THE FUTURE OF LOCAL SPORTS

Waynedale’s Braden Steiner and Jordan Miller joined us after the Golden Bears capped off another championship run, beating Lucasville Valley in the semifinal and Columbus Academy in the Division V state title game. The three-time state champs talked about the business-like standard inside Waynedale baseball, golfing the day after winning it all, the “banana suits,” giving the naysayers a taste of sardines, and what it means to close out the old ballpark with one more gold trophy before the new field opens. Plus, we get into Braden’s future at Malone, the program’s pitching factory reputation, the Apple Creek community showing out, and the all-time reveal that the truck nearly tipping over in right field belonged to Braden’s grandpa.

Danville Lady Blue Devils head coach Charlie Duncan joined us after bringing home the 2026 Division VI state championship, and this interview has all the small-town championship magic you could ask for: the sleepless celebration back in Danville, the trailer parade through town, Coach Q still living his best life, and Coach Duncan already cashing in on those promised free meals. He also breaks down the tense moments from Akron, including Morgan’s huge freshman play at the plate, Addie Baucom’s leadership, the seniors guiding a young roster, and why Danville softball’s future looks just as loud as its celebration. Oh, and yes — it might be time to put another number on that barn.

Perkins Pirates head baseball coach TJ Blanton joined us after winning the 2026 Division IV state championship, and this one has a little bit of everything: bouncing back from last year’s heartbreak, the wild semifinal comeback against Cardinal Mooney, Talon Walton breaking a state steals record, Braxton Martin basically calling his shot before the title game, and Dante Ship somehow being only a sophomore while already pulling major football attention. Plus, Coach Blanton talks about what made this group special, the “free 90s” mentality, the family side of championship season, and what it means to finally bring the gold back to Perkins.

It’s our Summer Send-Off episode, and we’re closing the spring season the right way — with champions. We’ll be joined by Perkins baseball, Waynedale baseball, and Danville softball as they call in to talk about their recent state championship runs, the moments that defined their seasons, and what it means to bring home the hardware. We’ll also send off Jonathon as he gets ready for his next broadcasting chapter in Texas, looking back on some of his favorite memories, calls, and moments with us along the way. After that, we’re taking a short summer break to reset, recharge, and mentally gear back up for the 2026 sports season — beginning August 15, 2026, with our first soccer broadcast of the fall.

The Fenwick Falcons, riding high on their 23-8 record, including an impressive 6-4 conference mark, aim to extend their winning streak against the Perkins Pirates. Meanwhile, the home-standing Perkins Pirates, boasting a stellar 24-6-1 overall and 9-1 conference record, are seeking their first state championship in program history. Coach TJ Blanton will be looking for his senior third baseman Talon Walton to lead the charge with his .407 batting average and 36 RBIs. For Fenwick, sophomore phenom Carter Shouse has been lighting up the scoreboard with a remarkable ERA of just 1.09 and 90 strikeouts. Join Travis "Big League" Berardi & Jonathon Langdon on the call from historic "7 17 Credit Union Park" in Akron, Ohio for the final high school sports live stream of the 2025-26 season. Today's video restream are presented FREE thanks to: Perkins Athletic Booster Club perkinsboosterclub.org facebook.com/perkinsathleticboosterclub Mount Vernon Nazarene University mvnu.edu/academics/online facebook.com/mvnu1968

The Fenwick Falcons, riding high on their 23-8 record, including an impressive 6-4 conference mark, aim to extend their winning streak against the Perkins Pirates. Meanwhile, the home-standing Perkins Pirates, boasting a stellar 24-6-1 overall and 9-1 conference record, are seeking their first state championship in program history. Coach TJ Blanton will be looking for his senior third baseman Talon Walton to lead the charge with his .407 batting average and 36 RBIs. For Fenwick, sophomore phenom Carter Shouse has been lighting up the scoreboard with a remarkable ERA of just 1.09 and 90 strikeouts. Join Travis "Big League" Berardi & Jonathon Langdon on the call from historic "7 17 Credit Union Park" in Akron, Ohio for the final high school sports live stream of the 2025-26 season. Today's Audiocast and video restream are presented LIVE & FREE thanks to: Perkins Athletic Booster Club perkinsboosterclub.org facebook.com/perkinsathleticboosterclub Mount Vernon Nazarene University mvnu.edu/academics/online facebook.com/mvnu1968

Dante Shipp drove in the final insurance run with a thunderous double in the 5th, sending the Perkins Pirates into celebration mode—his victory pose was like a martial arts master executing a perfect strike.

