College Sports

Fisk to discontinue history-making gymnastics program after 2026 | Area colleges

Fisk University — which started the first Historically Black College and University women’s gymnastics program in 2023 — will discontinue that program at the end of the 2025-26 academic year. Fisk’s final season of gymnastics competition will be in the Spring of 2026. The school said the decision came after a comprehensive review of the […]

Published

1 week ago

June 9, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Fisk University — which started the first Historically Black College and University women’s gymnastics program in 2023 — will discontinue that program at the end of the 2025-26 academic year.

Fisk’s final season of gymnastics competition will be in the Spring of 2026.

The school said the decision came after a comprehensive review of the gymnastics program and its alignment with Fisk’s conference, the HBCU Athletic Conference. Gymnastics is not currently an HBCUAC-sanctioned sport, making it challenging for the school to schedule competitions and build a strong recruiting pipeline.

“While we are tremendously proud of the history our gymnastics team has made in just three years, we look forward to focusing on our conference-affiliated teams to strengthen our impact in the HBCU Athletic Conference,” Fisk Athletic Director Valencia Jordan said in a release. “Fisk is grateful for the hard work, dedication and tenacity of its gymnasts, staff members, and coaches who made this program possible.”

It’s unclear whether recent financial instability at the school played a role in the decision regarding gymnastics.

Fisk last summer said it would face a deficit of more than $3 million unless Nashville leaders approved its request to repurpose pandemic relief funds, per The Tennessean. Metro Council ultimately approved a redirection of about $8.5 million in federal relief grant funds for the school.

Gymnastics is not a revenue-producing sport on the college level.

Just two months ago, four Fisk gymnasts — Morgan Price, Allie Berkley, Aliyah Reed-Hammon and Ciniah Rosby — were named first-team All-Americans at the Women’s Collegiate Gymnastics National Invitation Championship in Shreveport, La., while teammates Kaylei McDonald, Liberty Mora and Jade Reese earned second-team honors.

Price won the 2025 all-round title at the eight-school competition, finishing with a score of 39.25. She finished first in all four disciplines as well, posting a 9.825 score in the vault, a 9.8625 on the balance beam, a 9.85 on the uneven bars and a 9.9 on floor exercise.

A year earlier, Price had become the first HBCU gymnast to win the all-around title.

The first HBCU gymnast to score a perfect 10 in competition, Price announced her decision to transfer to Arkansas last month. A three-time All-American at Fisk, Price will join older sister Frankie with the Razorbacks.

In addition to the seven Fisk gymnasts earning All-American honors in 2025, the team posted 11 victories and produced a streak of six consecutive wins.

But the season was also marked by the sudden departure in February (read here) of former coach Corrinne Tarver, who had been hired in 2022 to start the program in 2023.

Neither the school nor Tarver listed a specific reason why she left.

Assistant coach Nuriya Mack was named interim head coach.

Link

College Sports

Whitis leaves lasting legacy at Shelby, signs with Georgetown College

Whether it was breaking records on the pitch or qualifying for state in tennis after just one season, Shelby County senior Cam Whitis made the most of his high school athletic career. Now, he’s ready for his next chapter — signing to play collegiate soccer at Georgetown College. After visiting multiple schools, Whitis said the […]

Published

1 hour ago

June 19, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Whitis leaves lasting legacy at Shelby, signs with Georgetown College

After visiting multiple schools, Whitis said the decision to commit to Georgetown came down to two things: a sense of community and a unique academic opportunity.

“I enjoyed the small, community feel of the school but also the competitive atmosphere of the athletics,” Whitis said. “Their engineering program also adds a one-of-a-kind option where I can earn degrees from both UK and Georgetown.”

Whitis leaves behind a lasting legacy at Shelby County, including setting the single-season goal scoring record and finding the net in the district championship — a moment he says he’ll never forget.

