MLB draftee!

An Ashland University baseball player with family ties to Lincolnview High School heard his name called in this week’s Major League Baseball Draft. Hunter Allen, a right handed pitcher, was chosen by the Baltimore Orioles in the seventh round. Allen, who played high school baseball at Woodmore High School, played two years at Owens Community College then two more years at Ashland U. During the 2025 season with the Eagles, Allen was 7-1 on the mound with 84 strikeouts, and one of his teammates was Lincolnview alum Collin Overholt. Allen’s father, Clark Allen, was a standout baseball player at Lincolnview and graduated with the Class of 1990. Ashland University photo

Random Thoughts: Judkins and more

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

This week’s installment of Random Thoughts centers around Cleveland Browns running back Quinshon Judkins, ACME baseball, 2,000 wins, pre-season football picks and a motormouth at the World Series of Poker.

Quinshon Judkins

To many people, the weekend arrest of Cleveland Browns running back Quinshon Judkins was a shock. After all, there had been no problems while he was at Ohio State and before that, at Ole Miss.

It came out Sunday morning that he had been arrested the day before in Fort Lauderdale, on charges of battery and domestic violence. It appears he spend more than 24 hours in jail before a court hearing. He was freed on $2,500 bond.

Predictably, the news hit social media quickly and even more predictably, so did the rush to judgement. Countless people assuming or thinking they knew he was guilty. Yet none of them had the facts, just a story that he had been arrested. So much for innocent until proven guilty.

Later in the day on Sunday, a few more details came out, which, in my mind, leads to more questions. A statement said the incident in question occurred on July 7 after the victim left the airport but did not report it. According to court records, the victim and Judkins came to South Florida “as friends” but after the incident, she stayed with him in Fort Lauderdale for five additional days and celebrated her birthday. On Monday, even more details came out, with allegations that Judkins punched the woman multiple times.

It doesn’t look good for him but at the same time, I still want more information. I don’t want to make light of the situation, but something just doesn’t seem right. And no, I’m not just saying that because he’s from Ohio State and was drafted by the Browns. He could be from Michigan and drafted by the Steelers and I’d say the same thing – something doesn’t seem right.

If it turns out he’s guilty, I’ll have zero sympathy for him. If he’s not guilty, that’s a whole other issue.

This is something a lot of people will be watching.

ACME

Due to weather delays, ACME state tournament baseball in Kalida was still going on after 2 a.m.on Sunday. That’s rough. I know they have a schedule to keep and kudos to all of those who made it work. Hopefully, no one has to ever go through that again.

Rarified air

Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona joined an elite club on Sunday. A 4-2 win over the Colorado Rockies gave him his 2,000^th career victory, something done by just 12 other managers. Think about that – for as long as Major League Baseball has been around, only 12 other guys have accomplished that feat.

Hoops tournament to be held downtown

Submitted information

Van Wert boys basketball and Main Street Van Wert are teaming up to host an exciting 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament on Saturday, August 9, in downtown Van Wert.

The tournament is open to boys and girls entering grades 3-8. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just love the game, this is your chance to show off your skills, compete with friends, and have a great time.

Team Registration:

• $80 per team
• Free T-shirt for each registered player (guaranteed if registered by August 1)
• Register online today: https://form.jotform.com/251874116579063

Don’t wait—spots will fill quickly and late registration after August 1 may not include tournament t-shirts.

Parkway golfers get tips from a pro

VW independent sports/submitted information

ROCKFORD — The Parkway High School boys golf team has been selected as one of only 20 high school programs across northern Ohio to receive support from the Northern Ohio PGA Section Foundation’s “Clubs Fore Kids” initiative.

This impactful program is designed to introduce juniors ages 8–18 to the game of golf while equipping them with the character-building and life skills that the sport naturally fosters. As part of the award, the Parkway boys golf team received eight brand-new sets of golf clubs in multiple sizes, golf balls, tees, and headcovers to help outfit new and growing players.

In addition to the equipment, the team recently participated in a private instructional session with PGA professional Trevor Thomas at Delphos Country Club.

“We are incredibly thankful for this opportunity,” Parkway head coach Ryan Thompson. “A high percentage of our players coming into high school golf have not had much exposure to the game. This creates challenges for players having access to properly fitted and modern golf equipment. This new equipment will allow us to outfit new golfers with a set of modern golf clubs that properly fits their height and swing characteristics.”

“Having new equipment and experience with a PGA professional will be a huge confidence booster for our team heading into the season,” he added.

The Clubs Fore Kids program goes beyond just providing equipment. It also includes:

• Instruction from certified PGA professionals.
• Youth on Course memberships, allowing juniors to play public golf courses throughout northern Ohio for $5 or less.
• Access to Northern Ohio Junior Golf financial assistance for tournament play.
• A practice manual with tips and drills developed by PGA professionals.

