Scott High School football is trending upward. New head coach Dustin Trimnell won’t allow anything less. His players won’t allow anything less. And the seniors — small in number but large in resolve — insist on chasing a winning season, a playoff berth, and a playoff victory, the three milestones that have slipped through their […]
Author Archives: Marc Hardin
Posted inFootball
Five things to know about Bellevue football in 2026
An autumn evening in Bellevue feels less like a Kentucky suburb and more like a step back in time, anchored by the Ohio River, the tight-knit feel of the town and venerable Gilligan Stadium, home of the Tigers. As the sun begins to set over the neighborhood, Bellevue settles into a cozy, communal rhythm with […]
Posted inFootball
Five things to know about Highlands football in 2026
Unlike any other prep football program in northern Kentucky, Highlands is not only facing competition on the playing field but also competing against itself and its own football history. The Class 4A Bluebirds have won 23 state titles, second in Kentucky only to Louisville Trinity, but they haven’t earned one since 2014. That’s an 11-year […]
Posted inFootball
Five things to know about Ryle football in 2026
There’s a new current running through the Ryle High School football team, and head coach Mike Engler says it will be electric at Borland Stadium in Union. “A lot of really good players are gone, but I really like our team,” Engler states as he looks over a roster that lost 25 players and returns […]
Posted inGolf
Ryle ready to defend high school regional golf crowns and other news from around the links
The Kentucky high school golf season begins next week, and both Ryle squads enter with championship expectations. The boys return as defending Region 7 champions after posting a 293 last fall, finishing 10 shots ahead of runner‑up Covington Catholic. The Ryle girls also return as favorites after winning last year’s 7th Region tournament by 34 […]
Posted inBaseball
Former CovCath catcher Maile delivers another storybook return, Walton grad Smith climbing Brewers ladder
Covington Catholic graduate Luke Maile made his 2026 Major League Baseball season debut unforgettable. Called from Triple-A July 2, the Royals catcher stepped to the plate for the first time this season July 6. He then launched a 396‑foot three-run home run off Phillies All‑Star left‑hander Cristopher Sanchez. The blast ignited a six‑run first inning […]
Posted inSoftball
Dixie coach ends longtime athletic association with school
After a highly successful eight-season run, Sarah Osborne has stepped down as the head coach of the Dixie Heights High School softball team to spend more time with her family. She informed the school of her decision on July 7. “My kids are getting into sports,” said Osborne, also a teacher at the school. “They […]
Posted inSports
NKY Special Olympians shine bright
When Team Kentucky marched into the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis, four athletes from northern Kentucky carried not just their team colors, but the pride of their hometowns. Over six days of competition late last month, Maddie Brinkman of Union, Carmen Widener of Burlington, Daniel Hewitt of Erlanger, and Chris Revay of Fort […]
Posted inSoccer
From Highland Heights to world stage: Jesse Randall makes history as first NKU Norse in a World Cup
Former Northern Kentucky University men’s soccer star Jesse Randall made history on the global stage last month. He became the first Norse player to compete in a FIFA World Cup. Representing New Zealand, Randall took the field June 15 during its Group G opening match against Iran. The contest was in Los Angeles. “For it […]
Posted inBasketball
Why Ryle’s Jayden McClain is heading to the Kentucky Wildcats and NKY adds two new coaches
Ryle High School 6‑foot‑6 post player Jayden McClain has been planning her basketball future since most kids are still figuring out middle‑school lockers. Grow and improve. Get to college. Shoot for the highest level possible and let the rest unfold. That blueprint just took its biggest step yet. Last week, the incoming sophomore — one […]
