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Cubs takeaways

BOX SCORE CHICAGO — The first-place Cubs opened a three-game series against the Seattle Mariners in a game that was the backdrop for a franchise icon’s return. Sammy Sosa made his way back to Wrigley Field on a Friday when the Cubs’ bullpen had a rare bad day in a 9-4 loss. Chicago (45-30) fell […]

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Cubs takeaways

BOX SCORE

CHICAGO — The first-place Cubs opened a three-game series against the Seattle Mariners in a game that was the backdrop for a franchise icon’s return.

Sammy Sosa made his way back to Wrigley Field on a Friday when the Cubs’ bullpen had a rare bad day in a 9-4 loss. Chicago (45-30) fell to 11-2 in home series openers with the defeat.

Here are three takeaways from the loss to Seattle (38-36):

Sammy’s home

The talk of Friday was the return of the former Cubs slugger, who made his first trip back to the Friendly Confines since 2004.

Sosa met with Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts upon his arrival, toured the clubhouse and met players, including star outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong.

“He’s doing fantastic,” Sosa said in a media availability during the game. “He’s swinging the ball very well.”

The slugger was honored during the daily “Legends of the Game” segment at Wrigley Field, and received a rousing ovation from the 40,787 fans in attendance. Sosa joined the radio and television broadcasts before speaking to local media.

Sosa was the talk of the day. Cubs manager Craig Counsell fielded pregame questions related to Sosa for about seven minutes, before briefly providing injury updates on Shota Imanaga and Porter Hodge (they’re pitching for Iowa on Friday), Miguel Amaya (he’s begun throwing and hitting in Arizona) and Javier Assad (he’s still throwing bullpens in Arizona).

[WATCH: Sammy Sosa joins Cubs Postgame Live!]

It’s rare that this strong Cubs team takes a back seat for anyone this season. Sosa made Friday an exception.

Bullpen’s rare off-outing

The Cubs’ bullpen had been so good for long that it felt due for an inevitable bad day.

It happened Friday — and to two of their hotter arms.

Ryan Pressly – who had 16 consecutive scoreless appearances before Friday – allowed a two-run homer to Mitch Garver in the sixth inning. The veteran had hit a low point on May 6, allowing nine runs (eight earned) in a tough extra-innings loss to the San Francisco Giants. Since then, however, he had thrown 15 scoreless innings, allowing only one unearned run with three walks and 14 strikeouts.

Pressly’s command had improved, and he begun to touch 95 mph with his four-seam fastball again. On Friday, though, he allowed a walk and the homer, spoiling his scoreless run and allowing Seattle to tie the score.

Left-hander Caleb Thielbar had been on an even better run – and it was snapped by an AL MVP candidate in catcher Cal Raleigh. Thielbar had gone 17 consecutive outings without allowing a run, and that streak was broken by Raleigh’s two-run blast — his second of the game and 29th of the season.

Thielbar had started the season slow – he allowed four runs in his first seven outings (5.2 innings) for a 6.35 ERA — but he locked it down and developed into a key member of Counsell’s reliever corps.

It was unrealistic to expect both Pressly, Thielbar or even left-hander Drew Pomeranz (who has yet to allow an earned run in his first 21 outings) or right-hander Chris Flexen to never give up an earned run again. The nature of relief pitchers means they’ll give up some runs — and they’ll hurt — but it’s more about how they will bounce back from this outing.

Boyd’s fast hands

Matthew Boyd had his shortest outing at Wrigley as a Cub, as the left-hander pitched just five innings of two-run ball, but he still had a memorable moment.

Mariners shortstop J.P. Crawford hit a 104.7-mph liner back to Boyd on the final pitch of his outing, and the pitcher caught the ball for the final out — on a play more instinctual than skill-based.

It came at a price, however, as Boyd was forced out of the game with a shoulder bruise.

Boyd allowed two hits and two walks with six strikeouts on 76 pitches. He’s been so crucial for the Cubs this season, with a 2.84 ERA this season in 85.2 innings across 15 starts.

The Cubs’ rotation has dealt with injuries to their co-aces — Shota Imanaga and Justin Steele — but been buoyed by Boyd and Jameson Taillon’s performances in their absence.

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Women's Basketball Named to the 2024

Story Links ATLANTA (July 22, 2025) – University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, St. Cloud State University, Colorado College, University of the Cumberlands, and Colby Community College sit atop their respective divisions in the 2024-25 WBCA Academic Top 25 Team Honor Rolls announced today by the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association. The Ottawa University women’s basketball team finished the season […]

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Women's Basketball Named to the 2024

ATLANTA (July 22, 2025) – University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, St. Cloud State University, Colorado College, University of the Cumberlands, and Colby Community College sit atop their respective divisions in the 2024-25 WBCA Academic Top 25 Team Honor Rolls announced today by the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association.

The Ottawa University women’s basketball team finished the season with a team GPA of 3.662 which is tied for 12th in the NAIA. This is the second straight season that the Braves have been named to the list. Ottawa came in at no. 24 in 2023-24. 

“What an honor for our program and most importantly all of our hard-working student-athletes to make the WBCA Academic Top 25 for the second year in a row,” said OU head women’s basketball coach Hunter Bondurant. “Our first team goal of the season is to make this list and so to finish as high as 12th in the nation in overall GPA is such a gratifying moment for them. So thankful for all the hard work our team puts in both on the court and in the classroom. Couldn’t be more proud of their effort and dedication!”

The WBCA Academic Top 25 recognizes college women’s basketball teams across the nation in their respective divisions that carry the highest combined GPAs inclusive of all student-athletes on their rosters for the entire season. The 2024-25 season is the 30th in which the WBCA has compiled the honor rolls.

Green Bay, coached by Kayla Karius, finished first among NCAA Division I members with a 3.862 cumulative team grade-point average. St. Cloud state, coached by Lori Fish, claimed top academic honors in NCAA Division II with a 3.892 GPA. Colorado College, coached by Katherine Menendez, took top honors in NCAA Division III with a 3.864 GPA. Cumberlands, coached by Rick Reeves, was No. 1 in the NAIA division with a 3.837 GPA. Colby, coached by Darin Spence, finished atop the two-year college standings with a 3.662 GPA.

“The WBCA is pleased to recognize those women’s basketball programs that have committed themselves to excellence on the court and in the classroom,” said WBCA Executive Director Danielle Donehew.  “The 119 teams we honor this year strive to achieve all-around success and we commend their efforts. Congratulations!”

Here are the 2024-25 WBCA Academic Top 25 Team Honor Rolls. The head coach listed for each institution was its head coach during the 2024-25 season. Teams having a 3.0 combined GPA and qualifying for consideration for the top 25 in their respective divisions are listed as special mentions.

