Sports

Eastman key to Manitoba’s Francophone Games team – The Carillon

Published

5 months ago

July 19, 2025

After nearly a decade on hiatus, the Canada Francophone Games are back.

The games opening ceremonies were held in Montreal’s Bell Centre, the home of the NHL’s Canadiens July 15, with the Manitoba delegation full of Eastman talent. The Francophone Games bring French-speaking youth from across the country together to compete in a variety of disciplines.

The Francophone Games were last held in 2017, with the 2020 edition of the games cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gabrielle-Roy volleyball standout Logan Barnabe will be suiting up for Team Manitoba at the Francophone Games this week in Laval. He was named a Manitoba High Schools Athletic Association AAAA boys varsity all-star this season, as Gabrielle-Roy were defeated in the AAAA semi-finals by St Paul's. (Cassidy Dankochik The Carillon) — Gabrielle-Roy volleyball standout Logan Barnabe will be suiting up for Team Manitoba at the Francophone Games this week in Laval. He was named a Manitoba High Schools Athletic Association AAAA boys varsity all-star this season, as Gabrielle-Roy were defeated in the AAAA semi-finals by St Paul’s. (Cassidy Dankochik The Carillon)

One of the over 100-member delegation from Team Manitoba is Otterburne’s Mélanie Curé, who is the coach of the province’s badminton team. The Francophone games feature both sports and culture competitions, including culinary, music and improv teams.

“It’s really good to see them back,” Curé said.

“It will come with a bit of a learning curve for a lot of folks. Typically when you have this sort of thing every two or three years, there’s continuity… When you go eight years without it, you’ve essentially lost two high school cycles.”

Sporting events include beach volleyball, badminton, athletics, ultimate, flag football and 3×3 basketball.

Eastman participants fill the Team Manitoba roster, with more than two dozen set to suit up for Team Manitoba across various events. Gabrielle-Roy volleyball standouts Colin Vermette and Logan Barnabé, who helped their AA school to an appearance in the AAAA semi-finals last season, will represent the province in beach volleyball.

Cure’s badminton team features a pair of Eastman players from St Adolphe and Aubigny. It’s going to be an intense schedule for badminton athletes. After individual events, the provinces will be seeded for a team competition, similar to the Davis Cup in Tennis.

“It makes for a very different feel,” Curé said, noting the players and coaches feel the pressure to perform for teammates.

“There’s a lot of emotional management happening as well. All of a sudden you’re not just playing for everybody on the bench with you. The fans are always a lot louder, you’ve got cowbells and signs. That’s not something that badminton players are used to seeing… It makes for a very different experience… Getting to do it in French is something that doesn’t happen very often.”

Some of the best badminton players in the U19 age group in Manitoba are Francophone, with more than 40 players trying out for the team earlier this year. Curé said it’s difficult to predict how badminton players will fare at the games, as even during normal games it was up in the air how good the top players from other provinces would be.

“I’m very happy with the turnout, we had a record number of players try out, which made my job very difficult but also very rewarding” she said.

“In terms of how they’ll stack up against other provinces, I truly have no clue.”

There are plenty of new faces on Team Manitoba’s mission staff, with many former athletes and participants now making the transition to organizers and coaches.

While the pressure to perform in their respective disciplines is strong, Team Manitoba is also the three-time defending Francophonie award winner, where athletes from other provinces vote for which region had the best spirit throughout the games.

“It’s something that’s definitely been discussed,” Curé said with a laugh.

“We’re really hoping to bring that vibe again.”

A new feature for the games this year has an Eastman connection as well, as the Francophone Games will give out the first Roxane Dupuis Commitment Award.

The award recognizes “the ongoing commitment of a person who has distinguished themselves by their contribution to the development of the games over the years,” and is named after La Broquerie’s Roxane Dupuis, who will be in Laval to present the award herself.

The 2028 edition of the games will be closer to home, as Regina was announced as the next hosts earlier this year.

Participants

Raphael Raharijaona – Grunthal – Ethics Cup

Nathalie Delaquis – Ile des Chenes – Music

Julie Fillion – Kleefeld – Music

Cédric Chartier – La Broquerie – Athletics

Yvan Turenne – La Broquerie – Basketball

Melanie Cure gives coaching to a player during the Zone 13 badminton championships in April. The Otterburne coach is leading Team Manitoba at the Francophone Games in Laval. (Cassidy Dankochik Carillon Archives)

