College Sports
Gio Mancino is committed to see where his soccer dreams will take him
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It’s OK to dream. Dreaming is like exercise for a healthy soul.
Pursuing those dreams is optional. But the benefits from living dreams are out of this world.
Gio Mancino’s dreams revolve around playing soccer at the highest level – his highest, no one else’s.
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Cedar Crest graduate Gio Mancino is pursuing his childhood dreams to play soccer professionally. (Provided photo)
“For me, it’s always been my dream to play soccer professionally,” he said. “I’ve worked hard for it. I think I’ve always been Mr. Underrated. With it comes pressure. But they say pressure builds diamonds.”
A 2024 graduate of Cedar Crest, Mancino is both living and pursuing his dream to play professional soccer with the Capital City Islanders, a recent, semi-professional soccer start-up that plays its home games at Harrisburg’s City Island.
Mancino isn’t getting paid by the Islanders to play. In fact, he has secured a sponsorship from Palmyra-area business Lazzaro’s Italian Bistro to help offset expenses.
But Mancino is hoping the exposure and experience with Capital City will lead to future professional soccer opportunities.
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“We don’t get paid to play at the moment,” said Mancino. “For me, the sky’s the limit. I want to play professionally. It’s always been my dream. I’ve just have to be looked at and I’ve got to show results on the field.
“I think when you have the same dream, and have it over and over, you should chase it. But don’t do it by yourself; do it with God. Never give up, just keep working hard. The bill of trying hard is better than the bill of regret.”
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Following try-outs in February, Mancino made the Islanders’ roster this spring. Despite battling injuries, Mancino, who plays right wing, has found ways to contribute to the Islanders’ success and reports that his first professional soccer experience has been mostly positive.
“I think it’s more difficult than college soccer,” said Mancino, 19. “We have players from all over. It’s very competitive. It’s hard for me going up against grown men. For me, it’s pretty hard. I think when I’m injury free, it’ll be easier for me to compete.
“I think I’m doing well, just with the mental stuff. I’m trying to earn a spot back. The injury is making me work harder and trust God more. I’m grateful I’m able to play again and compete for a spot.”
The Capital City Islanders’ inaugural United Premiere Soccer League Division One season began in early April and ends early next month. Through 10 games, the Islanders were 7-2-1 and in first place in the developmental league that is designed to bridge the gap between college and professional soccer.
Gio Mancino’s playing time during his first season with the Capital City Islanders has been limited by injuries. (Provided photo)
“I’m a left-footed player and I play right wing,” said Mancino. “I’m a team-player first. I’m simple. I’m very fast and I like to use my speed. I think I’m one of the best passers. I love the assists. For me, the assist is more impactful than the goal.
“I love soccer. I like to glorify God through the sport. God gives me the opportunity to wake up every morning and play the sport. This is what I was meant to do and if I work hard, God will give me what I need to succeed.”
Mancino enjoyed a solid, but not necessarily spectacular, scholastic career at Cedar Crest. During the fall of 2024, Mancino competed for Washington and Jefferson College’s Division Three soccer team.
“I like meeting new people and playing the game I grew up watching,” he said. “My favorite part is celebrating a goal and celebrating a win. What I love about the game is that there’s always something to improve on. I get to see how far I can go with it and see how much I improve every day.”
At age 19, Gio Mancino is one of the youngest members of the Capital City Islanders semi-professional soccer team. (Provided photo)
Exactly how far Mancino can take this professional soccer thing remains to be seen. At this point, he’s content to control the things he can control and turn the other things over to God.
“When I was five, I just played for the love of it,” he said. “I played the game for fun. I really didn’t work hard. I thought if I practiced, it was enough. When I was 14, I started hitting the gym. I’m built very well for the sport. You’ve got to go the gym and eat healthy. I’m just a hard-working guy. For me, the grind never stops.”
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College Sports
Massachusetts’ Masters Academy, $83 million high school sports facility coming soon
A state-of-the-art facility, compared to IMG Academy of Florida, is set to open in the fall of 2026 in Stow, Massachusetts. Master’s Academy International will be a sports-focused, co-ed, boarding and day school open to high school students worldwide. Founders Chris and Peter Masters have deep experience in youth sports, specifically hockey. Peter has been […]
A state-of-the-art facility, compared to IMG Academy of Florida, is set to open in the fall of 2026 in Stow, Massachusetts. Master’s Academy International will be a sports-focused, co-ed, boarding and day school open to high school students worldwide.
