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The Bold Type, with Commissioner Dan Butterly – June 2, 2025

Story Links Good morning to all!   The past week has been a blur of energy and purpose—from watching our student-athletes compete for a championship to pushing back against proposals that could sideline the voices of conferences like ours (FCS. I-AAA, and even Group of 6). Between the Big West Baseball Championship, future […]

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Good morning to all!  

The past week has been a blur of energy and purpose—from watching our student-athletes compete for a championship to pushing back against proposals that could sideline the voices of conferences like ours (FCS. I-AAA, and even Group of 6). Between the Big West Baseball Championship, future membership discussions, NCAA governance shifts, and conference membership requirement proposals, it’s been a defining moment for reflection and resolve. 

Song of the week is “Angry Young Man” from Billy Joel.  The lyrics feel personal this week. I may not be angry, but I’m energized. As we face down proposals that threaten the inclusive and competitive spirit of Division I, I’m using every ounce of that piano-driven urgency to advocate for the institutions that do more with less—and do it for the right reasons. 

“There’s a place in the world for the angry young man 

With his working class ties and his radical plans 

He refuses to bend, he refuses to crawl, 

And he’s always at home with his back to the wall. 

And he’s proud of his scars and the battles he’s lost, 

And he struggles and bleeds as he hangs on his cross 

And he likes to be known as the angry young man.” 

Not sure if the song title fits, but if other conference commissioners are not going to publicly voice their thoughts on the proposed future governance structure, I am the one being quoted in the media.  I do so, however, on behalf of The Big West, our institutions and student-athletes.  If so, it is a title well-earned.  

Let’s get to The Bold Type.  

  

   CONGRATULATIONS!   

  • To Cal Poly and UC Irvine for their performances in the NCAA Division I Baseball Championship regional round. Both teams advanced to the regional final last night before falling to foes UCLA and Arizona. Find recaps about each game of the weekend here >>> 
  • To all our student-athletes who punched tickets to the NCAA Track and Field Championships in Eugene after successful performances in College Station, Texas, at the NCAA West Preliminaries. Read more: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 
  • To the twenty-two Big West student-athletes representing seven member-institutions who were honored as members of the College Sports Communicators (CSC) 2025 Academic All-District® Softball Team. Read more >>>
  • To the 16 Big West women’s water polo student-athletes from six programs who were voted as ACWPC All-Americans! Read more >>> 
  • To UC Santa Barbara senior Amelia Honer who was named an All-American by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) for the second year in a row! Read more >>> 
  • To University of Georgia Provost S. Jack Hu who was named the new chancellor at UC Riverside on Wednesday! Read more >>> 
  • To Hawai’i alumna and 2022 Big West Player of the Year Amber Igiede who is one of the 30 players selected for the U.S. Women’s National Team as it prepares for the 2025 Volleyball Nations League (VNL), the world’s premier annual international tournament. Read more >>> 

  NCAA DIVISION I AND “SMALLER DIVISION I SCHOOLS” OR LESS RESOURCED – NOT LESSER   

On Wednesday, Peyton Barish wrote a guest column for “Extra Points by Matt Brown”.  I greatly appreciate Peyton using his voice to try to bring media attention to what is being proposed by the NCAA Working Group focused on future governance.  However, as Peyton sent a note to me after the article posted seeking thoughts and feedback, I took the opportunity to respond, thank him, and clarify something in the headline. 

Many Big West programs sponsor more sports than some CFP-4 peers and except for the Big 10, The Big West has, on-average, larger student bodies. 









Conference # of Schools Total Enrollment Avg. Enrollment

per School
Big 10 14 ~643,977 ~45,999
SEC 16 ~514,012 ~32,126
ACC 15 ~407,594 ~27,173
Big 12 14 ~285,180 ~20,370
Big West 11 383,816 34,893

Yet media use of headlines like ‘smaller schools’ undermines what we do. Referring to our institutions as “Smaller Schools” diminishes all that we do to provide an outstanding education and experience for our student-athletes.  As many of you are aware, many Big West institutions rank in the Top 20 public institutions in the nation.  Our academic stature and large enrollments are not definable at “smaller schools”.   

Additionally, we are nationally competitive in NCAA Division I, sending multiple teams to NCAA Championships and as noted last week, sending four teams to three Final Fours and winning a national championship last month.  We work harder to provide for our student-athletes and athletic programs. We are not given a billion dollars by TV entities to broadcast our football games, nor can we create millions of dollars more by adding four more teams to a football playoff.  

