Get your news fix on happenings outside the pool with the latest ‘Beyond the Lane Lines.’ With each edition, we collect personal stories, little-known facts, and general items of interest from around the world. Read on and learn something new this week. #1 U.S. Center for SafeSport ‘Perpetuated Fraud’ Against Court Earlier this year, Seminole […]
Get your news fix on happenings outside the pool with the latest ‘Beyond the Lane Lines.’ With each edition, we collect personal stories, little-known facts, and general items of interest from around the world. Read on and learn something new this week.
#1 U.S. Center for SafeSport ‘Perpetuated Fraud’ Against Court
Earlier this year, Seminole County Florida judge John Woodard severely criticized the U.S. Center for SafeSport for ‘perpetuating fraud against the court’ and ‘intentionally withholding exculpatory evidence’ in a case involving a teen water polo player.
The player accused Kelsey McMullen of bullying her and Woodard ruled that ‘prosecutors received only partial information from the center as they looked into the case beginning in 2022, and that the center would not cooperate when law enforcement opened new cases against McMullen’s accusers and the center for reporting false information.’ (AP)
The court order said the center “perpetrated a fraud upon the court, the People of the State of Florida, the Sheriff’s Office, the State’s Attorney Office, and defendant; “intentionally withheld exculpatory evidence;” and “acted in bad faith, intentionally, and with malice.”
For its part, the Center responded, “The Order is without jurisdictional, factual, or legal basis and the Center is weighing its legal response.”
“The Center was not a party to this criminal proceeding. As such we were never notified, never appeared, and were never afforded an opportunity to present evidence or arguments to refute the false information provided by the lawyer to the court in this case.”
This isn’t the only U.S. Center for SafeSport headline in recent months. We reported how the organization fired CEO Ju’Riese Colón in April.
#2 Paris Olympics Opening & Closing Ceremonies Director Allegedly Cyberbullied
Last week Thomas Jolly, the artistic director who designed the Paris 2024 Olympics Opening and Closing ceremonies, saw seven people appear in court last week connection with his cyberbullying case.
The charges spun out of Jolly’s filing formal complaint with the Paris prosecutors’ office last July, citing homophobic, antisemitic slurs and aggravated insults wielded his way.
Jolly’s Opening ceremony spectacle received generally positive revies, although there were controversial components which included drag queens posing as member’s of Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘The Last Supper.’
Of the alleged cyber abuse, Jolly said, “Critique, that’s my life… but when it involves discrimination, it becomes criminal. I didn’t set out to mock any religion.” (AP)
A verdict in the Jolly’s case is expected at a later date.
#3 Kit McConnell to Become Chief Sport Officer for Brisbane 2032
Kit McConnell, long-time sports director of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is set to become the Chief Sport Officer for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic organizing committee.
McConnell brings 11 years’ experience as the International Olympic Committee’s Sports Director, and within the Sports Department at the Sydney 2000 Organizing Committee.
AOC CEO Matt Carroll said of McConnell’s appointment.
“With decades of experience in the Olympic movement, Kit has a deep understanding of what sports, athletes and hosts need to deliver an exceptional Games.
“Having someone of Kit’s caliber leading the sport program ensures that the interests of sports and athletes remain at the forefront.
“Kit understands what it takes to deliver a world-class competition schedule that engages fans, athletes, and stakeholders alike and his expertise will be pivotal in fostering strong collaboration with member sports and National Olympic Committees worldwide.
“Kit’s leadership in the sports program will be critical in shaping a Games that enhances Australia’s proud Olympic legacy and the AOC looks forward to collaborating closely with him and the wider Brisbane 2032 team in this vital role.” (Australian Olympic Committee)
McConnell is set to begin at his new post on July 21st.
#4 Russian Sports Minister Remains Positive About Athletes’ Futures
Mikhail Degtyarev, Russia’s Sports Minister and head of the Russian Olympic Committee, is remaining relatively upbeat regarding the prospect that his nation’s athletes will be able to once again represent Russia at major sporting events.
Degtyarev said this week, “Of course, the assessment of the decision to disqualify our athletes from international tournaments in many sports is unambiguous: this is happening for political reasons, this is discrimination. It is unfair that we are deprived of the flag and anthem at the Olympics and at the European and World Championships. Nevertheless, slamming the door and burning bridges is the wrong way.
