The Stevenson boys swimming and diving team will see a new face in Joe Gibson as head coach for the upcoming 2025-2026 season. 
Gibson has been an assistant coach for the Stevenson boys water polo team since 2021. Gibson has coaching experience in swimming and diving going back to 2021. He was an assistant for Evanston boys and girls swimming in 2021. Gibson was an assistant for New Trier girls swim in 2022 and 2023, then served as an assistant for boys swim at Vernon Hills this past 2024-2025 s…

Earlier today WSU baseball announced they have signed redshirt freshman outfielder Matthew Priest to their squad. The San Diego, California native committed to the University of Southern California for his freshman year, but did not see the field all season.

Considering Priest’s lack of college stats, it may be useful to consult his high school numbers.

Senior year for Priest, through 12 games played on varsity, had him batting 0.281 with nine hits and seven RBI’s. He also launched two homers that year, with three others the year before, giving him a total of five longballs in his high school career.

According to Perfect Game, Priest was ranked 134^th overall in the nation and 24^th nationally among outfielders in 2023. Shrink that sample size down to just California and you get 3^rd for outfielders and 15^th overall.

The 6-foot-1 and 205 pound righty is also incredibly fast for his size. This is in part because of his tenure on his high school track team, where he recorded a 10.94 second 100-meter dash, as well as a 23.16 second 200-meter dash. Although he did not compete in college, his time in track and field helped develop a speedy athlete that will undoubtedly be a threat on the basepaths.

In the wake of Logan Johnstone transferring to Vanderbilt University, Priest serves as a young replacement in the outfield with room to develop. His hitting, speed and defensive play all make him a top tier pick up for a Cougar squad looking to compete in the Mountain West next year.

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≡ THE 5-RING CIRCUS ≡

● Olympic Games 2024: Paris ● Affection for the Paris 2024 Games remains strong in France, as 83% (vs. 15%) responded positively to a new poll about their perception of last year’s events. Moreover, 76% (vs. 23%) had a positive view of the upcoming Olympic Winter Games, French Alps 2030.

The poll of 1,047 adults from 13-16 June by Toluna Harris Interactive France and Territoires d’Événements Sportifs (TES), also showed 86% (vs. 13%) in favor of major events being held in France, especially for their impact on tourism and upgrades to sports facilities. Some 72% felt such events also promoted the practice of sport, the image of France and the promotion of Paralympic sport.

Interestingly, 64% said they preferred to watch sports on television vs. attending in person (49%), but a majority (60%) of those under 35 wanted to be on-site in person.

● Aquatics ● The World Aquatics Championships, with 77 events, about 2,500 athletes from 206 national federations, opens on Friday in Singapore and will continue through 3 August.

Water polo will open the championships, continuing to 24 July. Open-water swimming will go from 14-29 July, artistic swimming from 17-25 July, high diving from 23-27 July, then diving from 25 July to 3 August and swimming from 26 July to 3 August.

● Athletics ● Interesting line-up for the annual Ed Murphey Classic in Memphis, Tennessee on Saturday, including Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone in the flat 400 m. She’s already no. 5 in the world in 2025 off her 49.43 at the Prefontaine Classic, and she is always a threat to the American Record of 48.70 by Sanya Richards-Ross from 2006.

In the men’s 400 m, teen star Quincy Wilson (17) has completed his high school season and will be in the open race; he’s run 45.27 this season after a world U-18 record 44.20 last year. He’ll be facing Tokyo Olympic 400 m winner Steven Gardiner (BAH), among others.

● Cricket ● The Times of India reported on a demand by the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee that the Board members of USA Cricket resign so that “new independent members can be appointed to replace them.”

USOPC Senior Governance Advisor David Patterson insisted that a full replacement of the board is “by far the best course of action.” His electronic-mail message explained that if this does not take place, the USOPC will not open an application period for an organization to apply to be the recognized National Governing Body for cricket (there is none at present).

The Times report also stated that the International Cricket Council, the international federation for cricket, is in agreement with the USOPC, as USA Cricket has been under scrutiny for governance issues since 2018.

● Cycling ● Ireland’s Ben Healy broke away from a lead group with 42 km remaining in Thursday’s hilly, 201.5 km ride to Vire Normandie and won the sixth stage of the 112th Tour de France in 4:24:10. It’s his first career stage win at the Tour.

