(614)April 2022

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APRIL 2022 (614) MAGAZINE

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BIG PICTURE Two Ohio Combat League fighters sqaure off center-ring.

The fight took place at Hollywood Casino Columbus.

TO READ MORE GO TO (Pg. 78) PHOTO BY LEONARDO CARRIZO

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CONTENTS

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C O V E R PA C K A G E APRIL ADVENTURES

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MAKERS SPACE: OLD SALTS LEATHERWORKS

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LONOLIFE

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WEENIE WONDER

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TAKOREA

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COOPED UP! : CHICK HATCHING

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ROYAL OAK CHESS CLUB

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OHIO COMBAT LEAGUE

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ON THE COVER:

Created by Emma Quinn

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Opening Volley PUBLISHER Wayne T. Lewis CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Lindsay Press

J AC K M C L AU G H L I N Editor-In-Chief

ADVENTURE TIME! When I was ten years old, I attended religious education classes at a nearby church in order to play peewee football with a local Catholic league (because I went to public school). And other than the backbreaking chairs and weirdly dim hallways and classrooms, there’s really only one thing that stuck with me from this experience, but it’s an important one.

The first day of classes, our instructor—a nun in full Catholic habit—gave us an impassioned speech. It went something like this: “Every time we do something the easiest way possible, it only holds us back in the future.”

While this is reductive and quite literally the only lesson I still remember from those classes, I think—today more than ever— there’s a lot we can take from it.

Because we live in an age of ease. Cars can literally drive themselves. Anything can be ordered from a cell phone. Our world is overrun by convenience. And I’ll be the first one to say a lot of this is fantastic, plus it helps us live more productive lives. But there is also a real downside that I don’t think we consider as often as we should.

While I’m not saying I want to go live on a tarp in Yosemite, I do think there’s tangible value in pushing ourselves to expand our horizons.

In the most basic sense, this is what our April issue, Adventure in Columbus, is about.

It contains a handful of ideas for local outings that are far from ordinary. In fact, a few of them probably bring about visceral hesitation for many.

But the idea of an adventure, at the most basic level, implies some sort of journey, some sort of self-extension, even if it takes us to a place that’s not comfortable at first.

Afraid of heights? Trying some light rock climbing at Scioto Audubon Metro Park. You might conquer fear and find a favorite new workout. Even when there’s not a clear, desirable outcome down the line, I think it pays to be flexible, to be willing to try new things, even if that means becoming uncomfortable.

In fact, for a lot of us, myself included, initial discomfort is a necessary condition for personal growth That’s why taking a trip to the nearby Trap History Museum or trying out your hand at Shawnee Hills’ new “American Ninja Warrior” gym could land you a new hobby, and attending an interactive lecture from the Columbus Bug Man—while being anywhere near a black widow might sound abjectly terrifying at first—can likely help a lot of us generate an entirely new perspective.

So while the natural world is growing in Central Ohio this spring, why don’t we try to do the same. Even if it’s a little difficult at first.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jack McLaughlin COPY EDITOR Sarah Sole CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Jen Brown, Leonardo Carrizo, Aaron Massey, Sarah Pfeifer CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jack McLaughlin, Melinda Green,

Jaelani Turner-Williams, Sarah Sole, Jim Fischer Laura Hennigan, Ellyn Briggs, LEAD DESIGNER PRINT/MAGAZINE Emma Quinn LEAD DESIGNER CREATIVE SERVICES Willem Kern CREATIVE DESIGNER Bryce Patterson VIDEO PRODUCER / EDITOR Austin Black DIRECTOR OF MARKETING Justynne Pride MARKETING COORDINATOR Julia Attanasio ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Meggin Weimerskirch SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Nikki Harris Mindy Wilhite BRAND MANAGER, 614 LAGER Lizzy Saunders OFFICE MANAGER Janae Brown Questions about advertising?

Scan here!

Created by

(614) Magazine 458 E Main St., Columbus, OH 43215 Office: (614) 488-4400 | Fax: (614) 488-4402 Email submissions to: editor@614now.com www.614now.com 21

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� S TA F F P I C K S

Our staff picks While March means spring is here, April is the first month it really feels that way in Columbus. We asked

ON the WEB Do you check your news and entertainment updates on 614now.com? You should.

Every day we’re posting Columbus’s top news, entertainment, and sports stories from throughout Central Ohio. Check out all the Columbus news online, including the new ones below at 614now.com and suscribe to our daily email!

the (614) staff about their favorite spring adventures to match our cover section this month. Here’s what they had to say.

Going to Yellow Springs for the day!

— Lizzy Saunders, Brand Manager, (614) Beer

The truth is, when you are a homebody you don't go outside.

— Bryce Patterson, Creative Designer

→ Rambling House creating massive riverfront bar and music venue with in-house canoe and kayak services

Grabbing donuts and exploring new-to-us parks in the mornings with the kids.

Since day one, Rambling House Soda owners and founders Jennifer and John Lynch have wanted to create a riverfront music venue and bar, and now they’re bringing this dream to the South Side of Columbus.

— Lindsay Press, CEO

My favorite Spring adventure is launching the boat in Lake Erie and going on the first shakedown cruise.

— Meggin Weimerskirch, Advertising Director

As an OU grad, I love going to the Hocking Hills for a hike then stopping by Jackie O's, Little Fish, and taking a nice stroll around the calm summer campus.

— Emma Quinn, Creative Designer

→ This local distillery is donating 100 percent of its vodka sales for two months to Ukraine relief funds For the next two months, Watershed Distillery is lending a major helping hand to Ukraine.

Drinking on patios, golfing with my bf, and a day trip to Hocking Hills.

— Justynne Pride, Marketing Coordinator

Grabbing a beer or two and playing frisbee golf with some friends.

— Willem Kern, Creative Designer

Exploring different local parks and trails, then getting some ice cream or slushies.

— Janae Brown, Office Manager

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→ Columbus makes outdoor dining program permanent for local restaurants Columbus restaurants are set to receive a significant boost next week.

#AsSeenInColumbus

@zaftigbeer

@thesycamoregv

@wolfsridgebrewing

RE

SS PLA

Y

P

@jwilschek

61 4 VI D E O Did you know that (614) launched a YouTube channel with some very shareable video content? It’s true. Keep an eye out for more on our (614) Columbus account and on social media. In the meantime, check out the newest videos on our channel: now playing...

• Tasting Columbus—NEW episode!