Talon Walton's name will forever be synonymous with Perkins Pirates history. On this historic day, Talon led his team to their first-ever state championship title through an impressive performance that included stealing three bases and scoring crucial runs. "I was reading those pitches," he shared, "seeing the big leg kicks from Fenwick's pitcher, I knew I could get a jump on them." His strategic base running set the tone early, sending a clear message to his teammates: Perkins was here to win. As the final out was made Talon's eyes locked onto it, feeling every moment in slow motion. "It felt like I had never been happier," he said with a beaming smile. This state championship isn't just about Talon; it’s for his entire community, family, and friends who have supported him through thick and thin. Congratulations to Talon Walton on this unforgettable achievement! 🏆🎉 #FREENINETY #PiratesPlunderFalcons Perkins Athletic Booster Club perkinsboosterclub.org facebook.com/perkinsathleticboosterclub

Two of the top three teams in Division 4 meet for a spot in the State Championship with #3 Perkins (23-5-1) making their 2nd consecutive Final Four appearance against #2 Mooney (24-3) at 7 17 Credit Union Park in Akron. Brian Skowronski and Chris Bleile are on the call for this heavyweight showdown featuring standout junior Ben Oddis ( .439 Avg, 36 Hits) and the Cardinals vs 2-time SBC Lake Division Player of the Year Talon Walton ( .432 Avg, 33 RBI) and the Pirates. This Restream is presented FREE to fans thanks to these generous supporters. Mount Vernon Nazarene University Pursue Your Degree Online: www.mvnu.edu/academics/online FB: www.facebook.com/mvnu1968 Perkins Athletic Booster Club Web: www.perkinsboosterclub.org FB: www.facebook.com/perkinsathleticboosterclub

Two of the top three teams in Division 4 meet for a spot in the State Championship with #3 Perkins (23-5-1) making their 2nd consecutive Final Four appearance against #2 Mooney (24-3) at 7 17 Credit Union Park in Akron. Brian Skowronski and Chris Bleile are on the call for this heavyweight showdown featuring standout junior Ben Oddis ( .439 Avg, 36 Hits) and the Cardinals vs 2-time SBC Lake Division Player of the Year Talon Walton ( .432 Avg, 33 RBI) and the Pirates. This Audiocast is presented LIVE & FREE to fans thanks to these generous supporters. Mount Vernon Nazarene University Pursue Your Degree Online: www.mvnu.edu/academics/online FB: www.facebook.com/mvnu1968 Perkins Athletic Booster Club Web: www.perkinsboosterclub.org FB: www.facebook.com/perkinsathleticboosterclub

The New Albany Eagles are adding a third state baseball championship to the trophy case after a 4-run fourth inning propelled them to a 4-1 Division 2 Championship game victory over Walsh Jesuit. The Warriors (16-13) broke through first in the top of the second inning when Sean McHugh led the inning off with a single. He would then score one batter later when Will Blueter doubled to deep left making it 1-0. They would look to add on in the top of the fourth loading the bases with one out, but Eagles starter Aidan Wyche induced an inning-ending double play to post a zero on the board. That momentum boosted #6 New Albany (26-7) as they would get on the board in the bottom of the inning. Connor Bahr singled with one out and Van Routhier bunted for a single. Then with two out Nick Nardell sent a fly ball to right that was dropped by the right fielder allowing Bahr to tie the game and the inning to continue. Caden Kistner then singled in a run and Remu Trautner provided the big blow with a 2 RBI single making it 4-1. That would be plenty of offense for Wyche, who allowed only a bunt single over the final three innings to secure the championship. It is New Albany's third state title in their fourth trip to the final four joining the 2004 & 2021 squads with last year's squad bowing out in the semifinal. Mount Vernon Nazarene University mvnu.edu/academics/online facebook.com/mvnu1968

If you thought Delphos St. John's could only be dominant on the hardwood, than you haven't seen Blue Jays Baseball this season. Saturday evening marked the program's first ever state baseball title after a 10-0 win over Leipsic. All it took in the 1st inning was a sacrifice fly from Andrew Elwer to start the scoring for the Jays, plating the leadoff Tyce McClain who reached on a hit-by-pitch. However, it was the second inning where most of the damage was done. Batter by batter, swing by swing, the Blue Jays were able to muster 6 runs before the Vikings could put together a single out. From there, St. John's went into cruise control, striking next in the 5th where they put two more on the board, threatening to end proceedings early. But the Vikings were able to get Delphos to strand the bases loaded to enter the 6th down 9-0. Ultimately, the Blue Jays returned to the dish, where they left no doubts after Maddox Kroeger's walk-off single down the first base line to score Drake Fittro as the 10th and final run. Mount Vernon Nazarene University mvnu.edu/academics/online facebook.com/mvnu1968

