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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Saturday, 05 June 2021 / Published in Features, Home Features

Ailing Wolfe Powers Orange Advance To Meet New Albany

Two scintillating semifinals in an All-Ohio Capital Conference Central Regional went down to the wire, setting up an Olentangy Orange vs. New Albany final for a berth in the state's final four. (Press Pros Feature Photos by Mike Munden)
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Saturday, 29 May 2021 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature, Features, Home Features

‘Grinder’ DI Regional Features Some Impressive Performances…

Despite the rotten weather and cold temps, Westerville Central's Justin Braun opened eyes by taking the 100, 200, and 400mm sprints at the Division I regional tract meet at Pickerington North, part of an impressive tease to next week's state track tournament. Steve Blackledge writes for Press Pros.
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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.