Friday Flashback: VW wins in double OT

Editor’s note: The Friday Flashback has returned to the VW independent Sports page and will run each Friday until the start of the 2025 fall sports season. This installment takes us back to January 31, 2012, a day after the Van Wert Lady Cougars defeated Lima Central Catholic in exciting fashion. This is the story as it appeared on the VW independent Sports page.

DAVE MOSIER/independent sports

It took two overtimes, but the Van Wert Lady Cougars pushed their record back above the .500 mark with a 63-59 non-conference victory over Lima Central Catholic on Monday.

With the win, Van Wert is now 9-8 overall, while the Lady Thunderbirds are 9-7 on the season.

It was a game of runs, with the Lady Cougars making the first one to take a 13-4 lead at the end of a quarter. LCC came back in the second stanza on a 12-2 run to lead by a point, 16-15, at the half. Both teams scored 12 points in the third period to maintain the T-Birds’ one-point advantage, but the Lady Cougs had a chance to win the game in regulation, leading 38-35 with 18 seconds remaining, but LCC’s Madison George tied it up with a three-pointer with seconds remaining.

Both teams scored 10 in the first overtime, with Van Wert having to rally, though, to send the game into the second OT, where the Cougars outscored LCC 15-11 to take home the win.

Van Wert had three players in double figures, led by senior Alex Morrow’s 20 points, including an 8-for-8 performance at the free throw line. Freshman Alexis Dowdy added 17 points while senior Molly Gamble scored 10 points for the Lady Cougars.

Free throws were crucial to Van Wert, which made 24 of 36 attempts (66.7 percent) in the game, including some clutch shots down the stretch. The T-Birds had a better percentage (72.2), but fewer attempts, making 13 of 18 attempts in the game.

Double first base to be mandatory

VW independent sports/submitted information

Beginning with the 2027 season, a double first base will be required in high school baseball games to minimize the risk of collisions by runners and fielders. 

This rule revision was one of 10 proposed by the NFHS Baseball Rules Committee during its recent annual meeting. The rules changes were accepted by the NFHS Board of Directors. 

New language was added to Rule 1-2-9 noting that the double first base must be white and a contrasting solid color. The white portion of the base is located in fair territory while the colored half is located in foul territory, split by the first base foul line. There is to be no space between the two portions of the double base. 

“Adding the double first base is symbolic to the evolution of the sport. It will immediately address running lane violations, and it will further protect the players from the violent collisions that have occurred at first base,” said Elliot Hopkins, NFHS director of sports and liaison to the Baseball Rules Committee. “By reducing collisions and enhancing safety, it preserves both the integrity of competition and the well-being of those who play.”  

Several subsequent rules changes, including Rule 8-2-2a, outline how batter-runners and fielders shall use the double first base. The batter-runner should use the colored base on an initial play at first base unless a fielder is drawn into foul territory to receive a dropped third strike, in which case, the batter-runner would use the white portion of the base. Once the batter-runner reaches first base, the batter-runner must always return to the white base, including when leading off, returning on a pick-off attempt or tagging up on a fly ball. 

A batter-runner may use either side of first base on a base-on-balls or on an extra-base hit to the outfield when there is no chance of a play to be made at first base. 

Interference is to be called on batter-runners if they only touch the white portion on a force play at first and collide with the fielder. Similarly, it is obstruction if a defensive player only touches the colored portion of the base and collides with the batter-runner. 

Rule 2-5-1h was added to note that it is a fair ball if a batted ball hits or bounds over any part of the white portion of the double first base. Alternately, it is a foul ball if a batted ball hits or bounds over any part of the colored portion of the base (Rule 2-16-1h). 

New varsity sport coming to UNOH

Submitted information

LIMA — The University of Northwestern Ohio (UNOH) has announced the addition of women’s flag football as its newest varsity sport to its Lima campus, set to begin competitive play in spring, 2027. The new program comes as part of the university’s ongoing commitment to expanding athletic opportunities for female athletes.

A nationwide search will begin immediately to hire the program’s inaugural head coach. The coach will begin recruiting this fall, laying the foundation for the program’s launch in the 2026-2027 academic year.

The sport continues to gain momentum nationwide. The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) recently designated women’s flag football as an emerging sport, encouraging member institutions to establish programs. Over the past three years, more than 220 colleges and universities have added women’s flag football to their athletics offerings.

“We’re excited to bring Women’s Flag Football to UNOH,” said Jen Dervarics, UNOH Athletic Director. “This is a fast-paced, growing sport that offers new opportunities for female athletes to excel on the field and in the classroom. We look forward to building a competitive and inspiring program.”

UNOH will compete in the WHAC alongside Lourdes University and Defiance College, who will also begin women’s flag football in spring of 2027. Ohio is quickly becoming a hotbed for the sport with current collegiate programs at Franciscan University of Steubenville (NCAA Division III), Heidelberg University (NCAA Division III), Hocking College (NJCAA), and Ursuline College (NCAA Division II).

