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.
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Saturday, 21 January 2023 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature, Features

Liberty Buries Coffman 76-44 In OCC Showdown

Dublin Coffman's Avery Mather and Olentangy Liberty's Addison Marston battle for possession in what was supposed to be a spirited showdown, but instead the Patriots blasted Coffman in eye-opening fashion to send a strong message to the rest of the OCC. (PressPros Feature Photos by John Hulkenberg).
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Saturday, 14 January 2023 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature, Features

Ready Uses 18-0 Surge To Bury Hartley, Stay Unbeaten

Ready’s Kaleb Schaffer shoots in the lane on a night where he led the way offensively as the Silver Knights took down Hartley and remained unbeaten. (PressPros Feature Photo by John Hulkenberg).
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Saturday, 07 January 2023 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature, Features

Coffman Outmuscles Old Rival UA In OT Battle

Dublin Coffman’s Colin McClure finds space against Upper Arlington’s Max Culp in a low-scoring, physical battle that tilted the Shamrocks' way in overtime. (PressPros Feature Photos by John Hulkenberg)
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Thursday, 22 December 2022 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature, Features

Darby Slays Demons With 56-53 Upset of Bradley

Bradley’s Cade Norris found room on this drive, but Darby made it tough on him and Bradley in ending a long losing streak against their cross-town rival. Steve Blackledge has the story. (PressPros Feature Photo by John Hulkenberg).
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Friday, 16 December 2022 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature, Features

Blackledge: Liberty Hits On All Cylinders In Rout Of Bradley

Despite returning only starter from last season, Olentangy Liberty showed its depth, balance, chemistry and mettle in a convincing win over Hilliard Bradley in a battle of Ohio Capital Conference Central Division frontrunners. Steve Blackledge writes the story for Friday's Press Pros.