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The National Weather Service alerted Gulfport residents a Flash Flood Warning around 9 p.m. Aug. 10. The community woke up to damaged beach volleyball courts once again, despite the City laying new sand down back in July.

Streets throughout Gulfport, including in the Stetson and Tangerine neighborhoods, experienced the forewarned flash flooding despite having some distance —both horizontally and vertically— from the bay. 

Runoff from the flood reopened old wounds at the corner of 54th Street and Shore Boulevard. Streams gashed open the municipal beaches. Downtown businesses took on water. 

How Did We Get Here?

“Basically, we’re just getting sand for $185,000?” Vice Mayor April Thanos asked at the July 1 Gulfport City Council meeting.

“It’s 1,400 tons of sand,” Public Works Director Tom Nicholls said in reply.

Council passed the resolution to buy those truckloads of sand. The sand was then used to fill in damage left from Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

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And it All Goes Downhill From There

On the evening of Aug 10, a flash flood drenched Gulfport, putting Florida’s new no-wake law to the test for the first time. The water that wasn’t drunk by the stormwater system ran south to the Gulf.

“It ran off pretty quick because we were at a low tide,” Tom Nicholls, Gulfport’s Public Works director, said. “[The runoff] eroded some of our sand. It also did some undermining at 54th [Street] and Shore [Boulevard].”

The runoff water cut channels through the new sand near the Casino and right through both volleyball courts. The fast water Nicholls mentioned overpowered the yellow turbidity barriers designed to keep the sediment from sweeping out to sea. The barriers are rated to hold up to 5 feet per second of current and were overwhelmed.

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Beach Recovery Recovery

“I’m still waiting on an Army Corps of Engineers permit to do the final beach restoration to get it all done. I’m going to have to add some more sand, obviously, to that,” he said.

In the meantime, Sam Anany, a Gulfport Public Works employee, went out around 9:30 a.m. Aug. 11 on a backhoe with a giant comb attachment to rake out the municipal beach.

He said that his goal was to remove any uneven ground where people could trip, especially important where people play volleyball. Anany said his work was a morning-of, temporary fix.

“They sent me to put a Band-Aid on it,” he said.

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The City is still bidding out the reconstruction at the corner of 54th Street and Shore Boulevard, and until the street and sea wall are rebuilt, water can flow through unobstructed.

“Having the sea wall done would have made it better,” Dakota Barrows, one of the Public Works employees tasked with clearing debris near O’Maddy’s and Williams Pier.

At 10 a.m. Aug. 11, the crew was clearing out bricks, rogue watercraft, and other debris around the potable water line that services the casino.

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Until the City bids and builds a sea wall and the Army Corps of Engineers permit allows the City to finish the job at the beach, Public Works can only refill hemorrhaged sand and hope for fair weather.

“If we have this type of rain events, there’s not a whole lot we can do at this point,” Nicholls said.

Close your eyes and make a wish. As of the morning after the storm, Aug. 11, 111 days remain until hurricane season ends.

Wet Opens in Downtown Gulfport

The unnamed rain of Aug. 10 also found its way into downtown Gulfport businesses. Not a week open, V-Roll braced for impact by damming under its doors, but received no water.

Further south and lower in elevation, Stormrunners Tavern, Tommy’s Hideaway, Gulfport Beach Bazaar, and the temporarily closed Neptune Grill all had water on their floors in the morning.

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Stormrunners, with its epoxy floors, had to “just squeegee it out” before opening on the 11th, according to Manager Jason McKennon.

Manager Debbie McHugh started mopping at 8:30 a.m. at Tommy’s Hideaway and didn’t open until the afternoon.

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Beach Bazaar’s General Manager Mike Hooper came in the night of the storm to sandbag the large gaps under their doors, having seen water on The Gabber Newspaper’s live feed of the Beach Boulevard. Employee Mike Morris said three staff members (all named Mike) mopped until lunchtime, with no stock damaged.

Help From Public Works

Nicholls suggested residents to call Public Works with any questions or concerns about storm drainage. Public Works checks all the storm drains every day; however, they can’t be everywhere at once.

“Just give me a call and we’ll get out to check it,” he said.

Call Gulfport Public Works at 727-893-1089.

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We’re the calm during the storm. No hype, only help!

