TRAFFIC LIGHT SPORTS
The TV Review
This page is stand-alone. non-game recap articles on behalf of the TVHS Student-Athletes
By: Jacob Merideth, TV Athletic Beat Writer
Teays Valley High School Girls Track: 3/18
Teays Valley High School Girls Track Team Eyes Success in Upcoming Season
With a potent mix of seasoned athletes and fresh talent, the Teays Valley High School girls track team is well-positioned for a standout season. Building on last year's momentum, the team's depth and versatility could propel them to a strong postseason finish.
According to head coach Sarah Gaal, the team's expectations are high. "We plan to be very competitive in the OCC and hope to advance several athletes to regionals and the state meet," she said.
The team will be led by a strong group of returning athletes, including Brooklyn Herbert (high jump), Katy Zang (1 mile and 2 mile), Addi Keplar and Kate Charter (distance events), Madison Burris, Sophia Seymour, and Kennady Tietz (throws), Raelyn McGrath and Lillian Gaal (hurdles), Kate Ridley, Paige Baker, and Avery Sopko (sprints), Abby Henderson (400m), who won the MSL in her event last year, and Katie Reynard and Eva Gaal (pole vault).
Coach Gaal praised the team's work ethic and camaraderie. "We are a large team, but we care about one another and our athletes have great work ethic," she said.
The team will also be bolstered by the addition of several newcomers, including Reece Galinger, a state qualifier in cross country who will compete in the distance events.
As the team looks ahead to the postseason, Coach Gaal emphasized the importance of peaking at the right time. "We train our athletes to prepare them for a long season of competition," she said. "We plan to build and taper their training so that they peak at the end of our season and get their best performances the last three weeks of postseason competition."
While Coach Gaal was hesitant to predict specific event winners, she expressed confidence in the team's ability to compete at a high level. "We always hope to advance as many athletes into the regional and state meet as possible," she said. "I am very optimistic that we will advance athletes in the running and field events again this year."
The Vikings' girls track team will kick off their season with their first meet on the road, competing at Grove City High School.
Teays Valley High School Boys Track Team Ready to Take on the Season
The Teays Valley High School track team is looking forward to a strong season, thanks to a talented roster of returning athletes. With high expectations and a solid foundation in place, the team is focused on building on past successes. Coach Pete Gegick shared his thoughts on the team's goals and prospects for the season.
Returning Athletes and Newcomers
The team boasts a long list of returning athletes, including regional qualifiers Tristian Graham (discus), Jackson Perry (pole vault), and Drew Moore (110 and 300 hurdles). Other notable returnees include Spike Woods, Markus Mealy, Griffin Gray, Brandon Searles, Carsen Cordes, Brayden Fraley, Logan Moore, Peter Graham, and Payton Conrad.
One athlete who has made significant strides is Mason Holbein, who signed with Ohio Christian University. "Mason Holbein has been a depth thrower and sprint piece for us until this winter," Coach Gegick said. "He's a state qualifier in weight throw, indoor, and is crushing it in early practices."
Newcomers to the team include Dylan Stiffler, a talented freshman who won the 100, 200, and 400 meters at the MSL Championships last season. Other newcomers include Xavier Clay, Caiden Blackburn, Noah Hilgenberg, and Kale Mesina.
Team Strengths and Weaknesses
Coach Gegick identified depth and experience as the team's greatest strengths. With a large number of returning athletes, the team has a solid foundation to build on. However, the coach also acknowledged that the team's success will depend on how well the athletes balance their individual events and relay responsibilities.
Goals and Expectations
The team's primary goal is to achieve excellence in every event, with a focus on continuous progress throughout the season. Coach Gegick emphasized the importance of balancing individual goals with team needs, ensuring that each athlete is given the best opportunity to succeed.
Postseason Prospects
While it's difficult to predict the team's chances of advancing to the regional or state meets, Coach Gegick is optimistic about their prospects. With a tough schedule that includes multiple Division 1 teams, the Vikings will be well-prepared for the postseason.
Team Chemistry and Leadership
Coach Gegick emphasized the importance of team chemistry and leadership, particularly in relay events. The team's experienced athletes will play a key role in setting an example for their younger teammates and showcasing the program's values.
Overall, the Teays Valley High School track team is poised for a successful season, with a strong roster of returning athletes and a solid team dynamic. With a focus on continuous progress and excellence, the Vikings are ready to take on the challenges of the season.
Hitting the Ground
The track season kicks off when they head to Bobo Track for their first meet, where they'll face a field of Chillicothe, Huntington Local, Unioto, Circleville, Washington High School, and Hillsboro.
Teays Valley High School Bowling update 2/7
Teays Valley Girls bowling keeps it rolling
The Teays Valley Lady Vikings bowling team remains unbeaten this season, holding an 11-0 COHSBC record and a 13-0 overall. They also took the OCC Buckeye division with a perfect 6-0 mark in their first year as members. Led by a talented roster, the Lady Vikings have dominated their opponents, showcasing their skills and teamwork
The Teays Valley bowling teams are on a roll, with the girls' team qualifying for the COHSBC Championship Roll-Off Tournament this Saturday after securing first place in the COHSBC division. "We're extremely proud of the girls' performance this season," said Coach Shawn McDorman. "Their consistency, belief in themselves, and execution of spares have been key factors in their success." The team's strong performance is a testament to the hard work and dedication of its members, who have come together to form a cohesive and formidable unit.
