

Local fans remember Armour, 38, as the leader of two Walsh Jesuit boys teams that won two Division I state titles. He was the individual state champion in 1993, and five years later was the Big Ten individual medalist at OSU. He was so good he played in the old Nike Tour event at Quail Hollow in 1994. But life on the Web.com Tour hasn't always been kind to him. Although he has finished second three times and third twice, Armour lost his tour card in 2012 and had to go through the nerve-wracking PGA Q-School to get his playing card back.

"I had a horrible year on tour in 2012 ... I played pretty poor golf but in the long run, it's helped me," Armour said. "Back then I was trying to get stronger and add length to my tee shots. But since I'm only 5-7 and 170 pounds, I learned the hard way I can't overpower a golf course.

"I burned the midnight oil going back to basics -- simple stuff like my alignment and posture -- and do what I do best. Hit fairways and greens and give myself a chance to sink putts."

That's what Armour -- known in the 1990s as the "Armour Star" -- did Saturday. He said he tried to drive to 150-yard markers, and never had to chip even one time in 18 holes.

He said he'd be thrilled to win his first tournament in Northeast Ohio.

"Sunday I just hope to play good golf. To win here would be just great. Since I am sort of a local guy, it would mean a lot to me. I love this game and what it brings to my family," he said.

Silver Lake is near Stow in Summit County. Armour's brother Mike said he knew Ryan was going to have a good week. The previous week, he shot 63 and 64 at Chippewa Golf Course playing casually with Mike.

"Ryan is calm and has no anxiety," Mike Armour said. "That's the difference in his game now."

He was greatly helped by Goggin and Curl, the second round co-leaders, when they four-putted for double-bogeys late in the afternoon. Goggin did it on 17, Curl on 18.

Goggin was cruising at 13-under when four-putted from 60 feet on the par 4 17th hole. He missed a 2-foot second putt above the hole and a 7-foot comeback effort.

"I missed one fairway all day, so what happened on 17 was unexpected," said Goggin, 39, who is the all-time winningest Web.com Tour player with seven individual titles. "The good news is, I'm still tied for the lead. I am hoping to shoot a round Sunday like I did Friday (when he shot a course record 62)."

Curl four-putted the par-4 last hole from 50 feet. He had a second putt of eight feet and a third of nearly five.

"It was a horrible way to finish a round," said Curl, the son of former PGA standout Rod Curl. "But I also made some great birdie putts on 16 (10 feet) and 17 (20 feet), and I'm only one shot in back of the leaders. I like my chances of winning. I feel great, and this course fits me perfectly."

Kim, 22, has played steady golf with rounds of 68-66-68. He said the key to his good third round was sinking a 20-foot par putt on the par 4 15th hole.

"I have a chance to win if the weather cooperates," said Kim, who shortened his first name to Whee because he is not "mean" in attitude as his first name Meen could be interpreted. "I'd like a rainy day because I play well in the rain. I love soft greens."

CVCA was runner-up in the team race for the second consecutive year.

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Here are the top storylines from Saturday’s Division II boys finals session at the 2014 OHSAA state track and field championships.

CVCA’s Ryan Adams doubles up on gold

Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy boys track and field coach Jeff Port hasn’t seen any of his athletes able to keep up with Ryan Adams’ workouts.

On Saturday, nobody was able to keep up with Adams in his races, either.

The junior middle-distance runner’s wins in the 1600 and 800 highlighted the Royals’ second consecutive Division II runner-up finish at the state meet. Adams also won gold as the anchor leg on the Royals’ 4x800 relay team, which competed Friday.

On Saturday, he ran anchor on the 4x400 relay team that finished fifth.

“I’m pretty happy,” said Adams. “Three state championship events under my belt.”

From Port’s perspective, the top of the podium seemed like a logical destination for Adams.

“From the beginning of the season, through indoor and the beginning of outdoor workouts, it was obvious things were clicking for him,” said Port. “He gets it. He’s willing to do what it takes to get there. There’s nobody on the team that can keep up with him, workout-wise. He’s special.”

Adams finished the 1600 in 4:18.44 to improve on his fourth-place finish of a year ago. In the 800, he used a last-lap burst to capture first. In fourth place entering the final lap, Adams shifted into a gear only he seemed to have as the runners entered the backstretch. He won in 1:52.59.

It was Brad Adams (800 state runner-up for CVCA, 2010), Ryan’s older brother, who explained to him that the first lap of the 800 doesn’t matter. Only the last lap.

“I knew that once I made my move, I’m feeling strong, I can carry this through, I’ve got the strength and the Lord behind me,” said Adams. “But I was definitely praying down that last 100.”

The three-event day seemed it might be a daunting task after Adam’s experience on Friday. He was visibly spent after the 4x800 finals and had to be helped to and from the awards podium. He returned to help the Royals qualify for the finals of the 4x400 relay.

“I thought I was drinking enough before the race, but obviously it wasn’t enough,” said Adams. “I was in the trainer’s room for about an hour. Mainly just hydrating because I was feeling a little light-headed. I was able to breath and I wasn’t passing out, so I had that going for me.”

Complete Division II state track and field results.

Royals runners-up two years running

After finishing 10 points behind 2013 team champion St. Vincent-St. Mary, CVCA led the team standings Saturday until the final race, the 4x400. 

Dayton Dunbar’s second-place finish earned it the trophy by a point, 47-46.

“After last year, being down here and taking second, we all got together and said our goal is to take the first-place trophy next year because we have the horses to do it,” said Port. “And it came down to the last race.”

Along with Adams and the relays, the Royals also got medal performances from Evan Carroscia in the 300 (third) and 110 hurdles (seventh), and Ben Bockoven in the 1600 (fifth). Bockoven was also part of the winning 4x800 relay on Friday.

“We’re trying to build a program with a mindset where (reaching regionals and state) is just an expectation,” said Port. “They’ve responded to it very well.”

While the Royals pride themselves on having the depth to stay successful, Port admits that a third consecutive year with state hardware will be a challenge.

“We’re going to lose a lot. It’s going to be tough to replace. I don’t know. We’ll see,” said Port. “I like to think our guys will step up next year but it will be a tall order for sure.”

Parris Campbell Jr.’s golden goals unfulfilled

St. Vincent- St. Mary's Parris Campbell Jr. expects to build lasting memories of Columbus over the next few years as a football player for Ohio State.

But on Saturday, his final day as a high school athlete was disappointing.

First, Campbell finished third in the 100 dash, dashing his goal of three gold medals. Then, on the anchor leg of the 4x200, he pulled up on the final stretch after aggravating a leg injury he first sustained a couple weeks before the postseason.

