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The College of Cardinals to Elect New Pope
As I've been closely following the Pope's health for months, it was with great sadness that I learned of his passing on April 21 after a prolonged battle with various health issues. With his passing, the Catholic Church's cardinal electors will soon gather for a conclave, marking the beginning of a secretive election process to determine the next pontiff. Scheduled to start on May 7, this pivotal event will bring together around 135 cardinals under the age of 80. Given the significance of this moment, I thought it would be fascinating to explore some potential successors and speculate on who might be next in line for the papacy."
Possible Contenders for the Papacy
- Cardinal Peter Erdo: Archbishop of Budapest, Hungary, and a canon lawyer known for his support of the pope's outreach to Orthodox Christians. He is 72 years old.
- Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo: Archbishop of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, and a supporter of orthodoxy who defends priestly celibacy and the Church's moral teachings. He is 65 years old.
- Cardinal Mario Grech: Secretary general for the Synod of Bishops and a canon lawyer who has major influence on how synods in the church are run. He is 68 years old.
- Cardinal Pietro Parolin: The Vatican's secretary of state and a career diplomat who has consistently risen above any turbulence marking the pontificate. He is 70 years old.
- Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa: Latin patriarch of Jerusalem who has spoken out amid the Israel-Hamas war and visited Gaza during the conflict. He is 60 years old.
- Cardinal Luis Tagle: Pro-prefect for the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples and known for his missionary spirit and emphasis on caring for the poor. He is 67 years old.
- Cardinal Matteo Zuppi: Archbishop of Bologna, Italy, and president of the Italian bishops conference. He is known as a "street priest" and missionary. He is 69 years old.
- Cardinal Anders Arborelius: Archbishop of Stockholm and the first ever cardinal from Scandinavia. He is 75 years old.
- Cardinal Gerald Cyprien Lacroi: Metropolitan Archbishop of Quebec, Canada, who temporarily stepped back from his duties amid sexual abuse allegations, which he denied. He is 67 years old.
The conclave will determine the next leader of the Catholic Church.
Possible names for the New Pope:
Historically, certain names have been favored by popes, with some standing out as particularly popular. According to EpicPew, the most common papal names include John, which has been used 23 times, followed by Gregory (16), Benedict (15), Clement (14), Innocent (13), Leo (13), Pius (12), and Stephen (9). Notably, Pope Francis broke new ground by being the first pontiff to bear that name, chosen in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi. Other names, such as Urban and Linus, have also been used by popes throughout history.
Adena Softball Stats Through 4/27
The Adena Lady Warriors are off to a strong start this season, boasting a 9-6 record as of April 27. The team's offense is led by Marly Halcomb, who is hitting an impressive .609 with 27 RBIs, 23 runs scored, and 3 home runs. Halcomb has also stolen 11 bases, showcasing her speed and agility on the basepaths.
Adriana Guarnieri is also having a standout season, hitting .467 with 21 RBIs and 14 stolen bases. Adelynn Nelson is hitting .415 with 21 runs scored and 17 RBIs, while Allie Bossert is contributing with a .342 batting average and 9 RBIs.
In the pitching department, Bossert has a 4-2 record with a 3.68 ERA and 32 strikeouts. Addy Cottrill has a 5-4 record with a 5.10 ERA and 21 strikeouts.
The Lady Warriors have a busy week ahead, with games scheduled against Huntington, Zane Trace, Paint Valley, and Piketon. They will also resume their game against Zane Trace on Tuesday, starting from the bottom of the 3rd inning.