We must use our voice to continue to fight for those of us that are a little less resourced, and focus on the education and experience of our student-athletes. We are the institutions that are collegial, love to watch our student-athletes compete for their institution, and even more so watch our student-athletes earn their diploma, start a career,  and come back to campus to excitedly tell us of their success and appreciation. 

 

   MEDIA REPORTS ON NCAA MATTERS AND LEGAL ISSUES   

  • According to Sportico’s Daniel Libit, FARs’ “traditionally modest foothold is all but gone” as the industry changes, and outgoing Tennessee FAR Don Bruce notes: “Nowhere are academics in the conversation right now. And it’s really disappointing. It’s really frustrating because we [FARs] do show up for work to support student-athletes, to protect our institutions, and to preserve what we believe is worth preserving—and that is the collegiate model.” Lots more. (link) 
  • The NCAA’s partnership extension with Genius Sports, which was announced earlier this year, comes with a caveat, according to NCAA President Charlie Baker: “For them to continue to access our data moving forward, there can’t be any sportsbook betting on negative props. So all the stuff that literally translates into a lot of the worst behavior that’s directed at young people and student-athletes generally under this agreement is going to be off the table.” (link) 
  • Georgia President Jere Morehead tells ESPN/SEC Network’s Paul Finebaum he expects there to be more litigation after the House settlement. “I think ultimately if we don’t get a congressional solution, we may never solve this issue. But I’m hopeful that the House settlement will put some parameters around future litigation and give us a better place to litigate whatever issues some plaintiff’s attorney comes up with next. And there are plenty of plaintiffs’ attorneys that will come up with new theories. (link) 

 

   QUOTE OF THE DAY   

From SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey:  “I think I have a responsibility to push, and I think my [SEC] membership has a responsibility and a desire to push me. And that is a hard issue if you want to go inside what it’s like to sit in this role. I think about the responsibility I have here [to the league] and I think about the responsibility more broadly all the time. We’ll continue to try to provide perspective and information to our members and help them guide the decision. And ultimately, I recognize I’m the one who ends up typically in front of a podium explaining not just myself but ourselves. So good luck to me.”  (link) 

  

Every commissioner feels the pressure. Pressures in The Big West just feel different—and requires different courage. 

  

   LET’S CLOSE IT OUT   

We continue to wait for Judge Claudia Wilken to make a decision on the proposed NCAA-House settlement.  Many NCAA staff members thought it would have been last week.  Some commissioners thought this week.  I have been saying it will be during NACDA week, as Judge Wilken knows when major NCAA events are being conducted. Remember, she held the larger settlement hearing on the day of the NCAA Men’s Basketball National Championship Game – for nearly 6.5 hours! 

  

That is all for this week. Be Bold. Be courageous.  Take care of those that take care of our student-athletes.  Have a great week. 

Dan 



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How Lake Worth Christian volleyball built a dynasty built on loyalty

Terri Kaiser speaks to audience following “Volley for the Cause” event Lake Worth Christian’s Terri Kaiser addressed the audience following a “Volley for the Cause” event put on in support of her battle against cancer. Lake Worth Christian has produced the most Player of the Year awards and state championships in Palm Beach County over […]

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  • Lake Worth Christian has produced the most Player of the Year awards and state championships in Palm Beach County over the past 25 years.
  • Head coach Terri Kaiser reflects on her 37 years with the program and its success.
  • Kaiser emphasizes the program’s focus on player loyalty and development over short-term gains.

Head coach Terri Kaiser hails volleyball as the ultimate team sport, and under her watch, Lake Worth Christian has become the ultimate volleyball program when it comes to Palm Beach County.

The Palm Beach Post’s “Summer Celebration” series takes a look at the last 25 years in each sport, but one would have to go long beyond that to find the roots of Kaiser’s impact on Lake Worth Christian’s community.

A bricklayer, in the truest sense.

Entering her 37th year at the school — split into two stretches — Kaiser remembers laying pipe in the ground to help expand what was at that point a one-building school.

“We didn’t build the gym until the 90s,” she said. “This is very important: Lake Worth Christian encouraged students first, and athletes followed.”

But when it came time for athletics, Kaiser quickly made her mark.

Surprisingly, she didn’t start out coaching volleyball.

Looking back at her career as a multi-sport athlete in high school and college, Kaiser admitted that softball was her best sport and is in fact what she started coaching in her first years at Lake Worth Christian.

