Quantcast
Channel: Cleveland Sports News
Viewing all 53367 articles
Browse latest View live

St. Edward's search for new football coach expanded beyond internal candidates, application deadline Friday

0
0

Officials at St. Edward say the school is taking applications for its new head football coach through the end of business on Friday.

LAKEWOOD, Ohio -- High school football coaches interested in becoming candidates for the vacant position at St. Edward have until the end of business Friday to submit their credentials to the school.

St. Edward Athletic Director Paul Michalko told the Northeast Ohio Media Group that the school opened up its coaching search beyond internal candidates last week when it posted the job to the Ohio High School Football Coaches Association and Ohio High School Athletic Association websites.


Michalko said the school has already received a high number of applications, and that administrators will wait until after Friday to begin paring down the list of candidates who will be invited to interview for the job.


"With basketball going through last weekend and spring break coming up, we've had to put everything on hold through the end of the application process," Michalko said.


The St. Edward position became available March 13 after Rick Finotti departed the school to become director of football operations at the University of Michigan. Finotti led the Eagles to a 62-15 record and two state championships in six seasons.


A job description posted March 23 on the OHSAA website says the school is seeking a "dynamic, accomplished and mission-driven individual" to become its next head football coach. Ideal candidates would be available to join the school in a full-time capacity as a teacher, administrator or other staff role.


Mihalko said the school does not have a specific target date for announcing its new coach, and that the timetable could vary based on the number of candidates chosen for interviews.


"The end of our timeline is 'as soon as possible'," Michalko said. "It depends on how many people we actually put into the process."


Follow our high school sports Twitter account @NEOvarsity and tag your related Tweets and score updates with the #NEOvarsity hashtag. 


Follow high school sports reporter Joe Noga on Twitter @JoeNogaCLE or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.



LeBron James says potential first round meeting with Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat would be good

0
0

The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Miami Heat could meet in the first round and LeBron James says it would be fun.

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- Thursday night's showdown between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Miami Heat could potentially be a preview of an epic first-round series.

The Cavaliers (48-27) are a few wins away from locking up the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference standings and the Heat (34-40) are currently holding down the No. 7 seed, though they're only a half-game up on the Brooklyn Nets, who are winners of four in a row.

LeBron James and Dwyane Wade squaring off year-to-year in the postseason was seen as a given 10 years ago, but it never occurred. The two have never faced each other in the playoffs. They had some incredible regular-season head-to-head moments, but never past that.

James is understandably careful not to look too far into the future, but he realizes there is a great possibility he could see his best friend and his former team in the opening round.

"I mean just to go up against a champion, a competitor like himself and that franchise," James said after practice on Wednesday. "Obviously I'm not there yet, but I am kind of in playoff mentality but as far as my opponent, I'm not there yet because I lock down on what I need to do.

"You look at the standings, you see who's two-seven. If we continue to do well, we'll probably face the seven seed and we'll see what happens then. But it will be good for the fans, for sure. And it will be good for me and D-Wade just being two guys that love to compete."

It would be the most compelling first-round series in recent memory.

James helped Miami claim two NBA titles and led them to four straight NBA Finals appearances. Although he didn't exit Miami via free agency in the manner in which he departed Cleveland in 2010, he still managed to generate some new enemies.

Some Miami fans found it difficult to digest why James would bolt after a highly successful four-year run to return to a project of a franchise.

The venom and hatred has been nowhere near what James experienced when he visited The Q for the first time as a member of The Heatles, but it's safe to say he isn't as beloved in Dade County as he once was.

In regards to basketball, the Heat has played the Cavaliers tough this season, winning two of the three meetings. Wade is playing well and if he continues that level of play, Miami can be a legitimate threat.

Thursday's game should provide a brief look into what we can expect if these two teams collide in the postseason. But as far as coach David Blatt is concerned, Thursday will be just another game his team needs to win. Nothing more. He's thinking about the likelihood of playing Miami in late April.

"There's still a lot of things that could happen of course on both ends so I don't see in particular special preparation for that game," he said. "With that in mind, we'll certainly prepare and get ready to play a good team, but not with that specifically in mind."

ThistleDown Racino gets full simulcast signal, readies for live racing -- Horse Racing Insider (photos)

0
0

The thoroughbreds have been arriving this week at ThistleDown Racino to get ready for the April 27 opener, and the track finally got the green light for a full simulcast racing schedule.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- ThistleDown Racino opened its gates this week to hundreds of thoroughbreds arriving for the upcoming 100-day live racing season that begins April 27. Track wagering has also expanded, getting the green light for a full simulcast schedule of racing for the first time in four months.

"We're excited to finally have the simulcast agreement in place so we can start moving forward again," said Director of Operations David Ellsworth. "They were hard-fought negotiations, but we have something we can live with in order to offer a premium product to our racing fans."

The dispute over simulcast fees kept 23 racetracks around the country in the MidAtlantic Cooperative -- including ThistleDown and Northfield Park -- from simulcasting popular tracks controlled by Monarch Content Management. The Monarch tracks include New Jersey's Meadowlands, Florida's Gulfstream ParkSanta Anita Park and Golden Gate Fields in California and Arizona's Turf Paradise.

The agreement, which runs through 2017, was inked in the nick of time for local bettors. Many are eager to watch and wager on Saturday as Triple Crown hopefuls head to the post in the $1 million Wood Memorial at Aqueduct Racetrack, $750,000 Santa Anita Derby and $750,000 Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland.

"This is going to be a very good year for ThistleDown racing," said Ellsworth, who engineered a leaner season of 100 racing dates, 22 less than a year ago and 87 fewer dates than in 2005. Buoyed by racino income, ThistleDown's daily purse total will average $130,000, more than Chicago's Arlington Park for its 77 days of racing.

The purse for the 81st Ohio Derby was given a major league boost to $500,000, a five-fold increase in just two years. The signature race was moved up a month to June 20, a convenient date for luring premier three-year-olds from the Kentucky Derby (May 2) or the Preakness Stakes (May 16) to the Ohio Derby, said Ellsworth.

"The top three-year-olds could also use the Ohio Derby as a platform for jumping over to the $500,000 Indiana Derby on July 18," he said. "The Indiana Derby is a graded stake, and we're working hard to get that status back again. It could create a pair of attractive Midwest races in the heart of the summer."

The richer racing has attracted new stables, said Ellsworth.

"We wanted to bring in rising young stars, and I think we have," he said. "We're excited to have Jason DaCosta, a top five trainer at Tampa Bay Downs this winter, and Pennsylvania trainer Mike Pappada. Each is bringing in about 20 horses."

DaCosta sizzled at Tampa Bay, saddling 16 winners in 52 starts. His father, Wayne DaCosta, is Jamaican racing royalty. He has won Jamaica's training title 10 years in a row, more than 1,600 races and is in the Jamaican Racing Hall of Fame.

Pappada, a regular at Pennsylvania's Presque Isle Downs and Penn National Race Course, recently saddled his 1,000th winner. Ready to return are Ohioans Tim Hamm, who had been racing at Tampa Bay, and Jeff Radosevich, racing at Mahoning Valley Race Course in Austintown.

"I received applications from about 150 trainers for a total of 1,900 stalls," said Racing Secretary Patrick Ellsworth, David Ellsworth's son. "That's the most stall applications anyone at ThistleDown can remember, and we only have room for 1,050 horses."

Large fields of thoroughbreds are critical for creating competitive races. ThistleDown averaged 6.6 horses per race in 2012, jumping to 7.7 in 2013 and 7.9 in 2014. Track officials are keeping their fingers crossed they can top an eight-horse average this year.

Northfield rewards fans: With the full simulcast signal on tap this weekend, Northfield Park is hosting Customer Appreciation Weekend on Saturday and Sunday, and its Road to the Derby Contest. Fans will get coupons on Saturday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and Sunday from noon-3 p.m. for $5 match play, two free programs and a free beverage

An abbreviated version of the popular Road to the Derby contest will have a $1,000 prize pool shared by the top three handicappers picking the Santa Anita Derby, Wood Memorial and Blue Grass Stakes. The contest resumes April 11 with the Arkansas Derby and Coolmore Lexington.

Timeline of top March high school sports headlines, Northeast Ohio newsmakers 2015: poll, slideshow, videos

0
0

Be sure to vote what was your favorite headline after browsing through all of March's top stories.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Boys basketball teams in Northeast Ohio had their own form of March Madness, featuring one state championship and some heart-breaking, even controversial defeats on the sport's biggest stage. 

March also saw a myriad of awards for local athletes and state tournament trips for two local hockey teams among other standout moments listed below. 


Look for a similar High School Yearbook post like this at the end of each month throughout 2015, and a complete year-in-review post in December.


Be sure to vote what was your favorite headline. Now let's take a look back at March's top stories:


March 3: St. Vincent-St. Mary finished No. 1 in the final cleveland.com boys basketball Top 25 poll of the 2014-15 season.


March 6: University School hockey earned a 4-0 victory in the Kent District final against Lake Catholic to a earn trip to the state tournament. 


March 7: St. Edward hockey pulled a major upset against St. Ignatius, 3-2, in the Brooklyn District final. The Wildcats ranked above the Eagles in state polls all season. 


March 13: Rick Finotti left his job as St. Edward football coach to become Michigan's director of football operations


March 14: St. Edward hockey's season ended with a 3-1 loss to Toledo St. Francis de Sales in the 2015 OHSAA state championship


March 14: St. Edward wrestling won the 29th Division I team title in school history while Elyria finished runner-up, making him one of two Eagles to come away as champions. 


March 14: Perry wrestler Kyle Kremiller won the Division II championship for the 195-pound weight class. 


March 14: Elyria wrestler Kevin Vough won the Division I championship at 285 pounds, making him one of two Pioneers to come away with state titles. 


March 14: Lutheran West wrestler James Handwerk earned the first state title in school history when he beat Van Buren's Chance Sonnerberg during the 170-pound state championship match. 


March 14: Ben Darmstadt of Elyria won the Division I state wrestling championship at 182 pounds. 


March 14: St. Edward wrestler Allan Hart took the Division I championship at 113 pounds as a freshman. 


March 15: Find links to all of cleveland.com's coverage of the 2015 OHSAA state wrestling championships in one place

March 18: Chagrin Falls' Hallie Thome was honored as Ohio Ms. Basketball 2015

March 21: See how Central Catholic boys basketball pulled off a 41-36 regional final win over St. Vincent-St. Mary to advance to the state final four. 

