By Will Johnson, Sports Editor

Throughout Missouri and Illinois, numerous former Owensville High School (OHS) Dutchmen and Dutchgirls are gearing up for their respective sports seasons at the collegiate level.

Among those are eight members of the OHS Class of 2025 going on to compete in women’s soccer, women’s basketball, women’s wrestling, men’s cross country and track along with women’s cross country and track.

Joining Sophia Ashner as the other four-time state medalist in cross country, former Dutchgirl harrier Ilene Limberg will take her talents to the NCAA Division II stage as a member of the Maryville University (MU) Saints track and cross country teams.

Limberg also etched her name forever in OHS Track and Field history becoming just the second athlete in school history to win two state championships in the same meet joining former OHS sprinter Tanner Waits.

She also helped the Dutchgirl track and cross country teams to third-place state trophies in Class 3.

Also a member of both of those OHS teams, Abbie Gibson will join her older sister Mekayla for at least one season as a member of the William Woods University (WWU) Women’s track and cross country teams.

Mekayla graduated with her bachelor’s degree this past May and will continue working on her master while using one more season of athletic eligibility to run with her sister.

A third member of the OHS track and cross country teams will also continue his athletic career in college.

Jayden Stewart ran for four years as a member of the OHS track and cross country teams will take his talents into Jefferson County as a member of the Mineral Area College track and cross country squads.

One of three Dutchgirls to reach 100 career wins in girl’s wrestling, 2025 OHS graduate Elizabeth Adams will become the first Dutchgirl wrestler to take her talents to the college level as a member of the WWU Owls Women’s Wrestling Team.

Two Dutchgirl soccer seniors will be continuing their careers on the pitch this fall and will face each other twice.

Staying close to home will be Katie Loyd at East Central College (ECC) in Union while Lily Reed is heading across the Mississippi River into the Land of Lincoln and Kaskaskia Community College in Kaskaskia, Ill.

They will face each other twice throughout the upcoming fall season on Wednesday, Aug. 27 in Centralia, Ill., and on Wednesday, Sept. 10 in Union.

Both matches will start at 3 p.m., with the one in Union also serving as ECC’s home opener.

On the hardwood, two Dutchgirls that helped them to back-to-back district titles and a trip to the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) Show-Me Showdown back in 2024 will continue their athletic and academic pursuits in college.

Forever known for the shot heard ‘round Owensville during their overtime sectional victory over Strafford this past March, Camryn Caldwell will stay in the Show-Me State heading northeast to the small town of Canton for the next four years at Culver-Stockton College (C-SC).

Camryn is not the only Caldwell that will be competing in the Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC).

Her brother Noah Caldwell will be hitting the links next spring in Fayette as a member of the Central Methodist University (CMU) Men’s Golf team.

Causing offensive and defensive nightmares for teams in Missouri over the last four years, Ali Daniels will take her talents west into the Sunflower State at Ottawa University in Kansas.

Along with the Adams and the Gibson sisters at WWU, former OHS distance runners Kyah Weirich and Freddy Zheng will be entering their senior seasons as members of the Owls track and cross country programs.

Ali’s cousin Emma Daniels will look to keep growing her game as a sophomore for the Columbia College Women’s Basketball Team. Fresh off their fourth consecutive American Midwest Conference (AMC) Tournament title, Daniels and the Cougars will look to make it five in a row while also working towards booking passage to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) National Tournament.

Three former Dutchmen football players will also be continuing their gridiron careers at the next level.

Taking a medical red shirt last fall after having surgery following a wrestling injury, Hayden Shoemaker will begin the upcoming season of Missouri S&T football in a Miner uniform as a red shirt freshman.

Isaiah Gates will also be on the gridiron but in Fulton as a member of the Westminster College Blue Jays.

Making the University of Missouri Tiger football team as a walk on, Derek Brandt will be a senior this fall in Columbia joining fellow former Gasconade County football player Daeden Hopkins who was fresh off helping Hermann to a district runner-up finish on the gridiron.