But then she was asked about coaching volleyball, and a moment’s hesitation transformed over the years into a dynasty-like run perhaps unlike any other in the county.

Part of that is because as the sport has evolved, Kaiser has evolved right along with it.

“Volleyball is one of those sports that has evolved, changed, more than any other sport,” she said, pointing to a number of rule adjustments. “The rules keep changing. Volleyball, in the past 25 years has gone from best two out of three games to three out of five now. If you’re not doing it 12 months out of the year and touching the volleyball and playing the club circuit, you can’t evolve to be that next-level player.”

In her time at Lake Worth Christian, Kaiser has become a coach that surrounds herself with the game throughout the year, and she says that’s made as big a difference as any in helping the program find success.

“I think what’s evolved for Lake Worth Christian volleyball is the consistency, the willingness of me and other people that coach with me in the program to stay involved for the last 25 years in a 12-month program.”

Kaiser’s dedication to the program matches the importance it carries for her, in her heart.

Lake Worth Christian carries a unique sense of community for Kaiser, but it goes deeper than that.

It’s family, in the literal sense.

All four of her kids attended the school from kindergarten through senior year, and all four went to college at Palm Beach Atlantic. While Joy VanDyke remains coaching at Cardinal Newman after coaching for a time with her mother, two live in North Carolina and one lives in Texas, now.

The roots are the same, though, a testament to Kaiser’s depiction of loyalty being the hidden truth behind why the Lake Worth Christian volleyball program has been so successful.

“I think loyalty speaks a lot,” Kaiser said, who then took a moment to reflect on all of the players of the last 25 years and beyond that had won The Post’s Player of the Year recognition.

“Everyone, if you look at the list, they pretty much all were at Lake Worth Christian for longer than two years,” she said. “They didn’t just come in when the program was good. They came into the program from the beginning. Their ‘claim to fame’ — is that a good phrase? — would be, they were loyal. They were consistent. They stayed. And that’s different than what you have in the world right now.”

The idea of family extends to those players she’s coached, too.

Rather than focusing on the state championships under her watch — 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2020, with another four runner-up finishes — Kaiser instead spoke with excitement about a cross-country trip she has planned this week.

The veteran coach is traveling to Texas to watch former Lake Worth Christian standout Sarah Franklin play in the Volleyball Nations League as the star outside hitter and former Player of the Year continues her Olympian-sized dreams.

In the era of instant gratification, it’s players like Franklin and others that Kaiser said stayed in the Defenders program and took the time to develop and play as year-round players.

And in that light, going forward, Kaiser says that while the question of best program in the last 25 years is an interesting one, she asks an intriguing follow-up.

“What school is going to give the biggest incentive to play there? It might be a unique year to do a ‘who had the most successful program in 25 years for each spot’ story. A good question would be, are they going to continue down that path?”

Certainly, it’s a question that will be answered in time. But for Kaiser, there is no time like the present, and her love for volleyball is as strong as ever.

Alex Peterman covers high school sports for The Palm Beach Post. He can be reached at apeterman@gannett.com.

Girls Volleyball Player of the Year winners (2000-25)

  • Lake Worth Christian – 11
  • Boca Raton – 4
  • Jupiter – 4
  • Olympic Heights – 4
  • Boca Raton Christian – 3
  • King’s Academy – 3
  • Palm Beach Gardens – 3
  • Benjamin – 2
  • St. John Paul II – 2
  • Spanish River – 2
  • Wellington – 2
  • Glades Day – 1
  • Jensen Beach – 1
  • Martin County – 1
  • Oxbridge Academy – 1
  • Royal Palm Beach – 1
  • Suncoast – 1
  • Trinity Christian – 1

Palm Beach County girls volleyball state championship (2000-25)

  • Lake Worth Christian – 5
  • Olympic Heights – 3
  • Boca Raton – 2
  • King’s Academy – 1
  • Spanish River – 1
  • Suncoast – 1



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“People follow me because they want realness”

Tilly Kearns on addressing periods in sports: ‘It’s not taboo’ Outside the pool, her bond with water polo is just as strong. Over 630,000 followers across various social media platforms tune in to watch the Australian give regular updates on the life and times of a water polo athlete. And it’s easy to see why. […]

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Tilly Kearns on addressing periods in sports: ‘It’s not taboo’

Outside the pool, her bond with water polo is just as strong.

Over 630,000 followers across various social media platforms tune in to watch the Australian give regular updates on the life and times of a water polo athlete. And it’s easy to see why.

