Latest news with #PHS
Dominion Post
a day ago
- Sport
- Dominion Post
Preston High quarterback Slaton Manko excited for senior season after a breakout 2024 campaign
KINGWOOD – Preston High School quarterback Slaton Manko was one of the top breakout stars of the 2024 WV high school football season after an impressive campaign for the Knights. The rising senior amassed 2,428 total yards and 27 touchdowns offensively under center for the Knights last season, while also playing a role on defense with 24 tackles. His efforts earned him a spot on the Class AAA all-state second-team as a utility player, and Manko returns this season with renewed confidence and a clear mindset as he prepares to lead PHS in the fall. 'The experience I gained from my freshman and sophomore years playing varsity helped my confidence a ton going into last season,' Manko said. 'I've also had some great playmakers and a good offensive scheme and game plan from Coach Sims. I've always tried to lead by example, and being an upperclassman helped me take that to a new level.' Manko led the Knights with 1,744 yards through the air at a 53% completion percentage and 18 touchdowns to only six interceptions. He was also the leading rusher on the team, with 684 yards and nine touchdowns on 154 carries. His breakout game came against East Fairmont in the Buckwheat Bowl, a 48-20 victory, in which Manko totaled 487 yards of offense and six touchdowns. That came a week after he rushed for 100 yards and threw for 199 yards with three scores against Robert C. Byrd. Heading into summer, Manko says there isn't an aspect of his game he isn't trying to improve continually. 'I just want to continue to get better,' he said. 'Whether it's faster, stronger, or more knowledgeable, the goal is for the team to put out a product on the field that we and Preston County can be proud of. There's nothing like playing on Friday night, and with this being my senior season, I'm excited to battle week in and week out with my brother and give my all for our team.' The Knights competed in Class AAA in 2024, but will move back to Class AAAA with the newly implemented class realignment, which is strictly based on enrollment. PHS sits less than 10 students above the cutoff for Class AAA. Still, Manko believes he and his team have what it takes to succeed at the highest level of high school football in the state, and their confidence remains unwavering despite the competition. 'We don't always have the same number of players the other team has on the roster, but we have the same amount of effort and drive to compete at the highest level,' Manko said. 'I just want to be able to get the most out of my teammates and coaches, and hopefully the results will take care of themselves with the work we put in. I think we have a lot of talent, but we will have some new starters on both sides of the ball. It's about giving our maximum effort every play. If we do that, I think we will be successful.' Manko and the Knights will open the 2025 season by visiting Hampshire in Week 1.
Chicago Tribune
4 days ago
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
Portage High School ballfields could get names to honor coaches
Portage High School's football field and baseball diamond could be getting new names to honor longtime coaches. Frank Hobart asked the Portage Township School Board on Monday to rename the football field Les Klein Field. It was good timing. School Board President Andy Maletta had sent a message to Superintendent Amanda Alaniz a week prior suggesting it would mean a lot to rename that field for Klein while he's still alive. 'I think it would be a great honor for him,' Maletta said, along with others who attended PHS during Klein's tenure. Hobart, a member of the coaching staff and faculty and Portage, attended Michigan City's Elston High School, playing Portage teams twice. He called them tough and fair. 'You knew you were in for a battle,' he said. 'Go Big Red' on the football field represents the school color, but honoring Klein would be better, Hobart said. The ceremony could happen when Portage faces Hobart High School's Brickies, 'a longtime nemesis, longtime rival,' he said. PHS Indians from the past would want to attend. 'Hollywood, right, makes movies about this stuff,' Hobart said. In July, Alaniz said, she planned to ask the board to consider not only renaming the football field for Klein but also the baseball diamond for longtime coach Larry Casbon. In other business Monday, the School Board kept prices intact for adult meals at the district's schools. Breakfast will remain $2.85 and lunch $5. 'The increase is usually minor,' board Vice President Wilma Vazquez said, but she's pleased to see it unchanged. The school calendar for next year was tweaked, too, to move a scheduled day off to April 3 instead of April 17. 'Moving forward, it will always be whatever day Good Friday falls on,' Alaniz said. The board also made tweaks to the student/parent handbook. Vazquez asked about the grace period for parents to provide proof of residence. They have 45 days to provide those documents, Alaniz said, and get a 15-day notice when time is running short. Alananiz praised school secretaries, who 'play a very big role in helping us track that down.' The board also approved three of four new contracts for support personnel. The transportation workers are still negotiating terms of their contract. Food service workers gain a $100 clothing allowance to buy nonslip shoes, and custodians can get paid time off in hourly increments so they don't need to take an entire day off for issues like doctor appointments, Alaniz said. Support staff who serve as substitute teachers will get $25 for a half day and $50 for a full day. If they are posted outside to supervise students, either boarding or getting off a bus or overseeing recess, they will get $100 for weather gear. 'You are an integral part of the school system,' Maletta said. 'Without these groups, we cannot function,' Vazquez said. 'Our children would not be able to get the education they need.' Alaniz thanked the United Steelworkers teams who have been working since January on these contracts for negotiating in good faith. 'I want to encourage them to relax and recharge,' she said.
