Sports

Obituary

Published

5 months ago

August 19, 2025

RIP to Bill Hepler, a left-handed pitcher who played for the 1966 New York Mets as a 20-year-old rookie. The resident of Dade City, FL, died on August 12 at the age of 79.

William Lewis Hepler was born in Covington, VA, on September 25, 1945. He attended Covington High School and lettered in football (quarterback), basketball (forward) and baseball (pitcher). Hepler had strikeout stuff as a high school student and once struck out 16 of 21 batters in a 12-2 win over Cave Spring. He also racked up 16 K’s in a 1962 no-hitter against Greenbrier. One of the best games Hepler threw as a teenager came for the Covington American Legion team on June 14, 1963. On the 13th, he was knocked out of a game after giving up 5 walks and a double in 1/3 of an inning. The very next day, he no-hit Augusta and struck out 22 batters. Hepler graduated from Covington in 1964 and signed with the Washington Senators and scout George McQuinn. Before he did, he turned in an outstanding performance in the Virginia Legion tournament. Covington won 6 games before losing in the finals, and the left-hander got the victory in all of them, with a single-game high of 23 strikeouts.

Source: *Finger Lakes Times*, August 3, 1965.

Hepler pitched briefly in the Florida Instructional League in late 1964 and showed his wildness. He walked 18 in 22 innings and threw 5 wild pitches. He also struck out 13. His first full season in the minors was with Geneva of the New York-Penn League in 1965. He threw 21 wild pitches, which was tied for most in the league, but he also was second with 219 strikeouts, tied for first with 13 wins and first with 14 complete games. He was named to the All-Star Team and also received the Stedler Award, which the New York-Penn League presented to the played expected to go farthest in professional baseball. “League President William McNamara told the youngster, “you can become one of the best lefthanders in baseball if you believe in yourself.”

After the ’65 season had ended, the New York Mets took Hepler in the Rule 5 Draft for an $8,000 fee. He was added to the major-league roster, which provided both a problem and an opportunity. Hepler could not be assigned to the minor leagues without being offered back to the Senators for half the money the Mets spent to get him. The Mets were reluctant to part with a young pitching prospect or spend $4,000 unnecessarily, so the 20-year-old Hepler was able to stay on the roster for the full season with at least a little job security. The downside was that he was just one year into a professional playing career, and even with the awards and accolades he earned, Hepler still had control issues. The 1966 Mets, which finished ninth in a 10-team National League, couldn’t hide Hepler in the bullpen, because manager Wes Westrum needed all the pitching help he could get.

Hepler made his debut in a 5-4 loss to Atlanta on April 23, 1966. Starter Dick Selma was knocked out of the game with 1 out in the third inning and runners on the corner. Hepler walked Eddie Mathews to load the bases but retired Denis Menke and Woody Woodward to escape the inning. Hepler started the fourth inning and retired Hank Fischer but then allowed a single to Felipe Alou and a walk to Rico Carty. Reliever Darrel Sutherland bailed him out with a double play, giving Hepler a scoreless debut. He didn’t allow a run in any of his first 5 appearances, and he stranded 6 inherited runners, too. Hepler recorded his first major-league strikeout in his fourth game, fanning Houston’s Jim Gentile on May 24. His luck finally ran out against the Los Angeles Dodgers on May 28. He came into the game with 2 runners on base and let them both score on a Willie Davis single. Then he walked 3 straight batters in his next inning, included a bases-loaded walk to Sandy Koufax. The run raised his ERA to 1.29 in 6 games.

Hepler started to give up runs more often, though his ERA remained good. He picked up his first career win in one of his off games, when he allowed a solo homer to Atlanta’s Felipe Alou, breaking a 3-3 tie. The Mets, however, came back against reliever Ted Abernathy and scored 2 runs in the top of the ninth to win 5-4. Eventually, Westrum decided to give Hepler some starts. The first one came against Philadelphia on July 5, and the Phillies pitcher was Larry Jackson, a known Mets killer. Still, Hepler held his own and threw 5 scoreless innings, escaping a bases loaded jam by getting Cookie Rojas to hit a harmless fly ball. He tired in the sixth inning and, after allowing a single to Bill White and a walk to Bob Uecker, gave up a 2-run double to Jackson. Johnny Callison chased Hepler after an RBI single, and the Phillies won 3-1. Still, it was a solid performance until the pitcher ran out of gas. “I was pleased I did as well as I did,” Hepler said after the game, “but I was disappointed that I let the pitcher get the hit that beat me. I was trying to strike him out with a high fastball but I didn’t have enough on it… I feel that if I can gain control I can be a big league pitcher for a lot of years.”

