The Indian Lake Hurricanes 16U travel softball team recently won two league games and battled to a tie.

The Hurricanes beat the Ohio Danger 5-3.

Deanna Dill and Kerstin Harmon had triples.

Grace Poeppelman had three hits and Jenna Jordan was two for two.

Indian Lake beat the West Liberty Force 9-4.

Poeppelman, Harmon, and Lauren Bycynski each went two for three with home runs.

The Hurricanes battled Urbana to a 2-2 final.

Caitlin Jordan belted a home run and Samantha Love doubled.

Bellefontaine Powerbuilt fell 6-3 vs. Springfield in the winner's bracket final of the District Acme tournament last night at Blue Jacket Park.

Powerbuilt led 2-1 after five innings, but Springfield scored five runs in the sixth inning to take control.

Bellefontaine was held to five hits on the night.

Daulton Mosbarger had a double, and T.J. Garman added an RBI single.

Garman suffered the loss.

Powerbuilt (28-5) will take on West Liberty-Salem (14-9) in the loser's bracket final Sunday at one o'clock.

West Liberty-Salem edged Triad 5-4 in the late game Friday.

Ben Coleman tossed a complete game four-hitter to earn the win.

The Tigers scored five runs in the sixth inning.

Sean King delivered the game-tying hit.

Brock Bahan had a double and a single.

Triad's Tyler Wilson pitched well, but suffered the loss.

Springfield will play either Bellefontaine or West Liberty-Salem in the district championship game Monday at six o'clock.

The State Acme tournament opens next weekend at Lima Shawnee.

Two local Pony League teams posted tournament wins last night.

Bellefontaine FOP defeated Raymond 14-2.

Nick Burton fired a two-hitter.

Roman Miller smacked a home run.

Burton had two hits and two RBIs.

Cam Henry recorded two hits and an RBI.

All-Around Awards edged Huntsville 11-10.

AJ Gorham had three hits in the win.

Zack Weldy, Heath Harshfield, and Josh Haisley had two hits apiece.

The District Acme baseball tournament featured a pair of one-run games in last night's opening round at Blue Jacket Park.

Bellefontaine Powerbuilt edged Triad 3-2 in 12 innings.

For Bellefontaine, Josh Kauffman went the first nine innings. Daulton Mosbarger pitched the final three innings to earn the win.

They combined for eleven strikeouts and scattered eight hits.

Mosbarger led off the bottom of the 12th inning with a double.

Austin Kelly then delivered a sacrifice bunt to advance Mosbarger, but the throw to first hit Kelly and carried into foul territory allowing Mosbarger to score the winning run.

Mosbarger had three hits, including a double and a triple. Kauffman tallied two hits and drove in a run.

Michael Stockton added an RBI single.

In the late game, Springfield edged West Liberty-Salem 15-14.

Springfield overcame an eight-run deficit (11-3) to advance to the winner's bracket final.

West Liberty-Salem scored two runs in the top of the seventh inning to tie the game, but the Wildcats scored the game-winning run in the bottom of the seventh.

West Liberty-Salem hurt themselves with five errors.

Bellefontaine will take on Springfield in the winner's bracket final tonight at 6:00.

West Liberty-Salem will battle Triad at 8:30. The district championship game will be Monday evening at Blue Jacket Park.

Thursday afternoon, Urbana University received official notice that the NCAA Membership Committee had approved the schools’ transition to a provisional membership.

Urbana University Athletic Director Doug Young acquired the good news via a conference call with the NCAA’s Assistant Director of Membership Affairs, Jess Rigler.

"I won’t delay the suspense any longer," hinted Rigler. "The NCAA Membership Committee voted to approve the advancement of Urbana University to provisional status for the upcoming school year."

The gathered mass of Blue Knight coaches, faculty and staff members celebrated the announcement that marked the end of the school’s mandatory two-year candidacy phase.