STV News
4 days ago
- Health
- STV News
Scotland's alcohol consumption dangerously excessive
Scotland's alcohol consumption continues to be dangerously excessive with people drinking 50% above safe limits, statistics show. The latest data, published by Public Health Scotland on Tuesday, showed that Scots are buying and drinking more alcohol than people in England and Wales. The data from 2023/24 shows: Scots drink more than 50% above the Chief Medical Officers' safe drinking guidelines (14 units a week) Adults who drink consume an average of 21.6 units of alcohol per week in Scotland Experts at PHS estimate that if current drinking patterns continue, there will be a 21% increase in alcohol-related diseases by 2043 compared to 2019 levels. People living in Scotland's most deprived areas are six times more likely to be hospitalised or die from causes wholly related to alcohol 'Today's updates add to the evidence base that as a population, Scotland is consuming too much alcohol,' Dr Tara Shivaji, a consultant in public health medicine at Public Health Scotland, said. 'This means thousands more individuals and families facing the devastating impacts of alcohol related ill-health such as liver disease, heart disease, stroke, and cancer.' Dr Shivaji said people across Scotland are drinking 'well above' the recommended 14-unit limit every week, 'significantly increasing their risk of these serious health conditions'. If these drinking patterns continue, Dr Shivaji projects that there will be a 21% increase in alcohol-related diseases by 2043 compared to 2019 levels. 'Today's updates add to the evidence base that as a population, Scotland is consuming too much alcohol,' she said. 'This means thousands more individuals and families facing the devastating impacts of alcohol related ill-health such as liver disease, heart disease, stroke, and cancer.' People in the most deprived communities are hit hardest by alcohol consumption, according to the figures. PHS said that people living in Scotland's most deprived areas are six times more likely to be hospitalised or die from causes wholly related to alcohol, compared to those in the least deprived communities. It also shows that while the volume of alcohol sold in Scotland is decreasing, it remains higher than the amount sold per adult in England and Wales. 'The newly released data provides compelling evidence that despite progress, Scotland's relationship with alcohol remains deeply problematic and requires immediate attention,' Dr Shivaji said. 'This isn't inevitable. With urgent, collective and evidence-based action to tackle harmful alcohol use, we can change Scotland's path.' She said Scotland needs to take steps toward implementing preventive measures. 'This means addressing the availability, affordability, and attractiveness of alcohol, as well as providing early intervention and support for people experiencing problems. But that work must start now,' she said. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
The Herald Scotland
4 days ago
- Health
- The Herald Scotland
Stark new statistics on Scotland's deepening alcohol problem
This is more than 50% above the Chief Medical Officers' safe drinking guidelines of 14 for both men and women. This latest figures shows that while the volume of alcohol sold is decreasing, it remains higher than the amount sold per adult in England and Wales. The data also reveals stark inequalities between those from the most and least deprived areas in Scotland. People living in Scotland's most deprived areas are six times more likely to be hospitalised or die from causes wholly related to alcohol compared to those in the least deprived communities. READ MORE: Swinney urged to act in bid to reverse near-record alcohol deaths Programme for Government: Alcohol ban on trains to end Scotland's drug and alcohol deaths remain among worst in Europe Dr Tara Shivaji, Consultant in Public Health Medicine at PHS, said: "Today's updates add to the evidence base that as a population, Scotland is consuming too much alcohol. 'If current drinking patterns continue, we project a 21% increase in alcohol-related disease burden by 2043 compared to 2019 levels. This means thousands more individuals and families facing the devastating impacts of alcohol related ill-health such as liver disease, heart disease, stroke and cancer. 'Every week, people across Scotland are drinking well above the recommended 14-unit limit, significantly increasing their risk of these serious health conditions. 'The newly released data provides compelling evidence that despite progress, Scotland's relationship with alcohol remains deeply problematic and requires immediate attention. 'This isn't inevitable," Dr Shivaji added, "With urgent, collective and evidence-based action to tackle harmful alcohol use, we can change Scotland's path. We need to take steps to implement the preventative measures outlined in the Population Health Framework. This means addressing the availability, affordability, and attractiveness of alcohol, as well as providing early intervention and support for people experiencing problems. But that work must start now.' Since Scotland introduced Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) in 2018, alcohol deaths have dropped by 13.4%, and overall drinking fell by 3%. However, the number of people in Scotland whose death was caused by alcohol remains high, with the figures for 2023 showing the largest number of deaths in 15 years. Alcohol Policy Minister Maree Todd said: 'The Scottish Government is working to reduce alcohol-related harm and deaths. Our world-leading Minimum Unit Pricing policy and the decision to uprate the unit price to 65 pence per unit is a key part of our approach to tackling alcohol harm. 'We want every person experiencing harm from alcohol use to be able access the support they need. That is why we have allocated £112 million to local Alcohol and Drug Partnerships for treatment and support services. 'The forthcoming UK Clinical Guidelines for Alcohol Treatment are anticipated to further support the improvement of alcohol treatment in Scotland. In addition, the recently published Population Health Framework sets out a 10-year plan for population health, including addressing the harms caused by alcohol.'
