WestChesterBuzz.com

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.

WestChesterBuzz.com also recently added a new video page last week. To view West Chester and Liberty Township related videos, visit westchesterbuzz.com/videos.

Alicia Lang loses battle with CF – Alicia Lang, a 2010 Lakota West High School graduate, died from cystic fibrosis Friday, March 8 at the Cleveland Clinic, where she underwent a double-lung transplant on Feb. 11. She would have turned 21 on March 20. The family shared the news early last week.

West Chester hospital to address mental health needs – Millions of Americans experience mental illness each year and there aren’t nearly enough psychiatric beds or funds to combat the region’s growing mental health problem. Beckett Springs Hospital, scheduled to open in July in West Chester, will help address that need, said David Polunas, chief executive officer.

YRC Freight to close West Chester hub – One of the nation’s largest trucking companies is planning to shut down its West Chester hub and distribution center, leaving almost 300 workers in limbo. YRC Freight has informed a local union last week that the company plans to close a significant portion of its local operations as part of a nationwide strategy to consolidate operations, Jason Williams of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Lakota West student wins Overture Award – Lakota West senior Abby Koch (pronounced “cook”) was recently named this year’s Cincinnati Overture Award winner for Visual Arts. WestChesterBuzz shared the senior’s story last week.

Lakota West hires Jan Bennett as its new girls’ soccer coach – The Lakota West Athletic Department recently announced that it has hired Jan Bennett as its new head girls’ soccer coach for its varsity program. Bennett takes over the position that was held by Tara Schafer-Kalkhoff, Lakota West’s first and only head coach for girls soccer. Schafer-Kalkoff announced her retirement in December.

Voice of America Museum Board gets official go ahead – The West Chester Township trustees, once again, agreed to enter a five-year lease with the Board of the National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting. This agreement, which was made official last Tuesday night at the latest trustee meeting, will put the museum’s board in charge of maintaining the landmark and will allow them to raise funds as a non-profit corporation.

West Chester neighbors don’t want Kroger – A West Chester Township neighborhood has hired an attorney to prevent a shopping center, which would be anchored by a 133,000-square-foot Kroger Marketplace, from being built near their homes. The group is preparing for its meeting with the Zoning Commission this Monday.

New Enquirer – West Chester and Liberty townships, as well as the rest of Greater Cincinnati, saw a new-looking Cincinnati Enquirer last week. The Enquirer’s new edition unfolded last Monday.

Many crimes kept secret in small Ohio college towns – Sheila McLaughlin continued to report for The Cincinnati Enquirer on how 40 percent of college students in Oxford walk out of courtrooms with a criminal record that is sealed from public sight. Meanwhile, the rest of Butler County lives under different rules.

Posted in: Business, News, Schools, Sports |

Tags: Tags: Alicia Lang, Alicia Lang obit, Alicia Lang obituary, Alicia's Lungs, Beckett Springs Hospital, Beckett Springs Hospital West Chester, CEO David Polunas Beckett Springs Hospital, Cystic Fibrosis, David Polunas, fundraiser, Jan Bennett, Jim Lang, Lakota West, Lakota West soccer, Lakota West sports, Lindner Center of HOPE, Lindner Center of HOPE Mason, Mary Kay Lang, Nick Lang, Richard Bryant, Tara Schafer-Kalkhoff, West Chester business, West Chester business news, West Chester jobs, YRC Freight, YRC Freight West Chester

Alicia Lang, a 2010 Lakota West High School graduate, died from cystic fibrosis Friday, March 8 at the Cleveland Clinic, where she underwent a double-lung transplant on Feb. 11. She would have turned 21 on March 20.

Lang’s story was featured in The Enquirer Feb. 22.

Despite being diagnosed with CF at age 5, Lang was a typical teenager who loved to play tennis and dreamed of becoming a veterinarian. She even named named her dog, Maria, a rottweiler-lab mix, after Russian tennis star Maria Sharapova. In August of 2008, Lang was able to met the tennis star at the U.S. Open in New York City through the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

After trying out for the tennis team as a freshman at Lakota West, Lang had to quit the sport she loved when the oxygen level in her lungs started falling.

In the fall of her senior year of high school, Lang was evaluated by a doctor and told that she needed a double-lung transplant. After more than two years of waiting, she received new lungs in February. Furthermore, doctors told her that she couldn’t pursue her dream of becoming a veterinarian. Moments after being told she couldn’t be a vet tech, her dog, Maria, passed away.