The 4x200 relay team, state champs a year ago, finished last Saturday. Campbell was replaced on the 4x100 relay team, which also couldn’t defend its 2013 state title, finishing eighth. 

“It’s very disappointing. I didn’t expect any of it,” said Campbell. “I expected to come out here and leave with three golds, but I can’t get down on myself.”

Campbell pulled out of the 200 at regionals, citing the toll extended football and basketball seasons took on his body. On Friday, he had the fourth-best qualifying time in the 100 preliminaries, the 4x200 relay had the fastest qualifying time, and the 4x100 was second. 

But Friday’s promise of more success, and perhaps a repeat team title in Division II, faded along the back turn of Campbell’s anchor leg in the 4x200. 

“It felt pretty nasty,” said Campbell of his leg during the race. “I tried to get my team at least third, but I just kind of faltered. I couldn’t do it anymore.” 

Campbell jogged with a limp to the finish line, then stopped, bent over and dropped the baton.

“I felt like (Friday) we had a pretty good day. We were ranked No. 1 in the 4x200 and No. 2 in the 4x100 and I was pleased with my performance,” said Campbell. “It just sucks that we weren’t able to finish it today.” 

Streetsboro’s Carter proves freshmen are fast, too

In a 100 dash final featuring three top-four finishers from 2013, a first-year varsity runner won.

Streetsboro freshman Dakari Carter edged St. Clairville’s Jaylon Brown, 10.83-10.90 for the gold. Campbell was third in 10.96. 

Campbell was runner-up last year, followed by Brown and Dayton Dunbar’s Curtis Boyd (fourth Saturday).

Carter’s 10.71 in Friday’s preliminaries was his personal best.

“I work hard, that played a big part. I work hard in practice and in the offseason,” said Carter. “My teammates work me out real hard, too. There’s really not much to it.

“My teammates told me that I could go down to states and I could win it.”

Carter was third in the 200 (22.16) and part of the Rockets’ 4x200 relay (seventh).

Benedictine’s Montgomery proves prelim was no fluke

Benedictine’s Marquee Montgomery followed up Friday’s record-tying performance in the 200 preliminaries with a gold-medal performance in the finals.

His time of 21.77 wasn’t as fast as the 21.39 he ran Friday (tying a Division II state meet mark set in 1981), but it was fast enough to hold off runner-up Jaylon Brown of St. Clairsville (21.88).

“My best time was 21.63, and I ran that in districts,” said Montgomery. “And two weeks later I run a 21.39. It feels great.”

In the final, Brown had a slight lead on Montgomery over the first half of the race, but that soon changed.

“I had to turn it up another gear, third gear,” said Montgomery. “All the adrenaline and people cheering for me. I just had to finish strong.”

Montgomery was fifth in the 100 (11.05).

Division II field event finals

Four local athletes won state titles in Division II field events Saturday. For complete coverage, check out coverage (with videos) by Northeast Ohio Media Group’s Nathaniel Cline.

Contact high school sports reporter Scott Patsko by email (spatsko@cleveland.com) or Twitter (@ScottPatsko). Or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.

Strongsville sophomore Cassie Martin returns to track & field championships to take the gold medal.

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Strongsville sophomore Cassie Martin learned quickly how she could be a state champion since her visit to Columbus last year. As Saturday would reveal, she landed at the top of the medalist podium as the Division I girls high jump state champion.

“It was just really exciting and I’m so happy,” Martin said. “I just wasn’t sure how to take it last year and this year I came knowing what it was like and was more prepared.”

Martin earned first place on Saturday at the track & field championships at a height of five feet-eight inches. She finished last season placing sixth at 5-04.00.

Solon junior Chelbi Graham also earned a medal along with Twinsburg senior Samantha Monachino and Green sophomore Olga Branney. Graham finished third at 5-06 and Monachino and Branney tied for eighth at 5-04.00.

West Geauga senior Audrey Rabe finished among the top three pole vaulters on Saturday. But returning to the track & field championships and improve on her success as a sophomore was enough to send her out on a high note to Liberty University (VA) in the fall.

“All year my goal was to make back here,” Rabe said.

Rabe finished third in the pole vault reaching a height of 12 feet-3 inches and surpassing a personal record of 12 feet. The winning height was 12-10.25 earned by Bowling Green junior Maria Horrigan.

A number of area athletes also earned medals at Ohio State University’s Jesse Owens Stadium.

North Royalton junior Kristen Denk and Revere junior Larissa Kurtz also earned a medal placing fourth and fifth respectively at a height of 12 feet.

Other area athletes who competed, but shy of earning a medal was Mentor senior Rachel Piazza (11-06) tying Canal Winchester senior Gretchen Rosch for 10^th and Cuyahoga Falls senior Nicole Rozsa (11-00) placing 16^th.

Solon senior Alexis Gray finished third in the discus throw with 145-03 and placed fourth shot put with 42-04.00. She will be attending the University of Cincinnati in the fall.

“I’m happy with the points that I scored, but of course the goal was earning an individual championship,” Gray said.

Gray followed discus and shot put state champion Oyesade Olatoye from Dublin Coffman on the medalist stand. The winning throw in the shot put was 43-09.25 and 154-05 in the discus.

Medina freshman Carolyn Wilder earned her first state medal. She recorded a 124-11 in the discus event.

Euclid junior Rashida Harris (122-10) finished 10th, Solon sophomore Jordan Pressman (119-02) placed 13^th, and 16^th place finisher and junior Brittany Morrison of Cleveland St. Joseph (107-05) all finished outside of the top eight.

In the shot put event, Harris earned a medal finishing fifth with 41-03.75. Brecksville-Broadview Heights sophomore Sarah Okeafor finished eighth with 38-08.75.

Finishing outside of the top eight was Morrison (34-05.00) in 16^th place and Shaker Heights junior Ebony Young (38-04.00) in 10^th place.

Avon Lake senior Max Seipel earned two trips to the medalist stand finishing eighth in the shot put with 55-06.75 and bouncing back to take second in the boys discus throw with 179-06. He will be attending Ohio State in the fall to continue competing in field events.

“I just wanted to come out an enjoy myself, throw well, but have fun,” Seipel said.

Seipel was behind the shot put state champion record set at 61-04.75 set by Wayne junior Robert Landers. Fremont Ross senior Jared Ballenger placed first in the boys discus with 182-10.

St. Edward junior Jonathan Zedella and Medina senior Mike Hierholzer each earned a medal in the discus finishing fourth and fifth respectively with 166-07. Hudson senior John Brandon earned the final medal placing eighth with 159-08.

Other area athletes who competed, but shy of earning a medal was Mentor senior Jason Maurins (155-10) in 10^th and Warren G. Harding junior James Daniels (149-09) in 13^th.

