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Cub Tracks' Central Division belle?

WELCOME to today’s episode of Cub Tracks news and notes™, a greatest-hits collection of Chicago-style beat writers and bloggers, ground from #Cubs, #MiLB, and #MLB baseball, overheated, steeped in writers’ tears, and then cold-brewed overnight for maximum flavor. No artificial intelligences were deployed, employed, entranced, or embalmed in the commission of this missive (apparently I […]

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Cub Tracks' Central Division belle?

WELCOME to today’s episode of Cub Tracks news and notes™, a greatest-hits collection of Chicago-style beat writers and bloggers, ground from #Cubs, #MiLB, and #MLB baseball, overheated, steeped in writers’ tears, and then cold-brewed overnight for maximum flavor. No artificial intelligences were deployed, employed, entranced, or embalmed in the commission of this missive (apparently I might be training some though). Cub Tracks eagerly awaits the advent of robotic umpires and has already amended the three laws. The going is weird. Cub Tracks turned pro a long time ago.

Cub Tracks. Where the great ones run away.

That was a tough loss. But today’s a new day. We have hopes.

The Chicago Cubs as constructed currently are deficient in several key areas, but nonetheless, they are successful at present. Some of these areas should be addressed in order for the team to continue its rumored March To October.

But the Cubs are 17-12 and in the home stretch, so to speak, of their season-opening gauntlet. A couple of clubs have laid a glove on them but they’re giving better than they get. Right now’s a good time to be a Cubs fan. Enjoy. Cubs hope to scuttle the Bucs tonight.

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As the calendar approaches May, Taillon continues to be cautious about the idea that the Cubs can relax at all, even as the schedule theoretically gets easier.

“I still don’t want to overcook it,” Taillon said after the Cubs’ 3-1, 10-inning loss to the Phillies on Sunday night. “In the big leagues, you just never know. You can run into a team with a bad record that’s playing well that can do damage and school you. — Jordan Bastian.

Food for thought:

Please be reminded that Cub Tracks and Bleed Cubbie Blue do not necessarily endorse the content of articles, podcasts, or videos that are linked to in this series. We are 100% in favor of human sportswriting and will not wittingly publish A. I. driven articles or content. Thanks for reading!

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One Hundred Fifty Student-Athletes Named Big Ten Distinguished Scholars – Penn State

ROSEMONT, Ill. – One hundred fifty Penn State student-athletes earned Big Ten Distinguished Scholar honors, the conference announced Monday. Of the 150, 31 student athletes were recognized for achieving perfect 4.0s, The Big Ten Distinguished Scholar Award is presented to student-athletes who have recorded a grade-point average of 3.7 or higher during the previous academic year. […]

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ROSEMONT, Ill. – One hundred fifty Penn State student-athletes earned Big Ten Distinguished Scholar honors, the conference announced Monday. Of the 150, 31 student athletes were recognized for achieving perfect 4.0s,

The Big Ten Distinguished Scholar Award is presented to student-athletes who have recorded a grade-point average of 3.7 or higher during the previous academic year.

Penn State’s seven highest Big Ten Distinguished Scholar totals have come in the past seven years. The 31 Nittany Lion students earning a 4.0 during the 2024-25 academic year narrowly misses the school record of 32, set last year.

The athletic department’s academic success included 423 student-athletes earning Academic All-Big Ten honors and 199 Nittany Lions who graduated during the 2024-25 academic year (December and May).

Penn State Big Ten Distinguished Scholar totals since 2017-18:

2024-25: 150

2023-24: 165

2022-23: 174 (non-alternate grading school record)

2021-22: 157

2020-21: 183*

2019-20: 144*

2018-19: 117

2017-18: 90

* – alternate grading system used due to COVID-19.

 

A total of 25 of Penn State teams had at least one Big Ten Distinguished Scholar (men’s and women’s cross country, indoor track & field and outdoor track & field are combined).

Women’s Track and Field led the way with a program record 19 honorees, besting last year’s high of 18. Football and men’s volleyball each matched their program highs of 10 and six, respectively.

