Tag: Mount Union

SmeeSports Internship Program: Applications Now Open for Spring Semester 2026

Alliance, OH- As the halfway point of the Fall Semester is upon us, SmeeSports has decided to begin accepting applications for Spring 2026 interns!

SmeeSports LLC is a sports media and broadcasting company founded in 2023 that serves the Cleveland and Stark County areas. We have partnered with many teams and organizations, such as Spectrum Channel 1022 Alliance, Minerva Athletics, Holy Name Athletics, Tri-C Baseball, 965 Midwest Challenge, WRCL, OPL, and Diamond League, to provide broadcast coverage of select games. While we do games outside of these partnerships, they make up the backbone and majority of our coverage.

Our owner, Nathan Smee, is a sophomore at the University of Mount Union. He is majoring in Sport Business and Marketing while minoring in Media and Communications. With five years in the industry, Smee has gained a lot of valuable experience in the sports media world.

Our Fall internship team, headlined by Cooper Fontaine, Bryce Fisher, Julian Rodriguez, Jack Speth, and Sarah Magyar, has done great work so far.

Cooper has been a go-to color commentator for SmeeSports, leading to a job with Spectrum Channel 1022 Alliance. The sophomore at Alliance HS has also done good work taking photos, many of which have made their way onto our gameday graphics.

Bryce and Sarah have been the “what do you need” crew for SmeeSports. They have created an Instagram account to post their pregame and in-game photos. Additionally, Sarah has been our trusted scoreboard operator, while Bryce has done everything from calling games to running our overhead or on-field cameras.

As for Julian, he has been a trusty overhead camera operator and producer, depending on the day. Signing on with SmeeSports in April, J-Rod’s addition has allowed us to cover more events with higher quality.

Not to be outdone, Jack has held down the Northeast Ohio fort. As a senior at Pauda High School and a former Cavs junior reporter, he knows how to tell a story with good comments from his peers. He has over doubled our Padua coverage while simply enjoying his senior year.

While not an official ‘intern’, Daniel Clark–AKA DC–has called a few football games on the channel. This work helped him get hired by Channel 1022, just like Cooper.

Let’s not forget about our Summer 2025 interns either. Cameron Ragazzo has been our go-to color commentator for Cleveland games this Fall. Gabriel Cozza has been a strong presence in our weekly high school football pick-ems and will rejoin the broadcast crew during Winter break.

Finally, Emily Malberg and Daniel Ridenour have done great work at Xavier and Bowling Green, respectively. Emily, a junior, has spearheaded our Guardians and St Xavier coverage. As for Daniel, he was given a media pass to attend the MAC media day in July at Ford Field.

Photographers Aaron Sharply, Christy Kyte, and Ally Hall, along with commentator Josh Minier did good work for us during the Summer and have moved on.

The point is, our interns not only get better during this program, but also have a track record of landing jobs afterwards. While this internship is unpaid, our interns get lots of amazing hands-on experiences across the sporting world.

During this upcoming internship cycle (that’ll run from December through May), interns will have the chance to help with hockey, basketball, baseball, softball, and lacrosse broadcasts.

If broadcasting isn’t your style, you can be a photographer or a sports writer for SmeeSports! These roles are not bound by location. However, you must be in the Cleveland or Stark County area and be willing to travel to qualify for the broadcast portion of this internship.

The requirement is to cover two games per week on average. This internship is the definition of you get what you give. The growth we’ve seen from our interns who buy into the process has been incredible.

If interested, you can contact Nathan Smee via email at nsmee00@gmail.com. Alternatively, you can reach out on Instagram at @smeesports. Either way, you MUST fill out the Google form at the bottom of this article.

Here’s to another successful internship cycle!

Apply Here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeeImsMsEUFATzH6ZdEuAT2QMjoBS6Hbmi_PDye6TfKrR2XmA/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=118438138772696393497

A Night to Remember: Minerva Football Earns 1st EBC Victory Since 2019 with a 7-0 Win over Marlington

Alliance, OH- Every team undergoes a rebuilding phase. For some, this period lasts a year or two. Others see the rebuild eclipse the half-decade mark. What if a rebuild sees a team go 4-96 across 10 years, leading into a new era? How do they rebuild? Zach Slates and the new look Minerva Lions have answered this question by improving to 5-3 on the year with a 7-0 victory over the Marlington Dukes.

“Minerva had a long tradition of smashmouth football, and it has been great to see it come back again,” remarked Minerva High School Athletic Director Garth Evans, “I am very excited for this school, town, and community to see success in football again.”

