Sports

6A, 5A state track and field

Published

7 months ago

May 16, 2025

PROVO — Only a few dozen medals were awarded, but multiple state records weren’t safe on the first day of the 5A and 6A state track and field meet at BYU’s Clarence F. Robison Track Complex.

Timpview star Jane Hedengren broke her own state record in the 5A girls’ 3,200-meter run in 9 minutes, 48.73 seconds, while Mountain Ridge’s Kinzlee Riddle tied the state record in a 6A girls’ 200-meter qualifying heat in 23.30 seconds.

It’s one of several rewritten records by Hedengren, who held the previous state record set last year in 9:52.96. The senior who has signed with BYU also holds state records in the 800 meters (2:05.96), 1,600 meters (4:32.61), and was part of the 5A-record relay teams in the 4×400 and 4×800-meter squads set last year en route to winning Ms. Track honors by the Deseret News.

“It’s bittersweet being (the last 3,200) with this team,” Hedengren said after the race. “I’m kind of sad it’s the last one, but I’m really excited to get to do it with these ladies today.”

The previous Ms. Track honoree, Fremont’s Amare Harlan who currently runs and jumps for Michigan, also saw her state record time of 23.30 in the 200 tied in Thursday’s 6A girls’ qualifying heat. Riddle, who also ran the fastest qualifying time in the 100 meters in 11.81 and second-fastest in the 400 in 56.17, will have a shot at the record in Saturday’s final — as well as the state 400 record held by Provo’s Meghan Hunter (52.59).

Riddle set the 6A record in the event earlier this month when she ran a 53.01 at the PACS BYU Invitational back on May 2.

American Fork leads the 6A boys’ meet with 50 points, ahead of Herriman (41), Lone Peak (26) and defending champion Corner Canyon (25). Maple Mountain and Viewmont are tied atop the 5A boys’ leaderboard with 33 points, just two ahead of Springville and three more than Woods Cross.

The Vikings got a boost from Hayden Arbuckle, who won the 5A 3,200-meter race 9:07.86 before setting a new 5A record in the 4×800-meter relay with teammates Talmage Bruschke, Ben Hyde and Bryce Arbuckle in 7:42.55.

The Cavemen also lead the 6A girls’ meet by a tighter margin, 34.5 to 31 over second-place Riverton, with Herriman (30), Lone Peak (28) and Layton (23) just behind.

Two-time defending champion Timpview is two points behind Spanish Fork in the 5A girls’ meet with 30 points, ahead of Cedar Valley (18.5) and Box Elder (16).

Full results are available at SportTrax.

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6A boys’ track and field

3,200 meters — 1. Jackson Spencer, Herriman, Jr., 8:56.43; 2. Kaden Evans, American Fork, Sr., 9:00.08; 3. Ryker Bement, American Fork, Sr., 9:07.29; 4. Micah Tang, Herriman, Sr., 9:08.55; 5. Carter Moore, American Fork, Sr., 9:08.83; 6. Austin Plewe, American Fork, Jr., 9:10.51; 7. Jonah Tang, Herriman, Sr., 9:13.38; 8. Jonathan Thornley, Layton, Sr., 9:15.51.

4×200 relay — 1. Corner Canyon (Blake Ames, Sr., David Konan, Sr., Chryshaun Lee, Sr., Jerome Myles, Sr.), 1:25.40; 2. Herriman, 1:27.09; 3. Syracuse, 1:27.10; 4. American Fork, 1:27.39; 5. Mountain Ridge, 1:27.90; 6. Skyridge, 1:28.07; 7. Riverton, 1:28.64; 8. Lone Peak, 1:29.09.

4×800 relay — 1. Herriman (Jonah Tang, Sr., Micah Tang, Sr., Tayshaun Ogomo, Sr., Jackson Spencer, Jr.), 7:38.93; 2. American Fork, 7:42.78; 3. Corner Canyon, 7:46.27; 4. Weber, 7:55.27; 5. Layton, 7:57.09; 6. Davis, 8:02.36; 7. Riverton, 8:02.87; 8. Syracuse, 8:02.98.