March 21: Go inside Villa Angela-St. Joseph boys basketball's 66-45 win against Youngstown Ursuline in a Division III regional final

March 21: Check out details of St. Edward boys basketball's 50-42 win against Lima Senior in the Division I Akron Regional final

March 21: Read all about Garfield Heights boys basketball's 61-56 regional title win over Shaker Heights

March 21: Go inside Holy Name boys basketball’s 58-33 loss to Defiance in a Division II regional final

March 23: Shaker Heights' Esa Ahmad won Player of Year and others were honored on the 2015 Division I All-Ohio boys basketball team

March 23: St. Vincent-St. Mary's Josh Williams headlined the 2015 Division II All-Ohio boys basketball team

March 23: Green's Julia Guyton and Walsh Jesuit's Anna Hall received MVP honors at the Tri-County Basketball Coaches Association's all-star games

March 24: Villa Angela-St. Joseph's Carlton Bragg won Player of the Year while others earned 2015 Division III boys basketball All-Ohio honors

March 24: Mogadore's Russ Swartz won Coach of the Year and two area boys basketball players received 2014-15 Division IV All-Ohio honors

March 24: Hoban RB Todd Sibley received an offer from Michigan while St. Ignatius OL Liam Eichenberg narrow continued to narrow his choices. Read about these players and more in this football recruiting roundup. 

March 26: Find pictures and video cataloguing the road to the 2015 state final four for St. Edward, Villa Angela-St. Joseph, Central Catholic and Garfield Heights boys basketball

March 26: Read how the Villa Angela-St. Joseph boys basketball seniors hoped to win 'their own' state title before inevitably fulfilling that dream. 

March 26: After long, tough road, Central Catholic boys basketball fulfilled a dream of making a trip to a state tournament

March 27: Read how St. Edward senior Kipper Nichols is carving out a for himself place among the school's greatest basketball players

March 27: Get all-access coverage of Garfield Heights boys basketball throughout its game day at the OHSAA state final four

March 27: View more than 20 individual player photo galleries of Northeast Ohio's top high school basketball players

March 27: Check out a (way too early) girls basketball Top 10 poll for the 2015-16 season and share your thoughts. 

March 27: See the cleveland.com picks for girls basketball season awards 2015. Find out who the winners are in all 10 categories. 

March 27: Get a look inside St. Edward boys basketball's 57-51 overtime loss to Huber Heights Wayne in the Division I state semifinals and see video highlights from the matchup

March 27: Read how Garfield Heights boys basketball's lost to Westerville South in the Division I state semifinals and why the Bulldogs are going to be strong contender to return to state tournament next year.

March 28: Read how Villa Angela-St. Joseph boys basketball earned a 63-50 Division III state championship win against Lima Central Catholic and watch video highlights from the game

March 28: Go inside Central Catholic boys basketball's 49-45 overtime loss to Defiance in the Division II state final and see Antwon Lillard and Jeremy Holmes of Central Catholic talk about the technical foul that essentially cost them the game.

March 28: Read about Plain Dealer writer Tim Warsinskey's election into the Ohio Prep Sportswriters Association Hall of Fame

March 28: Here is a compilation of coverage from across Ohio of the OHSAA boys basketball state final four 2015

March 30: Villa Angela-St. Joseph senior Carlton Bragg performed in dunk, 3-point and skills contests during the Powerade Jam Fest

March 31: Take a look at this (way too) early boys basketball top 10 poll for the 2015-16 season

March 31: See pictures from photo shoot of Villa Angela-St. Joseph senior Carlton Bragg at McDonald's All-American Game

Iman Shumpert is a go against Miami, Kevin Love a game-time decision

0
0

Kevin Love (back) is a game-time decision against the Heat while Iman Shumpert (ankle) is certain to play.

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- Cavaliers guard Iman Shumpert will be available to play Thursday against the Miami Heat, but Kevin Love is a game-time decision, according to coach David Blatt.

Shumpert sprained his left ankle in the first half of Sunday's win over the Philadelphia 76ers and did not return to the game. He told Northeast Ohio Media Group after the game that he felt "all right."

He went through a full practice on Wednesday with no complications.

Love was elbowed in his troublesome back in the second half Sunday and did not return upon entering the locker room for treatment. He did participate in Wednesday's practice, but only during the non-contact portions.

Judging by Love's good-spirited demeanor, it looked like he will be a go on Thursday.

"The back feels good. It feels good," Love said. "The two days helped."

Miami leads the season series 2-1.

David Blatt acknowledges LeBron James calls plays and he encourages it

0
0

LeBron James does call out plays on the court but it's something David Blatt approves of.

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- After practice on Wednesday, Cavaliers head coach David Blatt didn't deny a report stating LeBron James calls plays by himself.

He said it's quite common in the game of basketball.

"When the game is going on and you're in the heat of the battle, sometimes you can't get a message through or you don't want to stop the flow. So we have sets that we know what we're going to use going in, have a package we're going to use going in," Blatt said.

"At times according to the flow of the game, somebody may call out a play. I don't think that's unusual, no. Certainly if you know what you're doing, you have a plan going in. That's obviously not an all-the-time case, but it's going to happen during the course of the game, sure."

Blatt, named the Eastern Conference's Coach of the Month for March on Wednesday, was asked if he encourages James to dial up his own plays.

"Why not? Especially if it works," he said. "It can happen. It's not an all-the-time thing, but certainly."

James reveals he isn't the only player calling plays.

"If I see something, I have the right to call plays. Kyrie [Irving] as well," James said. "We kind of do the play-calling. Coach Blatt does the play-calling obviously throughout the game and timeouts, but it's great to be able to have some type of freedom out there with Kyrie to be able to call sets that we feel best suit our team."

When the media entered the practice facility on Wednesday, James was seen introducing Blatt and the coaching staff to a couple of new plays he suggested they consider implementing.

The coaches were spread out on the court and James was directing them in where the ball should move. Blatt along with assistants Tyronn Lue, Jim Boylan, Larry Drew and Phil Handy were paying close attention.

James says he's fortunate that the coaching staff support his willingness to dabble into the X's and O's.

"I have a feel for the game," he said. "I think I know what helps our team and we have great minds. Our coaching staff is great. I thank them that they allow me to give some input on what I think we should do at times, but ultimately it's their call so it's great to be able to just get different sides of the game with so many great minds that we have."

This isn't anything new according Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat, the Cavaliers' opponent on Thursday. He told reporters that James called plays in Miami too.

"Sometimes on the floor, you just have to be a player and call certain plays," Wade said. "It's not like, 'Oh, he's the coach.' It's not that. You have a feel of the game. You see how the defense is playing. You know what can work."

Despite the ruckus the report stirred up, everyone seemed to be on the same page and at the end of the day, that's all that matters.

Live updates and chat: Cleveland Indians vs. San Francisco Giants at 4:05 p.m.

0
0

Nick Swisher makes his Cactus League debut Wednesday when the Indians play the Giants. Swisher will start the season on the disabled list as he continues his rehab from surgery on his knees.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Get scoring updates and chat with Paul Hoynes and Zack Meisel as the Indians take on the Giants at Scottsdale Stadium.

Where to watch/listen: Indians.com will carry the game.

Pitchers:  Corey Kluber will start for the Tribe followed by Scott Atchison, Kyle Crockett and Nick Hagadone. Jeff Manship, Louis Head, Grant Sides and Giovanni Soto will also make the trip.

World Series MVP Madison Bumgarner starts for the Giants.

Indians lineup:

CF Michael Bourn.

2B Jason Kipnis.

C Yan Gomes.

RF Ryan Raburn.

DH Nick Swisher.

3B Lonnie Chisenhall.

1B Jesus Aguilar.

LF  Mike Aviles.

SS Jose Ramirez.

RHP Corey Kluber.

Giants lineup:

CF Gregor Blanco.

2G Joe Panik.

LF Brandon Belt.

C. Buster Posey.

SS Brandon Crawford.

RF Justin Maxwell.

3B Matt Duffy.

1B Joaquin Arias.

LHP Madison Bumgarner.

What time and which channel is the Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Miami Heat game on?

0
0

The Cleveland Cavaliers will try to extend their home winning streak to 17 games tonight when the Miami Heat come to town. Tipoff is at 8 p.m. and the game will be shown on TNT.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Cavaliers will try to extend their home winning streak to 17 games Thursday night when the Miami Heat come to town. Tipoff is at 8 p.m. and the game will be shown on TNT. On radio, it will be simulcast on WMMS-FM 100.7, 87.7 FM (ESP) and WTAM-AM 1100.

The Cavs (48-27), coming off a last-second win, 87-86, on Sunday against Philadelphia, could be shorthanded as both Kyrie Irving (illness) and Kevin Love (back) are listed as questionable.

Thursday night marks the final meeting of the regular season between the Cavs and Heat, two teams that could matchup in the first round of the playoffs.

Miami has won two of three, both on its home floor, including a 106-92 win on March 16. Dwyane Wade, who missed shootaround earlier Thursday, scored 32 points in the win, and is averaging 31.5 points in two games against the Cavaliers this season.

Wade is Miami's leading scorer, averaging 21.7 points in 55 games. Trade deadline acquisition Goran Dragic is averaging 16.2 points in 19 games since arriving from Phoenix.

Miami (34-40) owns the No. 7 spot in the East by virtue of a tiebreaker with Brooklyn and sit a half game ahead of No. 9 seed Boston.

Northeast Ohio Media Group's Chris Haynes has the latest on James calling plays, while NEOMG's Joe Vardon wonders about the national obsession with the story.

Later, catch the coverage from before the game; join in the live chat starting at tipoff; and stick around for full postgame coverage.


Why missing spring practice last year kept Ohio State's Vonn Bell from reaching his pinnacle

0
0

"He kept getting better and better and better, and hopefully by him being here this spring, we are going to avoid that slow start to the season," Ohio State co-defensive coordinator Chris Ash said about Vonn Bell. Watch video

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Vonn Bell had to sit on the sideline last spring. Bell doesn't like sitting on the sideline. It's hard to make plays from there.

Bell tore his MCL on the first day of spring practice last March, an injury that slowed his development and had a lasting impact that carried into the start of the 2014 season.

* Ohio State coach Urban Meyer's magic words that stole Vonn Bell from Alabama: 'Ride with us'

The former five-star prospect from Georgia ended up finishing the season strong, but what would Bell's 2014 campaign have looked like if he didn't miss that important developmental time in the spring?

Healthy this spring, Bell's realizing what he missed out on last year.

"I'm really enhancing my craft now, working on my fundamentals, my technique, little things I need to get better," Bell said Thursday after Ohio State's seventh spring practice. "It's a really good fundamental process for me."

Just how important can this added time be for a player like Bell?

"Very important for him. He really didn't get going last year until probably game four or five. It was a slow start for him," co-defensive coordinator Chris Ash said. "He didn't even start the first game last year. And he kept getting better and better and better, and hopefully by him being here this spring, we are going to avoid that slow start to the season."

Bell and fellow safety Tyvis Powell anchor a secondary that Urban Meyer called one of the strongest units on the team earlier this week.

Bell showed a knack for being in the right place at the right time last year, maybe because when he gets an interception, he gets a cupcake from Ash's wife. But in Bell's eyes, he could've done more.

The numbers over the latter part of the season paint the same picture. He had four of his six interceptions over the last six games of the year. He had eight solo tackles in the Sugar Bowl against Alabama, and a key interception near the goal line in the fourth quarter.

Those are the kind of games Bell wants to have in September and October, too.

