NEW ORLEANS, La. – Seven Navy track and field athletes and the teams as a whole earned academic honors from the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) for the 2024-25 season, the organization announced on Monday.  Pete deJonge, Layne Rivera, Brian Schloeder, Murphy Smith, Zoie Tesi, Sheldon Ulmer and Caleb Walker were named to the All-Academic Team.
 
Navy’s men’s and women’s programs were also recognized as All-Academic Teams for each attaining a team GPA of 3.00 or higher for the academic year. This marks the seventh-consecutive year the men’s team (3.22) has earned the honor and it is the fifth-straight year in which the women’s team (3.21) has garnered the accolade.
 
Individually, recent graduates deJonge and Walker were honored for the second time, while 2025 graduates Rivera and Smith, rising junior Ulmer and rising sophomores Schloeder and Tesi received All-Academic Team recognition for the first time in their careers.
 
To be eligible for individual distinction, a student-athlete must have posted a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.25 on a 4.0 scale and must have completed at least two (2) semesters or three (3) quarters at the nominating institution.
 
Additionally, a student-athlete must meet the following athletic criteria for the award: for the indoor season, student-athletes must have finished the season ranked in the top 96 in any championship individual event, or in the top 48 in any championship relay event; for the outdoor season, nominees must have participated in any round of the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships (the Preliminary and/or the Final Championship) or for the multi-events, must have finished the season ranked in the top 48 in the east or top 48 in the west.

The Dutch Miller End Zone Deck

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – New for 2025, fans have an opportunity to experience the ‘Dutch Miller Deck’ – the most exciting and interactive fan experience to Joan C. Edwards Stadium.

The ‘Dutch Miller Deck’ is a collaboration between Dutch Miller Automotive Group, the Big Green Scholarship Foundation and the ThunderTrust – Marshall’s NIL collective – that will not only provide fans with an all-inclusive premium seating opportunity and unique way to enjoy Marshall Football, but also benefit Marshall student-athletes.

“A rising tide raises all ships! And the future of athletics at Marshall University is so bright,” said Chris Miller, President at Dutch Miller Auto Group. “Dutch Miller is excited to once again partner with Marshall on the new ‘Dutch Miller Deck’ to provide a state-of-the-art game-viewing experience to all Marshall football games for all Marshall University football fans.”

Dutch Miller’s generosity and partnership with Marshall Athletics and the ThunderTrust is another forward-thinking plan to keep Marshall at the top of its game when it comes to a premium fan experience.

“When you have families like the Millers who just think differently and embrace being bold, especially when it benefits others, it is very special,” said Christian Spears, Marshall Director of Athletics. “We are grateful to have partnered with them on this project, which honors the legacy of their family, honors their involvement in our community and honors the student-athletes we serve. This is a transformative gift and will help ensure we can compete in the next collegiate model. We are tremendously grateful to Chris and Sam and their respective families.”

Located in the North End Zone at Joan C. Edwards Stadium, the ‘Dutch Miller Deck’ offers the “Best Seat In The House”, along with several amenities that enhance the gameday atmosphere and experience while bringing fans closer to the team than ever before.

The Dutch Miller Deck is located in the North End Zone at Joan C. Edwards Stadium with newly constructed premium space within the Shewey Athletic Building that allows patrons the ability to network with fellow high-level supporters in an exclusive setting while enjoying premium gameday dining and drinks throughout the contest – all while bearing the Dutch Miller name, which has become synonymous with success in Huntington.

“The Dutch Miller Family is deeply engrained into the fabric of Marshall Athletics and the Big Green Scholarship Foundation,” said Teddy Kluemper III, Interim Senior Associate Athletic Director for Development and Executive Director of the Big Green. “Their gift and commitment to this project enhances our ability to be successful in the ever-changing landscape of college athletics, but more importantly, firmly establishes their commitment to our student-athletes’ success.”

Those who purchase a pass also receive Sideline Access, which gets fans closer to the action than ever before. Parking passes are also available with the purchase of Dutch Miller Deck passes with patrons receiving one parking spot for every 2 Dutch Miller Deck passes purchased. Cost for the Dutch Miller Deck is $2,500 per pass and can be purchased HERE.

“We’re excited to launch this expansive initiative designed to elevate the gameday experience for Marshall fans,” said Brad Ferrell, Vice President of Regional Sales for the ThunderTrust. “In this new era of NIL, we’re especially grateful for the continued support of Dutch Miller Automotive Group as the naming rights partner of the End Zone Deck and a key provider of automotive resources for Marshall student-athletes.”

