SPORTS
CJN-MMA
June 29, 2011
HIGH SCHOOL | YOUTH | Editor Melanie Laughman | mlaughman@communitypress.com | 248-7573
RECREATIONAL
communitypress.com
A7
PRESS
CNE grad Jefferson begins career with Pirates ˙By Nick Dudukovich
ndudukovich@communitypress.com
Former Clermont Notheastern High School baseball standout Mike Jefferson is ready to begin the next chapter in his life as a professional baseball player. After being drafted in the 22nd round of the Major League Baseball first-year player draft, Jefferson signed his first professional contract with the Pittsburgh
Pirates, June 20. He reported to Class-A State College of the New York-Penn League, that night. Jefferson, who went to college at Louisiana Tech University, is excited to be a part of the Pirates’ organization. “(The Pirates) are a great organization and they focus a lot on their younger players and getting them developed,” Jefferson said. “And I’m really looking for-
ward to getting out there and working hard and playing baseball professionally.” The 6-foot-5, 190 pound lefthander was drafted in the 46th round of the 2010 draft by the New York Mets. He chose to return to school for his junior season to fine-tune his skills. “I had a little work to do before I got into pro (baseball),” Jefferson said. “I wanted to get another year of school under belt and I felt like
going back to school would help me improve my game to get it to where it needed to be to be a pro pitcher.” Through his college career, Jefferson was 13-11 with a 4.93 ERA. This past season, he went 6-4 with a 3.56 ERA in 86 innings pitched. He appeared in 18 games. The southpaw, who started for Louisiana Tech, doesn’t know if the Pirates want to develop him as
a starter or a reliever. But for Jefferson, it doesn't matter. He’s just happy to be chasing his dream. “I’m ready for (any role) mentally, no matter what,” he said. “I look at this as the start of my dream and the ultimate goal for me…is to make to the big leagues and to make it up there for awhile.” For more coverage, visit Cincinnati.com/blogs/presspreps
SIDELINES Jay Bruce baseball camp
There are less than 100 spots still available for the second annual CBTS and Fifth Third Bank in partnership with the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum. The Cincinnati Reds Star Outfielder will conduct his annual camp from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., July 25-26 at Prasco Park in Mason. Bruce will be on site the entire camp to direct activities and provide instruction. The camp will be directed by Indiana University head baseball coach Tracy Smith. He will be joined by several of the top prep and collegiate
coaches from the Cincinnati area. Camp is open to boys and girls ages 6 to 14. Campers experience various stations, specializing in fundamental skills and the team concept of baseball. Individual groups are small to assure each camper gets maximum personalized instruction. Campers receive an autographed camp team photo with Jay, a camp T-shirt, camp goodie bag and the opportunity to win additional contests and prizes. The cost of the camp is $174. Additional camp partners include Gillette, Marge and Charles J. Schott
Foundation, Powerade, Fox Sports Ohio, and 700 WLW. Additional information and registration is available at www.JayBruceCamp.com, or call 888-389-CAMP.
and plays a schedule of 8-10 games. These are volunteer positions. Send resumes to Sean McCormick, head coach, via e-mail, Football@Xavier.edu.
College coach wanted
Football official classes
The Xavier University Club Football program seek assistant coaches for the 2011 season. Xavier is a member of the Midwest Club Football Conference. Previous coaching experience preferred. The Musketeers club football team practices three to four nights a week,
Anyone interested in being an Ohio licensed football official can sign up for classes that start July 20 at Milford Miami Township Recreation Center. Classes run for seven weeks and cost $85. If interested contact Bob Duncan at 575-4542 or e-mail robertreferee@zoomtown.com.
BRIEFLY Historic finish
PROVIDED
Rick Blevins Jr., resident of Milford and owner of Nirvana Nutrition in Symmes Township, has become 2011 Men’s Overall Closed Bodybuilding Champion. He competed and won first place in the men’s heavyweight class and then went on to win the overall title for the men of “Mr. Cincinnati.”
Milford man is ‘Mr. Cincinnati’
Rick Blevins Jr., a resident of Milford and owner of Nirvana Nutrition in Symmes Township, has become 2011 Men’s Overall Closed Bodybuilding champion. He competed and won first place in the men’s heavyweight class and then went on to win the overall title for the men of “Mr. Cincinnati.” Blevins grew up in Goshen and was always involved in sports. His first passion has always been football, where he had hoped to go pro. Looking to fill that competitive drive that he missed from his years of playing football for Wilmington College at age 37, he decided to take up bodybuilding. He always held the passion for lifting and being involved in the fitness industry. In 2001 he became certified in personal training because he loved helping
people pursue the fitness goals. Meanwhile, he also continued to work fulltime for a local transportation company while his wife ran their family sports nutrition business. In the last two years he has competed, he has claimed fifth in the 2010 NPC Cincinnati and fourth in the 2011 NPC Northern Kentucky. Then four weeks later won the 2011 NPC Overall weighing in at 225 pounds, 6 feet, 1 inch. The 71st Annual NPC Cincinnati Bodybuilding, Figure and Bikini Championship was March 26 at Miami University of Middletown. This is the longest running bodybuilding show in the world. It draws a crowd of competitors’ from all over local and out of state to compete. His future goal as a bodybuilder is to continue to train and win at a National Qualifying Show.
