College Sports

Meet St. Thomas Aquinas High School’s top 10 students in Class of 2025

Special to Foster’s | Fosters Daily Democrat DOVER — St. Thomas Aquinas High School’s top 10 students for the Class of 2025 have been announced. The graduates are listed below in alphabetical order with descriptions provided by the school. Luciano Barbini Luciano Barbini is the son of Ann Marie Dunne and Denis Barbini and lives […]

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2 weeks ago

June 6, 2025

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Special to Foster’s
| Fosters Daily Democrat

DOVER — St. Thomas Aquinas High School’s top 10 students for the Class of 2025 have been announced.

The graduates are listed below in alphabetical order with descriptions provided by the school.

Luciano Barbini

Luciano Barbini is the son of Ann Marie Dunne and Denis Barbini and lives in North Hampton, New Hampshire. He attended St. Mary Academy in Dover, NH, and is a member of St. Michael’s Parish in Exeter.

Luciano has been a member of the National Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society throughout high school. He earned department awards in Biology and Geometry during his freshman year, was recognized as a scholar athlete, and received a Presidential Scholarship from Rochester Institute of Technology.

He has been actively involved in sports throughout high school, competing in cross country all four years—earning Most Improved Player as a freshman and Best Team Spirit as a senior. He also participated in indoor track for three years, outdoor track for two years, and played one year of baseball.

Luciano served as co-moderator of the Biotech and Gardening Clubs, and outside of school, he enjoys woodworking, running, and outdoor activities. He consistently volunteered at school events including open houses, canned food drives, and theater concessions. He also participated in community events such as Cardboard City and baked cookies for St. Ann’s. Additionally, he served as an altar server at his church and assisted teachers with various projects.

Luciano works year-round part-time at L.L. Bean in North Hampton. He was accepted to several colleges including the University of New Hampshire Honors College, RPI, Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), and RIT. He plans to attend WPI in the fall of 2025 due to its strong program, close proximity to home, and supportive student community.

Though still undecided on his specific major, Luciano is interested in pursuing a science-related field and hopes to contribute to the betterment of humanity through engineering or science.

Emma Franson

Emma Franson is the daughter of Camilla and Stephen Franson and lives in Hampton, New Hampshire. She attended Saint Patrick’s Academy in Portsmouth and is a member of Netcast Church in Danvers, Massachusetts.

Emma is a member of both the National Honor Society and the National Spanish Honor Society. She has earned several awards including the AP Environmental Science Award, the Art Department Award, and the St. Michael’s College Book Award. She also won the Junior Speech Competition and served as Vice President of both the Student Advisory Board (SAB) and NHS.

She has been active in sports, earning a varsity letter on the ski team in 2025, and has participated in dance from 2018 to 2025 at the Portsmouth School of Ballet, with prior training at NHAPA.

Emma has volunteered with Upshot Dog Rescue in Puerto Rico, helping rescue dogs from 2021 to 2024. She is currently employed as Head of Gifting, Shipping, and Live Event Preparation for The Remarkable Practice, and as a Wellness Technician at Bonfire Wellness.

She was accepted to Fairfield University with the Magis Merit Scholarship and Honors Program, as well as Providence College with Alberta’s Magnus Merit Scholarship. Emma will be attending Providence College in the fall of 2025. She chose Providence because she felt an immediate connection to the campus and community, appreciating the polite environment, academic rigor, strong alumni network, and proximity to home. The scholarship was also an important factor.

Emma plans to major in Marketing with a focus on Real Estate. She is in the process of obtaining her real estate license and hopes to work as an agent before eventually earning her brokerage license. Ultimately, she aspires to open her own brokerage specializing in luxury residential and commercial real estate.

Lucille Galitski, Salutatorian

Lucille Galitski is the daughter of Susanne and Timothy Galitski of Kensington, New Hampshire. She is the older sister of Katy and Vivi. Lucille attended middle school at Heronfield Academy in Hampton Falls.

She is a member of both the National Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society. Lucille is the recipient of several academic distinctions, including the Rochester Institute of Technology Book Award, the Humanities & Social Sciences Award, the Pre-Calculus Department Award, and the Spanish Department Award, which she received three times. She also earned a Gold Medal on the National Spanish Exam for three consecutive years and consistently achieved Honor Roll status throughout her academic career.

A dedicated student and global citizen, Lucille participated in the Spanish Club at St. Thomas Aquinas and has studied ballet since childhood.

Lucille has been actively involved in community service throughout high school. Her volunteer work includes helping with numerous school events, such as food drives, volunteering at the Kensington Public Library, and serving as a student leader on the 2024 international service trip to Peru.