NCAA Division I

Rank

Institution

Head Coach

GPA

1

UW-Green Bay

Kayla Karius

3.862

2

Boise State

Gordy Presnell

3.803

3

Youngstown State

Melissa Jackson

3.781

4

Western Illinois

JD Gravina

3.775

5

South Dakota State

Aaron Johnston

3.760

6

Creighton

Jim Flanery

3.757

7

DePaul

Jill Pizzotti

3.750

8

Drake

Allison Pohlman

3.741

9

California Baptist

Jarrod Olson

3.733

10

Utah Valley

Dan Nielson

3.716

11

Davidson

Gayle Fulks

3.711

12

Saint Peter’s

Jennifer Leedham

3.700

13

Tennessee Tech

Kim Rosamond

3.699

14

Montana State

Tricia Binford

3.694

15

Wyoming

Heather Ezell

3.692

16

Maine

Amy Vachon

3.691

17

Cleveland State

Chris Kielsmeier

3.685

18

Northern Kentucky

Jeff Hans

3.678

19

Kent State

Todd Starkey

3.669

T20

Manhattan

Heather Vulin

3.667

T20

UW-Milwaukee

Kyle Rechlicz

3.667

22

Iowa State

Bill Fennelly

3.658

23

Lafayette

Kia Damon-Olson

3.630

24

Purdue Fort Wayne

Maria Marchesano

3.624

25

Northern Iowa

Tanya Warren

3.621

Special Mention: East Tennessee State, Brenda Mock Brown, 3.616; Lehigh, Addie Micir, 3.615; Portland, Michael Meek, 3.605; Quinnipiac, Tricia Fabbri, 3.602; Eastern Michigan, Sahar Nusseibeh, 3.597; Illinois, Shauna Green, 3.597; Georgia State, Gene Hill, 3.587; Northern Illinois, Lisa Carlson, 3.585; Marist, Erin Doughty, 3.584; South Florida, Jose Fernandez, 3.584; Stonehill College , Trisha Brown, 3.583; NJIT, Mike Lane, 3.581; Illinois State, Kristen Gillespie, 3.581; Nebraska, Amy Williams, 3.579; Cincinnati, Katrina Merriweather, 3.576; West Georgia, Joanna Reitz, 3.571; Fairleigh Dickinson, Stephanie Gaitley, 3.541; Belmont, Bart Brooks, 3.540; Northern Colorado, Kristen Mattio, 3.536; North Carolina, Courtney Banghart, 3.532; Eastern Illinois, Marqus Mcglothan, 3.530; Michigan State, Robyn Fralick, 3.530; Indiana, Teri Moren, 3.528; Portland State, Chelsey Gregg, 3.528; Albany, Colleen Mullen, 3.525; Minnesota, Dawn Plitzuweit, 3.521; Abilene Christian, Julie Goodenough, 3.511; Colorado State, Ryun Williams, 3.511; Kentucky, Kenny Brooks, 3.504; Saint Joseph’s, Cindy Griffin, 3.503; Iowa, Jan Jensen, 3.495; Richmond, Aaron Roussell, 3.492; SIUE, Samantha Quigley Smith, 3.489; Drexel, Amy Mallon, 3.489; California, Charmin Smith, 3.462; Duke, Kara Lawson, 3.456; Merrimack, Kelly Morrone, 3.454; UAB, Randy Norton, 3.447; Sacramento State, Aaron Kallhoff, 3.447; Pennsylvania, Michael Mclaughlin, 3.446; South Carolina, Dawn Staley, 3.438; Alabama, Kristy Curry, 3.432; Missouri, Robin Pingeton, 3.431; Robert Morris, Chandler McCabe, 3.431; Northwestern, Joe McKeown, 3.427; Miami, Tricia Cullop, 3.426; Missouri State, Beth Cunningham, 3.426; Denver, Doshia Woods, 3.425; Texas A&M, Joni Taylor, 3.422; Bradley, Kate Popovec-Goss, 3.398; UNC Greensboro, Trina Patterson, 3.395; Liberty, Carey Green, 3.394; Fairfield, Carly Thibault-Dudonis, 3.392; Lipscomb, Lauren Sumski, 3.377; Texas Tech, Krista Gerlich, 3.376; Florida State, Brooke Wyckoff, 3.375; Temple, Diane Richardson, 3.373; Texas, Vic Schaefer, 3.372; Longwood , Erika Lang-Montgomery, 3.369; Vanderbilt, Shea Ralph, 3.367; Hofstra, Danielle Santos, 3.366; Colorado, Jr Payne, 3.366; Louisville, Jeff Walz, 3.363; Virginia Tech, Megan Duffy, 3.360; UNC Asheville, Tynesha Lewis, 3.358; USC, Lindsay Gottlieb, 3.348; Marquette, Cara Consuegra, 3.345; Hawaii, Laura Beeman, 3.343; Yale, Dalila Eshe, 3.338; Oklahoma, Jennie Baranczyk, 3.334; Tennessee, Kim Caldwell, 3.323; Kansas State, Jeff Mittie, 3.317; Notre Dame, Niele Ivey, 3.314; Elon, Charlotte Smith, 3.271; Ohio State, Kevin Mcguff, 3.263; Oklahoma State, Jacie Hoyt, 3.254; West Virginia, Mark Kellogg, 3.242; Akron, Ryan Gensler, 3.225; Seton Hall, Anthony Bozzella, 3.205; UNLV, Lindy La Rocque, 3.201; BYU, Lee Cummard, 3.189; Oregon, Kelly Graves, 3.168; Georgia Tech, Nell Fortner, 3.162; Baylor, Nicki Collen, 3.133; North Texas, Jason Burton, 3.128; Connecticut, Geno Auriemma, 3.061; Tulsa, Angie Nelp, 3.047; Troy, Chanda Rigby, 3.046; Georgetown, Darnell Haney, 3.008; Navy, Tim Taylor, 3.005.

NCAA Division II

Rank

Institution

Head Coach

GPA

1

St. Cloud State

Lori Fish

3.892

2

Winona State

Ana Wurtz

3.887

3

Texas Woman’s

Beth Jillson

3.881

4

Malone

Selana Ickes

3.874

5

Tiffin

Josh Mason

3.864

6

Lubbock Christian

Steve Gomez

3.823

7

Ferris State

Kurt Westendorp

3.820

8

Northwestern Okla. St.

Tasha Diesselhorst

3.813

9

Chaminade

Michael Edwards

3.805

10

Ashland

Kari Pickens

3.795

11

Missouri Western

Ashton Feldhaus

3.788

12

UVA Wise

Jamie Cluesman

3.763

13

CSU East Bay

Jenny Thigpin

3.760

14

Montana State Billings

Kevin Woodin

3.757

15

Upper Iowa

Justin Maass

3.750

16

Missouri S&T

Kira Carter

3.736

17

Point Loma Nazarene

Charity Elliott

3.728

18

Dominican (CA)

Tim LaKose

3.726

19

West Liberty

Kyle Cooper

3.715

20

Southern New Hampshire

Karen Pinkos

3.713

21

Maryville

Brita Hand

3.709

22

Sioux Falls

Travis Traphagen

3.703

23

Goldey-Beacom

Bethann Burke

3.702

T24

Truman State

Theo Dean

3.695

T24

Northwest Missouri State

Austin Meyer

3.695

Special Mention: Central Missouri, David Slifer, 3.689; Fairmont State, Stephanie Anderson, 3.687; Fort Hays State, Talia Kahrs, 3.685; McKendree, Kari Kerkhoff, 3.676; Kutztown, Janet Malouf, 3.668; D’Youville, Kelly Broderick, 3.660; Rockhurst, Larry Park, 3.655; Kentucky State, Amani Williams, 3.651; Southwest Minnesota State, Tom Webb, 3.649; Pittsburg State, Amanda Davied, 3.647; Lee, Marty Rowe, 3.642; Minnesota State Moorhead, Karla Nelson, 3.634; Caldwell, Christie Conforti, 3.633; Cal State San Marcos, Jana Pearson, 3.628; Chestnut Hill, Megan Fox, 3.626; Wayne State, Carrie Lohr, 3.604; Michigan Tech, Samantha Clayton, 3.589; Pace, Carrie Seymour, 3.587; Davenport, Shonda Sanders, 3.574; Gannon, Cleve Wright, 3.573; Northern Michigan, Casey Thousand, 3.566; Findlay, Michele Durand, 3.558; Menlo, Shannon Spataro, 3.557; Bentley, C White, 3.550; Cal Poly Pomona, Danelle Bishop, 3.542; UW-Parkside, Jen Conely, 3.541; Florida Tech, John Reynolds, 3.536; Assumption, Kerry Phayre, 3.524; Daemen, Jenepher Banker, 3.498; Carson-Newman, Michael Mincey, 3.493; Seattle Pacific, Karen Byers, 3.465; Newman, Amy Briggs, 3.462; West Chester, Kiera Wooden, 3.438; West Florida, Stephanie Yelton, 3.432; Minnesota State Mankato, Emilee Thiesse, 3.431; Barry, Heather Macy, 3.430; Shorter, Lasheena Brooks, 3.425; Southern Arkansas, Darrick Matthews, 3.417; Bridgeport, Jimmy Howard, 3.407; Wingate, Ann Hancock, 3.377; UNC Pembroke, Dr. Kendra Samuels-Eaton, 3.372; Hillsdale, Brianna Brennan, 3.372; Union, Mark Campbell, 3.338; Cal State Monterey Bay, Sarah Hopkins-Chery, 3.316; Tusculum, Roger Hodge, 3.283; Academy of Art, Jesse Clark, 3.278; Anderson, Jonathon Barbaree, 3.268; Emory & Henry, Jaclyn Dickens, 3.249; Cal State San Bernardino, Casandra Renno, 3.249; Augusta, Celeste Stewart, 3.172.

