Posts Tagged ‘Cincinnati Bengals’

WedDec19

Cincinnati Enquirer: Five questions with … John Conner

Posted by akiefaber December 19th, 2012, 10:20 am Post a Comment

The Jets waived John Conner after 35 career games with the team. Photo taken by Rich Barnes for USA TODAY.

Kevin Kelly reports:

After getting cut by the New York Jets in October, John Conner was at home in Cincinnati, working out and waiting by the phone. The Lakota West grad didn’t have to wait long. After Bengals fullback Chris Pressley was injured against the Eagles, Conner joined the team he grew up rooting for. In his first game in stripes, the Bengals will have a chance to clinch a playoff spot.

After losing Chris Pressley to a season-ending knee injury in Thursday’s victory against the Eagles, the Bengals addressed their sudden need for a bruising fullback by signing John Conner over the weekend.

The former Lakota West standout played in 54 games at the University of Kentucky and was selected by the Jets in the fifth round of the 2010 NFL Draft.

Conner did not miss a game in his first two NFL seasons and was on the Jets’ roster for the first six games this season. Injuries limited him to three games on the field, and on Oct. 18 the Jets waived him after 35 career games with the team.

Conner returned home and had been working out at Ignition in Mason. A Bengals fan growing up, he joins the team at a pivotal time. The Bengals can clinch a playoff spot with a victory against the Steelers on Sunday at Heinz Field.

Earlier this week, Conner answered five questions from The Enquirer’s Kevin Kelly.

QUESTION: From an individual standpoint, is this as close to an ideal situation to walk into at this point in the season?

CONNER: Absolutely. It’s a great situation to come in to. I see a team that has a lot of talent and has a chance to go far in the playoffs. I’m happy to be here to help us out.

Q: What have you been up to for the past couple of months?

CONNER: I’ve just been training, getting healthy and rehabbing. Just trying to get fresh and waiting on that call. And I got that call from the Bengals. It couldn’t be a better place.

Q: What injuries were you dealing with?

CONNER: I had a sprained MCL, and then I also had a pulled hamstring. All that’s healthy. I’ve had plenty of time to heal.

Q: A lot of fans around here have followed your career from Lakota West to UK to the Jets, but what should they expect to see from you with the Bengals?

CONNER:
Just the same guy. Nothing’s changed. I’m here. I’m just going to do what I do to the best of my ability to help this team out.

Q: As a Bengals fan growing up, who was your favorite player?

CONNER: Since I’m a running back, I would probably say Corey Dillon. I liked him back in the day.

no comments yet

Posted in: Fall sports, Sports |

Tags: Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

MonDec17

Lakota West grad John Conner signed by Cincinnati Bengals

Posted by akiefaber December 17th, 2012, 12:11 pm Post a Comment

John Conner at Lakota West, where he rushed for 1,098 yards and 14 touchdowns during his senior season in the fall of 2004. After graduating from West, Conner played at Kentucky and then for the New York Jets since 2010. Cincinnati Enquirer file photo.

Joe Reedy reports:

When Chris Pressley suffered a season-ending knee injury on Thursday night, the Bengals did not have to look far to find someone to come in.

The team signed West Chester native and former Jet John Conner to a two-year deal after a Saturday morning workout involving three players. Conner moves into Pressley’s roster spot after the Bengals placed him on injured reserve. Pressley suffered the injury during the first quarter of the 34-13 win over the Eagles.

“I feel great about getting the opportunity, and I’m ready to go,” Conner said after the workout and signing his contract. “I hope to bring a lot to the running game and feel like I can block well.”

John Conner. AP file photo.

Conner, a former Lakota West and University of Kentucky standout, said being released took him by surprise. Conner was a fifth-round pick in 2010 before being waived on Oct. 18 due to injuries, an MCL sprain and hamstring. At the time of the move, the New York Daily News wrote that the Jets had hoped to re-sign Conner later in the season. Conner was on the roster for the first six games and played in three, including two starts.

