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Jordie Barrett lifts lid on Rieko Ioane's controversial Leinster switch

Rieko Ioane spoke with Jordie Barrett before making the decision to controversially join Leinster next season, according to the All Blacks inside centre. Ioane will make the move to the Irish province after New Zealand’s end-of-year tour, following in the footsteps of his international team-mate. Barrett used his sabbatical to sign for Leinster on a […]

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Jordie Barrett lifts lid on Rieko Ioane's controversial Leinster switch

Rieko Ioane spoke with Jordie Barrett before making the decision to controversially join Leinster next season, according to the All Blacks inside centre.

Ioane will make the move to the Irish province after New Zealand’s end-of-year tour, following in the footsteps of his international team-mate.

Barrett used his sabbatical to sign for Leinster on a six-month deal and he has already made a significant impression for the Dublin-based outfit.

Jordie Barrett’s replacement

He will leave at the end of the current northern hemisphere campaign, but the centre will effectively be replaced by another classy midfielder in 2025/26.

It is a surprising switch given Ioane’s history with Irish rugby and his long-running feud with Leinster’s favourite son, Johnny Sexton, following an incident in the aftermath of the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final.

The Blues star therefore sought advice from Barrett before making his decision to sign for the Irish side.

“He sounded me out about 10 days ago and just asked a few questions,” Barrett told Newstalk ZB.

“He didn’t say a whole lot, so I didn’t get a good inkling of where his head or heart was, but look, I woke up on my day off and the news had dropped on my phone.

“It gave me 24 hours without having a barrage of questions at training the morning I went in there, so I got all of them yesterday (Thursday).

“He’ll go great. It’s a great place to develop and he’ll see a lot of improvements up here as a player, and get out of his comfort zone in Auckland and the Blues and [it’s] a chance to grow.

“I think it’s a great challenge for him.”

Israel Dagg thought Rieko Ioane deal was an ‘April Fool’ after X-rated outburst from Leinster’s ‘favourite son’

Usually, current All Blacks take their sabbaticals in Japan but Barrett decided on Leinster and it appears to have benefited all parties.

For the Irish province, they have got a world-class player in the quest to end their silverware drought, while New Zealand could be receiving an improved version of the 28-year-old when he returns home ahead of the mid-year series.

‘Growing my game’

“I reserve that judgment for people watching on the telly, but I feel like I’m growing my game,” Barrett said.

“It was a challenge to come up here, become familiar with another system and different coaches and players in a different culture and environment.

“I feel like my rugby’s improving, which is nice, and, it’s neverending, like any footy player just wants to improve, and I feel like I’m making slight improvements.

“Hopefully we give ourselves another chance and earn the right to make a European final in a few weeks’ time and then push deep into the URC competition.”

Barrett also revealed that All Blacks boss Scott Robertson has kept in touch while one of his star players has been over in Ireland.

“Razor has sent the odd text, which is nice, and it shows he’s keeping an eye on things, and so have the other coaches. Just touching base and making sure things are tracking well and that I’m healthy and playing good footy,” he added.

“I feel like I’ll be ready to go and hopefully take some form into an All Blacks jersey, which is the main reason why I wanted to come up here in the first place.”

READ MORE: Rieko Ioane move exposes New Zealand’s ‘weird obsession’ with Ireland as All Blacks great makes Leinster promise

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Michael Moffitt named Roosevelt men’s and women’s cross country and track & field coach

Story Links Courtesy of Roosevelt Athletic Communications CHICAGO — Roosevelt Athletics announced the hiring of Michael Moffitt as the Lakers’ new men’s and women’s cross country and track and field head coach Monday evening. Moffitt arrives in Chicago after one season as the assistant coach at Purdue Northwest, a fellow member of the […]

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Courtesy of Roosevelt Athletic Communications

CHICAGO — Roosevelt Athletics announced the hiring of Michael Moffitt as the Lakers’ new men’s and women’s cross country and track and field head coach Monday evening.

Moffitt arrives in Chicago after one season as the assistant coach at Purdue Northwest, a fellow member of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. He previously spent three seasons as the Director of Men’s and Women’s Track & Field/Cross Country at Grace College in Indiana and one season as the head coach at Eastern University in Pennsylvania.

