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5 highlights from 1st day of Missouri Class 5 & 4 boys track and field state meet

Paul Halfacre | Post-Dispatch Summit’s Hussein clears mind for shot put title Omar Hussein admitted the bright lights got under his skin in the past. The Summit senior recalled years past when if things weren’t perfect his mind would override his physical talents. “My mental game was really weak,” Hussein said. Those days are a […]

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5 highlights from 1st day of Missouri Class 5 & 4 boys track and field state meet

Summit’s Hussein clears mind for shot put title

Omar Hussein admitted the bright lights got under his skin in the past.

The Summit senior recalled years past when if things weren’t perfect his mind would override his physical talents.

“My mental game was really weak,” Hussein said.

Those days are a distant memory for the Summit senior. His mind is now more akin to an impenetrable fortress, and he showed it Friday during the Missouri boys track and field state meet at Jefferson City High School.

It didn’t matter if the meet was in the middle of a raging storm or heavy death metal music was blaring in his ear — Hussein would not be distracted from his goal.

“I didn’t think a single thing,” Hussein said of his mindset while competing.

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Hussein won the Class 4 boys shot put title with a throw of 18.86 meters (61 feet, 10.5 inches).

He is the first individual state champion from Summit since Jacob Brunsman won the 400-meter run in 2019 and first Falcon shot put state champion since Bryce Edwards in 2017.

“It sounds great, and it feels ever greater,” said Hussein, who has signed to play football at Missouri Baptist.

Hussein pointed to the offseason as a reason for his rock-steady mindset while in the ring.

“It all started in November,” Hussein said. “This year was the first time I competed indoors. I started going to these big (indoor) meets and started throwing against bigger guys. I could still hit those big throws, throwing in front of a crowd of people. It helped me build my mental game.”

This was Hussein’s first state qualification in shot put. He made it in discus last season but scratched on all three throws.

He will compete again in discus on Saturday and won sectional titles in both events.

Hussein credited his coaches and teammates for keeping their faith in him.

“It’s been a long time coming,” Hussein said. “I appreciate my coach for always having faith in me and being there for me and getting me to this point.”

As pleased as Hussein was with his school-record throw, he doesn’t think it will last long.

“I threw pretty far, but look at this demon to my right,” Hussein said, talking about freshman Devin Walker. “I had to make it hard for him, but I just know he’ll break it.”

Walker also competed Friday, picking up a ninth-place finish with a throw of 16.14 meters (52 feet, 11.5 inches).

“I love being there for him, but he was there for me,” Hussein said.







MSHSAA Class 4 and 5 State Championship

Kirkwood’s Jacob Poole attempts to clear the bar during the first day of the Class 4 and 5 boys and girls track and field state championships on Friday, May 30, 2025 at Jefferson City High School in Jefferson City, Mo.




Poole saves best jump for last

Kirkwood senior Jacob Poole felt the pressure on him as he looked down the runway during the Class 5 boys pole vault competition.

He had scratched twice before, stopping his jumps while hanging in the air before sliding down the pole.

“I took a big, deep breath and was like ‘I have to clear this,’ ” Poole said.

With his mind clear, Poole blazed down the runaway, stuck his pole into the ground and let his body take over.

Poole cleared the bar and began to celebrate on his way down.

He was a state champion.

“It was kind of surreal,” Poole said. “I’ve put in a lot of work the past four years, and it feels really good to be a state champ.”

Poole’s jump of 4.78 meters (15 feet, 8.25 inches) on his third and final attempt made him the first pole vaulting state champion from Kirkwood since Bruce Horman in 1970, according to MSHSAA.

On some of Poole’s scratches, he knew mid-air that he had done something wrong.

“I have a big problem with taking off under my takeoff mark, but the issue coming into the state was jumping off on my mark,” Poole said. “I was standing back in the runway and reset to snap my last leg down and jump.”

