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The Chase Meidroth

They’re middle infielders. They’re short (for baseball players). They’re contact hitters. But the comparisons between Chase Meidroth and Nick Madrigal need to stop there. The White Sox recently selected the contract of second baseman/shortstop Chase Meidroth, and while his early performance has been unspectacular, he has stood out amongst his much further from spectacular peers. […]

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The Chase Meidroth

They’re middle infielders. They’re short (for baseball players). They’re contact hitters. But the comparisons between Chase Meidroth and Nick Madrigal need to stop there.

The White Sox recently selected the contract of second baseman/shortstop Chase Meidroth, and while his early performance has been unspectacular, he has stood out amongst his much further from spectacular peers. A thumb injury led to a stint on the injured list, but the White Sox activated Meidroth on Thursday. In Meidroth’s first nine games, he has hit .267/.389/.300 for a .689 OPS and 111 wRC+ with a stolen base and solid defense at both of his positions. Of course, this is a very odd and unsustainable line — the .389 on-base percentage is fantastic but very unlikely to hold, while the .300 slugging percentage is quite low even for Meidroth, a career .414 slugger in the minor leagues.

From that description alone, it is easy to see why White Sox fans may compare him to former prospect and current New York Mets infielder Nick Madrigal. When the White Sox drafted Madrigal with the fourth overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft, Madrigal was touted as a contact-oriented infielder with strong defense. (It’s worth noting that reports on Madrigal’s defense were always mixed, but the height of rebuild optimism shielded him from some of those opinions.)

There is some validity to the idea that Meidroth is who Madrigal was supposed to be. Especially on defense, Meidroth appears to be a much smoother infielder with more range and (so far) fewer mental gaffes. Those who paid attention to Madrigal’s defense in the minor leagues might have seen some of his shortcomings in advance, but Meidroth’s defense in the high minors has been less of an issue. However, as hitters, the comparisons between the two have become overdone.

There are two major differences between Chase Meidroth and Nick Madrigal as prospects, other than defense. One is power — while neither player has significant power at the plate, Meidroth has hit 23 home runs in 1,187 minor league plate appearances, or one home run per 51.6 plate appearances. In Madrigal’s 705 minor league plate appearances before his MLB promotion, he hit four home runs — one per 176.3 plate appearances. In other words, Meidroth hits a home run 3.4 times more frequently than Madrigal. Neither player is a power hitter, but Madrigal has essentially as little power as a professional baseball player can have. In contrast, Meidroth’s lack of power is far less of a detriment.

But the biggest difference between the two players as prospects is in their on-base skills. While Madrigal got on base at high rates as a White Sox prospect, his .370 OBP was largely driven by hits, considering his 7.2% walk rate. On the other hand, Meidroth’s .425 minor league OBP includes a 17.4% walk rate, more than double that of Madrigal. Meidroth has stated that he approaches each plate appearance with the goal of getting on base, and while he may strike out more than Madrigal as a result, the end result is a more complete player. (This was an obvious red flag for Madrigal, even when he was drafted.)

Brushing off the differences between Meidroth and Madrigal’s power, patience, and even defense to compare them is lazy, considering the staggering disparities in the first two areas in particular. “Nick Madrigal with 3x more power” is a fundamentally different player. “Nick Madrigal with 2.5x more walks” is a fundamentally different player. Put both of these together, and the player is even less similar to Madrigal. (In fairness, one needs to add “5x as many strikeouts” to this comparison too, but Meidroth still strikes out less frequently than the average hitter, and he walks more than he strikes out.)

The comparison between the two players will not die because they are both smaller infielders on (or formerly on) the White Sox who make a lot of contact. But when you dive deeper into their profiles, it is obvious that Meidroth and Madrigal are actually not very similar as players, as Madrigal’s utter lack of power, walks, or strikeouts make him more of an outlier. A player who strikes out far more often (but still at a lower rate than average), but with significantly better on-base skills, much more power, and stronger defense is better equipped for the modern game.

Be sure to follow us on social media @SoxOn35th for more!

