PROVO — No one produces steeplechase specialists quite like BYU.

And nobody kicks like James Corrigan at Steeple U.

Corrigan powered down the final straightway in a personal-best time of 8 minutes, 16.41 seconds to outkick the field in the 3,000-meter steeplechase final, clinching the second national title in the event for BYU in three years Friday night at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon.

Corrigan joins former BYU star and fellow Team USA Olympian Kenneth Rooks as steeplechase national champions from BYU in the past three years.

Argue if you must, but Steeple U. still belongs to the Cougars, who finished tied for 11th overall with 19 points — the third top-15 team finish since 2019.

“As I was doing my victory lap, Kenneth Rooks caught me by the water pit, which was kind of cool,” he said. “It was kind of poetic to see him there, and it made me think of how special it was to take another dub for BYU and to continue raising the bar.”

Corrigan is the fifth men’s steeplechase national champion in BYU history, and ninth overall, joining Kyle Perry, Josh McAdams, Bob Richards and Kenneth Rooks just two years ago.

He finished his final 400 meters in 61 seconds, finishing with the fastest time by a steeplechase national champion in 47 years.

A year after making the United States’ Olympic team in Paris, Corrigan made up for last year’s “misstep,” improving on his top-10 finish at nationals to hold off top-rated Louisville freshman Geoffrey Kirwa (8:17.12) and Furman’s Carson Williams (8:19.71).

The 23-year-old junior from Los Angeles has seen his popularity explode in the past year, not only on the international scene with Team USA but locally as well.

Corrigan holds the Big 12 outdoor record in the 3,000-meter steeplechase, one of the more unique events in outdoor track and field that involves leaping over barriers and splashing across a water pit on a track designed to mimic the woods and streams of the old English countryside.

He placed third at the 2024 USATAFA Olympic team trials, earned a spot on the roster by running 8:13.87 in a last-minute bid at the Penn Relays Summer Showcase, and signed a name, image and likeness deal with Nike last fall (after signing an NIL endorsement with local pro group Run Elite Program).

But the part-time juggler and returned missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was burdened by the lack of a national title, he admitted after Wednesday’s semifinals.

Not anymore.

“I know there are goals down the line,” Corrigan said in the post-race mixed zone. “But I think to win an NCAA championship is really special. It shows you can show up and win on the day, even if it’s not a full U.S. stage. To me, it was a big goal and I was glad I was able to pull it off — just as a part of my training towards a long-term goal.”

Corrigan has two years of eligibility remaining in cross country, and one more year in track and field to try to defend his title — if he elects to use it.

When asked if he’ll try to run it back in 2026, the mild-mannered harrier responded with a grin.

“We’ll see,” he said. “I’ll leave it at that.”

The BYU 4×400-meter relay team of Eli Hazlett, Jonah Heimuli, Josh Taylor and Trey Jackson set an all-time school record with a time of 3:02.51, good for seventh in the final behind champion South Florida (3:00.42).

The top-10 finish marks the first All-American first-team honors in the relay in BYU history.

BYU’s Luke Grundvig added a 23rd-place finish in the 5,000 meters, finishing in 13:54.70 behind national champion Brian Musau of Oklahoma State (13:20.59).

EUGENE, OREGON – Alexandria graduate Mya Lesnar was already a national champion before the 2025 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships, having won the 2024 NCAA Division I Indoor shot put national title.

On Thursday, Lesnar, a senior at Colorado State, had one last chance to become an outdoor national champion.

Lesnar had performed well at nationals before, as she placed 17th (16.72 meters) in 2023 and fourth in 2024 (18.20m).

And on June 12, 2025, in Eugene, Oregon, Lesnar reached a new height. With a mark of 19.01m on her first attempt of the championship, Lesnar won the 2025 NCAA Division I women’s shot put national title.

Lesnar and Illinois’ Abria Smith were the only two finalists who didn’t have a single scratch in the competition.

Lesnar’s other marks were – 18.30m, 18.87m, 17.95m, 18.50m, and 18.25m.