If there any other Owensville athletes playing in college that were not mentioned here, please email that information to wjohnson@wardpub.com so that they can be included in an upcoming issue of The Gasconade County Republican.

LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) – The UNLV volleyball team was picked to finish tied for sixth in the 2025 Mountain West Preseason Poll, which was voted on by the Conference’s 12 head coaches. Additionally, the coaches tabbed sophomore outside hitter Basia Latos to the MW’s Preseason Team.

You’re going to want to keep an eye on her 👀

Congrats to Basia Latos on being named to the Mountain West Volleyball Preseason Team‼️#BEaREBEL pic.twitter.com/lpwD7i2grN

— UNLV Volleyball (@UNLVvball) August 13, 2025

The Rebels were tied with Wyoming as both teams took 72 points. Additionally, the Rebels and Cowgirls were edged out by Boise State, who took 73 points for the fifth spot. Utah State claimed the top spot, accumulating 114 points and seven first-place votes. Colorado State was second in the survey (106 points) and garnered three first–pace votes, while San Diego State was third (96 points) in the poll and hauled in the remaining two first-place votes. Furthermore, Fresno State took the fourth spot with 86 points.

Rounding out the poll were conference newcomer Grand Canyon (8th, 61 points), New Mexico (9th, 37 points), UNR (10th, 32 points), San José State (11th, 31 points) and Air Force (12th, 12 points).

Latos, who was an Honorable Mention all-conference performer in 2024, was one of seven MW student-athletes to be named to the conference’s preseason team. The native of Lazy, Poland, who was a two-time MW Freshman of the Week, led the team during the MW slate with 2.98 kills per set. Capping the season with a hitting percentage of .247 during conference matches, the outside hitter wrapped up each of the program’s last six matches with a single-game hitting efficiency of .280 or higher, hitting over .340 in four of those aforementioned six matches. Latos found defensive success in both the front and back rows during the season, notching three double-doubles in kills and digs along with three or more block assists in four of the previously mentioned six matches.

LOOKING AHEAD: The Scarlet & Gray is coming off of a 15-win campaign in 2024. UNLV’s first 10 contests will be played over the first four weekends with a pair of home tournaments and two more on the road. UNLV will open the season at home by hosting a three-day tournament in the Cox Pavilion against Iowa (Aug. 29), CSU Bakersfield (Aug. 30) and Utah Tech (Aug. 31).

Fans can get their first look at the Rebels during the Scarlet & Gray Intrasquad Scrimmage on Aug. 16. The contest will take place at the Cox Practice Gym and is scheduled to begin at 6:30 pm.

UNLV SEASON TICKETS: Season tickets for the 2025 home schedule can be purchased here. Season tickets for active alumni, faculty & staff as well as senior Rebels (62+) are available for purchase at $40, regular season ticket pricing being marked at only $50. Single-game tickets will be available at a later date.

Spotlight:

Friday, August 15

Manhattan Beach Open by AVP

Through Sunday, August 17. Reigning as the epicenter of our sport, the AVP Manhattan Beach Open reclaims its throne with the promise of solidifying four athletes into the history of beach volleyball on the Manhattan Beach Pier. Packed with decorated Olympians and former event champions, this is guaranteed to be a momentous and historic event for all fans. The volley starts at 8 a.m. More information at avp.com/event/2025-manhattan-beach-open.

 

Thursday, August 14

MBO Walk of Fame Pier Ceremony

This year’s tournament will be celebrating 65 years of beach volleyball tradition, honoring greats of the past and present. The celebration begins with the Volleyball Walk of Fame red carpet ceremony at the Manhattan Beach Pier. 3:30 p.m. This event will honor the 2024’s men’s and women’s champions – Theo Brunner, Trevor Crabb, Taryn Kloth, and Kristen Nuss.

Driver Safety Behind the Wheel

Will you pass your next driving test? What are the signs that you should stop driving? Aging can affect driving abilities when there are changes in vision, cognition, mobility and reaction time.. The Foundation for Senior Services, a non-profit organization linking the community with the needs of seniors will present a program about what you need to know. Questions and answers. 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Main Library 2nd floor meeting room, 303 N. Pacific Coast Hwy., Redondo Beach. 