He was all alone at the finish, with American Quinn Simmons some 2:44 behind in second, followed by Michael Storer (AUS: +2:51).

Well back was the race-leader group, with Dutch star Mathieu van der Poel finishing eighth (+3:58) and then race leader Tadej Pogacar (SLO) much further back at +5:27. That differential gave the race lead to van der Poel by one second, with Remco Evenepoel (BEL: +0:43) third and four more within 1:59.

Friday’s 197 km stage to Mur-de-Bretagne is again hilly, with an uphill finish that could shake up the leaderboard once again.

¶

The women’s Giro d’Italia enjoyed a flat, 120 km stage on Thursday from Mirano to Monselice, won by Dutch ace Lorena Wiebes in 2:39:08 ahead of countrywoman Marianne Vos and 10 others given the same time.

Swiss Marlen Reusser was fifth and maintained her 16-second lead over Italy’s Elisa Longo Borghini. Stage six on Friday will be hilly and stage seven has a major uphill finish that will likely decide the race.

● Football ● Paris-St. Germain is a big favorite to defeat Chelsea in the final of the FIFA Club World Cup on Sunday at 3 p.m. local time at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

PSG is listed at 3/5 on multiple sites and the best odds on Chelsea are just less than 4/1.

Perhaps just as important is the weather, with a high of 85 F forecast and 71% humidity. That’s down from the 90+ F temps during the semifinals – also at MetLife – but still uncomfortable.

¶

U.S. striker Tobin Heath, a key contributor to the dominant U.S. women’s teams over almost 15 years, announced her retirement from professional football on Thursday. She last played in 2022 and has been unable to overcome a serious knee injury since.

She joined the U.S. national team in 2008 and was a part of the Women’s World Cup champions in 2015 and 2019 and Olympic winners in 2008 and 2012, and bronze medalists at Tokyo 2020. She scored 36 goals and had 42 assists in 181 appearances. She played with 11 different club teams in the U.S. and England from 2004-22.

● Modern Pentathlon ● At the UIPM World Relay Championships in Alexandria (EGY), the home team won the senior Mixed Relay, thanks to teen star Farida Khalil and Paris Olympian Mohanad Shaban, who won the fencing, swimming and obstacle legs and then hung on during the Laser Run to edge France’s Mathilde Derval and Leo Bories, with a final score of 1,422 to 1,415.

¶

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San Mateo is located on the Peninsula, right between San Francisco and S⁠an Jo⁠se. The city is easily accessible, with major highways, Caltrain service, and close proximity to the airport. This central location offers the best of both worlds: convenience and a more laid-back, suburban feel.

But what makes San Mateo stand out is how much there is to explore right here in town. From scenic parks and coastal trails to diverse dining, cultural spots, and local shopping, there’s no shortage of options.

If you’re wondering where to start, here’s a list of the top things to do in San Mateo, so you can make the most of your visit or stay here.

Right in the center of the city, San Mateo Central Park is a favorite fo⁠r lo⁠cals and a must-see f⁠or visitors. This place has something for everyone, including a Japanese Tea Garden, a mini train for kids, and lot⁠s of open spac⁠e for relaxing. The r⁠ose gard⁠en is especially stunning during spring and early summer.

Families love coming here for picnics, while others drop by to read a book under a tree or play tennis. You’ll also find live music and cultural festivals throughout the year, so be sure to keep an eye out for weekend events.

If you’re looking to unwind or get a little active, this park makes i⁠t ea⁠sy to do both.

CuriOdyssey i⁠s a hands-on science and wildlif⁠e cent⁠er located inside the larger Coyo⁠t⁠e Point Recreation Area. It’s a great stop for⁠ families to enjoy the interactive science exhibits and animal habitats. Here, you’ll find bob⁠cats, river otters, owls, and other rescued animals in naturalistic enclosures.

Outside, there’s a huge playground and easy walking trails that lead to stunning views of the Bay. If you head uphill, you’ll get sweeping views that make for perfect photo ops. The museum often h⁠osts science-t⁠hemed events and classes. So, t⁠here’s always⁠ something fresh to check out.

