News Blog has Moved

We have moved all of our content to our new website at WeAreColerain.com. Be sure to visit us there for all the latest news on Colerain Athletics.

We will keep this blog up, but all new content will be on the new website.

Thanks!

Boy's Soccer Starts the Season Strong

Contributed by Mike Hoffman

August 23, 2010

Colerain Boys Varsity Soccer

Colerain opened up the 2010 season traveling to Northwest High School. Colerain won 3-0 on goals from Mitch Stehlin, Ricco Hanson, and Kevin Walker. The game was, for the most part, dominated by Colerain. The Cardinal defense did an excellent job at keeping the ball pushed forward and controlling the speed of the game. Patience and ball movement were the keys to this game for the Cards.

Colerain Boys Junior Varsity

The Junior Varsity played to a 0 – 0 draw. The Cards clearly dominated this game playing on the Knight’s side of the field and getting off numerous shots. The Northwest goalkeeper did an amazing job, keeping the ball out of the net.

Colerain golfer gets hole in one!

TJ Strong, Sophomore at Colerain High School, scored an ACE at the St.
Xavier JV Golf Invitational on Tuesday, August 10th, Hickory Woods Golf
Course in Milford, Ohio.

The 140yrd Par 3, Hole #2 hole-in-one was made using an Nike Ignite 8
iron, playing a Callaway BigBertha Diablo ball.

Congrats to TJ!

2010 Cross Country Season Preview

By Brendan McDonough for
WeAreColerain.com


The Boy's and Girl's Cross Country teams have started practicing for a new season with high hopes after a successful run last season. Both teams finished 3rd in the conference and, for first time in 10 years, both the men's and women's programs qualified for the regional championships. This year, the programs are looking to accomplish something that has never been done in school history: send both teams to the State Championship. The boy's team is loaded with experience, led up front by senior Craig Sulken and junior Erik Tomczewski, both 1st All-Conference last season. Following them will be a strong pack of runners led by seniors Victor Zeinner and Brendan McDonough, both returning from injury-ridden 2009 seasons. Also contributing will be a multitude of upperclassmen including seniors David Friedhoff, Craig White, and Kurtis Marshall and juniors Austin Cox and Dillan Coulter. The girl's squad has a mixture of young talent and veterans alike. Seniors Allison Steinbeck, Sam and Alex Work, and Stacey Sulken have all participated in the state meet and hope to lead their team back again this season. Joining them this season will be sophomore Kristen Selier, who was an All-Conference track athlete in three events this past spring, as well as freshman Kaylee Tepee. Senior Lyndsey Yuellig, junior Tory Lekson, and sophomore Kabrella Clark also figure to make an impact this season. The team starts off their season at Harvin Park for the Fairfield Invitational on Saturday morning, August 28th. Come out and watch the team this season as they try to make history.

Recap from Harrison Scrimmage

Every long journey starts with a first step and the 2010 Colerain Cardinal Football team took theirs Friday night. After hitting each other all summer the Cards took on the Harrison Wildcats in their first contact scrimmage.

The expectation of the 2010 Cards is that they will be led by their defense. This showed early in the scrimmage when scoring for the evening was started by a 18yd fumble recovery by #55 Andrew Smith. This set the tone for tonight's contest as the defense shut down the Wildcats. Led by #21 Chris Dukes and #44 Jarrett Grace the first team defense played extremely well. The only score given up came late in the contest when many 2nd and 3rd teamers were playing.

Offensively it was Colerain football at its best. The O-line dominated the line of scrimmage leading the way for the show to begin. The first offensive score was a pass from #1 Tyler Williams to #5 Chris Davis followed by an 80yd run by #1 Williams. Then the Cards turned to the power game. Trayion Durham (#34) scored on a 7yd run, out of triple I formation, led by the lead blocking of #7 Joe Bolden and #50 Jake Blust. Williams scored again on a 20yd run and then the subs took over. Dustin Smith (#6) led the team down the field and scored himself on a 1yd keeper. The scoring was capped off by a 50yd run by #27 Chris Mimes. All of the TDs were followed by extra points kicked by #14 Tommy Budke, who was a perfect 7 for 7.

Overall the scrimmage was impressive. Offense, defense and special teams played with aggression, enthusiasm and togetherness. That is the foundation a successful season can be built on.

We Are.....One Team One Goal
We Are.....Colerain

Meet the Team Night - 2010 Captains Named

Today was Meet the Team Night at the high school. The event marked an opportunity to meet each of Cardinals Sports teams' coaches and allowed parents and fans to meet the student athletes that will represent the Cardinals.

It was at this event that Coach Tom Bolden announced the Team Captains for the upcoming 2010 season. They are as follows:

#21 - DB - Chris Dukes

#65 - OL - Lex Ehrenschwender

#44 - LB - Jarrett Grace

#1 - QB - Tyler Willams


Congratulations to these Seniors and good luck to the entire team this season. As reminder you can catch broadcasts of every Cardinal football game exclusively from WeAreColerain.com

Skyline Chili Crosstown Showdown Tailgate Tour comes to Colerain

Chris Himonidis
WeAreColerain.com Staff

From the Boosters - The Skyline Chili Crosstown Showdown Tailgate Tour will be at the Groesbeck Skyline Chili on Tuesday, August 17 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. The Band and Cheerleaders will be on hand to greet fans with music and cheers! A number of prizes will be awarded throughout the evening including tickets to the Colerain - Northmont game to be played on Saturday, August 28 at Nippert Stadium. Football coaches will be on hand to meet fans and take questions about the upcoming season. Bring the family and enjoy the great taste of Skyline on Tuesday, August 17 at the Groesbeck Skyline Chili at 8635 Colerain Ave. 20% of all in-store sales from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. will be donated by Skyline Chili to Colerain's Athletic Department. We Are Colerain!

GMC Preview Dinner...mmm..Chicken...

Chris Himonidis
WeAreColerain.com Staff

Ever hear of the "rubber chicken tour"? Well, Colerain Head Coach Tom Bolden sure does. It started last night with a trip to Montgomery Inn for the first annual Greater Miami Conference Preview Dinner held at Montgomery Inn in Montgomery.

From The Pulse-Journal: First Annual GMC Preview Dinner
And some fun quotes: Quotes from Coaches

There is also a picture gallery from the event. Apparently, our Cardinals were a bit shy.
PICTURE GALLERY

Glad to the season take another step towards realization.

Go CARDS!!!

We Are..Colerain!

3 Cardinals Compete in NFL HSPD National 7 on 7

Three Colerain Cardinals football players represented the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL HSPD National 7 on 7 tournament which was held in Tampa, FL on July 9th-12th. Here is a little information about the tournament and the members of the team.

Roster

Chris Dukes Colerain DB/WR
Jarrett Grace Colerain TE/LB
Tyler Williams Colerain RB/DB/LB
Jared Nauert Louisville St. Francis DeSales QB/WR/LB
DaMarcus Smith Louisville Seneca QB
Jordan Bender Louisville Seneca WR/DB/LB
Cody Quinn Middletown DB/WR
Zach Edwards Middletown WR/DB
Jalin Marshall Middletown WR/DB/QB
AJ Jordan Trotwood Madison WR/DB
Nicholas Grigsby Trotwood Madison LB
George Bradley DB

The team was 1 of 23 teams to compete and here are some of their accomplishments:

7-4. (2 Losses by a total of 14 points to the eventual champ Miami Dolphins)
5 Interceptions in 1 game is a NFL 7 on 7 Record (2 by Jarrett Grace)
4 Interception in the Tournament by Jarrett Grace

Special Thanks to Dale Sturgill for providing this information and pictures.