Smith finished runner-up with a mark of 18.85m on her second throw of the night.

Sam Stuve covers a variety of sports in the Douglas County area. He also is assigned to do some news stories as well.

LOCKWOOD, Mont. — In what was just the fourth annual Midland Roundtable Montana Volleyball Classic, the star-studded Blue Team took down the star-studded Red Team winning 3-1. The match featured 18 players total, all of whom will be playing at the next level in college in the fall.

Blue Team came out strong winning the first set 25-22, but Red Team battled back taking the second set 25-20. After that, the Blue Team went onto win set three 25-14 and then got the match win taking the fourth set 25-20.

Kansas State commit Cadence Lundgren of Bozeman Gallatin led both teams with 19 kills. Her teammate Addie Falls Down of Billings Senior racked up 20 assists as well for Team Blue.

Red Team was led by Helena High’s Birdie Heuiser who had 17 kills. Lauren Fox of Bozeman High led all players in assists with 33.

EUGENE, Ore. — South Florida ran a brilliant 1,600-meter relay to close the NCAA men’s outdoor track and field championships Friday night, leaving Southern California and Texas A&M tied for the team title.

The Trojans, who won the indoor title earlier this year but hadn’t won an outdoor title in 49 years, and the Aggies, both finished with 41 points, one ahead of Arkansas.

That came after a late surge by the USF anchor to edge Texas A&M in the final race, winning in 3 minutes, 42 seconds. Arkansas was third with the Trojans a disappointing eighth to earn just one team point. The Aggies earned eight points in the relay — a win would have been worth 10 points — and the Razorbacks got six.

Arkansas protested after the race that a USF runner hindered a Razorback but the protest was denied. If successful, Texas A&M would have won the title and Arkansas and USC would have tied for second.

The women’s title will be decided Saturday at Hayward Field on the Oregon campus.

Sam Whitmarsh of Texas A&M, runner-up a year ago, beat indoor champion Matthew Erickson of Oregon to capture the 800 in 1:45.86, the second-fastest in school history.

Jordan Anthony of Arkansas, the NCAA champion in the indoor 60, added an outdoor title, winning the 100 in 10.07 from Lane 9.

Ja’Kobe Tharp, who won the 60 hurdles at the indoor championships for Auburn, added the 110-hurdle title to his resume with a personal-best time of 13.05 seconds. Tharp ran the fifth-fastest time in NCAA history, only 0.07 off of Grant Holloway’s record.

Auburn also won the 400 relay in a time of 38.33.

Samujel Ogazi of Alabama dominated the 400 with a time of 44.84, more than six-tenths faster than the runner-up. The sophomore, who made the Olympic finals in Paris, became the first Nigerian athlete to win the 400 NCAA title in 26 years.

James Corrigan of BYU, a 2024 Olympian, won the 3,000 steeplechase in 8:16.41, grabbing the lead at the last water jump. His time is the fourth fastest in college history.

Nathan Green of Washington, the 2023 champion, won the 1,500 meters in 3:47.26, with the top 11 finishing within 0.68 of him.

Brian Masau on Oklahoma State added the outdoor title in the 5,000 to the indoor title he won earlier this year, finishing in 13:20.59.

Ezekiel Nathaniel of Baylor lowered his Nigerian record to 47.49 in the 400 hurdles, the second-fastest time in the world this year.

Carli Makarawu of Kentucky took the 400 in 19.84 seconds, a Zimbabwe national record, edging countryman Makanakaishe Charamba of Auburn, who ran 19.92.

Oklahoma’s Ralford Mullings, who returned to the championship for the second time in his career, took the discus title by launching a meet-record and person-best 227 feet, 4 inches.

Brandon Green Jr. and Floyd Whitaker gave Oklahoma a 1-2 finish in the triple jump with Green soaring 55-2 to win by more than a foot. Green led from the first jump and had it wrapped up after five rounds and then had his best leap to end it.

Arvesta Troupe of Mississippi cleared 7-5 1/4 to win the high jump.

