Growing up an epic Pittsburgh Penguins fan can influence a child’s hobbies. After learning how to skate as a toddler, Cleveland Heights High hockey player Sam Brown knew what he wanted — to grab a hockey stick, flip on some skates and hit the rink. It took about four years of Sam begging his parents to play hockey before they finally caved and signed him up to play. Practice for a 7-year-old starts at 6 a.m. “It’s not much fun for parents,” said Sam, a defenseman on the team. Not only that, but hockey is a contact sport that makes some parents cringe when picturing their son or daughter …
In Javon Jackson's first season with the Cleveland Heights High wrestling team, coach Willie Newton was concerned. Jackson sometimes became discouraged with the requirements of the team, lost several matches and even quit. That’s all changed, though, and for the past two years, Newton said Jackson has become the team's leader and a source of inspiration for teammates. Jackson, 18, said his mother wanted him to pick up wrestling so that he’d stay out of trouble. At first, Jackson said he didn’t like the sport. But then he achieved something many thought was impossible. “One of my …
Maurice O’Field is a name to watch for in the next few years. As a sophomore on the Cleveland Heights High School boys' basketball team, he's already made varsity and received attention from universities. His interest in basketball was sparked by injury. When he was in the fifth grade, he fractured his leg while playing football. Once he healed, at the advice of family and friends, Maurice switched from scoring touchdowns to shooting hoops. His first goal was to make varsity. Now, he's a standout. At one of his recent games, he was the high scorer, contributing 15 points on Jan. 9 against …
Sometimes a family tradition can produce a passion. Just ask Andrea Chan, a captain on the Cleveland Heights High School swim team. All three of her older sisters were competitive swimmers — so it only made sense for mom to drop her off at a practice, too. Chan has been swimming competitively since she was 8, and now, as a senior, is in her fourth year swimming for the Tigers. At school, Chan has been the swimming team's MVP for the last three years, a success that Chan said motivates her to keep going. Another one of her proudest achievements happened when Chan was 10 years old, swimming for…
The athletic skill of senior Larissa Davis runs in her blood. Her father is a former football athlete, her mother played a handful of sports and her older sister played basketball in middle school. Davis, No. 52, is a point guard on the Cleveland Heights High girls' basketball team. She and the Tigers will take on Euclid tonight at home. Davis said that she's been playing basketball since she was 3 years old. Some of her earliest memories include copying her older sister's moves and mimicking players she saw on television. As point guard, she has one of the most important positions on the …