NCAA Division III

Rank

Institution

Head Coach

GPA

1

Colorado College

Katherine Menendez

3.864

2

MIT

Lucia Robinson-Griggs

3.863

3

St. John Fisher

Sarah Cartmill

3.838

4

UW-Stevens Point

Matt Hockett

3.823

5

Benedictine

Oliver Wiseman

3.814

6

Wartburg

Bob Amsberry

3.810

7

Thiel

Jess Vormelker

3.802

8

Baldwin Wallace

Cheri Harrer

3.797

9

Carthage

Megan Jones

3.793

10

Simpson

Brian Niemuth

3.777

11

Drew

John Olenowski

3.774

12

Shenandoah

Melissa Smeltzer-Kraft

3.771

13

Lawrence

Riley Woldt

3.770

14

UW-Oshkosh

Brad Fischer

3.760

15

SUNY Canton

Chris Klassen

3.754

16

Oberlin College

Stephany Dunmyer

3.752

17

Saint Benedict

Mike Durbin

3.749

18

Trine

Andy Rang

3.737

19

UW-Stout

Hannah Iverson

3.736

20

Smith

Lynn Hersey

3.735

21

Gustavus Adolphus

Laurie Kelly

3.729

T22

Williams

Pat Manning

3.728

T22

Dickinson

Aby Diop

3.728

24

RIT

Melissa Kuberka

3.726

25

Maine-Farmington

Nate Carson

3.716

Special Mention: St. Olaf, Megan Lueck, 3.713; Nebraska Wesleyan, James Wiedie, 3.711; Houghton, Phil Pellegrino, 3.710; UW-River Falls, Shelby Lyman, 3.710; Washington And Lee, Brittney Kemp, 3.706; Denison, Maureen Hirt, 3.703; New York, Meg Barber, 3.693; Illinois Wesleyan, Mia Smith, 3.687; Alfred, Michael Moskowitz, 3.686; Misericordia, Jessica Rini, 3.683; Swarthmore, Dawn Grant, 3.679; Concordia (MN), Kim Wagers, 3.679; Wheaton (MA), Kanika Cummings Groves, 3.678; Case Western Reserve, Jennifer Reimer, 3.677; Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, John Greene, 3.672; Washington (St. Louis), Lisa Stone, 3.672; Springfield, Naomi Graves, 3.667; St. Catherine, Donald Mulhern, 3.660; Carnegie Mellon, Kathy McConnell-Miller, 3.656; Christopher Newport, Bill Broderick, 3.646; Marywood, Tara Macciocco, 3.643; Buena Vista, Kylee Boettcher, 3.642; Sarah Lawrence, Bradley Alexander, 3.639; Emory, Misha Jackson, 3.634; Martin Luther, Dan Gawrisch, 3.633; Catholic, Matt Donohue, 3.630; Heidelberg, Erin Eaton, 3.629; Johns Hopkins, Rodney Rogan, 3.624; Ohio Northern, Mark Huelsman, 3.621; McDaniel, Christin Gowan, 3.620; Penn State Harrisburg, Ross Patrick, 3.616; Wooster, Olivia Besancon, 3.615; Redlands, Rich Murphy, 3.614; SUNY Geneseo, Alyssa Polosky, 3.612; Manchester, Josh Dzurick, 3.612; Calvin, Mark Christner, 3.611; Rowan, Kate Pearson, 3.609; Bryn Mawr, Carla Coleman, 3.607; Immaculata, Brittany Whalen, 3.606; UW-Eau Claire, Tonja Englund, 3.605; Haverford, Grace Elliott, 3.600; King’s, Caitlin Hadzimichalis, 3.597; Depauw, Kristin Huffman, 3.597; St. Scholastica, Jason Schmitz, 3.594; SUNY Brockport, Corinne Jones, 3.586; Bates, Alison Montgomery, 3.579; Elizabethtown, Veronica Nolt, 3.571; Mount Union, Suzanne Venet Pietz, 3.563; Salisbury, Aprile Preller, 3.559; Messiah, Mike Miller, 3.557; Capital, Camille Mcpherson, 3.557; Piedmont, Jamie Purdy, 3.555; Carleton, Tammy Metcalf-Filzen, 3.549; Gallaudet, Stephanie Stevens, 3.548; Susquehanna, Gabby Holko, 3.546; Southern Virginia, Lynette Schroeder, 3.540; Anderson (IN), Jon Gin, 3.533; Whitman, Michelle Ferenz, 3.530; Occidental, Anahit Aladzhanyan, 3.525; Edgewood, Kole Vivian, 3.525; Moravian, Mary Beth Spirk, 3.519; Monmouth, Michelle Decoud, 3.514; Gettysburg, Nathan Davis, 3.511; Babson, Kate Barnosky, 3.505; Luther, Amanda Bailey, 3.502; Claremont Mudd Scripps, Chanel Murchison, 3.479; Central, Justin Weiland, 3.478; Manhattanville, Kate Vlahakis, 3.475; Illinois Tech, Carissa Sain, 3.473; Bard, Alaina Walker, 3.470; Kean, Mandy King, 3.466; Worcester State, Karen Tessmer, 3.463; Minnesota Morris, Tim Grove, 3.461; Mount Saint Mary, Marion Dietz, 3.458; Coe, Kayla Waskow, 3.447; Randolph-Macon, Lindsey Burke, 3.429; SUNY New Paltz, James Seward, 3.414; Lynchburg, Allison Nichols, 3.414; Franklin & Marshall, Brianna Spector, 3.410; Roger Williams, Kelly Thompson, 3.400; Kenyon, Mary Corbett, 3.395; Suffolk, Ed Leyden, 3.384; Mary Washington, Deena Applebury, 3.360; Bethany Lutheran, Emma Purfeerst, 3.353; Wilson, Dylan Ward, 3.345; William Paterson, Erin Monahan, 3.344; Kalamazoo, Ryan Clark, 3.340; Rhode Island, Jenna Cosgrove, 3.339; Principia, Ramiro Dominguez, 3.336; St. Mary’s (MD), Latanya Collins, 3.267; Willamette, Peg Swadener, 3.197; Colby-Sawyer, Tim Viola, 3.187; Mount Aloysius, Brian Giesler, 3.161.

