The Akron area will have three athletes competing for the United States of America in the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, China.

The athletes are: basketball player LeBron James, swimmer Mark Gangloff and javelin thrower Kim Kreiner. The trio all competed and represented USA in the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece.

Gangloff won a gold medal in the 2004 Olympics as a member of the 400-meter medley relay and placed fourth in the 100-meter breast stroke. James won a bronze medal on the basketball team.

James graduated from St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in 2003 and currently stars for the Cleveland Cavaliers in the National Basketball Association.

Gangloff graduated from Firestone High School in 2000 and Auburn University in 2005.

Kreiner graduated from Mogadore High School in 1995 and earned a degree from Kent State.

The Akron Beacon Journal wishes the trio good luck in Beijing!!!

When it comes to track, it’s always about who ran the fastest, jumped the highest or threw the shot or the discus the farthest. But sometimes there are stories, GREAT, INSPRATIONAL STORIES, that don’t have to do with who won.

For instance, I remember watching the local news in the fall, I think it was, and there was an amazing story about a young lady (she may have been from the Youngstown area), who was competing in the state high school cross country meet and was almost near the finish line. Then came a gruesome sight. She broke her leg on the course and fell to the ground.

But this young lady had the courage and fortitude to crawl and limp her way to the finish line, despite being in obvious pain.

It was a story of incredible self-will. This young lady needed medical help, but she didn’t want it. She was withering with pain but she wanted to finish that race, and if you watched the video, you couldn’t help but get a little emotional, knowing she was in a world of pain. But watching her will her way to that finish line, regardless of the pain she was experiencing, was breathtaking and moving.

The yound lady gave a great television interview a few days later and it was great to see she was doing well and was in good spirts. I think she even joked that all she was thinking about, when she went down, was that she wasn’t going to be able to dance at her sister’s wedding later that night.

I witnessed another incredible story, but it didn’t involve injury. A few years ago I was covering a regional track meet at Ravenna and the Copley girls were favored in this particular relay event. As the race began, Copley was right there, as expected. But during one of the exchanges, the baton was dropped and the team was out of the race.

The young lady who dropped the baton was devasted. I mean, I had never seen an athlete more distraught. What I found out later was that the young lady was only a sophomore and there were two seniors on that relay team. The sophomore felt she had blown it for the seniors because it was their last chance to make it to state.

She was on the infield of the track, as the race was still going, slumped over an emotional ball.

She just shuddered and shook as she cried.

Then, former Copley standout Carrie Dyer, who was a senior and on that relay team, ran to the young runner to comfort her.

Then the rest of the realy team followed.

To me, that was one of the most inspirational stories I had ever witnessed.

The sophomore was heartbroken. But she was heartbroken because she cared about her teammates and wanted to perform at her best so that it would help the seniors.

It didn’t happen. But when it didn’t happen, the seniors weren’t mad, bitter or upset. They showed support for their younger teammate because they loved her. And in the end, winning didn’t matter.

So, with that, I’m asking readers to post any inspirational stories you witnessed, in track or any other sport, that didn’t involve someone winning.

A story where someone overcame odds to get where they are. Or a story about teammates helping one another.

Those are the most compelling stories.

As the high school football playoffs starts to wind down, some of the area’s best players are recognized for their success this season. Click here for a story about some of the most prestigious awards that went to area players and coaches. The complete list of first- and second-team all-district selections are listed below.

All Northeast Ohio Inland District Football Teams

DIVISION I

First-team offense: Ends - Matt Wakulchik, North Canton Hoover, 6-1, 185, sr.; Jordan Gribble, Brunswick, 5-10, 160, sr.; Brian Vollmer, Nordonia, 5-11, 170, sr. Linemen - Sean Whited, Canton McKinley, 6-2, 250, sr.; Corey Linsley, Boardman, 6-4, 275, sr.; Dom Boyle, North Canton Hoover, 6-0, 208, jr.; Frank Pistone, Brunswick, 6-1, 215, sr.; Erik Carlson, Jackson, 6-4, 232, jr. Quarterbacks - Sean Bedevelsky, Brunswick, 6-0, 180, sr.; Jared Wackerly, North Canton Hoover, 6-2, 180, sr.; Aaron Pankratz, Nordonia, 6-5, 225, sr. Backs - Dru Jones, Wadsworth,
5-11, 193, sr.; Eric Magnacca, Perry, 5-11, 194, sr.; Erick Howard, North Canton Hoover, 5-10, 210, so.; Anthony Smith, GlenOak, 5-9, 170, sr.; John Hamilton, Nordonia, 6-0, 195, jr. Kicker - Steve Schott, Massillon Washington, 6-1, 145, sr.

First-team defense: Linemen - Steve Yoder, Massillon Washington, 6-3, 273, sr.; Richard Sumlin, Medina, 6-2, 255, sr.; Luke Miller, Wadsworth, 5-10, 181, sr.; Evan Klepec, Boardman, 6-4, 235, sr.; James Georgiades, North Canton Hoover, 6-1, 240; Whitney Mercilus, Garfield, 6-3, 235, sr.; David Baughman, Perry, 5-9, 193, sr. Linebackers - Kevin Dahl, North Canton Hoover, 6-1, 210, sr.; Matt Vick, Perry, 5-11, 203, sr.; Mike Niam, Hudson, 6-3, 220, sr.; Broderic Kelker, Wadsworth, 6-0, 201, sr.; Zach Watts, Wadsworth, 5-10, 187; Luke Batton, Nordonia, 6-0, 195, jr. Backs - Corey Hildreth, Massillon Washington, 5-9, 167, sr.; Alex Gedeon, Hudson, 6-2, 220, sr. Brandon Mingo, Canton McKinley, 5-10, 165, sr.; Ben Karaba, Brunswick, 6-0, 170, sr.; Marcus Hardy, Cuyahoga Falls, 5-9, 165, sr. Punter - Matt Weller, Twinsburg, 6-0, 185, sr.