Redondo Pier Concert

Goldstein, Party of Five will be rocking the Pier with their 80s tributes. 6 – 8 p.m. Fisherman’s Wharf, west end of the Redondo Beach Pier. Bring a blanket and or low back beach chair. Free outdoor event and is weather permitting. 

Coin Club Meeting, Bay Cities Coin Club

Doors open at 6 p.m. and the meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. Show and Tell, Auctions, 50/50, and a Raffle. All ages are welcome. Gifts for kids. Covenant Presbyterian Church, 6323 W. 80th Street, Los Angeles. Visit baycitiescoinclub.com or for questions email baycitiescoinclub@hotmail.com.

Rise and Shine Redondo

A special presentation by Beau Basse of LeBasse Project featuring ARTesia Public Art Project. A public art initiative along ARTesia Blvd. Beau is especially eager to hear from community members and gather feedback that will help shape a public art experience that reflects and enhances the neighborhood. Have your voice heard and be part of ARTesia Boulevard. 7:45 – 9 p.m. South Bay Galleria community room, 1815 Hawthorne Blvd., Redondo Beach. Sign up at nrbba.org.

Eat the Rainbow: Tips for a Colorful Diet – Via Zoom
Cancer Support Community South Bay (CSC South Bay) offers a free online workshop led by Alexandra Sullivan, a registered dietitian and board-certified specialist in oncology nutrition. Participants will learn how to incorporate a variety of colorful fruits, vegetables and other vibrant foods into their diet to support cancer prevention and overall wellness. The session will include practical, affordable tips for creating tasty meals packed with vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. 12 – 1 p.m. To join this virtual workshop, visit CSCSouthBay.org and select the online calendar. For more information, contact Rebecca Sul at Rebecca@CSCSouthBay.org.

 

Friday, August 15

Manhattan Beach Open by AVP

Through Sunday, August 17. The AVP Manhattan Beach Open reclaims its throne with the promise of solidifying four athletes into the history of beach volleyball on the Manhattan Beach Pier. Packed with decorated Olympians and former event champions, this is guaranteed to be a momentous and historic event for all fans. 8 a.m. More information at avp.com/event/2025-manhattan-beach-open.

Annual Rummage Sale, St. Francis Church

Through Saturday August 16, and Friday, August 22 through Saturday, August 23. Thousands of items including books, furniture, electronics, housewares, small appliances, home décor, art, sporting goods, garden supplies, power tools, toys, baby gear, holiday, jewelry, luggage, boutique items, clothes, shoes and more. Proceeds support buildings and grounds and outreach. 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Parish Hall, 2200 Via Rosa, Palos Verdes Estates. For more information call (310) 375-4617.

Terranea Sound Series

Enjoy live music and epic sunsets at Nelson’s. Experience an oceanfront soundtrack concert series, enjoy summer cocktails, beer, bites, and coastal breezes. The Reel Band will be performing with high energy bringing you the best of R&B, Hip Hop, Latin, Cumbia, Salsa, Old School Funk, Rock en Espanol, and much more. 6 – 10 p.m. tickets are available at terranea.com/summer. 100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes.

 

Saturday, August 16

Hermosa Beach Museum Gala

The biggest fundraiser of the year. Celebrate history under the stars. 6 p.m. St. Cross Church, 1818 Monterey Blvd., Hermosa Beach. $100. For tickets and information visit HBMueseum.org. 

Celebrate Wellness Gala

 Join Cancer Support Community South Bay (CSC South Bay) for the return of an extraordinary evening. The 28th Annual Celebrate Wellness event will be held at the Westdrift Hotel, located at 1400 Parkview Avenue, Manhattan Beach from 5:30 – 9:30 p.m. Celebrate support, celebrate hope, and celebrate wellness as CSC South Bay marks 38 years of providing free programs of support, education, and hope for those affected by cancer. This special evening, featuring KTLA Host and Manager of Community Engagement Wendy Burch, will include dinner, dancing, exciting live and silent auctions, entertainment, inspiring stories, and more. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting CSCSouthBay.org or by calling (310) 376-3550. All proceeds benefit CSC South Bay’s free support programs for cancer patients and their loved ones.