Minerva began the game with the football, but would proceed to fumble deep in Duke territory. After leading Marlington down inside the Minerva 35-yard line, Tyler Walder’s fourth-down scramble came up short, giving the rock right back to the Lions.

Minerva quarterback Kannon Kirkpatrick has been working on his passing all season, and it paid off in a big way on the ensuing drive. With 2nd down and 19 in front of him, Kirkpatrick found Owen Shick over the top for a massive first down inside the Dukes’ five-yard line. A few plays later, Skylar Lab would run to the corner of the endzone to sneak it in for the game’s lone touchdown with 22 seconds remaining in the first quarter.

Both defenses proceeded to dominate the final three quarters. In total, the Lions’ defense stopped Marlington three separate times on fourth down. Still, a few players on both squads managed to put up solid numbers.

Looking at Marlington, both Blaize Horn and Caden Dine ran the ball effectively. Horn had 77 yards on 6 carries, while Dine had 45 yards on 8 attempts. In the air, Cole Jones had 46 yards on 5 receptions. Finally, Walder went 9/16 with 76 passing yards. Their big loss came in the form of Cameron Evanich, who suffered a season-ending arm injury during the Dukes’ loss at Carrollton.

As for the Lions, it was the running game that stole the show as expected. Breakout Sophomore Timmy Kirkpatrick ran the rock 24 times for 171 yards. Nate Linkous followed him up with 13 carries that resulted in 45 yards. K. Kirkpatrick went 2/2 passing with 44 yards.

Circling back to Evans, he made sure to give everyone credit when talking about this revival, as he said,

“Everyone involved has been a part of this rejuvenation in football. Students, staff, band, cheerleaders, players, and coaches because they all believe the team can win, and that’s been great to see.”

Up next for the mighty Lions–the Alliance Aviators. Despite losing 34-28 on the road at West Branch, A-Town is looking poised to host a playoff game in Region 9.

As for the Dukes, this loss sees them eliminated from playoff contention in Region 13. They are on the road in week 9 as they take on Salem.

No matter what happens for the Minerva Lions during the home stretch of their 2025 campaign, one thing is certain. This small Ohio town, divided amongst Stark, Carroll, and Columbiana counties, will not forget this special group. A group that helped change the future outlook for Friday Night Lights at Dr. Robert H Hines Stadium.

SmeeSports Player of the Game: Timmy Kirkpatrick

Watch Marlington Vs Minerva Football: https://www.youtube.com/live/DfwCmOX5JDc?si=qCubrRARVxxxBuLa

Mikey Maloney Dominates in First Career Mount Union Start as the Purple Raiders Defeat Wheaton 37-29

Alliance, OH- For the 38th consecutive season, the Mount Union Purple Raiders get a win in week one by downing the Wheaton Thunder 37-29. With it, the NCAA’s longest regular-season win streak increases to 76. The last time UMU lost in the regular season was in their last game against John Carroll in Alliance.

Mount Union got the ball to begin the game and wasted no time driving down the field. Mikey Maloney picked up a first down by connecting with returning wideout Nick Turner. Maloney followed this up with a 55-yard run, putting UMU at the Wheaton seven-yard line. Three plays later, Wyatt Stiehl caught his first touchdown pass since returning to Mount after a year at Southern Florida. Ivan Maric would miss the extra point, so the score remained 6-0 with 13:17 left in the first quarter.

The Thunder would pick up nine yards on their opening drive as Mark Forcucci found Seth Kortenhoeven. However, back-to-back incompletions forced Wheaton to punt. Mount Union used the short yardage game as a launching pad during its second drive. Seven out of the nine plays on the drive went for less than 10 yards. The exceptions came in the form of a 21-yard pass to Turner and a 17-yard touchdown pass to Elmherst transfer Jacob Cockrell. Maric was able to redeem himself as he made the extra point, making it 13-0 with 7:24 left in the first quarter.

The Thunder responded on the following drive as they went 51 yards on four plays to get on the board by way of a 10-yard rushing touchdown from Matt Crider. The Purple Raiders would also respond, taking eight plays and 75 yards to find the endzone. This time, Maloney connected with Shaun Thomas on a wheel route for the 42-yard score. This made the score 20-7 as the first quarter came to a close.

Wheaton looked for an answer with a mythodical drive, but a Forcucci incompletion on the 12th play ended the drive at Mount’s 27-yard line. To make matters worse, Maloney found Cockrell for an 81-yard touchdown after being sacked on the prior play. With the Purple Raiders up by 20, the Thunder needed to get back in the game. However, another mythodical drive stalled out as Wheaton turned the ball over at UMU’s 11-yard line. From there, Mount Union would have a drive stall out after 9 plays, which was followed by a Thunder three-and-out. After trying to get down the field quickly at the end of the half, Maloney was dragged down for the second time, and the Purple Raiders opted to run the clock out. Through 30 minutes, it was Mount Union up 27-7.

