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LOS ANGELES – The UCLA track & field swept both ends of its annual deal meet with crosstown rival USC on Sunday at Drake Stadium, with the women recording a 92-71 win and the men notching an 82-81 victory. It was the first sweep for UCLA in the annual series since 2013. It also marked the […]

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LOS ANGELES – The UCLA track & field swept both ends of its annual deal meet with crosstown rival USC on Sunday at Drake Stadium, with the women recording a 92-71 win and the men notching an 82-81 victory.

It was the first sweep for UCLA in the annual series since 2013. It also marked the Bruins’ first win on the women’s side since 2013, and was the squad’s highest score in the matchup since 2007 (98 points). The Bruin men had last downed the Trojans in 2023.

The UCLA women won 12 of 19 events, and received the full nine points in four events. The Bruin men won seven events, but scored either eight or nine points in five of those competitions.

Though the Bruin women led pretty much from wire to wire, it took some late dramatics for the men to clinch their win.

Shortly after 3 p.m. and with the score very close, the men’s side of the meet was down to just the long jump and the 4×400 relay. Heading into the sixth and final attempt of the long jump, UCLA’s Allan Hunter was in the lead at 7.49m, but USC occupied the second and fourth spots.

From there, Jeremy Zammit – who was competing for just the second time so far this season – hit a mark of 7.58m (24-10.5) on his sixth jump to move all the way up into first place. The Bruins eventually had a 1-2 finish in that event, instead of 1-3, to end up at 82 points.

That two-point improvement proved critical as it prevented USC from jumping back ahead when it won the 4×400 relay to end up with a final score of 81.

Sprinter Naomi Johnson was a clear standout on the women’s side, winning a crowded 200m dash and setting UCLA all-time top-10 marks in both the 200 (22.91, 8th) and 100 (11.28, 8th).

Distance runner Mia Kane had a double for the Bruins, posting wins in the 1,500 (4:26.76) and steeplechase (10:17.27).

Ka’Leila Abrille also had an eye-catching performance in the women’s pole vault, as her mark of 4.41m (14-5.5) was a meet record and lifetime-best while also moving her up to No. 3 all-time in school history.

On the men’s side, thrower Michael Pinckney scored in three separate events, highlighted by a win in the men’s discus (60.01m / 196-10).

Though it didn’t figure into the scoring, UCLA also set a school record on Sunday in the women’s 4×100 relay by a decent margin. The quartet of Yanla Ndjip-Nyemeck, Johnson, Aly Conyers, and Taylor Snaer ran that race in 43.03, shaving .36 seconds off the previous school record which was established in 2022.

The Bruins are off next week, and next return to action with the Big Ten Outdoor Championships in Eugene, Ore. From May 16-18.

TRACK EVENTS RECAP

UCLA started off the day’s races on a strong note, placing fix of the six scorers in the men’s and women’s 1,500m runs. Tristan Amell (3:43.78) and Andreas Dybdahl (3:44.34) both logged season-best times for the men to post a 2-3 finish. Kane (4:26.76) locked down the first win of her double while leading a 1-2-3 finish ahead of Kaho Cichon (4:26.80) and Rose Pittman (4:27.10).

The Bruins continued their dominant distance showing in the afternoon with the steeplechase races, sweeping both of those races. Aaron Cantu (9:31.10) led the Bruin men, while Kane picked up the win for the women at 10:17.27.

Ndjip-Nyemeck was the Bruins’ top performer in the women’s 100m hurdles, posting her second-best time of the year at 13.01 to hold off the field and claim the win. Celeste Polzonetti had a season-best 13.24 to place third and score for the women. Di’Niko Bates had a strong burst at the end of the men’s 110m hurdles to end up in second place at 13.63. That time was good for No. 5 in UCLA school history.

Conyers followed up after the hurdles by notching a 51.80 in the women’s 400m, placing third and moving up to No. 8 in the UCLA track annals.

Shortly after, Johnson had the first of her top-10 runs with an 11.28 in the women’s 100m dash. That time was good for third place and put her at No. 8 in program history.

UCLA nearly swept the 800m races. Rose Pittman’s 2:06.96 was good for a win on the women’s side, and Bennett Booth-Genthe led for a large part of the men’s race before having to settle for second at 1:48.17.

The Bruins won both ends of the 400m hurdles in disparate fashion. First, Tamaal Myers inched ahead of a three-man pack to secure a win on the men’s side at 50.46. Then on the women’s side, Sonia Virk scored a relatively-comfortable win after running a PR at 57.11.

UCLA’s top sprints result came in the women’s 200m. Johnson led the field with her PR time of 22.91, and Taylor Snaer (23.06) came in second by thousands of a second to secure a runner-up finish.

