Mocs Extend 3.0 GPA Streak with Top Semester on Record
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CHATTANOOGA—The Chattanooga Mocs just completed a fantastic semester. NIT Championships in men’s basketball and men’s tennis as well as several individual performances in NCAA Tournaments in multiple sports did not dim the focus in the classroom one iota. The Mocs combined for a 3.4339 grade point average for the spring […]
CHATTANOOGA—The Chattanooga Mocs just completed a fantastic semester. NIT Championships in men’s basketball and men’s tennis as well as several individual performances in NCAA Tournaments in multiple sports did not dim the focus in the classroom one iota.
The Mocs combined for a 3.4339 grade point average for the spring term, which eclipses 3.421 in the spring of 2020 for the best on record. Of the 299 student-athletes enrolled, 215 made the Dean’s List with 245 total earning A.D. Honor Roll merit.
“It was another impressive semester for our student-athletes,” Vice Chancellor for Athletics Mark Wharton shared. “The work they put in to compete at the highest level in all phases of the collegiate experience is elite and appreciated.
“We thank (Asst. Vice Chancellor) Dr. Emily Blackman and the work of her academic support staff in continuing an impressive run of excellence in the classroom.”
The run includes three consecutive semesters above the 3.30 mark. It’s also the third in a row that every program topped 3.0 or better as a team. There is also the 3.0 run of 14 straight terms for the department as a whole.
Two new records were set in the honor categories.
71.9% Dean’s List | Former mark: 71.0%, Spring 2020
81.94% A.D. Honor Roll | Former: 81.88%, Spring 2020
Sixty-five earned perfect 4.0 marks is fourth most. That was led by Southern Conference Regular Season Champion softball with 11, while football and soccer added 10 apiece. The top team in spring 2025?
Soccer again proved top of the table with its fourth straight term of 3.70 or higher. The 3.7527 bested women’s golf in second (3.7097). Seven squads – soccer, women’s golf, softball (3.6691), women’s cross country (3.6517), women’s track & field/cross country (3.6047), volleyball (3.5948) and men’s tennis (3.5439) exceeded 3.5 for the semester.
Nine teams improved their strong work from the fall. Women’s golf made the biggest jump of .2180 and was joined by football (.1811) and volleyball (.1213) in exceeding their previous marks by 0.10 or higher.
The Mocs Student-Athlete Academic Enhancement Center has been led by Dr. Blackman since 2010. Lindsey Felix, assistant athletics director, has been a key member of her staff for nearly as long helping guide the unit. Their staff includes assistant director Amber Evans, academic advisors Katie Feeney and Leland Malloy, director of learning services Kaelin King and assistant learning specialist Shantih Crowdis.
The Student-Athlete Study Abroad Experience through the Health & Human Performance program has 13 students set for a 10-day trip to Argentina May 26-June4. The program focuses on developing individual and global citizenship through the lens of leadership and sport while gaining an understanding of the economic, political, cultural and social factors at play in an international context.
Click here to donate to reduce the total cost of $6,000 per student for the course including airfare, lodging, meals and tuition.
Third-best academic semester on record with all coming in the spring (2020: 3.64/2024: 3.474).
Jade Moore not only had a 4.0 in spring, she did it for the 2024-25 academic year. The program has had at least one 4.0 student in every semester since fall of 2016 (17 in a row).
13th semester with double digits on Dean’s List: Brooke Anya, Masa Buzic, Ava Card, Gianna Corbitt, Takia Davis, Caia Elisaldez, Kalifa Ford, Jade Moore, Karsen Murphy, Sigrun Olafsdottir & Frode Flos van der Schans.
AD Honor Roll: Brooke Anya, Masa Buzic, Ava Card, Gianna Corbitt, Takia Davis, Caia Elisaldez, Kalifa Ford, Jade Moore, Karsen Murphy, Sigrun Olafsdottir & Frode Flos van der Schans.
Three 4.0 students: McKenna Faychak, Maddie Lecik & Doga Ocal. All three posted 4.0 for the academic calendar.
12 on Dean’s List: Jordyn Butler, Neva Clark, Taylor Clark, McKenna Faychak, Paige Gallentine, Kit Gresham, Ansley Gulledge, Julia Lawrence, Maddie Lecik, Madeline McCabe, Doga Ocal & Corina Vale.
14 made the AD Honor Roll: Jordyn Butler, Neva Clark, Taylor Clark, McKenna Faychak, Paige Gallentine, Kit Gresham, Ansley Gulledge, Sydney Jackwin, Joy Courtright, Julia Lawrence, Maddie Lecik, Madeline McCabe, Doga Ocal & Corina Vale.
Men’s Cross Country – 3.30 GPA | AD Honor Roll: 6 | Dean’s List: 5 | 4.0: 2
32nd semester above 3.0 and 29th at 3.3 or higher.
Two 4.0 terms: Cash Coggins & Wes Gibbs.