"I think (I missed) a lot (last spring)," Bell said. "Coming out here to work on backpedaling, with Coach Ash being in my ear every day, just making plays. It's repetition, that's what you need, more repetition, you can't get enough. It's gonna make it easier in the game."

There's another added bonus to being on the field this spring, Bell is building his reputation as a leader on the defense. Bell spoke on Thursday of finding new ways to impact the younger players -- from giving them rides to practice or watching film with them.

That's the natural progression for a guy with a reputation for making plays on the field. It eventually becomes your turn to lead.

It's Bell's turn now. He has this spring to work on it.

"It's just continue to improve his overall knowledge," Ash said. "He knew his job early in the season last year, but I want him to know more than his job. I want him to be the general of the defense out there and we're trying to get him to that point right now."

Reliever Austin Adams gets final spot on Cleveland Indians' 25-man roster (photos)

0
0

The decision to keep reliever Austin Adams gives manager Terry Francona an eight-man bullpen to open the season.

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- The 25th spot on the Indians' roster has gone to right-hander Austin Adams.

The Indians announced the move Thursday with GM Chris Antonetti saying first baseman Jesus Aguilar was optioned to Class AAA Columbus and utility man Michael Martinez was told he would not make the club. Martinez, who will stay with the Indians until they break camp Saturday, will report to Columbus.

It was also announced that utility man Zach Walters will open the year on the disabled list with a strained right oblique muscle.

Antonetti said the team is still working through trade and waiver opportunities that could change the roster before the season opener Monday in Houston.

"As of right now that's how the team looks," said Antonetti.

Austin's arrival means manager Terry Francona will have eight relievers to work with. The bullpen could stretch to nine after Zach McAllister starts the home opener April 10 against Detroit because he won't be needed as a starter until late April.

"We thought it through a lot," said Francona. "Having the extra position player, a guy who can run, play defense or pinch hit to help you win a game, there's a lot of validity to that.

"But (pitching coach) Mickey (Callaway), Chris and I kept coming back to if we need that extra pitcher it's not just to win a game, but to save our staff and set up our staff for the upcoming week. You can't have a crystal ball to see what is going to help you win a game, but if you overdo your bullpen early, it can set you back for the next couple of games."

Adams is 2-0 with a 7.27 ERA in nine Cactus League games. He's struck out 10, walked one and allowed seven earned runs in 8 2/3 innings.

"Austin has always had a big arm," said Francona. "He's working diligently on his breaking ball. He's still a young pitcher.

"When he doesn't locate they can get the barrel to it. When he does locate, he can be very effective."

Aguilar hit .381 (16-for-42) with three doubles, one homer and five RBI this spring. He struck out six times, but drew three walks.

"Jesus had a really good spring. It wasn't like it came down to the end and he needed to hit another home run," said Francona. "He did a really good job.

"But sitting isn't going to help him. He needs to go play. It wasn't the news he wanted to hear and we totally understand that. He just needs to go play and when there is an opportunity he needs to be ready."

Martinez is hitting .263 (10-for-38) with three doubles, one homer and six RBI this spring. He spent parts of the last four seasons with the Pirates and came to camp this spring on a minor-league deal.

Here's how the roster breakdowns:

Starting pitchers (five): Corey Kluber, Carlos Carrasco, Trevor Bauer, Zach McAllister and TJ House.

Bullpen (eight): Cody Allen, Bryan Shaw, Marc Rzepczynski, Nick Hagadone, Kyle Crockett, Scott Atchison, Anthony Swarzak and Adams.

Catchers (two): Yan Gomes and Roberto Perez.

Infielders (five): Carlos Santana, Jason Kipnis, Jose Ramirez, Lonnie Chisenhall and Mike Aviles.

Outfielders (five): Michael Brantley, Michael Bourn, David Murphy, Brandon Moss and Ryan Raburn.

Breaking down recruiting with new Ohio State assistant and Cleveland point man Tony Alford: Buckeyes recruiting

0
0

"I am still learning a lot about this university, the ins and outs," Alford said. "One of the sales pitches you have is that we're holding up this trophy. That's a big one. And you're playing in a great conference." Watch video

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Tony Alford was one of the best recruiters on Notre Dame's coaching staff, a point man of sorts for the Irish's efforts to bring the top prospects to South Bend.

"Says who?" Alford joked. 

Everyone on the Internet. 

"Shows how much you guys don't know," Alford said. "Don't believe everything you hear." 

Alford was clearly joking. His ability to recruit was the main reason he was such a natural fit at Ohio State after former running backs coach Stan Drayton took a job with the Chicago Bears. 

It's been a few months since Alford joined Ohio State's staff, and now he's in the midst of his first spring with the Buckeyes.

When he was made available Thursday -- the first time since coming to Ohio State -- it was the perfect opportunity to get ask Alford what people really want to know: What's ahead on the recruiting front. 

Here are seven recruiting takeaways from our conversation with Alford: 

1. What are Alford's territories? While at Notre Dame, Alford's recruiting territories were Central Florida down to Miami, Alabama, Mississippi and Colorado. At Ohio State, Alford will focus on Cleveland and Central Florida. 

2. New to Cleveland: Though Alford is a prominent recruiter, he'll face a new challenge in getting to know Northeast Ohio, a very important recruiting territory for Ohio State. Drayton was assigned to the area, and he was deeply rooted in Cleveland because he's from there. Alford is new to Cleveland, so he'll have to adapt quickly. 

Stan Drayton Ohio StateStan Drayton left Ohio State the day after National Signing Day for a job with the Chicago Bears.  

"I'm not really familiar right now," Alford said. "There's great football in the state, so I am going to get into the Cleveland area and there are some guys that I know that I'm going to have to build some relationships with in terms of high school coaches. I am looking forward to that and getting out and meeting all those guys and building those relationships. I have already started."

3. How do you acclimate to a new area? Alford's ability to make a name for himself in Cleveland will be interesting to watch. He'll have to become buddies with guys like Glenville's Ted Ginn Sr. Top prospects in Cleveland can't get out of the state, and now that's under Alford's watch. Urban Meyer apparently has a lot of trust in his newest assistant. 

"Recruiting is just about building relationships," Alford said. "I am who I am. When you go anywhere new -- it's like moving to a new neighborhood or taking a new job. You walk in, it's a new place, you have to make friends and you have to figure out how you fit and who is who.

"If you can sell yourself and get into the door and being a forthright person and doing things the right way (it'll be fine). Yes, you're starting a new area, but wherever I've coached at any point in time, you've had to start somewhere." 

4. How did the move to Ohio State affect existing relationships? Alford is recruiting some of the same prospects he was while at Notre Dame, but the color of his shirt is now different. That has to be hard for any prospect to overcome, but Alford said the key to moving past that is just being honest. What's the truth? That he felt moving to Ohio State was the best opportunity for his personal growth in this profession. 

"When you do things, in recruiting, you tell them the truth," Alford said. "And with me, 'Why did I do what I did?' I tell them why, and that's the truth. And as they look at things, in recruiting, they have to look inwardly about what they aspire for and what they're really looking for. This is Ohio State. Does that fit with what they aspire to have in their lives moving forward?

Tony AlfordOhio State running backs coach Tony Alford after practice on Thursday. Alford had just finished his first meeting with the media as a member of Ohio State's staff.

"The messages are very similar. It's doing what's best for you in your life and what you're looking for." 

5. How is the sales pitch different at Ohio State as opposed to Notre Dame? The Buckeyes and Irish probably have a lot in common. They also have a lot of differences. That has affected Alford as he tries to pitch the Buckeyes. 

"I am still learning a lot about this university, the ins and outs," Alford said. "One of the sales pitches you have is that we're holding up this trophy. That's a big one. And you're playing in a great conference.

"I shouldn't say selling points, that's probably the wrong word, but there's a lot of things to present. This is a big presentation at Ohio State. You don't have to sell this place. It presents itself." 

6. How intense is Meyer in recruiting? Meyer's reputation as a fierce recruiter is well known, but Alford said Meyer's brilliance in attracting top talent to Ohio State is his deep involvement in what the entire staff is doing. Meyer knows everything that is going on in recruiting at all times, which may not be typical. 

"He's on it," Alford said of Meyer. "And it's great, because you know you have your head coach's support in recruiting. He's going to be in the middle of it. That forces you to be on top of your game at all times with everything because you know he sees it and he's on top of it, too. When you have the entire staff working in conjunction with one another, it's a good situation."

7. Notre Dame national vs. Ohio State national: Notre Dame recruits nationally because the state of Indiana doesn't have enough talent to prop up a program that expects to compete for national titles. That's very different at Ohio State, as the Buckeyes lean on Ohio prospects before branching out nationally. 

Alford's experience trying to recruit players from far away should help with his Florida responsibilities. But now that he's at Ohio State, building a name for himself in competitive areas like Cleveland will define his success. 

Cleveland Rowing Foundation plans to sell, buy land in the Flats as recreation hub grows

0
0

The nonprofit rowing foundation expects to sell 1.1 acres to the Cleveland Metroparks and has entered a lease-purchase deal on a small piece of land along the river.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - A pair of land deals in the Flats will give the Cleveland Metroparks more wiggle room at Rivergate Park and open up riverfront expansion prospects for the Cleveland Rowing Foundation.

The nonprofit rowing foundation announced Thursday that it plans to sell 1.1 acres at Rivergate, on the east bank of the Flats, to the Metroparks. The parks group's board is scheduled to vote on the purchase at its next meeting, April 16.

Shedding the parcel, a paved piece of land set back from the river, won't hamper the rowing foundation's growth plans. Foundation Executive Director Kirk Lang said the Metroparks need the property more, to complement the parks group's investments at Rivergate and Merwin's Wharf, a waterfront restaurant that opened on Merwin Avenue last year.

A spokeswoman for the Metroparks couldn't be reached for comment. Lang would not disclose the sale price for the land.

In a separate transaction, the foundation has entered a lease-purchase agreement on a small piece of property just north of its rowing facilities. Lang said the nonprofit now controls a vacant lot, a third of an acre, along the river. That deal extends the foundation's frontage by 250 feet, to 1,300 feet.

"More or less, we're picking up riverfront property, which is more usable to the rowing foundation," he said.

The foundation now owns or rents roughly 3.5 acres at Rivergate and has storage for 180 boats. The group, dedicated to promoting and supporting rowing throughout the region, expects to finish construction of a second boathouse next week, making room for a few dozen additional boats and freeing up space to install locker rooms and showers in the existing boathouse.

Other development possibilities, ranging from a third boathouse to additional docks to indoor tanks where rowers can train year-round, are on the horizon. Lang said the foundation could launch a fundraising campaign later this year. More construction might start within 12 to 18 months.

It's unclear how another potential rowing project in the Flats will impact the foundation's expansion prospects.

In February, local tech executive Mike Trebilcock and his wife, Gina, announced their plans to transform two clusters of buildings along Columbus Road into a youth-centric rowing facility called the Foundry. They recently applied for competitive state historic preservation tax credits to assist with the project, according to an applicant list obtained by The Plain Dealer this week. Tax-credit applications were due Tuesday, and the next round of awards will be announced by late June.

