One of the perks of working at a Catholic school is discovering ways to incorporate faith into academics.

That’s exactly what Venus D. Spain has done with her freshman biology class at Cardinal Ritter College Prep High School. This past school year, she invited students to attend Mass at her parish, St. Peter Claver, which was followed up with a reflection paper on the “biology of God.”

Students were asked to make a connection between biology — the scientific study of life and living organisms — and what they’ve learned in theology class.

“It was, what’s the correlation, where does the faith fit into their study of science and the theology that they learned?” she said. “The Eucharist was a big part of that connection.”

It’s one example of how Spain integrates faith into her work as a science teacher at Cardinal Ritter. Earlier this month, the St. Charles Lwanga Center honored Spain with the Father Ed Feuerbacher Lifetime Achievement Award at its annual Testimonial Dinner and Celebration. She was one of several who were honored for their contributions in the community.

A career in education wasn’t originally in Spain’s plans, but as a student at Xavier University in the 1990s, she became involved in several youth-focused programs and helped coach basketball. It was there that a fellow coach encouraged her to pursue teaching.

Once she returned to St. Louis, Spain continued to coach youth sports and was hired as a third-grade teacher at the former Bishop Healy School. Three years later, she received a call from former Cardinal Ritter principal Carmelle Hall, who asked her if she’d consider a job teaching high school science. She recently celebrated her 25th anniversary at the school. In addition to freshman biology, she also teaches genetics to juniors and seniors.

In her nomination for the award, Spain was described as having aspired, inspired, and empowered her students to achieve their best and as modeling the threefold mission of Cardinal Ritter: academic excellence, leadership and faith development.

Spain said that the most rewarding part of her career has been being able to practice her Catholic faith through education.

Biology is largely focused on the characteristics of living things, but students also understand it through the lens of faith, she said. “We begin with cells, but they know there is a higher power connected to our whole formation as living human beings,” she said. “God formed us, and He formed this earth and living things in six, seven days, and He saw that it was good, right? He gave us the ability to think, to take care of all the other living creatures, and it is our responsibility to make sure that we’re doing that.”

Spain has been inspired in faith by the women of her parish and her late mother, Elizabeth Spain, who taught her that daily devotion, prayer, and service to God would manifest in abundant blessings. Over the years, she’s served at several parishes as an acolyte, an extraordinary minister of the Eucharist and a youth Sunday school leader. At St. Peter Claver, she’s involved in the Sister Antona Ebo Women’s Ministry.

Spain, who recently assisted with tornado recovery efforts, said it’s not about the things she has done but the blessings she’s received from God through the people and she’s encountered throughout her life, whether that’s at school, in church or in the community.

“I am really humbled that I was nominated to receive this award, and I just think there’s more to do,” she said. “I’m starting to realize that there’s more than I can do beyond my church.”

Father Carl Scheble also lifetime honoree

Father Carl Scheble was honored with the Father Ed Feuerbacher Lifetime Achievement Award from the St. Charles Lwanga Center in June.

Father Scheble was raised in the former Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in the Baden neighborhood of north St. Louis. He later attended the former Prep North High School in Florissant, where he felt a calling to the priesthood.

After ordination in 1983, Father Scheble spent 18 years of his priesthood serving several predominantly African-American parishes on the northside of St. Louis, including Holy Rosary, Visitation-St. Ann and St. Elizabeth, Mother of John the Baptist. In all, he’s been a parish priest for 41 years, serving in urban, suburban and rural parishes across the archdiocese.

In 2023, he was named archdiocesan vicar general and moderator of the curia (the archdiocesan staff). He works closely with the episcopal vicars who oversee the archdiocese’s three vicariates (groupings of parishes within the archdiocese) to provide parish support and administration.

The Lwanga Center played an instrumental role in introducing him to the Black Catholic community, he said. Through the center, he became involved in youth and young adult ministry, marriage prep and the National Black Catholic Congress, among other activities. He also heard speakers hosted by Lwanga, including the late Benedictine Father Cyprian Davis, a prolific chronicler of black Catholic history, and Sister Thea Bowman.