Maurins led area athletes in the shot put finishing second with 61-03.00. Euclid senior Jeremiah Peters also earned a medal placing fourth with 58-11.75, Zedella finished fifth with 58-02.25 and Harvey junior Reggie Browley placed sixth with 57-01.25.

Other area athletes who competed, but shy of earning a medal was Warren G. Harding junior Ja’vone McCollough-Provi (52-06.25) and Hierholzer (54-01.50) in 10^th.

Two area athletes finished with medals in the boys vault event. Medina senior Kyle Hutchinson placed sixth and Berea-Midpark junior Matt Owens finished eighth both with 14-10.00. The winning height was 15-10.00 from Massillon Perry sophomore Lucas Kelly.

Other area athletes who competed, but shy of earning a medal was Copley senior Dawson Mancabelli (14-00) who finished 10^th and North Royalton junior Matt Karaffa (13-06) placing 15th.

St. Edward senior Steele Wasik finished fifth in the boys long jump with a 22-08.00. John F. Kennedy David Williams also earned a medal placing seventh with 22-05.00.

Wayne senior Jordan Latimer was crowned state champion finishing first with 23-11.00.

“I’m just thankful for the opportunity to be here,” Williams said. “It’s not something everybody gets can do. The fact that I’m here means a lot.”

Other area athletes who competed, but shy of earning a medal was Nordonia junior Denzel Ward (21-08.50) who finished ninth and Walsh Jesuit senior Alex Rodriguez (20-09.50) placing 14th.

Medina senior and future University of Akron high jumper Andrew Stenger, who competed in the boys high jump, was the lone area athlete to gather a medal in the event. He ended the day in sixth with 6-06.00 compared to the 6-10.00 set by first place finisher Emanuel Durden of Springfield.

“My goal to begin with was to make it to the podium, make the top eight and I made sixth,” Stenger said. “It wasn’t bad, but I didn’t jump my best.”

Other area athletes who competed, but shy of earning a medal was Berea-Midpark senior C.J. Barwise (6-04.00) who tied for 10^th with Walnut Hills senior Marquise Austin, Harvey senior Lavell Morgan (6-04.00) finishing 12^th and Mentor junior Eddie Daugherty (6-02.00) placing 13^th and St. Edward senior Steele Wasik did not clear the qualified height.

Berea-Midpark senior Kyla Paster led the area athletes finishing third in the girls long jump with 18-04.50. The winning measurement for the day was 18-07.25 set by first place finisher Cayla Carey of Ursuline Academy.

Long jump medalists also include Bay sophomore Olivia Bechtel (18-00.50) placing fourth, Ravenna junior Chanavier Robinson (17.05.50) finishing seventh and Harvey junior Alexis Daniel (17-05.25) placing eighth.

Other area athletes who competed, but shy of earning a medal was Brush junior Asya Reynolds (16-11.75) finished ninth and Revere senior Marissa Harbath (16-05.50) placing 14^th.

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.

Get highlights from the Division I boys finals at the 2014 OHSAA state track and field championship meet.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Here are six highlights from Saturday's Division I boys track event finals at the 2014 OHSAA state championships.

Glenville wins 15th track championship in school history

Back in April, Glenville coach Ted Ginn Sr. watched his relay teams fumble, falter and fail on a cold Saturday morning at the Maralyn West Invitational.

Flash forward to a sunny day in June and those very same relay teams helped carry the Tarblooders to their 15th boys Division I state track and field championship.

Senior Davon Anderson won the 110 hurdles and finished second in the 300 hurdles while also anchoring the first place 4x100 and 4x400 relays as the Tarblooders amassed 40 points to finish ahead of Pickerington North (34). 

"Davon is a blessing," Ginn said. "He's brought a lot to this school and our community."

Anderson credited Ginn's for helping the Tarblooders believe they could win the school's first title since 2007.

He saw greatness in us," Anderson said.

Another key, Ginn said was the emergence of his "babies" - freshman Darrien Hickman and sophomore Kelvin Spates. When Hickman and Spates were inserted into the Tarblooders relay lineups midway through the season, Glenville's fortunes changed.

"They grew up quick," Ginn said. 

With senior Falonte Jackson stepping in on the second leg and Anderson running the final lap of the 4x400 relay, teammate Adam Lett knew it was only a matter of moments before the Tarblooders would be wearing the OHSAA Division I crown.

"I knew it was over once (Anderson) got the stick," Lett said. "I didn't have to watch the rest of the race. Everybody can go home."

The win was gratifying for Ginn, who said a lot of people might have counted Glenville out at the start of the season. 

"We kinda stepped away for seven years," he said. "Now we're back." 

Glenville's Davon Anderson flashes to 110 hurdle title

Saturday's meet started with a bang as the man Glenville calls "Flash" dominated his signature race. Anderson captured the 110-meter hurdles in a personal-best time of 13.64 with Steele Wasik of St. Edward second (13.94).

A 110 hurdle state champion in South Carolina last year, Anderson said the level of competition at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium was more intense. 

"II really value the push that they gave me," Anderson said.

St. Edward's Steele Wasik never, ever gave up

Perched in the blocks at the start of the 300 hurdles, St. Edward's Steele Wasik was flooded with memories of his previous successes and past shortcomings on the Ohio State track. 

"The gun went off and I kinda blurred for a little," Wasik said. "It was a euphoric race, but when (Davon Anderson) caught up with me I wasn't sure what to do. My legs felt like jello. My lungs were tight."

What followed was one of the most thrilling finishes of the day as Anderson led Wasik down the home stretch. But Anderson crashed into the final hurdle and Wasik's steps remained true, carrying him through to the finish line and the one goal that he had yet to accomplish - an individual state championship medal. 

Wasik's time of 36.31 was a personal record. He was second in last year's 300 hurdle final and had waited 12 months for another crack at his signature race. This time, the senior who was a part of two consecutive St. Edward team titles had a championship to call his own.

"It means the world to me," Wasik said. "I've done all I can for St. Edward. It was beautiful that the last thing I got to do was for me. It's something I get to take with me for the rest of my life. I'm just so privileged to be here and representing St. Eds".

The key, Wasik said, was that he stayed true to the St. Edward community's adopted motto of "Never, Ever Give Up" inspired by young Michael Orbany, a 9-year-old whose battle against cancer touched thousands associated with the school.

When Anderson faltered, Wasik powered through the finish line. 

"The last hurdle I felt him stutter, and I knew my steps were on," he said. "It was anyone's race at that point. I wasn't going let anybody down. Including myself."

Solon's Brandon Bolden stakes claim as Ohio's fastest man

That skinny kid who only ran relays for Solon last season? He's now the Ohio Division I 100-meter dash champion.