Founders Chris and Peter Masters have deep experience in youth sports, specifically hockey. Peter has been the Head Coach of and General Manager of the Boston Junior Bruins since the 1990s. Since he took over, he has transformed the program into an elite junior hockey program that has stood out in New England ever since.
His younger brother, Chris, had hockey in his blood as well, as he played for the Boston College hockey team in the 90s, and he was even an assistant captain during his four-year tenure. They run the Junior Bruins together and have decided to take on this new project that could change New England high school sports forever.
The campus will sit on 82 acres of land that was purchased for $9.82 million, according to the Worcester Business Journal. The facility will cost an estimated $80+ million to build, and hopefully be transformed into “the IMG Academy of the north,” as stated by Peter Masters when asked by the Boston Globe.
Its campus will follow a strict schedule of five hours of academics throughout each day, followed by four hours of athletic training depending on the sport. It will be open to grades 6-12 and allow for a post-graduate year. This lets it to be a unique way for younger students to prepare for high school sports.
According to Relocate Magazine, the former Head of School at IMG Academy, Rich Odell, as well as educators at the Newman School in Boston, are guiding the program to guarantee full NCAA credentials also preparing students for college.
On top of this, Cognita, described as a leading global schools group, has announced it will be a founding partner in the opening of MAI.
“We are incredibly proud to be a founding partner in Masters Academy International,” Frank Maassen, group CEO of Cognita, told Relocate Magazine on Friday.
Maassen also stated he believes this facility will embody the Cognita spirit, as it combines real-world preparation, personal ambition, and world-class education all into one program. He emphasized the focus on academics, athletics, life skills, wellbeing, and leadership, and loves the full package that students will have access to.
One of the highlights of the MAI will be the National Fencing Academy’s host, which is a first in United States sports. According to the New England Soccer Journal, fencing is expected to anchor MAI’s reputation both on a regional and global scale. While fencing will be the highlighted sport at MAI, they will also offer ice hockey, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, baseball, figure skating, golf, and e-sports, with more sports expected later.
The facility will be anywhere from 300,000-400,000 square feet according to multiple sources, and will be located where the former Bose office building was located, with classrooms, dining halls, strength and conditioning labs and robotics labs. The outdoors will feature baseball diamonds, turf fields for soccer and lacrosse, and a basketball court. It is important to note that the MAI purchased the now former Bose campus for $2.3 million in May of 2024, which is what caught Cognita’s attention.
MAI’s branding has revolved around being the IMG of the north, which is exactly what they seem to be on the path to. The states in New England alone have not had the talent or resources to compete with other big areas like California, Texas or Florida. When the states join together to build a team that has the same goal (MAI) it becomes a lot easier to move forward with this big of a project.
Prep schools in New England, and specifically Massachusetts, have not explored recruiting talent outside of the state, and the MAI should be the gateway to that world. Whether or not this takes over the St. John Preps and Xaverians of the state will be decided.
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Morning Chirps: Vanacker Lights the Lamp, Robertson Signs in Toronto
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A Chicago Blackhawks prospect finally found the back of the net in Minneapolis! Additionally, a pair of college prospects will be joined by a talented teammate next season. Let’s start your Sunday off right with a fresh batch of Chirps!
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- The World Junior Summer Showcase wrapped up on Saturday with a pair of rivalry games. After Finland beat Sweden 3-1 in the early game, Team USA and Canada took to the ice. Canada rolled to a 6-2 win with goals from six different players, including Marek Vanacker. The Blackhawks’ 2024 first-round pick scored the opening goal of the contest, which was the only one scored by a Blackhawks’ prospect this week. He also picked up an assist on his Brantford Bulldogs teammate, Jake O’Brien’s goal to close out the scoring. Sacha Boisvert picked up an assist on Michael Hage’s third-period goal for his fourth helper of the showcase. A.J. Spellacy did not play for the United States.
- Gail Kauchak of The Hockey Writers examines the Blackhawks’ balancing act between veterans and youngsters heading into the season.
- On this date in 2020, the Edmonton Oilers beat the Blackhawks 6-3 to even up their Qualifying Round series 1-1. Connor McDavid was the hero with two goals in the first period. He finished off his hat trick with a power-play goal late in the second period. The Blackhawks got goals from Patrick Kane, Slater Koekkoek, and Olli Maatta.
