Golden Spotlight

Welcome to the Gold Spotlight! All posted on behalf of Teays Valley Athletics and created by myself!

Teays Valley High School Boys Basketball Senior Spotlights 2/27

By Jacob Merideth, TV Athletics Beat Writer

As the basketball season comes to a close, we're shining the spotlight on our four talented seniors: Luke Burgett, Hayden McCray, Owen Hoffhines, and Gideon Dixon. These young men have been an integral part of the team's success, and their dedication, hard work, and leadership will be deeply missed.

Luke Burgett's time on the team has been marked by unforgettable moments, but one stands out in particular—beating Marion Harding. This experience, along with his overall time playing basketball at Teays Valley, has prepared him for life after high school. "It has made me a better person and man," he reflects. With plans to attend Ohio University, Luke is proud of winning the MSL during his time on the team. His favorite part about playing in front of the Teays Valley crowd was hearing "BOOM" after a 3-pointer was made. As he moves on, he leaves behind a legacy that emphasizes the importance of leadership in achieving success. "Leadership is the first step to a great team and bad leadership is also the first step to failure," he advises future Teays Valley basketball players.

Hayden McCray's favorite memory is a bit different but no less meaningful. He cherishes the time spent sharing team meals and attending OU Team Camp. To underclassmen, he offers sage advice: "Reap what you sow; stay focused!" Hayden plans to pursue a career in farming and excavating and is proud to be coming back for his senior year. He credits his experience playing basketball at Teays Valley with teaching him how to overcome failure. His favorite part about playing in front of the Teays Valley crowd was the energy they brought to the game. As he moves on, he leaves behind a legacy that serves as a reminder to stay focused and work hard, values that will serve him well in his future endeavors. "You cannot go back and change the beginning; you can start where you are and change the ending," he advises future Teays Valley basketball players.

Owen Hoffhines' most memorable moment came when the team won their first tournament game at Marion Harding. This experience taught him the importance of resilience and hard work, lessons that will benefit him long after his time on the court. Owen plans to attend Ohio University and is proud of winning back-to-back Mid State league titles. His favorite part about playing in front of the Teays Valley crowd was making a big play in a big game and hearing the loud cheers. He attributes his experience playing basketball at Teays Valley to instilling in him the value of giving his all every day, regardless of the circumstances. As he moves on, he leaves behind a legacy that emphasizes the importance of hard work and dedication. "Nothing is going to come easy, so work to be better each and every day," he advises future Teays Valley basketball players.

Gideon Dixon's favorite memory is attending team camps. To underclassmen, he offers a heartfelt warning: don't take your time for granted. Gideon plans to become a firefighter and is proud of improving greatly from his freshman year to now. He credits his experience playing basketball at Teays Valley with teaching him hard work and perseverance. His favorite part about playing in front of the Teays Valley crowd was the support and energy they brought to the game, win or lose. As he moves on, he leaves behind a legacy that emphasizes the importance of respecting the opportunity to play the sport and earning the right to win. "Respect the opportunity to play the sport and earn the right to win," he advises future Teays Valley basketball players.

In reflecting on their time at Teays Valley, these seniors shared a common thread—the importance of hard work, dedication, and teamwork. They emphasized the value of leadership, resilience, and perseverance and encouraged future players to stay focused, work hard, and respect the opportunity to play the sport. As they move on to the next chapter of their lives, they leave behind a lasting legacy that will inspire and motivate future Teays Valley basketball players. We wish them all the best in their future endeavors!

Teays Valley High School Girls Bowling Team Spotlight

The Teays Valley Lady Vikings bowling team has been making waves this season, boasting a 13-0 overall record and a 6-0 mark in the OCC Buckeye division. Led by a talented roster, the Lady Vikings have dominated their opponents, showcasing their skills and teamwork.

Team Dynamics and Success:

According to Captain Kenna Barnes, "What makes our team special is how uplifting we are of each other. We look out for each other and check on each other when things seem off, not just as teammates but as friends."

