The root of all football. And if you want winning football in your town reach in them jeans and pull out those greens. (Press Pros Feature Photos)
The latest from Press Pros readers across the area, and across the state…on Ohio State and college football…coverage of OHHA harness racing…Ohio State volleyball…and can what happened to the Toledo Blade happen to other newspapers in Ohio?
Since our August 31st post of reader comments the mail box has overflowed with opinions and comments across the area, and one, in particular, questions if what is happening to the Toledo Blade newspaper is for real, and how long before it happens to the other major papers in Ohio?
“As a frequent reader of Press Pros I remember you writing in the past that the loss of local newspapers are part of your success story with Press Pros. Just this week I read where the Toledo Blade is scheduled to close in December if it doesn’t find a new owner. Can this possibly happen with other, bigger, papers in the state?” … Kenneth Rosen
VPP, in Versailles, proudly sponsors Buckeyes football on Press Pros Magazine.com.
(Ed. Note: Ken, I’m not personally informed about the Blade’s situation, only that the Block family that owns the paper, along with the one in Pittsburgh (Post-Gazette), recently announced that their combined losses over a 20-year period exceeds $350 million dollars. And that their revenue drop over that same time period exceeds 80%. And if they do close, David Briggs…call me. Bottom line, it’s very expensive to print a newspaper and maintain the kind of news-gathering unit that has been the foundation of traditional print journalism. Can it happen in Cincinnati, Columbus, and Dayton? Frankly, many attest to the fact that it’s already happening. Last Sunday I purchased a Sunday edition of the Columbus Dispatch in print, a shell of its former self, and paid $5 for it. The proprietor of the Scheetz store where I bought it told me it was the only one he’d sold all day and offered to give me a second copy. There was one page of Buckeye football coverage – one page. Are we fortunate? You bet, but it comes with a price of doing more with less, and a committed staff of people who understand the reality of overhead and profitability. The times, as they say, are NOT changin’. They’ve already changed, and they’re tough on everyone.)
On the consuming saga that is college football…..
“As a recent reader, I’m amazed at the Press Pros coverage of Ohio State football. You guys are good, and how many of you are there?” … David Martin
(Ed. Note: David, I will direct your kind words to the source of your satisfaction. Jeff Gilbert and Marcus Hartman are the primary writers. They are currently two of eleven who contribute regularly to Press Pros, and I agree with you, they’re pretty hard to beat.)
“I particularly enjoyed your column on September 20 about the cost of seeing an Ohio State game and return on investment – your explaining why they play Kent State and charge $200 to watch 59-3. And spreading the wealth to the other state schools does feel like football socialism. And what’s it say about MAC football when Kent State schedules to get beat up just for a check? That’s sick! And it’s worth the price just to see the band? The entire experience of college football is so insanely expensive it takes a person of average income a month to get over the shock. How far can it go?” … Scott from Groveport
(Ed. Note: With apologies for editing, I think you just about covered it all, except the reality of how many people have dedicated their lives and their personal budgets to include college football, tail-gating, and being part of the scene. I also know that it’s part of some people’s retirement planning, and there are those who’ve sadly had to give it up. By the way, I didn’t say Kent tickets were $200, but somewhere I read that the average person spends $1,300 per seat for the schedule of home games, based on two season tickets. And that’s not for tickets in A Deck between the 20 yard lines. How far can it go? Supply and demand, of course. And if it bottoms out, all college sports will feel it, and athletic directors will fly economy to their next interview.)
“I’m curious if anyone knows the true cost (amount) of NIL payments to Ohio State football athletes? And why is there not more transparency about it, like there is about salaries for Ryan Day and Lane Kiffin?” … Doug Blankenship
(Ed. Note: The figure that’s floating around is $56 million, and upon checking with Chat GPT they seem to verify that the figure is close. Chat GPT knows everything. As to why there’s not more transparency, didn’t your mother ever tell you that it’s not nice to ask millionaires about their money?)
Our coverage of Little Brown Jug harness racing in Delaware caught many by surprise….
Baseball Hall of famer Hal McCoy now nuzzles up with the fillies at Scioto Downs because…they’re still a good quote when they go 0 for 4.
“First time reader of your website and impressed by both the coverage and the fact that Hal McCoy is writing about horse racing. Is that the same Hal McCoy who wrote about the Reds in Dayton?” … Daniel McCauley
(Ed. Note: One and the same, Daniel, now rounding the far turn (not third base) and heading for home (the barn).)
“I love harness racing, and wondered what prompted Press Pros to cover it? And, will you be coming to Hoosier Raceway soon?” … Pat Montgomery
(Ed. Note: Originally, some relationships with staff at the Ohio Harness Horseman’s Association. Executive Director Frank Fraas helped get the ball rolling. But a positive response from readers has been the impetus to expanded coverage and broader commitment. It’s obvious…a lot of people like horse racing. As for Hoosier Raceway, never say never. Beautiful track, and Anderson, Indiana, is the home of former Brooklyn Dodger standout Carl Erskine.)
“I like the harness racing. Question for Hal McCoy? What made him leave baseball and start writing about horses?” … Dennis Holzier
(Ed. Note: Hal says it’s easier to get a good quote out of a horse than Joe Morgan after going 0 for 4. And there are no Marge Schotts. He also won $100 at The Jug. His new book on gambling will have a heavenly foreword written by Bart Giamatti.)
5’4″ Mia Stahler is the pride of Ben Logan and plays libero for the Buckeyes.
“The story about Cam McCown and Jessica was great. Wondered if you knew that he’s a former rodeo guy (bull rider). He’s a Washington Court House boy.” … Tim Lickliter
(Ed. Note: The original story that we did on Cam and Jessica was posted sometime back in the spring, and he showed us the X-rays of his bull-riding days. Harness racing is not that much safer.)
On our recent coverage of Ohio State volleyball….
“Delighted to see PPM covering the Ohio State girls, because you’re the only ones who do it. Thank you for writing about their comeback season (9-5).” … Linda K
“Have you noticed there’s a Ben Logan girl playing for the Buckeyes?” … Mark Eschler.
(Ed. Note: That would be Mia Stahler, 5’4″ defensive specialist, AKA libero)
After the game stop by for a winning ‘Big Buy’ at The Spot, in Sidney…sponsors of Ohio State sports on Press Pros.