Tag: sports

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 to Broadcast Home Games + Week 1 for Holy Name Football

Parma Heights, OH- It is with great excitement that we have reached an agreement to broadcast home games, along with week one, this Fall for Holy Name Football.

I got my start in sports media back in 2021 with Holy Name football. For three years, I covered every single game in some capacity. During this time, I got to see two trips to the regional championship game and one final-four game. The 2023 season got cut short as results around Northeast Ohio knocked the Green Wave out of the playoffs late into the night. Since then, I have not called nor been to a football game for HN. However, I am excited to say that will change on August 21st as Holy Name takes on Normandy at Byers Field.

SmeeSports would like to extend shout-outs to Mr Mike Tworzydlo and Mr Joe Kucera for helping us make this partnership a reality. We also thank athletic director Rich Kozub and head coach Dan Wondolowski for having us cover Namer Football this season. You can catch the five home games, along with the Normandy game, live on the SmeeSports YouTube Channel. The SmeeSports Pregame Show will begin at 6:15 PM before each 7 PM kickoff.

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.

A Four-Peat: Dennison and Kellicker Steal the Show as the Stark County Terriers Win their Fourth Consecutive NABF College World Series Title

Canton, OH- In a transition year for the NABF College World Series and the Stark County Terriers, the 3-time defending champions found a way to keep their domination going as they knocked out the #3 seed Canton Class A’s and the #1 seed Mountaineer Lumber Company en route to their fourth title in a row.

This year marks the first time the NABF College World Series, along with the 16U and 18U World Series, were played in the Canton area. All of the College World Series games were held at Thurman Munson Memorial Stadium, the home of the Canton McKinley Bulldogs and the former home of the Terriers. After two days of pool play, the Mountaineer Lumber Company and Stark County Terriers were 3-1. With one spot remaining, the Canton Class A’s snuck in due to the Jasper Reds losing 11-1 to the B2 Bulls late Saturday night.

In the semifinals, Nolan Kellicker started the game on the mound for Stark County while Jaxon Monnard began the game for the A’s. Both pitchers had 1-2-3 first innings. In the second, Canton had runners at the corners with two outs, but Cade Marks flew out to left field to end the frame. At the bottom of the inning, Josh DeZenzo drove in the opening run on a sacrifice fly. Gavin Marceric drove in the second run of the frame on an RBI single hit into left field. Through two innings, the Terriers held a 2-0 lead.

In the top of the third, the A’s would get their first run of the day courtesy of Chris Maurer. The rising junior at Mount Union sent the ball into right field for an RBI single. Brett Moore would keep the Terriers on top as he gloved a hard-hit ball, forcing a 4-6-3 double play. Stark County restored their two-run lead in the bottom of the inning as Kaiden Mastri’s pop-up fell into shallow right field. However, the big breaking point came with two on and one down. DeZenzo stepped back in for the second time and launched a three-run homer over the left center field wall. With one swing of the bat, the Terriers led 6-1. Bradyn Canter would come into the game moments later to replace Monnard, closing out the third.

The Canton Class A’s would have the bases loaded at the top of the fourth inning, but Kellicker was able to strike out Brady White to get out of the jam. In the bottom of the inning, Mastri drove in another run on a clean swing into left field. However, the A’s would get the final out of the inning on an excellent throw home. However, the replay showed the runner appeared to be safe. Either way, the controversial call ended the fourth inning with the Terriers up 7-1. The score would remain the same heading into the bottom of the sixth inning until Luke Senften drove in Kellicker. Heading into the final half inning, it was 8-1 in favor of Stark County.

With their backs against the wall, the Canton Class A’s fought hard to stay in the game. The first run of the seventh would come in on a passed ball, making it 8-2. William Feser, in his second inning of work after replacing Kellicker, would have the bases loaded behind him. The third run of the game would come in on a balk. By MLB and NABF rules, a balk is a live ball. While it was put into play via the bat, it was still live. With two down, Nathan Johnson would drive in a pair of runs. Up by three, the Terriers would find the final out on a routine flyout to centerfield. Stark County would advance to the NABF College World Series Championship Game with an 8-5 win over the Canton Class A’s.

