The Ohio High School Athletic Association Board of Directors has approved the 2021 football tournament regulations. This included proposals from OHSAA staff to increase the number of playoff teams as well as a regional playoff format change.

Now, 16 teams per region will qualify for the postseason. The higher seeded team will host the first and second round playoff games as opposed to only the first round previously. Neutral sites will be used beyond the second round.

“Last fall we received overwhelmingly positive feedback when we allowed every team to enter the football playoffs due to the shortened season because of COVID-19,” said OHSAA Executive Director Doug Ute. “We know there are some who want to keep the football postseason to a smaller number of schools, but the postseason tournament gives such a positive experience for our student-athletes, the schools and their communities that well felt strongly about giving that opportunity to more schools to make the playoffs”.

Additionally,  a strength of schedule component could be added in 2022.

For more, see the entire release at the OHSAA website!

Keegan and Lauryn Wicks from the Mental Health, Addiction, and Recovery Services Board of Lorain County joined the WEOL Morning Show to discuss addiction and recovery during the pandemic. A virtual training opportunity from MHARS, titled Covering Addiction, will take place on April 28th and will run from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. To register, click HERE!

On Monday, the Cleveland Indians announced the crowd capacity for Progressive Field would increase from 30% to 40%, effective on May 7th when the Tribe will host the Cincinnati Reds. This keeps the Indians in compliance with all health orders and mandates from Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Health while allowing 14,000 total fans into the ballpark!

Former MLB and Midview High School pitcher Ryan Feierabend has been signed by the Lake Erie Crushers for the 2021 season! Ryan graudated from Midview in 2003 and pitched for 3 different Major League teams in his 18-year professional career! Crushers owner Tom Kramig had the following to say about Ryan:

“To have the opportunity to welcome Ryan Feierabend back to northern Ohio to pitch for the Crushers is very exciting. We’re looking forward to not only seeing Ryan take the mound at Mercy Health Stadium but also to the impact he will have on our entire clubhouse.”

Feierabend is also excited to be back where it all started.

“To come back home and pitch for the hometown fans will be very special. I am looking forward to playing in Lorain County and help the Crushers win a Frontier League Championship.”