DEKALB, Ill. – Kamiya Dendy (Anderson, S.C./Pendleton) of the Northern Illinois University women’s track and field team has been selected to compete in the NCAA Division I West First Round in College Station, Texas, May 28-31, hosted by Texas A&M at E.B. Cushing Stadium

Dendy, who became the first Huskie to win the high jump at the Mid-American Conference Outdoor Championships last weekend, is seeded 32nd at the NCAA West First Round after winning the conference meet and earning First Team All-MAC honors. 

The Anderson, S.C., native cleared 1.79 meters (5-10.50) at the MAC Championships, the second-best mark in the high jump in NIU history, behind only Channel Palmer who cleared 1.83 meters (6-00.00) at the Drake Relays in 2017. 

Dendy is the fourth Huskie to qualify for the NCAA First Round in the high jump since 2014, joining Claudette Day (2014), Palmer (2015, 2016 and 2017) and Arianna Calloway (2024). 

The women’s high jump competition will take place on the final day of the NCAA West First Round on, Saturday, May 31, and is scheduled to begin at 3:30 p.m. CT. 

JONESBORO, Ark. (5/22/25) – The Arkansas State University Athletics Department announced Thursday that it has launched its 2025 volleyball and 2025-26 men’s and women’s basketball season-ticket renewal process, as well as that new season tickets are on sale for all three sports coming off Sun Belt Conference championships.
 
The Red Wolves’ volleyball and men’s basketball teams both claimed Sun Belt regular-season titles this past year while advancing to the National Volleyball Invitational Championship (NIVC) and National Invitational Tournament (NIT), respectively. A-State’s women’s basketball program won the Sun Belt Conference Tournament in 2024-25 before making its first-ever appearance in the NCAA Tournament.
 
Season-ticket prices for the 2025 volleyball campaign remain unchanged, while changes to the pricing structure for men’s and women’s basketball are being implemented for the first time in over a decade. The season-tickets renewal deadline for all three sports is set for Aug. 1, 2025.
 
Lower-level men’s basketball tickets will continue to require a per-seat donation to the Red Wolves Foundation (RWF). Those donations count toward the rewards-based priority points system to provide better opportunities for not only home ticket options, parking locations and activities surrounding home A-State game days, but also tickets options for future postseason appearances. Information about priority points can be found by clicking HERE or visiting RedWolvesFoundation.com.
 

 

Information and pricing for men’s and women’s basketball suites at First National Bank Arena can be obtained by contacting the Red Wolves Foundation at 870-972-2401.

 

New this season, a 5% “One Pack” fee will be applied to ticket prices only (not the per-season donation to the Red Wolves Foundation) for all ticketed A-State sports. The minimal fee will allow A-State Athletics to be more aligned with various initiatives being implemented by peer institutions across the country with sweeping changes occurring within the college athletics landscape.

 

New season ticket purchases can be made by visiting AStateRedWolves.com/Tickets.  Renewals can be completed by visiting AStateRedWolves.com/Tickets and logging into the ticket holders account (https://am.ticketmaster.com/arkstate/invoice).  Questions and requests for additional information can be directed to the Red Wolves Foundation by e-mailing redwolvesfoundation@astate.edu or calling 870-972-2401.

 

Phil Dalhausser sees the light at the end of the tunnel as he prepares to play in the AVP League opener Friday at the Delray Beach Tennis Center.

The 2008 Olympic gold medalist and four-time Olympian is retiring from playing with the world’s top beach volleyball players after the 2025 season.

“Enough is enough,” said Dalhausser, who will partner with Trevor Crabb on the Palm Beach Passion team in Delray. “The sport has been good to me. I’ve been around long enough. I’m excited to play again in this area. I know it helps USA Beach Volleyball.”

Melissa Humana-Paredes and Brandie Wilkerson are also excited to team up with Dalhausser again this year. The 2024 Olympic silver medalists are hoping to accomplish big things when the two-night tournament concludes on Saturday.