Benjamin Niyomugabo – La Broquerie – Improv

Cédric Gendron – Lorette – Media

Mia Dupasquier – Lorette – Culinary Arts

Rosalie Dion – Lorette – Athletics

Calia Perreault – Marchand – Music

Élyza Jolicoeur-Funk – Richer – Survival Camp

Sarah Dupuis – St Adolphe – Badminton

Mia Hambleton – St Adolphe – Basketball

Colin Vermette – Ste-Agathe – Beach Volleyball

Logan Barnabé – Ste-Agathe – Beach Volleyball

Alek Ouimet – Ste-Agathe – Beach Volleyball

Tristan Cousineau – Ste-Agathe – Badminton

Leah Berard – Ste-Anne – Athletics

Alyana Beaumont – Ste-Anne – Social Justice

Coaches/Leadership

Nicholas Stevenson – Grande Pointe – Athletics

Alexis Bartlett – Niverville – Athletics

Mélanie Curé – Otterburne – Badminton

Zoé Savoie – St Adolphe – General

Alexandre Normandeau – Ste-Anne – Media

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Kalei Edson, Kamille Gibson Join Houston Volleyball

Published

7 minutes ago

December 19, 2025

Your Sports Nation

HOUSTON – Junior setter Kalei Edson and junior outside hitter Kamille Gibson have signed to join Houston Volleyball for the 2026 season, Head Coach David Rehr announced Thursday.

“We are really excited to add two players that have played at a high level for two seasons,” Rehr said. “Kalei will compete as our setter while Kamille will make an impact on either pin. This is just the beginning for the 2026 volleyball team.”

KALEI EDSON | SETTER | JUNIOR | AUBURN
Edson arrives in Houston following two seasons with the Auburn Tigers. She played in all of the team’s 28 matches in 2025, contributing the second most assists on the team with 482, an average of 4.72 per set. Edson also added 177 digs, 19 aces and five double-doubles throughout the season. In 2024, she earned the SEC Freshman of the Week honor on Oct. 14 and excelled at the service line, leading her team with 30 aces at a rate of 0.32 aces per set.

Overall, Edson has 956 assists in 54 career matches, also recording 49 aces and 331 digs.

Edson collected numerous prep and club accolades, including USA Volleyball Junior National All-America and 2023 USAV GJNC All-Tournament Team honors. She was also a 3A All-State and All-South Region honoree and a PrepVolleyball First Team All-State selection. Ranked as the #9 overall prospect in Illinois, Edson was the #3 setter in the country. Across her prep career, she posted over 700 assists along with 800 kills, 100 aces and 100 blocks.

KAMILLE GIBSON | OUTSIDE HITTER | JUNIOR | OKLAHOMA
Gibson, a two-year contributor at Oklahoma after a season at Tennessee, brings a significant offensive mind to Houston while also being a prolific presence on defense. Across two seasons, she tallied 421 kills along with 97 blocks for 500.5 points. Primarily a right-side, Gibson averaged 2.29 kills per set while at Oklahoma.

Last season, Gibson posted 194 kills for a .387 kill percentage while adding 60 blocks. She played in 26 of the Sooner’s 27 matches and started in 16, missing just eight sets across the entire season.

A Crossroads, Texas, native, she prepped at Braswell High School while playing club for TAV. She finished her high school career with 1,161 kills, 500 digs and 137 blocks and was named to the District 5-6A first team in 2021 and to the second team in 2020.

SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Volleyball by providing NIL opportunities or by joining the Point Houston Club which provides financial support directly to Houston Volleyball for needs beyond its operating budget.

STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarVB on X, formerly known as Twitter, and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team’s Facebook page at UHCougarVB. Fans also can follow the team on Instagram at @UHCougarVB.

– UHCougars.com –

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Pitt’s season once again ends in the Final Four after getting swept by Texas A&M

Published

40 minutes ago

December 19, 2025

Your Sports Nation

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Kentucky Volleyball beats Wisconsin in thriller, will face Texas A&M in National Championship

Published

56 minutes ago

December 19, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Kentucky Volleyball is headed to the national championship after a hard-fought five-set win over Wisconsin on Thursday night, as the Wildcats defeated the Badgers 3-2 in a match that tested every ounce of their resilience.

The opening set belonged to Wisconsin as the Badgers took control early and forced Kentucky to play from behind. The Wildcats struggled to find their rhythm but quickly regrouped. Kentucky responded in the second set with improved offensive execution and steady defense to even the match and shift momentum back in their favor.

Wisconsin answered by taking the third set and once again putting pressure on Kentucky with the season hanging in the balance. Facing a must-win fourth set, the Wildcats jumped out to a 13 to 10 lead and appeared ready to take control. Wisconsin refused to fold and battled back until the set was tied at 24 to 24. With the moment at its biggest, Kentucky delivered two straight points to force a decisive fifth set.

The Wildcats opened the final set on fire, racing out to a 9 to 2 lead. Wisconsin made one last push and closed the gap late, but Kentucky held its composure and finished off the match with a 15 -13 win to secure a spot in the NCAA National Championship Game.

Kentucky was led by Eva Hudson, who turned in a dominant performance with a season high of 29 kills. The SEC Player of the Year and National Player of the Year finalist consistently rose to the moment and carried the Wildcats offensively when they needed it most.

