Sports
Back on Track
After reviewing the radiographs, the veterinarians proceeded with a transfixing pin cast. The cast extended from the foot to the hock. Two large pins were placed in the upper, proximal part of the cannon bone. After surgery, Polar Express spent many months at the teaching hospital receiving around-the-clock care to ensure his fracture was healing […]

After reviewing the radiographs, the veterinarians proceeded with a transfixing pin
cast. The cast extended from the foot to the hock. Two large pins were placed in the
upper, proximal part of the cannon bone.
After surgery, Polar Express spent many months at the teaching hospital receiving
around-the-clock care to ensure his fracture was healing correctly.
Because of the injury’s complexity and where it was sustained, it took the food animal
veterinarians and the surgery and sports medicine team to get the best possible outcome.
“The goal of the pin cast was to allow the bone to heal while minimizing the risk
of complications like infection at the pin sites,” Schoonover said.
“We showed up at the OSU teaching hospital about 4 a.m. and everyone was waiting for
us, excited to help save Polar’s life,” Sterk said.
“We talked on the phone about what needed to be done and what would be the best options
for transportation,” Jones said. “Dr. Halleran knew what needed to be done and what
we would want.”
Monday, January 13, 2025
The bull returned home after many months of healing to finish recovering. He is now
living on the South Dakota ranch and getting stronger every day.
“We showed up at the OSU teaching hospital about 4 a.m. and everyone was waiting for
us, excited to help save Polar’s life.”
Media Contact:
Taylor Bacon | Public Relations and Marketing Coordinator | 405-744-6728 | taylor.bacon@okstate.edu
After wrapping up an excellent NFR in 2023, Polar Express was purchased by Jason and
Chase Sterk of Sterk Bucking Bulls, located in Irene, South Dakota. The bull was going
full force into 2024, but as he was bucking at a PBR event in South Carolina, he sustained
an injury to his left hind leg that would put his career on hold.

Because of his condition, Jones encouraged Sterk to haul Polar Express to the North
Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine. There, they would work alongside Jones
to stabilize the bull’s leg to make the long drive to Oklahoma safely.
That’s what elite bucking bulls look forward to during every event.
The transfixion pin cast integrates the pins into the cast itself. This redistributes
the weight away from the leg and fracture area, allowing the bone to heal as the cast
bears the weight directly.
“After the stay at the OSU hospital, Polar came out a different bull,” Sterk said.
“They spoiled him and now he loves scratches. Thank you from the bottom of my heart;
the whole process was top-notch, and we can’t thank you enough.”
During his short stay in Raleigh, Polar Express was seen by Dr. Jennifer Halleran,
assistant professor, who completed her large animal internal medicine residency at
OSU. Due to her history with the OSU Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, she was
knowledgeable about injured bucking bulls.
— Chase Sterk, Sterk Bucking Bulls
Following numerous X-rays and checking the pins, they slowly began removing them.
When all the pins were removed, the cast was replaced. During the healing process,
Polar Express had many cast changes to ensure the fracture and the open wound were
healing correctly.
“I got a phone call late that night saying we are headed your way with a bucking bull
that has sustained a fracture coming out of the bucking chutes; we are going to bring
him straight there,” said Dr. Meredyth Jones, former Oklahoma State University College
of Veterinary Medicine professor.
After arriving, new X-rays were taken and the rodeo athlete’s initial bandage was
changed. He then spent the day resting while the team got its next steps together.
After X-rays and wrapping his leg in a bandage, Halleran successfully stabilized it
and Polar Express was on a trailer headed to Stillwater. Awaiting his arrival, Dr.
Michael Schoonover, associate professor in equine surgery and sports medicine, and
his team reviewed the radiographs that Halleran took and started a game plan.
“On Monday morning, the equine surgical team had a plan and was ready to perform the
surgery,” Schoonover said.
