Sports

Matt Rhule Makes Move for Nebraska Athlete's 3

You’ve probably seen Dylan Raiola‘s name blowing up again. And that’s to do with his physique. That conversation hit a new level after Matt Rhule’s “240-pound” comment. The internet took that and ran. But what did everyone miss? The dude’s serious efforts to get in shape – like 6 AM boxing sessions, cardio after lifts, […]

Published

2 months ago

April 5, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Matt Rhule Makes Move for Nebraska Athlete's 3

You’ve probably seen Dylan Raiola‘s name blowing up again. And that’s to do with his physique. That conversation hit a new level after Matt Rhule’s “240-pound” comment. The internet took that and ran. But what did everyone miss? The dude’s serious efforts to get in shape – like 6 AM boxing sessions, cardio after lifts, and even more conditioning in the evening. The 230-pound QB admitted, “If I’m being honest, it s–ks. I’m going to just be honest. Like, you know, it’s a constant grind every day.” But while all eyes are on his fitness journey, and while his family came in strong to defend him, the HC was working behind the scenes on something that might shape Nebraska’s future.

If you’re a Huskers’ fan, this is one of those moves that makes you go “Finally!” If you don’t know him yet, you’re about to. He’s a 6’1, 170-pound, do-it-all athlete out of Omaha North and the top player in the state of Nebraska in the 2026 recruiting class. He’s been racking up offers left and right — Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, among others. But now it’s Nebraska’s turn. In a new episode of Wilson Dittman Sports on April 4, the Nebraska insider confirmed the news. “He just finally got offered by the Big Red,” Wilson Dittman said. “You know who this is. This is Darion Jones.” This 3-star in-state CB is high on most fans’ lists and for all the good reason.

This past Tuesday, Darion Jones showed up to watch the Huskers practice. Why? Because his older brother Donovan Jones is already on the team. “I’ve always wanted to be like him and play with him,” Darion said. “Or against him. Either one.” See, the passion is evident. So by Thursday, Matt Rhule finally made the call and handed him the full, committable offer. The HS kid had eight interceptions last season, with the pick 6 leading the state. He also racked up five pass breakups, 47 total tackles, one sacks, and one FF. The multi-positional player also returned kicks and had four total return TDs. Oh, and on the offense? 45 catches for 800 yards and 11 scores. That’s a video game stat line.

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“It should not have took this long for Nebraska to offer him,” Dittman voiced his surprise. “It just shouldn’t have… I’m happy that they finally did because again, he’s just a phenomenal prospect. He’s so speedy. He has great ball skills. You needed to keep him home.” And maybe, we can bet he’s Lincoln-bound. Darion Jones has got visits lined up — Kansas State on April 12, Iowa on April 18. But he’s also coming back to NU for the spring game on April 26, and his decision will drop on his mom’s birthday on July 4. Meanwhile, Dylan Raiola’s name is dragged again.

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Dylan Raiola gets family support amidst growing speculation

All it took was one tight workout video and suddenly, everyone’s concerned about his weight! When Matt Rhule stated, “He won’t be a good quarterback at 240 pounds,” it wasn’t to call his QB out. But trolls had a field day and suddenly his weight was the lead story. But what people forget is that Dylan Raiola broke records as a freshman — 2,819 passing yards, 13 TDs, and 67.1% completion rate, the best in program history for a first year QB.

Even his dad, O-line coach Donovan Raiola, had his back, saying, “You know, he’s still 19 right? He’s still figuring things out; he’s still a kid, but you can feel his presence a little more right? … I think his leadership, you can hear his voice a little more.” Through it all, Dylan Raiola just kept grinding, going all-out in the offseason. He’s got the tools, the fire, and the future.

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But this week, the real spotlight is on Darion Jones. And if Nebraska plays this right, the Jones brothers might just be holding it down together in Memorial Stadium for years to come.

Sports

French Open women's final

Two years after winning her first Grand Slam title, Coco Gauff has taken home her second crown. The 21-year-old American — and the No. 2 player in the world — won the 2025 French Open with a strong 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-4 win over world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka on Saturday. The victory at Roland-Garros […]

Published

17 minutes ago

June 7, 2025

Your Sports Nation

The victory at Roland-Garros came three years after Gauff last made the final, where she fell to Iga Światek in a disappointing loss. This time, she got to lift the trophy.

On a windy day in Paris, with rain threatening to fall, Sabalenka showed her power early in the match, taking a 4-1 lead in the first set. Gauff rallied to tie Sabalenka and later force a tiebreaker. Sabalenka, who grew visibly frustrated, was able to win the tiebreak after a comeback of her own.

The second set was all Gauff’s: The young American controlled the pace, forcing the increasingly unhappy Sabalenka to make several crucial mistakes. In the third set, Gauff took an early lead, but Sabalenka stayed right behind her, finally getting some momentum of her own.

Sabalenka had a stunning 70 unforced errors throughout the match. Gauff, who stayed calm the entire match, was able to take advantage of those in order to get the victory.

The final game was intense: Gauff dropped one championship point but came back to secure the the title. Sabalenka hit the shot just out of bounds, and Gauff immediately dropped to the court, overwhelmed with emotion.

Gauff’s win makes her the first American woman to take the French Open title in a decade, after Serena Williams won the Slam in 2015.

Notably, Gauff’s second major title came in much the same way as her first. Gauff defeated Sabalenka to win the 2023 U.S. Open, beating the Belarusian after dropping the first set.

Both players are better than they were three years ago, even playing with very different styles. Sabalenka’s strength tends to come from her power, whereas Gauff’s typically comes from her quickness and creativity on the court.