The team's success can be attributed to the strong individual performances of its members. Kenna Barnes leads the team with an impressive average of 178.0, followed closely by Paige McDorman's 160.3 average. The Teays Valley Vikings boys bowling team has also had a strong season, boasting a 9-3 overall record and a 4-2 mark in the OCC Buckeye division. Led by Sam Rodgers, who averages 211.7 pins per game, the Vikings have consistently performed well. Coach McDorman emphasized the importance of staying focused and executing fundamentals. "We need to stay the course and execute how we have been," he said. "Believing in the team and one another is a recipe for success."
As the regular season comes to a close, both teams are gearing up for the postseason. The Lady Vikings will compete in the COHSBC Championship Roll-Off Tournament on February 8, followed by the Tiger End-of-Season Tune-Up on February 15. The Vikings will also compete in the COHSBC Championship on February 8 and the Tiger End of Season Tune-Up on February 15, before moving on to the OHSAA Sectionals on February 19 and the District Tournament on February 25. With their strong team performance and talented individual bowlers, both Teays Valley teams are poised to make a deep run in the postseason.
"This season has been an absolute blast to see these girls bond and come together for this incredible ride," said Coach McDorman. "They really look out for one another on and off the lanes. They know when to have fun and when to focus and lock in." As the teams move forward, Coach McDorman emphasized the importance of staying focused and believing in themselves. "This year has shown don't count yourself out, never give up, and if you believe in yourself enough, things have a way of working out."
Teays Valley Boys Bowling Team Continues Strong Season
The Teays Valley Vikings boys bowling team is having an impressive season, boasting a 10-3 overall record and a 4-2 mark in the OCC Buckeye division. Led by Sam Rodgers, who is averaging 213.6 pins per game, the Vikings have been dominating on the lanes. Brycen Hankinson is also having a standout season, averaging 188.5 pins per game. Other notable performers for the Vikings include Jace Orris (186.0 avg), Daniel Knupp (179.4 avg), and Camron Rawlins (175.6 avg).
This week's bowling results saw several teams in action, with Olentangy defeating Thomas Worthington 2187-1822 and Reynoldsburg dominating New Albany 2200-1391. On Thursday, Teays Valley bowled past Westerville North 2188-1719, and Pickerington North topped Whetstone 2221-1842.
As the Vikings continue their strong season, they will face off against conference opponents in the coming weeks. Several teams will be competing in conference championships and tournaments, including Westerville South at Lancaster on Saturday, February 8, and Teays Valley at the Tiger End of Season Tune-Up on Saturday, February 15. The sectional and district tournaments will take place later this month, with Westerville South competing in both events.
The OCC Buckeye division standings currently have Reynoldsburg leading the pack with a 12-1 overall record and a 5-1 conference mark. Lancaster is close behind, boasting an 8-2 overall record and a 5-1 conference record. Teays Valley rounds out the top three, with a 10-3 overall record and a 4-2 conference record.
Looking ahead, Teays Valley has two key matches on the horizon: a February 10 showdown with Groveport Madison and a February 17 matchup against Newark. Stay tuned for further updates on the Teays Valley Vikings boys' bowling team.
Teays Valley Vikings 2024-25 Boys Basketball Preview
The Vikings are gearing up for the 2024-2025 season, and Coach Brian Barnett is optimistic about the team's prospects. Despite losing a few starters from last year's squad, the team has made significant strides during the offseason.
Replacing Last Year's Starters:
"We've had a great offseason," Coach Barnett said. "Our younger players have stepped up, and we've been working hard to put players in different positions and ask them to do different things. It will be an adjustment, but I'm confident we'll make it."
Early Impressions:
The Vikings have been competitive in scrimmages and early season workouts, showcasing attention to detail and a strong team dynamic. "Our guys are doing a great job of meshing together," Coach Barnett noted. "I look forward to a great season."
Preseason Focus:
Rebounding and defense are key focus areas for the Vikings during preseason training. "We a lot of rebounding from last season's team," Coach Barnett explained. "To compete in our new league, we need to defend better. We're also working on some new wrinkles on the offensive end."
Returning Players to Watch:
Brody Fields will carry a significant load on offense, while junior Kaden Purdon is expected to build on his strong finish from last season. Seniors Luke Burgett and Owen Hoffhines, who played significant varsity minutes, will provide leadership and stability.
Leadership Roles:
“We will rely on Owen Hoffhines and Luke Burgett to handle key responsibilities on the court, providing aggression at both ends while guiding younger players." Said Barnett
Crucial Non-Conference Games:
All non-conference games will prepare the Vikings for the Ohio Capital Conference (OCC). "We need to compete against these teams to prepare ourselves for our league," Coach Barnett emphasized.
