SOUTH BRUNSWICK – Some teams shy away from the spotlight.

Not Old Bridge volleyball. The players know that other squads are gunning for them, so might as well embrace it. Bring it on.

“We love it,” senior Adrian Marke said. “We love it. We’re always there for it. … Every team plays their hardest against you, and they want to take you down.”

Troy Markle added, “It puts a target on our back, and it keeps you on your feet. You always want to be No. 1, and to keep that spot is really something special. We’re just used to that, and it’s just based on experience. So, we’re comfortable in that situation.”

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Indeed, in turn, the Knights play hard back, and they’re always ready and unfrazzled.

Wednesday, Old Bridge repeated as NJSIAA Group 4 champions with a 25-17, 25-18 win over Livingston at host South Brunswick High School – a familiar championship site for the program. Old Bridge has now won six state titles in the last seven tournaments (it was cancelled in 2020 because of the pandemic).

The team has been known for its enthusiastic fan support through the years, and a large number of students again showed up in purple and black, cheering and chanting, even leading the National Anthem.

It’s cool to play volleyball in Old Bridge.

The Knights (32-1) completed another special season in emphatic fashion with Wednesday’s triumph. They cruised in the first-game win. In the second, both teams tussled for the lead until Old Bridge took off to break a 12-12 tie.

Soon it was 15-12 and 19-14, and Old Bridge never trailed again. It seemed fitting that Oskar Lapinski put an exclamation point on the final point with a power shot that Livingston couldn’t return.

The junior has been dominant all spring with 317 kills and had a team-high 11 in the win. His classmate Marke complements Lapinski, keeping opposing teams off-balanced and he chipped in nine kills in the final with 243 for the season.

Markle, the steady senior setter, led with 21 assists (769 on the season) and six digs. In all, the Knights received balanced contributions throughout the box score, and that’s what makes the team so potent.

Markle said he can place the ball to anyone, and they’ll all make the right decision. Lapinski, too, is happy for the support.

“I’m just glad to be a part of such a special program,” said Lapinski, noting the team’s chemistry from grass volleyball games to team dinners. “Knowing that we have such a well-rounded team is really good for me. … I trust everyone with all my heart that we could get a kill anywhere on the court.”

Seniors Ali Chaudary (321 digs), John Femiano (76 digs), Logan Fernandes (138 kills, 118 digs), Noah Brown (82 kills, 27 digs) and Anthony Pizzulli (104 digs) have all been key members, and junior Alex Kozikowski chipped in three digs and two blocks in the championship win.

“Our seniors, I mean, what a ride they’ve had,” Hopman said. “In the last three years they only lost two matches.”

He then noted the victories each year – 32, 32, 29.

“That’s a credit to the seniors,” he continued. “Most of them have been playing for three years, and they just love the sport. They’ll probably go home and play in someone’s backyard. That’s what they did last year. They’re always playing, they love the sport and there’s no moment that’s too big for them because they’re just happy to be on the court.”

As the coach was in the midst of a post-game interview, Chaudary walked by, and they embraced.

“Thank you, Hop,” he said. “Thank you so much. Everything you’ve done, thank you. Appreciate it.”

In turn, Hopman appreciates his players and all the 360-degree support.

“It’s been a pleasure to be part of the program as it’s grown,” Hopman said. “It’s grown so much that we have a lot of support from our administration. We’ve had great coaches like Tom Buoni, Wayne Lach and our new younger coach Jonny Ortega, who played for us and is now coaching. That’s special, too, to have a player come back and want to coach with us.

“It’s like the perfect storm. I’ve got great assistant coaches, great athletic director, great principal, and when you have everybody that wants to see you succeed and everybody that’s supporting you, and the players feel that – then they just play better.”

EUGENE, Ore. — Senior Ethan Exilhomme doned the Husky uniform one last time Wednesday evening, taking on the 110m hurdle semifinal at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships.

Exilhomme raced in the final heat of the 110m hurdle, where he crossed the line in seventh with a time of 13.66, finishing 18th overall. He was the highest-placing runner from the CAA in the event.

Racing for Northeastern since 2021, he leaves behind a decorated career. A three-time NCAA Track and Field Championship qualifier and 2024 Indoor All-American, the Tewksbury, Mass. native holds eight all-time marks in program history, including four school records (60m, 60m hurdles, 110m hurdles, and 4×100 relay). He earned seven CAA medals in his four years of racing and was named the 2024 CAA Men’s Indoor Track Athlete of the Year after an outstanding indoor season.

After missing the 2024 outdoor and 2025 indoor seasons due to injury, Exilhomme returned to his best, breaking school records in the 4×100 and 110m hurdles multiple times en route to the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships.

App State head volleyball coach Chad Sutton announced the addition of six student-athletes to the Mountaineers’ 2025 roster on Monday.