Bolden won the race in a personal-best 10.53 seconds. The key, Bolden said, was his offseason preparation.

"I wanted to train as hard as I could, I wanted to give my best," Bolden said. "I couldn't be happier."

Bolden finished ahead of Hilliard Davidson's Phillipie Motley (10.58). Reggie Thomas of John Adams was fourth in 10.61.

Bolden surged ahead in the final five meters of the race and won with a lean at the finish line, the same move that saw him tweak a groin injury in Friday's semifinals.

"Some people's knees start to fall at the end," Bolden said. "I'm just very deliberate. I keep lifting my knees throughout the whole thing and I was able to pull ahead."

Nordonia captures 4x200 relay

For Nordonia senior Jordan Nobles, the 2014 track season was all about having the confidence to overcome a knee injury he suffered playing football. 

"My coaches and my teammates gave me that confidence," Nobles said after the Knights claimed the 4x200 relay in a school-record 1:26.40. 

The team of Dylan Mabin, Brandon Truett, Sterling Brabson and Nobles outdistanced rivals Austintown-Fitch and Berea-Midpark down the stretch. 

"It's an amazing feeling," Nobles said. "We worked hard every day in practice. We pushed ourselves. I feel like we deserve it."

The Knights finished second to Glenville in the 4x100 relay posting a school-record 41.58 with the team of Brandon Wilson, Truett, Denzel Ward and Nobles. 

"It took a 41.47 to beat us," Nobles said. "There's not much more we could have done. We left everything on the track."

Chardon's Nicholas Elswick finally reaches the summit

In Nicholas Elswick's final race of his Chardon Hilltopper career, the senior finally stood atop the mountain.

In his third appearance at the state track meet, Elswick captured the boys 3,200 meter run in 9:02.41.

The time was not a new record, as many around the Jesse Owens stadium track thought Elswick could accomplish. But that fact did nothing to take the shine off a gold medal hanging from Elswick's neck following the race. 

"All the hard work paid off," the future Ohio State runner said. "It means a lot to represent the Buckeyes and my home town here. It's been four long years. But it feels great to finally be here."

Fesemyer won all four wheelchair events, this time against competition.

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Last year in the inaugural wheelchair division competition at the OHSAA state track and field championships, Southeast's Jenna Fesemyer couldn't be beat.

Actually, it was impossible because Fesemyer was the only competitor in the girls division.

On Saturday, Fesemyer proved that the addition of competition doesn't change a thing. For the second straight year, she took home four gold medals, winning the girls shot put, 800, 400 and 100.

"It brings some excitement and nervousness to it," Fesemyer said. "But, you know what, these girls are such great competitors that it makes it easier to come out and compete. You're not as nervous because you have such a great bond.

"It's been so much fun. All these wheelchair events are so special to me."

Fesemyer, a junior, was joined this year by Southeast freshman Emily Gallatly in two events. Kent Roosevelt junior Randy McMullen returned in the boys division.

On Saturday, Fesemyer improved on all four of her state records set last year. Each result was also a personal best.

She won the 800 in 2:33.20, the 400 in 1:13.08 (Gallatly was fourth, 2:11.90) and the 100 in 20.81 (Gallatly was fourth, 31.01).

McMullen, who won the boys shot put last year and set a state record with this year's top state-qualifying throw (23-10.75), defended his title Saturday. McMullen won with a toss of 23-6.75.

He was fourth in the 800 (2:35.20), 400 (1:11.95) and 100 (19.57) boys races. All but the 100 time were personal bests.

Seeing new faces at the state meet was gratifying for Fesemyer, who, along with pursuing a paralympic future, wants to help grow the wheelchair events in high school.

"To see these girls come out and compete with me is something to say in itself," said Fesemyer. "I'm so honored to meet with each and every one of these girls. It's going to be something I cherish and remember forever."

Boys

Wheelchair

800: 1. Followay (Wooster) 2:01.74%; 2. Bailey (Westland) 2:01.75%; 3. Burns (Liberty Center) 2:02.21@; 4. McMullen (Roosevelt) 2:35.20; 5. Klinger (Ada) 2:35.56. Shot put: 1. McMullen (Roosevelt) 23-06 (3/4)@; 2. Burns (Liberty Center) 19-06 (3/4)@; 3. Davis (Tri-Valley) 17-00 (1/4); 4. Paden (Cambridge) 11-10; 5. Priest (Van Wert) 11-02; 6. Reiner (Wellsville) 9-09. 400: 1. Bailey (Westland) 57.75%; 2. Followay (Wooster) 57.92%; 3. Burns (Liberty Center) 58.76%; 4. McMullen (Roosevelt) 1:11.95; 5. Klinger (Ada) 1:13.72. 100: 1. Followay (Wooster) 17.10@; 2. Burns (Liberty Center) 17.26@; 3. Bailey (Westland) 17.70; 4. McMullen (Roosevelt) 19.57; 5. Klinger (Ada) 21.73; 6. Davis (Tri-Valley) 24.95; 7. Reiner (Wellsville) 31.04; 8. Paden (Cambridge) 55.86.

% denotes OHSAA division record

# denotes state meet division record

@ denotes Owens Stadium division record

Girls

Wheelchair

800: 1. Fesemyer (Southeast) 2:33.20%; 2. Hosbrough (Briggs) 2:45.19%; 3. Hurley (McClain) 2:56.02. Shot put: 1. Fesemyer (Southeast) 17-09 (1/4)%; 2. Hurley (McClain 14-07 (1/2). 400: 1. Fesemyer (Southeast) 1:13.08#; 2. Hurley (McClain) 1:17.20#; 3. Hosbrough (Briggs) 1:20.33#; 4. Gallatly (Southeast) 2:11.90; 5. Haley (East Canton) 2:35.58. 100: 1. Fesemyer (Southeast) 20.81#; 2. Hosbrough (Briggs) 23.55; 3. Hurley (McClain) 23.78; 4. Gallatly (Southeast) 31.01; 5. Haley (East Canton) 33.69.

% denotes OHSAA division record

# denotes state meet division record

Contact high school sports reporter Scott Patsko by email (spatsko@cleveland.com) or Twitter (@ScottPatsko). Or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.

Josh Tomlin, who lives in Bullard, Texas, pitched eight innings to beat the Rangers on Saturday afternoon. It was his second career start against Texas.

ARLINGTON, Texas –Yan Gomes came back for seconds Saturday afternoon and ate well.

After missing a grand slam by a few feet in the second inning, Gomes covered that distance and then some with a three-run homer in the sixth to lead the Indians to a 8-3 victory over Texas at Globe Life Park in Arlington.

