Sports
Long Beach Athletes Set To Run In CIF State Finals Today – The562.org
The562’s cross country and track & field coverage is sponsored by Joe Carlson & Debbie Hughes. The 2025 track and field season will conclude tonight at the CIF State Finals, with 19 Long Beach entries set to compete. The meet begins with field events at 4:30 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Stadium on the campus of […]

The562’s cross country and track & field coverage is sponsored by Joe Carlson & Debbie Hughes.
The 2025 track and field season will conclude tonight at the CIF State Finals, with 19 Long Beach entries set to compete. The meet begins with field events at 4:30 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Stadium on the campus of Buchanan High School in Clovis.
With seven of the 11 total Wilson entries and a handful of high qualifiers, the Wilson girls are in good position to go for a three-peat. According to Rich Gonzalez from PrepCalTrack, Wilson is projected to score 46 points and win the girls’ title. Long Beach Poly is projected to land right behind them with 41 points.
Wilson’s Kaylin Edwards is the top qualifier in the girls’ 300m hurdles, one of three Long Beach runners in the event. It will be a competitive event with runners like Carlsbad’s Morgan Herbst, who set a state record last week at 39.95, breaking the 2001 mark set by Wilson alum Lashinda Demus. Edwards edged Herbst by one-hundredth of a second at the Mt. SAC Relays a month ago.
Edwards will also have stiff competition from San Diego’s Anisa Bowen-Fontenot in both the 110m hurdles and 300m hurdles. Bowen-Fontenot is the defending champion in the 100m hurdles and was the top qualifier on Friday, just one spot ahead of Edwards.
Wilson’s Wyland Obando was the top qualifier in the boys’ 800m and has won five of his eight 800m races this year. He’s only come in second to a California runner once—Poly Riverside’s Beckett Sullivan, who was the ninth-place qualifier from Friday.
It’ll be a unique meet without Long Beach runners in any of the sprinting events, and just one runner in the 400m—Wilson’s Kaedyn Burroughs in the boys’ race.
The defending state champion Long Beach Poly boys have slimmed down their entries since the CIF-SS meet, but they’ll look to pick up key points in the 4×100 where they were the top qualifier on Friday. Lynnox Newman will be the Jackrabbits’ only individual boys’ competitor, running in the 110m hurdles.
The Jackrabbits will have a pair of athletes in the girls’ field events where Jillene Wetteland and Joy Anderson both qualified in the high jump. Anderson has also come along as a talented hurdler and qualified for the 300m hurdles.
As usual, the Poly girls will be in both the 4x100m and 4x400m relays. The Jackrabbits won their heat in the girls’ 4x100m on Friday while Wilson was the top qualifier in the girls’ 4x400m.
Wilson (11 entries)
Girls’ 800: Shirayah Lewis-Williams
Girls’ 100 Hurdles: Kaylin Edwards
Girls’ 300 Hurdles: Saniah Varnado
Girls’ 300 Hurdles: Kaylin Edwards
Girls’ 4×400
Girls’ 4×800
Girls’ Long Jump: Loren Webster
Boys’ 400: Kaedyn Burroughs
Boys’ 800: Wyland Obando
Boys’ 4×400
Boys’ 4×800
Long Beach Poly (8 entries)
Girls’ 4×100
Girls’ 100 Hurdles: Kadence Bain
Girls’ 300 Hurdles: Joy Anderson
Girls’ 4×400
Girls’ High Jump: Jillene Wetteland
Girls’ High Jump: Joy Anderson
Boys’ 110 Hurdles: Lynnox Newton
Boys’ 4×400
Sports
USC athletics eliminates a dozen jobs amid new revenue sharing
As college athletic departments across the country brace for a new era of sharing revenue directly with their athletes, USC is eliminating a dozen jobs in its athletic department in an effort to reduce costs in the wake of the House vs. NCAA settlement. Six athletics employees were told late last week that their roles […]

As college athletic departments across the country brace for a new era of sharing revenue directly with their athletes, USC is eliminating a dozen jobs in its athletic department in an effort to reduce costs in the wake of the House vs. NCAA settlement.
Six athletics employees were told late last week that their roles in the department had been eliminated, a person familiar with the decision but not authorized to discuss it publicly told The Times. The most senior among them was Paul Perrier, an executive senior associate athletic director, who spent two six-year stints at USC working under three athletic directors.
Six other vacant roles have also since been eliminated, the person said.
USC is planning to share the maximum of $20.5 million with its athletes that’s permitted by the settlement in 2025, the vast majority of which will go to the football program. That’s no small expenditure — especially for a university in the midst of serious financial issues.
USC, like other schools, continues to explore other revenue streams to help pay for the costs associated with this new landscape of college athletics. USC recently signed a 15-year multimedia rights deal with Learfield that should help ease some of the burden of revenue sharing. Last season, the school sold ad space in the Coliseum end zone to DirecTV.
Some schools have opted to cut sports, in an attempt to reduce costs. But USC has yet to choose that route. Instead, athletic director Jennifer Cohen announced last month that USC would invest revenue-sharing dollars, in some form or fashion, with all 23 of the school’s athletics programs.
Sports
Seattle Mariners Triple
The Seattle Mariners Triple-A affiliate, the Tacoma Rainiers, accomplished one of the rarest plays in baseball during a game against the Reno Aces on Tuesday. In the bottom of the second with no outs, runners on the corners and Tacoma up 5-3, Reno center fielder Jorge Barrosa hit a lineout to Rainiers third baseman Austin […]


The Seattle Mariners Triple-A affiliate, the Tacoma Rainiers, accomplished one of the rarest plays in baseball during a game against the Reno Aces on Tuesday.
In the bottom of the second with no outs, runners on the corners and Tacoma up 5-3, Reno center fielder Jorge Barrosa hit a lineout to Rainiers third baseman Austin Shenton.