"We have looked forward to this announcement for quite awhile," Young remarked. "The transition to NCAA Division II is made possible thanks to the continuing efforts of so many members of our campus community," added Young. "Today’s announcement serves as recognition for all of their hard work and dedication."

As a new provisional member, Urbana University will undergo a one-year "dress rehearsal" before becoming a full-fledged NCAA Division II member in July of 2010. The NCAA will closely monitor the schools’ progress in several criteria, including academic compliance, recruiting, and scholarship procedures among others.

The NCAA Membership Committee visited Urbana’s campus in March of this year. Following two years of exploratory membership, the University received high praise for its continuing progress and compliance with NCAA rules.

"Urbana did a fantastic job on its annual report and showed major progress from the first to the second year of exploratory status," explained Rigler.

With two years down and one to go, the Blue Knights kick off the home football season at noon on Saturday, September 5th against NCAA D-II opponent West Virginia Wesleyan.

Sports column by WPKO & WBLL Sportscasters Camper Collin Potter.

It's time to put the bat and glove in the closet. Sammy Sosa had a great career, but it doesn't mean he should be using steroids to improve his mobility and hitting.

When Sosa was caught with drug enhancers in 2003 he had a testimony before Congress and he said he never has or will use drugs to improve his mobility. But now we know he failed a drug test in 2003.

Some people still think he should be in the Hall of Fame. The fact of the matter is we don't know how long he has been using steroids. He could have been fooling us all along.

My opinion is that if he stands up and admits his guilt to taking drugs and becomes a better man and if he supports the youth of not taking drugs he should be allowed in the Hall of Fame. Sosa's time is up in the MLB, but his time isn't up in the court room.

Another Razz-M-Tazz student has done well at the 2009 NBTA Great Lakes Regional Competition.

Chelsea Thompson placed third in the Intermediate Miss Majorette Competition in the 7-9 Division.

Thompson will compete in the NBTA World/National at Notre Dame University later this summer.

Real Living played two games in the Hi-Point Farm League tournament last night.

In the loser's bracket, Real Living defeated Thompson Electric 8-1.

Christian Kelley earned the win. He struck out nine in four innings.

Jack Cushman pitched well in relief and recorded three Ks.

Kelley led the offense with a pair of doubles.

Max Wilcoxin had two hits, including a triple.

Real Living then fell 8-6 vs. Nash Finch.

The Farm League championship game is tomorrow night at Ratleff Park (Field Two).

In T-Ball tournament action, Washington II outscored East Liberty II 18-7.

Kaitlyn Shaner and Mahalie Wood each had two hits and scored two runs.

Ashlyn Shaner had three runs.

Kaya Campbell, Ashlyn Shaner, and Shania Fruchey shined on defense.

The Ohio University Bobcats have recently awarded a full-ride scholarship to Dak Notestine of Bellefontaine.

Notestine received the award for outstanding participation in the school’s intercollegiate football program.

Notestine is a former Bellefontaine Chieftain standout under coach Jason Brown. Notestine is the second Chieftain to receive a full scholarship to play in the Football Bowl Subdivision. The other is Keith Morgan, who plays for Bowling Green State University.

Watch Coach Brown talk about Dak's career so far and the scholarship.

The two Chieftains will go head-to-head again this year on October 3 at 4 p.m. in Bowling Green.

For more information on Dak Notestine, go to www.ohio.edu and follow the "Athletics" navigation on the left side or click here.

By Justin Miller

The Ohio Ambush 10U travel softball team placed second in the West Liberty Fireworks Tournament last weekend.

The team has girls from Bellefontaine, Indian Lake, Triad, Urbana, Mechanicsburg, and Marysville.