Offensive players of the year: Matt Wakulchik, Hoover; Sean Bedevelsky, Brunswick.
Defensive player of the year: James Georgiades, Hoover.
Coach of the year: Jason Hall, Nordonia.

Second-team offense: Ends - Anthony Schrock, Wadsworth, 6-3, 182, so.; Ryan Clark, Nordonia, 5-10, 165, sr. Linemen - Jared Frantz, Perry, 6-2, 205, sr.; D.J. Moss, Austintown Fitch, 5-11, 266, jr.; Dominic Olivo, Brunswick, 6-1, 260; Ricky Canestraro, Wadsworth, 6-1, 292, sr.; Shawn Arnold, Massillon Washington, 6-6, 240, sr.; Chauncey Clemons, Garfield, 6-5, 295, jr. Quarterbacks - Alex Loftin, Stow, 6-0, 195, sr.; John Hyde, Perry, 6-0, 177, jr. Backs -Damien Jarrett, Boardman, 5-9, 165, jr.; Carlin Isles, Jackson, 5-8, 150, sr.; Matt Marino, Stow, 5-9, 198, sr. Kicker - Corey Morse, Medina, 6-1, 235, sr.

Second-team defense: Linemen - Mike Cannel, Nordonia, 6-1, 240, sr.; Garrett Mack, Brunswick, 6-2, 230, sr.; Will Woicehovich, Nordonia, 6-1, 225, sr.; Nick Tuminello, Boardman, 6-4, 215, sr.; Myrell Smith, Canton McKinley, 5-9, 208, sr. Linebackers -Jordan Beach, Cuyahoga Falls, 6-2, 215, sr.; Ryan Holmes, Boardman, 5-9, 175, sr.; Tim Darlington, Stow, 5-11, 205, sr.; Dorie Irvin, Massillon
Washington, 6-1, 195, sr.; Mitch Rose, North Canton Hoover, 6-1, 189, sr.; Joe Vendlinski, Brunswick, 6-3, 195, sr. Backs - Rick Manco, Brunswick, 6-1, 175, jr.; Jeff Meek, North Canton Hoover, 5-10, 180, jr.; Tremaine O’Neal, Canton McKinley, 5-11, 167, sr. Punter - Justin Szink, GlenOak, 6-0, 168, sr.

DIVISION II

First-team offense: Ends - Gary Franklin, Firestone, 6-4, 180, sr.; Brian Slack, Archbishop Hoban, 6-5, 220, sr.; Brandon Mathie, Louisville, 6-1, 170, jr.; Dylan Traikoff, Lake, 6-1, 203, sr. Linemen - Colin Everett, Lake, 6-3, 237, sr.; Tyler Kwasnicka, Louisville, 6-1, 250, sr.; Tim Goodman, Copley, 6-5, 295, sr.; Sam Petersen, Revere, 6-1, 275, sr.; Tyler Dunagin, Ellet, 6-2, 260, sr. Quarterbacks - Trevor Kennedy, Firstone, 6-1, 170, sr.; Sal Battles, Youngstown East, 5-11, 215, sr.; Mark Carrocce, Canfield, 5-11, 175, sr. Backs - Shawn Riley, Wooster, 5-10,
160, jr.; Gene Onabiyi, Lake, 5-11, 190, sr.; Clay Swigert, Louisville, 6-0, 190, sr.; Chris Snook, Highland, 6-2, 218, jr. Kicker - Pat Sankovic, Canfield, 6-0, 185, sr.

First-team defense: Linemen - Matt Schooley, Louisville, 6-3, 225, sr.; Josh Lott, Warren Howland, 6-2, 235, sr.; Jordan Graham, Canfield, 6-1, 245, sr.; Aaron Donze, Tallmadge, 6-1, 205, sr.; Ryan Jones, Lake, 5-11, 252, sr.; De’Andre Tucker, Firestone, 6-2, 210, sr. Linebackers - Gary Thornton, Youngstown East, 5-9, 200, sr.; Eddie Metcalf, Alliance, 6-1, 200, sr.; Eric Jones, Warren Howland, 5-10, 190, sr.; Tyler Houska, Highland, 6-3, 215, jr.; Collin Haben, Tallmadge, 6-1, 225, sr.; Kyle Juszczyk, Cloverleaf, 6-2, 208, jr.; Marcus Poyser, Louisville, 5-11, 205, sr. Backs - Patrick Pakan, Tallmadge, 6-1, 200, sr.; T.J. Viscuso, Lake, 5-11, 171, sr.; Cody Roberts, Cloverleaf, 6-2, 205, jr.; Will Fleming, Archbishop Hoban, 6-4, 200, sr.; Punter - Josh Kostraba, Warren Howland, 6-0, 170, sr.