The Bruins closed out the individual track events with another distance sweep. Michael Mireles (8:15.56) paced the Bruin men in the 3k, while Annika Salz (9:57.02) finished first for the women.

FIELD EVENTS RECAP

UCLA’s throwers set the tone for dual meet early on by sweeping in the first events of the day – the hammer throw. Kris Emig picked up the win on the men’s side at 69.95m (229-6) as part of a 1-2-3 finish, while Lyvante Su’emai started a busy day by picking up the women’s hammer win at 58.91m (193-3). She would later score in the javelin and shot put while finishing fourth in the shot put.

Shamar Cook and Leon Gillis were able to secure a 2-3 finish for the Bruins in the men’s high jump, notching twin marks of 2.00m (6-6.75). Valentina Fakrogha was the victor on the women’s side, recording her second-highest jump of the year at 1.74m (5-8.5).

Cade Sommers started off a dominant showing for the Bruins in the pole vault, as he won the men’s competition at 4.90m (16-0.75). UCLA went on to go 1-2-3 in both the men’s and women’s pole vault. The women vaulters – Katerina Adamiec was runner-up at 4.20m and Jade McDonald took third for another 1-2-3 finish – essentially clinched the win for the Bruins in the afternoon.

Jana van Schalkwyk was in a league of her own in the women’s javelin, as her winning mark of 54.40m (178-5) was nearly 20 meters longer than anyone else in the field.

Sydney Johnson gave the UCLA women one final win late in the meet, as she was the only entrant to clear six meters in the long jump at 6.22m (20-5). That was her longest wind-legal jump of the year.



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WWE Announces 2025 NIL Class Including Sons of Scott Steiner, Mark Henry, Titus O’Neil

The next class of WWE stars have been announced. The promotion company announced it’s fifth NIL (Next In Line) class on Friday night and had several notable college athletes that include a few second generation WWE members. Among the most notable names are Jacob Henry, the son of Mark Henry, Brock Rechsteiner, the son of […]

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The next class of WWE stars have been announced.

The promotion company announced it’s fifth NIL (Next In Line) class on Friday night and had several notable college athletes that include a few second generation WWE members.

Among the most notable names are Jacob Henry, the son of Mark Henry, Brock Rechsteiner, the son of Scott Steiner, and T.J. Bullard, son of Titus O’Neil.

Jacob Henry was a football player and wrestler at Oklahoma. His father is a former WWE Heavyweight champion and is in the companies Hall of Fame.

Rechsteiner played two seasons at Jacksonville State as a wide receiver. He made 17 catches for 246 yards and two touchdowns during the FBS portion of his collegiate career. His father was a WCW world champion and formed a legendary duo with his brother, Rick Steiner.

Bullard was a three-year player for UCF and recorded two total tackles during his career. His father is a current WWE member and is a global ambassador for the company.

The other members of the class are ice hockey player Madison Kaiser, lacrosse player Gareth Beck, field hockey player Bianca Pizano, basketball players Gina Adams and Fatima Katembo and track athletes Zuriel Jiménez, Kerrigan Huynh and Meghan Walker.



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NHL insider labels Penn State as favorite to land potential 2026 No. 1 overall pick Gavin McKenna

There is no hotter name in the NHL scouting world right now than Gavin McKenna. Despite not being eligible for the 2026 NHL Draft, McKenna is widely viewed as the top prospect out there regardless of classification. And after destroying the WHL with the Medicine Hat Tigers, it’s easy to see why. However, there are […]

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There is no hotter name in the NHL scouting world right now than Gavin McKenna. Despite not being eligible for the 2026 NHL Draft, McKenna is widely viewed as the top prospect out there regardless of classification. And after destroying the WHL with the Medicine Hat Tigers, it’s easy to see why.

However, there are questions about where McKenna will play during the 2025 season. Speculation has surrounded leaving the WHL in favor of college hockey in the United States. One NHL insider, Elliotte Friedman, has even labeled one Big Ten program as the favorite to land him.

“I was asking a few people around hockey what they thought,” Friedman said via 32 Thoughts: The Podcast. “And informal straw poll, I would say Penn State. That’s who the favorite is but nothing is done until it’s done. I was told it would be premature to make an enormous proclamation but I asked around and said, ‘If you had to pick where he’s going to play next year,’ most of them said Penn State.”

NIL has completely changed the college hockey world, offering money to players who would otherwise play in other leagues before moving to the NHL. Reported offers have been in excess of $200,000 for guys who were previously in the CHL. For the most part, Big Ten schools have been in the middle of it all.