Have you checked out our TV show “Tasting Columbus?” Join food scientist Matt Teegarden as he eats his way through Columbus’ food scene.

A NEW episode dropped on FEB. 23rd. Make sure to tune in at tastingcolumbus.com or scan the QR code above.

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ARTS &

ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR

By Jack McLaughlin / Story Design by Emma Quinn

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COLUMBUS CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL WHEN: April 2-10 WHERE: Franklin Park HOW MUCH: FREE The City of Columbus was gifted 20 cherry trees from Japan for its 2012 bicentennial, and over 80 more cherry trees were added to Franklin Park in 2018 and 2020. Now, Columbus is putting them on display.

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ALT-J & PORTUGAL. THE MAN WHEN: April 9 WHERE: The Schottenstein Center HOW MUCH: $29-79 A pair of popular indie acts are hitting the Schott’ and you won’t want to miss out. Portugal. The Man is joining headlining act alt-J, alongside special guest Cherry Glazerr. The show kicks off at 7p.m.

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ELTON JOHN WHEN: April 12 WHERE: The Schottenstein Center HOW MUCH: $118 and up Originally scheduled to perform in April of 2020, Elton John is returning to Columbus after a show that’s been nearly two years in the making, and we’re ready for it. Known for global mega-hits like “Rocket Man” and “Tiny Dancer” (not to mention “The Lion King” soundtrack), Elton John is visiting Cbus as part of his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour.

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WINTER BEERFEST WHEN: April 15-16 WHERE: Greater Columbus Convention Center HOW MUCH: $50-95 Originally billed for this winter, this massive craft beer tasting event was pushed back to the spring, but that doesn’t mean we’re any less excited about it. This year’s Winter Beerfest will feature fun and interesting pours from more than 130 different breweries.

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ALLEY ISLANDS WHEN: April 16 WHERE: 162 N. Sixth St. HOW MUCH: $10 Alley Islands, a community street festival held in the city’s Discovery District, is putting on a show this year. Literally. The all-day event will feature live music across two stages, in addition to drinks, food trucks and more.

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JOURNEY WHEN: April 30 WHERE: The Schottenstein Center HOW MUCH: $65 and up If you’re a smalltown boy born and raised in South Detroit, or even if you’re not, Journey is coming to Columbus for all of your arena-rock needs. The band behind the omnipresent hit “Don’t Stop Believin’” is performing as part of their Freedom Tour 2022, and will share the stage with Toto.

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Brandon Ault crafts a leather piece →

This popular local leatherworking outfit sets up shop out of a East Side home

By Sarah Sole / Photos by Sarah Pfeifer / Story Design by Willem Kern

The feedback Brandon Ault received for his very first handmade wallet wasn’t exactly positive.

In fact, it was peppered with expletives.

To put that into context, the first thing you should know is that Ault was on a boat at the time, working as engineer and first mate. The second thing you should know is that Ault’s boss, the captain, wasn’t thrilled that one of his sailors was learning how to work leather while on the job. Ault had figured he would eventually get caught and decided to try to soften the blow with a gift for the captain.

“This isn’t a craft show,” the captain said to Ault—along with other choice words.

Though Ault is now a considerable ways from the water, the name of the leatherworking business he owns and manages along with his partner, Becca Lynn, pays homage to his old life.

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Old Salts Leatherworks was founded in 2008; this past November, Ault and Lynn officially opened a small retail outlet for their products inside their home at 267 Kelton Ave. Their products are simple with a focus on function and durability.

“They’re just supposed to last forever,” Ault said.

The Old Salts Shophouse is on the first floor of the home and functions as a small retail hub as well as a means to view the studio space beyond.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. Goods are also available for purchase online. In the future, the Shophouse could hold more than leather goods: Lynn said she’d like to eventually feature rotations of other local makers in the Old Town East area. →

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← Various leather products, including the Front Pocket Wallet

“Once we really understand what the shop will look like when the [Trolley District’s] East Market is open, we want to start featuring some of our other creative friends,” Lynn said. “We are so lucky to know so many talented people, and we very much want to be an anchor for local makers in our community.”

Lynn and Ault also own the lot behind their home, and she said they dream of building a tiny home on it that could perhaps double as an artist’s studio or retreat. The space could even be connected to the main house.

While Lynn was introduced to leatherworking after she began seeing Ault six years ago, she had been a painter and artist in her own right.

She started helping Ault run shows. Now, she’s an equal part of the business, handling the website and stitching many of Ault’s designs.

Ault had worked in 400 West Rich before, and then later out of his home. As the service jobs he and Lynn depended on for extra cash began drying up in 2020 with the onslaught of the pandemic, the couple decided to double down on their business with a retail component to take advantage of the foot traffic expected from opening of the Trolley District development nearby.

Though the brick and mortar location is newly opened, Old Salts Leatherworks is already popular with those in the know. Ault calls his Front Pocket Wallet the unofficial wallet of Olde Towne East. The number of people the couple spots wearing their goods has been growing.

Ault and Lynn make purses, totes, pouches, and more for retail, and they also do custom orders.

The couple crafts the goods they sell from durable, oil-tanned leather sourced from Tandy Leather on Morse Road. All items are made with one or two pieces, and hand sewn. Design is informed by the grain of the leather as well as its flaws.

“We don’t shy away from the imperfections,” Ault said. “It’s good to look your wallet in the eye every once in a while.”

To learn more, visit oldsaltsleatherworks.com

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der of LonoLife

skas, Co-foun

Paul Taaparau

The growing K-cup bone broth business that now calls Columbus home

By Sarah Sole / Photos by Aaron Massey Story Design by Emma Quinn

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↑

Individual bone broth noodle soup ↑ Photo Courtesy of Abigail Dennison

L

onoLife was a business born out of necessity.

When Co-founder Paul Taparauskas’ wife was battling leukemia, he wanted to design a product that helped her get nutrients in a quick and easy way. His solution? Bone broth.

When Taparauskas approached a group of food entrepreneurs with his concept, they took it one step further, fusing the nutrient-rich product with the ease of single-serving cups such as those used in a Keurig machine.

The combo was a hit. Within the first six months, LonoLife’s single-use cups were in about 2,000 grocery stores across the country. Now, customers could access all the benefits of bone broth without the hassle associated with its preparation.

“We tried to take that difficulty out of the equation for our customers,” said Brian Hoppe, LonoLife president and cofounder.