Featured Photo: © Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images

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Week in review: Nebraska volleyball fills out 2027 recruiting class | Husker Red Zone

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All-Metro boys golfer of the year

By Greg Uptain | Special to the Post-Dispatch The 2025 Post-Dispatch All-Metro spring series continues with boys golf. This includes players from both the Illinois fall season and Missouri… A sudden change in some important equipment didn’t faze Harrison Zipfel. Just prior to the Class 5 boys golf state tournament in May, the St. Louis […]

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Meet the 2025 All-Metro boys golf team

The 2025 Post-Dispatch All-Metro spring series continues with boys golf. This includes players from both the Illinois fall season and Missouri…

A sudden change in some important equipment didn’t faze Harrison Zipfel.

Just prior to the Class 5 boys golf state tournament in May, the St. Louis University High junior decided to switch things up with his putter and the results were nothing short of spectacular.

“Yeah, at state my putting was phenomenal,” Zipfel said. “I was looking back on the first day, and on the last 16 holes, I don’t think I missed a putt inside of 20 feet. So, it’s hard not to go low when you’re doing that, especially on a course that was pretty forgivable to begin with.”

Zipfel went low indeed, firing a sizzling 8-under-par 64 in the first round and finishing with a two-day score of 12-under 132 to capture individual medalist honors at Rivercut Golf Course in Springfield.

It is believed to be the lowest state tournament score ever recorded in Missouri and put an emphatic cap on a sensational season that earned him All-Metro boys golfer of the year honors.

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“He won the first tournament of the season that we host at the Missouri Bluffs (the Bantle Memorial), where he shot 69 out of the block, so he was very consistent,” SLUH coach Jim Knoesel said. “He played well pretty much every time out, so I wasn’t surprised by anything that he did.”

Zipfel’s incredible two rounds of state golf was part of a larger standout effort by the entire Junior Billikens squad in capturing the program’s first state title in 73 years.

Also, Zipfel earned the first state medalist title for a SLUH player since Kevin Knapp won the Class 4A crown in 1998.

“I was just really proud of the way our guys continued to work throughout the spring,” Zipfel said. “When times got tough, we didn’t let that hold us down. It was a great reward for all our hard work.”

Normally, a first round of 8 under might net you a pretty comfortable lead, but the field nipped at Zipfel’s heels throughout the two days at state, allowing him to not get too complacent.

“Yeah, I think for sure,” he said. “If you know you’re 6 under, 7 under or whatever it may be, there is a different mentality than being out there with a one-shot lead over this guy or that guy. It allowed me to stay focused and not worry about the score I was at, but how far ahead I was of the other guys.”







Class 5 State Golf Championship

St. Louis University High junior Harrison Zipfel is the All-Metro boys golfer of the year. He won the Class 5 state medalist title while helping the Jr. Billikens capture the team championship. He was SLUH’s first state medalist since 1998 and helped the program to its first state title since 1952.




Zipfel’s first round of 64 was mighty eye-popping, but his coach was even more impressed by his standout’s second-round tally of 68.

“It’s very tough to follow up a really low round, and you know, in that second round, he showed me a lot of guts,” Knoesel said. “The first day, he got really hot on the back nine and made a bunch of birdies. The second day, he got out of position a few times, but he hung in there. He made a bogey from all those out of bounds and he made some really tough pars, which showed me a lot.”

Zipfel had solid top-six state finishes each of his first two years, but he left both tournaments wanting for more. That disappointment provided much of the fuel for this season’s performance.

“Yeah, for sure. I think both hurt not being able to walk away with the state title,” he said. “I think freshman year really stung, just with the position I was in with not many holes left, but I also think it kind of settled me into knowing that I’ve been in this position before and I can’t get too far ahead of myself. You’re thinking about what could happen when the final putt drops on 18, but I just gotta commit to the shot I have right in front of me.”

Zipfel has already given a verbal commitment to the University of Illinois. With that decision out of the way, he has given himself a clear chance to run it all back again next spring, not only individually but also with a SLUH squad that counted no seniors in the state tournament lineup.