Sabalenka will have to settle for second after making her first French Open final, and she was emotional in the ceremony after the game. But the 27-year-old, who is the reigning U.S. Open winner, is much stronger on the hard court as opposed to the clay, and will have another chance at a title this summer.

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Big 12 Track and Field Teams Head to NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championship

Story Links All 16 Big 12 teams will be represented at the 2025 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championship held June 11-14 in Eugene, Oregon. Student-athletes who advanced to the national championship posted qualifying marks at the East and West Preliminary Rounds last week. Heading into the final meet of […]

Published

19 minutes ago

June 7, 2025

Your Sports Nation

All 16 Big 12 teams will be represented at the 2025 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championship held June 11-14 in Eugene, Oregon. Student-athletes who advanced to the national championship posted qualifying marks at the East and West Preliminary Rounds last week.

Heading into the final meet of the 2025 NCAA season, the Baylor women lead the National TRFI at No. 4 followed by Texas Tech at No. 8, BYU at No. 10 and TCU at No. 14. On the men’s side, the Red Raiders come in at No. 14 along with BYU at No. 16, Arizona at No. 19 and Houston at No. 25.

TTU had the fifth-most entries (12) of men’s DI programs, while the Horned Frogs tied for the fourth-most (11) entries and TTU and BYU both earned 10 selections in the women’s competition.

Athletes participating in the men’s decathlon and women’s heptathlon were also announced alongside the regional qualifiers, but will only compete at the national championship. The league garnered six selections to the national championship, while the women’s field featured two combined event specialists.

Action begins Wednesday, June 11, and will conclude Saturday, June 14. Live results can be found here, while live coverage will be broadcast on ESPN, ESPN2 or ESPN+ throughout the week.

2025 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championship – Big 12 Qualifiers

Men’s Decathlon Qualifiers

Ben Barton, BYU

Jaden Roskelley, BYU

Nick Bianco, Colorado

Grant Levesque, Houston

Tayton Klein, Kansas

Emil Uhlin, K-State

Women’s Heptathlon Qualifiers

Juliette Laracuente-Huebner, Cincinnati

Annie Molenhouse, Oklahoma State

Qualified during East and West Preliminary Rounds

Camila Aguilar-Perez, Arizona – Women’s 4×400 Meter Relay

Jesse Avina, Arizona – Men’s Javelin Throw

Jenica Bosko, Arizona – Women’s Long Jump

Jade Brown, Arizona – Women’s 100 Meters

Isaac Davis, Arizona – Men’s 4×100 Meter Relay

Zach Extine, Arizona – Men’s 110 Meter Hurdles

Keilee Hall, Arizona – Women’s 4×400 Meter Relay

Tapenisa Havea, Arizona – Women’s Shot Put

Youssef Koudssi, Arizona – Men’s Discus Throw

Zach Landa, Arizona – Men’s Shot Put

Brian Limage, Arizona – Men’s 4×100 Meter Relay

Diego Marquez, Arizona – Men’s 4×100 Meter Relay

Brooke Nordman, Arizona – Women’s 4×400 Meter Relay

James Onanubosi, Arizona – Men’s 4×100 Meter Relay

Reinaldo Rodrigues, Arizona – Men’s 4×100 Meter Relay and Long Jump

Antonia Sanchez Nunez, Arizona – Women’s 4×400 Meter Relay

Ava Simms, Arizona – Women’s 4×400 Meter Relay

Tyson Tippett, Arizona – Men’s 4×100 Meter Relay

McKenna Watson, Arizona – Women’s 4×400 Meter Relay

Josiah Anderson, Arizona State – Men’s 4×400 Meter Relay

Jayden Davis, Arizona State – Men’s 400 Meters and 4×400 Meter Relay

Malik Franklin, Arizona State – Men’s 4×400 Meter Relay

Ines Lopez, Arizona State – Women’s Discus Throw

Mateo Medina, Arizona State – Men’s 4×400 Meter Relay

Trevin Moyer, Arizona State – Men’s 4×400 Meter Relay

Nicholas Ramey, Arizona State – Men’s 4×400 Meter Relay

Abbas Ali, Baylor – Men’s 4×400 Meter Relay

Mariah Ayers, Baylor – Women’s 4×100 Meter Relay and 4×400 Meter Relay

Alexis Brown, Baylor – Women’s Long Jump and 4×100 Meter Relay

De’montray Callis, Baylor – Men’s 200 Meters

Laurenz Colbert, Baylor – Men’s 4×400 Meter Relay

Janae De Gannes, Baylor – Women’s Long Jump and 4×100 Meter Relay

Nathaniel Ezekiel, Baylor – Men’s 400 Meter Hurdles and 4×400 Meter Relay

Michaela Francois, Baylor – Women’s 4×100 Meter Relay

Jasmine Gryne, Baylor – Women’s 4×400 Meter Relay

Molly Haywood, Baylor – Women’s Pole Vault

Tiriah Kelley, Baylor – Women’s 200 Meters, 4×100 Meter Relay and 4×400 Meter Relay