Dean’s List (5): Cash Coggins, Wes Gibbs, Riley Hanson, Aaron Isbell & Jack Martin.
AD Honor Roll (6): Cash Coggins, Ian Etheridge, Wes Gibbs, Riley Hanson, Aaron Isbell & Jack Martin.
25th time the cross country program turned in 3.60 or better, 18th for track & field as a whole.
Nine 4.0s is a record for cross country: Lola Baker, Lesley Boyd, Sarah Brotton, Taylor Crawford, Michaela Dabney, Kaitlyn Fisher, Lexi Foley, Anna Roberson & Brooke Tyll.
Two shy of the track & field record with 22 on the Dean’s List: Lola Baker, Leah Boyd, Lesley Boyd, Sarah Brotton, Taylor Crawford, Michaela Dabney, Andrea Ellis, Kaitlyn Fisher, Lexi Foley, Maya McCloskey, Ava McGue, Adelaide McKeown, Aubrey Park, Kennedy Reynolds, Anna Roberson, Ryleigh Simmons, Olivia Steele, Emma Thweatt, Brooke Tyll, Ellie Von Herrmann, Audrey Wade & Maddie Wheatcroft.
26 on the AD Honor Roll: Lola Baker, Leah Boyd, Lesley Boyd, Sarah Brotton, Taylor Crawford, Michaela Dabney, Andrea Ellis, Kaitlyn Fisher, Lexi Foley, Norah Haney, Stella Henry, Maya McCloskey, Ava McGue, Adelaide McKeown, Aubrey Park, Kennedy Reynolds, Anna Roberson, Ryleigh Simmons, Olivia Steele, Emma Thweatt, Brooke Tyll, Sarah Unterholzner, Ellie Von Herrmann, Audrey Wade & Maddie Wheatcroft.
Football – 3.25 GPA | AD Honor Roll: 60 | Dean’s List: 52 | 4.0: 10
Program record GPA.
The 10 best GPAs in program history have come in Coach Rusty Wright’s tenure (13 semesters)
10 4.0 students marked double digits for the program for the fifth time with all five coming in the last five terms: DJ Adams, Battle Alberson, Chase Artopoeus, Gabe Flores, JJ Heath, Kobe Joseph, Alen Karajic, Ryan Merklinger, Kristian Ozane & Nick Paul. Alberson, Artopoeus, Flores & Joseph all had 4.0s for the academic year.
52 on Dean’s List. 3rd time with 50+ (52-Spring 2020/54-Fall 2024): DJ Adams, Battle Alberson, Watts Alexander, Chase Artopoeus, Samari Brooks, Will Brown, Erik Bussmann, Gunnar Clary, Matthew Clemmer, Taylor Crumedy, Chris Domercant, Kaelin Drakeford, Jarian Dunlap, Nathaniel Eberly-Rodriguez, Landon Feggins, Gabe Flores, Bryce Goodner, Hudson Gray, Leroy Harris III, JJ Heath, Gavin Helton, Montrell Henderson, Ryan Ingram, Tracy Jackson, Malachi Jeffries, Heath Jehu, Josh Jones, Kobe Joseph, Alen Karajic, Luke Keith, Gray Kelley, Jude Kelley, AJ Little, Devin Lively, Solomon Locke, John McIntyre, Ryan Merklinger, Ethan Myers, Jules Ney, Camden Orth, Kristian Ozane, Nick Paul, Tee Perry, BJ Ragland, Grant Reid, Luke Schomburg, KJ Sejour, Peter Sesterhenn, Tylor Smiley, CJ Smith, Christian Va’a & Joshua Williams.
60 on AD Honor Roll. Fourth time with 60+: DJ Adams, Battle Alberson, Watts Alexander, Chase Artopoeus, Samari Brooks, Will Brown, Erik Bussmann, Gunnar Clary, Matthew Clemmer, Taylor Crumedy, Amanuel Dickson, Chris Domercant, Kaelin Drakeford, Jarian Dunlap, Nathaniel Eberly-Rodriguez, Landon Feggins, Gabe Flores, Bryce Goodner, Hudson Gray, Daniel Green, Leroy Harris III, Isaiah Harvey, JJ Heath, Gavin Helton, Montrell Henderson, Ryan Ingram, Tracy Jackson, Malachi Jeffries, Heath Jehu, Josh Jones, Kobe Joseph, Alen Karajic, Luke Keith, Gray Kelley, Jude Kelley, AJ Little, Devin Lively, Solomon Locke, John McIntyre, Ryan Merklinger, Ethan Myers, Jules Ney, Camden Orth, Kristian Ozane, Nick Paul, Tee Perry, BJ Ragland, Tyrell Ragland, Grant Reid, Luke Schomburg, KJ Sejour, Peter Sesterhenn, Tylor Smiley, CJ Smith, David Stewart, Ky Tayo, Christian Va’a, Chris Victor, Joshua Williams & Journey Wyche.
Fourth-best semester GPA (3.39) and highest since 3.49 in the spring of 2021.