During the summer months, Lucille works part-time at Market Basket.

This fall, Lucille will attend Vienna University of Economics and Business in Austria. She plans to pursue a degree in international business or diplomacy and is excited to study in a global academic environment that aligns with her interests in culture, language, and international affairs.

Skylar Knowlton

Skylar Knowlton is the daughter of Christina Schipani and Ron Knowlton of South Hampton, New Hampshire. She is the younger sister of Jesse and Justin Knowlton. Skylar attended middle school at Barnard School in South Hampton.

She is a member of the National Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society. Skylar is the recipient of the prestigious Harvard Book Award in recognition of her academic excellence.

A dedicated and decorated swimmer, Skylar has been competing for 11 years, including all four years of high school. She broke state records in both the 200 and 500 freestyle, holds multiple school records, and is a four-time NISCA All-American in those events (2023 & 2024), with additional honors pending. She is also a two-time Scholastic All-American (2023, 2024), making her one of the top swimmers in the state and beyond.

Skylar has given back to her community in many ways. She volunteered at her former school, Barnard, during her freshman, sophomore, and senior years, helped with Cedardale Health and Fitness’s summer swim league, and assisted at a Special Olympics swim meet held at Haverhill High School.

Skylar was accepted to and will attend Indiana University Bloomington this fall, where she received both an athletic scholarship for swimming and a Dean’s Scholarship. She will major in Marketing at the Kelley School of Business with a minor in Psychology. She chose Indiana for its nationally recognized women’s swimming program and renowned business school, as well as the strong sense of community she felt during her visit.

In the future, Skylar is interested in architecture and real estate, and is currently working toward her New Hampshire real estate license. She hopes to one day start her own business.

Andrew McMorrow, Valedictorian

Andrew McMorrow is the son of John McMorrow of Dover, New Hampshire. He has one half-brother, Bryan McMorrow. Andrew attended middle school at Rye Junior High.

He is a member of the National Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society. Andrew is the recipient of the Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship ($40,000), was named a QuestBridge National College Match Finalist, and was a National Finalist in the Coolidge Cup Debate. He has earned numerous honors through Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), including 1st place in the FBLA State competition for Business Law, serving as a State Officer, and developing a resume platform now used by more than 21,000 students nationwide.

Andrew has been a dedicated multi-sport athlete, competing all four years in various varsity sports. He ran Varsity Cross Country from freshman through junior year, qualifying for the New England Meet of Champions in 10th grade. He was a member of the Varsity Ski Team for three years, the Varsity Golf team his junior and senior years, and played baseball for three years, earning the Coaches Award in 10th grade and Most Improved in 11th.

Beyond athletics, Andrew was deeply involved in several extracurricular pursuits. He was active in FBLA all four years, serving as a State Officer his junior and senior years. He led financial literacy workshops across 36+ schools and developed fblaresume.com, a resume-building platform. As founder and president of the school’s Debate Team, he coached peers, helped grow the team to over 10 members, and earned first place at the State Qualifier and National Finalist honors at the Coolidge Cup. He also participated in the FIRST Robotics Team throughout high school, serving as Lead Programmer and Finance Manager. In Student Government, Andrew served on the Student Advisory Board and as Treasurer his senior year. He also interned with the Kelly Ayotte for Governor Campaign, managing event logistics and contributing to voter outreach strategy.

Andrew spent summer 2024 completing courses at Stanford University in Computer Science, Philosophy of Technology, and Civil Engineering.

Committed to service, Andrew volunteered at St. Ann’s Home in Dover, teaching technology skills to senior citizens from 2022–2024. He also helped organize resume and interview workshops for underserved schools throughout New Hampshire via FBLA’s outreach program, and participated in numerous FIRST Robotics community STEM events from 2021–2024.

During the summer, Andrew works at The Oaks Golf Course in Somersworth.

Andrew was accepted to Stanford University and will attend this fall. He plans to major in Computer Science with potential minors in political science or nanotechnology. He hopes to one day start and lead his own technology company.

Charlie Monteiro

Charlie Monteiro is the son of Theresa and Joseph Monteiro of Dover, New Hampshire. He is the younger brother of Luke and the older brother of Amelia, Rae, Maria, George, and Rita. Charlie attended middle school at St. Mary Academy in Dover and is a member of Saint Mary’s Church.

He is a member of the National Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society. Charlie is the recipient of several academic awards, including Silver and Bronze Medals on the National Spanish Exam, the prestigious Rensselaer Medal, and the Jack Leary Award. He consistently earned Honor Roll and President’s List recognition throughout his academic career.