Those hardships, however, didn’t stop Lang from helping others. Despite her condition, Lang led a patient advisory group at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, where she spoke to patients about self-management of cystic fibrosis. She also shared her stories with staff, so they could better understand the human side of patient care.

“Alicia did touch many people,” said her father, Jim Lang of West Chester Township. “She could sit in front of a crowd and get down to their level to explain her ideas and feelings on any subject, especially health care improvement.’’

Last April, Lang and her father were presented the Making a Difference Award of by the Cincinnati Children’s. The father-daughter team was chosen from among 45 nominees for their work in advocating for patients and families dealing with cystic fibrosis.

While Lang helped out at Cincinnati Children’s, she was also involved with her family as they held numerous fundraisers to help defray costs associated with medical expenses and travel.

Days before the transplant surgery, Lang had to have a breathing tube inserted through her chest at Cincinnati Children’s and then air-cared to Cleveland.

After her transplant, which took six hours, at the Cleveland Clinic, doctors stressed that, even with a full recovery, Lang could never be vet or have another pet due to microorgaisms that they could carry.

“Alicia left us peacefully, was not alert and in no pain. We know she is now with her dog, Maria,” her father said.

In addition to her father, survivors include her mother, Mary Kay; her brother Nick, 18, a senior at Lakota West; her maternal grandparents, John and Jeanette Thomas; and her paternal grandparents, Jack and Nancy Lang.

Visitation is scheduled 4-8 p.m. Friday at Hodapp Funeral Home, 6410 Cincinnati-Dayton Road, Liberty Township. A funeral service will be held 5:30 p.m. Saturday at Vineyard Community Church, 11340 Century Circle East, Springdale. A celebration of life will follow after the funeral service.

Memorials: Alicia Lang Memorial Fund at any Fifth Third Bank branch or mail to: JTHF, PO Box, 1236 West Chester, OH 45071.

Posted in: News, Schools |

Tags: Tags: Alicia Lang, Alicia Lang obit, Alicia Lang obituary, Alicia's Lungs, Cystic Fibrosis, fundraiser, Jim Lang, Lakota West, Mary Kay Lang, Nick Lang

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.

WestChesterBuzz.com also recently added a new video page. To view West Chester and Liberty Township related videos, visit westchesterbuzz.com/videos.

Lakota West grad wakes up after double-lung transplant – When Alicia Lang finally woke up Saturday, Feb. 16, at the Cleveland Clinic, she did so with a new pair of lungs. Lang, a 20-year-old Lakota West graduate who has cystic fibrosis, has been waiting for more than two years for a double-lung transplant. On Feb. 11, the long wait was over. Lang’s operation was a success. WestChesterBuzz.com reported the story last week.

Liberty Township trustee Pat Hiltman steps down – After serving seven years as a Liberty Township trustee, Pat Hiltman is stepping down, 10 months shy of finishing his second term. Hiltman said he was resigning effective immediately because a recent job change requires extensive travel.

Justice doled out differently in Butler Co. courts – Sheila McLaughlin reported last week: The weekly cattle call at Butler County Area III Court swells with a mixed bag of people charged with minor crimes and traffic violations. They spend hours waiting for their cases to be called. Many plead guilty, get probation and make a stop at the clerk’s window to pay their fines. Most go on their way with a criminal record that anyone can see.

Gun rally in West Chester – There were times, on a beautiful sunny Saturday afternoon in West Chester, when the Day of Resistance gathering felt like a heavily armed history class. Hundreds of people stood, many with pistols on their hips or semi-automatic rifles slung over their shoulders, and listened to speakers talk about the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions of 1798, about the Federalists versus the anti-Federalists debate, and the history of the legal theory of nullification.

West Chester police looking for thief who stole from mosques – West Chester and Miamisburg police departments are trying to identify a man, who detectives say is responsible for stealing donations from a pair of local mosques on the same morning. Crime Stoppers released photos of the suspect last Wednesday.

Lakota West RB Mikel Horton adds offers – Minnesota and Western Michigan offered Lakota West junior running back Mikel Horton last Wednesday, according Lakota West head football coach Larry Cox. Horton, who has received interest from Louisville, Penn State and Michigan State, also has offers from Indiana, Kent State, Toledo, Bowling Green and Kentucky.