Long jump — 1. Ryker Miller, American Fork, Sr., 22′08.25; 2. Joshua Keel, Lehi, Sr., 21′09.25; 3. Ryan Snedaker, Herriman, Sr., 21′07.75; 4. Taylor Roberts, Lone Peak, So., 21′02.5; 5. Kamryn Moore, Bingham, Sr., 20′11.25; 6. Austin Jacobsen, Copper Hills, Sr., 20′08.5; 7. Nash Smoot, Weber, Sr., 20′08.25; 8. Carson Howard, Lehi, Jr., 20′07.0.

Shot put — 1. Matthew Bryant, Lone Peak, Jr., 63′03.5; 2. Jace Cook, Syracuse, So., 62′10.25; 3. Asher Bowcutt, Copper Hills, Sr., 58′02.5; 4. Johnny Parker, Davis, So., 54′03.25; 5. Tina’u Fiaui, Corner Canyon, Jr., 53′06.5; 6. Kayden Duffin, Layton, Jr., 52′00.25; 7. Benjamin Asay, Layton, Jr., 51′06.0; 8. Madden Jensen, American Fork, Jr., 50′05.25.

Discus — 1. Matthew Bryant, Lone Peak, Jr., 197′07.0; 2. Asher Bowcutt, Copper Hills, Sr., 175′00.0; 3. Spencer Rice, Westlake, Sr., 161′02.0; 4. Tina’u Fiaui, Corner Canyon, Jr., 156′06.0; 5. Tayvin Jensen, American Fork, Sr., 155′07.0; 6. Kayden Duffin, Layton, Jr., 155′05.0; 7. Johnny Parker, Davis, So., 153′08.0; 8. Madden Jensen, American Fork, Jr., 152′10.0.

5A boys’ track and field

3,200 meters — 1. Hayden Arbuckle, Viewmont, Sr., 9:07.86; 2. Logan Rohatinsky, Maple Mountain, So., 9:16.34; 3. Davey Boyce, Timpview, Sr., 9:16.96; 4. Edward Stout, Taylorsville, Jr., 9:17.79; 5. Ben Hyde, Viewmont, Sr., 9:18.95; 6. Talmage Bruschke, Viewmont, Sr., 9:20.28; 7. Peter Gehring, Viewmont, Sr., 9:21.07; 8. Jeffrey Hazard, Northridge, So., 9:22.56.

4×200 relay — 1. Alta (Ryker Ellis, Jr., Dawson Douglas, Sr., Kenneth Rowe, Fr., Evan Morton, Jr.), 1:28.99; 2. Box Elder, 1:29.38; 3. Maple Mountain, 1:29.89; 4. Woods Cross, 1:30.26; 5. Timpview, 1:30.27; 6. Springville, 1:30.75; 7. Wasatch, 1:30.82; 8. Cedar Valley, 1:30.89.

4×800 relay — 1. Viewmont (Hayden Arbuckle, Sr., Talmage Bruschke, Sr., Ben Hyde, Sr., Bryce Arbuckle, Sr.), 7:42.55; 2. Skyline, 7:44.10; 3. Maple Mountain, 7:48.51; 4. Northridge, 8:01.02; 5. Taylorsville, 8:05.18; 6. Springville, 8:06.32; 7. Alta, 8:08.38; 8. Wasatch, 8:12.52.

Long jump — 1. Davis DeGroot, Bonneville, Jr., 22′06.25; 2. Luc Whiting, Springville, Sr., 21′11.0; 3. Ben Staheli, Salem Hills, Jr., 21′10.25; 4. Isaac Wilkey, Bountiful, Sr., 21′07.0; 5. Ace Brown, Viewmont, Sr., 21′06.75; 6. Makai So’o, Northridge, Jr., 21′06.5; 7. Jaidon Colbert, West Jordan, Sr., 21′03.0; 8. Teancum Tirrell, Taylorsville, Sr., 21′01.25.

