“It’s bigger this year: there are more teams, new faces, new players, new countries,” Skinner says of this season’s VNL. “For us, it’s just about building after this quad. It’s figuring out that system, finding out what that is, and maximising it to its potential.”

She continues, “There [are] a lot of new faces in the group, especially the year after the Olympics, a lot of learning, a lot of growing. It’s not going to be super smooth from the start, but the quad is long, and we’re looking to peak, again, at that right time.”

The VNL preliminary round takes place over three stages, where eight teams will book their berth in the final round in Łódź, Poland from 23-27 July. USA have home advantage – as does Skinner – in playing their final pool stage in Arlington, Texas.

Having travelled the world thanks to sport, Skinner is a big fan of collecting postcards wherever she goes, buying around 10 postcards to send out to friends and family.

“My goal is to have a giant collage in my house one day of just all the places I’ve been to,” she concludes. It would be a perfect summer if she is able to send some golden greetings from Łódź.

PULLMAN, Wash. — The Washington State University track and field program is eliminating field events and limiting sprinting and hurdling opportunities to focus on distance running events.

Impacted student athletes will continue to have their scholarships honored should they choose to remain at WSU, but all field events are no longer supported by the school effective immediately.

This comes just a year after WSU hurdler Maribel Caicedo finished as the runner up in the 100-meter hurdle national championship race.

A total of 12 student athletes will now not being able to compete in their specified sport due to this change.

The program will now focus on distance events such as the 10,000 meters, which produced an All-American this year in Evans Kurui.

OSAGE BEACH, Mo. — The City of Osage Beach has officially entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Division of State Parks to construct a multi-use single track trail that will span both City and state park lands, promoting hiking and mountain biking opportunities in the region.

This cooperative agreement outlines a shared vision to enhance recreational access and connect key outdoor areas, including Osage Beach City Park and Lake of the Ozarks State Park. It represents a major milestone in a long-term plan to develop approximately 70 miles of world-class recreational trails in the Lake of the Ozarks region.

“This partnership demonstrates our mutual commitment to improving recreational amenities for our residents and visitors,” said City Administrator Devin Lake. “It also aligns with our goal to further propel Osage Beach and Lake of the Ozarks as a premier outdoor destination, while supporting economic growth through tourism.”

The project, a collaboration among state, municipal, and local stakeholders, advanced with key support from Osage Beach Alderman Phyllis Marose and Missouri District 123 Representative Jeff Vernetti.

“It’s been incredibly rewarding to see this project come to life through strong collaboration and community dedication,” said Marose.

“This project is a great example of what we can achieve when state, municipal, and local partners work together,” said Vernetti. “I’m proud to support initiatives like this that invest in our parks, enhance community spaces, and improve quality of life.”

Two-Mile Trail to Open in Spring 2026

The new trail, to be designed in accordance with U.S. Forest Service standards for Class II single track bicycle trails, will be constructed and maintained by the Osage Beach Parks and Recreation, with support from Magic Dragon Trails volunteers, led by Jan and Stacy Pyrtle. The Pyrtles first approached the City three years ago with a proposal to incorporate a trail into the park, and their continued support has been instrumental in bringing this project to life.

The proposed trail will be approximately two miles long, looping around the perimeter of Osage Beach City Park and connecting to the Dragon Hatchery Disc Golf Course (see attached map; the proposed path has not been finalized and is subject to modification). About a quarter-mile section of the trail will cross land owned by Missouri DNR.

“We believe this is actually 4 miles of trail,” Stacy Pyrtle noted in an email to LakeExpo, “because biking, hiking or running a trail in reverse makes for a totally different trail experience.”

Construction is scheduled to begin in late fall or early winter of 2025, with a grand opening anticipated in Spring 2026.

Pyrtle provided two more updates in addition to Osage Beach’s trail announcement:

First we have begun preliminary discussions with the Lake of the Ozarks Council of Local Government Traffic Advisory Committee to add bike lanes along a four mile section of Hwy MM basically from 242 to Woodrow Way on both sides of the road. Since this road already has car-width shoulders, no blind curves and no steep grade increases we feel it will be an asset to the area. This would be in conjunction with the planned resurfacing of Hwy MM in 2027. It also leads into about 50 miles of residential streets in Porta Cima that have lower traffic flow and beautiful views. Many bikers and runners are already using this area so having designated bike lanes improves safety for all users.