Offensive player of the year: Sal Battles, Youngstown East.
Defensive players of the year: Josh Lott, Warren Howland; Matt Schooley, Louisville.
Coaches of the year: Tim Flossie, Firestone; Dick Angle, Warren Howland.

Second-team offense: Ends - Mikey Bickley, East, 6-0, 170, jr.; Jeff Purdie, Youngstown East, 5-10, 175, sr.; Marc Adams, Louisville, 5-11, 165, sr. Linemen - Tim Baker, North, 6-1, 265, sr.; Anthony Roberts, Alliance, 5-11, 225, sr.; Tony Carney, Canfield, 6-0, 195, sr.; Dillon Miller, Lake, 6-3, 258, jr.; Jon Vanicek, Louisville, 6-1, 250, sr. Quarterbacks - Neal Seaman, Louisville, 6-1, 185, jr.; Chad Keppler, Ellet, 6-4, 190, sr. Backs - Dan Banna, Canfield, 5-11, 220, jr.; Tyler Crowl, Lake, 5-9, 175, jr.; Darshawn Thomas, Firestone, 6-1, 170, sr.; Larry Dawson, North, 6-0, 210, sr. Kicker - James Plunket, Tallmadge, 5-11, 160, jr.

Second-team defense: Linemen - Justin Marrs, Cloverleaf, 6-2, 250, sr.; Luis Sharriez, Youngstown East, 6-3, 250, sr; Dan Westlake, Louisville, 5-10, 230, sr.; Nick White, Tallmadge, 5-7, 175, jr.; Demetrius Bentley, East, 6-1, 220, sr. Linebackers -Nick Spittle, Wooster, 6-0, 175, sr.; Matt Higginbotham, Lake, 5-9, 200, sr.; J.D.Whaley, Louisville, 5-10, 170, sr.; Jon Andrews, Alliance, 6-3, 180, sr.; Tyler Scott, Warren Howland, 6-3, 218, jr.; Steve Yoak, Archbishop Hoban, 6-1, 215, sr.; Shomari Akhdar, East, 5-10, 210, sr. Backs - Chaz Moore, Canton Timken, 6-1, 184, jr.; Dominic Harper, Kenmore, 5-11, 175, sr.; Nathan Cope, Warren Howland, 5-11, 170, sr. Punter - Anthony Bowell, Youngstown Chaney, 5-9, 158, so.

DIVISION III

First-team offense: Ends - Jeremiah James, West Branch, 6-1, 175, sr.; Teddy Robb, Northwest, 6-1, 190, sr.; Mike Carnahan, Hubbard, 6-3, 195, sr. Linemen - Nate Klatt, Northwest, 6-4, 280, jr.; Bill Dugan, Poland Seminary, 6-5, 300, sr.; Kris Adams,
Field, 6-7, 340, sr.; Zack Brown, Youngstown Liberty, 5-11, 250, sr.; Josh Varney, Buckeye, 6-1, 285, sr.; Matt Mitchcash, Walsh Jesuit, 6-3, 240, sr. Quarterbacks - Marc Kanetsky, Hubbard, 6-0, 190, sr.; Steve McNeely, West Branch, 6-1, 200, sr.; Jimmy Shiplett, Northwest, 6-3, 180, sr. Backs - Cory Reisner, Buckeye, 5-10, 160, jr.; Nate Ganyard, Niles McKinley, 6-1, 215, sr.; Ben Moody, Cortland Lakeview, 6-2, 170, jr.; Seth Koosed, Field, 5-11, 180, sr. Kicker - Seth Harding, Salem, 6-1, 195, sr.

First-team defense: Linemen - Matt Betz, Marlington, 6-1, 250, sr.; Jake Hochendoner, Poland Seminary, 6-2, 230, sr.; Kyle Smedi, Cortland Lakeview, 6-1, 190, sr.; Andrew Illig, Walsh Jesuit, 6-2, 275, sr.; Garrett Manack, Fairless, 5-9, 185, sr.; Adam Bellamy, Aurora, 6-4, 255, jr. Linebackers - Sam Stucker, Walsh Jesuit, 5-10, 185, sr.; Mark Gauer, Northwest, 6-1, 200, sr.; Roy Davis, Ravenna, 6-3, 200, sr.; Vinnie Mazzei, West Branch, 5-10, 190, sr.; Mike McKinney, Canton South, 6-0, 200, jr.; Kevin Bailey, Walsh Jesuit, 6-2, 200, sr. Backs - Tony Stover, Northwest, 6-3, 200, sr.; Brad Hebert, Canton South, 6-0, 150, sr.; Alex Ferrara, Walsh Jesuit, 5-9, 175, sr.; Jon Biehl, Cortland Lakeview, 5-11, 175, sr.; Josh Fick, Minerva, 6-2, 170, jr. Punter - Allen Strouble, Marlington, 5-11, 160, jr.

Offensive players of the year: Steve McNeely, West Branch; Teddy Robb, Northwest.
Defensive players of the year: Tony Stover, Northwest; Kyle Smedi, Cortland Lakeview.
Coach of the year: Vic Whiting, Northwest.