Marshall fans’ first look at the new Dutch Miller Deck will be on Sept. 6 when the Thundering Herd host Missouri State in the first home game for new head coach Tony Gibson.

For all the latest information about Marshall Athletics, follow @HerdZone on Twitter and Instagram.

To follow all Thundering Herd sports and get live stats, schedules and free live audio, download the Marshall Athletics App for iOS and Android.

 —HerdZone.com—

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Central Washington University Volleyball team has been honored from the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Team Academic Award sponsored by INTENT.
 
“Our department emphasizes excellence on the court and in the classroom,” CWU Head Volleyball Coach Mario Andaya said. “The academic accomplishments are simply from the priorities and standards our players set for themselves. Winning the GNAC Academic Title and this AVCA Award is a pretty cool way to cap of the year.”
 
The award, initiated in the 1992-93 academic year, honors volleyball teams that maintain a year-long grade-point average of at least a 3.3 on a 4.0 scale, or a 4.1 on a 5.0 scale.
 
The Central Washington Volleyball team posted an outstanding GNAC-best 3.66 GPA.
 
“It is very exciting to see that the record-setting, on-court successes during the 2024-25 season have extended to the classroom,” says AVCA CEO Jaime Gordon. “The fact that more programs earned the Team Academic Award than ever before is evidence of how committed our coaches are when it comes to helping their players reach their goals as both students and athletes.”
 
CWU is less than a month away from returning to campus for the 2025 season, which kicks off at the WWU Invitational in Bellingham, Wash., from September 4–6. The Wildcats will face some of the nation’s top NCAA Division II programs, including perennial powerhouse St. Cloud State, last year’s West Regional host Cal Poly Pomona, and national runner-up San Francisco State.
 

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Southern Connecticut Men’s Track & Field was named an NCAA Division II All-Academic team, as announced by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association. Nevan Burke, Natanael Barbosa Torres, Osaretin Osagie, and Dylan Torok also named All-Academic recipients. 

The Owls continued their historic streak of dominance, winning their eighth straight Northeast 10 Indoor Track & Field Championship and their ninth straight Northeast 10 Outdoor Track & Field Championship. They placed fourth at the NEICAAA New England Outdoor Championships, and saw three athletes total four All-American nods across the indoor and outdoor seasons. They qualified as an NCAA DII All-Academic team by recording a 3.124 team GPA. 

The four All-Academic Owls met the following criteria: 

1. Minimum cumulative grade point average of a 3.25 on a 4.0 scale through the end of the semester of competition. Institutions utilizing a different GPA scale must convert the GPA to a 4.0 scale using the standard conversion method [GPA/Scale x 4.0]. Data must be certifiable by the institution’s registrar.
2. Must have been academically eligible at the National Championships in the respective season that his or her athletic mark was achieved in.
3. Must have finished the season among the top 50 individuals as listed on the descending order lists on TFRRS. In addition, any athletes not among the top 50, but who participated at the Indoor OR Outdoor National Championships, are eligible.
4. Must have competed as a member of one of the top 35 relay teams as listed on the descending order list on TFRRS. In addition, any athletes not among the top 35 relay teams, but who participated in the relay at the Indoor OR Outdoor National Championships, are eligible. Finally, any competing relay team member on an expanded descending order list to include 35 institutions (1 relay team per institution) is eligible.
5. Transfer students and/or graduate students are to include only grades earned at the current nominating institution.

Nevan Burke, who is pursuing an M.S. in Human Performance, had a phenomenal season in the Javelin Throw. He won the NE10 Javelin Championship for the first time after medaling the previous three seasons. He also placed fourth at the New England Championships. He graduated last year from SCSU with a bachelor’s in Biology

Natanael Barbosa Torres recorded the best season of his career in 2025, capped off with a All-Academic nod. He finished second in the Shot Put at both the indoor and outdoor NE10 championships, also earning a silver medal at the New England Championships. He qualified for the NCAA DII Indoor and Outdoor National Championships this year while pursuing an MBA in Management. 

Osagie was dominant on and off the track during the 2025 season. Across the Indoor and Outdoor NE10 Championships, Osagie brought home four medals, including wins in the 110m Hurdles and 400m Hurdles at the Outdoor Championships, where he was named the Most Outstanding Track Performer. At the New England Championships, he won the 110m Hurdles and the 4x400m Relay, also placing second in the 400m Hurdles. Osagie also made the first national appearance of his career when he qualified for the 2025 NCAA Division II Outdoor National Championships, and earned All-American Second Team honors after placing 11th in the 110m Hurdles. He was also selected as a CSC Academic All-America finalist, and was named to the 2025 Northeast-10 Conference Outdoor Track & Field Academic All-Conference team while pursuing a B.S. in Studio Art. 