Just like her online presence, Kearns is affable, charmingly funny and above all honest, and it’s the latter quality she believes is why people have gravitated towards her content.

“I just like to capture little moments. And that’s why it is really authentic and organic and nothing’s really curated too much,” she says of her online profile.

Even its origin story has a certain genuineness to it, with Kearns confessing she first started a dedicated Instagram page in high school.

“The girls of my school convinced me to make it, but I made a page called ‘Official Tilly Kearns’ and it was just like a joke with me and my friends but it got such a good reception and I was like, ‘Hang on, maybe I actually do have a bit a knack for this!'”

It came as a surprise to Kearns that the page would flourish with interest.

“I thought it would start and stop there at the Olympics, but it just kept going. And then I thought it was quite beautiful that I could share the whole journey from the end of the Tokyo Olympics right until Paris, and everyone who was with me from the beginning, got to share the whole journey instead of just tuning in for the two weeks of the Olympics and then tuning out and saying, see you in another four years.”

Life on a college campus, an American Football-playing boyfriend, Justin Dedich, who would eventually join the NFL, a look at the realities of water polo training – so much of Kearns’ experience as an athlete is available to view through her channels.

And while the energy is mostly fun, Kearns has also found herself unexpectedly addressing more serious topics, including the subject of losing periods in elite sports and diet.

“To me, that is like every day, and it’s insane that other girls don’t talk about that. Because me and my teammates are just so open, almost disturbingly so. We know everything about each other, we’ve seen everything, there are no boundaries between me and my teammates,” Kearns says, talking about the subject of periods. “It wasn’t until I just posted something that I didn’t think twice about, and it got a great response. And people were asking to hear more, and I was kind of shocked that I was like, ‘Oh, does not everyone talk like this? Am I, are we the weird ones?’”

Calmy and casually, Kearns collected questions and began addressing them. Revealing how she had lost her period at the age of 17, and thinking it was a good thing. It wasn’t until she overheard conversations with older teammates that she recognised what had happened wasn’t healthy.

“It’s the sisterhood,” she says. “They become your sisters, and everything’s so open. And the older girls in my team, when I was young and coming through, helped me grow up, and they helped me see a lot about the world and understand a lot of things that I realised that I was actually so lucky to have that, and not everyone has that.

“So I guess on the internet, if people want to turn to me to be that person, that’s great. But it is so important because it’s not taboo. It’s just the way life is, as it should be. Absolutely no shame around it.”



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ET volleyball players Scott, Jackson compete at junior national championship | ETVarsity

Area volleyball standouts Kamdyn Scott of Tatum and Triniti Jackson of Longview helped lead their club team to the USA Volleyball Junior National Championships earlier this month in Dallas, where they finished fifth in their 17U division. The massive national tournament had over 1,000 teams competing across 26 divisions for ages 14-17, running from June […]

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Area volleyball standouts Kamdyn Scott of Tatum and Triniti Jackson of Longview helped lead their club team to the USA Volleyball Junior National Championships earlier this month in Dallas, where they finished fifth in their 17U division.

The massive national tournament had over 1,000 teams competing across 26 divisions for ages 14-17, running from June 25 to July 3 at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center. The 17U age group featured six divisions with 381 teams.

Scott and Jackson, both rising seniors, play for the Untouchables EPA, a club based in Plano that competes in the North Texas Region under coach Ty Jenkins. It was the first time their team has qualified to Nationals, and they made it to the 17-USA Division gold bracket out of pool play and went 7-2 overall from June 30 to July 3. Out of those games they won 15 sets with six set losses.

The Untouchables EPA have competed in multiple tournaments in Dallas this year as well as national qualifier tournaments in Philadelphia, Kansas City and Chicago. They finished second at the Chicago qualifier, earning their Nationals bid. There they got to play teams from across the country in front of hundreds of college recruiters. In the 17U open division just above theirs, they got to watch players committed to D1 programs like Wisconsin, Nebraska and Louisville.

“It was really cool. It’s fun to see talent from other states because you just see Texas all the time, so it’s cool to see how other states play, and it kind of gives you a look for college,” said Scott. “I just think as a team we all did super good, and I’m going to really miss those girls next year.”

