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Juda ends Michigan gymnastics career in dramatic fashion

Paul Juda, a Stevenson High School graduate and a graduate student on the University of Michigan men’s gymnastics team, hoists the trophy after the Wolverines won the NCAA National Championship on April 19. Courtesy of Christina Merrill, Michigan Photography, University of Michigan Gymnastics also can be a game of inches. Had University of Michigan graduate […]

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Paul Juda, a Stevenson High School graduate and a graduate student on the University of Michigan men’s gymnastics team, hoists the trophy after the Wolverines won the NCAA National Championship on April 19.
Courtesy of Christina Merrill, Michigan Photography, University of Michigan

Gymnastics also can be a game of inches.

Had University of Michigan graduate student Paul Juda, from Stevenson High School’s Class of 2019, hopped an inch or two farther right landing his vault, Michigan likely would have been NCAA runner-up to Stanford for a third straight year.

But on the final attempt on the final rotation at the NCAA Championships for men’s gymnastics April 19 at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor, Mich., Juda kept his left foot in the landing area and clinched the Wolverines’ seventh title and first since 2014.

Juda’s score of 13.966 pushed Michigan past five-time defending national champion Stanford by 0.163 points and sent the Wolverines into celebratory frenzy.

“The score comes up and it doesn’t feel real,” said Juda, calling from Tampa, Fla., where he was “hanging out with my in-laws, kicking it,” his master’s degree in accounting to be finalized in days.

“You’re hugging your brothers, you’re screaming and everybody’s going crazy, and you’re like, ‘I can’t believe we did it.’ And then that trophy comes over and it gets really emotional.”

It got more emotional. After winning the team championship and an individual title on parallel bars, Juda, 23, dropped to a knee in Crisler Center and proposed to his girlfriend of five years, former University of Michigan gymnast Reyna Guggino.

“I just truly believe in the power of having somebody by you that pushes you to be the best version of yourself, who knows your buttons, knows how to push them, knows when you’re not giving enough,” said Juda, a first-generation American whose parents, Ewa Bacher and Jozef Juda, immigrated from Poland.

“I think without that kind of support I wouldn’t have had half of the things I’ve done while I’ve been here. Because I wake up and I want to be the best version of myself for her,” Juda said.

That meant acing his least-favorite event, parallel bars, and winning it with a score of 14.200. Juda also placed second in all-around to teammate Fred Richard, sixth on high bar, and sixth on floor exercise.

“Actually at the (bars) competition I ripped open my hand on that event, on that routine, and I said, ‘I’ve got to deal with this. What, am I going to back out of the competition now?’ So when they called out my first place, I lost it.”

As he said, “time and opportunity meets luck and preparation.”

Juda finished 22nd on vault, but with the championship on the line, for one last time at Michigan he rose to the occasion.

“I’ve visualized going last, I’ve visualized putting the entire competition in the palm of my hand to seal it. I knew what that pressure was going to be like,” he said.

“You simulate that enough in your head and by the time the moment comes you’ve done it a thousand times. So you just get up and turn your brain off and go on autopilot.”

Juda emerged as a Team USA star at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, helping the United States to its first men’s gymnastics team medal, bronze, since 2008. Last week he was named Michigan’s male recipient of the Big Ten Medal of Honor.

In addition to two Big Ten gymnast of the year awards, 15 All-America citations, four individual national titles and the 2023 Nissen-Emery Award as the best collegiate men’s gymnast, Juda is a two-time Academic All-American, a five-time Academic All-Big Ten winner and a Big Ten Scholar of Distinction.

Juda promised his mother that after a long, whirlwind schedule, this summer would be “filled with golf, food and relaxation.” Later, he’ll use his master’s in accounting, graduate degree in real estate development, business certification in sales and marketing, and bachelor’s degree in psychology.

He also will be a “vocal supporter of gymnastics,” he said.

