Ohio
For Ryan Day and Ohio State, expectations have peaked and the pressure builds with a matchup at Oregon
It’s probably fair to say that Ryan Day is the first coach in college football history to amass a 61-8 record, yet still have something to prove. And it’s not just nationally, but with his own intense, and occasionally desperate, fan base.
It’s never easy succeeding a larger-than-life legend, a bill that fits Urban Meyer. So Day knew the challenges that came from the advantage of getting the keys to the Buckeyes Lamborghini.
He’s been derided as being born on third base by getting Ohio State as his first head coaching job, but he’s a former New Hampshire quarterback who overcame, at age 9, the death of his father by suicide, to grind his way to the top.
Six seasons in, Day, 45, has succeeded. Well, except for the part where some people point more to those eight losses than those 61 victories.
Day is 1-6 against teams in the top five of the College Football Playoff rankings. He is 1-3 against Michigan overall, including losses in each of the last three years. He is 1-3 in the College Football Playoff.
Ohio State has a reputation for steamrolling weaker opponents. Day has never lost to an unranked team and is unbeaten against every Big Ten team that isn’t located in Ann Arbor. That’s not nothing.
It even can beat the occasional highly ranked team, but the joy seems not to last. In 2020, it took down Clemson in the College Football Playoff … only to get blown out by Alabama in the title game.
Last season, it won late at Notre Dame, which was No. 9 at the time, but no one was overwhelmingly impressed because the Irish rarely win big ones either and Day spent the postgame seemingly challenging Lou Holtz to a fight.
And so, even as Ohio State (5-0) has blown out Akron, Western Michigan, Marshall, Michigan State and Iowa to the tune of 230-34, there remains doubts both in Columbus and across the country.
Sure, the Buckeyes can be bullies, but can they bully a bully? Can this team win it all?
No. 3 Oregon awaits Saturday in Eugene, a seemingly fair fight for the Bucks. It’ll count in the race for a Big Ten title, a playoff berth and playoff seeding. And it will count on the reputation, both near and far, of Ryan Day.
“A lot is at stake this weekend, which is exactly the way we want it,” Day said.
Nothing will be decided on Saturday, but it’s fair to watch and wonder. If not this year, then when? If not with this team, then why not?
The Buckeyes are always talented and Day has proven to be every bit the elite recruiter, especially nationally, that Meyer was. Yet as good as the roster always looks, this year is something else.
During the summer Meyer declared this “might be the best roster in college football in the last decade.” As bold of a statement as that was, nothing it has shown so far suggests Meyer is wrong.
Ohio State followed the Michigan playbook this year in using NIL money to encourage NFL-caliber players to skip the draft and return to campus for a national title run.
That meant guys such as running back TreVeyon Henderson, cornerback Denzel Burke, wideout Emeka Egbuka and defensive lineman J.T. Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer — among others — all came back from an 11-1 regular season team.
Then Day hit the transfer portal to add quarterback Will Howard (Kansas State) and more running back depth in Quinshon Judkins (Ole Miss).
The Buckeyes’ two best players are actually newcomers — safety Caleb Downs, who arrived from Alabama after Nick Saban’s retirement, and true freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who Ohio State beat Miami and Florida State to sign last February.
It’s a breathtaking collection. Anything can happen in Autzen Stadium, but one of those “anythings” is a show of force that has the rest of the country sitting up and wondering if Ohio State can be beaten. The Buckeyes are 3.5-point favorites.
So Day walks into another big game projecting confidence. He likes to say it’s about Ohio State, not who Ohio State is playing. Internally, he’s likely correct. Externally though?
“I think you always try to make sure you identify the things that fit the team,” Day said. “You know, all of a sudden you don’t just change because it’s a quote-unquote big game. They’re all big.
“If we say it’s about us all the time, then it’s about us in the games like this, which it is. So we’re going to continue with the same routine.”
Ryan Day has done a great job at Ohio State, just not great enough for some. On Saturday, he’s got the stage to begin to prove himself capable of reaching that final level.
He’s certainly got the team to get there.
Ohio
Wanda Lou Bailey, Louisville, Ohio
ALLIANCE, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) – Wanda Lou Bailey, born August 8, 1940, in Charleston, West Virginia, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2026, in Louisville, Ohio. She was a beloved member of her community, whose life was marked by dedication to her family, faith, and numerous heartfelt pursuits.
A graduate of Poca High School in West Virginia in 1958, Wanda’s early years paved a foundation of commitment that she carried throughout her life. Her professional journey included roles at Big Lots and Quality Farm and Fleet, but it was her role as a pastor’s wife that truly defined much of her life’s work. Alongside her late husband, Rev. Paul Bailey, whom she married on May 31, 1958, Wanda was deeply involved in spiritual and community service until his passing on March 9, 2021.