Captain Paige McDorman echoed this sentiment, stating, "Our team works well together, and we bounce energy off of each other. When one person's energy is down, it can bring everyone else down too. But when someone has good energy, that rubs off on the team as well."

Gretchen Stachler added, "We remind each other that mistakes are ok and we will cover you when you need it the most. We constantly find it effective to remind each other that mistakes are ok and we will cover you when you need it the most."

Most Memorable Moments:

For Kenna Barnes, the most memorable moment of the season was Senior Night, when the team beat Gahanna Lincoln. "It was the best senior night anyone could ever ask for," she said.

Gretchen Stachler also cited the win over Gahanna Lincoln as a highlight, noting, "We reminded each other to take our time and have fun. The best part about it was that Gahanna Lincoln's team have been our friends for a while, we knew they were good but we also were ok with any outcome because the bond that we had with them has always been held close to me and my whole team."

Peyton Hendricks added, "Our most memorable match would have to be when we beat Gahanna Lincoln. I know I was going into the match with the mindset of not beating them, my first game I didn’t do amazing but everyone else did great so even when I was having an off day the rest of my team helped carry the weight."

Balancing Individual and Team Goals:

Paige McDorman emphasized the importance of individual goals in contributing to the team's overall success. "The team's success together is a result of each person's individual success," she said. "A match is two individual games and 2 baker games. Individual games are very crucial to success and are the majority of our match total."

Staying Motivated and Focused:

Gretchen Stachler shared her strategy for staying motivated and focused during long tournaments or matches. "Like I mentioned previously, I rely on my teammates a lot to have fun and get my mind off of the nerves and the anxiety of it all. While I love bowling and it's my passion, it can be scary to feel like your letting your team down if your not doing great so I looks for support from the people that know me the best and they remind me that I can do great and I have been great and nothing is going to change if I have a bad day."

Advice for Younger Bowlers:

Captain Kenna Barnes offered words of encouragement to younger girls interested in joining the bowling team. "If you are interested in joining, then do it. I do not regret joining this team at all. It is a place I can be myself without getting judged."

Captain Paige McDorman also urged younger bowlers to give the sport a try. "I would tell them that they should! Our team is very accepting and caring. Bowling is a sport that I often feel is misunderstood. It's very fun, but it's also challenging!"

Peyton Hendricks added, "I would tell them to just do it. I was absolutely terrified of being bullied because I was in the bowling team, and the first open bowl I ever went to I bowled a 12. I was so embarrassed but I kept going back and they kept helping me. Now I have tons of friends and when people look at me funny for carrying around a ball bag I just ignore them because I'm happy and that’s all that matters."

Team Goals for the Rest of the Season:

As the regular season comes to a close, the Lady Vikings are gearing up for the postseason. Captain Kenna Barnes stated, "One of my biggest goals for this season is to make it to states! Our program has never gotten there, but I have confidence in us this year."

Captain Paige McDorman added, "My biggest goal for this season is to make it to states! Last year we put up a good fight! This year we are even better, so we will push through and make it to states! I think that as long as we continue as we have been, we have a fair shot at making it! One shot at a time, confidence, and energy is our key to getting there.

Overcoming Challenges:

Stachler shared a funny moment that showcased the team's ability to overcome challenges. "A funny moment for me has definitely been the last tournament we played in the Wildcat Baker tournament. It was a rough day for all of it, but at the end, we were in the qualifying rounds, and every time someone went up, we would just scream as loud as you can - the whole bowling alley echoed. It was so fun."

Coach Shawn McDorman's Thoughts:

Coach Shawn McDorman expressed his pride in the team's performance this season. "This team is special because of the bond they have formed. They support each other on and off the lanes, and it shows in their performance."

When asked about his expectations for the team for the remainder of the season, Coach McDorman stated, "My expectations for the team is to approach each tournament left going into the sectionals as a puzzle piece to build off of going into sectionals. This team is bowling very well and peaking at the right time."

Conclusion:

With their hands on the OCC Buckeye division title and a deep run in the state tournament in their sights, the Teays Valley Lady Vikings are confident in their ability to continue their winning ways. Led by their talented captains and fueled by their strong team dynamics, the Lady Vikings are a force to be reckoned with on the lanes.