Colerain Football...it's BAAAACCCCK!

Chris Himonidis
WeAreColerain.com Staff

From one of the best Prep writers anywhere, the Enquirer's Mike Dyer made it out to Colerain's practice this morning and got some juicy nuggets from Coach Bolden.

http://cincinnati.com/blogs/preps/2010/08/02/colerain-football-notes/

The season will be here before you know it! Be sure to check out our Schedule page and make your plans accordingly to catch as much Colerain football as you can this year. But if you can't make it, have no fear as WeAreColerain.com Radio will bring EVERY SINGLE GAME to you LIVE throughout the season!

We Are...Colerain!

Colerain Football gets Pre-Season Love

Chris Himonidis
WeAreColerain.com Staff

UPDATED 8/3, 2:35 PM

And you thought the BCS rankings system was crazy! The changing of the calendar to August means football two-a-days start as well as the insanity that is National High School Football Pre-Season rankings. That's right...ranking 14,000+ HS football teams before anyone has played so much as a scrimmage. Fun for conversation, if nothing else.

To that end, a couple of national publications have given the Cardinals some pre-season attention.

First off, RivalsHigh.com, mostly known for their recruiting prowess, has ranked Colerain #50 in the nation in their Pre-Season RivalsHigh 100. You can see the write-up RivalsHigh 100: Teams 50-46.

Secondly, released today was the PrepNation.com National Prep Poll by Jamie DeMoney. This one is a bit more generous to the Cardinals as Colerain checks in at #30.

Thirdly, how about ESPN? Well, they released theirs as well and the Cardinals check in at #48. You can see that list HERE.

Next, Maxpreps.com released their poll a few weeks back and they have the Cardinals checking in at #20. To view their poll click here.

Lastly, CalPreps.com won't be releasing their full poll until August 19th, but they have released their top teams. They have the Cardinals ranked #1 in Ohio and #12 nationally. To view their breakdown on the Cardinals, click here.

Any way you cut it, a lot of expectations are on a team that finished 8-2 and out of the playoffs last year. No doubt, the young men are hungry and deeply desire the chance at redemption in 2010.

WeAreColerain.com is happy to kick off full coverage of Colerain Football LIVE on Friday August 20 when the Cardinals host Moeller in the final scrimmage before the opener on Saturday August 28 at Nippert against Northmont. Be sure in tune in for the most up-to-date info on this years Colerain Cardinal football squad.

We Are...COLERAIN!!!

Unclaimed Reserve Seat Tickets go on sale 8/3

We have received word from the Athletic Office at Colerain High School that all unclaimed reserve seat football tickets will go on sale Tuesday August 3rd at 8:30am. Tickets to all games, including Elder, as well as parking passes will be available.

Premium Tickets for Skyline Chili Crosstown Showdown!

Chris Himonidis
WeAreColerain.com Staff

Football is right around the corner and the WeAreColerain.com crew are pumped up and ready to deliver the BEST and most unique content on the internet for our Colerain Cardinals.

The season kicks off, as is tradition, at Nippert Stadium in the 13th Annual Skyline Chili Crosstown Showdown. This year, Colerain is taking on Dayton power and perennial playoff competitor Northmont on Saturday August 28 at 8:15 PM. Tickets are best purchased at Colerain as a portion of those proceeds are returned directly to the school vs. buying them at the gate.

New this year, for the pampered fan, is the VIP Experience offered by the event organizers. Information and Ordering instuctions can be found BY CLICKING HERE.

Seen our new Scoreboard for Cardinal Stadium? Scroll down in the blog and check out the first photo taken of our new scoreboard exclusively posted here on WeAreColerain.com before anyone else had it. GREAT WORK DONE BY THE BOOSTERS!

We Are...Colerain!!!

FOX19 Friday Prep Rally Returns to The Cage

Chris Himonidis
WeAreColerain.com Staff

from Tristate Football.com, Fox19 will travel to Colerain during the second week of the football season to preview the tilt between the Cardinals and the Panthers.
September 3 - Elder at Colerain

There will be a live 30 minute pre-game show on Fox19 between 6:00 PM and 6:30 PM. The live show will air from select games each week and preview the top games from around the tri-state, including coach interviews and spotlighting some of the school's interests outside of athletics.

As will be the case with ALL Colerain games this year, you can listen to the game LIVE on WeAreColerain.com with Color Commentator and Colerain alumni Brian Wyatt as well as yours truly on play-by-play.

Two-a-days start next week...are you ready for some football?

We Are...Colerain!

Exclusive First Picture of New Football Scoreboard!

WeAreColerain.com is proud to offer the first picture of the new football scoreboard. It was announced about a month ago that the football stadium would be receiving a new scoreboard and the scoreboard was officially installed today. WeAreColerain.com is happy to provide the exclusive first picture of the new scoreboard. Check it out and let us know what you think!

Cardinal Football getting underway

Chris Himonidis
WeAreColerain.com Staff

The 2010 football season is right around the corner. As of Today, July 8, 2010, there are exactly 51 days left until the Cardinals open the season at Nippert Stadium against the Thunderbolts of Northmont.

To that end, a trio of Cardinals will be making the trek to Tampa this weekend for the NFL 7-on-7 national tournament.

Trio of Cardinals travel to Tampa for National Tourney/

These three Seniors are going to be key cogs in the upcoming season. Let's hope this invitational gets them some added reps in preparation for 2010!

We Are...Colerain

New Amenities for Cardinal Stadium On The Way

Chris Himonidis
WeAreColerain.com Staff

Per the Cincy Enquirer High School preps blog, Colerain Athletic Director Dan Bolden has announced that a new stadium scoreboard is going to be installed before the beginning of this year's football season.

Cardinal Stadium Receives New Scoreboard

This was another project 100% funded by donations and the tireless efforts of our Booster organization, one of the best in the entire state of Ohio.

We Are...Colerain!

Goodie's headed where??

Chris Himonidis
WeAreColerain.com Staff

Germany? Really?!

Yep, you bet! Former Colerain FB star Dominick Goodman ('05) has left his spot on the local Cincinnati Commandos to join a semi-pro team in Europe, the Dresden Monarchs.

Dominick Goodman - Required relief for the Wide Receiver gropu

Goody has made his mark at the high school, college and semi-pro level. Now he takes on the world stage to showcase his talents. Way to go Dom!

WeAreColerain.com wishes Dominick the very best in Germany and we hope for a safe return to the states one day, possibly on the roster of a local NFL franchise.

We Are...Colerain!

Former Colerain FB Star having a MAJOR impact

Chris Himonidis

WeAreColerain.com Staff

For those that remember way back to 2004-2006, you will remember a certain safety/return man for the Cardinals that created complete chaos in the secondary against opposing offenses. His name was Eugene Clifford ('07) and he is entering his Senior season and Tennessee State University.

Eugene has been named to a couple of Pre-season All-America lists and has done a tremendous job getting his football career back on track after a few hiccups in Columbus.

Football's Eugene Clifford named to CDS preseason FCS and HBCU All-America teams

Eugene's talent has never been in question and with his Sr. year in front of him, who knows? A shot at the NFL could be in this former Cardinal's future.

WeAreColerain.com would like to wish Euguene the best of luck in all his endeavors both on, and off, the football field.

We are...Colerain!

WeAreColerain.com enjoying the summer!