NAIA

Rank

Institution

Head Coach

GPA

1

Cumberlands

Rick Reeves

3.837

2

Hastings

Jina Douglas

3.794

3

Bethel (TN)

Chris Nelson

3.783

4

Carroll

Rachelle Sayers

3.766

5

Cornerstone

Jessica Yonkers

3.755

6

Tabor

Shawn Reed

3.748

7

Embry-Riddle (AZ)

Michael Trujillo

3.725

8

John Brown

Sydni Salvato

3.690

9

Grace

Dan Davis

3.688

10

Milligan

Kylie Russell Greer

3.679

11

Culver-Stockton

Janette Burgin

3.674

T12

Providence (MT)

Bill Himmelberg

3.662

T12

Ottawa (KS)

Hunter Bondurant

3.662

14

Columbia (MO)

Matthew Moore

3.655

15

Lewis-Clark

Caelyn Orlandi

3.647

16

St. Francis (IL)

John McGinty

3.642

17

Pikeville

Clifton Williams

3.626

18

Jamestown (ND)

Thad Sankey

3.617

19

Southern Oregon

Carlotta Kloppenburg-Pruitt

3.597

20

Georgetown (KY)

Jeff Nickel

3.538

21

Rio Grande (OH)

David Smalley

3.516

22

Warner (FL)

Niesha Lowe

3.484

23

Montana State Northern

Chris Mouat

3.470

24

Truett McConnell

Tiek Fields

3.393

25

Peru State

Mike Sybrant

3.350

Special Mention: Texas Wesleyan, Scott Hyland, 3.320; UHSP, Markell Cox, 3.214.

Two-Year College*

Rank

Institution

Head Coach

GPA

1

Colby (KS)

Darin Spence

3.662

2

Central Maine

Andrew Morong

3.633

3

Northern Oklahoma

Michael Dominguez

3.625

4

Pima (AZ)

Todd Holthaus

3.614

5

Southwestern Oregon

Heather Weber

3.532

6

Lamar (CO)

Delino Lewis

3.515

7

New Mexico JC

Austin Mefford

3.483

8

Minnesota West

Rosalie Hayenga

3.443

9

Folsom Lake (CA)

Ali Mollet

3.426

10

Southern Nevada

Dan Savage

3.317

11

Walters State (TN)

Jasmin Coleman

3.307

T12

Cypress (CA)

Brittany Imaku

3.295

T12

Napa Valley (CA)

Paul DeBolt

3.295

14

Kirkwood (IA)

Kim Muhl

3.283

15

Taft (CA)

Romeo Lagmay Jr.

3.185

16

Canyons (CA)

Robin Hester

3.176

17

Sacramento City (CA)

Caleb Theodore

3.152

18

Rio Hondo (CA)

Rene Herrera

3.147

19

RCTC (MN)

Jason Bonde

3.058

 

* There were only 19 institutions eligible for ranking in the two-year college division.

A team’s GPA is calculated by dividing the total number of quality points (A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1, F=0) earned by the total number of academic hours attempted by all team members in the academic terms (semesters or quarters) that the season spans. Weighted grades are converted to a 4.0 scale. The GPAs are rounded to the nearest thousandth of a point. Teams must be nominated for the honor by their head coach who must be a WBCA member. A team must have a 3.000 or better GPA to be nominated.

About the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association

The Women’s Basketball Coaches Association is the professional association for coaches of women’s and girls’ basketball at all levels of competition. Founded in 1981, the WBCA offers educational resources that coaches need to help make themselves better leaders, teachers and mentors to their players; provides opportunities for coaches to connect with peers in the profession; serves as the unifying voice of coaches to those organizations that control the game; and celebrates those coaches, players and other individuals who excel each year and contribute to the advancement of the sport. Visit WBCA.org for more details about the association.

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Women in Sport Summit Highlights Growing Commercial Importance of Women's Sport

The Women in Sport Summit 2024 served as a clear indicator of the increasing commercial viability and strategic importance of women’s sport. The event, which sold out, brought together a high calibre of speakers and attendees, highlighting the sector’s rapid professionalisation and its role in driving new audience engagement and growth. The sold-out status of […]

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Women in Sport Summit Highlights Growing Commercial Importance of Women's Sport

The Women in Sport Summit 2024 served as a clear indicator of the increasing commercial viability and strategic importance of women’s sport.

The event, which sold out, brought together a high calibre of speakers and attendees, highlighting the sector’s rapid professionalisation and its role in driving new audience engagement and growth. The sold-out status of the 2024 Summit signifies a market trend for the sector.

Reflecting on the previous event, Karren Rogers, noted: “This is the first time I’ve seen Women in Sport events sold out, so it’s pretty exciting to see that, having come so many years.”

This shift reflects heightened industry interest and demand for insights into a rapidly expanding market segment for Women in Sport.

The presence of a “huge calibre of speakers” and “international speakers,” as observed by Genevieve McCulloch and Karren Rogers, further validates the professional depth now present in the women’s sports environment.

The discussions at the summit focused on themes of leadership, purpose, and progress, with Paul Nolan identifying some ideas shared as “the cutting edge of driving new audience and new growth.”

The Women in Sport Summit highlights a strategic importance for sports business professionals to actively engage with the women’s sport movement, recognising its potential as a key growth engine for the broader industry.

In addition, Indicating a mature sector focusing on collaborative development and emphasising knowledge exchange, Ilene Hauser, concluded: “There’s so much good information out there and people that are knowledgeable of the space.”

Looking ahead, the 2025 summit will return to the Gold Coast for two days on 27-28 August and three major events, aiming to go further, deeper, and bigger, and signalling continued investment and expansion in Women in Sport.

Don’t miss out on the latest in sports business – Subscribe today to the free Ministry of Sport newsletter and stay ahead of the game. For even more exclusive insights, event tickets, professional development and networking events, become a MoS Member today!.

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High School Sports

Packers linebacker Edgerrin Cooper highlights Covington's annual Summer Football Clinic

Covington alumnus and Green Bay Packers linebacker Edgerrin Cooper couldn’t help but smile as he walked on the turf of Jack Salter Stadium. Cooper was part of Covington High’s 11th annual Summer Football Clinic, which took place on June 14, as he returned home to share his expertise with local youngsters. “I’m glad I came […]

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Packers linebacker Edgerrin Cooper highlights Covington's annual Summer Football Clinic

Covington alumnus and Green Bay Packers linebacker Edgerrin Cooper couldn’t help but smile as he walked on the turf of Jack Salter Stadium.

Cooper was part of Covington High’s 11th annual Summer Football Clinic, which took place on June 14, as he returned home to share his expertise with local youngsters.

“I’m glad I came back. There were some familiar faces from last year’s camp, so it was great to see them back. I’m extremely proud to return home and be able to give back to the community. It’s great to have a small impact on their lives, helping them improve their football skills and knowledge,” Cooper said.

“I was in their shoes once, so I understand what’s important to them, wanting to improve their skills. Our drills teach them proper technique and the importance of pad level while focusing on executing proper footwork. We emphasize the importance of trying to get better every day, remaining focused.”

The 6-foot-2, 229-pound linebacker lived that mantra after being picked No. 45 overall in last year’s draft. He had an exceptional rookie season, registering 87 tackles, including 57 solo stops. He also had 3.5 sacks, recovered a fumble, forced a fumble and intercepted a pass.

The 23-year-old, who played at Texas A&M and was a consensus All-American in 2023, said aside from football queries, the number one question for him was How much does he make? The question always elicits a chuckle, and Cooper thanked his former head coach, Greg Salter, for pushing him every day to be the best player he could be.

“He told me I definitely had potential, and he helped keep me focused, pushing me to excel throughout my Lions’ career. I’m very grateful and enjoy coming back when I can to help with the clinic,” Cooper said.

Salter, entering his 13th season at Covington, said he realized early on that Cooper was a special talent with great potential, starting at linebacker while also playing running back in short-yardage situations and returning kicks on special teams.