After a sixth-place state finish as a junior, Poole had a good feeling that he could be a state champion with an offseason’s worth of work.

“It was me and Kent (Sheridan) and we were both returners,” Poole said. “I put a lot of offseason training in and jumped with a club and got a PR of 15 feet and 6 inches in the winter and started thinking that I had a shot.”







MSHSAA Class 4 and 5 State Championship

Festus’ Carson Driemeier during the first day of the Class 4 and 5 boys and girls track and field state championships on Friday, May 30, 2025 at Jefferson City High School in Jefferson City, Mo.




Driemeier is a ‘smooth operator’ for gold

As Carson Driemeier cruised around the track on Friday in the Class 4 1600-meter run, he had a tune singing in his head.

It’s a familiar tune for the Festus High junior.

“I tend to sing ‘Smooth Operator’ in my head,” Driemeier said. “I don’t know what it is about that song. I think it helps calm me down.”

With that song jamming internally, Driemeier led from start to finish and claimed the state championship with a time of 4 minutes and 11.77 seconds.

“I definitely felt the pressure leading up to the race,” Driemeier said. “Stepping up to the line, I knew I was one of the best out there and it would be tough to get it, but I knew I could get it done.”

Driemeier joins Ian Schram (2023), Jacob Meyers (2022) and Maxwell McDaniel (2019) as Festus state champions in the 1600.

After a fourth-place finish last year, Driemeier wasn’t going to let that happen again.

“It lit a fire underneath me,” Driemeier said. “Coaches lit a fire under me. A lot of people had a lot of faith in me, and I think that really fueled it.”







MSHSAA Class 4 and 5 State Championship

Webster Groves’ Colton Richardson holds up No. 1 on the podium during the first day of the Class 4 and 5 boys and girls track and field state championships on Friday, May 30, 2025 at Jefferson City High School in Jefferson City, Mo.




Richardson leads Statesmen attack in 800

As Colton Richardson fought through the last 100 meters of the 800 on Friday, he also knew there were teammates close behind.

The state championship was good enough, but seeing his teammates on the podium with him?

“It’s one of the best feelings I think I’ve ever had,” Richardson said. “I’m really proud of them.”

Richardson claimed the Class 4 state championship in the 800 with a time of 1 minute and 54.65 seconds.

His Statesmen teammates Joe Wetzel-Meehan (1:57.61) and Henry Boland (1:57.81) picked up fourth- and fifth-place finishes, respectively.

“I knew they were there,” Richardson said. “They’re always right behind me and they always make me push just a little bit harder. I really have to give thanks to my teammates.”

Richardson admitted that while he flew through the first 700 meters, the last stretch was a battle.

“That last 100 meters was just a dogfight for me,” Richardson said. “That wind was pushing on me, all I could think was get first, get first.”

As he stood on top of the podium, he just had to take it all in.

“Super proud of it,” Richardson said. “I’ve had my teammates pushing me all season. Really kept me on top of my game. Kept me at my best, I think.”







MSHSAA Class 4 and 5 State Championship

Fort Zumwalt West’s Eliot Hummer receives his first-place medal during the first day of the Class 4 and 5 boys and girls track and field state championships on Friday, May 30, 2025 at Jefferson City High School in Jefferson City, Mo.




Hummer throws his way to a title

Fort Zumwalt West senior Eliot Hummer thought he was in danger of advancing to the finals when he grabbed his javelin for his third and final preliminary throw.

“I thought, going into that, that I wasn’t even in the finals,” Hummer said. “My thoughts were, ‘If I don’t get a decent one, I’m out.’ “

With that desperation nipping at his heels, he unleashed a Class 5 state title throw, winning championship with a mark of 55.56 meters (182 feet, 3 inches).

“It’s awesome,” Hummer said.

According to MSHSAA, he is the first individual champion in the school’s history.

“Again, awesome,” Hummer said.

Hummer found out later he had made the final cut with his first throw, but that kind of desperation helped him uncork a dandy of a throw.