“This program, this sport, creates the best student-athletes in the country. They’re dedicated, they do thankless work and they execute at a high level,” Juda said.

“I said it (in my) NCAA speech when I had the opportunity to speak at the banquet on behalf of all student-athletes: If we apply ourselves like we did in the gym for the last four years, we’re going to be wildly successful.”

Team USA from left to right Brody Malone, Asher Hong, Fred Richard, Paul Juda and Stephen Nedoroscik celebrate their bronze medal during the men’s artistic gymnastics team finals round at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics.
AP



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Nazareth honors nearly 50 athletes with signing ceremony

1/45 2025 Nazareth Area High School signing ceremony Nazareth Area High School recognized 47 college-bound senior athletes with a signing event last month. Click the gallery atop this post to see photos from the ceremony and find the full list of signees below: If you purchase a product or register for an account through a […]

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Nazareth Area High School recognized 47 college-bound senior athletes with a signing event last month.

Click the gallery atop this post to see photos from the ceremony and find the full list of signees below:

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.



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Hagens: ‘Coolest Thing in the World’ to Stay in Boston

The 5-foot-11, 177-pounder posted 37 points (11 goals, 26 assists) in 37 games as a freshman for BC in 2024-25. “We’re really excited, the skillset that James brings, the competitiveness, his ability to excel on the big stage against his peer group has really been excellent,” Bruins general manager Don Sweeney said from inside Heritage […]

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The 5-foot-11, 177-pounder posted 37 points (11 goals, 26 assists) in 37 games as a freshman for BC in 2024-25.

“We’re really excited, the skillset that James brings, the competitiveness, his ability to excel on the big stage against his peer group has really been excellent,” Bruins general manager Don Sweeney said from inside Heritage Hall at TD Garden. “He’s a driven kid. He wants to play in those situations. He’s proven that he can play in those situations. We’re really excited, very pleased to select James Hagens as a Boston Bruin tonight.”

Hagens is now one of several Bruins draft picks with the Eagles, joining Andre Gasseau (2021 seventh rounder), Oskar Jellvik (2021 fifth rounder), and Dean Letourneau (2024 first rounder), as well as Kristian Kostadinksi (2023 seventh rounder), who is set to be a freshman in the Fall.

“We’re fortunate we already had a couple other prospects playing at BC and you get to know James…as far as his personality, how he interacts with teammates,” said Sweeney. “We saw him play quite a bit, but we saw him play in the World Juniors where he excelled there. It’s really been a two-year process of watching him play and lead his peer group.

“And then making the jump to college hockey which is not an easy thing to do. Hockey East is a tough, tough conference. He’s playing on the top line every night and you watch him continue to get better and then go off to World Juniors and really thrive and lead a team [USA] there to a gold medal.

“It added a little layer to have a couple teammates and have us be able to watch him. Now we’ll be able to watch him closely as a member of the Boston Bruins.”



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Junior Achievement students earn internships with Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance

WILKES-BARRE — Junior Achievement of Northeastern Pennsylvania announced that two Wyoming Valley West High School students have earned prestigious internships at Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies — direct results of their participation in the JA Company Insight Program — a signature initiative that connects students with the region’s top employers, bridging the gap between […]

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WILKES-BARRE — Junior Achievement of Northeastern Pennsylvania announced that two Wyoming Valley West High School students have earned prestigious internships at Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies — direct results of their participation in the JA Company Insight Program — a signature initiative that connects students with the region’s top employers, bridging the gap between education and real-world experience.

Max McMillan and Luis Vaquero stood out for their professionalism, curiosity and initiative — qualities that earned them a place alongside industry professionals this summer.

Their achievement is the latest example of Junior Achievement’s mission in action. The JA Company Insight Program gives high school juniors and seniors a rare opportunity to explore careers firsthand — blending classroom learning with immersive experiences at leading regional employers.