Ruth Kimeli, Baylor – Women’s 10,000 Meters

Aaryona Kinchen, Baylor – Women’s 4×400 Meter Relay

Tenly Kuhn, Baylor – Women’s High Jump

Tyler Honeyman, Baylor – Men’s 4×400 Meter Relay

Jack Jackson, Baylor – Men’s 4×400 Meter Relay

Hannah Lowe, Baylor – Women’s 4×100 Meter Relay

Serafima Lucero, Baylor – Women’s 4×400 Meter Relay

Sameena Mathew, Baylor – Women’s 4×400 Meter Relay

Igor Olaru, Baylor – Men’s Hammer Throw

Demario Prince, Baylor – Men’s 110 Meter Hurdles

Summer Sergeant, Baylor – Women’s 4×100 Meter Relay and 4×400 Meter Relay

Aren Spencer, Baylor – Men’s 4×400 Meter Relay

Calisha Taylor, Baylor – Women’s 400 Meter Hurdles and 4×400 Meter Relay

Danny Bryant, BYU – Men’s Shot Put

Tessa Buswell, BYU – Women’s 800 Meters

Riley Chamberlain, BYU – Women’s 1,500 Meters

James Corrigan, BYU – Men’s 3,000 Meter Steeplechase

Luke Grundvig, BYU – Men’s 5,000 Meters

Lexy Halladay-Lowry, BYU – Women’s 3,000 Meter Steeplechase

Carlee Hansen, BYU – Women’s 1,500 Meters

Eli Hazlett, BYU – Men’s 4×400 Meter Relay

Jonah Heimuli, BYU – Men’s 4×400 Meter Relay

Gretchen Hoekstre, BYU – Women’s Shot Put and Discus Throw

Meghan Hunter, BYU – Women’s 800 Meters

Jenna Hutchins, BYU – Women’s 5,000 Meters

Trey Jackson, BYU – Men’s 4×400 Meter Relay

Taylor Lovell, BYU – Women’s 3,000 Meter Steeplechase

Joey Nokes, BYU – Men’s 10,000 Meters

Sami Oblad, BYU – Women’s 400 Meters

Ty Oustrich, BYU – Men’s 4×400 Meter Relay

Josh Taylor, BYU – Men’s 4×400 Meter Relay

Creed Thompson, BYU – Men’s 10,000 Meters

Janiah Pulliam, UCF – Women’s 4×100 Meter Relay

Jazmen Newberry, UCF – Women’s 4×100 Meter Relay

Adaobi Tabugbo, UCF – Women’s 100 Meter Hurdles and 4×100 Meter Relay

I’Asia Wilson, UCF – Women’s 4×100 Meter Relay

Kya Epps, Cincinnati – Women’s 200 Meters

Davenae Fagan, Cincinnati – Women’s 400 Meters

Fred Moudani-Likibi, Cincinnati – Men’s Shot Put

Amanda Ngandu-Ntumba, Cincinnati – Women’s Shot Put and Discus Throw

Ryan Rieckmann, Cincinnati – Men’s Javelin Throw

Macaela Walker, Cincinnati – Women’s 400 Meter Hurdles

Orry Willems, Cincinnati – Men’s Hammer Throw

Kole Mathison, Colorado – Men’s 3,000 Meter Steeplechase

John Adesola, Houston – Men’s 110 Meter Hurdles

Trey East III, Houston – Men’s 400 Meters and 4×400 Meter Relay

Damarien Jacobs, Houston – Men’s 4×400 Meter Relay

Jamar Marshall Jr., Houston – Men’s 110 Meter Hurdles

Adam Mason, Houston – Men’s 4×400 Meter Relay

Antrea Mita, Houston – Men’s High Jump

Sahfi Reed, Houston – Men’s 4×400 Meter Relay

Jaylin Santiago, Houston – Men’s 4×400 Meter Relay

King Taylor, Houston – Men’s 4×400 Meter Relay

Dugion Blackman, Iowa State – Men’s 800 Meters

Makayla Clark, Iowa State – Women’s 800 Meters and 4×400 Meter Relay

Karynne David, Iowa State – Women’s 4×400 Meter Relay

Cam Jones, Iowa State – Men’s Shot Put

Rachel Joseph, Iowa State – Women’s 4×400 Meter Relay

Rodgers Kiplimo, Iowa State – Men’s 10,000 Meters

Robin Kwemoi Bera, Iowa State – Men’s 5,000 Meters

Becca Heitzig, Iowa State – Women’s 4×400 Meter Relay

Mikey McClain, Iowa State – Men’s 200 Meters

Cameron Moon, Iowa State – Women’s 4×400 Meter Relay

Quinton Orr, Iowa State – Men’s 3,000 Meter Steeplechase

Maelle Porcher, Iowa State – Women’s 5,000 Meters

Joash Ruto, Iowa State – Men’s 3,000 Meter Steeplechase

Brooklyn Sandvig, Iowa State – Women’s 4×400 Meter Relay

Ashton Barkdull, Kansas – Men’s Pole Vault

Bryce Barkdull, Kansas – Men’s Pole Vault

Jacob Cookinham, Kansas – Men’s Shot Put

Ebba Cronholm, Kansas – Women’s 3,000 Meter Steeplechase

Bryce Foster, Kansas – Men’s Shot Put

Erica Ellis, Kansas – Women’s Pole Vault

Aaliyah Moore, Kansas – Women’s 800 Meters

Dimitrios Pavlidis, Kansas – Men’s Discus Throw

Sofia Sluchaninova, Kansas – Women’s Discus Throw

Jourdin Edwards, K-State – Women’s 400 Meter Hurdles

Sharie Enoe, K-State – Women’s High Jump

Safhia Hinds, K-State – Women’s 400 Meter Hurdles

Tamaiah Koonce, K-State – Women’s Discus Throw

Monique Hardy, K-State – Women’s Hammer Throw

Riley Marx, K-State – Men’s Javelin Throw

Shalom Olotu, K-State – Women’s Long Jump and Triple Jump

Selva Prabhu, K-State – Men’s Triple Jump

Blair Anderson, Oklahoma State – Men’s Long Jump

Isca Chelangat, Oklahoma State – Women’s 800 Meters

Denis Kipngetich, Oklahoma State – Men’s 10,000 Meters