“There were just incredible experiences that the Lwanga Center afforded me that I would have never had otherwise,” Father Scheble said. “For me, as a white clergyman, it was wonderfully formative.”

Father Scheble has overseen several parish mergers over the years, which he said is always a difficult process. However, at the same time, he has always felt welcomed by each parish community he has served.

“Coming as a priest … I was brought into their families, literally,” he said. “What a blessing to experience that.”

Lwanga Center awardees

Fr. Edward F. Feuerbacher Lifetime Achievement: Venus D. Spain and Father Carl Scheble

Trailblazer Award: Sister Gail Guelker, SSND, and Lynn Woolfolk

Torch Bearer Award: Jesuits of the Central and Southern Province, USA

Leon Henderson Award: Jessica Pou

Parish adult, young adult and youth honorees

Christ the King: Mimi Taylor-Hendrix (adult)

St. Ann: Dr. James Paunicka (adult); Ke’Von Reynolds (youth)

St. Josephine Bakhita: Sister Janice Munier, SSND (adult); Markus Willem Dowdy (posthumously, young adult)

St. Norbert: Jane Kariuki (adult); Kadin A.J. Anderson (youth)

St. Peter Claver: Rosalind Williams (adult); Andrea Lowe (young adult); Kennedy Thomas (youth)

Parents, it is not just your imagination – you are spending more time, money and resources on your kids’ sports activities than moms and dads from previous generations.

A new nationwide study found that these trends are particularly pronounced for those parents who are highly educated, those immersed in sports cultures and those whose kids are highly committed to sports activities.

“Our findings suggest that recent changes in youth sport and parenting cultures have prompted parents to invest more time and money in their children’s athletic activities,” said Chris Knoester, lead author of the study and professor of sociology at The Ohio State University.

“Since the 1980s, supporting a child’s athletic development has appeared to have required levels – or at least felt pressures – of involvement not demanded of parents in previous generations.”

Knoester conducted the study with Chris Bjork, professor of education at Vassar College.  The research was published online recently in the journal Leisure/Loisir.

This study is one of the first to provide evidence of what parents have been talking about with each other for years, Bjork said.

“We’ve heard these stories about how parents are spending so much time going to their kids’ athletic events, spending more money, going all in. But it wasn’t clear if these were just stories,” Bjork said.

“Now we have some empirical evidence that parents aren’t wrong about this. Things have changed.”

The study used survey data on 3,993 adults who participated in the National Sports and Society Survey (NSASS), sponsored by Ohio State’s Sports and Society Initiative. Those surveyed volunteered to participate through the American Population Panel, run by Ohio State’s Center for Human Resource Research. Participants, who came from all 50 states, answered the survey online between the fall of 2018 and spring of 2019.

Participants were asked questions about how often their parents attended their athletic events (on a scale from “never” to “every day or nearly every day”), how much they supported their sports participation through coaching, providing transportation, etc. (from “never” to “every day or nearly every day”) and how much money their parents spent on their sports participation (from “none” to “a lot”), in a typical year, while they were growing up.

Respondents were born beginning in the 1950s through the 1990s, and were 21 years or older when surveyed, so this study essentially covered youth sport experiences from the 1960s through about 2015.

Results showed that participants from nearly every generation who had better-educated parents said their moms and dads attended more sporting events than did those with lower levels of education. But that difference increased over time.

For those born in the 1950s, most participants said their parents attended their sporting events on average a few times a year, in a typical year, while they were growing up.

But for those born in the 1990s, it was closer to an average of once a month for those with lower levels of education up to about once a week for those whose parents had a college degree.

Families who were most immersed in sports culture showed a slight increase in parental sports attendance over generations, but of course they started at a much higher level and didn’t have as much room to rise. They were already attending more than once a week for their children born in the 1950s and rose to nearly every day for those children born in the 1990s.