Spotlight: Brody Fields, Teays Valley Boys Basketball

Brody Fields has become the first player in Teays Valley boys basketball history to reach 1,000 points as a junior. I had the honor of connecting with Brody to ask him a few questions.

A Milestone Achieved

Brody Fields, a junior at Teays Valley High School, has made history by becoming the first player to score 1,000 points in the school's boys basketball history. He made a jump shot in the lane with 3:54 to go in the fourth quarter on January 17th against Logan to achieve the 1000-point plateau.

A Moment to Remember

When asked about the moment he scored his 1,000th point, Brody said, "I knew I was close, and it's always been a goal of mine. I was definitely a little teary-eyed and just thankful for all the teammates I have played with for putting me in that position to do so!"

Faith and Family

Brody credits his faith and family for his success. "First and foremost, I would like to thank my lord and savior, Jesus Christ, for giving me the ability and strength to go out there every night and play the game I love," he said. His dad has also been a significant influence, spending countless hours in the gym with him and introducing him to the game of basketball.

Training and Preparation

Brody's training regimen includes watching film on his opponents, practicing his shot, and working on his ball handling. He also emphasized the importance of praying and talking to God before each game.

Balancing Academics and Athletics

As a student-athlete, Brody prioritizes his schoolwork, recognizing that being a student comes first. He has always made sure to balance his academic responsibilities with the demands of playing basketball.

Team Success

Brody's individual success is closely tied to his team's dynamics and chemistry. "My teammates have been a big part of my success," he said. "They push me in practice, help me find ways to get open, and support me on and off the court."

Advice to Younger Players

Brody's advice to younger players is to not listen to doubters and to use criticism as fuel to work harder. "The Lord is with you throughout your journey," he added.

Handling Pressure

Brody handles pressure by relying on his preparation and faith. "You eliminate the high expectations or pressure of the game when you put in so many hours of hard work," he said.

Future Aspirations

Brody's goal is to play Division 1 basketball and has been in contact with several schools. He aspires to play professionally and then give back to his community by helping develop young players.

Thoughts from Coach:

Brody has put in a tremendous amount of work and has dedicated countless hours to becoming the basketball player he is today. The attention to detail and the amount of training that goes into becoming a complete basketball player is something that sets Brody apart from other players. Brody has developed into one of Central Ohio’s best shooters of the basketball. Add in his strength and ability to play through contact, which have allowed him to reach this great milestone."Said TV Boys basketball coach Brian Barnett.

Google document with pictures

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YWkPtjxDnNoC51MNfzYbY6VEkPXUkUGV5yDqqcFqB04/edit?usp=sharing

TVHS 2024 Hall of Fame Spotlight

Name: Libby Blaney

Graduation year? 1999

Sports or sports played? Soccer (4 varsity letters), Basketball (3 varsity letters), Track (4 varsity letters)—sprints/sprint relays, long jump

Coach you had from that sport or sports? Soccer: Jennifer Allen, Colleen Rivers. Basketball: Jeff Sheets, Kirk Henderson, Track: Jeff Hesler

What are your favorite memories from your time at TVHS, and how did they shape who you are today? When I was a kid, I was a very competitive person. I started playing soccer when I was 8, and my dad told me they put your name in the Circleville Herald if you scored a goal, I then went on to lead my high school in scoring. My most memorable game was playing our rival Circleville, and our whole team had to put together its best performance to win. I was able to score my career-high of 5 goals in a game to battle our way to victory. I think learning to be an athlete gives you a mentality that you take with you to everything you do. You don't mind putting in hard work or long hours because you know that leads to results.

How did your experiences in high school prepare you for your future successes? I was always committed to working hard and competing both in sports and academics. If I was going to do something, I wanted to try my best and always keep improving. I had amazing teachers at Teays Valley who helped me to develop a love of learning that carried me through being the top graduating student in chemistry at Eastern Michigan University, where I played Division 1 college soccer. Because I had the academic tools to succeed and a foundation of discipline from sports, I was able to graduate medical school from The Ohio State University with induction into the highest honor society for medical students. Being an athlete also prepares you for the tough training that comes with becoming a physician, working long hours, being on call, and always needing to stay at your best and push yourself to keep growing.

