Rec Sports
Family YMCA Achieves Praesidium Accreditation—Commitment To Safety
Courtesy/YMCA
YMCA News:
The Family YMCA has been awarded Praesidium Accreditation ® by Praesidium, the leader in abuse risk management. Praesidium Accreditation ® is a prestigious honor that publicly demonstrates the organization has worked to achieve the highest industry standards in abuse prevention.
To achieve Accreditation, The Family YMCA underwent a rigorous process to implement Praesidium’s Accreditation Standards focusing on eight primary operational areas within their business: policies, screening and selection, training, monitoring and supervision, consumer participation, internal feedback systems, responding, and administrative practices. Praesidium then verified The Family YMCA’s successful implementation of these standards. The Family YMCA will be accredited for three years, and during this time will commit to uphold fundamental organizational values and stringent safety practices that demonstrate their commitment to protecting those in their care from abuse.
Praesidium Accreditation ® provides solid proof of sound risk management practices and the honor distinguishes The Family YMCA from others in their industry. “We are pleased to send the message that we will not compromise the safety of those in our care—for any reason,” said Chris Daniels, The Family YMCA, CEO. “As an entire organization, we are dedicated and committed to proactively keeping those in our care safe from sexual abuse.”
About The Family YMCA
Since 1955, The Family YMCA has provided programs that promote youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
The Family YMCA operates Teen Centers in Espanola & Los Alamos, offers After School programs at all 5 LAPS elementary schools, and runs youth sports programs throughout the year. Safely serving kids is in our organizational DNA! Find us online at www.laymca.org
About Praesidium
Praesidium specializes in preventing sexual abuse in organizations that serve youth and vulnerable adults. Over a period in excess of 30 years, the company has reviewed over 4,000 cases of abuse within organizations to determine the root causes of sexual abuse within organizational settings.
Praesidium employs more than 50 staff, including licensed social workers, lawyers, health care researchers, and other experts. The company has served over 5,000 clients with a broad range of products and services to aid organizations in preventing abuse, including online and instructor–led trainings, organizational risk assessments, model policies, and background checks. Having trained more than one million people online and hundreds of thousands in person, Praesidium is the largest and most comprehensive sexual abuse risk management firm globally.
SALINEVILLE – Southern Local Schools will soon implement a campaign in partnership with the Columbiana County Educational Service Center to inform students that “YOU Matter Here.”
District Federal Programs Coordinator Kristy Sampson said plans will begin in January to begin brainstorming strategies which stress students’ importance in both the school and the community. The project stems from a developmental asset survey from the Search Institute conducted by the Columbiana County ESC and involving junior high and high school students countywide who are between the ages of 12 to 18. The developmental assets are building blocks for healthy development to help young people grow up healthy, caring, and responsible.
“Columbiana County ESC partners with the guidance counselors to conduct the asset survey every couple of years with students to determine which of the developmental assets the students have developed and which assets the students need support with. They are going to do a campaign kickoff this year entitled, ‘YOU Matter Here,’ to focus on the main asset categories or pillars identified as areas of need based on student responses, and they are encouraging school districts to review the data and find ways to implement the ‘YOU Matter Here’ concepts with their youth.”
Sampson added that the survey data indicated three main pillars, or categories, where students’ responses indicated a need for support: sense of belonging and self-identity; parental presence and power; and community involvement. The campaign aims to boost awareness and positivity, and she will coordinate a stakeholders’ meeting over the next month to begin planning for implementation at Southern Local.
“We’ll host a meeting with stakeholders to look at our county data and district specific data to move forward in supporting our students. We will work with Melissa Galbreath, the lead for the Columbiana County “YOU Matter Here” campaign to begin our process. This is the first time we’ve done this campaign,” she continued, saying one aspect may be to seek the development of a third space for kids to find enrichment and support. “Research shows that kids who have positive environments outside of home and school possess more of the positive developmental assets.”
But more discussion will be needed before efforts get underway.
“We can plan activities and supports to help our kids here at Southern Local realize they matter here in our buildings, they matter here in our classrooms, and they matter here in our extra-curricular activities as well as in the community,” Sampson said.