Since being released, Conner has been working out at Ignition in Mason. His style does fit with what offensive coordinator Jay Gruden wants in a fullback.

“You want to be a banger up in there, and that’s not for everybody. That’s a special breed of guy, and the breed is dying,” Gruden said on Friday. “There’s not many fullbacks in college football anymore, there’s not many in pro football really.”

The Bengals use a fullback on only 19.5 percent of their offensive plays, but Conner does bring some added versatility on special teams.

Due to his blocking on returns and getting down there on coverage teams, Conner’s nickname of “The Terminator” was used often on Hard Knocks in 2010 by Jets head coach Rex Ryan.

Conner’s career totals are 21 carries for 88 yards (4.2) and two touchdowns, along with four receptions for 18 yards. He played in every game in 2010-11.

The good thing for Conner is that he has experience from this season facing the Steelers. He was with the Jets when they visited Pittsburgh in Week 2.

At worst, the Bengals will go into next Sunday’s game tied for the final playoff spot, but they could lead by a game if Dallas beats Pittsburgh today.

“What a game to come back for. That should make it a little more exciting,” he said.

Pressley, who is signed through 2013, played in all of this season’s games with seven starts.

His only offensive touch was a 1-yard touchdown catch in Week 4 at Jacksonville.

no comments yet

Posted in: Fall sports, Sports |

Tags: Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

MonNov19

Last week in West Chester: Bengals help local school

Posted by akiefaber November 19th, 2012, 9:40 am Post a Comment

To let West Chester and Liberty Township residents catch up with the news that they need to know, WestChesterBuzz.com will list and link to all of last week’s top local stories every Monday.

Bengals help Lakota school with aging playground - Cincinnati Bengals defensive lineman Domata Peko, along with six of his teammates, visited Woodland Elementary in Liberty Township last Tuesday to promote being active and good health, as well as to present a check for $10,000 to go towards the school’s mission to build a new playground.

Butler County Sports Hall of Fame announces its 2012 class - A former Lakota West wrestler and the Firebirds’ current volleyball coach are among the 11-person induction class for the Butler County Sports Hall of Fame. Matthew McIntire, who graduated Lakota West in 2002, won two state wrestling championships. Meanwhile, Lakota West head volleyball coach Tracey Kornau has coached the Firebirds since the district split into two high schools.

Jag’s named a top restaurant in Cincinnati by Zagat - Zagat launched its 2013 America’s Top Restaurants guide last Wednesday, which included a top ten list for the Greater Cincinnati area. Locally, West Chester’s Jag’s Steak & Seafood, 5980 West Chester Road, was one of only two Cincinnati restaurants to make the list despite not being located downtown.

Millikin Road in Liberty Township is now open - The Butler County Engineer’s Office reports that Millikin Road in Liberty Township is now open, after being closed between Liberty-Fairfield Road and Ohio 747 since Oct. 1 for a widening project.

Lakota East senior Ashley Evans signs with Purdue - Lakota East senior Ashley Evans signed a National Letter of Intent to play volleyball at Purdue last Wednesday. Evans’ high school coach Casie Garland called her “one of the best players in the nation.”

Marion’s Piazza opens just beyond West Chester border – Marion’s Pizza, a Dayton-based pizzeria, opened in Mason at the corner of Tylersville and Snider roads last Tuesday. The restaurant, which is near Voice of America Park, was busy right away.

no comments yet

Posted in: Board of Education, Levy news, News, Schools, Sports |

Tags: Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

TueNov13

Bengals help Lakota school with aging playground

Posted by akiefaber November 13th, 2012, 4:12 pm Post a Comment

Cincinnati Bengals defensive lineman Domata Peko, along with six of his teammates, visited Woodland Elementary in Liberty Township Tuesday to promote being active and good health, as well as to present a check for $10,000 to go towards the school’s mission to build a new playground.

The donation comes way of a grant from the NFL’s Play 60 Super School contest.