In the championship game, defense told the story. Keagan Gilbride and Ty Dennison would combine for 12 strikeouts, with Gilbride pitching seven innings while Dennison stayed in the whole game. With the score 0-0 in the top of the fifth, Kellicker would drive in two runs on an RBI double smashed into deep right field. The Mountaineer Lumber Company would have their chances to get on the board, but the defense of the Terriers was too much. In the top of the ninth inning, Senften would drive in another pair to give the defense some insurance. With one out two go in the bottom of the ninth, Dennison had Will Taigen in a full count with two runners on. Without an out here, Dennison’s day would be done. However, he found his 9th strikeout and sealed the 4-0 victory for Stark County.

The Mountaineer Lumber Company had a total of four hits in the championship game. Taigen got the first hit of the game for the Lumber Company in the fourth. Ryan Shimek would hit a ground-rule double in the fifth to follow up Taigen’s single. Finally, Brayden Clark and Dom Trivisano would single in the ninth inning. As for the Terriers, Kellicker and Mastri led the way with two hits each.

This win marks the fourth straight NABF College World Series title for the Stark County Terriers. Former head coach Chris Willoughby, who was the PA announcer for the semifinals and championship, won the first three titles in this stretch. He took over in the 2022 season after the Terriers lost in the championship game in 2021. First-year head coach Rece Sabo took the reins for this season after Willoughby was asked to coach the 15U team for the Terriers. To make it more difficult for Sabo, most of the 2024 squad didn’t return. However, they found a way to get it done in the most important games of the year.

“This whole tournament is tough. Four pool play games, a semifinal game at 9, and if you win that, you go to the championship game at 11. The guys gotta dig deep. You gotta know who you are as a ball player, and the boys rose to the challenge,” remarked Sabo after the win.

Today was a bittersweet day for Braden Broom. The rising senior decided to retire from baseball after three years at Baldwin Wallace. Broom went out on a high, getting a hit in his final at bat along with a number of putouts from shortstop.

Broom gave his closing thoughts on his career as he said, “Thank you to baseball, I will love you forever. I also want to tell the Terriers to go win the next one.”

Looking at the special awards, Nolan Kellicker was awarded the batting title while Ty Dennison won MVP honors. Both played massive roles in this tournament win, especially in the championship rounds, as they were the two winning pitchers. However, the play of the tournament belongs to Dennison. With two outs in the sixth inning and a runner on third, Ty dives backward to retrieve a slow chopper off to his right. His acrobatic throw was just in time, keeping the shutout intact.

“I just saw the ball, I fielded it, then I was like, I have to get this out. They’re going to score if not, so I threw it with everything I had and saw that we made the out and kind of blacked out from there,” Dennison said when asked about the play.

While the official all-tournament teams haven’t been finalized, it has been reported that Daniel Krabill will be on it for the Terriers as he played 1st base, catcher, and as the DH throughout this tournament. Luke Ickes will also be on the team for the Mountaineer Lumber Company. A total of eight hits and 5 RBIs in five games, along with one save, is more than enough to justify the rising junior at Mount Union’s place on the team.

While this year brought about a number of changes for the WRCL, NABF World Series, and the Stark County Terriers, the champs remained the same. Something special is happening with the Stark County Terriers as they now have their sights set on a five-peat.

My experience at the 2025 MAC Kickoff

Thursday July 24th was an unforgettable day. It was one of the best experiences I’ve had in the world of media. Let’s break it down to bring you behind the scenes on what goes on during a conference media day. As well as show you my new position with Smee Sports as we transition into the school year. The day began early in the morning as I left Bowling Green that morning at around 6:30 in the morning. Battling mild Detroit traffic and getting ahead of the morning commute. I head inside to check in and register. Now everything in there from the people at the check-in desk. To the people with teams. Was professional. Suits everywhere with backpacks filled with cameras, helmets, and other media equipment. Players in their fanciest suits drinking coffee to prepare for the long day of interviews. Seeing each team walk in with their head coach, and two players (One offense and One defense). Was the sight to see. Cameras focused on their team. Also, various independent media outlets captured the action. I would fall under this category.