Shenton, after securing the grab, stepped on third and rocketed a throw back to first baseman Tyler Locklear. It was officially ruled a 5u-3 double play. According to a post from Tacoma’s official account on “X,” it was just the second triple play turned in Triple-A this season. It was also the first triple play turned by the Rainiers in at least the last 20 years.
TRIPLE PLAY
Just the 2nd triple play at Triple-A this season and the Rainiers first in at least 20 years!!! pic.twitter.com/fTDn0ZHByu
— Tacoma Rainiers (@RainiersLand) July 9, 2025
The two players involved in the play have had interesting seasons for Tacoma.
Before Tuesday’s game between the Rainiers and the Aces, Locklear had scored 51 times in 83 games and hit 20 doubles, a triple and 13 home runs with 61 RBIs. He’s slashed .295/.384/.489 with an .873 OPS. He is Seattle’s No. 11 prospect according to MLB Pipeline.
Shenton was picked in the fifth round of the 2019 MLB Draft. He was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays on July 29, 2021. He was reacquired by the Mariners in another deal with the Rays on Nov. 19, 2024. This season is his first with the Rainiers. He didn’t reach that level before being dealt to Tampa. Shenton has scored 35 runs in 63 games and has hit 12 doubles and 13 homers with 38 RBIs. He’s slashed .219/.313/.438 with a .751 OPS.
MLB INSIDER PREDICTS MARINERS TO DRAFT ELITE COLLEGE SHORTSTOP: The Athletic’s Keith Law reaffirmed his belief that the Mariners will select one of the best college hitters available in the 2025 draft. CLICK HERE
MARINERS FANS OFFER OPINION ON WHO TEAM SHOULD TAKE IN MLB DRAFT: Although opinions vary, most Mariners fans are on board with the team taking the best college pitcher on the board with the No. 3 pick in the 2025 draft. CLICK HERE
MARINERS PITCHING PROSPECT IMPROVES IN SECOND START WITH SINGLE-A MODESTO: Chia-Shi Shen, who was promoted from the Arizona Complex League to Single-A before the end of June, improved in his recent outing. CLICK HERE
You can also follow Teren Kowatsch on social media on Twitter @Teren_Kowatsch.
Sports
FISU FEATURE SERIES: ‘There’s always something you can improve’
Story Links In July, five members of the Bisons track and field team will take to Germany for the FISU World University Games. Over the next six weeks, Bison Sports will cover their journey and memories and moments that matter to them. This week’s feature is on assistant coach Gee-ef Nkwonta. Throughout […]

In July, five members of the Bisons track and field team will take to Germany for the FISU World University Games. Over the next six weeks, Bison Sports will cover their journey and memories and moments that matter to them. This week’s feature is on assistant coach Gee-ef Nkwonta.
Throughout his life, Bisons track and field assistant coach Gee-ef Nkwonta has embodied a “jack of all trades” mindset. One look at his sporting resume proves this to be true.
He’s ran the gamete, from soccer to basketball, to track and field and most recently, golf. An extremely intelligent person with a competitive edge, his life-long learning mindset pairs perfectly with his athletic edge.
“I was way too aggressively competitive. It was bad. I think that’s why I’m like this now,” he chuckles.
“Because it was so debilitating. I got in so much trouble for it. It went from soccer to all the other sports in school. There’s a picture of me running in the Manitoba Marathon when I was in grade five. It’s been pretty full circle. I think that’s the biggest reason why I’ve been able to keep going and why I’ve been able to pick up all the sports, because I did all of them.”
Nkwonta was a sensational basketball player for Fort Richmond Collegiate in high school, and that’s the route he originally thought he would take after high school. But life had other plans, swerving his trajectory from the hard court, to the track towards the end of his time at FRC.
“I just got into track because I was trying to get out of a test, and I ended up qualifying for things,” he admits. “I went to provincials and I did okay, I think I got third in triple jump.”
Nkwonta was still dead set on basketball heading into university, but there was one problem. He needed to get into a gym, and passes were expensive. Cue Wilfred Sam-King Jr.
A former captain on the Bisons track and field team and elite sprinter, Sam-King Jr. was like “a big brother” to Nkwonta. He convinced the upstart athlete to pursue track and field, originally as a way to get more gym time. The floodgates opened from there.
“Working out with [Sam-King Jr.], and doing all that stuff with him, it just turned out well. I was like, track isn’t bad. I like that aspect of it being on you. With sports, and with life, it’s just what I grew up doing, taking accountability for all of your actions, and figuring it out. I found that pretty cool.”
As Nkwonta got going in the sport, he embraced “the challenge” that jumping provided. It was the right sport at the right time in his life, and from there, he was all-in. He still competes in triple jump to this day.
“I love that you can’t master it. There’s always something you can improve. That’s why I started it, that’s why I still do it.”
Nkwonta was admittedly never the most athletic, or naturally gifted member of Manitoba’s roster. Heck, when he first debuted in the roster, he was 5’6″, and 130 pounds before hitting a major growth spurt later in his rookie season.
But he never let his size, or other factors get him down. Instead, he focused on his technique, and a sound overall approach.
As he puts it, it was about “controlling the controllables,” and honing in on the little details. It’s a mindset that he continues to embody to this day with the athletes that he coaches.
By the time Nkwonta graduated, he was a national medalist, and his leap of 15.07 metres at the Golden Bear Open in 2018 was the third farthest in school history at the time. He’s one of just four triple jumpers in Bisons history to extend past 15 metres.
“That was weird. I never would have thought that would be something that happened. I have a weird knack for trying to conquer things that I don’t think can be conquered, or trying to prove to myself that I can do something,” he reflects when looking back on his storied UM career.
“It wasn’t like I was trying to go after a distance. It was more about how good can I be at this thing? I’m such a perfectionist when it comes to myself – actually I’m a perfectionist when it comes to everybody, some people I just let them get away with it more. A sport like triple jump, you realize that it isn’t about how fast or how strong you are. Those things help, but you get the results by trying to be technically smooth.”