“Kids love to get something new. A new playground for a school, that is amazing,” Peko said. “I am just happy to be a part of it. The kids are just so happy. That is what makes me wake up and get up here on my day off. It is for the kids and as long as they are happy, I am happy.”

Raising money for the playground has been a passionate mission for Woodland’s second-year principal Valerie Montgomery.

“We just want this so badly for our students and they want it too,” Montgomery said. “They really deserve it, especially since our students have lost a lot of their special time due to the budget cuts. Right now, they only have gym class 12 times a year.”

After voters have rejected three tax hikes in two years, the Lakota school district was forced to make additional budget reductions last spring. Those reductions included cutbacks to the delivery of art, music and physical education at the elementary level.

According to the district, the budget reduction was projected to save the district $1.5 million. At the same time, it also limited the total time a elementary student has gym this school year to 9.5 hours.

In comparison, elementary students rotated having their special subjects last year and had gym class once every week. This school year, students only have physical education once a week for two six-week periods.

“So we went from having all three once a week to having only one of them and each subject only 12 times a year. It is a huge cut,” Montgomery said. “It is really hard to fathom, but it was what had to happen.

“So, with that, their physical activity that they are having now is happening at recess.”

That lack of physical activity enhances the school’s need to replace its 23-year-old playground. Furthermore, it is also leaves it up to the students to be active when they are out of school.

“Anytime you get to go out as an NFL athlete to help encourage kids to be active and keeping their bodies healthy is important,” Bengals offensive lineman Andrew Whitworth said. “I think it is a great opportunity for us to come out and be a voice.”

Whitworth, along with Peko, Nate Clements, BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Leon Hall, Michael Johnson and Terrence Newman were cheered on by the student body at Woodland, as the NFL players answered questions and led them in a series of fitness activities.

The group also signed a number of items at the school, which the school hopes to use to raise more funds for their playground project.

For phase one, the school needs to raise a total of $35,000 in order to break ground sometime this summer. With the $10,000 grant from the NFL, Woodland is still $11,894.11 shy of having enough to pay for the first phase, which includes some equipment and the playground surface.

The second phase, which includes swings and a climber, will nearly cost an additional $24,000.

“We have lots of ideas and are hopeful that we might be able to raise the money,” Montgomery said. “We are also always looking for community partnerships. We just keep hoping that some company or some person would come out of the woodwork like the Bengals did and provide a donation that could put us over the top.”

no comments yet

Posted in: Board of Education, Levy news, News, Schools, Sports |

Tags: Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

MonOct8

Andy Dalton to sign autographs in West Chester Tuesday

Posted by akiefaber October 8th, 2012, 10:33 am Post a Comment


Photos of Andy Dalton at Sports Gallery in 2011

West Chester Township’s Sports Gallery, which has hosted various signings with current and former Cincinnati Reds players this year, will host Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton for a signing session this Tuesday from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Tickets, good for one autograph, are available for $49 for mini helmets or any size flat item and $69 for a football, full-size helmet, jersey or equipment. The store itself will have balls, photos, helmets and other Bengals collectibles available for purchase during the event.

Furthermore, items can also be dropped off or mailed in to be signed.

For information about mail order items or to buy tickets, which are limited, call 513-759-4256.

Later this month, the sports memorabilia shop will have a signing session with Ken Griffey Sr.

That autograph session will take place Oct. 24 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Tickets range from $35 to $45 each. Mini-helmets, baseballs or flat items will cost $35 per signature, while bats, jerseys, equipment or seatbacks will cost $45 per signature.

no comments yet

Posted in: Business, Events, News, Sports |

Tags: Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

FriAug10

Lakota West grads to take part in Bengals preseason game

Posted by akiefaber August 10th, 2012, 10:55 am Post a Comment

John Conner at Lakota West, where he rushed for 1,098 yards and 14 touchdowns during his senior season in the fall of 2004. Cincinnati Enquirer file photo.

A pair of Lakota West graduates will face off in tonight’s preseason game between the New York Jets and Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium.

