CLEVELAND, OH – Rowan University Athletics earned a 17th-place finish in the final 2024-25 LEARFIELD Division III Directors’ Cup standings, which recognizes the overall excellence of the athletics program. It marks the highest finish for the Profs since 1998-99 when the program garnered a fifth-place finish, and a 17th-place finish in 2005-06.
 
Throughout the course of the year, Directors’ Cup points are awarded based on a school’s finish in up to 18 sports in the NCAA Championships.
 

Rowan, which had representation in 13 NCAA Championships by either full teams or individuals, saw the baseball, men’s indoor track & field and men’s outdoor track & field teams register third-place national finishes, with softball finishing fifth.
 
Rowan totaled 708.0 points in the Directors’ Cup standings for NCAA Division III and was the top-finishing program in the NJAC. The Profs recently captured their fifth consecutive NJAC Cup, which signifies success for an institution’s athletic program during the year of conference competition.
 
Rowan’s 2024-25 NCAA Team Finishes

Men’s Outdoor Track & Field – 3rd (NCAA Championship)

Men’s Indoor Track & Field – 3rd (NCAA Championship)
Baseball – 3rd (NCAA World Series)
Softball – 5th (NCAA World Series)
Women’s Lacrosse – 9th (NCAA Third Round)
Field Hockey –  9th (NCAA Second Round)
Women’s Swimming –19th (NCAA Championship)
Men’s Swimming – 28th (NCAA Championship)
Women’s Cross Country – 32nd (NCAA Championship)
Men’s Cross Country – 33rd (NCAA Championship)
Women’s Soccer – 33rd (NCAA First Round)
Men’s Soccer – 33rd (NCAA First Round)

Women’s Outdoor Track & Field – 38th (NCAA Championship)
 
Emory was the overall LEARFIELD Directors’ Cup champion with 1198.75 total points with last year’s champion Johns Hopkins finishing second (1147.0 points) and Tufts placing third (1069.00).
 
The LEARFIELD Directors’ Cup was developed as a joint effort between the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) and USA Today.  Directors’ Cup points accumulated can vary by sport based on the size of a team bracket or the number of teams that score points at a particular NCAA Championship.

Rowan All-Time in the LEARFIELD Directors’ Cup

1995-96         5th place                                 

1996-97         9th                            

1998-99         5th

(standings from 2000-02 N/A)

2003-04         53rd                         

2004-05         29th                          

2005-06         19th                            

2006-07         74th                            

2007-08         61st                              

2008-09         53rd                             

2009-10         68th                            

2010-11         63rd                            

2011-12         26th                            

2012-13         39th                             

2013-14         65th                             

2014-15         98th                            

2015-16         33rd                            

2016-17         43rd                           

2017-18         21st                            

2018-19         30th                            

2019-20         No standings due to Covid-19

2020-21         No standings due to Covid-19

2021-22         29th

2022-23         21st

2023-24         21st

 

 

Only one of the eight qualification spots is still to be booked after a thrilling penultimate day at the men’s qualifiers for the 2026 European Water Polo Championships. So far, there has been no changing of the guard, as the advancing teams are all set to return to the grand stage, while the challengers were unable to bring any of them down.

European Water Polo Championships
Men’s Qualifications, Day 3
Tuesday 10 June 2025

Group A (Kranj)

Great Britain 11-9 Poland
Netherlands 35-4 Czechia
Slovenia 16-6 Great Britain
Netherlands 29-3 Poland

Group B (Istanbul)

Finland 5-30 Germany
Sweden 7-30 Türkiye

Group C (Tbilisi)

Israel 16-9 Bulgaria
Georgia 29-5 Switzerland

Group D (Gzira)

Ukraine 10-24 France
Portugal 13-17 Malta

In Group A, Great Britain claimed a heroic win over Poland in the morning to set up a do-or-die clash against hosts Slovenia in the evening. The young Brits came back from 1-5 down, as James Blenkinship stepped up and scored three in the fourth period, after 8-8, to secure a memorable 11-9 victory.