“Yeah, it’s great to have the decision over with. For a lot of guys, it’s a big pressure of ‘Where am I gonna go to college?’ But for me, that’s just the beginning,” Zipfel said. “I have a lot of aspirations of things I want do at Illinois and I’ve got to remember that those guys are really good and I’m not there yet, so I have to keep working. I’m very excited (about next season). We have a lot of talented kids on our team, a lot of really hard workers. As long as we just stay within ourselves, I think next spring is gonna be a great spring for us.”


Meet the 2025 All-Metro boys golf team

The 2025 Post-Dispatch All-Metro spring series continues with boys golf. This includes players from both the Illinois fall season and Missouri…


Nick Zimmerman did a bit of everything for SLUH: All-Metro water polo player of the year


Riley Nelson takes charge for Edwardsville: All-Metro spring softball player of the year


Clayton’s Noah Gou made a strong impression: All-Metro boys tennis player of the year


De Smet’s Massey had championship pedigree: All-Metro boys volleyball player of the year


SLUH wins first boys golf team state title since 1952 behind medalist Harrison Zipfel


Sizzling opening round has Harrison Zipfel, SLUH in front of Class 5 boys golf state field



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How Olipop Uses Creator-Led Sports Content To Win New Fans On YouTube

YouTube Is the Most Valuable Sports Media Network Younger audiences don’t watch sports the way their parents did. They’re not sitting through full games or waiting for highlights on SportsCenter. They’re watching on YouTube, where athletes and creators are driving something more dynamic than traditional sports coverage ever allowed. According to YouTube CEO Neal Mohan, […]

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YouTube Is the Most Valuable Sports Media Network

Younger audiences don’t watch sports the way their parents did. They’re not sitting through full games or waiting for highlights on SportsCenter. They’re watching on YouTube, where athletes and creators are driving something more dynamic than traditional sports coverage ever allowed.

According to YouTube CEO Neal Mohan, sports content on YouTube grew 45% last year and topped 35 billion hours of viewership. Behind that growth is the rise of athlete-driven storytelling, creator-led formats, and fan communities that live far beyond the final score.

The Age Of The Producer Economy

For athletes and creators building IP, YouTube offers access to a massive global audience, creative control, and monetization tools to build entertainment properties without waiting for a green light.

Shot for Netflix, Built for YouTube: Shanked

It looks like it belongs on Netflix, but Shanked, a scripted golf comedy, launched on YouTube. Think The Office meets Caddyshack, set at a fictional country club with a cast of creators who double as writers, characters, and marketers.

The ensemble includes Mitsy Sanderson, Laura Clery, Blake Webber (Aristotle Georgeson), James Lynch, Patrick Farley, and Mikey Smith, alongside guest stars like Malosi Togisala (Big Moe of Good Good Golf) and even AJ McLean of the Backstreet Boys. Together, the cast brings over 70 million followers and a built-in fandom.

The series was produced by London Alley, a production company founded by Luga Podesta. London Alley is one of the few entertainment companies building premium long-form series for YouTube. Vice Media recently acquired London Alley to deepen its platform-native storytelling capabilities and support creators launching new IP.

A Network Mindset, Not Just a YouTube Platform Strategy

Ryan Horrigan, President of London Alley, leads this initiative. A former studio executive who started his career at CAA, Horrigan treats YouTube like a network, not just another social channel. That network mindset shaped casting and production, as well as how Shanked was marketed.

“Selling to a streamer gives you a higher floor,” Horrigan says. “But YouTube gives you a higher ceiling.”

James Lynch, a co-creator and cast member, adds: “We wanted something that works for 22 minutes but also hooks you in 60 seconds. Our show has to live in both worlds.”

“We made this in six months for a fraction of what a streamer would spend,” says Horrigan. “But because we understand YouTube, the fan connection is stronger and more meaningful.”

