The CIF Central Section Division I swimming and diving team title results over the weekend were the same for both the boys and girls — Clovis West first and Clovis North second — and Bakersfield’s Liberty was the strongest team for both sides representing Kern County.

The Patriot women’s team was third with 226 points, behind Clovis West’s 325 and Clovis North’s 295. The boys team was fourth with 224.5 points as Clovis West had 357.5, Clovis North 320 and Buchanan had 256.

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The top performer for the Liberty girls was Sophia Munoz-Rodriguez. She won the 200-yard individual medley title in a season-best time of 2 minutes, 2.46 seconds and finished second in the 100 butterfly in a personal-best 55.02 seconds. She was on the Patriots’ winning 200-yard medley relay team, swimming the 50 breaststroke, and joined by Jillian Bean (50 backstroke), Paige Bowyer (50 free) and Gracie Dean (50 butterfly). Their combined time was 1:45.75. Liberty also had a second-place showing in the 200 free relay, finishing in 1:37.20 with Munoz-Rodriguez, Bowyer, Dean and Ellie Horrisberger.

After Liberty, the next highest point totals among girls teams were from Centennial, ninth with 88 points, Garces 11th with 66, Bakersfield Christian 12th (64), Stockdale 13th (51) and Bakersfield 17th (33). Other local teams scoring points were Shafter and Frontier.

Centennial’s Faith Roberts accounted for 30 of the Golden Hawks’ team point total with fourth-place showings in the 100 fly, 100 breast and as part of the 200 medley relay. Bakersfield sophomore Katie Kaff had a second-place finish in the 100 breast, a PR of 1:03.89 and third in the 200 IM in another PR, 2;05.75.

Despite no Liberty boys event wins, Migo Armas was part of the 200 medley relay’s second-place finish, swimming the 50 back, and joined by Jacob Zimmerman’s 50 fly, Carter Stiles 50 breast and Lucas Cuper in the 50 free. The team’s combined time was 1:33.72. Armas was also a third-place finisher in the 200 IM in a PR of 1:55.02.

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Beyond Liberty’s boys, Garces was the next highest among locals in the meet, which was held at Clovis West High.

The Rams boys were ninth with 107 points. Jett Kalmikovs did win an individual event, capturing the 100 backstroke in 49 seconds in the final. It was a PR for him in a finals event, but in Friday’s prelims he swam it in 48.36. Kalmikovs also finished fourth in the 100 fly, in another personal best of 51.15. Garces was fourth in the 200 medley relay in 1:34.12 with Kalmikovs doing the 50 back, Charlie Potter in the 50 breast, Clay Selvidge in the 50 fly and Owen Weishaar the 50 free. Individually, Potter took fourth in the 500 free (PR 4:38.24) and a season-best 1:41.12 in the 200 free.

Bakersfield Christian was 13th, Stockdale 17th, Centennial 19th and Frontier 20th in the boys team standings.

In the Central Section and Atascadero won the girls title. The meet was held at Mission Oak in Tulare.

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Locally, Highland was the highest scoring boys team, finishing ninth with 88 points, followed by Taft Union 16th with 45 points and Independence, 20th with 33. Other schools with CIF entries include Wasco, East and Ridgeview.

A top boys standout in the Division II meet was Cooper Goling of Taft. The senior won two events, the 200 individual medley and the 500 free, in personal-best times. He went 1:54.69 in the 200 IM and 4:40.67 in the 500 free.

In the girls’ team standings, the highest-scoring team was Taft with 112 points, good for eighth place. Kimber Crabb had third-place finishes in the 50 and 100 free and Rylie Pendergrass won the 1-meter diving competition to account for 20 points. Wasco was 13th (66 points), Independence was 14th (62) and Highland 15th (59). Other teams scoring points included Golden Valley, Ridgeview, East and Mira Monte.

CIF Girls Beach Volleyball

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The Bakersfield Christian High girls beach volleyball team battled to the CIF Central Section Division III championship match, winning quarterfinal and semifinals, before falling 2-1 in the final against No. 1 seed, Arroyo Grande. All matches took place at the Swanson Beach Volleyball Complex on the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo campus.

