BeatReportJacob
TV Athletics Beat Writer
Jacob’s thoughts VI.
(Picture by me, Reds at Nationals July 21,2024)
I began writing Jacob's Thoughts on Tuesday, February 11; that date marked my 1-year anniversary as Teays Valley High School Athletics beat writer. And here I am on the 19th, continuing this article after just overcoming a bout with a virus. I still feel like we've got a few more rounds to go, but I'm feeling much better! Now, let's get talking about some Ohio sports, both local and statewide.
Lots have happened on the Buckeyes front since my last column. They've named a "new" Offensive Coordinator, with Brian Hartline and Billy Fessler as co-OC. And on the defensive side, they've named former New England DC Matt Patricia as the Defensive Coordinator. I want to pinpoint one name that may not have stood out: Billy Fessler. His name was mentioned a few times this past season, as Will Howard credited him as a big reason for his breakout season. Fessler was previously the QB coach at UCLA and Akron before landing in Columbus.
Don't think I need to dive into Hartline's background, as he's an Ohio kid, went to GlenOak High School in Canton, played at Ohio State, and played in the NFL. I was so pumped when he played for the Browns in 2015, even though they were awful that year and went 3-13. Love ya, Mike Pettine!
Someone we may need to delve into a bit is Matt Patricia. He was the Linebackers coach from 2006-2010, then took over the safety room, and was the DC in New England from 2012 until 2017. In 2017, he was hired as the Detroit Lions head coach. This will be his first college job since 2003 when he was a grad assistant at Syracuse. It'll be interesting to see how he fits into the culture at Ohio State, but I'm sure Ryan Day thought about that!
Now, onto something that gets me very excited: pitchers and catchers have reported to spring camp, and position players are making their way to spring training! The reason I'm so excited is that I believe my team, the Reds, are going to make some noise this year. With a new manager in Tito Francona and the slew of off-season moves, I think the Reds have a solid chance at competing in the NL Central.
Of course, not all the offseason moves were happy ones. Seeing Jonathan India get traded to the Kansas City Royals was tough, but I understand the logic behind it because the Reds need starting pitching. With Gavin Lux joining the infield and Elly De La Cruz returning, the Reds have a talented young core. Add in some veteran presence with Spencer Steer and Jeimer Candelario, and I think the Reds have a solid chance at competing.
As I look back on my first year covering Teays Valley Athletics, I'm grateful for the opportunity to share my passion for sports with the community. I've enjoyed every minute of it, and it's been exciting to see the Vikings compete in the OCC, which has been a long-awaited development for me and likely many others in the community. From traveling to school gyms, fields, and courts, I've had a front-row seat to the action, and I'm eager to see what the future holds for the Vikings, especially as the spring sports team embarks on their inaugural season in the OCC. Here's to many more thrilling games and memorable moments! I'm already looking forward to my second season covering the Teays Valley softball and baseball teams as they set off on their OCC maiden voyage. Lastly, I will have some Season Recap Articles as the Winter Sports wrap up, stay tuned!
Until spring and some warmer weather, thank you to the Ashville and Teays Valley community for the support, and I will see you around the diamond!!!
(Picture by me, Reds at Nationals July 21,2024)
I began writing Jacob's Thoughts on Tuesday, February 11; that date marked my 1-year anniversary as Teays Valley High School Athletics beat writer. And here I am on the 19th, continuing this article after just overcoming a bout with a virus. I still feel like we've got a few more rounds to go, but I'm feeling much better! Now, let's get talking about some Ohio sports, both local and statewide.
Lots have happened on the Buckeyes front since my last column. They've named a "new" Offensive Coordinator, with Brian Hartline and Billy Fessler as co-OC. And on the defensive side, they've named former New England DC Matt Patricia as the Defensive Coordinator. I want to pinpoint one name that may not have stood out: Billy Fessler. His name was mentioned a few times this past season, as Will Howard credited him as a big reason for his breakout season. Fessler was previously the QB coach at UCLA and Akron before landing in Columbus.
Don't think I need to dive into Hartline's background, as he's an Ohio kid, went to GlenOak High School in Canton, played at Ohio State, and played in the NFL. I was so pumped when he played for the Browns in 2015, even though they were awful that year and went 3-13. Love ya, Mike Pettine!
Someone we may need to delve into a bit is Matt Patricia. He was the Linebackers coach from 2006-2010, then took over the safety room, and was the DC in New England from 2012 until 2017. In 2017, he was hired as the Detroit Lions head coach. This will be his first college job since 2003 when he was a grad assistant at Syracuse. It'll be interesting to see how he fits into the culture at Ohio State, but I'm sure Ryan Day thought about that!
Now, onto something that gets me very excited: pitchers and catchers have reported to spring camp, and position players are making their way to spring training! The reason I'm so excited is that I believe my team, the Reds, are going to make some noise this year. With a new manager in Tito Francona and the slew of off-season moves, I think the Reds have a solid chance at competing in the NL Central.
Of course, not all the offseason moves were happy ones. Seeing Jonathan India get traded to the Kansas City Royals was tough, but I understand the logic behind it because the Reds need starting pitching. With Gavin Lux joining the infield and Elly De La Cruz returning, the Reds have a talented young core. Add in some veteran presence with Spencer Steer and Jeimer Candelario, and I think the Reds have a solid chance at competing.
As I look back on my first year covering Teays Valley Athletics, I'm grateful for the opportunity to share my passion for sports with the community. I've enjoyed every minute of it, and it's been exciting to see the Vikings compete in the OCC, which has been a long-awaited development for me and likely many others in the community. From traveling to school gyms, fields, and courts, I've had a front-row seat to the action, and I'm eager to see what the future holds for the Vikings, especially as the spring sports team embarks on their inaugural season in the OCC. Here's to many more thrilling games and memorable moments! I'm already looking forward to my second season covering the Teays Valley softball and baseball teams as they set off on their OCC maiden voyage. Lastly, I will have some Season Recap Articles as the Winter Sports wrap up, stay tuned!
Until spring and some warmer weather, thank you to the Ashville and Teays Valley community for the support, and I will see you around the diamond!!!