“Let’s run it back,” said Humana-Paredes, who played indoor volleyball collegiately with Wilkerson at York University in Toronto. “It’s a thrill to be able to represent Palm Beach. The AVP is changing the game of beach volleyball, and we’re so happy to be a part of this local event.”

Wilkerson agreed with Humana-Paredes and said that the game plan is “pretty simple.” Go out there and execute and have that next play mentality. “This year, we feel a lot more excitement,” Wilkerson said. “Last year, we didn’t qualify for the championships, so it’s time to represent and show up.”

Dalhausser and Crabb (Palm Beach Passion) will go up against the Brooklyn Blaze (Sean Cook/Brian Miller) at 8 p.m. Friday. Humana-Paredes and Wilkerson (Palm Beach Passion) will also face the Brooklyn Blaze (Terese Cannon/Megan Kraft) at 9 p.m. Friday.

Former NBA small forward Chase Budinger is looking forward to the festivities. After watching on television at home last year, Budinger is teaming up with Miles Evans on the San Diego Smash. Budinger and Evans take on the Dallas Dream (Andy Benesh/Miles Partain) at 6 p.m. Friday.

Kylie Deberg/Hailey Harward (Dallas Dream) follow that matchup with their own against Toni Rodriguez/Geena Urango (San Diego Smash) at 7 p.m.

“These types of games, they are high-paced, fast games,” said Budinger, a National Player of the Year in volleyball at La Costa Canyon High School in San Diego, Calif. “Serving tough is the biggest thing to focus on heading in.”

Budinger, at 6-foot-7, was named California Mr. Basketball in high school, when he also captured the McDonald’s High School All-American Game co-MVP with Kevin Durant in 2006.

After playing one season of international basketball in Spain, Budinger said he doesn’t regret making a career change.

“I think the biggest thing that I love about beach volleyball is that it’s a unique and amazing lifestyle,” Budinger continued. “I get to bike to work everyday. My office is out in the sunshine, with a nice breeze on the sand. I can never be grumpy or mad. I get to travel around the world, exploring these different countries and cities.”

The AVP League opener is a two-day event, and tickets start at $23 and are available at avp.com/tickets. It will be televised on the CBS Sports Network (Friday) and on the CW Network (Saturday). The best-of-three series features games that go up to 15 points, instead of the normal 21.

“From a fan’s perspective, this tournament may be better for them because it doesn’t last as long,” said Dalhausser, a University of Central Florida alum (2004) who partnered with Avery Drost last year. “You’ve got great seats here. Most settings are standing room only. I know the community here will come on down and enjoy. They always do.”

With only two rounds left in the Super Rugby Pacific regular season, fans are buzzing about which teams will make it to the playoffs.

This year has been a close competition, with only six spots in the finals and a tight race for the top positions.

The Brumbies, Chiefs, and Crusaders have pulled ahead and are currently leading the pack.

Let’s break down the potential scenarios for the finals, looking at which teams are safe, which are in danger of missing out, and who still has a chance:

Out of the running: Fijian Drua and Western Force

The Fijian Drua and Western Force are officially out of the finals race, as they are too far behind sixth-placed Moana Pasifika. They have byes this weekend and next.

In the hunt

Highlanders (19 points)

Next matches: Crusaders (away), Chiefs (home)

Best possible finish: Sixth place

Even though they sit at the bottom of the standings, the Highlanders still have a mathematical shot at the playoffs, but it won’t be easy.

Timoci Tavatavanawai charges ahead for the Highlanders against the Hurricanes in Wellington on 16 May 2025. The Hurricanes won 24-20. Photo/Photosport

They need to win their next two matches with bonus points and hope that Moana Pasifika lose their upcoming games against the Chiefs and the Hurricanes.

They will also need the Force to beat the Waratahs, and then the Waratahs to defeat the Blues in the final round and hope that the defending champions from Auckland will not pick up a losing bonus point.