‘There was a certain level of honesty’
Nkwonta’s love for the sport, and background as a teacher have been an ideal formula post-graduation. In a short span of time, he’s become one of the most respected coaching minds in the country.
Notably, in 2023, he helped Madisson Lawrence win double gold at nationals in the pentathlon and high jump, setting a school record in the latter. She capped a legendary U SPORTS career off this past year with another pentathlon gold, along with silver in high jump and bronze in triple jump.
A former U SPORTS Assistant Coach of the Year, Nkwonta also helped sprinters Jordan Soufi and Tyrell Davis crack the speed code in 2024, going 1-2 in the 60m on home soil at nationals. It was the first time in school history that Manitoba earned gold and silver in the event.
“In the moment, I was like what’s going on? I think that was big for many reasons,” Nkwonta says of the 1-2 in the 60.
“Jordan obviously getting one, Tyrell coming back from all his injuries and wondering if he was going to be able to run again. For both of them to do it at home, I was just happy that they were happy, and had family here for it.”
Nkwonta is an exceptional communicator and he knows his athletes well. It’s helped him understand the unique needs of each. Lawrence is a perfect example.
“[We talk] probably more than [Nkwonta] would like,” chuckled Lawrence prior to her record-breaking 2022-23 season. “I have a lot of questions and I don’t think before I speak sometimes.”
“I think having a coach who was also my friend has worked out well, because there was a certain level of honesty I could have with him,” she added. “I didn’t have to build up to it because it was already there. I think it worked well on the track, because if I had questions about something, or wanted to know something, I wouldn’t hesitate to ask.”

Nkwonta’s athlete-centred approach is rooted in his own experiences as a Bison. Alanna Boudreau, a “leader and mentor” who’s still on UM’s staff, was his coach, and has been a major influence.
“Alanna was instrumental in everything that I came to. I wouldn’t be here without her, taking the chance, pushing me when I didn’t want to be pushed, showing up when I didn’t think anyone would. It’s all the things you want from a coach. We understood each other so much that she knew what I needed even when I didn’t know I needed it,” Nkwonta says.
“She knew how to get a response out of me. I think that was the best part about our relationship. She knew me, I knew her. We connected. She’s made me not just a better athlete, but a better person. She’s influenced my coaching a lot. I understand that I am far from perfect. I understand that I am probably no one’s ideal athlete. I think the only ideal thing about me as an athlete is that I am coordinated, and if someone asks me to do something, I can generally do it in a couple of tries. She never really faltered, whether I was giving her my best or my worst.”
In two weeks, Nkwonta will take the next step in his coaching career. He, along with Bisons Daxx Turner, Lara Denbow, Jordan Soufi and Dawson Mann will represent Canada on the world stage at the FISU Summer World University Games in Bochum, Germany from July 21-27.
He will coach combined events and jumps as part of a ten person coaching staff, embracing the opportunity.
“I’m just hoping it leads to more. I’m the geek who’s going to be sitting at the warm-up track watching everyone warm up and learning what everyone’s doing. The meet will be fun, but that’s going to be the best part, meeting everyone from around the world and chatting, and getting to connect with people.”
Sports
Four ‘Bows Headed to Water Polo World Championships
Four members of the University of Hawai’i women’s water polo team are set to represent their countries at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore. Ema Vernoux and Camille Radosavljevic will compete for France, while Agatha Weston and Gabrielle Doyle will play for New Zealand. The tournament runs from July 10 to July 23. Vernoux and […]
Four members of the University of Hawai’i women’s water polo team are set to represent their countries at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore. Ema Vernoux and Camille Radosavljevic will compete for France, while Agatha Weston and Gabrielle Doyle will play for New Zealand. The tournament runs from July 10 to July 23. Vernoux and Radosavljevic have prior experience on the international stage, both having competed in the Paris Olympics. Doyle and Weston also recently made impactful contributions during their collegiate seasons.
By the Numbers
- Ema Vernoux scored the first goal for France in their Olympic debut, leading UH with 78 goals last season.
- Agatha Doyle recorded 15 goals and 10 assists last season while finishing with 34 steals as a freshman.
Yes, But
Both Vernoux and Radosavljevic bring Olympic experience, which may give France a competitive edge. However, New Zealand’s roster also includes former ‘Bows, adding depth and familiarity to their squad.
State of Play
- The women’s water polo competition starts on July 10 in Singapore, featuring multiple international teams.
- New Zealand is grouped with Australia, Italy, and Singapore, while France competes against Spain, Great Britain, and South Africa.
What’s Next
As the championship approaches, the focus will be on the performance of these athletes and their contributions to their teams. Success could influence future selections for international competitions.
Bottom Line
The participation of these four players underscores the growing talent pool in women’s water polo, reflecting both their individual achievements and the strong program at the University of Hawai’i.
Sports
The 2025 Bowerman Finalists and Watch List for men’s and women’s NCAA track and field
It’s time for a look at potential winners of the Bowerman, an annual award presented to the most outstanding athletes in collegiate track and field. Here’s the latest on some of the best in DI track and field. THE BOWERMAN: Complete history of the track and field honor Finalists gender athlete school events Women Pamela Kosgei […]

It’s time for a look at potential winners of the Bowerman, an annual award presented to the most outstanding athletes in collegiate track and field.
Here’s the latest on some of the best in DI track and field.
THE BOWERMAN: Complete history of the track and field honor
Finalists
gender | athlete | school | events |
---|---|---|---|
Women | Pamela Kosgei | New Mexico | Distance |
Doris Lemngole | Alabama | Distance | |
Savannah Sutherland | Michigan | Sprints/Hurdles | |
Men | Jordan Anthony | Arkansas | Sprints |
Nathaniel Ezekiel | Baylor | Sprints/Hurdles | |
Ja’Kobe Tharp | Auburn | Hurdles |
Watch lists from the season
Check out every 2025 watch list below.