A standout athlete, Charlie was a key member of the Cross Country, Indoor Track, and Outdoor Track teams. He was named MVP of the Outdoor Track team his junior year and served as captain of both the Cross Country and Indoor Track teams during his senior year.

Outside of athletics and academics, Charlie is a talented musician who plays both guitar and piano. He has also been actively involved in community service throughout high school. His volunteer work includes participation in various St. Thomas Aquinas service events, a February community outreach program around the Seacoast, and serving as a summer camp counselor.

Charlie works at Strafford Farms Restaurant in Dover during the summer months.

He was accepted to the University of New Hampshire — where he was selected for both the Paul Scholars Program and the Hamel Scholars Program — as well as to the Honors Program at Saint Anselm College. Charlie will attend the University of New Hampshire this fall and plans to study Business. He hopes to one day start and run his own business.

Delaney Riley

Delaney Riley is the daughter of James and Susan Riley and resides in Newmarket, New Hampshire. She attended Newmarket Jr. Sr. High School and is a member of St. Mary Church in Newmarket.

Delaney is a member of the National Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society. Throughout high school, she earned several honors including a Bronze Medal on the National Spanish Exam (9th grade), the Yale Book Award (11th grade), English Department Award (11th grade), AP Scholar Award (11th grade), the NHIAA Scholar Athlete Award (12th grade), and received the Spanish Seal of Biliteracy in gold (12th grade).

Athletically, Delaney played soccer for four years (2 years JV, 2 years varsity) and was part of two state championship teams in 2023 and 2024. She also played varsity ice hockey all four years, earning Most Improved Player and Seacoast Standout Player honors in 9th grade, and serving as assistant captain in her senior year. Additionally, she participated in lacrosse for two years JV and served as a varsity manager for one year. Outside of school, she played club hockey for four years and trained privately for six years in power skating and edge work with professional figure skater Mark Farrington.

Delaney contributed to her community by assistant coaching Granite State Wild Youth Hockey at the Dover Ice Arena during 9th and 10th grade, and volunteering with Special Olympics teaching children with disabilities to ice skate during 10th and 11th grades.

She has held a part-time job since 10th grade as a waitress and shift leader at The Airfield Cafe in North Hampton, NH. Delaney also completed a winter term internship at Atlantic Coast Surgical Suites, where she studied anesthesiology, nursing, and orthopedic surgery.

Delaney was accepted to several colleges including Connecticut College (Founders Scholarship), Emmanuel College (Dean’s Scholarship), Quinnipiac University (Honors Program), Sacred Heart University, Saint Anselm College, Saint Michael’s College, Stonehill College, and the University of New Hampshire. She has chosen to attend Connecticut College in New London, Connecticut, citing New England location, small class sizes, proximity to the ocean, a unique honor code, strong study abroad programs, prestigious reputation, scholarships, and a competitive women’s hockey program as factors influencing her decision.

She plans to major in Biology on a Pre-Med track and hopes to work in Orthopedics one day while traveling the world.

Andrew Rodriguez

Andrew Rodriguez is the son of Martha and Jack Rodriguez of Somersworth, New Hampshire. He is the younger brother of Madison and the older brother of Jackson. Andrew attended middle school at St. Mary Academy in Dover.

He is a member of the National Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society. Andrew is the recipient of the Computing Medal Scholarship to the Rochester Institute of Technology, the 2025 National Football Foundation Joe Yukica Scholar-Athlete Award, and was named an NHIAA Scholar-Athlete. He consistently earned High Honors throughout his academic career.

An accomplished athlete, Andrew played Varsity Football all four years, serving as a team captain his senior year. He was recognized as a Second Team All-State Linebacker and received the Jack Leary Award in 2024. In track and field, he competed all four years, setting the school record in pole vault his sophomore and junior years. He was also a member of the Indoor Track team (freshman, junior, and senior years), the Varsity Alpine Ski Racing team (sophomore through senior years), and played Varsity Lacrosse his junior and senior years.

Outside of athletics, Andrew was involved in Future Business Leaders of America during his junior and senior years and earned the rank of Eagle Scout, completing a major service project at St. Joseph’s Church in 2024.

Andrew has been active in numerous community service initiatives throughout high school. His volunteer efforts include organizing food drives, assisting with community races through “Run for God,” participating in shelter improvement projects, giving school tours, and leading an international service trip to Chile. He also led his Eagle Scout project, designing and installing custom shelving units for St. Joseph’s Church as part of a facility improvement plan.

During the summer, Andrew works at Showtime Auto Detailing in Rochester, New Hampshire.