Defensively, Molly Touzzo anchored the back row with 17 digs, providing stability and extending key rallies throughout the match.

There is no question that head coach Craig Skinner has built something special in Lexington. Kentucky Volleyball has established itself as a national power, and Thursday night’s win was another example of the toughness and belief that define this program.

The Wildcats will now face Texas A&M in the national championship match on Sunday at 3:30 PM ET as the BBN continues to rally around this team.

Kentucky volleyball is one win away from the ultimate prize.

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Jordan Anthony named The Bowerman winner for 2025

Published

1 hour ago

December 19, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Shawn Price
December 18, 2025

GRAPEVINE, Texas – An extraordinary season produced by Arkansas sprinter Jordan Anthony was deemed worthy of The Bowerman, collegiate track & field’s highest individual honor, as announced by USTFCCCA on Thursday evening at the Gaylord Texan Resort.

Anthony becomes the third Razorback to achieve the prestigious honor as he joins Jarrion Lawson (2016) and Jaydon Hibbert (2023) as previous Arkansas winners of The Bowerman. Three other men’s programs – Florida, Florida State, and Oregon – have had a pair of winners each since the award was first presented in 2009.

The Bowerman 2025 men’s finalist included Auburn’s Ja’Kobe Tharp and Baylor’s Nathaniel Ezekiel, who would have been the first recipient of the honor for their respective schools.

In becoming the first sprinter to claim NCAA titles in the 60m indoors and 100m outdoors during the same season since 2017, Anthony generated UA records in both events. His remarkable campaign included a pair of national sprint titles and three SEC titles while claiming high point honors at both SEC Outdoor and NCAA Outdoor Championship meets.

Anthony ran 6.47 in the NCAA Indoor 60m prelims before winning the final in 6.49. The 6.47 performance was just off the collegiate record of 6.45 shared by three sprinters.

Outdoors, Anthony improved the UA record in the 100m to 9.95 as he swept the 100m and 200m at the SEC Outdoor Championships, producing a 19.93 in the 200m as the second fastest time in Arkansas history behind a 19.89 by Wallace Spearmon Jr.

Anchoring the Razorbacks to a SEC third-place finish in the 4 x 100m relay, Anthony totaled 21.5 points and earned the Commissioner’s Trophy as the men’s high point scorer in the conference meet.

Anthony was named SEC Outdoor Runner of the Year via voting by league coaches and became the first Razorback to earn the honor since 2012. An additional honor for Anthony during the 2025 season included South Central Indoor Track Athlete of the Year.

Under all-conditions, Anthony blazed to an equal second fastest time ever by a collegian in the 100m with a 9.75w (2.1 wind) during the NCAA West First Round. That time equaled the world-leading mark for the 2025 season under all-conditions.

Multiple Winners | Men’s Programs

3 \| Arkansas	Jarrion Lawson (2016), Jaydon Hibbert (2023), Jordan Anthony (2025)
2 \| Oregon	Galen Rupp (2009), Ashton Eaton (2010)
2 \| Florida	Marquis Dendy (2015), Grant Holloway (2019)
2 \| Florida State	Ngoni Makusha (2011), Trey Cunningham (2022)

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Conway Selected for Philly-SIDA Academic All-Area Men’s Cross Country Team

Published

1 hour ago

December 19, 2025

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GLASSBORO, NJ — For the fifth year in a row, Rowan was represented by Matthew Conway on the Philly-SIDA Academic All-Area Men’s Cross Country Team.

The Philly-SIDA Academic All-Area teams are nominated for, and voted on, by the sports information directors at 30 institutions in the Philadelphia region. Student-athletes must be in at least their second year at their current institution and hold a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.30 or higher to be considered for nomination.

Conway, a chemical engineering major, capped his final cross country season with a second-straight appearance in the NCAA Division III Championship, where he placed 94th in this year’s nationals. He was a seventh-place finisher at the NCAA Metro Regional to help the Profs place fifth overall. A first-team All-NJAC selection after runner-up finish at the conference championships where Rowan was second.

Conway was joined on the team with Owen Bluman, Micah Lachman, and Torin Pelton-Flavin from Haverford, Sebastian DeSimone from Gwynedd Mercy, Jacob Dinerman from Rutgers-Camden, Bryan Hernandez from Williamson College of the Trades, Cohen Manges from Swarthmore, and Ryle Mellinger of Eastern. Dinerman was voted the performer of the year.

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Alabama track star becomes first in school history to win Bowerman Award

Published

2 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Your Sports Nation

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WAFF) – University of Alabama track and field athlete Doris Lemngole won the Bowerman Award, becoming the first UA student to receive collegiate track and field’s highest individual honor.

The 23-year-old claimed the prestigious award Thursday night after being named a semifinalist last year.