"We're still maintaining the strategic plan that we have in place," Lang said, in response to a question about potential competition along the river. "It's still too soon for the rowing foundation to even make a statement regarding that."

Live updates and chat: Cleveland Indians vs. Cincinnati Reds 3:05 p.m.

0
0

Zach McAllister makes his last Cactus League start on Thursday when he faces the Reds at Goodyear Ballpark. McAllister, who will start the home opener against Detroit on April 10, is 2-1 with a 3.32 ERA in six appearances this spring.

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Get scoring updates and chat with Paul Hoynes and Zack Meisel as the Indians take on the Giants at Scottsdale Stadium.

Where to watch/listen: Indians.com will carry the game.

Pitchers: Zach McAllister will start for the Indians. He'll face Mike Leake of the Reds.

Indians lineup

3B Mike Aviles.

DH David Murphy.

LF Michael Brantley.

1B Carlos Santana.

RF Brandon Moss.

C Roberto Perez.

CF Clint Frazier.

SS Ryan Rohlinger.

2B Michael Martinez.

RHP Zach McAllister.

Reds lineup:

CF Billy Hamilton.

SS Zack Cozart.

1B Joey Votto.

RF Jay Bruce.

C Brayan Pena.

3B Chris Dominguez.

LF Brennan Boesch.

2B Skip Schumaker.

RHP Mike Leake.

Ohio State RB Ezekiel Elliott has cast on wrist removed, still has six weeks until he's 'full-go'

0
0

Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott said he still has six more weeks until he's full-go in his return from a broken wrist. Watch video

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The pink cast is gone. In its place is a black wrist brace that will still keep Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott from doing anything substantial for another six weeks.

But Elliott is making progress from the broken wrist that held him back last season.

"I got my cast off Monday, now it's a six-week process to get the mobility back, and after six weeks I'll be full-go," Elliott said Thursday, speaking for the first time this spring after the Buckeyes' seventh practice of spring drills.

* Breaking down Ezekiel Elliott's uphill climb to win 2015 Heisman Trophy

The left wrist Elliott broke in fall camp last August required two surgeries -- one in August and one after the season -- and kept Elliott from reaching his full potential. Elliott said after beating Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship that he "left a lot of yards on the field last year."

Still he finished 1,878 rushing yards, 18 touchdowns and a pair of MVPs in the Sugar Bowl and the National Championship.

"That's pretty impressive isn't it? Just like me only different," new Ohio State running backs coach Tony Alford joked on Thursday.

Alford can laugh because he knows he inherited a running back considered the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy next season. That's crazy to think about when you consider how limited Elliott has been this spring.

"Right now I'm not really practicing with the team, I'm just getting my speed work in on the side and getting my mental reps when I can during team workouts," Elliott said.

Elliott said his wrist is still pretty fragile, and he'll need the full six weeks to get the strength back before he can carry the ball in his left hand or throw a stiff arm.

"The body only has so many shots in it, so it does help his body to continue recovering," Alford said. "He's gonna have to have a big summer and continue to get better, but the one thing you love about Zeke is he's hungry. It's killing him not to play now."

Joe Vardon talks Cavaliers, Mary Kay Cabot talks Browns and Zack Meisel talks Indians: Sports Insider

0
0

Watch Sports Insider for talk about the Browns, Indians and Cavaliers. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- How much do player relationships really matter on an NBA team? Did Ray Farmer and the Browns get off easy with their punishment for "Text-gate"?

Chris Fedor and I talked about all that and more on today's Sports Insider. Joe Vardon joined us in studio to talk about LeBron James' relationships with David Blatt and Kyrie Irving. Mary Kay Cabot called in to talk Browns and Zack Meisel talked Indians. Bud Shaw joined us for his weekly spinoffs.

Watch the show above and make sure to tune in every Thursday at noon at cleveland.com/sports to watch live.


Cleveland Browns have squandered multiple first-rounders multiple times: Browns & NFL links

0
0

Hitting on just half of the picks when the Browns have had two first-rounders could have changed things dramatically for the franchise.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Times were easier in 2007. Social media was still in its infancy. The Cavs played in the Finals and the Indians made it to the ALCS. Braylon Edwards was catching footballs (most of the time). The Browns won 10 games. It was also one of the multiple years since the Browns came back in 1999 that they made two first round picks.

Those two picks -- even with the team's on-field success that year -- served as the highlight for Browns fans. One pick turned into a surefire Hall-of-Famer who, eight seasons later, is still starting and is still considered among the Top 5 players on the roster. The other was Brady Quinn. 

Gil Brandt of NFL.com, who ranked the performance of teams with two first-round picks in the past five drafts, explained the philosophy from his days with the Cowboys:

"When I was with the Dallas Cowboys, if we had two first-round picks in a given draft, we always tried to make sure we got a superstar with one of the picks; whatever we got out of the other was a bonus. In 1975, we snagged future Hall of Fame defensive tackle Randy White with the second overall pick, then took more of a chance with No. 18, using the selection on linebacker Thomas Henderson, an unbelievable athlete who needed some refinement. He got off to a good start and could have been something special if his career had stayed on track. The year before, we used the first overall pick on future Hall of Fame defensive end Ed "Too Tall" Jones, who we were sure was really going to be something special, then used the 22nd overall pick on Charley Young, a running back who was probably overdrafted, considering he lasted just three seasons."

The Browns nailed 2007 by those standards. They found an All-Pro in Joe Thomas and they took a chance trading into the first round to snag Quinn, a player they hoped would become a franchise quarterback. That didn't happen, but, man, did they nail No. 3. Again, by Brandt's standards, 50 percent isn't so bad when that 50 percent is a player like Thomas.

Brandt's rankings from the past five years, of course, don't include 2007, so throw that one away for these purposes. The Seahawks in 2010, the Patriots in 2012 and the Rams in 2014 are his Top 3. Of course, those first two teams played in the Super Bowl last season. The Rams are still trying to figure things out.

As for his worst: The Browns in 2012 when they traded up to pick Trent Richardson at No. 3 and took Brandon Weeden at No. 22. It's safe to say they were trying to hit that superstar-flyer formula again. Oops.

"These picks were simply disastrous. I thought the Vikings played the Browns like a fiddle, somehow getting them to trade up one spot, from No. 4 to No. 3, to grab Richardson when everyone knew Minnesota was taking offensive lineman Matt Kalil. That's right: Cleveland gave up draft picks for basically no reason. The only thing worse for a franchise's overall health than whiffing on two first-round picks is, well, doing it again two years later."

Spoiler alert. The Browns are No. 2 on his worst list, too, with their picks of Justin Gilbert and Johnny Manziel last year:

"Missing the mark on first-round picks is a big reason why the Browns have put together seven straight losing seasons. Instead of finding talent like Chandler Jones and Dont'a Hightower with their prime first-round opportunities in 2012 and 2014, they landed four guys who, in all probability, are not going to be top-notch NFL players. So will they find a way to buck the trend with the two first-round picks they have this year? Past history suggests not. But they do have some good scouts on staff. The question is, how much do you put into what your scouts tell you?"

To be fair, Gilbert or Manziel could still turn into something and GM Ray Farmer did a nice job last year after the first round, landing one potential star (Joel Bitonio) and contributors in Christian Kirksey and Terrance West along with sleeper Pierre Desir. Tom Heckert found a starter in Mitchell Schwartz in the second round in 2012 and Billy Winn in the sixth, so not all was lost. How different would the Browns look today, though, if they'd just been able to hit on 50 percent of those first-rounders?

(NFL.com: Best, worst sets of first-round picks: Browns at the bottom)

More Browns links

Brian Hartline bought a billboard to thank Dolphins fans (Palm Beach Post)

Browns are challenging DL Randy Starks to be a leader (ClevelandBrowns.com)

Browns look like potential draft-day trade partner for Marcus Mariota (CBSsports.com)

NFL links

The Biggest Steals of 2015 NFL Free Agency (Bleacher Report)

Ravens owner: NFL 'pretty stupid' not to have domestic violence policy (CBSsports.com)

The NFL can't let go of the 2010 draft (SB Nation)

Legendary Lake Erie scientist Jeff Reutter retires -- Outdoor Notes

0
0

Over the last three decades as director of Ohio State University's Ohio Sea Grant program, Jeffrey Reutter has been the consummate Lake Erie expert for a long list of local, state and federal officials, as well as the media.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Attempting to explain the intricacies of Lake Erie, from its world-class fishery to the environmental woes of pollution and invasive species, is like trying to herd cats.

Over the last three decades as director of Ohio State University's Ohio Sea Grant program, Jeff Reutter has been the consummate Lake Erie expert for a long list of local, state and federal officials, as well as the media. Put a microphone or camera in Reutter's face and you'll get a succinct explanation even politicians can understand.

A dedicated standard bearer for Lake Erie, Reutter has been invaluable in the long, drawn out fight to protect this majestic body of water.

On Tuesday, Ohio Sea Grant is bidding farewell to the legendary scientist with a retirement party at the Ohio State University Faculty Club in Columbus.

Even Reutter's secret of success is short and sweet.

"Always speak the truth, and with integrity," he said. "To deal with phosphorus pollution, I've had to talk with people on all sides of the issues and problems. I needed to talk to charter captains, water and sewage treatment plant operators and farmers, and have all of them trust me. That is when you're most effective."

Reutter said Lake Erie is on the right track in dealing with dealing with harmful algal blooms.

"We used to wonder if we could do these things with voluntary efforts, or by providing incentives. We wondered if we might have to take a regulatory approach to make things happen," he said. "Right now, we're doing all three.

"Farmers have more education and training than ever before to do what's best for Lake Erie, and given the incentive to do things like plant cover crops (to prevent fertilizer runoff). The legislature passed SB 150 last year that we all knew wasn't enough. So they passed SB 1 recently, which is much better legislation than I thought it would be.

"It's clear we haven't gone far enough yet, but we have every reason to be optimistic about Lake Erie. We're taking the right steps and each year we seem to be willing to take more effective steps."

Reutter said it was a good time to retire, though he will continue as a consultant on a part-time basis.

"I didn't want to leave until the staff was ready for a seamless departure," he said. "We have a really good staff right now, so we're all ready for me to go."

Fish Crazy deadline: The popular Lake Erie Fish Crazy Walleye Derby kicks off on May 3 and lasts a couple of months, but walleye fishermen will have to step up to the plate this week. The deadline for full registration, reports derby director Virgil Tent, is April 11.

Derby entry is $50 for a shot at weekly, monthly and overall prizes for the biggest walleye caught through June 27. This year, all competing anglers on a boat must be registered for the derby to qualify for prizes. For the derby rules or information visit lakeeriewalleyederby.com.

LEWT season set: The Lake Erie Walleye Trail begins its season on April 11 at Magee East Marina and Campground in Port Clinton. The two-angler teams compete April 25 in the Marblehead area, May 16 in Sandusky, and then head to Huron on June 6-7 for the Western Basin Sportsman's Association circuit championship.