Similar generational trends were found in how much parents supported sports participation and how much they spent on sporting activities.

Most participants throughout the generations said their parents only spent “a little bit” of money for them to play sports in a typical year. But the youngest generations, especially those from families of higher socioeconomic (SES) status, were more likely to say their families spent “some” on sports for them. Respondents who were highly immersed in sports culture reported that their parents spent “quite a bit,” in a typical year.

Many of the changes found in the study seemed to accelerate beginning for children born in the 1980s and continuing through the 1990s, said Bjork, who is co-author of the book More Than Just a Game: How the Youth Sports Industry Is Changing the Way We Parent and What to Do About It.

This corresponded with societal shifts in parenting and an emphasis on “intensive parenting.”

“There’s been this intensification of parenting over the past 50 years or so that has seen a shift of parents from casual supporters to managers of their kids’ extracurricular lives,” Bjork said.

Parents have done this in part because schools have cut back on how much they spend on sports and higher SES families have put more resources into helping their kids succeed in sports.

“Parents see this as a way to enhance their kids’ resumes as they are applying for college or trying to get a job,” Knoester said.

“It has been this convergence of an increased emphasis on intensive parenting, reduced public support for sports participation and a stark rise in a mostly privatized youth sports industry. It has all led to higher levels of parents’ involvement in their children’s sports participation, especially among higher SES families.”

• The coach, Jerry Otero, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault charges and received probation after punching the umpire, James Neely, breaking his jaw.
• The verdict includes compensatory and punitive damages, addressing Neely’s medical expenses, pain, suffering, and deterring future incidents of violence at youth sporting events.
• Neely, who has since retired from umpiring baseball but continues to referee soccer, hopes the verdict will promote a safer environment for children in youth sports.

A youth baseball umpire in his 70s who was assaulted by a Little League coach three years ago when he suffered a broken jaw and a concussion has been awarded a $650,000 verdict.

The verdict in favor of Middlesex Borough resident James Neely was reached June 10 in a bench trial before Middlesex County Superior Court Judge Christopher Rafano, according to court officials.

Neely, then 72, was umpiring a game at White Oak Park in Branchburg on June 4, 2022 when an assistant coach, Jerry Otero, 43, of Staten Island, became upset over a call and spent several innings harassing and cursing at Neely, according to Andrew L. O’Connor, the Nagel Rice firm lawyer who handled Neely’s civil lawsuit.

Neely ejected Otero from the game and Otero responded by entering the field and struck Neely in the face.

Neely suffered a concussion and fractures to his jaw which had to be wired shut. O’Connor said his client, now 75, still has residual pain in his jaw and has difficulty eating certain foods and will require monitoring for the rest of his life to make sure his jaw doesn’t further shift.

Otero was charged by the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office with third-degree aggravated assault and fourth-degree assault at a youth sports event. O’Connor said Otero pleaded guilty to the criminal charges and was sentenced to five years’ probation. Otero has been barred from future coaching positions, according to O’Connor.

O’Connor said Otero, who was 40 at the time of the incident, testified during the trial and admitted he hit Neely, but said he didn’t hit him that hard to cause the damage his client suffered. O’Connor said there was a big size and strength difference between the two men. He said Otero is over 6 feet tall and about 280 pounds while Neely is about 5-foot-6 and 140 pounds.

The case stemmed from a game at a United States Amateur Baseball League tournament where the New York Prospects, based in Staten Island, were playing. Otero was a coach for the Prospects.

Neely’s lawsuit originally named the New York Prospects, the United States Amateur Baseball League and Frank Cambria, president of the New York Prospects, as defendants. O’Connor said they settled for a confidential amount prior to trial.

O’Connor said the $650,000 verdict included $500,000 in compensatory damages and $150,000 in punitive damages which will come from Otero’s assets, not insurance. O’Connor said the verdict will cover his client’s medical expenses as well as his pain and suffering.

