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Cross Country/Track & Field Caps Historic Year with National Recognition in USTFCCCA Program of the Year Standings

Story Links Pueblo, Colo. – June 10, 2025 — The Colorado State University-Pueblo men’s and women’s track and field programs have solidified their status among the NCAA Division II elite as the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) announced the final 2024-25 Program of the Year standings on […]

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Pueblo, Colo. – June 10, 2025 — The Colorado State University-Pueblo men’s and women’s track and field programs have solidified their status among the NCAA Division II elite as the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) announced the final 2024-25 Program of the Year standings on Tuesday.

The ThunderWolves men’s team earned a No. 7 national ranking in the Damon Martin Program of the Year standings, which reward consistency and excellence across cross country, indoor track, and outdoor track seasons. The men totaled 43 points—accumulated by placing 14th at the NCAA Division II Cross Country, Indoor, and Outdoor Championships—proving the squad’s balance and competitiveness throughout the academic year.

CSU Pueblo’s success was once again anchored by standout senior Reece Sharman-Newell, who delivered exceptional performances across all seasons. In cross country, he led the ThunderWolves with a 31st-place All-American finish at nationals in Sacramento, clocking 30:17.7 in the 10K. Sharman-Newell followed that up indoors by becoming the national runner-up in the mile, breaking the 4-minute barrier with a time of 3:59.56. He also anchored the All-American distance medley relay (DMR) squad that placed fourth, alongside Jon Sweepe, Tyrell Smith, and Kaleb Tipton.

During the outdoor season, Sharman-Newell capped his year with a National Championship victory in the 1,500-meter run in front of a home crowd at the CSU Pueblo ThunderBowl. Additional All-American efforts came from Tim Anstett, who took fifth in the men’s 800-meter, and Jon Sweepe, who joined Sharman-Newell on the All-American list in the 1,500-meter.

On the women’s side, the ThunderWolves soared to fourth place in the Jerry Baltes Program of the Year standings—marking a historic year across all three seasons.

In cross country, CSU Pueblo notched its highest-ever finish with a third-place team performance at the national meet in Sacramento. The ThunderWolves saw three athletes earn All-American honors, led by mid-distance star Helen Braybrook, who finished 13th in the 6K (20:54.5). First-year sensation Leah Keisler, a Scottish native competing in her first-ever cross country season, stunned with a 20th-place finish and All-American accolades.
 

The women maintained their momentum indoors, taking sixth place at the NCAA Championships. Braybrook, the highly decorated veteran runner for the ThunderWolves showed that hard work eventually pays off. The Brit took home her first ever Individual NCAA Title, winning the 800 Meters with a time of 2:04.72. 

Katherine Higgins recorded a personal best in the Shot Put, picking up a mark of 15.78 to bring home second place, while Febe Wessels etched her name into CSU Pueblo history as well, as the South African finished in fifth place in the Shot Put, also throwing a personal best and a mark of 15.39. 

The DMR squad of Jadyn HerronGabrielle DunichLeah Keisler, and Helen Braybrook have officially etched their named in NCAA and CSU Pueblo history, as the four women led the Pack to a National Championship. While the Pack were the favorites to win the championship coming in, the four women did not let that get to their head, winning by more than five seconds.

The season concluded outdoors with another program-best, a ninth-place finish at the Outdoor National Championships on home turf in Pueblo.

Senior Katherine Higgins headlined the day, closing her collegiate career in storybook fashion. Higgins was named the Elite 90 award winner for having the highest GPA (a perfect 4.0) among championship competitors, then topped that achievement by capturing her first individual National Championship in the women’s shot put. She threw a personal best of 16.38m to earn her sixth All-American honor.

n the women’s 800m, Pueblo’s favorite Brit, Helen Braybrook—already a local legend and a likely future Olympian for Great Britain—ran a personal best of 2:03.67 to finish as national runner-up. She was joined on the podium by Scottish junior Leah Keisler, who took seventh in 2:07.07, earning All-American status.

Back in the shot put ring, junior Febe Wessels of South Africa continued her consistent excellence, placing fifth with a throw of 15.44m and adding another All-American performance to her résumé.

