A Tradition Unlike Any Other

Our group was up early and excited for Sunday at The Masters

I'm not a golfer in the sense that I ever play competitively these days. However, I enjoy a couple outings per year with my son. If the green fees are inexpensive, I'm game and the memories are priceless. For my competitive son, the only benefit of playing with his dad is lots of laughs watching me spray the ball every direction except straight.

Prior to 2024 I had never attended a professional golf event. Not even a practice round much less a tournament. That changed this past February when myself and a group of couples flew west for the Waste Management Phoenix Open. "The People's Open", as they call it, is renown for their party atmosphere with a golf match in the middle of it all. We attended the first day on Thursday and my experience matched their raucous reputation. Unconfirmed attendance for the entire weekend was 700,000 people! I enjoyed watching the crowd as much as the PGA golfers. If my 19-year-old son would make the trip in a couple years, I'm guessing he'd enjoy both the shenanigans and the golf swings.

We had front row seats on the famous hole #16 at The Waste Management Phoenix Open

Shortly after I crossed off my bucket list going to a famous golf tournament, I received a proposal on Tuesday, April 9th. My wife's uncle had his own tickets for the final round of The Masters Golf Tournament in Augusta, Georgia coming up that Sunday. He told me their group of four guys were driving south on Friday with an itinerary of things to do, before watching the championship and driving back home through the night. Then he asked me if I would like his two extra tickets? Before answering, I sent my son a text at the University of Dayton to get his thoughts. His immediate reply was, "Oh. My. Gosh. Are you serious? I am so in." That was quick. We were both in.

The Masters is often called the toughest ticket in sports. A ticket is actually referred to as a "badge" by those lucky enough to secure one. The private Augusta National Golf Club doesn't release attendance figures, but it's estimated that from Thursday through Sunday only 90,000 total spectators make it past their hallowed gates. By the way, spectators are kindly referred to as "patrons" once you're in. Everything about the tournament is polite and respectful. Also, The Masters has some unique and fascinating rules that are unlike other major sporting events. 

For starters, you're told that running anywhere on their grounds is not acceptable. When the gates open each morning, you're not going to sprint past slower patrons and beat them to the best spots on the course. Instead, you can eagerly walk to your favorite location and set up your course-approved bag chair. No running, period. You're also repeatedly reminded that cell phones and cameras are not allowed. No calling, texting or snapping during the tournament. No exceptions. If you violate any of their rules, you'll be politely and respectfully escorted from their grounds. 

Rules are meant to be broken, right? Not at Augusta. Prior to arriving, my son commented he couldn't remember a 12-hour stretch in his life without his phone. We left our electronic devices behind though and so did everyone else. I didn't see a single iPhone or Android throughout all 270 acres! My son later told me that once he walked on the course and realized he wouldn't have a phone, he appreciated the beauty of making memories in his mind. For readers concerned about emergencies, one area of the course did have a wall of old-style corded courtesy phones that patrons could use for free.

Highlights from my Sunday included the following:

• As we walked a long stretch into Augusta National all of the workers smiled warmly and recited, "Welcome to The Masters". There was something about those words or the way they said it, that gave me chills every time.

• 

  My Masters haul 

  The Merchandise Building was the only chaos I saw all day. We were advised to arrive early to buy souvenirs. It felt like an hour in line just to get inside. After getting in the building, the packed crowd was shoulder to shoulder. Shopper's Tip: I went back that afternoon at 2:30 when the last golfers teed off and there was no crowd. In and out in 15 minutes.
• The cheap concession stand prices helped ease the sting of my spending spree on merchandise. Signature sandwiches were $1.50 and a 16 ounce beer in a keepsake cup was $6.00.
• I was convinced after six straight days of patrons trampling feet, the walkways of the course had to be green plastic turf and not perfectly maintained grass. When I finally bent down to inspect, it was simply the most beautifully manicured lawn ever.
• My wife's uncle and I visited "Amen Corner" and sat 15 feet behind the tee box of hole #12, one of the most famous par 3's in all of golf. The third group that arrived on the tee included five-time Masters champion Tiger Woods. As we watched Tiger hit his shot, we both wondered how many more Sunday's he might play that hole.
• I've sat in the nosebleed sections of many stadiums and arenas when the star players from other sports looked like tiny ants. On Sunday there were numerous occasions when I was only 20-30 feet from the biggest names in golf, including the eventual winner Scottie Scheffler.
  

In 1986 longtime CBS announcer, Jim Nantz, first told viewers The Masters was "a tradition unlike any other". Nantz has since repeated that phrase every year and Augusta National eventually trademarked it. Probably because it's the perfect description. My once-in-a-lifetime opportunity wasn't documented with many pictures, but Sunday at The Masters will forever be remembered. Not just for the golf, but for the escape from the busyness of the outside world and unique moment in time I shared with my son.

If Jim Nantz needs any help, I'm available!