“I am thrilled to welcome Michael to our athletic department and begin collaborating with him on the growth of our cross country and track program,” Roosevelt’s Vice President of Athletics and Student-Athlete Success Michael Cassidy said. “Beyond the coaching experience, Michael’s energy, work ethic, and leadership ability stood out and will greatly benefit our student-athletes academically and athletically.”

Moffitt turned Grace’s program into one of the best in the NAIA during his three seasons at the helm. He recorded the highest rankings for both the men’s and women’s program in school history as the Lancers rose to as high as No. 3 indoors and No. 10 outdoors on the men’s side and No. 15 indoors and No. 23 outdoors on the women’s side. As a team, the men won two National Christian College Athletic Association championships and the women won three team titles.

He coached 115 national qualifiers, 83 all-conference performers, 31 conference champions and three national champions as individuals. Moffitt was also named the NCCAA coach the year five times – three times for track and field and twice for cross country.

During his time in charge at Eastern, Moffitt coached an All-American, two All-Region performers, three conference champions and 18 all-conference performers.

“I would like to thank Vice President of Athletics and Student-Athlete Success Mike Cassidy and the hiring committee for trusting me with this amazing opportunity,” Moffitt said. “I am truly honored to step into this new leadership role at Roosevelt. This team has the tools to grow into something special, and I can’t wait to begin this new chapter. “

Moffitt’s success began as a collegiate athlete at Indiana Wesleyan, where he was a member of the track and field program for four years. During that time, he won eight national championships in the high jump, two in the NAIA and six in the NCCAA, and qualified twice for the USA Track & Field National Championships in the high jump.

Following his time as an athlete with the Wildcats, he stayed at Indiana Wesleyan as a graduate assistant for two seasons. He was a member of the 2019 NAIA Program of the Year where he mentored three national qualifiers and an All-American.



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These 20 McQueen High athletes will sign college letters of intent to play at next level

Twenty McQueen High athletes will sign national letters of intent with colleges Tuesday during a signing-day ceremony at 11:30 a.m. in the Lancers’ big gym. Those players, which were provided by the school’s athletic administration, include: Division I * Shayne Patrick, swimming, Eastern Michigan University Division II * Jaxen McAdara, baseball, Cal State East Bay […]

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Twenty McQueen High athletes will sign national letters of intent with colleges Tuesday during a signing-day ceremony at 11:30 a.m. in the Lancers’ big gym. Those players, which were provided by the school’s athletic administration, include:

Division I

* Shayne Patrick, swimming, Eastern Michigan University

Division II

* Jaxen McAdara, baseball, Cal State East Bay

Division III

* Lena Minetto, swimming, St. Olaf College

* Camren Bingham, track and field, University of Puget Sound

* Addysyn Hansen, lacrosse, Bryn Mawr College

Junior college

* Avery Hayes, soccer, Lake Tahoe Community College

* Carmen Damian, soccer, Lake Tahoe Community College

* Adriano DoPrado, soccer, Folsom Lake College

* Brian Bruk, soccer, Santa Rosa Junior College

* Alex Hancock, football Butte College

* Cadel Ayala, football, Saddleback College

* Peter Park-Li, baseball, Butte College

NAIA

* Bella Coronado, wrestling, Eastern Oregon University

* Berett Callison, wrestling, St. Ambrose (Iowa)

* Evan Krantz, wrestling St. Ambrose (Iowa)

* Anna Wangberg, softball, Bethel College

* Cole Draper, golf, Ottawa University

Athletics Union

* Alyssa Allan, soccer, University of Chester (England)

* Emma McNamara, soccer, University of Chester (England)

Club sport

* Max Lancaster, lacrosse, Boise State (club)



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Armstrong Boys Volleyball Holds Off Park Center in Four-Set Win

4:56 PM | Monday, May 19, 2025 The Armstrong boys volleyball team held off Park Center in a Northwest Suburban Conference match-up to earn their fourth conference win of the season. The Falcons took the first two sets by scores of 25-19 and 25-16. Park Center rallied in the third set, winning 25-20. In the […]

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4:56 PM | Monday, May 19, 2025

The Armstrong boys volleyball team held off Park Center in a Northwest Suburban Conference match-up to earn their fourth conference win of the season.

