Harding girls track sends two to D-I programs

By Greg Gulas

sports@vindy.com

With the fall national letter-of-intent period officially under way, several Mahoning Valley athletes made their choices official on the first day they could.

Among those signing at their respective schools on Wednesday were Crestview left-hander Michael McDonough, who will pitch for Ohio State, Warren Harding track standout Justice Richardson (Syracuse) and teammate Aisha Jackson (Central Michigan).

McDonough becomes the first Rebels baseball player to acccept a scholarship offer from a Division I school, calling the Buckeyes his dream team since he first started playing baseball.

“I committed to Ohio State back in July of 2014 and right before the start of my junior year,” McDonough said. “It seems like it has been dragging since then and while my excitement is at an all-time high, I’m glad to finally make it official.

“[Buckeyes pitching coach] Mike Stafford was great throughout the recruiting process. Our relationship grew and I just knew that Ohio State was the right fit for me.”

A three-year letterwinner for the Rebels, McDonough is 13-6 overall during his scholastic career with three saves. In 115 innings of work, he has gone from a 3.2 earned run average as a freshman, lowering that number to 1.90 during his sophomore season to 1.58 this past season.

He’s the school record holder with 92 strikeouts in a season and 217 overall for a career and has thrown two no-hitters (versus Columbiana as a sophomore and United during his recently completed junior campaign) while striking out 19 batters against Salem during his breakout sophomore year.

He led Crestview to a 17-5 overall mark last year, the ITCL Red Division title and a district semifinal appearance.

“We only lose two seniors from last year’s squad so the immediate goal this year is to repeat as league champion, and then get out of the district,” he added.

A three-pitch twirler who relies on a fast ball, curve and change-up, McDonough is also working on adding a slider to his repertoire of pitches.

“Michael has pitched in many big games for us and also during the summer sandlot season. He’s very competitive and loves being on the mound when the game is on the line,” Crestview baseball coach Daniel Hill added. “He’s progressed each season, is durable and will be a leading contender for state “Player of the Year” honors in Division III this season.”

For Richardson, the road just kept leading back to Syracuse and an opportunity to compete against the very best in the Atlantic Coast Conference, as well as on the sport’s national stage.

The 2015 state and regional 100-meter dash champion, she is a three-time district, conference and Trumbull County champion who will be looking to defend all of her championships during the upcoming season.

She’s also a three-time 60 meter indoor qualifier.

“I really fell in love with the Syracuse program, their consistency and the fast runners there and in the ACC that will push me in order to get better,” Richardson said. “They have excellent training facilities and it just felt like home to me. The goal is to finish strong in high school and then pick up at Syracuse right where I left off. We’re a confident group going into the season, have prepared and have a lot of depth, which will help.”

Like Richardson, Jackson is looking forward to the competition and challenges that the Chippewas and the Mid-American Conference will provide.

“I loved the atmosphere at Central Michigan right from the start,” Jackson said. “Coach [Dionne] Henley was very helpful while I was making my decision and I’m just glad that this is all over.

“I don’t have to worry about making any visits and can just concentrate on the upcoming season.”

Jackson has qualified for state in the 100 hurdles the past two years and also the 300 hurdles as a sophomore.

She was a member of the Raiders’ state championship 4x200 indoor relay team and is a two-time state indoor qualifier in the 60 hurdles as well.

Warren Harding track and cross country head coach Charles J. Penny called the girls exceptional talents, both of whom will go down as two of the very best the school has ever produced.

“Justice is the epitome of perseverance while Aisha is the ultimate team player,” Penny said. “Justice broke her foot at state as a sophomore, couldn’t put any pressure on her foot and was in and out of a boot for nearly six months. She healed and won state this past season as a junior. Schools like Ohio State, Michigan and Pitt also recruited her, but the one school that remained aggressive in the recruiting process was Syracuse with their rich, track history.

“As for Aisha, she does anything and everything for the team. She has God-given height and at 5-10, is an excellent hurdler but remains a novice who is still learning her craft. She’s our vocal, on-field leader who makes sure that her teammates remain accountable for their actions both on and off the field.”

Three other Valley baseball standouts made their commitments official Wednesday.

Jared Burkert (Poland) signed with Oakland (Mich.) University and Lou Cardona (Boardman) Drew Potesta signed with Lake Erie College in Painesville.

Boardman distance runner Nate Hadley signed with Walsh University in Canton.

Three Valley players signed softball scholarships. MacKayla Kroll (Warren JFK) signed with Seton Hill, Miyah Mitchum (Boardman) signed with Youngstown State and Megan Ross (Ursuline) signed with Slippery Rock.

Canfield’s Lauren Hull, a noted equestrian competitor, plans to sign today with the University of Georgia.

YSU’s basketball programs also announced signings Wednesday.

The men’s team signed Garfield Heights swingman Braun Hartfield.

The women’s team signed three players from Pennsylvamia — Mary Dunn (Trinity High. Washington), Natalie Myers (Burrell High, Lower Burrell) and Jen Oduho (Villa Maria Academy, Erie).