That and having an “absurd” amount of confidence.

“I thought the whole time I’d win,” Hummer said.

That kind of confidence helped keep him relaxed after he admitted to choking in sectionals last season.

This was a better ending.

“I was seeded high and I didn’t make it to state last year,” Hummer said. “This is a nice way to end out of track.”

Hummer has signed to play football for Northern Illinois University.

Missouri boys track and field: Class 5 and 4 state meet update for area athletes

Missouri girls track and field: Class 5 and 4 state meet update for area athletes

Illinois boys track and field state meet: Area qualifiers for finals



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Poll

In six weeks, the fall sports season — and the 2025-26 athletic season — will begin in the Gainesville-area.Much of our content at the Gainesville Sun in the weeks leading up to kickoff will be looking ahead to the season. However, we want to honor the best of the best from the 2024-25 season before […]

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Poll


In six weeks, the fall sports season — and the 2025-26 athletic season — will begin in the Gainesville-area.Much of our content at the Gainesville Sun in the weeks leading up to kickoff will be looking ahead to the season. However, we want to honor the best of the best from the 2024-25 season before we officially turn the page.

This week, the Sun will be running polls to honor the best teams and athletes for the boys and girls sports in North-Central Florida. In case you missed it, we already released polls for the girls and boys team of the year. Voting is still open for both polls!

Next up is the girls athlete of the year. We have 16 nominees. These nominees came from our All-Area teams from the fall, winter and spring. But who was the best of these top athletes in their sport? We want to give you the chance to decide that.

Below is our nominees and the poll. It closes Sunday at 11:59 p.m., and you can vote as many times as you’d like. Share with friends and family and get to it!

Noah Ram covers Florida Gators athletics and Gainesville-area high school sports for The Gainesville Sun, GatorSports.com and the USA TODAY Network. Contact him at nram@gannett.com. Follow him on X @Noah_ram1. Read his coverage of the Gators’ national championship basketball season in “CHOMP-IONS!” — a hardcover coffee-table collector’s book from The Sun. Details at Florida.ChampsBook.com

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Jacob Smithburg highlights his work in creative arts

A year ago in July Jacob Smithburg and his partner, Beth, moved to Rochester after looking for a state with “good vibes.” Today, he says, “We have been having such a fab time here in Minnesota.” For Smithburg, that includes his work as a program assistant at the Rochester Art Center. After growing up in […]

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Jacob Smithburg highlights his work in creative arts

A year ago in July Jacob Smithburg and his partner, Beth, moved to Rochester after looking for a state with “good vibes.” Today, he says, “We have been having such a fab time here in Minnesota.” For Smithburg, that includes his work as a program assistant at the Rochester Art Center.

After growing up in Iowa and being interested in theater and music, Smithburg earned an associate degree in animation, film and video effects. Then, he worked at a summer camp in California and was an intern at Disney World. “After Disney,” he says, “I earned a bachelors in cinema from the University of Iowa and plugged into the experimental theater and art installation scene at Iowa City.”

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Among the many things he appreciates about work at RAC, Smithburg says, “Working here has allowed me to not be afraid to dress in my style. I have worked at jobs where you didn’t feel you could experiment with your style and be your true self, where you had to be a normy because people might comment. Here, people say, ‘Oh, what you’re wearing, that’s so fun, that’s you, that’s Jacob. It’s opened the door, made it wide open.”

Please describe your style?

Candied seahorse at an aquarium gift shop. Or a mix of that and a character from “Twin Peaks,” Dr. Jacoby, who would dress in a very flashy way with a lot of colors and weird outfits. That captures a lot of what my style has evolved into. I didn’t know about the show for a while, but when I saw it, I thought that character’s style is kind of me. And also a little bit of this comedian Chris Flemming who has very fun vibes.

Your Style - Jacob Smithburg

Jacob Smithburg moves to his own beat.

Joe Ahlquist / Post Bulletin

Early evolution?