The Falcons took the first two sets by scores of 25-19 and 25-16. Park Center rallied in the third set, winning 25-20. In the fourth set, the Pirates and Falcons were tightly contested until Armstrong ripped off eight straight points.

Kam Jospeh led the way for Armstrong offensively with several kills.

The Falcons are now 11-11 overall on the season with a 4-8 conference record.

The Pirates drop to 7-8 on the year with a 3-7 record in NWSC play.

Armstrong High School
Park Center Senior High School

Volleyball

CCX News – Daily Sportscast



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Making waves for a greener future: European Aquatics and Malta Final 4 Organising Committee unite for sustainable sporting legacy

European Aquatics and the Champions League Water Polo Final 4 Malta Organising Committee have announced a commitment to deliver a set of sustainable practices to minimise the environmental impact of all aquatics events. With several upcoming 2025 European Aquatics events on the horizon – including the Champions League Final 4 at the end of May […]

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European Aquatics and the Champions League Water Polo Final 4 Malta Organising Committee have announced a commitment to deliver a set of sustainable practices to minimise the environmental impact of all aquatics events.

With several upcoming 2025 European Aquatics events on the horizon – including the Champions League Final 4 at the end of May – the two organisations are aiming to set a new benchmark in sustainability and community engagement.

At the heart of their vision is a comprehensive strategy designed to significantly reduce the environmental footprint of the events.

The initiative also aims to leave a lasting social and economic legacy that will benefit not just the host nation of Malta, but also the broader international community.

By championing the Aquatics Social Responsibility Strategy, the organisers are looking to inspire healthier, more active lifestyles, while promoting inclusion and wellbeing through the power of sport.

In alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, the strategy highlights how aquatics events can serve as a dynamic force for positive change – from environmental stewardship to community empowerment.

With this pioneering approach, European Aquatics and the Champions League Water Polo Final 4 Malta Organising Committee are not just hosting a competition, they’re setting the stage for a movement toward a more sustainable and socially responsible future in global aquatics.

During the Final 4 event, there will be a series of key initiatives that will help make the event a huge success out of the water, as well as in the pool.

These include a Green Task Force of trained and dedicated volunteers – including children – who will act as green wardens and wear T-shirts with slogans such as ‘Leave Only Ripples, Not Trash’ and ‘Respect the Water, Protect The Land – Keep It Clean.’

There will also be a ‘Sustainable Fun Zone’ that will highlight sustainability through interactive activities and raise awareness in an entertaining and engaging way. 

Numerous recycling stations will be located inside and outside the venue, a new lighting system – utilising LEDs –  will ensure higher efficiency, and a designated parking area away from the pool will mean the event is held in a car-free zone.

Community ties to water polo are also set to be strengthened through the distribution of free tickets to local nurseries, which will allow young children the opportunity to enjoy the games, and help to inspire the next generation of players.

You can find out more information about the Champions League Final 4 sustainability and legacy initiatives by clicking here.

         

 

   



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Jamie Cook Named 2025 Maine Sports Hall of Fame Inductee

Story Links ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Naval Academy Director of Track and Field / Cross Country Jamie Cook is among the 2025 Maine Sports Hall of Fame inductees. Cook joins nine other inductees who will be formally recognized at an induction ceremony at Husson’s Gracie Theatre in Bangor, Maine, on Sept. 21.   […]

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ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Naval Academy Director of Track and Field / Cross Country Jamie Cook is among the 2025 Maine Sports Hall of Fame inductees. Cook joins nine other inductees who will be formally recognized at an induction ceremony at Husson’s Gracie Theatre in Bangor, Maine, on Sept. 21.
 
“It’s such an honor to be recognized by my home state and I’m very appreciative of all the people who helped me get there, especially my parents and siblings,” said Cook. “My dad was my biggest influence, his support and my mom doing all the behind-the-scenes stuff is what motivated me. I appreciate them for everything they have done for me.”
 
The Honors and Selection Committee selects Maine sports figures to be inducted into the Maine Sports Hall of Fame from applications that are submitted for consideration and approval. The requirements necessary to be eligible as an inductee are:

 

  • Nominee must be a Maine sports figure whose achievements have brought distinction and honor to the state of Maine in any field of sport.
  • Nominee must be a Maine sports figure or one who has made a major contribution to the development and advancement of sports in the state of Maine.
  • Nominee must be a Maine sports figure having five (5) years of retirement from their last competitive event in their sports field of expertise (in extraordinary circumstances this can be waived).