Photos By: Taylor Bacon
Between the time he got in the chute and when they opened the gate, Polar Express
injured his left hind metatarsal bone, just above the ankle. The on-site veterinarians
took immediate action and decided he would need more extensive care.
Polar Express is no exception as he is known for his extraordinary appearances at
the National Finals Rodeo and multiple Professional Bull Riders Association events.
Eight seconds of fame.
Sports
Women’s Volleyball to Host Volley & Vibes Fundraiser
Story Links FULLERTON, Calif. – The Cal State Fullerton women’s volleyball team invites family, friends, fans, and alumni to attend their 2025 Volley & Vibes Fundraiser on Saturday, August 16, in Titan Gym. The scrimmage will take place at 10:00 a.m., and the fundraiser will begin at 11:30 a.m. Guests at the […]

FULLERTON, Calif. – The Cal State Fullerton women’s volleyball team invites family, friends, fans, and alumni to attend their 2025 Volley & Vibes Fundraiser on Saturday, August 16, in Titan Gym. The scrimmage will take place at 10:00 a.m., and the fundraiser will begin at 11:30 a.m.
Guests at the fundraiser will enjoy food, beverages, both silent and live auctions, and the opportunity to mingle with new head coach Nicky Cannon, her staff, and the student-athletes. Attendees are encouraged to wear their Titan gear and come ready to celebrate the upcoming season!
All proceeds from this event will directly benefit the Titans Women’s Volleyball program.
Please register for Volley & Vibes by August 15
Register Here
EVENT DETAILS
DATE:
Saturday, August 16, 2025
10:00 a.m. Blue vs White Scrimmage
11:30 a.m. Program & Brunch
LOCATION:
Titan Gym KHS 268
800 N State College Blvd,
Fullerton, CA 92831
PARTICIPATION OPPORTUNITIES:
Platinum Sponsor – $5,000
Includes a table for 10 guests, food and 2 drink tickets for each guest, signage at the fundraiser, sponsor recognition in the practice gym, Pre Game locker room experience for one home game, Access to Practices, Q&A with Coaching Staff, and a complimentary gift basket (contains Titan gear, and wine)
Cost of Goods & Services: $169.95
Gold Sponsor- $1,250
Includes a table for 10 guests, food and 2 drink tickets for each guest, signage at the fundraiser, sponsor recognition on the Donor Wall in the practice gym, Q&A with Coaching Staff, and a complimentary gift basket (contains Titan gear, and wine)
Cost of Goods & Services: $158.96
Silver Sponsor – $1,000
Includes a table for 10 guests, food and 2 drink tickets for each guest, signage at the fundraiser, Q&A with Coaching Staff
Cost of Goods & Services: $89.00
Individual Ticket- $75
Includes food, 2 drink tickets, and dessert
Cost of Goods and Services: $8.90
Titans Volleyball Alumna Ticket- $40
Includes food, 2 drink tickets, and dessert for a Titans Volleyball Alumna
Cost of Goods and Services: $8.90
Unable to Attend but Wish to Donate – $175
Please accept my donation to the Women’s Volleyball program. Value of goods & services: $0.00
Register Here
If you are unable to attend the event but would still like to show your support with a donation in any amount, click here to give a gift to the Women’s Volleyball Fund. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Athletics Development Team at 657-278-7034 or athleticevents@fullerton.edu
SUPPORT THE TITANS!
Fans can purchase tickets for various Cal State Fullerton athletic events by visiting FullertonTitansTickets.com. The Athletic Ticket Office can also be contacted by phone at 657-278-2783 or by email at athletictixs@fullerton.edu. The Ticket Office is located at the Titan Baseball ticketing office and is open from 10 am – 4 pm PT, Monday – Friday.
FOLLOW THE TITANS!
Fans can keep up with the latest in Titan Athletics by following us on Facebook (Facebook/FullertonTitans), X (@FullertonTitans) Instagram (@FullertonTitans), YouTube (FullertonTitansAthletics) and TikTok (@FullertonTitans). In addition, the softball team has established its own Instagram (@Fullerton_WVB) and X accounts (@Fullerton_WVB).