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- The Toronto Maple Leafs avoided arbitration with Nicolas Robertson by signing him to a one-year, $1.825 million deal. He gets about $100,000 more than the midpoint of the salaries submitted by both sides. It’s a significant raise from the $875,000 he made last season. There will be no arbitration cases this summer in the NHL.
- Former NHL winger Jakub Vrana will sign with Linköping HC in Sweden, per a report from Expressen’s Johan Svensson. The 29-year-old had 119 goals and 223 points in 406 career NHL games with the Washington Capitals, Detroit Red Wings, St. Louis Blues, and Nashville Predators. He scored three goals and eight points during the Capitals’ run to the Stanley Cup in 2018.
- Roger McQueen is the latest CHL player to make the switch to the NCAA. Per Mark Divver, the Anaheim Ducks prospect will commit to Providence College instead of returning to the Brandon Wheat Kings. The 10th overall pick will be teammates with Blackhawks prospects John Mustard and Julius Sumpf.
- NHL Birthday Roll Call, Aug 3: Ryan Carter, Marcel Dionne, Mark Lamb, Jordan Leopold, Dominic Moore, Sandis Ozolins, and Shea Theodore.
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USC Trojans Kamari Ramsey Reveals Mindset With Current NIL Landscape
The USC Trojans have been one of the most successful teams in the new era of college football with the use of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. In June, there was another shift with NIL, as the House vs. NCAA settlement allowed programs to pay their athletes directly. With NIL, athletes can earn a […]
The USC Trojans have been one of the most successful teams in the new era of college football with the use of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. In June, there was another shift with NIL, as the House vs. NCAA settlement allowed programs to pay their athletes directly.
With NIL, athletes can earn a significant amount, causing some players to stay in college longer or enter the NCAA Transfer Portal due to financial disputes. USC Trojans safety Kamari Ramsey revealed his mindset on the new era of NIL deals in college athletics.
While Ramsey is excited for the chance for college athletes to be paid, he explained in an interview with On3 that his goals have not changed. Ramsey still has his sights set on a career in the NFL.
“For me, it’s just keep the main thing the main thing,” Ramsey told On3. “My goals – and I’ve had the same goals since before NIL was a thing. And that was to get to the NFL. NIL is like just a little wrinkle that was made into college football. But for me, it didn’t really change anything as far as my work ethic or how I approach football and school.”
“It’s good that players are getting paid just because they haven’t been getting paid for a while.”
Ramsey transferred to the USC Trojans ahead of the 2024 season, initially spending two years with the UCLA Bruins. He made an instant impact on the team, totaling 60 tackles, including 5.5 for loss, two sacks, five passes defended, and an interception in 11 games last season.
Ramsey is already generating NFL Draft buzz and could enter the draft after this season. If Ramsey has another strong season, there is a high possibility he will declare for the draft instead of foregoing another year for NIL purposes.
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“It’s good for college football. But at the same time, you want to keep the main thing the main thing. Keeping the team first and just keeping your goals the goal,” Ramsey continued. “My goal, and I’m sure it’s the team goal, is to win. That’s what we’re just focused on. We’re not really just focused on NIL and the rev-sharing. But you’ve got to be educated because that’s a part of college football now.”
The goal for Ramsey is not just to move on to the NFL, but to win a national championship with the USC Trojans. Since the addition of NIL, USC coach Lincoln Riley and the Trojans have been one of the most successful teams as seen through recruiting.
One of the most critical moves that the Trojans have made since the conclusion of the 2024 season was hiring general manager Chad Bowden. He has helped USC navigate the new world of NIL and is helping the players stay informed.
“Chad’s been great for us,” Ramsey said. “He’s a great person. When we were in summer training, he’s up at 6 a.m., watching our team, runs with us. He didn’t have to be there, but he chose to be there and support us and be right there with us.”
“He’s been keeping us educated on the new rules and different things like that. He’s been a great help, and I’m glad he’s a part of our program,” Ramsey said.
In battles for the nation’s top recruits, winning bidding wars is one of the reasons USC has the No. 1 recruiting class of 2026 in the nation. With the team USC is building, the Trojans have the players to compete for a national championship each year. No matter where things go with the future of NIL, winning a national championship remains the goal.