“My journey at SCHS was incredible and emotional,” he said. “All four years helped shape me as a player and person. Scoring in that district championship game — that’s a memory that gives me chills every time I think about it.”

Shelby County head soccer coach Taylor Shaver said Whitis’ impact on the program went far beyond goals.

“Every year, we lose amazing student-athletes. Unfortunately, this year, we lose some crucial pieces, including Cam,” Shaver said. “However, all of them, especially Cam, have continued this program’s trajectory in the right direction. I’m excited for Cam’s growth on and off the field. He’ll play at the next level and has a bright future ahead of him.”

“We always had a chance to win with Cam on the field,” Shaver added. “His work ethic, accountability, and drive pushed everyone to play with his same purpose.”

Whitis’ success wasn’t limited to the soccer field. In his senior year, he picked up a tennis racket for the first time — and ended up making a surprise run to the state tournament in doubles.

“My friends talked me into trying it,” he said. “I didn’t really know how to play at all, but having a partner like Porter Jesse who understood the game helped me learn quickly. A little natural athleticism and a favorable region draw definitely helped too.”

Representing his school in two varsity sports was a challenge Whitis embraced. He said the experience taught him not just how to compete — but how to grow.

“I had to learn to persevere through struggles of all types,” he said. “Soccer taught me how to be part of a team, and tennis taught me how to rely on myself.”

As he prepares for the college level, Whitis said he’s most confident in his ability to strike the ball and read the game. This summer, he’s focused on improving physically and adding more defensive versatility to his skill set.

“There’s always room to grow, and I’m trying to round out my game,” he said.

Whitis credits his success to the people around him — family, coaches, and friends who always believed in him.

“My family has always picked me up after bad games and celebrated the good ones,” he said. “Coach Shaver and Coach Mario constantly encouraged me to get better. And my friends were always there to support me and remind me what it’s like to be part of something bigger.”

When reflecting on his time at Shelby County, Whitis said he hopes to be remembered for more than just his athletic milestones.

“I want to be remembered for how I treated people,” he said. “I want every player I interacted with to think back and see me as a positive figure. I hope my legacy leaves a bright spot on Robert Doyle Stadium for years to come.”

His advice for younger athletes? Soak it all in — the good and the bad — and don’t forget about the classroom.

“Cherish the wins, cherish the losses, and learn from all of it,” Whitis said. “And keep your GPA up. Academic scholarships can be the key when athletic ones aren’t an option. Take it all seriously — but don’t forget to enjoy the ride.”

College Sports

Frank Holbrook Named Head Coach of Brown University Baseball

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — After more than a decade of success as both a collegiate head and assistant coach, Rhode Island native Frank Holbrook has been named the Brown Baseball Head Coaching Chair. Holbrook is the 18th head coach in program history. “We are thrilled to welcome Frank to College Hill. He has demonstrated a consistent […]

Published

3 hours ago

June 19, 2025

Your Sports Nation

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — After more than a decade of success as both a collegiate head and assistant coach, Rhode Island native Frank Holbrook has been named the Brown Baseball Head Coaching Chair. Holbrook is the 18th head coach in program history.

“We are thrilled to welcome Frank to College Hill. He has demonstrated a consistent ability to build winning programs, while developing student-athletes both on and off the field,” M. Grace Calhoun, Samuel M. Mencoff ’78 Vice President for Athletics and Recreation, said. “He’s a Rhode Island native who understands and values Brown, and we’re excited for his leadership of the next chapter of Brown Baseball.”

Holbrook most recently spent two years as an assistant coach at Northeastern, including this past record-setting season. He previously spent five seasons as the head coach at Rhode Island College, five years as an assistant coach at Wheaton College, and also led the Newport Gulls of the NECBL for two years, capturing the 2023 league title.

