MANSFIELD — Richland Source prides itself in doing things a little differently.
We like to zig when others zag.
So instead of looking back at 2017, we would prefer to peek ahead to 2018. As the curtain rises on a new year, here are some local athletes worth keeping an eye on:
Cade Stover: Just about every major college football program in the country is after the Lexington junior and with good reason. The 6-foot-5, 220-pound Stover has offers from Ohio State, Oklahoma, Notre Dame, Penn State and Wisconsin, among others and his announcement is sure to attract plenty of attention around the state and nation. While most recruiting experts expect him to verbally commit to the Buckeyes, Stover has remained tight-lipped as to his favorite.
Hudson McDaniel: Ashland’s two-time defending state champ in the 100 yard breaststroke, McDaniel already has committed to swim at Ohio State next fall. Before he arrives on campus, McDaniel will have the opportunity to win a third state title in the 100 breaststroke. He will have to navigate a much more difficult route to the top of the podium as the Arrows jump back up to Division I this year.
Alysse Wade: The St. Peter’s senior authored one of the greatest performances in state track meet history last spring, winning three gold medals in less than two hours. Wade, who already has signed with Division I Eastern Michigan, won state titles in the 100 meter hurdles, the 100 meter dash and the 200 meter dash. She is favored to defend all three of her state titles this spring.
Myles Pringle: Unless you are a serious track and field fan, you’ve probably never heard of Pringle. The Ashland University junior won indoor and outdoor national championships in the 400 meter dash last year and just this month was selected the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association men’s national athlete of the week in Division II. Pringle already owns five school records and is a 7-foot high jumper.
Laina Snyder: It would be hard for Snyder to top last year as the 6-foot-1 forward led the Ashland University women’s basketball team to the NCAA Division II national championship. Snyder was selected the Elite Eight Most Outstanding Player and is averaging a team-best 20.6 points and 7.2 rebounds a game. AU (12-0) has been ranked first in the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association Division II poll the entire season, is averaging 98.9 points per game and has won 49 straight games.
Zane Harris: The 2016 Madison product could be primed for a breakout season after redshirting last spring at Wright State. The left handed-hitting slugger was selected to the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League all-star team as a member of the Utica (New York) Blue Sox last summer. Harris batted .329 and tied for sixth in the league with 35 runs batted in. Harris is expected to see significant playing time at first base and designated hitter this spring.
Jacob Kasper: The Lexington graduate is a redshirt senior on the Duke wrestling team and one of the best heavyweights in the country. Kasper is ranked sixth nationally and recently placed third at the prestigious Cliff Keen Invitational in Las Vegas, running his season record to 13-2. Area fans could get a look at Kasper as the NCAA Nationals are in Cleveland in mid-March.
Taylor Kline: A Clear Fork product, Kline will put the finishing touches on a remarkable softball career at Division II Ohio Dominican this spring. She is a career .432 hitter and has stolen 106 bases in three seasons. She has twice been named to the Division II national player of the year watch list.