Fullback John Conner, who was showcased in HBO’s “Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the New York Jets,” will line up for the Jets, while linebacker Grant Hunter hopes to get the opportunity to play for the Cincinnati Bengals in his first NFL game.

Throughout the HBO series in 2010, Conner earned praise from his teammates and coaches. One of the more memorable quotes from the series was from Jets head coach Rex Ryan, who said, “the thing I like about Conner is that you don’t have to see him play, you can hear him play.”

The 2005 Lakota West graduate made the final roster that season as a rookie out Kentucky and eventually became the starting fullback last fall. This year, according Andy Benoit of the New York Times NFL Blog, Conner figures to be a big part of the ground game.

Meanwhile, Hunter is in a different position. Currently, the 2007 Lakota West grad is listed fourth on the Bengals depth chart at one of the outside linebacker positions.

Last fall, at Butler, Hunter led his team in sacks with 10 and in tackles for loss with 15.5. During the NFL Draft process, Hunter worked out for the Bengals and the Indianapolis Colts. In early May, the Bengals signed Hunter as a college football free agent.

According to a story posted on the Butler University official athletic website, Hunter almost didn’t answer the Bengals’ phone call when he noticed it was a 513 area code and thought that it was a telemarketer or an automated sales call.

“It turned out it was the linebackers’ coach from the Bengals, and I think I was speechless for about five minutes,” Hunter told butlersports.com. “I just remember saying thank you over and over again. It was probably one of the happiest moments of my life.”

The former head coach of both players, Lakota West’s Larry Cox, said that he hopes to attend tonight’s game, which kicks off at 7:30 p.m. The game will be televised locally on WKRC on tape delay at 11:35 p.m. and live on NFL Network (blacked out in Cincinnati, Dayton and Lexington).

“I’m so proud of both John and Grant. They are providing a great example for what is possible when given a chance,” Cox said. “Neither one was really recruited out of high school, but they didn’t let that get in their way and have shown what can happen with a strong will and desire.

“Their personalities are very similar,” Cox continued. “They really don’t say much, but their hustle, attitude and play speaks volumes not only about what they do, but who they are. They are just great people that happen to be great athletes and they have put it all together. All of the Lakota West family is proud.”

no comments yet

Posted in: Fall sports, Sports |

Tags: Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

ThuMay3

Former Lakota West football players get chance with Bengals

Posted by akiefaber May 3rd, 2012, 9:49 am Post a Comment

Lakota West graduates Grant Hunter and Josh Chichester will both have the opportunity to prove to the Cincinnati Bengals that they are worth a roster spot.

Josh Chichester

Lakota West grad Josh Chichester catches a touchdown pass for Louisville during a game against the Cincinnati Bearcats Oct. 24, 2009. Photo taken by Ernest Coleman.

Hunter, who played linebacker at Butler, was among one of the 14 college free agents that the Bengals signed Wednesday. While Chichester, was one of the three players with local ties who were invited to try out at next weekend’s, May 11-13, rookie minicamp.

Last season, at Butler, Hunter led his team in sacks with 10 and in tackles for loss with 15.5. During the NFL Draft process, Hunter worked out for the Bengals and the Indianapolis Colts.

According to a story posted on the Butler University official athletic website, Hunter almost didn’t answer the Bengals’ phone call when he noticed it was a 513 area code and thought that it was a telemarketer or an automated sales call.

“It turned out it was the linebackers’ coach from the Bengals, and I think I was speechless for about five minutes,” Hunter told butlersports.com. “I just remember saying thank you over and over again. It was probably one of the happiest moments of my life.”

Meanwhile, Chichester, who worked out for the Bengals and the New England Patriots before the NFL Draft, caught 97 passes for 1,253 yards and 11 touchdowns during his four-year career as a wide receiver and tight end at the University of Louisville.

no comments yet

Posted in: Fall sports, Sports |

Tags: Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

FriApr27

Things to do in West Chester this weekend – meet Pete Rose

Posted by akiefaber April 27th, 2012, 3:44 pm Post a Comment

Pete Rose signing

There will be plenty to do in the West Chester area this weekend, including the opportunity to meet a pair Cincinnati sports legends, a farmers’ market and a chance to gaze at the stars. However, there is a chance for showers and thunderstorms for Saturday’s outdoor events.