The Indians have won seven of their last eight games, leveling their record once again at 31-31.

After the game, Gomes found out that his younger brother, Juan, was drafted by the Indians in the 37^th round of the first year player draft on Saturday.

"It was very emotional for me," said Gomes. "I felt like I got drafted all over again."

Gomes was originally drafted in the 39^th round by Boston in 2006. Three years later the Blue Jays took him in the 10^th round and he signed.

The Indians drafted Juan Gomes out of Odessa College in Texas. They drafted him as a catcher, but he plays several positions.

"Hopefully, he resembles his brother," said manager Terry Francona.

Gomes homered off Nick Tepesch, the same pitcher he came up short against in the second. This time he went down in the strike zone and drove a 1-1 curveball 404 feet over the center field fence for his seventh homer.

"It's early in the game, you're trying to get some runs and you hit the ball good and have nothing to show for it," said Gomes. "It really frustrates you.

"Then I get another chance in the fourth (two out, two on) and ground out. I'm like, 'Come on man, I've got to be able to drive the ball somewhere.'"

In his first two at-bats, Gomes swung at fastballs. In the sixth he waited for Tepesch's curveball.

"I took a pretty good swing at it," said Gomes. "I thought the pitch was right there."

Texas native Josh Tomlin (4-2, 3.12) went eight innings for the win. He allowed three runs on seven hits with five strikeouts and no walks. Tomlin came out for the ninth, but gave up a leadoff single to Adrian Beltre and John Axford came on to finish.

First pitch temperature was 91 degrees.

"Tomlin was so good," said Francona. "We haven't played in weather like this, but he didn't bat an eye. He just wanted to keep pitching."

Tomlin, who threw 69 percent (72-105) of his pitches for strikes, likes it hot.

"I grew up in this weather," said Tomlin, from Whitehouse, Texas. "I like it. The more you sweat the better grip you get on the baseball."

Tomlin faced 31 batters. Francona said he threw three or fewer pitches to "two thirds of them."

"In these ballparks nowadays, they've got pitch counts all over the place," said Tomlin. "So I knew where I was at. I just wanted to get as deep into the game as I could."

David Murphy started the sixth with a single. Carlos Santana moved him to second with a single before Gomes homered for 4-1 lead. The game was far from over.

The Rangers came back with two runs in the sixth. Beltre made it 4-2 with a double high off the left field wall. Beltre, who took third on an infield single by Alex Rios, made it 4-3 when he scored on Tomlin's wild pitch.

"It started to snowball a little on me," said Tomlin. "I had to reel it back in, get that inning over with and get back in the dugout."

The Indians finally gave Tomlin room to work with a four-run seventh highlighted by Santana's two-run homer off Tanner Scheppers. Lonnie Chisenhall and Murphy singled home the first two runs of the inning.

Santana, in his first two games since coming off the disabled list, has reached base six times in eight plate appearances.

Murphy, in his return to Texas, had three hits and two RBI. It was his sixth three-hit game of the season. He had three last season with the Rangers.

Trailing 1-0, the Indians tied the score in the fourth against Tepesch (2-2, 4.91). Tepesch allowed four runs on eight hits in 5 1/3 innings.

Jason Kipnis hit a leadoff single and hustled to third on Chisenhall's bloop single to left center to start the rally. Murphy delivered Kipnis with a sacrifice fly to center and the Indians caught break on the back end of the play. Chisenhall, for some reason, was all the way around second base when Leonys Martin caught Murphy's fly ball.

Martin, with a great chance for a double play, over threw first base as the ball went into the stands to put Chisenhall on third base with a two-base error. But just as the baseball gods gave the Indians a break, they took it away as catcher Robinson Chirinos picked off Chisenhall at third.

Texas took a 1-0 lead in the third on a sacrifice fly by Andrus. Martin reached on a bunt single, took third on a single by Luis Sardinas and scored on Andrus' fly ball to right.

Despite a forecast for a day of rain, Cleveland Open officials are hopeful to complete the tournament today.

WESTLAKE, Ohio -- The final round of the Cleveland Open will resume play about 11:20 a.m., tournament officials announced.

Play of the Web.com Tour event has been suspended since 9:57 a.m. because of heavy rains.

The tournament leaders, Whee Kim and Mathew Goggin, had just teed off when play was called.

Barba will join the Lions for the 2015-16 season.

HUDSON, Ohio -- For Western Reserve Academy guard Peter Barba, Columbia had everything that he was looking for.

"I've known these guys for a few years, and I fell in love with New York City," Barba said. "I really liked the guys and the team. That's what I've been looking for since the process started."

On Friday, Barba committed to play basketball at Columbia. After visiting the school earlier in the week, now was the time for his commitment because he didn't want to miss the opportunity.

"Columbia is where I wanted to go, and I didn't want that to go away," Barba said.

Barba, a wing who specializes in shooting from long-range, will receive some form of financial aid because the Ivy League does not offer athletic scholarships.

The school first showed Barba interest in the ninth grade and has maintained contact since. Barba added that he is excited to play in the Ivy League, which has produced recent NCAA tournament success stories like Harvard and Cornell.

The Lions had a strong 21-13 season last year and were invited to the CollegeInsider Tournament, where they reached the quarterfinal round before falling to Yale. The school has reached the NCAA tournament three times.

Columbia is led by coach Kyle Smith, who is in his fourth year with the program, and Barba is excited to play his style, as the team made 278 three-pointers last season.

"The program has a specific system to earn playing time," Barba said. "They play fast, and they shoot three-pointers."

Contact high school sports reporter David Cassilo by email (dcassilo@cleveland.com) or Twitter (@dcassilo). Or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.

Justin Masterson is making his 14th start Sunday. In his last start, he struck out 10 and threw seven scoreless innings against Boston.

ARLINGTON, Texs -- Here are the lineups for Sunday's game between the Indians and Rangers at Globe Life Park.

INDIANS

CF Michael Bourn, L.

SS Asdrubal Cabrera, S.

LF Michael Brantley, L.

2B Jason Kipnis, L.

1B Carlos Santana, S.

C Yan Gomes, R.

3B Lonnie Chisenhall, L.

DH Ryan Raburn, R.

RF David Murphy, L.

RHP Justin Masterson, 3-4, 4.72.

RANGERS

LF Michael Choice, R.

SS Elvis Andrus, R.

DH Shin-Soo Choo, L.

3B Adrian Beltre, R.

RF Alex Rios, R.

C Chris Gimenez, R

CF Leonys Martin, L.

1B Donnie Murphy, R.

2B Rougned Odor, L.

LHP Joe Saunders, 0-1, 3.68.