New league, new rivalries:
While it may take time to form new rivalries, Coach Barnett anticipates that teams like Lancaster, Groveport, Canal Winchester, and Logan could become key rivals.
Takeovers from Last Season:
The Vikings learned valuable lessons from last season, particularly the importance of diligence on offense and trusting teammates to make plays.
New faces:
Senior Gideon Dixon brings size and strength to the lineup, while senior Hayden McCray provides additional depth. Junior Lane Struckman has impressed during the offseason and is poised to contribute. Sophomores Jayden Morrison, Tanner Smith, Karter Kozlowski, and Calvin Wolpert will also play significant roles.
New places:
The Vikings will participate in the Brad Morris Classic in December and the Battle in the 614 in January. “ We will be playing in the Brad Morris classic in December. We are thrilled to be a part of this remarkable event, which honors a great individual, and we are also looking forward to participating in the Battle in the 614 in January. The Vikings played Bishop Hartley last year in the 614 event. Coach Barnett is enthusiastic about the season ahead, citing the team's skill, talent, and competitiveness. "We have some team goals that we want to accomplish this season," he said. "With the players and coaching staff we have, I'm looking forward to a great season of Viking Basketball."
First up:
The Vikings will open up against familiar old MSL mates, the Hamilton Township Rangers 11/29, then turn around and play Olentangy on December 3rd.
TVHS Girls and Boys Bowling Preview
The Teays Valley High School bowling team is gearing up for another exciting season, with a new coaching staff and a renewed focus on teamwork and improvement. Head Coach Russ Orris and Assistant Coach Shawn McDorman shared their insights on the team's preseason training, key players, and upcoming matches.
Preseason Training:
The preseason has been a time for the team to come together and develop a new culture under the coaching staff's guidance. A major focus has been improving the team's spare game, with practices centered around converting 7- and 10-pin spares. This emphasis is crucial, as spares can greatly impact a team's performance.
Key Players:
Several returning and new bowlers are poised to take on bigger roles this season. For the boys, Sam Rodgers, Jace Orris, Daniel Knupp, Brycen Hankinson, and Aiden Adair are expected to make significant contributions. Newcomers Camron Rawlins and Logan Woodard will also be ones to watch. On the girls' side, Kenna Barnes, Paige McDorman, Gretchen Stachler, Peyton Hendricks, Emily Hill, Ellie Mae Nichols, and Abby Perdew will be key players, with newcomer Allyssa Langley also making a strong impression.
Leadership Roles:
This season's team captains are Sam Rodgers and Jace Orris for the boys, and Kenna Barnes and Paige McDorman for the girls. These experienced bowlers will provide leadership and guidance to their teammates throughout the season.
Crucial Matches:
The team will face several challenging non-conference and conference matches this season. Key non-conference matches include Gahanna Lincoln and Westerville Central, while conference matches against Reynoldsburg and Pickerington Central will be crucial in determining the team's OCC standings.
New Division Team and Rivalry:
With the team's move to a new division, a new rivalry is emerging with Pickerington Central. This matchup is expected to be a highlight of the season.
Lessons from Last Season:
Although Head Coach Russ Orris and Assistant Coach Shawn McDorman are new to the program, they are building on the successes of last season. The girls' team placed fourth in the sectional tournament, their highest finish in program history, and qualified for the district tournament for the first time. The boys' team also had a standout performer in Sam Rodgers, who qualified for the district tournament as an individual.
Newcomers to Watch:
Several newcomers are expected to make a positive impact on the team this season. For the boys, Camron Rawlins, Logan Woodard, and Trey Langley are ones to watch, while Allyssa Langley is a newcomer to watch on the girls' team.
Outlook for the Season:
The coaching staff is excited about the team's prospects for the season. With a strong returning core and talented newcomers, the team is poised for success. The schedule for the season can be found at (http://cohsbc.com/)
The season so far:
The Teays Valley High School bowling team kicked off their season in November at the Teays Valley Viking Clash. The boys' team turned in a strong performance, finishing sixth out of 22 teams. Sam Rodgers led the charge, placing an impressive second overall out of 147 boys. The girls' team also had a notable showing, finishing eighth out of 21 teams. Kenna Barnes paced the girls, placing 11th overall out of 157 competitors.
TVHS Girls Basketball Preview: 2024-2025
The Teays Valley Lady Vikings are gearing up for the 2024-2025 season, and Coach is optimistic about the team's prospects. Despite losing four quality seniors to collegiate basketball, the team is eager to leave its mark on the traditionally strong program.
Replacing Last Year's Starters:
Coach Younkin acknowledged that replacing the departed seniors won't be easy but expressed confidence in the team's talented young players. "They like to play basketball with each other, and they're ready to leave their mark on the program," Coach said. Tessa Horsley will be the lone returner to the blue and gold starting lineup after the Vikings will need to replace 4 starters from last year.
Early Season Impressions:
The team has shown promise in early workouts and open gyms, with Younkin noting that they are "fast, athletic, and have great depth." The team plans to utilize this depth by playing 10-11 girls in each game.