“Our main goal remains a full-fledged return to world sports. There is high confidence that the membership of the Russian Olympic Committee in the IOC will be restored in the near future, and in 2028 Russia will be able to compete in the Olympics under its own flag and anthem. This summer, our athletes will go to the Universiade in Germany, for the first time in six years.” (The Sports Examiner)
As we reported, one small step along Russia’s journey back to sports normalcy included European Aquatics allowing Russian and Belarusian junior athletes to compete in all aquatics disciplines going forward except for water polo.
#5 Paris Opens Seine Swimming This Summer
After hosting the Paris 2024 open water swimming, the river Seine will be opened for public swimming beginning this July.
There will be three outdoor pools within the river, one opposite L’île aux Cygnes (Swan Island) near the Eiffel Tower, one not far from Notre Dame (Our Lady’s) Cathedral, and one near the National Library.
They will have changing rooms and showers, be supervised by lifeguards, and offer space for sunbathing, a statement from the city said. Additionally, water quality will be continually monitored.
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — USA Volleyball announces the 12 athletes who have been selected to compete at the 2025 FIVB Girls U19 World Championship, set to take place from July 2-13 in Osijek, Croatia, and Vrnjacka Banja, Serbia. Among those 12 are two Golden Gophers, freshmen Kelly Kinney (West Palm Beach, Fla.) and Jordan Taylor (Houston, […]
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — USA Volleyball announces the 12 athletes who have been selected to compete at the 2025 FIVB Girls U19 World Championship, set to take place from July 2-13 in Osijek, Croatia, and Vrnjacka Banja, Serbia. Among those 12 are two Golden Gophers, freshmen Kelly Kinney (West Palm Beach, Fla.) and Jordan Taylor (Houston, Texas). Minnesota head coach Keegan Cook will lead the group.
The U.S. will compete in Pool C alongside teams from Türkiye, Bulgaria, Poland, Peru and Spain. The 12 athletes were chosen from a group of 19 who trained June 1-7 at the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. They will have a second phase of preparation in the Netherlands from June 26-30, 2025.
The roster includes several returners from the 2024 U19 National Team that won gold at the 2024 NORECA Continental Championship: Henley Anderson, Suli Davis, Genevieve Harris, Isabelle Hoppe, Kelly Kinney and Devyn Wiest. The U.S. Girls U19 National Team is the reigning world champion, having won the event in 2023.
2025 U19 National Team Roster for World Championship
16 York-Adams League boys’ volleyball players named District 3 all-stars
Standouts from Central York, Northeastern, Red Lion, York Suburban and Eastern York were recognized among the region’s best. York Suburban student lives out her childhood dream of wrestling York Suburban wrestler Angela Imorhoa wrestles to claim her spot at the state level tournament in March at the Giant Center, Hershey. Sixteen York-Adams League boys’ volleyball […]
Standouts from Central York, Northeastern, Red Lion, York Suburban and Eastern York were recognized among the region’s best.
York Suburban student lives out her childhood dream of wrestling
York Suburban wrestler Angela Imorhoa wrestles to claim her spot at the state level tournament in March at the Giant Center, Hershey.
Sixteen York-Adams League boys’ volleyball players from five different programs have been selected as District 3 all-stars across two classifications.
Standouts from Central York, Northeastern and Red Lion were recognized in Class 3A, including four selections to the 12-man first team. York Suburban had an impressive eight honorees in Class 2A, with one player from Eastern York joining the first team.
Central York senior outside hitter John He and setter Lance Shaffer both landed on the District 3-3A first team; Shaffer was previously named Player of the Year in 2024, an honor that went to Cumberland Valley’s Isaiah Sibbitt this spring. Senior opposite hitter Patrick Siewert made the second team, adding to his honorable mention last year. The Panthers finished runner-up to Cumberland Valley in the district tournament and saw their 18-4 season come to a close with a five-set loss to North Allegheny in the state semifinals Tuesday.