Seal Point Park stretches along the eastern edge of San Mateo, offering beautiful views of the Bay. It’s a popular spot for walkers, runners, and dog owners, thanks to its wide paved trails and off-leash dog park. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a cool breeze off the water or see windsurfers zippin⁠g by.

The park also features a large sculpture area and small hills that are perfect for kite flying or simply sitting and enjoying the open air. Benches are placed at scenic⁠ spots so you can relax and take in the surroundings. Whether it’s early morning or sunset, the atmosphere here feels re⁠freshing.

Downtown San Mateo has evolved into a vibrant hub rich in character. With a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops, it’s an ideal place to walk around and try something new. Here, you’ll find everything from sushi and ramen to tacos, burgers, and artisanal pastries.

The streets are clean and walkable, with lots of places to stop and enjoy a coffee. In the evenings, the area gets even better with string lights, outdoor seating, and live music at some venues.

This area also hosts farmers’ markets and seasonal events, providing a deeper sense of community. It’s easy to spend a few hours here without even noticing the time pass.

Although the Sawye⁠r Camp Trail stretches into other nearby are⁠as, the southern trailhead begins close to San Mateo⁠ and offers a⁠n easy escape into nature. 

This trail follows the Crystal Springs Reservoir and is⁠ paved, making it ideal for walking, running, or biking. The views of the water and surrou⁠nding hills are peace⁠ful and calming.

You’ll see locals out here all day long, getting some fresh air or training for a race. The trail is wide and well-maintained, making it accessible for all ages.

If you’re looking to clear your mind, this trail is a solid pic⁠k. It’s one of the more relaxing places in San Mateo.

Hillsdale⁠ Shopping Center is San Mateo’s go-to spot for retail therapy. It’s not just a mall; it’s been reimagined into a sleek, open-space shopping destination with indoor and outdoor areas. You’ll find ev⁠erything from popular clothing brands to unique specialty shops.

There are plenty of dining options, too, ranging from quick bites to sit-down restaurants, as well as a luxury cinema for movie nights. The outdoor plaza is great for meeting up with friends or just enjoying a change of scenery.

Du⁠ring the holidays, the center transforms with decorations and events that draw big crowds. And on a rainy day, Hillsdale Shopping Center is a pe⁠rfect indoor retreat.

Laurelwood Park is situated in a quiet residential area and serves as the gateway to Sugarloaf Mountain, a small yet satisfying local hike. The park itself is peaceful, with picnic tables, open grassy fields, and a playground for kids. From here, you can head up the Sug⁠arloaf Mountain trail for great views ove⁠r San Mateo and th⁠e Bay.

I⁠t’s not a l⁠ong hike, but⁠ it’s just enough to break a sweat⁠ and enjoy the scenery. You’ll pass through eucalyptus groves and clim⁠b a gentle inc⁠line to reach the summit. It’s a favorite among locals who want a nature fix without having to drive far.

Locate⁠d near Hillsdale Boulevard, the Peninsula M⁠useum of Ar⁠t features rotating exhibitions that highlight local and regional artists. It’s a quiet, thoughtful space where you can explore contemporary art in a relaxed setting, and you won’t find massive crowds here. Thus, it’s a perfect spot for slow browsing.

The museum often hos⁠ts artist talks, workshops, and special events, making it a com⁠munity-centered space for creativity. With multiple galleries inside, you can view a diverse range of work, including paintings, sculptures, mixed media, and photography.

Bay Meadows Park is part of a newer residential development,⁠ but it’s open to the public and full of charm. You’ll find large open lawns, a playground, and walking paths surrounded by clean landscaping and publi⁠c art. It’s designed⁠ for relaxati⁠on and community gatherings.

The park is great for casual games, reading under a tree, or enjoyin⁠g a quiet meal ou⁠tdoors. On weekends, it’s common to see families and young professionals out and about, taking advantage of the good weather.

N⁠ow that you know the top things to do in San Mateo, it’s time to explore the city for yourself. From pe⁠aceful trails to exciting⁠ downtow⁠n streets, there’s a lot waiting f⁠or you here.

If exploring San Mateo has you thinking about staying longer or even making it your home, you’re not alone. Many are drawn to the city’s charm, convenience, quality of life, and strong sense of⁠ community.