Two 4.0 students: Camden Braidech & Aidan Cohl. Braidech, a 2025 NCAA Tournament Qualifier, recorded a 4.0 for the academic year.
Dean’s List (8): Camden Braidech, Dalton Burts, Dalton Chuba, Aidan Cohl, Nick Etherton, Ward Harris, Carson Johnson & Elliott Simonsen.
Tied program record (Spring 2014) with 10 on the AD Honor Roll (10): Camden Braidech, Dalton Burts, Dalton Chuba, Aidan Cohl, Nick Etherton, Ward Harris, Carson Johnson, Elliott Simonsen, Braedon Wear & Ethan Whitaker.
20th occasion with six or more on Dean’s List: Makenzie Cooper, Alexis Daniel, Violeta Fernandez-Tagle, Giulia Foresta, Kera Healey & Chloe Stevenazzi.
Six also on AD Honor Roll: Makenzie Cooper, Alexis Daniel, Violeta Fernandez-Tagle, Giulia Foresta, Kera Healey & Chloe Stevenazzi.
Best GPA in the department and fourth straight semester at 3.70 or better.
Program record GPA.
6th time with double digit 4.0 students: Ella Attaway, Anna Hussey, Sylvie Keck, Carmya Mastrangelo, Zoey Mize, Hannah Morton, Nicole Solete, Brenna Swiger, Kelly Tuerff & Lilly Kate Varino. Attaway, Hussey, Keck, Solete, Swiger and Varino all had 4.0 over both terms in 2024-25.
Ninth semester with 20 or more on Dean’s List. Ella Attaway, Savannah Dunahay, Caroline Ekern, Anna Hussey, Naomi Kato, Sylvie Keck, Abbey Marak, Carmya Mastrangelo, Sophia Mize, Zoey Mize, Taylor Morris, Hannah Morton, Betha Pucek, Caroline Richvalsky, Ella Roth, Clarissa Salinas, Nicole Solete, Brenna Swiger, Paige Thomas, Kelly Tuerff, Lilly Kate Varino, Elle Wakefield & Reese Wilson.
20 or more on AD Honor Roll for 16th time. Ella Attaway, Savannah Dunahay, Caroline Ekern, Anna Hussey, Naomi Kato, Sylvie Keck, Abbey Marak, Carmya Mastrangelo, Sophia Mize, Zoey Mize, Taylor Morris, Hannah Morton, Betha Pucek, Caroline Richvalsky, Ella Roth, Clarissa Salinas, Nicole Solete, Brenna Swiger, Paige Thomas, Kelly Tuerff, Lilly Kate Varino, Elle Wakefield & Reese Wilson.
Program record GPA. Second consecutive semester posting a new standard.
Ninth semester at 3.5 or better.
Department-high 11 4.0 students is also a team record: Abi Bunt, Anna Dovey, Shayna Glass, Grace Hixson, Alyssa Lavdis, Olivia Lipari, Taylor Long, Abi Pikas, Baileigh Pitts, Emma Sam Reed & Kailey Snell. Bunt, Lipari, Long and Snell all turned in 4.0s for the academic year.
24 on the Dean’s List is another new program record: Abi Bunt, Izzy Carlyle, Camryn Cernuto, Lexi Cooley, Anna Dovey, Shayna Glass, Peja Goold, Grace Hixson, Meghan Kernea, Alyssa Lavdis, Olivia Lipari, Taylor Long, Peyton O’Flaherty, Alyssa Orlando, Abi Pikas, Baileigh Pitts, Jayce Purdy, Emma Sam Reed, Acelynn Sellers, Kailey Snell, Presley Williamson & Zoe Wright.
25 on AD Honor Roll. Abi Bunt, Izzy Carlyle, Camryn Cernuto, Lexi Cooley, Anna Dovey, Shayna Glass, Peja Goold, Grace Hixson, Meghan Kernea, Riley Lamb, Alyssa Lavdis, Olivia Lipari, Taylor Long, Peyton O’Flaherty, Alyssa Orlando, Abi Pikas, Baileigh Pitts, Jayce Purdy, Emma Sam Reed, Acelynn Sellers, Kailey Snell, Presley Williamson & Zoe Wright.
10th time the program has reached 3.5 or better for the team GPA. The 3.54 ranks eighth on that list.
4.0 students (2): Gabriel Castillo & Kristof Kincses. Kincses was a 4.0 student for the academic year.
Dean’s List (9): Gabriel Castillo, Carson Gompert, Cortland Grove, Sebastian Johnson, Jakub Jupa, Kristof Kincses, Matej Laibl, Ryan Mudre & Carter Ramthun.
12 AD Honor Roll student-athletes makes it 11 of last 12 semesters in double figures. Ethan Carr, Gabriel Castillo, Carson Gompert, Cortland Grove, Sebastian Johnson, Jakub Jupa, Kristof Kincses, Matej Laibl, Jaxon Lamb, Ryan Mudre, Carter Ramthun & Walker Valentine. Twelve ties the program record (set in the fall of 2023.
