Lakewood will leave the 18-team Northeast Ohio Conference and join the smaller West Shore Conference beginning in the 2012-13 school year. "There are a handful of issues, but this is something we've discussed for more than a year" Athletic Director Bob Thayer said.
Solon linebacker Jovon Johnson, right, has given an oral commitment to Ohio University.
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(PD file)
Lakewood will leave the 18-team Northeast Ohio Conference and join the smaller West Shore Conference beginning in the 2012-13 school year.
"There are a handful of issues, but this is something we've discussed for more than a year" Athletic Director Bob Thayer said.
Thayer would not elaborate on the issues. He referred all questions to assistant superintendent Jeff Patterson, who was unavailable for comment.
Sources in the NOC said Lakewood officials have been up front about a possible departure, citing travel and a lack of rivalries during monthly meetings conducted by the athletic directors.
Johnson commits to OU: Solon senior linebacker Jovon Johnson recently gave the Ohio University football program his oral commitment, becoming the second Comets player this year to do so.
Solon running back Kyle Hammonds gave the Bobcats his commitment in April and had a hand in helping Johnson make his decision.
"Knowing somebody, especially a teammate and good friend, is going to Ohio University made my decision pretty easy," said Johnson, a 6-0, 200-pounder. "He talked to me a lot about the two of us going to the same college so we'll probably be roommates."
Johnson accounted for 20 solo tackles, 31 assists and seven tackles for losses last season.
- Bob Fortuna
Locals at Nike events: Glenville is among eight football teams participating in the third Nike 7ON tournament in Beaverton, Ore.
Nike 7ON, a two-day event that ends Friday, pits teams made up of a quarterback, wide receiver and running back against linebackers and defensive backs competing on a 50-yard field.
Other participating teams are Miami (Fla.) Northwestern, HB Plant (Tampa, Fla.), David. W. Butler (Mathews, N.C.), Martin (Arlington, Texas), Gardena (Calif.), Guyer (Denton, Texas) and Dr. Phillips (Orlando).
Nike will also hold a first-ever SPARQ Rating national championship to name a top performer among 25 standouts across the country, including Willoughby South senior wide receiver Aaron Lindgren.
Washington, Grant to compete: Maple Heights senior quarterback/Cincinnati recruit Shaq Washington and St. Vincent-St. Mary senior defensive back Doran Grant have been selected to participate in the second Champion Gridiron Kings at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Fla., July 24-25.
The event features 65 of the best players in seven skill positions: quarterback, running back, tight end, wide receiver, linebacker, cornerback and safety.
Central Catholic hires baseball coach: Cleveland Central Catholic has hired Mario Houston as its new baseball coach.
Houston, an Edinboro graduate who owns his own business, spent the previous two seasons coaching St. Peter Chanel's team. He replaces Ken Detwiler, who is moving to Arizona.
Lorain City Schools sale: Lorain City Schools and the Lorain High Booster Club are holding a fundraiser sale Aug. 5. Among the items from the recently merged Admiral King and Southview athletic departments are uniforms, warmups, golf bags, signs and chairs. The sale will be in the Lorain High gym from 6 to 9 p.m. Admission is $3 for adults and $1 for students. Items will go to half price between 8 and 9 p.m.