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.
Sophomore left-hander Rocco Bucci scattered three hits in a splendid complete-game effort and he led a small army of hitters powering red-hot Olentangy to its 14th win in 15 games and a ticket to the regional final. Lancaster, OH – Except for folks in certain parts of southern Delaware County, it was irritatingly difficult to
Thanks to some clutch hitting and solid relief pitching by Carson Welsh, Grove City got the final run in a topsy-turvy game with more than its share of odd twists. Lancaster, OH – Cool as a cucumber on a hot, sun-splashed afternoon at Beavers Field, Grove City left-handed pitcher Carson Welsh didn’t let a sixth-inning
Despite a No. 11 district seed and a 15-10 record, Grove City’s softball team has played its way into yet another regional title game with sharp defense, solid pitching and clutch hitting. Also a traditional power, Lebanon joined the party with an exciting walk-off win over Marysville. London, OH – If Grove City’s tournament opponents
A two-RBI suicide squeeze by Vande Holser ignited a four run third inning for Grove City, which recorded a statement win in a nonleague matchup between Central District big-school powers. Delaware, OH – With coach Ryan Alexander constantly barking out three-number signals to Grove City batters and base runners from his box behind third base,
AJ Goldmeyer, AJ Clymer and Andrew Leonard smacked back-to-back-to-back doubles in a seventh-inning uprising as Liberty overtook Orange in a battle of area and state powers. Lewis Center, OH – As a first-team All-Ohio quarterback on the Division I state championship football team, a prolific scoring forward on the ice hockey team (2024 state champion)