Sports Archives - James DeCamp Photography

Sports by James DeCamp Photography.

2024 Pictures of the Year Entries

Behind The Scenes, Events, Features, Images, News, People, Personal, Religious, Sports

James DeCamp has been a passionate competitor in the Ohio News Photographers Association (ONPA) Picture of the Year contest, showcasing his keen eye for storytelling through powerful imagery. With a career spanning decades, his entries have captured moments of raw emotion, striking composition, and technical excellence.

Whether documenting the human experience, covering major news events, or crafting compelling visual narratives, his submissions reflect his dedication to the craft. Over the years, his work for The Columbus Dispatch and many other publications has earned recognition and respect, standing out among Ohio’s top photojournalists. Each entry into the ONPA competition is a testament to his ability to freeze time and tell stories that resonate far beyond the frame.

News Picture Story:

A multiple-picture entry of a story, series or sequence of a spot or general news event.

Indian Lake Tornado: Tragedy, Destruction, and a Community’s Strength

Full story and images here: https://wp.me/p7sWoM-2Q3

Craig Hewitt, rear, and Butch Smith, Chaplains with the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team pray for Jodi Miller Thursday, March 21, 2024, a survivor of a tornado that ripped thru Lakeview, Indian River and Russells Point Ohio killing three people and injuring dozens more on March 14, 2024. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

Feature Picture story:

A multiple-picture entry of a story, series or sequence of a spot or general human interest subject.

Brigid’s Path: A Sanctuary of Healing for Newborns Affected by Addiction

Full story and images here: https://wp.me/p7sWoM-2Pw

Karen Laitzman, a mother who used Brigid’s Path services for herself and her child several years ago photographed Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at Brigid’s Path newborn recovery center in Kettering, Ohio. Founded in 2014, Brigid’s Path provides care for infants exposed to addictive substances and their mothers.

Portrait Personality:

A picture of a person that reveals the essence of the subject’s character.

The New Albany Community Foundation presents Joshua Henry and the Columbus Symphony Orchestra in concert Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at the Charleen & Charles Hinson Amphitheater in New Albany, Ohio. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

“The Doctor,” showcases John Haughwout, owner of Free Flow Plumbing and self-proclaimed “Drain Doctor”, as he prepares for a meticulous operation – on an American Standard Edgemere toilet. Taken on September 26, 2024, in Solon, Ohio, for Plumber Magazine, the portrait infuses humor and creativity into an otherwise ordinary subject, demonstrating DeCamp’s mastery of lighting techniques and character-driven storytelling. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

“Adopted,” a poignant portrait of Em, 16, as she sits contemplatively over a cup of coffee in her Chester, Vermont home. Recently adopted into a ‘Forever Family’ after enduring years of instability in the foster care system, Em’s journey to a permanent home came with the support of Wendy’s Wonderful Kids, an initiative of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. DeCamp captured this powerful moment while on assignment for the Foundation in Vermont, bringing to life a story of resilience, hope, and the transformative power of adoption. DeCamp has been working with the agency as their principal photographer for more than 9 years. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

Sports Feature:

An unposed sports-related photo that celebrates the role athletics plays in the lives of amateur and/or professional athletes and fans.

Runners grab hydration at the first water stop of the 2024 Columbus Marathon photographed Sunday, October 20, 2024 in Downtown Columbus, Ohio. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

https://www.jamesdecamp.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/20241017CBJ-5909.jpg

Zachary Aston-Reese poses for a 3D photo during the Columbus Blue Jackets season opener ceremonies Thursday, October 17, 2024 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

Pictorial:

A picture that uses the aesthetic qualities of the subject with emphasis on composition.

Looking over the new displays of art at The Gund Gallery Spring Collection opening photographed Thursday, January 18, 2024 at the Gallery on the Kenyon College Campus in Gambier, Ohio. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

A mother and daughter look at the hanging art display by Nancy Spero, Maypole: ÔTake No PrisonersÕ at the Gund Gallery Spring Collection opening photographed Thursday, January 18, 2024 at the Gallery on the Kenyon College Campus in Gambier, Ohio. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2024 Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival photographed Saturday, June 15, 2024 in downtown old Gahanna, Ohio. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

Photographed Friday, October 18, 2024 at the Gund Museum on the Kenyon College Campus in Gambier, Ohio. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

General News:

A picture of a scheduled political, social or cultural event for which advance planning was possible. An assigned and/or scheduled news events. Example: demonstration, funerals, trials and promotional events.