Any community member interested in becoming involved with the planning process may contact Sampson at the administrative office by calling 330-679-2343, Ext. 4203, or email kristy.sampson@slindians.org.
Rec Sports
Real Madrid are convinced former youth team defender will come back ‘sooner rather than later’
According to the latest information shared by Rodra via ESPN, there is a growing belief that Jacobo Ramon is destined to return to Real Madrid sooner rather than later.
The journalist mentions that the former youth team defender’s development in Italy has not gone unnoticed.
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Currently plying his trade with Como, under Cesc Fabregas, Ramon has taken major steps forward this season, both in terms of responsibility and consistency.
In fact, he has grown into a genuine defensive leader despite being just 20 years old.
His composure, reading of the game, and ability to organise the back line have made him a key figure in Como’s defensive structure.
A smart buy-back option
It is said that Real Madird have been closely monitoring their young centre-backs, aware that defensive renewal is an issue that must be addressed carefully over the coming seasons.
While external signings often grab headlines, Madrid remain committed to developing solutions from within, and Ramon is now firmly part of that conversation.
Real Madrid are keeping a close eye on Jacobo Ramon. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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One of the key factors keeping Madrid relaxed is the contractual control they still hold.
The club included a buy-back option worth around €8 million, which can be activated next summer.
That clause gives Madrid a clear and affordable pathway to bring him back once they feel the timing is right.
Inside Valdebebas, there is a strong sense that this return is not a question of “if”, but “when”.
What makes Ramon’s case particularly compelling is how quickly he has adapted to senior football away from Spain.
Now, with defensive planning already underway, Ramon is increasingly seen as a natural solution, one who knows the club, understands its demands, and is proving himself step by step at the highest level.
Youth athletes looking to improve their technique, mechanics and confidence may find a new home with Pahrump Valley Junior Athletics.
Recently launched by local coach David Wilson, a lead instructor for the Pahrump Valley Junior Golf Association, Wilson’s vision is simple — build strong athletes. Build confident kids. Build a powerful future for Pahrump.
“Our mission is to develop well-rounded, disciplined, confident young athletes who are building the future of our community,” Wilson said. “We train them in a variety of areas, from speed, power, and agility to hand-eye coordination, endurance, and flexibility. The idea is to start younger so that kids have a strong foundation as they move into middle and high school athletics.”
The program comes as part of a broader effort to engage kids in sports early, addressing a common challenge many coaches have seen in Pahrump: students entering middle and high school sports with limited experience and preparation.
Aiming to serve kids in first through twelfth grade, Wilson draws on his years of coaching and playing experience.
From high school and college basketball to local youth programs, Wilson believes starting early is key.
In addition to group sessions, individual training will be available, with plans to work closely with local high school coaches to ensure that kids are prepared for the expectations of middle and high school athletics.
The program will begin this summer at the Pahrump Valley High School track and field, with sessions expected to run three to four times a week.
Fees are still being finalized, but organizers are committed to making the program affordable for all families, with memberships and discounts for multiple sessions.
Wilson’s inspiration comes from a lifelong love of sports and teaching.
Having played basketball at Bakersfield College, Crete Nebraska and coaching for three years at Pahrump Valley High School, Wilson understands the value of positive coaching and mentorship.
“I had coaches who were amazing teachers, and they shaped not just how I approached sports, but how I approached life,” Wilson said. “I want to bring that same experience to the kids here in Pahrump.”
With strong community support, Wilson is optimistic about the program’s impact.
“The community here is awesome — supportive, caring, and invested in their kids. We just want to give back and help kids grow, have fun, and succeed,” he said.
For parents and young athletes eager to get started, the program promises a mix of structured training, skill-building, and, most importantly, enjoyment of sports.
“By the end of the day, it’s about creating a culture where kids want to come, want to play and feel successful,” Wilson said.
To inquire about the program, contact David Wilson at pvjuniorathletics@gmail.com
Contact Jacob Powers at jpowers@pvtimes.com. Follow @jaypowers__ on X.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) -We just heard from Sundance Wicks on Tuesday night about how much he enjoyed bringing his Wyoming Cowboys back to South Dakota to take on the Jackrabbits at the Sanford Pentagon.