Semifinalists
Gender | Athlete | School | Events |
---|---|---|---|
Women | Aaliyah Butler | Georgia | Sprints |
JaMeesia Ford | South Carolina | Sprints | |
Pamela Kosgei | New Mexico | Distance | |
Elena Kulichenko | Georgia | Jumps | |
Mya Lesnar | Colorado State | Throws | |
Doris Lemngole* | Alabama | Distance | |
Amanda Moll | Washington | Pole Vault | |
Hana Moll | Washington | Pole Vault | |
Savannah Sutherland | Michigan | Sprints/Hurdles | |
Roisin Willis | Stanford | Mid-Distance | |
Men | Mykolas Alekna** | California | Discus |
Jordan Anthony | Arkansas | Sprints | |
James Corrigan | BYU | Mid-Distance/Steeple | |
Nathaniel Ezekiel | Baylor | Sprints/Hurdles | |
Ishmael Kipkurui | New Mexico | Distance | |
Carlie Makarawu | Kentucky | Sprints | |
Ralford Mullings | Oklahoma | Throws | |
Brian Musau | Oklahoma State | Distance | |
Ethan Strand | North Carolina | Mid-Distance/Distance | |
Ja’Kobe Tharp | Auburn | Hurdles |
*Two-time Semifinalist
**Three-time Semifinalist
PREDICTING: How the Bowerman watch lists predict the award’s final winner
2025 watch list dates
Below you’ll find all of the Bowerman watch list dates for 2025.
Update | Women’s Date | Men’s Date |
---|---|---|
Preseason | Wednesday, Jan. 8 | Thursday, Jan. 9 |
1 | Wednesday, Feb. 5 | Thursday, Feb. 6 |
2 (Post-Indoor Conferences) |
Wednesday, March 5 | Thursday, March 6 |
3 (Post-NCAA Indoor) |
Wednesday, March 26 | Thursday, March 27 |
4 | Wednesday, April 16 | Thursday, April 17 |
5 | Wednesday, May 7 | Thursday, May 8 |
6 (Post-Outdoor Conferences) |
Wednesday, May 21 | Thursday, May 22 |
7 (Post-NCAA prelims) |
Wednesday, June 4 | Thursday, June 5 |
Semifinalists (Post-NCAA Outdoor) |
Wednesday, June 25 | Thursday, June 26 |
Finalists | Monday, July 7 | Tuesday, July 8 |
Winners | Thursday, Dec. 18 | Thursday, Dec. 18 |
All dates subject to change
PAST BOWERMANS: 2024 – Leo Neugebauer | 2024 – Parker Valby | 2023 – Jaydon Hibbert | 2023 – Julien Alfred | 2022 – Trey Cunningham | 2022 – Abby Steiner
Date of the winner of the Bowerman
The 2025 winners will be announced on Thursday, Dec. 18 at the 2025 USTFCCCA convention at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas.
Past watch lists
Watch list update No. 7
The seventh update to the Bowerman women’s watch list was announced on Wednesday, June 4, with the men’s watch list announced on Thursday, June 5.
Gender | Athlete | School | Events |
---|---|---|---|
Women | Şilan Ayyildiz | Oregon | Mid-Distance |
Alexis Brown | Baylor | Sprints/Jumps | |
Aaliyah Butler | Georgia | Sprints | |
JaMeesia Ford | South Carolina | Sprints | |
Pamela Kosgei | New Mexico | Distance | |
Doris Lemngole | Alabama | Distance | |
Indya Mayberry | TCU | Sprints | |
Amanda Moll | Washington | Pole Vault | |
Michaela Rose | LSU | Mid-Distance | |
Jayden Ulrich | Louisville | Throws | |
Men | Mykolas Alekna | California | Discus |
Jordan Anthony | Arkansas | Sprints | |
James Corrigan | BYU | Mid-Distance/Steeple | |
Nathaniel Ezekiel | Baylor | Sprints/Hurdles | |
Ishamel Kipkurui | New Mexico | Distance | |
Liam Murphy | Villanova | Mid-Distance/Distance | |
Tarik Robinson-O’Hagan | Ole Miss | Throws | |
Habtom Samuel | New Mexico | Distance | |
Ethan Strand | North Carolina | Mid-Distance/Distance | |
Ja’Kobe Tharp | Auburn | Hurdles |
*Watch list career debut
The following athletes received votes:
- Women
- Temitope Adeshina, Texas Tech (Jumps)
- Lexy Halladay-Lowry, BYU (Steeple/Distance)
- Meghan Hunter, BYU (Mid-Distance)
- Klaudia Kazimierska, Oregon (Mid-Distance/Distance)
- Brynn King, Roberts Wesleyan (Pole Vault)
- Mya Lesnar, Colorado State (Throws)
- Men
- Makanakaishe Charamba, Auburn (Sprints)
- Micahi Danzy, Florida State (Sprints)
- Geoffrey Kirwa, Louisville (Steeple/Distance)
- Angelos Mantzouranis, Minnesota (Hammer/Throws)
- Tinoda Matsatsa, Georgetown (Mid-Distance/Distance)
- Samuel Ogazi, Alabama (Sprints)
- Abdul-Rasheed Saminu, South Florida (Sprints)
- Kendrick Smallwood, Texas (Sprints/Hurdles)
- Kostas Zaltos, Minnesota (Throws)
Watch list update No. 6
The sixth update to the Bowerman women’s watch list was announced on Wednesday, May 21, with the men’s watch list announced on Thursday, May 22.