Meet Rose and Anderson – Cincinnati sports legends Pete Rose and Ken Anderson will both host autograph sessions this Saturday afternoon at rival sports memorabilia shops. The Rose signing session will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Sports Gallery, 7967 Cincinnati-Dayton Road in West Chester, while Anderson will be hosting his autograph session from 2 to 4 p.m. at Advanced Sports Marketing. 7043 Yankee Road in Liberty Township.

West Chester Farmers Market

The weekly West Chester Farmers’ Market returns to the Square at Union Centre next Saturday, May 12. During the winter months, West Chester hosts a farmers’ market about once a month. Photo provided.

Farmers’ market – The farmers’ market season in West Chester Township is on its way back. There is only one winter farmers’ market remaining before the weekly West Chester Farmers’ and Art Market will open for the 2012 season May 12 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Just like the weekly farmers’ market, the last winter market will take place at The Square at Union Centre. The winter market will take place this Saturday from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Gaze at the stars – West Chester Township will be offering its first Star Gazing program of 2012 this Saturday at 9 p.m. at Keener Park. The program is free to the public and will take place near the tennis courts at the park. The Dayton and Cincinnati Astronomers Society will be providing their telescopes so that the public can view the stars and planets up close.

National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day – Law enforcement agencies across the region are participating in the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Drug Take-Back Day. On Saturday, dozens of police agencies in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky are providing sites for community members to drop off expired, unused or unwanted prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Drugs can be turned in 10 a.m.-2 p.m., with no questions asked. The local drop-off location will be at West Chester Presbyterian Church, 8930 Cincinnati-Dayton Road.

Arbor Day and Earth Day celebration – Mueller Parker Funeral Home, 6791 Tylersville Road, is hosting a community Arbor Day and Earth Day event from 9 a.m. to noon this Saturday. This community event will provide opportunities to recycle and to remember loved ones with plants.

Free family theatre – A free performance of River Rat and Cat, a comic tale for the entire family, will be presented at Miami University’s Voice of America Learning Center 3 p.m. Sunday. A production of Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park’s Off the Hill education series, River Rat and Cat is a comedy about friendship and cooperation.

no comments yet

Posted in: Events, News, Schools, Sports |

Tags: Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

TueApr24

Pete Rose and Ken Anderson to host signing sessions

Posted by akiefaber April 24th, 2012, 9:57 am Post a Comment

Pete Rose signing

Cincinnati sports legends Pete Rose and Ken Anderson will both host autograph sessions this Saturday afternoon at rival sports memorabilia shops.

The Rose signing session will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Sports Gallery, 7967 Cincinnati-Dayton Road in West Chester, while Anderson will be hosting his autograph session from 2 to 4 p.m. at Advanced Sports Marketing. 7043 Yankee Road in Liberty Township.

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Ken Anderson stands behind the center before receiving the ball against the San Diego Chargers in the AFC playoffs in Cincinnati on Jan. 10, 1982 (Freezer Bowl). AP photo.

Tickets are currently available for both events. To purchase tickets or for information about the Sports Gallery event, call 513-759-4256. For the ASM event, call 513-763-9373.

Rose will sign mini-helmets, baseballs or any flat item for $55 and will sign bats, jerseys, equipment or seatbacks for $75. There will also be the opportunity to have Rose personally sign a baseball with the message, “I’m sorry I bet on baseball.” The cost is $75 and includes a free Major League Baseball.

The Sports Gallery will also have baseballs, bats, photos, cards, helmets and other Reds collectibles available for purchase during the event.

Meanwhile, tickets for Anderson’s signature start at $20 and go up to $65 (jerseys and helmets). Anderson will personalize each signature at no extra cost. Inscriptions, however, will be an extra $10. Anderson will also be available for photos.