Fouad Messaoudi, Oklahoma State – Men’s 5,000 Meters

Brian Musau, Oklahoma State – Men’s 5,000 Meter Run

Josphine Mwaura, Oklahoma State – Women’s 10,000 Meters

Kaylie Politza, Oklahoma State – Women’s 800 Meters

Alex Stitt, Oklahoma State – Men’s 1,500 Meters

Emma Robbins, Oklahoma State – Women’s Hammer Throw

Maria Bienvenu, TCU – Women’s Javelin Throw

Amelliah Birdow, TCU – Women’s 400 Meter Hurdles and 4×400 Meter Relay

Bryce Brazzell, TCU – Women’s 4×100 Meter Relay and 4×400 Meter Relay

Dominic Byles, TCU – Men’s 4×400 Meter Relay

Kashie Crockett, TCU – Men’s 200 Meters, 4×100 Meter Relay and 4×400 Meter Relay

Kelaiah Daniyan, TCU – Women’s 4×400 Meter Relay

Jayden Douglas, TCU – Men’s 400 Meter Hurdles, 4×100 Meter Relay and 4×400 Meter Relay

Destin Drummond, TCU – Men’s 4×100 Meter Relay and 4×400 Meter Relay

Finn Dunshee, TCU – Men’s 4×100 Meter Relay

Coulaj Eans, TCU – Men’s 4×100 Meter Relay

Justin Frater, TCU – Men’s 4×100 Meter Relay

Lloyd Frilot, TCU – Men’s 800 Meters and 4×400 Meter Relay

Iyana Gray, TCU – Women’s 100 Meters, 4×100 Meter Relay and 4×400 Meter Relay

Teanna Harlin, TCU – Women’s 4×100 Meter Relay

Mikayla Hayes, TCU – Women’s 4×100 Meter Relay

Irene Jepkemboi, TCU – Women’s Javelin Throw

Ronnie Kendrick, TCU – Men’s 4×400 Meter Relay

Amari Kiluvia, TCU – Women’s 100 Meter Hurdles

Preston Kuznof, TCU – Men’s Javelin Throw

Indya Mayberry, TCU – Women’s 100 Meters, 200 Meters, 4×100 Meter Relay and 4×400 Meter Relay

Samarra Monrroy, TCU – Women’s 4×400 Meter Relay

Jordan Parker, TCU – Men’s 4×100 Meter Relay and 4×400 Meter Relay

Sanjay Salmon, TCU – Men’s 4×100 Meter Relay

Laila Smith, TCU – Women’s 4×400 Meter Relay

London Tucker, TCU – Women’s 100 Meters and 4×100 Meter Relay

Tia Williams, TCU – Women’s 400 Meter Hurdles and 4×400 Meter Relay

Temitope Adeshina, Texas Tech – Women’s High Jump

Fanny Arendt, Texas Tech – Women’s 800 Meters and 4×400 Meter Relay

Vanessa Balde, Texas Tech – Women’s 4×400 Meter Relay

Zoe Burleson, Texas Tech – Women’s Discus Throw

DeSean Boyce, Texas Tech – Men’s 400 Meters and 4×400 Meter Relay

Ernest Cheruiyot, Texas Tech – Men’s 5,000 Meters and 10,000 Meters

Johnathan Crawford, Texas Tech – Men’s 4×400 Meter Relay

Oskar Edlund, Texas Tech – Men’s 400 Meter Hurdles and 4×400 Meter Relay

Shelby Frank, Texas Tech – Women’s Discus Throw and Hammer Throw

George Garcia, Texas Tech – Men’s 4×400 Meter Relay

Victoria Gorlova, Texas Tech – Women’s Triple Jump

Sean Gribble, Texas Tech – Men’s Pole Vault

Magi Harris, Texas Tech – Women’s 4×400 Meter Relay

Carl Hicks, Texas Tech – Men’s 4×400 Meter Relay

Mekenze Kelley, Texas Tech – Women’s 4×400 Meter Relay

Titus Kimaru, Texas Tech – Men’s 3,000 Meter Steeplechase

Mario Paul, Texas Tech – Men’s 400 Meter Hurdles

Oscar Rodriguez, Texas Tech – Men’s Discus Throw

Destiny Smith, Texas Tech – Women’s 100 Meter Hurdles

Malachi Snow, Texas Tech – Men’s 100 Meters

Mercy Umoibang, Texas Tech – Women’s 4×400 Meter Relay

Shaemar Uter, Texas Tech – Men’s 400 Meters and 4×400 Meter Relay

Tamiah Washington, Texas Tech – Women’s Triple Jump

Trey Wilson III, Texas Tech – Men’s Shot Put

Chelsea Amoah, Utah – Women’s 4×100 Meter Relay

Rachel Bair, Utah – Women’s 4×100 Meter Relay

Mckaylie Caesar, Utah – Women’s 10,000 Meters

Morgan Jensen, Utah – Women’s 10,000 Meters

Bailey Kealamakia, Utah – Women’s 4×100 Meter Relay

Emily Martin, Utah – Women’s 4×100 Meter Relay

Megan Rose, Utah – Women’s 4×100 Meter Relay

Chloe Shewell, Utah – Women’s 4×100 Meter Relay

Joy Naukot, West Virginia – Women’s 10,000 Meters

Sarah Tait, West Virginia – Women’s 3,000 Meter Steeplechase

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Sports

O’Fallon bounces back to earn Class 3A girls soccer state semifinal victory

By Chris Walker, Special to the Post-Dispatch Feeling déjà vu had O’Fallon feeling all right Friday night at North Central College in Naperville. Senior Allie Tredway, who played a key role in O’Fallon’s state championship victory in 2023, did it again to lead the Panthers to a 2-1 victory over Barrington in a Class 3A […]

Published

30 minutes ago

June 7, 2025

Your Sports Nation

By Chris Walker, Special to the Post-Dispatch

Feeling déjà vu had O’Fallon feeling all right Friday night at North Central College in Naperville.