Dylan Torok saw plenty of success on and off the track this season. Along with his All-Academic honor, he helped lead the Owls to two championships. He was named the NE10 Most Outstanding Field Athlete at the NE10 Indoor Championships for the second straight year after winning gold in the Heptathlon, also grabbing bronze medals in the High Jump and Pole Vault. He also finished third in the Pole Vault at the Outdoor championships, helping the Owls to their eighth and ninth straight NE10 Championships while pursuing an MBA in Finance. 
 

From left, Perry High School junior Ethan Butters left, and Greyson Carter pray before the 16 Open division championship match of the AAU Boys Junior National Volleyball Championships at Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida on June 3. A week later, Butters strokes a short-range putt at the Uswing Mojing Junior World Golf Championships at Torrey Pines’ South Course in San Diego, California. (Photo courtesy of Lisa Butters)

PHOENIX – In Orlando, Florida, one week, in San Diego the next. Taking second in an AAU national volleyball tournament. Surging for second in a junior golf world championship.

Ethan Butters, a junior at Gilbert’s Perry High School, nearly reached the pinnacle in two sports that couldn’t be more different. And he did so within seven days, with volleyball ending July 3 and golf July 10.

Ryan Tolman, Butters’ club and high school volleyball coach, was candid when asked if he’d ever heard of an athletic feat quite like this.

“Not even close,” Tolman said.

The 16-year-old in January declared his intent to focus on golf, and didn’t even play volleyball for Perry in the 2025 spring season. However, Butters wouldn’t be the golfer or athlete he is today without marrying the two together.

“Volleyball helps me with golf because of the strength training that I get out of it and like the fast twitch-like dynamic movements I get out of it,” Butters said. “Golf is a very mental game and having a really strong head is actually one of the biggest things in volleyball.

“My perfectionist mindset from golf also translates to volleyball, making me a little bit more refined and sharper.”

Tolman said he watched Butters last November in the final round of the AIA Division I Golf Championships at Laveen’s Aguila Golf Course, in which he finished third. With a puncher’s chance at the individual title on the short par-4 17th hole, Tolman noticed Butters pull out his driver without any hesitation. The gamble didn’t pay off with a birdie or eagle, but it spoke to Butters’ mentality and physical shape.

“His swing doesn’t change as he gets late in rounds and in tournaments just because he’s conditioned to last, and a lot of golfers aren’t,” Tolman said.

Butters’ fascination with golf began with plastic clubs and putting balls into cardboard boxes. The game quickly became an integral part of his childhood as Butters played every weekend with three of his uncles.

He competed in his first tournament before he was five years-old and in the U.S. Kids Golf World Championships in Pinehurst, North Carolina before he was six years old.

In April at Mesa’s Toka Sticks Golf Club, he qualified for another world championship: the Uswing Mojing Junior World Golf Championships at Torrey Pines’ South Course.

“He just has had that tournament golf lifestyle forever,” Lisa, Butters’ mother, said.

His volleyball timeline started a bit later and more casually.

Butters, beginning in fourth grade, played at a local YMCA with his parents and three younger siblings. Fast forward to seventh grade, and Butters stepped up his game and visibility by playing for Tempe’s Aspire Volleyball Club.

“He walked in the door and instantly our coaches saw a kid with some crazy talent,” Tolman said. “We had our team kind of already picked out, and this kid shows up and he’s better than all of them. … It was a match made in heaven.”

At 5-feet-7 and 145 pounds, Butters is a libero and his practicing, or “peppering,” partner Everett Wagner is one of eight fellow Perry Pumas on Aspire. This continuity was a big reason the Tempe club team got runners-up in the 16 Open division of the AAU Boys Junior National Volleyball Championships (June 30-July 3).

Going to battle with your friends is a thrill but falling just short is hard to swallow – the Aspire 16 Spiderman dropped the third and final set 16-14 to California’s Pulse 16-G. All three sets were decided by two points.

“When they lost nationals, it was like somebody died,” Lisa said. “I think the expectation was that they were actually going to win this year.”

“Before our last game when we lost in the finals, he kind of initiated … a little prayer on the court,” Wagner said.

But Butters’ state of devastation from a team loss quickly wore off with perhaps the most important individual task of his life just five days away.

Even though the focus was all on volleyball during AAU nationals in Orlando, Butters still brought his golf clubs along to keep his game sharp enough to compete.

