Westerlund
The University of Northwestern Ohio has announced the hiring of Richard Westerlund as the new men’s head basketball coach.
Westerlund takes over for Caleb Williams, who stepped down following the 2022-23 season.
“Out of 100+ applicants in our candidate pool, Richard made an immediate impression on our hiring committee with his enthusiasm and vision for Racer basketball,” UNOH Director of Athletics Jen Dervarics said in a news release. “He has proven to be a great recruiter and has had a phenomenal impact on the programs he’s been a part of, both on and off the court. We believe he will bring energy and excitement to both UNOH and the surrounding community, and we couldn’t be more excited about the future of Racer men’s basketball.”
Westerlund comes to UNOH from Great Lakes Christian College where he was the director of athletics and men’s head basketball coach since 2018. Westerlund took over a winless program and led the school to its first NCCAA national ranking in program history. The Crusaders reached the program’s first No. 1 ranking in 2019-20 and held the top spot for the entire 2021-22 season. He is coming off the first regional championship in the history of the program after making his fourth national tournament appearance. His coaching resume also includes being national runners-up in 2018-19 and a Final Four appearance in 2021-22.
“This is an absolute dream come true for me.,” Westerlund said in a news release. “I am incredibly honored and humbled to be the next men’s basketball coach at UNOH. “I would not be in this position without my family, friends and mentors, and I am so deeply appreciative of their love, support and sacrifice.
Westerlund, who resides in Lansing, Michigan, will take over duties and begin the transition to UNOH next week.
Baseball
Continental 9,
Pettisville 3
CONTINENTAL — Winning pitcher Ethan Sullivan had two hits, including a triple, and two RBI and teammate Quinn Tegenkamp finished with a pair of hits and two RBI.
Delphos St. John’s 3,
Antwerp 1
ANTWERP — Winning pitcher Braylon Metzger allowed four hits and a walk while striking out four in four innings. Jack Gerker had a double and two RBI.
Hardin Northern 4,
Arcadia 2
DOLA — Landon Wetherill, Nolan Hopson and Preston Wykes each had a hit for Hardin Northern. Hopson also had an RBI.
Softball
Continental 8,
Pettisville 7
CONTINENTAL — Alli Scott had three hits, including a double, and three RBI and Gracie Homier contributed two hits, including a double, and two RBI for Continental.
Crestview 3,
Miller City 0
CONVOY — Dakotah Thornell had two hits, including a double, and an RBI. Samantha DeMuth and Chelsea Wilhelm each had a hit for Miller City.
Carey 10, Bluffton 0
CAREY — Lauren Bassett had two hits for Bluffton.
Leipsic 4, McComb 2
LEIPSIC — Winning pitcher Ali Hermiller allowed five hits and a walk while striking out four in seven innings. Teammate Abby Haselman had two hits, including a double, and an RBI.
Women’s tennis
Ohio Northern 9,
Muskingum 0
SPRINGFIELD — Ohio Northern extended its winning streak to eight consecutive matches and stayed undefeated in the Ohio Athletic Conference with a victory against Muskingum at the Westwood Tennis and Fitness Center.
The Polar Bears improved to 11-3 overall and are 2-0 in the OAC, while the Muskies fell to 1-5 (0-3 OAC).
Northern swept the doubles courts to jump to a quick 3-0 lead, only dropping two games in the process.
Abby Cruser and Jenna Bell, Julianne Sheldon and Jamie Hurst and Flo Sanchez and Victoria Santana all won.
ONU then swept the singles.
Cruser, Hurst, Bell, Regan Landis, Lima Central Catholic graduate Olivia Kesner and Katie O’Connell all won.
Reach The Lima News sports department at 567-242-0451.
