Some of beach volleyball’s biggest stars are in San Diego this week, but not at the beach. Top players are competing at an indoor tournament at Viejas Arena where organizers are bringing in hundreds of tons of sand.

A graduate of Torrey Pines High School, Megan Kraft is back in San Diego this week to compete in the AVP League volleyball event on Friday and Saturday at Viejas Arena. Organizers are bringing truckloads of sand onto the court where the Aztecs play basketball to conduct a televised indoor beach volleyball tournament.

“No wind, no sun, not as hot, so it definitely brings that indoor feeling to it. The sand might not be as deep as a normal beach, so I think it brings a lot of excitement,” Kraft said.

Terese Cannon is Kraft’s partner and says while they may be playing indoors, this is still beach volleyball.

“Beach players are equally if not more athletic than indoor players. If you think about it, the surface is always moving, so being able to create force and propel yourself through the sand and up into the air is hard, and there’s only two of you,” Cannon said.

Both players agree that this is just another way to build interest and find new fans outside of the Olympics.

“10 years ago, beach volleyball wasn’t even a collegiate sport, and now, it’s the fastest growing, and still growing,” Kraft said.

And after it’s all over, the sand gets donated to local schools to help build new competitive beach volleyball courts.

“I don’t know how long it takes to clean up, but I know it takes a while to set up. I think they bring in, like, 300 tons of sand. So, it’s crazy,” Kraft said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

IRVING, Texas (June 4, 2025) – The National Football Foundation (NFF) announced the names on the 2026 Ballot under consideration for induction into the NFF College Football Hall of Fame, including 79 players and nine coaches from the Football Bowl Subdivision and 100 players and 35 coaches from the divisional ranks.

With the 2026 ballot being released, a notable name for Bears fans is that of the legendary figure Edward P. Hurt, who served as the head coach of Morgan State from 1930 to 1959. Hurt’s contributions to the sport, particularly within the context of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), are monumental.

During his storied career, he transformed Morgan State into a gridiron powerhouse, a feat cemented by his leadership in securing six Black College National Championships and a staggering 14 Colored Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) titles. His coaching prowess is further underscored by the 11 undefeated seasons he orchestrated, including the unparalleled 1943 team that achieved the extraordinary feat of not allowing a single point from any opponent throughout the entire season. 

Perhaps most remarkable was the dominant stretch from 1932 to 1939, when Hurt led the Bears on an astounding 54-game unbeaten streak. Throughout his tenure, Morgan’s composite football record was an astonishing 173 wins, 47 losses, and 17 ties. Under his guidance, the teams he coached consistently dominated their opponents, leaving an enduring legacy in the sport.

Hurt also coached Morgan State basketball from 1929 to 1947. His Cagers consistently placed among the top basketball teams in the CIAA. During his tenure, the Cagers won four CIAA titles, including top honors in three successive years: 1931, 1932, and 1933.

In track and field, his teams produced eight individual NCAA championships, 12 National AAU champions in individual events, six national AAU relay champions, and one Olympic champion – George Rhoden, who was a record-holder in the 400-meter hurdles. In the CIAA, Morgan won 18 track and field championships since entering the conference in 1930.

During his tenure at Morgan, Hurt held numerous positions of responsibility. He served as an instructor in mathematics, acting head of the Physical Education Department, professor of Physical Education, and Athletic Director until his retirement.

Hurt began his coaching career at Virginia Theological Seminary and College. He was named assistant coach in 1921, then became head coach in 1925. Hurt earned a 15-11-4 record as head football coach and led the basketball teams to two CIAA championships.

As a football star for Howard University, Hurt graduated in 1929 with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics. He also earned a master’s degree in physical education from Columbia University.

Hurt was once asked about his successful coaching history. He responded, “If I’ve done anything at all, it’s been because of other coaches, the men, the colleges, the administration, the alumni, friends, just everybody. I’ve only had one formula, and that’s hard work.”

Hurt died on March 24, 1989, at his home in Baltimore at the age of 89. 

The announcement of the 2026 NFF College Football Hall of Fame Class will be made in early 2026, with specific details to be announced in the future.

 

The 2026 NFF College Football Hall of Fame Class will be officially inducted during the 68th NFF Annual Awards Dinner Presented by Las Vegas on Dec. 8, 2026, at the Bellagio Hotel & Casino. They will be honored at their respective schools with an NFF Hall of Fame On-Campus Salute, presented by Fidelity Investments, during the 2026 season.

 

FOLLOW US IN CYBERSPACE 

There are many ways to keep up with MSU athletics online and on the go:

• Visit www.morganstatebears.com, the official website of Bears athletics, for news, schedules, stats, bios and more. 

• Follow us on social media:

            Facebook: /MorganStateBears

            Twitter: @MorganStBears

            Instagram: /MorganStateBears

 

ABOUT MORGAN

Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a Carnegie-classified high research (R2) institution offering more than 126 academic programs leading to degrees from the baccalaureate to the doctorate. As Maryland’s Preeminent Public Urban Research University, and the only university to have its entire campus designated as a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Morgan serves a multiethnic and multiracial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. For more information about Morgan State University, visit www.morgan.edu. 