“People’s behavior at youth travel sports have become completely out of control. This verdict sends a strong message that this type of outrageous conduct will not be allowed at youth sporting events,” O’Connor said. “You can’t have coaches beating up senior-citizen umpires in front of a bunch of 12- and 13-years-olds. It’s just completely unacceptable. Coaches are supposed to set a good example for the kids, provide a safe environment for the kids to learn, grow and have fun with their friends.”

O’Connor said Neely became involved in youth sports and umpiring after retiring from his job.

“It was a big part of his life. He liked being out with the kids and helping them grow and learn,” O’Connor said, adding that after the incident his wife made him promise to never umpire baseball again, a promise he has kept, even after her death. He does still referee soccer games, O’Connor said.

Neely said the focus needs to be on the kids.

“We need to ensure that youth sports remain a place for them to learn and grow in a safe environment. I hope this verdict will prevent any future events from occurring,” he said.

Email: srussell@gannettnj.com

Suzanne Russell is a breaking news reporter for MyCentralJersey.com covering crime, courts and other mayhem. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

Originally published on DICK’S Sporting Goods Sideline Report

June 11 marked a historic first for DICK’S Sporting Goods and The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation. Twenty DICK’S House of Sport locations nationwide came alive with energy, excitement and sport for the inaugural “Sports Matter Day of Play”. As part of the festivities The DICK’S Foundation invited youth organizations from communities across the country to participate in a day dedicated to celebrating play, access and opportunity in sports at their local DICK’S House of Sport location.

This first-of-its-kind event was designed to give young athletes the chance to explore and experience new sports. From soccer drills in Boston to softball swings in Miami, each House of Sport became a vibrant, hands-on arena where kids could discover the joy of play. Designed to be inclusive and engaging, the activities encouraged curiosity and confidence in a variety of sports. For many, it was their very first time holding a lacrosse stick, swinging a golf club or rock climbing with encouragement from local coaches and mentors.

“There is nothing better than seeing kids light up when they get to play a sport for the first time,” said Rick Jordan, VP of The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation. “Thats what the day was all about, getting to create those moments and showing young athletes that they belong on the field, the court or wherever their passion leads them.”

In addition to a fun day of play at House of Sport, participating organizations also received a Sports Matter grant from The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation, to help ensure that their vital work in the community can continue to thrive. The grants underscore The Foundation’s ongoing mission to provide access and equity in youth sports, one athlete at a time. Since 2014, DICK’S Sporting Goods and The DICK’S Foundation has helped over 3 million kids and committed over $100 million to support young athletes with equipment, registration fees, league costs and playing fields through its Sports Matter Program.

“To have our organization recognized and supported today means a lot to us,” said Jamaal Wornum, CEO and Founder of One Love Sports Academy in Boston. “The kids had a blast trying new sports and events like these are a game-changer for our program that will keep more kids doing what they love.”

The Full List of Participating Organizations and DICK’S House of Sport Locations includes:

• Flyght Academy (Dayton, OH)
• Boys & Girls Club of SEVA (Chesapeake, VA)
• We ALL-EN Foundation and Pitreboyz Foundation (Katy, TX)
• Tulsa Dream Center (Tulsa, OK)
• Boston SCORES and One Love Sports Academy (Boston, MA)
• Bolder Options and Girl’s On The Run (Minnetonka, MN)
• Emerald Youth Foundation (Knoxville, TN)
• Houston reVision (Baybrook, TX)
• Rochester City Soccer (Victor, NY)
• Play Ball Foundation (Salem, MA)
• Girl Scouts of Western Oklahoma and Oklahoma Adaptive Sports Association (Oklahoma City, OK)
• Boys & Girls Club Capital Region (Latham, NY)
• Friendly House (Davenport, IA)
• Sulfur Springs YMCA (Tampa, FL)
• Champaign Parks District (Champaign, IL)
• Pembroke Pines YMCA (Miami, FL)
• Rodney Street Tennis (Brandywine, PA)
• Boys & Girls Club of Binghamton and Police Athletic League of Binghamton (Johnson City, NY)
• Girls on the Run (Scranton, PA)
• Primetime Elite Bulldogs and Two-Six Elite (Fayetteville, NC)