Senior Allie Tredway, who played a key role in O’Fallon’s state championship victory in 2023, did it again to lead the Panthers to a 2-1 victory over Barrington in a Class 3A girls soccer state semifinal.

The Panthers (22-2-1) will face Naperville North (17-5-3) in Saturday’s state championship game at 7 p.m.

Tredway assisted Kiley McMinn in double OT of their state title 1-0 win over Barrington two years ago.

This time she did the scoring, finishing a ball from Claire Nieroda with 26:06 remaining to break a tie in a 2-1 victory.

“I mean, I looked up and I saw she was open and I knew she could do it,” Nieroda said. “i just put it through and let her do the rest and it was just a great finish.”

Nieroda told Tredway to make the run, crossing her the ball after galloping down the sideline for about 30 yards.

“At halftime Claire told me to make the runs because she saw that it was open, but I didn’t realize how wide open,” Tredway said. “Like there was nobody but me and the goalie there.

“I saw her coming out and I knew that she was tall and so I knew I didn’t have to hit it that far over, but if I kind of chipped it a little it had a chance of not going over.”

She didn’t think it was destined for the back of the net.

“I was honestly just surprised,” Tredway said. “I didn’t think it was going in and I’m just so glad it did because everybody wants a chance to win state, and we want to do it again.”

O’Fallon headed into halftime full of enthusiasm after tying the game at 1-1 with 1:43 to go before the break.

Tredway powered her way through a handful of defenders and the ball came out, falling toward Claire Nieroda’s cousin, Delaney Nieroda who sent it in.

“She got through and it popped out and I just saw it and I hit it,” Delaney Nierorda said. “The goalie went the wrong way, and it was great. It was amazing. I mean it’s always who’s willing to make a run, who’s willing to put in that last jab to make sure you’re in the box in every moment. And I know a couple of times before I scored that goal, there were times where I was angry at myself for not making that last run but what separates the players is who’s going to make that last run to be there to tap it in and score that.”

Barrington (19-2-2) put the Panthers in a 1-0 hole midway through the opening half thanks to a goal from Maddie Martin-Johnson.

It was one of the Fillies only chances as they’d only fire off two additional shots.

“We knew that if we could just get possession of the ball and slow it down a little bit we’d be OK,” O’Fallon coach Justin Judiscak said. We wanted to control the tempo of the game. We know that Barrington has an amazing group of girls. They’re very athletic, very strong on the ball, very direct. So we wanted to slow the game down because if it was gonna be a back and forth game, we knew that they were probably going to outrun us. They’re fast.”

Illinois Class 3A girls soccer state semifinal: O’Fallon 2, Barrington 1

O'Fallon beats Barrington in Illinois Class 3A high school girls soccer state semifinal — O’Fallon’s Allie Tredway (2) waves to the crowd during pregame introductions in their Class 3A state semi-final soccer match between O’Fallon at Barrington. June 6, 2025.

Gary Duncan, Special to the Post-Dispatch

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Sports

Track and field: Card hopes her last state meet is her best – West Central Tribune

ST. MICHAEL — Lauren Eilers kept tabs on the competition. The senior distance runner on the Willmar girls track and field team wanted to know how she stacked up against Class AA’s best after breaking the five-minute mark in the 1,600-meter run. Already the school’s record-holder in the 1,600, Lauren ran a career-best 4:56.25 at […]

Published

42 minutes ago

June 7, 2025

Your Sports Nation

ST. MICHAEL — Lauren Eilers kept tabs on the competition.

The senior distance runner on the Willmar girls track and field team wanted to know how she stacked up against Class AA’s best after breaking the five-minute mark in the 1,600-meter run. Already the school’s record-holder in the 1,600, Lauren ran a career-best 4:56.25 at the Section 8AA championship.

As it turned out, Lauren stood alone at the top of the state qualifiers.

Lauren is the top seed in the Class AA girls’ 1,600. And she’ll look to finish off her prep career as a state champion at the Minnesota State High School League Track and Field Championships next week at St. Michael-Albertville High School. The Class AA prelims start at 9 a.m. Wednesday. The championships are at 9 a.m. Thursday.

“I thought maybe someone would get under five as well,” Lauren said, “but that didn’t happen.”

The 1,600 finals run on Thursday. After her last race, Lauren’s confidence is riding high.

“It builds up confidence knowing that I’m the only girl that has broken five,” Lauren said. “But also, everyone’s going to be running faster and it’s more competitive because it’s state.

“I just have to go run my own race.”

The No. 2 seed in the 1,600 is a familiar foe for Lauren. That’s Alexandria senior Kasey Soderholm. Her state qualifying time was 5:01.64. The other top seeds are St. Peter’s Keira Friedrich (5:02.57), Chisago Lakes’ Annika Hall (5:03.27) and Monticello’s Isabel Mahoney (5:03.37).

“I also ran against her in cross-country,” Lauren said of Soderholm. “Having her there and knowing that she’s going to push me no matter what, whether I’m having a bad day or a good day, she’s going to be there to push me and all the other girls, too.”

