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Baylor launches Esports program, hires program director and coach

WACO, Texas (KWTX) – According to a report by the Entertainment Software Association 61 percent of the population of the United States plays some form of video game at least one hour a week. That’s over 190 million Americans. In fact, 1 in 3 people on the planet play video games. Those numbers combined with […]

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Baylor launches Esports program, hires program director and coach

WACO, Texas (KWTX) – According to a report by the Entertainment Software Association 61 percent of the population of the United States plays some form of video game at least one hour a week. That’s over 190 million Americans. In fact, 1 in 3 people on the planet play video games. Those numbers combined with the rise of competitive gaming are just too big to ignore, so Baylor decided to get in on the action.

Over the past few months Baylor has been dipping their toe into the Esports waters hosting the Texas Esports Fall Finals for Texas high schoolers in December. Now, they are jumping into the deep end launching a collegiate Epsorts program and hiring their first coach and program director, Adam Stanley.

Stanley is a Truett Seminary graduate and former Esports coach at Brewton-Parker. A private Baptist college in Georgia.

“We’re going to have practice plans every day,” said Stanley.

“We’re going to review film. We’re going to have mandatory study sessions. We’re going to lift weights and work out. We’re going to watch what we eat. We’re going to have a schedule, a routine just like the varsity athletes of other traditional sports.”

It’s safe to say Stanley is not playing around when it comes to the new program. The new coach is bringing a record of success with him from Georgia winning several championships in games like Valorant, Fornite and Rocket League. But lifting weights isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think about gaming.

“We want to be holistically well developed,” said Stanley.

“We want to be people of routine and discipline and structure. Often times that can be used against us in our industry of gamming, but we want to be countercultural to that stereotype.”

Just like in traditional sports Stanley will be able to recruit student athletes and offer scholarships. Something that can be attractive for kids who have put thousands of hours into these games.

“If you’ve put in so many hours pursuing excellence and trying to be the best but have just fallen short (of going pro) you’re kind of hoping for a return on your investment on all that time,” said Stanley.

“And I think the college space in particular allows students to perfect and pursue their craft but also it gives them structure. It gives them a degree to fall back on, and that’s very important. That is the Christian mission, is developing these students holistically and transforming them. And that’s what this program will be about.”

Stanley says that the program hopes to be competing in the fall but if not, the team will look for ways to support the Baylor’s Esports club team Oso Esports as well as high school programs across the area.

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NCAA House Settlement Granted Final Approval

News6/7/2025 11:05 AM | By: Cal Athletics Decision Allows Institutions To Begin Revenue-Sharing With Student-Athletes BERKELEY – Federal District Judge Claudia Wilken formally approved the NCAA House Settlement on Friday, setting the stage for a new revenue-sharing model that will accelerate the profound changes underway in intercollegiate athletics. The settlement allows institutions […]

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Decision Allows Institutions To Begin Revenue-Sharing With Student-Athletes

BERKELEY – Federal District Judge Claudia Wilken formally approved the NCAA House Settlement on Friday, setting the stage for a new revenue-sharing model that will accelerate the profound changes underway in intercollegiate athletics.

The settlement allows institutions to provide up to an estimated $20.5 million for 2025-26 – with a 4% increase in subsequent years – to revenue-share with their student-athletes, which will be distributed primarily in the form of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) licensing agreements.

Cal is committed to providing the resources necessary – with the significant support of Cal’s donors and alumni – to recruit and support world-class student-athletes in this new environment. The campus is finalizing a distribution model that will be guided by the revenue currently produced by Cal’s athletic programs – primarily football, men’s basketball and women’s basketball. UC Berkeley Chancellor Rich Lyons aims to further motivate and inspire the Cal family through a match of contributions of up to $6 million for football, up to $1.5 million for men’s basketball, and up to $500,000 for women’s basketball from campus resources.

“As an important driver of alumni and donor engagement, which is so important to advancing our mission, Athletics contributes greatly to the strength of our community,” Lyons said. “I’m thrilled that we will be joining together to invest in our student-athletes so they can thrive and excel in this new era of intercollegiate athletics.”

In anticipation of the settlement, and to unlock the matching funds, in December 2024 Cal Athletics launched a fundraising initiative – Fight For California – which focuses on successfully navigating this new era of intercollegiate athletics and providing the resources needed to bolster competitive success. Cal Athletics is also committed to increasing all revenue streams, in addition to philanthropic support. 

“Friday’s ruling marks the beginning of a new chapter of intercollegiate athletics,” Cal Director of Athletics Jim Knowlton said. “With the support of our entire Cal family, we look forward to supporting our student-athletes and continuing to give them a world-class experience while competing at the highest level.”

As a part of Fight For California, tax-deductible gifts or pledges can be made immediately to provide coaches with the ability and flexibility to make timely and strategic investments in support of Cal student-athletes, as Cal implements the House settlement through NIL licensing agreements.  The sport-specific initiatives found here will continue to support head coaches’ top priorities – they have shared there is no greater and more direct way to impact the program’s/student-athletes’ athletic success.