In May, the Sports Gallery will be hosting autograph sessions for current members of the Cincinnati Reds rotation.

On Thursday, May 10, starting pitcher Mat Latos will be signing autographs and greeting fans from 6:30 to 8 p.m. That Saturday, May 12, Johnny Cueto will be at the Sports Gallery from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Mail order items signed by either player can also be ordered through the shop.

In person, Latos will sign any item for $30, while Cueto will sign all items for $35. Tickets are currently available for each event.

no comments yet

Posted in: Business, Events, News, Sports |

Tags: Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

FriJan6

Where in West Chester to watch the Bengals Saturday

Posted by akiefaber January 6th, 2012, 12:07 pm Post a Comment

Many West Chester sports bars are featuring unique specials when the Cincinnati Bengals take on the Houston Texans in the NFL playoffs at 4:30 p.m. Saturday.

In no particular order here are the top places locally to chant, “Who Dey!”

Win Place or Show: After every Bengals touchdown scored, customers will be able to purchase $1 beers. Win Place or Show, 9933 Cincinnati-Columbus Rd., will also be offering $10 buckets (five beers), 100 oz. beer tubs and .45-cent naked wings for the game. The local sports grill has seven flat screens in its front bar and 12 more in its back bar.

Dingle House Irish Pub: This modern Irish pub will also celebrate each Bengals touchdown by giving away prizes. Furthermore, the pub will have a raffle after each quarter. Dingle House, 9102 Towne Centre Drive, will also feature food specials including all Irish fare for $9.95 and five large wings for $2.50. The pub, which features 24 import and domestic craft beers, will be offering all 16 oz. draughts for $3.50.

Champps Americana: This sports-themed family restaurant is hoping to draw in fans by offering cash prizes. Every customer who enters Chammps, 9424 Civic Center Blvd. Streets of West Chester, Saturday will receive a raffle ticket. Raffles will feature prizes that include free appetizers, cash and gift certificates. Raffles will be drawn randomly throughout the game and after each time the Bengals score (any type of score – all touchdowns, field goals, safety, etc.).

Willie’s Sports Café: There is not a seat in the entire restaurant that doesn’t have a television nearby at Willie’s Sports Café, 8188 Princeton-Glendale Road. During the Bengals game, Willie’s will be offering 20 oz. Budweiser brand beers for $2 as well as $3 off all appetizers. The specials will be offered from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. With the Bengals game starting at 4:30, the sports café will continue to offer the discounted beers and appetizers until the game is over.

The Back Porch Saloon: This salon, which features more than 20 flat screens, will be offering beer and food specials Saturday. Back Porch Salon, 9626 Princeton-Glendale Rd., will be offering $12 buckets of beer and 24 oz. Bud Light drafts for $3.50. The salon will also be offering three angus sliders for $5. Just like previous Bengals games, remember to place your order by halftime. If the Bengals win, your meal will be free.

Buffalo Wild Wings: This sports bar chain will not be offering any special deals, but remains a community favorite to watch a game. Equipped with 60 televisions and 24 beers on draft, Buffalo Wild Wings, should draw a good crowd Saturday. Buffalo Wild Wings is located right off Union Centre Boulevard by I-75.

If we missed one, please leave a comment below or email me at akiefaber@westchesterbuzz.com.

no comments yet

Posted in: Business, Events, News, Recreational events, Sports |

Tags: Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Connect with WestChesterBuzz

Subscribe

Get community news delivered straight to your inbox.

Featured Businesses

Send us Photos

  • Attach a JPEG (.jpg) photo to your story. Maximum file size is 4 MB.
  • Add a caption, include names & communities of people pictured. (Caption limit: 500 characters, including spaces)

Recent Photos

ohsoftball9 ohsoftball3 ohsoftball1 ohsoftball6 ohsoftball7 ohsoftball4 ohsoftball2 ohsoftball10 bn teen crash season 11
View more photos >