Lauren finished fifth in the 1,600 last season, running a time of 5:03.41. This is Lauren’s fifth straight season qualifying for state track.

This state meet will also be Lauren’s busiest. She’s also the fifth seed in the 800 (2:16.15) and is the anchor in the 10th-seeded 4×400 relay (4:03.43). Mallory Beier, Erin Eilers and Sophie Negen also run in the 4×400.

A cross-country and girls hockey standout, state track is Lauren’s finale as a Willmar High School athlete. She’ll resume her running career in college at Division I Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee.

“It feels sad but also it’s good because these are the best times I’ve been hitting all my career,” Lauren said. “So it’s good to see the improvement over the years. I’ve been getting better and putting the work in and it’s paying off.”

Willmar senior Erin Eilers, middle, competes in the girls' 100-meter hurdles at the Cardinal Invitational on Monday, April 21, 2025 at Hodapp Field in Willmar. — Willmar senior Erin Eilers, middle, competes in the girls’ 100-meter hurdles at the Cardinal Invitational on Monday, April 21, 2025 at Hodapp Field in Willmar.

Since they came onto the varsity team as seventh-graders, Erin Eilers and her twin sister Lauren were near each other as distance runners.

But last season as a junior, Erin went from distance running to the hurdles. It was something she had wanted to try. Kody Fossum and Brady Krupa, then assistant coaches and now co-head coaches of the track team, decided to take Erin up on that once she was ready to take the leap, so to speak.

“They were like, ‘If you want to do it, we’ll help you but if you actually want to be good at it and you take it seriously, we’ll take it seriously, too,’” Erin said. “So we made that deal last year and we’ve just been working from there.”

Now, Erin’s getting her chance at state to compete in the girls’ 300 hurdles. She’s the sixth seed after winning the section title with a school record of 45.44. This is her fourth state trip overall.

“It was really emotional, honestly,” Erin said of setting the record. “I’ve been working on trying to break the school record since last year but I only had four races last year. Coming into this season, I told the coaches my goal is to break the school record.”

A little sibling rivalry flared up in Erin.

“Like, Lauren’s got two (in the 1,600 and 3,200), so I have to have one, you know,” Erin said. “It was my goal to get that. From there, I just want to keep pushing myself.”

The top seed in the 300 hurdles is Providence Academy’s Maddyn Greenway at 43.98. Behind her are Winona’s Alexis Urbick (44.62), Cloquet’s Makenzie Lynch (44.62), Mankato West’s Grace Jacobson (45.11) and DeLaSalle’s Laila Moses (45.33).

“I’m just going to run my race and just try to stay confident and push myself,” Erin said. “I know there’s going to be girls that are faster than me so they can pull me with them and I can get to the finish line at a good time.

“I feel like it’ll be a good race.”

Erin will also resume her track career at Division II Augustana University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. She plans on running the 400 hurdles and the heptathlon.

“It’s kind of surreal,” Erin said about her final high-school meet. “We’ve just had all this time. And the younger girls, I’m gonna miss seeing them every single day.”

W - Sully Anez and FF - Jaden Miller - DSC_0780.JPG — Willmar’s Sully Anez (right) catches up to Fergus Falls’ Jaden Miller (left) in the boys 1600-meter run at the Central Lakes Conference Championships on May 22, 2025, at Alexandria High School.

Making his fourth and final trip to state is Willmar boys distance runner Sully Anez.

The senior and future South Dakota State University runner qualified for both the 1,600 and 3,200. He’s the fifth seed in both with a time of 4:18.64 in the 1,600 and 9:29.95 in the 3,200.

The top seed in the 1,600 is Totino-Grace’s Matthew Lindgren at 4:15.30. Owen Chapman of Orono is the top seed in the 3,200 at 9:19.61.

When looking at the improvements Anez has made through the years, Fossum keyed in on Anez’s discipline.

“There’s a large discipline with distance running that not a lot of people consider,” Fossum said. “So to me, his mental determination to continue to fight through every lap, every milestone, every mark, is what sets him apart from his sophomore year that I first saw him to his junior year to this year.”

Anez ran in both events last season, placing fifth in the 3,200 at 9:19.26 and sixth in the 1,600 at 4:18.92.

Willmar is bringing three field athletes to state.

Sophomore Maddison Molacek is the fifth seed in the girls’ discus with a qualifying toss of 125 feet, 4 inches. Stewartville’s Ella Theobald leads the pack with a qualifying throw of 145-10. Junior Mallory Beier is the 10th seed in the girls’ long jump at 17-1.75. Simley’s Ayisat Adebayo is the top seed at 17-11.5. Sophomore Briar Schuett is in the boys’ long jump as the 29th seed at 20-9.75. Becker’s Carter Reckelberg has the top seed at 24-8.75.

New London-Spicer junior Danica Pederson is tied for the two seed in the girls’ high jump. Her qualifying mark of 5-5 ties her with DeLaSalle’s Laila Moses. Mankato West’s Leila Pratt is the top seed at 5-5.25.

Kyla Vick also made state for NLS. She’s the 16th seed in the girls’ 3,200 at 11:27.07. Chisago Lakes’ Annika Hall is the top seed at 10:48.57.

Minnewaska senior Owen Meulebroeck reaches the final hurdle in the boys' 110-meter hurdles at the Essler Invitational on Thursday, May 1, 2025 at New London. — Minnewaska senior Owen Meulebroeck reaches the final hurdle in the boys’ 110-meter hurdles at the Essler Invitational on Thursday, May 1, 2025 at New London.

The Class A championships kick off with prelims at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday and the championships at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday. A total of 26 area athletes in individual events and 11 relays will compete over two days.