No reported numbers are out there on McKenna, who will have more options than Penn State. Friedman pointed out how the WHL wants him back in the league for one last go-round. Stateside schools are hoping they can pry him into college.

McKenna put up absurd numbers during the 2024-2025 season despite only being 17 years old. In 56 games played, he recorded 129 points with 41 goals and 88 assists. For a comparison, recent No. 1 overall pick Connor Bedard put up 100 points in the WHL a year removed from being drafted back in 2021-2022, scoring 51 goals and assisting on another 49.

As for Penn State, they finished last season with a 22-14-4 record, finishing fifth in the Big Ten. They made their way into the NCAA Tournament before going on an incredible run to the Frozen Four for the first time in program history. A dream journey with wins against Maine and UConn was unfortunately halted by Boston University in St. Louis in the semifinals.

NHL teams will be crossing their fingers that ping pong balls bounce in their favor next summer to earn the No. 1 overall pick. McKenna will almost assuredly hear his name called, completely changing a franchise moving forward.

Until then, one more season is required before making the jump. As of now, Friedman likes where Penn State sits for McKenna.



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Panthers beat Oilers in double-overtime to level NHL Stanley Cup Final | National

Brad Marchand scored a breakaway goal at 8:04 of the second overtime, lifting the Florida Panthers to a 5-4 victory over the Edmonton Oilers that leveled the NHL Stanley Cup Final at one game apiece on Friday. Marchand’s game-winner in Edmonton was his second goal of the contest. His first had given the Panthers a […]

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Brad Marchand scored a breakaway goal at 8:04 of the second overtime, lifting the Florida Panthers to a 5-4 victory over the Edmonton Oilers that leveled the NHL Stanley Cup Final at one game apiece on Friday.

Marchand’s game-winner in Edmonton was his second goal of the contest.

His first had given the Panthers a 4-3 lead in the second period, an advantage that stood up until Edmonton’s Corey Perry scored with 18 seconds left in the third to force overtime.

Anton Lundell gained control of the puck in the Panthers zone and fed a flying Marchand, who kept control despite a backcheck by Leon Draisaitl and somehow beat Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner for the victory two days after the Oilers’ overtime win in game one.

“It’s just obviously a fortuitous bounce and we’ll take it,” Marchand told broadcaster TNT.

Teammate Evan Rodrigues said it was the kind of play the Panthers have come to expect from 37-year-old Marchand, who was acquired from the Boston Bruins in March and who now has 10 career goals in Stanley Cup Final games.

“A hell of a play by him. He had a backcheck on him and still found a way to put it in,” Rodrigues said.

“Clutch, right?” he added. “No moment seems to be too big for him.”

The best-of-seven championship series — a rematch of last year’s Final won by the Panthers — now shifts to Florida for games three and four on Monday and Thursday.

– Frenetic first –

Edmonton emerged from a frenetic first period with a 3-2 lead.

Red-hot Sam Bennett put the Panthers up 1-0 at 2:07 of the first period, grabbing his 13th goal of the playoffs — his 12th on the road.

Evander Kane was called for high-sticking and Nate Schmidt found Bennett, whose goal ended the Oilers’ nine-game streak of scoring first.

Kane atoned with a goal that made it 1-1, and Evan Bouchard put the Oilers up 2-1, ripping a shot past Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky after his initial shot was blocked by Aleksander Barkov.

Seth Jones had pulled the Panthers level at 2-2 when Bennett was called for goaltender interference and 24 seconds into the ensuing power play Draisaitl scored to make it 3-2 on a stunning pass from Connor McDavid.

McDavid squeezed past Barkov and wrong-footed Aaron Ekblad before finding Draisaitl — the overtime goal hero in game one — in the right circle.

It was the highest-scoring first period in a Stanley Cup Final game since the Sharks and Penguins combined for five goals in game five in 2016.

Dmitry Kulikov pulled the Panthers level at 8:23 of the second with a wrist shot from point. After Florida’s Niko Mikkola was called for holding, Marchand, fed by Lundell, scored on a short-handed breakaway to put the Panthers up 4-3 and they took that lead into the final period.

The lead stood up until the waning seconds of the third, when 40-year-old Perry struck for his ninth career goal in a Stanley Cup Final.

Both teams had chances to end it in the first overtime, but goalies Bobrovsky and Skinner stood tall to force a second extra session for the first time in the title series since 2020.