Chris Himonidis
WeAreColerain.com Staff

Hot enough for you? As you delve into summer enjoying your pool parties and vacations, know that WeAreColerain.com is hard at work preparing for the new school year and the fall sports season.

Before you know it, football practice and two-a-days will be upon us as well as soccer and cross-country. We are working to contineu to expand our coverage this year and are always looking for student and parent volunteers who might like to cover their sport for the website. If you are interested, please go to the homepage and click on the "Contact Us" link in the left hand pane. We would LOVE to hear from you!

We'll be back with more exciting Colerain Cardinal athletic news and happenings soon but in the meantime, enjoy your summer and remember....

WE ARE....COLERAIN!

Former QB Tabar "best athlete in the city"

Chris Himonidis

WeAreColerain.com Staff

That is if you are Mount St. Joseph Recruiting Coordinator Kyle Prosser who, in an article for TriStateFootball.com (Lions Look To Local Prospects), individually points out former Colerain signal -caller Greg Tabar ('10).

"We felt like we got the best athlete in the city with Greg Tabar from Colerain," recruiting coordinator Kyle Prosser said. "We are doing really well with the 275 loop and we got some bright spots coming in from outside the area as well."

More quotes from Tabar and others and a great write-up on Mount St. Joseph by TriStateFootball.com founder Dan Clasgens are available at the above link. It's a great site and the folks at TriStateFootball.com do a tremendous service for prep football in the tri-state area. Check it out!

Congratulations to Greg and best wishes on your future at Mount St. Joseph. You may soon be a lion, but you will ALWAYS be a CARDINAL!

We Are...Colerain!

Former Colerain Softball Star keeps it going at the next level

Chris Himonidis
WeAreColerain.com Staff







(photo courtesy NKUNorse.com)

We knew she was a special athlete when she wore the Cardinal colors. It comes as no surprise that graduate Emily Schwaeble ('09) is continuing her outstanding play at the next level.

(paraphrased from NKU website)
http://nkunorse.com/news/2010/5/19/SB_0519103914.aspx


HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. - Northern Kentucky University has placed four softball players on the Daktronics All-Midwest Region second team. Schwaeble, a Colerain High School graduate, posted a 11-2 record in the circle with a 1.70 ERA. At the plate, Schwaeble batted .319 with 6 home runs and a team leading 42 runs batted in.

Emily was also named to the NFCA All-Midwest Region second team.

Congratulations to Emily and her TREMENDOUS Freshman season at NKU!

We Are...Colerain!!

Colerain Names New Girls Basketball Coach

From the Desk of the AD:

Colerain High School would like to announce the appointment of Dan Wallace as Head Girl’s Basketball Coach, pending Board of Education approval. Dan assumes the helm of the Lady Cardinals after serving as an assistant coach at McAuley High School and in several AAU programs. He is also the founder of DWBA ( Dan Wallace Basketball Academy ) which sponsors AAU teams and team and individual basketball skill instruction. Dan is a graduate of the Northwest Local School District and The Ohio State University. He lives in Colerain Township with his wife Jody.


Remarks regarding Dan Wallace:

Dan comes to us with an emphasis on defense. He will push our team to play physical, tough defense and see the entire basketball floor offensively. Dan is an outstanding game coach who is recognized for his ability to make successful game-time adjustments on the go. The enthusiasm and dedication to the game of basketball he displayed was contagious. He is a local guy with ties to our community and schools that gives us an embedded pride in what we do at Colerain. We are very pleased to have Dan lead our girl’s basketball program. – Dan Bolden , Athletic Director

Catching Up With Coach Bolden

WeAreColerain.com
Al Gabriel

WeAreColerain.com caught up with Football Head Coach, Tom Bolden at the Skyline Crosstown Showdown press conference last week. Coach Bolden discusses the Thunderbolts, the offensive line and the QB situation heading into the summer.

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Colerain's Week 1 Opponent Finalized!

WeAreColerain.com

On Tuesday, May 11th, WeAreColerain.com caught up with head coach of the Northmont Thunderbolts to get his comments after the announcement that Northmont would be Colerain's opponent in week 1 this coming season.

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Colerain Football Alum a "Spring Eye Opener"

Chris Himonidis
WeAreColerain.com Staff

A perusal of the Brian Bennett's Big East Football blog on ESPN.com turned up an interesting tidbit...

"It's hard to be more anonymous than a backup center, even on a BCS bowl team. Davis waited behind Chris Jurek for two years before getting a crack at the starting job this spring. He didn't disappoint, playing extremely well and giving the Bearcats peace of mind at that crucial position."
(Spring Eye Openers in the Big East)

Former Colerain Cardinal Evan Davis looks to make his mark on the 2-time defending Big East champion Bearcats this year and is already off to a great start.

Congratulations to Evan on a great start and best of luck in securing the starting position this fall.

We Are...COLERAIN!!

Colerain Winter All-Stars

Chris Himonidis
WeAreColerain.com Staff

As a follow-up to our post last week regarding Ashley Wanninger's selection as the Cincinnati Enquirer's Division I Girls Player of the year, there are several other Colerain athletes that were recognized by the Enquirer as Winter Sports All-Stars that WeAreColerain.com would also like to recognize.

Wrestling
Honorable Mention to Jake Hammer in the 119 lb weight class

Boys Basketball
Honorable Mentions to both Ken Kunkel and Ben Vonderhaar

Girls Basketball
1st Team/POY - Ashley Wanninger
Honorable Mentions to both Alexis Fitzpatrick and Sheaira Jones

Boys Bowling
Honorable Mention to Matthew Crooker

Girls Swimming
1st Team: Lauren Weaver in the 50 Freestyle
Honorable Mention: Lauren Weaver in the 100 Freestyle

Congrats to all these fine athletes for their tremendous accomplishments this past winter sports season. You make us all very proud to be Colerain Alumni! Those of us at WeAreColerain.com wish all the seniors best of luck after graduation and THANK YOU for your time, effort and enthusiasm towards Colerain Athletics.

We Are...COLERAIN!!!

Former Colerain pitcher says "Naw baby naw!"

Chris Himonidis
WeAreColerain.com Staff

Former Colerain/UC starting Pitcher Dan Osterbrock threw a no-hitter for the Beloit Snappers of the Midwest league on Saturday night. Dan was drafted in the 7th round of the 2008 first year player draft by Minnesota after an outstanding career at the University of Cincinnati and he has been making his way through the ranks in hopes of someday pitching in the bigs.

Osterbrock No-Hits in Game Two of Double Dip
and
Osterbrock throws a no-hitter

Way to go Dan and keep up the great work! Yet another Colerain Cardinal excelling on the field of play after their days at 8801 Cheviot Road are over.

We are...Colerain!!!

Boys Track Team On Roll!

Al Gabriel
www.WeAreColerain.com

Congrats to the Colerain Boys Track Team for winning three consecutive track meets!!
Colerain has won the Lockland night relays on 4/20 and 4/21, Mt. Healthy Owl Invitational on 4/24, and Princeton Invitational on 4/27.

Great job, men!

We Are...COLERAIN!

BROKEN RECORD ALERT! Congrats to Ashley Wanninger

Chris Himonidis
WeAreColerain.com Staff

Stop me if you've heard this before: "Congratulations to Colerain girls basketball player SR Ashley Wanninger for winning..." It really has become a broken record with this young lady and her accomplishments.

This is a big one, however. This week, Ashley was named the Cincinnati Enquirer's Girls Basketball Player of the Year - Division I. SEE ARTICLE HERE. There is no shortage talented girls basketball players in the city and for Ashley to be named the best is quite an honor. And one that she has definitely earned.

