Sports

Women’s Track and Field Top 20 at New England DIII Championships

Story Links NEW LONDON, CT. – Competing with a field of 50 collegiate track and field teams, the Wesleyan women’s track and field team placed 17th overall at the New England Division III Outdoor Championships on Friday and Saturday, earning seven Top 10 placements as they were led by Alexandra Simon ’27 […]

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1 month ago

May 4, 2025

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NEW LONDON, CT. – Competing with a field of 50 collegiate track and field teams, the Wesleyan women’s track and field team placed 17^th overall at the New England Division III Outdoor Championships on Friday and Saturday, earning seven Top 10 placements as they were led by Alexandra Simon ’27 at the United State Coast Guard Academy.

Simon, who has been the lone competitor for the Cardinals in the 3000m steeplechase, led the team with a runner-up finish in the event, crossing the finish line with a final time of 11:21.43.

Running the 5000m distance race, Alexandra Weingard ’28 ran a final 17:49.12, earning a fifth-place finish for the team. Placing seventh n the 800m, Jordan Walter ’25 closed her weekend with a 2:16.56. Another seventh-place final went to Margaret Stevens ’27 in the 1500m. Stevens ran a 4:46.29 while teammate Virginia Lessner ’28 finished just two spots behind in ninth at 4:52.70. Rose Halford ’27 was the Cardinals’ long-distance contender, running the 10,000m in 38:53.21 for ninth place.

Walter, Elanora Smith ’27, Stella Loezos ’27, and Genevieve Minard ’28 combined for a 9:33.94 final time in the 4x800m relay, placing fifth.

The Cardinals look ahead to the Open New England Championships on Friday, May 9, and Saturday, May 10.

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Sports

Manogue’s Drew Bradeson pledges to Boise State track and field, follows in dad’s footsteps

Bishop Manogue High track and and field standout Drew Bradeson is following in his father’s footsteps after committing Wednesday to compete for Boise State. Bradeson is the son of former Nevada and UNLV assistant football coach Mike Bradeson, who played for Boise State football and was on the program’s only national championship team in 1980. […]

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18 minutes ago

June 5, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Bishop Manogue High track and and field standout Drew Bradeson is following in his father’s footsteps after committing Wednesday to compete for Boise State.

Bradeson is the son of former Nevada and UNLV assistant football coach Mike Bradeson, who played for Boise State football and was on the program’s only national championship team in 1980. Mike died in 2019 after a battle with cancer, with Drew making it a goal to be a Bronco athlete like his father. Bradeson was offered a scholarship by Boise State last week before visiting the school this Tuesday.

“It’s where my dad played football, and it’s super special,” Bradeson told NSN. “Obviously, it’s his alma mater. But it was something where I tried to run at or play football at or do anything at for years, and it didn’t happen up until a month ago when they reached back out and they showed some interest. Not a ton (of interest) and then a couple of weeks ago they reached out again and they said they were more interested and then state rolled by and all of a sudden they’re super interested. An offer flew by, and, I mean, it’s just super special to run where my dad played football. It’s definitely a full-circle moment for me.”

Bradeson is a runner who won the silver medal at the Northern 5A regional in the 400 and 800 meters. At state, he won silver in the 800 and bronze in the 400 with times of 1:54.60 and 48.20, respectively. As a junior, Bradeson won the regional championship in the 400. He was fourth in that event at regionals as a sophomore when he claimed silver medals in the 4×100 and 4×400 at regionals and state.

The elder Bradeson was an assistant coach for Nevada from 1986-91 and again from 2010-16. He also had stints as an assistant at Boise State (1981-85), Cal (1992-95) and UNLV (1996-2009). He retired from coaching in 2016 after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and worked for Nevada in community relations, including handling the business for the athletic department’s Block N Society, which helps connect former Wolf Pack student-athletes back to their former teammates, teams and programs. Bradeson called Nevada home for 27 of his 36 seasons as a college coach, including 13 of those in Northern Nevada. He coached in a record 25 Battle for the Fremont Cannon games.

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Sports

Sequoia student athletes sign with NCAA programs across US

Nine Sequoia High School seniors have committed to continue their athletic and academic careers at colleges across the country. “We are incredibly proud of these students for their hard work, dedication, and perseverance both in the classroom and in competition,” said Sequoia Athletic Director Melissa Schmidt. “They exemplify the spirit of Sequoia, and we’re excited […]

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46 minutes ago

June 5, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Nine Sequoia High School seniors have committed to continue their athletic and academic careers at colleges across the country.