Think like a walleye: A rejuvenated Northeast Ohio Walleye Association is back in action, reports President Joe Hrovat. The club is now meeting monthly at Trader Jack's Riverside Grill in Willoughby and looking for new members. This year's agenda includes a kid's fishing tournament in June, a handicapped angling event in August and spring and summer walleye fishing adventures.

The next meeting is Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Dues are $25, which includes a cool NEOWA club T-shirt. For information contact Hrovat, walleyejoeh@yahoo.com.

Kids and rainbow trout: The popular Children's Trout Derby will drop anchor at the Firestone Metro Parks Little Turtle Pond, 2400 Harrington Rd., Akron from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on April 11. Wildlife officials are providing a fresh supply of stocked rainbow trout for the annual derby for kids 15 and under, hosted by the Goodyear Hunting & Fishing Club.

The Goodyear club is also holding its Special Needs Children's Trout Derby at Little Turtle Pond on May 9 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., with special needs adults allowed to wet a line, too. For information on the derbies contact Steve Isaacs, 330-928-7169, summitoutdoors@gmail.com.

Buckeye on Ice Team: The first Ohioan to qualify for the USA Ice Team, Scott Albrecht of Grove City will head to Poland or Latvia in 2016 to compete as a spotter in the World Ice Fishing Championships. The Olympic-style competition matches the U.S. squad against more than a dozen other countries.

Ohio CCW permits expand: With five states coming aboard this week, Ohio gun owners with concealed carry permits now have reciprocity in 28 states, reports Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine. The new states are Colorado, Georgia, New Hampshire, Texas and Wisconsin. Adjoining states include Michigan, Kentucky and West Virginia.

Keystone decline: Pennsylvania hunters killed 303,973 bucks and does during the deer seasons, a 14 percent drop from 352,920 in 2013-2014. Just as in Ohio, some of the slump was by design, said game commission head Matthew Hough. Antlerless licenses were cut by 59,500, hunting weather was difficult during the rifle season and acorn and other mast crops were abundant.

Rain could threaten walleye, steelhead trout fishing -- Fishing Report

0
0

Anglers are keeping their fingers crossed, hoping thunderstorms predicted to roll through northern Ohio overnight don't spoil their favorite fishing hole.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- An army of anglers are undoubtedly keeping their fingers crossed Friday morning, hoping the thunderstorms predicted to roll through northern Ohio overnight Thursday didn't spoil their favorite fishing hole.

The spring fishing began with a bang this week. The steelhead trout streams calmed down and cleared, and rising water temperatures had the big trout chasing flies and bait. Western Lake Erie walleye fishing kicked off with surprising catches of trophy fish.

Inland crappie fishing has begun to warm up. The walleye have been biting at Mosquito and Pymatuning reservoirs despite an ice cover that has yet to go completely away.

CLEVELAND AREA

Today's question will be how high the Rocky River will rise after the rains, and if the river will be clear enough for Saturday's Barbie Rod Fishing Derby that supports the Cleveland Metroparks Fishing Fund. Excellent numbers of medium-sized steelhead trout and a few brown trout have been caught from the Rocky the past few days.

Sign up before 8 a.m. at the Emerald Necklace Marina to enter the derby. If big rains kick up the river, the derby will again be delayed until April 11.

Steelhead trout are being caught on dime-sized spawn bags and marabou jig-maggot rigs suspended under a float. There have been reports from the rivers that warmer waters have trout chasing diving plugs, large streamers in a minnow pattern, as well as nymphs and stoneflies.

The Cleveland Metroparks rainbow trout releases continue to be a hit at Wallace Lake in Berea and on the East Branch of the Rocky River between Route 82 and the covered bridge. The Ohio Division of Wildlife released rainbow trout into Hinckley and Shadow lakes on Wednesday, as well as the Westlake Recreation Center pond.

LAKE ERIE

While the ice cover is disappearing around Western Lake Erie, boaters still have to watch out for floating debris and chunks of ice.

Fishermen have been launching boats the last couple of days and finding surprising success in the warmer dingy waters. Anglers are trolling minnow-style lures in the deeper water off the reef complex and casting hair jigs, blade baits or jigging spoons tipped with minnows around the reef complex off Camp Perry.

The top trolling plugs have been the Perfect 10 and the Deep Husky Jerk in bright yellow-green-orange perch colors. Hair jig and jigging spoon colors have been a combination of green, purple and chartreuse, while silver-blue blade baits are catching fish.

The boat ramp at the Metzger Marsh Wildlife Area is shut down for a couple of weeks to allow the Ohio Division of Wildlife to dredge the mouth of Wards Canal to improve boating access.

RIVERS AND STREAMS

From the Vermilion River to Conneaut Creek, the rivers of Northeast Ohio have been fair to good for steelhead trout this week. As waters warmed on Thursday, the trout bite really turned on. There are trout throughout all of the river systems, and many were eager to chase swinging flies, spinners, diving plugs and spoons.

The walleye runs are in full swing on the Maumee and Sandusky rivers, where fishermen are casting floating jigs and twister tails on a Carolina rig consisting of barrel sinker, swivel and leader. Chartreuse, pink, white and orange have been the hot colors.

Ice jams recently caused a great deal of damage to Maumee River parking lots, trails and access areas. Areas that are open include Fort Meigs Fishing Access, Orleans Park in Perrysburg and White Street in Maumee. The Maple Street and Cory Street launch ramps are open. For river access updates visit metroparkstoledo.com or woodcountyparkdistrict.org.

PONDS, LAKES, RESERVOIRS

Small water anglers have a new lake to fish in Lorain County. The Rowland Nature Preserve Lake at 7475 Murray Ridge Rd. in Elyria Township has been opened for public fishing. Surveys show the 12-acre lake has largemouth bass, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish and crappie. The lake is open from sunrise to sunset, with paved parking and a gravel path for bank anglers. Paddle craft and carry-in boats with electric motors are allowed. A fishing license is needed.

After the long, bitterly cold winter, some smaller ponds and lakes had significant fish kills caused by heavy snow, ice cover and lack of oxygen. Hard hit was Spencer Lake in western Medina County, where all sizes and species of fish died, from small bluegills to jumbo catfish and grass carp. Mogadore Reservoir had a modest fish kill, but should be in good shape for the spring crappie and bluegill fishing.

If you're cruising Berlin or Mosquito reservoirs in the next few days, look out for nets. The Ohio Division of Wildlife is gathering walleye eggs for its hatchery program.

Mosquito Reservoir has some ice cover on the north end of the reservoir, but the walleye fishing has been good along the shallow shorelines. Spawning walleye in the 15- to 20-inch class are being caught on jig-minnow rigs and blade baits, including Sonars and Vi-bees. Pymatuning Reservoir launch ramps are still iced in, but causeway fishermen are casting blade baits or jigs and live bait around and under the bridges for walleye.

The crappie fishing is warming up around the Portage Lakes on small hooks or tiny jigs worked about four feet under a float in 10 to 12 feet of water. Turkeyfoot and East reservoirs have been best for crappie.

The state is releasing rainbow trout on Thursday at Forest Hill Pond in East Cleveland and Painesville Recreation Park Pond.

Deadline for Fish Crazy Walleye Derby; Barbie Rod Derby tries again -- Outdoors Calendar

0
0

Fishing seminars dominate the Outdoor Calendar this week. Lots of fishing tournaments are also on tap.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Outdoors Calendar for April 3.

April 4: Barbie Rod Fishing Derby, Rocky River. Sign up before 8 a.m. at the Emerald Necklace Marina. Entry $20. If river is not fishable, derby will be rescheduled for April 11.

April 4: KSU Mosquito Thaw Open Bass Tournament, state park ramp, Mosquito Reservoir. A highest finishing collegiate angler wins $1,000 in addition to standard payout. For information visit dobass.com.

April 4: Tying Warm Water Flies with Jerry Darkes, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., The Rodmaker's Shoppe, 20884 Royalton Rd., Strongsville. Learn basic techniques for tying, rigging and fishing bass and panfish flies. Fee $60, includes materials. Students need vise and basic tools. Limited to eight students.

April 4: Drawing for a controlled youth turkey hunts for sportsmen 17 and younger at the Mosquito Creek Wildlife Area in Trumbull County and the Camp Ravenna Joint Military Training Center in Ravenna. Drawing held during a Jake's Day at the Trumbull Rod and Gun Club, 6575 Phillips-Rice Rd. (1 mile north of Ohio 88), Cortland. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., followed by shooting sports events and other activities. Drawing at 1 p.m. For information call 1-800-WILDLIFE or visit wildohio.gov

April 4: First of two Ohio Hunter Safety Course classes at the Geauga Park District's Big Creek Park, Donald W. Meyer Center, 9160 Robinson Rd., Chardon Township. Classes are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Second class on April 11. Ages 10 and older, both classes are mandatory. Free. Registration required. Call 1-800-945-3543.

April 7: Northeast Ohio Walleye Association monthly meeting, 6:30 p.m., Trader Jack's Riverside Grill, 35901 Lakeshore Blvd., Willoughby. New members welcome. Contact Joe Hrovat, 440-479-2488, walleyejoeh@yahoo.com

April 8: Ohio Wildlife Council monthly meeting, 6:30 p.m., Ohio Division of Wildlife District One Headquarters, 1500 Dublin Rd., Columbus. Vote by OWC on 2015-2016 hunting dates, regulations. Call 1-800-WILDLIFE or visit wildlife.ohiodnr.gov.

April 8: Fly rod seminar by Lee Janik of Clutch Tactical Fly Rods of Port Clinton at Firelands Fly Fishers monthly meeting, French Creek Nature Center, 4530 Colorado Ave., Sheffield Village. Club meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. Open to the public. For information visit firelandsflyfishers.org.

April 8: Archery for Teens, 10-11:30 a.m. and 12:30-2 p.m., Firestone Metro Park/Coventry Oaks Area, 40 Axline Ave., Akron. Youth ages 13-17 can learn international-style archery at traveling indoor range. Equipment, instruction provided. Advanced registration required starting March 31. Call 330-865-8065.

April 9: Steelhead Trout Fishing Basics Seminar featuring Aquatic Biologist Mike Durkalec of the Cleveland Metroparks and District Fisheries Management Supervisor Phil Hillman of the Ohio Division of Wildlife, free, 7-9 p.m., Rocky River Nature Center, 24000 Valley Parkway, North Olmsted.

April 9: Archery for Adults, 10-11:30 a.m. and 12:30-2 p.m., Firestone Metro Park/Coventry Oaks Area, 40 Axline Ave., Akron. Learn international-style archery at traveling indoor range. Equipment, instruction provided. Advanced registration required starting March 31. Call 330-865-8065.

April 10: Archery for Kids, 12:30-2 p.m., Firestone Metro Park/Coventry Oaks Area, 40 Axline Ave., Akron. Participants aged 9-12 can learn international-style archery at traveling indoor range. Equipment, instruction provided. Advanced registration required starting March 31. Call 330-865-8065.