Every player and coach I’ve talked to since it was built has raved about the venue.
Our Sam Tastad put together some the reactions we’ve captured after the 100th Division One Basketball game was played on the Heritage Court at one of the coolest courts in the country.
<“I thought it was an unbelievable atmosphere. As good as in college basketball. No one tell me that’s a neutral site game,” said Oklahoma men’s basketball coach Porter Moser.
“It was absolutely unbelievable. I was talking to a Pentagon representative and he said that’s the best environment he’s heard in 100 games that have been here,” said Nebraska men’s basketball player Pryce Sandfort.
“It’s a milestone I wouldn’t of thought we would reach,” said Sanford Sports Vice President of Operations Jesse Smith. “After amount of effort it took to get game one and these Division I games off the ground, I never could have imagined we would be looking at hosting our 100th game.”
“They make you feel super welcome. They treat women’s basketball like its a sport. They put on a show and make us feel great about being here,” said South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley.
“To hear people say it is mandatory for people to play a game in the Sanford Pentagon is music to our ears,” said Sanford Sports President of Operations Steve Young.
“It was a home court and please can I take the fans. I think what the Pentagon folks is great. I would love to thank them as well,” said Iowa women’s basketball coach Jan Jensen.
“It felt like a home game with amount of fans there starting chants. You could definitely feel energy there,” said former Iowa Hawkeyes player Lucy Olsen.
“Every game is going to be by recently bias. But it was absolute electric in here. But I would put our experience in our arena with big time major fan support and community support. Major production,” said Young.
“Most memorable game was the Iowa and Gonzaga game that happened during COVID. We got the biggest game. We had Number one in country against the Number three team in the country and no one could come in and watch game. We felt like we were watching a secret scrimmage up until this Saturday with the Huskers was the Northern State national championship game against Ferris State. It ended on a last second shot and this play was loud and so much fun,” said Smith. “100 games means we have put ourselves on map as best in nation for college basketball. That was one of things our leadership had set out to do when we built this facility. We want to be a place for basketball, whether that’s youth basketball, AAU basketball, collegiate and professional. Now we can sit here and say we have checked those boxes. We have met all those goals and we want to keep going. Let’s keep going and do another 100.”
Copyright 2025 Dakota News Now. All rights reserved.
The event, held Thursdays for over 45 years, involves patrons “betting” on turtles in a ring, with proceeds benefiting charities for unhoused residents
Brennan’s Pub, a longtime Marina del Rey bar known for its turtle racing tradition that has drawn crowds and controversy for nearly 50 years, will close permanently after business Saturday.
An Instagram post from the pub announced the closure, inviting patrons to final hours Friday starting at 4 p.m. and Saturday from noon, culminating in one last turtle race at 9 p.m.
The event, held Thursdays for over 45 years, involves patrons “betting” on turtles in a ring, with proceeds benefiting charities for unhoused residents—raising more than $300,000 total, according to the pub’s website.
The races have faced criticism from animal welfare groups, including a 2024 protest outside the bar organized by In Defense of Animals and others, who argued the noisy environment stresses the turtles and constitutes exploitation.
Bar officials have defended the practice, noting on-site veterinary care, a dedicated habitat and safety rules like no pointing or booing.
The pub, at 4089 Lincoln Blvd., has hosted events including turtle races, trivia and sports viewings.
SIOUX FALLS — A few years ago, Luke Hannemann was serving as an assistant coach under Sioux Falls Roosevelt boys basketball coach Mitch Begeman when the two coaches came up with a simple but bright idea.
For decades, the Presidents Bowl Football Games had served as one of the single-largest fundraising opportunities for booster clubs in the Sioux Falls School District.
Begeman and Hannemann noticed it, and with the holiday break providing the perfect time during the basketball season to put on something similar, the two coaches decided to float the idea to others during an end-of-season coaches’ meeting.
