By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

Ravenna High School announced Justin Rahim as its new boys basketball head coach in mid-May.

Rahim most recently was boys basketball head coach at Kennedy Catholic, which is a role he had held since 2022. Before that, Rahim was the girls basketball head coach at Heartland Christian (2020-2022) and the JV girls basketball coach at Ursuline High School (2018-2020).

Rahim replaces Marlon Jones, who led the Ravens’ program for the previous five seasons and won a Metro Athletic Conference championship in 2022-23.
“I am extremely excited,” Rahim said. “Ravenna has a rich tradition of success on the court and off the court, as well. I am honored to be named the coach and to be able to lead this group of young men — and to be able to provide my version of the ‘Three P’s’: Pride, Passion and Purpose. I look forward to connecting with the community and establishing a great relationship. It’s a great time to be a Raven.”

ALL-OHIO ON THE DIAMOND

The Ohio High School Baseball Coaches Association and the Ohio High School Fastpitch Softblal Coaches Association announced their respective All-Ohio teams last week for the 2025 season.

In baseball, five from Portage County were honored and featured:

• Grady Eader, Field, senior, Division IV First Team
• Landon Homan, Field, senior, Division IV Second Team
• Caleb Miller, Southeast, senior, Division V Second Team
• Aidan Hill, Garfield, senior, Division V Second Team
• Aric May, Waterloo, senior, Division VI First Team

In softball, seven from Portage County were honored and featured:

• Sophie Retton, Aurora, senior, Division III First Team
• Lailah Bohanan, Aurora, junior, Division III First Team
• Maddie Burge, Field, senior, Division IV First Team
• Amy Rein, Streetsboro, sophomore, Division IV Honorable Mention
• Morgan Muncy, Southeast, junior, Division V Second Team
• Ava Stephens, Southeast, senior, Division V Honorable Mention
• Addie Christy, Mogadore, senior, Division VI Second Team

BOB LONG RETIRES

The radio voice of WSTB and the PA voice at Streetsboro football and basketball games is retiring from full-time teaching and as the station’s General Manager after an impactful 44-year career.
The Portager has the story.
I first learned who Bob Long was through his “always accurate” weather updates while listening to WSTB during its V-ROCK format years, with his signature, long-pause, sign-off: “From the WSTB Weather Center ……………………….. I’m Bob Long.”
When I began covering football games for the Record-Courier, I met him in person and got to share the football press box and basketball press row alongside him for many games, with just enough conversation to build a friendship, but also allow us both to do our jobs professionally while we were there.
Congratulations on your retirement ……………………….. from Tom Nader.

SOFTBALL FUNDRAISER

A group of softball teams will be coming together on Tuesday and Thursday to raise money for the Akron Children’s Hospital’s oncology and cardiology departments.

In games played at historic Firestone Stadium, donations will be accepted, as well as 50-50 raffle and raffle baskets to lead the fundraiser.

On Tuesday, Palmyra will face Ellet in a 12U game at 6:15 p.m., which will be followed by a 14U game under the lights featuring Palmyra vs. Ellet.

On Thursday, a 10U game will be played at 6:15 p.m. between the Ellet Fireflies and Ellet Divas, which will be followed by a 12U game under the lights between Rootstown vs. Ellet.

OHSAA EXTENDS PARTNERSHIP FOR DIGITAL TICKETS

The Ohio High School Athletic Association announced last Wednesday (June 11) that it has extended its partnership with Hometown as the organization’s official digital ticketing partner through 2031.

“OHSAA member schools deserve an event management and ticketing platform that makes their lives easier and supports their mission,” said Doug Ute, Executive Director of the OHSAA. “Hometown (headquartered in Columbus) has consistently delivered on that promise, and we are excited to continue our partnership with a company that not only understands our schools but is also committed to their success.”

In late 2024, Hometown Ticketing merged with Schoolfundr, a fee-free, donor-first fundraising platform used by thousands of schools across the country. The combined company, Hometown, provides a unified experience that allows schools to manage ticketed events and fundraising campaigns in one place without added fees or administrative burden.

“This partnership is about more than just tickets,” said Dennis Levene, Hometown Chief Revenue Officer. “It’s about delivering a comprehensive platform that empowers every school and student in Ohio to succeed, on the field and off. From online ticketing and fundraising to event promotion, secure payments and beautifully designed school websites, Hometown gives schools everything they need to elevate the experience for their communities and operate more efficiently from a single, trusted platform.”