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.
 

CAF8/11/2025 1:46 PM | By: Cal Athletics

Unprecedented Support Leads To Largest Single-Year Total Of Donations In Cal Athletics History

As Cal Athletics reflects on the 2024-25 year, the department extends its heartfelt thanks to the entire Cal family. This remarkable year was made possible by its unwavering belief in the mission and steadfast support of Cal student-athletes.

During the 2024-25 year, a record $82 million was given in support of Cal Athletics – the largest single year total in its history. It marked the fifth consecutive year Cal Athletics received at least $35 million in philanthropic support and included both the first- and third-largest commitments ever made to the department. Additionally, 64.8% of donors who made a gift in 2023-24 also made a gift in 2024-25 – reinforcing what has long been known: the Cal family shows up, year after year.

Support for operational needs also saw a tremendous boost, with more than $17.3 million directly funding the student-athlete experience across all varsity sports and initiatives. These gifts had an immediate and tangible impact, ensuring student-athletes had the tools and resources to perform at their very best.

“The Cal community is one unlike any other. Even with the challenges and changes college athletics has endured, they remain steadfast in their commitment and support of Cal and, most importantly, our student-athletes,” Cal Chief Development Officer Beth Tafolla-Voetsch said. “I hope the entire Cal family can see the role they played in our milestone year. Your belief in our student-athletes fuels what we do, and on behalf of the entire department, I thank you for your support.”

Among many highlights this year, one moment stands alone in Cal Athletics history: an unprecedented $26 million gift from Ned ’66 and Carol ’66 Spieker. This transformative endowment secures the future of men’s swimming and diving and men’s water polo for generations to come. Cal Athletics is profoundly grateful to the Spieker family for their visionary investment in the long-term strength of its programs.

The men’s and women’s golf and rugby programs were also endowed this year, bringing the total number of endowed programs to five. To learn more about these transformational commitments and the aspirational goal of endowing 15 sports programs by 2028, click here.

Additionally, a fifth head coaching position was endowed ahead of the upcoming 150th anniversary of the Cal men’s rowing program. Jeff ’75 and Patty ’75, ’76 Williams made a $1.5 million gift to endow the Williams Family Men’s Rowing Head Coach, which was part of the matching endowment challenge led by longtime UC Berkeley and Cal men’s rowing supporters, the Rogers family. Additionally, 17 new endowments were created across all 30 sports programs – these investments not only solidify the department’s foundation, they also signal a powerful belief in the bright future of Cal Athletics. 

Several transformative seven-figure gifts helped propel Cal Athletics to its historic fundraising milestone. The Haas Jr. Fund contributed $4.2 million – a generous investment that will enhance Haas Pavilion by preserving its most iconic features while improving the experience for both student-athletes and fans. Two anonymous donors each contributed $1 million to Cal football, and The Lisa and Douglas Goldman Fund generously provided $1 million in support of both Cal men’s basketball and football. Additionally, Stacey Baba ’77 made a $1 million bequest to benefit the Cal softball and women’s golf programs, and following the Cal softball and beach volleyball facility groundbreakings, we were pleased to announce an anonymous $1 million gift to create the first Cal Beach Volleyball programmatic endowment. Cal Athletics is profoundly grateful for the extraordinary generosity and steadfast commitment of these dedicated supporters. 

Spring 2025 also brought seismic change to college athletics with the passing of the NCAA House Settlement, providing the opportunity for revenue sharing with student-athletes. Cal Athletics responded swiftly with the launch of the Fight For California campaign, designed to ensure head coaches have the resources to recruit and retain the best and brightest student-athletes, while also strengthening overall program operations.

The campaign’s momentum was immediate. In April, the Fight For California Football Challenge shattered records, securing over $2 million in just eight days – the most ever given during a UC Berkeley crowdfunding campaign. In June, the Fight For California Women’s Basketball Challenge secured nearly $200,000 in just two weeks. These efforts represent only the beginning of what is expected to be a game-changing initiative for the department.

Over the past two years, the California Legends Collective has played a vital role in supporting Cal’s student-athletes during a time of significant change in intercollegiate athletics. The Collective’s board and its contributors’ commitment have been instrumental as Cal Athletics adapted to a new and dynamic landscape, and the department is incredibly grateful for its efforts.

As the new academic year commences at the University of California, Berkeley, there is much to look forward to. With the unwavering support and enduring passion of the Cal family, even more remarkable athletics and academic achievements lie ahead.