25th time posting 3.40 or better as a team including three in a row.
4.0 students (2): Rozalie Dohnalova & Alice Hall.
Dean’s List (5): Zara Burns, Rozalie Dohnalova, Alice Hall, Emma Pedretti & Savannah Presson.
100 percent of the roster made AD Honor Roll (8). Zara Burns, Rozalie Dohnalova, Alice Hall, Rufaro Magarira, Margaret Manolache, Madlena Orlova, Emma Pedretti & Savannah Presson
10th on the all-time list for team GPA and 17th occasion besting the 3.5 mark.
4.0 students (5): Finley Hilliard, Cansu Kornosor, Chiara Napoli, Doga Ocal & Elena Vukmanov. Ocal was a 4.0 both terms of 2024-25.
10th time with 15+ on Dean’s List (16): Chandler Alter, Marcelle Baez-Carlo, Caiti Barthel, Bailey Burgess, Jordyn Butler, Paige Gallentine, Finley Hilliard, Kynli Kirkendoll, Cansu Kornosor, Mallory Merz, Chiara Napoli, Doga Ocal, Elaine Redman, Gracie Rose, Elena Vukmanov & Destiny Wiggins.
14th time with 15 or more making AD Honor Roll (17). Chandler Alter, Marcelle Baez-Carlo, Caiti Barthel, Bailey Burgess, Jordyn Butler, Paige Gallentine, Finley Hilliard, Sydney Jackwin, Kynli Kirkendoll, Cansu Kornosor, Mallory Merz, Chiara Napoli, Doga Ocal, Elaine Redman, Gracie Rose, Elena Vukmanov & Destiny Wiggins.
Wrestling – 3.19 GPA | AD Honor Roll: 20 | Dean’s List: 16 | 4.0: 5
Best academic year on record with program-record GPA in the fall (3.39) and the spring’s 3.19 ranking fifth.
4.0 students (5): Kendrick Curtis, Jackson Hurst, Landon Lewis, Kaleb Snodgrass & Connor Strong. All five were 4.0s for 2024-25 on the whole.
Dean’s List (16) – 8th time with 16 or more: Blake Boarman, Easton Cooper, Kendrick Curtis, Sergio Desiante, Wyatt Gibbs, Hayden Hughes, Jackson Hurst, Eli Knight, Landon Lewis, Cavarius Liddie, Tre McTorry, Kamdyn Munro, Brody Murray, Kaleb Snodgrass, Connor Strong & Logan Webster.
AD Honor Roll students (20) – 8th occasion with 20 or more. Blake Boarman, Tavian Camper, Carson Chalk, Easton Cooper, Kendrick Curtis, Dayne Dalrymple, Sergio Desiante, Wyatt Gibbs, Hayden Hughes, Jackson Hurst, Eli Knight, Landon Lewis, Cavarius Liddie, Bryce Luna, Tre McTorry, Kamdyn Munro, Brody Murray, Kaleb Snodgrass, Connor Strong & Logan Webster.
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Cookeville High School graduate Jude Dukes finalized the future of both his athletic and academic careers back on May 23 as he signed a national letter of intent to compete in track and field events for King University amongst his friends, family and coaches at CHS. “This is really exciting, and I feel great about […]
Cookeville High School graduate Jude Dukes finalized the future of both his athletic and academic careers back on May 23 as he signed a national letter of intent to compete in track and field events for King University amongst his friends, family and coaches at CHS.
“This is really exciting, and I feel great about going to the next chapter in my life,” Dukes said. “The reasons I decided to go with King University are that it’s in state and close to home, I’m a big family guy and I’ll be close to friends in Knoxville. I also love the coaches, the facilities and the school overall. I’m an exercise science major, and they have a really nice program with a great building. They just built a new track, and this will be their first season running meets on it. I went on a visit, and they were super welcoming. It seemed like they really wanted me, and I’m not just another recruit to them.
“I want to compete at the next level to prove to myself and everyone else that I can, and I’m super excited for this challenge. I don’t want to go in and be the best. I want competition, and I want to get beat because it will show me that I’m not as good as I think I am. It will humble me a little bit and prove to me that I have to work hard for everything. It will push me to my limits and turn me into the best version of myself.
“I’m going to miss everything about competing here. The environment is awesome between the coaching staff, my friends and my family. I’ve lived here my whole life, and you can’t forget things like that. Looking forward to King University, I’m just hoping that I can build a connection with my coaches and my teammates to have another family like I do here.”
KU is a Presbyterian-affiliated private university in Bristol, TN, and the King Tornado compete in the Conference Carolinas within the NCAA’s Division II. The program competed in 13 different events during the 2024-25 season, including the NCAA Division II Indoor Track & Field Championships, and it concluded with a 9th place finish out of 14 teams at the Conference Carolinas Outdoor Track & Field Championships.