“Edgerrin is a complete football player, and he earned the coaches’ trust early on, becoming a starter midway through his sophomore year on our 2017 team that finished 12-1, losing to Hahnville in the quarterfinals. He’s the total package, having athleticism, instincts and speed. He’s just a freak athlete with immense, God-given talent. An extremely hard worker, he pushed himself to become the absolute best,” Salter said.

While Cooper was the highlight of the camp for many participants, Salter was also grateful to his other former players who returned to campus to help put on the clinic, sharing their expertise and knowledge as coaches.

Seven other former Lions’ players joined Cooper as clinic coaches, including Bobby Barkley, KeJohn Batiste, Devin Brumfield, Lawson Champagne, Ian Goodley, Abram Lewis, Garrald McDowell and Logan Potter. 

“It’s special seeing those guys again, having a chance to catch up,” Salter said. “Their involvement in giving back to the community is important and helps make the CHS clinic a continuing success. Their ongoing involvement can hopefully help spark an interest in the kids to pursue football one day at the high school level.”

Amaury Weary, a 13-year-old eighth-grader at William Pitcher Junior High, took part in his second camp.

“Last year’s camp was fun, but we didn’t get to finish because of the rain. I had a special time this year with friends, and it was a great learning experience for me. I loved having another chance to learn from Edgerrin Cooper. He just said I needed to keep working on improving my speed, staying locked in to get better,” Weary said.

“He’s a very nice, funny guy. You can tell he’s just a good person and is interested in helping young players. He made the camp fun, and we learned a lot.”

Weary will be a two-way performer for the Panthers this season, playing wide receiver and cornerback. Amaury’s father, Sherrard Weary, a 2010 Covington High grad, said the camp was a memorable one.

“It was an awesome camp,” Sherrard Weary said. “Learning from a young NFL star and the other experienced mentors means a lot to the kids. Even I learned some helpful things with some of the drills being taught, so I can work with Amaury. If it deals with football, my son loves it.”

For the Kebodeaux brothers, it was a true family outing. Lane, 9, and Layton, 6, attended the festivities, enthusiastically joined by their 3-year-old brother, Liam.

Liam made sure to make his mark at the Lions’ clinic, racing off the sidelines and joining his brothers to showcase his skills.

The boys’ mother, Lauren Kebodeaux, said the camp was an opportunity for her sons to have fun and learn about the sport.

“Coach Salter and his guys put on an awesome event,” Lauren Kebodeaux said. “It’s a great opportunity for the youngsters to have fun and learn at the same time. All the former Covington High players were fantastic with the kids. It was a great night for football and family fun.”

Lane Kebodeaux, who is entering the fourth grade at Christ Episcopal School, plays flag football at Pelican Park with the Hurricanes (QB/WR/Safety). Layton is entering first grade and also plays flag football at Pelican Park with the Wolverines.

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High School Sports

National Park and Recreation Month highlights Roanoke's park improvements

ROANOKE, Va. – July is National Park and Recreation Month, and in Roanoke, it’s a time to celebrate the places people play, the community members who support them, and the projects shaping the city’s future. Roanoke’s parks are more than just recreational spaces. They are carefully planned with community feedback and maintained with dedication long […]

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National Park and Recreation Month highlights Roanoke's park improvements

ROANOKE, Va. – July is National Park and Recreation Month, and in Roanoke, it’s a time to celebrate the places people play, the community members who support them, and the projects shaping the city’s future.

Roanoke’s parks are more than just recreational spaces. They are carefully planned with community feedback and maintained with dedication long after ribbon-cutting and groundbreaking ceremonies.

This year’s theme for National Park and Recreation Month is “Build Together, Play Together,” a fitting motto for a city actively working to improve its parks.

Molly Hagan, marketing coordinator for Roanoke Parks and Recreation, said, “It’s a way to recognize that it’s not just our department; it’s a community effort. All the things we do, like the pool we just built, a lot of community input went into the design of that, same with the Eureka Recreation Center. So as we build these projects, as we make changes and plan for the future, we really want to do it together.”

The Eureka Recreation Center has been under construction for about a year, with an expected opening in early 2026. While Roanoke builds new spaces, it is also focused on maintaining existing ones.

“As we build new amenities, you know it’s a lot of work for our department. We do a lot of maintenance and a lot of repairs. So when the greenway floods, we have to repair it and things like that. So it’s a lot of benefit to the community, it’s also a lot of work,” Hagan said.

Other improvements are gaining momentum. Work is underway at Wasena Skatepark and the city’s future In-River Park, while new trails are being finished on Mill Mountain.

Looking ahead, Roanoke Parks and Recreation plans more updates across the area.

“We actually have some master planning coming up for both Washington Park and McCadden Park. What that looks like is it’s just a way for the public to give input, and then as we have funds available, we can start making some updates or changes or additions to those parks,” Hagan said.

Officials say volunteers play an essential role in maintaining trails, caring for trees, supporting events, and adopting parks to keep Roanoke’s outdoor spaces vibrant and welcoming.

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High School Sports

Top blockers in Greater Cincinnati girls high school volleyball ahead of 2025

AI-assisted summaryThe Enquirer previews top high school volleyball blockers in Greater Cincinnati for the 2025 season.Players highlighted include Jillian Forrest (Ursuline), Sydney Geselbracht (Mount Notre Dame), and Morgan Justice (Scott).The article also includes a poll for readers to vote on the best blocker.Ahead of the 2025 high school volleyball season, The Enquirer is previewing the […]

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Top blockers in Greater Cincinnati girls high school volleyball ahead of 2025


AI-assisted summaryThe Enquirer previews top high school volleyball blockers in Greater Cincinnati for the 2025 season.Players highlighted include Jillian Forrest (Ursuline), Sydney Geselbracht (Mount Notre Dame), and Morgan Justice (Scott).The article also includes a poll for readers to vote on the best blocker.Ahead of the 2025 high school volleyball season, The Enquirer is previewing the top players by position in Greater Cincinnati.

The penultimate list highlights the top blockers in the city. A good block is one of the most exciting plays in the sport, and these players execute their duties to perfection.

In previous weeks, we featured the top defensive specialists and liberos, and top setters.

Remember to vote for the best blocker in the poll at the bottom of the story.

Jillian Forrest, Ursuline

Ursuline's Jillian Forrest (9) is committed to the University of Washington.

Taking second place in blocks in the Girls Greater Catholic League as a sophomore isn’t easy. But Forrest did just that with 92 blocks to go with 195 kills and 38 digs. The Lions have been on a roller coaster since 2022 with a DI state championship and a DIII state runner-up sandwiching an 11-15 season. They lose a lot of production from last year, but Forrest will help ensure the roller coaster ride doesn’t take another dip. Even though recruiting opens up in the summer between a player’s sophomore and junior years, Forrest is already verbally committed to the University of Washington.

Sydney Geselbracht, Mount Notre Dame

She led the Cougars with 56 blocks and 215 kills last fall. Geselbracht will use every bit of her 116-inch approach touch this season as she will spend a lot of time in the air, both on the attack and the block. She is especially light on her feet, can get to either side of the net when needed, and can seemingly float in midair to track down any ball. She will play at Binghamton University.

Morgan Justice, Scott

Morgan Justice (16) led the Scott Eagles in blocks in 2024.

With a super-talented group of seniors, Scott’s expectations for this season are sky-high. Justice will also be sky-high at the net. As a junior, she led the Eagles with 66 blocks while also logging 275 kills, 179 digs and 39 aces. She is committed to Thomas More University.

Violet Main, St. Henry

St. Henry's Violet Main (15) will be one of the best blockers, and sophomores, in Northern Kentucky this season.