ASU offers Lakota East OL Jarrett LaRubbio – Arizona State offered Lakota East junior offensive lineman Jarrett LaRubbio last Tuesday, Lakota East coach Rick Haynes told Cincinnati Enquirer high school sports recruiting writer Mike Dyer. Haynes later told Dyer that Western Michigan is offering, as well. he 6-foot-5, 265-pound lineman received offers earlier this month from Duke, Kentucky and Nebraska. He also has offers from Akron, Pittsburgh, Bowling Green, Toledo, Kent State and Ohio.

Posted in: Board of Trustees, Crime, News |

Tags: Tags: Alicia Lang, Alicia's Lungs, Crime Stoppers, Cystic Fibrosis, Day of Resistance, Day of Resistance rally, Day of Resistance rally West Chester, Day of Resistance West Chester, fundraiser, gun control, Jim Lang, Judge Rob Lyons, Lakota West, Liberty Township Ohio, Liberty Township Trustee Pat Hiltman, Liberty Township trustees, Mary Kay Lang, Miami University, Miami University crime, Nick Lang, Pat Hiltman, Rob Lyons, West Chester Ohio crime, West Chester Police, West Chester Police Department

When Alicia Lang finally woke up Saturday at the Cleveland Clinic, she did so with a new pair of lungs.

Lang, a 20-year-old Lakota West graduate who has cystic fibrosis, has been waiting for more than two years for a double-lung transplant.

On Feb. 11, the long wait was over. Lang’s operation was a success.

Waiting for lungs

As a freshman at Lakota West, she tried out for the tennis team and dreamed of becoming a veterinarian. Lang, who was diagnosed with CF at age 5, even named her dog, Maria, a rottweiler-lab mix, after Russian tennis star Maria Sharapova.

During that first year of high school, however, the oxygen level in Lang’s lungs started falling. She was constantly hospitalized and had to put down her tennis racket for good. To make things worse, Maria died.

Then in October 2010, Alicia was evaluated by a doctor and told that she needed a double-lung transplant.

That year, as a senior, Lang only had the energy to attend two or three classes a day. The rest of her work was done online.

College was put on hold. Her dream of becoming of vet was over, as doctors told her that there would be too many germs.

Lang has been on oxygen for more than a year. She was clinging to life.

Receiving her new lungs

“Before the surgery, she was gasping for air,’’ said her father, Jim Lang. “Basically, it was end-of-life breathing.’’

On Feb. 8, Alicia Lang had a breathing tube inserted through her chest. She could no longer breathe without the help of a respirator.

Meanwhile, in New York, a banker in her 20s was on life support after suffering an aneurysm that day. Her lungs were healthy. The young organ donor had never smoked, drank very little and wasn’t on any medications.

While their daughter slept, Alicia’s parents accepted the offer.

That night, Alicia and her parents left Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center in a helicopter and landed on the rooftop of the Cleveland Clinic.

Waiting for her to wake up

Until Saturday, Alicia had been asleep for eight days.

While she slept, her parents and her brother, Nick, a senior at Lakota West who also has cystic fibrosis, waited as doctors performed the transplant, then prayed as Alicia underwent a tracheostomy.

Then they prayed for her to wake up.

That Saturday, doctors told the Langs that the arterial line might be causing a blood clot, preventing blood from going into her hand. Alicia was going to need her third surgery in five days.

After surgery, Alicia started reacting to her parents. She then opened her eyes, grabbed their hands, wiggled her toes and watched some television.

“She should have awakened earlier than she did, so it is a relief,” said her mother, Mary Kay Lang.

Even though she is awake, Alicia still can’t speak due to her trach, which is a tube in her neck that she uses to breathe. She also can’t comprehend what her parents are saying, due to heavy sedation and pain medication.

“She seems aware that she received the transplant, but whether she gets the whole gist of it, it is hard to say,” her mother said.

Mary Kay is staying in Cleveland until Alicia is cleared to return to the family’s West Chester home. That could be six months. Alicia will be in the hospital for another six weeks, but then will have to stay in Cleveland indefinitely for checkups. Her father, who works two jobs, will visit on weekends.

Becoming a vet is no longer an option. Even with a full recovery, doctors have stressed that Alicia should never get another pet due to microorganisms they carry.