Gender | Athlete | School | Events |
---|---|---|---|
Women | Şilan Ayyildiz | Oregon | Mid-Distance |
Alexis Brown* | Baylor | Sprints/Jumps | |
Aaliyah Butler | Georgia | Sprints | |
JaMeesia Ford | South Carolina | Sprints | |
Pamela Kosgei | New Mexico | Distance | |
Doris Lemngole | Alabama | Distance | |
Indya Mayberry | TCU | Sprints | |
Amanda Moll | Washington | Pole Vault | |
Michaela Rose | LSU | Mid-Distance | |
Jayden Ulrich | Louisville | Throws | |
Men | Mykolas Alekna | California | Discus |
Jordan Anthony* | Arkansas | Sprints | |
James Corrigan | BYU | Mid-Distance/Steeple | |
Nathaniel Ezekiel | Baylor | Sprints/Hurdles | |
Ishmael Kipkurui | New Mexico | Distance | |
Liam Murphy | Villanova | Mid-Distance/Distance | |
Tarik Robinson-O’Hagan | Ole Miss | Throws | |
Habtom Samuel | New Mexico | Distance | |
Ethan Strand | North Carolina | Mid-Distance/Distance | |
Parker Wolfe | North Carolina | Distance |
*Watch list career debut
The following athletes received votes:
- Women
- Temitope Adeshina, Texas Tech (Jumps)
- Lianna Davidson, Georgia (Javelin)
- Rachel Glenn, Arkansas (Hurdles/Jumps)
- Lexy Halladay-Lowry, BYU (Steeple/Distance)
- Brynn King, Roberts Wesleyan (Pole Vault)
- Mya Lesnar, Colorado State (Throws)
- Jadin O’Brien, Notre Dame (Combined Events)
- Men
- Micahi Danzy, Florida State (Sprints)
- Geoffrey Kirwa, Louisville (Steeple/Distance)
- Angelos Mantzouranis, Minnesota (Hammer/Throws)
- Jamar Marshall, Jr., Houston (Sprints/Hurdles)
- Tinoda Matsatsa, Georgetown (Mid-Distance/Distance)
- Kendrick Smallwood, Texas (Sprints/Hurdles)
- Ja’Kobe Tharp, Auburn (Hurdles)
- Kostas Zaltos, Minnesota (Throws)
Watch list update No. 5
The fifth update to the Bowerman women’s watch list was announced on Wednesday, May 7, with the men’s watch list announced on Thursday, May 8.
Gender | Athlete | School | Events |
---|---|---|---|
Women | Şilan Ayyildiz | Oregon | Mid-Distance |
Aaliyah Butler | Georgia | Sprints | |
Rachel Glenn | Arkansas | Hurdles/Jumps | |
Brynn King | Roberts Wesleyan | Pole Vault | |
Pamela Kosgei | New Mexico | Distance | |
Doris Lemngole | Alabama | Distance | |
Indya Mayberry | TCU | Sprints | |
Amanda Moll | Washington | Pole Vault | |
Michaela Rose | LSU | Mid-Distance | |
Jayden Ulrich | Louisville | Throws | |
Men | Mykolas Alekna | California | Discus |
Nathaniel Ezekiel | Baylor | Sprints/Hurdles | |
Ishmael Kipkurui | New Mexico | Distance | |
Geoffrey Kirwa* | Louisville | Steeple/Distance | |
Angelos Mantzouranis* | Minnesota | Hammer/Throws | |
Liam Murphy | Villanova | Mid-Distance/Distance | |
Tarik Robinson-O’Hagan | Ole Miss | Throws | |
Habtom Samuel | New Mexico | Distance | |
Ethan Strand | North Carolina | Mid-Distance/Distance | |
Ja’Kobe Tharp | Auburn | Hurdles |
*Watch list career debut
The following athletes received votes:
- Women
- Margot Appleton, Virginia (Mid-Distance/Distance)
- Lianna Davidson, Georgia (Javelin)
- JaMeesia Ford, South Carolina (Sprints)
- Lexy Halladay-Lowry, BYU (Steeple/Distance)
- Jadin O’Brien, Notre Dame (Combined Events)
- Manuela Rotundo, Georgia (Javelin)
- Men
- Kanyinsola Ajayi, Auburn (Sprints)
- Jordan Anthony, Arkansas (Sprints)
- Makanakaishe Charamba, Auburn (Sprints)
- Nathan Green, Washington (Mid-Distance)
- Garrett Kaalund, Southern California (Sprints)
- Carli Makarawu, Kentucky (Sprints)
- Gary Martin, Virginia (Mid-Distance/Distance)
- Tinoda Matsatsa, Georgetown (Mid-Distance/Distance)
- Ralford Mullings, Oklahoma (Throws)
- Auhmad Robinson, Texas A&M (Sprints)
- Daniel Reynolds, Wyoming (Throws)
- Kendrick Smallwood, Texas (Sprints/Hurdles)
- Keyshawn Strachan, Nebraska (Javelin)
- Parker Wolfe, North Carolina (Distance)
Watch list update No. 4
The fourth update to the Bowerman women’s watch list was announced on Wednesday, April 16, with the men’s watch list announced on Thursday, April 17.