Andrew was accepted to several universities, including the University of Miami, Northeastern, UMass Amherst, and the University of Colorado Boulder. He will attend Clemson University this fall, where he plans to study Mechanical Engineering. He chose Clemson for its strong engineering program, vibrant campus life, and the ROTC scholarship and additional financial aid he received. Andrew hopes to pursue a future in the engineering field while serving his country through ROTC.

Mason Ruger

Mason Ruger is the son of William and Jennifer Ruger of York, Maine. He is the younger brother of Caleb Ruger. Mason attended Dorothy Hamm Middle School in Arlington, Virginia, and his family are parishioners at Immaculate Conception Church in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

He is a member of the National Honor Society. Among his academic recognitions, Mason received Department Awards in Algebra II, Chemistry, and U.S. History during his junior year, was consistently on the President’s List, and earned an Honorable Mention in the National Spanish Exam.

A dedicated multi-sport athlete, Mason earned three varsity letters in his junior and senior years, receiving the Jack Leary Award. He was also honored with the Scholar-Athlete Award from the NHIAA and NH Athletic Directors Association in 2025.

Mason competed on the Varsity Cross Country team all four years, placing 17th in the 2024 Division III Championships and qualifying for the Meet of Champions his senior year. He was awarded the team’s Dedication to the Sport Award.

In Indoor Track, Mason set and broke multiple school records in the 600m and 4x400m relay events. He placed 4th in the 600m at the 2025 Division II Championships and earned the Saints Award. In his junior year, he was the 600m runner-up and team MVP.

In Outdoor Track, Mason was a consistent state qualifier in the 800m, 400m, and relay events. He helped break the school record in the 4x400m relay his senior year and was named Seacoast Champion in the 4x800m relay.

Mason also played Varsity Basketball during his sophomore year.

In service to others, Mason volunteered with the Run For God program as a mentor and counselor, assisted with the Penny Sale fundraiser for Our Lady of Angels, and helped with cleaning and support work at the Corpus Christi Parish Center.

Mason was accepted to several prestigious institutions, including Clemson, William and Mary, RPI, RIT, and the University of Pittsburgh. He will attend William and Mary this fall to major in Biology on a pre-med track. His decision was influenced by the school’s rigorous academics, family legacy, and its location in the South.

Mason hopes to attend medical school after college and looks forward to starting a family in the future.

Madeline Shilling

Madeline Shilling is the daughter of Tamara and Kevin Shilling of Durham, New Hampshire. She is the older sister of Eleanor. The Shilling family are parishioners at Saint Thomas More Church in Durham. Madeline attended middle school at Saint Mary Academy in Dover.

She is a member of the National Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society. Throughout high school, Madeline earned numerous academic awards including the English and Social Studies Department Awards as a freshman, the AP Environmental Science Award as a sophomore, and received bronze medals on the National Spanish Exam her freshman and sophomore years. She was also awarded an $80,000 scholarship from Elmira College during her junior year.

An avid performer, Madeline has been involved in theater all four years, participating in productions such as Into the Woods, Legally Blonde, Les Miserables, and others. She served as Vice President of the Theater Club her junior year and Co-President her senior year. She also played in the Jazz Band and Band during her freshman and sophomore years. Outside of school, Madeline has played violin in the UNH Youth Symphony Orchestra since 7th grade and has studied dance since she was two years old, focusing on jazz, ballet, tap, and pointe.

Madeline has volunteered weekly at the Durham Public Library throughout high school and has been a member of its Teen Advisory Board. She has also worked every summer at the Live and Learn Early Learning Center.

Madeline was accepted to several colleges including the University of New Hampshire Honors College, University of Vermont Patrick Leahy Honors College, Connecticut College, Wellesley College, Wesleyan University, and more. She has chosen to attend Hamilton College, feeling it was the best fit and most like home. Madeline plans to double major in Biology and Spanish on a pre-med track. Her dream is to become a bilingual physician who participates in programs like Doctors Without Borders to provide medical care to underprivileged communities around the world.

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Dispatch wins honors in multiple categories from Keystone Media Awards

Loretta Claiborne says, “It’s okay to be you.” “It’s okay to be you,” Loretta Claiborne said during a visit to Typical Life Corporation in York City, Thursday, March 28, 2024. The Special Olympics athlete encouraged audience members to not limit themselves and what they can accomplish. After winning awards in numerous categories, the York Dispatch […]

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18 minutes ago

June 21, 2025

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After winning awards in numerous categories, the York Dispatch was named the Sweepstakes Winner in its division for the 2025 Professional Keystone Media Awards.