This spring, 15 Wyoming Valley West seniors completed JA’s “It’s My Job” curriculum, which focuses on essential workplace skills such as communication, interview readiness and digital etiquette. The program culminated in a site visit to GUARD’s Wilkes-Barre headquarters.

“Junior Achievement learning experiences empower students by showing them what’s possible for their lives,” said Susan Magnotta, president of JA of NEPA. “We are very grateful for our partnership with GUARD and for the meaningful opportunities they are providing to young people in our region. Max and Luis are proof of what happens when education, opportunity and meaningful workplace and career exposure come together.”

At GUARD, students explored departments ranging from sales and underwriting to actuarial science and IT through their new interactive learning experience called “Insurance Town,” developed by a cross-disciplinary team at GUARD. Students also engaged directly with staff, asking questions and learning how different roles contribute to the company’s success.

“Watching my students walk into a professional setting and realize they belong there is incredible,” said Katie Finnegan, Wyoming Valley West teacher. “The JA Company Insight Program doesn’t just introduce careers — it transforms how students see themselves and their futures.”

Tesha Rushton, career development program manager at GUARD, led the classroom sessions.

“These internships were the next natural step,” Rushton said. “When students are given the tools, support and confidence to see themselves in the workforce, amazing things can happen. Max and Luis are already off to a strong start, discovering what they’re truly capable of.”

The experience concluded with a celebratory lunch at Rodano’s, remarks from GUARD Insurance COO & EVP, Carl Witkowski, and a reflection session where students shared which departments were their favorite and potential future paths. Each student received a certificate of completion in recognition of their participation and growth throughout the program.

Following the event, GUARD team members came to the classroom to continue the conversation — answering questions, sharing advice and exploring students’ interest in internships and career opportunities.

This marks the second year of collaboration between JA and GUARD — an on-going partnership will continue to prepare Northeastern Pennsylvania’s next generation of talent for success.

To learn more about the Company Insight Program or how your organization can get involved, contact Susan Magnotta @[email protected].



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Brett Larson excited about improvements coming to Herb Brooks National Hockey Center

ST. CLOUD — St. Cloud State men’s hockey coach Brett Larson expressed relief and excitement about changes coming to the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center. After more than six years of asking for state funding to get a new refrigeration system for the arena’s two ice rinks, the state Legislature passed an estimated $12.8 million […]

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ST. CLOUD — St. Cloud State men’s hockey coach Brett Larson expressed relief and excitement about changes coming to the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center.

After more than six years of asking for state funding to get a new refrigeration system for the arena’s two ice rinks,

the state Legislature passed an estimated $12.8 million in funding on June 9,

for a replacement. The original and outdated R-22 system was originally installed when the building opened in 1989.

“The ice plant was at a point where it could go down, which was a major concern,” Larson said. “The biggest thing for me, and our program, is the investment by the state into this university and into the hockey program. Having the ice and practice (rinks) shrunk. Bringing it down to a hybrid still gives us a home rink advantage and it was essential to the success of this program.”

With the funding passed, the plan is to begin construction work on the project in April 2026. With the new refrigeration system, the floors of both the main rink and the practice rink will have to be dug up to take out the old pipes and put in new ones.

The plan includes having the main rink shrunk so that it will be 200 feet long by 94 feet wide. The main rink has been 100 feet wide since it opened in 1989. It also includes shrinking the practice rink from Olympic sized (200 by 100) to be an NHL-sized rink (200 by 85).

“For years, everyone has wondered if the Olympic-sized sheet is a plus or a minus,” Larson said. “There’s probably a little bit of both. Now, with having the home ice advantage, but also being able to practice on an NHL-sized sheet so we don’t have as much transition when we go on the road sets us up for more success.”

IMG_3796.jpg

Sophomore goalie Isak Posch on the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center practice rink on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025.

Mick Hatten / St. Cloud LIVE

Practicing on NHL-sized rink

One of the differences when players play on the Olympic-sized sheet versus the NHL-sized sheet is the reaction time. With the smaller NHL-sized sheet, there is quicker reaction time to plays.