LonoLife launched in January 2016 and since that time has diversified into a variety of other products in addition to its flagship bone broth, including collagen, coffee, and noodle cups.

And now, the company has set up shop in Columbus. →

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At the beginning of February, the business moved from San Diego, California to central Ohio, Hoppe said. While several founding members, including Hoppe, had called Columbus home, the move made sense for more than just nostalgic reasons.

The cost of living was better than out West, for starters, and the location made it easier to access the rest of the country from a logistics standpoint.

“We just could not find a b etter c ity to continue building this company than Columbus,” Hoppe said.

To understand the appeal of having bone broth in single-serving packages, it helps to know just how labor intensive it is to create the broth from scratch. The nutrient-dense broth is typically served in liquid form, and it’s difficult to make, Hoppe said. Traditionally, you make the broth with bones from chicken, beef, or another meat source. You add spices and vegetables like you would when preparing a chicken stock or soup.

But instead of making that soup for two or three hours, you boil bone broth for about 30 hours, Hoppe said. The long cook time is necessary to boil the bones, which allows access to collagens, amino acids, and other nutrients.

“Once you begin drinking it, it’s only good for about two or three days,” he said. “If you don’t drink it, you’re going to end up throwing it away.”

LonoLife’s version of bone broth starts out in the same manner. Except after the broth is boiled, it’s dehydrated into a dense, powdered form that’s both shelfstable and portable. To eat, simply pour hot water over the contents of a singleserve cup.

For Hoppe, LonoLife’s growth had a lot to do with timing. When the product was launched in January of 2016, bone broth was a relatively niche item, he said.

The rising popularity of the Paleo Diet (the high-protein, low-carb, meatbased diet) put bone broth on the map, though. LonoLife was able to be one of the first bone broth companies to exist on a national platform, Hoppe said.

Beef bone broth packaging ↑

Photo Courtesy of Abigail Dennison

Lifestyle shot of the product in use ↑ Photo Courtesy of Abigail Dennison

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" WE JUST COULD NOT FIND A BETTER CITY TO CONTINUE BUILDING THIS COMPANY THAN COLUM BUS ..."

Shelves of product in the warehouse ↑ Collagen peptides packaging → Photo Courtesy of Abigail Dennison

After the Paleo Diet’s popularity waned, bone broth experienced another surge in popularity thanks to the Keto Diet, which centers on high fats, moderate protein intake, and low carbs. For LonoLife, the new diet was an opportunity to roll out a new high-fat, Keto broth variety.

“We’ve just been riding these trends of diet as we continue,” Hoppe said.

LonoLife’s bone broth products have grown to include an array of flavors.

Customers can find the traditional beef, chicken, and vegetable along with Thai Curry Beef and Tomato Beef. The broth is also sold in low sodium varieties.

In addition to purchasing via LonoLife’s website, customers can buy the broth from Amazon, Kroger, Target, and Costco. ♦ To learn more, visit lonolife.com

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Rise Brands’ new venture Weenie Wonder is a contemporary twist on a trip down Memory Lane

By Sarah Sole / Photos by Jen Brown Story Design by Emma Quinn

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Neon sign featured in their space ↓

uch of what central Ohio-based Rise Brands produces is steeped in nostalgia. So it’s no surprise that their first foray into food would be any different.

“Everyone likes to remember when they were a kid,” said Rise’s CEO Troy Allen.

Rise Brands’ fast-casual hot dog joint Weenie Wonder opened Feb. 24 at 6562 Riverside Dr. in Dublin’s Bridge Park. The space is located in between Rise Brands’ other concepts, Pins Mechanical Co. (6558 Riverside Dr.) and 16 Bit Bar + Arcade (6564 Riverside Dr.), allowing access to both. And you can expect to see more hot dog joints in the future.

Another Weenie Wonder is slated to open in Easton Town Center later this year to be located next to the Pins and 16-Bit complex there. (The standalone eatery will

be connected via a passageway.) In fact, Rise Brands plans to open as many as eight additional Weenie Wonder locations throughout central Ohio, according to Allen.

“This is a project that honestly, we’ve been working on for five years,” he said.

The pandemic pushed the schedule back—Rise Brands had had the dedicated space in Bridge Park for three years now.

And while Rise had traditionally stayed away from food in favor of entertainment, the company eventually wanted to test a hot dog concept between Pins and 16-Bit. While hot dogs aren’t a scarcity in central Ohio, Allen’s model differs somewhat from what was already here.

“I wanted someplace that was more quick-serve,” he said. →

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The Southwestern, Dumpster, Reuben, and Wonder Coney, all featured signature dogs ↓

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"

"

The fast-casual space is designed in such a way that customers can see their hot dogs being made. The eatery features eight signature dogs, as well as a customizable option with over 30 different ingredient options. Standouts so far are the Wonder Coney (Coney Sauce, cheddar, onion, and yellow mustard) and the Dumpster (Jojos, Coney Sauce, cheddar, mac & cheese, and Wonder sauce).

“It’s kind of a toss up,” Allen said.

The signature dogs feature standbys such as the Chi-Town (pickle, tomato, sport pepper, yellow mustard, Atomic Relish, onion, and celery salt), as well as more creative fare such as the Taco Crunch (Coney Sauce, cheddar, jalapeno, sour cream, and Jalapeno Fritos).

“We wanted to have a little bit of fun as well,” he said.

Though the dogs are designed for today’s market, they’re inspired by Allen’s past. Originally from Northeast Ohio, Allen used to frequent A&W Restaurant as a kid, as well as Coney Island. And when he visited family in Michigan, Allen would get to eat the hot dogs from Koegel Meats Inc., with casing that snapped when he bit into them.

Weenie Wonder’s dogs are complemented by sides that include tots, coleslaw, mac & cheese, and jojos (seasoned potato wedges, for those not in the know). → The vibrant interior ↓

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Their Reuben dog ↓

"IT'S ALL

ROOTED

IN THE NOSTALGIA.

" Strawberry shake, the best way to finish a meal ↑

And for dessert, Weenie Wonder boasts a milkshake bar, created following extensive testing.

“I will put our milkshakes up against anybody’s,” Allen said.

While the menu is a callback to diners and soda fountains of decades past, the space’s appearance also has a retro vibe done up in whites and oranges. Customers can sit at the milkshake bar or booths, and an open design allows them to see their hot

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dogs on the grill and their milkshakes being prepared by hand.

“It’s all rooted in the nostalgia,” Allen said.