The Dispatch was the Division IV Sweepstakes Winner, which recognizes multi-day newspapers with a circulation of 5,000 or less. This is the second straight year that The Dispatch has been recognized with that honor.

“I’m very proud of our staff and the exceptional journalism they produce every day for our York community,” Dispatch Editor Patrick DeLany said. “The Keystone Awards are a well-earned recognition, and I couldn’t be happier for them.”

A number of Dispatch staff members were honored for their work this past year.

Reporter Aimee Ambrose took first place in news beat reporting for her work in covering the York County courts and criminal justice system.

Reporter Meredith Willse was a first-place winner in the ongoing news coverage for her story about a Penn State Advisory Board member who resigned after a video of him using the N-word was posted to social media platforms.

Willse also took second place in investigative reporting for her coverage on the Independence Law Center’s influence on area school boards. She also won an honorable mention for her personality profile on Donna Hudelson, a former Dispatch staff member, whose body went unclaimed after her death.

For editorial writing, managing editor Wallace McKelvey took first place, while copy editor and page designer Sherry Coons won first place in news page design.

Sports editor Thomas Kendziora took first place in sports/outdoors column writing. Kendziora also took second place for his sports enterprise story on York College’s ice hockey club and an honorable mention for his sports beat reporting on high school basketball.

Photographer Dawn Sagert also won multiple awards for her work. First-place awards went to Sagert for news event photo, news video for “A Farewell Salute for Dargo” and her feature video on Loretta Claiborne.

Sagert and reporter Anthony Maenza won an honorable mention for breaking news for coverage of a six-alarm fire in York City.

The Dispatch staff won honorable mention for excellence in reporting on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Winners will be honored at the Keystone Media Awards Luncheon on Thursday, Oct. 16, in Harrisburg.

>> Please consider subscribing to support local journalism.

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College Sports

Josh Hoover Chooses Loyalty Over $2M Offer in College Football

A Rare Breed of Loyalty in College Football In the ever-evolving landscape of college football, where financial incentives often overshadow tradition and commitment, true loyalty is a rarity. Yet, at Texas Christian University (TCU), one player has emerged as a beacon of steadfastness—Josh Hoover. Faced with a staggering $2 million NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) offer […]

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1 hour ago

June 21, 2025

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A Rare Breed of Loyalty in College Football

In the ever-evolving landscape of college football, where financial incentives often overshadow tradition and commitment, true loyalty is a rarity. Yet, at Texas Christian University (TCU), one player has emerged as a beacon of steadfastness—Josh Hoover. Faced with a staggering $2 million NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) offer from Tennessee, Hoover made a choice that transcended monetary gain, reaffirming his dedication to TCU and the culture cultivated by head coach Sonny Dykes.

The Allure of a Million-Dollar Offer

The allure of a lucrative offer can be overwhelming, especially for young athletes navigating the complexities of college sports. Tennessee’s proposition was not just a significant sum; it represented a life-changing opportunity for many. However, Hoover’s response was not one of temptation but of unwavering loyalty. He chose to remain in Fort Worth, demonstrating that his commitment to the TCU program and its values outweighs the financial allure.

Sonny Dykes’ Cultural Influence

The impact of Sonny Dykes on TCU’s football program cannot be understated. Since taking the helm, Dykes has fostered an environment that emphasizes not only athletic excellence but also personal growth and integrity. His approach has resonated deeply with players like Hoover, who understand that success is built on more than just talent—it’s about creating a legacy and contributing to a community. Hoover’s decision to reject the lucrative offer underscores the strength of this culture, highlighting how Dykes has instilled a sense of belonging and purpose within his team.

A Testament to Team Values

Hoover’s commitment to TCU serves as a powerful testament to the values instilled in the program. In an era where many athletes prioritize immediate financial gain, his choice reflects a deeper understanding of what it means to be part of a team. Loyalty, camaraderie, and a shared vision for success are the cornerstones upon which TCU’s football culture is built. By staying true to these principles, Hoover not only honors his teammates but also sets a precedent for future players, illustrating that integrity can prevail even in the face of temptation.

Looking Ahead: The Future of TCU Football

As TCU continues to navigate the complexities of college football’s NIL landscape, Hoover’s decision could have lasting implications for the program. His loyalty may inspire a new generation of athletes to prioritize commitment over cash, fostering an environment where the team’s success is valued above individual gain. This commitment to TCU could potentially attract like-minded recruits who are drawn to the program’s culture and vision.

In a world where loyalty often seems fleeting, Josh Hoover stands as a reminder that true dedication and integrity can thrive. As TCU looks to build on its successes, the influence of players like Hoover will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the program, ensuring that the values of loyalty and commitment remain at the forefront of TCU football.