“My staff and I are super excited with our signing class this spring,” said Sutton. “This staff has done an incredible job coming on board and immediately getting to work to keep this roster competitive and full of great people. We have added five transfers this spring and one incoming freshman, all of which have championship history, all-conference awards or ability to their credit. Moreso, these players are great people and immediately bonded with our staff players.”

Maria Contreras | Setter | Tepic, Mexico | Preparatoria Del Valle HS | Santa Fe College
Maria Contreras, who hails from Tepic, Mexico, comes to the High Country as a setter after two seasons at Santa Fe College. While with the Saints, she appeared in 45 matches and 156 sets and was a First Team All-FCSAA Conference selection. During the 2024 campaign, Contreras averaged 7.29 assists per set.

Prior to her collegiate career, Contreras competed on the U21 Mexican National Team at the Women’s NORCECA and made appearances in the FIVB U18 World Championships and U19 Pan American Cup. Contreras plans on studying exercise science while at App State.

Why Contreras Chose App State: “I chose App State because I was looking for a competitive program with a strong support system to help me grow as a player and person. I think App State has a great community for student-athletes, which made me feel confident in making this decision.”

Sutton on Contreras: “Maria is an exciting player with her unique length and skill at the setting position. She will be a matchup nightmare and bring different skill sets to the position group. I fully expect big things from Maria during her time here and believe she has the potential to be a game changer for us during her time here.”

Bella Dafforn | Defensive Specialist/Libero | Indianapolis, Ind. | Hamilton Southeastern HS
Hailing from Indianapolis, Ind., Bella Dafforn will join the Mountaineers as a freshman defensive specialist/libero. Dafforn led a decorated career at Hamilton Southeastern, where she was a three-time Defensive Player of the Year selection, three-time all-conference honoree, and two-time all-county player. She also earned the all-captain award and was named to the USA High School Preseason Team. Additionally, she placed for the Circle City club team under the direction of Payton Perry. Dafforn helped the team to a fifth-place finish at nationals on two occasions. Academically, Dafforn was named Biomedical Student of the Year.

Dafforn plans on majoring in biology while at App State. She enjoys spending time with her church group and hanging out with friends, as well as babysitting and playing pickleball.

Why Dafforn Chose App State: “I chose App State because of the volleyball coaching staff, the beautiful campus, and education.”

Sutton on Dafforn: “Bella is a great addition to our program. Bella is a defensive specialist from Indiana with multiple back row position experiences. She has a great platform, a nasty serve, and hails from an area that just produces top-tier defensive specialists year after year. She is no stranger to high expectations or success. She will fit in seamlessly and have a very bright career here at App State.”

MeMe Davis | Defensive Specialist/Libero | Gainesville, Fla. | Gainesville HS | Mercer
Gainesville, Fla. native MeMe Davis will join the Mountaineers as a defensive specialist/libero after a stop at Mercer. Davis helped the Bears to a SoCon regular season title, an undefeated record at Hawkins Arena, an appearance in the SoCon Championship match, and the program’s first postseason appearance in the NIVC Tournament. Individually, Davis collected Second Team All-SoCon, SoCon All-Freshman Team, and SoCon All-Tournament Team honors. She totaled 619 digs, averaging 5.03 digs per contest, and appeared in 33 matches for the Bears.

Davis intends on studying healthcare management while at App State. She enjoys shopping, hanging out with friends, and binge-watching shows. She also used to majorette dance.

Why Davis Chose App State: “I chose App State for athletics.”

Sutton on Davis: “MeMe is a star. She is one of the most exciting players I have ever been able to coach. Having served as her coach this past year, I can assure you there is nothing she can’t do on a volleyball court. She is a first contact specialist with the ability to score from the libero position. I am beyond thrilled to still be able to coach her.”

Lou Johnson | Middle Blocker | Ocala, Fla. | Trinity Catholic HS | Mercer
Ocala, Fla. native Elayna “Lou” Johnson will join the Mountaineers as a sophomore middle blocker after competing for Mercer. While with the Bears, she started all 32 matches and appeared in 112 sets during the 2024 campaign. She averaged 1.66 kills per set with a hitting percentage of .304. Additionally, Johnson made 76 blocks (11 solo, 65 assists) for the Bears. Alongside Davis, Johnson helped lead the Bears through a historic campaign during the 2024 season, which included a conference regular season title, undefeated home record, an appearance in the league’s championship match, and the program’s first postseason appearance.

Johnson plans on studying business management while at App State. Johnson loves the beach, traveling, weightlifting, skateboarding and animals. She also has three brothers, one of which is her twin brother, and all three play NCAA Division I football.

Why Johnson Chose App State: “I chose App State because of the location and because of the team atmosphere.”