I was into theater at a young age and eventually would always try to go to school outfits with lots of color — wild for the Midwest. Then I think in high school I started wearing really weird colorful outfits like with tights under green pants and the pants rolled up.

And more recently?

Once COVID hit, I started experimenting a lot more with my style and thrifting. When I worked at the fabulous summer camp near Tahoe, I thrifted every weekend. That got me to where I am now.

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What do you wear to work on a daily basis?

I’ve always dug the museum look, professional but silly and playful. Wide leg dress pants or fun jeans and something colorful on top, a shirt or a jacket but professional.

What do you hope your style says about you?

That I work in the creative field. That this guy is fun, that he’s silly, he’s playful but he’s still professional, and that his is a curated outfit not a hodgepodge of colors and textures.

Your Style - Jacob Smithburg

Jackets and accessories keep Jacob Smithburg’s look fresh.

Joe Ahlquist / Post Bulletin

Your most important wardrobe components?

Definitely pants. I think they really make an outfit. If you don’t have the right pants, the whole outfit can be ruined. If you don’t have the right pants, it’s a super bummer. … Then, also, turtlenecks and mock turtlenecks are a wardrobe staple of mine.

You’ve mentioned you love jackets …

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I do. I have one that is very colorful and looks like a huge knitted jacket. It looks like something a character from the movie “Inside Out” would wear. Then I have others with fun, weird patterns and cool textures.

As for accessories?

I wear bracelets sometimes that are just Smart Wool sock band things. And sometimes I wear a watch, but just an Apple watch, and I only wear it with short sleeves which is not very often.

Anything surprising in your wardrobe?

I’d say either my “Star Trek: TNG” (“The Next Generation”) replica Lt. Commander Data uniform and my full-length hospital gown.

Footwear preferences?

I wear a lot of chunky sneakers, Hoka and New Balance, and then I have Merrell Hydro Mocs. They look like they are made out of bird bones. The structure is strange and they make a great camp shoe if you’re hanging out at the campsite.

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Parting thoughts?

If you have even the smallest inkling or desire to try, you should. Being able to explore and experiment with your style not only opens your style sense but your true character, personality, your charisma.

Do you know someone who has unique style? Send nominations to

life@postbulletin.com

with “Your Style” in the subject line.

Your Style - Jacob Smithburg

Jacob Smithburg on Monday, June 2, 2025, in Rochester.

Joe Ahlquist / Post Bulletin

Your Style - Jacob Smithburg

Jacob Smithburg on Monday, June 2, 2025, in Rochester.

Joe Ahlquist / Post Bulletin

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High School Sports

Local Iowa high school playoff softball highlights and scores (7

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) – Here’s a look at our local Iowa high school playoff softball highlights and scores from July 9th, 2025: Westwood 8, Lawton-Bronson 4 Akron-Westfield 8, South O’Brien 5 Central Springs 10, Emmetsburg 0 Hinton 5, West Sioux 0 Kingsley-Pierson 2, Woodbury Central 0 MVAOCOU 6, Logan-Magnolia 3 Newell-Fonda 10, IKM-Manning 0 […]

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Local Iowa high school playoff softball highlights and scores (7

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) – Here’s a look at our local Iowa high school playoff softball highlights and scores from July 9th, 2025:

Westwood 8, Lawton-Bronson 4

Akron-Westfield 8, South O’Brien 5

Central Springs 10, Emmetsburg 0

Hinton 5, West Sioux 0

Kingsley-Pierson 2, Woodbury Central 0

MVAOCOU 6, Logan-Magnolia 3

Newell-Fonda 10, IKM-Manning 0

Ridge View 13, MMCRU 6

Pocahontas Area 11, Manson-NW Webster 1

Remsen St. Mary’s 5, Gehlen Catholic 4

West Lyon 8, Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn 0

West Monona 6, Shenandoah 4

West Fork 8, Alta-Aurelia 0

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports.