UMPIRES

H Gary Cederstrom, crew chief.

1B Jim Wolf.

2B Lance Barksdale.

3B Mark Ripperger.

The Indians look to mess with Texas as they take on the Rangers. Get updates and live chat starting at 3:05 p.m.

ARLINGTON, Texas -- The Indians beat the Texas Rangers, 3-2, at Globe Life Park.

Justin Masterson earned the victory as the Tribe won for the 8th time in 9 games. They won back-to-back road games for the first time this season. The two teams wrap up the four-game series here on Monday.

Stay tuned for complete coverage from Paul Hoynes at cleveland.com/tribe.

Sixth inning
Rangers
Choo struck out. Beltre doubled to right. Rios tripled to center, Beltre scored. Gimenez grounded out to first baseman C.Santana unassisted. Rzepczynski pitching. Martin grounded out to second. Indians 3, Rangers 2
Indians
C.Santana grounded out, shortstop Andrus to first baseman Do.Murphy. Y.Gomes walked on a full count. Chisenhall singled to right, Y.Gomes to second. Sh.Tolleson pitching. Raburn singled to center, Y.Gomes scored, Chisenhall to second, on error by center fielder L.Martin, Chisenhall to third, Raburn to second. Dav.Murphy hit a sacrifice fly to center fielder L.Martin, Chisenhall scored, Raburn to third. Bourn struck out swinging. Indians 3, Rangers 1

Fifth inning
Chisenhall singled to center. Raburn grounded out, pitcher J.Saunders to first baseman Do.Murphy, Chisenhall to second. Dav.Murphy singled to left, Chisenhall to third. Bourn walked on a full count, Dav.Murphy to second. A.Cabrera singled to center, Chisenhall scored, Dav.Murphy to third, Bourn to second. Brantley grounded into fielder's choice, first baseman Do.Murphy to catcher Gimenez, Bourn to third, A.Cabrera to second, Brantley to first, Dav.Murphy out. Indians 1, Rangers 1

Fourth inning
Choo grounded out, second baseman Kipnis to first baseman C.Santana. Beltre infield single to short. Rios singled to left, Beltre to second. Gimenez walked on a full count, Beltre to third, Rios to second. L.Martin grounded into fielder's choice, first baseman C.Santana to catcher Y.Gomes, Rios to third, Gimenez to second, L.Martin to first, Beltre out. On wild pitch by Masterson, Rios scored, Gimenez to third, L.Martin to second. Do.Murphy struck out. Rangers 1, Indians 0

Indians tell Zach McAllister to treat Tuesday's start like a big league game.

ARLINGTON, Texas – Quick hits from manager Terry Francona's pre-game press conference Sunday at Globe Life Park in Arlington.

Show them the good stuff: Zach McAllister, recovering from a strained lower back, will make a rehab start for Class AAA Columbus against Charlotte on Tuesday. If all goes well McAllister will fly to Boston to join the Indians when they open a four-game series against the Red Sox on Thursday.

This will be McAllister's second rehab start. In his first start, he allowed three runs on nine hits in 4 1/3 innings for Class A Lake County.

Francona said he wants McAllister to treat the start for Columbus like a big league game to prove he's ready to rejoin the rotation.

"We talked to Zach this morning," said Francona befor Sunday's game. "We want him to go go into this game and use it like it's major league game."

They come and they go: Rookie lefty T.J. House will start Monday against the Rangers. If McAllister shows he's healthy Tuesday, look for McAllister to take House's spot in the rotation with House being optioned to Columbus.

No matter what happens, Francona said House has made a good impression.

"He's pitched himself into our plans," said Francona.

House, who will face right-hander Nick Martinez on Monday, is 0-1 with a 3.79.

Francona has been impressed with House's poise.

"It seems like the more that happens in the game, the more he attacks the zone," said Francona. "And he's not just throwing it down the middle, he has some movement on it."

Quack, quack: Francona on Nick Swisher's comeback plans: "He'll play five innings for Akron at first base on Tuesday and hopefully the whole game Wednesday and then join us Thursday in Boston."

When told he was going to play for the Akron Rubberducks, Swisher said, "Quack, quack."

Pettine speaks about the former Browns linebacker, quarterback Johnny Manziel and the decision to decline a Hard Knocks invitation. Watch video

DOYLESTOWN, Pa. – Browns coach Mike Pettine said a combination of factors led the team to release outside linebacker Quentin Groves.

The club cut the seventh-year veteran Friday, a move that caught some by surprise.

Pettine would not get into specifics about the decision. Groves registered two sacks, five tackles and two quarterback harassments last season in just 53 defensive snaps. Ankle injuries limited Groves to just five games.

"(General manager) Ray Farmer and I will evaluate the roster almost daily and . . . thought it was the best for the Browns," Pettine said. "And when you have situations like that with a veteran player, you are better off doing it sooner rather than later to give them an opportunity to catch on somewhere else."

Homecoming

Pettine and seven Browns assistant coaches drove from Cleveland on Saturday to his hometown for an annual youth football clinic run by Browns defensive coordinator Jim O'Neil. It was held at Central Bucks West High School, the alma mater of three Browns coaches: Pettine, O'Neil and linebackers coach Chuck Driesbach. The group returned home Sunday night aboard a limo bus to prepare for mandatory three-day camp that opens Tuesday.

All Johnny, all the time

Pettine can't even go home without answering questions about Johnny Manziel. Local media asked him the difference between Manziel mania and the hype surrounding Tim Tebow when coach and quarterback were together with the New York Jets.

"The circumstances are different," Pettine said. "Tebow was an established NFL player, he wasn't coming in as a rookie, unproven. It's a little easier for us with Manziel because he understands he earned Johnny Football as a college player and nobody understands it more than him. It's like, 'Listen, I don't want to be named starter coming out of the draft.'

"People criticize us for referring to him as a backup. That's what he is. It would have been a disservice to the other 80-some players in the locker room and it would have been a service to him carrying that burden of 'What have you done to deserve this?' We all want him to be successful but there is a process that has to occur and he has to go through it."

Not answering the Knocks

Pettine confirmed the Browns rejected an opportunity to be considered for the HBO Hard Knocks series. He said the club was approached before it drafted Manziel.

Teams with first-year coaches have the right to decline.

"It was for the same reason we didn't feel super comfortable having a camera in the draft room," Pettine said. "Let's get through the first time, let's get through the first year."

With Manziel on the roster it's hard to imagine HBO not making another run at the Browns next season.

"There are positives and negatives to doing it," said Pettine, who was part of a Hard Knocks season with the Jets. "It's not something I would say we'd never do, partly because the league can make us do it."