Returning Players to Watch:
Tessa Horsley, the team's only returning starter, is poised to take on a bigger role this season. Sophomore point guard Cami Robins has also shown significant growth and development. Junior guards Addi Helwagen and Cooper McManaway will provide valuable perimeter shooting options, while senior Kylie Burgett will be the lone senior.
Crucial Non-Conference Games:
The Lady Vikings will face several tough non-conference opponents, including Dublin Coffman at the Trill in the Ville on December 8, Minford at The Battle for the 740 on December 15, and Grove City on January 7.
Brad Morris Memorial Tournament:
The Vikings will participate in the inaugural Brad Morris Memorial Tournament, a new classic tournament that honors the memory of the late Brad Morris. Brad was the Circleville Herald Sports Editor until 2020 and founded and ran the Sporting Pumpkin until his death in September of 2023 "We're excited to be a part of this Memorial Tournament," Coach Younkin said. "Brad did so much for our community and local sports, and this is a great way to show our respect, and this is also a great way to still have the county schools play each other since we (Teays Valley) are no longer in the MSL, and it will be a great weekend full of Pickaway County basketball and traditions.”
OCC-Buckeye Conference Outlook:
Teays Valley will be heading into the OCC-Buckeye Conference with a young team but are willing to try new experiences. While Pickerington Central and Reynoldsburg are expected to be top contenders, Younkin believes the Lady Vikings can hold their own in the middle of the pack of the Buckeye Division.
Lessons from Last Season:
Last season's experience has taught the team the importance of having more players ready and able to play at the varsity level sooner. With a younger group, the team plans to give more girls minutes, experience, and opportunities this season.
Newcomers to Watch:
Junior Soccer standout Allie Rice will provide a much-needed inside game along with Avery Mann and Kenzington Younkin, while Amelia Brumfield and cross-country athlete Addie Keplar will add speed and shooting presence on the perimeter.
Upcoming Events:
The team had a strong preseason scrimmage schedule, facing off against tough opponents like Africentric (two-time defending state champions), Gahanna Lincoln, and Dublin Jerome. With a focus on building for the next two to three years, the Lady Vikings are excited to gain experience and confidence and show off their bright future. The Lady Hoopsers will start their season at home on 11/26 for a pre-turkey day matchup with Hilliard Bradley.
Coverage:
Traffic Light Sports will be your go-to spot for everything Teays Valley High School girls basketball for the 2024-2025 season!
TVHS Boys Wrestling Preview 11/21
The 2024-2025 season is almost upon us, and TVHS Coach Todd Nace is excited about the upcoming season. Following a great offseason that saw many athletes participate, the team brings a mix of experienced returners and talented newcomers.
Returners to Watch:
Senior leaders Aidan Kennedy, Ethan Schwalbach, and Tristin Graham will return to the team, alongside junior Josh Zimmer (state qualifier) and Hayden Shambaugh. Sophomores Carson Hix (state qualifier), John Todhunter, and Peter Graham also return.
Newcomers to Watch:
Revor Bridges and Sam Bristle will make an impact, while freshmen Owen Grambo, Kyan Conn, and Andrew Liddell will also be newcomers putting on the blue and gold
Schedule and Rivals:
The Vikings face a tough schedule, including tournaments at Barnesville and Brecksville. Coach Nace acknowledges Lancaster as the top competitor in the Ohio Capital Conference (OCC), citing their longstanding non-league rivalry.
Lessons from Last Season:
Coach Nace aims to build on last season's success, using the team's depth and experience to qualify multiple wrestlers for the state tournament.
Team Goals:
With 44 athletes on the roster, Coach Nace expects this season to be one of the program's best. The focus is on peaking for the postseason.
Message from Coach Nace:
The Vikings invite supporters to attend tournaments and witness the team's progress. "We're excited to see how we do in the OCC," Coach Nace said. "Our schedule and team depth will prepare us for the postseason. Go Vikings!"
The Vikings open up their season on December 6th at Olentangy Liberty.
TVHS Girls Wrestling Preview 11/20
Coach Chad Havens is optimistic about the upcoming season, citing a successful offseason with consistent attendance, The team boasts a balanced mix of returners and newcomers.
Returners to Watch:
Junior leaders Madie Hamilton and Sky Zoellick have stepped up as vocal leaders, while Brie Grambo, Hallie Dunaway, and JoJo Bowerman lead by example with their work ethic. Sophomore Kenzie Stevenson has impressed with her high-paced workouts.
Newcomers to Watch:
Freshman Ayla Kennedy, a junior high state placer, and Brooklyn Gildner, returning to wrestling full-time, are expected to make significant contributions. Natasha Martinez, Montana Kinzy, Rayne Dowdy, Lilly Gaul, and Peighton Jordan also show promise.
Schedule and Rivals:
The Vikings face a challenging schedule, including tough tournaments. Coach Havens hopes to emulate Olentangy Orange's success and potentially establish a rivalry. With no senior wrestlers, the team looks to its junior leaders.