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Hazleton Area Class of 2025 graduates after multiple postponements

Class President Franklin Ritz spoke during Hazleton Area’s graduation outside the high school on Saturday afternoon. Sam Zavada | Times Leader Valedictorian Gabriella Bredbenner spoke during Hazleton Area’s graduation outside the high school on Saturday afternoon. Sam Zavada | Times Leader Salutatorian Faith Russo […]

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<p>Class President Franklin Ritz spoke during Hazleton Area’s graduation outside the high school on Saturday afternoon.</p> <p>Sam Zavada | Times Leader</p>

Class President Franklin Ritz spoke during Hazleton Area’s graduation outside the high school on Saturday afternoon.

Sam Zavada | Times Leader



<p>Valedictorian Gabriella Bredbenner spoke during Hazleton Area’s graduation outside the high school on Saturday afternoon.</p> <p>Sam Zavada | Times Leader</p>

Valedictorian Gabriella Bredbenner spoke during Hazleton Area’s graduation outside the high school on Saturday afternoon.

Sam Zavada | Times Leader



<p>Salutatorian Faith Russo spoke during Hazleton Area’s graduation outside the high school on Saturday afternoon.</p> <p>Sam Zavada | Times Leader</p>

Salutatorian Faith Russo spoke during Hazleton Area’s graduation outside the high school on Saturday afternoon.

Sam Zavada | Times Leader



<p>Superintendent Brian Uplinger spoke during Hazleton Area’s graduation outside the high school on Saturday afternoon.</p> <p>Sam Zavada | Times Leader</p>

Superintendent Brian Uplinger spoke during Hazleton Area’s graduation outside the high school on Saturday afternoon.

Sam Zavada | Times Leader


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HAZLE TWP. — Hazleton Area’s Class of 2025 graduated on Saturday afternoon following multiple delays to the ceremony’s start time due to weather. Originally, the class was scheduled to graduate at 6 p.m. on Friday evening, and the day and time had shifted multiple times since Friday morning.

Student speakers at the ceremony included Valedictorian Gabriella Bredbenner, Salutatorian Faith Russo, and Class President Franklin Ritz. High school Principal Anthony Conston, school board President Edward Shemansky, and Superintendent Brian Uplinger also offered remarks to the students and the significant crowd of guests. The high school chorus performed a mashup of “You Will Be Found” from “Dear Evan Hansen” and “The Story of Tonight” from “Hamilton.”

For information on the ceremony, including a full list of graduates, look for The Times Leader’s special graduation section.



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‘I am proud of who I am’ | Centre LGBT+ hosts annual pride parade | Penn State, State College News

State College showed its pride Saturday afternoon with a parade through downtown, followed by a festival in Sidney Friedman Park. State College Pride was hosted by Centre LGBT+, a local LGBTQ+ nonprofit that aims to bring the Centre County region together through events, education and advocacy. Sabrina Chapman and Marilyn Eastridge are members of Centre […]

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State College showed its pride Saturday afternoon with a parade through downtown, followed by a festival in Sidney Friedman Park.

State College Pride was hosted by Centre LGBT+, a local LGBTQ+ nonprofit that aims to bring the Centre County region together through events, education and advocacy.

Sabrina Chapman and Marilyn Eastridge are members of Centre LGBT+. They’ve been together for 45 years and married for 12.

Chapman said that Centre LGBT+ put on this event because it’s a time to celebrate.

“(We want) to make clear to everyone that the work is not yet done, that we need to continue the struggle for our equality in these troubled times,” Chapman said.







State College Pride, parade walkers

Community members walk in the State College Pride parade on Saturday, June 7, 2025 in State College, Pa.




More than 50 organizations participated in the parade, including local businesses, community groups and various Penn State departments.

Centre LGBT+ board member Michel Lee Garrett said Saturday’s event is an example of solidarity and strength.

“To see thousands of people come out and come together, and speak in a unified voice (saying) that queer and trans people belong, that we are not going anywhere, that we are strong and proud and beautiful, really lifts my spirits,” Lee Garrett said.  

The festival featured guest speakers — including politicians and community advocates — as well as live performances like drag shows, poetry and Powwow.

Lee Garrett said she especially loved seeing how attendees expressed themselves through their outfits at the event.

“I love seeing what a truly inclusive, non-judgmental space looks like, where we can be as colorful or as silly as we want, and just embrace the joy of it without fear of judgment,” Lee Garrett said. “ (It) always, always brings a smile to my face.”

There were also several counter-protesters at the festival, who were blocked from view by attendees and organizers.







State College Pride, counter protesters

Community members attending State College Pride stand in front of counter protesters on Saturday, June 7, 2025 at the Sidney Friedman Parklet in State College, Pa.




April Hannon, a member of the consistory for the Faith United Church of Christ on East College Ave and was one of the many people blocking the counter-protesters.