WATCH THE TITANS ON ESPN+
Titans fans can now watch every home event exclusively on ESPN+. Cal State Fullerton has built a top-tier production studio to give the viewers an ESPN quality production for all games at Titan Stadium. Additionally, all schools in the Big West Conference are committed to producing ESPN quality streams which will allow fans to watch the Titans on ESPN+ for all road conference games.
Sports
VB | Gaels Release Full 2025 Schedule
Story Links MORAGA, Calif. — The Tyler Hildebrand era of Saint Mary’s Volleyball inches closer and closer, with the program’s exhibition scheduled for August 16, and their season opener on August 29. The slate will feature some top competition for the Gaels in non-conference play, featuring three early season tournaments and a […]

MORAGA, Calif. — The Tyler Hildebrand era of Saint Mary’s Volleyball inches closer and closer, with the program’s exhibition scheduled for August 16, and their season opener on August 29. The slate will feature some top competition for the Gaels in non-conference play, featuring three early season tournaments and a two day trip to Oklahoma. This should gear the Gaels up to full strength by the time of their conference opener on September 25. Here’s a breakdown of the 2025 Saint Mary’s Volleyball Schedule.
HOME FOR THE ROADRUNNERS
The Gaels loan non-conference foe to come to UCU Pavilion will be the Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners, who will make their way to Moraga for an exhibition clash on August 16. This will be fans first chance to get a look at Coach Hildebrand’s Gaels, and admission will be free to the public for the match slated to start at 5:30 PM.
A TRIO OF TOURNAMENTS
The Gaels will take part in the NDSU/UND Tournament (Aug. 29 – 31) split between Grand Forks and Fargo, North Dakota, the Baylor Classic (Sep. 5 – 6) in Waco, Texas, and the SLO Classic (Sep. 18 – 20) in San Luis Obispo, California. The season opens in Grand Forks on August 29, when the Gaels take on one of their two tournament hosts, the North Dakota Fighting Hawks on August 29 at 4 PM PST. It will be a quick turnaround for Saint Mary’s, who will get a 25 win Bowling Green team from a year ago just 17 hours later at 9 AM PST, before making the trek 80 miles south to Fargo. There, they will finish off the tournament with the Bison of North Dakota State at 9 AM PST on August 31.
A week later, the Gaels will find themselves in Waco, Texas, as competitors in the Baylor Classic. The two day tournament will see the Gaels open with Northwestern on September 5 at 12:30 PM PST, their first Power Four opponent of the Fall. That evening, the Gaels will get their second P-4 opponent, host Baylor at 5 PM PST, a team that made the second round of the NCAA Tournament a year ago. Saint Mary’s will close their Texas trip with another Lone Star opponent, the Owls of Rice, finishing things up on September 6 at 12 PM PST.
Saint Mary’s final non-conference tournament of the Fall will be their closest to home, heading to San Luis Obispo for the SLO Classic for the third straight year. Opening up against the host Mustangs at 6 PM on September 18, the Gaels will look to exact revenge after falling to their host each of the last two seasons in this tournament. Saint Mary’s will then get Cal Baptist on September 19 at 1:30 PM, before closing out with their final NCAA Tournament foe from a year ago, Utah, at 11 AM on September 20.
STORMIN’ INTO NORMAN
On September 12 and 13, the Gaels will spend a pair of days in Norman, Oklahoma, taking on the Sooners for a pair of 4 PM PST matches. Like Baylor and Utah, Oklahoma made it to the second round of last year’s NCAA Tournament. This will be the first all-time meeting between the Gaels and Sooners.
