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, 04 June 2022 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature

Lane, Bentley Power Pick Cent., Gahanna To Track Titles

Continuing a recent trend, central Ohio teams and individuals walked away with most of the hardware in the Division I state track and field championships at Ohio State's Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium. Steve Blackledge writes for Sunday's Press Pros.
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Friday, 03 June 2022 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature, Home Features

Braun’s Injury Mars Big Day At State Track Meet

Two Columbus-area long jumpers captured Division III long jump crowns and Hilliard Davidson's girls 4x800 relay took second, but the big story was Westerville Central standout Justin Braun scratching from four preliminary races and Castalia's Kenna Stimmel's national record in the pole vault.
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Saturday, 28 May 2022 / Published in Home Features

Braun’s Record Performance Leads Warhawks To Title

Westerville South's Reign Winston celebrates his meet record in the high jump, but it was Westerville Central's Justin Braun who stole the show in the Division I regional at Pickerington North. (PressPros Feature photo by John Hulkenberg).
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Saturday, 28 May 2022 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature

Braun’s Record Performance Leads Warhawks To Title

Westerville South's Reign Winston celebrates his meet record in the high jump, but it was Westerville Central's Justin Braun who stole the show in the Division I regional at Pickerington North. (PressPros Feature photo by John Hulkenberg).
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Saturday, 21 May 2022 / Published in Home Features

Gahanna’s Speed Steals Another District Softball Title

Gahanna’s Lilly Campbell celebrates her home run, the biggest blow in an otherwise small-ball attack that lifted Gahanna to a 6-0 victory over Olentangy Liberty and its 11th district championship in 14 seasons. (PressPros Feature Photo by John Hulkenberg).