“I couldn’t be more excited to lead the baseball program at Brown University,” Holbrook said. “I would like to thank Dr. Calhoun, Jake Silverman, Colleen Kelly and Kelvin Queliz for entrusting me with this tremendous opportunity. Brown Athletics has a proven track record of success in the Ivy League and on the national stage. Brown Baseball will be built on a culture of competitiveness, accountability, and teamwork – on and off the field. It is a privilege to represent such a world-class institution, and I look forward to making the entire Brown community proud.”

Holbrook spent the 2024 and 2025 seasons as an assistant coach at Northeastern, serving as the hitting coach and working with the outfielders. In 2025, he helped lead the Huskies to a 49-11 overall record, including a Division I-leading 45 wins in the regular season, a 27-game winning streak, and the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) regular season and conference tournament titles. The Huskies finished the regular season ranked No. 19 in the nation in the D1Baseball.com Poll, No. 22 nationally in RPI, and earned the No. 2 seed in the Tallahassee Regional. Holbrook also coached outfielder Harrison Feinberg to CAA Player of the Year honors. This followed a 2024 season where Northeastern set seven new program records as an offense.

Holbrook gained his first head coaching experience at Rhode Island College, leading RIC for five seasons from 2019-2023 and guiding the Anchormen to a 115-51-1 record. In 2023, Holbrook was named the Little East Coach of the Year after winning the most games in school history (30-13) and securing the program’s first Little East regular season championship (15-1 record). During his tenure, several single-season and program records were reset, highlighted by the 10th-round selection of Andrew Sears in the 2023 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft.

During the summers of 2022 and 2023, Holbrook also served as the head coach for the Newport Gulls of the New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL), overseeing a roster that featured 20 players who went on to be selected in the MLB Draft. He led the Gulls to Coastal Division regular season titles in both seasons, as well as the NECBL title in 2023 when he was named the NECBL Coach of the Year and was selected to manage the East Division team in the league’s all-star game. Two of his players from that championship squad included Brown Baseball alums Jacob Burley ’23 and Santhosh Gottam ’25.

From 2014 to 2018, Holbrook served as the Recruiting Coordinator and Assistant Coach at his alma mater, Wheaton College. In 2016, Wheaton won the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC), earning the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA New England Regional. In 2017, they advanced to the College World Series and finished the season ranked No. 12 nationally.

Holbrook earned his bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Wheaton in 2013. As a pitcher, he helped lead Wheaton to four straight NEWMAC championship titles, and four NCAA Division III Tournaments, including a runner-up finish at the 2012 DIII College World Series. Individually, he was a three-time First Team All-NEWMAC and Second Team All-New England honoree. He earned Wheaton’s 2013 Chad Yowell Award as the school’s Male Athlete of the Year. At the time of his graduation, he ranked first in program history in single season wins (10), and second all-time in single season innings pitched (84.2), single season ERA (1.38) and career wins (26). He also sat second all-time with a 2.32 career ERA.

A native of Middletown, R.I., Holbrook graduated from the Portsmouth Abbey School in 2008 where he was a three-sport athlete in football, hockey, and baseball. He was named all-state by the Providence Journal in baseball during his senior year.

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT FRANK HOLBROOK

Mike Glavine – Head Coach – Northeastern

“Frank is an outstanding coach with a tremendous work ethic. He has tremendous leadership skills and knowledge of the game. We would not have had the success we had this season without Coach Holbrook’s guidance and dedication. Brown has hit a home run with this hire!”

Jim Penders – Head Coach – UConn

“Frank has proven himself to be a winner at every level. He’s a loyal and diligent program builder. Brown is in great hands with him at the helm. I’m happy he’s back at home in the Ocean State and look forward to seeing him win Ivy League titles in Providence.”

Matt Hyde – Scout – New York Yankees

“Rhode Island native Frank Holbrook is the consummate winner, and he has the championship rings to prove it. He’s been around successful programs his whole life, and he’s helped mentor great players from all over the country. He’s overseen the development of young men from raw tools with potential to being Major League prospects. Frank’s steady, consistent, poised demeanor makes him an easy coach to play for, an immediate difference maker for Brown Baseball in the Ivy League. Players who love to work, love to compete, love to play the game to win, and hold themselves to high standards, will embrace playing for Frank Holbrook and the Brown Baseball program!”