Freshman Keturah Templeman capped off her record-breaking debut season in the women’s javelin, finishing ninth with a mark of 46.18m—adding to a historic freshman campaign for the young ThunderWolf.

The 2024-25 campaign represented a year of firsts and milestones for the ThunderWolves. Under the guidance of their coaching staff and the leadership of student-athletes like Sharman-Newell, Braybrook, and Keisler, CSU Pueblo has established itself as one of the most complete and consistent programs in NCAA Division II.

With historic finishes, national titles, and a haul of All-American honors, the ThunderWolves’ success this year will be remembered as one of the finest in program history



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Summer Spotlight: Marjorie Johnson, Volleyball

Story Links Waterville, Maine – Introducing Colby Athletics’ summer spotlight series, where we take a look into what Colby student-athletes are working on over the summer break. Up first is rising junior Marjorie Johnson of Colby Volleyball. This summer Marjorie has been partaking in an REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates) at Bigelow Laboratories […]

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Johnson, Marjorie - Summer Waterville, Maine – Introducing Colby Athletics’ summer spotlight series, where we take a look into what Colby student-athletes are working on over the summer break. Up first is rising junior Marjorie Johnson of Colby Volleyball. This summer Marjorie has been partaking in an REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates) at Bigelow Laboratories for Ocean Sciences in East Boothbay, Maine.

Bigelow is an independent, non-profit research institute whose mission is to use innovative approaches to study the foundation of global ocean health and unlock its potential to improve the future for all life on our planet. At her REU there are 18 other interns who are spending the summer at a beautiful residence hall located right next to the state of art laboratory. Each one of them, including Marjorie, are working in different areas of specialties from using code to study and track jellyfish populations to researching oil spill emulsification. They are all getting hands-on experience conducting their own research with a senior research scientist as our mentor. Marjorie has been working in Christoph Aeppli’s lab studying the current and historical trends of Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in marine sediment cores in midcoast Maine.

Johnson, Marjorie - Summer“It has been such an inspiring experience to be able to do hands-on research on a topic that has such important health and environmental implications,” said Johnson. “It is such an amazing experience to be interning at a laboratory that is working to solve some of the world’s most complex issues. It’s also not too shabby spending my summer on Maine’s coastline and getting to not only explore Maine but experience a Maine Summer.”

Be on the lookout for more of our summer spotlight series. 

 



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The 29-year-old vying to be prime minister

Alex Borg is running to become Nationalist Party leader, competing against Adrian Delia. Read a profile about his rival here. A 29-year-old lawyer from Gozo, former Mr World Malta, water polo player and gym-enthusiast-turned-politician, might just become the next leader of the opposition and maybe even the next prime minister. And while different groups of […]

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Alex Borg is running to become Nationalist Party leader, competing against Adrian Delia. Read a profile about his rival here.

A 29-year-old lawyer from Gozo, former Mr World Malta, water polo player and gym-enthusiast-turned-politician, might just become the next leader of the opposition and maybe even the next prime minister.

And while different groups of people share many mixed feelings about him, few candidates and MPs in the Maltese political landscape have captured attention as swiftly as Alex Borg.

The young Gozitan MP will turn 30 next week, and he will likely be spending his birthday trying to persuade PN members that age is but a number, and that he is mature enough to be trusted with the helm of the ailing party. After all, Joseph Muscat was also in his early 30s when he took over Labour.

If elected, Borg will be the youngest of all PN and Labour leaders in the modern history of the two parties. The second-youngest would be Dom Mintoff, who rose to the Labour leadership at 33.

And if he wins the next general election, Borg would be the youngest prime minister in history.

A family with political roots

Borg hails from a family with political roots. He is the son of the late Tony Borg, who served as mayor of Fontana and as chief of staff to former popular Gozo minister Giovanna Debono.

He pursued his legal studies at the University of Malta, graduating and commencing his practice as a lawyer in 2019. 

His political journey began to gain momentum in 2020, when he was elected to the MŻPN’s executive committee as the Gozo coordinator. This was followed by his election to the Nationalist Party’s Executive Committee in July 2021.

