Sports
PennLive journalists win national awards in sports, news, photo, video & podcasts
A bear plunging from a tree. Insightful high school football discussions. Video chronicling the gridiron “battle of the Burg.” Breaking news on Beaver Stadium going big. Exposing questionable contracts in Dauphin County. And a full menu of hot takes in a collection of sports columns.
This diverse list of 2024 content highlighting PennLive’s full array of digital journalism offerings was recently recognized with national awards bestowed by several prestigious organizations in competitions with entries from across the country.
In announcing the company’s award haul, PennLive’s Senior Director of Content Teresa Bonner said:
“The national awards PennLive received showcase the variety of work we do, and the quality of work by our talented staff. The awards recognize breaking news coverage and investigative reporting; our high school football podcast, and Penn State football commentary; and our visual reporting — T.J. Smith’s fine video on the Harrisburg-Bishop McDevitt rivalry and Sean Simmers amazing photo of a tranquilized bear being caught as he fell from a tree.”
Specifically, Simmers earned second place in spot news photography as part of the 91st National Headliner Awards contest for his image entitled, “Bear Falling from Tree.”
The same organization awarded a second place in the digital sports podcast category to the “PA High School Football Report” podcast featuring reporters Brian Linder, Eric Epler and Dan Sostek and produced by Megan Lavey-Heaton. The same podcast was recognized with three statewide awards in the 2003 and 2004.
PennLive was recognized with four awards from the Associated Press Sports Editors, considered by many to be the most prestigious sports journalism organization in the U.S.
PennLive received a Top 10 win for digital portfolio, judged on the overall quality and presentation of sports websites, including multimedia elements. PennLive’s entry featured
- A story on Bishop McDevitt QB Stone Saunders being named PennLive Player of the Year
- Coverage of the District 3 5A football championship between Bishop McDevitt and Exeter
- A look at an award coveted by Penn State football players but little known to the rest of the world
- A video feature on the renewed rivalry between Harrisburg and Bishop McDevitt high schools
- PennZone: PennLive’s high school football watch-along, postgame show
The “Battle of the Burg,” video, about the renewed high school football rivalry between Harrisburg and Bishop McDevitt, led to a Top 5 award in Excellence in Video (Division C) for videographer T.J. Smith.
Reporter Charlie Thompson ranked fourth among the Top 10 in Breaking News (Division C) for his story on the Penn State Trustees green-lighting a major, multi-million-dollar renovation of Beaver Stadium.
And retired sports columnist David Jones placed eighth in the Top 10 (Division C) for a collection of his columns, including well-reasoned ruminations on O.J. Simpson, Caitlin Clark, Coach Dawn Staley and his parting wishes for his favorite sports event, the NCAA men’s basketball tournament.
Finally, as previously announced, investigative reporter Juliette Rihl has been named a local news finalist for the national Livingston Award for her work exposing questionable contracts in Dauphin County. The award honors journalists under the age of 35 for outstanding achievement.
Rihl is one of 19 finalists for the award, with the winner to be announced at a June 10 ceremony in New York. The honor is based on three stories she wrote about former Dauphin County Commissioner Jeff Haste, including a story about a $2 million dollar contract awarded to a friend of Haste who had no experience; a story about Haste approving funding to a tourism bureau where his wife worked; and a story about Haste collecting a $60,000 salary for a job with a questionable purpose.
Prior to joining PennLive last year, Rihl was part of a team of 24 student-journalists at Arizona State University’s Cronkite School who contributed reporting, data collection and analysis to a larger collaboration among multiple journalism organizations looking into the use of lethal restraint by police. The resulting project, entitled “Lethal Restraint,” was listed as a finalist for a 2025 Pulitzer Prize in investigative reporting.
Summing up the impact of all the national honors, Bonner said, “Every day I’m impressed by the dedication of our staff, and the quality of work they produce, and it’s gratifying to see that recognized with these awards.”
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – The UT Arlington track and field program has officially announced its 2026 indoor schedule, featuring six-regular season meets across the region before the Mavericks head to WAC Indoor Championships and pursue qualifying spots at the NCAA Indoor Championships.
UTA opens the season on January 16 at the Arkansas Invitational in Fayetteville, marking the program’s third trip to one of the nation’s best indoor facilities.
The Mavericks follow with a limited roster competing at the Robert Platt Invitational, hosted by the University of Houston, on January 30-31.
UTA will then travel down I-35 to College Station for Texas A&M’s Charlie Thomas Invitational. The two-day event is set for February 6-7 and is one of the largest, most high-profile collegiate meets in the state.
