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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Wednesday, 26 May 2021 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature

Worth The Wait, W’ville South Finally Gets That District Title

Cel-e-brate good times....It took almost thirty years, but Westerville South finally clinched a long-awaited district title in baseball Wednesday with a 3-2 win over Hilliard Darby. Columnist Steve Blackledge writes for Thursday's Press Pros.
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Wednesday, 05 May 2021 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature

The Next Natural? Meet Hartley’s Kami Kortokrax

Accustomed to competition and expectation, Bishop Hartley's Kami Kortokrax makes it look easy as one of the top players in the country.  And she doesn't get it from strangers. Steve Blackledge writes about her in the latest Press Pros.
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Tuesday, 27 April 2021 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature

Jace Middleton: En Route With A Family Tradition

Jace Middleton says he was born on a baseball diamond, and seems destined to follow in the steps of his father as a Buckeye recruit and as far as his talent and pedigree will take him. Steve Blackledge writes for today's Press Pros.
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Sunday, 25 April 2021 / Published in Central Ohio, Features, Home Features

Blackledge: The Truth Of The Matter Lies Somewhere In Between

According to survey, the percentage of coaches favoring playoff expansion to those who don't is about 50-50.  But the inconsistencies between stories, and demographics, and regions of the state lead one believe that we might never know the truth. Steve Blackledge shares perspective from central Ohio.
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Sunday, 21 March 2021 / Published in Central Ohio, Features, Home Features

DeSales Overwhelmed By St. Vincent-St. Mary Feeding Frenzy

Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary threw off its first half doldrums to storm past Columbus DeSales for the Division II title. Steve Blackledge writes for Press Pros.