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High School Sports

Local Iowa high school playoff softball highlights and scores (7

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) – Here’s a look at our local Iowa high school playoff softball highlights and scores from July 9th, 2025: Westwood 8, Lawton-Bronson 4 Akron-Westfield 8, South O’Brien 5 Central Springs 10, Emmetsburg 0 Hinton 5, West Sioux 0 Kingsley-Pierson 2, Woodbury Central 0 MVAOCOU 6, Logan-Magnolia 3 Newell-Fonda 10, IKM-Manning 0 […]

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Local Iowa high school playoff softball highlights and scores (7

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) – Here’s a look at our local Iowa high school playoff softball highlights and scores from July 9th, 2025:

Westwood 8, Lawton-Bronson 4

Akron-Westfield 8, South O’Brien 5

Central Springs 10, Emmetsburg 0

Hinton 5, West Sioux 0

Kingsley-Pierson 2, Woodbury Central 0

MVAOCOU 6, Logan-Magnolia 3

Newell-Fonda 10, IKM-Manning 0

Ridge View 13, MMCRU 6

Pocahontas Area 11, Manson-NW Webster 1

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Remsen St. Mary’s 5, Gehlen Catholic 4

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West Lyon 8, Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn 0

West Monona 6, Shenandoah 4

West Fork 8, Alta-Aurelia 0

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports.

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High School Sports

Who was the top West Ottawa athlete of the quarter century?

With the century a quarter done, the Holland Sentinel is selecting its top 25 athletes from the past quarter century. We will start with the top 25 from each school and move on to the top 25 overall male and female high school athletes from the past 25 years. Athletes must be graduated to be […]

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Who was the top West Ottawa athlete of the quarter century?


With the century a quarter done, the Holland Sentinel is selecting its top 25 athletes from the past quarter century.

We will start with the top 25 from each school and move on to the top 25 overall male and female high school athletes from the past 25 years.

Athletes must be graduated to be eligible. There are extra spots on the team for the top club gymnasts and those who did their best swimming on the club scene, not taking away from other West Ottawa spots.