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Wisconsin Sues Miami Over Poaching Star CB Xavier Lucas in Unprecedented College Football Lawsuit

In the age of NIL and the transfer portal, we see players flip their commitments and leave schools all the time. Alongside those moves have come allegations and suspicions of tampering. While tampering has been somewhat accepted as part of college football, one school isn’t backing down. Now, there’s a lawsuit over another school poaching […]

Published

1 hour ago

June 21, 2025

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In the age of NIL and the transfer portal, we see players flip their commitments and leave schools all the time. Alongside those moves have come allegations and suspicions of tampering.

While tampering has been somewhat accepted as part of college football, one school isn’t backing down. Now, there’s a lawsuit over another school poaching one of its star players.

Wisconsin Sues Miami Over Poaching of Xavier Lucas

Xavier Lucas committed to Wisconsin in 2024 as a three-star cornerback recruit and became a starter for the Badgers, appearing in all 12 games as a true freshman last season.

After his great freshman campaign, Lucas transferred to Miami. At first, nothing about Lucas’ transfer to the Hurricanes seemed unusual.

According to Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger, however, Lucas transferred to Miami without even entering the portal.

This, Wisconsin says, directly breached a revenue-sharing contract that Lucas had signed with the Badgers. For that reason, Wisconsin is suing Miami over poaching.

NEWS: In a landmark moment in college sports, the University of Wisconsin has filed a lawsuit against Miami for tampering, and eventually poaching, a college football player under contract (Xavier Lucas), per documents obtained by @YahooSports.https://t.co/KVYafcAdm5

— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) June 20, 2025

Dellenger explained that Miami knew Lucas had a contractual agreement with the Badgers but still persuaded the young corner to leave Wisconsin and come play for the Hurricanes.

“Wisconsin claims that Miami communicated with Lucas, ‘knowingly inducing’ him, despite knowing he had entered a contract with the school, something it terms as ‘intentional’ interference that ‘was not justified or privileged’ and caused Lucas to ‘breach’ his contract,” Dellenger reported.

As Dellenger points out, this is an unprecedented lawsuit that could alter the future of college football.

The June 6 House v. NCAA settlement ruling allows colleges to share up to $20.5 million with their athletes. This lawsuit, as Dellenger says, will enable colleges to enforce tampering clauses within the new revenue-sharing model.

Wisconsin released a statement regarding the suit to Yahoo Sports in which they said they “reluctantly” filed the suit and won’t take legal action against Lucas. The statement also says Wisconsin is “committed to ensuring integrity and fundamental fairness in the evolving landscape of college athletics.”

Dellenger also says the Big Ten is “backing” Wisconsin’s lawsuit against Miami.

Lucas’ attorney told Yahoo Sports that Lucas had requested to transfer in January but Wisconsin did not grant him access, which is why he bypassed the portal completely.

It will be interesting to see how this plays out, as tampering has received little scrutiny from the NCAA since NIL was legalized in 2021.

The new revenue-sharing model should allow schools to enter contracts with players that bind them to that university for a certain amount of time. In Lucas’ case, however, he still left despite Wisconsin allegedly reaching an agreement with him.

It’s not hard to imagine that under the revenue-sharing ruling, the NCAA and College Sports Commission will use this case as an example to shut down tampering from other schools and make an example out of Miami once the House v. NCAA ruling goes into effect on July 1.

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College Sports

Two college football programs involved in historic NIL lawsuit

A Big Ten Conference program and its NIL collective filed a historic ‘first of its kind’ lawsuit this week alleging one of its rivals broke the law in poaching one of its players The Wisconsin Badgers and the Miami Hurricanes are set to go head-to-head in potentially their biggest battle yet Wisconsin is suing Miami […]

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2 hours ago

June 21, 2025

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A Big Ten Conference program and its NIL collective filed a historic ‘first of its kind’ lawsuit this week alleging one of its rivals broke the law in poaching one of its players

The Wisconsin Badgers and the Miami Hurricanes are set to go head-to-head in potentially their biggest battle yet

Wisconsin is suing Miami for alleged “tortious interference” by knowingly compelling a player to break the terms of his deal to join the Hurricanes earlier this year.

In what has been described as a “first of its kind” lawsuit due to the Badgers’ attempts to involve courts in the honoring of a financial deal between a university and an athlete, the player in question has only been named as “Student Athlete A”. However, details from the lawsuit reportedly line up with the offseason manoeuvrings of freshman defensive back Xavier Lucas.

