2014 ONPA Pictures of the Year

First Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Eamon Queeney / The Columbus Dispatch

First Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Eamon Queeney / The Columbus Dispatch

Fireworks shoot into the air as the very first runners cross the starting ling of the 35th Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon. Almost 20,000 runners converged on Columbus to run the annual full and half marathons.

First Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Eamon Queeney / The Columbus Dispatch

Columbus Crew forward Adam Bedell (29) reacts after missing a shot on goal in the first half of the MLS game between the Columbus Crew and the Toronto FC at Crew Stadium in Columbus. The Toronto FC defeated the Columbus Crew 3 - 2.

First Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Eamon Queeney / The Columbus Dispatch

Ohio State defensive lineman Chris Carter (72) pauses with his eyes closed for a moment before the team runs on to the field for the Big Ten Championship game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Ohio State Buckeyes went on to shock the nation by defeating the Wisconsin Badgers 59 - 0.

First Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Eamon Queeney / The Columbus Dispatch

Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Steve Downie (23) and Columbus Blue Jackets center Brandon Dubinsky (17) land punches as they fight in the second period of the NHL game between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Pittsburgh Penguins at Nationwide Arena in Columbus. At the end of the second period the Columbus Blue Jackets were tied with the Pittsburgh Penguins 1 - 1.

First Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Eamon Queeney / The Columbus Dispatch

The Clippers take to the field before the minor league baseball game against the Pawtucket Red Sox at Huntington Park in Columbus.

First Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Eamon Queeney / The Columbus Dispatch

Ohio State orward Sam Thompson (12) reacts as the Dayton Flyers celebrate their win in the background during the second half of the second-round NCAA Tournament game at the First Niagara Center. The Dayton Flyers defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes 60 - 59.

First Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Eamon Queeney / The Columbus Dispatch

Fans react as Louisville Bats left fielder Thomas Neal (3) catches an out in the top of fifth inning of the minor league game against the Columbus Clippers at Huntington Park in Columbus.

First Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Eamon Queeney / The Columbus Dispatch

The Columbus Blue Jackets take the ice before Game 6 of the first-round Stanley Cup playoffs against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Nationwide Arena in Columbus. The Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets 4 - 3.

First Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Eamon Queeney / The Columbus Dispatch

Jockey Ramon Rechy walks off the track for the last time after the final race at Beulah Park in Grove City. Edgar Paucar (10) riding Rookie Gladden won the final $50,000 Babst/Palacio Stakes race. After 91 years, Ohio's first thoroughbred track held its final race day before closing its doors for good. A large crowd gathered to take it all in and place their last bets during Kentucky Derby day.

First Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Eamon Queeney / The Columbus Dispatch

Millersport marching band trombone players Stephen Warner, 12, (left) and Kenneth Bruckelmeyer, 13, (right) watch the rain fall in the second quarter of the high school football game between the Harvest Prep Warriors and the Millersport Lakers at Harvest Preparatory School in Canal Winchester.

First Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Eamon Queeney / The Columbus Dispatch

Michigan State guard Travis Trice (20) grabs the ball as Ohio State guard Aaron Craft (4) tries to dive for it in the second half at Value City Arena in Columbus.

First Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Eamon Queeney / The Columbus Dispatch

Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott (15) runs out of his shoe in the fourth quarter of the Big Ten Championship game between against the Wisconsin Badgers at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Ohio State Buckeyes went on to shock the nation by defeating the Wisconsin Badgers 59 - 0.

First Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Eamon Queeney / The Columbus Dispatch

For a week near Memorial Day every year Dublin, Ohio becomes the center of the golf world. Professionals come from around the world to compete in the Memorial Tournament at legendary golfer Jick Nicklaus' Muirfield Village Golf Club. Hideki Matsuyama defeated Kevin Na in a sudden death playoff match to seal his win of the Memorial Tournament. Ben Curtis (right) and Bo Van Pelt (left) head to the 10th tee during the final round.

First Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Eamon Queeney / The Columbus Dispatch

Fans lean in to watch Adam Scott's shot hit the pin on the 15th green and not go in during the final round of the Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin. Hideki Matsuyama defeated Kevin Na in a sudden death playoff match to seal his win of the Memorial Tournament.

First Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Eamon Queeney / The Columbus Dispatch

First time Memorial goers, Robin Hinkley (left) of Vienna, WV., and her husband Sheldon (right) share a moment under their umbrella as they sit in the sun on the sixth green during the Memorial Tournament's Nationwide Invitational Pro-am at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin.

First Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Eamon Queeney / The Columbus Dispatch

Hideki Matsuyama hits from the fairway of the 14th hole in to the rough off the green during the final round of the Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin. Matsuyama went on to win a sudden death playoff match with Kevin Na to seal his win of the Memorial Tournament.

First Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Eamon Queeney / The Columbus Dispatch

Golf fans watch the 14th green from the top of a set of risers during the second round of the Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin. Paul Casey leads after the second round with a two-day score of 12 under par.

First Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Eamon Queeney / The Columbus Dispatch

Bubba Watson hits a tee shot on the 15th hole surrounded by fans during the second round of the Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin. Paul Casey leads after the second round with a two-day score of 12 under par.

First Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Eamon Queeney / The Columbus Dispatch

Camilo Villegas reacts as he looks for his ball in the woods just off the 17th fairway during the first round of the Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin. Rory McIlroy led at the end of the first round after shooting nine under par.

First Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Eamon Queeney / The Columbus Dispatch

Hideki Matsuyama (right) celebrates with his caddy Daisuke Shindo (left) on the 18th green after defeating Kevin Na in a sudden death playoff to win the final round of the Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin.

First Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Eamon Queeney / The Columbus Dispatch

Considered the Kentucky Derby of harness racing, the Little Brown Jug takes place every year in Delaware, Ohio to coincide with the Delaware County Fair for just shy of 70 years. The event draws racing fans from all over but also happens to be mandatory event for all of Delaware. Weeks in advance people will chain lawn chairs to the outside fence to get a good seat and the drinking lasts all day. Yannick Gingras driving Limelight Beach won the Little Brown Jug. With Little Brown Jug pins from different years decorating his hat Ray Seeley, of Hilliard, FL, reads his program between races during the 69th running of the Little Brown Jug at the Delaware County Fairgrounds, Thursday afternoon, September 18, 2014. Originally from the central Ohio area, Seeley has attended the jug 49 years in a row. "It's my once a year vacation," said Seeley. "I love coming here."

First Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Eamon Queeney / The Columbus Dispatch

Harness racing fans come and go between races during the 69th running of the Little Brown Jug at the Delaware County Fairgrounds.

First Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Eamon Queeney / The Columbus Dispatch

With help from Stepanie Rees, of Delaware, not pictured, Julianna Edwards, of Exeter, PA, washes off See The Wind after the horse competed in the 11th race during the 69th running of the Little Brown Jug at the Delaware County Fairgrounds.

First Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Eamon Queeney / The Columbus Dispatch

A horse and rider are seen warming up before the 12th race through a horse-themed canopy during the 69th running of the Little Brown Jug at the Delaware County Fairgrounds.

First Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Eamon Queeney / The Columbus Dispatch

A trashcan overflows with empty beer cans and bottles as race goers line up to place bets during the 69th running of the Little Brown Jug at the Delaware County Fairgrounds.

First Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Eamon Queeney / The Columbus Dispatch

A race fan takes a nap under her cowboy hat before the 13th race during the 69th running of the Little Brown Jug at the Delaware County Fairgrounds.

First Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Eamon Queeney / The Columbus Dispatch

Yannick Gingras driving Limelight Beach, second from right, crosses the finish line to win the 69th running of the Little Brown Jug at the Delaware County Fairgrounds.

First Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Eamon Queeney / The Columbus Dispatch

Driver Yannick Gingras (left) gives out a yellow rose to Lexie Delaney, 5, of Dublin, Ireland, after winning the 69th running of the Little Brown Jug at the Delaware County Fairgrounds. Yannick Gingras driving Limelight Beach won the Little Brown Jug.

Second Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Erik Schelkun / Elsestar Images

Second Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Erik Schelkun / Elsestar Images

Competitors battle for their line just after the start of the USA Triathlon Junior Elite National Championships at Voice of America park in West Chester.

Second Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Erik Schelkun / Elsestar Images

Dayton's Jordan Sibert has his eyes covered by a team mate as he is introduced into the starting line up prior to the start of the Dayton Flyers vs Alabama A&M basketball game at UD Arena.

Second Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Erik Schelkun / Elsestar Images

Dayton's Ashley Campbell (08) rushes in to celebrate with Erin O'Malley after she scored a golden goal for a 2-1 overtime win against St. Joseph in the first round of the Atlantic 10 conference tournament at Baujan Field in Dayton.

Second Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Erik Schelkun / Elsestar Images

Dayton's Skoochie Smith blurrs past the VCU defense during the 2nd half of action at UD Arena. VCU rolled past the Flyers for a 80-66 win.

Second Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Erik Schelkun / Elsestar Images

Matt Williams of Troy soars over 120 ft (distance) during a training session at a private dirt track in Brookville. Williams uses the track which is owned by a friend to hone his motorcross skills.

Second Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Erik Schelkun / Elsestar Images

Dayton's Kyle Davis goes strong to the hoop while being fouled by Sebastian Saiz of Ole Miss. Davis scored 11 points during the Dayton Flyers' 78-74 victory at UD Arena.