A wild play on the base paths helped #3 Perkins clear the bases in their 12-7 Final Four victory over #2 Cardinal Mooney. It all starts with a smash hit from Talon Walton by the shortstop, and ends with Bryce Davie spinning around the catcher to score 3 of the Pirates 6 runs in the BOT of the 4th inning 🤯

Bryce Davie is a force to be reckoned with on the Perkins Pirates. In today's semifinal showdown against the Cardinal Mooney Cardinals, Bryce proved his mettle with an impressive 2-for-3 performance at the plate, driving in two runs and scoring three more. His defensive prowess was equally commendable, as he made six put outs to keep the opposing team from pushing any further into the ballpark. With a mix of hitting contagious hits and solid fielding, Bryce helped lead his team to a hard-fought 12-7 victory. When asked about his feelings after the game, Bryce simply said, "It's all about the team. Everyone did their job, and we're just looking forward to tomorrow." As the Pirates prepare for the championship, they'll be relying on Bryce’s experience and leadership to bring home the title. Perkins Athletic Booster Club perkinsboosterclub.org facebook.com/perkinsathleticboosterclub

It's back to the second home of the #1 Waynedale Golden Bears (29-3) as they seek their 4th state championship in 5 seasons as Logan Troyer and Co. take on Cinderella Columbus Academy (17-16) who entered the tournament with a losing record and will play on the season's final day. Join Travis Berardi & Jonathon Langdon for this special presentation restream brought to you by our great sponsors who you can support in the links below: Apple Creek Banking Company applecreekbank.com facebook.com/applecreekbankingcompany 89 Homes And Building Improvements 89homes.com facebook.com/89Homes Wayne Insurance Group wayneinsgroup.com facebook.com/wayneinsurancegroup Hummel Group hummelgrp.com facebook.com/HummelGroup Country Roofing & Exteriors www.countryroofingllc.com www.facebook.com/CountryRoofingandExteriors Mount Vernon Nazarene University mvnu.edu/academics/online facebook.com/mvnu1968

For the fourth time in five years, #1 Calvert (28-2) has made it to the State Semifinals, seeking a breakthrough win over red-hot Delphos St. John's (19-7) for a spot in the Division 7 Championship. Brian Skowronski has the call from historic Thurman Munson Stadium in Canton for this Final Four showdown between senior ace Cam Elwer (.447 Avg, 38 Hits) and the Blue Jays and rising junior Charlie Palm (.460 Avg, 42 RBI) and the Senecas. Enjoy this LIVE & FREE restream thanks to contributions from our generous sponsors. Sutton Bank Web: www.suttonbank.com FB: www.facebook.com/suttonbankohio Mount Vernon Nazarene University mvnu.edu/academics/online facebook.com/mvnu1968

The Badin Rams are partying like it's 1996 as they use two big innings to get past Bishop Watterson 7-2 in a battle of the top two teams in Division 3 for the state championship. The #2 Eagles (27-5) jumped out to an immediate 1-0 lead after a half inning, but the #1 Rams (31-3) answered right back with a three-spot in the bottom to make fans at 7 17 Credit Union Park believe we were in for a slugfest, but the offenses calmed down for the next few innings until the top of the fifth when Bishop Watterson plated a run and loaded the bases with one out. Badin wouldn't allow another runs to cross, however, as a double play ended the inning and sent all the momentum back to the Rams who would use that to plate three in the bottom of the inning for the second time in the game. They added another run in the sixth to finish the scoring. It is only the third state championship for Badin in their 16th trip to the final four and their first in a stretch of 4 final fours in five seasons. Mount Vernon Nazarene University mvnu.edu/academics/online facebook.com/mvnu1968

For the fourth time in five years, #1 Calvert (28-2) has made it to the State Semifinals, seeking a breakthrough win over red-hot Delphos St. John's (19-7) for a spot in the Division 7 Championship. Brian Skowronski has the call from historic Thurman Munson Stadium in Canton for this Final Four showdown between senior ace Cam Elwer (.447 Avg, 38 Hits) and the Blue Jays and rising junior Charlie Palm (.460 Avg, 42 RBI) and the Senecas. Enjoy this LIVE & FREE Audiocast thanks to contributions from our generous sponsors. Sutton Bank Web: www.suttonbank.com FB: www.facebook.com/suttonbankohio Mount Vernon Nazarene University mvnu.edu/academics/online facebook.com/mvnu1968