Team members include:

Bottom row from the left: Maddie Frendberg, Taylor Bates, Ali Dixon, Josie Reed, and Madison Dolby

Back row from the left: Bailey Printz, Halle Bostick, Kati Bowsher, Brooke Lewis, Ally Hosier, and Elise Freeland

Not pictured: Brooklyn Overfield

It may be a common sports mantra that defense wins championships, but at Blue Jacket Park Tuesday night Bellefontaine Powerbuilt used its potent offense to overpower West Liberty 14-7 to claim the ACME Sectional Championship. The game was full of excitement from the first pitch as both teams were constantly threatening to score and Powerbuilt had to work its way out of jams caused by poor defense.

Powerbuilt turned in a questionable defensive effort by committing 5 errors as well as some baserunning mistakes, but countered those miscues with an impressive 17 hits. Bellefontaine's entire lineup contributed to the effort as every batter had at least one hit and reached base at least twice.

TJ Garman and Marquis Klausing were both 3 for 4 at the plate with home runs. Garman pounded a Grand Slam and Klausing's was a 3-run shot.

Listen to Garman discuss his night at the plate

Austin Kelly was 4 for 4 with a walk and Garrett Pickering contributed 2 doubles. Kelly also had an excellent defensive diving stop in the first inning that was followed by a good pick by Garman at first base.

Watch one of the Chiefs' 17 hits.

Pickering struck out 9 over 6 innings to pick up the win for Bellefontaine but had some trouble with control as he walked 4 batters and hit 3 more.

West Liberty was led by Tyler Cordell who was 3 for 4 with a walk and scored 3 times. Also contributing were Levi Reed with an RBI double and Ryan Ropp with 2 RBI on 3 for 5 batting. Sean King took the loss on the mound for the Tigers.

Both teams advance to the ACME district tournament. Powerbuilt's District Tournament first round game will be held Thursday at 6:00 PM at Blue Jacket Park against the number 2 seed of the South Sectional. West Liberty will take on the number 1 seed of the South Sectional.

Hear Coach Jeremy Burrey's comments on the game and West Liberty

Sports column written by WPKO & WBLL Sportscasters Camper Ethan McBean

Manny Ramirez should make the All-Star game if voted in because the all-star game's players are selected by the fans. If the fans want it, they should get it. If the fans don't get what they want in sports it makes them mad, and if they aren't happy, then the sport hurt economically. Many people say Manny hasn't even played half the season, but the All-Star game is about the funnest guys to watch.

Also, people bring up the performance enhancing drugs. Police are searching for the doctor who supposedly prescribed the drugs to Manny.

Overall, I feel it is in the better interest for the game of baseball to let Manny play.

*Since this article Manny Ramirez finished 5th in the balloting and did not make the all-star game.

The second annual 5K on the Lake road race was held Saturday in Lakeview.

112 runners competed in the event, which was put on by the Indian Lake Cross Country Team.

Race proceeds will help pay for the team to go to camp next month.

Female Age Group
Top 2 overall winners
1st: Erica Rumschlag (19:55)
2nd: Lisa Emmerling (20:49)

(10 and under): 1st: Hannah Avila (31:04)
(11-14): 1st: Ellie Schwieterman (28:47)
(15-19): 1st: Kayla Beltz (22:48)
(20-29): 1st: Laura Schrand (26:36)
(30-39): 1st: Megan Manns (24:29)
(40-49): 1st: Elaine Jacobs (27:25)
(50-59): 1st: Carol Souza (23:58)
(60 and up): 1st: Betty Pinsky (52:49)

Male Age Group
Top 2 overall winners
1st: Eric Thatcher (17:26)
2nd: Dan Juzwiak (17:38)

(10 and under): 1st: Mitch Schwieterman (28:47)
(11-14): 1st: Nate Orndorf (20:40)
(15-19): 1st: Todd White (18:59)
(20-29): 1st: Bruce Lamb (18:34)
(30-39): 1st: Terry Stolly (18:39)
(40-49): 1st: Kevin O'Connor (21:10)
(50-59): 1st: Mark Schmaltz (21:35)
(60 and up): 1st: Ron Miller (29:58)

Complete results can be found at http://www.alliancerunning.com/lake09.txt

The Acme sectional tournament continued at Blue Jacket Park last night with two loser's bracket contests.