Holidays with the family don’t always have to end up in Japan; many times, the closest place to home makes the most sense. Bintan is just a 50-minute ferry ride from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, and for younger kids who haven’t been on one of these boats, the ride itself is an adventure. 

The Island of Bintan has much to offer such as secluded beaches, water sports, golf courses, local shopping and even temple visits; but for families, you really can’t beat an all-inclusive stay at Club Med. And specifically for Club Med Bintan, it doesn’t just offer the signature Club Med all-inclusive experience, but it’s also a tropical haven that’s a blend of adventurous activities, relaxation and wellness, and of course the best Indonesian food that’s close to a Singaporean’s heart.

While the Club Med brand itself boasts a rich history of pioneering the all-inclusive holiday concept, the Bintan outpost has carved its own niche as a sought-after escape, particularly for those seeking respite from the bustling cities of Southeast Asia. It was established to offer a convenient and luxurious getaway, and has evolved over the years, consistently updating its facilities and offerings to cater to the modern traveller while retaining its core philosophy of carefree enjoyment.

ACCOMMODATIONS

The accommodation at Club Med Bintan is designed with comfort and style in mind. There are two types of rooms — Superior and Deluxe — and Suites to choose from, each of them featuring a contemporary aesthetic with touches of local Indonesian artistry. Expect natural wood accents, vibrant fabrics, and spacious layouts that will make you feel right at home.

Many rooms offer relaxing views of the ocean or the surrounding greenery, allowing you to wake up to the soothing sounds and sights of nature. Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, or with a family, there are room options to suit various needs, all promising a comfortable and stylish retreat.

ACTIVITIES

The resort itself is a sprawling sanctuary, thoughtfully integrated into the lush natural landscape. The architecture embraces the tropical setting, with open-air spaces, natural materials, and vibrant colours reflecting the island’s energy. At the heart of the resort lies a stunning infinity pool that appears to merge seamlessly with the ocean, offering breathtaking panoramic views. 

Beyond the pool, there are watersports like sailing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding, and land-based activities such as yoga, golf practice, and even flying trapeze lessons. Needless to say, you won’t be bored. And for those seeking to just unwind and relax, the Club Med Spa by Sothys offers a tranquil escape with indulgent treatments inspired by local traditions.

There are also excursions that you can book should you have an extended stay or just want to venture further out from the resort. These include a Mangrove Discovery Tour, Fireflies Night Tour, Sunset Cruise, Fishing and more, although these activities do cost extra. 

RANGER BUDDIES

Club Med Bintan has collaborated with Mandai X to extend the popular Ranger Buddies Missions programme until 30 June 2025. This project blends immersive nature-based learning with family-friendly experiences, and includes challenges and collecting exclusive rewards like badges, bags and stickers. These engaging activities teach children about sustainability and care for the planet; while empowering kids to play a part in protecting our world. 

LOCATION

The allure of Club Med Bintan extends beyond its impressive facilities and comfortable rooms; its location on Bintan Island is a significant part of its charm. Just a short ferry ride from Singapore, Bintan offers a tranquil escape from the urban hustle. The island boasts pristine beaches with soft white sand, swaying palm trees, and crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life. Beyond the resort, opportunities abound for exploring the local culture and natural beauty. Discover traditional fishing villages, tee off at world-class golf courses, or simply immerse yourself in the laid-back island vibe.

Club Med Bintan offers more than just a holiday; it offers an experience. It’s a place where you and your loved ones can disconnect from the everyday and reconnect with each other’s company and the beauty of nature. With its all-inclusive concept taking care of every detail, from dining to activities, you just need to wake up and decide what to eat and do.

Club Med Bintan has a full 5-star rating on Trip.com and is consistently rated “very good”, with a beautiful environment and friendly hotel staff. You can book your stay on booking platforms like Trip.com if you want to chalk up points, or directly on Club Med’s website at www.clubmed.com.sg. Check the official website often as there are usually exclusive offers and last minute deals, especially towards the school holidays.