(Stats courtesy of Darin Halcomb)
OCC-Buckeye Baseball Standings
The OCC-Buckeye baseball teams are in full swing, with several teams vying for the top spot. Here's a look at the current standings:
1. Lancaster - 5-1
2. Newark - 4-1 (.5 games back)
3. Teays Valley - 4-1 (.5 games back)
4. Pickerington Central - 3-3 (2 games back)
5. Canal Winchester - 2-3 (3 games back)
6. Logan - 2-4 (3.5 games back)
7. Reynoldsburg - 2-4 (3.5 games back)
8. Groveport - 0-5 (5 games back)
Wednesday, April 23
Groveport at Canal Winchester
Lancaster at Newark
Reynoldsburg at Pickerington Central
Teays Valley at Logan
Friday, April 25
Groveport at Teays Valley
Monday, April 28
Canal Winchester at Reynoldsburg
Groveport at Newark
Logan at Pickerington Central
Teays Valley at Lancaster
Wednesday, April 30
Lancaster at Groveport
Newark at Logan
Pickerington Central at Canal Winchester
Reynoldsburg at Teays Valley
Thursday, May 1
Teays Valley at Groveport
Friday, May 2
Canal Winchester at Newark
Lancaster at Pickerington Central
Reynoldsburg at Logan
Monday, May 5
Groveport at Reynoldsburg
Logan at Lancaster
Pickerington Central at Newark
Teays Valley at Canal Winchester
Wednesday, May 7
Canal Winchester at Logan
Lancaster at Reynoldsburg
Newark at Teays Valley
Pickerington Central at Groveport
Friday, May 9
Groveport at Logan
Lancaster at Canal Winchester
Reynoldsburg at Newark
Teays Valley at Pickerington Central
Monday, May 12
Canal Winchester at Groveport
Logan at Teays Valley
Newark at Lancaster
Pickerington Central at Reynoldsburg
Clinching Chances:
- Lancaster: 2-0 in remaining games would clinch the title with 7-1 record
- Newark: 3-0 in remaining games would clinch the title with 7-1 record
- Teays Valley: 3-0 in remaining games would tie for the title with 7-1 record
Let's take a look at each team's chances:
- Lancaster: With a 5-1 record, Lancaster is in the driver's seat. They need 2 more wins in their remaining games to clinch the title with a 7-1 record.
- Newark: Newark is just half a game behind Lancaster. They need 3 more wins in their remaining games to clinch the title with a 7-1 record.
- Teays Valley: Teays Valley is also half a game behind Lancaster. They need 3 more wins in their remaining games to tie for the title with a 7-1 record.
- Pickerington Central: Pickerington Central is 2 games behind the leaders. They would need a significant winning streak and losses from the top teams to get back in contention.
The OCC-Buckeye baseball teams have a busy schedule ahead, with several crucial games that will determine the standings. Stay tuned for more updates!
OCC-Buckeye Softball Standings
The OCC-Buckeye softball teams are in full swing, with Teays Valley dominating the standings. Here's a look at the current standings:
1. Teays Valley - 9-0
2. Lancaster - 7-2 (2 games back)
3. Pickerington Central - 5-3 (4 games back)
4. Newark - 5-4 (4.5 games back)
5. Canal Winchester - 3-5 (6 games back)
6. Logan - 3-6 (6.5 games back)
7. Groveport - 2-6 (7 games back)
8. Reynoldsburg - 0-8 (9 games back)
Upcoming Schedule:
Wednesday, April 23
Canal Winchester at Newark
Groveport at Teays Valley
Pickerington Central at Lancaster
Reynoldsburg at Logan
Thursday, April 24
Groveport at Reynoldsburg
Logan at Lancaster
Pickerington Central at Newark
Teays Valley at Canal Winchester
Monday, April 28
Canal Winchester at Logan
Lancaster at Reynoldsburg
Newark at Teays Valley
Pickerington Central at Groveport
Wednesday, April 30
Groveport at Logan
Lancaster at Canal Winchester
Reynoldsburg at Newark
Teays Valley at Pickerington Central
Thursday, May 1
Canal Winchester at Groveport
Logan at Teays Valley
Newark at Lancaster
Pickerington Central at Reynoldsburg
Monday, May 12
Canal Winchester at Reynoldsburg
Clinching Chances:
Teays Valley: 4-0 in remaining games would likely clinch the title with a perfect record; a win against Newark on 4/28 claims a share.
Lancaster: 4-0 in remaining games would put them in a position to threaten if chaos happens; one Teays Valley loss is needed.