April 11: Deadline for full registration for the Lake Erie Fish Crazy Walleye Derby, Lake Erie. Derby runs from May 3 through June 27. Entry $50, $55 online. Derby registration deadline for full derby is April 11. All competing anglers on a boat must be registered for the derby. One-day registration is $25. For rules, information visit lakeeriewalleyederby.com. Weekly, monthly and overall winners.

April 11: Castapalooza 2015, A Celebration of All Things Fly Fishing, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Lake Metroparks Hidden Valley Reservation, 4872 Klasen Rd., Madison. Free fly fishing seminars, demonstrations, games and prizes. For details visit: acs-thefishdog.blogspot.com

April 11: Goodyear Hunting & Fishing Club Trout Derby, 9 - 2 p.m., Firestone Metro Park / Little Turtle Pond, 2400 Harrington Rd., Akron. Anglers 15 and younger each receive a $1 cash prize if they catch a tagged fish. Bring fishing gear. Minnows cannot be used as bait; worms will be available for purchase. Adults are not permitted to fish. Sponsored by the Goodyear Hunting & Fishing Club and the Ohio Division of Wildlife. For information, call 330-865-8065.

April 11: Lake Erie Walleye Trail hosted by the Western Basin Anglers Association. Two-angler teams, Lake Erie at Magee East Marina and Campground, Port Clinton. For information visit wbsa.us or contact Tournament Director Jeff Lash, jlash3@gmail.com.

April 11: Youth drawing for wild turkey turkey hunts in refuge portion of the Killbuck Marsh Wildlife Area. Drawing at East Holmes Sportsmen's Club, Township Road 310, 2.5 miles south of Millersburg. Registration opens at 8 a.m. Hunt dates are Saturday-Sunday only between April 18-May 17 for hunters 17 and younger. Must have valid 2015 hunting license. For information call Division of Wildlife, 330-644-2293.

April 11: Electric Elite Invitational Bass Tournament, Mogadore Reservoir. Two-angler teams. Visit Franks Bass fishing Promotions at dobass.com.

April 11: Killbuck Valley Chapter Hunters Night Out, Whitetails Unlimited, Buckeye Event Center, 624 Henry St., Dalton. Dinner, raffles, door prizes. Tickets $35. Featuring Travis "T-Bone" Turner and Nick Mundt, hosts of the Bone Collector and Realtree Roadtrips television shows. For information, tickets visit whitetailsunlimited.com.

April 11-12: 3-D Archery Turkey Shoot, Geauga Bowmen Archery, 12575 Sperry Rd. Chesterland. Registration from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Public welcome, youth equipment available. Entry $10, kids $5. For information call Mike Ballash, 440-227-6756, or visit www.geaugabowmen.com.

April 12: The X-Series Bass Tournaments presented by Vic's Sports Center, Kick-Off at the Lakes, new state park ramp, Portage Lakes. For information visit thex-series.com or call George Byers, 330-559-6454 (evenings).

April 12: 3-D Archery Shoot, Lone Eagle Bowmen, 2276 Seeman St. SW (off Battlesburg Rd.) Canton. Registration 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Visit LoneEagleBowmen.com or call Matt Williams (330-575-0744) or Gary Williams (330-484-6535).

April 12: Ohio Walleye Federation/Inland Lake Circuit, two-angler teams, Mosquito Reservoir. For information visit fishowf.com.

April 15: Fly Tying Sessions with the Firelands Fly Fishers, 6-9 p.m., Gus's Village Grill, 4343 Colorado Ave., Sheffield Village. Open to the public. For information visit firelandsflyfishers.org.

April 16: Trophy Brook Trout and Arctic Char Fishing in Canada with Aquatic Biologist Mike Durkalec of the Cleveland Metroparks, Ohio Central Basin Steelheaders meeting, free and open to the public, 7:30-9:30 p.m., Buffalo Wildlife Wings, 8465 Pearl Rd., Strongsville.

April 16-19: Holy Mackerel Fishing Tackle Flea Market, New Russian Township Hall, 46300 Butternut Ridge Rd., Oberlin (north of Oberlin and west of Ohio 58). Free admission and parking. Show hours: Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. For information call Mike Wohlever, 440-988-9264 or 440-213-6396.

April 17: Archery Games for Adults, Friday, 6:30 - 8 p.m., Firestone Metro Park / Coventry Oaks Area, 40 Axline Ave., Akron. Ages 18 and older will play different games to build archery skills. Participants must have already taken one of our intro to archery programs. All equipment and hands-on instruction provided. Advance registration required starting March 31. Call 330-865-8065.

April 18: Chagrin River Clean-Up, 9 a.m., Chagrin River Salmon Association, Erie Rd., Eastlake. Glove, bags and lunch provided. Call Bruce Fraley, 440-946-1605.

April 18: Grand River Canoe & Kayak Race, Harpersfield Dam in Ashtabula County to Hidden Valley Park in Madison on the wild and scenic Grand River. Races begin at 8 a.m. Featured is the annual Mad Hatter Contest. Pre-registration required. Call 440-358-7275 or 800-669-9226.

April 18: Archery Games for Kids, 10-11:30 a.m., Firestone Metro Park / Coventry Oaks Area, 40 Axline Ave., Akron. Ages 9-12 will play different games to build archery skills. Participants must have already taken one of our intro to archery programs. All equipment and hands-on instruction provided. Advance registration required starting March 31. Call 330-865-8065.

April 18: Archery Games for Teens, Friday, 12:30-2 p.m., Firestone Metro Park / Coventry Oaks Area, 40 Axline Ave., Akron. Ages 9-12 will play different games to build archery skills. Participants must have already taken one of our intro to archery programs. All equipment and hands-on instruction provided. Advance registration required starting March 31. Call 330-865-8065.

April 18: Northern Open Anglers Association bass tournament trail, Mosquito Reservoir. Two-angler teams. Visit Franks Bass fishing Promotions at dobass.com.

April 18: King Kat Tournament Trail, Ohio and Muskingum rivers at Marietta. Pre-register at kingkatusa.com or 270-395-6774. Late registration April 17 from 5-7 p.m. at the Microtel Inn & Suites, Marietta. Weigh-in at Indian Acres Park Boat Ramp, 146 Linwood Ave., Marietta. Free Kids Fishing Rodeo 9-11 a.m., Buckeye park pond, West Fay St., Marietta.

April 22: Fly Tying Sessions with the Firelands Fly Fishers, 6-9 p.m., Gus's Village Grill, 4343 Colorado Ave., Sheffield Village. Open to the public. For information visit firelandsflyfishers.org.

April 24: 2nd annual Tinker's Creek Freedom Dinner, Tinker's Creek Chapter of Whitetails Unlimited, The Venue South, Days Inn, 4742 Brecksville Rd., Richfield. Featuring dinner, raffles, game and Travis "T-Bone" Turner of the Bone Collectors television show. Call Matt McCann, 330-467-1729 or visit whitetailsunlimited.com. Tickets $50, spouse or child $30.

April 24: Archery Games for Adults, 6:30-8 p.m., Firestone Metro Park / Coventry Oaks Area, 40 Axline Ave., Akron. Ages 18 and older will play different games to build archery skills. Participants must have already taken one of our intro to archery programs. All equipment and hands-on instruction provided. Advance registration required starting March 31. Call 330-865-8065.

April 25: 36th annual Trout Club Banquet and Auction, Cleveland Museum of Natural History, 1 Wade Oval, Cleveland. Fishing exhibits, raffles and auction. For information contact Karen Menn, 216-231-4600 (Ext. 3278) or go to cmnh.org.

April 25: Lake Erie Walleye Trail hosted by the Western Basin Anglers Association. Two-angler teams, Lake Erie at Lakevue Marina, Marblehead. For information visit wbsa.us or contact Tournament Director Jeff Lash, jlash3@gmail.com.

April 25: Electric Elite Invitational Bass Tournament, lake TBA. Two-angler teams. Visit Franks Bass fishing Promotions at dobass.com.

April 25: Archery Games for Kids at 10-11:30 a.m.; Archery Games for Teens, 12:30-2 p.m. Kids 9-12 and teens 13-17 will play different games to build archery skills. Kids must be 50 inches or taller. Participants must have already taken one of our intro to archery programs. All equipment and hands-on instruction provided. Advance registration required starting April 14. Call 330-865-8065.

April 25-26: 3-D Archery Shoot at Lake Milton Fish & Game Club, 4374 Bedell Rd., Berlin Center. Open to the public, crossbows permitted. Registration on Saturday (8 a.m.-3 p.m.) and Sunday (8 a.m.-1 p.m.) Adults $10, kids $5. Breakfast 8-10 a.m., lunch after 10 a.m. For information visit lakemiltonfishandgameclub.com or contact Dennis Dabney, 330-414-5795.

April 26: Electric Elite Invitational Spring Open Bass Tournament, Mogadore Reservoir. Two-angler teams. Visit Franks Bass fishing Promotions at dobass.com. Tournament was originally scheduled for March 28.

April 26: Walleye Madness Tournament, Mosquito Reservoir. Two-angler teams, $150 entry. Visit walleyemadness.net to enter, or call WMT Director Greg Bentz, 440-390-8054.

April 29: Fly Tying Sessions with the Firelands Fly Fishers, 6-9 p.m., Gus's Village Grill, 4343 Colorado Ave., Sheffield Village. Open to the public. For information visit firelandsflyfishers.org.

April 30: Monthly meeting of the Chagrin River Salmon Association, 7 p.m., Erie Rd., Eastlake. New members welcome. Call Bruce Fraley, 440-946-1605.

May 1-3: Lake and Trails Fishing Camp, FFA Camp Muskingum, Carrollton. For information visit lakeandtrails.org

May 2: 15th annual Trumbull County Sportsmen's Gun Raffle featuring more than 60 firearms. Yankee Lake Ballroom, Yankee Lake, Ohio. Hours: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tickets $20. Lunch available from noon-3 p.m. For tickets call Joe (330-782-0958) or Jerry (330-847-6259).

May 1-3: Lake and Trails Youth Fishing Camp hosted by the Lake and Trails Organization, FFA Camp Muskingum, Carrollton. For kids 9-17 years old and accompanied by an adult. Fee for weekend, room and board is $75 per youth, $85 for adults. Registrations open Feb. 15. Visit lakeandtrails.org or contact President Karen Metzker, Karen @lakeandtrails.org.

May 2-3: Mosquito Madness X Bass Tournament, Mosquito Reservoir. Field of 100 teams is full. Waiting list available. Visit Franks Bass fishing Promotions at dobass.com.

May 3: Lake Erie Fish Crazy Walleye Derby, Lake Erie. Derby runs through June 27. Entry $50, $55 online. Derby registration deadline for full derby is April 11. All competing anglers on a boat must be registered for the derby. One-day registration is $25. For rules information visit lakeeriewalleyederby.com. Weekly, monthly and overall winners.

May 3: Ohio Walleye Federation/Inland Lake Circuit, two-angler teams, Pymatuning Reservoir. For information visit fishowf.com.