Control ended up being the problem for Hepler. He appeared in 37 games for the Mets in 1966, 3 of which were starts, and he had a 3-3 record and a 3.52 ERA. At the plate, Hepler had 3 hits in 14 at-bats for a .214 batting average, and his first career hit came off Atlanta’s Arnold Umbach on June 7. Hepler walked 51 batters in 69 innings and struck out only 25. He also threw 9 wild pitches, which was 9th-most in the National League. One of those wild pitches came in the ninth inning against the Chicago Cubs on August 25, and it let Don Kessinger dash home from third base with the winning run in a 3-2 game. In fact, of Hepler’s 9 wild pitches, 4 of them came with a runner on third base.

After the season, the Mets were able to send Hepler to the minors without fear of losing him, and the team did just that. He ended up pitching for three different teams in the farm system — Williamsport, Durham and Winter Haven — and fashioned an 8-9 record and a 3.76 in 22 games. Hepler had the misfortune of throwing a 7-inning no-hitter against Elmira on June 24 while playing for Williamsport, but he lost 1-0 because of 2 first-inning walks and an error on the second baseman. He spent all of 1968 with Memphis of the Double-A Texas League, and he won 9 games while losing 6. His control had improved, as he allowed 54 walks in 156 innings, and he fanned 107 batters while earning a 3.12 ERA. Still just 22, Hepler could have been considered for a return to the majors, but he struggled with Memphis in 1969. He appeared in 21 games, including 8 starts, but had just 45 innings of work and a 6.40 ERA. He was purchased by the Kansas City Royals in December 1969 and, in an unknown transaction, ended up playing in the Washington Senators’ organization in 1970. That would be the new Senators (now the Texas Rangers), not the Senators that originally signed him (now the Minnesota Twins). Hepler gave up 8 runs in 8 innings for Class-A Burlington and spent much of the year on the disabled list with a bad shoulder. His playing career ended after the season. In 5 minor-league seasons, Hepler had a 33-32 record and 3.91 ERA.

After his playing career, Hepler embarked on a career in the construction industry as a senior superintendent. He threw out the first pitch of a high school baseball field in Tampa in 2007 after he helped build it, and his family-placed obituary noted that his proudest professional accomplishment was overseeing the completion of Idlewild Baptist Church. Hepler is survived by his wife Mary, daughter Angela and sons Steve and Jeff, as well as their families.

Of Hepler’s 37 major-league games, the one on September 11, 1966, seemed pretty unimportant at the time. The Braves beat the Mets 8-3, and he pitched the final 2 innings, allowing Eddie Mathews to score on a wild pitch. The pitcher he relieved also pitched 2 innings, striking out 4 batters and surrendering Joe Torre’s 35th home run of the year. It was 19-year-old Nolan Ryan, and he was making his major-league debut. “The first thing I noticed about him was his rising fastball,” Hepler said in a 1991 interview. “It took off like nothing I’d ever seen. He was very slender, and I felt at the time that if he filled out a little, he’d have a great career.”

When asked about his own career, Hepler said, “It didn’t work out the way I hoped. The Mets had built me up like I’d be a 20-year veteran. But who knew Nolan would be the one, and that he’d last even longer than that?”

For more information: Hodges Family Funeral Home

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Oldani Named Week 1 MPSF Defensive Player of the Week – BYU Athletics – Official Athletics Website

Published

23 minutes ago

January 13, 2026

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Oldani had a match-high and career-high 10 digs in BYU’s season opener Friday night in Provo. He added another three digs on Saturday. Oldani also had five blocks over the two matches, as the Cougars started the season 2-0 for the fourth consecutive season.

Oldani is one of three transfers from Grand Canyon on this season’s BYU squad. He was a key contributor as a freshman last season for the Antelopes and has picked up where he left off with the Cougars.

Oldani and the No. 8 Cougars won in back-to-back sweeps last weekend over Saint Francis and have two more home matches this Friday and Saturday, as No. 10 UC San Diego visits the Smith Fieldhouse.

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BREAKING: Ahen Kim named head volleyball coach at Duke

Published

39 minutes ago

January 13, 2026

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Duke University hired American University volleyball head coach Ahen Kim to the same role on Jan. 12, 2026. Kim joins the Blue Devils after his best season, posting a 24-5 record and winning a Patriot League championship.