There are numbers to back up that SCSU could use an NHL-sized practice rink. Last season,

the Huskies

were 9-8-1 at home and 5-13 on the road.

“You can see our team on the road, it takes us sometimes a period to get acclimated to the size of the rink,” said Larson, who recently completed his seventh season as SCSU’s head coach. “In our league, games are so tight and every game matters so much that you don’t want to take a period to get acclimated. You want to be ready to go.

“Having the ability to practice on an NHL-sized rink all week, I think puts us in a better position to be more successful when we go on the road. In the old days, and even in some of the time since I’ve been here, we would go over to the MAC or to Sartell to get on an NHL-sized sheet, especially in playoffs. It’s just not ideal and a great experience for the players. Having this setup now, the hybrid on the main and the NHL on the practice (rink), it’s going to be the perfect for us.”

Getting new boards and plexiglass is also going to help the facility.

“For safety concerns, the old boards in here don’t move at all,” Larson said. “For the aesthetics of the building, we’re finally going to get into the 21st century with the structure of our building. When you add in the new boards, glass and lighting, it’s going to spruce up the arena.”

Barrett Hall.jpg

St. Cloud State’s Barrett Hall (15) takes a shot on goal in a game against Bemidji State on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, at the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center in St. Cloud.

Contributed / Jason Soria, SCSU Athletics

There will be some adjustments for the St. Cloud State hockey players who train at the facility during the offseason. The construction project is likely to begin in April with the hope of having it ready to be used by the fall.

“It will be a little inconvenient for a summer, but there’s local ice in the area that our guys will be able to get on,” Larson said. “They’ll still have access to our weight room and locker room. We’ll just have to get through a short stretch of inconvenience, but it’s going to be well worth it.”

The Huskies, by the way, recently had their two-week summer camp at the Brooks Center. Larson said that all of the players on next season’s roster were able to make the camp other than goalies Patriks Berzins (Sabile, Latvia) and Yan Shostak (Minsk, Belarus) and

forward Verner Miettinen (Espoo, Finland).

All three of those players are from Europe and Larson does not ask overseas players to attend the camp. The camp is run mostly by SCSU strength and conditioning coach Jake Franczek and the players who will be seniors on next season’s roster.

“It’s a great chance for our freshmen to get in and get acclimated and get to know the team,” Larson said. “It’s also nice for the guys who are going to NHL development camps because they get training before they go off to those camps. Most of them will leave here the day after the draft.”

The NHL Draft will be held June 27-28 in Los Angeles.

SCSU will have five freshmen and three transfers join the team this fall.

The freshmen include forwards

Nolan Roed,

Noah Urness

and

Aiden Welch,

defenseman Tanner Henricks

and Shostak. The transfers are defensemen

Finn Loftus (Massachusetts)

and

Max Smolinski (RPI)

and

Berzins (Maine).

IMG_3737.jpg

Members of the St. Cloud State men’s hockey team work on special teams during practice on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, at the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center in St. Cloud. Players in white are the penalty killers.

Mick Hatten / St. Cloud LIVE

Mick Hatten

Mick Hatten is a reporter and editor for stcloudlive.com. He began working for Forum Communications in November 2018 for The Rink Live and has covered St. Cloud State University hockey since 2010. Besides covering Huskies hockey, he is also covering other sports at SCSU and high school sports. A graduate of St. Cloud State, he has more than 30 years of experience as a journalist and has been a youth hockey coach since 2014. mick@stcloudlive.com

For more coverage of St. Cloud and the surrounding communities, check out St. Cloud Live.