The Wheaton offense would continue to have its struggles as the second half began. They would go three-and-out for the second consecutive series, this time with negative eight yards of offense. Maric would hit his first field goal of the season on the ensuing drive, making it 30-7. Keenan Cruz would get his first career interception at Mount Union on the first play of the Thunder’s next drive. This gave Maloney and the offense a short field. Turner would get into the endzone for the first time this season on a one-yard touchdown pass from Maloney. This would round out the Purple Raiders’ offense for the day as they led 37-7.

Down by 30 as the fourth quarter began, things looked bleak for Wheaton. Once again, the Thunder opted for a mythical drive. However, Forcucci was able to find the endzone on a 21-yard scamper. This made it 37-14. Junior quarterback Chase Copper would come in for Mount Union, along with sophomore running back Kayden Minner. They were able to move the ball 19 yards before a loss of two on a rush and a loss of five on a delay of game penalty, forcing Michael Franklin back onto the field to punt. Overall, two of Franklin’s punts ended up inside the 20-yard line. He averaged 44.3 yards per punt, improving on his 41 yards per punt in 2024.

With 8:15 left in the game, the Thunder offense finally clicked. Forcucci took 4:28 off the clock before finding Kortenhoeven for a 19-yard touchdown. This made it 37-21. Then, Wheaton recovered an onside kick out of nowhere. Yet again, Kortenhoeven punished the Purple Raiders as he caught a 15-yard touchdown pass from Forcucci. With a successful two-point conversion, a 30-point game became a one-possession game. Maloney and the starters were forced back onto the field given the circumstances, and they got the job done. On a crucial third down, Maloney found Matt Anderson for his 19th completion of the day. However, the tight end fumbled the ball. Still, UMU was able to pounce on the rock, sealing the 37-29 victory.

“The Machine is the consistency of the program,” remarked Mount Union head coach Geoff Dartt after the game.

It’s no secret that players want to come to Alliance to play for UMU, as shown by the sheer number of players on the roster. However, Coach Dartt doesn’t want just any player.

“I think that [35 OAC losses since first title back in 1985] speaks more to the players that are choosing to come here and want to be coached hard and become the best versions of themselves…and I think it’s even more important when you recruit people, they’re good people that want to be coached and want to be developed.”

One of the best pieces of recruiting this past offseason, staying in line with Coach Dartt’s mantra, was bringing in Jacob Cockrell from Elmherst. In his Purple Raider debut, he caught three passes for 106 yards and two touchdowns.

“Meeting these coaches and players, I really wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,” proclaimed Cockrell after the game.

Circling back to Mount Union’s lone interception, senior Keenan Cruz was glad to see his hard work pay off in a big way.

Cruz said, “Yeah, it’s amazing. A lot of preparation and work was put in. To see some of that pay off and finally get that [interception], that’s awesome.”

As for the Purple Raiders’ new QB 1 in Mikey Maloney, he had the definition of a dream debut. He went 19/24 with 307 yards and 5 touchdowns. He was also second on the team with 44 rushing yards.

Last season, the Riverside legend went down with an injury that ended his campaign in the win against Wilmington. However, he found comfort in God as he attributed his success to Him.

“The biggest thing being injured is the mental side of it, and I think I grew a lot as a person. My faith in God really helped me find myself, helped me be confident in His plan for me. So, I just put my faith in Him.”

During the postgame press conference with Coach Dartt, he even joked that Maloney could run for Mayor of Riverside [Painesville], showing not only that he is an excellent quarterback, but also a good person.

Next week, it’s on to Grove City as Mount Union takes on the Wolverines in their second and final 1 PM kickoff of the season. This week, Grove City made a statement as they knocked off #10 Courtland 31-14 on the road in New York.

As for Wheaton, it is another road trip next week as they take on Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois. The Vikings earned a thrilling win, 42-41, in overtime on the road against Simpson in Iowa. This matchup will begin College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) play for the 2025 campaign.

Mount Union had a task heading into week one-keep The Machine rolling and get the win. In the end, it’s mission accomplished for one of the prides of Alliance, albeit in a closer game than once expected. As the saying goes, a win’s a win. 13 more wins, and Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium will host the Purple Raiders in the Stagg Bowl to close out the season.