Ohio Wesleyan University students and faculty celebrate Holi, the Festival of Colors Saturday, March 30, 2024 on Frat Hill on the OWU campus in Delaware, Ohio. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Inauguration of Ohio Wesleyan University President Matt vandenBerg photographed Friday, April 19, 2024 at the Gray Chapel on the Ohio Wesleyan University Campus in Delaware, Ohio. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Easton E3 Learning Lab photographed Monday, May 13, 2024 on the New Albany-Plain Local School District Campus in New Albany, Ohio. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2024 Komen Columbus Race for the Cure photographed Saturday, May 18, 2024 in Downtown Columbus, Ohio. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Buddy Up Day Camp photographed Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at Wickertree Tennis and Fitness Club in Columbus, Ohio. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Rose Run Fest Summer in Italy Paint Party held Thursday, June 20, 2024 at Rose Run Park in New Albany, Ohio. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

Canine Companions North Central Region Graduation & Matriculation Ceremony photographed Friday, August 9, 2024 at their campus in New Albany, Ohio. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

Kenyon College Freshman Move-in Day photographed Saturday, August 24, 2024 at Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

Kenyon College Freshman Convocation and First Sing photographed Sunday, August 25, 2024 at Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The New Albany Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration presented by the New Albany Chamber of Commerce photographed Sunday, November 24, 2024 at Market Square in New Albany, Ohio. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

Features:

A found situation with strong human interest – a fresh view of an everyday scene.

Delta Airlines de-icing crews spray down a plane on the tarmac of the John Glenn Columbus International Airport early Friday morning January 19, 2024. Winter weather moved thru the Midwest snarling traffic with cancelations and delays. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) #JDeCampPhoto, #ColumbusAirport, #Delta, #FlyCMH, #614, #lifeincolumbus, #Columbus

The ONPA Picture of the Year contest has seen a noticeable decline in entries compared to 15 – 20 years ago. The highly competitive showcase of Ohio’s best photojournalism, the contest once featured a robust number of submissions, reflecting a thriving industry with many active photographers contributing compelling work.

Fifteen years ago, the competition was fierce, with photojournalists from newspapers, magazines, and freelance backgrounds vying for recognition. The sheer volume of entries made winning or placing a significant achievement. Today, however, the number of submissions has dwindled, reflecting broader changes in the industry—shrinking newsroom budgets, fewer staff photographer positions, and an overall shift in how visual journalism is produced and consumed.

Despite the decline in quantity, the quality of work remains extremely high, with dedicated photographers continuing to produce powerful images that capture the essence of news, sports, and human-interest stories. However, the contrast between then and now highlights the evolving landscape of photojournalism, where fewer professionals are left to document the world through a trained and experienced lens.

January 2, 2025/0 Comments/by James

Columbus Blue Jackets 5K

Images, Sports

The Columbus Blue Jackets 5K Race photographed Saturday, January 25, 2020 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio.

January 25, 2020/0 Comments/by James

Cap-City Half Marathon

Events, Images, Sports

The 15th running of the Ohio Health Capital City Half Marathon photographed Saturday, April 28, 2018 on the streets of Columbus and the Columbus Commons. It was a beautiful crisp morning for the race – a wonderful contrast on the previous years race which was called just after the first runners came in because of drenching and dangerous thunderstorm that moved thru the area. Once again I was in the Cap City Half Pace Truck with WBNS-TV‘s Dave Holmes doing live updates thru-out the race. I joke with people, that every year I finish first in the race because of this, without even breaking a sweat – LOL.

Hometown favorites Evan Schwartz and Molly Bookmyer captured overall titles at the 15th Anniversary Edition of the OhioHealth Capital City Half Marathon.

Evan Schwartz, overall winner of 2018 OhioHealth Capital City Half Marathon
Schwartz and Joshua Park, an Amherst, Ohio native who runs cross country at Ohio U., were a pack of two for the entire 13.1 miles, with Park leading nearly the entire way before Schwartz made a last-second move as he approached the finish line to win in 1:07:55. Park, 20, in his first half marathon, finished in 1:08:01.

“Breaking the tape felt good,” Schwartz told The Columbus Dispatch after the race. “It felt really, really good.”

Schwartz, 24, who represents the Columbus Running Club, was the pre-race favorite after finishing 18th in the 2017 USATF Half Marathon Championships held in conjunction with Cap City.