Pickerington Central: 5-0 in remaining games would put them in contention, but they would likely need Teays Valley to slip up
Let's take a look at each team's chances:
- Teays Valley: With a perfect 9-0 record, Teays Valley is in the driver's seat. They've been dominating on offense and defense, and it's unclear what can stop them.
- Lancaster: Lancaster is 2 games behind Teays Valley.
- Pickerington Central: Pickerington Central is 4 games behind Teays Valley. They would need a significant winning streak and losses from the top teams to get back in contention.
The OCC-Buckeye softball teams have a busy schedule ahead, with several crucial games that will determine the standings. Stay tuned for more updates!
Jacob’s thoughts VI.
I began writing Jacob's Thoughts on Tuesday, February 11; that date marked my 1-year anniversary as Teays Valley High School Athletics beat writer. And here I am on the 19th, continuing this article after just overcoming a bout with a virus. I still feel like we've got a few more rounds to go, but I'm feeling much better! Now, let's get talking about some Ohio sports, both local and statewide.
Lots have happened on the Buckeyes front since my last column. They've named a "new" offensive coordinator, with Brian Hartline and Billy Fessler as co-OC. On the defensive side, they've named former New England DC Matt Patricia as the defensive coordinator. I want to pinpoint one name that may not have stood out: Billy Fessler. His name was mentioned a few times this past season, as Will Howard credited him as a big reason for his breakout season. Fessler was previously the QB coach at UCLA and Akron before landing in Columbus.
Don't think I need to dive into Hartline's background, as he's an Ohio kid, went to GlenOak High School in Canton, played at Ohio State, and played in the NFL. I was so pumped when he played for the Browns in 2015, even though they were awful that year and went 3-13. Love ya, Mike Pettine!
Someone we may need to delve into a bit is Matt Patricia. He was the linebackers coach from 2006 to 2010, then took over the safety room, and was the DC in New England from 2012 until 2017. In 2017, he was hired as the Detroit Lions' head coach. This will be his first college job since 2003, when he was a grad assistant at Syracuse. It'll be interesting to see how he fits into the culture at Ohio State, but I'm sure Ryan Day thought about that!
Now, onto something that gets me very excited: Pitchers and catchers have reported to spring camp, and position players are making their way to spring training! The reason I'm so excited is that I believe my team, the Reds, is going to make some noise this year. With a new manager in Tito Francona and the slew of off-season moves, I think the Reds have a solid chance at competing in the NL Central.
Of course, not all the offseason moves were happy ones. Seeing Jonathan India get traded to the Kansas City Royals was tough, but I understand the logic behind it because the Reds need starting pitching. With Gavin Lux joining the infield and Elly De La Cruz returning, the Reds have a talented young core. Add in some veteran presence with Spencer Steer and Jeimer Candelario, and I think the Reds have a solid chance at competing.
As I look back on my first year covering Teays Valley Athletics, I'm grateful for the opportunity to share my passion for sports with the community. I've enjoyed every minute of it, and it's been exciting to see the Vikings compete in the OCC, which has been a long-awaited development for me and likely many others in the community. From traveling to school gyms, fields, and courts, I've had a front-row seat to the action, and I'm eager to see what the future holds for the Vikings. Lastly, I will have some season recap articles as the winter sports wrap up; stay tuned!
Until spring and some warmer weather, thank you to the Ashville and Pickaway County communities for the support, and I will see you around the diamond!!!
Teays Valley High School's Esports Team: A New Era in Competition
Teays Valley High School has officially entered the thriving world of esports, providing students with an exciting chance to compete against other schools in a variety of video games. I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Tony Costa, a business and technology teacher at TVHS, who has taken on the role of leading the program in its inaugural year. As head coach, Costa brings his expertise and passion to the team, shaping the future of esports at Teays Valley High School."
According to Costa, the idea of starting an esports team at Teays Valley had been in the works for some time, with strong student interest and administrative support. "There was a lot of student interest and the administration was fully bought in," Costa explained. "They fully understood all the benefits of providing this opportunity for students."
The team's roster consists of 30 players competing in seven different games: Overwatch, Fortnite, Apex Legends, Rocket League, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Mario Kart, and Valorant. Costa noted that the team's diverse range of players has helped to create a positive and inclusive team culture.