Weenie Wonder is open from 4 to 9 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, from 4 p.m. to midnight Thursday through Friday, from 11 a.m. to midnight Saturday, and from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. ♦ To learn more, visit weeniewonder.com

TIME FOR A HOT DOG!

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Kevin Kim, Owner of TaKorea ↓

Seoul Food TaKorea owner Kevin Kim embraces his Korean roots—and a childhood love for Mexican fare— in new Clintonville kitchen

By Sarah Sole / Photos by Jen Brown Story Design by Emma Quinn

After a decade working in the restaurant business, Kevin Kim has reached a critical moment in his career, with not one, but two ventures as owner/operator. →

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Kim launched the MexicanKorean fusion ghost kitchen TaKorea in the beginning of December 2020.

Seoulful, his new concept inside Thaiinspired fast casual spot Buddha Bowl at 2973 N. High St., features his take on traditional, Korean-style cooking.

The Seoul, South Korea native is filled with hope, ambition, and plenty of ideas. And he believes one gets only a few opportunities in life.

“I feel like this is my make it or break it moment,” Kim said.

Though he was born in Korea, Kim’s childhood was filled with Mexican cooking. The cuisine, he said, bears many similarities to Korean food. Both styles feature cooking pastes: Korean food features Gochujang, Doenjang and Ssamjang pastes, while Mexican food features Mole paste. Both Mexican and Korean cooking frequently feature a

protein, vegetables, and some kind of sauce. While Mexican cuisine uses a taco as a vessel, Korean cuisine uses a lettuce wrap instead.

Kim first saw Korean-Mexican taco spots on the west coast and decided he wanted to bring one here.

“I think it’s definitely very unique in Columbus,” he said.

Kim originally opened TaKorea as a ghost kitchen in the Columbus Food Hall at 1282 Essex Ave. The Buddha Bowl space where Kim is now serves as a home base of sorts for both of his food ventures.

He prepares TaKorea’s Koreanstyle barbecue tacos in the kitchen space at Buddha Bowl. Customers can pick up their tacos there, but Kim also from Thursday through Saturday takes his tacos to Oddfellows Liquor Bar at 1038 N. High St. →

Bibimbap ↓

" I feel like this is my make it or break it moment...

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Korean fried chicken, Chap-Chae, and spicy pork tacos ↑

Tossing rice in a wok pan ↓

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Spicy pork tacos, Bulgogi Tacos, Korean fried chicken, and Chap-Chae ↑

Chap-Chae ↓

Though the ghost kitchen model has helped Kim break into the food scene as an owner, he admits the arrangement doesn’t come without its challenges. While ghost kitchens allow their owners to focus solely on the food, producing sustainable businesses can be challenging. For one, rent can be high—which was one of the primary reasons for his exit from the Essex Avenue space. It can also be hard to gain a foothold in the market without a brick and mortar location.

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“It’s hard to get our name out there,” he said.

Kim is also using Buddha Bowl’s kitchen for his new concept, Seoulful, which leans into his roots with traditional Korean fare. In addition to Korean fried chicken, Kim is offering a few different types of Korean soup, along with bibimbap. The goal, he said, is to share traditional Asian foods in an approachable way. He wants to make the spot a permanent home for Seoulful with the potential for dine-in service.

"

It ’s kind of my home now, I want to contribute to this in a way that I know how.

"

For now, Seoulful will be open for dine-in service every Sunday, the day of the week when Buddha Bowl doesn’t operate.

“I hope that I can do more dine-in in the future,” he said.

One of the biggest reasons for opening a restaurant is the opportunity to witness people enjoying your food, Kim said. As a ghost kitchen owner, “I only get to see the reviews,” he said.

But Seoulful offers the potential for Kim to carve out a space for himself. A resident of Ohio for 20 years, Kim wants to bring quality food to Columbus.

“It’s kind of my home now,” he said. “I want to contribute to this in a way that I know how.” ♦ To learn more, visit takoreacolumbus.com

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With the world coming back to life, it’s time to get those explorer's hats on and check out all the wild, weird and wonderful things Columbus has to offer

By Jack McLaughlin Story Design by Emma Quinn

Ok. So while March was the official beginning of spring, April is when the world really starts to feel inhabitable again. We’re talking short sleeves and doing things outdoors, people. Here at (614), we think the best way to celebrate this is to get out into the wide world of Franklin County, the one that’s opening back up before our eyes.

Because Columbus has a ton to offer. So much so that we’ve made a special spring adventures section the cover package of our April issue.

The city has innumerable hidden gems to offer, and we’ve decided to feature a few of them. Galloway’s Trap History Museum, a new “American Ninja Warrior” gym in Shawnee, and the infamous Columbus Bug Man have all been featured in this month’s cover section, as well as several others.

Let’s do some exploring together, Columbus. It’s been a while since we’ve been able to.

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'

Less than 10 miles from Downtown Columbus, the Trap History Museum is one of Central Ohio’s weirdest, and most fascinating, hidden gems

By Laura Hennigan Photos by Leonardo Carrizo

I

t’s 32 feet long, 9 feet high, and weighs around 4,000 pounds. And while the Guinness Book of World Records hasn’t officially named it the World’s Largest Trap, it is undoubtedly the biggest one you will ever see. Tom Parr, owner and curator of the Trap History Museum in Galloway, has over 4,000 traps in his collection, but the towering steel structure sitting outside is what captures people’s attention first. Don't worry: It’s not functional, so snapping a selfie from the jaws is perfectly safe.

“A gentleman in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan made it, and then brought it to the fairgrounds during our yearly National Trappers Association meeting in 2008,” shared Parr. “It was on display at the entrance, but no one realized it was for sale. He put a price tag on it on the last day, and when my friend let me know about it, I ended up buying it.”

It arrived at his museum on a flatbed truck and has been the signature attraction ever since.

But there’s far more to see once you venture inside Parr’s museum, including over 4,000 animal traps, memorabilia, trapping tools, baits, and an entire library, along with a man who has spent most of his life studying the history of the fur trade and loves sharing his knowledge with others. → 44

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Mouse trap display ↓

← Tom Parr, inside of his oversized trap sculpture

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Growing up in Mansfield and Columbus, “I always liked mountain men and the outdoors as a child,” said Parr.

“I trapped a lot and still do some. I got interested in collecting animal traps in 1987, and learning the history of the early fur trade.”

What began as a hobby kept growing as Parr visited various trade shows and trap collector meetings.