BROWN UNIVERSITY SPORTS FOUNDATION

The Brown University Sports Foundation (BUSF) is the backbone of our athletics program, playing a crucial role in enhancing the student-athlete experience. This is possible through philanthropic support from our alumni, parents, fans, and friends. Your gift through the Sports Foundation can immediately impact today’s Brown Bears, helping them excel in the classroom, in competition, and, most importantly, in the community. Please click here to learn more about how you can support the Bears.

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL

For the latest on Brown Athletics, please follow @BrownU_Bears on X and @BrownU_Bears on Instagram. Like BrownUBears on Facebook and subscribe to the BrownAthletics YouTube channel.

Link

College Sports

Last time a Canadian team won the Stanley Cup? Oilers fall two wins short of ending drought with Game 6 loss

Getty Images Hockey fans in Canada have exhibited quite a bit of patience waiting for the Stanley Cup to make its return north of the border. But following the Edmonton Oilers’ Game 6 loss to the Florida Panthers, those fans will have to wait at least one more year. On June 9, 1993, the Montreal […]

Published

4 hours ago

June 19, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Getty Images

Hockey fans in Canada have exhibited quite a bit of patience waiting for the Stanley Cup to make its return north of the border. But following the Edmonton Oilers’ Game 6 loss to the Florida Panthers, those fans will have to wait at least one more year.

On June 9, 1993, the Montreal Canadiens passed around the Stanley Cup after beating the Los Angeles Kings in five games. Jurassic Park was mauling its competition at the box office. Roseanne and Home Improvement were on just about every TV in America. Janet Jackson’s “That’s the Way Love Goes” was topping the billboard charts.

Since then, the Stanley Cup has now taken up residence in the United States for 32 straight years following the Panthers’ latest championship. Edmonton looked poised to end the drought on a couple different occasions. It took a 1-0 series lead in the Final, and it got to play a pivotal Game 5 at home with the series tied at 2-2. Still, for the second year in a row, the Oilers fell just shy of hockey’s ultimate prize.

Edmonton had the chance to force a decisive Game 7 at home if it could win Game 6, but Florida never allowed that possibility to creep into anyone’s mind. Sam Reinhart opened the scoring with a brilliant goal in the first period, and the Panthers rolled the rest of the way. Reinhart wound up scoring four goals as the Cats closed out the Oilers with ease, 5-1.

Now, Canadian fan bases have to wait at least another year for the Cup to make its triumphant return. As long as Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are in the mix, the Oilers will be in contention for another deep postseason run. Throw in the Toronto Maple Leafs and upstart teams like the Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators, and Canada has some hope that the drought will end in 2026.

Until then, here is each Canadian team’s Stanley Cup drought.

Stanley Cup wins: 13
Years won: 1967, 1964, 1963, 1962, 1951, 1949, 1948, 1947, 1945, 1942, 1932, 1922, 1918

Stanley Cup wins: 0
Years won: N/A

Stanley Cup wins: 1
Years won: 1989

Edmonton Oilers | 35 years

Stanley Cup wins: 5
Years won: 1990, 1988, 1987, 1985, 1984

Ottawa Senators | 33 years

Stanley Cup wins: 0
Years won: N/A

Montreal Canadiens | 32 years

Stanley Cup wins: 23
Years won: 1993, 1986, 1979, 1978, 1977, 1976, 1973, 1971, 1969, 1968, 1966, 1965, 1960, 1959, 1958, 1957, 1956, 1953, 1946, 1944, 1931, 1930, 1924, 1926