Wanda’s warm spirit and spicy attitude extended beyond her family and church. She was known for her skills in puzzles, crafts, quilting-each piece a testament to her caring nature. Her memory bears, lovingly crafted from cherished fabrics, stand as small yet profound symbols of her dedication and love. She also volunteered for many years at Canaan Acres Christian Camp, embracing her role as “Camp Nana” with a heart full of grace and kindness, known by all who knew her there.
Wanda is survived by four devoted children: Paula (David) Monteleone, David (Debra) Bailey, Laura (Pastor Mike) Kimball, and Beth Bailey. She also leaves behind nine grandchildren-Jennifer (Nathaniel) Miller, Carrie (Casey) Callarick, Kimberly (Brandy) Brown, Michael (Heidi) McLaughlin, Gregory Bailey, Rev. Cassandra (Bryan) Wynn, Jeremiah (Jaclyn) Kimball, Courtnie (Jon) Eckelberry, and Joshua (Ruby) Vandeborne. Her legacy further extends through twenty-four great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren, as well as extended family who called her mom and nana, continuing her family lines that meant so much to her. Wanda was also sister to Mary McCalister, Clara Honaker, and Archie Quigley. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, William and Rebecca (Vansickle) Quigley, and her husband, Rev. Paul Bailey.
The community will gather to honor Wanda’s life and legacy with a viewing on April 25, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Canaan Acres Campground, located at 8020 Nazarene Ave NE, Louisville, Ohio 44641. A funeral service will follow at 4:00 PM the same day at the campground with her son in law Pastor Mike Kimball officiating. Entombment will take place at Highland Hills Cemetery in Follansbee, West Virginia. on Monday, April 27th the time will be announced at a later date.
Wanda Lou Bailey’s life was one of service, creativity, and boundless love-a true beacon to her family and community. She will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege to know her. Memorial contributions can be made in Wanda’s memory to “Camp Nana Fund) in care of Caanan Acres Campground, 8020 Nazarene Ave. NE Louisville, Ohio 44641. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Sebring Chapel (330) 938-2526, www.grfuneralhome.com.
Family and friends may view send condolences at Gednetz-Ruzek-Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Service.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Wanda Lou Bailey, please visit our flower store.
Ohio
Bonnie Sue Reed-Tilton-Hetzel, East Liverpool, Ohio
EAST LIVERPOOL, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) – Bonnie Sue Reed-Tilton-Hetzel, known lovingly as Bonnie, passed away on Thursday, April 16, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio, following a sudden unexpected medical emergency.
Bonnie was born on March 27, 1947, in East Liverpool, Ohio.
Bonnie lived a life marked by faith, devotion and steady love. She was a Christian woman, whose life reflected the goodness she believed in and shared with others. Those who knew her best will remember her as faith-filled, loving and generous, a woman who offered encouragement, comfort and warmth wherever she went. She carried herself with a spirit that lifted others and she lived with the kind of purpose that leaves a lasting imprint on family, church and community alike.
Bonnie was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Crystal Tilton (surviving husband Daniel) Sigmon of North Carolina. She was also preceded in death by her mother, Helen Cameron-Reed-Salisbury of East Liverpool, Ohio; her father, Leonard A. Reed of Ohioville, Pennsylvania; her grandparents, Frank and Ethel Hager-Cameron and Ina Duncan-Reed-Sarvey; and her two brothers, L. Frank Reed of Mansfield, Ohio and William J. Reed Sr. of East Liverpool, Ohio. Though these loved ones have gone before her, the bond of family and memory remains strong, and her life was deeply shaped by the generations who came before her and the ones she helped raise with love.
Bonnie graduated from East Liverpool High School in 1965, where she lettered in music, played violin in the orchestra and the bellyra in the band, where they marched in the 1964 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, an achievement that stood as a proud memory of her youth. Her school years reflected her gift for music and her willingness to serve as part of something larger than herself. She later attended Kent State University and continued to live with a spirit of growth, learning and perseverance.
Her work ethic was strong and steady and she was respected for the many ways she contributed to the lives around her. She worked at Hills department store, Carriage Hill Meat Packing Plant and the United States Postal Service offices in Steubenville, Youngstown, Boardman, Austintown, East Liverpool and Calcutta. Later, she became self-employed in construction, roofing and remodeling, where her determination and practical skills were evident to all who knew her. Bonnie understood the value of honest work and she met life’s responsibilities with courage and grace.
Bonnie’s interests reflected her heart for ministry, family and fellowship. She loved delivering the word of God through music ministry, alongside her husband, bringing hope and comfort to nursing homes and prisons. She served her community and church, Lake Milton Baptist Temple, where she felt called to live with love and generosity. She also cherished hosting family dinners, where board games, laughter and togetherness created memories that will continue to bless her family for years to come. She enjoyed travel, especially trips to Florida and visits with family, and she valued church activities and the companionship of her six rescue cats, who were also part of the home she nurtured with tenderness.
She is survived by her devoted, faithful and loving husband, Frank Hetzel, or as she would call him “her Franko”, to whom she married on January 9th 1988; and her sister, Judi Reed-Cameron of Salem, Ohio, who will forever share in the treasured memories of a lifetime of sisterhood.