Three defending state champions are back from last season.

Minnewaska has a pair of returning champions in senior Owen Meulebroeck and junior Jayda Kolstoe. Meulebroeck won the 300 hurdles last season at 39.86. He’s the fifth seed this time at 40.46. The top seed is Osakis’ Andrew Jones at 37.62. Meulebroeck is also the 16th seed in the boys’ 110 hurdles (15.84). United South Central’s Brant Blosser is the number one seed at 14.62. Kolstoe won the girls’ shot put at 43-9.25 last season as a sophomore. She comes into state this time as the 10th seed at 36-8. The top seed is La Crescent-Hokah’s Brooklyn Mitchell at 42-7.25. Kolstoe is also in the girls’ discus as the two seed (126-0). The top seed is Litchfield junior Chloe Kowalczyk at 129-5.

The other returning champ is Lac qui Parle Valley/Dawson-Boyd’s Brayson Boike. He won the boys’ triple jump last season at 45.3.25. He is the seventh seed ths time around at 43-2. Windom’s Job Ogeka is the top seed at 45-4. Boike is also tied for the third seed in the high jump (6-4) and the fourth seed in the long jump (21-11).

Other notes in Class A:

The girls’ hurdles is be chock-full of area contenders. The 100 hurdles has Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City’s Kenlie Blom (fourth, 15.21), Minnewaska’s Lauryn Ankeny (sixth, 15.32), Benson/Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg’s Ava Noble (eighth, 15.37) and Central Minnesota Christian’s Sophia Vogel (14th, 15.69). Noble (fourth, 44.79), Ankeny (fifth, 44.83) and Vogel (44.92) are also in the 300 hurdles.
The girls’ discus also features four area athletes with Kowalczyk (first, 129-5), Kolstoe (second, 126-0), Montevideo’s Elizabeth O’Malley (11th, 119-0) and MACCRAY/Renville County West’s Emma Thein (16th, 114-6).
Minnewaska has both of the top-seeded relays from the area. The Laker boys’ 4×100 with Tristan O’Neil, Kaiden Harvey, Carter Meyer and Asante Adams is seeded third (43.54). The girls’ 4×800 with Ella Larson, Maia Larson, Nori Song and Olivia Danielson is also a three seed (9:42.85).

100 Hurdles: Kenlie Blom, ACGC; Lauren Ankeny, Minnewaska; Ava Noble, Benson/KMS; Sophia Vogel, CMCS

4×100 Relay: CMCS; Litchfield; Benson/KMS; Minnewaska

300 Hurdles: Ava Noble, Benson/KMS; Lauryn Ankeny, Minnewaska; Sophia Vogel, CMCS

800: Brynn Gloege, LQPV/DB; Nori Song, Minnewaska

4×400 Relay: Benson/KMS; Minnewaska

Long Jump: Carly Tolifson, Benson/KMS

High Jump: Aubrey Polzin, Minnewaska; Carly Tolifson, Benson/KMS; Mamie Luft, Benson/KMS

Discus: Chloe Kowalczyk, Litchfield; Jayda Kolstoe, Minnewaska; Elizabeth O’Malley, Montevideo; Emma Thein, MACCRAY/RCW

4×800 Relay: Minnewaska; MACCRAY/RCW

1,600: Frida Barrera, MACCRAY/RCW

Pole Vault: Keala Carroll, Benson/KMS; Klaira Shackelford, YME

Triple Jump: Sophia Vogel, CMCS

Shot Put: Jayda Kolstoe, Minnewaska; Catherine Fank, BOLD/BLHS

110 Hurdles: Owen Meulebroeck, Minnewaska

4×100 Relay: Minnewaska; Benson/KMS

300 Hurdles: Owen Meulebroeck, Minnewaska

800: Adam VanBinsbergen, Montevideo

200: Asante Adams, Minnewaska; Jack Gross, BOLD/BLHS

3,200: Taylor Nelson, BBE; Ian Mills, Minnewaska

Triple Jump: Brayson Boike, LQPV/DB

Shot Put: Noah Dietel, Litchfield

High Jump: Brayson Boike, LQPV/DB

Long Jump: Brayson Boike, LQPV/D-B; Jack Gross, BOLD/BLHS

300 Hurdles: Erin Eilers, Willmar

800: Lauren Eilers, Willmar

Discus: Maddison Molacek, Willmar

Long Jump: Mallory Beier, Willmar

High Jump: Danica Pederson, NLS

1,600: Lauren Eilers, Willmar

1,600: Sully Anez, Willmar

3,200: Sully Anez, Willmar

Long Jump: Briar Schuett, Willmar

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Sports

Colorado State now can, and will, directly pay athletes after NCAA settlement

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1 hour ago

June 7, 2025

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Colorado State now can, and will, directly pay athletes after NCAA settlement

AI-assisted summaryColleges can now directly pay athletes following a settlement in the House v. NCAA case.Colorado State University will participate in revenue sharing with athletes, alongside its future Pac-12 partners.Athletes can still pursue NIL deals, but payments over $600 must be reported for review.A “historic day” will bring sweeping changes to college sports.A federal judge on June 6 approved the House v. NCAA settlement, which now paves the way for colleges to directly pay athletes for the first time.CSU athletic director John Weber called it “a historic day in college athletics.” Here’s what to know about what the settlement means and CSU’s reaction to the news.What does the House v NCAA settlement do?The “House” refers to former Arizona State swimmer Grant House, who brought a federal lawsuit in 2020 seeking damages for athletes who could not earn NIL money. It was one of a series of lawsuits against the NCAA related to athlete earnings.