PUTTING THE “W” IN WCC
The Gaels will quest for their first WCC Title since 2009 in a conference that will have a gaudy 12 teams with the addition of Seattle University. The Gaels are coming off of a ninth place finish in WCC play a year ago, but have finished in the top five in the conference in four of the last seven seasons. Saint Mary’s will open conference play with a roadtrip to Oregon, taking on Oregon State (Sep. 25, 6 PM) and Portland (Sep. 27, 1 PM). The month of October will kick off with the Gaels home opener against conference co-runner up San Diego (Oct. 2, 6:30 PM), followed two days later with a meeting against defending conference champs LMU (Oct. 4, 1 PM). The Gaels will ride a three game winning streak against Pacific into Stockton (Oct. 9, TBA) before coming home for a Saturday night marquee showdown with rival Santa Clara (Oct. 11, 5 PM). After seven days off, the Gaels will head to Spokane to take on Gonzaga, (Oct. 18, 12 PM) now under first year head coach JT Wenger. The Pacific Northwest duo of Seattle (Oct. 23, 6:30 PM) and Portland (Oct. 25, 2 PM) will make their way to UCU Pavilion, followed by another seven day break before the Gaels make the return trip to conference newcomer Seattle (Nov. 1). Oregon State will make their first trip to Moraga since 2003 (Nov. 6, 6:30 PM) followed by the Gaels trekking south to San Diego (Nov. 8, 12 PM). Saint Mary’s will then get four straight games in the Bay Area, a road contest at San Francisco (Nov. 13, 6 PM), followed by three straight at home against Gonzaga (Nov. 15, 2 PM), Pacific (Nov. 20, 6:30 PM) and Washington State (Nov. 22, 2 PM). The matchup with the Cougars will be the Gaels Senior Day matchup. The final roadtrip of the season will feature defending WCC champs LMU (Nov. 26, 2 PM) and the Gaels only look at 2024 WCC co-runner ups Pepperdine (Nov. 29, 12 PM).
OVERALL OUTLOOK
The Gaels should be tested early and often in non-conference, seeing a trio of NCAA Tournament teams (Baylor, Oklahoma and Utah) and two other 20+ win teams (Bowling Green and Cal Poly). On top of this, the Gaels will play exclusively on the road from August 29 through September 20. This grueling non-con schedule should prepare the Gaels to make some noise in conference play. In the WCC slate, the Gaels will see two of the conference powerhouses (San Diego and LMU) at home in week two of conference play, and will see a pair more (LMU and Pepperdine) in the final week of the season, a good barometer for the team’s growth through WCC play. The full schedule can be found here.
DON’T MISS OUT ON HOME VOLLEYBALL ACTION. TICKETS INFORMATION HERE.
#GaelsRise
Sports
“Not Ready to Give Up Water Polo Yet,” Christina Mullane Embarks on Professional Career in Greece
Christina Mullane is taking her passion for water polo to the professional arena in Greece, after a standout college career at UC Santa Barbara. Ending her collegiate journey scoring three goals in an overtime victory in April, Mullane expressed her commitment to continue playing, ultimately securing a spot with NO Rethymno. The team is seeking […]
Christina Mullane is taking her passion for water polo to the professional arena in Greece, after a standout college career at UC Santa Barbara. Ending her collegiate journey scoring three goals in an overtime victory in April, Mullane expressed her commitment to continue playing, ultimately securing a spot with NO Rethymno. The team is seeking international players to enhance their competitiveness against top Greek clubs like Olympiacos. Mullane’s journey underscores her deep roots in the sport, nurtured from a young age and bolstered by family support. She is excited to embrace the challenges of European water polo this coming season.
By the Numbers
- Mullane scored 33 goals and provided 23 assists in her final college season.
- She was UC Santa Barbara’s third-highest points scorer in both 2024 and 2025.
State of Play
- Mullane will commence her professional career in Greece with NO Rethymno in October.
- She aims to enhance the team’s performance amid strong competition in the A1 League.
What’s Next
Mullane is expected to adapt quickly to the fast-paced European style of water polo, providing her with opportunities to further develop her skills and compete at a high level. Her success could inspire younger players and elevate the profile of the Gauchos’ water polo program.