In the loser's bracket semifinal, Indian Lake eliminated Benjamin Logan 7-6 in eight innings.

In the loser's bracket final, West Liberty-Salem defeated Indian Lake 5-3.

Tigers ace Brock Bahan pitched a complete game and recorded eight strikeouts.

Bahan sparked the offense with a double.

Teammate Garrett Dallas tallied two hits.

West Liberty-Salem (13-7) will play Bellefontaine Powerbuilt in the sectional final tonight at six o'clock at Blue Jacket.

The Tigers will have to beat the Chiefs twice to win the sectional.

Both teams have already advanced to the district tournament which starts on Thursday night at Blue Jacket.

Pony League:

All-Around Awards won their first tournament game by outscoring Lakeview 19-16.

Heath Harshfield led the attack with three hits, four RBI's, and four runs scored.

Josh Haisley and Zack Weldy each added two hits.

Hi-Point Farm League:

Real Living beat Maple Leaf 5-2 in tournament action Monday.

Christian Kelley, Max Wilcoxin, and Tyler Cox combined for 16 strikeouts.

Kelley led the offense with two hits, including a home run.

Jack Cushman was two for two with a double.

Mac-O-Chee Quarter Midget Racing Association played host to a weekend of fun at West Liberty Lion’s Club Park.

The current track layout celebrated its 50th anniversary of racing.

Hondas were on the schedule for Saturday.

In the Junior Honda class, featuring children from ages five to eight, Jeff Dunfee edged Mox Price and Hayden Dickerson for the win.

In the Senior Honda class, Ross Rankine took the win over Chase Dean and Jimmy Staten.

In the Heavy Honda class, Gage Abercrombie beat out Ethan Mullet and Josh Daugherty.

The Light 160 saw Erika Newcome the victor over Gage Walker and Logan McPherson.

The Heavy 160 went to Justen Garmen, who edged Ethan Mullet and Jared Rupert.

Sunday featured the Deco classes.

In the Junior and Senior Rookie races, Hayden Wren, Noah Barker and Shelby Perkins all won races.

In the Jr. Stock race, Jeff Dunfee beat out Mox Price again, with Jacob Stickle coming in third.

Daniel McPherson won the Sr. Stock trophy, beating Cooper Clouse.

Only two racers finished the Light Mod class, with Austin Nemire winning over Brooke Coggin.

In the Light World Formula race, Ryan Fleming beat Gage Walker and Cooper Clouse.

In the Heavy World Formula race, Justen Garmen beat out Josh Daugherty and Craig Swartz.

In the Light B division, Frankie Nervo edged Ryan Fleming and Austin Nemire.

The Half Midget class was won by Dean Creech, with Daniel Hall and Adam Holbien finishing second and third, respectively.

Erika Newcome won the Light AA class over Frankie Nervo and Gage Walker.

The Heavy AA class was taken by Shelby Campbell, who battled Nigel Mathias and Emmy Gray.

Be sure to watch the Inaugural USAC National Quarter Midget event at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on July 8-11 at www.usacracing.com. Mac-O-Chee club members will be present.

Racing will return to the Lion’s Club Park on Saturday, July 18 at 4 p.m. Admission is free.

Top-seed Bellefontaine Powerbuilt defeated West Liberty-Salem 4-2 in the winner's bracket final of the Acme sectional tournament Sunday afternoon at Blue Jacket Park.

T.J. Garman and Daulton Mosbarger combined for a four-hitter and struck out six in the win.

Josh Kauffman had three hits, including two triples.

Michael Stockton added two hits.

Bellefontaine has advanced to the sectional finals and secured a berth in the district tournament.

For West Liberty-Salem, Ben Coleman tossed a complete game.

Brock Bahan had two hits and an RBI.

On Saturday, West Liberty-Salem outscored Indian Lake 11-6.