It comes as Notre Dame prepares to play its first-ever college football game at an iconic NFL stadium when it takes on Wisconsin in the 2026 Shamrock Series. Before then, however, the Fighting Irish will line up against Miami to open the 2025 campaign, although head coach Marcus Freeman insists they will not change their preparation despite facing their fierce rivals.

READ MORE: Caitlin Clark and Indiana Fever on verge of $500,000 payday after brawlREAD MORE: Shedeur Sanders receives Browns quarterback depth chart prediction blow

The Hurricanes, however, currently have much bigger things on their minds now that they are being taken to court by Wisconsin, which has accused them of sending a staff member and “prominent” alum to meet with Lucas and his family in Florida back in December, ESPN reports.

Whilst there, the Badgers state that their college football rivals offered the player financial compensation to head to the ACC school, despite knowing of the two-year revenue-sharing contract he’d signed with Wisconsin – due to start July 1, according to Yahoo – not long before.

Lucas would eventually leave Wisconsin and enrol at Miami in January, claiming that Badgers staff refused to enter his name in the transfer portal in December. He tallied 18 tackles across 11 games for the Badgers last year.

The lawsuit is reportedly in line with the maneuverings of former Badgers freshman defensive back Xavier Lucas

The cornerback, who is considered one of the top transfers in his position in this year’s class, still intends to play football for Miami in the 2025 season. That’s according to his attorney, Darren Heitner, who confirmed to ESPN that the athlete is not being sued directly.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter) in January, Heitner claimed that Wisconsin violated NCAA rules by not placing Lucas in the transfer portal and that the school had “not paid any monies to him and so he owes no reimbursement to the Institution.”

Wisconsin, however, had hoped to “advance the overall integrity of the game” by deciding to file the lawsuit, making a point of “holding programs legally accountable when they wrongfully interfere with contractual commitments,” according to the complaint.

“While we reluctantly bring this case, we stand by our position that respecting and enforcing contractual obligations is essential to maintaining a level playing field,” Wisconsin said in a statement to ESPN on Friday.

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The lawsuit alleges that Wisconsin’s revenue-sharing deal prohibits a player from transferring to another school to continue playing sports, although ESPN noted that similar Wisconsin contracts make it clear the individual is not being paid to play football, but rather compensated for NIL.

Nonetheless, the Big Ten is supporting its conference members’ efforts in court, revealing in a statement to On3: “The Big Ten Conference is aware of the litigation recently filed by the University of Wisconsin-Madison against the University of Miami and is supportive of UW-Madison’s position.

“As alleged, the University of Miami knowingly ignored contractual obligations and disregarded the principle of competitive equity that is fundamental to collegiate athletics. The Big Ten Conference believes that the University of Miami’s actions are irreconcilable with a sustainable college sports framework and is supportive of UW-Madison’s efforts to preserve.”

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Former FC Edmonton executive and local soccer legend Joe Petrone passes away

Breadcrumb Trail Links Local News FC Edmonton Joe Petrone was the brains behind FC Edmonton, Aviators and Drillers. His name was synonymous with soccer in the city Published Jun 21, 2025 • Last updated 9 minutes ago • 3 minute read Joe Petrone, director of soccer operations for the FC Edmonton soccer club, at Foote Field […]

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3 hours ago

June 21, 2025

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Former FC Edmonton executive and local soccer legend Joe Petrone passes away

Joe Petrone was the brains behind FC Edmonton, Aviators and Drillers. His name was synonymous with soccer in the city

Published Jun 21, 2025 • Last updated 9 minutes ago • 3 minute read

Joe Petrone, director of soccer operations for the FC Edmonton soccer club, at Foote Field in Edmonton on April 19, 2010. Photo by Larry Wong /Postmedia

For decades, Joe Petrone’s name was synonymous with soccer in Edmonton, whether he was coaching a high school team or managing a professional franchise.

Petrone lost his battle with cancer on Thursday. He was 78.

Petrone was 12 when his family arrived in Edmonton from Italy. A young soccer phenom, he made it to the Canadian national team, playing at the 1967 Pan Am Games.

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He then distinguished himself as a coach, mentor and booster of a game that had always trailed the so-called “Big Four” in North America. He was an assistant coach at Eastern Illinois University, the same school were Sorrentino’s restaurant chain founder Carmelo Rago played his college soccer. He coached the Edmonton Drillers of the North American Soccer League. He was director of soccer operations for the Edmonton Brickmen of the Canadian Soccer League, and the director of soccer operations for FC Edmonton when the team made its debut in the second iteration of the North American Soccer League.