Sutton on Johnson: “Lou is an absolute beast. She’s one of the hardest hitting players I have ever coached and the only player I have ever seen deflate a ball on contact. Lou personifies hard work on the court, in the gym, and in the classroom. She only knows one speed and that’s all out. I am very excited to add Lou to this program and can’t wait for her to get to work.”

Keionna Mackey | Outside Hitter | Tallahassee, Fla. | Florida State University HS | Santa Fe College, Polk State College, Georgia State
Joining the Mountaineers as an outside hitter, is Tallahassee, Fla. native Keionna Mackey. Mackey’s collegiate career has included stops at Santa Fe College, Polk State College, and Georgia State. During the 2024 season at Georgia State, Mackey appeared in 30 matches and led the Panthers with 351 kills on the season, averaging 3.03 kills per set. She also tallied 195 digs, 36 aces, and 52 blocks for the Panthers. In 2023, the Tallahassee, Fla. native competed at Polk State, where she was named a NJCAA All-American, collected First Team All-Citrus Conference honors, and was a FCSAA State All-Tournament Team selection. She also slammed down a career high 27 kills against Daytona State. In 2022, Mackey spent her freshman season at Santa Fe College, where she appeared in 70 sets and 21 matches. She tallied 211 kills on the year, averaging 3.01 per set.

Mackey plans on pursuing a degree in communications while at App State. She enjoys outdoor activities, going to the beach, listening to music, going on adventures, and trying new things.

Why Mackey Chose App State: “I chose App State because I want to be part of a winning program with a strong, driven culture. This team is built on hard work, discipline, and real support and that’s exactly the kind of environment I thrive in. I know I’ll be free to be myself here, and when I’m fully myself, I dominate. Choosing App State is more than just a decision – it’s a power move. It’s the next stepping stone toward greatness and exactly where I need to be to keep leveling up and chasing everything I know I’m capable of.”

Sutton on Mackey: “Keionna “Air” Mackey is a high-flyer with the ability to change the scoreboard from anywhere on the court. She is a player I have watched compete for a long time dating back to high school and someone I have always wanted to coach. She has big time ability and will immediately make her presence known as a senior pin. Big things are coming to Boone this fall and “Air Mack” is one of them.”

Ali Morris | Outside Hitter | Knoxville, Tenn. | Grace Christian Academy | Western Carolina
Hailing from Knoxville, Tenn., Ali Morris will join the Mountaineers as an outside hitter after three seasons at Western Carolina. While with the Catamounts, Morris appeared in 84 matches and 265 sets. She led WCU in kills during the 2024 campaign, averaging 3.20 kills per set in addition to 3.66 digs per set. Additionally, she tallied 28 double-doubles while in Cullowhee.

While at App State, Morris plans on studying health sciences. She enjoys golfing and can juggle. She also has a farm.

Why Morris Chose App State: “I chose App State because of the coaching staff and environment.”

Sutton on Morris: “Ali is a fantastic senior talent coming to Boone. She is a player I have coached against the past two years and have great respect for. She is a steady but fiery competitor who adds experience, versatility, and dynamic playmaking to our roster. Ali will make an immediate impact upon her arrival.”

{Information provided by Appalachian State Athletics}

Ishmael Kipkurui proved unbeatable at the 2025 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships on Wednesday, 11 June, striding away from the other 23 men entered in the 10,000 metres to claim his first ever NCAA title.

Crossing the line in a time of 29:07.70, the effort was far from his best, but it was still more than enough to see off any challengers in a sluggish, yet tactical race, where a final kick made all the difference in front of a passionate crowd at Hayward Field.

Eritrea’s Habtom Samuel, defending champion in the men’s 10,000m at the NCAA Championships, was next across the line in a time of 29:08.73, whilst Ernest Cheruiyot rounded the top three, clocking 29:10.37.

The race served as an appetizer for the rest of the men’s track finals on Friday, 13 June, with semifinal action keeping fans entertained throughout the afternoon.

Of course, there was plenty of action in the field events as well, with Aleksandr Solovev clearing 5.78m to take top honours in the men’s pole vault, and South Africa’s Devoux Deysel throwing 81.75m to reign supreme in the men’s javelin.

A thrilling men’s shot put final saw Jason Swarens leave with the title, after his final round heave of 21.23m surpassed Thomas Kitchell’s mark of 20.74m, which supplanted Tarik Robinson-O’Hagan’s mark of 20.41m.

Elsewhere, Greece’s Kostas Zaltos claimed top honours in men’s hammer throw with a mark of 78.08m, while Paris 2024 Olympian Malcolm Clemons (8.04m) narrowly edged past Blair Anderson (8.02m) to win the men’s long jump competition.

