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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Tuesday, 10 August 2021 / Published in Features, Home Features

Hard-Nosed Gresock Provides Backbone For Upper Arlington Rebuild

You like a running back with the power of a bulldozer and the speed of Barry Sanders?  You'll love Upper Arlington senior Carson Gresock.  OCC columnist Steve Blackledge shares his latest for Press Pros readers.
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Monday, 09 August 2021 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature, Features

Hard-Nosed Gresock Provides Backbone For Upper Arlington Rebuild

You like a running back with the power of a bulldozer and the speed of Barry Sanders?  You'll love Upper Arlington senior Carson Gresock.  OCC columnist Steve Blackledge shares his latest for Press Pros readers.
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Friday, 06 August 2021 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature

Westerville South’s Kaden Saunders Is A Fast Study

Committed to Penn State, ESPN's #5 senior receiver nationally hopes to make his final season at Westerville South one to remember.  The Wildcats have a chance to be REALLY good again.
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Tuesday, 20 July 2021 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature, MAC, MAC Feature

Blackledge: Hartings Building More Than Just A Program…

Five years ago St. Henry native and former NFL All-Pro Jeff Hartings said he had a calling to become a high school head coach.  That calling is amounting to more than just a football program at Worthington Christian. (Press Pros Feature Photos by Brian Bayless)
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Wednesday, 14 July 2021 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature

L’backer Bloodlines Run Deep In Future Buckeye Powers

Gabe Powers appears cut from the same cloth as legendary as Ohio-born and bred Ohio State linebackers Randy Gradishar, Chris Spielman and A.J. Hawk. But before becoming a Buckeye he will serve as the cornerstone of Marysville High School's hopes for an extended playoff run his senior season.