College Sports
Details on Seth Rollins' cash
[embedded content] Seth Rollins returned at WWE SummerSlam and cashed in the Money in the Bank briefcase, completing a storyline direction that was launched several weeks ago. On the July 12 edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event, Rollins feigned a knee injury during his match with LA Knight, with the match playing out as though […]
Seth Rollins returned at WWE SummerSlam and cashed in the Money in the Bank briefcase, completing a storyline direction that was launched several weeks ago.
On the July 12 edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event, Rollins feigned a knee injury during his match with LA Knight, with the match playing out as though an audible was called as Knight hit the BFT and pinned Rollins.
Two days prior, I had been informed of an angle that was being planned on the show involving Rollins. Further, it was specifically stated that it would see Rollins placed “on crutches” leading into SummerSlam and eliminate the expectation for a cash-in.
There was a great degree of confusion as this was kept close to the vest to maximize the surprise of Rollins’ return.
In checking in throughout the past three weeks, I was never informed that the plan had changed or that the company had wavered to execute the cash-in at SummerSlam.
During the three weeks, Rollins appeared on crutches backstage at the Evolution show on July 13 and provided an update on The Rich Eisen Show that week. During that appearance, he said the swelling wouldn’t allow for an MRI, but Rollins suspected he would be out for a long time.
Gunther and CM Punk had a 30-minute match, ending after Gunther bled in the closing minutes. Michael Cole and Wade Barrett alluded to a possible “broken nose,” and the reason is that Gunther is supposed to be having sinus surgery imminently.
After Punk sold for most of the match, he struck the bloodied Gunther with the GTS twice to win the title and set the stage for Rollins’ cash-in and title win.
College Sports
Top 25 Under 25: Honorable Mentions
Thanks to all 117 people who responded to Die By The Blade’s annual voting for the Buffalo Sabres’ Top 25 Under 25 list. Before we get into the list, let’s take a moment for the honorable mentions – AKA, the players who didn’t make the top 25. There were 49 eligible players this year. Several […]
Thanks to all 117 people who responded to Die By The Blade’s annual voting for the Buffalo Sabres’ Top 25 Under 25 list. Before we get into the list, let’s take a moment for the honorable mentions – AKA, the players who didn’t make the top 25.
There were 49 eligible players this year. Several players on last year’s top 25 list aged out (Rasmus Dahlin & Mattias Samuelsson among them) while others are no longer with the organization (such as JJ Peterka & Dylan Cozens).
Let’s kick things off with a few players who just missed the cut for making the top 25.
Jake Richard (RW/LW)
The 20-year-old Richard was drafted 170th overall by the Sabres in 2022. He just completed his second season of NCAA Division I hockey at Connecticut and really had a breakthrough year. With 43 points in 34 games, he more than doubled his point production across the board. Of his 15 goals, seven came on the power play. He was also named a Hockey East Third Team All-Star.
Richard will return to UConn this fall for his junior year.
David Bedkowski (D)
Bedkowski, 18, was just drafted by the Sabres with the 71st overall pick earlier this year. A right-shot defender from Toronto, Bedkowski is known for his physicality. In 35 games with the OHL’s Owen Sound Attack this past season, he notched 73 penalty minutes. Here’s what EliteProspects has to say:
“To say he has a “mean streak” would be an understatement. Bedkowski punishes. He hurts, retaliates, beats down, knocks, and crushes opponents with open-ice hits and bone-rattling contact along the boards. Bedkowski flashes confidence in the attacking zone, too. He joins the rush, one-touches passes, beats forecheckers with his feet, and occasionally unloads one-timers from the blue line.”
Gavin McCarthy (D)
McCarthy, 20, is a Clarence native drafted by the Sabres in 2023 (86th overall). In his sophomore season at Boston University, he registered 16 points – 13 assists – and had 51 penalty minutes in 39 games. Prior to his being drafted, EliteProspects called him “part-robust defender, part-clever creator” who “throws crushing hits, wins inside positioning and eliminates off-puck threats.”
Check out this article from Buffalo Hockey Beat about McCarthy from last month.
Luke Osburn (D)
Osburn, 18, was drafted by the Sabres 108th overall last year. He spent this past season with the USHL’s Youngstown Phantoms, where he nearly doubled his point production from his rookie year. He put up 10 goals and 31 assists for 41 points in 55 games, compared to 23 poiints in 60 games the prior season. He was also named USHL Defenseman of the Year.