Scott plays outside hitter for Tatum Lady Eagles volleyball (612 kills, 367 digs, 74 blocks, 74 aces and 28 assists in 2024) and Jackson plays setter for the Longview Lady Lobos (635 assists, 482 digs, 401 kills, 71 aces and 52 blocks in 2024) . Their friendship dates to when they were little kids and the two first started playing volleyball together at the Wrecking Crew, a club based in Longview. During their high school careers representing Tatum and Longview, they’ve also made weekly trips to Plano to train and compete at the highest level in club volleyball.

Jackson faced adversity this summer when she fractured her shin bone, sidelining her for 12 weeks of the club season. After recovering from surgery, she made a comeback to help her team earn third-place in the Kansas City qualifier and the second-place finish in Chicago.

“Triniti doesn’t just lead on the court—she gives back off the court as well,” said Chaka Jackson, head volleyball coach at Longview. “She coaches with Wrecking Crew Volleyball and offers private lessons to many young athletes in her community, mentoring the next generation of players with heart and dedication… We are beyond proud of Triniti’s hard work, resilience, and leadership both on and off the court.”

Competing on the national stage was a longtime goal for both girls, and by the end of summer they’ll be making their decisions about where to further their athletic careers and education. They’ve been as diligent in the classroom as they are on the court, with Scott currently second in her class and Jackson completing 17 credits already at Kilgore College to put her on track for achieving her associate’s degree by Spring 2026.

Scott, a four-year starter in both volleyball and basketball, is weighing options for either route. She’s balanced commitments to each sport this summer, including a weekend at the Columbia Women’s Basketball Camp in late June in New York City, where she was selected the camp MVP, and an upcoming Select 40 circuit national tournament July 18-21 in Hamilton, Ohio with her travel team, Texas Platinum. Her summer volleyball plans will continue with a July 16 camp at Louisiana Tech and an Aug. 1-2 camp at Metropolitan State University of Denver.

It’s a demanding schedule, but for a driven athlete like Scott, she wouldn’t have it any other way.

“Sports is kind of my passion, so I don’t really get too tired of it,” she said.

For her impending senior volleyball season at Tatum, Scott is confident in her team and prepared to guide the underclassmen. Last year, Scott helped lead the Lady Eagles to a 40-6 record and district, bi-district and area championship wins. The program has won back-to-back undefeated district titles since the 2018 season.

“I think we’ll handle business in district and everything. And I’m just ready to play. It’s my last go. I’m with all my best friends, so I’m excited,” said Scott.



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Who was the top Zeeland East High 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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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.

Today: Zeeland East (several are from before the split, so there are more on this list to keep it fair as far as 25 at a specific high school).

Justin Barkel

Class of 2005

In the last class before the Zeeland split, Justin Barkel was a versatile swimmer at the highest level. As a senior, he won the Division 1 state championship in the 200 IM and 100 breaststroke. He was all-state multiple years before swimming at Grand Valley State and earning NCAA All-American honors.

TJ Beelen

Class of 2012

As a senior, TJ Beelen became just the second person in state history to record a 200-foot-plus discus throw on his way to the state championship. Finished runner-up in the shot put and was all-state in track and field multiple years. Also was all-state in football as a defensive lineman and went to Southern Illinois to play both sports.

Adam Berghorst

Class of 2019

Adam Berghorst earned all-state honors in football and baseball as defensive tackle and pitcher. Selected in the MLB draft but opted to play both sports at Michigan State. Was dominating run stopper as a defensive tackle on the football field but proved to be even better on the mound.

Johnathan Berghorst

Class of 2017

A two-sport star, Johnathan Berghorst won a state title in shot put and also earned all-state honors in football and track twice before playing football at Central Michigan. Berghorst was a dominant defensive lineman for the Chix, earning all-state honors, then was a multi-year state qualifier in track and field, culminating in a state championship, all while playing baseball in the spring, too.

Aliyah Boeve

Class of 2019

One of the fiercest athletes in area history, Aliyah Boeve won the indoor state shot put title as a senior and was all-state in shot put and discus multiple years (finishing second and third twice) with distances that would have been all-state for the boys. She also was an all-conference volleyball player multiple years. She competes in track and field at Central Michigan.

Boone Bonnema

Class of 2019

Starting as a freshman, Boone Bonnema made his presence known on the football field, flying to the ball as a linebacker. He was first-team all-state linebacker two years in a row and also earned all-state honors in shot put before playing football at Western Michigan.

Tag Bonnema

Class of 2022

Following in his brother’s footsteps, Tag Bonnema was also a dynamite defender on the football field and also a strong thrower in track and field. He earned all-state honors at both linebacker and defensive line during his career and was all-state in track and field in the shot put.