Northeastern was represented on the 3A first team by senior outside hitter Hugh Rogers and on the second team by junior setter Jacob Zambito, while senior middle hitter Lincoln Wertz received an honorable mention. The Bobcats leaned on their depth as they hit their stride late in the season, winning the York-Adams League tournament title as the third seed and reaching the district semifinals as the 13th seed. Northeastern (17-6) won its PIAA playoff opener in five sets before dropping a five-set quarterfinal against Governor Mifflin last Saturday.
Red Lion senior outside hitter Tyler Good, who was named York-Adams League Player of the Year last month, is also a repeat selection to the District 3 first team. Good helped lead a young Lions team to a 10-7 record; Red Lion was the first team out of a loaded D3-3A playoff field after making runs to the district semifinals and state quarterfinals in 2024.
York County was also represented on the D3-3A second team by Red Land junior opposite hitter Chase Piazza and senior outside hitter Anden Sadler. The Patriots went 14-5 to qualify for the district playoffs.
No team piled up more District 3 all-star selections than York Suburban, and it’s also worth noting that seven of the Trojans’ eight honorees are underclassmen. Junior outside Trent Weinstein, sophomore outside Truett Miller and junior middle Billy Doyle all landed on the Class 2A first team; sophomore libero Evan Guyer and middle Robert Berry made the second team; and junior right-side hitters Zac Perryman and Josh Slade joined senior setter Turner Hare as honorable mentions.
Suburban broke out after somewhat of a rebuilding season in 2024, improving its record from 9-8 to 18-5. The Trojans reached the district final and state semifinals before being swept by Manheim Central on both stages. The Barons, who will face District 10’s Meadville for the PIAA title on Saturday, also had three first-teamers and two second-teamers in addition to Player of the Year Dylan Musser.
Eastern York junior outside hitter Aaron Hildebrand also earned a spot on the District 3-2A first team. Hildebrand and Weinstein were both district honorable mentions a year ago.
The York-Adams League sent only four teams to the District 3 playoffs this season, but three of those squads made it all the way to the PIAA semifinals and three won state playoff contests. Central York and Northeastern plan to reload, and York Suburban will look to build on its breakout year, while programs like Dallastown, New Oxford, Red Lion and more have aspirations of taking the next step in 2026.
Masuk’s SWC champ volleyball team reached state tourney semis
It was quite a season for the Masuk High boys volleyball team. The Panthers won the South-West Conference Championship and got all the way to the Class M State Tournament semifinals. The Panthers worked hard for everything they accomplished. “It was definitely not an easy year, from having to deal with injuries or playing really […]
It was quite a season for the Masuk High boys volleyball team. The Panthers won the South-West Conference Championship and got all the way to the Class M State Tournament semifinals. The Panthers worked hard for everything they accomplished.
“It was definitely not an easy year, from having to deal with injuries or playing really good teams. However, no matter the challenge, the boys fought ’til the very end. I am very proud of them,” Coach Dan Nyitrai said.
No. 2 Masuk beat No. 7 Pomperaug 3-0 (25-13, 25-23, 25-18) in the quarterfinals on June 6.
Daniel Ferris had 18 kills, 7 digs, 1 block, and 6 aces; Michael Majersky had 13 kills and 5 digs; Nathan Kurkoski had 33 assists, 8 digs, 1 block, and 1 ace; and Andrew Oleyar had 12 digs.
The Panthers then lost 3-2 *23-25, 25-23, 27-25, 19-25, 15-10) to No. 3 New Canaan at Naugatuck High in the semis on Tuesday.
Against New Canaan, Kurkoski had 45 assists, 8 digs, 1 kill, 1 block, and 1 ace; Ferris had 16 kills, 6 aces, and 13 digs; Majersky had 13 kills and 13 digs; Mathias Aoaeh had 10 kills, 2 digs, and a block; and Oleyar had 16 digs.
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Musical swings at Cantigny | IPSD 204 superintendent search | Cavalcade of Planes
Musical swings set fun tone at Cantigny’s new sensory exhibit Musical swings are setting a fun tone at the newest display at Cantigny Park, called “Feast of the Senses.” The new interactive art installation provides visitors of all ages with a sensory-rich experience, featuring several elements for guests to see, touch and hear. Take a […]
Musical swings set fun tone at Cantigny’s new sensory exhibit
Musical swings are setting a fun tone at the newest display at Cantigny Park, called “Feast of the Senses.”