In terms of training and practice, each game has a designated day of the week, with players competing against other schools in Ohio. Costa emphasized the importance of teamwork, communication, and strategy in esports competitions.
Esports has also had a positive impact on students' academic performance, according to Costa. "Esports has definitely influenced students to work harder academically," he said. "Students must be enrolled in five 1-credit courses, have over a 1.5 GPA, and attend school on match days."
As the team looks to the future, Costa is focused on building a more competitive program. "Now that I have a year under my belt, I'm really going to hone in on making sure my teams are organized in the most reliable way possible," he said. Costa also expressed his ambition for the team to compete for state titles in every game.
The esports team's success is not limited to the virtual arena. Costa noted that the program has helped to create friendships and a sense of community among players. "My biggest takeaway and proudest moment are seeing these players laugh and have fun together," he said.
As Teays Valley High School's esports program continues to grow and evolve, it is clear that it has already made a positive impact on the school community. With Costa's leadership and the team's dedication, the future of esports at TVHS looks bright.
The Teays Valley Vikings' esports program is set to compete in the regional Rocket League tournament on April 6th at Ohio University. Good luck to team members Tim Salyers, James Fooce, Jon Leland, and Matt Diaz-Hatfield!
The Ashville Kernhole League: Where Community Meets Cornhole
(Revised from July 15th, 2024)
By: Jacob Merideth-The Traffic Light
Ashville Kernhole League
Ashville-In the heart of Ashville, Ohio, a unique sports league has taken root, fostering community, camaraderie, and competition. The Ashville Kernhole League (AKL), founded by Matt Hardbarger in 2020, has grown from a small gathering of friends to a thriving organization with a global presence.
From Humble Beginnings:
Hardbarger, a 1996 Teays Valley graduate, started the AKL during the COVID-19 pandemic to stay active and connected with friends. What began as informal cornhole games at his house every Wednesday has evolved into a league with over 100 participants.
World-Class Talent:
The AKL boasts an impressive roster, including Jeremiah Ellis, the world's number-one-ranked cornhole player, who proudly wears the AKL logo on his jersey. Other professional players, such as Gabe Dolen, Ryan Tucker, Mike McClanahan, and Noah Almanza, also represent the league.
Giving Back:
Beyond the excitement of competition, the AKL has become a force for good in the community. The league has:
Hosted team-building events for the Teays Valley Football Team
Supported Cornhole for Cancer, a project initiated by Teays Valley seniors
Raised funds for the Teays Valley Touchdown Club (TVHS Football Boosters)
Assisted former Teays Valley teacher Sara Bennett, who is battling ALS
Contributed to the Ashville Small Town Museum, youth baseball teams, and families in need
A Family Affair:
Hardbarger's vision for the AKL extends beyond the game itself. "It's more than just bags; it's family," he emphasizes. The league's inclusive atmosphere welcomes players of all ages and skill levels, fostering connections and memories.
Expanding Horizons:
The AKL's latest initiative aims to introduce cornhole to local schools. Hardbarger hopes to provide professional-grade boards and equipment to every Teays Valley school, promoting the game's benefits and potential scholarship opportunities.
Get Involved:
To support the AKL's cornhole board fundraiser or learn more about the league, contact Matt Hardbarger or the Ashville Kernhole League on Facebook.
The Ashville Kernhole League stands as a testament to the power of community and the joy of cornhole, reminding us that even in challenging times, there are people who truly care.
Google Doc with pictures
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cE6xGfzhgZ4r3plfTaylKV7hMubU8bnWk0sTT_eIL6E/edit?usp=sharing
By Jacob Merideth, The Traffic Light 10/1
2024 Cincinnati Reds Season Recap
2024 Cincinnati Reds Season Recap: Progress and Promise
The 2024 Cincinnati Reds season was marked by ups and downs but ultimately showed promise for the future. Despite finishing with a 74-88 record, the team demonstrated growth and potential for improvement.
