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.
Avatar photo
Tuesday, 26 April 2022 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature

Olentangy Schools Flexing Considerable Baseball Muscle

Olentangy Liberty's David Dielman is one of four Division I recruits on the Patriots, and among the many elite players that make three schools in the Olentangy district among the best teams in Division I (PressPros Feature Photo by John Hulkenberg).
Avatar photo
Tuesday, 12 April 2022 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature

Perseverance Pushes Gahanna Distance Ace

Alyssa Shope has battled through a litany of physical ailments to become the premier distance runner in Ohio and earn a track/cross country scholarship to Indiana University (PressPros Feature Photo by John Hulkenberg).
Avatar photo
Monday, 21 March 2022 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature, Features, Home Features

Pickerington Central Stuns Centerville For Division I Title

Gold Standard....Ten years after Pickerington Central won its last state title in basketball, the Tigers took down defending champion Centerville and snapped its unbeaten streak in a stunning performance for the 2022 Division I championship. Steve Blackledge writes the story for Monday's Press Pros.
Avatar photo
Sunday, 20 March 2022 / Published in Features

SV-SM Finally Kicks It In, Speeds Past Gilmour

Kept in check by Gates Mills Gilmour for the first half, Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary turned three turnovers into fast break baskets to key a 16-0 run that turned the Division II title game into the rout most expected it would be.
Avatar photo
Saturday, 19 March 2022 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature

Defense, Depth Power Pick Central Into Title Game

Pickerington Central's sticky defense, as displayed here by Sonny Styles on the slam attempt of St. Ed's Jair Knight, powered the Tigers to an easy win in the state semifinals and a Sunday matchup with defending champion Centerville (PressPros Feature Photo by Sonny Fulks).