Football
7/2/2025 2:42:00 PM

Michael Abdella – Assistant AD for Strategic Communications

There are many ways collegiate student-athletes can spend their summers: staying in shape, gaining first-hand experience for the future career, and learning skills that will set them up for post-college life, to name a few. This summer, rising junior William Howell has found a way to do both each of these through an internship with the one of the top NCAA Division I football programs in the country.

Since the end of May, Howell has been a football strength and conditioning intern with the University of Georgia football program, which won the Southeastern Conference (SEC) championship and finished the season ranked No. 2 in the College Football Playoff rankings. As a kinesiology major, this internship has allowed Howell to gain valuable hands-on experience in his field in a setting with some of the biggest names and faces in the college football world.

Howell’s path to the internship started in an Intro to Kinesiology class he took in the fall when a speaker from a private performance training facility came in one day to talk to the class and answer questions. At the end of the class, Howell introduced himself and told him he was interested in an internship, which led to an internship during St. Olaf’s January Term, a one-month period where students focus on one class or internship.

During January, Howell learned that one of the coaches he was working with had done the internship at the University of Georgia and asked for more information. After reviewing the opportunities that were available for internships, Howell decided he was most interested in the one at Georgia. Before applying, he visited the Piper Center for Vocation and Career – which helps St. Olaf students explore careers, gain experience outside of the classroom, and pursue meaningful post-graduate work – to develop a resume, cover letter, and references. Later, he received a call from the intern coordinator at Georgia and was offered the position.

Howell credits St. Olaf Assistant Athletic Director for Athletic Performance John Waters and the Kinesiology Department for helping him secure the internship.

“Coach Waters introduced me to a high standard for the operations of a collegiate strength program,” Howell said. “With his help, and advising from others in the Kinesiology Department, I feel that I was prepared to take on this internship.”

In Georgia, Howell is part of a staff that includes five full-time strength coaches and roughly 15 interns, who help run the summer strength program for the Bulldogs. Most days, Howell arrives at the facility around 6 a.m. to prepare for the workouts or runs the team will complete that day. This may mean preparing power racks for lifts, setting out cardio equipment and stations for team conditioning, or preparing hydration stations for the athletes.

Once the team arrives, Howell and the other interns direct them to their stations, ensure they have the correct weight loaded for their exercises, spot for the lifts, and help with whatever else is most urgent. When the workout is complete, they clean up and reset the room, so it is ready for the next day.

As someone who aspires to have a future career in strength and conditioning, Howell has gained significant insight into the field during his time in Georgia.

“This opportunity has shown me a lot about what it takes to be a strength coach,” he said. “You need to be passionate, punctual, and dependable. At this level of competition, there are very high expectations for everyone involved. From the head coach to the student support staff, everyone is expected to give their best every day. Additionally, my time here has enabled me to practice many skills that I can use in the future, and I have improved my communication skills and attention to detail.”

Howell’s internship runs through July 31 and has cemented his hope to one day work with athletes at high levels of competition, while helping him learn important skills that will carry over when he returns to The Hill.

“The emphasis on dependability and accountability that I am practicing this summer will surely help my down the line as a student-athlete,” he said. “Being proactive and having the ability to adapt to difficult circumstances are essential to being successful as a student and as a football player at St. Olaf.”

 

BALTIMORE — Jarrett Gentles set a school record at Coppin State in the 400m hurdles before qualifying for the NCAA track and field championships in Eugene, Oregon, where he finished in 9th place.

“My first time being there felt like I belonged there, stepping on the track. Definitely electrifying stadium. Everybody was loud and it was a great run,” Gentles said.

The senior athlete also received 2nd team All-American honors, becoming only the 3rd Coppin State Eagle in that event to achieve that distinction.

“That accolade means everything because like as I said, like looking back in high school I was able to become an all-American my last year also in high school like senior year so like knowing that it was my last year collegiately competing,” Gentles said.

But the grind doesn’t stop for Gentles. There’s an even bigger goal he’s shooting for.

“One of my biggest goals was to try for the world championship team and stuff like that, get a chance at it. With the time I ran this season, I did qualify to go to U.S. trials, so I’m taking my chances with that. It starts, I think July 31st, August 1st, so I’m training for that right now until I get a chance to make the world team,” Gentles said.