Today: West Ottawa

Tabahn Afrik

Class of 2015

Ushering in a new era in West Ottawa swimming, Tabahn Afrik spearheaded a resurgence for the Panthers as a state power. He won the Division 1 state championship in the 100 freestyle twice, also claiming state titles in the 50 freestyle and 200 freestyle once each. That doesn’t include relay state titles. Afrik was a national and junior national qualifier and went on to swim at Notre Dame and became an All-American for the Fighting Irish.West Ottawa's Tabahn Afrik.Isabel AnayaClass of 2025Anaya was a four-time all-state wrestler and became the first female wrestler in area history to claim a state championship. She went undefeated as a senior and claimed a title. She will wrestler next year in college.Nicole ArtzClass of 2013Since West Ottawa does not have a varsity gymnastics program, and very few do anymore, Nicole Artz made her presence known on the club gymnastics scene. Artz was a Level 10 national qualifier and national champion before moving on to the University of Michigan where she was a multiple All-American and NCAA qualifier and one of the top gymnasts in the history of the Wolverines.Tyler BosmaClass of 2018One of the most well-rounded athletes the area has ever seen, Tyler Bosma made a huge mark in multiple sports for West Ottawa. On the basketball court, he earned all-state honors as a senior and led the Panthers to the Class A state championship game, the school’s best finish. He was perhaps even better on the mound, earning all-state baseball honors and pitching at Miami (Ohio) and then the University of Kentucky.Jessi BuisClass of 2012A national qualifier in club gymnastics, competing for Champion Gymnastics, Buis went on to compete at Western Michigan where she became a MAC champion in the vault.Taylor BuisClass of 2016A national champion in club gymnastics, competing for Champion Gymnastics, Buis went on to compete at Western Michigan where she helped the Broncos win a MAC title. She also was a star track athlete for West Ottawa.Spencer CarlClass of 2017One of the most powerful athletes in the pool, Spencer Carl used his strength to claim multiple state championships during his career. He won the Division 1 state title in the 500 freestyle twice and won the 200 IM and 200 freestyle once each on his way to four state titles. He was a USA national and junior national qualifier and went on to swim at Louisville and Michigan.Ato CondeleeClass of 2013It didn’t matter what the sport was, Ato Condelee was going to show his athleticism. In track and field, he was the Division 1 state champion in the long jump as a senior after multiple all-state finishes in the long jump and high jump. He also played football and basketball for the Panthers and ended up playing football at Ferris State University.Natalie DunnClass of 2019One of the most athletic multi-sport athletes in recent memory, Natalie Dunn helped transform the volleyball and basketball programs at West Ottawa. She was an all-state volleyball player and all-state guard in basketball, setting multiple school records in both sports. She also starred in track and field but decided to play volleyball in college, earning an NCAA Division I scholarship at Furman.Ameer IsmailClass of 2002One of the top football defenders in the state, Ameer Ismail was a one-man wrecking crew as a linebacker. He also rushed for 1,544 yards and 25 touchdowns as a sophomore before setting the career mark at 2,920 yards and 44 touchdowns. He finished with 12 varsity letters and broke six school track and field records before playing football at Western Michigan where he was an All-American linebacker. He also played basketball and was one of the leading scorers in the OK Red.Shelby LacyClass of 2011The fastest breaststroker in area history, Shelby Lacy claimed back-to-back Division 1 state championships in the 100-yard breaststroke, a feat no one has matched at Division 1. She also was part of West Ottawa’s state champion 200 medley relay. She went on to swim at Michigan State where she broke the school record in the 100 breaststroke.Raegan LantzClass of 2024Lantz was on the Miss Volleyball watch list and was named Sentinel Player of the Year twice. She went on to play at Miami (Ohio) at the NCAA Division I level where she starts and is an outspoken advocate for diabetes awareness. Was also a strong hurdler on the track team.West Ottawa's Raegan Lantz poses for a portrait Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2022, at West Ottawa High School. Lantz has been named The Sentinel's Volleyball Player of The Year.Stephanie LebsterClass of 2022Was a national champion club gymnast before heading to Michigan State where she led the Spartans to back-to-back Big Ten titles and the program’s first trip to nationals.Cortney Lokker NaberClass of 2004Making her home on the court, Cortney Lokker was a two-time all-state volleyball player for the Panthers, amassing several school records along the way, becoming one of the top players in school history. She also was a strong basketball player, earning three varsity letters and Holland Sentinel Dream Team honors in both sports. Played volleyball at Grand Valley State and led the Lakers to the 2005 NCAA championship.Derek MaasClass of 2019In one of the biggest performances in the pool, Derek Maas claimed the Division 1 state championship in the 200 IM and 100 butterfly, plus was part of two winning relays as West Ottawa won the team state title in 2019, capping a spectacular career. Maas went on to swim at Alabama and was the SEC champion in the 100 breaststroke as a junior and an NCAA All-American after qualifying for the U.S. Olympic Trials. He transferred to NYU and won a Division III breaststroke national title.Kevin MaasClass of 2022Following in the footsteps of his older siblings, Kevin Maas claimed back-to-back Division 1 state championships in the 50 freestyle and led the Panthers to a winning 200 freestyle relay during his fast career with the Panthers. He also was a junior national qualifier and earned a scholarship to swim at the University of Michigan. Kyle Maas Class of 2016Overshadowed by teammates and one of the best swimmers in the history of the state, Kyle Maas proved to hang with the best as a four-time individual state runner up in Division 1. He was a junior national and national qualifier before heading to Alabama. He qualified for the U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials in 2016 and 2020. Mike McClureClass of 2009Making his noise on the mat, Mike McClure was one of the top wrestlers in the history of the state. As a senior, he went undefeated (55-0) at heavyweight on his way to the Division 1 state championship and national runner-up finish. He was a multiple all-state athlete and went on to wrestle at Michigan State, where he earned All-American honors. Also played football for the Panthers.Adam MenaClass of 2008One of the few athletes of the series still active as a professional, Adam Mena was one of the top soccer players in the history of West Michigan. He earned all-state honors on the pitch, playing all over the field, before moving on to play soccer at Notre Dame, then on the professional level for nearly a decade.Sarah MorawClass of 2022After winning the national championship in vault at the club high school level, Moraw went on to Minnesota where she became a Big Ten champion on the balance beam.Desmond MorganClass of 2011One of the top defenders in the state, Desmond Morgan was a dynamite linebacker and an all-state performer in Division 1. He also was the leading rusher for the Panthers on the offensive side of the ball and played hockey and lacrosse at West Ottawa before heading to the University of Michigan where he was a four-year starter at linebacker for the Wolverines.Spencer NadolskyClass of 2002One of the top wrestlers in area history, Spencer Nadolsky was a state champion and multiple state finalist on the wrestling mats to earn multiple all-state honors. He was also all-state honorable mention in football before going on to wrestle at Michigan State and then North Carolina.David NykerkClass of 2004One of the top arms in local history, David Nykerk was an all-state pitcher who led the Panthers to their first state championship in baseball. He was the Sentinel Player of the Year and earned a scholarship to pitch at the University of Michigan.Arianne OlsonClass of 2023The elite distance runner claimed multiple state titles and state runner-up finishes during her career and was all-state in both track and cross country, leading the Panthers to a state cross country title. She now runs at Notre Dame.Gabby ReynoldsClass of 2024The top girls basketball player in the history of the area, Reynolds was named Miss Basketball of Michigan as a senior. She led the Panthers to a regional championship and became the area’s all-time leading scorer. She starts at George Washington.Helen SachsClass of 2025Overcoming an eating disorder that brought her career to a halt, Sachs battled back and claimed the Division 1 state championship in the 3,200 meters as a senior. She was a state runner-up multiple times in track and won the D1 cross country state title as a sophomore, leading the Panthers to the team title. She will run at Notre Dame next year.Mackenzie StephensClass of 2011A powerful force at the net, Mackenzie Stephens was one of the top middle hitters in area history. As a senior, she was a Miss Volleyball of Michigan finalist on her way to breaking school records for kills and blocks. Landed an NCAA Division I scholarship at Marist University where she was a captain and all-conference performer. Natalie StittClass of 2006Doing her best work on the boards, Natalie Stitt was the Division 1 state champion in diving as a junior. She was all-state three times and was a multiple regional champion. She also earned all-state honors in the pole vault before heading to Notre Dame where she became one of the top divers in school history, as an NCAA qualifier and school record holder.Liz SundburgClass of 2006The all-state middle hitter was the Sentinel Co-Player of the Year as a senior before earning an NCAA Division I scholarship to play at the University of Toledo, where she was a starter at middle hitter.Cooper TerpstraClass of 2023One of the top offensive linemen in area football history, Terpstra was a first-team all-state selection as a senior and went on to play at Michigan State.Ryan VerhelstClass of 2013The all-state defensive back was one of the top defensive players in Holland-area history. He went on to play cornerback at Saginaw Valley State and was an All-GLIAC selection. Was also a standout baseball and basketball player at West Ottawa.Dani VanderZwaagClass of 2014Continuing the success of the West Ottawa diving program, Dani VanderZwaag was one of the tops in school history, claiming the Division 1 state championship in 2013 to help the Panthers win their first ever girls state title in swimming and diving in one of the biggest upsets in state swimming history. VanderZwaag went on to dive at the University of Michigan and was one of the top platform divers in the Big Ten.Jake Van TubbergenClass of 2017A first-team all-state basketball player in Division 1, Jake Van Tubbergen was arguably the best basketball player in school history. He led the Panthers to a resurgence and a regional final berth, where they lost a heartbreaker his senior season. He went on to play at Grand Valley State and was an NCAA Division II All-American and one of the all-time leading scorers and rebounders in GVSU history.Tyler Van TubbergenClass of 2009One of the top quarterbacks in area history, he led the Panthers to multiple playoff appearances and went on to become an NCAA Division I starting quarterback at Western Michigan.CJ Van WierenClass of 2003A multi-sport master, CJ Van Wieren was an elite all-around athlete. On the football field, he was an all-state quarterback that set eight school records. He also earned all-state honors in basketball, playing at Ferris State in both sports, still the second-leading rusher by a quarterback in school history. Van Wieren also earned all-state baseball honors as a senior, making him one of the rare three-sport all-state athletes in Holland area history.Xavier WadeClass of 2018One of the fastest and most explosive athletes in West Ottawa history, Wade was all-state in multiple sports. He led the football team to the best finish in school history as an all-state wide receiver. He also was all-state in basketball, helping the Panthers reach the state title game, also the school’s best finish. He went on to play football at Ferris State, helping the Bulldogs with the NCAA Division II championship this year.Contact sports editor Dan D’Addona at Dan.D’Addona@hollandsentinel.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as  Twitter @DanDAddona or Facebook @HollandSentinelSports.   