Cal continues to encourage the support of all sports programs to impact the entire student-athlete population and their pursuit of excellence. Support can be directed to the AD Excellence Circle or one of Cal’s 30 sport programs with an annual gift or pledge or through an endowment.

 



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Ellinwood volleyball earns 2A state honor

TOPEKA — The Kansas Volleyball Association selected Ellinwood as the 2024–2025 Class 2A Program of the Year, recognizing a season filled with excellence, grit, and tradition. Ellinwood finished with a 42-5 record and fourth-place 2A state finish. The Eagles defeated Sedgwick 25-8, 25-10; state runner-up Valley Heights 25-17, 25-20; and Doniphan West 25-9, 25-15 in pool […]

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TOPEKA — The Kansas Volleyball Association selected Ellinwood as the 2024–2025 Class 2A Program of the Year, recognizing a season filled with excellence, grit, and tradition.

Ellinwood finished with a 42-5 record and fourth-place 2A state finish. The Eagles defeated Sedgwick 25-8, 25-10; state runner-up Valley Heights 25-17, 25-20; and Doniphan West 25-9, 25-15 in pool play.

State champion Shawnee Maranatha downed Ellinwood 25-22, 25-17 in the 2A semifinals. Inman beat the Eagles 25-21, 16-25, 25-28 for third place.

The prestigious honor was awarded during the KVA All-Star Match Saturday, June 7, where the plaque was presented before volleyball supporters. 

“It’s great to be recognized as one of the outstanding volleyball programs in the state of Kansas,” said Ellinwood volleyball coach Greg Maxwell. “This award is a reflection of our players’ dedication, our coaching team’s commitment, and the community that stands behind us every step of the way.”

Representing Ellinwood at the ceremony were assistant volleyball coach Cami Thomas and 2A all-stater Kennedy Behnke, who accepted the award on behalf of Ellinwood.

The award reflects not just the win-loss column, but the full body of work invested by the players, coaches, and supporters throughout the season. 

From tournament titles to state appearances and all the work behind the scenes, this recognition affirms that Ellinwood is one of the most respected 2A volleyball programs.

The Ellinwood Eagles continue to build a legacy of success, sportsmanship and pride.



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Navy Water Polo Star Earns Spot on Prestigious USA Junior National Roster

Kiefer Black has had an exceptional start to his college career with the Navy Midshipmen. He has played for their polo team for the last two seasons and is going into his junior year. He will now have the honor to represent his country after a stellar start as a Midshipmen. The USA Junior National Team […]

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Kiefer Black has had an exceptional start to his college career with the Navy Midshipmen. He has played for their polo team for the last two seasons and is going into his junior year. He will now have the honor to represent his country after a stellar start as a Midshipmen.

The USA Junior National Team will start action on June 14 in the World Aquatics Men’s Junior World Championships in Zagreb, Croatia. After a week of hard fought action between countries a winner will be crowned.

The U.S. will be competing in Pool A against Croatia, Hungary, and Montenegro the Naval Academy announced. 

During their 2024 season the Mids went 22-10 overall and 10-4 in the Mid-Atlantic Water Polo Conference (MAWPC). Black played in all 32 games as their lead attacker and had a total of 171 points, the next closest on the team was Michael Heller with 63.

In the 32 games he played he had 185 shots, next closest was Luka Sekulic with 100 and assisted on 77 goals. The next closest to him in assists was Austin Kahn with 32. 

With a stellar sophomore season he added more awards to his list of personal recognitions. He finished the year earning Association of Collegiate Water Polo Coaches Honorable Mention All-American, First Team All-MWAPC, and First Team MWAPC All-Tournament Team. 

It is no surprise that Black had such an exceptional season after a strong start to his career as a freshman. The list of accolades he acquired in his rookie season is quite impressive. 

As a freshman Black led the team in total points, goals, and assists (125/68/57). He was then named an ACWPC Honorable Mention All-American, MAWPC Rookie of the Year, MAWPC First-Team, among other personal accolades.

There had only been 12 players in school history who had amassed 100 points in a season prior to his arrival and he has now done it twice. His 171 points in 2024 is now second all-time behind Doug Munz in 1994. Third most belongs to Paul Pedrotty who had 137 in 2012 and fourth most belongs to Black during his freshman season. 

The 6-foot-7 sophomore out of San Diego, Calif., has been a consistent and hard to defend attacker. Expect him to make a difference during this tournament.



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One last hurrah for seniors at the Illinois vs. Missouri track meet | Sports

QUINCY — As Amick McClelland closes out her high school track and field career, she gets one last hurrah at Flinn Stadium. McClelland took part in the Missouri vs. Illinois track meet as part of the team from the Land of Lincoln, capping it off with a win in the girls 1,600-meter run. “I made […]

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QUINCY — As Amick McClelland closes out her high school track and field career, she gets one last hurrah at Flinn Stadium.

McClelland took part in the Missouri vs. Illinois track meet as part of the team from the Land of Lincoln, capping it off with a win in the girls 1,600-meter run.