Bottom Line
As Mullane embarks on this next chapter, her journey symbolizes the fusion of talent and perseverance, reinforcing the notion that passion for one’s sport can propel an athlete to new heights, both personally and professionally.
Sports
Four Nebraska volleyball players named to preseason All-Big Ten team
Four Nebraska volleyball players were named to the preseason All-Big Ten team. Juniors Andi Jackson, Harper Murray, and Bergen Reilly were unanimous selections. Senior Rebecca Allick rounded out the quartet. All four had outstanding seasons. Jackson was named to the 2024 AVCA All-America first-team and was a unanimous All-Big Ten first-team selection. Murray was an […]

Four Nebraska volleyball players were named to the preseason All-Big Ten team. Juniors Andi Jackson, Harper Murray, and Bergen Reilly were unanimous selections. Senior Rebecca Allick rounded out the quartet.
All four had outstanding seasons. Jackson was named to the 2024 AVCA All-America first-team and was a unanimous All-Big Ten first-team selection. Murray was an AVCA second-team All-American selection and was named the NCAA Lincoln Regional Most Outstanding Player.
Reilly made history in her own right. She would become the first player in Big Ten history to win Big Ten Setter of the Year as both a freshman and sophomore. She, too, was named to the AVCA All-America second-team.
Allick finished 2024 with a .357 hitting percentage, which was the best in her career. She also had one point for three blocks per set, which was a team-high. This ranked third among Big Ten players and No. 14 overall nationally.
All in all, this roster is shaping up nicely for Dani Busboom-Kelly. The Huskers should be in a position to compete for a national championship once again.
Contact/Follow us @CornhuskersWire on X (formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Nebraska news, notes, and opinions.
Sports
Men’s Volleyball Earns Fourth Straight AVCA Team Academic Award
Story Links Lexington, Ky. – July 28, 2025 – The Springfield College men’s volleyball team was honored with the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Team Academic Award. This marks the fourth consecutive season that the Pride has been recognized for its academic achievements. The award recognizes those programs which maintained at least […]

Lexington, Ky. – July 28, 2025 – The Springfield College men’s volleyball team was honored with the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Team Academic Award. This marks the fourth consecutive season that the Pride has been recognized for its academic achievements.
The award recognizes those programs which maintained at least a 3.30 cumulative grade point average on a 4.00 scale. In total 63 Division III men’s volleyball programs received the honor this year. During the spring semester of the 2024-25 academic year, the Pride put together a 3.625 team grade point average. Springfield was also placed on the Team Academic Honor Roll for being in the top-20 percent of all schools within its division.
Off the court, Dylan Mulvaney (Reston, Va.), Jake DesLauriers (Eastport, N.Y.) and Carter Durivage (East Greenbush, N.Y.) earned spots on the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District Team, while Mulvaney soared to a spot on the CSC Academic All-America Third Team.
Springfield finished the 2025 season with a record of 25-5 and made it back to the NCAA Division III National Championship match for the first time since 2022 and for the tenth time in program history. The Pride finished the 2025 campaign ranked second in the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Division III national poll and earned seven wins over ranked opponents over the course of the year under the direction of AVCA Region I Coach of the Year Charlie Sullivan.
For the latest on Springfield College Athletics, follow the Pride on social media on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Be sure to tune into all Springfield College Athletic events by subscribing to FloSports.
Sports
OC Riptide look to become a staple in Southern California summer baseball scene
Riptide head coach Bryan Evans talks to his team during a mound visit in a game against the Arroyo Seco Saints Saturday night. (Photos courtesy Joey Gray, OC Riptide). When team owner Craig Russell took over the Orange County Riptide – a wood-bat collegiate summer baseball team – at the beginning of the 2024 summer, […]

Riptide head coach Bryan Evans talks to his team during a mound visit in a game against the Arroyo Seco Saints Saturday night. (Photos courtesy Joey Gray, OC Riptide).