His hard work is paying off as he pursues his dreams.

“I’ve been working so hard that now it’s finally like blossoming into something that is the deserving and I feel like I stay the same, like stay down, stay committed to the goals of like, you know, training every day max potential 100%, and I just keep grinding,” he said.

Even though he’s no longer running for Coppin State, Gentles has one more year left as a grad student. He’ll still be around aiming for a professional career.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) and sports broadcaster Cignal have agreed to extend their partnership for another five years, covering UAAP Seasons 89 through 93. This renewal continues a collaboration that began in 2020, positioning Cignal as the official broadcast partner of the country’s premier collegiate sports league.

Cignal has been delivering extensive UAAP coverage through multiple platforms, including free-to-air broadcasts on One Sports and the high-definition UAAP Varsity Channel, the nation’s only 24/7 channel dedicated to varsity sports. In 2023, the partnership expanded to over-the-top (OTT) streaming via Pilipinas Live, enabling Filipino fans worldwide to follow UAAP action.

UAAP Season 88 President Fr. Rodel S. Cansnacio highlighted the impact of Cignal’s coverage, saying it has elevated the league by offering high-quality broadcasts and telling the stories of student-athletes with passion and depth. “Our student-athletes deserve the biggest stage possible,” he said, emphasizing the shared goal of growing varsity sports.

Cignal President and CEO Jane Jimenez-Basas expressed enthusiasm for the renewed deal, noting the company’s commitment to showcasing the UAAP and enhancing the experience for sports fans everywhere. “This collaboration is all about sharing the journey of our young student-athletes,” she said.

UAAP Executive Director Atty. Rene Andrei Q. Saguisag acknowledged the challenges overcome during the initial partnership, which launched amid the pandemic, and expressed eagerness to strengthen the union further in the coming years.

The renewed agreement ensures continued focus on marquee sports such as men’s basketball, women’s volleyball, and cheerdance, while also spotlighting emerging sports including women’s basketball, men’s volleyball, football, beach volleyball, baseball, softball, streetdance, badminton, and esports.

Moving forward, Cignal plans to deepen its coverage of the UAAP calendar with more live events, original features, documentaries, and digital-first content designed to bring fans closer to the action both in the Philippines and abroad.

ALSO READ: Over 500 Players to Compete in PH National Badminton Open

USA Water Polo Announces Men’s Roster for World Championships

USA Water Polo Men’s National Team head coach Dejan Udovicic has announced the roster of 15 athletes selected for competition at the upcoming 2025 World Aquatics World Championships set for July 11-24 in Singapore. Only 14 athletes will be eligible for each match and they will be determined prior to each game day.

Team USA has been drawn into Group C where the action begins Friday, July 11 when the United States opens play against Canada at 7:35 p.m. (pacific time). They’ll also meet Brazil and Singapore in group play. Live streaming of the World Championships will be available on Peacock (login required). It’s already been an exciting summer for the Men’s National Team program as the USA Men’s Junior National Team earned silver at the World Aquatics U20 World Championship last month in Croatia.

USA Water Polo

This event marks the Senior World Championship debut for seven athletes on Team USA including: Dominic Brown, Ryan Ohl, Connor Ohl, Jack Larsen, Ben Liechty, Bernardo Herzer and Nicolas Saveljic. Two-time Olympians Max Irving, Dylan Woodhead, Marko Vavic and Hannes Daube anchor a squad that features seven returners from the 2024 Olympic Team that won bronze last summer in Paris.

For more information on the 2025 World Aquatics World Championships, click here to visit the homepage. Be sure to follow @USAWP on social media for updates throughout the competition.