SmeeSports Apparel Now For Sale on Hometown Threads Website

Strongsville, OH- After months of work, we finally have an apparel site up and running. By joining forces with Hometown Threads in North Olmsted, we have a local, high-quality manufacturer, along with a place to easily purchase SmeeSports apparel.

We have a total of 7 different pieces of apparel, including T-shirts, long-sleeve T-shirts, hoodies, polos, pullovers, hats, and jackets. Most of these items come in multiple colors, which allows you to find just the right piece.

You can purchase apparel by visiting the Hometown Threads website and selecting SmeeSports under the “Our Apparel” tab.

Alternatively, you can find our apparel at the link here: https://hometownthreadscleveland.com/product-category/smee-sports/

We look forward to seeing our fans with their own SmeeSports apparel at games this season!

SmeeSports Football Broadcast Schedule + Storylines to Watch

Strongsville, OH- Last week, we announced our broadcast schedule for the 2025 OHSAA football regular season, which includes 12 games across 9 weeks. Overall, this slate includes 14 teams from Cuyahoga, Stark, Summit, Columbiana, Mahoning, and Lake Counties. With less than two weeks until kickoff, let’s take a look at these matchups to find the key storylines that make Friday Night Lights so special.

Game 1: Normandy Vs Holy Name (August 21 at 7 PM)

  • Location: Byers Field, Robert M Boulton Stadium
  • Home Team: Normandy Invaders (Parma, Ohio)
  • Away Team: Holy Name Green Wave (Parma Heights, Ohio)
  • Storyline 1: This matchup features two teams that used to play in the Great Lakes Conference.
  • Storyline 2: Last time these two teams played each other, there was a lot of controversy. Normandy was awarded a ‘Fifth Down’ that resulted from miscommunication between the officials and the scoreboard operator. A play was ruled dead on the field, but the press box was not told. Four seconds disappeared from the game, time that would’ve allowed Normandy to kick a potentially game-winning field goal.

Watch Normandy Vs Holy Name: https://www.youtube.com/live/WuZMgh6qFDI?si=doeQ8WFPaL4IfpL8

Game 2: Padua Vs Alliance (August 22 at 7 PM)

  • Location: Padua Stadium
  • Home Team: Padua Bruins (Parma, Ohio)
  • Away Team: Alliance Aviators (Alliance, Ohio)
  • Storyline 1: Year two of this two-year series. Padua one the first matchup at Kehres stadium 34-6 to open the 2024 season.
  • Storyline 2: The team dynamics flip from last season. Padua lost key offensive and defensive figures such as Nick Barker (Allegheny), Rod Love (ODU), Riley Cervenka (Lake Erie Basketball), Conner Williams (Charleston), Christian Ruggerio, Brandon Homady (West Virginia), and more. As for Alliance, they bring back four out of five starting offensive linemen and all of their skill position players outside of Brady White (Mount Union Baseball).

Watch Padua Vs Alliance: https://www.youtube.com/live/l0_XS7vYbEA?si=K3mFQl-hiEQac8cF

Game 3: Holy Name Vs Gilmour Academy (August 29 at 7 PM)

  • Location: Serpentini Chevrolet Stadium
  • Home Team: Holy Name Green Wave (Parma Heights, Ohio)
  • Away Team: Gilmour Academy Lancers (Gates Mills, Ohio)
  • Storyline 1: This is the first meeting between these teams in the MaxPreps Era (2005 forward)
  • Storyline 2: Holy Name will have an extra day of rest heading into this home matchup.

Watch Holy Name Vs Gilmour Academy: https://www.youtube.com/live/6MfhJFhmh7M?si=Tctdr6ho3lSP0iTI

Game 4: Minerva Vs Springfield (September 5 at 7 PM)

  • Location: Robert H Hines Stadium
  • Home Team: Minerva Lions (Minerva, Ohio)
  • Away Team: Springfield Spartans (Akron, Ohio)
  • Storyline 1: Minerva and Springfield have a combined 4 wins this decade. Springfield’s win came against Minerva last season, while the Lions beat STA for their first win since beating Rootstown (22-0) and United (21-14) to close out 2020.
  • Storyline 2: If Minerva wins this game, there’s a chance they could be over .500 for the first time since the 2013 season through three games.

Watch Minerva Vs Springfield: https://www.youtube.com/live/2bAD6eaZjcI?si=_69YI8_P5HhUgcJV

Game 5: Marlington Vs Louisville (September 12 at 7 PM)

  • Location: Duke Stadium
  • Home Team: Marlington Dukes (Alliance, Ohio)
  • Away Team: Louisville Leopards (Louisville, Ohio)
  • Storyline 1: These teams used to be part of the Northeastern Buckeye Conference. This is the first series since the conference folded (year two of the series).
  • Storyline 2: With both teams having uncertainties at the quarterback position due to the departures of Tate Aljancic and Bryson McCord, this could be a statement week for the new signal callers.