Originally, most of his expansive collection lived in various rooms of their home, but his wife “wasn’t too thrilled with having all that stuff in the house, so eventually we moved it to a lower level of a building on the property,” Parr said.

In 1991, the now-retired Upper Arlington firefighter became president of the North American Trap Collectors Association.

In 2001, the organization decided to set up a North American Trap Collectors Museum in order to create a nonprofit where people could donate items. This collection is now housed within Parr’s private museum.

“We have traps from all over the world, as well as many collectible books and documents,” he said.

↑ More traps on display

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↑ Tom Parr, posing with a trap

The Trap History Museum and Parr’s expertise hasn't gone unnoticed. The History Channel’s Modern Marvels visited in 2006 and featured the museum’s collection on the hit show. Parr also writes for various publications; his articles about antique traps are featured in Columbusbased magazine Fish-Fur-Game.

While the museum is free and open to the public, it doesn’t have standard operating hours, and the spaces aren’t ideal for large groups or unannounced visitors. Those interested in visiting should check out the website, traphistorymuseum. com, and then give Parr a call to set up a time to visit.

It’s an interesting hobby, although not what you would call a politically correct one,” laughed Parr. “But there’s a lot of history behind it. People used to use traps for their livelihood, and the history of the fur trade is very interesting.”

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Spread your wings with thousands of butterflies at one of Franklin Park’s Conservatory’s most immersive annual events

By Melinda Green/ Photos by Leonardo Carrizo

Even the most intrepid of adventurers needs a moment, now and then, to decompress. To quiet the body and open the mind.

Franklin Park Conservatory’s Blooms & Butterflies exhibit, included with general admission through May 30, might be just the remedy you need.

In a world of hectic schedules and attention-demanding devices, it's worth the time to unplug your brain and get a little lost in the butterflies' world.

↑ Close-up of a butterfly at the exhibit

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↓ Butterfly emerging

↑ Woman photographs the exhibit ↑ Colorful butterfly rests on a leaf

“You don’t realize you’re in Ohio.

This really transports you to another location,” noted Kady Murzin, the Conservatory’s exhibition and interpretation designer. “How often do you get to be somewhere where there’s so many butterflies in one space?”

And it's true. At first glance, you might wonder "okay, so—where are they?" But the longer you sit quietly on a stone wall, the longer you let your attention broaden, the more you’ll notice the quiet hum of activity all around you.

The 9000-square-foot Pacific Island Water Garden Biome (one of four biomes at the conservatory) has the ideal temperature and humidity to support thousands of butterflies, with hundreds of new specimens released each week. The newbies arrive as chrysalises from farms all over the world, including Ecuador, Costa Rica, and Florida. At the conservatory, the chrysalises hang in the climatecontrolled Metamorphosis Lab until the butterflies emerge.

The most beloved are probably

the Blue Morphos. They're large compared to other species, dull brown at rest but iridescent sky blue in flight. You might also see Glasswings, with their transparent wings, or White Morphos, or Giant Swallowtails, or the familiar orange-and-black Monarchs. The number of species varies, based on the suppliers’ stock, but there are generally between one and two dozen species in the biome at a time.

Will you see a flurry of fluttering when you walk in? No. You’ll see a bit, at first—the electric-blue sweep of a Blue Morpho, the erratically flashing red wing stripes of a Postman.

Butterflies are experts at hiding.

Especially on cloudy days, or at night, you might find most of them roosting under leaves and branches, saving their energy for the warm, sunny days they love.

The conservatory has temporarily added bright, colorful nectar plants like Lantana and Croton to the biome as food sources. In addition, feeding stations are scattered throughout the biome, stocked with ↑ Visitors viewing butterflies

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the insects' favorite non-flowering foods, including oranges and purple Gatorade.

“Even if it’s not an active day, that’s a good place to look for [butterflies],” Murzin said.

But, homey as it may feel, the biome lacks host plants needed for raising a new generation—and that's intentional. USDA regulations prohibit the conservatory from breeding these non-native butterflies, and, without host plants, there is no suitable place to deposit eggs or feed larvae.

Weekends at the conservatory, of course, are packed with guests, especially on free-admission Community Days. If you have the means to stop by on a sunny spring weekday when the crowd is minimal, do it. But even if the bustling weekend is your only option, you'll be able to carve out a place to stand or sit and take it all in. The key is to wait.

Sometimes, if you're still enough, the butterflies consider you “part of the furniture” and land for a rest.

But it’s called Blooms & Butterflies, and the horticultural side is worth exploring, as well. The biome hosts 78 species of tropical plants (not including the added nectar plants), including striking Anthurium flowers and ferns, which have genes that can be traced back hundreds of millions of years. There’s a pond stocked with large, colorful koi, and glass artwork from Dale Chihuly that both complements and commands the space.

Is this the perfect one-hour spring staycation? Possibly. It’s an experience you can’t get just anywhere.

As Murzin noted, “we all need the warm weather, and this space really allows you to explore, and get away.”

To learn more, visit fpconservatory.org

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How a Columbus naturalist has made a career out of taking a closer look at insects

By Sarah Sole Photos by Leonardo Carrizo

↑ Mark Berman, The Bug Man

Ever poked a black widow spider in its abdomen?

Mark Berman has. What’s more, he regularly waits around for what happens next.

The practice is Berman’s favorite demonstration he does as part of his Bug Man Education and Science Shows, and—spoiler alert—the spider doesn’t bite.

“Spiders bite to eat, and we’re not food,” said Berman.

Since she needs enzymes in her saliva to digest her food, a black widow isn’t about to waste her precious spit on us annoying humans.

Instead, she tries to get rid of us the

best way she knows how: With her web.

And so each time Berman does this demonstration, spectators can see strands of web connecting his finger to the spider’s abdomen.

“She’s beautiful and elegant, and not dangerous,” Berman said.

A naturalist, Berman has been studying bugs for over 50 years. The founder of BUGMAN Educational Entoprises (get it?) shares his passion all over Ohio and even beyond, bringing his demonstrations and videos to schools, libraries, zoos, festivals, and more. →

↑ Scorpion

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Berman’s interest in bugs began at five years old when, growing up on the East Side of Columbus, he would investigate the pond and fields nearby. While studying entomology at the University of Hawaii, Burman began volunteering to visit schools around the island and share what he knew with the students. That’s how he got his nickname.