Second-team offense: Ends - Jeff Walker, Coventry, 6-4, 200, jr.; Josh Penland, Fairless, 6-2, 170, sr.; Dee Brizzolara, Aurora, 6-0, 165, jr.Linemen -Jeff Petrilli, Niles McKinley, 5-11, 235, sr.; Tony Barkey, Northwest, 6-5, 300, sr.; Andrew Knapp, Aurora, 6-4, 235, sr.; Jacob Roman, Crestwood, 5-11, 255, sr.; Drew Trammel, Ravenna, 6-2, 280, sr.; Corey Fuller, Northwest, 6-3, 300, sr.; Chris Ciraldo, Walsh Jesuit, 6-2, 305, sr. Quarterbacks - Kyle Snyder, Walsh Jesuit, 6-1, 180, jr.; Matt Trissel, Canton South, 6-0, 170, jr. Backs - Cameron Ontko, Walsh Jesuit, 6-0, 195, so.; Danny Beers, Northwest, 5-10, 190, jr.; Fitzgerald Toussaint, Youngstown Liberty, 5-9, 180, jr.; Jonathan Davis, Ravenna, 5-10, 170, sr.

Second-team defense: Linemen - Stephen Fejedelem, Ravenna, 6-4, 210, sr.; Matt Lopuchovsky, Hubbard, 6-1, 215, sr.; Jason Ulbricht, Marlington, 6-2, 235, sr.; Alex Stull, West Branch, 6-3, 225, sr. Linebackers - Mark Turnbull, Poland Seminary, 5-11, 210, sr.; Mark Mikula, Crestwood, 6-1, 175, sr.; Kevin Conners, Canton South, 6-0, 200, sr.; Matt Myers, Coventry, 6-0, 210, sr.; Brice Griffin, Northwest, 5-8, 185, sr.; Kasey Schwing, Streetsboro, 6-1, 210. Backs - Armand Dehaney, Walsh Jesuit, 5-9, 175, jr.; Tyler Bates, West Branch, 6-0, 175, sr.; Marcus Coonce, Hubbard, 5-9, 165, sr.; David Whipple, Canton South, 5-9, 181, sr.

DIVISION IV

First-team offense: Ends -Rob Hoagland, Canton Central Catholic, 6-2, 175, sr.; Rhyne Ladrach, Orrville, 6-5, 220, sr.; Brett Cubellis, Girard, 6-2, 185, sr.; Corey Clause, Waterloo, 6-2, 160, sr. Linemen - Brandon Ericsson, Youngstown Cardinal Mooney, 6-1, 261, sr.; Cole Dittirch, Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy, 6-2, 200, jr.; Derek Berger, Waterloo, 6-0, 195, sr.; Andrew Destefano, St. Vincent-St. Mary, 6-1, 235, sr.; Joe Tournoux, Tuslaw, 6-0, 225, sr. Quarterbacks - Dan McCarthy, Youngstown Cardinal Mooney, 6-3, 205, sr.; Joey Rhoads, Canton Central Catholic, 5-10, 175, sr. Backs - John Pettigrew, Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy, 5-9, 180, jr.; Brandon Beachum, Youngstown Cardinal Mooney, 6-1, 223, sr.; Carnell Evans, St. Vincent-St. Mary, 5-10, 205, sr.; Cameron Truss, Leavittsburg LaBrae, 6-0, 170, jr. Kicker - Igor Ilibasic, St. Vincent-St. Mary, 5-10, 165, sr.

First-team defense: Linemen - Nick Thomas, St. Vincent-St. Mary, 6-3, 230, sr.; Taylor Hill, Youngstown Cardinal Mooney, 6-3, 215, sr.; Mike Shaeffer, St. Vincent-St. Mary, 6-1, 215, sr.; John Simon, Youngstown Cardinal Mooney, 6-3, 266, jr.; Jeremy Garver, Triway, 6-0, 180, jr. Linebackers - Michael Zordich, Youngstown Cardinal Mooney, 6-2, 237, sr.; Marcello Natale, Canton Central Catholic, 6-1, 205, sr.; Cortez McCrary, Orrville, 6-2, 215, sr.; Kristopher Wildman, Warren Champion, 6-1, 210, sr.; Chris Taylor, Garrettsville, 5-9, 193, sr.; Jared Kusar, Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy, 5-8, 165, sr. Backs - Tim Marlowe, Youngstown Cardinal Mooney, 5-11, 170, sr.; Markel Vaughn, Warren Champion, 5-9, 186, sr.; Max Colaner, Canton Central Catholic, 5-9, 170, sr.; Shelby Combs, Tuslaw, 5-10, 175, jr.; Kevin Saunders, St. Vincent-St. Mary, 5-11, 200, sr.; Dave Krusinski, Woodridge, 6-3, 212, sr. Punters - Brynt Werntz, Orrville, 6-0, 175, sr.; Kyle Stadelmyer, Girard, 6-2, 207, jr.

Offensive player of the year: Dan McCarthy, Youngstown Cardinal Mooney.
Defensive player of the year: Michael Zordich, Youngstown Cardinal Mooney.
Coach of the year: Lowell Klinefelter, Canton Central Catholic.

DIVISION V

First-team offense: Ends -Corey Hill, Columbiana Crestview, 6-0, 178, jr.; Linemen - Justin Ray, St. Thomas Aquinas, 6-5, 290, sr.; Jeremy Oller, Norwayne, 6-4, 255, sr.; Mike Hudak, North Lima South Range, 5-10, 210, sr.; Dan Pierce, North Lima South Range, 5-10, 225, sr.; Justin Brown, Youngstown Ursuline, 6-3, 255, sr.; Jared Carpenter, Northwestern, 6-5, 320, jr. Quarterbacks - Tony Britton, Columbiana Crestview, 6-1, 187, sr.; Lamar McQueen, Youngstown Ursuline, 5-9, 165, sr. Backs - Steve Bensinger, North Lima South Range, 6-0, 185, sr.; Thad Nofsinger, Waynedale, 5-11, 200, jr.; Travis Morris, Northwestern, 5-7, 195, sr.; Brad Hughes, Vienna Mathews, 5-9, 175, sr.; A.J. Zitello, Mineral Ridge, 5-11, 190, sr. Kicker - Mat Schaefer, Northwestern, 5-10, 175, sr.