Brittany Casey

Class of 2014

Despite her small stature for a thrower, Brittany Casey used her strong, compact frame to become one of the top track and field athletes in state history. She earned four regional titles and three state titles in shot put and discus during her career with five all-state finishes before throwing at Western Michigan.

Drew Coffin

Class of 2009

Claimed back-to-back state titles in the 50 freestyle to lead Zeeland to state championship as a team. Also was part of state title and record-setting 400 freestyle relay before swimming at the University of Michigan.

Betsy DeJonge

Class of 2005

In the final class before the Zeeland split, Betsy DeJonge was one of the top swimmers in area history. As a senior, she was state runner-up in the 50 and 100 freestyles. She earned all-state honors in two relays as well. She was all-state and All-American in multiple events all four years before swimming at Michigan State.

Corbin DeJonge

Class of 2018

Won the state championship in the hurdles. Also was all-state in multiple individual and relay events for the Chix, leading them to a team state championship and multiple state runner-up finishes before running at Davenport.

Jordan Diekema

Class of 2007

For three years, nobody could beat Jordan Diekema in the backstroke. Diekema became the first swimmer in state history to claim three consecutive state titles in the 100-yard backstroke, a feat that has not been matched on the boys side. He was all-state in several other events and relays before swimming at Harvard and earning an NCAA cut.

Emma Drnek

Class of 2025

Was an all-state performer multiple times in cross country and track for the Chix. Led the Chix to a state runner-up finish in cross country as a senior. Will run at Michigan State next year.

Gavin Drenten

Class of 2025

Broke the school record for wrestling wins and earned all-state honors for the third time as a senior. Was named Holland Sentinel Wrestler of the Year as a senior.

Kenzie Fox

Class of 2015

With great vision, Kenzie Fox could do anything on the soccer field, even score on a free kick from near midfield in the state playoffs. She was all-state as a senior and Sentinel Player of the Year, one year after earning honorable mention plaudits. She went on to play at Grand Valley State, helping the Lakers win two NCAA national championships.

Josh Fusco

Class of 2019

Was a first-team all-state running back on the football team, leading the Chix to the state semifinals. Was also a standout baseball player and dabbled in basketball and track as well.

John Groendyk

Class of 2017

Always on the run, John Groendyk claimed the state championship in the 800 meters, leading the track and field team to the boys state championship as a senior and a sophomore. He was all-state in several events during his career and starred in cross country, too. He runs at Grand Valley where he has earned All-American honors.

Leah Gruppen

Class of 2004

Gruppen was one of the top softball pitchers in area history. She set numerous Zeeland High School records in the circle before the high school split and went on to star at Cornerstone University.

Carter Hinson

Class of 2021

In 2021, for the first time since 1977, a Zeeland wrestler claimed a state championship. Carter Hinson won the Division 2 state title at 160 pounds after a dominating career that saw him finish all-state multiple times.

Brad Horling

Class of 2011

Before making his mark as a defensive back at Grand Valley State, Brad Horling was a dominant running back at Zeeland East, claiming Sentinel Offensive Player of the Year honors as well as first-team all-state honors. He was also a dominant defensive back, making him one of the top two-way players in area history.

Tyler Keelean

Class of 2011

The top male diver in area history, Tyler Keelean won the Division 1 state championship in a D1 state record on the 1-meter board. He was conference and regional champion multiple times, earning multiple all-state honors. He went on to dive at Eastern Michigan.

Brooke Leonard

Class of 2014

While many softball pitchers dominate with speed, Brooke Leonard used her guile and arsenal of pitches to become one of the top softball players in area history. She earned all-state honors as a sophomore, junior and senior and was named Sentinel Softball Player of the Year three times before pitching at Cornerstone.

Allison Liske

Class of 2007

Ushering in the dominant era of throwing for Zeeland East, Allison Liske still holds the school record in the shot put and discus despite several other Chix claiming state championships. Liske was a state champion in the shot put and three times a runner-up in the shot put and discus to future Olympian Mary Angell. Also was all-conference in basketball before competing in track and field at the University of Michigan.

Meg Morehouse

Class of 2019

In a display of elite defense on both the basketball court and soccer field, Meg Morehouse became one of the top defensive two-sport athletes in area history. She earned all-state honors in basketball multiple times and is the Chix record holder for assists and steals. She was all-state in soccer as a senior defender, leading the Chix to their first regional final. Morehouse plays basketball at Hope College and helped the Flying Dutch to the 2022 NCAA championship.

