Gone to Penn State, Jim Knowles will be the more interesting of the two hires for offensive and defensive coordinator by the Buckeyes. (File Photos)
A Valentine from a host of Press Pros readers regarding content since January 6…on Ohio State football…Tavien St. Clair…Ohio State basketball…seven divisions of OHSAA everything…and “should you be wasting our time with music s—?”
It’s been fertile grounds for reader comment since our last post in January. And at the top of the list are questions about Ohio State football going forward…with Jim Knowles and Chip Kelly both gone, with that de-stablilize the Buckeyes in 2025?
“First-time writer that really enjoys your daily posts. Don’t know where you are, or where you came from, but you guys are great with what you do. Question…do you think Jim Knowles and Chip Kelly were really that important to Ohio State winning the national championship and will their leaving create problems for them in 2025?” … Jason Recci
(Ed. Note: Where we came from? We’ve been around for a while. No worries. And yours is probably a better question for Jeff Gilbert, since he’s the Ohio State football writer, so I’ll pass it along to him. But if you want my opinion? It’s nothing that $2,500,000 won’t fix for one or both of those positions if the recent promotion of Brian Hartline to OC doesn’t work out quickly. But I don’t see why it wouldn’t. Stability is important to any sport and Hartline has been there at every level…player, coach, and now coordinator. Replacing Knowles might be another, different matter because there is no available in-house resource like Hartline on that side of the ball. This will be the more interesting hire, and despite what you read about a $35 million dollar shortfall in athletic budget, heaven and earth together won’t stop Ohio State from spending what’s necessary to keep the ball rolling. This was the #1 defense in 2024 for the #1 team, overall, and no one wants to see that go away.)
Bellefontaine High School quarterback Tavien St. Clair…September 2023, versus Coldwater.
“Do you think [Bellefontaine] quarterback Tavien St. Clair is going to play for Ohio State? And how soon? I know you guys covered him some and I’m interested to hear what you think?” … Doug Blankenship
(Ed. Note: Seeing is believing, of course. But having seen him against good competition, like Coldwater (in 2023), he has the physical tools. His arm is a cannon and he’s got the size and agility to move around when he has to. He’s also made the rounds at camps and his qualities obviously stood out in comparison to other prospects. Bottom line, I never question the ‘want to’ in an athlete when they come face to face with opportunity, and I’m sure Ryan Day knows something about what he’s getting. Besides that…he’s an Ohio kid and Ohio State fans say that’s important to them. How soon? I never question, but I’d assume some break-in time.)
Football success may be casting a shadow on other Ohio State sports in terms of fan patience:
“Another coach, another year, same OSU basketball.” … Jerry Schnieder
“How can there be such a difference in Ohio State football and Ohio State basketball?” … Marc Thiesen
(Ed. Note: I don’t know…expectations, maybe?)
“Why do you guys do it, and why don’t more people cover Ohio State basketball? ” … James Locey (Via X)
(Ed. Note: Rhetorical question, rhetorical answer. Why don’t more people cover UD basketball. Why is the Cincinnati Enquirer the only paper who covers UC basketball? I think you can figure it out..staff.)
On our recent post about the impact of OHSAA expansion to seven divisions on basketball:
“Obvious money grab by the OHSAA, like seven divisions of football and 16 teams per region. We never learn that less is more.” … Randy Wilson (via X)
“Bingo. You hit the nail on the head. With fewer kids playing there aren’t enough athletes to go around to make seven divisions of high school sports competitive.” … James Gard
“Don’t apologize for saying ‘watered down’. It is what it is.” … Danny Burcham
Preferred Insurance, in Coldwater, Ohio, proudly sponsors your favorite sport events on Press Pros Magazine.com.
Hard-core Press Pros readers don’t agree, but those who are tired of 8 points in a half of basketball wrote to say they liked the best songs of the 60s:
“Should you be wasting our time with the music s— on Press Pros?” … Give It A Rest
(Ed. Note: Dear Mr Rest. You’ve got a mouse and a browser on your computer. Use them.)
“Love, love, love it, and wish you shared those stories more often. Thanks for reminding me of the fun and memories.” … Donna Duerson
“My favorite was Del Shannon. When I was growing up my dad loved that song (Runaway). Interesting story.” … Ray Perdue
“I really liked it, but how in the world do you come by all that information about something other than sports?” … Ken Hanlon
(Ed. Note: An AM radio growing up…reading…and a degree in music from Ohio State.)
“Watched the Monkees on Saturday at noon.” … Merlin Collins (via FB)
“Unchained Melody is the best pop song ever. Loved the Righteous Brothers. Thanks for the story.” … Carol Leeper
“Really enjoy this part of Press Pros!” … Steve Partington. (Via FB)
The Hughes Law office, in Urbana, is the presenting sponsor for all OHSAA state tournament coverage on Press Pros. Call them today if they can help you…Ph. 937-398-0520