Winnipeg Jets | 14 years

Stanley Cup wins: 0
Years won: N/A

Link

College Sports

Louisville man returns to ice hockey after Alzheimer’s diagnosis

When Alzheimer’s began to steal Bruce Niemi’s world, old friends and a pair of skates brought something remarkable back to him. LOUISVILLE, Ky. — It’s a story about memory, friendship, and the ice that never quite let go. Bruce Niemi spent most of his life chasing pucks and carving turns on frozen ponds. From his […]

Published

4 hours ago

June 19, 2025

Your Sports Nation

When Alzheimer’s began to steal Bruce Niemi’s world, old friends and a pair of skates brought something remarkable back to him.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — It’s a story about memory, friendship, and the ice that never quite let go.

Bruce Niemi spent most of his life chasing pucks and carving turns on frozen ponds. From his childhood in Michigan to playing for the Louisville Blades travel team in the 1970’s, hockey wasn’t just a hobby; it was part of who he was.

But a few years ago, that part of Bruce began to fade. Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, the disease slowly chipped away at his memory.

“I can say, ‘hand me that fork,’ and he doesn’t know what I mean,” his wife, Rhonda Niemi said. “Or, ‘Can you take out the trash?’ and he doesn’t understand.”

As Bruce’s world grew smaller, longtime friend, Steve Eckerson and former ice rink rival Rick Burns, wondered if something from his past might still be waiting for him.

A Simple Idea, a Powerful Return

Just a few months ago, Rick and Steve had a simple but uncertain idea: Get Bruce back on the ice.

“We weren’t sure if he could take a step out there,” Rick admitted. “Would he fall? Crash into the boards?”

Rhonda was nervous, too, “well, more than a little,” she confessed. But what happened next defied expectation. Bruce stepped onto the ice, found his balance and began to glide.

A Moment of Clarity

“Rick and Steve were by his side,” Rhonda recalled. “Then Bruce just… took off, gliding away, maneuvering the hockey stick like he was playing 10 years ago. I went, ‘Oh my gosh.’”

For a few precious minutes, Bruce was not a patient. He was a player. He and Rhonda have come to the ice rink at Iceland Sports Complex every Tuesday since.

“Feeling the ice under your blades, hearing the sounds, taking in the aroma of the rink — it all comes back,” Steve said. “It’s muscle memory, but it’s more than that. There’s something about hockey.”

The Power of the Game

To those who love the sport, it’s more than just a game. It’s a bond, a brotherhood, and, in Bruce’s case, a lifeline.

“Compared to what Bruce used to be, it’s just a sliver,” Steve said. “But he’s out there catching passes, putting heat on his passes. It was amazing to see.”

Rhonda saw something deeper.

“The joy, the energy, he doesn’t have that anymore. Except here. This is the only thing that brings him a real smile,” she said.

Even after the skates come off, the effects linger.

“After a session like this, his mood elevates for the day,” Rick said.

It’s a small window, but inside it is something powerful: connection, joy, and the echoes of a game that still knows his name.

A Full Circle Moment

It’s been decades since Bruce, Rick, and Steve first shared the ice. Now, in their later years, they’re sharing something even more profound.

“Back in 1977? That’s cool that after all these years, it’s come back,” said Rhonda. “Quite a circle.”

As Bruce stepped off the ice, Rhonda’s at his side.

“Four goals, Bruce. That was awesome!” she smiled.
“I’m finished,” Bruce replied.
“I bet you are,” she said.

And in that moment, it was clear: while memories may fade, some moments are strong enough to bring them back, if only for a little while.

Have a story of hope or resilience to share? Contact Brooke Hasch at bhasch@whas11.com.