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LaNorris Sellers secures $3.7M NIL deal joining Arch Manning and Garrett Nussmeier as marketing powerhouse

Emerging Star in College Football LaNorris Sellers is not merely catching attention for his impressive performances on the field; he is also making significant strides in the world of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL). As he steps into the spotlight of college football in 2024, the South Carolina quarterback is proving that his influence extends […]

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Emerging Star in College Football

LaNorris Sellers is not merely catching attention for his impressive performances on the field; he is also making significant strides in the world of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL). As he steps into the spotlight of college football in 2024, the South Carolina quarterback is proving that his influence extends well beyond the gridiron. With a keen understanding of personal branding, Sellers is positioning himself as a formidable presence in the NIL landscape.

A New Era of Athlete Branding

The landscape of college athletics has transformed dramatically with the advent of NIL opportunities, allowing athletes to monetize their personal brands. Sellers, a redshirt freshman, has embraced this change with remarkable agility. His recent achievement—a staggering $3.7 million NIL deal—solidifies his status alongside other notable athletes like Arch Manning and Garrett Nussmeier. This partnership not only underscores his potential as a player but also highlights a broader trend where young athletes are leveraging their visibility for lucrative endorsements.

Strategic Moves Off the Field

Sellers’ ascent in the NIL arena reflects a strategic approach to his career. He has cultivated a brand that resonates with fans and sponsors alike, showcasing his charisma and marketability. By aligning himself with high-profile endorsements, he is not just securing financial gains but also establishing a lasting legacy that could influence future generations of athletes. His knack for navigating this new terrain speaks volumes about his business acumen and foresight.

The Impact of NIL on College Athletics

The implications of NIL deals extend far beyond individual athletes. As more players like Sellers capitalize on these opportunities, the dynamics of college sports are shifting. Programs are now tasked with not only developing talent on the field but also fostering an environment where athletes can thrive off it. This evolution is redefining what it means to be a student-athlete in today’s competitive landscape, where personal branding is as crucial as athletic performance.

Looking Ahead

As LaNorris Sellers continues to make headlines, his journey serves as a testament to the changing nature of college athletics. The significant NIL deal he has secured is not just a financial milestone; it is a signal of his potential to influence the sport and inspire others. With the right blend of talent and marketing savvy, Sellers is poised to leave an indelible mark on both the field and the business of sports.

In this new era, where athletes are increasingly seen as brands, Sellers’ story exemplifies the opportunities that await those who are willing to embrace change and innovate. As he navigates this exciting chapter of his career, the sports world will undoubtedly be watching closely, eager to see how he continues to evolve both as an athlete and a brand ambassador.



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Blackhawks Trade Back Into First Round to Draft Mason West

Last year, we thought the Chicago Blackhawks were done after selecting Sacha Boisvert 18th overall. However, they traded two second-round picks to the Carolina Hurricanes to get back in the first round and take Marek Vanacker at 27. History repeated itself on Friday, when they traded picks 34 and 62 in this year’s second round […]

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Last year, we thought the Chicago Blackhawks were done after selecting Sacha Boisvert 18th overall. However, they traded two second-round picks to the Carolina Hurricanes to get back in the first round and take Marek Vanacker at 27. History repeated itself on Friday, when they traded picks 34 and 62 in this year’s second round and a fifth-round pick in 2027 to get the 29th pick from the Hurricanes. They used the pick to select center Mason West out of Edina High School in Minnesota.

West is a dual-sport athlete, playing quarterback for Edina and also starring on the ice. He’s a big 6-foot-6, 207-pound player who doesn’t turn 18 until August. He will be a long-term project, but you can take a swing when you’ve already made two first-round picks.

West will play for the Fargo Force in the USHL after football season next fall, and is committed to Michigan State University for the 2026-27 season. While his size is his most noticeable attribute, scouts are big on his vision and anticipation. He makes plays on both sides of the puck, is strong on the back check, and is never afraid to throw his weight around.

Offensively, he has a strong shot with a quick release, but he is more of a playmaker at this point in his career. West uses his long strides to get his transition game going through the neutral zone quickly. He has good vision, but does need work on his decision-making process. He has plenty of time to develop these skills in the USHL and college over the next couple of seasons.




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