Pettine said he's not sure if HBO made a second request for the upcoming training camp after the Browns selected Manziel.

"I wasn't directly contacted by them, but they might have," the coach said.

Green, a three-star prospect, became the fourth member of Ohio State's 2015 recruiting class.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Maryland safety Tyler Green joined Ohio State's 2015 recruiting class Sunday, becoming the fourth player to give a verbal commitment to the Buckeyes for this class.

Green earned his offer at Ohio State's camp at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, where he was seen interacting with assistant Larry Johnson, the Buckeyes' main recruiter in Maryland, before going into Urban Meyer's office after the camp.

He then pulled the trigger.

Green also had offers from Maryland, N.C. State, Indiana and Virginia, among other schools. A 6-foot-2, 190-pounder from DeMatha Catholic in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., Green is from the heart of Johnson's recruiting expertise. The Buckeyes are in the mix for Maryland defensive lineman Darius Fullwood, but Green became the first player from an area Johnson knows so well to join the Buckeyes since Johnson was hired from Penn State after last season.

Green is a three-star recruit according to Rivals, ranked as the No. 18 safety prospect in his class and the No. 9 player in the state of Maryland.

Ohio State continues to reshape its secondary under Meyer. Cornerback Doran Grant is the only senior defensive back for the Buckeyes in 2014, and Meyer has talked a lot about what players like Marshon Lattimore and Erick Smith, Glenville teammates who are incoming freshmen, will add to the defensive backfield.

Green joins Canton McKinley's Eric Glover-Williams, Florida defensive back Jamel Dean and Athens, Ohio, quarterback Joe Burrow in the Class of 2015.

Coaches and Ohio State staffers can't talk about players until they officially sign in February, but the booms from OSU recruiting coordinator Mark Pantoni have become well-known. He posted the lastest one on Twitter minutes after this report went live.

BOOOOOOOOMMMMMM!!!! #NoFlyZone

— Mark Pantoni (@markpantoni) June 8, 2014

And Green later confirmed his decision on his Twitter account as well.

I AM 100% COMMITTED TO THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY❗️❗️❗️❗️❗️🅾 pic.twitter.com/BzsppKvPU1

— ✖️Tyler Green✖️ (@Ty_Road2Riches) June 8, 2014

"Coach Meyer, he jumped out of his seat, he was ready to go," Green said. "Coach Larry Johnson stood up, coach (Chris) Ash stood up. Everyone was ready to go. It felt so good to take Coach Meyer's hand and let him know that I am a Buckeye."

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Larry Johnson walked over the sidelines in the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, sought out Tyler Green's mother and had three words for her. 

"I'm a hugger," Johnson said.

Then he hugged her. 

Ohio State's single-day instructional camp was still happening, but Green looked over to the sidelines and saw the smile on his mother's face. His father flashed the thumbs up, also beaming. 

Green didn't have to wait until after the camp to know that he was going to be a Buckeye. The way his parents were rejoicing with Johnson, Green knew that he got what he came all the way from Maryland for. 

"This was the one I was waiting for," Green told cleveland.com in the Woody Hayes Center parking lot Sunday evening. "I am a Buckeye." 

That was after Green spent the remainder of the afternoon as the the center of the Ohio State coaches' attention. Urban Meyer instructed him on the sidelines, Greene joked with wide receivers coach Zach Smith and he conversed with Johnson. 

It was no surprise that Meyer invited Green, a three-star safety of Hyattsville (Md.) DeMatha, into his office after the camp. Then Meyer offered Green a scholarship, and he accepted immediately. 

Rated by Rivals.com the No. 18 safety in the 2015 recruiting class, Green also had scholarship offers from Hawaii, Indiana, Maryland, N.C. State and Virginia. He was also drawing interest from Penn State and Michigan. 

But before he stepped foot on the field at Ohio State, he knew where he wanted to be.

"Coach Meyer, he jumped out of his seat, he was ready to go," Green said. "Coach Larry Johnson stood up, coach (Chris) Ash stood up. Everyone was ready to go. It felt so good to take Coach Meyer's hand and let him know that I am a Buckeye." 

A prospect from the suburbs of Washington, D.C., Green is the first recruit from the Northeast that Johnson lured to Ohio State. Green is from the heart of Johnson's recruiting territory, and he built that relationship with Johnson while the defensive line coach was still at Penn State. 

So it wasn't awkward when Johnson walked over to Green's mother, Vanetta, and gave her a hug. That relationship has been there for a while. 

"We had a good relationship back in Maryland and when he was at Penn State he was recruiting me," Green said of Johnson. "He always stops by my school to see me and things like that. Really, it's all great." 

Ohio State had been telling Green that they wanted to see him in camp before offering a scholarship, so the 6-foot-2, 189-pound defensive back made the trip to prove he's worthy of being a Buckeye. 

He spent the entire morning envisioning a solid performance. 

This is what he came to Columbus for. 

Green joins Canton McKinley's Eric Glover-Williams, Florida defensive back Jamel Dean and Athens, Ohio, quarterback Joe Burrow in Ohio State's 2015 class.

"I walked into Coach Meyer's office nervous," he said. "But I left smiling." 

Steven Alker topped Dawie van der Walt in a playoff that equalled the PGA Tour's longest.

WESTLAKE, Ohio – By the time Steven Alker and Dawie van der Walt had reached their 10^th playoff green, after van der Walt saw his chip from the fringe miss the hole by mere inches, which came immediately after his tee shot one hole earlier nearly ended in a hole-in-one, the South African finally said what everyone else had been thinking.

"Is anybody going to win here?" van de Walt groaned.

It took 11 extra holes – a Web.com Tour record – before Alker earned the Cleveland Open title at Lakewood Country Club on Sunday. 

In all, Alker and van der Walt played 29 holes Sunday, endured a 1 hour, 19 minute rain delay, and saw the sun finally peek out during the more than two hours of playoff golf. 

The 11-hole sudden-death playoffs equaled a PGA Tour record, set in 1949 at the Motor City Open when Cary Middlecoff and Lloyd Mangrum agreed to be co-winners when darkness set in after 11 extra holes. 

Alker and van der Walt had no such agreement, though it appeared at times that their play might continue indefinitely. Neither player could manage anything but par in the playoff that alternated between the par-4 No. 18, par-3 No. 16 and par-4 No. 17 holes. 

Alker finally sank a birdie putt on No. 18 after his 7-iron approach shot landed only three feet from the pin. 

"It's just a little bit of pressure," said van der Walt "You don't want to give it away. He was playing well, so I kind of knew I had to make a birdie. I just wasn't really pulling off the shots. I had a couple good chips, just nothing happened." 