High jump — 1. Colin Hansen, Alta, Jr., 6′02.0; 2. Thys Evans, Maple Mountain, Sr., 6′02.0; 2. Brayden Smith, Springville, Jr., 6′02.0; 4. Rory Violette, Woods Cross, Sr., 6′02.0; 5. Jaidon Colbert, West Jordan, Sr., 6′00.0; 6. Julius Mulitalo, West Jordan, Sr., 6′00.0; 7. Brooks Halterman, West Jordan, So., 6′00.0; 8. Dodger Denning, West Jordan, Sr., 6′00.0.

Shot put — 1. McCaffrey Smith, Woods Cross, Sr., 52′00.5; 2. Chevas Gregory, Timpview, Sr., 51′03.0; 3. Cade Draper, Roy, Sr., 48′06.5; 4. Xavier Bradley, West Jordan, Sr., 48′05.0; 5. Paula Havea, West Jordan, Jr., 47′11.25; 6. Jaxon Nettleton, Brighton, Jr., 47′02.0; 7. Vili Tapa’atoutai, Woods Cross, Jr., 46′11.75; 8. Logan Schuck, Alta, Jr., 46′07.25.

Discus — 1. Jaxon Nettleton, Brighton, Jr., 155′00.0; 2. Chance Richards, Box Elder, Jr., 154′05.0; 3. Jay Diediker, Maple Mountain, Sr., 148′09.0; 4. Ifo Pili, Granger, Jr., 141′08.0; 5. Ammon Findlay, Box Elder, Jr., 140′03.0; 6. McCaffrey Smith, Woods Cross, Sr., 138′05.0; 7. Ty Dorius, Wasatch, Sr., 135′09.0; 8. Chevas Gregory, Timpview, Sr., 134′02.0.

Javelin — 1. Easton Leavitt, Springville, Sr., 187′02.0; 2. Colby Frokjer, Roy, Sr., 172′05.0; 3. Kody Horsley, Cedar Valley, Sr., 163′01.0; 4. Ezra Groat, Woods Cross, Sr., 158′02.0; 5. Jaxon Nettleton, Brighton, Jr., 156′06.0; 6. Kaden Wheeler, Box Elder, Sr., 154′00.0; 7. Cody Smith, Brighton, Sr., 150′10.0; 8. Sawyer Wayman, Taylorsville, Sr., 150′09.0.

Pole vault — 1. Kaleb Allen, Taylorsville, Sr., 13′06.0; 2. Jackson Barney, Cedar Valley, Sr., 12′06.0; 3. Ben Anson, Clearfield, Jr., 12′03.0; 4. Colton Reid, West Jordan, Jr., 11′00.0; 5. Joshua Downs, Box Elder, So., 11′00.0; 6. Brett Johnson, Salem Hills, Sr., 11′00.0; 7. Nathan Call, Salem Hills, Jr., 10′06.0; 8. Brody Jex, Box Elder, Jr., 10′06.0.

Timpview’s Lily Alder and Jane Hedengren compete in the girls 3200m run during the 5A high school state track meet at the Clarence F. Robison Outdoor Track and Field in Provo on Thursday, May 15, 2025. Hedengren won and Alder placed second. (Photo: Kristin Murphy, Deseret News)

6A girls’ track and field

3,200 meters — 1. Maya Bybee, Lone Peak, So., 10:35.63; 2. Skye Jensen, American Fork, So., 10:40.91; 3. Maci Woolf, Herriman, Sr., 10:56.26; 4. Maya Parker, Westlake, Jr., 10:58.32; 5. Grace Swanson, Riverton, Jr., 10:59.77; 6. Mya Oyler, Riverton, Sr., 11:03.58; 7. Claire Hoenes, Herriman, Sr., 11:05.21; 8. Talia Anderson, Westlake, Jr., 11:08.31.