Garrett Dallas went the distance to earn the win.

Dallas and Tyler Cordell led the attack with three hits apiece.

Cordell had a triple, a double, and two RBIs.

Bahan, Coleman, and Ryan Ropp each had two hits.

In the loser's bracket Sunday, Indian Lake blanked Graham 3-0.

The Lakers will play Benjamin Logan tonight at six o'clock.

The winner will then face West Liberty-Salem in the loser's bracket final at 8:30 tonight.

The sectional final will be Tuesday night.

In Jr. Acme, Bellefontaine fell 6-5 in eight innings against host Springfield Shawnee in the winner's bracket final Saturday.

The Braves scored the tying run with two outs in the seventh inning.

Drae Lyburtus started for the Chiefs and scattered six hits over six-plus innings.

He struck out four and picked four runners off first base.

Miyabi Nonaka had three hits and reached base five times.

Nate Brisson recorded two hits.

Jordan Kauffman and Kyle Pursley each added a hit.

Bellefontaine will visit Benjamin Logan tonight at six o'clock in the loser's bracket final.

The winner will travel to Urbana to take on Springfield Shawnee tomorrow night at six o'clock for the sectional final.

Local twirler Rachel Thompson won the NBTA Regional competition in Canton on June 27th and 28th.

Thompson will compete in the NBTA World/National competition at Notre Dame University later this month where she will represent Ohio and the Great Lakes Region in the intermediate pageant.

Rachel is a student and instructor for Razz-M-Tazz Studios.

Bellefontaine Powerbuilt exerted their independence with their own brand of fireworks in the Acme sectional tournament, blanking Graham 10-0 in 5 innings Saturday afternoon at Blue Jacket Park.

Daulton Mosbarger and Conner Kellogg led Powerbuilt at the plate with two hits apiece. T.J. Garman tripled and Austin Kelly doubled with three RBI.

On the mound, Josh Kauffman allowed just three hits while striking out eight.

Powerbuilt next plays West Liberty, who edged Ben Logan on Friday to advance, in the winner’s bracket semi-finals Sunday at 4:00 p.m.

Independence Day brought the 22nd annual Firecracker 5000 road race, held at the West Mansfield Conservation Club.

154 runners competed in the event. The event was put on by the Millcreek Milers Running Club, with the race proceeds going to the West Mansfield Conservation Club.　

Female Age Group Top Finishers

Over All Winner Mallory Bloom 20:26

(13 & under) Morgan Bloom 26:33, Emma Wenger 31:38

(14-16) Demi Snider 21:51, Courtney Forsythe 22:25

(17-21) Kelsie Markin 22:39, Kirsten Fultz 25:15

(22-29) Ciara Querebin 23:32, Jenny Ramsey 24:56

(30-39) Darlene Wilson 23:03, Erica Kosiorek 23:09

(40-49) Kelly Newlon 22:34, Brenda Herron 22:35

(50-55) Trudy Kilfian 25:30, Pam Burns 26:34

(56 & up) Rose Lyons 42:01, Linda McQueen 44:54

Male Age Group Top Finshers

Over All Winner Mike Van Winkle 17:03

(13 & under) David Wenger 18:41, Trent Reese 21:28

(14-16) Sam Power 18:05, Aaron Scott 18:42

(17-20) Logan Leis 17:17, Chris Walker 20:23

(21-25) Bryan Ropp 17:32, Michael Kerns 20:14

(26-30) A. J. Roberts 21:10, Isaac Houser 22:57

(31-35) Myles Moore 21:44, Aaron Lehman 22:11

(36-40) Mark Collins 18:51, George Kennedy 19:37

(41-45) Reddy Brown 18:55, Jim Larson 19:43

(46-50) Doug Chivington 20:54, Scott Orr 21:37

(51-55) Bob Core 19:45, Art Stormer 19:52

(56 & up) Mike Kennedy 21:41, Nick Hostetler 23:57