Coach Matt Touchstone said he was “super proud” of his team against an equally competitive opponent.

“I thought the teams were evenly matched, but we just didn’t have what we needed on that day,” Touchstone said. “The Arroyo Grande girls played well.”

Beach volleyball, which involves two-person teams playing matches simultaneously, saw BCHS’ top team of Megan Hair and Reese Dover complete an undefeated season. They won all three of their matches on Saturday, including the lone win in the title match.

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Courtney Veith and Lyllah Sapp were the Eagles’ No. 2 team and veterans Addison Brock and Taylor Watts comprised the No. 3 team. Both teams had a 2-1 record on Saturday.

The Eagles, who were seeded second, beat No. 10 Paso Robles and No. 3 Santa Ynez, 3-0, to reach the final.

Despite the title loss, BCHS, the only local high school with a beach volleyball team, continues to grow. Touchstone said he had 30 kids out for the sport this year, including talented freshmen. The team will lose seven seniors to graduation.

CIF Track and Field

Four CIF Central Section divisional meets will take place this Friday.

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The Division I meet will be held at Clovis East High. Field events start at 4 p.m., track events at 5 p.m.). Among the local teams competing are Bakersfield, Frontier and Liberty.

The Division II meet will be at Dinuba High, with field events at 3:30 p.m., track events at 4:30. Local entrants are Arvin, Centennial, East, Golden Valley, Highland, Independence, Ridgeview, Shafter, South, Stockdale and West.

Division III’s meet is at Reedley High, with field events at 3 p.m., 4 p.m. for track. The local teams participating here are Chavez, Delano, Del Oro, Foothill, Delano’s Robert F. Kennedy, McFarland, Mira Monte, North, Taft, Tehachapi and Wasco.

The Division IV meet takes place at Caruthers High in Fresno, with field events at 3 p.m., track events at 4 p.m. Bakersfield Christian, Garces, Kern Valley and Wonderful College Prep Academy Delano.

ON THE PROGRAM AT THE CINÉMA DE LA PLAGE

Wednesday, May 14

HARD BOILED by John Woo

1992, 2h 08, Hong Kong

A cop who loses his partner in a shootout with gun smugglers goes on a mission to catch them. In order to get closer to the leaders of the ring, he joins forces with an undercover cop who’s working as a gangster hitman. They use any means necessary to find them… including excessive force.

Why should you (re)watch this film?

Hard Boiled, is one of John Woo’s best thrillers, a pure delight of well choreographed action scenes that is a must-see in this restored version. The violence in this ’90s film reflects what plagued Hong Kong at the time, which makes the film more realistic than its earlier counterparts.

Thursday, May 15

LES MAUVAIS COUPS (NAKED AUTUMN) by François Leterrier

1961, 1h 38, France

Milan and Roberte have been married for ten years. Since Milan has retired from car racing following the death of his best friend, their relationship has started to deteriorate badly. Roberte drowns her sorrows in alcohol, while Milan spends his days hunting in the countryside. The arrival in the village of Hélène, an attractive, young schoolteacher, is going to shatter what remains of their fragile marriage.

Why should you (re)watch this film?

Because Simone Signoret lights up this film in her role as Roberte, as hailed by the Le Monde newspaper when the film was released: “To say that Simone Signoret dominates Les Mauvais Coups (Naked Autumn) and carries the film on her shoulders, would mean nothing. She is its body and its soul.” Her performance is showcased today in a restored version of the film.

Friday, May 16

DUEL IN THE SUN by King Vidor

1946, 2h 25, roadshow, United States

Tragedy seems to follow Pearl Chavez everywhere she goes. After the death of both of her parents, she is sent to live with her aunt, Laura Belle, on a Texas farm. When Pearl takes notice of Laura Belle’s two sons—timid Jesse and fiery Lewt—life on the ranch erupts into chaos…

Why should you (re)watch this film?

Duel in the Sun mixes western, romance and adventure. Despite its chaotic production which took seven directors in succession to complete it, the film remains one of producer David O. Selznick’s successes, seven years after Gone with the Wind.