When you’re ready to relocate, consider working with a professional San Mateo moving company. A local mover can make the process smoo⁠th and stress-free, helping you get settled quickly. 

However, you should select the most reliable and suitable provider for your moving needs. And once you’re here, it won’t take long to feel at home.

The distribution of revenue-sharing funds to athletes following the recent House v. NCAA settlement raises question about allotment to teams at ASU, whose coaches include from left, Kenny Dillingham (football), Molly Miller (women’s basketball), Missy Farr-Kaye (women’s golf) and Bobby Hurley (men’s basketball). (File photo by Sammy Nute/Cronkite News)

PHOENIX – Arizona State began distributing revenue-sharing funds to athletes Thursday in response to the recent House v. NCAA settlement, a shift in the college sports landscape that raises urgent questions about how colleges will uphold Title IX gender equity laws in the process.

The deal, which allows schools to directly pay athletes for the first time, was approved by Federal Judge Claudia Wilken June 6. It resolved three antitrust lawsuits alleging the NCAA illegally limited athlete compensation.

Under the settlement, the NCAA will pay $2.8 billion in back damages to athletes who competed from 2016-2024 and were fully or partially denied name, image and likeness (NIL) opportunities. Moving forward, each university can also compensate its athletes with the initial annual revenue-sharing cap set for $20.5 million, a mark set to increase yearly.

Arizona State athletic director Graham Rossini did not reveal what percentage of the money will go toward each team, but he emphasized that football, despite its economic importance to the athletic department, will not be the sole beneficiary.

“We’re maxing out revenue share, we are a full participant,” Rossini said. “There are female sports that will be receiving some of those funds. We’ve got 26 sports, the most in the Big 12 and 14 of them are female sports. We’re very committed to females having opportunities in athletics.”

Although ASU would not reveal percentage distribution, others have, and most are expected to reflect the back-payment formula defined in the $2.8 billion settlement: 75% to football players, 15% to men’s basketball, 5% to women’s basketball and 5% to all remaining sports.

North Carolina athletic director Bubba Cunningham said in a statement that four sports will share the $20.5 million allocation, with football and men’s basketball receiving the majority, and baseball and women’s basketball securing a smaller amount. LSU has said football will receive 75%, and men’s basketball 15%, with the remainder going to other sports.

A 2025 Opendorse report suggests 65.6% of the money at Power 4 schools will go to football, 20.3% to men’s basketball and 6.6% to women’s basketball, leaving only 7.5% for every other sport.

Title IX legal challenges

With ASU one of many Power 4 schools expected to continue prioritizing revenue-generating sports, equity concerns are mounting. Eight athletes from multiple schools already filed an appeal arguing that the settlement, specifically the back damages portion, violates Title IX as female athletes would get less money than players at high-earning men’s programs.

Arthur Bryant, a preeminent lawyer who has won more Title IX cases involving athletes than anyone in the country and recently published a critical Sportico analysis of the settlement, has serious doubts about the House settlement’s Title IX viability in the current landscape of college athletics.

“The House settlement creates Title IX violations and is a Title IX violation in a bunch of ways,” Bryant said. “Title IX requires that the money be distributed proportionally to the men and women athletes. So that’s how schools comply with the House settlement going forward and not create a Title IX problem.

“There are schools who said they’re going to do that, but there are other schools who said that they are going to give 90% of the money to the football and men’s basketball players. Those schools are violating Title IX and they’re walking themselves into a lawsuit against any woman who wants to sue.”

Since its 1972 passage, Title IX has impacted college sports, ultimately leading to the current space where NIL is benefiting female college athletes nearly as much as their male counterparts. For instance, women’s basketball superstars Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers have earned more from college NIL deals than their rookie WNBA contracts, a reason why many female basketball and volleyball players stay in college rather than turn professional.

Victoria Jackson, a history professor and co-director of the Great Game Lab at ASU, believes this expansion of opportunities is transformative.

“The benefits NIL has afforded female athletes are better than a salary in any league in any sport in the world,” Jackson said

Unlike Bryant, Jackson is not overly concerned that the House settlement will weaken Title IX protections. Instead of fighting against the money flowing into and from football, she encourages advocates for women’s and Olympic sports to focus on expanding their own revenue streams.