4×200 relay — 1. Corner Canyon (Liberty Henstrom, Sr., Alice Peterson, Jr., Layla Valadez, So., Kenna Wong, Sr.), 1:40.55; 2. Mountain Ridge, 1:41.00; 3. Davis, 1:42.23; 4. American Fork, 1:42.51; 5. Syracuse, 1:44.20; 6. Layton, 1:44.29; 7. Herriman, 1:45.15; 8. Bingham, 1:45.58.

4×800 relay — 1. Lone Peak (Maya Bybee, So., Brielle Nilsson, Jr., Zoey Nilsson, Jr., Paityn Rohatinsky, So.), 9:14.49; 2. Riverton, 9:22.32; 3. Davis, 9:27.36; 4. Herriman, 9:32.84; 5. American Fork, 9:34.09; 6. Westlake, 9:36.91; 7. Fremont, 9:43.83; 8. Layton, 9:44.25.

Long jump — 1. Halle Willardson, Herriman, Jr., 17′04.75; 2. Aubrey Galloway, Lone Peak, Sr., 17′01.25; 3. Addisyn Webb, Farmington, So., 16′11.5; 4. Abigail Dotson, Skyridge, Jr., 16′11.0; 5. Zoe Hein, Copper Hills, Sr., 16′08.75; 6. Lola Shepherd, Copper Hills, Sr., 16′07.5; 7. Ginger Ballstaedt, American Fork, Jr., 16′07.25; 8. Brynn Kingston, Layton, Jr., 16′06.5.

High jump — 1. Abby Tullis, Bingham, Jr., 5′06.0; 2. Brinley Barkdull, Syracuse, So., 5′02.0; 2. Abigail Dotson, Skyridge, Jr., 5′02.0; 4. Lily Collier, American Fork, Sr., 5′00.0; 4. Sage Rasmussen, Weber, Sr., 5′00.0; 6. Aubrey Dallas, Farmington, Sr., 5′00.0; 7. Reese Wood, Skyridge, Fr., 5′00.0; 8. Isabella Tolman, Farmington, So., 4′10.0.

Shot put —1. Burklie Burton, Layton, Sr., 41′01.75; 2. Carly Trujillo, Mountain Ridge, Sr., 40′09.0; 3. Lacee Pace, Westlake, Jr., 38′07.5; 4. Abigail Combs, American Fork, Sr., 36′01.25; 5. Lorianne Feagaimaalii, Syracuse, So., 35′03.5; 6. Hadley Andreason, Mountain Ridge, Jr., 35′00.5; 7. Isla Jensen, Syracuse, Fr., 33′08.75; 8. Maryanne Carlson, Corner Canyon, Fr., 33′00.25.

Javelin — 1. Brooke Tacke, Riverton, Sr., 129′06.0; 2. Burklie Burton, Layton, Sr., 115′10.0; 3. Jane Lemon, American Fork, Sr., 109′06.0; 4. Gracie Thoreson, Herriman, Sr., 109′06.0; 5. Taylor Freeland, Riverton, Fr., 109′00.0; 6. Ellie Pitcher, Davis, Sr., 104′10.0; 7. Lucy Richins, Riverton, Sr., 101′05.0; 8. Brooke Morris, Westlake, Sr., 99′10.0.

5A girls’ track and field

3,200 meters — 1. Jane Hedengren, Timpview, Sr., 9:48.73; 2. Lily Alder, Timpview, Jr., 10:19.81; 3. Maddie Reeder, Highland, So., 10:35.31; 4. Avery Barton, Bonneville, So., 10:45.87; 5. Bridget Smit, Brighton, Fr., 10:49.43; 6. Adria Favero, Olympus, So., 10:51.73; 7. Daphne Batmale, Timpview, Sr., 10:54.50; 8. Halle Sullivan, Skyline, So., 10:59.99.