Watch Marlington Vs Louisville Football: https://www.youtube.com/live/qp52sIAXqG8?si=i2B4-_f6Zv03IFw3

Game 6: Holy Name Vs Madison (September 13 at 7 PM)

  • Location: Brooklyn Memorial Stadium
  • Home Team: Holy Name Green Wave (Parma Heights, Ohio)
  • Away Team: Madison Blue Streaks (Madison, Ohio)
  • Storyline 1: This will be the first time Holy Name plays a home game at their new home stadium. Additionally, this is the Green Wave’s first game in Brooklyn since their last-second playoff victory over Padua in 2021.
  • Storyline 2: Madison pulled away last year in the fourth quarter to take home the 24-7 victory. Can that momentum carry over into a pivotal week four matchup?

Watch Holy Name Vs Madison Football: https://www.youtube.com/live/CKx_3nGt2dc?si=mSGiV9SGq75YS7eF

Game 7: Holy Name Vs Cleveland Central Catholic (September 19 at 7 PM)

  • Location: Serpentini Chevrolet Stadium
  • Home Team: Holy Name Green Wave (Parma Heights, Ohio)
  • Away Team: Cleveland Central Catholic Ironmen (Cleveland, Ohio)
  • Storyline 1: First meeting between these teams since August 31, 2019. Holy Name won the game in Cleveland 38-0.
  • Storyline 2: This game will be Holy Name’s last home game at Serpentini Chevrolet Stadium as they will make the full-time switch to Brooklyn Memorial Stadium in 2026.

Watch Holy Name Vs CCC Football: https://www.youtube.com/live/8bZE1bOsGzM?si=XLSio98YJisFjTiw

Game 8: Minerva Vs West Branch (September 26 at 7 PM)

  • Location: Robert H Hines Stadium
  • Home Team: Minerva Lions (Minerva, Ohio)
  • Away Team: West Branch Warriors (Beloit, Ohio)
  • Storyline 1: West Branch has dominated the EBC this decade, going 25-0 in the 2020s. The push to 30-0 starts at Minerva
  • Storyline 2: This is going to be Coach Slates’ first EBC game as Minerva’s head coach. How does he do against the EBC’s best?

Watch Minerva Vs West Branch Football: https://www.youtube.com/live/fVc3LVxBunw?si=c3EqKeFVV5Yvxb9W

Game 9: Minerva Vs Salem (October 3 at 7 PM)

  • Location: Robert H Hines Stadium
  • Home Team: Minerva Lions (Minerva, Ohio)
  • Away Team: Salem Quakers (Salem, Ohio)
  • Storyline 1: Salem lost a total of 4 games by one score or less in 2024, including an overtime loss against Carrollton. With the Warriors on the docket in week 8, this game could be a great tune-up for the Quakers.
  • Storyline 2: If Minerva can keep this game close, could this be their first EBC win of the 2020s?

Watch Minerva Vs Salem Football: https://www.youtube.com/live/hpMldhIloTY?si=Vqg8mmaCXwCABWP0

Game 10: Holy Name Vs Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy (October 4 at 7 PM)

  • Location: Brooklyn Memorial Stadium
  • Home Team: Holy Name Green Wave (Parma Heights, Ohio)
  • Away Team: Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy Royals (Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio)
  • Storyline 1: This is the first meeting between these teams in the MaxPreps Era (2005 forward). This matchup comes as CVCA and Holy Name play in the newly formed North Coast Conference, which took teams from the GLC and Crown.
  • Storyline 2: Holy Name and CVCA have played a lot of close games over the years. Will this game be the latest instant classic in this brewing rivalry?

Watch Holy Name Vs CVCA Football: https://www.youtube.com/live/ZP3q6_20WK8?si=glNLwKv6Z1Scm-Ow

Game 11: Marlington Vs Minerva (October 10 at 7 PM)

  • Location: Duke Stadium
  • Home Team: Marlington Dukes (Alliance, Ohio)
  • Away Team: Minerva Lions (Minerva, Ohio)
  • Storyline 1: If these teams are fringe playoff squads, the loser of this matchup would likely drop out of the playoff race.
  • Storyline 2: Both teams are in the midst of transition seasons, and this could be a turning point for the winning program, even if the benefits are shown more in the 2026 season.