Prior to the transplant, Alicia decided she would wait to make any decisions on her future.

“She has had put her life on hold,” her mother said. “Because her body was in such respiratory distress it could take a long time for her to come out of this. We don’t know how fast she is going to bounce back. It is going to be up to her own body.”

BY THE NUMBERS

104: Patients who had lung transplants at Cleveland Clinic in 2012
56: Patients who had double-lung transplants at Cleveland Clinic in 2012

DOUBLE-LUNG TRANSPLANT SURVIVAL RATE

82.6 percent: One year
64.8 percent: Three years
50.3 percent: Five years

Source: United Network for Organ Sharing

Father, Jim Lang, offers way to help family

1. Become an organ and tissue donor at donatelife.net
2. Make a tax deductible donation to NFT Ohio Transplant Fund at transplants.org
3. Walk with Alicia’s team at The Shamrock Shuffle at The Square @ Union Centre on Saturday morning, March 9, 2013. Register at theshamrockshuffle.com using team name – Alicia Lang (NFT Ohio Transplant Fund)
4. Bring your aluminum cans to Lakota West High School the first Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to noon.

Posted in: News |

Tags: Tags: Alicia Lang, Alicia's Lungs, Cystic Fibrosis, fundraiser, Jim Lang, Lakota West, Mary Kay Lang, Nick Lang

The athletic departments at Lakota East and Lakota West high schools recently named their athletes of the week. Senior Connor Fraley and sophomore Tyler Harsch received the honor at Lakota East, while junior Nick Lang and freshman Sydney Hill were honored at Lakota West.

According to the Greater Miami Conference website, Lakota East tennis player Connor Fraley is 2-1 this season at No. 2 singles and 6-1 with partner Colin Sasthav at No. 1 doubles.

Tyler Harsch is currently ninth in the GMC in aces and in digs. The sophomore has helped the Thunderhawks boys’ volleyball team get off to a 7-4 start.

Last week, Lakota West tennis player Nick Lang won three of four matches last week at No. 1 singles. This spring, Lang got off to a 4-1 start at the No. 1 spot.

Last Friday, Sydney Hill turned in the best individual placement and highest cumulative point total of any athlete on the Lakota West girls’ track team at the Mt. Healthy Owls Classic. Hill placed fourth in the 100-meter hurdles and also sixth in the 300-meter hurdles.

Posted in: Sports, Spring sports |

Tags: Tags: athletes of the week, Connor Fraley, Lakota athletes of the week, Lakota East, Lakota East athletics, Lakota East boys' tennis, Lakota East boys' volleyball, Lakota East Sports, Lakota East tennis, Lakota East volleyball, Lakota West, Lakota West athletics, Lakota West boys' tennis, Lakota West tennis, Lakota West track, Nick Lang, Sydney Hill, Tyler Harsch

Every Friday morning this spring, WestChesterBuzz.com will provide a quick weekly recap of the Lakota varsity high school sports games as well as previewing the weekend. On Mondays, look for the Lakota weekly athletic schedule.

Lakota East baseball: After a 3-4 start this season, the defending Division I state champions have roared back to win nine of their last 11 ballgames. Since Monday, April 9 of last week, Lakota East has won five consecutive games and has outscored its opponents 46-10 during that stretch. This week, the Thunderhawks defeated Middletown by the score of 12-2 Monday and Fairfield by the score of 7-3 Wednesday. On Friday, Lakota East will visit Fairfield (10-6 overall, 6-5 in the GMC) at 5 p.m. – WestChesterBuzz.com will feature a story and photos from the game. As of Friday morning, Lakota East is 11-6 overall and 8-3 in the GMC (in three-way tie for second place).

Lakota West baseball: The Firebirds split games this week, defeating Fairfield by the score of 16-9 Monday and losing against Oak Hills by the score of 9-3. Lakota West will have an opportunity to revenge that loss Friday when its visits Oak Hills (11-5 overall, 8-3 in the GMC) at 5 p.m. As of Friday morning, Lakota West is 10-6 overall and 8-3 in the GMC (in three-way tie for second place).

Lakota East softball: The Thunderhawks have taken back the top spot in the GMC standings after defeating rival Lakota West Thursday. The win snaps a four-game losing skid to its school district rival. Overall, Lakota East has won six consecutive games. As of Friday morning, Lakota East is 16-2 overall and 11-1 in the GMC (in first place).