Bookmark The Gabber Newspaper‘s storm coverage page for quick access to relevant tropical storm updates. No hype, no guessing, just updates on shelters, sandbags, and closures. Sign up for text alerts to get real-time guidance and prep advice when there’s a named storm heading our way. Also, check out our downtown Gulfport and beach web cams.

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MORAGA, Calif. — In year three of the Coach Harlan Lopez era for Saint Mary’s Men’s Cross Country and Track put up historic numbers. The Gaels won their first cross country meet under Coach Lopez’s guidance, the 2024 Pacific Invitational, took home their first top-five conference finish under his tutelage, and saw five program records fall on the track. Coach Lopez is primed for another solid season with 19 returning student-athletes, but has also brought in a stellar recruiting class of 18 new Gaels.

“Our 2025 recruiting class is not only the biggest class we have ever had but the fastest.” noted Coach Lopez, “The 18 new athletes coming in are divided evenly between 9 freshmen and 9 transfers which sets up the program for immediate success as well as building for the future. The hope is our transfers can contribute to team success right away as well as help guide these freshmen to be team leaders in a few years. With this 2025 class we have high hopes for team success moving forward and bringing Saint Mary’s cross country to a new level.”  

Let’s meet these new runners for the Gaels Men’s Cross Country and Track programs:

Kyle Byrne | 6-2 | Grad Student | Cal State East Bay | Oakland, Calif. 

PRs: 50.44 (400m), 1:53.87 (800m), 4:11.13 (1500m), 27:28.3 (XC 8K), 35:41.1 (XC 10K)

Accomplishments: 2023 NorCal JuCo 800m Champion, 2019 Oakland Section Cross Country 4th Place Finisher 

Projected Major: Counseling 

Why He Chose Saint Mary’s: “The amazing academics and beautiful campus.”

Luke Davis | 5-7 | Freshman | Douglas HS | South Lake Tahoe, Calif. 

PRs: 55.09 (400m), 2:00.04 (800m), 4:07.74 (1500m), 4:24.29 (Mile), 9:05.43 (3000m), 9:36.02 (Two Mile), 16:09.4 (XC 5K)

Accomplishments: 2024 USATF All-American (3000m), 2024 Nevada State Cross Country Championship 6th Place Finisher, 2025 Nevada State Track and Field Two Mile 4th Place Finisher

Projected Major: Sports Psychology

Why He Chose Saint Mary’s: “I loved the location, and I really liked Coach Harlan’s training style!”

Quinn Davis | 6-0 | Freshman | Del Norte HS | San Diego, Calif. 

PRs: 2:13.89 (800m), 4:38.74 (Mile), 10:01.47 (Two Mile), 16:22.5 (XC 5K)

Accomplishments: Helped Del Norte HS to the 2024 San Diego Section Cross Country Title

Projected Major: Business Administration

Why He Chose Saint Mary’s: “I enjoy the team culture.”

Divan Du Plooy | 6-0 | Junior | South Plains College | Jeffreys Bay, South Africa

PRs: 3:45.94 (1500m), 4:08.43 (Mile), 8:02.49 (3000m), 14:23.45 (5000m), 9:10.65 (3000m Steeple), 23:15.2 (XC 8K)

Accomplishments: Namibian National Record Holder in the indoor mile, 3000m and 3000m Steeple Chase

Projected Major: Kinesiology 

Why He Chose Saint Mary’s: “They just have the best environment and faculty, and the coach is really really intelligent in what he says and the way he approaches training.”

Jon Fielding Stogner | 5-10 | Grad Student | Lee University | Birmingham, Ala.

PRs: 2:00.15 (800m), 3:55.89 (1500m), 4:23.22 (Mile), 8:22.67 (3000m), 14:15.10 (5000m), 31:12.54 (10,000m), 24:27.9 (XC 8K)

Accomplishments: 2024 Gulf South Indoor Championship 5000m 3rd Place Finisher, 2024 Gulf South Outdoor Championship 4th Place Finisher

Projected Major: Business Administration

Why He Chose Saint Mary’s: “The tight knit culture, supportive coaching staff and upwards trajectory of the program.”

Joel Fischer | 5-9 | Junior | Mount San Antonio College | Hesperia, Calif. 