HBFOL Book Sale

Every 3rd Saturday of the month unbeatable prices on all items. From adult and children’s books, audiobooks, and DVDs. Large selection of novels. Two full shelves of books in large print and an eclectic assortment of jigsaw puzzles. 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Friends of the Library, 701 11th Place, Hermosa Beach.

Redondo Pier Concert

Alison Albrecht, a singer songwriter will be performing a variety of Pop/Folk tunes for a relaxing night on the Pier. 6 – 8 p.m. Fisherman’s Wharf, west end of the Redondo Beach Pier. Bring a blanket and or low back beach chair. Free outdoor event and is weather permitting. 

Heiva i Los Angles, HB Community Theater

From the City of Lights to the City of Angels… the rhythm of Tahiti is calling! Step into the magic of Heiva i Los Angeles, featuring a live drumming band, bringing the heartbeat of the islands straight to the stage. 8 – 10:30 p.m. 710 Pier Ave. $20 – $40. Tickets available at hipsleague.com/event-details/heiva-i-los-angeles.

Terranea Sound Series

Experience an oceanfront soundtrack concert series, enjoy summer cocktails, beer, bites, and coastal breezes. Crow Hill Band will be playing 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and 00’s top hits. 6 – 10 p.m. tickets are available at terranea.com/summer. 100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes.

Movie in the park, Ernie Howlett

Summer movie of Moana 2. The movie begins at dusk and is free. Bring a banket or beach chair and movie snacks. 25851 Hawthorne Blvd., Rolling Hills Estates. 

 

Sunday, August 17

Concert in the Park, Polliwog

Blue Breeze Band is an Award Winning premier Dance Party band that specializes in classic Top-40 Motown, R&B, soul, Funk, 90’s Hip Hop, Jazz and Blues music. 5 – 7 p.m. Bring blankets, low back beach chairs, and party snacks. 1601 Manhattan Beach Blvd.

PV Democrats Monthly Meeting

Join us for a hybrid (In-person and Zoom) club meeting at the Peninsula Center Library, 701 Silver Spur Road, Rolling Hills Estates. The meeting starts at 2:30 p.m. or come early to chat and network with other Democrats at 2 p.m. For more information, visit pvpdemocrats.org. 

 

Monday, August 18

NAMI Monthly Meeting – virtual

Learn how Early Psychosis Intervention (EPI-LA) programs help youth ages 12–25 showing early signs of psychosis stay on track toward life goals through care, education, family support, and evidence-based treatment. Open to all. 7:30 p.m. Zoom ID: 889 8501 8333 Passcode: 520176. For more information visit namisouthbay.org.

Zumba in the Park with BCHD

Total newbie? You’ll fit right in. No experience required, no judgment ever. Free. Arrive early. 6:30 p.m. Alta Vista Park, on Julia Field, 715 Julia Ave., Redondo Beach.

Cancer Support: De-Clutter 101– via Zoom

Cancer Support Community South Bay (CSC South Bay) ) offers a free workshop presented by Regina Lark, PhD, owner of A Clear Path: Professional Organizing and Productivity. This interactive workshop will guide participants in creating a de-clutter plan and learning how to decide what to keep, sell, or give away. Fun and easy techniques will be discussed, with opportunities for questions. 2 – 3 p.m. To register, visit CSCSouthBay.org and select the online calendar. Or, for more information contact Rebecca Sul at Rebecca@CSCSouthBay.org

 

Tuesday, August 19

Medicare Educational Seminar

A free educational seminar with a licensed agent on changes and options for the 2026 Medicare Advantage Plans that will take effect on January 1, 2026. Enrollment begins October 15, 2025. Applications will be on hand. No commitment required. 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. 2110 N. Bellflower Blvd., Long Beach. Contact Jose Juarez, Medicare Education Specialist, at (714) 640-7158 or by email at jjuarez2@memorialcare.org. Reserve a seat at memorialcare.org/events.