Gender | Athlete | School | Events |
---|---|---|---|
Women | Aaliyah Butler | Georgia | Sprints |
Rachel Glenn | Arkansas | Hurdles/Jumps | |
Brynn King* | Roberts Wesleyan | Pole Vault | |
Pamela Kosgei | New Mexico | Distance | |
Doris Lemngole | Alabama | Distance | |
Indya Mayberry | TCU | Sprints | |
Amanda Moll | Washington | Pole Vault | |
Manuela Rotundo* | Georgia | Javelin | |
Jayden Ulrich* | Louisville | Throws | |
Isabella Whittaker | Arkansas | Sprints | |
Men | Mykolas Alekna | California | Discus |
James Corrigan | BYU | Mid-Distance/Steeple | |
Nathaniel Ezekiel | Baylor | Sprints/Hurdles | |
Ishmael Kipkurui* | New Mexico | Distance | |
Liam Murphy* | Villanova | Mid-Distance/Distance | |
Auhmad Robinson* | Texas A&M | Sprints | |
Tarik Robinson-O’Hagan | Ole Miss | Throws | |
Habtom Samuel | New Mexico | Distance | |
Ethan Strand | North Carolina | Mid-Distance/Distance | |
Ja’Kobe Tharp | Auburn | Hurdles |
*Watch list career debut
The following athletes received votes:
- Women
- Şilan Ayyildiz, Oregon (Mid-Distance)
- Lianna Davidson, Georgia (Javelin)
- JaMeesia Ford, South Carolina (Sprints)
- Hana Moll, Washington (Pole Vault)
- Jadin O’Brien, Notre Dame (Combined Events)
- Men
- Jordan Anthony, Arkansas (Sprints)
- Johnny Brackins, Jr., Southern California (Hurdles/Jumps)
- Simen Guttormsen, Duke (Pole Vault)
- Garrett Kaalund, Southern California (Sprints)
- Trey Knight, CSUN (Throws)
- Carli Makarawu, Kentucky (Sprints)
- Gary Martin, Virginia (Mid-Distance/Distance)
- Tinoda Matsatsa, Georgetown (Mid-Distance/Distance)
- Chinecherem Nnamdi, Baylor (Javelin)
- Daniel Reynolds, Wyoming (Throws)
- Kendrick Smallwood, Texas (Sprints/Hurdles)
- Keyshawn Strachan, Nebraska (Javelin)
- Kostas Zaltos, Minnesota (Throws)
Watch list update No. 3
The third update to the Bowerman women’s watch list was announced on Wednesday, March 26, with the men’s watch list announced on Thursday, March 27.
Gender | Athlete | School | Events |
---|---|---|---|
Women | Aaliyah Butler | Georgia | Sprints |
Lianna Davidson* | Georgia | Javelin | |
Rachel Glenn | Arkansas | Hurdles/Jumps | |
Axelina Johansson | Nebraska | Throws | |
Doris Lemngole | Alabama | Distance | |
Indya Mayberry* | TCU | Sprints | |
Amanda Moll | Washington | Pole Vault | |
Hana Moll | Washington | Pole Vault | |
Jadin O’Brien* | Notre Dame | Combined Events | |
Isabella Whittaker* | Arkansas | Sprints | |
Men | Mykolas Alekna | California | Discus |
James Corrigan* | BYU | Mid-Distance/Steeple | |
Nathaniel Ezekiel | Baylor | Sprints/Hurdles | |
Simen Guttormsen* | Duke | Pole Vault | |
Carli Makarawu* | Kentucky | Sprints | |
Gary Martin | Virginia | Mid-Distance/Distance | |
Daniel Reynolds* | Wyoming | Throws | |
Tarik Robinson-O’Hagan | Ole Miss | Throws | |
Ethan Strand | North Carolina | Mid-Distance/Distance | |
Ja’Kobe Tharp | Auburn | Hurdles |
*Watch list career debut
The following athletes received votes:
- Women
- Şilan Ayyildiz, Oregon (Mid-Distance)
- Alexis Brown, Baylor (Sprints/Jumps)
- Dajaz Defrand, Southern California (Sprints)
- JaMeesia Ford, South Carolina (Sprints)
- Elena Kulichenko, Georgia (Jumps)
- Wilma Nielsen, Oregon (Mid-Distance)
- Men
- Jordan Anthony, Arkansas (Sprints)
- Favour Ashe, Oregon (Sprints)
- Johnny Brackins, Jr., Southern California (Hurdles/Jumps)
- Nathan Green, Washington (Mid-Distance)
- Brian Musau, Oklahoma State (Distance)
- Chinecherem Nnamdi, Baylor (Javelin)
- Jonathan Seremes, Missouri (Jumps)
- JC Stevenson, Southern California (Sprints/Jumps)
Watch list update No. 2
The second update to the Bowerman women’s watch list was announced on Wednesday, March 5, with the men’s watch list announced on Thursday, March 6.
Gender | Athlete | School | Events |
---|---|---|---|
Women | Silan Ayyildiz* | Oregon | Mid-Distance |
Aaliyah Butler | Georgia | Sprints | |
JaMeesia Ford | South Carolina | Sprints | |
Rachel Glenn | Arkansas | Hurdles/Jumps | |
Tacoria Humphrey* | Illinois | Jumps | |
Axelina Johansson | Nebraska | Throws | |
Doris Lemngole | Alabama | Distance | |
Amanda Moll* | Washington | Pole Vault | |
Hana Moll | Washington | Pole Vault | |
Julitette Whittaker | Stanford | Mid-Distance | |
Men | Mykolas Alekna | California | Discus |
Johnny Brackins Jr. | Southern California | Hurdles/Jumps | |
Nathaniel Ezekiel* | Baylor | Sprints/Hurdles | |
Gary Martin* | Virginia | Mid-Distance/Distance | |
Tarik Robinson-O’Hagan | Ole Miss | Throws | |
Habtom Samuel | New Mexico | Distance | |
JC Stevenson* | Southern California | Sprints/Jumps | |
Ethan Strand | North Carolina | Mid-Distance/Distance | |
Ja’Kobe Tharp | Auburn | Hurdles | |
Parker Wolfe | North Carolina | Distance |
*Watch list career debut
The following athletes received votes:
- Women
- Anthaya Charlton, Florida (Jumps)
- Mya Lesnar, Colorado State (Throws)
- Indya Mayberry, TCU (Sprints)
- Jadin O’Brien, Notre Dame (Combined Events)
- Hilda Olemomoi, Florida (Distance)
- Michaela Rose, LSU (Mid-Distance)
- Isabella Whittaker, Arkansas (Sprints)
- Men
- Favour Ashe, Oregon (Sprints)
- Makanakaishe Charamba, Auburn (Sprints)
- Eli Kosiba, Grand Valley State (Jumps)
- Tinoda Matsatsa, Georgetown (Mid-Distance/Distance)
- Aidan McCarthy, Cal Poly (Mid-Distance)
- Chinecherem Nnamdi, Baylor (Javelin)
- Daniel Reynolds, Wyoming (Throws)
- Jonathan Seremes, Missouri (Jumps)
- Aleksandr Solovev, Texas A&M (Pole Vault)
- Keyshawn Strachan, Nebraska (Javelin)
- Sam Whitmarsh, Texas A&M (Mid-Distance)
Watch list update No. 1
The first update to the Bowerman women’s watch list was announced on Wednesday, Feb. 5, with the men’s watch list announced on Thursday, Feb. 6.