Congrats to Ashley on this impressive achievement!

We Are...Colerain!

PS: I wonder how many of our readers even know where the phrase "broken record" came from??

Jarrett Grace verbally commits to Notre Dame

It looks like the most recruited Cardinal player in the class of 2010 has committed to Notre Dame. Congrats to Jarrett and his family!

Former Colerain Cardinal Stands out for UC Football

Chris Himonidis
WeAreColerain.com Staff

Nice piece in the Cincy Enquirer on former Colerain OL, and current UC starting Center, Evan Davis.

UC Center A Lifelong Bearcat

Just another example of the men and women that graduate from Colerain High School.

Well Done Evan!!

We Are...Colerain!

Post Season Interview with Coach Higgins & Players

WeAreColerain.com is proud to present an exclusive postseason interview with Boy's Basketball Coach Kevin Higgins as well as senior basketball players Ben Vonderhaar, Josh Quigly, Ken Kunkel & Jovanta Harrison.

The Boy's Basketball had a tremendous season, listen to this interview and hear all about it from their perspective!

Click the link below to listen

http://wearecolerain.com/higgins-basketball-review.wma

Colerain LB Offered Scholarship

Al Gabriel
WeAreColerain.com


WeAreColerain.com learned yesterday that Cardinal Sophomore LB, Joe Bolden, was offered a scholarship to play football at the University of Cincinnati. Bolden becomes the first member of the 2012 class to receive such an honor! Congrats, Joe!

Interview Teaser

Chris Himonidis
WeAreColerain.com Staff

For our loyal followers, keep an eye on the website over the next week as WeAreColerain.com has tracked down Colerain Boys Basketball Coach Kevin Higgins and has secured an interview with coach and a maybe even a basketball player or two!

The Basketball program won more games than any team since 1962 and won just their second district title in school history. It was a tremendously successful season and we look forward to the Head Coach telling us all about it.

Thanks for keeping up with us and remember...

WE ARE...COLERAIN!!!

New Cardinal Swimming Coach Announced!

From the desk of the AD, Dan Bolden:

Colerain High School announces the appointment, pending Board approval, of Caroline McIver, Colerain High School English teacher, to the position of Head Swimming Coach.



Caroline comes to the position after two years as the assistant coach at Colerain High School . Coach McIver has a wealth of experience as both a competitive swimmer and coach. She has spent the last several years as the Head Coach of a successful summer swimming program and regularly handles over 200 competitive swimmers at events during the late spring and summer.



Coach McIver looks to build on the great team chemistry, energy, and enthusiasm created by former Head Coach Stephanie Janke; who recently stepped down after 12 years of dedicated and faithful service with four straight trips to state finals competition.



We are excited to have Coach McIver take over our swimming program. We believe she will build on the strong foundation established and continue to grow a program that has exploded over the last few years into a high energy and competitive group of enthusiastic student-athletes.

Colerain sends another to Columbus

Chris Himonidis
WeAreColerain.com Staff

Some football news to share...the Cardinals have produced another BUCKEYE! And not just any Buckeye, an OHIO STATE Buckeye!

http://cincinnati.com/blogs/preps/2010/03/31/colerain-long-snapper-to-ohio-state/

Colerain SR long-snapper Nick Piening has accepted a preferred walk-on invitation to THE Ohio State University. Congratulations Nick! Enjoy your time in Columbus and send Colerain regards to former Cardinals Tyler Moeller, Connor and Spencer Smith.

We Are...COLERAIN!

Wanninger Honored

Chris Himonidis
WeAreColerain.com Staff

From AD Dan Bolden:

Colerain senior Ashley Wanninger (Xavier signee) has been named the recipient of High School Player of the Year in basketball from the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky Women's Sports Association, according to Colerain athletic director Dan Bolden.

Wanninger is also one of 10 athletes that are being considered for Sportswoman of the Year among high school athletes. That ceremony will be at an upcoming banquet on April 19 at 7 p.m. at the Savannah Center in West Chester.

Wanninger was Division I first-team all-state and Southwest District player of the year for the Cardinals this past season.

WeAreColerain.com congrats Ashley on this tremendous achievement and wishes her the best as she moves on to play for one of the best Division I programs in the country at Xavier!

We Are...Colerain!

Thoughts and Prayers for a friendly rival

Chris Himonidis
WeAreColerain.com

On Friday night in Panama City, Florida, God called home one of his angels. At approximately 6:30PM, St. Xavier High School Senior Football player and Notre Dame recruit Matt James tragically fell to his death while on Spring Break.

The details can be found in many places on-line, here are just a few:
http://www.blueandgold.com/content/?aid=8994
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=5053059
http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20100403/SPT030101/304030009/Police+investigating+death+of+Notre+Dame+recruit+Matt+James

This is a tragic and horrific incident. The entire staff and ownership here at WeAreColerain.com would like to extend our heartfelt sympathies and prayers to Matt James' family - both immediate and extended - and the entire St. Xavier community. Matt James' story will live on in the hearts of those that knew him forever.

Matt James
R.I.P.

WeAreColerain.com Team

GMC Softball Preview

From The Cincinnati Enquirer. Quotes from Cardinal Skipper, Susan Dayton.

Click HERE!

Football: Week 1 Opponent Set?

Chris Himonidis
WeAreColerain.com Staff

The 2010 football season is still a long ways off but there is always consternation regarding Colerain's schedule at this time of year. Usually, the Cardinals struggle to find opponents to play the first three weeks of the year during their "non-league" schedule. With seven GMC league games pre-determined, one would think it's not that hard to find three teams to play. Unfortunately, very much like the GCL teams, Colerain is more often than not, struggling to find takers.

2010 looks to not be as bad as both Elder in week 2 and Dupont Manual in Week 3 are already wrapped up. However, what about week 1 in the Skyline Chili Crosstown Showdown? Last year's game vs. St. Xavier came together so late that the Cards seemed to be on the verge of 2-a-days before it was announced.

Sources have told WeAreColerain.com that we won't have to wait nearly as long this year. Indications are that Colerain is very close to signing a contract to play a major Division I opponent in week 1 at the Skyline Chili Crosstown showdown. Further details were sketchy but we do believe it is a perennial Southwest Ohio playoff contender. Gametime is scheduled for Saturday night at Nippert Stadium.

When we find out...you will find out. Until then, keep checking WeAreColerain.com for news, scores and updates as we head in to the spring season. Baseball, Softball and track are upon us!

We Are...Colerain!

Cardinals Dream Season Comes to an End

Chris Himonidis
WeAreColerain.com Staff

Columbus, OH - No one expected this run. But everyone who saw it, will remember it. The Cardinals traveled into enemy territory for the second game in a row and unlike their last game against Northmont in Dayton, the Cards just didn't have enough to pull of the Mother of all upsets in Columbus against the #1 team in the entire nation as they fell to Northland, 70-41.

The defending State Champion Vikings were frustrated in the first half as Colerain's press provided enough pressure to create a very exciting first half that ended 35-27, Northland. However, whatever adjustments were made worked for the home team as the Vikings outscored our Cardinals 35-14 in the second half to pull away and win by 29.

WeAreColerain.com would like to pay a special thanks to a tremendous Senior class that has endured a tremendous amount over the past 4 years. These young men deserve a big "WELL DONE!" for leading this program to a place they had only been once before in school history.