Lessons from Last Season:
Coach Havens' first year coaching only girls taught him the importance of trust and process. He aims to build on last season's success and put wrestlers on the podium in March.
Team Goals:
Coach Havens expects this to be the program's best season yet, citing growing numbers and talent. The team's focus is on peaking for the postseason run.
Upcoming Events:
The Vikings staff extends an open invitation to supporters to attend tournaments and witness the team's progress firsthand. "We look forward to sharing this exciting season with our community; right now, we have something special going on in our program... The sun is shining bright in the valley," says Coach Havens
The Vikings will have a Meet the Team event on 11/21 in the South Campus Gym (Freshman building) at 6:00 pm from TVHS and open their regular season at Hamilton Township.
TVHS Girls Soccer 2024 Preview
In the seventh installment of the TVHS athletics fall preview series, the Teays Valley girls soccer team led by Jason Herbert in his 8th season as head coach. The 2024 fall season will see the Vikings transitioning to the OCC, as many know. Coach Herbert said in regards to the conference change, “Our schedule will be much more competitive and consistent than ever before, which will be a challenge for us”. Moving into the OCC with bigger schools like Pickerington Central, Reynoldsburg, and Lancaster and with a similar-sized school in Logan who will be joining the conference along with Teays Valley, the goal is, says Coach Herbert, "We want to continue to improve every day together, be proud of our effort every day, and work hard to continue to earn respect each day as a program." “It will be important that many of our younger players contribute and that our entire group works together to be good people on the field, in the classroom, and in the community and focus on our attitude and effort every day.” Coach Herbert added.
Returning contributors for the Vikings are Mackenzie Robinette, Brooklyn Herbert, Ella Jacob, Allie Rice, Kenadi Crye, Ellie Hess, Ele Suhayda, and Abigail Blake. And newcomers to the team will be Kierstyn Shaffer, Sophia Hastler, Allison Dean, Amelia Brumfield, Mallory Frabott, Kalli Joneikos, and Aleah Gilliland, all of whom will be important to the success, says Herbert. The Vikings will also be welcoming new JV coach Emmie Reinkes to the staff.
The Teays Valley High School girls soccer team will open up their campaign this Saturday, August 17th, against the Dublin Scioto Irish at Dublin Scioto High School (10:45 am). I will be at the game on Monday, August 19th, against Central Crossing.
TVHS Volleyball 2024 Preview
The sixth installment of the TVHS Athletic 2024 Preview series is the Teays Valley Volleyball team, led by Amy Horsley in her second year as head coach. The Vikings this year say they have been working on their strength ahead of their jump to the OCC. “We have spent more time in the weightroom so that we are able to get stronger and have also focused on speed and agility so that we are more athletic and quicker on the court." Says Coach Amy Horsley. This past summer, the TV volleyball team went to state team camp and was able to finish in the top 8 teams at OSU. They then made the trip to Sandusky for the Cedar Point Spiketacular, where they competed in a division with competition and won the silver bracket at Cedar Point. “Playing these top-level teams, I feel, will help us be more competitive in the O.C.C. because the main thing I need to see from my players this year is consistency,” says Horsley. “Last year, we were inconsistent and made some errors, especially hitting errors, and we had players finish the season with lower hitting percentages, and we have to improve that this year. We also need to continue to improve our defense and serve receive so that our setters have better passes to work with,” added coach Horsley. Another focus for the Vikings will be using their minds: “The mental game of volleyball is just as important as the physical skills that are required to play because we are trying to focus on positive self-talk, mindfulness, staying focused, communication, and staying calm in stressful or high-pressure situations. I’ve incorporated some new drills into practice to work on these skills.“ Horsley said all players must be more aggressive on both offense and defense. We have talked about how we have to really swing and put the ball down on the court to win. Last year we were too predictable with our sets; this year we are trying to mix everything up, run more plays, and utilize all of our hitters. We want to make our blockers work and use them to our advantage. Says Coach.
The Vikings are looking for players to play a bigger role in this upcoming 2024 season, including Emma Minton, a sophomore setter. Jenna Pence is a junior right-side hitter; Ella McGee is a sophomore middle hitter; and junior Ellie Tatman is a libero. “Emma has worked so hard to earn a starting spot on varsity and plays solid defense. She has beautiful hands, uses all of our hitters, and lives for the game of volleyball. She wants to get better and is always asking her teammates for feedback about her sets. Jenna had a phenomenal summer, and her volleyball IQ and decision-making on the court have improved tremendously. She can jump and swing hard, and she is a huge blocker on the court. Jenna is a true competitor and brings energy and intensity to the court. Ella is a sophomore middle hitter who is a dynamic presence on the court. She plays solid defense, works very well with Emma Minton, has a beautiful swing, and has a solid block. Ella and Jenna Pence are often side by side and create a brick wall on the net. Ellie, I expect her to have a tremendous season. As a sophomore, she finished with 639 serve receptions and 423 digs. Ellie is a leader and coach on the court; she has an extremely high volleyball IQ and reads the court exceptionally well. Ellie can make crucial plays and pick up balls that you think will easily hit the court,” says Horsley. Returning for Teays will be Jenna Pence, junior right-side hitter; Brianna Helser, senior outside hitter with a powerful swing; and Tessa Bradley, senior setter and leader on the court. “Tessa is enthusiastic and brings so much energy to the court. Brenna Carothers, senior outside hitter, and DS, is a player who is consistent and does what needs to be done for the team, she can play defense and can read the court well to hit the ball consistently, which impacts the game in many ways,” says Horsley. Newcomers to the program will be Emma Minton, Ella McGee Juniors, Zoie Hall, and Aubrey Helser, and Ella Miles senior Noa Craft, middle hitter, and senior Katie Reynard. “For us this season, our players have to focus on being competitive and improving each game. We have to confidently take the court to win and not be scared to lose. Each player has to be mentally strong, let mistakes go, and be ready for the next ball. Players have to continue to play for one another and work together. We need to play consistently and limit our errors. Our goal for this season is to focus on point production and minimize errors. Our other goal is to produce at least 15 points in each set and limit our errors to less than 8. At a minimum, we want to finish with a winning record and win at least one tournament game this year. Another goal is to focus on point production and minimize errors." Says Horsley.