Who were your most influential teachers or mentors during your high school years, and how did they impact your life? I had amazing teachers at Teays Valley, and they really taught me a love of learning. Mrs. Reams always set a standard of excellence that helped me excel academically through college and medical school. Mrs. Walley helped inspire a love of science. Mrs. Lombardo set the standard for the type of caring teacher I aim to be in my current role as an Associate Professor of Medicine, teaching medical trainees at Washington University in Saint Louis.

What advice would you give to current students at Teays Valley wanting to play the sport you did? Soccer truly is a beautiful game. Spending time with the ball, getting touches, working on moves, and playing in small groups allows you to grow in creativity. Anyone can learn to play good defense by working hard, and it's amazing to go beyond that to develop a brave mentality in attacking so you can be a difference-maker on the field. There is a lot of value in doing multiple sports and being a balanced athlete, so try to do multiple activities even if they aren't all competitive.

How does it feel to be recognized alongside other accomplished alumni? Soccer was a new sport, only in its 3rd season of existence at Teays Valley when I started as a freshman. I looked up to the celebrated athletes in other sports when I was a kid, so I'm really grateful that I'm now included in this honor, and hopefully, others will be inspired to do great things in the sport of soccer. It's been incredible to see the growth of youth soccer under the leadership of amazing coaches with a love for the game. I'm proud to hold scoring records, but I know there will be increasing success for the youth who play the sport in the years to come.

Can you share a story about a challenging moment or obstacle you overcame during your high school years? When you are really competitive and self-driven, challenges look more like opportunities, and I was really fortunate to always have an abundance of support from my family to chase any dream. For me, one of the hardest things was trying to prioritize my goals, knowing nobody is perfect and you can't do everything. At one point this was leading to some burnout, not getting enough sleep, and feeling overwhelmed, trying to do too much. I had to learn to prioritize and find humility, and being on competitive sports teams helped me realize this and grow.

How did participating in high school sports contribute to your personal growth and achievements? I always loved pushing myself to be my best, but what was great about sports is that it is always more about the team than yourself. You bring yourself to what you do, but more is achieved by working together. The feeling of a team victory outweighs any individual effort. This translates into all areas of life. As a physician, I'm looking to bring my expertise to the care of my patients but mindful of working in collaboration with their healthcare team to achieve the best possible outcomes.

What values or lessons learned at TVHS that have stayed with you throughout your life and career? I was given so many opportunities to try different activities and grow as a kid. I learned that the key to success is training, and putting in the work is what gets results. Having a passion and pursuing it gives greater meaning, while being grateful for the people who support and mentor you along the way. I still try to keep active and fit to be ready for whatever life brings. I'm hoping to instill these values in my kids.

What message would you like to share with your fellow inductees? It's wonderful in a busy modern world to take a moment to look back and reflect on the joyful memories from youth sports. When so much of day-to-day life now centers on work and responsibility, that doesn't have quite the same payoff as athletic success did. It's important to recapture that passion in whatever form it can now take. I'm fortunate to get to see my own kids starting their sports journeys, and I know it's important for them to have people to look up to, and this is why this honor means so much to me.

TVHS 2024 Hall of Fame Spotlight

Name: Cameron Lathem

Graduation year? 2016

Sports or sports played? Wrestling

Coach you had from that sport or sports? Todd Nace and Bob Delong

What are your favorite memories from your time at TVHS, and how did they shape who you are today? My favorite memories come from district tournaments where me and my teammates qualified for the state wrestling tournament. This taught me to support your peers and helped me appreciate hard work.

How did your experiences in high school prepare you for your future successes? Taught me to be reliable and persistent.

Who were your most influential teachers or mentors during your high school years, and how did they impact your life? Todd Nace was an awesome coach who was always in your corner and had your best interest in mind.