G JoVonta Harrison
G Josh Quigley
F Ken Kunkel
F Daeshawn Beasley
F Ben Vonderhaar

Congrats to Coach Higgins and his entire staff for an incredible coaching job this year. As for the underclassmen...learn from this experience. Come summer, hit the gym and hit it hard. A GMC Championship is no longer out of your reach, it is now a goal.

From all of us here at WeAreColerain.com, thanks for the incredible memories of an AMAZING basketball season!

WE ARE...COLERAIN!!

Colerain wins, advances to Regionals

Chris Himonidis
WeAreColerain.com Staff
Photo Credits: Mr. Vonderhaar..THANKS!

COLERAIN BEATS NORTHMONT...ADVANCES TO COLUMBUS!

There are no words to describe the immense pride I have in my heart for this team. Folks, the Colerain Cardinals are DISTRICT CHAMPIONS and are heading to Columbus for the Regional Championships....for the first time in 43 YEARS! Let that sink in...43 YEARS!! What were you doing 43 years ago?

With a gritty, gutty performance, our Colerain Cardinal Men's basketball team beat Clayton Northmont in Dayton on Saturday night by a final of 69-63. After being down 10-0 to start the game and in enemy territory, the Cards did what they have done all year...FIGHT BACK! Read the Enquirer article for more detail.
But most importantly, the Cards survive and advance. And now, they play the #1 ranked team in the state of Ohio in Columbus Northland (and they are pretty good nationally as well...USAToday and PrepNation.com). I know it may be a hike for a Thursday night...but please, get out and support this team. It's been 2 generations since a Colerain basketball team was this succesful. These young men are going to need our support IN FULL FORCE on Thursday night against a team like Northland.

Congratulations to Coach Higgins, his entire staff, and the young men of Colerain Basketball for accomplishing something that only those in the locker room from day 1 thought was possible.
BRING ON NORTHLAND! WE ARE...COLERAIN!!!

Vote for Josh Quigley for Player of the Week

Colerain senior basketball player Josh Quigley has been nominated for player of the week by QueenCityHigh.com. Click here to vote for him!

Josh attended White Oak Middle School and is currently one of the senior leaders on the boys basketball team. You may vote one time per day, per computer. Vote often and help recognize Josh for his great postseason play!

Colerain Boys Win Basketball Sectional! Avenge Earlier Loss To West!

Read about it here!

Congrats to Coach Higgins and the Men of Colerain!

Coach Mack Resigns

Chris Himonidis
WeAreColerain.com Staff

Per Mike Dyer on the Cincinnati.com preps blog, Colerain Head girls basketball coach Christi Mack has resigned her position at Colerain, sighting the desire to spend more time with her family.
http://cincinnati.com/blogs/preps/2010/03/04/colerains-mack-steps-down/

This is a sad day for the Colerain family as they lose a good coach who was good for the program and great for the girls. However, it's a happy day for the Mack family as the matriach returns home.

WeAreColerain.com would like to salute Christi Mack for all her hard work and dedication to Colerain over the past year and wish her the very best! She was always willing to offer up a quote or two and was never shy in promoting her players and her program.

We Are..Colerain!

Greg Tabar makes college commitment

Colerain senior QB Greg Tabar has committed to the College of Mount St. Joseph, according to Colerain coach Tom Bolden.

Tabar, who is 6 feet and 180 pounds, turned down scholarship offers to stay in Cincinnati. He will play quarterback at Mount St. Joseph.

Girls Baskeball Post-Season update!!

Chris Himonidis
WeAreColerain.com Staff

The Lady Cards handled Turpin this past weekend by a score of 63-48. SR Ashley Wanninger paced the Cardinals with 18 pts, 5 boards, 2 steals and 2 assists. SO Sheaira Jones was a perfect 5-5 from the line while totaling 17 points and an even more impressive 8 Offensive rebounds as the Cardinals now advance to play Lakota East, Friday Night 2/26 @ 7:30 @ Harrison High School.

Updated Bracket

If you've got Friday night open, come check out the Lady Cards take on former Colerain HC Nikki Drew and her surging Lakota East Thunderhawks for the right to advance in the post-season tourny!

Good luck Lady Cards!

We Are...Colerain!!!

Colerain Hoops ends 8-year slide

Chris Himonidis
WeAreColerain.com Staff

Another great article from NW press reporter Tony Meale on the unbelievable season our boys basketball team had this past regular season. Check it out!

Colerain Boys Basketball Article

As Tony so adeptly pointed out: "(the) 10 league wins are more than their previous four seasons combined (nine)."...think about that.

Next game is Post-season game #1 against Lakota East on March 1 at the University of Cincinnati's 5/3 Arena @ 6:00 PM. Be there to support our Cardinals!

We Are...Colerain!

Great Weekend For Colerain Athletics

Al Gabriel
WeAreColerain.com

From the AD:

*Lauren Weaver gets another trip to swimming state championship as she gets a 1st place finish in 50 freestyle at Districts!

*The wrestling team finished 4th at sectionals - 5 wrestlers will advance to district tournament: Cox, Hammer, Pryor, Powell, Boiman.

*The girl's bowling team advanced to districts for the first time in school history with a 6th place finish at the sectional tournament.

*Boys bowling also advanced to districts with a 5th place finish in sectionals on Friday.

Congratulations, Cardinals!!

WE ARE...COLERAIN!

Lady Cards head to the Post-Season this Saturday!!!

Chris Himonidis
WeAreColerain.com Staff

Are you ready?! The Lady Cards basketball squad take their 16-4 regular season record and "86" it out the window come Saturday morning at Harrison HS as the Lady Cards take the floor for post-season basketball and start all over at 0-0.

Their opponent has been decided as tonight, Turpin beat Middletown. So, the ladies of Turpin Basketball will try and de-rail the Cards march to glory this post-season. Here is the updated bracket, for your viewing pleasure: Updated Bracket

Root on your Cardinals by attending the games and cheering them on! No more friendly confines of the "Cage" as every game is on the road from here on out. THEY NEED OUR SUPPORT!!

Good Luck Lady Cards! Bury the Spartans!!!

We Are...Colerain! We Are...Colerain!

Lady Cards win another, Beat the Middies

Chris Himonidis
WeAreColerain.com Staff

A few days old but wanted to get the info out there as the Cincy Enquirer did not have a write-up or the stats. Courtesy of the fine folks at the Middletown-Pulse Journal.

http://www.middletownjournal.com/middletown-sports/high-school-sports/middies-just-miss-gmc-upset-547710.html

Remember, the season is now over (the Lady Cards beat Sycamore tonight, 59-39 to end the regular season) with post-season play starting up THIS SATURDAY at Harrison. This is your last chance to catch the remaining games of this outstanding team and of the outstanding career of SR Ashley Wanninger as she attempts to become the All-Time Leading Scorer in Colerain Girls Basketball history!!

Select Girls Basketball in the left pane to sort the blog entries on that keyword and check out our post on the post-season for our Lady Cards.

Good luck in Round 1 this Saturday at Harrison against either Turpin or Middletown!

We Are...COLERAIN!

Boys Basketball: Post-season schedule set!

Chris Himonidis
WeAreColerain.com Staff

A week or so after the girls have their playoff road map handed to them, it's the boys turn to fire up the Garmin and figure out who is on tap for them come playoff time.

The boys are having a remarkable season. They currently sit in 3rd place in the GMC behind Princeton and Lakota West. They sport a record (14-3, 9-3 GMC) that has them as a #6 seed in the Southwest District and sitting on a first round playoff bye. When they do hit the hardwood on March 1st at the University of Cincinnati, they will take on the winner of an Oak Hills and Lakota East battle, which will be played on 2/23. Looking ahead, if they should win that contest, a presumed matchup with Lakota West awaits on Friday March 6 at 6:30 PM at the University of Cincinnati. Colerain lost to Lakota West at home, 60-57.