First-team defense: Linemen - Carmen Lamancusa, Vienna Mathews, 6-3, 275, sr.; Dominic Armeni, Mineral Ridge, 5-10, 205, sr.; Jamel Turner, Youngstown Ursuline, 6-3, 215, so.; Steve Eyring, Waynedale, 5-11, 185, jr.; Matt Gilly, St. Thomas Aquinas, 6-0, 263, sr.; Eric Ochletree, Vienna Mathews, 5-9, 190, sr. Linebackers - Kent Cunningham, Mineral Ridge, 6-0, 205, sr.; James Rutt, Waynedale, 5-9, 165, jr.; Nick McGahagan, Youngstown Ursuline, 5-11, 205, sr.; Trent Kimball, Hillsdale, 5-9, 185, sr.; Matt Redick, Northwestern, 6-0, 170, sr. Backs - Ross Revella, Youngstown Ursuline, 5-10, 185, sr.; Shawn Sheridan, Northwestern, 5-10, 175, sr.; Clay Nelson, Hillsdale, 6-0, 185, sr.; Jon McRoberts, Mineral Ridge, 5-8, 160, sr.; Brent Jackson, Vienna Mathews, 5-8, 155, jr. Punter - Eric Lee, Smithville, 6-0, 215, jr.

Offensive player of the year: Lamar McQueen, Youngstown Ursuline.
Defensive player of the year: Shawn Sheridan, Northwestern.
Coach of the year: Tom Williams, Hillsdale.

DIVISION VI

First-team offense: Ends - Eddie Gonda, Youngstown Christian, 6-foot-3, 195 pounds, senior; Mike Thomas, McDonald, 6-1, 175, jr.; James Howard, Warren JFK, 6-1, 150, sr. Linemen - Zack Trainer, Mogadore, 6-4, 300, sr.; Alex Perkins, Leetonia, 6-3, 250; sr.; Ben Gerlach, Columbiana, 6-0, 240; Dom Moore, Lowellville, 6-0, 250, sr.; Jimmie McCale, McDonald, 6-1, 225, sr. Quarterbacks - Matt Krumpak, McDonald, 6-0, 170, sr.; Shawn Pierce, Mogadore, 6-1, 175, sr. Backs - Cody Destro, Mogadore, 6-3, 225, sr.; Cameron Brant, Mapleton, 6-0, 210, sr.; Jared Province, Warren JFK, 6-0, 190, sr.; Alex Sampson, McDonald, 5-11, 195, jr.; Kicker - Bryan
Visingardi, New Middletown Springfield, 5-10, 170, jr.

First-team defense: Linemen - Donald Trummer, Leetonia, 5-11, 230, sr.; Jordan Knetzer, Dalton, 6-2, 175, sr.; Jake McAvinew, Mogadore, 5-9, 175, fr.; James Bluedorn, Warren JFK, 6-1, 200, sr.; Ryan VanVoorhis, East Canton, 5-10, 200, sr. Linebackers - John Vasilchek, Lowellville, 5-10, 189, jr.; Neal Eaton, Warren JFK, 6-0, 185, sr.; Sefan Aulizio, Warren JFK, 5-11, 185, sr.; Josh Hertel, Columbiana, 5-10, 195, sr.; Ben Shankel, East Canton, 6-2, 210, sr.; Shayne Stewart, Mogadore, 5-11, 175, jr.
Backs - Nate Schuler, New Middletown Springfield, 6-2, 215, sr.; Matt Kalbfell, Berlin Center Western Reserve, 5-8, 155, sr.; Ryan Williams, Columbiana, 5-11, 200, sr.; Andrew Beun, Dalton, 5-8, 146, so.; Ryan Brodie, Mogadore, 5-7, 165, sr.; Bryant Marnin, East Canton, 5-11, 165, sr. Punter - Mike Wheeler, East Canton, 5-9, 140, sr.

Offensive players of the year: Cody Destro, Mogadore; Jared Province, Warren JFK.
Defensive player of the year: Josh Hertel, Columbiana.
Coach of the year: Matt Adorni, Mogadore.

GAVIN JACKSON/Akron Beacon Journal

North Canton Hoover senior receiver Matt Wakulchik catches a touchdown pass during the second quarter of the Vikings’ 21-14 overtime victory over Nordonia last week. Wakulchik shared the district’s Division I co-offensive player of the year award with Brunswick senior quarterback Sean Bedevelsky.

Here is a preseason look at Portage Trail Conference County Division football for the 2007 season. In this post, you will find players (and any all-star recognition they received in the league last season) to watch from each team and my predictions for the upcoming season.

MOGADORE (11-3 overall, 6-1 in the PTC County last season; PTC County co-champs)

Top players: Senior RB-LB Cody Destro (first-team PTC County offense, second-team All-Ohio and first-team all-district in Division VI), senior Sean Holland (second-team defense).