Gender | Athlete | School | Events |
---|---|---|---|
Women | Aaliyah Butler* | Georgia | Sprints |
Anthaya Charlton* | Florida | Jumps | |
JaMeesia Ford | South Carolina | Sprints | |
Rachel Glenn | Arkansas | Hurdles/Jumps | |
Doris Lemngole | Alabama | Distance | |
Hilda Olemomoi | Florida | Distance | |
Laura Pellicoro* | Portland | Mid-Distance | |
Jaida Ross | Oregon | Throws | |
Chloe Timberg | Rutgers | Pole Vault | |
Julitette Whittaker | Stanford | Mid-Distance | |
Men | Mykolas Alekna | California | Discus |
Johnny Brackins Jr. | Southern California | Hurdles/Jumps | |
Trey Knight* | CSUN | Throws | |
Wanya McCoy* | Florida | Sprints | |
Tarik Robinson-O’Hagan | Ole Miss | Throws | |
Habtom Samuel | New Mexico | Distance | |
Ethan Strand | North Carolina | Mid-Distance/Distance | |
Ja’Kobe Tharp | Auburn | Hurdles | |
Sam Whitmarsh | Texas A&M | Mid-Distance | |
Parker Wolfe | North Carolina | Distance |
*Watch list career debut
The following athletes received votes:
- Women
- Axelina Johansson, Nebraska (Throws)
- Pamela Kosgei, New Mexico (Distance)
- Elena Kulichenko, Georgia (Jumps)
- Mya Lesnar, Colorado State (Throws)
- Indya Mayberry, TCU (Sprints)
- Amanda Moll, Washington (Pole Vault)
- Hana Moll, Washington (Pole Vault)
- Wilma Nielsen, Oregon (Mid-Distance)
- Jadin O’Brien, Notre Dame (Combined Events)
- Michaela Rose, LSU (Mid-Distance)
- Savannah Sutherland, Michigan (Sprints/Hurdles)
- Men
- Favour Ashe, Oregon (Sprints)
- Graham Blanks, Harvard (Distance)
- Nathaniel Ezekiel, Baylor (Sprints/Hurdles)
- Eli Kosiba, Grand Valley State (Jumps)
- Abdullahi Hassan, Mississippi State (Mid-Distance)
- Chinecherem Nnamdi, Baylor (Javelin)
- Samuel Ogazi, Alabama (Sprints)
- Tarsis Orogot, Alabama (Sprints)
- Jonathan Seremes, Missouri (Jumps)
- Aleksandr Solovev, Texas A&M (Pole Vault)
- JC Stevenson, Southern California (Sprints/Jumps)
- Keyshawn Strachan, Nebraska (Javelin)
Preseason watch list
The women’s preseason watch list was announced on Wednesday, Jan. 8, with the men’s preseason watch list announced on Thursday, Jan. 9.
Gender | Athlete | School | Events |
---|---|---|---|
Women | Kaylyn Brown* | Arkansas | Sprints |
JaMeesia Ford | South Carolina | Sprints | |
Rachel Glenn | Arkansas | Hurdles/Jumps | |
Axelina Johansson | Nebraska | Throws | |
Doris Lemngole*+ | Alabama | Distance | |
Brianna Lyston | LSU | Sprints | |
Hilda Olemomoi* | Florida | Distance | |
Michaela Rose | LSU | Mid-Distance | |
Jaida Ross# | Oregon | Throws | |
Juliette Whittaker+ | Stanford | Mid-Distance | |
Men | Mykolas Alekna | California | Discus |
Johnny Brackins Jr. | Southern California | Hurdles/Jumps | |
Chinecherem Nnamdi* | Baylor | Javelin | |
Tarik Robinson-O’Hagan*+ | Ole Miss | Throws | |
Tarsis Orogot | Alabama | Sprints | |
Habtom Samuel+ | New Mexico | Distance | |
Ethan Strand* | North Carolina | Mid-Distance/Distance | |
Ja’Kobe Tharp | Auburn | Hurdles | |
Sam Whitmarsh | Texas A&M | Sprints/Mid-Distance | |
Parker Wolfe+ | North Carolina | Distance |
*Watch list career debut
#Returning finalist
+Returning semifinalist
The following athletes received votes:
- Women | Aaliyah Butler, Georgia (Sprints)
- Rosey Effiong, Arkansas (Sprints)
- Brynn King, Roberts Wesleyan (Pole Vault)
- Pamela Kosgei, New Mexico (Distance)
- Elena Kulichenko, Georgia (Jumps)
- Jadin O’Brien, Notre Dame (Combined Events)
- Savannah Sutherland, Michigan (Sprints/Hurdles)
- Chloe Timberg, Rutgers (Pole Vault)
- Men
- Nathan Green, Washington (Mid-Distance)
- Kenneth Ikeji, Harvard (Throws)
- Eli Kosiba, Grand Valley State (Jumps)
- Rivaldo Marshall, Arkansas (Mid-Distance)
- Tinoda Matsatsa, Georgetown (Mid-Distance/Distance)
- Nathan Mountain, Virginia (Mid-Distance)
- Samuel Ogazi, Alabama (Sprints)
- Godson Oghenebrume, LSU (Sprints)
- Colin Sahlman, Northern Arizona (Mid-Distance)
Sports
Ballesty carves her name on family tree
When Aussie Stinger Hayley Ballesty’s extended family gather at a family function, an outsider could easily think they’re attending a Sportsman’s Lunch. Besides Ballesty, who made her Australia debut in 2022, and who has played professionally in Italy and Spain, her great-uncle John Ballesty represented the Wallabies in nine Tests from 1968-69 before switching to […]

When Aussie Stinger Hayley Ballesty’s extended family gather at a family function, an outsider could easily think they’re attending a Sportsman’s Lunch.