 

Wednesday, August 20

Vegan Potluck, Redondo Beach

Whether you’re a steak lover or a whole food, plant-based vegan, this potluck will be a decadent delight. Vegan means entirely plant-based, no meat, fish, dairy, eggs, or honey. Put your chef hat on or pick something up from a local vegan restaurant, and come join us for a fun-filled evening. 6 – 8 p.m. Redondo Beach Center for Spiritual Living, Richelieu Hall, 907 Knob Hill Ave., Redondo Beach. For questions call (310) 540-5080. Free, just bring a dish to share with others. We encourage you to bring your own plate and silverware to minimize what goes to the landfill.

 

Upcoming:

Sunday, August 24

The Catalina Classic

The 48th Catalina Classic Paddleboard race. A 32 mile race from Catalina to the shores of the Manhattan Beach Pier. Established in 1955 as the International Paddleboard Race, the Catalina Classic is the oldest and most celebrated endurance paddleboard race in the world. This historic 32-mile marathon starts at Catalina’s Isthmus cove and ends at the Manhattan Beach Pier. The race attracts paddlers from all over the world and is known as the “Grand-Daddy of all paddleboard races.” This is a race by paddlers for paddlers. The race starts at 6 a.m. at Catalina and the top finishers are expected at Manhattan Pier at 11 a.m. To sign up and for more information visit catalinaclassicpaddleboardrace.com.

 

The Catalina Cup Paddleboard Race

The Catalina Cup is a fun family friendly 2 mile paddleboard race that will happen in conjunction with the world famous Catalina Classic. The Catalina Cup 2 mile paddleboard race will start and finish at the historic Manhattan Beach Pier. If you love paddling but the growling 32 mile Catalina Classic is a little out of your league, come down and race the Catalina Cup and then hang around to watch the worlds best long distance paddlers finish the 32 mile Catalina Classic. The race starts at 9 a.m. Sign up now at southbayboardriders.org/paddle-series/catalina-cup.

In collaboration with the Romanian Water Polo Federation, European Aquatics is delighted to announce a comprehensive Sustainability and Legacy Programme for the upcoming U18 Men’s Elite European Water Polo Championships in Oradea.

The prestigious age-group event will take place from 18 to 24 August 2025, and the initiatives aim to ensure a lasting positive impact on both the local community and the broader aquatic sports landscape.

Building on recent achievements, the programme is designed to significantly reduce the tournament’s environmental impact while delivering lasting social and economic benefits to the region.

As a key aspect of the wider Aquatics Social Responsibility (ASR) Strategy, it highlights European Aquatics’ and the Romanian Water Polo Federation’s commitment to sustainability, legacy, and successful community engagement.

‘Our organisation acknowledges that maintaining a clean environment and conserving water are crucial for ensuring a healthy and sustainable world,’ stated the Romanian Water Polo Federation General Secretary, Florin Ardelean.

‘We understand these measures are essential for the well-being of all athletes and society.’

The Sustainability and Legacy Programme for Oradea is built around five core priority areas, each thoughtfully aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to ensure maximum impact.

A dedicated Green Task Force comprising of local volunteers will be put into action around the venue to plant trees in the park located in front of the competition pool, contributing to the expansion of green areas and environment enhancement.

Another notable initiative, ‘Eliminate Plastic’, will see close monitoring of the amount of plastic water bottles collected for recycling during the tournament.

Admission to the U18 Men’s Elite European Water Polo Championships will also be through fully digital tickets to avoid paper waste and streamline the entry process.

Furthermore, as part of the event’s energy-saving measures, the scheduling of games and all related activities has carefully been planned to maximise the use of natural daylight, thereby minimising the need for artificial lighting.

To avoid food waste during the competition and support the surrounding neighbourhood, all remaining food will be donated to an association in Oradea that helps people in need.

‘We are also aware that achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals requires significant and transformative actions to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030,’ added Mr Ardelean.

‘In alignment with the European Aquatics strategy, the European Aquatics Social Responsibility principles, and the recommendations outlined in the European Aquatics Sustainable Chart, we commit to implementing ambitious and measurable actions in all our activities and events.’