Written by Peyton Moriarity

HARRISBURG – Rep. Jamie Flick (R-Lycoming/Union) announced that Aug. 17–23, 2025, will be recognized as Little League World Series Week in Pennsylvania. The designation follows the successful passage of a resolution he sponsored, which was approved by an overwhelming majority in the House of Representatives.

Each year tens of thousands of visitors from around the world travel to South Williamsport for the Little League Baseball World Series.

“Teams from Canada to Cuba, Texas to Taiwan, and Pennsylvania to Puerto Rico compete to become world champions,” Flick said. “Little League was founded in 1939 in Williamsport and has since become the largest youth organization in the world. I’m honored to help spotlight this incredible tradition and the positive impact it continues to have on young athletes, families and our community.”

Flick, who has not missed a Little League World Series for more than 50 years, was joined by Patrick Wilson, president of Little League; Marlin Angelo, mayor of South Williamsport; Derek Slaughter, mayor of Williamsport; Patrick Marty, chief Government and International Relations officer at Pennsylvania College of Technology at the state Capitol when the resolution was passed.

“Every year, the world turns its attention to Williamsport and the Little League World Series,” Wilson said. “As the trusted leader in youth sports, we’re proud to call Pennsylvania our home and thank Rep. Flick for his support in this recognition. We are looking forward to welcoming communities, players, and fans from across the globe this summer for another memorable event.”

“On behalf of Williamsport, I want to thank Rep. Flick for his support in passing the resolution officially recognizing Little League World Series Week,” Slaughter said. “The Little League World Series not only honors the spirit of youth sports and America’s pastime in its purest form but also brings a significant economic boost to our region each year. We are proud to share this tradition with the world.”

“Pennsylvania College of Technology has long advocated for Little League Baseball, and we were proud to witness passage of legislation launching Little League World Series Week in Pennsylvania,” Marty said. “Penn College’s partnership with the world’s premier youth sports program continues as strong as ever, an affiliation that includes: the college hosting an annual picnic on campus for players, coaches and umpires; sponsoring a Grand Slam Parade float; providing nearly 20,000 meals for players through the efforts of hospitality students and faculty; offering health care services during the Little League World Series, provided by students and faculty in health sciences programs; and employees serving as umpires for games and exhibitions.”

Now, let’s get ready to PLAY BALL!

Representative Jamie Flick


83rd District


Pennsylvania House of Representatives


Media Contact: Andrew Forgotch


717.772.9905


aforgotch@pahousegop.com


RepFlick.com

FARMVILLE, Va. – Longwood men’s soccer will host two different camps this summer. The team will host a youth camp from July 14-17 after hosting a college ID camp on July 12. Both events will be held at the Longwood Athletic Complex on Johnston Drive, the home field of the Lancers.
 
The youth camp will run Monday to Thursday, July 14-17 in the morning from 9 a.m. to noon. The camp is open to kids from the ages of four to 14, and it costs $125.
 
Check-in begins at 9 a.m., and campers will work on the fundamentals with the Longwood men’s soccer coaching staff. Following a break, campers will play games as well to provide an opportunity to put skills into practice.
 
The college ID camp will take place in the afternoon on Saturday, July 12, running from 1-5 p.m. The cost is $85, and it is designed for high school players who aspire to play at the college level.
 
The camp will feature a chance to train with the Longwood coaching staff and experience the pace of the collegiate game, with campers able to showcase their talent in a competitive environment.
 
All Longwood University camps and clinics are open to any and all entrants, and are only limited by the number, age, grade level or gender described.
 
#GoWood #HorsePower