Waratahs (22 points)

Next matches: Force (away), Blues (away)

Best possible finish: Sixth place

Despite their current struggles, the Waratahs can still qualify for the finals. They must win both remaining matches against the Force and the Blues while getting help from other teams.

If they win, they hope for favourable outcomes in matches involving the Reds, Hurricanes, and Moana Pasifika.

The Blues, led by captain Patrick Tuipulotu, will be hoping for a better outing in their next game after their shock 27-21 defeat to Moana Pasifika last weekend. Photo/Photosport

Blues (28 points)

Next matches: Bye, Waratahs (home)

Best possible finish: Fifth place

The Blues have a clearer path to the finals. They hope for a bye this weekend, followed by a victory over the Waratahs in their last game. If things go their way in other matches, they could end up in fifth or possibly higher.

Moana Pasifika (28 points)

Next matches: Chiefs (away), Hurricanes (away)

Best possible finish: Fourth place

Moana Pasifika have done well to reach sixth place, but face tough matches ahead. They must win both upcoming games against the Chiefs and Hurricanes and hope for favourable results in other matches to earn their first playoff spot. They will be keeping an eye on the Reds-Hurricanes clash this weekend. A draw or Reds’ win would be ideal for Tana Umaga’s men; they would climb to fifth combined with a Moana win over the Chiefs. Moana will make their maiden finals appearance if they defeat the Hurricanes in Wellington and the Blues lose to the Waratahs. With two Moana wins, if the Reds lose to the Drua in Brisbane, Moana Pasifika could climb as high as fourth on points differential.

Super Rugby Player of the Year 2025: Moana Pasifika captain Ardie Savea against the Fijian Drua, will lead his side against the Chiefs in Hamilton on Saturday. Photo/Photosport

Hurricanes (30 points)

Next matches: Reds (away), Moana Pasifika (home)

Best possible finish: 4th

For the Hurricanes, things are looking more straightforward. Winning both their last matches will secure them fourth place. If they lose one but win the other, they still have a strong chance of making the finals, depending on the outcomes of several other matches.

Reds (32 points)

Next matches: Hurricanes (home, Drua (home)

Best possible finish: Second place

The Reds are in a strong position, aiming for the second final spot. They are looking to win their remaining matches to secure their place in the playoffs and potentially improve their position.

Crusaders winger Sevu Reece and his team-mates celebrate their win over the defending champions Blues in Christchurch on 18 April 2025. Photo/Photosport

Finals confirmed

Crusaders (41 points)

Next matches: Highlanders (h), Brumbies (away)

Best possible finish: First place

The race for the top three spots is close, with the Crusaders and Chiefs likely to move up past the Brumbies, who will have a break this weekend.

To secure first place, the Crusaders must win all their remaining games. They also hope the Chiefs will stumble against Moana Pasifika or the Highlanders. If the Crusaders lose to the Brumbies but beat the Highlanders, their final position will depend on how the Chiefs perform in their matches. Even in the worst-case scenario, the Crusaders should still finish in the top four, ensuring a spot in the finals.

Chiefs’ forward Wallace Sititi against the Force in Mount Maunganui on 25 April 2025. Chiefs won 56-22. Photo/Photosport

Chiefs (41 points)

Next matches: Moana Pasifika (h), Highlanders (a)

Best possible finish: First

The Chiefs have a points advantage that could help them finish first. If they manage to win both of their next games, especially with bonus points, they could reach 53 points. However, if the Chiefs lose their two matches while the Crusaders also lose and the Reds win both their games with bonus points, the Chiefs could drop to third place. In any case, the Chiefs are assured of a spot in the finals.

Brumbies (43 points)

Next matches: Bye, Crusaders (away)

Best possible finish: First

The Brumbies have a bye week to rest their players, but this also gives the Crusaders and Chiefs a chance to catch up. They are safe for the finals since the Reds can’t get enough points to surpass them. To solidify their position, the Brumbies must beat the Crusaders in their next match to guarantee they finish in at least second place. They will be watching the Chiefs closely, and if the Chiefs lose their upcoming games and the Brumbies win, it could help them take the top spot. But if the Chiefs win and the Crusaders lose, the Brumbies and Crusaders could be in a crucial match for the top position.