Lakota West softball: The Firebirds have held the top spot in the standings for most of the spring, winning their first 10 conference games. However, the team lost back-to-back games this week – falling by the score of 7-1 against Fairfield Wednesday and then losing by the score of 3-1 against Lakota East Thursday. As of Friday morning, Lakota West is 15-5 overall and 10-2 in the GMC (in second place).

Lakota East boys’ volleyball: The Thunderhawks won road matches this week 26-24, 25-17, 25-11 at Princeton Tuesday and 25-22, 25-20, 25-10 at Badin Wednesday. The squad, however, lost 25-19, 25-20, 28-26 to Sycamore Thursday night. As of Friday morning, Lakota East is 7-4 overall and 3-3 in the GMC (in fifth place).

Lakota West boys’ volleyball: The Firebirds are off to the best start in school history and have won all 12 of their games this season. This week, Lakota West defeated Fairmont by the score of 25-16, 25-21, 25-17 Monday, Oak Hills by the score of 25-20, 25-13, 25-14 Tuesday and Northmont by the score of 18-25, 25-16, 25-22, 16-25, 15-13 Wednesday. As of Friday morning, Lakota West is 12-0 overall and 4-0 in the GMC (one of two teams unbeaten in the GMC).

Lakota East boys’ tennis: Lakota East split matches this week, defeating Lakota West 3-2 Tuesday and losing at Oakwood 3-2 Wednesday. On Thursday, the team competed in the Coaches Classic where No. 1 singles player Zach Mueck won both of his matches. As of Friday morning, Lakota East is 5-5 overall and 3-3 in the GMC (in fifth place).

Lakota West boys’ tennis: The Firebirds lost back-to-back matches this week – losing to rival Lakota East by the score of 3-2 Tuesday and to Fairfield by the score of 4-1 Wednesday. As of Friday morning, Lakota West is 2-5 overall and 2-3 in the GMC (in sixth place).

See below for the Lakota varsity high school sports weekend schedule:

Friday, April 20

Lakota East – track – at Winton Woods Inv. at 4 p.m.
Lakota West – track – at Milford Inv. at 4 p.m.
Lakota East – baseball – at Fairfield at 5 p.m. (TO BE COVERED BY WESTCHESTERBUZZ.COM)
Lakota West – baseball – at Oak Hills at 5 p.m.
Lakota East – softball – at Lafeyette Tournament at 7 p.m.
Lakota West – boys’ lacrosse – vs. Mason at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 21

Lakota East – softball – at Lafeyette Tournament at 10 a.m.
Lakota East and Lakota West – boys’ tennis – GCTCA Tournament
Lakota East – baseball – at Hilliard Darby at 11 a.m.
Lakota East – boys’ volleyball – TRI w/ Bradley/TBA at 11 a.m.
Lakota West – boys’ volleyball – at Alter at 11 a.m.
Lakota East – baseball – at Olentangy at 1:30 p.m.
Lakota West – boys’ lacrosse – vs. Mariemont at 3 p.m.

Game times and locations can change. Games can also be canceled due to weather. Contact the school’s athletic department before heading out to any games.

Posted in: Sports, Spring sports |

Tags: Tags: Lakota athletic weekly recap, Lakota East, Lakota East baseball, Lakota East boys' tennis, Lakota East boys' volleyball, Lakota East softball, Lakota East Sports, Lakota sports schedule, Lakota sports weekly, Lakota West, Lakota West baseball, Lakota West boys' tennis, Lakota West boys' volleyball, Lakota West softball, Lakota West sports, Nick Lang

Every Friday morning this spring, WestChesterBuzz.com will provide a quick weekly recap of the Lakota varsity high school sports games as well as previewing the weekend. On Mondays, look for the Lakota weekly athletic schedule.

Lakota West softball: Lakota West is still in sole possession of first place in the Greater Miami Conference standings. The Firebirds defeated Colerain, 8-0, on Monday and Mason, 6-3, on Wednesday. Lakota West also remains in first place in the latest coaches poll from The Cincinnati Enquirer. In the Enquirer’s preseason poll, the Firebirds were tied with Lakota East – a team the Firebirds defeated by the score of 6-2 March 30. As of Thursday, Lakota West is 11-3 overall and 8-0 in the GMC.