2025 World Aquatics World Championships Roster (14 athletes to be selected prior to each match)
Adrian Weinberg (Los Angeles, CA/California/Panathinaikos/Pride)
Ryan Ohl (Greenwich, CT/Stanford/Greenwich Aquatics)
Benjamin Liechty (Newport Beach, CA/UCLA/Newport Beach WPC)
Nicolas Saveljic (Kotor, Montenegro/UCLA/The Olympic Club)
Hannes Daube (Long Beach, CA/USC/Apollon Smyrnis/NYAC)
Dominic Brown (Concord, CA/California/LA Athletic Club)
Jack Larsen (Orinda, CA/UCLA/Pro Recco)
Dylan Woodhead (San Anselmo, CA/Stanford/Vouliagmeni/SHAQ)
Jake Ehrhardt (Camarillo, CA/USC/LA Athletic Club)
Chase Dodd (Long Beach, CA/UCLA/Vanguard)
Ryder Dodd (Long Beach, CA/UCLA/Mission WPC)
Max Irving (Long Beach, CA/UCLA/Pro Recco/NYAC)
Bernardo Herzer (Los Angeles, CA/USC/LA Athletic Club)
Marko Vavic (Rancho Palos Verdes, CA/USC/Savona/NYAC)
Connor Ohl (Newport Beach, CA/Newport Beach HS/Newport Beach WPC)

Head Coach – Dejan Udovicic
Assistant Coaches – Gavin Arroyo, Matt Ustaszewski, and Jack Kocur
Video Coach – John McBride
Team Manager – Paulina Bui
Sports Medicine Manager – Chris Bates

2025 World Aquatics World Championships Schedule (subject to change)
July 11 – vs Canada 7:35pm pt
July 13 – vs Brazil 6:00pm pt
July 16 – at Singapore 4:10am pt
July 18 – Crossover Round
July 20 – Quarterfinal Round
July 22 – Semifinal Round
July 24 – Final Round

The above press release was provided to Swimming World by USA Water Polo

Exercising in the warmer weather is a welcome respite from winter, but summer workouts bring their challenges, including dehydration.

For most people, 64 ounces of water each day is recommended for good health, but this varies with activity level, climate, and individual needs, according to sports medicine physician Hallie Zwibel, D.O.

However, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American adults average a daily water consumption of just 44 ounces, while children and adolescents average only 23 ounces.

“Being dehydrated is more than just feeling thirsty—it means your body doesn’t have enough water to function properly,” says Zwibel, assistant dean of clinical operations, associate professor, and director of the Center for Sports Medicine at the College of Osteopathic Medicine. “It’s important to listen to your body’s signals and adjust your water intake based on factors like activity level and weather conditions.”

Signs of serious dehydration include extreme thirst, dark urine, dizziness, confusion, and rapid heartbeat, according to Zwibel. “If you experience these symptoms, drink water immediately and seek medical attention if symptoms persist,” he says. Chronic dehydration (when dehydration appears for longer periods) may indicate serious underlying health issues such as diabetes, kidney problems, or certain medications affecting your body’s fluid balance, he adds.

Zwibel emphasizes that while electrolyte packets can help replenish essential minerals lost through sweat, they should not replace daily water intake. Electrolyte-infused water should be consumed in addition to the daily recommended amount.

For those ages 21 and older, alcohol can contribute to dehydration as well because it strips the body of fluids, Zwibel says. “To counteract these effects, I recommend having a glass of water every 30 minutes, which will help continually replenish any fluids lost,” he advises.

“This summer, whether you’re playing an outdoor sport like pickleball or beach volleyball, or headed out for a run, it’s essential to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water before, during, and after the activity,” says Zwibel.

The physician notes that wearing sunscreen, a hat, and light-colored clothing can also protect against the sun’s rays and reduce the risk of overheating; while taking regular breaks in the shade can help you stay cool and safely maintain exercise performance. “On the hottest days, try to schedule your workout or activity for the early morning or evening when temperatures are cooler,” he adds.

Florida National University’s Brenda Bogle has been named the Continental Athletic Conference’s Sports Information Director of the Year for the 2024-25 athletic season.

Bogle completed her third season leading the Conquistadors’ communications efforts and has provided stability in that area to a college that previously had four SIDs over a four-year period.

Her FNU responsibilities include providing gameday statistics, writing game recap articles and managing media and social media for the department’s 13 varsity programs. In 2024-25, Bogle helped the university host the CAC Outdoor Track & Field Championships, distributing results, photos and awards to conference leaders and fellow SIDs of member schools.

In the summer of 2024, Bogle organized and constructed a new athletics website through SIDEARM Sports to serve as a historical data resource. She assembled composite rosters, schedules, box scores, articles and coaching staff information dating back to the 2013 season.

Bogle is receiving the CAC SID of the Year award for the first time in her career. She is a University of Florida graduate, earning a bachelor’s degree in journalism with a specialization in sports and media.