Second Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Erik Schelkun / Elsestar Images

Dayton's Ashley Campbell hugs Meghan Blank while St. Louis's goalkeeper Hanna Benben looks on. The goal set up an overtime period where the Dayton Flyers won 3-2.

Second Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Erik Schelkun / Elsestar Images

Dayton's Devin Oliver slams the ball in frustration after St. Joseph's Langston Galloway hits a shot at the last second to beat Dayton 60-57 at UD Arena.

Second Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Erik Schelkun / Elsestar Images

An official tries to rid a Canadian Goose from the court. The goose interrupted the #1 Singles match between VCU and St. Louis during the finals of the A10 Women's Tennis Championship at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in West Chester. The goose stood its ground and the match was moved to another court at the complex.

Second Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Erik Schelkun / Elsestar Images

Tennessee's Jarnell Stokes attacks the rim for a shot over Gabriel Olaseni of Iowa during the NCAA First Four in Dayton. It took Tennessee advanced to the next round of the NCAA tournament with a 78-65 overtime victory at UD Arena in Dayton.

Second Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Erik Schelkun / Elsestar Images

Dayton's Alaina Turner powers a shot over the net and past the Duquesne blockers during the first set at the Frericks Center on the campus of the University of Dayton. The Dayton Flyers downed Duquesne 3-1 to end the regular season with a 10 game winning streak.

Second Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Erik Schelkun / Elsestar Images

Darr Smith of Atlanta Georgia pumps his fist crossing the finish line in celebration of a bronze medal 3rd place finish at the Junior Elite National Championships in West Chester.

Second Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Erik Schelkun / Elsestar Images

Megan Uzzel of Ashland University vaults herself over the bar during the womens pole vault event at the All Ohio Championships at Gettler Stadium on the campus of University of Cincinnati. Uzzel finished in 9th place with a cleared height of 3.37 meters.

Second Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Erik Schelkun / Elsestar Images

Story Overview MIRACLE MADNESS This is a look into the emotional and physical journey of the Dayton Flyers unexpected journey into the Elite 8 of the NCAA Mens Basketball Tournament Dayton's Devin Oliver and Matt Kavanaugh erupt in celebration when the Flyers were announced as Playing Ohio State during a watch party at Coach Archie Millers house in Dayton.

Second Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Erik Schelkun / Elsestar Images

After defeating Ohio State in their first game of the NCAA tournament, The Dayton Flyers became the cinderella story of the tournament and had request for autographs everywhere they went. Here, Devin Oliver signs a program before the start of their game against Syracuse in Buffalo, New York.

Second Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Erik Schelkun / Elsestar Images

Dayton's Devin Oliver concentrates on a free throw late in the 2nd half against Syracuse in their 2nd Game of the NCAA Tournament in Buffalo, NY. The Flyers defeated Syracuse 55-53 to advance to the sweet sixteen for the first time since 1984.

Second Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Erik Schelkun / Elsestar Images

Jalen Robinson and Devon Scott on the edge of their seats during the final minutes of a close game against Syracuse in the NCAA Tournament in Buffalo, NY. The Flyers edged Syracuse 55-53 to advance to the sweet sixteen.

Second Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Erik Schelkun / Elsestar Images

Devin Oliver reacts after a big play late in the 2nd half against Syracuse. The Flyers edged Syracuse 55-53 to advance to the sweet sixteen

Second Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Erik Schelkun / Elsestar Images

The Flyers Bench celebrates as Dayton edges out Syracuse 55-53 to advance to the sweet sixteen

Second Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Erik Schelkun / Elsestar Images

The Dayton Flyers erupt in celebration as time expires after defeating Syracuse 55-53 in Buffalo, NY to advance to the Sweet sixteen for the first time since 1984

Second Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Erik Schelkun / Elsestar Images

A cheerleader waves a UD flag as the Flyers warm up prior to their Sweet Sixteen matchup against Stanford in Memphis, TN.

Second Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Erik Schelkun / Elsestar Images

Dayton's Jordan Sibert pulls in a loose ball under Anthony Brown of Stanford during the NCAA Sweet 16 matchup in Memphis. The Flyers defeated Stanford 82-72 to advance to the Elite 8.

Second Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Erik Schelkun / Elsestar Images

Devin Oliver of Dayton Hugs his sister Maya following the Flyers win over Stanford during the NCAA tournament in Memphis.

Second Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Erik Schelkun / Elsestar Images

Devin Oliver leads the Dayton Flyers onto the court before the start of their elite 8 matchup against Florida in Memphis.

Second Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Erik Schelkun / Elsestar Images

Vee Sanford of Dayton drives to the hoop against the Florida defense during the NCAA elite 8 match in Memphis.