The new interactive art installation provides visitors of all ages with a sensory-rich experience, featuring several elements for guests to see, touch and hear.
Take a look at some of what you’ll find at the new exhibit.
Local firm to search for next IPSD 204 superintendent
Approaching the start of Superintendent Dr. Adrian Talley’s last year, Indian Prairie School District 204 now has a search firm to help find its next leader.
The board at its meeting on Monday night hired Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates to recruit Talley’s successor.
Find out more about the firm and when the new hire would start.
DuPage County Historical Museum’s annual report shows uptick in visitors
The DuPage County Historical Museum reported a rise in visitor numbers in 2024 in year-over-year comparisons, though total figures continue to lag from pre-pandemic benchmarks.
A high-level overview of the organization’s annual report was presented at a DuPage County Board meeting Tuesday.
Find out more about the museum’s report and one County Board member’s suggestion to boost attendance.
Flights of fun at the Cavalcade of Planes
It was a sight of flight at Bolingbrook’s Clow International Airport this past weekend, for another year of the Cavalcade of Planes.
Aviation enthusiasts gathered for an up-close look at various aircraft, both on the ground…and up in the air.
Take a look at some of the fun.
Naperville North water polo star Anna Tarantino continues to thrive on the West Coast
2021 Naperville North graduate Anna Tarantino is making a splash out west, as a member of the Loyola Marymount University’s woman’s water polo team.
Hear more about how her training in Naperville set her up for success.
Running off at the typewriter … Thanks to the many readers on both sides of the issue for responding to a column I wrote earlier this week on the hot-button issue of transgender people participating in girls and women’s sports. My stance has been pretty consistent: While supporting transgender rights and compassion, I firmly believe […]
Thanks to the many readers on both sides of the issue for responding to a column I wrote earlier this week on the hot-button issue of transgender people participating in girls and women’s sports. My stance has been pretty consistent: While supporting transgender rights and compassion, I firmly believe that biological males retain physical advantages after puberty, making their participation in women’s sports unfair and undermining competitive integrity.
However, one of the things that has bothered me most about this issue is that transgender athletes who just want a place to play and the entire transgender population — the vast majority of whom don’t participate in organized athletics — have been dragged into this polarizing political firestorm. They have been vilified by many of those on the right and patronized by many of those on the left.
A transgender young woman reached out to me after reading my column and her words resonated with poignant sorrow, powerful honesty and dry humor.
Here’s what she said:
“I’m a transgender girl, and so I’m very amused by the antics of those who hate me.
Of course it’s true that transgender people are not actually playing in women’s sports in large numbers. I don’t, at least. … As for me, I remember being bullied in mandatory gym class for ‘throwing like a girl’ back before I knew what ‘transgender’ even was. But I don’t play sports. None of my transgender friends play sports either.
But it does make a good political issue for (President) Trump, and that’s why the ‘biological truth’ matters less than the ‘grand total reality truth.’ While in normal times, it would be fine and fair to discuss sports fairness issues, it’s not quite a normal time when the president is calling in the Marines on American citizens, while demonizing transgender people, censoring the internet and colleges, and taking control of the entire government. Among other things.
If not for all that, sure.
Instead, we (transgender people) must contend with the idea that we are defending more than ‘sports.’ We are defending actual freedom, in the larger sense, and so what we seek is a unified front, and for that, I’d recommend keeping discussions incredibly ‘The Matrix’ aware, and not fall for tricks and psychological traps that politicians and media manipulators lay for us voters.
And that also includes the people you critiqued in your article. They gotta get real with how they respond to this stuff. Even if I DO throw like a girl, I’m still pretty tall. And, so, I’m not going to play naive.
The way I see the world, as a transgender person: Most people have been TRICKED into seeing me as an enemy. But by the living human biological default, we are allies and good neighbors, and so every time I meet someone who hates me, I feel freshly surprised and shocked, as if I innately expected them to be my friend.
I’ve never seen things as ‘left or right.’ An eagle needs both its wings to fly.
We were meant to be united.”