We also are very close to having the final easements completed for another trail on property owned by Duenke Real Estate Holdings off Three Seasons Rd and Nichols Rd. This will also be a single-track trail perfect for biking, hiking and running. This trail was professionally designed and has at most a five percent grade increase or decrease. We are extremely appreciative of the Duenke family’s generosity in working with us on this partnership. The vision of Magic Dragon Trails is to connect the entire Lake area with safe multi-modal transportation options for family-friendly recreational opportunities and increased year-round tourism.

Osage Beach Enhances City Park Through Community Partnership

“The trail project is the latest amenity to be announced at Osage Beach City Park, made possible by the vision and leadership of Osage Beach Parks and Recreation Department—led by Parks Manager Eric Gregory—and the commitment of local volunteers who have donated time and resources to enhance local parks,” the City stated in a press release.

Over the past month, City Park has been abuzz with activity. The new Dragon Hatchery Disc Golf Course, designed by volunteer Gary Braman, officially opened. Two sand volleyball courts were revitalized and reopened through a partnership with Lake of the Ozarks Volleyball.

In addition, Osage Beach Public Works, with support from the Osage Beach Special Road District, spearheaded the paving of Hatchery Road through City Park down to the Osage Beach Lowe’s Bark Park parking lot, vastly improving access to the popular amenity, which opened in Fall 2024. The dog park has benefited from recent upgrades including shaded pavilions and pet agility obstacles.

The City added, “Together, these enhancements are part of a broader effort to expand high-quality outdoor recreation in the Lake area, promoting healthy lifestyles and boosting tourism.”

The boys delivered across the board with five outstanding nominees for the Naperville Sports Weekly Season 18 Male Athlete of the Year Award! This award is sponsored by Fair Oaks Ford.

Jacob Bell – Naperville North football

Our first nominee for Male Athlete of the Year comes from the gridiron with Naperville North quarterback Jacob Bell. Bell started for the Huskies for two seasons, but it was his senior year that saw him explode into one of the top talents in the state. Connecting with the dynamic trio of Broc Pettaway, Quinn Moris, and Chico Thomas, Bell passed for 3,223 yards and 44 touchdowns, helping the Huskies to a 7-2 regular season record and another trip to the 8A playoffs. Despite a first-round loss to Maine South, Bell passed for 508 yards and five total touchdowns in the game. As a first-team All-State selection in class 8A, Bell’s football career is just getting started, as he will take his talents to Indiana University.

Tyreek Coleman – Waubonsie Valley basketball

We go to the hardwood for our next nominee with Tyreek Coleman from Waubonsie Valley. Coleman started for the Warriors for three years but raised his game to an even higher level in his senior campaign. As a first team All-State selection, he averaged 20.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 2.3 steals, helping the Warriors to back-to-back DVC and regional championships, and won the DVC Player of the Year award for a second straight season. Teaming up with high-flying forward Moses Wilson and fellow guard Josh Tinney, the Warriors racked up a school record 31 wins before the memorable season came to an end in the sectional semifinal against eventual state champion Benet Academy. Coleman will continue playing basketball at Illinois State University next season.

Mason Hofmann – Naperville North swimming & water polo

Mason Hofmann has been a force to be reckoned with for Naperville North boys swimming and water polo in all four of his varsity seasons. After breaking the DVC record earlier in the year, Hofmann won the sectional championship in the 100 breaststroke before placing in the top ten for the 100 breast and 400-yard freestyle relay at the IHSA state meet. However, water polo is the sport where Hofmann took his performance in the pool to the next level. After a fourth straight All-State performance as a senior, he tallied a team high 171 goals and 91 assists, helping the Huskies to the DVC and sectional titles. The crowning achievement for Hofmann and his Huskie teams came from winning the first-ever State Championship for Naperville North boys water polo in a 7-6 thriller over New Trier. A standout in the classroom as well, Hofmann will jump in for the Johns Hopkins water polo team next season. 