“We are committed to the fact that Jesus loves everyone,” Hannon said. “So, that’s why I’m here, and (why) my husband and I are both part of this ‘love wall.’”

According to Hannon, “God is love, God is not hate,” and what the counter-protesters were doing was “preaching hate.”

State College Mayor Ezra Nanes acknowledged the presence of the counter-protestors, but emphasized the importance of the festival.

“It’s not pleasant to hear some of the things they’re saying,” Names said. “They have a right to say it, but I wish they wouldn’t say it during Pride…but, you know, the festival is far bigger and more important than that, so we’re not letting it bring us down.”

State Representative Paul Takac said he’s almost thankful that the counter-protesters were at the event.

“You almost couldn’t ask for a better illustration of what we’re up against,” Takac said. “Frankly, what they’re peddling in terms of hate and division is contrasted with love and inclusion.”

Pride celebrations began in the United States with the Stonewall riots in June 1969. Since then, it’s evolved into an annual celebration of LGBTQ+ joy and a protest for LGBTQ+ liberation.

Lee Garrett said pride is “the force that has propelled the queer community through all of the darkness.”

“In a world that tells queer people that they are aberrations, that they are disgusting, that they should not exist,” Lee Garrett said. “To stand up and say ‘no, I am proud of who I am. I am proud of this community,’ is a radical act.”

MORE NEWS CONTENT


Mayor Ezra Names declares June as LGBT+ Pride Month

Mayor Ezra Nanes issued a proclamation that recognizes June 2025 as LGBT+ Pride Month.

 

 

If you’re interested in submitting a Letter to the Editor, click here.



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6 family-friendly hockey movies in honor of the Stanley Cup – Deseret News

As the Stanley Cup Finals captivate fans worldwide, it’s the perfect opportunity to dive into the world of hockey through cinema. Hockey movies give audiences more than just on-ice action; they deliver stories of celebration, camaraderie, resilience and the spirit of the game. Whether you’re in the mood for a little drama, humor or inspiration, […]

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As the Stanley Cup Finals captivate fans worldwide, it’s the perfect opportunity to dive into the world of hockey through cinema.

Hockey movies give audiences more than just on-ice action; they deliver stories of celebration, camaraderie, resilience and the spirit of the game.

Whether you’re in the mood for a little drama, humor or inspiration, this family-friendly movie list has something for everyone.

Grab some popcorn and check out these movies for your next family movie night.

‘Mr. Hockey: The Gordie Howe Story’ (2013)

Rated: PG

Streaming: Hallmark+

Based on a true story, the film follows hockey legend Gordie Howe (Michael Shanks). After retiring from the Detroit Red Wings, Gordie soon learns that retirement is not for him.

When his sons are drafted to play at the Houston Aeros, Gordie comes out of retirement to join them, returning to the ice at 44 years old.

‘The Mighty Ducks’ (1992)

Rated: PG

Streaming: Disney+

Gordon Bombay (Emilio Estevez), a self-centered Minnesota lawyer, is charged with drunk driving. Instead of typical proceedings, the court orders him to coach a struggling peewee hockey team.

As Gordon works to earn the respect of the kids and teaching them valuable life and hockey skills, he confronts his past when his new team faces off against his old coach and team.

‘D2: The Mighty Ducks’ (1994)

Rated: PG

Streaming: Disney+

Gordon Bombay is back in “D2: The Mighty Ducks,” and this time he has moved up from the little leagues.

Gordon is now coaching Team USA Hockey at the Junior Goodwill Games. With many former Ducks and a few new faces, they must overcome setbacks to beat the favored Iceland team.

‘D3: The Mighty Ducks’ (1996)

Rated: PG

Streaming: Disney+

The third and final installment of the 1990’s “The Mighty Ducks” franchise, the Ducks earn scholarships to a high ranking prep school, Eden Hall Academy.

Follow the new freshmen as they fight to earn a spot on the team against the snooty varsity players.

‘Tooth Fairy’ (2010)

Rated: PG

Streaming: Disney+

Derek Thompson (Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson), a minor league hockey player, is known as the “Tooth Fairy” for his aggressive play style that often leaves opponents with a toothless smile.

After discouraging a young player on the team, Derek must serve as a real tooth fairy, complete with a tutu and wings, to rediscover his own dreams.

‘Miracle’ (2004)

Rated: PG

Streaming: Disney+

No hockey movie list is complete without “Miracle.”

Based on the inspiring true story of the 1980 Team USA Olympic squad, the film captures a team’s journey that united a nation during the Cold War.

Coach Herb Brooks (Kurt Russell) takes a young group of college hockey players to face the legendary Soviet Union at the Olympic Games.

Do you believe in miracles? You should.



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