The highlight of the morning was looking down onto the turf at Ford Field. Watching it go from school to school on the jumbotrons was also thrilling. Sitting down looking over notes and enjoying breakfast I took in the atmosphere. Knowing I had to interview the local guys (Bowling Green and Toledo), I also wanted to include Kent State in my expedition. What I regret however is not talking with Akron. As we all had leisure time before commissioner Jon Steinbrecher gave his remarks. I left to clean up. Before heading over to the opposite end of the stadium, I saw a familiar face. Head BGSU football coach Eddie George, along with new quarterback Drew Pyne, and defensive end Eriq George walked in. I introduced myself to the group. We had a discussion on astro-turf. We also talked about how George played on the surface during his time with the Tennessee Titans.

After walking around and undertsanding the amosphere, it was time for Commissioner Steinbrecher to speak with us all. He spoke highly of the MAC in how the conference is in a new era. What he highlighted was the academic excellence. Stating the purpose of all Mid American Conference Athletes is to eventually gain a college degree. After his remarks, we disbanded. Everyone scattered whether their athletes would speak 1 one 1 with media, or film promotional content. My job was to interview our Bowling Green student athletes and here is what I learned.

Drew Pyne, who graduated from Notre Dame, and has been around in college football ever since 2020. Afterward he spent a year at Arizona State then Missouri before finally landing in Northwest Ohio. He spoke highly of Coach George and the offense. He said that the offensive line is a veteran staff. He knows he can put his trust into them. As for classes, he still takes them seriously. Even as a grad student; Pyne takes his academic career seriously as well. Now for Eriq George, entering his junior season after playing with Tennessee State under his father. He finds the academic side of college football is as serious as his play. The Bowling Green defense looks to be strong this season, and with George gaining a roster spot. The Falcons will rely heavily on their lines. Coach George, who is one of 6 new head coaches in the Mid American Conference. Discussed his expectations for the student athletes, as well as what he expects on the football field. In the classroom, Coach George wants his players in the first two rows. He insights as well they should not be wearing hoodies to make themselves presentable in a learning environment. He also expects Falcon football to “Leave places better than we found it”.

Talking with all of the players, media, and coaching staff. It was an honor getting to know their stories and backgrounds . Other notable athletes I talked with were Tucker Gleason and Emmanual McNeil-Warren, both of whom are with the Toledo Rockets. As for coaching I met not only Eddie George, but also Mark Carney who is the interim head coach with Kent State. I was fortunate enough to meet the broadcast crew for ESPN+. I also met other local broadcasters and reporters. As the day began to end, I noticed some of my connections with WTOL 11. It is a local CBS affiliated tv station based out of Toledo. While they were on the field, I asked if I could help. I was fortunate enough to hang out with them for a few minutes. Capturing the photo for this article and being in an NFL endzone were experiences I will never forget. As I left, I felt proud of all the work I have done. I realized that the best is yet to come. Now for the final announcement you have all been waiting for.

I will be the writer for all MAC content this fall. I will give you weekly articles about the conference. You will also get updates on how all the teams are doing. Join us as we prepare to begin the 2025-2026 academic year, Go Falcons!

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

Aaron Rodgers and TJ Watt proving to be challenging for Pittsburgh

Image result for Tj Watt and Aaron Rodgers

This offseason has proven to be a busy one indeed and has certainly drawn attention of the football world. Aaron Rodgers, a future hall of famer and Superbowl champion, made the decision. He decided to take his talents to Pittsburgh, PA, earlier this summer. Ever since then, it seems to be a major headache. It also causes trouble as we had predicted back in June when this news broke. Rodgers has already had a dispute with head coach Mike Tomlin. He claims to be the one who “calls the shots.” He is also having disputes with fans on the golf course over autographs. He is showing an arrogance to him, which we have not seen in a long time, if ever. Rodgers presents a difficult situation for the Pittsburgh Steelers to digest. We can make our best predictions. We will also share the news on what’s going on in the Steel City.