Instead of risking paying big damages, the NCAA reached a settlement. Now, colleges can directly pay athletes. In recent years, athletes could make money from NIL (name, image and likeness) but it was an unregulated world with boosters and businesses working with athletes and many deals effectively working as pay-to-play.

The settlement allows Division I schools to opt-in to begin sharing revenue with athletes beginning July 1.

There is a revenue-sharing cap that is expected to be roughly $20.5 million in the first year (2025-26).

Will Colorado State participate in revenue sharing?

Yes. In a message sent to the CSU community, Weber says “like all other institutions which opt-in, Colorado State will participate in revenue-sharing with student-athletes alongside all of our Pac-12 partners.” CSU is moving from the Mountain West to the Pac-12 following the 2025-26 school year.

“We are completely supportive of the new opportunities created for student-athletes,” Weber wrote. “These new guidelines enable us to support the student-athlete journey in ways we have not been able to previously. We will do so in a thoughtful manner, consistent with all NCAA rules and laws in the state of Colorado.”

Weber’s message did not say how much revenue CSU expected to spend in Year 1, nor how it will be portioned out among different sports. Not all schools, especially outside the Power 4, are expected to reach the full spending amount allowed.

The Athletic reported that most schools plan to use this formula as a blueprint: “75 percent to football, 15-20 percent to men’s basketball, 5-10 percent to women’s basketball, and whatever is left to Olympic and non-revenue sports.” There are no stipulations for how the cap is handled, though.

What about roster limits?

Scholarship limits are now replaced by roster limits. Schools can allocate scholarship funds (partial or full) as they see fit.

There had been fears that this would eliminate walk-ons, but the settlement builds in a grandfather period to allow athletes to not lose their spot.

“Friday’s approval ensures no student-athlete will lose their roster spot as we adapt to the now-established roster limits,” Weber said. “Current and immediately incoming student-athletes will still have the opportunity to compete for a roster spot.”

Are NIL deals gone now?

No. Athletes can still sign NIL deals with third-party organizations that won’t count against the school’s revenue sharing pool.

The settlement establishes new NIL guidelines, mandating athletes declare any third-party NIL payment above $600 to the “NIL Go” clearinghouse where they will be reviewed. It will be managed by accounting firm Deloitte and deals that don’t meet a valid business purpose or fall within an approved range will be flagged.

Follow sports reporter Kevin Lytle on X and Instagram @Kevin_Lytle.

Sports

WIAA State Track and Field day one results | Sports

COPYRIGHT 2025 BY NEWS 8 NOW/NEWS 8000. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED. The WIAA State Track and Field Championships got underway at Veterans Memorial Stadium in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Early on Friday, the D2 and D3 teams got things started. The Cochrane-Fountain City Pirates […]

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1 hour ago

June 7, 2025

Your Sports Nation

The WIAA State Track and Field Championships got underway at Veterans Memorial Stadium in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

Early on Friday, the D2 and D3 teams got things started.

The Cochrane-Fountain City Pirates kicked off the day with a second place finish in the 4×800 relay. Addy Duellman, Ana Knecht, Macy Hunger and Paxtyn Duellman finished in 9:42.51.

Later in the day, Addy Duellman would race in the 3200m run. It was neck and neck going into the last lap, but Duellman would pull away winning in 10:35.96. It was a new personal record by almost 30 seconds. Westby’s Elizabeth Curtis would finish the race in third place.

Prairie du Chien’s Blake Thiry had an eventful day. He would take first in the D2 long jump at 23 feet 6 3/4 inches. Thiry would also finished with the top qualifying time in the 110m hurdles and the 300m hurdles. Thiry will race in the 110m hurdles, 300m hurdles and jump in the triple jump on day 2.

Arcadia’s Ted Teske finished in third place in the D2 long jump.

Luther’s Jack Schmeling finished in second place in the D3 high jump. Schmeling set a new personal record by multiple inches as he cleared 6 feet 8 inches. He will participate in the discus on day 2.

Cochrane-Fountain City’s Grayden Barum would finish in 4th in the high jump and Kickapoo/La Farge’s Adam Boisen would finish in 6th.

Westby’s Madelyn Vonfeldt took fifth in the D3 Pole Vault clearing 5 feet 9 inches.

Declan Gregg of Aquinas would finish in 5th place in the D2 1600m run. Gregg will race in the 3200 on day 2.

North Crawford’s Carter Emler took fourth in the D3 long jump while Aidric Egge of Kickapoo/La Farge finished in fifth and Jay Stetzer finished in sixth.

North Crawford’s Gavin Tamling took fourth in the D3 shot put and De Soto’s CJ Milliren finished in fifth.

For full results visit pttiming.com

Later in the day the Division 1 schools took to the stage.

Onalaska’s Manny Putz was the returning 1600 meter champion looking to defend his title. Going into the last lap, Putz trailed De Pere’s Grady Lenn. Lenn took a big lead, but in the final 200 meters Putz closed the gap. It was neck and neck down the stretch, but Lenn held on for the win. Putz took second in 4:02:25. Lenn finished in 4:01:79. Both runners broke the old d1 state record. Putz will compete in the 3200 meter on Saturday.

More Onalaska athletes shined in the field events. Freshman, Wylder Burch took third place in the high jump. Burch set a new personal record in the biggest event of the year.

Over at the long jump pit, Onalaska Sophomore, Gabe Mauss would jump 23 feet 10 inches on his second jump of the day. It was a huge personal record and would land him third place on the podium.

Many other runners would qualify into the finals which are set for Saturday, June 6th.

For full results visit pttiming.com

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