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Temple's 'Cops vs. Campers' basketball game shows community policing on the court

[embedded content] Video Production: Matt Petrillo On a sweltering summer Tuesday morning, Temple Police Officer Jacob Sastre rushed a basketball down the court and threw a layup, adding two points in a friendly pickup game between Temple’s Department of Public Safety (TUDPS) and North Philadelphia campers. “Community engagement is essential to our mission at Temple […]

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Temple's 'Cops vs. Campers' basketball game shows community policing on the court

Video Production:
Matt Petrillo

On a sweltering summer Tuesday morning, Temple Police Officer Jacob Sastre rushed a basketball down the court and threw a layup, adding two points in a friendly pickup game between Temple’s Department of Public Safety (TUDPS) and North Philadelphia campers.

“Community engagement is essential to our mission at Temple Public Safety. It’s important that children who live here in North Philadelphia see us not only as police officers, but also as mentors, allies and friends so they know that we care about them,” said Jennifer Griffin, Temple University’s chief of police and vice president for public safety. 

The spirited game happened on the brand new basketball court at Tanner G. Duckrey Public School, just off Temple’s campus in North Philadelphia, as children and police officers alike cheered from the sidelines.

“Police like to have fun, just like the children do,” Griffin said. 

Police Officer Leroy Wimberly said community policing is about building relationships that go beyond emergency calls, adding that the competition emphasized teamwork and connection. 

“Police work means getting involved in the community and being a part of the community,” Wimberly said. 

At halftime, officers handed out water bottles and chatted with the kids about school, sports and summer plans. 
In the end, it was the campers who took home the win, edging out the officers in a close 22-19 finish. As a reward, the young athletes received commemorative Temple basketballs, water ice and Temple T-shirts. 

The children also took with them bragging rights.

Rian Williams-Jackson recently graduated from Duckrey School and is now preparing for high school with hopes of going to Temple for dentistry. 

“They have a great program and it’s my dream to be a Temple Owl,” said Williams-Jackson.

The game wasn’t without lighthearted smack-talk. 

“Good luck, but the police are going to lose by 40 points,” Williams-Jackson said before the game started.

“Community policing is about being visible, showing up for our youth and reminding our entire community that we’re here for them,” Griffin said.
The basketball game is part of TUDPS’ ongoing community engagement efforts. Recently, Temple police painted a playground at Duckrey School. They also collected books for a local bookstore and provided lunches to a nearby shelter. 

Looking ahead, TUDPS is planning several events to engage with Temple students when they return to campus in the fall. Check out TUDPS’ full calendar of events here
 

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