When team owner Craig Russell took over the Orange County Riptide – a wood-bat collegiate summer baseball team – at the beginning of the 2024 summer, he knew it would take some time before the team’s gameday atmosphere matched his lofty vision.
Across the organization, the goal is clear: to create an experience that mirrors that of minor league baseball.
“I want this to be like minor league baseball,” Russell said. “I want 1,000 people to come here. I want this to be an event here at the Great Park.”
However, Russell understands that his dream for the organization entails a multi-year process of fundraising, marketing and planning. In the second year under his ownership, increased attendance and revenue are signs that he’s heading in the right direction.
To see the slide show, click on the first photo:
From the business decisions the team makes to the way it treats its players, Russell and general manager David Lamm aim to operate the organization like a minor league team. Mixing this aspect of professionalism with the laid-back culture of summer baseball creates a unique environment that’s proven to be attractive to many players.
It’s one of the reasons junior Cornell infielder Luke Johnson opted to return to the team for a second-straight summer.
“The coaches always say they’re going to treat this like a minor league baseball team,” Johnson said. “With six games a week and various long bus rides, it’s great practice for hopefully [when] I play on a minor league team one day.”
After serving as the team’s pitching coach for the past two seasons, Bryan Evans took over the head coaching role this past offseason. To Evans, who spent a decade in minor league baseball, development remains of the utmost importance. With his wealth of knowledge and experience, he aspires to help his players in their journey toward playing professional baseball.
“It’s [about] developing relationships with these kids and helping them along in their career path, and trying to get them to a place where we’ve (the coaching staff) have been,” Evans said. “I had a great time playing minor league baseball, and I want that for these kids.”
The approach translated to success on the field this season, with the Riptide currently nestled among the top teams in the California Collegiate League standings with a 23-14 record and slated as the No. 2 seed in the league’s Southern Division playoff bracket. The Riptide will welcome the Arroyo Seco Saints to the Great Park in Irvine on Tuesday for a first-round wild card playoff game at 7 p.m.
And, with the South granted home field advantage for the CCL championship – a three-game series against the champion from the Northern Division – the team could host up to four playoff games at home this post season.
It’s a possibility that Russell hopes will come to fruition.
“I really want to host the state championship because I want to invite the entire league out here,” Russell said. “I’d love for other members of the league to come out here and see what we can do and how we can host.
“I’d love to be the place that hosts the championship game every year. They’ve done it in the past … so showing it [the stadium] off a little bit for the state championship would be nice.”
The squad, mostly composed of Orange County natives, unites collegiate baseball players from across the country to play its 40-game schedule.
The chance to play close to home and in front of family appealed to many on the Riptide’s roster, including sophomore utility player Carter Danz, who grew up in Orange County and played for Corona del Mar but attends school far away at Northwestern University.
“My family tries to make all the games that they can up at Northwestern in Chicago, but they’re able to make almost every game here,” Danz said. “It’s great seeing them here in the stands. I love playing in front of them, especially my parents.”
Danz was one of five Riptide players featured in the league’s all-star showcase game this summer. With a formidable lineup and the team seemingly peaking at the end of the season, the squad enters the playoffs with confidence.
“I think we’re better [than last year],” Johnson, the infielder, said. “We’re hot right now. We’re having a great time and are looking to keep it going.”
Nonetheless, regardless of how the team fares in the playoffs – although he hopes it performs well – Russell views the season as a resounding success.
“I’m very happy with year two,” he said. “It was a step forward, and we’ll see if we can make a bigger step forward in year three.”
And for Russell, who always hoped to one day be working in sports, the growth only further fuels the passion he has for his organization.
“For me personally, this is like going full circle,” Russell said. “When I was a kid, I wanted to be in sports … This is what I want to keep on doing after I’m done being an attorney because it’s a lot of fun. I look forward to coming to the ballpark. I look forward to June and July, and I really enjoy this.”
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