“I ended up being really, really sharp come the tournament day,” Butters said. “I love doing them both (volleyball and golf) so much. I think that if I didn’t have the love for the game that I do for both, I definitely would not be playing.”

He trailed the eventual champion, Scottsdale’s Dylan Boenning, by five strokes entering the back nine in the third and final round. With a birdie on the par-5 18th hole – where Tiger Woods famously made a putt to force a playoff in the 2008 U.S. Open – Butters got within one of Boenning. A bogey-free 34 compared to Boenning’s 38 certainly made for an interesting finish.

“After we got home (from volleyball nationals), he said, ‘I’m utterly devastated,’” Lisa said. “When he got second at World’s, he was utterly stoked.”

“I expect myself to do a lot of great things, but I mean it’s just like such a difficult game,” said Butters on where he sits at this point in his career. “I kind of just take everything one step at a time and try to limit expectations and just go have a blast and play my hardest.”

Scott Uyeshiro, who has coached high school golf since 2016, witnessed a prime example of what Butters was capable of late in his first season at the helm of Perry boys golf.

At last year’s CUSD Invitational (Oct. 24-25) at Maricopa’s The Duke – Perry’s final tuneup before the state championship – Butters held off Hamilton junior Joseph Nelson by one stroke at 7 under par. A couple of pars on 17 and 18 secured the individual victory and a final round of 4-under-par 68.

“That was one tournament that impressed me because when you’re in that situation where you’re behind and then you get ahead, do you make mistakes?” Uyeshiro said. “But that was one I was like he was on his game, fairways and greens and down on his putting.”

The Pumas as a team were also neck-and-neck with Casteel in the district tournament. Casteel narrowly won the title by one but, in the case of a tie, each team would have chosen one player to enter a deciding sudden-death playoff.

Butters’ clutch performance that day made that hypothetical situation an easy one for Uyeshiro.

“I go, ‘Well, if we have a playoff hole, do you want to be that guy doing the playoff hole?’” Uyeshiro said. “And he’s like, ‘Absolutely.’ So I’m like, ‘There you go. That’s the guy that I want.’”

Butters, over years of high-intensity golf and volleyball competition, has developed sound “technical” skills and created repeatable motions in the eyes of Wagner.

That consistency has yielded other tangible results besides tournament success. Butters, as of Sunday, was ranked No. 206 on the nationwide Junior Golf Scoreboard and fifth-best in Arizona (No. 1 in the class of 2027).

He isn’t ready to blaze past high school yet, but Butters beginning June 15 could start speaking with college coaches and quite a few conversations have taken place. About a month into this process, Butters said he is considering seven programs including Arizona State, Stanford, USC and UCLA.

“It’s going to be definitely a really tough choice to make later down the road,” Butters said.

“I want to say that 90% of the (Division I) coaches that we’ve talked to tell him, ‘We want you because you don’t look like a golfer. (It’s) because you look strong and really athletic and physically, that’s what we’re looking for,’ which I find fascinating,” Lisa said. “And really, we owe that to volleyball.”

Besides the physical supplement of volleyball, Lisa said Butters’ first golf coach, Kay Cornelius, saved him from experiencing any burnout as early as 5 years old. Butters saw her for lessons until about the age of 10 but still connects with Cornelius as a mentor.

“He took a hiatus from golf for like six months as a young kid,” Lisa said. “I don’t know if we would have gotten the same (advice) from a male coach.”

Through the many highs and lows of golf and volleyball, Butters documents it all on his Instagram. An increased social media presence is not unique among his peers, but Lisa, who has helped him with his social footprint, said his intent even at 16 is to show younger aspiring athletes that it’s OK to post more than just the good stuff.

Golf is undoubtedly Butters’ priority, but that won’t stop him from continuing with Aspire and playing volleyball for Perry his remaining two seasons.

“I got so much better at golf over this season, so I was really happy I did that,”Butters said about skipping Perry’s boys volleyball season last spring. “I’m excited to get to play volleyball again this year and my senior year.”

Greyson Carter, a fellow Perry junior and volleyball teammate, said Butters’ talent at libero was missed despite the Pumas winning the 6A state championship after a 17-0 regular season.

His quiet leadership and humor will be welcomed as well.

“He’s so focused and he’s so good at the sport, but he’s also so freaking funny, dude,” Carter said. “We’re lucky to have a pretty solid replacement for him but I’m excited for him to come back.”

Butters has to wait until March to don a Perry volleyball jersey but his golf calendar will be jam-packed with top amateur events and the high school matches off and running Aug. 19.

“Just kind of sticking to my plan and staying disciplined about it,” Butters said.