4×200 relay — 1. Cedar Valley (Della Ballard, Fr., Saidey Johnson, Sr., Emerson Stout, Sr., Kelsey Woodbury, Sr.), 1:42.00; 2. Spanish Fork, 1:44.69; 3. Box Elder, 1:44.81; 4. Woods Cross, 1:45.07; 5. Northridge, 1:46.02; 6. Brighton, 1:47.12; 6. Springville, 1:47.12; 8. Salem Hills, 1:47.52.

4×800 relay — 1. Timpview (Daphne Batmale, Sr., Gwen Boulton, Jr., Lily Alder, Jr., Jane Hedengren, Sr.), 9:19.30; 2. Skyline, 9:23.44; 3. Viewmont, 9:24.39; 4. Highland, 9:28.56; 5. Box Elder, 9:30.39; 6. Springville, 9:30.77; 7. Woods Cross, 9:31.95; 8. Maple Mountain, 9:49.69.

High jump — 1. Mae Johnson, Bountiful, Sr., 5′09.0; 2. Addilynn Jensen, Spanish Fork, So., 5′03.0; 3. Hailey Clark, Maple Mountain, Sr., 5′03.0; 4. Sarah Kellogg, Olympus, Jr., 5′01.0; 5. McCall Preston, Woods Cross, So., 5′01.0; 5. Amelia Smith, Cedar Valley, Jr., 5′01.0; 7. Belinda Henderson, Maple Mountain, So., 5′01.0; 8. Adriana Pau’u, Cyprus, Sr., 4′11.0.

Discus — 1. ‘Atelaite Latu, West, Jr., 136’07.0; 2. Sarah Harwood, Spanish Fork, So., 122′03.0; 3. Mama Koula Tuitupou-Kutu, Hunter, Sr., 117′09.0; 4. Analeia Tilo, Cedar Valley, So., 117′06.0; 5. Karlee Mayfield, Northridge, Sr., 117′06.0; 6. Mahala Speredon, Wasatch, So., 115′01.0; 7. Annikka Jay, Springville, So., 109′10.0; 8. Adahleigh Anderson, Box Elder, Sr., 109′08.0.

Javelin — 1. Calee Sharp, Cyprus, Sr., 129′02.0; 2. Sarah Harwood, Spanish Fork, So., 122′09.0; 3. Cassidy Southam, Maple Mountain, Jr., 115′06.0; 4. McKinley Ferguson, Alta, So., 111′05.0; 5. Jyllian Petty, West, Jr., 106′07.0; 6. Lindsay Bott, Box Elder, Jr., 106′00.0; 7. Kynzlee Miller, Box Elder, So., 104′09.0; 8. Brooke Bergeson, Springville, Sr., 103′06.0.

Pole vault — 1. Saidey Johnson, Cedar Valley, Sr., 11′00.0; 2. Oaklee Wilson, Maple Mountain, Jr., 10′00.0; 3. Avery Edwards, Clearfield, Jr., 9′00.0; 4. Sara Pryor, West Jordan, Sr., 8′06.0; 5. Brittney Jensen, Clearfield, Sr., 8′06.0; 5. Emma Wilson, Salem Hills, Sr., 8′06.0; 7. Maycie Pearce, Clearfield, Jr., 8′06.0; 7. Jessica Richards, Cedar Valley, So., 8′06.0.

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Monks Duo Collects GNAC Track & Field Weekly Accolades

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12 minutes ago

December 9, 2025

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STANDISH, Maine – The Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) weekly honors have been released and Saint Joseph’s College of Maine women’s track and field was highlighted by sophomore Haley Williams being named GNAC Track Athlete of the Week and sophomore Ella Labrie earning GNAC Field Athlete of the Week recognition following their performances at the Elm City Classic.