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Petoskey hoping to put the pressure on, swipe another couple wins Saturday
CHEBOYGAN — There are a lot of ways to get into the mind of an opponent and put the pressure on. The Petoskey baseball team isn't waiting around to do so in 2025. They're pushing the envelope and turning up the pressure on the base paths. Advertisement And opponents are crumbling to the pressure along the way. With 132 steals as team this season, it's the most bags the Northmen have swiped in at least over a decade, after 95 last season and nearly as many as 2022 and 2023 combined. Over the previous seven seasons, Petoskey had averaged just 74. Their 92.96% success rate is also the highest since an even 93% in 2021. 'It feels good because I've definitely been one of the top guys doing it and it feels good to be (running) more,' Petoskey senior Drew Olson said. 'I just like being aggressive and it puts the runners in scoring position.' Petoskey senior Drew Olson has taken 28 bags on the base paths this season, leading the charge for a team that's taken more than 130 for the season. Olson leads the way with 28 steals for the season, often out of the No. 2 hole for the Northmen. His 28 are the most for a Petoskey player since Keaton Walker's 28 in 2019 and the first time a PHS player has eclipsed 20 in a season since Walker. Advertisement Olson might be leading the charts, but he's not alone. AJ Speigl has taken 25 bases and Haden Janes owns 23 steals. Three more have taken double digits. Petoskey's Speigl: The colors might have changed, but Petoskey's Speigl is still coming up big in postseason While he hasn't been opposed to sending guys in the past, Petoskey head coach Shawn Racignol wants to take advantage of the speed he feels this group possess. 'I'd say this has been the best overall team speed that we've had,' Racignol said. 'There's not a guy in the lineup that can't swipe a bag. We've just got to have the right situation and try to minimize the risk and maximize the reward. When those situations come up during the game, we just have to push that button.' Advertisement Simply put, if the opportunity is there, take it. In Racignol's eyes, that's smart baseball, but only when the reward keeps outweighing the risk. 'It's been a nice addition to keep pressure on the defense,' Racignol added. 'We've done that with the bats, we've done it on the bases, with small ball. It's just another way to add pressure and we'll go to it if we're able to go to it.' One thing that's helped with the amount of steals is Petoskey's highest on-base-percentage (.445) since 2021 (.450) and their first time with over a .400 OBP since 2022. Guys have just had more opportunities this season. Advertisement 'We've just got to get on base, that's the main thing,' Olson said. Petoskey: Petoskey baseball can go home again, advance to hosted Division 2 regional final After 18 steals in an all-state season a year ago and playing around the infield, Olson, who has stuck primarily to second base in 2025, has given himself more opportunities with his best season at the plate. He's batting .382 with a .462 OBP, to go with 40 runs scored and 24 RBIs. He also carries a 100% rate on 28 steal attempts and has struck out just nine times in 122 plate appearances. While Petoskey's steals are up, so too are the hits and on-base-percentage for guys like Haden Janes in the lineup. As someone who knows his game and doesn't try swinging for the fence, Olson has been one of the most consistent players in the lineup, which included taking two bags against Kingsford in a Division 2 regional semifinal victory Wednesday, June 4. Advertisement 'I feel great,' Olson said. 'I just have to do what I do best, hitting hard ground balls and stealing bases.' It's not like the Northmen have been swiping against nobody this season. They've been putting together one of their best seasons against one of their most challenging schedules. East Jordan: East Jordan holds off late Inland Lakes rally, tops Bulldogs in regional semifinal Gaylord St. Mary: Snowbirds still flying: Gaylord St. Mary baseball tops Alcona, onto D4 regional finals And, that schedule continues at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 7 at Turcott Field in Petoskey with a Division 2 regional championship game for the Northmen, potentially followed by a 3 p.m. quarterfinal. Advertisement The No. 9 ranked Northmen will face either Ludington (8-18) or No. 2 Standish-Sterling (33-4). No. 12 Fruitport (28-5) already has its spot in the noon regional final and will face either Frankenmuth (21-12) or Saginaw Swan Valley (22-7). Looking to move on again Saturday, Petoskey's Drew Olson believes they just have to keep playing their game, in the field and on the bases. If Petoskey is hoping to steal a couple wins Saturday, Olson believes they just have to keep doing what they've been doing. 'We're making the routine plays in the field, we've just got to get on base,' he said. 'It's the same kind of approach. Get the ball out and swing away.' Then, swipe away. Contact or send game stats/info to Sports Editor Drew Kochanny at dkochanny@ Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DrewKochanny, and Instagram, @drewkochanny This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Petoskey baseball's aggressive play on base paths has them lifted to regional finals