Olipop: When a Sponsor Becomes a Character

Shanked launched with a sponsor written into the script. Gen Z–favorite soda brand Olipop appears in multiple episodes: in the clubhouse fridge, on the beverage cart, and in a fourth-wall moment where the characters joke about how visible the product is.

“We went way beyond product placement,” says Lynch. “Olipop is baked into the world, the jokes, and the show’s culture.”

A Smarter Play: Building Audience Through Precision Content

Olipop is ahead of the curve. While most brands buy ads, Olipop sees YouTube and creators as a precision engine for audience growth.

Golf has become a valuable entry point for the brand. “I talk to people in golf all the time, and they say all they serve is hot dogs, soda, and beer,” says Steven Vigilante, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Olipop. “Our product fits where the culture is going.”

“We sell soda,” Vigilante adds. “We don’t need to be in front of the 1 percent at the Masters. We need to be in front of the everyday golfer. And YouTube is where they spend time.”

Understanding their audience shapes Olipop’s social programming. “Our Instagram audience is 80 percent Gen Z and millennial women. The Shanked audience is mostly 18 to 44 men,” Vigilante explains. “So we’re not flooding our social channels with golf clips. Olipop has a strategy; we show up in the right places for the right reasons.”

For Ollipop, the value is clear. “I’d rather be in the content people choose to watch than the ad they’re trying to skip,” Vigilante says. “That’s how we’re building the next wave of brand relevance.”

No Trailers Needed: Momentum Comes From Athletes And Creators

“We knew we had to market this differently,” says Mikey Smith, co-creator and cast member of Shanked. “We can’t rely on trailers and tune-in ads. We leaned into thumbnails, creator collabs, TikTok, Reels, and Shorts. That’s how you build momentum.”

The timing for a golf comedy show couldn’t be better. According to the creator intelligence platform Traackr, more than 11,000 creators posted golf content between January and June 2025, a 17% year-over-year increase.

“Golf is more accessible than ever,” says Horrigan. “It’s not your grandfather’s sport anymore. Younger audiences are fans, and across YouTube and TikTok golf content, you can find everything from trick shots and comedy to fashion, fitness, and player stories.”

Shanked is bigger than one show. It’s a blueprint for fast, flexible, creator-led IP built around communities that don’t need cable to become fans.

The Next Chapter: Where Athletes And Creators Turn 1v1 Basketball Into Must-See TV

If Shanked is a sitcom disguised as sports content, The Next Chapter (TNC) flips the equation: non-league basketball reimagined as pay-per-view entertainment.

Founded by creators D’Vontay Friga, Scotty Weaver, and Grayson White, TNC started on YouTube and now distributes content through their own network. TNC’s latest event featured Michael Beasley vs. Lance Stephenson, with Kyrie Irving as guest commentator. Tens of thousands paid to stream it. Over one million visited TNCLeague.com. Instagram views hit 82 million in four days.

Stars and influencers packed the arena: Adin Ross, John Wall, Naz Reid, Andre Drummond, Victor Oladipo. Kevin Durant and Iman Shumpert joined the online conversation. It was a cultural moment.

Wasserman, TNC and the Rise of Sports Built for the YouTube Generation

TNC is built for modern fans: short games, meaningful financial stakes, and every player acts as both athlete and entertainer hyping games, creating content, and driving viewership.

Dan Levitt, SVP at Wasserman, is helping shape the model. “Creator-led sports content is the main event,” he says. “Younger fans follow the personalities. They care about the story and the stakes, not just the score.” A veteran in creator representation, Levitt joined Wasserman after its 2024 acquisition of his agency, Long Haul Management.

“Today’s athletes know they are full-blown media platforms,” Levitt adds. “They have distribution and influence. What they need now are systems to build something durable.”

Owned IP Is the Model. YouTube Is the Engine.

Shanked and The Next Chapter are strong signals that the next generation of sports media won’t live on cable; it’s built for platforms like YouTube.

Creators and athletes are building the future of sports content in real time. They own the audience, shape the story, and control the upside. YouTube gives them the tools to turn attention into revenue and fans into customers. The most innovative brands aren’t just watching. They’re in the game.