“And now that more football money is going to be staying with football athletes, advocates for women’s sports shouldn’t be fighting against that,” Jackson said. “They should be in support of that and also, you know, making a case that schools should be investing in women’s sports and Olympic sports, but pulling from other pots of money. And so what I’ve been working on is trying to identify new revenue streams to support women’s sports and Olympic sports because they do have value.”

Jackson went a step further, mentioning that colleges should separate football from all other sports given how professional the college game has become. If that were to happen, it would reduce Title IX concerns because most of the revenue-sharing money schools get and give to other sports comes from their football programs.

Jackson’s argument gains support when viewed through the latest Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act data from ASU. The university’s football team brought in $40,162,578, according to the EADA’s 2024 report, while its total revenue from all male and female sports except football and basketball came to $40,649,397, according to the EADA.

Title IX’s role in the NIL era reached the national stage earlier this year. On Jan. 16, President Joe Biden’s Office for Civil Rights issued a memo warning that NIL agreements could violate Title IX if not distributed proportionally. After taking office, President Donald Trump’s administration quickly rescinded the guidance, giving colleges more leeway to avoid pursuing gender equity revenue-sharing models.

Future of non-revenue sports

The combination of the settlement’s approval and Trump’s act sparked concern that non-revenue generating Olympic and co-ed sports such as swimming and diving, track and field and gymnastics could be cut or insufficiently funded, increasing the risk of Title IX violations in this new era of college athletics.

At the end of April, Grand Canyon University announced that this past spring would be the last season for its Division I boys volleyball team, with the school set to only offer the sport at club level next year. On June 16, Washington State University revealed that its track and field program is eliminating its field portion (throws and jumps) to mainly focus on distance events.

As Arizona State and other universities prepare to directly pay its athletes, questions around Title IX compliance are heating up. (3D illustration by Osaka Wayne Studios/Getty Images)

Aaron Hernandez, assistant dean and executive director of the Allan “Bud” Selig Sports Law and Business Program at Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, expressed concern that what has happened at other schools could take place at ASU.

However, Rossini said ASU not only plans to keep all 26 of its sports, but is investing more resources into them. For instance, the school is adding 200 new athletic scholarships to comply with roster limits that replace scholarship limits.

“I get that it’s time for these guys to share in the revenue, but the cost of all these other really special people in the community at schools like ASU is something that really worries me,” Hernandez said. “I hope that there’s a future where we keep our Olympic movement and our women’s sports propped up in a good way.”

ASU athlete’s perspective

One of those “really special people,” as Hernandez put it, is Kate Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald has made it her mission to educate and inspire fellow female college athletes in the NIL space. The co-founder of the Student Athlete Venture Studio, an initiative launched to support female athlete entrepreneurs, Fitzgerald spent four years playing beach volleyball at ASU and a fifth year as a graduate assistant coach while pursuing a master’s degree. In her senior year (2023-2024), Fitzgerald was ASU’s top NIL-earning Olympic sport female athlete, profiting from her volleyball lifestyle clothing brand VBAmerica.

Given her experience with Sun Devil athletics and NIL, Fitzgerald has full trust in Rossini to lead ASU in the right direction.

“He’s definitely helping ASU prevent cuts of programs … ASU always says No. 1 in innovation, so they’re being innovative about NIL and that’s ultimately in my opinion, the best way to go about it,” Fitzgerald said. “These are changing times, so instead of fighting and cutting, let’s try new ways to make money and find a new way to adapt to this newfound lifestyle of college athletics.”

As the House settlement era begins, the athletes most affected may be those outside the spotlight – athletes who, like Fitzgerald, must navigate a shifting landscape with both uncertainty and opportunity.

“If you’re not in a revenue generating sport or have a large social media following, that doesn’t mean you can’t leverage NIL,” Fitzgerald said. “You just have to go after it, and think long term – use NIL to find internships, build your career, and bring in some kind of revenue, even if it’s just food coverage…Realistically, NIL will not fall into your lap.”

In an era where millions of dollars are on the table, the future of college sports may indeed depend on creativity as well as compliance to ensure that progress for some doesn’t come at the expense of equity.