“Kids would drag their parents over and say, ‘hey, it’s Bug Man,’” he said.

The moniker stuck and gave way to a fledgling business.

Berman began his business in earnest when he attended grad school in Massachusetts in 1996, but eventually dropped out of school to return to Columbus and pursue Bug Man Education full time.

“This was always kind of home,” he said.

Through a post-degree education program at The Ohio State University, Berman earned his Ohio Teaching Certification for high school biology and general science.

↓↑ Mark Berman, teaching children about insects

Though Berman pursued science academically, he always had a love for photography and videography.

He’s been behind a camera since he was just 13 years old.

Now, Berman has parlayed his passion into his business.

His YouTube channel boasts a treasure trove of insect videos, from cicadas to beetles to katydids. There’s also the odd squirrel or two. One of his favorite videos he’s made, Berman said, is of a dung beetle rolling a ball of bear poop.

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Berman shows his videos to his audiences, and he also sometimes performs demonstrations. It’s common for him to work with scorpions, tarantulas, and mealworms—the bugs he features are generally safe to handle or be present in public.

And after seeing his demonstrations, audiences of all ages think a bit differently about bugs.

“It has such an impact,” he said.

Though Berman often works with kids, his audience is just as likely to include adults. Regardless of their age, everyone in the crowd is likely learning something incredibly interesting.

“You see them processing stuff; you just see them putting things together,” he said.

A pillar of Berman’s shows is the concept of respect. The word comes from the Latin, “spectare,” which means “to look.” At its core, the word means “to look again”.

For Berman, bugs are a gateway into showing others just how amazing the world really is.

If you look long enough, “there’s almost always something cool,” he said.

To learn more, visit bugs.org

April 9, Heath Spring Market 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

April 9, the Pataskala Library 2:30 to 4 p.m.

April 23, Grove City Earth Day 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Visitor holding insect →

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Scioto Audubon Metro Park boasts the country’s largest free outdoor climbing wall, and it’s perfect for your April adventures

By Ellyn Briggs Photos by Aaron Massey

“It’s such a treasure to have in downtown Columbus,” said DJ White, manager of the Scioto Audubon Metro Park.

Situated on Whittier Peninsula just west of the Brewery District, the natural haven features 118 acres of green space and waterways ripe for nearly every kind of outdoor activity—from hiking and birdwatching to fishing and kayaking. But the park’s centralmost area is its defining attraction.

“We wanted people to congregate in the middle of the park, so we put a lot of things in there to inspire adventure,” White explained. With volleyball courts, a full-size playground, obstacle courses and more, this goal was certainly accomplished. However, nothing stirs up the spirit of adventure quite like the Scioto Audubon Climbing Wall. →

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↑ Visitor climbing the rock wall

↑ View of the rock wall

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Extending over 7,000 square feet and standing 35 feet tall, it is the country's largest free outdoor climbing venue. The wall opened to the public in 2009, alongside the rest of the park, and was designed with input from both Metro Park employees and local climbing enthusiasts. The two-arch, three-tower structure is striking—its sun-stained, textured rockface is meant to mimic the appearance of a quarry. And perhaps best of all, if scaled to the top, the wall offers sweeping views of the downtown Columbus skyline.

From 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day, those aged 13 or older can try their hand at three different climbing styles: bouldering, top rope, and lead climbing.

“Bouldering is usually folks’ first foray into rock climbing,” said White.

It entails free-climbing on the smaller, 10-foot boulders on either side of the main wall and doesn’t require any special gear. Top rope and lead climbing, however, are slightly more complex. Each involves anchoring into the wall at different points and requires equipment such as a harness and carabiners.

Scioto Audubon supports climbers—no matter their experience level—through many different programs. A ‘Learn The Ropes’ class takes place on the last Wednesday of every month, during which gear is provided and instructors offer top rope training. ‘Late Night Climbs’ are also available monthly for those who have their own equipment and are a bit more experienced. At this event, park rangers keep the wall open past dark and turn on the lights.

“It makes for a really cool backdrop for adventure,” said White.

The wall’s accessibility to those in different stages of their rock climbing career is particularly exciting for the Columbus Metro Parks employees who service it.

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↑ Visitors sizing up the rock wall

↑ Climber scaling the rock wall

“It’s so cool to see someone start out bouldering, and then they show up the following season with all of the equipment, and they’re doing more advanced techniques,” White said.

Over time, the wall has become more than just a destination for climbing—it's also a destination for community. Class-takers and regulars who met at Scioto Audubon have gone on to form meet-up groups, take trips to national parks out west, and even volunteer for Columbus Metro Parks.

“This community continues to build itself,” said White. “The wall is such a valued commodity for them, and it’s great to see how they’ve come to watch out for it and each other.”

In total, Scioto Audubon Metro Park saw nearly one million visitors in 2021. Annual attendance rates have skyrocketed in recent years, and White expects that the desire to get outside will continue in 2022.

“I think those first few 70-degree days this spring are going to be especially busy,” he said. “We can’t wait.”

For more information on Scioto Audubon Climbing Wall Rules and Guidelines, visit metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/scioto-audubon

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UNLEASH THE How one former “American Ninja Warrior” contestant has dedicated himself, and a brand-new Columbus facility, to training others for the show

By Jack McLaughlin Photos by Aaron Massey

While thousands across the country watched him from the comfort of their homes, Sean Noel sized up the 14-foot wall in front of him. He clenched and unclenched his fists. He carefully inhaled and exhaled. And then, he decided to go for it.

With a running head start, he scrambled up the wall, pulled his body up to a small elevated platform, and pounded the glowing red button in front of him with all of his might.

In case you don’t know already, Sean Noel is an American Ninja Warrior.

A participant on two different seasons of the popular show “American Ninja Warrior,” which pits elite athletes against a hugely challenging physical obstacle course, Noel has brought the ninja warrior spirit to the Columbus area, after opening Ninja Generations last spring. The 9,000-square-foot gym in Shawnee Hills is dedicated to bringing the inner ninja warrior out in all of us. ↑ Sean Noel, gym owner

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↑ Student on a climbing wall

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“I had always loved the show, and then when I was on it, I thought it was the absolute coolest thing ever,” Noel said. “After that I thought to myself: ‘What’s a way I can keep training for this and share it with others?’”

Ninja Generations offers both parkour and American Ninja Warrior classes for individuals who just want to get fit, as well as those who are actually interested in training for the show (or other similar contests, like the National Ninja League).