If only our politicians showed half as much nuance, grace and truth as she did in that one email. …
Short stuff: “ESPN’s College GameDay” announced earlier this week that it will be at the Texas-Ohio State game in Week 1, which will be the legendary Lee Corso’s final appearance on the show. Sure, the Ohio State-Texas game is the marquee matchup of the weekend, but the game is airing on Fox. Why wouldn’t “GameDay” be at Corso’s alma mater in Tallahassee for the FSU-Alabama game on ABC? You don’t honor The Godfather of “GameDay” by crashing someone else’s wedding. ESPN may have picked the biggest game, but they didn’t pick the right one. … With the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final for a third straight year and shooting for back-to-back championships, the tradition of their fans throwing rubber rodents on the ice has been getting tons of publicity. I haven’t heard so much talk about rats in South Florida since Jimmy Butler left town. …
Is it just me or does there seem to be as many people taking social media videos and photos of the L.A. protests as there are the protesters themselves? Sigh. Just a sad sign of the times: “Hey, look at me, I’m at the civil unrest experience taking a selfie in front of a burning car — don’t forget to like and subscribe!” … Indianapolis Colts and former Florida Gators QB Anthony Richardson is already hurt, and the season is still months away. I’m not saying he’s fragile, but I’m starting to wonder if he’s really an NFL quarterback or just a Fabergé egg with an arm. … The New York Knicks requested permission to speak to Houston Rockets coach Ime Udoka for their open head-coaching job and got denied. They then requested permission to speak to Minnesota Timberwolves coach Chris Finch and got denied. They have asked permission to speak with Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd, and that request, too, has been denied. The Knicks are like the guy trying to get into the VIP party while wearing cargo shorts, a faded Lynyrd Skynyrd T-shirt and Crocs. …
A moment of silence, please, Brian Wilson has just gone to That Big Endless Summer in the Sky. … Another moment of silence, please, Sly Stone has just gone to That Big Funk Jam in the Sky. … Now that it’s official and colleges can directly begin paying their athletes, conference commissioners say they actually believe the new rules to keep boosters from offering bogus NIL deals can and will be enforced. In related news, the Easter Bunny, Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy have been put in charge of compliance and investigations. … Did you see where Florida A&M University athletic director Angela Suggs was arrested Monday on fraud and theft charges for allegedly using a corporate credit card for personal use totaling more than $24,000 at her former job? The Florida Department of Law Enforcement said Suggs made wire transfers, cash withdrawals and personal purchases at casinos during business trips. Hey, what’s the big deal? Most ADs spend their money in the transfer portal; Suggs evidently just likes to spend hers at the Blackjack table. … I’m not saying the NBA postseason has been going on for far too long, but here’s a list of the five longest-running TV shows of all-time: (5) Gunsmoke. (4) The Simpsons. (3) 60 Minutes. (2) Meet the Press. (1) 2025 NBA Playoffs. …
Last word: With Wednesday having been the late, great Vince Lombardi’s birthday, let us never forget the inspirational words of the iconic football coach: “It’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get back up.”
Women’s Volleyball & Men’s Golf Honored With Raise Your Sights Award
INDIANAPOLIS – The Purdue Fort Wayne men’s golf and women’s volleyball teams were recognized by the Horizon League with Raise Your Sights Awards on Thursday (June 12), honoring the highest team GPAs from each league institution. The Raise Your Sights award is given annually to the top academic men’s and women’s teams in the […]
INDIANAPOLIS – The Purdue Fort Wayne men’s golf and women’s volleyball teams were recognized by the Horizon League with Raise Your Sights Awards on Thursday (June 12), honoring the highest team GPAs from each league institution.
The Raise Your Sights award is given annually to the top academic men’s and women’s teams in the Horizon League, based on combined GPA from the current academic year.
The Mastodon men’s golf team had the highest GPA among all Purdue Fort Wayne men’s teams with a combined GPA of 3.66. The women’s volleyball team recorded the highest among women’s sports, turning in a 3.70.
This is the fifth year in a row that the men’s golf team had the highest GPA in the Purdue Fort Wayne athletic department.
Horizon League Raise Your Sights Winners
Cleveland State
Men’s Soccer, 3.46
Women’s Cross Country, 3.82
Detroit Mercy
Men’s Soccer, 3.62
Women’s Golf, 3.64
Green Bay Men’s Golf, 3.88* Women’s Golf, 3.91*
IU Indianapolis
Men’s Tennis, 3.672
Women’s Golf, 3.706