PRs: 2:05.32 (800m), 4:12.85 (1500m), 8:53.76 (3000m), 15:24.67 (5000m), 31:34.59 (10,000m), 25:12.8 (XC 8K)

Accomplishments: 2025 South Coast Conference 10,000m Champion

Projected Major: Kinesiology

Why He Chose Saint Mary’s: “To complete at a higher level while obtaining my degree in Kinesiology.”

Adam Kehe | 6-0 | Freshman | Cleveland HS | Portland, Ore. 

PRs: 1:55.69 (800m), 4:12.94 (1500m), 17:18.3 (XC 5K)

Accomplishments: 2025 Portland Interscholastic League 800m 3rd Place Finisher

Projected Major: Economics

Why He Chose Saint Mary’s: “Great Location, Good Environment, Smaller School with D1 Status.”

Jack McGuire | 5-10 | Freshman | Junipero Serra HS | Burlingame, Calif. 

PRs: 2:05.23 (800m), 4:27.46 (Mile), 9:38.47 (Two Mile), 15:53.2 (XC 5K)

Accomplishments: 2024 CIF State Cross Country Meet Qualifier 

Projected Major: Business Administration

Why He Chose Saint Mary’s: “For the team culture!”

Emmanuel Moes | 5-9 | Sophomore | University of Oregon | Kingston, Wash. 

PRs: 4:22.87 (1500m), 16:52.99 (5000m), 17:07.7 (XC 5K)

Accomplishments: 2023 Olympic League Cross Country Championship 8th place finish

Projected Major: Kinesiology 

Why He Chose Saint Mary’s: “To grow as a runner and as a student, and it felt like a good fit overall.”

Jacob Schuetze | 5-11 | Freshman | San Luis Obispo HS | San Luis Obispo, Calif. 

PRs: 54.29 (400m), 2:04.96 (800m), 4:29.03 (Mile), 9:44.33 (Two Mile), 16:17.6 (XC 5K)

Accomplishments: 2023 Cross Country Second Team All-Central Coast Athletic Association, Member of the San Luis Obispo HS Program Record 4x800m and Distance Medley Teams

Projected Major: Environmental Science

Why He Chose Saint Mary’s: “I really liked the team environment and the campus and thought it was the overall best fit for me.”

Anthony Sharp | 6-1 | Freshman | Damonte Ranch HS | Reno, Nev. 

PRs: 56.71 (400m), 1:57.82 (800m), 4:13.79 (1500m), 4:24.34 (Mile), 10:29.31 (Two Mile), 16:05.0 (XC 5K)

Accomplishments: 4* Nevada State Qualifier for Cross Country, 1* Nevada State Qualifier for Track

Projected Major: Biochemistry/Biology

Why He Chose Saint Mary’s: “Location was close to home, they are a D1 program, I appreciated the opportunity to be a part of the High Potential Program, and the school’s great academics.”

Nick Shoemaker | 6-5 | Freshman | Prospect Ridge Academy | Thornton, Colo.

PRs: 2:01.05 (800m), 4:29.03 (Mile), 10:11.27 (Two Mile), 16:38.3 (XC 5K)

Accomplishments: All-Metro League and All-State Runner

Projected Major: Business Administration

Why He Chose Saint Marys: “I loved the campus and the atmosphere.”

Alan Solari | 5-11 | Junior | Diablo Valley College | Concord, Calif.

PRs: 25.39 (200m), 51.39 (400m), 1:53.14 (800m), 3:56.70 (1500m), 4:26.28 (Mile), 9:58.99 (Two Mile), 15:31.4 (XC 5K)

Accomplishments: 2024 Big 8 Cross Country Champion, 2023 and 2024 First Team All-NorCal Cross Country, 2024 NorCal 1500m Champion

Projected Major: Finance

Why He Chose Saint Mary’s: “For its welcoming atmosphere, strong academics, and excellent cross country program.”

Oisin Spillane | 6-5 | Grad Student | Tulsa | Tralee, Kerry, Ireland 

PRs: 4:16.11 (Mile), 8:17.02 (3000m), 14:40.29 (5000m), 9:04.60 (3000m Steeple Chase), 25:28.3 (XC 8K), 31:32.0 (XC 10K)

Accomplishments: 2022 IUAA 3000m Steeple Chase Champion, 2022 and 2023 Irish U23 3000m Steeple Chase Champion, 2023 Irish U-23 National Cross Country Champion, 2024 Irish Universities 3000m Steeple Chase Champion

Projected Major: Business Analytics

Why He Chose Saint Mary’s: “The location, beautiful weather and post grad opportunities. I am also excited to be part of an emerging team!”