The bottom line: Noel wants to train the next American Ninja Warriors, right here in Central Ohio.

But like most things, that’s easier said than done.

Fans of “American Ninja Warrior” will know that the show’s course is ever-changing: While it features many similar sections, it’s never the same thing twice. “When you go on the show, that’s the first time you’re seeing that specific course,” Noel said.

↑ Obstacles at the gym

So how, exactly, do you train for something that’s never the same?

Noel noted that, while the show’s obstacles can take many different forms, they will often test the same skill sets.

“Grip strength and pull-up strength are both huge in Ninja Warrior,” he said. “The lache is also something we make sure everyone knows.”

The lache, or jump swing, refers to a specific movement technique in which a person swings their body backward and forward, generating momentum to carry them from bar to bar.

↑ Sean Noel, working out

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“It looks simple, but there’s a lot going on with it, and you use it all the time,” Noel said.

He noted that, while many adults participate in Ninja Generations classes, the majority of Ninja Warrior students are on the younger side. This is why courses are offered in multiple age groups: from 5-8, 9-12, and 13plus.

And Noel, a huge fan of “American Ninja Warrior” while growing up, wouldn’t have it any other way. He truly enjoys teaching children the skills he carefully honed.

He sees a bit of himself in all of them, after all.

↓ More gym obstacles

”I want to train the next generation of American ninja warriors,” Noel said. “I want kids today to love it as much as I did when I was young.”

To learn more, visit ninjagenerations.com

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Why this local chick-hatching program is the perfect pandemic addition to your home or office

By Laura Hennigan Photos by Sarah Pfeifer Story Design by Emma Quinn

So, which came first—the chicken or the egg? Bring the Farm to You hopes people of all ages will discover the answer for themselves by watching the fascinating process of incubation and hatching up close. It’s all part of their incredibly popular chick hatching program, which provides a hands-on educational experience for schools, libraries, assisted living facilities, or even you in your own living room. →

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After spending over a decade as the education director of a local farm and ecological center, Christa Hein had interacted with countless groups who came for visits and field trips.

“We were frequently asked if we offered mobile programs where we would come to their location,” said Hein. “But we had a small staff with only two educators, so it just wasn’t feasible.”

At that point, though, an idea had already begun to take root, and in 2012, Hein decided to pair her desire for entrepreneurship with her passion for teaching others about agriculture. Thus, Bring the Farm to You was born.

“We started small, building as we went along, listening to what people were interested in and expanding our offerings,” Hein said.

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The company is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year and continues to grow.

While they are known for many programs, including bee keeping and live farm animal visits, chick hatching is one of the company’s most sought-after experiences.

“It’s a three-week program,” explained Hein. “And it starts with a one-hour presentation that teaches all about chickens and chicks, and how to take care of the chicks after birth.”

Bring the Farm to You preincubates the eggs for a week prior to drop off, then delivers them along with a see-through automatic incubator, allowing people to watch the chicks hatch right in front of them. The company even includes a variety of unique chicken breeds–from Rhode Island Reds to Brahmas– so participants can experience a full range of builds and color morphs. →

"

WE STARTED SMALL...

LISTENING TO WHAT PEOPLE WERE

"

INTERESTED IN...

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“We also provide a handmade wooden cage, brooder, food, water— everything they need,” Hein said.

“Chicks stay with them for one week after they hatch, then we come and collect everything.”

When the pandemic shut down their scheduled live events, Bring the Farm to You decided to think outside the coop and offer chick hatching as an in-home experience. Families can request a program reservation online, and, once approved, all the needed supplies and information are delivered right to their door.

The program has proven so successful that the company decided to continue this it, along with another Covid-inspired offering: Bunny Buddy.

"

OUR GOAL IS TO HELP PEOPLE APPRECIATE THE ANIMALS.

"

“Families are able to bring a rabbit into their home for a week to have cuddles and companionship,” said Hein. “It’s a great way to help families decide if they are ready for a pet.”

Every week the Bring the Farm to You team loads up their trailers and travels across the state to share a wide variety of programs such as apple cidering, maple sugaring, and homesteading.

“Everybody is connected to their food and clothing, and we’re trying to make those connections tangible,” shared Hein. “Our goal is to help people appreciate the animals. We’re trying to bring a consciousness and education— show people how they can do some of these things themselves.”

“It’s totally feasible to raise chickens in your backyard, or make your own butter in your kitchen. We want to expose people to new ideas.” ♦ To learn more, visit bringthefarmtoyou.com

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This neighborhood chess group, complete with new East Side hub, has set its sights on boosting more than just in-game skills

By Jaelani Turner-Williams Photos by Sarah Pfeifer Story Design by Bryce Patterson

A chess baord awaiting a game ↑

The unofficial motto for The Royal Oak Initiative is “chess for wisdom and wellness”. And now with a forthcoming Parsons Avenue space– dubbed the Cooperative Chess Cultural Center– founder Ernest Levert aims to take his community chess club to the next level.

Also coined ‘the fork’ after the multitasking chess tactic, the center won’t just be a place to compete, but to cultivate an organized space that welcomes all chess players— even those who are non-competitive. →

A set of chess pieces ↑

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“We want this to be a space where people not only learn about the theory inside of chess, but also the history and culture,” Levert said.

Levert first learned the rules of chess in the fourth grade, when he grew a keen interest in the game while traveling to different countries with his father, who was an engineer. While visiting Germany as a child, Levert’s fascination with chess grew so strong that he would play games with a coworker of his father.

“I’ve always enjoyed puzzles and problem-solving; I like working things out,” Levert said. “Because there’s so much complexity to chess, there’s always something new to discover.”

He also believes Columbus residents– of any age–can take meaningful lessons away from the game as well.

Ernest Levert, Royal Oak Initiative founder ↑

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"

We want this to be a space where people not only learn about the theory inside of chess, but also the history and culture

"

“There may be a young person in Columbus who loves the framework that chess provides for learning about themselves and about the world. If we can cultivate some of that here, let’s lock that in. Chess at the intermediate levels—it's not difficult to get better, you just have to put in the time,” he said.

Although The Royal Oak Initiative chess meets are typically held at Upper Cup Coffee in Olde Towne East, the idea for a chess center first came to Levert as an undergrad Engineering student while attending The Ohio State University.

Levert at the time was approaching senior year with a waning passion for his major. One morning, he awoke at 3 a.m. and meandered around Weinland Park. He stopped at a building where he envisioned a youth center, bridging cultural knowledge for Black and brown children.