Saturday, May 17

LA LÉGENDE DE LA PALME D’OR CONTINUE… (THE LEGEND OF THE PALME D’OR CONTINUES…) by Alexis Veller

52 mins, France

In the presence of the director

Ten years after La Légende de la Palme d’or (The Legend of the Palme d’or), Alexis Veller once again captures the intimate and moving testimonies, etched or fleeting memories of the award winners—all these sensitive stories that, together, continue to shape the legend of the Palme d’or. The film gathers the confessions of Claude Lelouch, Bong Joon-ho, Ken Loach, Ruben Östlund, Hirokazu Kore-eda, Costa-Gavras, Nuri Bilge Ceylan and Jerry Schatzberg.

Followed by SUNSET BLVD. by Billy Wilder

1950, 1h 50, United States

Rediscover the intense, captivating and unforgettable Sunset Blvd. featuring Norma Desmond (Gloria Swanson) as an aging silent film queen who convinces Joe Gillis (William Holden), a struggling writer, to help her make her “triumphant return to the big screen”.

Why should you (re)watch this film?

It’s an opportunity to see this masterpiece by Billy Wilder, an expert on the agony of fast-changing Hollywood. In Sunset Blvd., the dream machine evolves into a monster factory, to make the industry thrive when films are released, despite being awarded three Oscars and today restored in 4K.

Sunday, May 18

PALOMBELLA ROSSA (RED WOOD PIGEON) by Nanni Moretti

1989, 1h 28, Italy

Michele is the leader of the Italian communist party and a professional water polo player. Following a car accident, he loses his memory. So, he has to learn about his life again—through an improvised psychoanalytic trip symbolized by the friendships and adversities of a water polo game.

Why should you (re)watch this film?

For the pleasure of seeing Nanni Moretti in front and behind the camera in a very personal film. Through the eyes of Michele, he revisits his militant communist past with humor through the metaphor of a water polo game, which he has been playing for a long time. The director himself supervised the 4K restoration of his work.

Monday, May 19

BARDOT by Alain Berliner

1h 30, France/Belgium

In the presence of the film team

Brigitte Bardot is the first icon of French cinema to achieve worldwide fame. Both a muse, an adored star, and a committed activist, she embodies a free, but sometimes misunderstood woman. Loved too much or loved poorly, she moved through the spotlight before retreating to La Madrague, escaping public scrutiny and scandals. Today, she reflects on the many contrasts of her life: her meteoric rise, her status as an icon, and her sometimes radical statements in her fight for animal rights. A pioneer in her convictions, she redefined the image of women and anticipated ecological battles that remain more relevant than ever today.

Why should you watch this film?

Because hearing Brigitte Bardot speak is rare. The 90-year-old actress has agreed to confide in Alain Berliner for a tell-all documentary, supported by the contributions of celebrities, such as Paul Watson, Claude Lelouch and Naomi Campbell.

Tuesday, May 20

TENSHI NO TAMAGO (ANGEL’S EGG) by Mamoru Oshii

1985, 1h 11, Japan

Set in a post-apocalyptic world, a young girl takes care of a large white egg, which she believes will give birth to an angel. A boy armed with a huge gun gets off a tank in search of a bird that he saw in a dream. Their encounter leads to the start of a friendship threatened by the curiosity of the boy about what the egg contains.

Why should you (re)watch this film?

Because it’s a hypnotic allegory that can amaze more than just fans of Japanese anime. Produced by Mamoru Oshii, creator of Ghost in The Shell, Angel’s Egg is a must-see in a restored version for its 40th anniversary.

Wednesday, May 21

DARLING by John Schlesinger

1965, 2h 08, United Kingdom

Diana Scott is a “spoilt child” who is aware of her beauty. She got married young to an unsophisticated young man, but the marriage turns out to be a failure. She becomes a model, whose career is launched by Robert Gold, a television reporter who leaves his family for her. However, Diana dumps her lover for a handsome businessman, then for an Italian prince. She gradually becomes aware of the fake world in which she lives…

Why should you (re)watch this film?

For the iconic Julie Christie. She not only made an impression with her role as Lara in Doctor Zhivago in 1965, but this “Swinging London” character shone the same year in Darling, which won her an Oscar for best actress.