GARRETTSVILLE (7-3, 6-1; PTC County co-champs)

Top players: Senior OL-LB Chris Taylor (first-team offense), junior OL-WR-K Caleb Schwan (first-team special teams), senior WR-DB Kenny Vanek (second-team offense), senior WR-OL Kyle Hartman (second-team offense), junior John Hartman (second-team defense), senior RB-LB Brad Mast (second-team defense).

WINDHAM (7-4, 5-2)

Top players: Sophomore RB-WR-DB Jay Lugo (honorable-mention PTC), junior Kyle Cooper (honorable-mention PTC).

STREETSBORO (5-5, 5-2)

Top players: Junior RB-WR-DB Cory Lanterman (first-team offense), junior DB-WR Mike Edwards (first-team defense), senior John Cushman (second-team offense), senior Doug Tackett (second-team defense).

WOODRIDGE (3-7, 3-4)

Top players: Senior DL-OL Andy Jenkins (first-team defense), senior QB-DB Dave Krusinski (second-team offense), senior WR-DB Josh Jones (second-team offense).

ROOTSTOWN (2-8, 2-5)

Top players: Senior RB Corey Devitt (first-team offense), senior DL-OL Joe Farrah (second-team defense).

EAST CANTON (1-9, 1-6)

Top player: Senior RB Mike Wheeler (second-team offense).

WATERLOO (0-10, 0-7)

Top player: Senior Joe Adelman (honorable-mention PTC).

Here are my 2007 preseason predictions for the PTC County Division.

1. Mogadore

2. Garrettsville

3. Windham

4. Woodridge

5. Streetsboro

6. Rootstown

7. East Canton

8. Waterloo

Here is my explanation for my picks: I expect the top three teams from last season to finish in the same order again. I think defending co-champs Mogadore and Garrettsville could easily tie for first again. But if I had to pick one over the other, I give the slight edge to Mogadore because it’s running back Cody Destro’s senior season, and I think Wildcats coach Matt Adorni will get the most out of Destro in his last high school season. I also think the bottom three teams from last season will finish in the bottom three again. The only difference I’m predicting from last year, is Woodridge’s improvement. I think the Bulldogs will finish fourth and have an outside chance of sneaking into third. There is a lot of buzz around the league about Woodridge senior quarterback Dave Krusinski and the Bulldogs senior class.

Let me know what you think. How do you think the teams will finish in the PTC County Division?

Here are statistics and information for the players who were selected to the Beacon Journal All-City Baseball All-Star team.

ALL-CITY

CHAD KEPPLER
PITCHER: Ellet, Junior
First-team All-City Series selection went 6-3 with a 2.33 ERA. Right-hander struck out 52 in 54 innings pitched. Batted .362 with 21 RBI and two home runs for the Orangemen (15-10) who won the City Series regular-season title.

RYAN HARRIS
PITCHER: Kenmore, Sophomore
First-team All-City Series selection helped the Cardinals (15-7) win the league playoff title. Had a 6-2 record with one save and a 1.67 ERA. Struck out 35 batters in 46 innings pitched.

KYLE MCMILLEN
PITCHER: Archbishop Hoban, Junior
First-team All-North Coast League selection went 2-1 with a 2.20 ERA for the Knights (17-9). Also played shortstop and second base and hit .428 with two home runs, 11 doubles and 23 RBI.

SAMUEL TRECASO
INFIELDER:St. Vincent-St. Mary, Sophomore
Third baseman/shortstop batted .400 with six doubles and three triples for the Irish. Scored 22 runs, had 20 RBI and a .582 on-base percentage. Went 2-0 as a pitcher with a 2.77 ERA and 20 strikeouts in 17 innings pitched. Earned first-team All-Cuyahoga River Baseball Conference honors and was named the CRBC Rookie of the Year.

ERIC LEHMAN
INFIELDER: Firestone, Senior
First-team All-City shortstop hit .463 with one home run, 37 hits, 19 RBI and 21 runs scored. A Baldwin-Wallace recruit.

ISAIAH FRIDLEY
INFIELDER: Ellet, Junior
First-team All-City first baseman led the Orangemen (15-10) with a .376 batting average, 20 RBI and 10 doubles. Left-hander compiled a 4-1 record with a 1.42 ERA. He struck out 44 in 34 innings pitched.

ANDREW DESTEFANO
INFIELDER: St. Vincent-St. Mary, Junior
First baseman/third baseman led the Fighting Irish with a .424 batting average, 14 doubles and 25 RBI. Scored 21 runs and had a .531 on-base percentage. Earned first-team All-Cuyahoga River Baseball Conference honor.

IVORY ALEXANDER
CATCHER: Firestone, Senior
First-team All-City selection hit .459 and led the Falcons (14-14) with seven home runs, 29 RBI, 39 hits, 31 runs and 21 stolen bases. Plans to play at either the University of Akron or Cleveland State University.

ADAM HARRIS
OUTFIELDER: Kenmore, Senior
City Series Player of the Year led the Cardinals (15-7) to a league playoff title. Posted a 5-3 record with three saves and a 2.50 ERA. Struck out 25 batters in 53 innings. Batted .379 with eight doubles, two triples, one home run. Plans to play football and wrestle and possibly at Muskingum College.

BRENT CHOBAN
OUTFIELDER: Archbishop Hoban, Junior
First-team All-NCL center fielder hit .322 with three home runs and 19 RBI. Also went 5-1 with a 1.39 ERA and struck out 53 in 41 innings pitched for the Knights (17-9).