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Brandon Valenzuela gives Missions walk

SAN ANTONIO — The 2025 season has been a magical campaign for Missions catcher Brandon Valenzuela, as the 24-year-old has posted career-high power and run-production numbers with a .471 slugging percentage and a 140 wRC+. Saturday night, as the Missions hosted “Harry Potter Night” at Wolff Stadium, Valenzuela summoned a bit more magic to deliver […]

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Brandon Valenzuela gives Missions walk

SAN ANTONIO — The 2025 season has been a magical campaign for Missions catcher Brandon Valenzuela, as the 24-year-old has posted career-high power and run-production numbers with a .471 slugging percentage and a 140 wRC+.

Saturday night, as the Missions hosted “Harry Potter Night” at Wolff Stadium, Valenzuela summoned a bit more magic to deliver a walk-off single to lift the Missions to a 3-2 victory and sole possession of first place in the Texas League South standings.

“Isn’t that what the game is all about,” said Missions manager Luke Montz. “You look at growth; you look at development. You’re seeing a young kid progress.

“The next step for Brandon is to get into the big leagues and show what he can do. What they’re looking for is moments right there. It’s not always about the outcome, if it’s a hit or not a hit. It’s just the at-bat. There is just no giving in with him, and he is not an easy out right now in the box. I am super shocked they pitched to him there in that situation with first base open.”

While Valenzuela’s bat ultimately brought the Missions to victory, their pitching staff kept them alive for most of the night. Jagger Haynes delivered a stellar performance when his team needed it. The 22-year-old southpaw worked six innings, allowing just one run on four hits and a walk, and struck out five. The lone run Haynes surrendered on the night was a lead-off homer to Cameron Cauley.

Jagger Haynes has been stellar over the last month. (Photo: Rey Holguin)

Haynes generated 10 total whiffs, resulting in an excellent 29.4% whiff rate on the night. His sinker sat 92-93 mph, getting anywhere from 11-14 inches of horizontal run. Haynes’s changeup was also effective running away from right-handed hitters. It sat at 82-83 and continued to flash an ample arm-side fade. He also showed a knack for getting whiffs with his gyro-slider, inducing three in the first inning alone, including two by Rangers top prospect Sebastian Walcott.

Over his last five starts, Haynes has a 1.98 ERA with 23 strikeouts against 14 walks in 27.1 innings of work. After showing he could shoulder starting pitching workloads last year, the lefty has already worked into the sixth inning six times this season.

“All of our starters have given us a chance to win every single game this week,” said Montz. “A solo home run to start the game can easily rattle somebody and shift momentum to their dugout. But then what Jagger goes and does is retire the next six in a row and give us six innings of one-run ball.”

“It just speaks volumes to where he’s at in his growth and development. Earlier in the year, I’m not sure we’re talking about that. We might get him in the second or third inning. But he’s starting to show that he can handle adversity and control what he can control.”

With Haynes locked in, the Missions offense quickly evened things up in the bottom of the second when Francisco Acuña lined a double to the left field gap to plate Wyatt Hoffman. Acuña finished the night with two hits and a pair of walks out of the leadoff spot. He has his average up to .344 this month.

Following Haynes’ departure, Montz turned the game over to Ethan Routzahn. The sidearming righty worked a clean inning in the seventh to keep the game tied.

The Missions briefly took the lead in the bottom of the seventh when, with two outs and the bases loaded, Moisés Gómez got plunked to push across a run.

That lead was short-lived as Routzahn allowed a leadoff home run of his own to Cauley before left-hander Jake Higginbotham came on to relieve him. The 29-year-old worked two scoreless innings while striking out three to put the club in a position to win on Valenzuela’s heroics.

Higginbotham allowed a lead-off double in the ninth, but rather than get rattled, the former Clemson Tiger bore down to strike out the next two batters before getting a ground ball to end the inning.

That is his third or fourth outing in a row where I have seen him as dialed in as ever,” noted Montz. “He had a good mix going tonight. I went out there in the ninth, and he thinks I might be taking him out when there is no chance I am taking him out.