As a freshman, Main finished second on the team with 68 blocks and was one of four players with more than 200 kills. She also had 75 digs and 37 aces, and was named to the Ninth Region all-tournament team. The Crusaders graduated two linchpins at the net in Corinne Blackburn and Lizzie Casey but will have one of the most imposing net presences in Northern Kentucky this season.

Charley Moeddel, Seton

Seton's Charley Moeddel became more dominant as the 2024 season went on and played a significant role on the postseason as the Saints won the Division I state title.

After breaking her left hand in the summer before her sophomore season, Moeddel made her first varsity appearance on Sept. 5 and finished the season with 54 blocks and 127 kills. She had multiple blocks in each of the Saints’ final 10 matches, including a career-high five against Lakota West. At 6-foot-1, she should only continue to dominate at the net.

Addy Nutley, Mason

Mason's Addy Nutley led the Comets to a Division I regional final appearance in 2024.

Nutley led the Greater Miami Conference with 56 blocks in 2024, while also posting 164 kills, 56 digs, 23 aces. She had at least four blocks in a match five times last year, including five in the regional final. Her career-high is seven, which she did in back-to-back three-set matches as a sophomore. Nutley has also been used primarily as a hitter with her club team during the spring and summer, so look for her to potentially lead the Comets in blocks and attacks. She is committed to Hillsdale College.

Andrea Ptaszkiewicz, Fenwick

Andrea Ptaszkiewicz (22) had a sensational freshman year for the Fenwick Falcons.

The Falcons will have some of the best net play in the city this season as they return the majority of their attacking and blocking production from 2024. As a freshman, Ptaszkiewicz played the most sets of any Fenwick player, logging 51 blocks and 96 kills. The skills are definitely there; once she develops additional aspects of her game, she could become an all-state caliber player.

Sophia Richardson, Kings

Kings' Sophia Richardson (10) has led the Eastern Cincinnati Conference in blocks each of the last two years.

The last player to lead the Eastern Cincinnati Conference in blocks in three straight seasons was Kings’ Jules Fink from 2018 to 2020. Richardson has a solid chance to complete the feat this season. As a junior, she had 98 blocks to go with 276 kills and 49 aces. She has 219 blocks for her career.

Morgan Sunderman, Roger Bacon

Outside of missing two matches in the middle of the season, Morgan Sunderman played every set for Roger Bacon in 2024.

She was one of two Spartans to record 42 blocks last season (Etellina Jackson was the other). She also had 130 kills. Roger Bacon led the Miami Valley Conference with 193 blocks as a team. With Mariah Gaines, Ally Hughes and Raegan Waller all graduated, Sunderman and Jackson will feature heavily at the net.

Lilly Tierney, McNicholas

Entering her junior year, Lilly Tierney is one of a few McNicholas Rockets who have started on varsity each of the last two years.

Tierney really broke out for the Rockets last year. She led the Greater Catholic League-Coed with 101 blocks, was fourth in the league with 56 aces, and was fifth in the league with 201 kills. She also dug 86 attacks. McNicholas was ranked No. 1 in DIV for the majority of the 2024 season. With an incredibly talented group of juniors and seniors, the Rockets will be a frontrunner for the state title this fall.

Additional blockers to watch in Greater Cincinnati

Ella Allen, Edgewood; Kaylee Barker, Edgewood; Audrey Benkert, Taylor; Annika Berwanger, Conner; Miya Cornelius, Little Miami; Lauren Dorger, St. Ursula; Sadie Ellis, Sycamore; Grace Hamm, Milford; Emma Hartmann, Blanchester; Grace Herzog, Turpin; Etellina Jackson, Roger Bacon; Josie Mayfield, McNicholas; Abigail Pettyjohn, Deer Park; Callie Ritter, Bishop Brossart: Ava Schroeder, Kings; Lauren Sterbling, Bethel-Tate; Bella Thomas, Highlands; Jillian Turvey, CHCA; Layna Wilkinson, Ryle

Vote: Who is the top blocker in Greater Cincinnati in 2025?

Readers can vote once per hour per device. This poll will close at 4 p.m. on July 25.

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High School Sports

Here are the all

HIGH-SCHOOL Tom Adams: The 1956 grad was a pioneer in a lot of ways for the basketball program. He is the only player to ever be a prep all-American, while ending his career as the school’s all-time leading scorer (1,499 points). During his senior season, the consensus all-stater averaged 22 points a game for legendary […]

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HIGH-SCHOOL

Tom Adams: The 1956 grad was a pioneer in a lot of ways for the basketball program. He is the only player to ever be a prep all-American, while ending his career as the school's all-time leading scorer (1,499 points). During his senior season, the consensus all-stater averaged 22 points a game for legendary coach Dick Van Scyoc. Adams, who ended up play at Illinois, had his No. 80 jersey become the first-ever retired by Washington on Nov. 12, 1956.

Tom Adams: The 1956 grad was a pioneer in a lot of ways for the basketball program. He is the only player to ever be a prep all-American, while ending his career as the school’s all-time leading scorer (1,499 points). During his senior season, the consensus all-stater averaged 22 points a game for legendary coach Dick Van Scyoc. Adams, who ended up play at Illinois, had his No. 80 jersey become the first-ever retired by Washington on Nov. 12, 1956.

Provided By The Illinois Basketball Coaches Association

Sarah Adams: The 1996 grad is a two-time high school all-American swimmer for the Panthers. She was an eight-time state qualifier as well as earning eight medals over the course of her four-year varsity career. Her highest finish came during her junior season where she was the state runner-up in the 100-yard freestyle. She also had two thirds — one in the 200-yard IM and in the 200-yard freestyle. Adams swam in college for Arizona State.

Sarah Adams: The 1996 grad is a two-time high school all-American swimmer for the Panthers. She was an eight-time state qualifier as well as earning eight medals over the course of her four-year varsity career. Her highest finish came during her junior season where she was the state runner-up in the 100-yard freestyle. She also had two thirds — one in the 200-yard IM and in the 200-yard freestyle. Adams swam in college for Arizona State.

Ron Johnson / Journal Star Files

Mark Dennis: The 1984 grad excelled at every level of football. He was a member of the 1983 Class 4A state runner-up team, earning all-Mid-Illini Conference first-team, consensus all-state and adidas All-American honors. He went on to play at Illinois where he was a three-year starter on the offensive line, then drafted in eighth round by the Dolphins. He went on to play 10 NFL seasons, making appearances in both the AFC and NFC championship games.

Mark Dennis: The 1984 grad excelled at every level of football. He was a member of the 1983 Class 4A state runner-up team, earning all-Mid-Illini Conference first-team, consensus all-state and adidas All-American honors. He went on to play at Illinois where he was a three-year starter on the offensive line, then drafted in eighth round by the Dolphins. He went on to play 10 NFL seasons, making appearances in both the AFC and NFC championship games.

Rick Stewart, Allsport Via Getty Images

Grant Escue: The 2005 grad set a new standard for the Panthers baseball program. He was named a Journal Star all-area member after hitting .495 with 18 doubles and 30 RBIs as a sophomore. Escue, who signed with Stanford out of Washington, left the Panthers program as the program's all-time leader in hits, doubles and RBIs, while setting the single-season record for batting average and doubles. He finished his collegiate career at Bradley.

Grant Escue: The 2005 grad set a new standard for the Panthers baseball program. He was named a Journal Star all-area member after hitting .495 with 18 doubles and 30 RBIs as a sophomore. Escue, who signed with Stanford out of Washington, left the Panthers program as the program’s all-time leader in hits, doubles and RBIs, while setting the single-season record for batting average and doubles. He finished his collegiate career at Bradley.