Thursday, May 22

ANGE by Tony Gatlif

2025, 1h 37, France

Arthur H portrays Ange, a rootless musician who, at 60 years old, feels a vital need to reconnect with his old friend Marco. Solea, his past love’s daughter, who revolts against her era, joins him on this journey. Together, they rediscover the path to joy.

Why should you watch this film?

Because for Tony Gatlif, the Festival de Cannes is not only an opportunity to present a film as a world premiere, but also an invitation to go on a festive, musical journey. Tonight, the screening will be preceded by a live concert featuring the film’s musicians, including Arthur H.

Friday, May 23

SURPRISE FILM

Why should you watch this film?

For a taste of the unexpected!

Saturday, May 24

MÉLODIE EN SOUS-SOL by Henri Verneuil

1963, 1h 58, France/Italy

Charles has just spent five years behind bars. When he gets out, he has trouble finding his house in Sarcelles. The city has completely changed in his absence: modern towers sprout up like mushrooms. Ginette suggests that Charles start up a business in the South, but he only has one idea in mind: breaking into the Palm Beach casino safe in Cannes.

Why should you (re)watch this film?

Because this set brought together the iconic duo of French cinema, Alain Delon and Jean Gabin, who was again reunited by Henri Verneuil six years later for Le Clan des Siciliens (The Sicilian Clan). And because it’s set in Cannes!

Athletics Kenya has announced a date amendment for the highly anticipated 6th AK Track and Field Weekend Meet, originally scheduled for May 16th and 17th, 2025, at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Lang’ata, Nairobi.

The event will now take place earlier, on Thursday, May 15th and Friday, May 16th, at the same venue, due to unavoidable circumstances1.

To facilitate a smooth registration process, bib collection for participating athletes will be conducted on Wednesday, May 14th, at the event venue, with collection running from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Athletics Kenya has encouraged athletes to continue registering for their preferred events using the provided online link.

The meet will feature a comprehensive range of track and field events for both men and women, including sprints (100m, 200m, 400m), middle and long-distance races (800m, 1500m, 5000m), hurdles, and a variety of field disciplines such as discus, hammer, pole vault, high jump, long jump, and javelin1. 

This broad program is expected to attract top local and regional athletes as they seek to sharpen their form ahead of upcoming national and international competitions.

The 6th AK Track and Field Weekend Meet is part of Athletics Kenya’s ongoing efforts to provide regular, high-level competition for athletes across the country.

The event is also seen as a key opportunity for athletes to post qualifying times and distances for major championships later in the season.

Athletics Kenya’s Media and Communications team has assured participants and stakeholders of their commitment to delivering a well-organized event despite the revised schedule. The organization urges all athletes to take note of the new dates and to complete their registration in good time to avoid any last-minute inconveniences1.

With the calendar for Kenyan athletics packed in May, the rescheduled meet is expected to maintain its status as a highlight for both established and emerging talent.

ALSO READ: FKFWPL :Ulinzi Starlets awarded win after Zetech Sparks field Ineligible Player, FKF ruling intensifies title Race

WASHINGTON (May 13, 2025) – Howard University Department of Athletics rolls on with the senior spotlight series, featuring rising junior advertising major Nala James chatting with Romario Simpson (Toronto, Canada) from the men’s soccer team.
 
Q: What inspired you to pursue soccer at the collegiate level?
A: What inspired me to play soccer at the collegiate level was the opportunity to go to college because I am a first-generation college graduate—my parents did not attend college. I was also aiming to go pro and playing at the collegiate level was the best route to achieve my goal. My high school club, Vaughn Soccer Club, produced several players who went the NCAA Division I route and played pro, so I am following in their footsteps.
 
Plus, getting a full scholarship pushed me to further my education and take the leap to come to the states to play soccer.
 
Q: How did you get started in soccer?
A: I started playing soccer at around 11 years old when my mom moved us to a different area in Toronto. I was originally living in North York, near the soccer field, and I would always be there with my mom looking for me. One day, while playing, a team let me train with them and after the session, they contacted my mom saying I needed to be on a team and take it seriously. Since then, I kept playing and eventually moved up to the academy levels.
 