Van der Walt came close to ending the playoffs on both the ninth and 10^th playoff holes. His tee shot on the par-3 No. 16 landed just past the pin, and rolled backward – missing the hole by no more than inches. 

"You hear the shouting and the ball's coming down the hill and it's pretty scary," Alker said. 

One hole later, on the par-4 No. 17, van der Walt's chip from the fringe of the green was so on-target that he raised his club in triumph – only to let it drop behind him when he watched the ball again scoot past the hole by inches. 

"I was like, 'There's no way it's missing,'" the 31-year-old South African said. "Then it missed again. I didn't draw that good of a lie. I had a terrible second shot, again. I had an unbelievable chip, I thought I made it. I don't know how I missed. Do you?"

Alker found himself in the playoff by shooting a 6-under 65 on Sunday – for his second consecutive day. He had eight birdies, but bogeyed both Nos. 17 and 18 to give van der Walt an opportunity to pull even. Van der Walt responded with birdies on his final two holes to equal Alker's 14-under 270 after four rounds. 

Alker's win is his first Web.com Tour victory of the season, and comes just a week after qualifying for this week's U.S. Open at Pinehurst, N.C. Alker flew a red-eye from Monday qualifying in California, and was at Lakewood Country Club by Tuesday at 7 a.m. practicing.

Alker said the grueling 36-hole U.S. Open Monday qualifier prepared him for Sunday's 29 holes at the Cleveland Open. 

"It helped me just keep my head down and try to hit one shot at a time," he said. "That's ultimately what we're trying to do. Maybe a couple times it jumped in my head, 'Geez this is for the win.' You just got to snap out of that. I think it definitely helped, just focus in on where I want to go and how I'm going to get there."

After losing his bid for a Triple Crown in the Belmont Stakes, California Chrome's co-owner Steve Coburn blasted the Triple Crown format as the "coward's way out." Coburn said only Kentucky Derby horses should race in the Preakness and Belmont stakes.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Owner Steve Coburn blasted the Triple Crown format as the reason his California Chrome lost in his bid for the Triple Crown on Saturday in the Belmont Stakes, an unrealistic complaint that grabbed the national spotlight.

Coburn, of Topaz Lake, Arizona, said only Kentucky Derby horses should race in the Preakness and Belmont stakes. Allowing other three-year-olds who are fresher and stronger after skipping the earlier stakes races creates an unfair advantage Coburn called "a coward's way out."

To Coburn and the casual horse racing fan, it doesn't seem fair. But it's a format that has been in place since the title Triple Crown first surfaced in the 1920s, a shortening of the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing established in England in the mid-1800s for its trio of premier races.

In the U.S., the horse racing industry doesn't mess with its tradition, even though 12 horses with a shot at a Triple Crown since Affirmed in 1978 have lost in the Belmont Stakes. Horses that raced in none or just one of the first two stakes beat nine of them.

Casual fans rooted mightily – and bet more than a few bob - on California Chrome. His popularity was the result of a heartwarming tale of a talented horse combined with colorful and quotable owners, trainer and jockey. The beleaguered horse racing industry wanted a Triple Crown champ, too, hoping to garner happy news for a change.

By limiting the Preakness and Belmont to Kentucky Derby starters, you'd get the Triple Crown candidate, some very good horses and also-rans hoping for a paycheck. Without the transfusion of new faces, wagering would suffer, especially exotic bets making up 70 percent of the handle.

When a horse finally does win the Triple Crown, tradition demands it happen between the first Saturday in May and the first full week of June. Horsemen know three stakes in five weeks is brutal for even older horses.

There was talk last month of stretching the Triple Crown schedule well into July, which has merit. Three-year-old thoroughbreds are teenagers, just finding their way in the world of racing. More time between races would improve performance.

The proposal was criticized by Penny Chenery, whose Riva Ridge was foiled only by a muddy track in the Preakness Stakes in 1972 and who won it all with Secretariat in 1973, as well as jockey Steve Cauthen, who rode Affirmed to a Triple Crown in 1978. If the change is made, both said, throw out all of the Triple Crown records. They won't count any more.

My solution is even more radical, and far less likely to happen. Make the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont stakes a trio of races for four-year-old thoroughbreds. That's when a thoroughbred is attaining its ultimate speed, strength and stamina.

Animal Kingdom won the Kentucky Derby in 2011. Bad racing luck cost him the Preakness Stakes. Two years later and in the prime of his racing life, the five-year-old stallion won the world's richest race, the $10 million Dubai World Cup. Youngstown owner Bruce Zoldan said if Animal Kingdom had won the Triple Crown, he would certainly have been retired to stud.

The magnificent thoroughbred would never have had the chance to show the world his true greatness. Animal Kingdom is now one of the most popular sires in the world, standing in both Australia and Kentucky.

"My top group right now is Ohio State, Minnesota and Iowa State," Schmidt said. "That's my top three right now. I am not saying that it's never going to happen for other schools, but those are my top three right now."

COLUMBUS, Ohio – If things go well for Grant Schmidt during his Ohio State visit, the only hiccup would be a flight delay delay during his layover in Chicago. 

If things go perfectly, Schmidt, a product of Sioux Falls (S.D.) Roosevelt, could be done taking visits all together. 

"This might be my last visit," Schmidt said shortly after participating in Ohio State's one-day instructional camp Sunday. "Or I might make five more (visits) to different schools. It just depends on how I feel (Monday)." 

What's significant about Monday? 

That's when Schmidt will take a more intimate look at Ohio State by touring the campus and exploring the university's academic situation. A four-star prospect, Schmidt could try to take up Ohio State on its scholarship offer. 

But would the Buckeyes accept it? There's question as to whether Schmidt's offer is committable.

Schmidt, however, will have to first be convinced that Ohio State is unquestionably the program for which he wants to play. Right now, the Buckeyes are one of three programs that stand out for the 6-foot-6, 275-pound prospect. 

"My top group right now is Ohio State, Minnesota and Iowa State," Schmidt said. "That's my top three right now. I am not saying that it's never going to happen for other schools, but those are my top three right now." 

Rated by Rivals.com the No. 22 offensive tackle in the 2015 recruiting class, Schmidt also has offers from Cincinnati, North Carolina, Rutgers, Utah and others. It was important for him to camp at Ohio State so the Buckeyes' coaches could get a closer look at him heading into Monday. 

Schmidt, though, has plenty of reasons to like Ohio State. 

And Monday could be the day a decision is made. 

"It appeals to me that there's never been anyone from South Dakota to ever go (to Ohio State) for football," Schmidt said. "It would be great to be the first one to do that. it would be a big thing for our state and for the football there. It is a great place, too. There is a 110,000-person stadium and everyone wants to play in that."