“Jude has been an outstanding athlete for our program,” CHS head coach Scott Cook said. “His work ethic is going to be hard to match. He trains constantly all year long, and he’s always ready to compete. He competes as hard as he can, and he always wants to win. We’re going to miss him, but I’m excited to see what he can do at the next level.
“I think he’s ready to step up to that next level, and I’m really excited to see what college weight training and coaching is going to do for him. I really think he’s just now tapping into what he’s truly capable of. I think he’s going to a great school in a great area, and I think the coaching staff is excited to build something special. I think it’s going to be a great fit for him.”
The Southern Hills Athletic Conference honored the 2025 boys and girls All-SHAC Track and Field teams during their spring sports banquet. Pictured are the All-SHAC girls track and field team: (front, l-r) Eden Bosko, North Adams; Bella Gray, North Adams; Caroline Hansel, Fayetteville; Stella Rhonemus, West Union; Christina Murphy, Fayetteville; Madison Dunn, Manchester; and (back, l-r) […]
The Southern Hills Athletic Conference honored the 2025 boys and girls All-SHAC Track and Field teams during their spring sports banquet.
Pictured are the All-SHAC girls track and field team: (front, l-r) Eden Bosko, North Adams; Bella Gray, North Adams; Caroline Hansel, Fayetteville; Stella Rhonemus, West Union; Christina Murphy, Fayetteville; Madison Dunn, Manchester; and (back, l-r) Remi Moon, Fairfield; Landry Teeters, Fairfield; Madalyn Combs, Fairfield; Audrey Barber, Fayetteville; Ella Wolfer, Fayetteville; Jaida Harrison, North Adams; Kinsley Fogle, North Adams; and McKenna Shelton, North Adams.
Not pictured: Meri Jackson, Fairfield; Sadie Armstrong, West Union; Lydia Armstrong, West Union; Ella Shupert, West Union; Vivian Henninger, Fairfield; and Emma Hurst, Manchester.
Pictured for the All-SHAC boys track and field team: (front, l-r) Caleb Deatley, North Adams; Jakab Thompson, West Union; Nathaniel Cummings, Peebles; Keegan Eyre, Whiteoak; (second row, l-r) Shane Mitchell-Cox, Whiteoak; Landen Eyre, Whiteoak; Bryce Brooks, Eastern; Beau Hesler, North Adams; (third row, l-r) Elijah Gammon, Peebles; Damian McCann, Peebles; Wyatt Stepp, Peebles; Brandon Rayburn, Peebles; and (back, l-r) Coy Fogle, North Adams; Ian Raines, North Adams; and Dalton Pence, North Adams.
Not pictured: Kaleb Eldridge, North Adams; Tre Lamb, Whiteoak; and Cooper Meade, Peebles.
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U.S. Wins Silver Medal at U-20 World Championships
U.S. Wins Silver Medal at U-20 World Championships The U.S. men’s junior national team earned the silver medal at the U-20 World Championships in Croatia this week. The U.S. fell to Spain, 14-11, in Saturday’s final in Zagreb. It dropped the first two games of the tournament before winning four straight to reach the finale. […]
U.S. Wins Silver Medal at U-20 World Championships
The U.S. men’s junior national team earned the silver medal at the U-20 World Championships in Croatia this week.
The U.S. fell to Spain, 14-11, in Saturday’s final in Zagreb. It dropped the first two games of the tournament before winning four straight to reach the finale. The second-place finish is the highest in program history at the tournament.
Ryan Ohl scored three goals in Saturday’s final. Charles Mills made 11 saves in goal. The U.S. went down 3-1 after one quarter before a six-goal second period gave it a 7-5 lead at the break.
But Spain scored six goals in the fourth, led by six goals on the game from Albert Sabadell, to break it open. His goal with 2:28 left put Spain up for good at 12-11.
Ben Liechty, Bode Brinkema and captain Ryder Dodd scored twice each for the U.S. Goals by Brinkema, Corbin Stanley and Liechty put the U.S. ahead three times in the fourth quarter. But Biel Gomila, who scored twice, tied the game at 11 with 4:33 left, before Sabadell’s fifth goal put Spain in front for the last time.
The U.S. had opened the tournament with a 19-10 loss to Croatia last Saturday, despite four goals from Dodd, and a 13-12 setback to Hungary in which Dodd and Jonathan Carcarey each registered hat tricks.
But the U.S. rebounded to top Montenegro, 16-10, behind 11 saves from Mills. William Schneider scored four times in that game, with Dodd and Brinkema adding hat tricks. The U.S. got to the quarterfinals via a 23-5 handling of Iran, powered by Stanley’s four goals and 14 saves from Baxter Chelsom.
The U.S. got revenge on Hungary in the quarters, 18-16, thanks to six goals from Dodd. Dodd tied that game at 13 early in the fourth quarter, the start of a 4-0 U.S. run that included Peter Castillo supplying the game-winner before a Dodd penalty shot and an Ohl goal.