The situation is not favorable for the 40-year-old quarterback. The shift that Mike Tomlin, the “Standard” head coach, likes to discuss is now more of a recommendation. It is not a hardcore never adapt concept to success. The current Steeler’s culture has become more of a recommendation to a fickle standard than an outline to success. While it may seem lopsided in one direction, the Aaron show isn’t as simple as it appears. One hand will project his arrogance and unwillingness to adapt. On the other hand, he shows optimism and the ability to be an established leader for Pittsburgh in 2025. Rodgers shows no sign of giving up. This is very clear in how he could have retired after leaving the Green Bay Packers. My point overall is that Aaron Rodgers has led football teams in the past. He did so most notably against his current team. Whether or not he can do the same in 2025, we will have to wait and see.

Let’s move now to the other side of the ball. Pittsburgh icon TJ Watt has been discussing a possible trade scenario. The former Wisconsin Lineman skipped the mandatory team practice sessions. As we have discussed before, he wants to get paid rightfully being so. Division rival Myles Garrett recently signed a massive $160 Million contract over the course of 4 years. The average annual value (AAV) is astronomically high. Garrett’s contract will be the highest by a non-quarterback in NFL history. TJ Watt is a player of high caliber. He deserves a lucrative contract and will pursue it. The case in point is clear. He will search for a lucrative contract. It will have to be with whatever team is willing to give it to him. Watt wants the same price tag as Myles Garrett and will need to find a way to get it. This isn’t all doom for the Steelers. There are still signs that Watt will stay in the black and gold next season. One of these signs being teams willing to give the value Watt will entail in a trade deal. Another good sign is per CBS where the Steelers want a deal finalized before week 1 vs the Jets. What will happen with either of these juggernauts in the NFL? We will find out if we see the #90 rushing Justin Fields. We will also discover how the #8 of Rodgers performs throwing the football.

SmeeSports to Begin Streaming Select Minerva High School Games Starting in the Fall of 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Minerva, OH – SmeeSports LLC is pleased to announce that we will begin broadcasting select Minerva High School sporting events on the SmeeSports YouTube channel this Fall.

We began to consider this expansion back in April while covering Minerva Vs Alliance baseball. That was not our first time covering Minerva, as we saw the Lions numerous times throughout our coverage of Alliance and Marlington athletics (which will continue into 2025). Given this prior connection, the decision was easy when the opportunity to expand presented itself. While we do not have a clear-cut schedule, the plan is to cover a few football games with plenty of volleyball and soccer added on to round out the fall. We are open to suggestions as to which games we should cover for Minerva. Message us on our social media pages if you have a suggestion/recommendation on a game we should broadcast.

Going to the business side of this expansion, we are in search of broadcast sponsors. Without sponsors, the number of games we can do will be limited. Minerva has a lot of great businesses that support athletics in the city. We are calling on them to become sponsors of SmeeSports. With broadcast packages starting at a base rate of $10 per game, it is a great way to promote your business without breaking the bank. To learn more about our sponsorship opportunities, contact us under the contact tab on this website or email Nathan Smee at nsmee00@gmail.com.

To wrap up this release, we want to thank Minerva’s Athletic Director, Garth Evans, for helping make this a reality. We are excited to work with him to showcase the best of Minerva athletics. This year has been a great year of growth for SmeeSports LLC. We are happy that our next piece of growth brings Minerva into the SmeeSports family.

It is time to Unleash the Beast!

Milwaukee Swinging Big in Free Agency: Will It Pay Off?

The Milwaukee Bucks are just a few years removed from an NBA championship, as they won it all in 2021. However, the organization is not in an easy position, as their star player, Giannis Antetokounmpo, wants to ensure he plays with a competitive team. General Manager Jon Horst and his front office, so far in free agency, have made some intriguing moves that they hope will contribute alongside Giannis in competing for an NBA Championship.

Horst began free agency by re-signing five players from the 2024-2025 Bucks team that finished 48-34, which was good enough for the 5th seed in the Eastern Conference. Those five players are Kevin Porter Jr. (2-year deal), Bobby Portis (3-year extension), Taurean Prince (2-year deal), Jericho Sims (2-year deal), and Gary Trent Jr.(2-year deal). The most notable players brought back were Bobby Portis, Gary Trent Jr., and Kevin Porter Jr. Trent played a crucial role for the Bucks in the postseason when they matched up against the Indiana Pacers. In Game 3, he scored 37 points, and in Game 5, he scored 33 points. Portis is the longest-tenured Buck out of the list and was on the championship team in 2021. Portis can stretch the floor as a power forward and provides consistent scoring for this Bucks offense. Porter Jr., for now, is the starting point guard for this Bucks team (we’ll explain why later), so his ball-handling and shot creation are needed, whether Horst brings in any other guards or not. Prince and Sims should both be good contributors to the rotation and provide some depth for next year’s squad. Despite bringing back five players, this Bucks team still lost quite a bit of talent from the rotation.