The Bracket can be found here --> Southwest District Boys Basketball Division I Bracket - University of Cincinnati

But let's not get ahead of ourselves. The boys still have three games to play to finish out their season. If you haven't seen this team play...you are truly missing out. The final home game is this coming Tuesday night at 7:30 vs. district rival Northwest. The season finishes up on the road @ Mason (Wed, 2/17) and @ Middletown (Fri, 2/19).

WeAreColerain.com would like to congratulate Coach Higgins and his entire staff on bring Colerain back to a high level of play in the Gym, and above the rim! And to the young men suiting up for their high school team, remember...

..WE ARE...COLERAIN!!!

Girls Basketball: Post-season Schedule set!

Chris Himonidis
WeAreColerain.com Staff

The Basketball season is quickly coming to an end. The Lady Cards currently sit at 13-4 (9-3) with games vs. Northwest (2/10), @ Middletown (2/13) and vs. Sycamore (2/15) remaining in the regular season. After that, a brief respite awaits befor their first playoff game of the year on Saturday Feb. 20 @ 5:00 PM at Harrison High School vs. the winner of a Turpin/Middletown matchup on Feb. 18. The Lady Cards are seeded #3 in the SW district behind #1 Ursuline and #2 Princeton.

Southwest District Girls Basketball Division I Bracket - Harrison HS

This is a very good basketball team which needs our support and encouragement. If you haven't made it too see them, you are missing out. They play hard, fundamentally sound basketball and are primed to make a deep run in the tourny.

As has been the case all year, WeAreColerain.com will do our best to cover the games with write-ups, post-game interviews, pictures, videos and more.

Good luck to the Lady Cards on finishing out a tremendous season as you fine tune for the tourny.

We Are...Colerain!

Signing Day Video Coming Soon!

Congrats to the signing class of 2010!!

According to coach Bolden there could be 5 more additional signings prior to the April 1st deadline. Stay tuned for more announcements!

FINALLY...NATIONAL SIGNING DAY!

Chris Himonidis
WeAreColerain.com Staff

Just a heads up to our loyal WeAreColerain.com readers....WeAreColerain.com is here for you to cover National Signing Day! As you may know, today (February 3) is the first day that fall athletes can officially sign their letters of intent to play college sports in the fall of 2010.

WeAreColerain.com's "man on the scene" Al Gabriel was at Colerain this morning to speak with Coach Bolden and the young men who will be continuing their football careers on Saturdays next fall.

Check back later tonight for quotes from those involved at Colerain today as well as some pictures of our soon to be Alumni Cardinals.

We Are...COLERAIN!!

Cardinals win Dave Bean Classic

Chris Himonidis
WeAreColerain.com Staff

(Courtesy of Tony Meale, Community Press)

"I could get used to this"

Quote from Head Coach Jim Wandsnider as our Colerain Cardinals won the 39th Annual Dave Bean Classic at Finneytown High School this past weekend.

Cardinals Win Dave Bean Classic

Colerain beat out 13 other teams for the tournament win. In addition, Colerain had 6 wrestlers in their respective weight classes first place matches. Results can be seen here: 39th Annual Dave Bean Classic Results

Not sure when the last time Colerain won a wrestling tournament but without question, the program is in good hands and is clearly headed in the right direction. Congratulations to Coach Wandsnider and all the Cardinal Wrestlers on this well-earned achievement!

We Are..COLERAIN!!

Highlights From Hamilton Game.

Al Gabriel
WeAreColerain.com

Sorry for the delay. Here's the video.


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Colerain 39 Mason 26....Two Home Games To Win the GMC Coming Up!

Al Gabriel

Colerain defeated Mason today to set up back to back home games with Princeton and Sycamore to have a chance at an outright GMC title. First game is Wednesday night versus the Vikings. Be there Cardinal fans!

Video From West Game.

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Colerain Girls Breeze Past Hamilton 55-36.

Al Gabriel
WeAreColerain.com

The Colerain girls basketball team continued its winning ways on Wednesday night with a convincing win over the Big Blue of Hamilton. Colerain was lead in scoring by McDonald's All-American candidate, Ashley Wanninger, who dropped in 18 points. The Lady Cardinals also received a big boost from its bench as senior guard Tevyn Andrews added 11 points as did Alexis Fitzpatrick.

Video highlights from the game will be available soon so please check back.

WE ARE...COLERAIN!

West Holds Off Colerain 60-57

Three of the stars from last nights game.
Jordan Hicks-Lakota West
Ben Vonderhaar-Colerain
Ken Kunkel-Colerain


Thanks to Mike Noyes of WeAreColerain.com for the photos. Full gallery will be up soon!

Chris Himonidis
WeAreColerain.com Staff

A titanic GMC matchup took place Tuesday night at the Cage at Colerain High School as the #6 Lakota West Firebirds (7-4, 6-1 in GMC) came calling on the #5 Colerain Cardinals (11-1, 6-1 in the GMC) and came away with a 60-57 victory over Colerain. Both teams were tied with Princeton with only 1 GMC loss so far this season (to Lakota West) for first place in the conference. It was evident from the opening tip that this was going to be a battle to the end.

In the first quarter, Lakota West jumped out early but Colerain battled back and on the strength of a big 3-pt basket from SR Ken Kunkel (12 pts, 9 Reb) to take a 10-8 lead, their first of the game. The athleticism Lakota West did a very good job handling the full-court press of Colerain. However, the Cards led after one quarter, 12-9.

In the second quarter, Lakota West came out hitting some big shots and Colerain half court defense began to show some signs of trouble. Coach Kevin Higgins told WeAreColerain.com after the game that the Cards didn’t execute the way they needed to to keep a team like Lakota West at bay. The Firebirds won the quarter 19-14, which included a 19-7 run that put them up 28-23 at the 1:22 mark of the quarter. Colerain JR Gerrod Chess hit his only 3-pt basket of the night with 0:15 seconds left in the half and it proved big as it pulled the Cards within two points going into halftime down only 28-26.

The second half started a bit sloppy for both teams. The Cards pressure on defense turned up early and created 2 West turnovers which led to a 5-0 Colerain run and a 3 point lead. However, at 5:23 the Firebirds tied it up at 31 and it was nip/tuck the rest of the way as the quarter ended with West up by one, 37-36.

The fourth quarter started out much the same as the third. Very physical play by Lakota West prevented Colerain from really ever establishing an offense down low with very good perimeter defense. At the 3:08 mark, Lakota West extended their lead to 50-45 and never looked back. Lakota West hit two big 3-point baskets late and absolutely nailed their free throws (69% for the game on 26 attempts) down the stretch. The game had suspense to the very end as Colerain JR Marcus Monteiro (7 pts, 1 ast) hit a trey with 7.5 seconds left to pull Colerain to within 2 at 59-57. Colerain immediately fouled West on the inbounds pass and Lakota West hit only 1 of their 2 penalty shots. Colerain rebounded and SR Ken Kunkel took off towards the Cardinal basket with hopes of sending the game to OT. It was not to be as his pass in the waning seconds was deflected by West and that was that. Final score: Lakota West 60 – Colerain 57.