UNOH will offer athletic scholarships and compete at the highest level within the NAIA, with a full competitive schedule planned for spring, 2027.

Random Thoughts: Guardians, Reds, more

Editor’s note: this feature has been updated to include the New York Yankees and their last World Series appearance, which was last year.

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent sports

This week’s edition of Random Thoughts centers around the Cleveland Guardians, the Cincinnati Reds, home field advantage, and the start of college football, sort of.

Cleveland Guardians

It’s been painful to watch the Cleveland Guardians as of late. Actually, it’s been difficult to watch for at least several weeks.

Cleveland went just 6-21 in June and entering Monday night, the Guardians were 0-10 in their last 10 games. After Sunday’s 7-2 loss to Detroit, Cleveland dropped to 40-48 overall and 15.5 games out of first in the Central Division. Oof.

Sadly, this is a team that has a handful (at best) of bona fide Major League players, with the rest mainly consisting of AAA players. I know many fans are screaming for the Dolan family (the owners) to shell out way more for payroll or sell the team.

Selling the team probably isn’t going to happen and yes, the team’s 2025 payroll (estimated to be $100 million) is low, fifth lowest in baseball, with only Pittsburgh ($87 million), the White Sox ($82 million), Tampa Bay Rays ($79 million) Athletics ($73 million) and Miami ($67 million) spending less.

Now, I’m not in the group that believes the highest or second highest payroll all but guarantees at least a World Series appearance. Just ask the Yankees (current No. 3 payroll, last World Series appearance: 2024, but before that, it was 2009, or 15 years), or the Mets (current No. 1 payroll, last World Series appearance: 2015). Yes, there’s the Dodgers (No. 2 payroll), but in some ways, they almost appear to be exception, not the rule. Yes, spending more money on quality players helps but again, it’s no guarantee.

Regardless, here’s hoping the Guardians can get back on the winning track.

Cincinnati Reds

Entering Monday night, the Reds stood at 46-44. I casually follow the Reds and I casually root for them (except when the play the Guardians). Generally, I want to see them do well. I’m curious though. Reds fans – what are your thoughts on this year’s team? Did you expect more or less? What do you like and not like?

Home field advantage

It’s been well publicized but it became official last week. The Cleveland Browns will move about 20 minutes away to the suburb of Brook Park. A new enclosed stadium (it’s not really a dome) will be built there and should be open in time for the 2029 season.

Labor Day 5K…

The annual LifeWise 5K for Allen County is back again with more to offer than ever before. This family friendly event is a major fundraiser for eight area LifeWise Academies – Elida, Spencerville, Allen East, Bath, Columbus Grove, Shawnee and Delphos and Perry. This year’s event features a 5K race for all ages and a 1K Fun Run for ages 12 and under. The event, which will be held in Elida, is on Labor Day, Monday, September 1. The Fun Run will start at 8:30 a.m. followed by the 5K at 9 a.m.The entry fee is $24 for ages 17 and above and $14 for those 16 and under. The 1K run is only $5. (Registration prices rise August 4.) Participants are encouraged to select a “team” and start a fundraising page. To register, visit actslifewise5k.com. Photo submitted

Friday Flashback: Thursday special

Editor’s note: The Friday Flashback has returned to the VW independent Sports page and will run each Friday until the start of the 2025 fall sports season. Due to Friday’s Independence Day holiday, this week’s feature is running a day early. It goes back to October, 2016, and Week No. 9 of the high school football season. Crestview welcomed in Bluffton and the Knights ran (literally) to a 20 point victory. Here is the story as it appeared on the Sports page.

DAVE MOSIER/independent sports

CONVOY — The Bluffton Pirates scored first and last, but Crestview’s Knights had a run of five unanswered touchdowns — including four in the second quarter alone — to grab a 41-21 Northwest Conference victory Friday night at home.

The Knights compiled 428 yards of offense, with all but 56 of those on the ground. Crestview quarterback Drew Kline was responsible for four of the Knights’ TDs, rushing for two and passing for another pair to help fuel the victory. Crestview had two 100-yard rushers. Trevor Gibson ran for 147 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries, while Kline also hit the century mark with 100 yards and two TDs on 10 carries.

Bluffton’s Dakota Bricker rushed for 86 yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries.

The Pirates scored first on a 5-yard run by Bricker with 8:14 remaining in the first quarter. Kyle Koontz kicked the point-after and Bluffton led 7-0.

That lead lasted a little over six minutes, until Gibson bulled the ball over the goal line from the 1-yard line at the 2:08 mark of the first quarter. The point-after failed and the Knights trailed 7-6.

Bluffton put another touchdown on the board with just 44 seconds remaining in the first quarter when Bricker got loose and scampered 52 yards for his second TD. Koontz again converted at the Pirates were up 14-6 as the first quarter ended.