“He tells me, skip, give me this one. An I told him you got this one and the next one. Just the way that he bears down, pitches with convection, and keeps hitters off balance, you’re going to see a lot of outings like tonight.”

NOTES: The Missions head into the final day of the first half having eliminated Frisco and holding a one-game lead over Midland. A win guarantees the club a playoff spot, but if they lose, they’ll need Midland, which has won the head-to-head series so far, to lose.

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Muskego’s Fourth Straight Title Among Four Girls State Soccer Champions

MILWAUKEE, Wis.  –  The WIAA Spring Tournament Series concluded with the crowning of girls soccer champions in four divisions with hot and gusty wind conditions at Southeast Sales Powersports Stadium at Uihlein Soccer Park Saturday. Top-seeded Muskego (21-0-2) becomes just the third program to win four championships in a row following a 1-1 tie and […]

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MILWAUKEE, Wis.  –  The WIAA Spring Tournament Series concluded with the crowning of girls soccer champions in four divisions with hot and gusty wind conditions at Southeast Sales Powersports Stadium at Uihlein Soccer Park Saturday.

Top-seeded Muskego (21-0-2) becomes just the third program to win four championships in a row following a 1-1 tie and a 3-0 advantage in a shootout over third-seeded Madison West (16-3-3) in the Division 1 final.

Following a scoreless first half, the Warriors scored an unassisted goal at the 44:56 point of the second half. Kiara Muech found the right side of the goal off a rebound from a shot at the top of the box. The Regents evened the score at 74:26 on an unassisted goal by Elsie Watson after controlling a loose ball in the box and lifting it over the goalkeeper.

Muskego had the only shot on goal in the two overtime periods, which was saved, requiring the shootout to determine the champion.

Savannah Mittelstaedt was the winning goalkeeper for the Warriors, allowing the one goal in regulation while making four saves. She also stopped the three attempts in the shootout. Adah Lambeck allowed one goal and made one save in the game for the Regents. Nola Maughan and Catherine Arnold each had a game-high two shots on goal for Madison West.

Madison West had an 8-7 edge in shots, including a 5-2 advantage in shots on goal. The Regents also had a 7-2 advantage in corner kicks.

Muskego wins the program’s fifth State championship overall in its 10 tournament appearances, and Madison West finished runner-up in its 13th experience at State.

Second-seeded Brookfield Central (14-5) edged top-seeded Pewaukee (13-9) 2-1 to claim the State title in Division 2.

Quality shots were hard to come by in a scoreless first half, but Dylan Romero of Brookfield Central broke through to break the tie at 46:30 in the second half with a shot into the left side of the goal off a nifty assist from Megan Rauch inside the box. The Pirates tied the game at 1-1 with a goal by Hannah Sorkness that crossed the box inside the left post following a pass from Peyton Stading. The Lancers regained the lead at 68:58 when Alexandra Rossi fired an unassisted shot from 12 yards out into the right side of the goal, which proved to be the game-winner.

Pewaukee had a slight advantage in shots at 13-11, but Brookfield Central had an 8-7 edge in shots on goal. The Pirates also had the advantage in corner kicks at 5-3. Charlotte Vaughan led all players with four shots for the Lancers. Rossi and Kara Delisle each had a pair of shots on goal. Annie Robinson made six saves in goal and allowed one score to be credited with the victory. Kylie Rameker and Addi Burkemper each attempted three shots to lead the Pirates in that category. Allison Dykstra made four saves in goal and allowed both goals.

Brookfield Central won its seventh State championship in its 15th tournament appearance. Pewaukee finished runner-up in its first State experience.

Catholic Memorial (20-2-1), the top seed in the bracket, defeated second-seeded Edgewood (15-4-2) in the Division 3 championship game, 4-2.

