Sports

LEWIS CENTER — Quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer and the Olentangy offense were dealing early and often on Friday night, and with the aid of a few timely stops by their defense, the Braves cruised to a 46-35 win over Toledo Whitmer.

If the Ohio State defense is to take another step forward in year two under defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, it will need more production from its defensive line than was received in 2022. To do so, however, defensive line coach Larry Johnson wants his players to remain focused on how their individual responsibilities can achieve overall success rather than chasing individual statistics.

Despite not arriving in Columbus until early May, San Diego State transfer Josh Simmons is making a bid to earn a starting position at offensive tackle for an Ohio State offensive line in need of replacing three starters.

The Buckeye Valley boys soccer team got its season off to a solid start, blanking host Galion 5-0 in non-league action Monday night.

With just under three weeks remaining until Ohio State kicks off its 2023 season at Indiana, multiple key position battles remain undecided. Ohio State held its 10th practice of fall camp on Monday following the team’s first scrimmage on Saturday, but head coach Ryan Day remained noncommital when discussing how the competitions have evolved at quarterback, offensive tackle, and center while meeting with the media on Monday.

The Big Walnut boys golf team put together a strong opening round of OCC play, carding a combined 313 to edge runner-up Delaware Hayes by two strokes and win the first league match of the season Wednesday at Turnberry.

After 18 years at the helm of the Ohio State Department of Athletics, Gene Smith has announced he will retire next summer. In a press conference at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on Wednesday, Smith thanked his many colleagues through the years before pointing to the timing being appropriate for a new voice to lead the department.

Just one week into preseason camp, sophomore safety Sonny Styles is already emerging as a talent Ohio State can’t afford to keep on the sideline as it goes about trying to reverse the troubling trends that plagued the final two games of last season.

The Olentangy boys golf team finished second to lead area teams at the Mike Nesselroad Invitational Monday afternoon at Oakhaven.

In an era of college football when the transfer portal often dominates offseason discussions, developing and maintaining depth at individual positions has never been more challenging for coaches.