The 150 honorees boost Penn State to a total of 1,784 Big Ten Distinguished Scholars since the program was established by the Big Ten Faculty Representatives in 2008-09 to supplement the Academic All-Big Ten program.

Similar to the Academic All-Big Ten honor, Distinguished Scholar Award recipients must be in at least their second academic year at their institution. The Distinguished Scholar Award encompasses only students with a minimum GPA of 3.7 or higher for the previous academic year, excluding summer school.

Graduation Success Rates

Penn State student-athletes continue to register record-breaking graduation rates and perform well above their peers nationwide. The Nittany Lions posted a record-tying 93% NCAA Graduation Success Rate (GSR) and 11 programs earned perfect 100% ratings. This is the eight consecutive year the Nittany Lions posted a record or record-tying performance in the classroom, according to data reported by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

The NCAA’s annual graduation rates report of Division I institutions across the nation revealed Penn State student-athletes at the University Park campus earned a Graduation Success Rate (GSR) of 93% to equal the school’s all-time record of 93%, which was set in the 2023 NCAA report. Nittany Lion students posted a 93% graduation rate compared to the 90% average for all Division I institutions for student-athletes entering from 2014-15 academic year through the 2017-18 academic year.

Penn State student-athletes have logged a Graduation Success Rate in the 88-93% range during each of the past 18 NCAA reports, improving from 88% in the 2015 report to a record-tying 93% report in the 2024 report.

Penn State Among the Nation’s Most Comprehensive and Successful Athletic Programs

Under the leadership of Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics, Dr. Patrick Kraft, Penn State has one of the nation’s most comprehensive and successful athletic programs, featuring 800 student-athletes across 31 varsity programs (16 men’s, 15 women’s). The Nittany Lions’ 31 programs are tied for the fourth-highest number of sports sponsored by a Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) institution.



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2025 MileSplit All-National T&F Honors: All-Sophomore Boys Team

MileSplit is proud to present the 2025 All-National Track & Field Honors. As part of a nationwide initiative, these honors recognize the top high school athletes in the country based on verified performances from the outdoor season. Athletes have been selected through a data-driven process to highlight excellence across every event, grade level, and team tier – […]

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MileSplit is proud to present the 2025 All-National Track & Field Honors. As part of a nationwide initiative, these honors recognize the top high school athletes in the country based on verified performances from the outdoor season. Athletes have been selected through a data-driven process to highlight excellence across every event, grade level, and team tier – from First Team through Honorable Mention, as well as All-Freshman to All-Senior teams. Congratulations to all of the athletes who took their performances to the next level this season.





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Portland Fire reignited in the Global Epicenter of Women's Sports

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Portland Fire reignited in the Global Epicenter of Women's Sports


Copyright © 2025 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. All rights reserved

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Figures leads a bipartisan bill on national NIL guidelines

WASHINGTON — Congressman Shomari Figures is helping to lead a bill to establish a national framework on student-athlete compensation. The bipartisan legislation dubbed the Student Compensation and Opportunity through Rights and Endorsements (SCORE) Act would set federal rules for student-athletes’ ability to earn money from their name, image and likeness. A House Energy and Commerce […]

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Figures leads a bipartisan bill on national NIL guidelines

WASHINGTON — Congressman Shomari Figures is helping to lead a bill to establish a national framework on student-athlete compensation.

The bipartisan legislation dubbed the Student Compensation and Opportunity through Rights and Endorsements (SCORE) Act would set federal rules for student-athletes’ ability to earn money from their name, image and likeness.

A House Energy and Commerce subcommittee will hold a markup on the NIL bill on Tuesday. Figures, D-Mobile, introduced the bill last week alongside other lawmakers, including Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-FL, and seven other representatives. Figures said the collegiate sports bill is especially relevant in Alabama.

“This bill was just an effort to help streamline efficiencies and get us to a point where we can just get back to enjoying the sports that we like,” Figures told Alabama Daily News.

The SCORE Act would codify student-athletes’ ability to receive NIL compensation. The federal guidelines would overrule any state NIL laws. Alabama does not currently have a specific NIL law after state legislation was repealed in 2022.