“Joe was the driving force behind professional soccer in this city. He always believed it would work here,” said Jeff Paulus, who served as assistant coach, academy coach and finally head coach of FC Edmonton. “He knew everything about everybody when it came to soccer in this city.

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“So many young players got their chances because of him. So many coaches got their chances because of him. And that includes me. Joe gave me a chance.”

Antonio Rago played for FC Edmonton from 2011-13. His dad, Carmelo, and Petrone were friends for 50 years, since they played together for Edmonton’s famed Ital Canadians club.

“Joe had four daughters and a son. But my brothers and I were like four sons to him, too.” said Rago. “I know that when I made my professional debut, it was a proud moment for him.”

Petrone also loved the other type of football. In fact, in 1971, he was signed by the Dallas Cowboys. Legend has it that Hall of Fame coach Tom Landry flew to Edmonton to get the deal done. It was time when NFL teams were starting to seek out soccer-style kickers. Still, it was a big deal that an Edmontonian was getting a shot in the Big D.

But after the preseason, Petrone returned to Edmonton and bought a house with the signing bonus. Rago recounted what has become family legend: When he was in Cowboys’ camp, his teammates made him sing “O Canada” in front of them. Petrone didn’t like being the outcast, the butt of the joke, so he came home.

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Rago said, even a few months before his passing, Petrone was still working the phones, trying to get Edmonton players tryouts with European clubs.

“That was Joe, always using his connections. He’s helped a countless number of players,” said Rago.

Former FC Edmonton owner Tom Fath said Petrone left a real mark on the soccer community.

“He was just so knowledgeable about the sport, and about people,” said Fath. “And the thing is, he cared a lot. And that meant a lot to me.”

“He was instrumental in getting so many young players to the Canadian national team and to colleges, where they could get scholarships.”

Matheson: Dutch coach at Euro Cup has Edmonton and Alberta ties
Long road to the top for FC Edmonton

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College Sports

Lev Katzin draft profile | Penn State Men’s Hockey News

The landscape of college hockey is changing rapidly with Canadian Hockey League (CHL) athletes flooding over into the NCAA. The deal agreed to in November 2024 for this circumstance changed the sport tremendously, and it particularly aided incoming Penn State freshman Lev Katzin in his development. Katzin, 18, spent his 2023-24 campaign and a small […]

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4 hours ago

June 21, 2025

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Katzin, 18, spent his 2023-24 campaign and a small portion of his 2024-25 season in the United States Hockey League (USHL). Shortly after the agreement by the NCAA passed, he moved on to the CHL to further develop.

The left-shot center committed to Penn State on Oct. 17, 2024, and the new revelation allowed Katzin to take his talents to the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) for the remainder of his season.

Katzin thrived in his lone year in Canada, recording 48 points, 16 goals and 32 assists in just 44 games. He is now eligible for the NHL entry draft and will most likely get selected before moving onto Penn State for the 2025-26 campaign.

Metrics

Age: 18

Height: 5-foot-8

Weight: 176 lbs

Shoots: L

Position: Center

Projected round drafted: 4th round

Player comparison: Nathan Walker (STL)

Scouting Report

When most teams ponder selecting Katzin in the 2025 NHL draft, they’ll likely look at his size immediately and raise a red flag. While his build is certainly not ideal for professional hockey, it shouldn’t overshadow his elite hockey IQ and offensive creation.

The strongest part of Katzin’s game is his playmaking, and that was shown not only in the OHL last season, but also in the U18 World Juniors which saw the forward rank third on Team Canada in points with 10.

He combines his slick stickhandling with precision passing, completing 90% of his feeds last season, marking him as one of the more distinguished playmakers in the OHL. These traits not only make Katzin deadly at even strength, but also lethal on the power play.

Outside of his size, some other concerns stem from his finishing ability and turnover rate. Despite potting 16 goals last year with Guelph Storm, many scouts and media mention that he’s left some chances on the ice around the net. Additionally, he averaged 5.9 giveaways per game in the OHL, which has labeled him as careless and predictable at times.

Best team fit: Boston Bruins

With Katzin’s age and size, he likely wouldn’t sign his entry-level contract (ELC) for a few years. Thus, Katzin will be added to a team’s prospect pool, and there is none better than the Boston Bruins.

The Bruins have one of, if not the worst, farm system in the NHL. While the group has added an influx of players due to its selling at the 2025 NHL trade deadline — dealing away players such as Brandon Carlo, Trent Frederic, Charlie Coyle and more for prospects — the system still lacks depth at the center position.

Adding a young talented center in Katzin will raise the ceiling of that position group. Although his size represents a low floor, it is most definitely a risk the Bruins should take in the middle rounds.

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