Next year’s team will be without Pat Connaughton, Damian Lillard, and Brook Lopez. Let’s start by getting the elephant out of the room by talking about the stunning move of releasing Damian Lillard. Many fans, when they heard about the news, were confused and wondered why. The explanation lies in the fact that the Bucks wanted to spread out Lillard’s contract over more years in order to create more cap space, so they could sign more free agents. Hence, by cutting Lillard, instead of paying him around $56 million for the next two years, they now only pay him $22 million but for 4 years. This strategic contract decision is very similar to what many NFL teams do nowadays with “void years”. These years essentially allow NFL teams to load up on talent and absorb the cap hit years down the line, when the salary cap increases due to higher league revenue (this strategy allowed the Philadelphia Eagles to field so much talent this year, despite the sheer number of players not on rookie deals). From an organizational perspective, it’s a genius move for the Bucks if the cap goes up; however, it’s unclear if their star player, Giannis Antetokounmpo, was approving of this decision. The next impactful player the Bucks lost was Brook Lopez. I think most Bucks fans were actually more sentimental about this departure than the Lillard decision. Lopez was a core player on that championship team, as his three-point shooting and defensive ability made him a mismatch for any team to face. Lopez signed a 2-year, $18 million deal with the Los Angeles Clippers. While Bucks fans have fond memories of him in a Bucks uniform, he is 37 years old, and Father Time is slowly creeping in the rearview mirror. The last player that will not return is shooting guard Pat Connaughton. The Bucks sent him and two of their own second-round picks to the Charlotte Hornets for Vasilije Micić. Connaughton was entering the final year of his contract by picking up his $9 million player option. Given the Bucks’ limited salary cap flexibility, it made sense to trade him, as the prior season he had played the fewest minutes since joining Milwaukee. Similar to Lopez, Pat was also a rotational player for that 2021 championship team, which makes Antetokounmpo and Portis the last active players that were on that 2021 championship team. A key sign signaling to fans and Eastern Conference teams that Jon Horst and his front office are willing to make changes in order to get back to the NBA Finals.

This urgency to compete has forced the Bucks to be active in free agency, the trade market, and the NBA Draft. Using their 2nd-round pick, the Milwaukee Bucks selected Bogoljub Marković, a center from Serbia. Marković is going to be a project player, but he does have great inside and outside scoring that could translate down the line. Additionally, they signed undrafted free agent Mark Sears. Sears, who started his career at Ohio University, transferred to Alabama and developed a reputation for his great shooting and playmaking ability at the point guard position. All of these rookies won’t be significant contributors next year, but in a couple years, they could find time in the rotation. To make up for it, the Bucks acquired players via trade and free agency that can certainly make an impact immediately.

The Bucks used some of the Damian Lillard money that they saved from cutting him to swipe away Myles Turner from the rival Pacers. Turner is a stretch-four big and has great offensive ability as a center. Defensively, he’s not as talented as Lopez, but offensively, he is the more well-rounded player. The Bucks also acquired Vasilije Micić from the Hornets in the Connaughton trade mentioned above. Micić is a talented playmaker at the guard position and might see limited minutes for the Bucks. The last player that the Bucks signed was veteran shooting guard Gary Harris. Harris is known for his three-point ability and should provide some depth for a backcourt that just lost Damian Lillard.

The 2025 offseason has provided a lot of turnover for this Bucks team, and there still is time for this team to add to their roster. It also must be noted that the Hawks have the right to swap picks with the Milwaukee Bucks. Therefore, it isn’t smart for the Bucks to retool the roster and shoot for the 10th or 9th seed in the Eastern Conference. Given all of the nuance, I applaud the front office for making changes that have the chance to lead them in the right direction. Yet, just like every sport, time will tell if these moves will be vindicated.