Additional sustainability initiatives planned for Oradea include a ‘Sustainable Fun Zone,’ which will highlight all the measures being implemented and encourage environmentally responsible behaviours through interactive, educational and entertaining activities.

This detailed programme demonstrates the shared dedication of European Aquatics and the Romanian Water Polo Federation to delivering successful aquatic events that produce positive outcomes for both the sport and the environment.

For more information about European Aquatics’ social responsibility initiatives, click here.

BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION – The Texas A&M cross country team released its 2025 schedule, featuring a pair of home meets at the Watts Cross Country Course.
 
The Aggies look to build off the 2024 campaign which saw both the men’s and women’s teams secure top-six results at the NCAA regional. Last season was highlighted by four All-Region honorees, including returners Kennady Fontenot and Zack Munger.
 

The Maroon & White open their 2025 season at the John McKenzie Invitational at the AP Ranch in Fort Worth, Texas, Aug. 29, a meet which they swept the team titles in the 2023 season.
 

The Aggies then returns home to host their first of two races with the ninth annual Texas A&M Invitational, Sept. 13.
 

The Maroon & White go back on the road to the Paul Short Run hosted by Lehigh University at the Goodman Campus Cross Country Course, Oct. 3, before another trip around the Watts Course for the eighth-annual Arturo Barrios Invitational, Oct. 17, to close the regular season.
 
The Aggies open postseason action at the SEC Championships, which will be held in Knoxville, Tennessee, at the Cherokee Farm Cross Country Course, Oct. 31.
 

Following the conference meet, Texas A&M looks for national qualification at the at the NCAA South Central Regional which will be held at Agri Park in Fayetteville, Arkansas, Nov. 14.
 

The Maroon & White aims to cap off its season at the NCAA Championships which will be held at the Gans Creek Cross Country Course in Columbia, Missouri, Nov. 22.
 
2025 Cross Country Schedule  
8/29: John McKenzie Invitational (Fort Worth, Texas)  
9/13: Texas A&M Invitational (Bryan-College Station)  
10/3: Paul Short Run (Bethlehem, Pa.)  
10/17: Arturo Barrios Invitational (Bryan-College Station)  
10/31: SEC Championships (Knoxville, Tenn.)  
11/14: NCAA South Central Regional (Fayetteville, Ark.)  
11/22: NCAA XC Championship (Columbia, Mo.)  

CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The Clarksville Christian Centurions volleyball team hosted the Pleasant View Christian Warriors at CCS for their first match of the season on Tuesday. Despite barely pulling out the second set, which needed extra points to decide, the Centurions swept the Warriors three sets to none to start the season 1-0.

The Centurions came out of the gates swinging, building a quick lead in the first set. Pleasant View tied the set at 11 all, but a 7-0 Clarksville run, highlighted by some thunderous kills from Junior Marley Spires, led to a Warrior timeout, and the Centurions took set one 25-15.  In set two, it was back and forth, and neither team got out in front by more than four at any point. Even though they needed a few extra rallies, the Centurions pulled out set two 28-26, finished off by a kill from freshman Khloe Blount.

“Volleyball can have a huge momentum shift with just one play, and you saw that on display tonight,” said Centurions head coach Martha Sheffield. “We’ve been teaching them to have a next point mentality, and to have it in their mind that every point is a game point. Nobody makes an error by themselves, so instead of individualizing things, we want our girls to know that their teammates have their backs.”

Clarksville Christian took that second set win and ran with it. Led by junior Kinsey Blount getting her hands on nearly every ball, the Centurions jumped out to a 13-3 lead in the third set, and eventually won it 25-9 to sweep the Warriors and start their season with a win.

For Sheffield, she’s happy with a win, but knows that there’s a lot of room to grow over these next few weeks.

“We have a tougher schedule this year than these girls have had in the past,” said Sheffield. “It doesn’t matter where you are right now; it matters how good you are in the postseason. This is a great way to start, but we don’t want to get complacent. This game was great, but we’re going to get better tomorrow when we step in the gym.”

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