Provided By Bradley Athletics

Todd Foster: The 1991 grad is arguably the most decorated two-sport athlete in Washington history. Both his football (No. 12) and basketball (No. 44) jerseys are retired. This came after he left as football team's career leading rushing and basketball team's all-time leading scorer. He was three-time all-Mid-Illini Conference in both basketball and football. Foster went on to be a four-year letterwinner at Purdue with four NCAA tournament appearances, and also was an assistant there.

Todd Foster: The 1991 grad is arguably the most decorated two-sport athlete in Washington history. Both his football (No. 12) and basketball (No. 44) jerseys are retired. This came after he left as football team’s career leading rushing and basketball team’s all-time leading scorer. He was three-time all-Mid-Illini Conference in both basketball and football. Foster went on to be a four-year letterwinner at Purdue with four NCAA tournament appearances, and also was an assistant there.

Purdue SID

Kenny Hopp: The 1984 grad was a big part of the first Washington football team ever to play for a state title. Hopp was the team captain of the 1983 Class 4A state runner-up finishers, while being named a two-time all-Mid-Illini Conference first-team player. In his time as a Panther, he set six new school records in rushing and scoring. Hopp then played at Indiana State where he was a four-year letterman and honorable mention all-American as a senior.

Kenny Hopp: The 1984 grad was a big part of the first Washington football team ever to play for a state title. Hopp was the team captain of the 1983 Class 4A state runner-up finishers, while being named a two-time all-Mid-Illini Conference first-team player. In his time as a Panther, he set six new school records in rushing and scoring. Hopp then played at Indiana State where he was a four-year letterman and honorable mention all-American as a senior.

FRED ZWICKY/JOURNAL STAR

Maggie Krick: The 2006 grad is one of the most prolific basketball players in school history. She was named the 2006 Journal Star large-school player of the year after becoming the program's all-time leading scorer (2,091 points). Krick was also a consensus all-stater as a senior. Krick is the only girls basketball player to have her jersey (No. 32) retired. She went on to play for Illinois State before coaching at Washington for five years and winning 75 games.

Maggie Krick: The 2006 grad is one of the most prolific basketball players in school history. She was named the 2006 Journal Star large-school player of the year after becoming the program’s all-time leading scorer (2,091 points). Krick was also a consensus all-stater as a senior. Krick is the only girls basketball player to have her jersey (No. 32) retired. She went on to play for Illinois State before coaching at Washington for five years and winning 75 games.

Supplied Photo

Doug Lee: The 1982 grad is widely considered the greatest Washington basketball player. He had his No. 22 jersey retired following a career that included him averaging 27.0 points a game to go with all-state honors. He went on to star at Purdue before becoming the first Panther to be drafted in the NBA. Lee is a member of the Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fall and the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association hall of fame.

Doug Lee: The 1982 grad is widely considered the greatest Washington basketball player. He had his No. 22 jersey retired following a career that included him averaging 27.0 points a game to go with all-state honors. He went on to star at Purdue before becoming the first Panther to be drafted in the NBA. Lee is a member of the Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fall and the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association hall of fame.

Tim DeFrisco, Allsport Via Getty Images

Stu Levenick: The 1971 grad made the most of his time on the Panther football field. The GPSHOF inductee was a three-year letterwinner, playing offensive line and defensive end. He then walked-on at Illinois where a slow start to his career end up being very fruitful. Levenick was named all-Big Ten Conference twice, then an honorable mention all-American as a senior. He was drafted in ninth round of 1976 NFL draft, but a knee injury ended his career.

Stu Levenick: The 1971 grad made the most of his time on the Panther football field. The GPSHOF inductee was a three-year letterwinner, playing offensive line and defensive end. He then walked-on at Illinois where a slow start to his career end up being very fruitful. Levenick was named all-Big Ten Conference twice, then an honorable mention all-American as a senior. He was drafted in ninth round of 1976 NFL draft, but a knee injury ended his career.

Provide By Illinois Athletics

Jim Maddock: The 1978 grad was a do-it-all three-sport athlete for the Panthers. He lettered 10 times in football, basketball and baseball. He became the first Washington athlete to be earned as an all-stater in both baseball and football in the same year. Maddock went on to play baseball at Missouri where he threw a complete-game no-hitter against Nebraska in 1981. He was then drafted by the Atlanta Braves and played minor league baseball for two years. He also played 12 seasons in the Peoria Sunday Morning League.

Jim Maddock: The 1978 grad was a do-it-all three-sport athlete for the Panthers. He lettered 10 times in football, basketball and baseball. He became the first Washington athlete to be earned as an all-stater in both baseball and football in the same year. Maddock went on to play baseball at Missouri where he threw a complete-game no-hitter against Nebraska in 1981. He was then drafted by the Atlanta Braves and played minor league baseball for two years. He also played 12 seasons in the Peoria Sunday Morning League.

Provided By The Peoria Sunday Morning League

Randy Meneweather: The 2016 grad was a wrecking ball on the football field and a force on the wrestling mat. He left Panthers football team as the program's career rushing leader, amassing 2,835 yards from 2013-15. Menewether, the 2015 GPSHOF Tri-County male athlete of the year, was a two-time Class 2A state champion at 152 and 160 pounds, respectively. He went on to wrestle for Air Force where competed between the 165 and 174 weight classes.

Randy Meneweather: The 2016 grad was a wrecking ball on the football field and a force on the wrestling mat. He left Panthers football team as the program’s career rushing leader, amassing 2,835 yards from 2013-15. Menewether, the 2015 GPSHOF Tri-County male athlete of the year, was a two-time Class 2A state champion at 152 and 160 pounds, respectively. He went on to wrestle for Air Force where competed between the 165 and 174 weight classes.

RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR

Mason McCoy: The 2013 grad has been a consistent presence on the baseball field. He set the single-season school record for batting (.564) and triples (10) during his junior year. McCoy was named the Journal Star All-Area shortstop as a senior. He was also an all-Mid-Illini basketball first-teamer and an all-M-I soccer second-teamer. After playing at Illinois Central College and Iowa, McCoy has played 29 MLB games for Toronto and San Diego.

Mason McCoy: The 2013 grad has been a consistent presence on the baseball field. He set the single-season school record for batting (.564) and triples (10) during his junior year. McCoy was named the Journal Star All-Area shortstop as a senior. He was also an all-Mid-Illini basketball first-teamer and an all-M-I soccer second-teamer. After playing at Illinois Central College and Iowa, McCoy has played 29 MLB games for Toronto and San Diego.

Orlando Ramirez, Getty Images

Alec Peters: The 2013 grad continues to make a name for himself on the basketball court. Peters, the 2013 Journal Star large-school basketball player of the year, led the Peoria-area in points (22.3) and rebounds (8.9) per game during his senior season. He went on to be the Horizon League Player of the Year at Valparaiso, scoring 2,348 career points. Peters was drafted by the Suns in the 2017 NBA draft and currently plays in the EuroLeague.

Alec Peters: The 2013 grad continues to make a name for himself on the basketball court. Peters, the 2013 Journal Star large-school basketball player of the year, led the Peoria-area in points (22.3) and rebounds (8.9) per game during his senior season. He went on to be the Horizon League Player of the Year at Valparaiso, scoring 2,348 career points. Peters was drafted by the Suns in the 2017 NBA draft and currently plays in the EuroLeague.

Jerome Miron, Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Jace Punke: The 2019 grad helped usher in a new wave of wrestling at Washington. His four-year career included back-to-back-to-back-to-back Class 2A dual-team state championships. Individually, the 2018 GPSHOF Tri-County male athlete of the year won a pair of Class 2A state titles at 285 and 195 pounds, respectively. Punke was named the 2019 Journal Star wrestler of the year and went on to compete at Missouri.

