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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Friday, 26 May 2023 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature, Features

Photo Finish Gives Pick Central Regional Title

Pickerington Central senior Troy Lane won the 100, and his team edged in front in the last event to win the team title, but the night also featured plenty of frustration for Lane and the Tigers in a drama-filled regional championship. (PressPros Feature Photo by John Hulkenberg).
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Thursday, 25 May 2023 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature, Features

Gritty Grove City Edges Watterson, Wins District

Grove City third baseman Zak Sigman points at ace Keegan Holmstrom, who went all the way in a 4-3, extra-inning win over Bishop Watterson...the Greyhounds' second straight district title and 26th win in 28 career decisions by their Ohio State-bound lefthander. (PressPros Feature Photo by John Hulkenberg).
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Wednesday, 24 May 2023 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature, Features

Orange Overcomes Obstacles, Claims District Title

Jacob Tabor rose to the task in the biggest start of his career, striking out 11 in a complete-game, one-hitter to help Olentangy Orange to a 7-1 victory over Pickerington North that gives the Pioneers a district title and a berth in the Division I regionals. (PressPros Feature Photo by John Hulkenberg).
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Friday, 19 May 2023 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature

Sayre Tosses Masterpiece As Bradley Blanks Berlin 4-0

Chloe Sayre allowed hard-hitting Olentangy Berlin to just two hits, helping Hilliard Bradley capture its first Division I district softball title since 2017. Andrea Day's second-inning homer gave the Jaguars a 4-0 lead they wouldn't relinquish.
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Thursday, 11 May 2023 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature, Features

Davidson Distance Ace Shooting For The Moon

On the heels of a state title in cross country last fall, Hilliard Davidson senior Connor Ackley hopes to pull off a rare 1,600/3,200 double state championship on the track. The Syracuse signee may have the juice to do it. Steve Blackledge writes for Press Pros.