May 3: Veterans Memorial 3-D Archery Shoot, Lone Eagle Bowmen, 2276 Seeman St. SW (off Battlesburg Rd.) Canton. All veterans shoot free. Registration 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Visit LoneEagleBowmen.com or call Matt Williams (330-575-0744) or Gary Williams (330-484-6535).

May 5: Northeast Ohio Walleye Association monthly meeting, 6:30 p.m., Trader Jack's Riverside Grill, 35901 Lakeshore Blvd., Willoughby. New members welcome. Contact Joe Hrovat, 440-479-2488, walleyejoeh@yahoo.com

May 6: Fly Tying Sessions with the Firelands Fly Fishers, 6-9 p.m., Gus's Village Grill, 4343 Colorado Ave., Sheffield Village. Open to the public. For information visit firelandsflyfishers.org.

May 9: Goodyear Hunting & Fishing Club Special Needs Children's and Adults Trout Derby, 9 - 2 p.m., Firestone Metro Park / Little Turtle Pond, 2400 Harrington Rd., Akron. Wheelchair accessible. Bring fishing gear. Minnows cannot be used as bait; worms will be available for purchase. Adults are not permitted to fish. Sponsored by the Goodyear Hunting & Fishing Club and the Ohio Division of Wildlife. For information, call 330-865-8065.

May 9: 2015 Buckeye Bamboo Bash, Mohican Fly Fishers of Ohio, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., American Legion Pavilion on the Clear Fork River, state routes 97 and 13, Bellville, Ohio. Show, buy or sell bamboo fly fishing rods. For information visit mohicanflyfisheersofohio.com or call 419-566-4002.

May 9: Electric Elite Invitational Bass Tournament, Walborn Reservoir. Two-angler teams. Visit Franks Bass Fishing Promotions at dobass.com.

May 9-10: 3-D Archery Swap & Shoot, Geauga Bowmen Archery, 12575 Sperry Rd. Chesterland. Registration from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Public welcome, youth equipment available. Entry $10, kids $5. For information call Mike Ballash, 440-227-6756, or visit www.geaugabowmen.com.

May 16: KSU LaDO Bass Series, LaDue Reservoir. Two-angler teams, electric motors only. Gas boats now permitted. Visit Franks Bass Fishing Promotions at dobass.com.

May 16: Lake Erie Walleye Trail hosted by the Western Basin Anglers Association. Two-angler teams, Lake Erie at Shelby Street Boat Launch, Sandusky. For information visit wbsa.us or contact Tournament Director Jeff Lash, jlash3@gmail.com.

May 16: FLW Bass Fishing League/Buckeye Division Pro-Am Bass Tournament, Grand Lake St. Marys, West Bank Ramp, Celina. For information visit flwoutdoors.com.

May 16: Ohio Walleye Federation/Inland Lake Circuit, two-angler teams, Berlin Reservoir. For information visit fishowf.com.

May 17: Fly Fishing from a Kayak Symposium, Firelands Fly Fishers at Lakeview Park, Lorain, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

May 17: The X-Series Bass Tournaments presented by Vic's Sports Center, The Spring Sting, state park ramp, Mosquito Reservoir. For information visit thex-series.com or call George Byers, 330-559-6454 (evenings).

May 17: Walleye Madness Tournament, Berlin Reservoir. Two-anglers teams, $150 entry. Visit walleyemadness.net to enter, or call WMT Director Greg Bentz, 440-390-8054.

May 20: Fly Tying Sessions with the Firelands Fly Fishers, 6-9 p.m., Gus's Village Grill, 4343 Colorado Ave., Sheffield Village. Open to the public. For information visit firelandsflyfishers.org.

May 23-24: 3-D Archery Shoot at Lake Milton Fish & Game Club, 4374 Bedell Rd., Berlin Center. Open to the public, crossbows permitted. Registration on Saturday (8 a.m.-3 p.m.) and Sunday (8 a.m.-1 p.m.) Adults $10, kids $5. Breakfast 8-10 a.m., lunch after 10 a.m. For information visit lakemiltonfishandgameclub.com or contact Dennis Dabney, 330-414-5795.

May 27: Fly Tying Sessions with the Firelands Fly Fishers, 6-9 p.m., Gus's Village Grill, 4343 Colorado Ave., Sheffield Village. Open to the public. For information visit firelandsflyfishers.org.

May 30: Mahoning Valley United Way Bass Classic, Evans Lake and Pine Lake. Pro-Am two-angler teams. Hosted by Muransky Companies. Visit ymvunitedway.org/bass-classic or call Jack Wollitz, 330-716-0731.

May 30: Electric Elite Invitational Bass Tournament, Deer Creek Lake. Two-angler teams. Visit Franks Bass fishing Promotions at dobass.com.

May 30-31: 3-D Archery Camp Out Shoot, Geauga Bowmen Archery, 12575 Sperry Rd. Chesterland. Registration from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Public welcome, youth equipment available. Entry $10, kids $5. For information call Mike Ballash, 440-227-6756, or visit www.geaugabowmen.com.

May 30-31: 3-D Archery Shoot at Lake Milton Fish & Game Club, 4374 Bedell Rd., Berlin Center. Open to the public, crossbows permitted. Registration on Saturday (8 a.m.-3 p.m.) and Sunday (8 a.m.-1 p.m.) Adults $10, kids $5. Breakfast 8-10 a.m., lunch after 10 a.m. For information visit lakemiltonfishandgameclub.com or contact Dennis Dabney, 330-414-5795.

June 2: Northeast Ohio Walleye Association monthly meeting, 6:30 p.m., Trader Jack's Riverside Grill, 35901 Lakeshore Blvd., Willoughby. New members welcome. Contact Joe Hrovat, 440-479-2488, walleyejoeh@yahoo.com

June 6: Walleye Madness Tournament, Lake Erie at Cleveland Metroparks Wildwood Launch Ramp. Two-anglers teams, $150 entry. Visit walleyemadness.net to enter, or call WMT Director Greg Bentz, 440-390-8054.

June 6: Northern Open Anglers Association bass tournament trail, Berlin Reservoir. Two-angler teams. Visit Franks Bass Fishing Promotions at dobass.com.

June 6-7: Lake Erie Walleye Trail Championship hosted by the Western Basin Anglers Association. Two-angler teams, Lake Erie at Huron City Boat Launch, Huron. For information visit wbsa.us or contact Tournament Director Jeff Lash, jlash3@gmail.com.

June 7: 3-D Archery Shoot, Lone Eagle Bowmen, 2276 Seeman St. SW (off Battlesburg Rd.) Canton. Registration 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Visit LoneEagleBowmen.com or call Matt Williams (330-575-0744) or Gary Williams (330-484-6535).

June 7: Electric Elite Invitational Summer Open Bass Tournament, Mogadore Reservoir. Two-angler teams. Visit Franks Bass Fishing Promotions at dobass.com.

June 13: KSU LaDO Bass Series, LaDue Reservoir. Two-angler teams, electric motors only. Gas boats now permitted. Visit Franks Bass Fishing Promotions at dobass.com.

June 13-14: Ohio Walleye Federation/Inland Lake Circuit Championship, two-angler teams. Day One at Lake Milton; Day Two at Mosquito Reservoir. For information visit fishowf.com.

June 13-14: 3-D Native American Archery Shoot, Geauga Bowmen Archery, 12575 Sperry Rd. Chesterland. Registration from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Public welcome, youth equipment available. Entry $10, kids $5. For information call Mike Ballash, 440-227-6756, or visit www.geaugabowmen.com.

June 27: Warm Water Conclave of the Ohio Council of the Federation of Fly Fishers, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., American Legion Pavilion on the Clear Fork River, state routes 97 and 13, Bellville, Ohio. Fly fishing seminars, raffles and displays. Admission $5, families $10. For information visit mohicanflyfisheersofohio.com or call 419-566-4002.

June 27: Walleye Madness Tournament, Lake Erie at Geneva State Park Ramp. Two-anglers teams, $150 entry. Visit walleyemadness.net to enter, or call WMT Director Greg Bentz, 440-390-8054.

June 27: FLW Bass Fishing League/Buckeye Division Pro-Am Bass Tournament, Ohio River at Maysville River Park, Maysville, Kentucky. For information visit flwoutdoors.com.

June 27-28: 3-D Archery Shoot at Lake Milton Fish & Game Club, 4374 Bedell Rd., Berlin Center. Open to the public, crossbows permitted. Registration on Saturday (8 a.m.-3 p.m.) and Sunday (8 a.m.-1 p.m.) Adults $10, kids $5. Breakfast 8-10 a.m., lunch after 10 a.m. For information visit lakemiltonfishandgameclub.com or contact Dennis Dabney, 330-414-5795.

June 28: The X-Series Bass Tournaments presented by Vic's Sports Center, The Smallmouth Slam, Chautauqua Lake, N.Y. For information visit thex-series.com or call George Byers, 330-559-6454 (evenings).

July 5: Four-Man Team 3-D Archery Shoot, Blind Draw, Lone Eagle Bowmen, 2276 Seeman St. SW (off Battlesburg Rd.) Canton. Registration 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Visit LoneEagleBowmen.com or call Matt Williams (330-575-0744) or Gary Williams (330-484-6535).

July 7: Northeast Ohio Walleye Association monthly meeting, 6:30 p.m., Trader Jack's Riverside Grill, 35901 Lakeshore Blvd., Willoughby. New members welcome. Contact Joe Hrovat, 440-479-2488, walleyejoeh@yahoo.com

July 11: Ohio Walleye Federation Open Tournament, Lake Erie at Geneva. OWF membership not needed. For information visit fishowf.com.

July 11: KSU LaDO Bass Series, LaDue Reservoir. Two-angler teams, electric motors only. Gas boats now permitted. Visit Franks Bass Fishing Promotions at dobass.com.

July 11: FLW College Fishing - Northern Division, Indian Lake at Indian Lake State park, Lakeview, Ohio. For information visit collegefishing.com.

July 11-12: 3-D Archery Cook Out-Shoot Out Shoot, Geauga Bowmen Archery, 12575 Sperry Rd. Chesterland. Registration from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Public welcome, youth equipment available. Entry $10, kids $5. For information call Mike Ballash, 440-227-6756, or visit www.geaugabowmen.com.

July 18: Northern Open Anglers Association bass tournament trail, Mosquito Reservoir. Two-angler teams. Visit Franks Bass fishing Promotions at dobass.com.

July 18: FLW Bass Fishing League/Buckeye Division Pro-Am Bass Tournament, Ohio River at Tanners Creek Ramp, Lawrenceburg, Indiana. For information visit flwoutdoors.com.

July 19: The X-Series Bass Tournaments presented by Vic's Sports Center, The Rumble on the River, Black River Ramp, Lorain. For information visit thex-series.com or call George Byers, 330-559-6454 (evenings).

July 25: Electric Elite Invitational Bass Tournament, LaDue Reservoir. Two-angler teams. Visit Franks Bass Fishing Promotions at dobass.com.