Very good game between two pretty good teams. Colerain Coach Higgins said during his post-game with us that it was the half-court offense that let down his Cardinals tonight but he was upbeat and reminded his squad that 11-2 is nothing to be ashamed of and they needed to learn to deal with adversity. He reminded them that Hamilton comes to the Cage on Friday and they need to be ready as it took the Cardinals OT back in December to beat this Hamilton squad which has only won 3 games all season.

This Colerain team is getting better and better and they are going to be tough to beat down the stretch. Those of us at WeAreColerain.com urge you to make it out to a game and watch these young men play. It is a fast-paced, exciting atmosphere and they need adult fans who stand and cheer on their efforts.

Good luck the rest of the way.

GO CARDINALS!!
WE ARE…COLERAIN!

Another Honor for Cardinal Ashley Wanninger

Chris Himonidis
WeAreColerain.com Staff

The exploits of SR Basketball player Ashley Wanninger have been well-documented both here at WeAreColerain.com as well as major news outlets and award organizations throughout Ashley's career at Colerain High School. She has won multiple awards over the years and been a team leader on some very good Girls Basketball squads.

WeAreColerain.com has learned through a recent press release that Colerain's own Ashley Wanninger has been nominated as a 2010 McDonald's All-American. Ashley, along with only 27 other girls STATEWIDE, were nominated to be members on the 24 person NATIONAL team. Final rosters will be announced during the 2010 McDonald’s All American H.S. Basketball Games Selection Show presented by Safelite AutoGlass, Feb. 11 at 5:30 p.m. ET on ESPNU.

Players nominated for McDonald’s All-American game

This is a tremendous honor and one that only helps solidify Ashley's athletic legacy at Colerain High School.

CONGRATULATIONS on the nomination Ashley and we wish you the very best for the rest of the season!

WE ARE...COLERAIN!!

Ashley Wanninger Up for QueenCityHigh.com Star of the Week

Colerain senior girls basketball player Ashley Wanninger has been nominated for QueenCityHigh.com Star of the Week. You can go to http://queencityhigh.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1042204 to vote for her.

Colerain Wrestling: Getting better week by week

Chris Himonidis
WeAreColerain.com Staff

More great coverage from Tony Meale at the Northwest Press. This time a nice write-up on the Colerain Wrestling team.

Colerain progressing on the mats

For more information on the Wrestling team, check out their website at ColerainWrestling.org.

Good luck to the wrestling team the rest of the way.

We Are...Colerain

Lady Cards Throw First Quarter Shutout In Rout of Fairfield 58-19

Al Gabriel
WeAreColerain.com

Colerain girls basketball coach Christi Mack says her team has certain objectives they want to hit in each basketball game: How many points to hold an opponent under. How many more rebounds than the opposition. Field goal percentage, etc...
When asked if one of the team goals was to hold a GMC opponent to one first half point the Cardinal coach grimmaced and sheepishly said "I didn't expect that to happen". But that is exactly what happend on Tuesday night at The Cage as Colerain shutout the Indians 14-0 in the first quarter en route to a 28-1 halftime lead and 58-19 victory. "When we got up big I told our kids to not even look at the scoreboard and just to continue playing hard and remember to 'do what we do'" added coach Mack.
Colerain out rebounded the Indians 42-27 and forced 11 first quarter turnovers in building its lead. Sophomore Kristen Thompson had six of her game high 15 boards in the first period. "Kristen is a good hearted kid. Kinda happy go lucky. She's third in the GMC in rebounds (7.9 per game) but I think she could be number 1. She's a decievingly good athlete and if we can get her to be more assertive she will."
Alexis Fitzpatrick was one of three Cardinals in double digit scoring with 11 points (Ashley Wanninger 17 pts, Sheaira Jones 11 pts) and also added a game high 7 assists and 4 steals. "Alexis takes such good care of the ball but she really sets the tone for us defensively. She's got such quick hands." It was off back to back steals by Fitzpatrick early in the game that lead to easy layups for herself and Sheaira jones.
Colerain moves to 10-3 on the season and now stands tied for first place in the GMC with a 6-2 conference mark.

Up next for Colerain is a visit this Saturday afternoon to Lakota East!
Come out to Liberty Township and support your lady Cardinals!


WE ARE...COLERAIN!

Moeller optimistic he'll play this year

Chris Himonidis
WeAreColerain.com

Brief article from the Columbus Dispatch regarding Colerain grad Tyler Moeller and his attempt to return to football for the Buckeyes.

Moeller optimistic he'll play this year

All of us at WeAreColerain.com wish Tyler the very best in his recovery efforts and if able, his exploits on the gridiron next fall.

We Are...Colerain!

Colerain Boys Start Slow Then Run Away From Fairfield, 64-55

Al Gabriel
WeAreColerain.com

With a full house, a student section sporting a white-out theme and the pep band rocking The Cage, the Colerain boys basketball team was anything but on fire at the outset of the game with Fairfield on Friday night. After falling behind 10-2 to the Indians coach Kevin Higgins used a full time out to grab his team's attention. "We weren't making plays. We weren't getting loose balls. We weren't getting back on defense. We just needed to settle down and let our press take over." Whatever the coach said worked as Colerain went on a 9-0 run to end the first quarter and a 29-14 run to end the fist half to take the lead into the locker room at 31-24.
Colerain was lead by senior guard, Josh Quigley, who scored 18 points including a three to start a seond half run that would see Colerain push the lead to 20 points at 58-38.
JoVonta 'Bam' Harrison, who contributed 8 assists and 5 steals to go with his four points, found it hard to contain his smile after the game. Harrison who, as a three year varsity player, has been a part of some lean years at Colerain and was reflective when asked how it feels to be 10-1 (5-1) at this point. "It feels good" was all the 5'10" senior could say through his grin. "Bam isn't a great ball handler. He doesn't shoot it real well, but he's a very, very smart player. He know what we want out there and he knows what offense we need to be in and he knows what we need on defense" said coach Higgins of his captain. "Coach puts a lot of confidence in me and he trusts me to be simple with it and not try to do to much" added Harrison.
On this night, however, Bam did just about everything.

Next up for Colerain, who is now tied with West for 2nd place in the GMC one game behind Princeton, is a big road game at Oak Hills next Friday night. Get over to Oak Hills and root on the 5th ranked Colerain Cardinals!

We Are...COLERAIN!

Ashley Wanninger brings home LaRosa's MVP

Chris Himonidis
WeAreColerain.com Staff

Ashley Wanninger - LaRosa's MVP of the Week Winner

Congrats to Colerain Basketball star Ashley Wanninger for bringing home the LaRosa's MVP of the Week award. Her outstanding play thus far has helped her to lead the Lady Cards to a tremendous start (9-3, 5-2 in GMC) to the season and has them eyeing a deep playoff run.

Take the time to vote in this weeks poll as star Colerain Swimmer Lauren Weaver is up for the same award this week.
VOTE LAUREN WEAVER!

The Duke bound Senior has already left her mark in the record books at Colerain and looks to continue her winning ways her Senior year!

Congrats to both ladies on their tremendous athletic accomplishments and best of luck in the future from WeAreColerain.com!

We Are...COLERAIN!!