FanDuel has banned the sports bettor who heckled three-time Olympic gold medalist Gabby Thomas at a Grand Slam Track meet last weekend and later boasted that his actions helped him win a bet placed on one of her competitors.

“FanDuel condemns in the strongest terms abusive behavior directed towards athletes,” a FanDuel spokesperson said in a statement to The Athletic. “Threatening or harassing athletes is unacceptable and has no place in sports. This customer is no longer able to wager with FanDuel.”

The betting platform took action after Thomas said Monday that a sports bettor followed her around Franklin Field in Philadelphia, the site of the track event, and heckled her.

“This grown man followed me around the track as I took pictures and signed autographs for fans (mostly children) shouting personal insults- anybody who enables him online is gross,” Thomas wrote on X.

In response to a previous post from Thomas, a man posted a video on X where he can be heard heckling Thomas at the starting line. He calls himself “The Track and Field Bully” and “The King of Track and Field and Sports Betting Dramedy” in his X bio.

The man also shared a screenshot of a winning bet slip showing he won over $800 on a parlay, which included a victory by Melissa Jefferson-Wooden in the women’s 100m. Thomas, who won gold at the Paris Olympics in the 200m, was bested by Jefferson-Wooden in the 200 on Saturday and then beaten by Jefferson-Wooden again Sunday in the 100.

The man wrote, “I made Gabby lose by heckling her. And it made my parlay win.”

Grand Slam Track said Tuesday that it was working to identify the man in the video and opened an investigation into the incident.

Thomas is the latest athlete to address the growing trend of alarming treatment from fans related to sports betting.

Last month, Houston Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. and his family received death threats from a fan on social media after his rough outing in a 13-9 loss to the Cincinnati Reds. The Astros alerted Major League Baseball and the Houston Police Department, which later identified the fan as a frustrated bettor who lashed out online while inebriated.

NBA players have reported an uptick in verbal abuse at games and receiving threatening or harassing messages on social media from bettors in recent years, prompting the league to put processes in place that allow players to report incidents to their teams and/or the league office.

“I’ve never felt genuinely threatened, but there has been some really disrespectful s— said,” the New York Knicks’ Jalen Brunson told The Athletic earlier this year when asked if he’s felt threatened by messages he receives. “It’s a lot of people who don’t have profile pictures. There is part of me that has thought about airing them out, but s— always comes back around.”

Editor’s note: The Athletic has a partnership with BetMGM. The Athletic maintains full editorial independence. Partners have no control over or input into the reporting or editing process and do not review stories before publication.

(Photo: Patrick Smith / Getty Images)

Wednesday’s warm weather brought residents and visitors flocking to local beaches, eager to soak up the sunshine and unwind by the water. At the Plattsburgh City Beach, people of all ages could be seen enjoying the day — whether playing beach volleyball or simply lounging in the sand.Despite the inviting atmosphere, beachgoers reported that the waters of Lake Champlain were still too cold for a swim. However, the steady breeze coming off the lake provided welcome relief from the heat.“It’s nice. It’s relaxing and it’s not so hot down here on the beach because of the breeze,” said Stacey Simpson, a Plattsburgh resident enjoying the afternoon. “Nice, cool air off the water. So, it’s nice.”For those who didn’t get a chance to enjoy the sun this time, there’s no need to worry. The Plattsburgh City Beach will remain open through Labor Day.

4 Jun 2025

Getting our game on with Steve Bevan (Brisbane Hustlers) and Abbie Jane (The Rainbow Shoelace Project)

Health, Sports & Recreation

Welcome to Game On JOY 94.9’s Home of Sport every Wednesday from 6-7pm where you’ll hear where you can get your game on! This show is all about showcasing where sport is safe, inclusive, welcoming and fun for the Rainbow community!

We chat Heart, Hustle and Hits with Steve Bevan, President of the Brisbane Hustlers, Brisbane’s gay and inclusive rugby team. There is a lot going on! A new women’s team and a first in Australia for the league! The 2025 IGR Purchas Cup will be held in Auckland from September 11-14, celebrating inclusive rugby with fierce competition, camaraderie, and a focus on diversity and unity in the sport. The 12th Edition of the Bingham Cup will be hosted by the Hustlers! This prestigious global event, which celebrates gay and LGBTQIA+ inclusive rugby, will take place in late August of 2026 and opportunities to volunteer to support the event are a plenty! And there a some fun social events on the Brisbane Hustlers’ calendar! (Starts 3mins 08secs)

We are joined by Abbie Jane, Founder of The Rainbow Shoelace Project – an initiative that started in Broken Hill to counter bullying that is now a global movement. Abbie Jane is an author, speaker, LGBTIQA+ advocate and entrepreneur and is only fifteen with the goal of tackling homophobia in sport. (Starts 15mins 30secs)

The Rainbow Sports Wrap keeps you up to date with news and events in the LGBTQIA+ sporting world (Starts 27mins 40secs) and we hear from Thomas Swords, Research Assistant Australian Ballet and Vice-President Melbourne Surge Water Polo Club as our Who is getting their game on weekly special guest! (Starts 37mins 33secs)

A big thank you to our wonderful guests for their support of an inclusive and supportive sporting culture and mindset, and encouraging everyone in the Rainbow community to get their game on!