The Cincinnati State golf team recorded its best finish in the program’s history today, placing third out of 13 teams in the National Junior College Athletic Association D-III National Tournament at Chautauqua Golf Club in Chautauqua, N.Y. Cincinnati State had entered the final day June 10 with a three-stroke lead over Monroe Community College, N.Y. But the two-time defending champions from Monroe shot a tournament team score low of 294, and a four-day
total of 1,216 strokes, as they ran away from the Surge and everyone else in the fourth and final round. Rock Valley Community College shot a 303 final round score to finish in second place with a four-day total of 1,227. The Surge finished one stroke behind, with a total score of 1,228 after a final team round of 309. “Last year, we finished fifth,” Surge Head Coach Scott Webb said. “While we wanted to close the deal today, our guys should feel proud. This is the best finish that Cincinnati State has ever
had.” Cincinnati State sophomore Blake Harpenau, a St. Xavier High School graduate, shot a 76 in the final round of the tournament with a fourday total of 298 strokes to finish second (by one stroke) in individual competition. Cincinnati State’s Josh Bialecki also shot a 76 in the final round and finished in a tie for 15th in individual competition. Danny Gravett, a School of Performing Arts graduate, from Cincinnati State shot a 79 and finished in a tie for 19th. The Surge’s Connor
Stookey, a Milford High School graduate, finished in a tie for 26th with a 78 in the final round, while Willem Van Den Berg finished in a tie for 41st.
College commitment
Shawn Taylor from Milford High School has chosen Wittenberg University to continue his academic and athletic pursuits. Shawn brings a wealth of talent to the track program and can be a huge impact hurdler in the conference, according to Wittenberg track and field coach Craig Penney.
Bowled over
Adam Edwards, Milford High School senior, signs his letter of commitment to bowl for Northern Kentucky University where he plans to study Information Technology. Adam was a four-year varsity bowler for the Eagles who earned the “Eagle Award” twice for hard work, dedication and discipline in the sport of bowling. Adam also earned the “Sportsmanship Award” for integrity, honor and showing concern for others. Adam was named to the FAVC East second team as a senior. He is the first bowler from Milford High School to sign a letter of intent to bowl in college. In front, from left, are Lee Edwards (Dad), Adam Edwards and Frank Ritzmann (Milford head bowling coach); in second row are Bruce Hightchew (NKU men’s bowling), Roger Bussell (Milford assistant bowling coach), David Hampton (NKU women’s bowling), Sonja Sittason (Milford assistant bowling coach) and Chris Robisch (NKU men’s bowling). THANKS TO MARK TROUT
Eleven from Mount Notre Dame to continue sports careers Mount Notre Dame recently conducted its spring athletic sports signing to celebrate 11 seniors continuing their athletic careers at the collegiate level. Family, coaches and friends of the signing seniors joined in the celebration at the MND Salerno Center for the Performing Arts. Four seniors who played soccer for Mount Notre Dame will continue their careers at the collegiate level this fall. Carolyn Hartman of Evendale will play for Lynn University. Melissa DeWitt of Madeira signed to play for
the University of Dayton. Anna Rutousky of Miami Township will continue her soccer career at Ashland University. Finally, Jamie Naber of Loveland will play for Tiffin University. Two seniors will continue their volleyball careers this fall. Holly Bronner of Reading will join the volleyball team at the University of the Cumberlands. Janna Reilly of Mason signed to play for Slippery Rock University. Three seniors from the basketball program will sign to play at the collegiate level. Cassie Lastivka of Mason
signed with Ohio Northern University. Gabby West of Mason will continue her career at Carnegie Mellon University. Erika Ripperger of Loveland will become a member of the basketball program at Centre College. Two seniors from the field hockey team will continue their careers this fall. Beth Warning of Sycamore Township signed to play for Wittenberg University. Maggie Steele of Deerfield Township will play for DePauw University. Senior Candace Crowley of Liberty Township will join Purdue University’s cheerleading team.
THANKS TO JENN SENNETT.
Mount Notre Dame High School seniors celebrate signing letters of intent to play sports in college. Pictured are Jamie Naber, Carolyn Hartman, Anna Rutousky, Melissa DeWitt and Maggie Steele. In back are Cassie Lastivka, Janna Reilly, Beth Warning, Holly Bronner and Gabby West. Not pictured are Erika Ripperger and Candace Crowley.