http://www.toledoblade.com The Latest News from Toledoblade.com (v5) Fri, 31 Jul 2026 14:42:30 GMT en-us hourly 1 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/07/31/forward-jason-willms-return-walleye/stories/20260731095 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/07/31/forward-jason-willms-return-walleye/stories/20260731095#comments Fri, 31 Jul 2026 19:36:44 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/07/31/forward-jason-willms-return-walleye/stories/20260731095 The Toledo Walleye have signed Jason Willms, a forward who began his pro career in Toledo during the 2023-24 season. Toledo’s Jason Willms, who signed with the Walleye on Friday, tries to skate past a defender during a Toledo Walleye versus Wheeling Nailers playoff hockey game at the Huntington Center in 2024 in Toledo. Toledo’s Jason Willms looks to pass during a playoff game between the Toledo Walleye and the Kansas City Mavericks at the Huntington Center in 2024. Toledo’s Jason Willms handles the puck during Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals in the ECHL Kelly Cup hockey playoffs between the Toledo Walleye and Kansas City Mavericks at the Huntington Center in Toledo in 2024. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/07/31/huntington-center-host-ahl-exhibition-games-between-grand-rapids-cleveland/stories/20260731098 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/07/31/huntington-center-host-ahl-exhibition-games-between-grand-rapids-cleveland/stories/20260731098#comments Fri, 31 Jul 2026 20:37:37 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/07/31/huntington-center-host-ahl-exhibition-games-between-grand-rapids-cleveland/stories/20260731098 Coming up in September, the Huntington Center will host two American Hockey League preseason games that involve the top minor-league clubs of the Detroit Red Wings and the Columbus Blue Jackets. Dan Watson addresses the media during his introductory press conference with the Grand Rapids Griffins at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Mich., on June 15, 2023. Former Toledo Walleye goaltender Pat Nagle plays in a game for the Grand Rapids Griffins of the American Hockey League. Toledo Walleye head coach Dan Watson, top left, watches as the team commits to a line change against the Cincinnati Cyclones in an ECHL hockey game on April 7, 2023 at the Huntington Center in Toledo. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/high-school/2026/07/31/2026-high-school-football-5-senior-quarterbacks-watch/stories/20260731088 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/high-school/2026/07/31/2026-high-school-football-5-senior-quarterbacks-watch/stories/20260731088#comments Fri, 31 Jul 2026 19:33:57 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/high-school/2026/07/31/2026-high-school-football-5-senior-quarterbacks-watch/stories/20260731088 With the 2026 Ohio high school football season approaching, several notable area quarterbacks are entering their final campaigns with one last chance to add to their respective prep careers. Perrysburg QB Brady Maxwell surveys the field at Steinbecker Stadium on Oct. 3. Liberty-Benton's Connor Barbara dodges the outstretched arm of Delta's Hayden Boulton as the Eagles host the Panthers in a first round playoff matchup on Oct. 31. Luke Long practices his throw during his football team’s practice at North Baltimore High School on Sept. 23. Jackson Hessey of Sylvania Southview High School, throws the ball during a football game against Clay High School in Oregon on Aug. 29. Central Catholic's Ali Beydoun (1) throws to the left as the Fighting Irish face off against Bishop Waterson in the OHSAA Division III Football State Championship Game at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton on Dec. 5. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/high-school/2026/07/30/hitting-the-links-area-high-school-golfers-set-for-successful-2026-season/stories/20260730100 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/high-school/2026/07/30/hitting-the-links-area-high-school-golfers-set-for-successful-2026-season/stories/20260730100#comments Thu, 30 Jul 2026 18:34:39 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/high-school/2026/07/30/hitting-the-links-area-high-school-golfers-set-for-successful-2026-season/stories/20260730100 The high school golf season gets into full swing this week, with several local teams and individuals looking to build on their successes from 2025. St. John’s Charlie Kazmierczak jumps to watch his shot during the Division I boys state golf tournament Oct. 12, 2025, on the North Course at Firestone Country Club. Anthony Wayne’s Piper Phillips during the OHSAA Girls Division I Championship at NCR Golf Course in Kettering, Ohio. Walker Peterson from Ottawa Hills at the OHSAA Boys D2 State Championship Oct 6, 2025. Northview’s Katelyn Feldmann hits her ball to the fairway during the Division I girls state golf tournament Oct. 12, 2025, on the Fazio Course at Firestone Country Club. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/golf/2026/07/30/jeeno-thitikul-opens-64-women-british-open/stories/20260730111 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/golf/2026/07/30/jeeno-thitikul-opens-64-women-british-open/stories/20260730111#comments Thu, 30 Jul 2026 21:33:05 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/golf/2026/07/30/jeeno-thitikul-opens-64-women-british-open/stories/20260730111 LYTHAM ST. ANNES, England  — Jeeno Thitikul took the first step toward the missing prize of her career Thursday when she opened with a 7-under 64 at Royal Lytham & St. Annes for a two-shot lead over Haeran Ryu and Shiho Kuwaki of Japan in the Women's British Open. Jeeno Thitikul, of Thailand, chips onto the 14th green during the first round of the Women's British Open golf championship in Lytham St. Annes, England, on July 30. Jeeno Thitikul, of Thailand, drives off the 16th tee during the first round of the Women's British Open golf championship in Lytham St. Annes, England, on July 30. Haeran Ryu, of South Korea, tees off the 2nd hole during the first round of the Women's British Open golf championship in Lytham St. Annes, England, on July 30. Shiho Kuwaki, of Japan, takes a practice swing on the 14th hole during the first round of the Women's British Open golf championship in Lytham St. Annes, England, on July 30. Nelly Korda, of the U.S. plays a shot out of a bunker on the 3rd hole during the first round of the Women's British Open golf championship in Lytham St. Annes, England, on July 30. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/07/30/incoming-ut-athletic-director-tom-moreland-connects-fans-town-hall-meeting/stories/20260730119 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/07/30/incoming-ut-athletic-director-tom-moreland-connects-fans-town-hall-meeting/stories/20260730119#comments Fri, 31 Jul 2026 01:35:28 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/07/30/incoming-ut-athletic-director-tom-moreland-connects-fans-town-hall-meeting/stories/20260730119 University of Toledo Athletic Director Tom Moreland wanted to have a direct conversation with Rockets fans. No fund-raising pitch. No championship celebration. Just questions — and answers — in a town hall meeting Thursday in Savage Arena’s Grogan Room. “Our athletic Tom Moreland, the University of Toledo’s new athletic director, speaks during a town hall on Rocket athletics held in UT’s Grogan Room in Savage Arena in Toledo on July 30. Tom Moreland, the University of Toledo’s new athletic director, highlights individual MAC champions as he speaks during a town hall on Rocket athletics held in UT’s Grogan Room in Savage Arena in Toledo on July 30. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/golf/2026/07/30/peter-malnati-shoots-9-under-61-takes-early-lead-rocket-classic-detroit/stories/20260730121 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/golf/2026/07/30/peter-malnati-shoots-9-under-61-takes-early-lead-rocket-classic-detroit/stories/20260730121#comments Fri, 31 Jul 2026 00:28:58 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/golf/2026/07/30/peter-malnati-shoots-9-under-61-takes-early-lead-rocket-classic-detroit/stories/20260730121 DETROIT — Peter Malnati has missed more cuts than he has made on the PGA Tour this season, filling his head with doubts about his game. Peter Malnati hits from the 11th tee during the first round of the Rocket Classic golf tournament at the Detroit Golf Club on July 30 in Detroit. Rickie Fowler hits from the 11th tee during the first round of the Rocket Classic golf tournament at the Detroit Golf Club on July 30 in Detroit. Patrick Cantlay prepares to putt on the eighth green during the first round of the Rocket Classic golf tournament at the Detroit Golf Club on July 30 in Detroit. Keegan Bradley hits from the 11th tee during the first round of the Rocket Classic golf tournament at the Detroit Golf Club on July 30 in Detroit. Cameron Young chips onto the eighth green during the first round of the Rocket Classic golf tournament at the Detroit Golf Club on July 30 in Detroit. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/mud-hens/2026/07/30/early-advantage-powers-columbus-mud-hens/stories/20260730107 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/mud-hens/2026/07/30/early-advantage-powers-columbus-mud-hens/stories/20260730107#comments Thu, 30 Jul 2026 21:53:20 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/mud-hens/2026/07/30/early-advantage-powers-columbus-mud-hens/stories/20260730107 COLUMBUS — The Toledo Mud Hens outhit the host Columbus Clippers but could not pay it off on the scoreboard, falling 9-5 in the third game of the series on Thursday. Toledo’s Jace Jung hits the ball during a baseball game at Fifth Third Field in downtown Toledo on May 10. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/mud-hens/2026/07/29/mud-hens-rally-falls-short-in-loss-to-clippers/stories/20260729124 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/mud-hens/2026/07/29/mud-hens-rally-falls-short-in-loss-to-clippers/stories/20260729124#comments Thu, 30 Jul 2026 10:50:39 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/mud-hens/2026/07/29/mud-hens-rally-falls-short-in-loss-to-clippers/stories/20260729124 COLUMBUS — The Toledo Mud Hens nearly overcame a nine-run deficit but ultimately fell to the Columbus Clippers 9-7 on Wednesday. Toledo’s Jace Jung eyes the ball while batting during an International League baseball game between the Toledo Mud Hens and Indianapolis Indians at Fifth Third Field in Toledo May 24 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/tigers/2026/07/29/orioles-rally-7-0-down-beat-tigers-12-innings/stories/20260729119 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/tigers/2026/07/29/orioles-rally-7-0-down-beat-tigers-12-innings/stories/20260729119#comments Wed, 29 Jul 2026 23:02:51 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/tigers/2026/07/29/orioles-rally-7-0-down-beat-tigers-12-innings/stories/20260729119 DETROIT — Colton Cowser hit a tiebreaking single in the 12th inning, capping the Baltimore Orioles' rally from a seven-run deficit to beat the Tigers 10-9 on Wednesday and spoil Tarik Skubal's possible farewell to Detroit. Baltimore Orioles' Dylan Beavers (12) celebrates scoring against the Detroit Tigers during the eighth inning of a baseball game on July 29 in Detroit. Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) hugs Jack Flaherty in the dugout during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles on July 29 in Detroit. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/07/29/briggs-basketball-recruiting-rockets/stories/20260729107 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/07/29/briggs-basketball-recruiting-rockets/stories/20260729107#comments Wed, 29 Jul 2026 19:13:19 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/07/29/briggs-basketball-recruiting-rockets/stories/20260729107 Not long ago, Tony Cornett and Bryce Curry would have been the kind of blue-chip recruits a basketball program in the Mid-American Conference admired from a distance. Toledo coach Tod Kowalczyk gestures to a player during the second half of an NCAA basketball game against Michigan in 2024 in Ann Arbor. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/07/29/walleye-bring-back-durable-defenseman-nick-andrews/stories/20260729101 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/07/29/walleye-bring-back-durable-defenseman-nick-andrews/stories/20260729101#comments Wed, 29 Jul 2026 18:07:15 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/07/29/walleye-bring-back-durable-defenseman-nick-andrews/stories/20260729101 Defenseman Nick Andrews, who played in all 72 games for the Toledo Walleye last season, has signed a new contract with the team. Toledo’s Nick Andrews takes a shot during an ECHL hockey game between the Toledo Walleye and Indy Fuel at the Huntington Center in Toledo on March 27. Toledo’s Nick Andrews hits the puck down the ice during an ECHL hockey game between the Toledo Walleye and Wichita Thunder at the Huntington Center in Toledo on March 8. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/lions/2026/07/29/lions-coach-dan-campbell-addresses-terrion-arnold-s-situation-with-the-team-on-the-eve-of-camp/stories/20260729092 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/lions/2026/07/29/lions-coach-dan-campbell-addresses-terrion-arnold-s-situation-with-the-team-on-the-eve-of-camp/stories/20260729092#comments Wed, 29 Jul 2026 15:39:53 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/lions/2026/07/29/lions-coach-dan-campbell-addresses-terrion-arnold-s-situation-with-the-team-on-the-eve-of-camp/stories/20260729092 ALLEN PARK, Mich. — Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell said Wednesday he addressed the franchise's “unfortunate” decision to release Terrion Arnold with the team on the eve of training camp as the former cornerback is facing felony charges. Terrion Arnold, a Detroit Lions cornerback, leaves during the conclusion of his pretrial detention hearing at the Hillsborough County Courthouse on June 29 in Tampa, Fla. Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell talks to the media before an NFL football practice in Allen Park, Mich., July 29. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/07/29/former-toledo-soccer-standout-isa-echeverri-s-full-circle-return-to-world-cup-1/stories/20260728096 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/07/29/former-toledo-soccer-standout-isa-echeverri-s-full-circle-return-to-world-cup-1/stories/20260728096#comments Wed, 29 Jul 2026 10:48:52 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/07/29/former-toledo-soccer-standout-isa-echeverri-s-full-circle-return-to-world-cup-1/stories/20260728096 There are moments that stay with athletes long after their careers, and for Isa Echeverri, one of them is hearing Colombia’s national anthem played at the World Cup. Former University of Toledo soccer player Isa Echeverri worked as a soccer analyst for Telemundo Deportes covering her home country of Colombia at this year's World Cup. University of Toledo product Isa Echeverri, left, played for Colombia in the 2016 Olympics, going up against Crystal Dunn, right, and the United States in pool play,. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/tigers/2026/07/29/tigers-score-in-every-inning-of-14-0-rout-of-the-orioles-1/stories/20260729083 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/tigers/2026/07/29/tigers-score-in-every-inning-of-14-0-rout-of-the-orioles-1/stories/20260729083#comments Wed, 29 Jul 2026 10:32:34 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/tigers/2026/07/29/tigers-score-in-every-inning-of-14-0-rout-of-the-orioles-1/stories/20260729083 DETROIT — Eduardo Valencia homered twice and drove in four runs, Gleyber Torres had a home run and five RBIs, and the Detroit Tigers scored in every inning they went to the plate in a 14-0 win over the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday night. Detroit Tigers' Eduardo Valencia celebrates his home run against the Baltimore Orioles during the first inning of a baseball game July 28 in Detroit. Detroit Tigers' Gleyber Torres reacts to his two-run home run against the Baltimore Orioles during the fourth inning of a baseball game July 28 in Detroit. Detroit Tigers pitcher Troy Melton throws against the Baltimore Orioles during the first inning of a baseball game July 28 in Detroit. Baltimore Orioles center fielder Leody Taveras catches a Detroit Tigers' Zach McKinstry fly ball during the sixth inning of a baseball game July 28 in Detroit. Baltimore Orioles pitcher Josh Walker throws against the Detroit Tigers during the seventh inning of a baseball game July 28 in Detroit. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/guardians/2026/07/29/jj-bleday-s-solo-homer-and-dane-myers-game-saving-grab-help-reds-beat-guardians-2-0-1/stories/20260729084 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/guardians/2026/07/29/jj-bleday-s-solo-homer-and-dane-myers-game-saving-grab-help-reds-beat-guardians-2-0-1/stories/20260729084#comments Wed, 29 Jul 2026 10:34:14 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/guardians/2026/07/29/jj-bleday-s-solo-homer-and-dane-myers-game-saving-grab-help-reds-beat-guardians-2-0-1/stories/20260729084 CINCINNATI — JJ Bleday hit a solo home run in the first inning and five Cincinnati pitchers combined for the shutout as the Reds defeated the Cleveland Guardians 2-0 and split a day-night doubleheader Tuesday. Cincinnati Reds' Elly de la Cruz swings through a pitch during the first inning in the second baseball game of a doubleheader against the Cleveland Guardians July 28 in Cincinnati. Cincinnati Reds pitcher Caleb Ferguson delivers during the first inning in the second baseball game of a doubleheader against the Cleveland Guardians July 28 in Cincinnati. Cincinnati Reds pitcher Caleb Ferguson jogs in from the bullpen to start the second baseball game of a doubleheader against the Cleveland Guardians July 28 in Cincinnati. Cleveland Guardians pitcher Gavin Williams delivers during the second inning in the second baseball game of a doubleheader against the Cincinnati Reds July 28 in Cincinnati. Cincinnati Reds' JJ Bleday celebrates a solo home run as he approaches home plate during the first inning in the second baseball game of a doubleheader against the Cleveland Guardians July 28 in Cincinnati. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/high-school/2026/07/29/northern-lakes-league-football-programs-look-for-new-pieces-to-fill-puzzle/stories/20260728119 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/high-school/2026/07/29/northern-lakes-league-football-programs-look-for-new-pieces-to-fill-puzzle/stories/20260728119#comments Wed, 29 Jul 2026 17:49:30 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/high-school/2026/07/29/northern-lakes-league-football-programs-look-for-new-pieces-to-fill-puzzle/stories/20260728119 Dealing with the departure of key seniors to graduation is an annual challenge for high school football programs. Offensive lineman Riley Liwo is switching to left tackle at Whitmer after playing at right tackle a year ago. Coach Dirk Conner checks his notes during the Yellow Jackets training camp at Perrysburg Steinecker Stadium on Aug. 1, 2024. Offensive lineman Kyler Koopmans works on a balance drill during high school football training camp at Whitmer Memorial Stadium in the Trilby neighborhood on Aug. 19, 2025, in West Toledo. Fremont Ross' Marquez Williams collides with Perrysburg’s Brandon Badik as Brady Maxwell throws the ball during a high school football game at Steinecker Stadium in Perrysburg on Sept. 5, 2025. Anthony Wayne football coach Andy Brungard talks to his team after practice earlier this month. Perrysburg’s Brayden Heitmeyer kicks a field goal during a high school football game between Perrysburg and Anthony Wayne at Steinecker Stadium in Perrysburg on Oct. 17, 2025. Cam Miller, WR/DB, at Anthony Wayne High School football practice, Aug. 18, 2025. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/browns/2026/07/28/browns-ward-becomes-nfl-highest-paid-db-2-year-62-2-million-extension/stories/20260728123 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/browns/2026/07/28/browns-ward-becomes-nfl-highest-paid-db-2-year-62-2-million-extension/stories/20260728123#comments Wed, 29 Jul 2026 02:30:31 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/browns/2026/07/28/browns-ward-becomes-nfl-highest-paid-db-2-year-62-2-million-extension/stories/20260728123 CLEVELAND — Denzel Ward has agreed to a two-year extension with the Cleveland Browns that will make him the highest-paid defensive back in the NFL, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press. cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward warms up before an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Jan. 4. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/mud-hens/2026/07/28/mud-hens-open-road-trip-loss-columbus/stories/20260728122 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/mud-hens/2026/07/28/mud-hens-open-road-trip-loss-columbus/stories/20260728122#comments Wed, 29 Jul 2026 02:11:42 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/mud-hens/2026/07/28/mud-hens-open-road-trip-loss-columbus/stories/20260728122 COLUMBUS — The Toledo Mud Hens fell into an early hole on Tuesday and never recovered, opening a road trip against the Columbus Clippers with a 6-4 loss that ended a four-game winning streak. Toledo’s Corey Julks eyes the ball while batting during an International League baseball game between the Toledo Mud Hens and Louisville Bats at Fifth Third Field in Toledo on July 26. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/07/28/walleyes-gylander-signs-two-way-contract-red-wings-organization/stories/20260728121 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/07/28/walleyes-gylander-signs-two-way-contract-red-wings-organization/stories/20260728121#comments Tue, 28 Jul 2026 23:46:40 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/07/28/walleyes-gylander-signs-two-way-contract-red-wings-organization/stories/20260728121 Toledo Walleye goaltender Carter Gylander signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday, keeping him in the organization he has played with the past two seasons. Toledo's Carter Gylander (31) as the Walleye face off against the Indianapolis Fuel on Dec. 7, 2025, at the Huntington Center in Toledo.