Lakota East softball: After losing to rival Lakota West two weeks ago, the Thunderhawks (No. 2 in Enquirer poll) have won eight of their last nine games. This past week, Lakota East won two games – 10-0 against Middletown on Monday and 9-2 against Sycamore on Wednesday. As of Thursday, Lakota East is 12-2 overall and 7-1 in the GMC.

Lakota West baseball: After starting the season by losing three of its first four games, Lakota West has went on to win seven of its last nine contests. This week, the Firebirds defeated Middletown twice, 11-5 on Monday and 9-4 on Tuesday, and lost by the score of 12-2 at Badin Thursday. As of Thursday, Lakota West is 8-5 overall and 6-2 in the GMC.

Lakota East baseball: After losing to Mason Monday for the second time this season, the Thunderhawks have won six of their last eight games. This past week, Lakota East defeated Colerain twice – 9-3 on Monday and 7-1 on Wednesday. As of Thursday, Lakota East is 8-6 overall and 5-3 in the GMC.

Lakota West boys’ volleyball: The Firebirds are off to a great start this season, winning all nine games. This past week, Lakota West defeated Fairfield 27-25, 19-25, 25-18, 25-13 on Tuesday and Princeton 25-16, 25-16, 25-10 on Thursday. As of Thursday, Lakota West is 9-0 overall and 3-0 in the GMC.

Lakota East boys’ volleyball: The Thunderhawks are also playing well and won a road match at Hamilton by the score of 25-10, 25-11, 25-16 on Tuesday. Lakota East, however, lost at Fairfield by the score of 25-16, 25-19, 25-22 on Thursday. As of Thursday, Lakota East is 5-3 overall and 2-2 in the GMC.

Lakota West boys’ tennis: The Firebirds split matches this week, defeating Middletown 5-0 Wednesday and then losing 4-1 at Sycamore Thursday. In three matches this season, No. 1 singles player junior Nick Lang is 3-0. As of Thursday, Lakota West is 2-1 overall and 2-1 in the GMC.

Lakota East boys’ tennis: Lakota East won two matches this week, a 4-1 decision against Loveland Wednesday and a 3-2 win against Cincinnati Country Day Thursday. Earlier in the week, the Thunderhawks lost 3-2 against Fairfield. Currently, Lakota East is 4-3 overall and 2-3 in the GMC.

See below for the Lakota varsity high school sports weekend schedule:

Friday, April 13

Lakota East – boys’ tennis – vs. Sycamore at 4 p.m.
Lakota West – track – at Mt. Healthy at 4 p.m.
Lakota East – track – at Lebanon Relays at 4:30 p.m.
Lakota East – baseball – at Middletown at 5 p.m.
Lakota West – baseball – at Fairfield at 5 p.m.
Lakota East – softball – vs. Fairfield at 5 p.m.
Lakota West – softball – vs. Middletown at 5 p.m.
Lakota West – boys’ lacrosse – vs. Sycamore at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 14

Lakota West – girls’ lacrosse – vs. Columbus School for Girls at 10 a.m.
Lakota West – softball – at Chardon at 5:30 p.m.

Posted in: Sports, Spring sports |

Tags: Tags: Lakota athletic weekly recap, Lakota East, Lakota East baseball, Lakota East boys' tennis, Lakota East boys' volleyball, Lakota East softball, Lakota East Sports, Lakota sports schedule, Lakota sports weekly, Lakota West, Lakota West baseball, Lakota West boys' tennis, Lakota West boys' volleyball, Lakota West softball, Lakota West sports, Nick Lang

The Greater Miami Conference recently honored its student athletes by releasing its all-conference teams. Yesterday, June 8, the baseball and softball All-GMC teams were posted on WestChesterBuzz.com. In total, Lakota had 45 athletes named to all-conference teams this spring sports season.

Overall, it was a very successful spring sports season for the Lakota school district. In baseball, Lakota East won the GMC and the state championship. Lakota East also won a GMC title in softball, while Lakota West shared the GMC title with Oak Hills in boys’ volleyball.

In boys’ tennis, Lakota East junior Zack Mueck (photo) was named the GMC Boys’ Tennis Athlete of the Year. Mueck’s teammate’s Freddy Abunku, who will continue his career at Xavier University, was named to the All-GMC First Team. Lakota West senior Aaron Madaris and Lakota East senior Akash Unakantha were both named to the All-GMC Second Team. Also, Lakota West sophomore Nick Lang was named to the All-GMC Third Team.