Zack Springer | 5-11 | Freshman | Las Lomas HS | Walnut Creek, Calif. 

PRs: 23.94 (200m), 52.26 (400m), 1:57.86 (800m), 4:38.0 (Mile), 5-8 (High Jump), 16:25.1 (XC Three Mile)

Accomplishments: Member of the Las Lomas HS 4x800m program record setting team

Projected Major: Business Administration

Why He Chose Saint Mary’s: “I appreciated that the campus was close to home.”

Aiden Tarantino | 5-10 | Redshirt Sophomore | Azusa Pacific | Carmel, Calif.

PRs: 58.15 (400m), 2:03.40 (800m), 4:08.58 (1500m), 4:22.39 (Mile), 9:43.34 (Two Mile), 25:12.0 (XC 8K)

Accomplishments: 2* First Team All-Central Coast Section Cross Country

Projected Major: Finance

Why He Chose Saint Mary’s: “Because of my existing relationship with Coach Harlan, as I believe he will help prepare me to be the best runner I can be.”

Foster Wilfong | 5-8 | Grad Student | Furman University | San Antonio, Tex. 

PRs: 1:57.30 (800m), 3:52.62 (1500m), 4:12.20 (Mile), 8:06.90 (3000m), 9:04.08 (Two Mile), 14:32.03 (5000m), 32:13.96 (10,000m), 9:18.10 (3000m Steeple Chase), 24:19.1 (XC 8K), 31:54.4 (XC 10K)

Accomplishments: 2022 SoCon 3000m Steeple Chase 5th Place Finish, 2023 SoCon 1500m 4th Place Finish, 2025 SoCon Indoor 3000m 5th Place Finish 

Projected Major: Business Administration

Why He Chose Saint Mary’s: “I wanted to compete and live in the Bay Area.”

Jackson Woolf | 5-11 | Freshman | Lincoln HS | Portland, Ore. 

PRs: 2:05.52 (PR), 4:10.94 (1500m), 4:38.27 (Mile), 8:52.78 (3000m), 9:33.28 (Two Mile), 16:32.21 (5000m), 15:31.2 (XC 5K)

Accomplishments: Helped his team to a District Cross Country Title and a Fourth Place Finish at the State Championship, 3rd Team All-District

Projected Major: Undeclared

Why He Chose Saint Mary’s: “The campus atmosphere and the feeling of community on the team.”

#GaelsRise

MOSCOW, Idaho – As the calendar turned over into August, Idaho Volleyball officially reported for the start of fall camp. 

Just three weeks of practice, lifts, and a scrimmage separate the Vandals between report date and the season opener at the Vandal Volleyball Invitational in Memorial Gym. Heading into her second year leading the program, head coach Romana Redondo Kriskova put together a recruiting class featuring talent from many levels of college volleyball, on top of some highly touted incoming freshmen.

A critical aspect of the roster is the five experienced returners in Madu Fontes, Chiara Gennari, Natalia Wielgus, Zuzanna Whitman, and Ada Isik. Each of these earned valuable time on the court last season and provide familiarity with the regime and culture building within the program. 

Koen Makaula (Nevada), Cayton White (Gardner-Webb), Kailee Wakatake (UC San Diego), Kyriah Trefren (Academy of Art) Sara Hiebert (Molloy), and Sarah Sullivan (Butler CC) make up the transfer class for the Vandals, each having logged time on the court at their previous institutions and provide a lot of options for the coaching staff. 

Last but certainly not least, Chloe Sanders, Aleina Manaois, Gabi Smith, Csenge Krakoczki and Kiana Greer highlight the incoming freshman class from all corners. From as close to Moscow as Washington and Montana to as far as Hungary, students around the world are buying in to what is brewing at Idaho. 

With a week and change of practices under their built, Redondo Kriskova is enthused by what she has seen from her group. The practices are spirited and the work is being put in, as the Vandals are chomping at the bit to get to the season.

“Fall camp is going great,” said the head coach. “Even though we have eleven newcomers, the gym is loud and nobody could tell that these players have known each other only a couple weeks. I’m very pleased with the energy, coachability, and work ethic that these players have and bring in every day. Can’t wait for the season to start and see what this team can accomplish.”