His rapid ascent culminated when he ran for his first general election in 2022 and was elected with an impressive 6,108 first-preference votes – almost as many as Labour’s frontman in Gozo, Clint Camilleri, with 6,458.  He outpaced veteran Labour MP Anton Refalo (5,002) and incumbent and high-ranking PN veterans.

Speaking to Times of Malta days after the election, Borg, then just 26 years old, said he decided to contest in 2020 and started knocking on doors from day one.

“House visits made me realise what people really want from politicians – they simply want someone who listens to them,” he said.

“I would sit on their sofa, listen intently without interrupting them, and then explain to them what I stand for and how that might help them live better lives.”

Borg said most of them speak of their suffering and he has had a fair share of it after his father was diagnosed with liver cancer in 2013, and died six-and-a-half years later after a long battle with the illness.

“I try to be positive, even when I criticise, because people long for positivity,” Borg told Times of Malta after his election.

“They also appreciate it when you stay humble and close to them, when you meet them in public squares, bars and social events. And I want to remain like that – I want to remain the people’s politician.”

Alex with his father, Tony, who died after a long battle with cancer.Alex with his father, Tony, who died after a long battle with cancer.

Shadow minister… and the controversy

Shortly after his election, Borg was also appointed shadow minister for Gozo and has been a vocal advocate for Gozitan issues, pushing for the sister island to receive adequate attention and resources.

But he also had his fair share of controversies.

Among the most recent were his statements concerning the Fort Chambray development in Gozo. Environment and heritage NGOs accused him of taking the side of big business, misleading people into thinking the new owners were bound to foot the bill for the fort’s restoration, when in fact it would be taxpayers who would ultimately pay for the multi-million project.

This led to the Commissioner for Standards in Public Life finding that Borg breached ethics, particularly after he refused to apologise for his misleading comments.

Borg’s alleged relationships with big business, particularly developers, have been a significant source of controversy. Critics argue that his political stances often align with the interests of powerful economic actors.

But his first clash with the party was a few months after he was elected when, along with another two PN MPs, he voted against a new IVF law that allows genetic testing before implantation. The rest of the opposition MPs had agreed to vote with the government on that law.

This year, Borg made waves on social media when he openly expressed admiration for US President Donald Trump, particularly for what he perceived as his “nationalist” approach to leadership.

He told Lovin Malta that while some of Trump’s decisions might seem unconventional to outsiders, many Americans view them as actions of a leader who genuinely loves his country and seeks to revitalise industries, such as manufacturing.

When he gave leadership a pass

Borg has already had a chance to contest for PN leadership since his election as an MP but he decided to give it a pass that time.

After the 2022 general election, when Bernard Grech was putting his leadership to the test, rumour had it that Borg could be rising through the ranks to contest him.

He had shut down those rumours, saying it was too early for him to make such a move and that the party needed to unite behind Grech at the time. But he did not rule out a future run.

The Gozitan MP’s rise continued in the following two years; however, when opinion polls began to show Gozo was starting to flip back to PN. And those polls were confirmed in the 2024 MEP election, when Gozo turned blue again.

Even in Malta Today’s opinion poll earlier this month, following which Grech resigned, the abysmal numbers in Malta were not reflected in Gozo. The PN seems to be holding onto its lead in the sister island.

Then came the internal poll, carried out among PN members two weeks ago, as soon as Roberta Metsola announced she would not run.

That poll underscored Borg’s growing influence, indicating him as the clear favourite to become the party’s new leader, leading other prominent figures like Adrian Delia and Franco Debono.

Borg also garnered public attention for his personal life. He is a former Mr World Malta titleholder (2020) and is in a relationship with renowned social media influencer Sarah Bajada.



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Prefontaine Classic live updates

The 50th edition of the Prefontaine Classic will take place July 5 at Hayward Field with a lineup as impressive as any previous version of the Diamond League track and field meet. Meet organizers have put together a 27-event schedule that is expected to include 98 Olympic and Paralympic medalists and 14 world record holders. […]

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Prefontaine Classic live updates


The 50th edition of the Prefontaine Classic will take place July 5 at Hayward Field with a lineup as impressive as any previous version of the Diamond League track and field meet.