In boys’ volleyball, Lakota East senior Wesley Meyer was named the GMC Boys’ Volleyball Athlete of the Year. Lakota West senior Rio Onuki, Lakota West junior Alex Vohland and Lakota East junior Michael Ricke were all named to the All-GMC First Team. Meanwhile, Lakota West junior Alex Baker and Lakota East senior Anthony Fiorenza were named to the All-GMC Second Team. (more…)

Posted in: Sports, Spring sports |

Tags: Tags: Aaron Madaris, Akash Unakantha, Alex Baker, Alex Vohland, Anthony Fiorenza, Arianna Cooper, Autumn Heath, boys' tennis, boys' volleyball, Brady Holmer, Caitlin Graska, Freddy Abunku, Ian Trau, J.J. Weber, Kellsa Mbah, Kendra Thomas, Lakota East, Lakota East Sports, Lakota West, Lakota West sports, Lauren Buck, Madeline Eroskey, Maria Brafford, Michael Ricke, Nathan Haynes, Nick Lang, Reid Becker, Rio Onuki, Taylor Avery, tennis, track, volleyball, Wesley Meyer, Will Clevidence, Will Wilson, Zack Mmueck

Both the Lakota East baseball and softball teams earned eight-inning road wins on Thursday, April 14, against Fairfield teams. The baseball team defeated Fairfield by the score of 3-2, while softball team earned a 2-1 victory.

>>>GAME STORY: LAKOTA EAST SOFTBALL<<<

Lakota East senior pitcher Evan Hills, who recently committed to the University of Cincinnati, improved his record to 4-1 on the season. Senior J.D. Whetsel (3-for-5, 2B), sophomore Jarret Rindfleish (2-for-5), junior Alex Corna (2-for-4) and senior Mitch Geers (2-for-3) led Lakota East from the plate. Meanwhile, Lakota East senior Sara Pearson homered and threw a complete game in the softball win against Fairfield. Pearson improved her record to 10-1 on the season.

>>>PHOTOS: FAIRFIELD AT LAKOTA EAST – SOFTBALL<<<

Both teams are now tied atop the Greater Miami Conference standings.

In baseball, Lakota East is 7-3 overall and 6-2 in the GMC. Mason (8-2 overall) is also 6-2 in the GMC. The Thunderhawks will host Fairfield (6-5 overall, 3-5 in GMC) today, April 15, at 5 p.m.

In softball, Lakota East is now 13-1 overall and 8-1 in the GMC. Fairfield (8-1 overall) is also 8-1 in the GMC. The Thunderhawks are scheduled to play at Middletown (3-7 overall, 3-5 in GMC) on Saturday, April 16.

Baseball – Lakota West 1, Oak Hills 0 – Lakota West earned a 1-0 win against Oak Hills on Thursday to stay a game out from the top two teams in the GMC standings. Junior Zack Farmer earned his first win on the season and struck out nine batters. With the win, Lakota West improves to 6-4 overall and 5-3 in the GMC. The Firebirds will host Oak Hills (5-4 overall, 4-4 in the GMC) today at 5 p.m.

Softball – Lakota West 2, Middletown 0 – In her second game back from injury, Lakota West senior pitcher Alex Caudill shutout Middletown and struck out 16 batters in a 2-0 victory on Thursday. Junior Amanda Lahti (3-for-3) led Lakota West at the plate. With the win, Lakota West improves to 8-2 overall and 7-1 in the GMC. The Firebirds will play at Sycamore today at 4:30 p.m.

Tennis – Lakota East def. Lakota West – Lakota East won its sixth straight team match, while Lakota West lost for the fourth straight time when the Thunderhawks defeated the Firebirds 4-1 on Thursday. Only No. 3 singles player sophomore Nick Lang won his match for Lakota West. Lakota East improves to 8-1 overall and 7-1 in the GMC. Lakota West’s record falls to 5-4 overall and 3-2 in the GMC. Lakota West will play at Mason (8-1 overall, 6-1 in the GMC) this afternoon at 4 p.m.