The semifinals brought a 19-18 slugfest with Serbia decided in the shootout. The U.S. led by two with two minutes left before Serbia tied it with 55 seconds left. Chesholm stopped Vuk Kojik on Serbia’s fourth attempt. Max Zelikov and Landon Akerstrom converted their chances to help the U.S. go 5-for-5. Mills made 10 saves in regulation, and Dodd was the only multi-goal scorer with seven tallies plus the first in the shootout.
Hay fire contained at ISU’s Dairy Barn – Iowa State Daily
Ames Fire Department and crews contained a fire at the Iowa State University Dairy Barn early Friday morning. The fire involved hay and began at approximately 2:20 a.m., according to Shift Commander Dave Folkmann. The Ames Fire Department showed up within 5 minutes. “I believe they had it contained within a couple of hours, but […]
Ames Fire Department and crews contained a fire at the Iowa State University Dairy Barn early Friday morning.
The fire involved hay and began at approximately 2:20 a.m., according to Shift Commander Dave Folkmann.
The Ames Fire Department showed up within 5 minutes.
“I believe they had it contained within a couple of hours, but it smoldered for a long time,” Folkmann said. “We cleared at about 10 [a.m.] this morning.”
Iowa State Staff used heavy equipment to remove bales in order to give fire crews a clean shot at the burning hay inside. The cause of the fire is undetermined.
Smoldering continued well into the day, according to Rusty Burgett of the Department of Animal Science.
Burgett was on-site and monitoring the situation.
“We’re just trying to make sure we don’t have big flare-ups, and keeping everybody safe,” Burgett said.
Aside from the hay, nothing else was damaged.
The Ames Fire Department received assistance from Kelley / West Story Fire Association, Huxley Fire Rescue and Slater Fire Department.
Long Island boys track set down fast times and high marks
JUSTIN ALBANESE Eastport-South Manor, NYSPHSAA Class B 1,600 meters It was the most pleasant surprise of the senior’s life. Albanese finished eighth in the 1,600 meters at the state championships in Middletown in a personal-record 4 minutes, 13.6 seconds. However, he was the top finisher from NYSPHSAA Class B, which made him a state champion. […]
Eastport-South Manor, NYSPHSAA Class B 1,600 meters
It was the most pleasant surprise of the senior’s life.
Albanese finished eighth in the 1,600 meters at the state championships in Middletown in a personal-record 4 minutes, 13.6 seconds. However, he was the top finisher from NYSPHSAA Class B, which made him a state champion.
That was news to him. The distance races were all integrated by class and doubled as both NYSPHSAA and Federation competitions, so many of the runners were unaware of their exact standings in each class. After the new top time, Albanese was rather pleased. Then, coach Brian Methven swooped in excitedly to congratulate him.
“My coach came up running and told me that I won Class B,” Albanese said. “I didn’t believe it at first. I told him, ‘No way.’ I had to double-check that. Coach had it on his phone, so he showed me. It was awesome.”
TRISTAN BLAKE
Harborfields, NYSPHSAA Class B triple jump
Harborfield’s Tristan Blake competes in the Class B triple jumpat the NYSPSAA Track and Field Finals ,Day 2,at Middletown on Saturday, June 14 ,2025 in Middletown NY. Credit: Neil Miller
Blake went from inactive with a torn hamstring to school legend within three months. He suffered the injury the day before indoor track started and missed the entire season. He was not cleared for a return until the day before the outdoor season began.
Usually mild mannered, Blake was very excited after he flew 46 feet, 5 1⁄4 inches to win his class. After all the plyometric workouts he did during the winter to get to that point, he felt he had earned himself some gluttony and relaxation.
“I have to celebrate now because I have a tendency not to celebrate,” Blake said. “I’m going to take tomorrow off, not hit weights and just live life a little bit.”
JAMES CIACCIO
St. Anthony’s, NYSPHSAA Class A 800, Federation 800
St Anthony’s James Ciaccio wins the Boys 800 meter run at the NYSPSAA Track and Field Finals ,Day 1,at Middletown on Friday, June 13 ,2025 in Middletown ,NY Credit: Neil Miller
The senior’s redemption story was an epic one, for sure.
He had a moment to forget at the CHSAA Intersectional Championships on May 24 when he lost the 800 at the finish line with a premature celebration that slowed him down. The tension at Icahn Stadium on Randall’s Island was palpable, and coach Tim Dearie’s disappointment was audible.
Then came Day 1 of the state championships, and Ciaccio proved he had learned his lesson. He came from behind on the final lap to overtake his future Northeastern teammate — Newburgh Free Academy’s Brady Danyluk — and win it all in 1:49.64.
“Obviously, this is a huge difference from three weeks ago,” Ciaccio said. “I just didn’t get ahead of myself and finished before letting anything else take over. While I’m still in that race, I’m still competing. I just took the race as it was going; not being too reactive. Once I saw it was go-time, I took the opportunity and went.”