Q: What kept you motivated throughout your journey?
A: The thing that kept me motivated throughout my journey was seeing the benefits of playing soccer because the sport kept me out of a lot of trouble growing up, especially in high school, and it was my outlet. I fell in love with playing and watching the game.
 
Health-wise, it was a great source of physical activity and I loved the fun it brought me. Also, seeing it take me places, like going on trial in Italy when I was a kid, made me want to keep pushing to see how far it could take me.
 
Q: Do you have a favorite soccer player to watch and what qualities do you admire in them?
A: It is hard to pick just one player, but I would say FC Bayern Munich (German Professional Sports Team). I used to watch them on GoTV because that was the only station I had for soccer and players like Arjen Robben (former Dutch Professional Footballer) and David Alaba (Austrian Professional Footballer) are ones I admire. They have great skill and a strong commitment to the game.
 
Q: Reflecting on your time at Howard University, what has been the most rewarding aspect of being a student-athlete?
A: The people I have met is most rewarding, for sure, because the athletics department and my team really felt like a family. Howard excels at building a sense of community and making sure that you are part of it and you are represented in the best possible way. The support from the alumni and the school helped me balance both, athletics and academics.
 
Q: Who or what will you miss the most about being part of the athletic community here?
A: I will miss the discipline and routine. Even though, we sometimes took it for granted, waking up early for training and running became a big part of my life.
 
Also, I will miss being around my team like traveling, eating together, laughing and joking with my coaches. The journey of the season and the relationships are the biggest takeaway, not just the results.
 
Q: How has Howard’s culture and community shaped your experience as a student-athlete?
A: The support from others is something I definitely got here that I did not get at my old school as a transfer. The Caribbean support is especially strong. It is amazing having so many alumni come to our games and seeing how our friends and family support us.
 
Q: Is there anyone you would like to give a shout-out to for their support on your soccer journey?
A: First and foremost, shout out to God. Without Him, nothing would be possible.
 
Also, a big thank you to my mother—without her, nothing would be possible for me.
 
Lastly, shout out to my youth coach Shondell Busby and Coach JG and Coach Alex.
 
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: My main goal is to help people. I am currently doing my master’s in finance and I want to become a financial advisor and focus on wealth management for marginalized communities. I also want to create financial literacy courses and coaching programs and still be involved in soccer by coaching.
 
Q: What advice would you give to anyone coming in as a student-athlete at Howard?
A: Definitely enjoy every moment because time flies by quickly. My previous coach warned me that these four years would pass in the blink of an eye. Even when you are injured or not playing, enjoy every moment with your teammates because before you know it, you will be graduating and life will start moving faster.
 
About Simpson

• Personal:
  

  • Hometown: Toronto, Canada
  • Education: B.A. in Communications at Purdue Fort Wayne

 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.

McNary’s boys volleyball team got what it had been seeking all season – its first win.

The Celts defeated Cascade High School in a tough match on Tuesday, May 6.

“It was a gripping, edge-of-your seat match the entire time,” reported Coach Kinley Hickok. “Both teams fought hard and competitively.”

McNary won in five sets 23-25, 25-19, 16-25, 25-17, 15-9.

Junior Juan Anthony Medina had 18 kills and what Hickok described as “a staggering 33 digs.”

Senior Anthony Rosales had 24 digs and junior Lucian Bader had three solo blocks and one block assist.

The team had 10 acres, including four from senior Jayson Ball.

“This was a well-earned win, after weeks of losses and pushing ourselves to correct the issues getting in our way,” Hickok said. “This team has been finding their footing not only in their volleyball skills, but also in their ‘glue’ as a team.”

Others on the team include Tullimwar Casio, Jativo Engichy, Anthony Lopez Macias, Liam Koenig, Elija Aneo, Jacob Gruendfeldt, Jarod Johnmark, R. Joe Ruhr, Vibol Neang and Daniel Marines.

The Celts lost to West Salem 3-0 on Thursday, May 6. They close out regular season play this week against Silverton on Tuesday, May 13, and South Salem on Thursday, May 15.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

Celt players building skills in boys volleyball venture

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