Besides Ballesty, who made her Australia debut in 2022, and who has played professionally in Italy and Spain, her great-uncle John Ballesty represented the Wallabies in nine Tests from 1968-69 before switching to rugby league where he starred with the (now Sydney) Roosters outfit that lost the 1972 grand final to Manly.
Her mother’s cousin is Australia’s first Winter Olympic gold medallist – and perhaps sport’s most recognisable ‘last man standing’ underdog, Stephen Bradbury. While much has been said about Bradbury’s 2002 gold, when the speedskater almost nonchalantly crossed the finish line after the 1000m field was taken out in a collision, he also has a 1994 Lillehammer Winter Olympic Games bronze for the 5000m relay.
The 25-year-old said her famous relatives have not only inspired her to be the best she can, but they’ve also provided a source of constant encouragement.
“John is my dad’s uncle and it’s because of him my entire family are Roosters supporters even though we live in Manly Sea Eagles territory,” said Ballesty with a grin. “He’s a bit of an inspiration, having had an amazing rugby union career with the Wallabies and then his time in league.
“My family is very close and it means a lot to me that he follows my sporting career closely.
“I also see mum’s cousin, Stephen Bradbury, at big family events and I appreciate he tries to keep in touch with my water polo career and monitors how I’m travelling. What I’ve taken from his gold medal is this: when opportunity comes you have to be ready to take it – and he definitely was.”
As for her own place in Australian sport, Ballesty has no problem articulating what it means to be a member of the Aussie Stingers.
“The biggest takeaway is the kind of person a Stinger is,” she said. “I have really put in the work to try to be the best version of myself, and to also be a role model to the younger girls who are coming through.
“I do that because I remember how important those role models were for me. I would love to do my bit to help continue that legacy for the next generation.”
And while Ballesty’s bloodlines suggest she was born to excel in elite sport, she’s needed to draw upon a reservoir of resilience to overcome some brutal setbacks which include a shoulder injury that caused her to miss out on last year’s Olympic silver medal campaign.

HAYLEY BALLESTY IS NSWIS PROUD
“What I like about being an NSWIS scholarship holder is the incredible support system I have at NSWIS. I can be the best version of myself in the pool because NSWIS cares about the whole picture, not just the athlete. I also don’t believe I would have recovered from any of my major injuries without NSWIS.”
“When I was 19 and transitioning from junior to senior water polo, I had a hip injury and was out of the water for 18 months – which was really difficult,” she said. “Then, unfortunately, I dislocated my shoulder during a game in 2023 and it needed reconstruction surgery.
“It probably took me over a year to get back to where I was prior to that injury. In total, I was out of the water for nine months. It was tough, but when I had my hip injury our then NSWIS coach, Mel Rippon, told me: ‘you know, injuries like this make or break athletes – and I think its going to make you.’
“And I held onto that thought [four years later when I injured my shoulder]. I just thought ‘this isn’t going to break me.’ And while I missed so much, doing the rehab and working so hard to return showed me I didn’t want to stop . . . I still had so much to give.”
When asked how she felt watching her teammates – her friends – slug it out against Spain in the Paris Olympics’ gold medal decider, she simply says: ‘mixed feelings’.
“It was extremely difficult,” she said of watching from her couch as Australia took silver. “It was really weird because those are, like, some of my closest friends, and I was so happy for them because they did so extremely well.
“And I had so much pride when I was watching the Games. I just knew how much everyone had poured into that performance, and I wanted them to win. Like them, I poured a lot of myself into trying to get to Paris. And while I was happy, it was bitter-sweet because as an athlete you want to be at those big events.”
Ballesty has been selected to compete in the World Aquatics Championships which start in Singapore on July 11. The squad consists of 10 players from the Paris squad, while the selections of NSWIS duo Olivia Mitchell and Alexie Lambert, along with Western Australia’s Pippa Pedley signal the next generation’s emergence.

This is her second world championships campaign, and Ballesty’s advice to the Stinger’s newcomers is to be prepared for the emotions that come with a huge event.
“I was quite young, 20-21, at my first world championships in Hungary. While I wouldn’t say I was naïve, I was unaware of how big it was,” she said. “Our quarter final was played against Hungary in Budapest and there was 8000 Hungarians cheering their team on.
“When they started singing the Hungarian national anthem, that’s when it hit me. I thought: ‘like, this is a really big deal.’ It was one of the most powerful things I’ve ever witnessed.
“So, I think my selection for Singapore carries more significance for me because I know what it actually is and how big a deal it is.”
Though, Ballesty, the latest member of her family’s sporting dynasty, has worked like few others to be there.
HAYLEY BALLESTY FAST FACTS
- Ballesty is studying her Bachelor of Landscape Architecture at the University of NSW.
- The degree appealed to her because it provides an opportunity to combine Ballesty’s passion for science, art and the environment.
- When she graduates Ballesty would like to work in environmental rehabilitation because she believes there’ll be an increased need for it due to rapid way cities are growing and impacting the environment and ecosystem.
- She says one of the best aspects of playing professionally in Spain and Italy is having friends all over the world.
- While her teammates say she speaks fluent Italian, Ballesty insists she understands the language better than she speaks it: “Yeah, I know when the coach isn’t happy with me [laughs].”
- The team she played for, Rapallo, is situated on the Italian Riviera (Mediterranean Sea) and Ballesty loves the lifestyle.
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