Student-athletes would be able to hire agents to represent them in NIL agreements. Agents would be required to register with an interstate intercollegiate college association, like the NCAA.

“This bill lays out some clear guideposts for what’s required of universities (and) what students can expect to receive from universities and conferences,” Figures told ADN.

The bill requires most Division I schools to provide student-athletes a range of services, including academic and career support, mental health programs, NIL guidance and financial literacy resources. Schools would need to provide medical and health benefits to athletes. Athletes would also receive injury-related protections and academic financial assistance.

“College athletics are a vital part of American culture, and it’s clear—from both student-athletes and universities—that a national framework is long overdue,” Bilirakis said in a statement. “The Student Compensation and Opportunity through Rights and Endorsements Act delivers the stability, clarity and transparency that stakeholders have been calling for.”

It allows athletic associations to set parameters around student-athletes transferring between institutions, eligibility and recruitment.

College athletes would be prohibited from being employees of universities, conferences or athletic associations.

Schools or universities with high media rights revenues would not be allowed to use non-athlete student fees to help fund intercollegiate athletic programs. Other schools would be required to post publicly how student fees are used for athletics.

University of Alabama Athletic Director Greg Byrne expressed his support for the legislation in a social media post.

“Wonderful to see a bipartisan effort with the introduction of the SCORE Act that could lead to stability for college athletics,” he said.

The SEC commissioner said the legislation provides a “national solution” for athletes, coaches and universities.

“I welcome the commitment of Representative Shomari Figures to support a sustainable future for college athletics,” Greg Sankey said in a statement. “During this time of historic change, his efforts to provide clarity and stability to student-athletes, universities and the broader collegiate sports landscape are meaningful.”

Figures said he understands there is broad interest in NIL and expects the bill will continue to be improved as it’s considered in the House.

“My hope is that we can continue to try to work to make this bill the strongest it can be in terms of protections it offers for student-athletes and the clarity that it offers for universities, for conferences and for the governing sports organizations,” he said.

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Rachael Sunder joins Auburn Volleyball as Assistant Coach – Auburn Tigers

AUBURN, Ala. –  Rachael Sunder, a former All-American and National Champion at UCLA, will join Auburn Volleyball as assistant coach, Brent Crouch announced on Monday.  “My family and I are thrilled to be joining the Auburn community,” Sunder said. “From the moment I first visited the Plains, I felt a strong sense of family and […]

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AUBURN, Ala. –  Rachael Sunder, a former All-American and National Champion at UCLA, will join Auburn Volleyball as assistant coach, Brent Crouch announced on Monday. 

“My family and I are thrilled to be joining the Auburn community,” Sunder said. “From the moment I first visited the Plains, I felt a strong sense of family and support that makes this place so special. I’m incredibly grateful to Coach Crouch for the opportunity to be part of this program and to continue learning and growing as a coach. I look forward to contributing alongside such a passionate and driven staff, and pouring into these student-athletes as we chase something great together. War Eagle!”

For the past four seasons, Sunder has acted as the Assistant Director of Austin Skyline Juniors Volleyball Clubs, one of the top programs in the nation. 

“We couldn’t be more excited to have Rachel join our program,” said head coach Brent Crouch. “She brings a wealth of experience from both the club and collegiate levels, as well as an incredible career as an athlete. Her background and knowledge will be invaluable to our program as we move forward!”

Across her four years at UCLA, Sunder racked up a litany of accolades, including AVCA All-American, the NCAA Tournament MVP in 2011, All-Pac 12 and All-Pacific Region. Sunder pieced together a 20-kill, eight-dig performance in the 2011 championship match to lift the Bruins over Illinois. To this day, Sunder remains in the top 15 in program history with 1442 kills in her career. 

Following her prolific career with the UCLA, Sunday played professionally in Puerto Rico for Valencianas De Juncos as well as IHF Volley Club in Italy. Sunder also earned a stint with the US Women’s National Team. 

Sunder also spent two seasons as the volunteer assistant coach with Texas, helping the Longhorns to a 54-8 record over her tenure and a National Runner-up finish in 2016. 