The Teays Valley volleyball team will open their season on Monday, August 19, at 6:45 in Teays Valley against Gahanna.
TVHS Boys Soccer 2024 Preview
In volume five of the TVHS athletic fall previews, there is the Teays Valley Boys Soccer team. Under the direction of 9-year head coach Shane Harber. The Vikings are looking to build off their 2023 13-win season. “We strive each and every season to play our style of soccer, game in and game out, and to be sure to represent Teays Valley in the best way possible. Building on last season's and making a run in the D-II postseason tournament are both goals we are pushing for this fall,” says Coach Harber. And with seven returning starters from last year's team and not a lot of player or organizational changes, the Vikings will look to compete in their new OCC conference. “Our schedule will not have as drastic of a change as most would think. Most of our new OCC Buckeye opponents have been on our non-league schedule for the past 4–5 years, and we have found some great new non-conference opponents to fill out our schedule for this fall,” Harber said. With the move to the OCC, most will ask who wants to ask Teays Valley about the move, and Coach Harber has said, “This will be a challenge for us, but we feel we can compete and have a great inaugural season in the OCC Buckeye division because we have had many discussions on not mentally taking ourselves out of games due to the name of the opponent we are playing.”
The returning starters from 2023 for Teays will be Max Spencer, Gavin
Waters, Owen Hoffhines, Bryce Alloy, Bryton McFarland, Drew Moore, and Michael Williams. The newcomers wearing blue and gold will be Xander Cline, Landon Engen, Kyle Yarnell, Landon Johnson, Maddex Stiver, and Wyatt Grassel. ”This is a great group of young men we have in our program. They are a lot of fun to work with day in and day out, with their work ethic and drive to continually improve, and they would love to have folks come out and catch a game in Viking Stadium to see the men compete for 80 minutes.” Coach Harber added. And for this season to be successful, Harber says, “We will need to come ready to work day in and day out, and their commitment in the off-season with their club teams and this summer for workouts has been phenomenal, so their hard work ethic and dedication will take them far this season, and continuing these above items and continuing to grow as a team each day will bring them success." And a simple message for the Vikings in preparing for the 2024 season will be to “take care of the little things and leave all you have on the field every time you are given the opportunity to step on the field," says Harber, and “stay true to yourself and what we can control.”
The Teays Valley boys soccer team will open their season for “Futbol Friday Night at Viking Stadium on August 16 when they take on Bishop Ready. I will be live for my first game of the 2024 season!
TVHS Girls Cross Country Preview
In the fourth TVHS Preview Series, we have Coach Megan Tamasovich and the Teays Valley High School Girls Cross Country team. And like the Boys XC team, not much has changed, if anything different from last year, says Tamasovich. “We are more excited to be entering the OCC and starting a new chapter, and I just need the girls to continue to trust in themselves," adds Tamasovich. “We are seeing a lot of new courses this year. One that I am really excited about is to race at Mason. That meet always tends to be really competitive and fun, and it provides another opportunity to race against teams that you will most likely not see in central Ohio".
Runners everyone will need to watch out for will be incoming freshmen Julie Charter, Eliana, and Elyse Krouse. A returning contributor are Presley Damron; she is our only senior this year, and she is an excellent leader and motivator to have on the team, as is returning state qualifier Katy Zang. Addie Keplar, Reese Gallinger, Grace Thanasack, Iris Audrey, Claire Krouse, Kate Charter, and Lila Merrit. This group of girls was in the top 7 last year and qualified for regionals.
The Teays Valley Girls Cross Country team will begin their season on August 24 in Granville for Newark Catholic’s home meet.
TVHS Boys Cross Country Preview
The third team in the TVHS athletic fall preview series will be the boys cross country team. In his second year as the Teays Valley High School Boys Cross Country Coach, Ashley Lupfer says things will stay the same with the staff: “Our coaches work well together, they are well rounded, and Coach Tamasovich, Coach Schall, and myself bring a variety of past experiences to this sport.”