Notable Players and Stats:
Batting Leaders:
1. Jonathan India: .248 AVG, 25 HR, 58 RBI’s
2. Spencer Steer: .225 AVG, 20 HR, 92 RBIs
3. Tyler Stephenson: .258 AVG, 19 HR, 66 RBIs
Pitching Leaders:
1. Hunter Greene: 9-5, 2.75 ERA, 169 K’s
2. Nick Lodolo: 9-6, 4.76 ERA, 120 K’s
3. Graham Ashcraft: 5-5, 5.24 ERA, 57 K’s
Season Highlights:
A strong August, where the Reds went 16-12
Jonathan India's career-high 25 home runs
Hunter Greene's emergence as a reliable ace
Next Season Outlook:
With a young core and promising prospects, the Reds are poised for improvement in 2025.
Key Offseason Questions:
1. Will the Reds sign a big-time free agent?
2. Can Spencer Steer build on his breakout season?
3. Will the Reds move India?
4. Will Hunter Greene continue to anchor the rotation?
5. What manager will lead the 2025 Reds?
Young Players to Watch:
Elly De La Cruz SS: .259 AVG, 25 HRs, 76 RBIs, 67 SBs
Matt McLain, 2B (did not play in 2024)
Christian Encarnacion-Strand, 3B: .190 AVG, 2 HRs, 16 RBIs (played 50 games before mid-July injury)
2025 Predictions:
Competitive playoff push
Continued growth from young core players
The Numbers:
For the Core 3 pitching and batting, Greene, Ashcraft, and Lodolo; Steer, India, and Elly (McLain included, DNP 2024)
Hitters
Elly De La Cruz:
2023 Rookie Season: .235 AVG, 13 HR, 44 RBIs, 67 Runs
2024 Regular Season: .259 AVG, 25 HR, 76 RBIs, 105 Runs
Comparison: AVG: +.024, HRs: +12, RBIs: +32, Runs: +38
Jonathan India:
2023: .262 AVG, 17 HR, 65 RBIs, .781 OPS
2024: .248 AVG, 25 HR, 58 RBI’s
Comparison: AVG: -.014, HRs: +8, RBIs: -7
Spencer Steer:
2023: .241 AVG, 15 HR, 54 RBIs, .698 OPS
2024: .225 AVG, 20 HR, 92 RBIs
Comparison: AVG: -.016, HRs: +5, RBIs: +38, OPS: +.129
Pitchers
Hunter Greene:
2023: 4.14 ERA, 140 Ks, 1.26 WHIP
2024: 2.75 ERA, 169 K’s
Comparison: ERA: -1.39, Ks: +29
Nick Lodolo:
2023: 4.52 ERA, 120 Ks, 1.34 WHIP
2024: 4.76 ERA, 120 K’s
Comparison: ERA: +.24, Ks: 0
Graham Ashcraft:
2023: 4.89 ERA, 110 Ks, 1.41 WHIP
2024: 5.24 ERA, 57 K’s
Comparison: ERA: +.35, Ks: -53
By Jacob Merideth: The Traffic Light-9/27
Ohio State football at Michigan State 9/27
Ohio State Buckeyes Dominate Michigan State Spartans 38-7.
East Lansing, Michigan The Ohio State Buckeyes secured a decisive 38-7 victory over the Michigan State Spartans on Saturday.
The Buckeyes started strong, with kicker J. Fielding nailing a 30-yard field goal in the first quarter to take an early 3-0 lead.
In the second quarter, quarterback W. Howard connected with A. Scott Jr. for a 3-yard touchdown pass, extending Ohio State's lead to 10-0. Michigan State responded with a 12-yard touchdown pass from A. Chiles to J. Glover, narrowing the gap to 10-7.
However, Ohio State's offense proved unstoppable, with J. Smith scoring on a 19-yard end-around run and later catching a one-hander and cashing in for a 17-yard touchdown pass from D. Brown. The Buckeyes entered halftime with a commanding 24-7 lead.
The third quarter saw Ohio State continue their dominance, as W. Howard threw a 33-yard touchdown pass to E. Egbuka and later scored on a 6-yard run. The Buckeyes' lead swelled to 38-7, sealing the win.