The day was punctuated by the start of the men’s decathlon, which saw Peyton Bair take the overnight lead courtesy of strong performances in the 100m and 400m.

Tomorrow (12 June) will see the women take centre stage, with more track and field action on the docket at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon.

By Jeremy Jacob, Sports Editor

The new Mexico volleyball head coach Tami Sells is entering her first high school head coaching job.

Sells was announced as the program’s head coach in a Facebook post on May 30. She has a variety of volleyball and coaching experience that she thinks can increase Mexico’s 12 wins from a season ago, which was one win shy of the school record in 2001. 

“I was extremely thrilled and excited just to see where we can take this volleyball program,” Sells said. “Last year was one of those years where we got to see the potential. I’m really hoping to take that and build on that.”

When Sells was in school, she played volleyball in Michigan but started her volleyball coaching career six years ago at the Mexico Area Family YMCA after deciding to help Tom Fischer coach her kids’ teams. She helped build and coach St. Brendan’s volleyball program, which is entering its third year. She is currently and she said she will continue being an associate professor of psychology at Moberly Area Community College. 

Sells said she has coached kids at a variety of ages from third-graders to seventh-graders. Her most recent coaching stint has been at the middle school level at St. Brendan School. Before she helped establish St. Brendan’s volleyball program, Sells said the girls played on other schools’ teams and were then invited to form their own team and be part of a program through the Catholic Diocese of Jefferson City because it wouldn’t allow teams with girls from multiple schools.

“The principal at the time was like, ‘Tami, if you can get this ready, go for it,’” Sells said. “At the time, I was coordinating the athletics at St. Brendan and I still am. It’s been fun to see that grow.”

Sells has played and coached other sports in her life such as soccer and baseball. She has coached basketball with her husband, Aaron, at St. Brendan and has enjoyed all of that but her favorite has been volleyball, which Sells said has “always been my heart.” 

After the right number of girls were “rounded up” at St. Brendan, Sells had more of an opportunity to use her coaching methods for a program in its infancy. While Mexico’s program has been around a while, she said there will always be new players. It just so happens that the freshmen will be the same girls Sells coached at the YMCA.

“The way I view coaching is, yes, we want to be competitive,” Sells said. “At the same time, I feel like the underlying growth that we are after is personal growth, physical and mental health, team building, confidence building and finding out what your full potential is. That’s where my core will be starting with any program.”

Sells experienced personal growth during her playing days when she was a varsity captain. She said she had to be a leader on the court and learned much about volleyball while rotating all around the court — as an outside hitter in the front court and defensive specialist in the back court — for a smaller school team. 

“I never left the court so a lot of people came to me for questions, and I was able to help answer them and help build their skills,” Sells said. “As most captains are, you tend to help when the coach says, ‘Hey, go work with them really fast.’ I loved doing that as a player.” 

Because of her past history with her new team, Sells said she knows about half the Mexico girls but mainly wants to focus on making that 100 percent. She wants all of them to build their life skills along with their volleyball skills.

“We haven’t built that team dynamic quite yet,” Sells said. “My goal is to get to know some of the girls and where we can improve our team dynamics and that communication. My major focus is how I can teach them some life skills through volleyball.”

EUGENE, Ore.—Tristyn Flores picked up a pair of U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) All-America honors, while Ryan Gregory opened competition in the decathlon Wednesday at the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships at the University of Oregon’s Hayward Field.
 
Flores ran the 100 meters first, finishing 14th with a time of 10.19 seconds to earn second-team All-America honors. He returned a little over an hour later for the 200 meters, where he placed 18th in the semifinals in 20.68 seconds, earning honorable mention All-America recognition.
 
Gregory started the decathlon with his second-fastest 100 meters of the season, clocking 10.76 seconds to finish sixth. In the long jump, he recorded a mark of 22 feet, 5 3/4 inches to place 15th.
 
In the shot put, Gregory improved with each attempt, topping out at 37 feet, 9 1/2 inches on his third try to tie for 21st with Connecticut’s Joshua Mooney. His high jump of 6 feet, 6 inches — his second-best of the season — earned him 11th place in the event.
 
He capped the day with a season-best 400 meters, finishing ninth in 48.87 seconds. After five events, Gregory sits in 14th place overall with 3,920 points.
 
Here is Gregory’s Decathlon breakdown                                                                                                           

Event	Mark	Place	Points
100m	10.76	6th	915
Long Jump	22-5 1/4	15th	776
Shot Put	37-9 1/2	21st, T	577
High Jump	6-6	11th	785
400m	48.87	9th	867

Gregory concludes the decathlon on Thursday beginning with the 110m hurdles at 9:45 a.m. ESPN+ streams each of the decathlon events. ESPN coverage begins at 4 p.m.
 

~#LongBeachBuilt~