Second Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Erik Schelkun / Elsestar Images

Scoochie Smith attacks the Florida defense during the NCAA elite 8 matchup in Memphis.

Second Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Erik Schelkun / Elsestar Images

Dayton Flyers Head Coach Archie Miller discusses a game plan during a time out against Florida in the Elite 8 round of the NCAA tournament in Memphis.

Second Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Erik Schelkun / Elsestar Images

Coach Eric Farrell encourages Devin Oliver late in the 2nd half against Florida when it was clear that Florida was going to end Dayton's cinderella tournament run by a final score of 62-52.

Second Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Erik Schelkun / Elsestar Images

Devin Oliver buries his head in his hands as time expires on Dayton's cinderella run in the NCAA Tournament. The Florida Gators defeated the Flyers in the Elite 8 Round of tournament by a final score of 62-52.

Third Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Logan Riely / Ohio University

Third Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Logan Riely / Ohio University

Professional bodybuilders show off their back muscles for the judges while on stage at the Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Columbus during the 26th annual Arnold Sports Festival.

Third Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Logan Riely / Ohio University

The Ohio Bobcats take the field against Idaho for their home opener at Peden Stadium.

Third Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Logan Riely / Ohio University

University of Louisville head coach Rick Patino takes time to think about their game against Memphis moments before tipoff in the KFC Yum! Center.

Third Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Logan Riely / Ohio University

Red Devil swimmer Rachel Walker is congratulated by her 200 meter relay team after realizing they set a pool record by 0:00.53 of a second during the annual Jeffersonville vs Floyd Central swim meet held at the Jeffersonville aquatic center.

Third Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Logan Riely / Ohio University

Horses fly around the first bend at Churchill Downs in front of a packed crowd during the 140th annual Kentucky Oaks race. Untappable ridden by Rosie Napravnik would eventually come out to be the winner.

Third Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Logan Riely / Ohio University

Newark Catholic Green Wave second baseman Mike Lohr goes for a ball and ends up onto the mats during the OHSAA baseball state championship finals against the Defiance Tinora Rams at Huntington Park. In the end the Green Wave fell to the Rams 3-4.

Third Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Logan Riely / Ohio University

Gahanna short stop Alyson Shaw bunts the ball during their district softball finals against Westerville Central at Pickerington Central high school.

Third Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Logan Riely / Ohio University

Fans react when the US scores its second goal during the USA vs Portugal World Cup game at Easton Town Center. The game ended in a draw 2-2 in the final seconds of extra time.

Third Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Logan Riely / Ohio University

Jason Day hits from the bunker on the 18th hole during the annual Memorial tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin.

Third Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Logan Riely / Ohio University

Class A riders sit at the start line moments before heading out for the 6th annual Pelotonia held in downtown Columbus. Over 7,000 cyclists ride varying distances to cure cancer.

Third Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Logan Riely / Ohio University

Veteran Pelotonia 180 mile rider Dan Fulton of Bexley, Ohio, prepares for his 6th Pelotonia in downtown Columbus. Over 7,000 cyclists ride varying distances to cure cancer.

Third Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Logan Riely / Ohio University

Both 100 and 180 milers began their journey on Rich street to kick off the 6th annual Pelotonia held in downtown Columbus. Over 7,000 cyclists ride varying distances to cure cancer.

Third Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Logan Riely / Ohio University

Michelle Kohn and her son Gabriel, 4, of Cincinnati, Ohio, cheer on their father and husband Chase as he crosses the 180 mile finish line at Market Square in New Albany to end the 6th annual Pelotonia.

Third Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Logan Riely / Ohio University

100 mile rider Dean McCombs of Lima said, "my barber took three hours to cut this and he did it for free to support my ride." while at Market Square for the 180 mile finish line in New Albany to end the 6th annual Pelotonia.

Third Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Logan Riely / Ohio University

Riders celebrate crossing the 180 mile finish line at Market Square in New Albany to end the 6th annual Pelotonia.

Third Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Logan Riely / Ohio University

Twins Connor and Braden Hesson, 7, of Hilliard, Ohio, watch riders crossing the 180 mile finish line at Market Square in New Albany to end the 6th annual Pelotonia.

Third Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Logan Riely / Ohio University

A ride high fives kids along the final stretch of pavement towards the 100 mile finish line outside of the athletic center at Kenyon College during the 6th annual Pelotonia.

Third Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Logan Riely / Ohio University

Amy Fox (left) and Chrissy Montgomery (right) both of Finley, share a moment after completing their 100 mile ride to Kenyon College during the 6th annual Pelotonia.

Third Place, Ron Kuntz Sports Photographer of the Year - Logan Riely / Ohio University

James Ford of Columbus relaxes after completing his 100 mile journey through central Ohio where he finished outside the athletic center at Kenyon College for the 6th annual Pelotonia.