Sara Nitz

Class of 2009

A three-sport athlete, Sara Nitz made her biggest mark with her leaping ability. She won the state championship in the high jump as a senior and was all-state multiple times. Also was an all-conference basketball and volleyball player. Went to Michigan for track and earned All-Big Ten honors in the high jump.

Suenomi Norinh

Class of 2019

One of the most versatile athletes in the history of the state of Michigan, Suenomi Norinh was named Miss Track and Field of Michigan as a senior when she won the state championship in the high jump, long jump and 100 hurdles, while finishing runner-up in 300 hurdles. She won the high jump as a junior as well and was all-state three years in track and field. Also played volleyball before running track at Missouri.

Jenna Plewes

Class of 2004

This all-state basketball player set the Zeeland High School scoring record before going on to break records at Cornerstone University and earn a spot in the Cornerstone Athletics Hall of Fame.

Sophie Riemersma

Class of 2018

One of the most dominant athletes in one sport, Sophie Riemersma was also dominant in multiple sports despite her volleyball focus. She was all-state in volleyball three times, including being named a Miss Volleyball of Michigan finalist as a senior. She was honorable mention all-state in basketball, scoring more than 1,000 points in her career and breaking the school record for rebounds. She also was all-state twice in the high jump before heading to Miami (Ohio) for volleyball.

Korey VanDussen

Class of 2009

Leading Zeeland East all the way to the state finals at the Breslin Center, Korey VanDussen was one of the top basketball players in area history. He was first-team all-state and led the Chix to unprecedented success. He went on to play at the NCAA Division I level at UNC-Greensboro.

Taylor Waterway

Class of 2019

Another dominant thrower for the Chix, Taylor Waterway won the state championship in the discus and earned all-state honors multiple years in track and field in the shot put and discus. Her best throw would have been all-state in the boys meet her junior and senior years. Also played volleyball before throwing at Indiana Wesleyan.

Paige Westra

Class of 2022

Making history, Paige Westra became the first female to earn first-team all-state honors in football in the state of Michigan. She was also all-state in soccer and track and field, concurrently in a stunning spring. She set the Chix season and career scoring record in soccer with 65 goals in just three years and was state runner-up in the shot put, earning all-state track and field honors for the fourth time. She will continue in track and field at Grand Valley State.

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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Teesside stories you might have missed this week

From a lost cache of photographs of a folklore festival to the A66 dualling plan being approved – here are some of the stories from Teesside you might have missed this week. Stray puppy recruited by police force Eight-week-old Jager was found running around the streets of Hartlepool before he was rescued [Durham Police] A […]

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From a lost cache of photographs of a folklore festival to the A66 dualling plan being approved – here are some of the stories from Teesside you might have missed this week.

Stray puppy recruited by police force

Jager the Belgian Malinois puppy. He has tan-coloured fur, which is black around his big eyes and nose. His ears are standing up but the tips have flopped down and are pointing at the floor. His head is poking out of a large police dog handler vest.Jager the Belgian Malinois puppy. He has tan-coloured fur, which is black around his big eyes and nose. His ears are standing up but the tips have flopped down and are pointing at the floor. His head is poking out of a large police dog handler vest.

Eight-week-old Jager was found running around the streets of Hartlepool before he was rescued [Durham Police]

A police force has gained a new four-legged recruit after it adopted a stray puppy.

Jager, an eight-week-old Belgian Malinois, was found running around the streets of Hartlepool last week before he was taken in by animal charity Stray Aid, Durham Police said.

After seeing the young pup’s potential, the organisation contacted the force’s Dog Support Unit to see if there was a job for him.

Hundreds of dead fish in lake after hot weather

Several fish are floating on the surface of a lake among sticks and a tin can. Several fish are floating on the surface of a lake among sticks and a tin can.

The fish fatalities have been explained by hot weather and a drop in dissolved oxygen levels [Alec Brown]

Hundreds of fish have died in a park lake after a significant drop in oxygen levels due to increased water temperatures.

Residents spotted the fish floating on the surface of the lake at Locke Park, Redcar, Teesside.

The Environment Agency (EA) investigated and determined it had been caused by “natural factors”.

A66 dualling approved again after review delay

A Google Street View screenshot of the A66 at Kirkby Thore in Cumbria. The road is single carriage, with heavy traffic.A Google Street View screenshot of the A66 at Kirkby Thore in Cumbria. The road is single carriage, with heavy traffic.