His late-night vision has finally become a reality, however, as Royal Oak is slated to take over the former tattoo parlor located just across Parsons Avenue from Upper Cup, a location that was quite literally a stone’s throw away during previous club meetings.

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To Levert, solving a chess puzzle is equivalent to solving a life problem in general, so it simply makes sense that he would use the game as a way to teach real-life skills as well. Using chess to teach economic empowerment and financial literacy to Royal Oak members, Levert has also created a method of “chess breathing” for attendees, one step of many toward Royal Oak’s overall goal of improving community wellness.

“What I’m most excited about with our wellness programing is helping people to believe in themselves [and] learning how to make peace with loss. You are not your wins, you are not your losses—that’s the first lesson,” Levert said. “The second part of it is, what can you learn from your losses? It’s okay to lose. Just don’t lose on purpose, and don’t lose the same way twice.

Mistakes are proof that you’re trying.”

Crediting meditation and mindfulness training with blocking out distracting thoughts, Levert uses chess to approach problems and decide his ideal outcome.

With chess as a wellness tool, he encourages others to tap into their highest mental potential as well.

“It’s gonna be a lot easier to work through the nuances and the complexity of the problem if you are prepared with the framework to fall back on,” he said.

“In this season of my life, I’m feeling really overwhelmed emotionally. Oftentimes in chess, you have to learn how to navigate your emotions. It’s the difference between drowning in your emotions and swimming in them; you have the skillset to navigate the environment.”

Levert noted that there’s still space to play chess competitively, if that’s what Royal Oak members are after. The new center will include New York-style speed chess and rated tournaments.

“As a chess organizer, it’s important to provide a space where people can come and play, but also, [where] the best players can come and get a good game and be challenged,” he said.

Two children playing a game of chess ↓

Chess club patrons playing a game of chess ↓

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Ernest Levert pondering his next move ↑

A crossroads for the casual and competitive chess player, the center — which is slated to fully open in June— will also be a launchpad of technology.

Offering streaming services for game playing, technological boards where pieces move themselves, chess clockmaking, and online chess gaming, the Cooperative Chess Cultural Center will be an intergenerational melting pot.

Now a first-time father himself, Levert said that his infant daughter has changed his scope of life well beyond the chess board.

“I’m taking a much stronger look at what it means to operate intergenerationally.

We’re living in the future right now, so part of it is reimagining what kind of world we’re working towards,” he said. “[Fatherhood has] encouraged me and allowed me to reconsider what kind of world I want to work towards creating.”

And just like his father taught him, Levert hopes others Royal Oak and its new hub will be the catalyst that encourages others to continue the tradition of playing chess throughout generations.

“Once your child does better than you, continue to support them; don’t stop what’s working. My dad scaled back tremendously once I beat him, Levert said.

“There’s an idea of encouragement: Let’s cooperate together, let’s learn together, and not only celebrate diverse cultures that chess touches, but let’s create culture ourselves.”

Learn more at www.theroichess.org

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How a veteran MMA fighter and promoter launched a local fighting league to showcase up and coming athletes

By Jim Fischer / Photos by Leonardo Carrizo / Layout Design by Willem Kern

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An Ohio Combat League fighter kneels to collect himself ↓

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MMA fighter Josiah Harrell says other fighters don’t like to fight him, in particular because of his background in wrestling.

“Unless they like suffering,” he added, without a hint of sarcasm.

Harrell, 23, has been fighting for three years, the last two as a professional. That doesn’t mean the Grove City resident doesn’t also work a day job. But he hopes a combination of improvement, experience, and strong promotion can change that.

Harrell is hard at work on the first two. That last part is where the Ohio Combat League comes in.

OCL was founded about three years ago by MMA veteran Travis Davis and promoter Troy Speakman, both of Columbus. The two saw a need to showcase fighters from Ohio—to create a situation that would benefit athletes and audiences in the state.

“I’ve been around long enough, and I understand what you need as a fighter from a promoter,” said Davis, who, at age 34, is still active in a handful of circuits as a fighter. “The idea is to help younger guys get to the next level.”

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← Travis "Bam Bam" Davis

Davis said that there is no shortage of talent in Ohio, but that too often, fight cards had Ohio fighters battling it out against other Ohio fighters.

“My big thing is not having Ohio guys fight Ohio guys,” Davis said. “Most can’t make that next level because promotion is not bringing in guys from other states. That makes it hard to gain a reputation. Plus, it means guys are sort of beating up on each other, which limits opportunities.”

“I’ve known Travis for about 12 years now, and when I met him, I thought he was a tough kid who had a promoter’s brain,” said Speakman, who’s been organizing fights and fight cards in Ohio and beyond for more than 15 years. “When he approached me with this idea about getting young, Ohio fighters promoted in the right way—in the right venues and on the right cards—I could see it was something that was needed.”

“You give these guys a big show locally, against a fighter from Michigan or Iowa or Kentucky or maybe even Nevada, and when UFC or Bellator (MMA) sees these guys, it can catch their eye.” →

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↑ Ohio Combat League fighters trading blows →

Harrell is just one in a growing list of “really good, top prospects in Ohio,” according to Davis. Speakman called him “hard-nosed; rugged.”

Harrell, 23, started fighting three years ago at the suggestion of a wrestling coach after taking a shot at a Division I college football career.

The competition “filled a void,” he explained, adding, “I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did.”

He credits OCL with giving him both a viable platform and one that offers the flexibility to fight close to home.

“I’m young yet. I’ve got some time. If I work and do what I need to do, I can get on with UFC or Bellator and make a living at this,” Harrell said.

Speaking of making a living fighting, Davis has no plans to train or promote full-time—yet. While he admits MMA is a “young man’s game,” Davis feels he has a few more years left of competition. Indeed, he recently got a call to fill in on a Professional Fighters League Challenger Series event in Florida. And, while he came up short, he credits his activity in OCL with getting him the shot.

“I still love the adrenaline rush, the joy of winning,” he said, adding that the sport’s unpredictability still holds a strong appeal.

“Anything can happen at any moment,” he said.

Still, he finds it hard to keep his thoughts to himself when watching young fighters train.

“I think I have something to offer to young guys,” Davis said. “I have that veteran experience, and I’m still in the game. It’s cool to have a chance to watch these guys grow.”

For more information on Ohio Combat League and upcoming events, visit ohiocombatleague.com

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