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.

Gahanna’s Speed Steals Another District Softball Title

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Saturday, 21 May 2022 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature
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Friday, 20 May 2022 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature

Winans’ Big Blow Helps Marysville Outlast Olentangy

Marysville's Hannah Pack celebrates scoring a run in what proved a back-and-forth Division I district softball final that the Monarchs pulled out with two runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to edge upstart Olentangy. (PressPros Feature Photo by John Hulkenberg).
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Friday, 13 May 2022 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature

The Natural: Vandy-Bound Wolfe Achieves His Dream

Olentangy Orange senior shortstop Matt Wolfe never wavered in chasing a childhood dream to someday play baseball for national powerhouse Vanderbilt.
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Thursday, 12 May 2022 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature

Leaping Lizards: Darby Long Jumper Chasing More Titles

Indiana-bound Hilliard Darby senior Alex Smith has been a quick study on the track, emerging as an elite long jumper and sprinter. All that's missing is a state title. (PressPros Feature Photo by John Hulkenberg).
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Wednesday, 04 May 2022 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature

Berlin Hits Two Bombs, Knocks Off Marysville, 8-4

Berlin’s Jocelyn Franz (left), Elizabeth Sprecher, Addi Davis and their teammates had plenty to celebrate in an 8-4 victory over fifth-ranked Marysville that keeps the OCC Cardinal championship up for grabs. (PressPros Feature Photo by John Hulkenberg).