Colerain Girls Hold Off Pesky Harrison Squad 55-45

Al Gabriel
WeAreColerain.com

Behind the gritty play of sophomore point guard Abby Feuchter and the hot shooting of senior Ashley Wanninger the Colerain girls basketball team was able to withstand a furious third quarter surge by Harrison on Wednesday night and prevail 55-45.
Trailing 26-14 at the break the Wildcats used a stingy full court press and hot three point shooting from Amy Brooks (14pts) to close the gap to 41-35 at the end of the third quarter. Ashley Wanninger who scored 21 points (4 of 8 from behind the arc) kept the Colerain cushion from shrinking even smaller by hitting 5 of 6 free throws in the final two minutes of the period.
The star on this night, however, was Feuchter who scored 12 points and contributed 6 assists and hit 6 of 8 free throws down the stretch to seal the victory for Colerain. "I'm happy for Abby. She's a humble kid and she's worked hard to get to this point" said coach Christi Mack.
Up next for the Lady Cardinals is a return to GMC play with a home game next Tuesday night versus Fairfield. Coach Mack added, "Fairfield has a great freshman. They have some tough losses but we never count anybody out in the GMC. This league is too tough to do that. In fact, I've got some film on them that I'm going home right now to watch!"

We Are...COLERAIN!

Colerain Reaches Across the River once again!

Chris Himonidis
WeAreColerain.com Staff

Seems the Cardinal administration is finding some good fortune south of the river. Looking to get "Lucky in Kentucky!" once again, Colerain announed today the signing of a 2-year deal for football with Ryle High School (Union, KY) to begin play in 2011 in week2. The game in 2011 will be at Colerain with a return trip to Ryle in 2012. In addition, the schools have said that they are working on matchups in both girls and boys soccer as well as boys basketball for next school year, 2010-2011.

Colerain - Ryle matchup set

This signing comes a year after Colerain AD Dan Bolden reached out to DuPont Manual from Louisville, KY and signed a two year deal which will see the Cardinals travel to Louisville this upcoming fall to take on the Crimsons and their new Head Coach Oliver Lucas in week 3.

And from the rumor mill, sources are reporting that their may even be a bluegrass opponent in week 1 at the Skyline Chili Crosstown Showdown. No official word yet but when it breaks, we'll have it here at WeAreColerain.com!

GO CARDS!
We Are...Colerain!

Colerain Boys Continue Hot Streak With Win Over Middletown!

Al Gabriel
WeAreColerain.com

In a game that saw four ties and nine lead changes the Colerain Cardinals showed both physical and mental toughness in holding on for a 47-44 win at home over the Middletown Middies on Friday night. Marcus Monteiro lead the Cardinals with 12 points including two crucial free throws with 4.9 seconds remaining (in a 1 & 1 situation) that forced Middletown to hurry a long three point shot at the buzzer that never found the rim. A jubulant Colerain team mobbed each other at mid-court at the final buzzer and, after the team handshake, were joined by a good sized student section that made its voice heard on this night.
"We subbed a lot tonight...When we press and run it wears on teams" said coach Kevin Higgins who's team moves to 8-1 overall and 4-1 in the GMC. Indeed, the Cardinals had 9 players play over 7 minutes of game time and ran players in and out in the first half the way a hockey team changes lines.
When asked if this win helped to validate his statement in his exclusive pre-season interview with WeAreColerain.com that Colerain should compete of the top half of the GMC and coach Higgins was not at a loss for words. "I don't know about validate, but it is certainly the biggest win we've had in three years here. But this is a tough league and tonight doesn't mean a whole lot if we lose our focus. There's still 13 games (GMC) left. So, we'll see."
The game looked like it could get out of hand in the second quarter for the Cardinals. After playing nearly even through out the first eight minutes of the game the Middies lead 9-8 but extended it to 16-8 with a 7-0 run to open the second quarter. But Elisha Campbell sparked a 14-5 run to end the half when he was fouled while making a driving layup and converted the free throw to bring Colerain to within 5 at 16-11. Colerain would lead 22-21 at the break. Middletown came out hot in the second half behind the three point shooting (4-8) of Mikey Brown (17pts to lead all scorers) but Colerain wouldn't let the Middies pull away from them and finally regained the lead at the end of the third quarter when Monteiro burried a 3 from the left wing as the buzzer sounded giving Colerain the advantage at 33-32.
With the game tied late in the 4th Bam Harrison deflected a ball at mid-court and it was picked up by Senior Ken Kunkel who drove uncontested to the basket for a one handed slam that electrified the Colerain crowd. Moments later Senior, Ben Vondarhaar, hit a spinning jump hook that touched nothing but net from 12 feet out giving Colerain a 41-37 lead that it would not relinquish.

WE ARE...COLERAIN!

Colerain Basketball RED HOT!!!!

Lady Cards down No. 1 Oak Hills; boys 2nd in GMC
(article by Tony Meale, Community Press)

Some very special things are happening with the basketball programs at Colerain. Coaches Mack (girls) and Higgins (boys) have the programs at a combined 15-3 and BOTH in second place in the GMC. We, as Colerain fans and alumni, need to take notice!

For the girls, this started back during the Coach Nikki Drew days when the girls turned the corner and started really competiting at a high level. However, Coach Mack has continued and improved upon that base. After beating previously GMC-unbeaten and #1 team in the city Oak Hills, the Girls have a home game tomorrow, Saturday Jan. 9 @ 2:30 against city-power Lakota West, who is 7-2 overall, 4-2 in conference. If you can be there to watch some great basketball and support our girls, be there! You won't be disappointed.

As for the boys, what can you say other than WOW!!! In 2006, the boys program won 2 basketball games THE ENTIRE SEASON while going winless in the GMC (0-14). From '05-'09, the most wins this program ever had in a single season was 11 ('05). Today, they currently sit tied for SECOND PLACE IN THE GMC at 7-1 overall, 3-1 in conference. Coach Higgins, in only his second season, has got our program on the right track. Which, if you listen to WeAreColerain.com's exclusive pre-season interview with Coach Higgins (CLICK HERE), you will hear the optimism and his belief that Colerain was going to surprise some folks. Well they certainly have! Tonight, the boys take on Middletown (5-3, 3-1) AT HOME at 7:30PM in "The Cage" at Colerain High School.

If you've been snowed in for two days and are looking for something to get your blood pumping again, get up to the High School tonight and/or tomorrow and watch these teams defend their home court and represent our school and community with the utmost effort and pride! You will NOT be disappointed you made the trip!

Basketball is in full swing and the Cardinals of Colerain should keep all fans, alumni, and the community engaged well into the beginning of Spring!

Continued well wishes to both Coaches Mack and Higgins and all the assistant coaches and parent volunteers for the rest of the season!

We Are...COLERAIN!!

Colerain Girls Down Oak Hills!

Al Gabriel
WeAreColerain.com


The Colerain girls basketball team went on the road tonight and defeated Oak Hills 46-44 and is now just a half game behind Sycamore (6-1) in the GMC with a 5-1 conference record. (8-2 overall).
The Lady Cardinals were paced by senior guard, Ashley Wanninger's 22 points, 7 rebounds and two assists.

Colerain next plays at home on Saturday in another crucial matchup with GMC power Lakota West.
Game time is at 2:00 PM.

WE...ARE...COLERAIN!!

Congrats to Colerain Bowler!!!

Al Gabriel
WeAreColerain.com

From AD, Dan Bolden:

Colerain junior Matt Crooker just bowled a 300 !!!(A perfect game) in the boy's victory over Lakota West.

Outstanding news!! Congrats, Matt!!


We...Are...COLERAIN!

Colerain Girls Romp Past Middletown. Game Photos from McAuley Now Up

Al Gabriel
WeAreColerain.com

Sheaira Jones paced Colerain with 12 points and Ashley Wanninger added 10 as the Lady Cardinals beat Middletown 72-35 on Saturday afternoon at Colerain High School.

Photos from both the JV and Varsity wins over McAuley on Wednesday are now available. Click HERE to view!