 
Others inductees into the Maine Sports Hall of Fame class include Paralympian Clara Brown; “American Ninja Warrior” star Jesse “Flex” Labreck; Bryant Barr, a former Mr. Maine Basketball who played in college with NBA star Stephen Curry; Maine Celtics president Dajuan Eubanks; Kelly Bowman Flagg, a high school standout who went on to play Division I at the University of Maine and is the mother of standout NBA prospect Cooper Flagg; Danny Paul, a longtime track and cross country coach who won dozens of Maine road races over three decades; award-winning college basketball coaches Lynn Hersey and Warren Caruso; and longtime Bangor Daily News sportswriter Larry Mahoney.
 
Cook attended Kennebunk High School in Kennebunk, Maine, where he was a three-sport athlete, winning two national high school championships and state championships in six different track and field events. In football, he was all-state at five different positions and was named the Lobster Bowl MVP.
 

Additionally, Cook was honored as a three-time All-American and academic All-American while competing for Penn State from 1995 to 1998. He was also a Big Ten, IC4A, and Penn Relays champion in the multi-events during his collegiate career. He was a 2004 U.S. Olympic Team Trials competitor in the decathlon and competed in six USA Track & Field combined events (decathlon/indoor heptathlon) from 2002 to 2005. He also represented the United States versus Germany in the 2003 Decathlon Duel. His personal best in the decathlon, 7,853 points, came during the 2004 Olympic Trials year.
 
Cook is in his eighth season at the helm of the Naval Academy program and has won 30 Patriot League championships and 24 Patriot League Coach of the Year awards. Under his guidance, the Mids have dominated the Army-Navy Star Series, which is part of the overall Star Series presented by USAA, winning 24-consecutive indoor and outdoor Star Meets. Navy has claimed six IC4A outdoor championships and one ECAC outdoor championship under Cook. Last season, Cook sent a program-best four competitors (Jacques Guillaume, Nathan Kent, Braden Presser and Brahmir Vick) to the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Eugene, Oregon.
 
Cook’s coaching career began at the University of Pennsylvania from 2001 to 2010. During his tenure with the Quakers, he coached 64 Ivy League champions, oversaw seven school records, and helped Penn capture a pair of team titles (2001, 2002).
 
After his tenure at Penn, Cook spent seven years (2010 to 2017) as an assistant coach at the University of Oregon. He guided athletes to 27 All-America honors, 18 individual conference titles, and six individual NCAA championships. He assisted with all 15 of the Ducks’ men’s and women’s NCAA titles in track and field.
 



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University of Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH – Recent Pitt volleyball alum Emmy Klika has been selected to the Women’s U23 National Team. She joins 17 other athletes who will train for the NORCECA U23 Pan American Cup, July 25-August 2 in Leon, Mexico. Klika most recently competed with USA volleyball as a U21 Pan American Cup member.  The two-time All-ACC and All-Region performer […]

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PITTSBURGH – Recent Pitt volleyball alum Emmy Klika has been selected to the Women’s U23 National Team. She joins 17 other athletes who will train for the NORCECA U23 Pan American Cup, July 25-August 2 in Leon, Mexico. Klika most recently competed with USA volleyball as a U21 Pan American Cup member. 

The two-time All-ACC and All-Region performer recently joined PVF’s (Pro Volleyball Federation) Orlando Valkyries and started at libero to help them earn the organization’s first title last weekend. Klika owns the program record for most digs in a NCAA Tournament with 63 in 2024, earning Pittsburgh Regional All-Tournament honors for her efforts. She was a part of all four of the program’s National Semifinal appearances and three ACC Championships. 

The selected athletes will gather for a training block at the National Team Training Center in Anaheim, Calif., from July 18-25. From this pool, 12 athletes will be chosen to represent the United States in Mexico.  

DePaul University women’s head coach Marie Zidek will lead the team, assisted by five-time Olympian Danielle Scott (LOVB) and Olympian Kayla Banwarth (PVF). 

USA Volleyball Release



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