RICKY BLASEY
OUTFIELDER: North, Senior
First-team All-City outfielder/shortstop batted .490 with eight doubles and 24 RBI to lead the Vikings’ offense.

CONNOR BURNS
UTILITY: Archbishop Hoban, Junior
First-team All-NCL catcher hit .439 with 29 RBI and 18 walks for the Knights (17-9).

- Michael Beaven and Nate Ulrich

Here are statistics and information for the players who were selected to the Beacon Journal All-Summit Baseball team:

ALL-SUMMIT

LEE VALENCHECK
PITCHER: Barberton, Senior
Right-hander compiled an 8-1 record with 1.96 ERA and 109 strikeouts in 68 innings. Wright State recruit batted .389 with 11 RBI and earned first-team All-Suburban League honors.

DAVE KRUSINSKI
PITCHER: Woodridge, Junior
Right-hander compiled a 7-0 record with a 2.26 ERA for the Bulldogs (27-3), a Division III district champion. Had 60 strikeouts in 49 innings. Batted .366 with 32 RBI and 24 runs.

SCOTT FOSTER
PITCHER: Green, Senior
Left-hander went 6-1 with a 2.30 ERA and 57 strikeouts in 48 innings. University of Akron recruit hit .330 with 17 RBI, one home run and 19 runs. Helped the Bulldogs (16-12) reach a Division I district final and earned first-team All-Suburban League honors.

BRIAN PENNINO
Catcher: Cuyahoga Falls, Senior
First-team All-Western Reserve Conference honoree batted .313 with two home runs and 20 RBI. Black Tigers (18-9) catcher had seven doubles, three triples and nine stolen bases.

COREY SAYERS
INFIELDER: Hudson, Senior
First baseman led the Explorers (20-8) with a team-high .492 batting average and seven home runs. Miami University recruit had 23 RBI, scored 33 runs and earned first-team All-WRC honors.

SCOTT BURDETTE
INFIELDER : Cuyahoga Falls, Senior
Black Tigers (18-9) shortstop batted .421 with 23 RBI, one home run, eight doubles and 27 runs scored. Earned first-team All-WRC honors.

JOE LEWANDOWSKI
INFIELDER: Woodrdige, Junior
First baseman helped the Bulldogs (27-3) win a Division III district championship. Batted .417 with three home runs, 38 RBI, nine doubles and 27 runs.

ROSS BRUNELLO
INFIELDER: Walsh Jesuit, Junior
Shortstop helped the Warriors (24-5) win a Division II district championship and Cuyahoga River Baseball Conference title. Hit .321, five home runs, 24 RBI, five doubles and team-high 34 runs scored. Earned second-team All-CRBC honors.

MATT ROURKE
OUTFIELDER: Cuyahoga Falls, Senior
Batted .440 with one home run, 16 RBI, five doubles and three triples. Led the Black Tigers (18-9) with 32 runs scored.

JON CAMPRIANA
OUTFIELDER: Tallmadge, Junior
First-team All-Suburban League selection led the team in the offensive production with a .474 batting average, 46 hits, five home runs and 39 RBI. Scored 28 runs and helped the Blue Devils (20-8) reach a Division II district final.

Several players were considered for the All-Beacon Journal team, but only 12 spots are available. Here is a list of players who earned an honorable mention for the team:

Coty Bates (Alliance), Bobby Butvin (Crestwood), Camden Carter (Lake), Jon Campriana (Tallmadge), Max Colaner (CCC), Joe Corfman (Revere), Brent Fincham (Windham), Cody Fincham (Windham), Mitch Gant (Field), Ryan Gearhart (Field), Corey Hartong (Dalton), Matt Heller (Windham), Andrew Hendershot (Alliance), Cody Irwin (Jackson), Scott James (Lake), Cory Johnston (Highland), Dave Krusinksi (Woodridge), Matt Langston (Rootstown), Zack Leonard (Canton McKinley), Chad Luckie (Rootstown), Timmy Lynn (CCC), Grant McCoury (CCC), Corey Sayers (Hudson), Eric Shimko (Canton McKinley), T.J. Sutton (GlenOak), Lee Valencheck (Barberton), Britt Williams (Jackson), Dustin Zielaskiewicz (Brunswick), Collin Sanford (Aurora), Josh Adkins (Aurora).

Here is a Q&A with recent Highland graduate Ben Klafczynski, the Beacon Journal Baseball Player of the Year:

Age: 18

Height: 6’2½”

Weight: 195

Favorite athlete: Tie between Tiger Woods and Manny Ramirez.

Favorite TV show: Spongebob Squarepants.

Favorite movie: Anything with Will Ferrell.

Hobbies: Golf, water sports, basketball, and drums.

Family members: Parents Ray and Elaine, sisters Amy and Leah and brother Andrew.

Q: Ben, you obviously had a great individual season and the team had a lot of success as well. How do you feel about helping Highland win its first district championship and reach its first regional final during your senior year?

A: It is a great feeling knowing we were the first team in Highland history to get that far. There were a lot of great memories, and I hope we left a good legacy for Highland baseball.

Q: What is your best memory from the 2007 season?

A: The regional semifinal win (11-10 over Defiance) to get to the regional finals. It was a crazy game to say the least, and my teammates all stepped it up. Most of us played together in youth ball, and I am proud of them. We will share that moment together.