Bookmyer, a member of Fleet Feet Sports Columbus, was never challenged in winning the women’s half-marathon in 1:19:05. Minori Minagawa, of Dublin, Ohio and a CRC Elite member, was second in 1:21:15. Minagawa was making her half marathon debut after winning the OhioHealth Quarter Marathon in 2017.

Nathan Seamans, 26, of Monroe, Ohio won the OhioHealth Quarter Marathon in 41:46, while Michelle Clark, 26, of Amherst, Ohio was the women’s winner in 42:18. CRC’s Dustin Hall of Columbus won the Commit To Be Fit 5K in 15:29, while Holly Archer of Columbus was the top female in 20:21.

More than 14,000 runners and walkers took part in the OhioHealth Capital City Half Marathon, OhioHealth Quarter Marathon and Commit To Be Fit 5K. The event featured a new combined Start / Finish Line at S. High and W. Town Streets and was followed by the Byers Xtra Mile Finish Line Party in the John F. Wolfe Columbus Commons.

WBNS 10TV televised the event LIVE for the third straight year.

Evan Schwartz and Joshua Park lead the 2018 OhioHealth Capital City Half Marathon
The 2018 OhioHealth Capital City Half Marathon again featured “best tour of Columbus on two feet” with a focus on the city’s best neighborhoods and entertainment districts with brank-new courses that took runners and walkers through and highlighted Downtown, German Village, The Ohio State University campus, the Arena District and Italian Village.

This year, in honor of the event’s 15th anniversary, the celebrate all that makes our city special and unique with new partnerships with two local companies that were “Made In CBUS.”

Every participant received a HOMAGE Official Event Shirt and a limited 13.1 Wheat Beer from Land-Grant Brewing Company that was specially made to celebrate Cap City and its 15th anniversary.

After the race, every participant received a Land-Grant Beer, Papa John’s Pizza, Patrón Chile Verde Margarita, Chandon Sparking, White Claw Hard Seltzer and Hartzler Dairy Chocolate Milk. The Land-Grant Post-Race Concert featured SWAGG and FBA.

April 28, 2018/0 Comments/by James

2017 OHSAA Girls Division I Soccer Final

Images, Sports

The 2017 OHSAA Girls Division I Soccer Final championship game between the Loveland Tigers and the Perrysburg Yellow Jackets photographed Friday, November 10, 2017 at MAPFRE Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. The Loveland Tigers won the match 1-0.

Once the ball rolled out of play for a goalkick and it was certain Perrysburg wouldn’t have another chance, the entire Loveland supporters section bounced in glee. Seconds later, the final whistle blew and the Tigers won their first state title in school history. Loveland beat Perrysburg 1-0 Nov. 10 at MAPFRE Stadium in the Division I state championship game. The match marked the second time the program had advanced to the finals in the past three seasons.

Head coach Todd Kelly, who’s coached the team for 22 years, stood in awe as his team lineup up to receive their championship medals. As the Perrysburg players received theirs, Kelly walked down the line and hugged every one of his players. At the end of the line was a sign that said in all caps, “THE MISSION IS COMPLETE.” It was.

Kelly said he was nervous the entire game, not just in hopes of winning a title, but of preventing another heartbreaking loss in the biggest game. In 2015, the Tigers lost 1-0 to Walsh Jesuit in the final. Kelly said he thought about that night multiple times before his team won Friday. He wasn’t alone. Senior goalkeeper Lauren Parker had similar sentiments. Parker was the most ecstatic of her teammates when the game ended, running around on the sideline, and at one point, dropping to her back with her hands on her head. She said she’s thought about that 2015 loss “every single day.”

A much more defensive match than the first two state championship games earlier Friday, the pairing between Loveland and Perrysburg saw two even sides jostle for an advantage. The Tigers found early chances, but the Yellow Jackets went on to control much of the possession in the first half. Loveland took the lead in the 20th minute, though, when junior midfielder Brooke Harden, a Xavier University-commit, slithered through three defenders and saw her 27-yard shot knuckle into the net. Loveland played defensively for the rest of the half to keep its lead.

Yet by Friday night, the Tigers were used to the nerviness of tight, single elimination matches. Including the win over Perrysburg, Loveland’s last four games were one-goal games. The two previous wins were in overtime. Over time, Perrysburg’s frustration grew as it was unable to breakdown the Loveland backline. As the final whistle loomed, it was the Tigers who seemed to grow in confidence and create more chances offensively. The Yellow Jackets’ best chance came in the 69th minute when Julia DeMarco dribbled past the Tiger defense but her open shot from 18 yards out went directly into the arms of Parker.