The full Vandal Volleyball schedule has been released, with the annual intrasquad Black and Gold Scrimmage taking place on Aug. 23, followed by a free kids clinic open to K-4th grade to follow. Fans who wish to register their children for the clinic must return a signed waiver form to assistant coach Ben Kasun at bkasun@uidaho.edu. Waiver forms are available for download HERE. 

FOLLOW THE VANDALS

To stay up to date with Vandal Volleyball, follow the team on Instagram (VandalVolleyball), X(IdahoVolleyball) and visit govandals.com 

 

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – UC Santa Barbara Men’s Volleyball student-athletes Josh Aruya and Riggs Guy helped USA Volleyball U21 Men’s Team win the gold medal this past weekend at the Pan American Championships.
 
The Americans defeated the hosting nation Canada, 3-1 (26-24, 25-21, 22-25, 25-18) in the championship match to finish the tournament a perfect 6-0.
 
Guy, a rising sophomore outside hitter, was voted the best spiker while totaling 11 points on nine kills and two blocks in the championship match. The Newport Beach native was instrumental in USA’s success. In the first set, Guy swung momentum back to the Red, White and Blue with a kill to put them up 19-18, and ultimately went on to win the set 26-24.
 
Guy continues his impressive start to his collegiate career, following the 2025 season he was named to The Big West All-Freshman Team. Guy led the Gauchos this past season with 217 kills and 245 points while ranking second with 3.06 kills per set and 3.45 points per set.
 
Josh Aruya was also instrumental in the team’s success. The middle blocker helped the U.S. move into sole possession of first place with a 3-1 win over Canada to keep them undefeated during the August 7 matchup. In the final match of the preliminary round Aruya added five blocks throughout the match to help the Red, White and Blue to the Gold Medal Match.
 
Aruya, a rising junior, finished second on the team in total blocks for the Gauchos during the 2025 season while tying for first on the team in block solos with teammate Riggs Guy. He tied his career high in kills against Hawai’i on April 18 and points against Cal Lutheran on March 25.
 

MONMOUTH, Ore. — The Western Oregon track and field program has added Darren Flynt as its new throws coach. 

Flynt is a former collegiate and professional thrower with decades of experience as an athlete and coach. He competed for Bakersfield College, Nebraska, and Azusa Pacific University, where he was an NAIA national champion in the weight throw. He also competed professionally in the Scottish Highland Games.

Darren has developed athletes now competing at Nebraska, Iowa, NC State, Michigan, Kansas, Sam Houston and more. He was grandfathered in as a USATF coach after leading his daughter at the U20 World Championships in Cali, Colombia, and regularly collaborates with top collegiate and pro coaches. In addition to coaching, he brings leadership experience from a long career as a corporate executive.

OXFORD, Miss. – The Southeastern Conference has officially released all-session tickets for the 2025 SEC Volleyball Tournament, which will be held November 21-25 at Enmarket Arena Savannah, Ga.
 
All-session tickets, which provide admission to all matches of the tournament, are available at the club level for $125, reserved at $85 and general admission at $65. Single-session tickets will be available for purchase at a later date.
 
The SEC Volleyball Tournament will be competed for the first time since 2005. The event will be also be televised and streamed on the SEC Network and SEC Network Plus.
 
The regular season is set to open on August 29th, as the Rebels face off against Arkansas State at 2 p.m. CT, as part of the Georgia Tech Classic, in Atlanta. Ga.
 
Fans can continue to show support for the Rebels by joining the ACE Club. Funds from the ACE Club are a major component in helping the Ole Miss volleyball program compete at the highest level. For more information and to donate, click here.
 
Get rewarded for attending events by joining Rebel Rewards powered by Coca-Cola, the official fan loyalty program of the Ole Miss Rebels. Download the Ole Miss Sports mobile app, sign up for a Rebel Rewards account, and start earning points immediately that can be redeemed for exclusive prizes and experiences.
 
Keep up with all the latest news and information on the Rebels by following Ole Miss Volleyball on X at @OleMissVB, on Instagram at @olemissvb and on Facebook at Ole Miss Volleyball. See exclusive photo and video content from behind the scenes and connect in real time with everything Ole Miss.