However, playing twice on the same day is challenging, even for the pros sometimes, so it was no wonder the up-and-coming Brits couldn’t carry on their great run in the evening when they faced off with Slovenia.

The hosts would have been the favourites anyway, but taking on an inexperienced rival who had to play their second match of the day made it even easier. It was all over by half-time, as the Slovenians stormed to an 8-2 lead and never looked back to secure another appearance at the Europeans with a powerful 16-6 victory.

The strongest team in Kranj, the Netherlands, passed their double test with ease, netting 64 goals in total against Czechia (35-4) and Poland (29-3) to qualify as expected.

In Group B, Slovakia have already reached safe waters and need just a win against Finland on Wednesday to finish top. This group is the only one where the second spot is yet to be decided.

Hosts Türkiye and Germany warmed up for their final day showdown by each hitting 30 goals against their respective Nordic opponents – the Türks thrashed Sweden 7-30, while the Germans blew away the Finns 5-30.

Elsewhere, neither Georgia, nor Israel had any hardships in Tbilisi, as they both added three more points from their matches to advance from Group C.

Georgia downed the Swiss 29-5, while Israel finished the job by half-time against Bulgaria, leading 8-1, and maintained that seven-goal gap until the end (16-9).

Something similar happened in Gzira, where France and Malta clinched the necessary wins to go through. France cruised to a 10-24 victory against Ukraine, while the hosts jumped to a 3-10 lead against Portugal in the first half, and their rivals could never get any closer than four during the rest of the match, as Malta triumphed 13-17.

In these two groups, the first place will be at stake on the closing day.

Watch all the action live on www.euroaquaticstv.com and stay up-to-date with all the results/tables by clicking here.

Gergely Csurka for European Aquatics

Warner Bros. Discovery has announced a sweeping strategic transformation that will see the company split into two publicly traded entities in a tax-free transaction, designed to unlock greater value and operational focus. The two new companies—Streaming & Studios and Global Networks—will each pursue distinct growth paths tailored to their strengths and market opportunities.

The Streaming & Studios division will encompass Warner Bros. Television, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, DC Studios, HBO, and HBO Max, along with a vast film and television library, Warner Bros. Games, and global studio operations in Burbank and Leavesden. This business will be helmed by current Warner Bros. Discovery President and CEO David Zaslav, who will maintain his position while leading the newly formed unit. Streaming & Studios is expected to continue scaling HBO Max, already operating in 77 markets with expansion planned for 2026, and will build on HBO’s acclaimed programming to drive growth. The company aims to reach a target of $3bn in annual adjusted EBITDA.

Global Networks, which will be led by current CFO Gunnar Wiedenfels, will include a formidable portfolio of television and digital brands such as CNN, TNT Sports, Discovery, and the Discovery+ streaming platform, alongside free-to-air channels across Europe and the digital sports outlet Bleacher Report. With operations spanning 200 countries and reaching over a billion unique viewers in 68 languages, the Global Networks entity will continue to capitalise on its strength in live TV, high-margin operations and robust free cash flow. It will focus on expanding internationally, enhancing live news and sports content, and growing digital properties.

The separation aims to create two more agile and focused companies, each equipped to pursue tailored strategies, optimise capital allocation, and attract shareholders aligned with their distinct financial profiles and growth trajectories. Warner Bros. Discovery emphasised that both businesses would be supported by strong financial structures. As part of this process, the company has launched tender offers and consent solicitations to optimize its debt portfolio, backed by a $17.5bn bridge facility from JP Morgan, which is expected to be refinanced before the split.

Following the separation, Global Networks will retain up to a 20% stake in Streaming & Studios, which it plans to monetize in a tax-efficient way to further reduce debt. The two companies will also enter into transition service and commercial agreements to ensure a smooth operational handover and maintain efficiency.

The transaction is expected to close by mid-2026, pending final approval from Warner Bros. Discovery’s board, favorable market conditions, and regulatory approvals, including a tax ruling from the IRS. Financial advisory for the transaction is being provided by JP Morgan and Evercore, with legal counsel from Kirkland & Ellis LLP.