And the same change happens with the XC team: a move to the OCC-Buckeye Division. The Vikings schedule will see them returning to a few familiar places, those being Bryn Du Mansion in Granville for Newark Catholic’s home meet and Olentangy Berlin, and new meets include Mason and Dublin Jerome. “With the OCC, our new league meet will be challenging for us. We expect to compete in every race and to be team-centered, which pushes individuals to their potential, and we expect to leave it all out on the course.” Says Coach Lupfer. “Our goal this year is to make it to the OHSAA Regional Meet. In order for this to happen, we need to continue to work hard in practice, workouts, and weight training,” added Lupfer.
Teays will be returning two runners from last year, one being senior Rueger Shrewsberry and sophomore Clark Thompson. The new faces for blue and gold will be juniors Brayden Fraley, Colin Carvel, and Nolan Lupfer. Athletes to watch are junior Riley Jacobs and seniors Mason Holbein and Connor Davis. With only two seniors graduating, the Vikings will be looking to their four new seniors, who they will look to make a big impact on the boys cross country team. I’m expecting big things from our eight juniors,” says Coach Lupfer.
The cross-country team will bust out on August 24th at Newark Catholic for their first meet of the year!
TVHS Boys Golf 2024 Preview
The second team for the TVHS athletic fall preview series will be the Teays Valley High School boys golf team under Head Coach Brian Barnett in his 26th year as head coach. The only new parts are the conference and new courses for the Vikings. In the OCC Teays Valley will play different greens at Denison, Turnberry, Darby Creek, and Apple Valley. The goal for the 2024 season Coach Barnett said, “We want to win the league and qualify for districts as a team. The guys feel that we have the skill to compete for an OCC championship, but we have to take one shot at a time, and I really like how these guys are competing right now, and our team chemistry and our desire to push each other to become better players will determine how well this season goes." The message for the season for the Vikings says Coach Brain Barnett: “To not get down on ourselves after a bad swing or a bad hole and to remember the most important shot is the next shot, and these guys are enjoyable to be around and coach, this is a special group that is going to have a special year.”
In the OCC Buckeye division, there are many accomplished players and coaches, and the blue and gold will have a mix of older and younger golfers teeing it up. “These guys are hungry and are doing a great job of helping one another and keeping each other accountable for their development. Our philosophy this year and always is to grow and develop our young upcoming freshman, and in academics, our older guys are setting the example to help the younger players understand what it takes to be successful on the course and in the classroom,” says Brian Barnett.
The returning contributors will be Noah Hilgenberg. So, Caden Sherman Sr., Carter Hutchison Sr., Vance Hanger Sr., and Branson Crabtree Sr. Teays Valley will look for senior Caden Sherman to have a great senior season. He is doing so early in the season Coach Barnett says, “He has done great on the course, has been a great team leader, and has done a great job with our team chemistry." And sophomore Sophomore Noah Hilgenberg has the ability to go low every time he tees it up,” says Barnett. The Vikings also have a talented freshman class that has potential. Freshman contributors will be Trent Hicks and Will Griffith.
The Teays Valley Golf team will continue their season on August 12 for the Warrior Invitational at Cumberland Trail. Then on August 14th, back at Turnberry for OCC #2, and then on August 15th, at Denison for the Rodney Butt Classic.
TVHS Girls Tennis Preview: August 9, 2024
The 2024 TVHS Athletics Fall preview series will start with the Viking girls' tennis team led by first-year head coach Rick Foose and new assistant coach Ali Jacob. The Vikings have emphasized the recruitment of younger athletes, player development, and growth. Both are important parts of the philosophy of the program, in addition to playing with honor and integrity. The Vikings will have a young team, which will come in their transition into the OCC. “If we could manage a pair of wins in the OCC Buckeye in addition to 3-5 wins in non-league matches, we would consider that a step in the right direction, but for us, the important part other than wins and losses is that we want to be competitive in our matches, earn the respect of our new conference members, and show growth over the course of the season,” Coach Foose added. Teays Valley will be transitioning to the OCC Buckeye in the 2024 season, but the Vikings will still face former MSL opponents in Circleville, Logan Elm, and Bloom Carroll in one match each. “The greatest challenge for us may fall in our OCC division. Anytime you have accomplished tennis programs such as Lancaster, Pickerington Central, and Reynoldsburg in the same division, it really prepares us for the non-league opponents we will see,” says coach Foose. “Although the tennis competition level will be slightly higher, the transition has allowed us to play new opponents from the OCC and Columbus area, including those outside of our Buckeye Division. In addition, we have more matches to fill as we only play each school in the Buckeye Division once, and those 7 matches determine standings as opposed to a home and away setting as the MSL incorporated,” Foose says. Teays Valley will face more OCC schools from the other divisions, as mentioned; they will play Hilliard Bradley, Thomas Worthington, and Grove City. The 2024 season will see the return of TVHS hosting an invitational tournament on Saturday, August 24th, which they haven’t done since pre-pandemic.The Vikings graduated 14 seniors and are returning two letter winners from the 2023 campaign. Coach Foose adds, “Many of our athletes have limited match experience even at the JV level, and having the younger players flourish and develop as we hope they can this season, especially from our sophomore class of athletes, would make 2024 a success." Teays has two returning varsity letter winners: senior Presley Hamilton, who will begin as the Viking's #1 singles player, and junior Julia Kramer, who will start as the Viking's #1 doubles player, along with returning sophomore Grace Murlin. Seniors Lauren Hodges, Allie Carle, and Jayden Elmore are all JV participants who may see the varsity court. Other athletes to watch out for will be Junior Abby Baker, who previously played girl's soccer the previous fall and co-ed boys tennis in the spring. This fall, she will concentrate on girl's tennis as TV’s number two singles to begin the year. And freshman Zoey Proctor also hopes to make an impact on the lineup in her first year.The Teays Valley Valley Girls Tennis Team will begin their 2024 Tour today, August 9th, at home against Hilliard Bradley for a 9 a.m. scheduled start time.Stay tuned; I will have more TVHS athletic previews in the coming weeks!