The government said the work would reduce journey times on the route across northern England by up to 12 minutes [Google]

A plan to dual the A66 has been approved again, a year after the government put the scheme on hold.

The project to widen the road, which runs from Penrith to Scotch Corner, was approved by the previous Conservative government, but when Labour won the election last July it put the plan on hold to review a “black hole” in the public purse.

The Department for Transport (DfT) has now confirmed the work in a £92bn national package announced on Tuesday.

Water polo team ‘dreaming’ of winning top division

The Sedgefield Water Polo team are gathered in their trunks waving two towels saying Sedgefield Water Polo Club. The whole team look delighted raising their hands in the air.The Sedgefield Water Polo team are gathered in their trunks waving two towels saying Sedgefield Water Polo Club. The whole team look delighted raising their hands in the air.

Sedgefield Water Polo team have been promoted to Division One of the British Water Polo League [Sedgefield Water Polo Club]

A men’s water polo team will be entering Division One and competing for a place in European competitions after four back to back promotions.

The Sedgefield Water Polo Club will represent their County Durham town and nearby Newton Aycliffe in the top flight of the British Water Polo League from September.

The men’s team was created in 2021 and started playing at the bottom of the pyramid in Division Five.

Photos showcase early days of folklore festival

A 1960s picture showing several young women in red and white dresses with young men in background wearing light blue shirts and talking to each other. They are lined up alongside a brick building. A young man in middle of photo is wearing a Native American outfit with traditional headdress. A 1960s picture showing several young women in red and white dresses with young men in background wearing light blue shirts and talking to each other. They are lined up alongside a brick building. A young man in middle of photo is wearing a Native American outfit with traditional headdress.

This year is Billingham International Folklore Festival’s 60th anniversary [Walter Crinnion]

A treasure trove of previously unseen photographs that showcase the early years of a folklore festival have been revealed.

The images capture the spectacle of the Billingham International Folklore Festival (BIFF) from 1968 to the early 1970s.

The shots were all taken by keen amateur photographer Walter Crinnion before his death in 1974.

Follow BBC Tees on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.

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Southside grad to continue athletic career at NCWC – Washington Daily News

Southside grad to continue athletic career at NCWC Published 8:19 pm Sunday, July 13, 2025 1 of 4 Southside High School graduate I’Kiriyah Minor will continue her athletic career at NC Wesleyan, where she will run track. She expects to continue to participate in the 100-yard dash, long jump, triple jump and at least one […]

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Southside grad to continue athletic career at NCWC

Published 8:19 pm Sunday, July 13, 2025

CHOCOWINITY, N.C. — If you ever watched  I’Kiriyah Minor play sports at Southside High School, you probably got the feeling she could excel at any game she played.

During the fall, she was one of the standouts on the volleyball team. In the winter, she led the girls’ basketball team in several categories. In the spring, she made it to the Class 1-A state track and field championships after success in several competitions.

It’s track that has Minor’s attention and is the sport she will continue to play in college. She announced her intention on Monday to run for the track and field team at NC Wesleyan.

“At first, I was like, I was struggling really bad because I didn’t know if I was going to go to college or not,” said Minor, who considered putting sports aside and going to Pitt Community College. “So at first, I was going to go to Pitt if I didn’t get any scholarships. So I applied.

“I ended up getting help with a coach. And he told me to apply to his school because he got it when he saw me at track season. So I applied and like a week later, I got an email. And that day I got the email, I was like so excited.”

She intends to pursue a criminal justice degree at NCWC.

“I was so excited. Like I couldn’t think about anything else but that. I’m glad they gave me the opportunity to be in track.”

While she hasn’t made an official visit, she said she’s familiar with the campus and the college life she’ll be getting into now that she’s graduated from Southside.

“I’m currently in a group chat with all the coaches and some people that’s going to be running track with me,” Minor said. “I ended up making friends with some people on the track team.”

She’s taken some time off but will get back into the swing of things now that her college future is decided. And she’s excited to get that part of her life off and rolling.

“For track, it’s like it’s easier to meet your accomplishments,” Minor said. “And for one, it’s like an individual sport. So you get to focus more on yourself rather than just a whole team.

“I can’t wait, though. I’m really eager. But I know there’s going to be some competition because our school is not so big. But once you get to a college level, you’re going to have competition.

But that makes me even more excited because instead of just going to a college and there are no people to compete against, I’m just glad there’s going to be more athletic and talented people that I can compete against.”



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