Williams collected Track Athlete of the Week after a strong day on the track, placing second in the mile in 6:00.44 and running a leg on the winning distance medley relay that clocked 14:38.93, contributing to two major scoring performances for the Monks.

Labrie was tabbed Field Athlete of the Week after scoring in both horizontal jumps, finishing fourth in the long jump with a mark of 4.80m (15′ 9″) and adding a fourth-place finish in the triple jump at 10.48m (34′ 4.75″), a mark that meets the New England Division III provisional standard. As of December 7, 2025, she ranks first in both the long jump and triple jump within the GNAC.

Saint Joseph’s will head to Southern Maine Saturday for the USM Alumni Open.

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NCAA women’s volleyball: Nebraska and the No. 1 seeds continue their dominance, while some Cinderellas remain

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15 minutes ago

December 9, 2025

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The first weekend of the NCAA volleyball tournament delivered on kills, points and of course, upsets. At campuses across the country, big names dominated, but there is still a Cinderella or two to cheer for as the tournament moves to the Sweet 16 this coming weekend. Here’s what you need to know from the first two rounds.

No. 1 seeds dominated…

Perhaps it’s not a surprise to see No. 1 seeds romp their way to the regional semifinals, but Nebraska, Texas, Kentucky and Pittsburgh each won their first two matches of the tournament with relative ease. Among the four teams, only one dropped a set — Kentucky dropped its third set to UCLA in the second round, and then came back to take that match with a 25-17 set. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh had 99 kills over the weekend, and Texas scored 73 points more than its opponents. And Nebraska? They were so good that they inspired their own bullet point in this story. (See below.)

…but there were plenty of upsets to enjoy

Unseeded Marquette took out the higher-seeded Western Kentucky (No. 7) in the first round in just three sets, then took Louisville — which went to the national semifinal last season — to five sets before the Cardinals eventually pulled out the win. After a 25-5 regular season, UTEP earned a sixth seed, but unseeded North Carolina knocked them out 3-1 in the first round. Rice had a No. 7 seed but lost to Florida, and Utah State won a barn-burner 3-2 match over No. 7 Tennessee in the first round of the tournament.

But no one had a better weekend than Cal Poly. The Mustangs, unseeded with a 27-7 record in the regular season, first knocked out fifth-seed BYU with a 3-2 win. Their next feat came in the second round against some fellow Californians, beating USC 3-2 to make it to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2007. Emma Fredrick’s play was key with 17 kills and 17 digs.

Nebraska is playing at a different level

In her first season as the head coach at Nebraska, Dani Busboom-Kelly — a national champion player at Nebraska in 2006 — has the Cornhuskers playing on a different level. Against Long Island University, Nebraska had 47 kills to Long Island’s 24. In the second round against Kansas State, Nebraska withstood every charge the Wildcats brought and scored 75 points to their 54 to get a quick three-set win.

It’s not just about the statistics, though. Nebraska looked focused and stayed calm throughout its games, even with the pressure of a sold-out crowd expecting a dominant win.

“I think us being put in high-pressure situations is going to be good for us going deep into the tournament,” said Huskers star Harper Murray . “Bergen [Reilly] said it in the locker room, ‘We really need to take in the moments and appreciate that we’re able to be here.’ Not every team is able to play in the Sweet 16, and just being grateful that we’re here.”

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Triple Crown: Monks Men Collect GNAC Track, Field, and Rookie of the Week

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31 minutes ago

December 9, 2025

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STANDISH, Maine – The Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) weekly honors have been released and Saint Joseph’s College of Maine was well-represented, with junior Jacob Schmader (Limington, Maine) named GNAC Track Athlete of the Week, freshman Stephen Pierre (Turner, Maine) selected as GNAC Field Athlete of the Week, and freshman Eli Benjamin (Rochester, N.H.) earning GNAC Rookie of the Week recognition following their performances at the Elm City Classic.

Schmader claimed Track Athlete of the Week after placing third in the 600 meters with a time of 1:24.80, a mark that meets the New England Division III provisional qualifying standard.