MATTHEW DeCICCO
Hewlett, Class B pentathlon
Matthew DeCicco of Hewlett, right, races to victory in the boys 110 meter hurdles final during the Nassau County track and field Class AA team championships at Hewlett High School on Monday, May 19, 2025. He posted a time of 15.69. Credit: James Escher
In his last act before joining Albany’s men’s track team, DeCicco scored 3,244 points to finish atop Class B in the pentathlon. He ran 15-flat in the 110 hurdles, 4:44.02 in the 1,500, cleared 5-5 in the high jump, flew 20-5 3⁄4 in the long jump and threw the shot 38-9 3⁄4.
It was his resilience that allowed him to win, taking the title by a relatively small 32 points. In his weakest event, the high jump, he had not yet cleared 5-1 and was down to his last attempt. He managed to clear it and move to 5-3 where, once again, he failed on the first two tries. He got the job done again to move up to 5-5, where history repeated: two failures and a clearance.
By toughing it out through 5-5, the former quarterback salvaged 504 points, which was 210 fewer than Jamesville-Dewitt’s Terrell Willis, who was ultimately his runner-up.
“I was about to quit,” DeCicco said. “It was a very stressful day. It was fourth down. I just remembered that I’ve done this a million times in practice, and I got it done.”
Clockwise from top left: Dominic Collins, Aidan Peterkin, R’Len Richards and Caleb Harris after leading Elmont to state title in the 4 x 400 relay. Credit: Chris Diaz
Elmont’s deep squad of sprinters thrived as a collective all year, spending most of the outdoor season as the state’s top-ranked 4 x 400 relay team. The boys, led by three seniors and anchored by a junior, had a busy Saturday at the state championship meet, as they practically bookended the day with victorious performances.
At around 9:30 a.m., Elmont logged a 3:17.19 to win Class B and qualify for the Federation race, which was the last scheduled event of the day. Eight hours later, they got into a tight battle with Minisink Valley, but Peterkin took the baton, made a move into first place and narrowly held on through the finish line. Their 3:14.91 secured not only the ‘undisputed champions’ label, but also cemented them as the top 4 x 400 squad in the state on time.
DAVIN LI
Glenn, Class B 100, Class B 200
Elwood-John Glenn Davin Li wins his Class B 100 Meter run at the NYSPSAA Track and Field Finals ,Day 2,at Middletown on Saturday, June 14 ,2025 in Middletown ,NY Credit: Neil Miller
Li’s high school career ended a year early. The multi-talent is graduating ahead of schedule to pursue a degree at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he will also be sprinting for its men’s track team.
Before moving on to MIT, he had one more mark to leave on Glenn ... as if being an All-State violinist, a valedictorian, and a four-year starter on defense for a county champion boys soccer team wasn’t enough. He sprinted 10.89 to win his class’ 100 championship and 21.46 to take his class’ 200 title.
“It’s pretty special, to be honest,” Li said. “I just came out here to run my best. I’m happy to have gotten some [personal records], and of course, I had to get some wins, as well.”
DJ McDONOUGH
Garden City, Class B 800
Donald McDonough of Garden City races to victory in the boys 800 meter run during Day 1 of the Nassau County track and field state qualifiers at North Shore High School on Thursday, June 5, 2025. He posted a time of 1:53.69. Credit: James Escher
In his final high school race, the Washington & Lee commit finished third among all runners, and atop Class B, in the Federation 800 — registering 1:51.86 to capture the title.
It was a year of constant growth for McDonough, who had always been a solid runner. However, this year McDonough blew up and broke out. His meteoric rise ended fittingly: with a gold medal at the state meet.
“I think it’s mostly due to the fact that after having a pretty good [prior] season, I knew that I could be much better if I really put the work in, and I knew I had a lot of untapped potential that I really wanted to reach,” McDonough said. “I really fell in love with the sport and all the things that it brought me last year and that just pushed me harder and made me really want to be the best there is.”
MANHASSET 4 X 800
(John Hogan, Blake Sealy, Nic Katsoulis, Ryan Boldi), Class B, Federation
Clockwise from top left: Ryan Boldi, Blake Sealy, John Hogan and Nic Katsoulis after leading Manhasset to a state title in the 4 x 800 relay.
Credit: Steve Steiner
After winning the same two titles in the winter, Manhasset’s 4 x 800 relay defended them by running 7:46.04 in Middletown. It was a nice sendoff for Hogan and Boldi, who are both graduating. Boldi ran a strong anchor leg to bring home the title and fend off Xavier, securing the Federation win by just 0.78 seconds.
Sealy was not a member of the indoor championship team, as he dealt with injuries to his foot. He was replaced by senior Cole Thalheimer, who more than sufficed in the role. However, Thalheimer went down with an injury this spring, allowing Sealy to return the favor and step in for him to help deliver the championship. The boys were all part of the team that won the Class B championship in cross country.
“I still can’t believe we won three state titles this year,” coach Steve Steiner said. “Unbelievable.”