Bonnie leaves behind her two daughters, T. Renee Tilton-Rardon and her husband, Gene Goldberg of Wellsville, Ohio and April Tilton Large and her husband, David Large of Minerva, Ohio; as well as her son, Aaron Tilton of Lake Milton, Ohio. She also leaves behind her two stepdaughters, Mary Elizabeth Hetzel of Tennessee and Rebecca Hetzel Fowler and her husband, James Fowler of Tennessee; and her stepson, Robert Hetzel and his wife, Amy Hetzel of Wisconsin. Her family circle extends through 15 grandchildren, Nicholas (Ashleigh) Rardon, Zachary (Haylee) Cramer, Cassandra Sigmon, Elijah (Alexis) Sigmon, Joshua Sigmon, Alexa Sigmon, Emma Large, Ivy Large, Elyse Tingler, Danni Tingler, Tristan (Laurel) Fowler, Colton Fowler, Christian (Clarinda) Hetzel, Faith (Jacob) Charpentier and Joy (Aaron) Kamla; as well as five great-grandchildren, Macie Cramer, Damian Rardon, Savannah Rardon, Alleah Cramer and Petra Charpentier. Her family was one of her greatest joys, and she treasured each name, each face, and each precious moment shared together.
Bonnie’s life offers a testimony that speaks plainly and powerfully. A life grounded in Christ does not end in defeat, because the faithful are held in the hands of God. She lived with conviction, served with compassion and loved with an open heart. Her story reminds us that a life of prayer, service and kindness is never wasted. As Maya Angelou wrote, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Bonnie made people feel loved, remembered, welcomed and encouraged and that is a legacy that endures.
Though her earthly journey has ended, Bonnie’s influence remains in the music she shared, the meals she prepared, the prayers she prayed, the work she completed and the family she helped shape. Her life was a blessing and her memory will continue to call others toward faith, gratitude and love. May those who mourn her also celebrate the hope she lived by, trusting that the same God who sustained her in life now holds her in eternal peace.
Romans 8:6
King James Version
“For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.”
Viewing and services will be held on Monday, April 20, 2026, at Lake Milton Baptist Temple, 415 S Pricetown Road, Diamond, Ohio 44412. Viewing will be held from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m., with a service following at 3:00 p.m.
A small burial service for immediate family will be held at the cemetery afterwards.
There will be a dinner held at the church’s hall after funeral services and everyone is welcome to join to celebrate Bonnie’s life.
Arrangements for the family have been provided by Bernard P. Borowski Memorial Home.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Bonnie Sue (Reed) Tilton-Hetzel, please visit our floral store.
A television tribute will air Monday, April 20, at the following approximate times: 6:47 a.m. on WYTV, 9:43 a.m. on WKBN, 10:58 a.m. on FOX and 8:12 p.m. on MyYTV. Video will be posted here the day of airing.
Ohio
Three Buckeyes Who Proved They Belong at Ohio State Spring Game
Fans got their first glimpse of the 2026-2027 Buckeyes during their spring game earlier today. In contrast to last year’s offensive takeover, it was the defense this year that shined for the most part.
With this, we still saw plenty of Buckeyes that proved that they are ready to play, and ready to play now. Here are three standouts from the Ohio State Spring Game.
Chris Henry Jr.
Coming into the game, most Ohio State fans had already penciled Chris Henry Jr., the No. 1 WR in the 2026 class according to ESPN, as the successor to Carnell Tate in the Buckeye offense.
Anyone that didn’t, probably should now.
The freshman wideout hauled in 4 passes for 96 yards, including a 40-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter.
Playing all snaps on the outside, Henry Jr. looked very poised, showcasing smooth route running and breakaway speed. The connection between him and another Buckeye on this list was the highlight of the offense for the day. There is no doubt he should be an immediate contributor in this Ohio State offense.
Tavien St. Clair
After a subpar showing at the spring game last year, Tavien St. Clair showed flashes of the top-10 recruit he was just two years ago.
He dazzled early with two big completions to Chris Henry Jr., showing off his big arm in the process.
His touchdown pass to Henry Jr. was a beautiful look off from St. Clair, who launched it right to the right pylon to find the freshman wideout.
It was not all sunshine and rainbows for St. Clair on the day though, as he was forced into a couple three-and-outs as well as a few balls that could have been intercepted.
All in all, all tools are there for St. Clair to be great when his number is called, and another year of growth under Julian Sayin should help him get there.
Beau Atkinson
Buckeye fans were surprised when Beau Atkinson was basically a non-factor on the defensive line a season ago, as the hype around him coming from North Carolina was immense.
The player they expected to see last year was on full display, as the senior finished the day with a sack and an interception off a Julian Sayin batted ball at the line of scrimmage.
His high motor was one to watch early, as his get-off and confidence at the position looked vastly improved from last year. He is one to seriously watch to be the starter next to Kenyatta Jackson Jr. come September.
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