But late in the match, Loveland senior midfielder Colleen Swift began to toy with the opponents, waltzing between players with the ball and setting up teammates to have more space elsewhere on the field. Loveland, which finished 22-1, was the third program from Greater Cincinnati to win a state championship at MAPFRE Stadium on Friday night. Summit beat Kirtland 4-0 in a noon kickoff, while Indian Hill won its first championship in a 2-0 win over Lake Catholic in a 3:30 p.m. start. Friday was the first time in history that Division I, II and III teams from one region won the state title, according to Ohio High School Athletics Association records.

November 10, 2017/0 Comments/by James

2017 OHSAA Girls Division II Soccer Final

Images, Sports

The 2017 OHSAA Girls Division II Soccer Final championship game between the Indian Hill Braves and the Lake Catholic Cougars photographed Friday, November 10, 2017 at MAPFRE Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.

Indian Hill junior goalkeeper Kate Marr ran to the corner and slid on her knees. Her teammates chased behind. A dozen yards away, their fans celebrated something they’d never been able to celebrate before: Indian Hill had won the Division II state title, Friday November 10, 2017.

The Braves beat Lake Catholic 2-0 on Friday evening at MAPFRE Stadium in Columbus, Ohio in the Ohio Division II state championship game, finishing with a 22-0-1 record. They were the only undefeated in Ohio girls soccer in the 2017 season. And they dominated the match instantly. Eighty-four seconds in, senior forward Morgan Jackson gave Indian Hill in the lead when Lake Catholic goalkeeper Kennedy Solymosi was caught out of position and Jackson tapped the ball into an open net. It was the fast start the Braves needed, as the Cougars grew in possession and momentum as the first half played out. But junior forward Anna Podojil doubled the lead in the 24th minute when she turned a defender on the edge of the penalty box, then dribbled in and pushed a backpost shot past Solymosi.

Indian Hill led 2-0 at halftime.

The Cougars did have chances to cut into the deficit. However, a sturdy Braves backline, as well important saves from Marr, kept the team’s second clean sheet in two state matches this year. Five minutes into the second half, Marrs mishandled a cross into the goal box and her teammates had to make a goal-line clearance. Roughly two minutes later, Marrs had to make another save. Minutes later there was another clearance off the line.

Friday’s match proved to be more of a complete win that previous blowouts during the postseason and regular had been. From an offensive standpoint, the Braves had the best attacking players in Division II. Jackson, who was named to the Cincinnati Hills League first team all four years in high school, finished the year with 34 goals and 19 assists. Podojil had 38 goals and 17 assists, while her sister, Ellie, had 15 goals and 14 assists. Indian Hill finished the season undefeated, winning all but one game: a 2-2 tie with Alter on Oct. 7. The program also beat Summit Country Day 3-2 on Sept. 9. The Silver Knights won the Division III state title earlier Friday at MAPFRE Stadium.

During the trophy ceremony after the game, Jackson and a few other teammates wiped tears from their eyes in happiness. Marr said although key seniors are graduating, she believes the program can return to Columbus in 2018.

November 10, 2017/0 Comments/by James

CMH 5K Run

Events, Images, Sports

The John Glenn International Runway 5K Run & Walk photographed Sunday, October 29, 2017 at John Glenn Columbus International Airport. To honor John Glenn who was an aviator and veteran, all proceeds were donated to Honor Flight Columbus, a nonprofit organization that provides senior veterans with a day in the nation’s capital to visit the memorials built in their honor.

Few people ever get the opportunity to step foot on a runway, let alone race on one. This fun, unique experience allowed racers access to CMH 10L-28R, the north runway of John Glenn International Airport. The south runway remained open so planes could be seen taking off, landing and/or taxiing.

The John Glenn International Runway 5K Run & Walk photographed Sunday, October 29, 2017 at John Glenn Columbus International Airport. All proceeds were donated to Honor Flight Columbus, a nonprofit organization that provides senior veterans with a day in the nation’s capital to visit the memorials built in their honor. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

John Glenn Columbus International Airport (IATA: CMH, ICAO: KCMH, FAA LID: CMH), is an international airport located 6 miles (9.7 km) east of downtown Columbus, Ohio. Formerly known as Port Columbus International Airport, it is managed by the Columbus Regional Airport Authority, which also oversees operations at Rickenbacker International Airport and Bolton Field. The airport code ‘CMH’ stands for “Columbus Municipal Hangar,” the original name for the airport.