Zaslav said: “The cultural significance of this great company and the impactful stories it has brought to life for more than a century have touched countless people all over the world. It’s a treasured legacy we will proudly continue in this next chapter of our celebrated history. By operating as two distinct and optimized companies in the future, we are empowering these iconic brands with the sharper focus and strategic flexibility they need to compete most effectively in today’s evolving media landscape.”

Wiedenfels added: “This separation will invigorate each company by enabling them to leverage their strengths and specific financial profiles. This will also allow each company to pursue important investment opportunities and drive shareholder value. At Global Networks, we will focus on further identifying innovative ways to work with distribution partners to create value for both linear and streaming viewers globally while maximizing our network assets and driving free cash flow.”

Samuel A. Di Piazza, Jr., Chair of the Warner Bros. Discovery Board of Directors, commented: “We committed to shareholders to identify the best strategy to realize the full value of our exciting portfolio of assets, and the Board believes this transaction is a great outcome for WBD shareholders. This announcement reflects the Board’s ongoing efforts to evaluate and pursue opportunities that enhance shareholder value.”

American athletics did not always recognize sports medicine, as few understood what it was. However, when conversations grew louder about a rise in sports injuries, Randi R. Baptiste, DPodM, presented a solution.

A Question That Sparked Change

Baptiste didn’t see a problem with coaching; instead, he saw a problem with education. “Why is that?” he asked after hearing numerous accounts of kids getting injured playing sports. The question arose during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 when Baptiste visited with various groups. He grew concerned that coaches did not understand how to protect their athletes from injury. This sparked an interest in helping coaches get better at their jobs. “I am not trying to take over,” he says. “I’m just a safety coach. That’s my only concern.”

Five years into his role as chief executive officer of Central Valley Academy of Sports Science, Baptiste leads a growing movement in which sports medicine and biomechanics are integrated into everyday training environments. Based in California’s Central Valley, his nonprofit model provides access to sports science for youth teams, coaches, and students.

A Practical Solution for a National Problem

The Central Valley Academy of Sports Science exists solely to prevent injuries before they happen. With a background in podiatric medicine and sports therapy, Baptiste noticed a consistent pattern. Young athletes were overtrained, improperly conditioned and left vulnerable. The root cause of this situation was the coaches’ lack of formal training in biomechanics and physiology.

Baptiste addressed this issue by creating a sports medicine program. In collaboration with the National Holistic Institute, he developed a hands-on environment where students could observe or assist during academy events. This arrangement gave aspiring professionals real-world exposure and introduced athletic communities to sports medicine.

A Commitment to Athlete Wellness

Baptiste was born and raised in Hackney, a low-income neighborhood in London. However, he overcame challenges to achieve success. In 1987, he earned a bachelor’s degree in sports and exercise from the University of Bedfordshire. Years later, he received a degree in podiatric medicine from University College London. Baptiste regards his admission to a top medical school as one of his most notable accomplishments.

Upon moving to the United States, Baptiste became a certified pedorthist. In this capacity, he modified footwear and employed supportive devices to address foot and lower limb conditions. This work enabled him to help athletes recover while exploring new connections between biomechanics and coaching.

With more than 20 years of experience in health care and human movement, Baptiste continues to build on what he started. In addition to leading the Central Valley Academy of Sports Science, he contributes to the Sport Science & Biomechanics Lab as the director. Additionally, he holds memberships in the National Strength and Conditioning Association and the American College of Sports Medicine.

A Matter of Family and Purpose

Support from his wife remains a central part of Baptiste’s success. Whether launching programs, raising children, or supporting one another’s career aspirations, the two tackle challenges together. Baptiste aspires to obtain a doctorate in psychology after completing his bachelor’s degree in the same field, while his wife plans to pursue a law degree.