What advice would you give to current students at Teays Valley wanting to play the sport you did? It is a great way to grow your friend group and learn to work with a team.

How does it feel to be recognized alongside other accomplished alumni? I feel lucky that I had the opportunity to compete for Teays Valley and with all of my peers.

Can you share a story about a challenging moment or obstacle you overcame during your high school years? I suffered an injury my freshman year that only allowed me to wrestle nine total matches. It was tough to gain back the lost experience from missing so much time

How did participating in high school sports contribute to your personal growth and achievements? I feel it has helped my confidence and ability to talk to people I am unfamiliar with.

What values or lessons learned at TVHS that have stayed with you throughout your life and career? To always show up for your team, even when you don't want to.

What message would you like to share with your fellow inductees? I am proud to be included in a group of such great former athletes.

TVHS 2024 Hall of Fame Spotlight

Name: Drew Pennington

Graduation year? 2016

Sports or sports played? Football, Basketball, and Baseball

Coach you had from that sport or sports? Football (Mark Weber), Basketball (Doug Etzler), Baseball (Mark Colburn, Travis Gray)

What are your favorite memories from your time at TVHS, and how did they shape who you are today? My favorite memories at TVHS are football Friday nights. Playing the game I loved alongside my teammates was a blessing I didn’t fully appreciate at the time. These moments made me truly grateful for both the sport of football and the incredible people I had the chance to play with.

How did your experiences in high school prepare you for your future successes? Participating in sports throughout my high career helped me develop leadership and teamwork skills. These experiences helped me out tremendously in my military career.

Who were your most influential teachers or mentors during your high school years, and how did they impact your life? During my high school years, my most influential mentor was my football coach. His ability to push us to our limits while offering unwavering support helped me build mental toughness and confidence. The lessons learned from his coaching, such as setting goals, handling setbacks, and working collaboratively, have been instrumental in shaping my approach to both personal and professional challenges.

What advice would you give to current students at Teays Valley wanting to play the sport you did? For students at Teays Valley looking to play the sports I did, my advice would be to savor every moment and exercise patience with both teammates and coaches.

How does it feel to be recognized alongside other accomplished alumni? Being recognized alongside other accomplished alumni is both an honor and a humbling experience. It’s a chance to reflect on each other’s journey and achievements.

Can you share a story about a challenging moment or obstacle you overcame during your high school years? A challenging moment from my high school years was during my junior year on Football Friday night at home against Chillicothe. Overcoming the obstacles and clinching the win in the fourth quarter was both the most rewarding and demanding experience of my high school career.

How did participating in high school sports contribute to your personal growth and achievements? The highs and lows of competition taught me how to manage my emotions and stay composed under pressure. This ability to handle my emotions has been valuable in maintaining a balanced and constructive approach to various situations.

What values or lessons learned at TVHS that have stayed with you throughout your life and career? The importance of dedicating oneself fully to a goal or task was a key lesson. Whether it was in academics, sports, or other pursuits, I learned that consistent effort and commitment are essential for success.

What message would you like to share with your fellow inductees? To my fellow inductees, congratulations on this outstanding achievement. Our journeys have been unique, marked by hard work and dedication to the sports we played. As we celebrate this moment, let’s also remember and express our gratitude to the individuals who supported us along the way. Congratulations to all!

By: Jacob Merideth, TV Athletic Beat Writer

TVHS Athletics 2024 HOF Spotlight

Name: Brett Carson

Graduation year: 2018

Sports or sports played?: Soccer, Football, Basketball, Baseball

Coach you had from that sport or sports? Soccer-Coach Harber, Football-Mark Weber, Basketball-Coach Etzler and Coach Barnett, Baseball-Coach Colburn

What are your favorite memories from your time at TVHS, and how did they shape who you are today? Playing sports alongside some of my lifelong buddies is definitely one. But also gaining friendships from my buddies in my neighborhood that we’ve kept all through the years even today because of being in the TVSD. Going to Roosters after football Friday night with everyone, as well as after baseball and basketball games.