Meet organizers have put together a 27-event schedule that is expected to include 98 Olympic and Paralympic medalists and 14 world record holders.

Twelve events will have athletes who medaled in the Paris Summer Games one year ago, with five events – the women’s 100 meters, men’s 400, women’s 1,500, women’s 3,000 steeplechase and women’s long jump – boasting all three medalists from the 2024 Olympics.

Come back here for live updates throughout the Prefontaine Classic at Hayward Field.

Prefontaine Classic live updates, highlights

This section will be updated when the meet begins.

Prefontaine Classic track and field meet schedule

  • Where: Hayward Field
  • When: Saturday, July 5

Prefontaine Classic meet schedule

  • 10 a.m. – Men’s hammer
  • 10:30 a.m. – Men’s and women’s community wheelchair 100 meters
  • 10:40 a.m. – Girls 1,500
  • 10:50 a.m. – Men’s discus
  • 10:52 a.m. – Boys 1,500
  • 11:10 a.m. – Men’s 10,000
  • 11:25 a.m. – Women’s hammer
  • 11:45 a.m. – National Anthem
  • 12 p.m. – Women’s para athletics 100 mixed classification
  • 12:07 p.m. – Men’s para athletics 100 mixed classification
  • 12:14 p.m. – Women’s para athletics 800 T54
  • 12:24 p.m. – Men’s para athletics 200 T62/T64
  • 12:27 p.m. – Women’s shot put
  • 12:30 p.m. – Men’s pole vault
  • 12:35 p.m. – Women’s 100 Invitational
  • 12:38 p.m. – Women’s long jump
  • 12:44 p.m. – Women’s 100 hurdles
  • 12:51 p.m. – Men’s International Mile
  • 1:04 p.m. – Men’s 400 hurdles
  • 1:12 p.m. – Men’s 100
  • 1:20 p.m. – Women’s 5,000
  • 1:43 p.m. – Men’s 400
  • 1:46 p.m. – Women’s discus
  • 1:51 p.m. – Women’s 400
  • 1:56 p.m. – Men’s shot put
  • 1:58 p.m. – Women’s 1,500
  • 2:09 p.m. – Women’s 3,000 steeplechase
  • 2:25 p.m. – Men’s 200
  • 2:34 p.m. – Mutola 800
  • 2:44 p.m. – Women’s 100
  • 2:50 p.m. – Bowerman Mile

How to watch the Prefontaine Classic track and field meet

  • TV: NBC (1-3 p.m.)
  • Stream: Peacock (1-3 p.m.), USATF.TV (10 a.m.-1 p.m.)

Jesse Sowa is the sports editor for The Register-Guard and Salem Statesman Journal. You can reach him at jsowa@gannett.com.

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Spanish national team player arrives in the Adriatic

The new addition to Jadran m:tel for the next season is Spanish water polo player Francisco Valera Calatrava at Škver. The Spanish international played for Sabadell last season. He participated in two World Championships with the Spanish national team, winning bronze medals both times. He also won bronze at the European Championships. He won two […]

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The new addition to Jadran m:tel for the next season is Spanish water polo player Francisco Valera Calatrava at Škver.

The Spanish international played for Sabadell last season.

He participated in two World Championships with the Spanish national team, winning bronze medals both times. He also won bronze at the European Championships.

He won two gold medals at two World Cups and has a bronze medal in the World League.

Jadran previously hired Lazar Andrić and Danilo Merkulov.


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Bruce Green: Are your feet touching the bottom? | Community

Our three grandsons were watching a water polo match on television during last summer’s Olympic Games. The players were jostling for position, splashing up a storm, all while trying to either throw a ball into the net or prevent the other team from doing so. The boys thought it looked like a great time. But […]

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Our three grandsons were watching a water polo match on television during last summer’s Olympic Games. The players were jostling for position, splashing up a storm, all while trying to either throw a ball into the net or prevent the other team from doing so. The boys thought it looked like a great time.

