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, 03 June 2023 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature, Features

Five-Run Fourth Propels Orange To Regional Title

Olentangy Orange used a small-ball attack to take an early lead over Grove City, then tagged Ohio State recruit Keegan Holmstrom for five runs in a decisive fourth inning. Despite an up and down regular season, the 22-10 Pioneers are headed to their second state tournament.
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Thursday, 01 June 2023 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature, Features

Sigman Tames Darby In Grove City’s Advance

It’s been a whirlwind past few days for Grove City senior pitcher Zak Sigman, who celebrated his commitment to Ohio State as a preferred walk-on with a four-hit shutout of Hilliard Darby in a regional semifinal. (PressPros Feature Photo by John Hulkenberg).
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Thursday, 01 June 2023 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature, Features

Orange Survives 6-Run Rally In 7th, Upsets Liberty

The Division I regional semifinal between rivals Olentangy Liberty and Olentangy Orange went down to the final swing, and the high-five shared by Orange’s Charlie Scholvin (right) and Diego Astacio conveyed the emotion of the Patriots' narrow advance. (PressPros Feature Photo by John Hulkenberg).
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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).