And thank you for being a part of Team Game On!

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NEW ORLEANS – The Sun Belt Conference has announced the eight student-athletes selected to receive 2025 Sun Belt Conference Postgraduate Scholarships.

Old Dominion’s Kiersten Donnelly (Women’s Swimming & Diving) and Marshall’s Ethan Bowens (Men’s Track and Field) were the top honorees, each receiving a $9,750 scholarship.

 

Donnelly, a three-year letterwinner for the Monarchs as a swimmer, earned a bachelor’s degree in bio-medical science. She plans to attend medical school to follow her passion for family medicine and has been accepted to the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine.

 

Bowens, a three-year letterwinner for the Thundering Herd as a sprinter for the men’s track and field team, earned a bachelor’s degree in exercise science with a minor in chemistry. He plans to attend medical school with a desire to become a physician for the U.S. military.

“We are thrilled to recognize the accomplishments of these decorated Sun Belt student-athletes and to provide postgraduate scholarships to support their continued education,” said Sun Belt Conference Commissioner Keith Gill.

As the overall female and male postgraduate award winners, Donnelly and Bowens will be formally recognized at the Sun Belt Conference Honors Banquet in conjunction with the Sun Belt Fall Meetings on October 16, 2025 in Atlanta.  

 

Texas State’s Sierra Dickson (Women’s Basketball), Troy’s Abby Grosinske (Women’s Track & Field), South Alabama’s Delien Kleinhans (Women’s Tennis), Georgia Southern’s Ellie McIntyre (Women’s Soccer), Coastal Carolina’s Nicolette Picone (Softball) and Georgia State’s Alaina West (Women’s Soccer) will also be awarded $4,500 scholarships.

Dickson, a five-year women’s basketball letterwinner for the Bobcats, graduated from Texas State with a bachelor’s degree in marketing. In 2024-25, she served as Vice President for Texas State’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and is currently pursuing her MBA at her alma mater.

 

Grosinske, a four-year letterwinner as a thrower on the Trojans’ women’s track & field team, graduated from Troy with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science and a minor in psychology. She will attend Northern Illinois University to pursue a doctorate degree in physical therapy beginning in the fall of 2025.

 

Kleinhans, a four-year letterwinner for the Jaguars’ women’s tennis program, graduated from South Alabama with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science. She has been accepted to multiple schools to pursue her doctorate degree in physical therapy.

 

McIntyre, a three-year letterwinner on the Eagles’ women’s soccer team, graduated from Georgia Southern with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science. She was hired as a graduate assistant coach at her alma mater in May 2025 and will begin pursuing her master’s degree in coaching education.

 

Picone, a four-year letterwinner and 2025 Sun Belt Pitcher of the Year for the Chanticleers’ softball program, earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in pre-health professions from Coastal Carolina. She will attend the State University of New York at Stony Brook to pursue her doctorate degree in occupational therapy with a focus on serving children with special needs.

 

West, a four-year letterwinner for the Panthers’ women’s soccer team, graduated from Georgia State with a bachelor’s degree in biological science. In 2024-25, she served as Vice President for Georgia State’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, and her next goal is to attend medical school.

The scholarships are awarded to selected student-athletes with stated intentions to pursue a graduate degree following the completion of their undergraduate requirements and are sent directly to the graduate school of each recipient’s choice. The recipients were selected by the Sun Belt Postgraduate Scholarship Committee, which is comprised of Faculty Athletic Representatives from across the conference.

 

To be eligible for Sun Belt Conference Postgraduate Scholarships, nominees must have exhausted eligibility, been declared or designated a varsity letter winner in a Sun Belt-sanctioned sport at a member institution for at least two seasons and achieved a minimum undergraduate cumulative grade point average of 3.3 (on a 4.0 scale).

 

2025 Sun Belt Conference Postgraduate Scholarship Recipients

Overall Female Postgraduate Award Winner:

Kiersten Donnelly, Old Dominion (Women’s Swimming & Diving)

Overall Male Postgraduate Award Winner:

Ethan Bowens, Marshall (Men’s Track and Field)

Postgraduate Scholarship Award Recipients:

Sierra Dickson, Texas State (Women’s Basketball)

Abby Grosinske, Troy (Women’s Track & Field)

Delien Kleinhans, South Alabama (Women’s Tennis)

Ellie McIntyre, Georgia Southern (Women’s Soccer)

Nicolette Picone, Coastal Carolina (Softball)

Alaina West, Georgia State University (Women’s Soccer)