“We are incredibly proud of these students for their hard work, dedication, and perseverance both in the classroom and in competition,” said Sequoia Athletic Director Melissa Schmidt. “They exemplify the spirit of Sequoia, and we’re excited to see all they’ll accomplish in the next chapter.”

The student-athletes represent a range of sports and NCAA divisions:

Sofie Tafoya will row for the University of Oklahoma. Derek Hymer is heading to the U.S. Air Force Academy for water polo. Ryan McDowell will play soccer at Eckerd College. Megan Elgaaen has committed to lacrosse at Dominican University of California. Dylan Karmin and Marco Baisch will both attend MIT, where they will play baseball and football, respectively. Cade Miller will join the volleyball team at New York University. Hannah McDonald has committed to water polo at Chapman University. Logan Mathias will play baseball at the University of Rochester.

The campus hosted a Signing Day ceremony on Tuesday, May 27, to recognize the students and celebrate alongside their families, coaches, and school staff.

All nine are part of Sequoia’s Class of 2025.

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Sports

Long-Tenured Bethany XC & Track Coach Yoder to Lead Programs at Tabor College – Ad Astra Radio

HILLSBORO, Kan. – Aaron Yoder, the current longest-tenured coach at Bethany College and one of the premium Cross Country and Track & Field coaches in the KCAC, will move on from Lindsborg and will lead Tabor College as the new Director of Cross Country and Track & Field as well as the Assistant Athletic Director. Yoder […]

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1 hour ago

June 5, 2025

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HILLSBORO, Kan. – Aaron Yoder, the current longest-tenured coach at Bethany College and one of the premium Cross Country and Track & Field coaches in the KCAC, will move on from Lindsborg and will lead Tabor College as the new Director of Cross Country and Track & Field as well as the Assistant Athletic Director.

Yoder was the head coach of the Bethany Cross Country team since 2013 and the head coach of the Track & Field team since 2015. According to Bethany College, Yoder coached two national qualifiers, four All-KCAC top-20 medalists, and coached the school record-holder in the 6K. He saw lots of his coaching success in Track & Field however, coaching 31 national qualifiers, 26 school records, 15 KCAC champions, three KCAC Athletes of the Year, and five All-Americans. He also oversaw the school receive 18 KCAC Team of Character awards in both programs.

According to Tabor College, Yoder’s hire can be seen as a homecoming story. Even though Yoder is a native of Peabody, Kan., he attended Hillsboro Schools and was a Class of 2004 graduate of Hillsboro High School. While with the Trojans, Yoder won the KSHSAA 3A State Title in the 1600M Run and competed in two State Championships. Yoder went on to compete in Cross Country and Track & Field at Fort Hays State University, earning an MIAA All-Conference nod in Cross Country, another All-Conference honor in Indoor Track & Field, and four All-Conference selections in Outdoor Track & Field.

Yoder will arrive to the Tabor College campus in June. Bethany’s Daylon Smith will be promoted as the Interim Head Coach of the Swedes’ programs. It will be Smith’s first head coaching gig, but was an assistant coach at Bethany for one year. Prior to arriving at Bethany, Smith was a graduate assistant coach at Southwestern College and ran track at Sterling College.

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Sports

Ethan Bare named IUP Director of Strength and Conditioning

Story Links INDIANA, Pa. – The Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) department of athletics is excited to appoint Ethan Bare as the director of strength and conditioning for the Crimson Hawks. Bare’s first day will be June 17. Bare is joining IUP to work with the 19 varsity NCAA DII programs […]

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2 hours ago

June 5, 2025

Your Sports Nation

INDIANA, Pa. – The Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) department of athletics is excited to appoint Ethan Bare as the director of strength and conditioning for the Crimson Hawks. Bare’s first day will be June 17.

Bare is joining IUP to work with the 19 varsity NCAA DII programs at IUP.

A 2020 graduate of Geneva College, Bare earned his Master of Science in exercise and sports science from Merrimack College in 2022. He’s currently studying for his master’s degree in nutrition from the University of New Hampshire (UNH). Ethan spent the past two academic years as the associate director of strength and conditioning at the UNH. Before obtaining that title, he was the assistant strength and conditioning coach at UNH, starting in January 2023.