DobblerProspects calls him “a fluid, composed, highly intelligent defenseman with a great aptitude for making things happen in motion.“
Osburn is set to join the University of Wisconsin this fall.
Matteo Costantini
Costantini, 22, recently signed a two-year AHL contract with the Rochester Americans and is set to make his pro debut this fall. He’s coming off a championship season with Western Michigan, where he served as an alternate captain. He recorded 23 points, including 15 goals, in 40 games. Costantini previously spent two seasons at North Dakota before finishing his collegiate career with two seasons with the Broncos.
The Sabres still hold Costantini’s NHL rights but have until August 15, 2025 to sign him.
College Sports
Hiring of Manuma as coach keeps legacy of Radford athletics alive
The first time Fred Salanoa left the helm as head football coach at Radford, the possibility of an eventual return was always there. He guided Radford to the Division II state championship in 2016, then stepped away to stay close as his three daughters embarked on their prep soccer careers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The former […]
The first time Fred Salanoa left the helm as head football coach at Radford, the possibility of an eventual return was always there.
He guided Radford to the Division II state championship in 2016, then stepped away to stay close as his three daughters embarked on their prep soccer careers.
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The former Radford and Eastern Washington quarterback returned in 2019, rebuilding a winless program back to competitiveness.
Salanoa stepped down after the 2024 season, closing with a career mark of 90-77 (.539 ). Radford kept the decision in house, went through the rigors of the hiring process and selected assistant coach Mason Manuma as head coach in January.
“We have a culture that is very different because of our military population. I don’t think there’s anything comparable, ” Salanoa said, noting that the student enrollment is 68 % military in origin.
Salanoa is now in a new position as assistant athletic director under longtime AD Kelly Sur.
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This keeps the legacy of Radford athletics and football alive. Salanoa followed in the footsteps of John Velasco and Robert Stevens. Manuma will now follow the path taken by his uncle, Salanoa. He embraces the tradition of leadership as a Ram.
“Pressure is a privilege. Radford has a rich tradition athletically stemming back to Mr. Velasco and (basketball ) Coach (James ) Alegre. I’m excited for the challenge to uphold that trickled down with Coach Fred and Coach Sur, ” Manuma said. “I’m just excited to have my opportunity to add to that (trophy ) hallway in the gym.”
Salanoa’s three daughters are playing college soccer at three universities in different states this fall. He will have the freedom to visit them with his wife, Radford vice principal Malevine Salanoa.
“For me to be able to support our daughters in real time, I would have to leave the football team I’m in charge of, ” Salanoa said. “There’s a point and time we’ve got to make the best of our time with our family. We have to make sure that we keep our loved ones as close as possible, that they get love from us parents.”
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Manuma played for the Rams and still remembers his last game on the field vividly. He suffered a fractured femur in Radford’s OIA D-II title game against Nanakuli in 2013.
“I got hurt on the second play from scrimmage. It was trips right, key 3. I was the No. 3 receiver, ran a bubble screen. Take it up the sideline, got the first down, tried to spin out of a tackle and my leg got caught, ” he recalled.
Manuma played at Snow Community College (Utah ), then returned home and went to work in the entertainment industry. In 2019 his uncle called his number.
“It was at an event, he asked me to come watch a 7-on-7 scrimmage during the summer. I gave him my notes for the offense, and my uncle Thor (Salanoa ) asked me for notes on the DBs, ” Manuma recalled. “I’ve been an educational assistant here at Radford since then.”
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Now 30, Manuma is in the process of getting his degree in education and plans to become a world history teacher.
“I’ve had great tutelage from Coach Fred, as well as Coach Kelly Sur and my old coach, Lon Passos, and a lot of my former coaches still on staff here. I had great mentorship from them seeing behind the scenes the past couple of years.”
Extra points : The weekend was chock full of scrimmages across Oahu. On Friday, Aiea, Campbell and Kamehameha met in a tri-scrimmage at Kunuiakea Stadium. Both sides of the field were occupied with action. Aiea’s freshman quarterback Caizel Jesus Kapisi was impressive in his debut, playing with good instincts for second-year head coach Mika Liilii. He resembled a younger version of Damien’s 6-foot-2, 240-pound QB, AJ Tuifua.
Host Kamehameha was solid all around with left tackle Malakai Lee, the state’s most recruited offensive lineman who has committed to Michigan, setting the bar.
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