Q: There were high expectations for you entering the season. Do you feel it’s fair to say that you exceeded those expectations?

A: Yes, I think so. I was not thinking about the expectations this season though, I just tried to do whatever I could to help win games.

Q: Do you think Highland exceeded expectations?

A: Definitely, we had a team goal this year to win district and it was great to be able to get to regionals for the first time in school history.

A: How do you feel about being named a Louisville Slugger All-American?

Q: It’s a great honor, and it is nice to see that my hard work paid off. I played with and against many of the guys listed, and I am happy to be included again.

Q: What part of your game did you improve the most during the 2007 season?

A: Being more consistent. Making hitting adjustments in the winter surely helped, and the basketball season helped rehab my wrist injury.

Q: What part of your game do you feel you need to work on to continue to succeed at the next level?

A: Becoming a better baseball player overall, and the instruction I will get at Kent State will surely help.

Q: Why did you choose to continue your academic and baseball career at Kent State University?

A: Everything seemed to be a good fit at Kent. It is a great school, the coaches are great and it is close to home. I can’t wait to be part of their program.

Q: You got a lot of interest from Major League Baseball scouts but you weren’t drafted. What do you think you learned from the scouting experience and are you motivated to become an even better player because you weren’t drafted?

A: I learned more how the draft process works, and I am always motivated to get better because baseball is fun. It’s the greatest game there is, and I know what I need to do to get better to have a shot at a pro baseball career later on. It would have been nice to have been selected, but the overall college experience at age 18, including college baseball, has a great value to it, and I guess I sent that message pretty clearly to the teams that were interested in me going pro right away. If the clubs felt I was ready enough for them to make an investment in me, they would have selected me. I am excited to get to Kent State and getting started on my education and becoming a Golden Flash. I have met some of the other 2007 players coming in, and the guys there now are super-talented.

Here is a Q&A with recent Crestwood graduate Matt Nichols, the Beacon Journal Track and Field Male Athlete of the Year:

Age: 18

Height: 5’ 10’’

Weight: 141

Favorite athlete: Dean Karnazes.

Favorite TV show: I don’t really watch TV.

Favorite movie: Man on Fire.

Favorite food: Anything healthy.

Hobbies: Canoeing, Guitar, Art (photography).

Family members: Parents Dave and Patricia and brother Ryan.

Q: Matt, in the fall you finished 11^th at the state cross country meet. In the spring, you became a Division II track and field state champion in the 3,200 meter run. What happened between the two seasons?

A: One of the biggest differences between cross country and track for me, I believe, is confidence. In cross country, I sometimes questioned my abilities but in track I started to realize what I was capable of, which has made a huge difference in my running.

Q: Aaron Melhorn of Fairless was the defending state champion in the 3,200, and Scott Hilditch of Woodridge is another elite area runner. Do you think winning the state title was even more exciting because you knocked those guys off?

A: Beating both Melhorn and Hilditch was definitely an added bonus to winning the state title due to the fact that they are such accomplished runners.

Q: Your classmates, Cassandra Schenck and Alan Vanderink, also made a lot of noise at the state meet. How do you feel about being part of such a successful class?

A: I am very happy to even be mentioned in the company of those such as an Alan Vanderink or a Cassie Schennk. These are athletes that work harder than anyone, and I am honored to be a part of the class of 2007 with them.

Q: How did you celebrate after you won the state title?

A: I came home to the congratulations of friends and family members.

Q: You just barely missed qualifying for the state meet during your junior year. Tell me about the “shoe incident” at the 2006 regional meet.

A: The “shoe incident” happened on the third lap of the 3,200 last year at the Division II Ravenna Regional when the runner behind me accidentally stepped on the back of my spike, collapsing the heel and creating in a sense, a clog with spikes. Since the shoe was flapping under my foot and hindering my stride, I had to kick it off and I ran the last five laps with one shoe. I remained in fourth the entire race but was passed in the last 50 meters and came in fifth, one second off of fourth place and a trip to Columbus.

Q: How did you become involved with running?

A: Now that’s a funny story. My family had just moved to Mantua a couple of months before my freshman year and one of the only people I knew was a girl that ran cross country, whom I had liked at the time. The funny thing is that I joined cross country because she was doing it. She quit when I joined, and I fell in love with the sport.

Q: Describe your training regimen on a typical day.

A: A typical practice begins with the entire team (sprinters, distance runners, and throwers) doing an 800-meter warm-up and 400-meter dynamic warm-up. Then each group splits up and distance will either do a maintenance run, a speed workout, hills, or a long run, depending on the day.

Q: What has motivated you the most?

A: What has motivated me is mainly just the desire to progress and get better every season; to see how much time I can drop and how much better of a runner I can be.

Q: Why did you pick Malone College?

A: I picked Malone College for a number of reasons. Malone has the academic programs I am interested in, the guys on the team are awesome, the coaches are very knowledgeable and there is a distance running tradition at Malone that has had a lot of success.

Q: What do you want to do after college?

A: I would like to attend graduate school and obtain my Ph.D. in physical therapy.

I have heard that the spring All-Star section is scheduled to run in this Sunday’s Beacon Journal. On Sunday, there will also be a few extra All-Star items posted on this blog.

I don’t want to reveal the group of spring Beacon Journal Athletes of the Year just yet. But if anyone reading this blog has any guesses as to who those athletes might be, let me know and I’ll tell you if your on to something.