Bare played football at Geneva, where he was a fullback for the Golden Tornadoes. Along with his role at UNH, Bare also worked at Tufts University as an offensive line coach and in the strength and conditioning department. His experience includes two Division I programs- Boston College, where he interned with the football team, and Robert Morris, where he served as a strength and conditioning apprentice.

“I would like to take the time to thank Todd Garzarelli and the rest of the hiring committee for their time and trust me to run their strength and conditioning program at IUP,” said Bare. “I am excited to be part of such a successful athletics department and to help develop the next great generation of student athletes at IUP. I cannot wait to hit the ground running with all the athletes and coaches this summer.”

The athletic department, headed by director of athletics Todd Garzarelli, look forward to Bare being part of the team. “We are excited to welcome Ethan to the Crimson Hawk Family. Ethan shined during the interview process with his vision and student-centered approach. He brings a great deal of experience from a strength and conditioning standpoint, that will allow us to continue to compete for and win championships. I am looking forward to seeing him work alongside our coaches and student-athletes to build upon the foundation that has already been laid.”

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For coverage of the IUP department of athletics, follow the Crimson Hawks on X (Twitter) (@IUPCrimsonHawk), Instagram (@iupathletics) and online at IUPathletics.com.

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Sports

Utah Valley University set leave WAC, join The Big West Conference

UVU will join the Big West on July 1, 2026. (Photo courtesy of Jay Drowns/UVU) Former Utah Valley University men’s basketball coach Mark Madsen speaks during his introductory press conference at the NUVI Basketball Center in Orem on Monday, April 15, 2019. | June 4, 2025, 5:27 p.m. | Updated: 5:52 p.m. Utah Valley University […]

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2 hours ago

June 5, 2025

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UVU will join the Big West on July 1, 2026.

(Photo courtesy of Jay Drowns/UVU) Former Utah Valley University men’s basketball coach Mark Madsen speaks during his introductory press conference at the NUVI Basketball Center in Orem on Monday, April 15, 2019.

| June 4, 2025, 5:27 p.m.

| Updated: 5:52 p.m.

Utah Valley University is leaving the Western Athletic Conference.

On Wednesday, the Wolverines announced that they will be joining the Big West Conference as a full member on July 1, 2026.

They’ll be joining programs Cal Poly, Cal State Bakersfield, Cal State Fullerton, Long Beach State, CSUN, UC Irvine, UC Riverside, UC San Diego, UC Santa Barbara, and California Baptist in the conference.

“We are honored to join The Big West and begin an exciting new chapter in UVU Athletics,” said UVU President Astrid S. Tuminez in a news release. “This move reflects the progress we’ve made across our programs and the growing reputation of our university. One of the most enjoyable parts of my presidency has been watching our student-athletes compete, learn, and grow, often punching above their weight. I am confident that we will continue to thrive in The Big West. The future looks bright.”

(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Valley Wolverines center Fardaws Aimaq (11) is guarded by Brigham Young Cougars guard Te’Jon Lucas (3), in basketball action, between the Brigham Young Cougars and the Utah Valley Wolverines in Orem, on Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021.

With the transition, UVU will compete in 13 Big West-sponsored sports, including: baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s golf, men’s and women’s soccer, softball, men’s and women’s track and field, and women’s volleyball.

UVU wrestling will continue to compete in the Big 12.

“This is a transformative opportunity for our department,” UVU AD Jared Sumsion said. “The Big West is an elite conference that reflects the academic, athletic, and geographic profile we’ve worked hard to build. We are thrilled to align with its membership and to bring the Big West to the Utah mountains.”

UVU has been with the WAC since 2013, winning 33 total regular-season and tournament championships in the conference.

Upon its entry to the Big West, Utah Valley will become the largest university in the conference with more than 46,800 enrolled students.

“We are thrilled to welcome Utah Valley University to the Big West,” Big West commissioner Dan Butterly said. “… Their addition expands our geographic footprint into a vibrant and strategically significant region, while elevating the level of competition across the board. We look forward to the energy and excitement the Wolverines will bring to the Big West.”