By: Jacob Merideth TV Athletic Beat Writer-(05/29/2024)
TVHS Track & Field Athletes Brooklyn Herbert & Katy Zang Qualify for State
The Teays Valley Track and Field athletes are still hard at work; two Vikings have made the state tournament. Brooklyn Herbert in the high jump and Katy Zang in the 3200. “I am just so proud of these two. They are leaders on our team who do the right thing at the right time, all of the time. The opportunity for them to compete at the state level is something that they will remember forever, and they have shown that you have to be patient in the process, no matter how aggravated you may become during the process! They have both had the goal of competing in the outdoor state ever since they went to the indoor state. I’m so proud that they reached their goals; they deserve to be in this position." TV Girls Track Coach Megan Tamasovich said. This past indoor season, Brooklyn and Katy both brought in third and fourth at the indoor state tournament, the first pair at Teays Valley to do so. Another duo record: Herbert and Zang were the first two TV athletes to qualify for the state championship in the same season, the first non-pole vaulters to qualify for the indoor state championship, and the first underclassmen to qualify Brooklyn, a junior, and Katy, a sophomore. ”What's impressive is that they’ve been at the top end of their events for the entire season," Gegick said.
Brooklyn Herbert qualified for state in the high jump; Herbert took fifth with a 5”3. Her height is the best non-qualifying height of all four regions, so she claimed one of the two final spots in the state championship. She would also place second in the high jump at regionals. Herbert also moved to second all-time in TV athletics history for the high jump behind Krystal Dowdy, the 2003 state champion at 5”6 and 2004 state qualifier who holds the record at 5”8. “I’m impressed with Brooklyn’s consistency because the best competitors make the extraordinary seem ordinary, and that’s Brooklyn to a T. It is incredibly difficult to reach the heights she has, and yet she makes it look effortless. It’s the first time we’ve had two qualifiers since '06 (K.C. Stemen 3200 and two-time state qualifier Kaitie Perill 100 H-) and we’re excited to see what happens,” Coach Gegick said. Herbert is also a two-sport athlete, as she plays club soccer and manages her time well, says Coach Tamasovich. ”Brooklyn worked very hard this year as she balanced club soccer during the team season, which can be a lot, but she continues to get stronger and shows up to every practice with the willingness to get better and learn, and she has shown me how good you can be if you put in the work.” Last year at this time, she was clearing 4”10 and seeing 5”0 every once in a while, and now she is continuing to see 5”4, and this is all through her dedication to the sport because it has paid off for her,” Tamasovich said. “Brooklyn has qualified for both indoor and outdoor states, and her work ethic is incredible. She's either working on her jumping ability with Coach Megan or building up her strength with Coach McDanel,” Gegick added.
Katy Zang qualified for state and won districts even after a setback with an injury. TV Track Coach Pete Gegick is impressed with how Zang has responded to the setback. “She had a small injury in mid-April and has battled through it to make the state meet. Even though she hasn’t run at full health for a while, she has battled her way to the state meet this year." Coach Tamasovich says, “She worked so hard and has been battling a small injury this year. However, she continues to cross-train, lift, and run when she can! She has been so tough, and the results have shown.” Throughout the year, Katy has shown resilience, toughness, and great sportsmanship. Katy has shown me that no matter what’s going on, she is going to show up every day for her teammates and herself,” Tamasovich would add. Katy Zang will have competed at all three major Ohio running championships this season. To his knowledge, Coach Gegick does not believe that it has been done yet.
Brooklyn and Katy will both compete in the OHSAA State Track and Field in Dayton on Saturday, June 1st. Herbert will compete at 10:00 a.m., and Zang will take off at 5:00 p.m.
Update: on the state track meet, Brooklyn Herbert set a new PR for herself at 5’5”! She takes 7th and is the first Teays Valley athlete to make the podium since Claire Leatherwood in 2005 and Katy Zang Katy Zang finishes as the 11th best 3200 runner for D1 in Ohio-11:06.71.