2024 Russia Baseball Preview

The wins from 2023 won't matter in 2024, but the experience might

Phlipot has led Russia to three

state tournaments in eight seasons

If you've watched Russia baseball the past eight seasons since Kevin Phlipot became head coach, one fact is undeniable. The Raiders have gotten pretty good at rallying when adversity strikes. One example is last year's district semifinal game. Russia trailed Newton by one run in the bottom of the 7th inning with two outs when Brayden Monnin blasted a two-run gapper for the walkoff win. Another example happened a couple weeks later in the state semifinal game. This time the Raiders and St. Henry were both scoreless in the bottom of the 8th when Xavier Phlipot lined an opposite field two-out RBI single for the extra inning walkoff. While those two instances took place in one postseason, it's hardly the start of Coach Phlipot's success.

Over his eight year career at Russia, Phlipot has already racked up 173 victories. That's an average of almost 22 W's per season. Back in 2022 Russia won a school record 25 games and last year broke that record when they won 26. Also, coaching first base during all those wins has been assistant coach Aaron Monnin. Monnin was recognized in 2023 by the Miami Valley Baseball Coaches Association as an Assistant Coach of the Year. The duo of Phlipot and Monnin, along with dugout coach Scott Phlipot, will once again aim to rally their program when the Raiders open the season a week behind schedule on April 1st. 

Hayden Quinter and Felix Francis are

used to playing on Ohio's biggest stage

(Picture by Cara Daugherty)

You won't hear Russia coaches, players or fans complaining about the late start. It's due to another long run by the basketball program earning another trip to the state tournament. In fact, Russia has qualified boys teams to state tournaments the last four consecutive sports seasons. In addition to their basketball team making the Final Four last weekend, the golf team qualified for state the first time in school history this past fall. Prior to that, the above mentioned 2023 baseball team played in the state final on the heels of the basketball team's run to the state semis. If you include Russia's state baseball championship in 2022, that all adds up to five state tournaments in six seasons. To be clear, nobody in Russia is miffed about a delayed Opening Day!

This spring the Raiders are returning plenty of athletic talent from all those state tournament teams. However, they do have a couple monumental baseball questions to address this campaign. The elephant in the room is currently pitching depth. Graduated now is the most successful hurler to wear a Raider uniform in Xavier Phlipot, evidenced by an astounding career record of 23-2, including two state tournament wins. Then there's classmate Ross Fiessinger who was an innings-eater that capped his senior year with a pitching record of 7-0. In addition, last year freshman Cooper Francis debuted on the bump as a future star, but today is toeing the rubber at Oakwood in Dayton where he earned a win earlier this week throwing five innings with nine strikeouts. Those three departures could loom large early this spring. The second tough question folks are debating about over breakfast at The Russia Inn, is how to replace the graduated centerfielder named Zane Shappie. Not only was the new alumnus a human vacuum cleaner in the outfield his entire high school career, plenty of former teammates will also tell you Shappie was the spark plug that fired the Raider's engine.

Brayden Monnin has a baseball background including a dad that was once SCL Player of the Year

Jude Counts looks to finish strong

Did I mention Russia was really good at rallying when adversity strikes? Don't expect the program to panic about pitching or their next centerfielder. The Raiders will be led by seven seniors in their last hoorah before graduation and it begins with 2023 All-SCAL honorees Brayden Monnin, Hayden Quinter and Felix Francis. Monnin can play all nine positions and was the second leading hitter last year with a .354 average. He also tied for the team lead with 11 doubles, along with being second in runs batted in with 31. The veteran Quinter manned the hot corner at 3rd-base, drove in a team high 34 runs, and was third on the team in stolen bases. Francis played on the right side of the infield and outfield, while also utilizing his speed between the bases to finish second on the team in runs scored and steals. Quietly flying under the radar by everyone except Raider fans, is another senior that's produced multiple big moments in Russia's run to the state finals the last two years, and that's Jude Counts. The versatile fielder has a rocket arm and powerful bat that is certain to create a few more highlights before he's finished. Ben Rinderle showed folks an early glimpse of his pitching potential last year as a junior when he earned the save in a 4-3 win at D-I Kettering Fairmont. The bulked up lefthander will give Russia an intimidating look from the mound this season. Senior Adam Hoehne enjoyed the proverbial "cup of coffee" with a loaded varsity team last year getting two hits in just four at-bats. Hoehne will be counted on to contribute for an entire big league schedule this spring. Finally, exchange student Matteo Morelli will wrap up his Russia experience learning the definitions of a can of corn, suicide squeezes and a 4-6-3 double play.