JORDAN PECK
North Babylon, Federation 110 hurdles, Class A 400 hurdles, Federation 400 hurdles
North Babylon’s Jordan peck wins at the Class A Boys 400 Meter hurtles at the NYSPSAA Track and Field Finals ,Day 1,at Middletown on Friday, June 13 ,2025 in Middletown ,NY Credit: Neil Miller
Peck was the best hurdler on Long Island all year, and began his two-day state championship journey with a win in Class A’s 400s in 52.99. The junior also finished second in the 110s in 14.04. Both times qualified him to run in the Federation races, giving himself a shot at instant redemption in the 110s.
With the extra chance, he thrived. Peck narrowly won the Federation 110s in 14.32 before taking the Federation 400s with ease in 52.89.
He ran in honor of his teammates who had missed the state meet qualifications.
“I can’t even tell you how it feels,” Peck said. “I think my team, and especially the seniors, can finally rest their heads knowing that somebody got the revenge for them.”
AIDAN PETERKIN
Elmont, Class B 400
Elmont’s Aidan Peterkin wins the Class B 400 meter dash at the NYSPSAA Track and Field Finals ,Day 1,at Middletown on Friday, June 13 ,2025 in Middletown ,NY Credit: Neil Miller
Though he shines running the anchor leg of Elmont’s 4 x 400 relay, Peterkin is also strong on his own. The day before he played the hero on Elmont’s 4 x 400, he ran a 47.77 in the Class B 400 to become an individual state champion.
The solo title packed a different thrill.
“I’m beyond blessed,” Peterkin said. “I had great competition to push me and I was able to prevail, so I’m really happy with my performance.”
KENNETH RAMDAYAL
Herricks, Class A shot put
Herricks junior Kenneth Ramdayal throws the shot in the NYSPHSAA Class A shot put championship.
Credit: Joe Caruso
Ramdayal almost got the job done on Day 1, but he fell just short in the Class A discus, finishing second at 168-9. The next afternoon, in a crowded field, the junior threw the shot 59-6 3⁄4 to win by over 2 1⁄2 feet.
Though he finished the season ranked behind Chaminade junior Jonathan Szymanski in the shot put, Ramdayal was able to beat him head-to-head at the state meet and ended the season with 13 wins in 14 meets.
Brooklyn Burnside prepares to throw the ball during an attacking drill at Lady Wildcat Volleyball Camp. Burnside, a former Lady Wildcat volleyball player, served as a volunteer coach during the annual camp. Brooklyn Burnside prepares to throw the ball during an attacking drill at Lady Wildcat Volleyball Camp. Burnside, a former Lady Wildcat volleyball player, […]
Brooklyn Burnside prepares to throw the ball during an attacking drill at Lady Wildcat Volleyball Camp. Burnside, a former Lady Wildcat volleyball player, served as a volunteer coach during the annual camp.
Brooklyn Burnside prepares to throw the ball during an attacking drill at Lady Wildcat Volleyball Camp. Burnside, a former Lady Wildcat volleyball player, served as a volunteer coach during the annual camp.
Sulphur Springs Head Volleyball Coach Bailey Dorner demonstrates a drill during Lady Wildcat Volleyball Camp. Dorner is entering her seventh season as the Lady Wildcats’ head volleyball coach.
Sulphur Springs Head Volleyball Coach Bailey Dorner demonstrates a drill during Lady Wildcat Volleyball Camp. Dorner is entering her seventh season as the Lady Wildcats’ head volleyball coach.
A camper gets ready to pass the ball during a passing drill at Lady Wildcat Volleyball Camp, a huge success, drawing dozens of participants. Staff Photos by DJ Spencer
A camper gets ready to pass the ball during a passing drill at Lady Wildcat Volleyball Camp, a huge success, drawing dozens of participants. Staff Photos by DJ Spencer
Campers work on their serving techniques during Lady Wildcat Volleyball Camp. Serving was one of the first skills taught during the annual camp.
Campers work on their serving techniques during Lady Wildcat Volleyball Camp. Serving was one of the first skills taught during the annual camp.
A camper prepaes to attack the ball during Lady Wildcat Volleyball Camp. The attacking drills were among the most popular ones with campers.
A camper prepaes to attack the ball during Lady Wildcat Volleyball Camp. The attacking drills were among the most popular ones with campers.
Waiting in line is part of the scene at Lady Wildcat Volleyball Camp. The camp was held June 16-17 in the Sulphur Springs High School Gymnasium.
Waiting in line is part of the scene at Lady Wildcat Volleyball Camp. The camp was held June 16-17 in the Sulphur Springs High School Gymnasium.
Volleyball has seen a surge in popularity over the last decade. If the crowds at this year’s Lady Wildcat Volleyball Camp are any indication of what’s to come, the future of Sulphur Springs volleyball is in good hands.The annual camp, held June 16-17 in the Sulphur Springs High School Gymnasium, was a huge success, drawing dozens of participants.During the camp, students learn…
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