How did your experiences in high school prepare you for your future successes? Not being the biggest, fastest, or strongest helped me put my head down and work for what I wanted. Doing this has helped give me a drive that I will put towards anything I want to achieve in this life.

Who were your most influential teachers or mentors during your high school years, and how did they impact your life? Coach Colburn was one of the main influences. His drive towards our baseball program and turning it around for the future was great to be apart of. He was the reason I decided to officially pursue my teaching degree in school to be in the school system and be the varsity coach of a baseball program. He also allowed me to be myself during high school and participate in the sports I did. We have kept a good relationship throughout the years because of this as well, and I was more than happy to come back in 2024 and help coach alongside of him in the program he has built.

What advice would you give to current students at Teays Valley wanting to play the sport you did? Fall in love with the process and the bigger picture. Don’t be bigger than the program, just be the best version of yourself you can be day in and day out. What can you do each and every day to help the program? as well as helping yourself, and in return, help get you where you want to be?

How does it feel to be recognized alongside other accomplished alumni? It’s truly a great honor to be alongside very accomplished alumni.

Can you share a story about a challenging moment or obstacle you overcame during your high school years? Playing four sports was challenging, bouncing from practice to practice for different sports. It made it tough but also enjoyable to not have any breaks throughout the years and keeping myself busy as well.

How did participating in high school sports contribute to your personal growth and achievements? Playing in high school sports contributed to my growth by giving me the determination to go after anything I want to in this life. And the fact that it was up to myself to become who I wanted to be within the individual sports. Playing football my junior year to kick was a huge part of that. I had just started kicking the spring before the season and realized with the right amount of dedication I could become the starting kicker and a vital part to put points up for the team.

What message would you like to share with your fellow inductees? I would like to congratulate each of the other inductees on their success. I also wish nothing but the best for your future.

Coaches Spotlight: Brian Barnett-Varsity Boys Basketball Head Coach

Tell us about yourself: I have been coaching basketball for 34 years - all at Teays Valley. 29 as a JV coach and the last 5 as a varsity coach. I have been the head golf coach for 25 seasons as well. I began my teaching career 9 years ago, before then I was a PGA Golf Professional for the previous 25 years. I enjoy coaching young adults and playing golf with my sons. I am married for the last 31 years to my wife Lisa. I have 2 sons - Kyle who is married to my daughter-in-law Amanda and my son Cory who is getting married to my future daughter-in-law Robin in November.

Why did you decide to become a coach? Coaching young adults allows me to share my knowledge and experiences with others. While helping them achieve their goals and develop life skills that last beyond the playing field or court. One of the most rewarding things I enjoy as a coach is when a former player comes back and we get to talk about their successes and life in general.

What one word would your athletes use to describe you?

Caring

What is your coaching style or philosophy? I like to let the players play. I try to coach to the style of play that best suits my players and team as a whole.

Who is your favorite coach and why? Bob Knight and Coach K - watching them get the best out of the players they coached, and turning out successful people is something that I hope that I have done and will continue to do as a coach. It is fun to watch how former players of Knight and Coach K come back to visit and talk highly of their experience with them. I hope that I have that relationship with my former players.

What is your favorite moment in your coaching or athletic career? My favorite moments would be coaching my two sons in basketball and golf. Along with

all the great people I have met and coached along the way.

Do you have any success stories from coaching an athlete? I have been fortunate enough to coach quite a few quality individuals along my journey. Each one of them has a unique story to share.

Did you participate in your sport in high school and college (if so, where)? In high school, I played golf, basketball, and baseball. I went on to play college golf at

Capital University for four years. I also worked with the basketball team at Capital.

What other sports or activities do you enjoy playing or practicing? I enjoy playing golf with my sons.

What’s your mantra or favorite saying (in the context of sport and/ or life)? “It is amazing how much can be accomplished when no one cares who gets the credit.”

What is your favorite sports team(s) I am a season ticket holder of the Cincinnati Bengals. I enjoy watching the Buckeyes along with the Duke Blue Devils. I also enjoy the Malone University golf team and Mount Union Raiders football.

(By-Jacob Merideth TV Athletics Beat Writer)