Pierre earned Field Athlete of the Week honors by winning the long jump with a mark of 6.74m (22′ 1.5″), an automatic qualifier for the New England Division III Championships and a new Saint Joseph’s program record. He also cleared 1.83m (6′ 0″) in the high jump to place third, giving him two top-three finishes in the jumps and ranking him first in the GNAC in the long jump and fourth in the high jump as of December 7, 2025.

Benjamin was tabbed Rookie of the Week after scoring in two events in his collegiate debut, finishing second in the high jump with a clearance of 1.88m (6′ 2″), which surpasses the New England Division III provisional standard, and adding a sixth-place effort in the 60 meters with a time of 7.64. His high jump mark currently ranks first in the conference as of December 7, 2025.

Saint Joseph’s will head to Southern Maine Saturday December 13th for the USM Alumni Open.

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After 36-year career, Beth Launiere announces retirement as Utes volleyball coach

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31 minutes ago

December 9, 2025

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SALT LAKE CITY — Over her 36-year tenure as head coach of the women’s volleyball team at the University of Utah, Beth Launiere has become an icon of the sport.

That storied career — one that makes her the all-time winningest head coach (689-439) at Utah — has come to an end, though. Launiere announced her retirement from the game Monday, citing a desire to enter “the next chapter of my life.”

“Thank you to the hundreds of players whom I have had the privilege to coach, and the many assistant coaches, support staff and administrators who were my daily collaborators to build this program into what it is today,” Launiere said in a statement. “I will miss the daily interactions, but I know our relationships will last a lifetime.

“It has been an honor to represent one of the greatest universities in the country. I will forever love Utah and will always be a Ute!”

Launiere leaves as the third-longest tenured coach in Utah history, following former Red Rocks head coach Greg Marsden (40 years) and men’s swimming coach Don Reddish (37 years).

The decision, Launiere said, was a “difficult decision,” but it was time for another voice. Her decision comes after leading Utah to 20 NCAA Tournament appearances, with the most recent being the last two seasons.

In those 36 years, Launiere’s program reached four Sweet 16 appearances, six conference championships in the Mountain West, and 20 of the school’s 25 20-win seasons. She also helped Utah to a 45 consecutive week streak of appearing in the AVCA Coaches Top 25 from 2000-02 and again in 2019-22.

“Her legacy as one of the greatest coaches in the history of Utah athletics is well-established, and the number of student-athletes, coaches and staff she has influenced in such a positive way stands at the top of her lengthy list of accomplishments,” Utah athletic director Mark Harlan said. “The standard of excellence and winning culture that Beth has created and sustained here for nearly four decades cements her place in Utah athletics history.

“She will be greatly missed, but her established standard and culture will carry forward.”

That culture will continue with the hiring of associate head coach Alyssa D’Errico to the top position. After being in her role for three seasons, D’Errico now becomes the sixth volleyball head coach in Utah history.

“Alyssa D’Errico is a tremendous identifier of talent and is elite in developing student-athletes and building genuine relationships,” Harlan said in a statement. “With her championship pedigree, All-America playing experience, and the three years she has spent at the University of Utah as associate head coach, she is uniquely equipped to take over leadership of our volleyball program.

“I’m thrilled to appoint Alyssa as our new head coach, and excited to see her establish herself as this programs’ leader, building on the legacy that Beth Launiere has built.”

D’Errico comes to Utah after a six-year tenure at Dayton, where she spent time as the associate head coach and the school’s recruiting coordinator. She began her career at Louisville in 2015 following a four-time national championship playing career at Penn State where she was captain.

“I couldn’t be more pleased for Alyssa D’Errico to be named the next head volleyball coach at the University of Utah,” Launiere said in a statement. “She has great knowledge of the game, and a work ethic second to none.