Ultimately, Baptiste remains dedicated to protecting young athletes. With a focus on delivering top-quality athletic care, he aims to train more professionals. “We’re going to use people with advanced certifications who understand the mechanism of injuries,” he says. “If all goes as planned, perhaps fewer parents will have to watch their children sidelined with injuries.”

EUGENE, Ore. – #25 University of Houston Men’s Track & Field program will send eight student-athletes to the 2025 NCAA Outdoor Championships, beginning Wednesday at Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore.
 
The Cougars will open action on Wednesday with the decathlon, 110-meter hurdles, 400-meter and 4×400-meter relay. Decathlon events will conclude Thursday while the high jump and finals for the 110-meter hurdles, 400-meter and 4×400-meter relay are set for Friday.

 

2025 NCAA OUTDOOR TRACK & FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS
Date | Time	Wednesday-Friday, June 10-12 | All times listed are central
Decathlon Information	Grant Levesque, Wednesday: 100-meter (2 p.m.), long jump (2:40 p.m.), shot put (3:55 p.m.), high jump (5:10 p.m.), 400-meter (8:43 p.m.) Thursday: 110-meter hurdles (11:45 a.m.), Discus (12:35 p.m.), pole vault (1:45 p.m.), javelin (4:15 p.m.), 1500-meter (8:43 p.m.)
Wednesday Events	110-meter hurdles: 7:08 p.m., John Adesola, Jamar Marshall Jr. | 400-meter: 7:41 p.m., Trey East III | 4×400-meter relay: 9:36 p.m., Trey East III, Sahfi Reed, Damarien Jacobs, King Taylor
Friday Events	High jump: 6:30 p.m., Antrea Mita | *110-meter hurdles: 7:42 p.m., John Adesola, Jamar Marshall Jr. | *400-meter: 8:02 p.m. Trey East III | *4×400-meter relay: 9:21 p.m., Trey East III, Sahfi Reed, Damarien Jacobs, King Taylor
Location	Hayward Field | Eugene, Ore.
Live Stats	Results
Watch	Decathlon Wednesday/Thursday (ESPN+) | Wednesday Running Events (ESPN) | Friday Running (ESPN2)
Meet Information	Meet Information and Links
Social Media	X: @uhcougartf | Instagram: @uhcougartf | Facebook: H-Town Speed City Track and Field | #GoCoogs | #HTownSpeedCity

 
*if advance to finals
 
STARTING LINE NOTES

• The Cougars are sending a total of eight student-athletes on the men’s side to compete in four individual events and one relay at the 2025 NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships beginning Wednesday and concluding Friday.
• Senior Grant Levesque returns to the NCAA Outdoor Championships for the first time since 2023 to compete in the men’s decathlon. Levesque earned his automatic qualification at the Big 12 Outdoor Championships with a total of 7,848 points. The senior will compete on Wednesday and Thursday.
• Sophomore Antrea Mita heads to Eugene for a second consecutive year in the men’s high jump. Mita posted a mark of 2.17m (7″-1.50′) at the NCAA West First Round.
• Senior Jamar Marshall Jr. is set to make his return to Hayward Field for the first time since 2021 in the 110-meter hurdles. At the Big 12 Outdoor Championship, Marshall Jr. won the event with a program and personal best mark of 13.13 for the second fastest time in the country. The senior ran the fourth overall best time at the NCAA West/East First Rounds.
• Senior John Adesola joins Marshall Jr. in the 110-meter hurdles. Adesola ran the sixth fastest time at the West First Round with a wind-assisted time of 13.26. This marks Adesola’s second trip to Eugene and first as a Cougar.
• Senior Trey East III is set to make his debut at the NCAA Championships in the men’s 400-meter. East III ran a personal best time of 45.23 in the prelims followed by a 45.84 to qualify with the sixth fastest time in the West.
• Freshmen Damarien Jacobs, Sahfi Reed and King Taylor will join East III in the 4×400-meter relay as the group punched their ticket with a time of 3:03.49. The Cougars will compete in the 4×400-meter relay for the first time since the 2022 NCAA Outdoor Championships.

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