The Eagles went 64-25 during Kim’s three seasons as the head coach of the Eagles. His latest saw the Eagles clinch their 17th Patriot League title in program history and an NCAA Tournament berth.

American swept the conference awards in 2025, taking home all five honors on Nov. 17, 2025. This included a Barry Goldberg Coaching Staff of the Year award for Kim and his staff. Kim’s team went 15-1 in Patriot League play in 2025, only dropping the team’s first conference match to the Colgate Raiders on Sept. 19, 2025.

“We are incredibly grateful to Ahen for everything he has given to American University volleyball,” said American University Director of Athletics and Recreation JM Caparro in a statement. “His connection to this program runs deep…We wish him nothing but success in his next chapter.”

Duke went 5-26 in the 2025 season, finishing last in the Atlantic Coastal Conference’s standings. The Blue Devils have not won the conference since 2013. The head coaching position opened up when long-time head coach Jolene Nagel retired on Dec. 1, 2025 after 27 seasons with the team.

“I’m forever grateful to American University Volleyball and will cherish the time I’ve had coaching here both as an Assistant and as Head Coach,” Kim said in a statement. “It has been an honor to serve the program after Coach Barry, and I am extremely proud of the work by our student-athletes and staff to restore its competitive legacy.”

American will conduct a national search for its next volleyball coach.

This article was edited by Jack Stashower and Walker Whalen. Copy editing done by Avery Grossman.

sports@theeagleonline.com

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South’s Ellie Kleven named Alaska Gatorade Volleyball Player of the Year

Published

55 minutes ago

January 13, 2026

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South Anchorage senior Ellie Kleven sets to the ball for a teammate during a match against Service High on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025 at South High. (Chris Bieri / ADN)

After leading the South Anchorage High volleyball team to a Cook Inlet Conference title and a dominant record of 41-5-1, senior Ellie Kleven this month became the seventh player in program history to be named Gatorade Alaska Volleyball Player of the Year.

“Winning this award means so much to me,” Kleven said. “I have always looked up to previous Gatorade Player of the Year winners and to be included in this group is really special.”

The elite setter is the second Wolverine to receive the award this decade, joining 2021-22 recipient Hanna Henrie, who was a standout outside hitter and led the program to its last state title.

“For a South athlete to receive this honor is incredibly rewarding for our coaches and players and something I hope future athletes will aspire to,” South head coach Julie Kleven said.

On the court, Ellie led the state with 1,196 assists and also recorded 434 digs, 121 service aces and 97 kills. Some of her other accolades include earning First Team All-Cook Inlet Conference and First Team All-State honors as well as receiving American Volleyball Coaches Association Honorable Mention All-American honors.

“Ellie has worked incredibly hard over the past four years and seeing her effort recognized in this way is truly special,” Julie said. “She is a player who gives 100 percent all of the time. Over the years she has also been so fortunate to have had excellent coaches and teammates that have contributed to her success. She is an elite athlete that is truly deserving of this honor.”

[‘It takes every single one of us’: South High’s volleyball success has been a collaborative effort at every level]

As Ellie’s mother and head coach, Julie couldn’t be prouder as this award recognizes a student-athlete for not only their feats of athleticism on the court, but also exceptional academic achievement and exemplary character displayed in and out of the gym.

South Anchorage head coach Julie Kleven talks to her team during a timeout from a match against Service High on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025 at South High. (Chris Bieri / ADN)

“I have watched her be humble and selfless through her entire volleyball career and these traits are a big part of what has made her such a great player, teammate and leader,” Julie said. “I have also witnessed her put the same level of commitment into her academics and community service.”

Ellie maintained an 3.71 grade point average and volunteered with multiple causes, including with Western Alaska typhoon relief, organizing a food and clothing drive for displaced families. She has also donated her time to community service initiatives through South’s National Honor Society chapter, including sock drives for those in need, putting together floral arrangements for seniors and making toys for cats at a local animal shelter.

“I’m incredibly honored to have even been considered for this award and grateful to my teammates and coaches who have made me the player I am today,” Ellie said after the honor was announced Friday. “My friends, family, and anyone I’ve ever been athletically involved with has played a part in this accomplishment and I couldn’t be more thankful to them.”