John Glenn Columbus International Airport is primarily a passenger airport. It provides 140 non-stop flights to 34 airports via 6 airlines daily. In 2016, traffic reached 7.3 million, which was a 8% increase over 2015. Traffic in 2017 is expected to surpass the record set in 2007

According to a 2005 market survey, Columbus attracts about 50% of its passengers from outside of its 60-mile (97 km) radius primary service region. In addition, the airport also handles freight and US mail, with 10,411,920 units of freight and 8,537,279 units of mail passing through in 2006.

CMH is the largest passenger airport in central Ohio and second busiest in the state after Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and offers service to most major airline hubs.

Accessing John Glenn Columbus International Airport by road is possible by two interstate highways: I-270 to the northeast and I-670 to the west. The main airport roadway, International Gateway, connects directly to I-670.

On May 25, 2016, the Ohio General Assembly passed a bill to rename the airport from Port Columbus International Airport to its current name, in honor of astronaut and four-term U.S. senator John Glenn. The name change was unanimously approved by the airport’s nine-member board on May 24, 2016. Ohio Governor John Kasich signed the bill into law on June 14, 2016 with the name change becoming official 90 days later. On June 28, 2016, a celebration of the renaming was held and new signage bearing the airport’s new name was unveiled.

In 2017, after completion of the $80 million terminal renovation, the airport was named by trade organization Airports Council International as the most improved airport in North America in 2016.

The Honor Flight Network is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which works as an umbrella organization with local chapters and various subgroups.

The Honor Flight Network reports that it has flown over 159,000 veterans to the Washington, D.C. memorials since 2005.

An Honor Flight is conducted by non-profit organizations dedicated to transporting as many United States military veterans as possible to see the memorials of the respective war(s) they fought in Washington, D.C. at no cost to the veterans. Currently these organizations are focused on bringing veterans of World War II to the National World War II Memorial, and any veteran with a terminal illness to see the memorial of the war they fought in. Organizers plan to “naturally transition” their programs to focus on veterans of the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and subsequent wars as the veterans of those wars get older.

Honor flights arrive at all three of the Washington’s area airports: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, and Washington Dulles International Airport. The veterans are generally escorted by volunteer guardians, who help them on the flight and around D.C. After landing, the taxiing airplane may be saluted by fire trucks, and passengers are often met by cheering crowds in D.C. or upon their return flight home.

October 29, 2017/0 Comments/by James

OSU4Miler

Events, Images, Sports

The OSU4Miler Race photographed Sunday, October 22, 2017 on the Ohio State University Campus.

The Ohio State 4 Miler is the largest four-mile race in the United States with a sold-out field of 15,000 runners and walkers. The 5th Annual Ohio State 4 Miler was held at 10am on Sunday, October 22 at Ohio Stadium on the Ohio State University Campus. Major partners included the Kroger Company, The Ohio Beef Council, WBNS10TV, DSW – Designer Shoe Warehouse, Shearer’s and the Buckeye Corner by Lids

October 22, 2017/0 Comments/by James

2017 Memorial Tournament Pro-Am

Events, Images, People, Sports

The 2017 Memorial Tournament Pro-Am Session photographed Wednesday, May 31, 2017 at the Muirfield Village Golf Club featuring the Nationwide Childrens Hospital Champions meeting the pros.

May 31, 2017/0 Comments/by James

David’s Senior Portraits

Images, People, Sports

Senior portrait session with David Andes photographed Wednesday, October 26, 2016. I don’t seek out senior portraits, but a good friend sought me out to do her son’s senior portraits and I couldn’t say no – especially since he was an expert Fencer and I knew it would make great images.

Senior portrait session with David Andes photographed Wednesday, October 26, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

October 26, 2016/0 Comments/by James

Nationwide Childrens Hospital Columbus Marathon

Events, Images, Sports

The 2016 Nationwide Childrens Hospital Columbus Marathon photographed Sunday, October 16, 2016 in Columbus, Ohio featuring the ClifBar Pace Team.

The 2016 Nationwide Childrens Hospital Columbus Marathon photographed Sunday, October 16, 2016 in Columbus, Ohio. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)