Among the final scribblings in our summer golf notebook is an entry about an auspicious NKU debut plus a final peek at player of the year standings for two junior tours. In between, we tee up some recent results turned in by notable locals as the calendar flip from August to September signals the fall […]
Author Archives: Marc Hardin
Elusive region crown fuels district-dominating Simon Kenton volleyball team
This story originally appeared in the August 30 edition of the weekly LINK Reader. To get these stories first, subscribe here. Seniors Tori Chasteen and Keira Hans are smiling and giggling as they talk about Simon Kenton volleyball and their relationship with the program. They are in practice uniforms near the high school gymnasium as their […]
Northern Kentucky golf pros, amateurs, collegiates swing into action on the links
Last week’s 73rd Kentucky PGA Professional Championship at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville provided opportunities for 63 PGA members who battled for the title of top pro in Kentucky. A handful of golfers with northern Kentucky ties tried to take advantage by putting together solid finishes in a tightly contested field. In the end, three […]
March to state tournament begins this week for top NKY prep volleyball teams
According to the most recent athletics participation survey by the National Federation of State High School Associations, volleyball is the second-most popular sport for girls. With more than 470,000 participants at more than 16,000 high schools, volleyball trails only track and field in nationwide interest. There are 25 girls volleyball teams in northern Kentucky competing […]
Hardin Fast: NKY sports news from NKU, Notre Dame, Newport, Beechwood, CovCath, Cooper, Ryle and elsewhere
Long time, no see. But hey, let’s not waste any time because news is occurring in a blur in northern Kentucky. This includes all those rapidly happening coaching hires and college offers. We have the latest on the best teams and the biggest stars in the area. It’s all here in the fastest 1,000 words […]
Local golfers are in good standing this summer
Former Ryle High School golfer Tanner Lorms qualified for the Kentucky Match Play Championship at Heritage Hill Golf Course in Shepherdsville. Lorms, a Raiders state qualifier and fifth at last year’s KHSAA regional tournament, finished in a three-way tie for 14th during last week’s Open Division stroke play qualifier. He carded an 18-hole score of […]
How a Ryle High School lineman fast-tracked his way to a college football commitment
Ryle High School’s Dillon Smith doesn’t mess around on the football field. The 6-foot-4, 250-pound senior lineman is a well-prepared and productive player. He has risen to every challenge by fine-tuning his craft in a serious-minded pursuit of excellence. Ryle coach Mike Engler praises Smith as an intelligent and efficient athlete. The two-way lineman is […]
Four downs with Ludlow
The Ludlow High School football team showed significant improvements in its first season under head coach Woody McMillen. Known for starting a program at Walton-Verona and later coaching at Bellevue, McMillen demonstrated his knack for handling small-school teams. In just one season, he transformed Ludlow into a contender after three challenging years with only 11 […]
Former northern Kentucky prep golf heroes making their points
The Greater Cincinnati Golf Association has updated its player of the year points standings and three former northern Kentucky high school golfers are in the top 15 in the race for 2024 GCGA Player of the Year. Former Ryle High School golfer Chris Harpum parlayed his win at the 115th Tony Blom Metropolitan Amateur Championship […]
Bryant’s snappy recovery inspires the Bluebirds
This story originally appeared in the August 2 edition of the weekly LINK Reader. To get these stories first, subscribe here. Torin Bryant is a multifaceted senior at Highlands High School, excelling in both academics and athletics. Standing nearly 6-foot-1 and weighing 250 pounds, Bryant is a formidable presence on the football field. He plays multiple […]