Braylon Cordonnier pitched 48-1/3 innings last season with 57 strikeouts, 5 walks and a 1.16 ERA

The junior class may add another half dozen to the Russia roster. Of course it begins with Braylon Cordonnier, who already has enough baseball accomplishments to fill a scrapbook. The reigning SCAL Player of the Year verbally committed to Marshall University back in October and will anchor both the Raider's pitching staff and batting order. Expect wishful opposing pitchers to go after Cordonnier at the plate all season, with slim bragging hopes of getting the powerful lefthander to pop up or ground out. Vince Borchers, Zeb Schulze and Micah Grieshop are three returnees from both state tournament teams that all contributed in limited action last season. Borchers was present for 22 of Russia's 33 games and had six hits, seven walks, seven stolen bases and a .353 batting average. Schulze played 13 games and had five hits with a .312 average. Grieshop appeared in 6 games and had three hits with a .333 average. Any part of that trio could be factors in Russia's equation this spring. Zeb Borchers and Benjamin York each recorded their first varsity hits last year while also enjoying the tournament trail to Akron. Both will look to earn more varsity playing time this year.

'Coop' caught on Opening Day

and at the state final

There's not much room remaining on another established varsity roster, but the sophomore class is budding with talent and might have a big impact. Cooper Unverferth introduced himself last year as a freshman at Russia's first practice and was immediately hired for full-time catcher. He also cranked out 15 base hits and 20 RBI before proceeding into a loaded summer of travel baseball. Those extra swings could result in a big 2024 for maybe the youngest guy on the lineup card. Maddox Goubeaux pitched a complete junior varsity schedule in 2023 and will now audition his skills for varsity. The southpaw would no doubt be a welcome addition to the pitching staff while Russia's coaches search for quality arms during their compacted April game schedule.

Russia's program was forced to cancel four scrimmages in March and regrettably, also this Saturday's Prep Baseball Report Spring Classic at Wapak playing Kettering Fairmont. After some schedule reshuffling, the Raiders will now open the regular season April 1st at Houston, April 2nd at Versailles and April 5th hosting Anna, before attempting to defend their St. Henry Invitational title in a doubleheader on Saturday, April 6th. Fans should be sure to check the Fish Report blog this season for team updates and future game broadcasts.

Russia fans have a history of fully supporting Raiders Baseball

Russia game is déjà vu in more ways than one

Braylon Cordonnier and the Raiders are back at state facing a familiar foe

Hall of Fame baseball catcher Yogi Berra once said, "It's deja vu all over again". That Yogism is perfect this week for members of the Russia boys basketball program. For the second consecutive year the Raiders return to UD Arena for the Division IV State Tournament and take on Richmond Heights again in the semifinals. Tip off is Friday at 2:00 and there's a variety of options for following the action. You can buy a ticket, listen on Scores and WTGR, or watch live on streaming video.

Of course Russia fans hope the similarities to last year end when both teams take the floor on Friday. That's because the Spartans topped the Raiders in the 2023 semis 66-51 in route to back-to-back state championships. As a matter fact, Richmond Heights is playing their fifth consecutive state tournament since 2019 (the 2020 tournament was cancelled) and also aiming for their third straight gold trophy. That potential title trifecta has only been accomplished four times in the OHSAA tournament since 1922 by Dayton Stivers, Columbus Wehrle, Cincinnati North College Hill and Cincinnati Moeller. Fish Report readers younger than 40 may not recognize the Columbus Wehrle name after the school closed in 1991, but believe me when I tell you they were the Richmond Heights of my childhood.

Myself and some guy named Brett Lawrence on 'X' share a similar opinion

Wehrle won small school Class A and D-IV championships in 1986, 1988, 1989 & 1990. That one missing title in 1987 would have arguably cemented the Wolverines as the greatest dynasty in OHSAA boys basketball history. However, that particular year Wehrle (25-0), the AP #1-ranked team in Ohio and USA Today #9-ranked team in the nation, ran into a little ole team from the Shelby County League in the regional finals named the Ft. Loramie Redskins (19-6). Ft. Loramie brought an entire village and zone defense into UD Arena that Friday evening. As Sidney Daily News sports editor Ken Barhorst reported, the building shook from the noise and the Redskins sent shock waves across Ohio when they won 51-49.

Ft. Loramie was front page news 37 years ago after their monumental upset

 
For any really young Fish Report readers brushing off that ancient history because you're a Gen Zer with a DraftKings account, here's a perspective you might appreciate. If gambling odds were allowed on that game in 1987 it's likely Wehrle would have been favored 100-1. Probably the same odds as this Friday when Russia plays Richmond Heights. The Raiders have been underdogs before though. Most notably, in the 2022 baseball state finals. Facing an Ohio State bound pitcher that was 24-0 in his career with one last start against a little ole team from the Shelby County Athletic League. Russia's entire village showed up and so did ballplayers named Brayden Monnin, Felix Francis, Hayden Quinter and Braylon Cordonnier, who all competed in the finale and won a state championship 10-4. Those same boys will be on the court this Friday with their teammates when the north end of UD Arena turns into a sea of blue and gold. If Russia beats the odds and Raider fans shake the building, it could be deja vu all over again or it might be time for a different Yogi Berra saying. How about, "It ain't over till it's over"!

These seniors combined will have competed in six state tournaments
(Picture by Cara Daugherty)