Jace Punke: The 2019 grad helped usher in a new wave of wrestling at Washington. His four-year career included back-to-back-to-back-to-back Class 2A dual-team state championships. Individually, the 2018 GPSHOF Tri-County male athlete of the year won a pair of Class 2A state titles at 285 and 195 pounds, respectively. Punke was named the 2019 Journal Star wrestler of the year and went on to compete at Missouri.

Journal Star

Dylan Reel: The 2012 grad helped set a higher standard for Washington wrestlers. Reel, who is the only four-time Journal Star wrestler of the year, won three Class 2A state championships — one at 145 pounds and the other two at 160 pounds. He finished with a 182-7 career mark before committing to Minnesota. He then transferred to Clackamas Community College where he was a 2018 NJCAA national champion at 174 pounds.

Dylan Reel: The 2012 grad helped set a higher standard for Washington wrestlers. Reel, who is the only four-time Journal Star wrestler of the year, won three Class 2A state championships — one at 145 pounds and the other two at 160 pounds. He finished with a 182-7 career mark before committing to Minnesota. He then transferred to Clackamas Community College where he was a 2018 NJCAA national champion at 174 pounds.

RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR

Mel Romani: The 1958 grad was a masterful three-sport athlete during his Washington playing days. At the time of his induction into the Washington hall of fame in 2021, he was the only Washington athlete to earn 12 varsity letters. Romani followed that stellar prep career by attending Illinois where played both basketball and football. During his senior season, he was the starting quarterback, playing nine games and throwing for 174 yards in 1961.

Mel Romani: The 1958 grad was a masterful three-sport athlete during his Washington playing days. At the time of his induction into the Washington hall of fame in 2021, he was the only Washington athlete to earn 12 varsity letters. Romani followed that stellar prep career by attending Illinois where played both basketball and football. During his senior season, he was the starting quarterback, playing nine games and throwing for 174 yards in 1961.

Provided By Washington High School

Matt Roth: The 2008 grad helped rewrite the 3-point shooting record book while at Washington. Roth, who was named the 2008 Journal Star large-school player of the year, averaged 21.4 points and made 4.3 3-pointers per game during a 2008 Class 3A state fourth-place finish. His 464 3-pointers remains as Illinois' all-time leader. He went on to play for Indiana where Roth led the Big Ten in 3-point shooting at 54.5 percent to reach the Sweet 16.

Matt Roth: The 2008 grad helped rewrite the 3-point shooting record book while at Washington. Roth, who was named the 2008 Journal Star large-school player of the year, averaged 21.4 points and made 4.3 3-pointers per game during a 2008 Class 3A state fourth-place finish. His 464 3-pointers remains as Illinois’ all-time leader. He went on to play for Indiana where Roth led the Big Ten in 3-point shooting at 54.5 percent to reach the Sweet 16.

Brace Hemmelgarn-US PRESSWIRE, US PRESSWIRE

Colton Underwood: The 2010 grad turned his gridiron game into fame. Underwood, the 2009 Journal Star large-school player of the year, posted a school-record 34 sacks in his career, while running for 908 yards and 13 TDs as a senior. He had a highly decorated career at Illinois State before making several NFL training camp rosters. Recently, Underwood has become a reality star highlighted by an appearance as the lead of "The Bachelor" in 2019.

Colton Underwood: The 2010 grad turned his gridiron game into fame. Underwood, the 2009 Journal Star large-school player of the year, posted a school-record 34 sacks in his career, while running for 908 yards and 13 TDs as a senior. He had a highly decorated career at Illinois State before making several NFL training camp rosters. Recently, Underwood has become a reality star highlighted by an appearance as the lead of “The Bachelor” in 2019.

Matt Dayhoff/Journal Star

Christian Uphoff: The 2016 grad put together one of the most dynamic football careers in Washington football history. Uphoff recorded 1,293 all-purpose yards during his senior campaign, scoring on a punt and kickoff return, two interception returns, a fumble return, five rushing TDs and one receiving TD. He then went to star for Illinois State and signed with the Packers as an undrafted free agent in 2021.

Christian Uphoff: The 2016 grad put together one of the most dynamic football careers in Washington football history. Uphoff recorded 1,293 all-purpose yards during his senior campaign, scoring on a punt and kickoff return, two interception returns, a fumble return, five rushing TDs and one receiving TD. He then went to star for Illinois State and signed with the Packers as an undrafted free agent in 2021.

RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO

Jacob Warner: The 2017 grad is one of Washington greatest wrestlers. Warner, the two-time Journal Star wrestler of the year, won three consecutive Class 2A state titles at 170, 182 and 195 pounds to end his career. The 2017 GPSHOF Tri-County male athlete of the year finished his senior season at 45-0, ranked No. 1 nationally and won 182 career matches. He then wrestled at Iowa where he was a five-time all-American and the 2022 NCAA national runner-up.

Jacob Warner: The 2017 grad is one of Washington greatest wrestlers. Warner, the two-time Journal Star wrestler of the year, won three consecutive Class 2A state titles at 170, 182 and 195 pounds to end his career. The 2017 GPSHOF Tri-County male athlete of the year finished his senior season at 45-0, ranked No. 1 nationally and won 182 career matches. He then wrestled at Iowa where he was a five-time all-American and the 2022 NCAA national runner-up.

Joseph Cress/Iowa City Press-Citizen

Matt Webster: The 1995 grad was the first-ever wrestling state champion for the Panthers. After a Class AA state runner-up finish as a junior, Webster took the next step, winning the 1995 Class AA 140-pound state title. He was inducted into the Washington hall of fame in 2021. That success helped propel him to a collegiate wrestling career at Missouri. There was a named team captain as a senior and finished as four-year letterman.

Matt Webster: The 1995 grad was the first-ever wrestling state champion for the Panthers. After a Class AA state runner-up finish as a junior, Webster took the next step, winning the 1995 Class AA 140-pound state title. He was inducted into the Washington hall of fame in 2021. That success helped propel him to a collegiate wrestling career at Missouri. There was a named team captain as a senior and finished as four-year letterman.

Provided By The Illinois Wrestling Coaches And Officials Association

Kannon Webster: The 2023 grad just missed out on becoming winningest Washington wrestler in program history. Webster was a three-time Class 2A state champion, losing his sophomore season to the pandemic. The three-time Journal Star wrestler of the year and 2023 GPSHOF Tri-County male athlete of the year went 162-2 during his career. He's currently at Illinois where he wrestled in the 2025 NCAA tournament.

Kannon Webster: The 2023 grad just missed out on becoming winningest Washington wrestler in program history. Webster was a three-time Class 2A state champion, losing his sophomore season to the pandemic. The three-time Journal Star wrestler of the year and 2023 GPSHOF Tri-County male athlete of the year went 162-2 during his career. He’s currently at Illinois where he wrestled in the 2025 NCAA tournament.

MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR

Andrew Werner: The 2005 grad set an example for all current and future Washington baseball players. Werner has the distinction of becoming the first-ever Panther to play in Major League Baseball. He appeared in eight games for the San Diego Padres during the 2012 season. This was sandwiched in a pro career that saw him play three independent and four minor league seasons. He was the Bradley baseball pitching coach during the 2025 season.

Andrew Werner: The 2005 grad set an example for all current and future Washington baseball players. Werner has the distinction of becoming the first-ever Panther to play in Major League Baseball. He appeared in eight games for the San Diego Padres during the 2012 season. This was sandwiched in a pro career that saw him play three independent and four minor league seasons. He was the Bradley baseball pitching coach during the 2025 season.

Kelley L Cox-US PRESSWIRE, US PRESSWIRE

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