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Three From Men’s Volleyball Selected to FrogJump Preseason All-America First Team

Published

2 hours ago

January 13, 2026

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Springfield, Mass. – January 12, 2026 – Springfield College men’s volleyball seniors Dylan Mulvaney (Reston, Va.), Carter Durivage (East Greenbush, N.Y.) and Jake DesLauriers (Eastport, N.Y.) have all been named to the FrogJump Division III Preseason All-America First Team ahead of this week’s season opener in California.

A nationwide voting committee selected 20 student-athletes from across the country to the 2026 FrogJump Division III Preseason All-America Team, which recognizes the NCAA Division III men’s volleyball players projected to be the best in the nation during the upcoming year. Springfield was the lone institution to have three selections this fall as Messiah, NYU, Santa Cruz, Mount Union and Vassar all had two honorees.

The 14-member voting committee for this award consisted of 11 DIII Men’s Volleyball Head Coaches from across the nation and three members of the FrogJump coverage team. The 20 players receiving the most votes were named FrogJump Preseason All-Americans. The committee unanimously chose four players for preseason honors; Josh McLellan (Aurora), Alex Kagoro (Messiah), Ben Heise (Carthage), and Dylan Mulvaney (Springfield).

Mulvaney ranked second in the nation with 10.37 assists per set dishing out a total of 861 helpers and powered Springfield College to the second-best hitting percentage in the country at a .354 clip. He also registered 30 kills, 26 aces, 99 digs, 36 blocks and hit .418. In addition to his third straight All-America award, Mulvaney was tabbed as the FrogJump Volleyball Division III National Setter of the Year and as the Region I Player of the Year for the second time in his career.

DesLauriers made his transition from the baseball diamond to the volleyball court last season and made an immediate impact. He registered 204 kills (2.46 per set) and hit .359, which ranked 30th in Division III this year. DesLauriers also posted 40 aces and 116 digs (1.40 per set) and earned his first career AVCA All-America accolade in 2025.

Durivage powered Springfield’s offense with a team-best 221 kills (3.16 per set) and his .369 on the season. He also totaled 27 blocks and 81 digs. Durivage’s .369 hitting percentage ranked 25th nationally, while his 3.80 points per set ranked 64th in Division III a season ago as he earned his first nod to the AVCA All-America team in 2025.

Last season, these three student-athletes led Springfield to 25 wins and back to the NCAA Division III National Championship match for the first time since 2022.

Springfield will open its 2026 campaign as the top-ranked team in both the AVCA Division III National Poll and the FrogJump Volleyball Division III rankings. The Pride will take on Hope International and Concordia Irvine on Friday, January 16 before returning east for its Division III opener at Baruch on Friday, January 23.

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ODAC Athletes of the Week: Week 20

Published

2 hours ago

January 13, 2026

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The ODAC docket was busier over the past week with the return of swimming and the first matches of men’s volleyball joining basketball and wrestling as active sports. There were surprising – or eye-opening – results throughout with nationally-ranked upsets, inaugural program wins, and new conference records among the highlights.

Those earning ODAC Athlete of the Week awards for Week 20 include:

Most weeks this season, the following schedule will be used for releasing weekly awards winners when the sports below active:

Sundays: football
Mondays: baseball, basketball, field hockey, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, volleyball, wrestling
Tuesdays: cross country, single-discipline equestrian, indoor track & field, outdoor track & field
Wednesdays: golf

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Men’s Volleyball Sweeps EIVA Weekly Awards – Penn State

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3 hours ago

January 13, 2026

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UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Penn State men’s volleyball swept the first conference awards of the season as Sean Harvey was named EIVA Offensive Player of the Week and Ryan Merk was selected as the Defensive Player of the Week. The Nittany Lions picked up the honors after opening the season with a four-set win over Mount Olive and a sweep over Manhattan at Rec Hall.

Harvey earned a weekly award from the conference for the first time after hitting .426 with 27 kills (3.86/set) over the two wins. He opened the season with 13 kills, three blocks, and five digs in the win over Mount Olive. The outside hitter followed that by hitting .667 with 14 kills, one block, one dig, and one ace in the victory over Manhattan

Merk led Penn State’s defensive effort that resulted in the opposition hitting just .158 over the two matches. He totaled 18 digs with nine in each match, giving him 2.57/set for the week. The redshirt senior libero also helped get the offense going with a 36-36 mark on serve receive. Merk is now a five-time EIVA Defensive Player of the Week honoree.

No. 13 Penn State is back at Rec Hall when it hosts St. Thomas Aquinas on Thursday at 7 p.m. The Nittany Lions then host No. 9 Lewis on Saturday at 7 p.m. Both matches will stream on B1G+.

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