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Director Griffiths reflects on time in post as he completes maximum term

A passionate volleyball advocate, Simon Griffiths didn’t hesitate when the call came to help rejuvenate the sport in 2017. As Chair of Tamworth Spartans Volleyball Club, and having worked as a consultant for Volleyball England, he was well aware that the governing body was encountering difficult times. Encouraged to stand as an Elected Board Director […]

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A passionate volleyball advocate, Simon Griffiths didn’t hesitate when the call came to help rejuvenate the sport in 2017.

As Chair of Tamworth Spartans Volleyball Club, and having worked as a consultant for Volleyball England, he was well aware that the governing body was encountering difficult times.

Encouraged to stand as an Elected Board Director by then-Chief Executive Janet Inman, he has since played an important role in helping the organisation get back on a sound financial and structural footing. 

Only then, in later years of his eight-year tenure, has he been able to help drive and develop the game in England, as Chair of the An Ace Service Sub-group. 

“Going back nine years I was doing (communications) consultancy work for Volleyball England, having gone self-employed in 2016, when Janet asked me to work in the office two days a week,” said Simon. 

“Eventually the communications went back to an in-staff role, but Janet asked me if I would consider applying to be on the Board. 

“I’d been Chair of my club for five years, so I thought it was something I could use my experience to get involved with.” 

Since then, it’s been a tenure of “two halves” for Simon, who has helped Volleyball England through the Covid-19 Pandemic and overseen much positive change. 

First, though, came some challenging times when keeping the organisation functioning remained the number one priority. 

He said: “Volleyball England was in trouble in 2017, and, in the first two years, it was all about trying to safeguard the organisation. 

“At that time, Volleyball England was essentially on Sport England’s naughty step, and it was a hand-to-mouth existence just to make sure we continued. 

“It was not always a fun time as Janet and the Board tried to get the sport back on an even keel. We spent a lot of time plowing through financial updates and Sport England submissions. We had to make some hard choices. 

“But all that effort paved the way for the second half, which was to be more interesting and proactive.

“One of the best things was creating The Game Plan, which was launched in 2020. In the second half of 2019, I spent a lot of time with Adam (Walker), Seyram (Atubra), Sue (Storey) and Clare (Francis) working on the plan. 

“I am very proud of the contribution I have made and the progress we have made as an organisation, which is unrecognisable now from when I first became involved.”

Simon Griffiths 2

Among the highlights of Simon’s stint on the Board has been the staging of the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. 

As a proud West Midlander, he was delighted to see its impact on the city, with the Bello brothers, Javier and Joaquin, winning a bronze medal for England in the beach volleyball. 

“To be involved in an organisation that is helping something like the Commonwealth Games in your home city was amazing,” said Simon. 

“Another thing from which I take great pride is starting the process of reviewing the refereeing structure, and also looking at some of the challenges facing the NVL. 

“Some of the things that have been implemented might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but we have been doing what we think is right to try to raise standards in the sport.” 

While thoroughly enjoying his time in post, Simon believes now is the right time for other people to step up, having served a maximum of eight years on the Board. 

His replacement in the role will be decided by a vote of member clubs at this weekend’s AGM, where they will choose between Anton Kornilov and Jeanne Riot. 

“Eight years is a long time,” said Simon. “This will give other people the chance to come in with fresh enthusiasm… I think eight years is about the maximum. 

“I’ve said to Adam (Walker) and the other directors that if they need help or advice, then they can always come to me, just as remains the case with Clare (Francis, former Deputy Chair). 

“Like her, I will continue to play a big part in volleyball, both on the club scene and helping with the West Midlands Volleyball Association (for whom wife Kara is Chair). 

“In my professional life I’ve been setting up a new board game café close to where I live in Moseley. 

“That’s happening alongside me continuing my other work, so it’s going to be a very busy time for me, even after coming to the end of this role.

“I’d like to thank Adam, as Chair. I’ve learned a lot from him and being in contact with him. I really like the working environment he has established for the Board and he’s been able to make sure that everyone’s voice has been heard.”



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