Owen Roberts – Waubonsie Valley football and baseball

Up next is another two-sport athlete, Owen Roberts from Waubonsie Valley. Roberts competed for the Warriors football and baseball teams, where he made his presence felt in his senior year. Roberts played on both sides of the ball, hauling in two touchdowns for the offense. As an All-DVC defensive back, he up 66 tackles on defense, two fumble recoveries, and three interceptions, leading the green and gold to its first playoff birth since 2018. A dual threat on the baseball diamond as well, Roberts dazzled on the mound with a minuscule 0.49 ERA, striking out 96 batters, while going 8-2. Roberts also batted .367 at the plate with 44 hits. In the postseason, Roberts threw a pair of complete games and hit a home run to help the Warriors win a second straight regional title and the first sectional championship since 2005. The Warriors’ playoff run came to an end in the supersectional against Normal Community. Still, Roberts will throw the heat collegiately by taking the mound for the Indiana State Sycamores next spring. 

Jonah Frank – Neuqua Valley lacrosse

Last but not least is boys lacrosse senior standout Jonah Frank from Neuqua Valley. Frank led all Wildcats in scoring with 96 goals and over 50 assists, resulting in another DVC and sectional title for the blue and gold. In the sectional championship victory over Andrew, Frank set the program record for goals in a single game with 12. Frank and the Cats won a second straight Supersectional title in a hard-fought victory over Lyons Township. Neuqua Valley finished the season at 16-8 and brought home a second consecutive fourth-place state trophy. Frank’s high-scoring Neuqua Valley career may be over, but not his lacrosse career overall, because he will continue playing the game next season at Denison University. 

Owen Roberts repeats as Male Athlete of the Year

For a second straight year, Owen Roberts earns our Male Athlete of the Year award! In a memorable final season at Waubonsie, Roberts was All-DVC in both football and baseball!

PORTLAND, Ore. – UW Track fans suffering from a post-NCAAs hangover didn’t have to wait long, as the Portland Track Festival provided many more season’s-bests as well as another glimpse into the future. The meet was held Saturday and Sunday at Lewis & Clark College, with Huskies past, present, and future all impressing.
 
Several NCAA qualifiers who just missed out on reaching the finals headed to Portland to keep their seasons going. One of those Huskies, Kyle Reinheimer, was third overall on Sunday and lowered his 800-meters school record to 1:45.73. Graduated senior Justin O’Toole showed he’s getting back into his top form by running a PR of 1:46.29.
 
In the top section of the women’s 5,000-meters, incoming transfer Chloe Thomas clocked a time of 15:18.49 which would be well under the current UW school record. Thomas is joining the Dawgs from Uconn next season. The men’s 5k saw senior Acer Iverson drop a fast season’s-best 13:25.68.
 
But one of the big stories from the meet was the 11th- and 12th-place finishers in the fast 1,500-meter section. That’s where UW incoming freshmen Owen Powell and Josiah Tostenson finished, running the No. 2 and No. 3 high school 1,500-meter times in U.S. history. Powell ran 3:36.49 and Tostenson went 3:36.85. If run next season, those would be the third and fourth fastest times in UW history only behind multiple NCAA Champions Nathan Green and Joe Waskom.
 
Former Huskies Sam Ellis and Kieran Lumb also ran in the top heat, Ellis going 3:35.40 and Lumb running 3:36.37. In an earlier section, senior Rhys Hammond, still competing in his UW kit, took third in a big PR of 3:36.86 to go to No. 3 in school history. Seniors Ronan McMahon-Staggs and Leo Daschbach ran 3:40.61 (McMahon-Staggs) and 3:41.19 (Daschbach, a PR).
 
Freshman Nathan Neil, who has redshirted the season, ran a 3:41.32 and sophomore Will Schneider went 3:51.28.
 
In the women’s 1,500-meters, graduated senior Claire Yerby had a massive breakthrough, taking second in her section in 4:07.78, a five-second personal-best. Sam Tran also clocked a 4:26.84.
 
Josephine Welin raced herself to a 5,000-meters PR of 16:35.61. For the men, freshman Parker Mong ran the 5k, finishing in 14:40.56.
 
On Saturday, in the steeplechase, former Husky Aaron Ahl ran 8:31.98, and another alum, Julius Diehr, ran 8:40.37. Current sophomore Cruize Corvin broke nine minutes for the first time, going 8:55.20.