But there was one small question they had (I think they had been discussing it before I came into the room). They wanted me to confirm that the players were standing on the bottom of the pool while doing these things. I broke the news to them that this wasn’t the case – they were treading water. They looked at me incredulously and I could tell that water polo now looked much less like fun and much more like work.

Bruce Green has served as a teaching minister for several churches. He and his wife, Janice, recently moved to Searcy. You can find more of Bruce Green’s writings at atasteofgracewithbrucegreen.com.



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Celebrate the Outdoors on National Play Outside Day

Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — July is National Park & Recreation Month—a nationwide celebration of the ways parks, green spaces, and outdoor activities contribute to healthier, more connected communities. From local trails and scenic bays to playgrounds and beaches, the Alabama Gulf Coast offers endless opportunities to get outside and stay active. Whether you’re […]

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Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — July is National Park & Recreation Month—a nationwide celebration of the ways parks, green spaces, and outdoor activities contribute to healthier, more connected communities. From local trails and scenic bays to playgrounds and beaches, the Alabama Gulf Coast offers endless opportunities to get outside and stay active. Whether you’re hiking shaded trails, paddling calm waters, or gathering for a family picnic, the month invites everyone to embrace the outdoors and make the most of the region’s natural spaces.


In that same spirit, the first Saturday of each month marks National Play Outside Day, a grassroots movement that began in 2011 to encourage families to unplug and rediscover the simple joys of outdoor play. According to the

National Play Outside Day website, this day was founded by Aaron Wiggans and Rhonda Abeyta, the initiative was created to push back against screen overload and reignite creativity, movement, and connection across all ages. It’s a day to lace up your shoes, grab some sunscreen, and head outdoors for fresh air and fun.


Spending time outside isn’t just enjoyable—it’s good for you. Outdoor activity can lift your mood, reduce stress, and support physical health. For children especially, nature encourages imaginative play through hands-on experiences like climbing, building, and exploring. These shared moments—whether catching a sunset, playing a game, or stargazing—help build stronger family bonds and lasting memories.

Also see:
Celebrate Park and Recreation Month with the City of Orange Beach this July


Outdoor Adventures in Our Area

1. Beaches & Bay

  • Gulf Shores and Orange Beach’s Public Beaches – Perfect for shelling, beach games, or family paddle boarding.
  • Orange Beach Waterfront Park – Offers picnic shelters, bay access, and calm water ideal for kids and kayaking.

2. Gulf State Park

  • Trails: Over 27 miles of multi-use trails, including the award-winning Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail—one of USA Today’s top U.S. trails for three years running.
  • Lake Shelby: Fishing, canoeing, or kayaking on a scenic freshwater lake.
  • Fishing Pier & Nature Center: A great place for both education and recreation.

3. Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge

Traverse scrub forests, and marsh—home to sea turtles, migratory birds, and diverse wildlife. Trails like Jeff Friend and Pine Beach offer 5 miles of exploration.


4. Trails & Parks Beyond

  • Fort Morgan Road Trail & Coyote Crossing – Ideal for biking or hiking.
  • Baldwin County Bicentennial Park – Enjoy playgrounds, sports fields, and open green spaces.


Simple Ways to Celebrate Today

Choose any—or all—of these fun, low-cost ideas:

  • Family picnic at Gulf State Park Pavilion or waterfront shelters.
  • Bike ride or hike along scenic Gulf State Park trails.
  • Shell hunting or wading on the sand at dawn or sunset.
  • Nature scavenger hunt at Bon Secour or Bicentennial Park—spot birds, shells, plants.
  • Games & sports: kickball, Frisbee, beach volleyball, or a casual game of catch.
  • Stargazing tonight—head to less-lit beaches or bay shore for an unobstructed view.

This year, July 5th is a date to rediscover the simple pleasures of outdoor play. From bay breezes and beachcombing to biking and birdwatching, our region offers a wealth of natural playgrounds. Whether you’re with kids, parents, or friends, today is a perfect day to unplug, reconnect, and make lasting summer memories in the great outdoors.



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