A seven-time Ohio Prep Sportswriters Association writer of the year, Blackledge spent the final 34 years of a four-decade career as the chief prep beat writer for the Columbus Dispatch. A Delaware, Ohio native, Blackledge graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1982 with degrees in journalism and communications. He served as sports editor of the Wilmington News-Journal for three-plus years. He also worked at the Lake County Telegraph and the Delaware Gazette. In addition to the prep beat, Blackledge has covered the Browns, Indians, Reds, Bengals, Columbus Crew and various Ohio State sports.
After starting the season 8-6, Olentangy proved it was a team of destiny down the stretch, capping its incredible run with a 2-1 state championship win over high-powered Springboro. It was especially emotional for Columbus Clippers manager Andy Tracy, who was granted leave to watch his son's final game.
Scuffling at the plate the past two games, Cooper Tracy ripped a two-RBI double as part of a three-run, four-hit explosion in the seventh, lifting Olentangy over Grove City 4-2 for its first regional title since 2006. He also got the pitching win in relief. Lancaster, OH – The biggest day in the lives of
Pitcher Nick Weiss and his Big Walnut teammates delivered under pressure, advancing to only their second regional title game. New Albany also got a one-hit pitching gem from Cam Simmons to blank St. Charles in the other semifinal. Grove City, OH – Facing a bases-loaded, no-out jam in the seventh inning of a Division II