July 25-26: 3-D Archery Shoot at Lake Milton Fish & Game Club, 4374 Bedell Rd., Berlin Center. Open to the public, crossbows permitted. Registration on Saturday (8 a.m.-3 p.m.) and Sunday (8 a.m.-1 p.m.) Adults $10, kids $5. Breakfast 8-10 a.m., lunch after 10 a.m. For information visit lakemiltonfishandgameclub.com or contact Dennis Dabney, 330-414-5795.

July 31: Youth Fishing Day, south Cuyahoga Sportsmen's Association, North Royalton.

Aug. 2: 3-D Archery Shoot, Lone Eagle Bowmen, 2276 Seeman St. SW (off Battlesburg Rd.) Canton. Registration 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Visit LoneEagleBowmen.com or call Matt Williams (330-575-0744) or Gary Williams (330-484-6535).

Aug. 2: Northern Open Anglers Association Super NOAA bass tournament, Chautauqua Lake, N.Y. Two-angler teams. Visit Franks Bass Fishing Promotions at dobass.com.

Aug. 4: Northeast Ohio Walleye Association monthly meeting, 6:30 p.m., Trader Jack's Riverside Grill, 35901 Lakeshore Blvd., Willoughby. New members welcome. Contact Joe Hrovat, 440-479-2488, walleyejoeh@yahoo.com

Aug. 8: Ohio Walleye Cup points tournament, Ohio Walleye Federation, two-angler teams, Lake Erie at Ashtabula. For information visit fishowf.com.

Aug. 8: Fly Casting Seminar, noon-5 p.m., Lake Erie Waterfest, Miller Road Park, Avon Lake.

Aug. 8-9: 3-D African Safari Archery Shoot, Geauga Bowmen Archery, 12575 Sperry Rd. Chesterland. Registration from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Public welcome, youth equipment available. Entry $10, kids $5. For information call Mike Ballash, 440-227-6756, or visit www.geaugabowmen.com.

Aug. 9: The X-Series Bass Tournaments presented by Vic's Sports Center, The Cortland Lake Challenge, state park ramp, Mosquito Reservoir. For information visit thex-series.com or call George Byers, 330-559-6454 (evenings).

Aug. 15: KSU LaDO Bass Series, LaDue Reservoir. Two-angler teams, electric motors only. Gas boats now permitted. Visit Franks Bass Fishing Promotions at dobass.com.

Aug. 15: FLW Bass Fishing League/Buckeye Division Pro-Am Bass Tournament, Ohio River at Maysville River Park, Maysville, Kentucky. For information visit flwoutdoors.com.

Aug. 22: Ohio Walleye Cup points tournament, Ohio Walleye Federation, two-angler teams, Lake Erie at Ashtabula. For information visit fishowf.com.

Aug. 22-23: 3-D Archery Shoot at Lake Milton Fish & Game Club, 4374 Bedell Rd., Berlin Center. Open to the public, crossbows permitted. Registration on Saturday (8 a.m.-3 p.m.) and Sunday (8 a.m.-1 p.m.) Adults $10, kids $5. Breakfast 8-10 a.m., lunch after 10 a.m. For information visit lakemiltonfishandgameclub.com or contact Dennis Dabney, 330-414-5795.

Aug. 27-29: Rayovac FLW Series Pro-Am Bass Tournament, Northern Division, Lake Erie at Shelby Street Boat Launch, Sandusky. For information visit flwfishing.com.

Aug. 29: Northern Open Anglers Association bass tournament trail, West Branch Reservoir. Two-angler teams. Visit Franks Bass Fishing Promotions at dobass.com.

Aug. 29-30: 3-D Dog Days Archery Shoot, Geauga Bowmen Archery, 12575 Sperry Rd. Chesterland. Registration from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Public welcome, youth equipment available. Entry $10, kids $5. For information call Mike Ballash, 440-227-6756, or visit www.geaugabowmen.com.

Aug. 29-30: 3-D Archery Shoot at Lake Milton Fish & Game Club, 4374 Bedell Rd., Berlin Center. Open to the public, crossbows permitted. Registration on Saturday (8 a.m.-3 p.m.) and Sunday (8 a.m.-1 p.m.) Adults $10, kids $5. Breakfast 8-10 a.m., lunch after 10 a.m. For information visit lakemiltonfishandgameclub.com or contact Dennis Dabney, 330-414-5795.

Sept. 1: Northeast Ohio Walleye Association monthly meeting, 6:30 p.m., Trader Jack's Riverside Grill, 35901 Lakeshore Blvd., Willoughby. New members welcome. Contact Joe Hrovat, 440-479-2488, walleyejoeh@yahoo.com

Sept. 6: 3-D Archery Shoot, Lone Eagle Bowmen, 2276 Seeman St. SW (off Battlesburg Rd.) Canton. Registration 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Visit LoneEagleBowmen.com or call Matt Williams (330-575-0744) or Gary Williams (330-484-6535).

Sept. 12: KSU LaDO Bass Series, LaDue Reservoir. Two-angler teams, electric motors only. Gas boats now permitted. Visit Franks Bass Fishing Promotions at dobass.com.

Sept. 12-13: 3-D Deer Archery Shoot and Corn Roast, Geauga Bowmen Archery, 12575 Sperry Rd. Chesterland. Registration from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Public welcome, youth equipment available. Entry $10, kids $5. For information call Mike Ballash, 440-227-6756, or visit www.geaugabowmen.com.

Sept. 19-20: 3-D Archery Shoot at Lake Milton Fish & Game Club, 4374 Bedell Rd., Berlin Center. Open to the public, crossbows permitted. Registration on Saturday (8 a.m.-3 p.m.) and Sunday (8 a.m.-1 p.m.) Adults $10, kids $5. Breakfast 8-10 a.m., lunch after 10 a.m. For information visit lakemiltonfishandgameclub.com or contact Dennis Dabney, 330-414-5795.

Sept. 19-20: FLW Bass Fishing League/Buckeye Division Pro-Am Bass Tournament, Indian Lake, Indian Lake State Park, Lakeview. For information visit flwoutdoors.com.

Sept. 19-20: The X-Series Bass Tournaments Championship presented by Vic's Sports Center, The Long Point Shootout, Chautauqua Lake, N.Y. For information visit thex-series.com or call George Byers, 330-559-6454 (evenings).

Sept. 20: Bowhunter Warmup 3-D Archery Shoot, Lone Eagle Bowmen, 2276 Seeman St. SW (off Battlesburg Rd.) Canton. Registration 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Visit LoneEagleBowmen.com or call Matt Williams (330-575-0744) or Gary Williams (330-484-6535).

Sept. 24-26: Bassmaster Northern Open, Lake Erie at Sandusky. Weigh-ins on first two days at Shelby Street Public Boat Launch in Sandusky at 3 p.m. Final-day weigh-in at 4:15 p.m. at Bass Pro Shop, Rossford, Ohio. For information visit the Bass anglers Sportsman Society at bassmaster.com.

Sept. 26: Electric Elite Invitational Bass Tournament, Mogadore Reservoir. Two-angler teams. Visit Franks Bass fishing Promotions at dobass.com.

Sept. 27: KSU LaDO Bass Series Championship, LaDue Reservoir. Visit Franks Bass Fishing Promotions at dobass.com.

Oct. 1-4: Lake and Trails Youth Outdoor Camp hosted by the Lake and Trails Organization, FFA Camp Muskingum, Carrollton. Registration opens July 15. Visit lakeandtrails.org or contact President Karen Metzker, Karen@lakeandtrails.org.

Oct. 6: Northeast Ohio Walleye Association monthly meeting, 6:30 p.m., Trader Jack's Riverside Grill, 35901 Lakeshore Blvd., Willoughby. New members welcome. Contact Joe Hrovat, 440-479-2488, walleyejoeh@yahoo.com

Oct. 11: Electric Elite Invitational Fall Open Bass Tournament, Mogadore Reservoir. Two-angler teams. Visit Franks Bass Fishing Promotions at dobass.com.

Oct. 22-24: Cabela's MWC World Walleye Championship, Masters Walleye Circuit, Huron City Ramp, Huron. For information visit masterswalleyecircuit.com.

Nov. 3: Northeast Ohio Walleye Association monthly meeting, 6:30 p.m., Trader Jack's Riverside Grill, 35901 Lakeshore Blvd., Willoughby. New members welcome. Contact Joe Hrovat, 440-479-2488, walleyejoeh@yahoo.com

Dec. 1: Northeast Ohio Walleye Association monthly meeting, 6:30 p.m., Trader Jack's Riverside Grill, 35901 Lakeshore Blvd., Willoughby. New members welcome. Contact Joe Hrovat, 440-479-2488, walleyejoeh@yahoo.com

2014-2015 HUNTING SEASONS

Coyote and wild boar: No closed season

Groundhog: Closed only during deer gun season.

2015-2016 HUNTING SEASONS

(Proposed opening dates)

Mourning Dove: Sept. 1

Squirrel: Sept. 1

Cottontail rabbit, ring-necked pheasant, bobwhite quail: Nov. 7

Fox, raccoon: Nov. 10

Fall wild turkey: Oct. 12-Nov. 29

SPRING 2015 SEASONS

Youth Turkey: April 18-19, 2015

Spring Turkey: April 20-May 17, 2015

2015 TRAPPING SEASONS

SPRING 2016 SEASONS

Youth Turkey: April 16-17, 2016

Spring Turkey: April 18-May 15, 2016

Cleveland's sports history no reason to have sinking feeling about Cavaliers -- Bud Shaw's You Said It

0
0

Cleveland sports fans wonder about the Cavaliers' road to a NBA title and how well the Browns are bridging the quarterback gap -- Bud Shaw's You Said It.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- You Said It is based on the premise that the only thing Cleveland sports fans need more than a championship is a sense of humor...

YOU SAID IT

(The Thursday Edition)

Hey Bud: With four QBs on the Browns roster and the possibility of picking another one in the draft, how many coin flips will the coaches have to pick the starter? -- Gary Hyde, Willoughby Hills

Browns coaches take solace in knowing they can't go wrong-er.

Bud: We have Flip, Pet, KOC. What does Jimmy Haslam call Ray Farmer? -- Russ

I don't know if it's because of the texting penalties or the dexterity shown in the first round of the draft. I'm just told Haslam calls him Thumbs.

Bud: Why do I feel like all the talk about the Cavs winning the whole thing this year is like thinking they fixed the potholes on the Cleveland Boulevard of Broken Sports Dreams? -- PB

Look at it this way: If they're only axle-bending pot holes and not sink holes, things are looking up.

Bud: If the Indians don't do well they can blame it on the SI cover jinx. Which cover were you on?  -- Gary in the Heights

None. I purposely set a low bar for myself and someday hope to reach it.


Hey Bud: I've heard Josh McCown has been referred to as "the bridge to Johnny Manziel." Could this also be appropriately titled "the bridge to nowhere?" - Gary, Cuyahoga Falls

First-time You Said It winners are no longer high and dry.

Bud: Does that Kevin Love 'Bobble Head' come with only a one-year guarantee? -- Jim Corrigan, Fairview Park

Repeat winners have a nodding acquaintance with infamy.

Viewing all 53367 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images