Track – at Mt. Healthy – The Lakota West boys’ team finished third, while the girls’ team was fifth at the track competition at Mt. Healthy High School on Thursday. The boys’ team won multiple categories including the 4×800 relay, the 800M (Nathaniel Haynes), 1600M (Brady Holmer), and the 3200 run (Holmer). Meanwhile, Amanda Shelby won the girls’ 1600M. The coed track team will compete at Butler (Vandalia) High School this Saturday at 9:30 a.m.

Volleyball – Lakota East def. Princeton – Lakota East remained perfect in the GMC when it defeated Princeton by the score of 25-4, 25-9, 25-11 on Thursday. The Thunderhawks improve to 11-3 overall and 4-0 in the GMC. Lakota East’s next match will be against Badin on Monday, April 18.

Posted in: Sports, Spring sports |

Tags: Tags: Alex Caudill, Amanda Lahti, Amanda Shelby, baseball, boys' tennis, Brady Holmer, Evan Hills, Lakota East, Lakota East Sports, Lakota West, Lakota West sports, Nathaniel Haynes, Nick Lang, Sara Pearson, softball, tennis, track, volleyball, Zack Farmer

Lakota West scored the game-winning run in the eighth inning Wednesday, April 13, when junior Jake Wagner singled in junior Nick Billman to make the score 2-1. The Firebirds would hold on to the lead thanks in part to senior starting pitcher T.J. Belieu, who threw a complete game. Belieu improves his record to 3-0. He also has 19 strikeouts in 20 innings and an ERA of 1.40 this season.

The win improves Lakota West’s overall record to 5-4 and its record within the Greater Miami Conference to 4-3. The Firebirds will visit Oak Hills (5-3 overall, 4-3 in the GMC) this afternoon at 5 p.m.

Baseball – Lakota East 2, Middletown 0 – Earlier this week, Lakota East had two games against Middletown postponed before finally beating the Middies by the score of 2-0 on Wednesday. Senior pitcher Evan Hills earned the win, improving his record to 3-1 on the season. Senior Brian Evans went 2-for-4 at the plate and drove in both runs. The win moves Lakota East into a two-way tie with Mason (7-2 overall, 5-2 in the GMC) atop the GMC standings. The Thunderhawks (6-3 overall, 5-2 in the GMC) will visit Fairfield (6-4 overall, 3-4 in the GMC) this afternoon at 5 p.m.

Softball – Lakota East 10, Sycamore 1 – The Thunderhawks won its 11th straight game on Wednesday when it defeated Sycamore by the score of 10-1. Sophomore pitcher Lea Buckenmyer improved to 3-0 this season. She also has 24 strikeouts and a 1.05 ERA in 20 innings this season. Senior Kelly Hardison homered for the fifth time this season and drove in four runs. Lakota East (12-1 overall, 7-1 in the GMC) will visit Fairfield (8-0 overall, 8-0 in the GMC) this afternoon in a battle between two of the area’s top teams.

Tennis – Centerville def. Lakota West – After winning five straight matches last week, the Lakota West boys’ tennis team has lost all three of its matches this week. The latest loss was against Centerville, which defeated the Firebirds by the score of 4-1. No. 3 singles player sophomore Nick Lang won his match for Lakota West. The Firebirds will visit rival Lakota East (7-1 overall, 6-1 in the GMC) this afternoon at 4 p.m.

Volleyball – Centerville def. Lakota West – The Elks defeated Lakota West by the score of 25-19, 25-19, 25-16 on Wednesday. Junior Alex Baker led the Firebirds with nine digs. Senior Rio Onuki had four kills and sophomore Curtis Johnson added two kills in the loss for Lakota West. The Firebirds (4-4 overall, 4-0 in the GMC) will visit Oak Hills (8-1 overall, 3-1 in the GMC) tonight at 7 p.m.

Volleyball – Lakota East def. Fairmont – Lakota East defeated Fairmont by the score of 25-16, 26-24, 25-18 on Wednesday. The win improves Lakota East’s overall record to 10-3 this season. The team is also 3-0 within the GMC. East will host Princeton tonight at 7 p.m.

Posted in: Sports, Spring sports |

Tags: Tags: Alex Baker, baseball, boys' tennis, boys' volleyball, Brian Evans, Curtis Johnson, Evan Hills, Jake Wagner, Kelly Hardison, Lakota East, Lakota East Sports, Lakota West, Lakota West sports, Lea Buckenmyer, Nick Billman, Nick Lang, Rio Onuki, softball, T.J. Belieu, tennis, volleyball