Watch Marlington Vs Minerva Football: https://www.youtube.com/live/DfwCmOX5JDc?si=sY5_pGn8A8ABrvJP

Game 12: Holy Name Vs Padua (October 24 at 7 PM)

  • Location: Brooklyn Memorial Stadium
  • Home Team: Holy Name Green Wave (Parma Heights, Ohio)
  • Away Team: Padua Bruins (Parma, Ohio)
  • Storyline 1: Rivalry Week for Holy Name and Padua has been moved back to Week 10, which means both teams will be at their best. How will this contrast with the past few seasons, where the game came early?
  • Storyline 2: This is the first time these teams will play each other at Brooklyn Memorial Stadium since 2021. That game was the 28-21 thriller which saw then Sophomore Andrew Cole win the game for the Green Wave by catching a high pass in the corner of the endzone with minimal time on the clock.

Watch Holy Name Vs Padua Football: https://www.youtube.com/live/Z-4eirI6Ncg?si=QcGADPsARmbjQBSn

This great season of high school football is set to get underway on August 21st. High school football is a new addition to SmeeSports this Fall, as we only covered one game last year. As the channel grows, so does our coverage area, sports, teams, etc. Let us know in the poll below which game you’re most excited for this season. 12 games, 12 chances to see OHSAA Football this regular season on the SmeeSports YouTube Channel.

SmeeSports is Still Searching for Broadcast + Social Media Sponsors

Strongsville, OH- Calling on businesses in the Cleveland and Stark County Areas. SmeeSports is searching for broadcast sponsors as the Fall season is only a few weeks away!

Alliance, Marlington, Minerva, Holy Name, Padua, Tri-C, and Strongsville are some of the many schools we cover throughout the course of the year. Just as we have a great variety of schools in our coverage range, we have a number of sponsorship packages that will fit your needs. Take a moment to read our sponsorship menu below.

– Basic Broadcast Sponsor ($10 Per Game): This gets you a 30-second ad that runs on rotation throughout the broadcast.

-Highlight Package Sponsor ($5 Per Video): This gets your logo placed on a short form (60 seconds or less) highlight reel featuring footage from one of our many games. These highlights could be one player or a group, depending on the game. The video gets posted to Instagram, X, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

-Gameday Graphic Sponsor ($5 Per Graphic): This gets your logo placed on a teaser graphic for our broadcasts. Typically, these graphics include a player from each team. The graphic is posted on Instagram, X, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

-Website Sponsor ($100 Per Year): This gets an ad for your business on our website under the sponsors tab. This ad will always be present on the website and is fully customizable. It’s a great way to be advertising 365 days a year!

-Article Sponsor ($15 Per Article): This gets an ad for your business placed at the top of each article you sponsor. You could sponsor a specific team, style of content, etc. Just like the website sponsorship option, it is fully customizable.

-Broadcast Presenter ($5 Per Game): This add-on has your name said throughout the game. For example, “This is WRCL baseball on SmeeSports presented by INSERT COMPANY.”

-Keys to Victory Sponsor ($5 Per Game): This add-on attaches your business’s name to 3 keys to victory that we will track throughout the game. For example, “Your INSERT COMPANY Keys to Victory are”

-Pregame Show Sponsor ($5 Per Game): This add-on attaches your business’s name to our pregame show segment. For example, “This is the SmeeSports pregame show presented by INSERT COMPANY.”

If you and your business are interested in becoming a SmeeSports sponsor, email Nathan Smee at nsmee00@gmail.com. Alternatively, you can contact us on social media.

The NABF Announces their All-Tournament Team for College World Series

Canton, OH- After 15 games across three days at Thurman Munson Memorial Stadium, the Stark County Terriers were crowned NABF College World Series champions for the fourth consecutive season. On the morning of July 28th, WRCL commissioner and NABF representative John Mengelkamp sent out the all-tournament team selections for the 2025 NABF College World Series. Below is the all-tournament team.