Link

College Sports

In new NIL era, West Virginia launches Blue & Gold Enterprises | West Virginia University Sports

State AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWashington D.C.West VirginiaWisconsinWyomingPuerto RicoUS Virgin IslandsArmed Forces AmericasArmed Forces PacificArmed Forces EuropeNorthern Mariana IslandsMarshall IslandsAmerican SamoaFederated States of MicronesiaGuamPalauAlberta, CanadaBritish Columbia, CanadaManitoba, CanadaNew Brunswick, CanadaNewfoundland, CanadaNova Scotia, CanadaNorthwest Territories, CanadaNunavut, CanadaOntario, CanadaPrince Edward Island, CanadaQuebec, CanadaSaskatchewan, CanadaYukon Territory, Canada Zip Code Country United States of […]

Published

5 hours ago

June 19, 2025

Your Sports Nation

State

Zip Code

Country

Link

College Sports

Sacramento State to join Big West in 2026 in all sports except football

Associated Press Sacramento State will join the Big West conference as a full member starting with the 2026-27 academic year. Sacramento State informed the Big Sky on Wednesday that it will leave the conference after this year and the Big West announced that the school will become the 12th school in the conference. “The Big […]

Published

5 hours ago

June 19, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Associated Press

Sacramento State will join the Big West conference as a full member starting with the 2026-27 academic year.

Sacramento State informed the Big Sky on Wednesday that it will leave the conference after this year and the Big West announced that the school will become the 12th school in the conference.

“The Big West membership and conference staff are excited to welcome Sacramento State to The Big West,” commissioner Dan Butterly said in a statement. “In addition to strengthening The Big West competitively and expanding our geographic footprint, Sacramento State is a staunch advocate for excellence in academics, athletics and service within their community. The new look Big West promises to bring a new level of competition and friendly rivalry for student-athletes and fans alike.”

The Big West doesn’t sponsor football so Sacramento State’s program will be an independent in that sport. The Hornets are trying to move up from FCS level to FBS as an independent and are awaiting a ruling next week from the NCAA Division I Council.

The FBS Oversight Committee recommended against the move earlier this week, citing the “paramount importance” of having an invitation to join an FBS conference. The NCAA had previously granted a waiver to Liberty in 2017 to move to FBS as an independent but said the circumstances have changed since then.

The Flames were an independent in football from 2018-22 before joining Conference USA.

“Although a waiver of the bona fide invitation requirement was granted in 2017, that decision was made in a different era, under a different set of facts and rules …,” the committee recommended, according to public meeting minutes. “Due to the significance of the bona fide invitation from an FBS conference requirement and the lack of compelling mitigation explaining why that requirement, one that several other FCS institutions have met in recent years, has not been met, the committee does not support relief.”

Sacramento State said the school will consider all conference options for football if the council votes against its application.

Sacramento State had been an affiliate member of the Big West in various sports in the past but now will have 16 teams competing in the Big West starting in 2026-27.

“We are thrilled to become a full member of The Big West and are grateful for the invitation,” athletic director Mark Orr said. “Sacramento State strives to provide our student-athletes the opportunity to be in the best position to be nationally competitive, and The Big West for decades has been a conference that has enjoyed national success in several sports. We are eager to compete for championships, enhance existing rivalries, and develop new relationships with our peer conference members.”

The Hornets will officially join The Big West on July 1, 2026, joining a lineup that includes California Baptist, Cal Poly, Cal State Bakersfield, Cal State Fullerton, Long Beach State, CSUN, UC Irvine, UC Riverside, UC San Diego, UC Santa Barbara, and Utah Valley.

The Big West has no current plans to expand beyond 12-member institutions.

The Hornets have made a big investment in the men’s basketball program recently, hiring former NBA star Mike Bibby as head coach and Shaquille O’Neal as a voluntary GM for the program.

Sacramento State went 7-25 last season under interim coach Michael Czepil, who was promoted last spring after David Patrick left to take a job as associate head coach at LSU.

The Hornets had gone 28-42 in two seasons under Patrick and the program has never made an NCAA Tournament since moving up to Division I in 1991-92. The Hornets have had a winning record only twice since then, going 16-14 in 2019-20 and 21-12 in 2014-15.

___

AP sports: https://apnews.com/hub/sports

Link