“Alyssa is a leader who invests in her players in both time and care, and is a tremendous role model for young women. Her exceptionalism as a four-time NCAA women’s volleyball national champion was a prelude to her extraordinary attributes as a coach and what she brings to the profession. I have no doubt Alyssa will maintain the culture we have strived to create and continue Utah volleyball’s winning tradition.”

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Vanderbilt Football | Lea is Finalist for Another Award

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49 minutes ago

December 9, 2025

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Vanderbilt E. Bronson Ingram Chair in Football Clark Lea is a finalist for the George Munger College Coach of the Year it was announced Monday by the Maxwell Football Club, making the Commodore head coach a candidate for multiple national honors. He is also up for the Walter Camp Football Bowl Subdivision and American Football Coaches Association Coach of the Year Awards.

The winner of the George Munger Award—other finalists are Curt Cignetti of Indiana, Mike Elko of Texas A&M and Texas Tech’s Joey McGuire—will be revealed on Dec. 30, with the formal presentation of the award set for March 14, 2026, in Atlanta.

Lea has already been named the AFCA Region 2 Coach of the Year, and he is also a candidate for the Paul “Bear” Bryant and Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Awards.

The recognition comes after Lea guided the Dores to their first-ever 10-win season and a 6-2 finish in SEC action, the most conference victories Vandy has posted in program history. The Commodores earned three victories over top-15 opposition, defeating four nationally-ranked schools in all, this fall and have been included in the Associated Press poll each of the last 12 weeks. That included helping the Dores to their first appearance in the AP top 10 since 1947.

With the Commodores set to play Iowa in the ReliaQuest Bowl on Dec. 31, Lea has guided Vandy to consecutive postseason bowl berths for just the second time ever.

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Volleyball ends rocky season with hope for the future — The Panther Newspaper

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50 minutes ago

December 9, 2025

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The Panthers drew the curtains on their season after suffering a 3-0 loss against No. 2-ranked University of La Verne Leopards on Saturday, Nov. 8. The loss closed out a season that started with promise, but ultimately ended in a losing conference record.

In the sweep, the Panthers recorded an average hitting percentage of 0.135 with 33 total kills compared to the Leopards’ .284 percentage and 45 kills. Ultimately, La Verne proved to be the better team in this match, allowing them to clinch the regular season Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) title. La Verne went on to make a run to the national championship of the NCAA DIII tournament, finishing runners-up.

The match was also senior night for the Panthers. Political science major Olivia Sampon, strategic and corporate communications major Emma Derksen, psychology major Olivia Harrison and public relations, advertising and entertainment marketing majors Brooke Leslie and Keira Sarni were honored during the ceremony.

“Being surrounded by my teammates, coaches, friends and a lot of family made the night really meaningful,” Sarni said. “There’s something powerful about looking around the gym and realizing how much support you’ve had over the years.”

Although the seniors closed out their collegiate careers with a loss, the Panthers fought for every point. The first set ended 25-17 with La Verne immediately dominating the court. During the second set, Chapman had its first and only lead of the match at 7-5 but eventually fell short 25-22. In the final set, the Panthers could not shut down La Verne’s offense or break through their defense, ultimately ending the set at 25-16.

In preparation for the match, the team prioritized adjusting their defense and offense to match La Verne’s. The Panthers had 50 digs, and junior business finance major Lia Ono leading with 16 — the most of any player in the match. Chapman also had two blocks compared to the Leopards’ 10.

The Panthers finished with a 6-10 conference record, and missed the SCIAC playoffs for the third time in four seasons.

The Panthers took the time to reflect on their journey this season to improve for the next. The seniors waved their goodbyes and looked back on how much the program has given them.

“Playing volleyball at Chapman has shaped me into the person I am today,” Sarni said. “I’ve grown so much, not just as an athlete, but as a leader, a teammate and a friend.”

Despite the emotional night, a new chapter is in the works for next season. With a talented group returning, they’ll look to follow in their seniors’ footsteps.

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