C: Aidan Sheetz (Jasper Reds)-Northeast Dubois High School to IU Columbus

1B: Calvin Cackowski (B2 Bulls)-Thiel

2B: Christopher Maurer (Canton A’s)-Mount Union

3B: Anthony Bartiromo (Canton A’s)-Malone

SS: Nate Evans (3B Barons)-Penn State Shenango

OF: Ryan Shimek (Mountaineer Lumber Company)-Ashland

OF: Luke Ickes (Mountaineer Lumber Company)-Mount Union

OF: Nolan Kellicker (Stark County Terriers)-Baldwin Wallace

Utility: Dominic Trivisonno (Mountaineer Lumber Company)-John Carroll

Utility: Daniel Krabill (Stark County Terriers)-Oberlin

Utility: Josh Dezenzo (Stark County Terriers)-Washington & Jefferson

P: Ty Dennison (Stark County Terriers)-Mount Union

P: Brock Polilli (Canton Class A’s)-Massillon High School to Tiffin

P: Keagan Gilbride (Mountaineer Lumber Company)-Cuyahoga Community College

P: Braeden Kinnaird (B2 Bulls)-Hiram

P: Garret Odey (Stark County Terriers)-Earlham

Batting Champion: Nolan Kellicker (Stark County Terriers)-Baldwin Wallace

MVP: Ty Dennison (Stark County Terriers)-Mount Union

It is not a surprise to see the Stark County Terriers leading the way with five representatives, including the batting champion Kellicker and Dennison, the MVP, on the all-tournament team. The Mountaineer Lumber Company has four representatives, including Luke Ickes, who had a potential claim to the batting crown after pool play. The Canton Class A’s have three players while the B2 Bulls have two. Finally, the Jasper Reds and 3B Barons each have one representative.

Looking at colleges, the Ohio Athletic Conference ran the table with Mount Union having three players, and Baldwin Wallace, along with former OAC giants John Carroll, having one player each. Earlham, Hiram, Tri-C, Tiffin, Washington & Jefferson, Oberlin, Ashland, Penn State Shenango, Malone, Thiel, and IU Columbus have one player on the all-tournament team.

SmeeSports LLC Announces Fall Semester 2025 Internship Program

Strongsville, OH- As our Summer internship program wraps up this Sunday, SmeeSports LLC is happy to open up the application period for the 2025 Fall Semester Internship Program. We are seeking highly motivated high school and college students who are eager to break into the sports media industry. With our unique business model and coverage areas, we have just the internship to get you started!

First of all, you may be wondering what SmeeSports LLC is. We are a broadcasting company built on the pillars of Faith, Family, and Sports that serves the Cleveland and Stark County areas. On top of broadcasts, we also do photography, written content, and more.

Our owner, Nathan Smee, is a sophomore at the University of Mount Union studying Sport Business and Media. Nathan has been in the sport media industry for around five years. In this time, he has built an impressive portfolio of content across a number of sport media niches. His most notable post and call was Andrew Cole shoving a player from Valley Forge during a game on January 5, 2024. This clip has received over 10 million views across the SmeeSports family of social media platforms with stars such as Reggie Bush and Shaquille O’Neal weighing in with comments or reposts.

This internship offers the roles of writer, broadcast help, on-air talent, and photographer. However, if there is something else you want to do, we can talk about making it work. This internship requires two games per week while being willing to learn.

The internship will run from mid-August to January 1st. The sports that we will plan on covering during this time include football, volleyball, soccer, hockey, basketball, and baseball.

While this is an UNPAID internship, we will help you take the next step by providing an avenue to get your name out to more people. We cover some of the biggest events and teams in Northeast Ohio, and we plan on growing even more this year. The teams we cover with broadcast coverage range from Alliance, Marlington, Tri-C, Padua, Holy Name, Minerva, Garfield Heights, and Warrensville Heights. We also do written content and photography for Mount Union athletics.

If interested in this internship or to learn more about this opportunity, email Nathan Smee at nsmee00@gmail.com.

We are looking forward to welcoming in the next batch of interns this fall.

Apply to the Fall Internship Here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScuritwiUWVeoJxKMkRH1xvdir2ad0NkFfh_VHylUUt2oXLpQ/viewform?usp=header

SmeeSports is Looking for Sponsors

Strongsville, OH- If you have been a follower of SmeeSports over the past year, you may recall our ‘looking for sponsors’ graphic that is on the screen during breaks in the action. This is not simply for show. Not only does it take time and effort to produce a great broadcast, it also takes some money.

With that being said, we are still seeking additional broadcast, social media, and website sponsors. You might be wondering why you or your company should sponsor SmeeSports — and rightfully so. We are one of the fastest-growing broadcasting companies in Northeast Ohio. Through our partnerships with Spectrum Channel 1022 Alliance, Holy Name Baseball, and others, we have been able to provide easily accessible and high-quality broadcasts featuring some of the best talents Ohio and beyond have to offer. Built on our pillars of Faith, Family, and Sports, we pride ourselves on staying true to these values while providing our athletes with the best possible coverage.

Beyond this, sponsorship packages are very affordable! The packages we have in place are as follows:

– Basic Broadcast Sponsor ($10 Per Game): This gets you a 30-second ad that runs on rotation throughout the broadcast.