“We just said, ‘Hey, can we make this happen and do something like this?'” Begeman said. “I think all the [athletic directors] jumped on board pretty quick with the idea and obviously being able to fundraise some more dollars for our school district and our activities.
“Here we are three years later and doing this, and that’s really kind of how it all started was just by conversations and collaboration and then bringing it to the administrators.”
Trent Singer / Sioux Falls Live
What emerged was an extension of the Presidents Bowl made for the hardwood.
Hannemann, who is now in his second season as boys basketball coach at Sioux Falls Lincoln, and Begeman will each lead their respective teams onto the court Monday and Tuesday when the third annual Presidents Bowl High School Basketball Classic gets underway at the Sanford Pentagon.
All eight varsity games will be played on Heritage Court. Here’s a quick glance at the schedule:
Monday, Dec. 29
- Girls: SF Lincoln vs. SF Roosevelt, 11 a.m.
- Boys: SF Lincoln vs. SF Roosevelt, 1 p.m.
- Girls: SF Washington vs. SF Jefferson, 3 p.m.
- Boys: SF Washington vs. SF Jefferson, 5 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 30
- Girls: SF Jefferson vs. SF Lincoln, 11 a.m.
- Boys: SF Jefferson vs. SF Lincoln, 1 p.m.
- Girls: SF Roosevelt vs. SF Washington, 3 p.m.
- Boys: SF Roosevelt vs. SF Washington, 5 p.m.
A number of sponsors have since teamed up with the Presidents Bowl Committee to assist in bringing the two-day showcase to life.
With a seating capacity of 3,250 — featuring four executive suites, 12 loge boxes and a pair of corner suites — Heritage Court serves as the ideal playing surface for the varsity basketball teams of each city school to gather annually for a holiday showcase.
“They do things the right way with what everybody’s talked about, just the small details of making this kind of a big deal for these kids, and I think that’s the appreciation the coaches all really do see,” Begeman said. “These guys put on such a quality event. It’s great to make it a big deal for these kids because some of these kids may not get to do something like this ever again.”
Trent Singer / Sioux Falls Live
Throughout the day, the auxiliary courts surrounding Heritage Court will showcase junior varsity, sophomore and freshman games between the four city public schools. Meanwhile, a youth basketball clinic has also taken place prior to the showcase.
Begeman knows there’s still a lot that could be done to grow the event in the coming years. He’d like to explore the possibility of allowing the varsity squads to compete for a Presidents Bowl trophy, something the ADs would need to hash out collectively in order to make the logistics work.
But the growth from the inaugural year of the showcase until now couldn’t be made possible without the many volunteers associated with the Presidents Bowl, as well as the financial backing from dozens of corporate sponsors.
“I’m just thankful that people took the conversation that we had four years ago and said, ‘All right, let’s do this,'” Begeman said. “This should be about the kids, and it is about the kids and the experiences. And I think when it makes sense like it does, it got put into action pretty quick.”
Here’s a brief breakdown of each varsity team heading into this year’s Presidents Bowl High School Basketball Classic:
Trent Singer / Sioux Falls Live
- Coach: Tim Reck (5th year)
- Record: 1-2 (lost at Roosevelt 63-58, lost vs. Brandon Valley 63-58, won at O’Gorman 66-58)
- Top returners: Jase Unzen, Colby Nuttbrock, Kwai Mayen, Caleb Goodroad
- Coach’s comments: “I’m really looking forward to playing out at the Pentagon. Talking to my guys, they’ve grown up playing out there. They’re really excited to be playing out there again this year. I know we’ve got two really tough opponents we’re going to have to play, but it’s a great time to also see where we are at the beginning of the season.”
Trent Singer / Sioux Falls Live
- Coach: Shaunteva Pruett (5th year)
- Record: 1-2 (won at Roosevelt 59-48, lost at Brandon Valley 73-44, lost at O’Gorman 76-48)
- Top returners: Brinley Altenburg, Taylor Silvernail, Abby Horner, Lydia Johnson, Macy Bryant, Kaia Pauli
- Coach’s comments: “The Pentagon does a phenomenal job with the venue by just making our kids feel special, from the locker room to the starting lineups to the environment on the court as well. … We have a lot of experience. We graduated one senior last year, so we have six seniors this year on our team.”