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Engelhardt, Rosenthal named as Ventura County Athletes of the Year

Patterson, Lewis named collegiate Athletes of the Year Ventura High’s Sadie Engelhardt and Newbury Park’s Shane Rosenthal took home two of the night’s biggest honors June 1 as the Ventura County Sports Hall of Fame celebrated the year in local sports with its annual awards ceremony at the Serra Center in Camarillo. Engelhardt, the North […]

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2 hours ago

June 4, 2025

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Patterson, Lewis named collegiate Athletes of the Year

Ventura High’s Sadie Engelhardt and Newbury Park’s Shane Rosenthal took home two of the night’s biggest honors June 1 as the Ventura County Sports Hall of Fame celebrated the year in local sports with its annual awards ceremony at the Serra Center in Camarillo.

Engelhardt, the North Carolina State commit who won eight state championships in cross country and track, was named interscholastic Female Athlete of the Year.

“Just to be next to these other athletes just to be surrounded by greatness like this is such a privilege,” Engelhardt said. “It was pretty inspiring.”

Rosenthal, the UCLA football commit who set four county career records and the state receiving record as he led Newbury Park football to the CIF-Southern Section Division 2 championship, was named interscholastic Male Athlete of the Year.

Ventura College water polo player AnnMarie Patterson and Cal Lutheran University basketball player Devon Lewis were named collegiate Female and Male Athletes of the Year.

The Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025, including Simi Valley softball player Sara Griffin Webster, Westlake High tennis coach Connie Flanderka, distance runner Ruth Vomund and Ventura High running coach Bill Tokar, gave their induction speeches to the assembled athletes of the year and their families.

Camarillo high jumper Jeremy Fisher, who is abroad coaching, gave his speech via video and his coach, Dennis Reidmiller, accepted the honor on his behalf.

Hall of Fame executive director Brian FitzGerald presented Santa Paula High’s Miahnna Galvan with the organization’s scholarship award.

Galvan, the Citrus Coast League girls basketball MVP, will attend Cal State University East Bay. She also set the school record in the 3,200 meters, volunteered locally and wrote an essay which moved the judges.

Kimberly Chavarria (Buena), Trinity Tipton (Camarillo), Ahtziry Mendoza-Mendez (Channel Islands), Alexa Martinez (Fillmore), Lauren Kaller (Foothill Tech), Logan Burns (Grace School), Hailey Lopez (Hueneme), Dylan Montelbano (Moorpark), Kimiko Carmer (Newbury Park), Cadence Renshaw (Nordhoff), Katarina Modrzejewski (Oak Park), Sienna Angell (Oxnard), Alysia Clayton (Pacifica), Sofie Stock (Rio Mesa), Amanda Borg (Royal), Hailey Barlow (St. Bonaventure), Sofia Peralta (Santa Clara), Galvan (Santa Paula), Kiley Reisner (Simi Valley), Morgan Casillas (Thousand Oaks), Engelhardt (Ventura), Kirra Cane (Villanova Prep), and Claudia Turner (Westlake) were honored as the interscholastic Female Athletes of the Year from their respective schools.

Grace Hazelton (Moorpark College), Janelle Jimenez (Oxnard College), AnnMarie Patterson (Ventura College), Mari Carmen Bufkin (Cal Lutheran University) were honored as the collegiate Female Athletes of the Year from their schools.

Brady McHenry (Buena), Joshua Castaniero (Camarillo), Nazir Ivey (Channel Islands), Anthony Tafoya (Fillmore), Aidan Gomez (Foothill Tech), Evan LaSecla (Grace School), JR Lesher (Hueneme), Leon Chavez (Moorpark), Rosenthal (Newbury Park), Uriel Covarrubias (Nordhoff), Oliver Gonzalez (Oak Park), Joshua Godinez (Oxnard), Isaiah Dillon (Pacifica), JJ Bittner (Rio Mesa), Zach Nagy (Royal), Koen Glover (St. Bonaventure), Leon Chavez (Santa Clara), Allen Macias (Santa Paula), Kevin Ilano (Simi Valley), Oliver Clippinger-Zimmerman (Thousand Oaks), Josh Woodworth (Ventura), Esteban Lopez-Ayala (Villanova Prep), and Austin Maziasz (Westlake) were honored as the interscholastic Male Athletes of the Year from their respective schools.

Jacob Knudsen (Moorpark College), Luke Ortiz (Oxnard College), Daniel Duran (Ventura College), and Lewis (Cal Lutheran University) were honored as the collegiate Male Athletes of the Year from their schools.

Joe Curley covers sports for The Star. He can be reached at joe.curley@vcstar.com. For more coverage, follow @vcspreps on Twitter/X, Instagram/Threads, Facebook and Bluesky.

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