Key Performances:
W. Howard (QB, OSU): 2 TD passes, 1 TD run
J. Smith (RB, OSU): 1 TD run, 1 TD reception
E. Egbuka (WR, OSU): 1 TD reception
Game Stats:
Total Yards: OSU 432, MSU 260
Passing Yards: OSU 250, MSU 180
Rushing Yards: OSU 182, MSU 80
Turnovers: OSU 0, MSU 2
By: Jacob Merideth- The Traffic Light
Cincinnati Reds Managerial Favorites?
Here is a little switch up from the normal things that I write about, I will try from time to time to post something about thoughts and maybe a discussion that I had with whoever I ran into during my travel into Columbus and wherever my vehicle takes me! I am curious who everyone thinks the Reds will go to replace Bell. I was not a fan, but I don't think he was totally to blame. I do believe it was time for a change, though. I will list some below, and feel free to add them. Let's discuss it!
Tito Francona-Former RedSox & Indians/GurDIANS manager
Skip Schumaker-Former player and Marlins Manager
David Ross-Former Reds catcher
Don Mattingly-Former Yankees player Dodger, and Marlins Manager
Miguel Cairo-Former Reds UTL infielder,current Front Office Assistant
Freddie Benavides-Bench coach and Interim Manager
My Dark Horse- Barry Larkin-Former Reds, Hall of Fame ShortStop, Current Reds Color Commentator
I heard from socials kinda ridiculous-Luke Maile-Current Reds backup catcher and KY native
If I get any responses I will make that an article as well, I will post to other sites as well
Something to write!
The Traffic Light-Jacob Merideth-Writer/Editor-(07/16/2024)
Something to Write
As I sit here in July, a week or so past Independence Day, locally in Ashville we know this time as time for the 4th of July rides, and in Pickaway we know it as the county fair time, and now we sit in the dog days, as some would call it. Maybe it's because for sports fans there is nothing but dreaded baseball (a huge baseball fan), but that's not the case for me. But as a Cincinnati Reds fan, sometimes it may be dreadful; maybe you are a fellow Viking and know school is around the corner. Personally, I never looked forward to the second week of August, except for the 2009 summer at Teays Valley, when we experienced an extended break due to the construction of new middle schools. I knew that my mom and I wanted to go back to school. I asked my nephew, who will be in second grade, what he thought, but he responded with a shrug, leaving me unsure of how to respond.
I know now, as an adult, that this time of year has always been my favorite: football season! From the hot August nights to the cold winter October nights, you can transition from any high school on Friday to any college on Saturday. This upcoming season will be special for a few programs, two of which I enjoy watching and covering. Ohio State expects to have the most promising rosters with big marquee transfers. Will Howard, Julian Sayin, Caleb Downs, JTT, Egbuka, and my favorite returnee, TreVeyon Henderson, will share carries with Judkins at running back. That combo will be lethal.
Another season I look forward to having a front row for is the Teays Valley High School athletics fall season. Teays Valley offers football, soccer, volleyball, cross country, golf, and tennis. Many changes are on the horizon for the blue and gold teams. The Vikings will transition from being the largest school in their entire conference in the Mid-State League to becoming one of the smallest in their new OCC Buckeye Division. Teays will be joining a division that includes Lancaster, Reynoldsburg, Groveport, Canal Winchester, Newark, Pick Central, and Logan, all of whom are joining the OCC alongside Teays Valley. I am looking forward to being everyone's go-to for TVHS Athletics, and I am pleased to say that, with thanks to Teays Valley Athletics, Michael Mann, and the Teays Valley Athletic Boosters. This upcoming fall season, I will be taking my photography game to the next level with a professional camera, and I can’t wait for everyone to see it.
For me, in the next couple of weeks, I will be heading to D.C. to see the Reds take on the Nationals and explore the nation's capital for the first time since I was in 8th grade in 2011. I may do a little report from my trip, but until I think of something else, I look forward to connecting like this again. Be easy!
“"A crust eaten in peace is better than a banquet partaken in anxiety."