Trent Singer / Sioux Falls Live
- Coach: Luke Hannemann (2nd year)
- Record: 3-0 (won at Washington 66-59, won at Harrisburg 66-53, won vs. Yankton 62-38)
- Top returners: Sam Ericsson, Sam DeGroot, Brody Schafer, Lucas Honner, Jaden Haley, Owen Duffy
- Coach’s comments: “It’s a great experience to be able to play at the Pentagon. … We’ve got six seniors this year and a good group of juniors, so we’re kind of heavy in our senior and junior group this year. But they’re a really fun group to be around, and I’m just lucky to be coaching those guys.”
Trent Singer / Sioux Falls Live
- Coach: Zach Wessels (2nd year)
- Record: 0-4 (lost at Yankton 61-10, lost at Washington 57-12, lost vs. Harrisburg 50-17, lost vs. Tea Area 58-26)
- Top returners: Ingrid Ready, Regan Van Meeteren
- Coach’s comments: “We have a lot of girls who haven’t played on that floor yet, so that’s going to be a ton of fun just being under the lights and stuff. We’re a pretty young team. We have one senior and one junior. … We’re just excited to go play out there.”
Trent Singer / Sioux Falls Live
- Coach: Mitch Begeman (10th year)
- Record: 3-0 (won vs. Jefferson 63-58, won vs. O’Gorman 70-68, won at Brandon Valley 67-50)
- Top returners: Memphis Bylander, Deondre Painter, Bryson Skogsberg, CJ Schmaus
- Coach’s comments: “We spent a lot of time on the floor this summer just growing and connecting as a team. I think that was something we identified from last year. We thought it was really important to focus on that this year, but this group just likes each other a lot. And it’s just really fun to coach a team that’s bought in and likes to be around each other. We’re very excited and just hoping we can keep stacking good days, good practices, and try to find some more wins on the year.”
Trent Singer / Sioux Falls Live
- Coach: Blake Bradfield (4th year)
- Record: 0-3 (lost vs. Jefferson 59-48, lost vs. O’Gorman 62-37, lost vs. Brandon Valley 76-33)
- Top returners: Henlee Loof, Kalli Harris, Emma Adams, Katelyn Duin
- Coach’s comments: “Our girls and myself knew going into the season that our first six games were against top-five teams preseason. We knew it was kind of a gauntlet, but I challenged them to kind of keep it in perspective. We’re going to be battle-tested early. I’d rather have that to see where we’re at and see where we need to get to as the season progresses.”
Trent Singer / Sioux Falls Live
- Coach: Jeff Tobin (5th year)
- Record: 1-2 (lost vs. Lincoln 66-59, won at Yankton 54-42, lost vs. Harrisburg 57-41)
- Top returners: Jhace Woods, Ben Sprecher, Sam Uhing
- Coach’s comments: “We’re just excited about the nucleus we have and maybe the team that we can become. The fun part, as coaches, is we’re not necessarily sure who we are yet. That’s the fun part about December. … Thank you so much for all the work that goes into making this a great weekend. We’re privileged to get to play in it. We don’t take it for granted.”
Trent Singer / Sioux Falls Live
- Coach: Jamie Parish (12th year)
- Record: 3-0 (won vs. Lincoln 57-12, won vs. Yankton 57-24, won vs. Harrisburg 64-48)
- Top returners: Dana Harpe, Rylan Kennett, Josie Biteler
- Coach’s comments: “This is just a unique event. It’s a great experience for our kids. I know we’ve talked about it before, but the Pentagon is a special place. … Who we are right now is going to look significantly different in January, and again, it’s going to look different in February. We’re just really excited with this group of kids to watch them grow and get better.”
Trent Singer is a sports reporter for Sioux Falls Live. He focuses his coverage on Augustana men’s hockey and Sioux Falls area sports. Singer’s previous stops include Just Women’s Sports, the Southeast Missourian and the Kentucky New Era.
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