As the final rounds approach, every match counts, and fans are eagerly watching to see how everything plays out – World Rugby

Moana fans will be heading to Hamilton this Saturday to cheer on their side against the Chiefs. Photo/Photosport

JONESBORO, Ark. (5/22/25) – Arkansas State track and field has qualified seven athletes for the NCAA West Preliminary Rounds, set for May 28-31, in College Station, Texas.

One of those seven – Colby Eddowes – also secured a bid to the NCAA Outdoor Championships in the decathlon. He is among 24 entrants into the field and ranks 18^th nationally with a total of 7,681 points. Eddowes will compete in the two-day event Wednesday and Thursday, June 11-12, in Eugene, Oregon. Eddowes will be A-State’s first decathlete since 2008 to compete at the outdoor championships.

The preliminary rounds will be hosted by Texas A&M at Cushing Stadium, and a full schedule can be found at NCAA.com. Portions of each day’s events will be streamed live on ESPN+ beginning with the first track event.

Athletes who rank among the top 48 in their respective events earn bids into the prelims, with others added due to scratches among the initial top 48. The top 12 individuals in each event at both the East and West Prelims advance to the NCAA Outdoor Championships, held June 11-14 in Eugene, Oregon.

Noa Isaia will be first to contest for a bid to nationals, qualifying for the hammer throw first round with a best throw of 66.22m (217-3). The sophomore will compete at 10 a.m. Wednesday, with each of the 48 competitors getting three throws and the top 12 advancing to Eugene.

In addition to his nationals bid in the decathlon, Eddowes will also compete in preliminary-round action in the 110-meter hurdles, qualifying with his time of 13.45 set at the Sun Belt Championships. He will run in the first round at 6 p.m. Wednesday and then again Friday at 6:15 p.m. should he advance.

Bradley Jelmert will vie for his second bid to the outdoor championships, entering next week tied for fifth in the region with a height of 5.55m (18-2.5). John Carswell also qualified in the event with a mark of 5.28m (17-3.75) at the Sun Belt Championships. The pair will compete Wednesday with the event slated to start at 5:30 p.m.

Sun Belt Track Performer of the Year Jacob Pyeatt is slated to compete in the 5000 meters at 8:10 p.m. Friday, qualifying with a time of 13:35.90.

2025 SBC Indoor and Outdoor pole vault champion Carly Pujol is set to continue her record-setting season in the women’s pole vault at 5:30 p.m. Thursday. The Cape Girardeau, Mo., native qualified with a program-best mark of 4.31m (14-1.75) at the conference meet.

Also competing Thursday will be Michelle Ogbemudia, who will compete at 6 p.m. in the shot put – an event in which she posted a mark of 16.40m (53-9.75) this season. She earned silver in the event at the conference championships and will be making her third trip to the West Prelims – her second in the shot put.

SOCIAL MEDIA

For the latest on the A-State track and field and cross country programs, follow @AStateTrack on Twitter and @astatetfxc on Instagram, while also liking the team’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/AStateTrackAndField.

GENEVA, Ohio – This week the Dickinson men’s and women’s track and field team will be represented by two athletes at the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track and Field Championship hosted by the SPIRE Institute in Geneva, Ohio. Senior, Annie Leder will take part in the women’s long jump beginning this afternoon at 5:30pm, while junior, Trevor Richwine has to wait one more day to get his competition started as he will compete in the men’s 800m. The prelims start Friday at 4pm, followed by the final on Saturday at 2:50pm.

The two athletes and their head coach Eric Bologa caught up with Director of Athletic Communications, David Adamovage to preview the championship as well as reflect on a very successful 2024-2025 campaign.

You can follow the action this weekend with the live results by clicking here.