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.
It's rare air that Westerville Central's Justin Braun (below) is breathing with his sprint triple, highlighting a dominant performance by Central Ohio track and field stars, including a D-I team title for Pickerington Central's boys thanks to a clutch effort from Steven McElroy. Steve Blackledge writes for Sunday's Press Pros.