-Highlight Package Sponsor ($5 Per Video): This gets your logo placed on a short form (60 seconds or less) highlight reel featuring footage from one of our many games. These highlights could be one player or a group, depending on the game. The video gets posted to Instagram, X, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

-Gameday Graphic Sponsor ($5 Per Graphic): This gets your logo placed on a teaser graphic for our broadcasts. Typically, these graphics include a player from each team. The graphic is posted on Instagram, X, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

-Website Sponsor ($100 Per Year): This gets an ad for your business on our website under the sponsors tab. This ad will always be present on the website and is fully customizable. It’s a great way to be advertising 365 days a year!

-Article Sponsor ($15 Per Article): This gets an ad for your business placed at the top of each article you sponsor. You could sponsor a specific team, style of content, etc. Just like the website sponsorship option, it is fully customizable.

-Broadcast Presenter ($5 Per Game): This add-on has your name said throughout the game. For example, “This is WRCL baseball on SmeeSports presented by INSERT COMPANY.”

-Keys to Victory Sponsor ($5 Per Game): This add-on attaches your business’s name to 3 keys to victory that we will track throughout the game. For example, “Your INSERT COMPANY Keys to Victory are”

While these are our main sponsorship opportunities, others can be created based on your desires and needs. If interested, contact me at nsmee00@gmail.com and we can talk more about these sponsorship opportunities.

If you own a business in the Cleveland or Stark County area, the time to contact me about sponsoring broadcasts is NOW! Join the SmeeSports family today!

‘Mount Lax’ Takes Center Stage, Defeats Baldwin Wallace 12-9 to Advance to OAC Championship 

Alliance, OH- Entering play tonight, only four women’s lacrosse teams remained in contention for the Ohio Athletic Conference title—Mount Union, John Carroll, Capital, and Baldwin Wallace. At Kehres Stadium, the Purple Raiders took care of the Yellow Jackets 12-9. This was a game of redemption for UMU as they lost 15-12 in Berea on April 2. 

As expected, Mount Union came out with a vengeance. Graduate student Eden Kessler opened the scoring 85 seconds in. Next up, Katie Clark made it 2-0 with 9:49 left in the first quarter. Emily Funk made it 3-0 minutes later while UMU was up a player. Halfway through the first quarter, the Purple Raiders had complete control of the match. Claire Alic put BW on the board with 6:28 on the clock in the first. Ella Nejad capped off the scoring for UMU in the first with a goal of her own. With the score sitting at 4-1, Lily Tope beat the buzzer with a last-second goal, making the score 4-2 after 15 minutes. 

Nejad became the first repeat goal scorer of the day as she put Mount Union’s first of four second-quarter goals into the back of the net. Kessler and Clark backed up Ella soon after with strikes of their own. With 12:48 on the clock in the first half, it was all UMU 7-2. From there, Alic would complete her hat trick with two unassisted goals in the following seven minutes. Nejad finished what she started with 1:47 remaining in the first half as she scored the Purple Raiders’ eighth goal of the game. At halftime, UMU comfortably led 8-4. 

The second half had a slow start. Both teams had opportunities to advance, but no one was able to get the opening blow. Then, Mariana Melgoza delivered the first blow of the third quarter after a good battle near the crease. Alic continued her solo success by scoring twice, making it 8-7. Then, the equalizer. Taylor Miklos—assisted by Melgoza—tied the game up at 8 with a masterful goal. With 15 minutes left to play, everything was still to play for. 

It has been well known this season that Mount Union women’s lacrosse has a strong New York backbone. The likes of Abby Lindkvist, Reese Fuenfstueck, Makenzie Kolstad, and Mae Pawlikowski have led many great plays this season. Tonight, that was no different. 53 seconds into the fourth, Fuenfstueck found the breakthrough. Next, Pawlikowski backed up her assist with a goal of her own. Finally, Funk scored for the second time, assisted by Fuenfstueck. Exactly one minute after that goal, Annette Doren brought the Yellow Jackets back within two. After 10 minutes of back-and-forth defense, the game was all but over. However, Pawlikowski added the cherry on top with a last-second goal. As the final buzzer sounded in Alliance, it was Mount Union victorious 12-9.  

While the team celebrated on the field afterwards, this win was a stepping stone to something greater. The next step? An OAC championship victory. Last year, they fell short in Columbus against Capital 22-9. Mount Union is ready to get back to their 2010s dominance, which saw them win six consecutive OAC tournament championships from 2014-2019. The team in their way this time out–John Carroll. The Blue Streaks won their first 14 games before the Purple Raiders had their number 16-10 in Alliance on April 23.  

The OAC championship game is Saturday at 1 PM at Kehres Stadium. The game can be streamed on OAC TV with Nathan Smee on the call.