Edgewood led 1-0 following a goal by Lauryn Matenaer at 25:21 in the first half. Her shot from the left wing crossed over into the right side of the goal off an assist by Natalie Cavanaugh. Catholic Memorial tied the game before halftime at 34:29. Margaret Sisk knocked in a shot within the box on a deflection off the crossbar on a shot by Claire Weber, who was credited with the assist.

The second half began with a flurry of scoring, beginning with a goal by Weber just 26 seconds into the period off an assist from Sisk, and then Julia Rothermel scored Catholic Memorial’s third goal less than two minutes later at 42:07 on a header off a corner kick by Weber. Edgewood reduced its deficit to 3-2 at 44:23 on Matenaer’s second score of the game on a pass into the box by Sonoma Bever, which was directed into the goal. The same combination on CMH’s third goal struck again on a corner kick at 45:10 of the second half to account for the final score.

Catholic Memorial had a decided advantage in shots at 18-7, shots on goal at 9-5 and corner kicks, 8-0. Rothermel recorded a game-high five shots, and Weber had three shots on goal, scoring once and distributing two assists to lead CMH. Jenna Welsch was credited with the win in goal, yielding two goals and making three saves. Matenaer led Edgewood with two goals on three shots. Sonoma Bever also had three shots–two on goal–and an assist. Caroline Onderak started in goal for Edgewood and played the first 34:29 of the game, surrendering a goal and making five saves before leaving the game with an injury. Madeline Cavanaugh was issued the loss in goal, yielding three goals with no saves in 45:31 minutes played.

CMH won its membership-leading 11th State championship in the 17th appearance by the Crusaders. Edgewood, also nicknamed the Crusaders, finished runner-up in its eighth State experience.

In Division 4, top-seeded Xavier (20-3-1) captured the crown with a 2-0 win over third-seeded Ozaukee/Random Lake (13-7-4) in the tournament final.

The Hawks put the first goal on the board at 3:56 in the first half. Sydney Neilitz placed a grounder into the net at the right corner from straight away with an assist from Kate Jannette for a 1-0 Xavier lead.

Xavier added an insurance goal at the 54:48 in the second half. Helayna Krueger scored an unassisted goal from the left side of the box that caromed off the right post and into the goal for a 2-0 Hawks’ lead.

The Xavier defense stymied the Ozaukee/Random Lake offense by allowing just one shot attempt in the game and no shots on goal. The Hawks recorded an overwhelming advantage in shots at 12-1, including 9-0 lead in shots on goal. Neilitz and Kayla Standish each had a game-high four shots on goal for Xavier. Abigail Anderson was the winning goalkeeper without having to make a save. 

The Hawks attempted eight corner kicks, and Ozaukee/Random Lake was held without an attempt.

Rebecca Kraemer played the entire game in goal for Ozaukee/Random Lake, allowing two goals and making seven saves.

Xavier won the State championship for the fourth time– the first in Division 4–in the Hawks’ 12th appearance in the tournament. Random Lake/Ozaukee finished runner-up in its first appearance as a co-op program.



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High school transfers, realignment and new sports with Rob Cuff

SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — High School sports continue to evolve. Rob Cuff, Executive Director of the Utah High School Activities Association, joined David James to talk about the changing landscape of prep sports. The UHSAA has recently sanctioned championships for Boys and Girls Lacrosse, Boys Volleyball as well as Girls Wrestling and Golf. He […]

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SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — High School sports continue to evolve. Rob Cuff, Executive Director of the Utah High School Activities Association, joined David James to talk about the changing landscape of prep sports.

The UHSAA has recently sanctioned championships for Boys and Girls Lacrosse, Boys Volleyball as well as Girls Wrestling and Golf. He says people are advocating for several other sports including water polo, rodeo and hockey. Listen to Rob’s thoughts on the growth of e-sports and pickleball.

Prep players transfer more than ever and Cuff says there is a new policy that has just been put in place. He also talks about the increasing impact poverty has had on region realignment policies.

Rob also represents the UHSSA on the Utah Sports Hall of Fame Board and he has the details on the Hall’s upcoming benefit golf tournament. Visit the Hall in the City Creek mall and watch the interview here.

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