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.
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).
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).