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Coey reaches NCAA Nationals, breaks ground for MSU long jump

BOZEMAN, Mont. — Montana State University’s Hailey Coey got the national party started in College Station, Texas, becoming the first Bobcat to qualify for the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon. But Coey more importantly is making history as Montana State’s first athlete to compete in the long jump at nationals. “I’m […]

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Montana State University’s Hailey Coey got the national party started in College Station, Texas, becoming the first Bobcat to qualify for the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon.

But Coey more importantly is making history as Montana State’s first athlete to compete in the long jump at nationals.

“I’m super honored to represent MSU on the national stage, especially being the first long jumper in school history,” Coey said. I’m super excited and hope I do a well job representing us.”

Coey has exploded onto the long jump scene in her junior campaign.

She broke the MSU program record twice this season, with her farthest leap of 6.49m (21 feet, 3.5 inches) at the Bengal Invitational in Pocatello, Idaho, also ranking No. 2 all-time in the Big Sky Conference.

“This year, she just got to an incredibly high level. She’s got so many jumps over 21 feet, so consistent,” MSU head track and field coach Lyle Weese said about Coey’s season. “To get Hailey into the NCAA Championships is so exciting and she’s definitely deserved it for the level she’s been at since she started jumping back in January.”

Coey took second in long jump in the Big Sky Outdoor Track and Field Championships in back-to-back seasons, but came out of Sacramento lacking confidence. She dealt with an injury that didn’t allow her to compete in the triple jump at the conference meet, but took flight at the NCAA West Regional.

The second-farthest jump of Coey’s career at 6.44m (21 feet, 1.5 inches) placed her eighth and booked her ticket to Eugene.

“At our conference meet, I had hurt my hamstring during long jump on the first day, so I wasn’t able to compete the second day,” Coey said. “After that, my confidence was pretty low, but then seeing that I was able to come back and jump my second-best jump of my life at regionals helped a lot.”

But a trip to nationals is also an opportunity for the Billings West product to not only represent MSU, but the Treasure State on the national stage.

“I’m really glad that I’m able to do it and be the first in school history again,” Coey said. “I’m really glad it’s someone from Montana that’s able to represent Montana State.”

Coey becomes the 13th Bobcat woman to reach the NCAA Championships, but won’t be the only female making the trip from Bozeman. Montana State’s 4x400m relay team is also competing, proving how much the MSU women’s program has elevated this season.

“I think we probably have the best MSU women’s team in school history,” Coey said. “It’s really exciting to be a part of this team, and to see all of my fellow teammates excel and have great successes.”

“It’s really built upon itself,” Weese said on the success of the MSU women. “It’s been that situation where they’ve raised each other’s ability level, but to see so many school records from every event group is really an exciting thing for our program, and also that so many of them will be back for future years.”

Coey competes in the long jump at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Eugene on Thursday at 5:40 p.m. PST.



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Navy Water Polo Star Earns Spot on Prestigious USA Junior National Roster

Kiefer Black has had an exceptional start to his college career with the Navy Midshipmen. He has played for their polo team for the last two seasons and is going into his junior year. He will now have the honor to represent his country after a stellar start as a Midshipmen. The USA Junior National Team […]

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Kiefer Black has had an exceptional start to his college career with the Navy Midshipmen. He has played for their polo team for the last two seasons and is going into his junior year. He will now have the honor to represent his country after a stellar start as a Midshipmen.

The USA Junior National Team will start action on June 14 in the World Aquatics Men’s Junior World Championships in Zagreb, Croatia. After a week of hard fought action between countries a winner will be crowned.

The U.S. will be competing in Pool A against Croatia, Hungary, and Montenegro the Naval Academy announced. 

During their 2024 season the Mids went 22-10 overall and 10-4 in the Mid-Atlantic Water Polo Conference (MAWPC). Black played in all 32 games as their lead attacker and had a total of 171 points, the next closest on the team was Michael Heller with 63.

In the 32 games he played he had 185 shots, next closest was Luka Sekulic with 100 and assisted on 77 goals. The next closest to him in assists was Austin Kahn with 32. 

With a stellar sophomore season he added more awards to his list of personal recognitions. He finished the year earning Association of Collegiate Water Polo Coaches Honorable Mention All-American, First Team All-MWAPC, and First Team MWAPC All-Tournament Team. 

It is no surprise that Black had such an exceptional season after a strong start to his career as a freshman. The list of accolades he acquired in his rookie season is quite impressive. 

As a freshman Black led the team in total points, goals, and assists (125/68/57). He was then named an ACWPC Honorable Mention All-American, MAWPC Rookie of the Year, MAWPC First-Team, among other personal accolades.

There had only been 12 players in school history who had amassed 100 points in a season prior to his arrival and he has now done it twice. His 171 points in 2024 is now second all-time behind Doug Munz in 1994. Third most belongs to Paul Pedrotty who had 137 in 2012 and fourth most belongs to Black during his freshman season. 

The 6-foot-7 sophomore out of San Diego, Calif., has been a consistent and hard to defend attacker. Expect him to make a difference during this tournament.





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