The Mavs then head to west Texas for the Texas Tech Jarvis Scott Invitational on February 13-14 in Lubbock.
UTA will close the month of February at the WAC Indoor Championships, set for February 27-28 in Spokane, Wash. The Mavericks will look to build momentum in their fourth year in the Western Athletic Conference.
Qualifying Mavericks from the conference tournament will advance to the NCAA Indoor Championships, hosted by Arkansas on March 13-14 in Fayetteville, Ark.
#BuckEm
FOLLOW ALONG
Follow the UTA track and field and cross-country teams on X (@UTAMavsTFXC), Instagram (@UTAMavsTFXC) and Facebook (/UTAMavsTFXC).
Details
Posted: 04-Dec-25
Location: Lake Charles, Louisiana
Type: Full-time
Salary: $40,000
Categories:
Coaching
Coaching – Soccer
Sector:
Collegiate Sports
Preferred Education:
Masters
McNeese State University is seeking an assistant women’s soccer coach. This 12-month full-time position will be responsible for assisting the head coach in all aspects of the NCAA Division I collegiate program. Must have a clear understanding of NCAA Division I rules and philosophy, a commitment to recruiting, developing and graduating quality student-athletes. This individual will be responsible assisting the head coach with the following:
Coach, Train, Evaluate and Mentor goalkeepers within to the McNeese State soccer program
Assists in scouting and recruiting activities; may be responsible for specific positional and geographic area. Performs specific recruiting duties as assigned.
Assist in the implementation of the academic program including monitoring of individual student athlete progress to ensure academic eligibility, enforcement of study hall program, and providing referrals to the appropriate University resources.
Run practice in the absence of the head coach.
Assist the head coach in the planning, marketing and operation of sports camps.
Participate actively in promotion of McNeese athletics and campus events.
Other duties as assigned by the head coach, athletic director/athletic director designee.
May perform duties which require irregular hours, out of town and/or overnight travel.
- Bachelor’s degree
- Relevant collegiate level coaching experience (Division 1 Level preferred)
- Proven ability to coach and motivate team members to reach new levels of accomplishment and professional fulfillment
- Demonstrated ability to work with a variety of personalities, backgrounds, and generations
About McNeese State University
For over 80 years, McNeese State University has been trusted and respected as an institution of innovation and academic excellence. Ranked as one of the top public universities in the United States and one of the finest regional universities in the South, our university is also recognized as having one of the best returns on investment for tuition and high average starting salaries for its graduates.
Connections working at McNeese State University
The 2026 NCAA indoor track and field season is here, and there is an exciting slate of meets ahead. Here are some meets that you don’t want to miss.
Top indoor track and field meets to watch in 2026
Season openers
- Clemson Opener | Dec. 5 | Host: Clemson
- HBCU & Ivy Challenge | Dec. 5 | Host: Harvard
- Sharon Colvear-Danville Season Opener | Dec. 6 | Host: Boston U
- The McFerrin Invitational | Dec. 6 | Host: Texas A&M
- JDL Early Bird Invitational | Dec. 6 | Host: Wake Forest
- Winter Commodore Challenge | Dec. 6 | Host: Vanderbilt
- Husker Holiday Open | Dec. 12 | Host: Nebraska
The indoor track season officially begins the first weekend of December. While we might not see every student-athlete begin their season this week, we’ll see plenty make their debut.
Return from the holidays
- Clemson Invitational | Jan. 9-10| Host: Clemson
- Rod McCravy Invitational | Jan. 9-10 | Host: Kentucky
- Leonard Hilton Memorial Invitational | Jan. 10 | Host: Houston
- Gamecock Opener | Jan. 10 | Host: South Carolina
- Arkansas Invitational | Jan. 16 | Host: Arkansas
- Corky Classic | Jan. 16-17 | Host: Texas Tech
- UW Indoor Preview | Jan. 16-17 | Host: Washington
- Virginia Tech Invitational | Jan. 16-17 | Host: Virginia Tech
After a holiday break, some of the best indoor track and field facilities in the country host meets. South Carolina’s two flagship schools should produce fast times at their meets. Rod McCravy is always exciting, too. In the middle of the month, we’ll see Arkansas — the future site of this year’s indoor championships — host the Arkansas Invitational.
Mid-season races
- Ted Nelson Invitational | Jan. 23-24 | Host: Texas A&M
- Dr. Sander Invitational Columbia Challenge | Jan. 23-24 | Host: Columbia
- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Invitational | Jan. 23-24 | Host: New Mexico
- Razorback Invitational | Jan. 30-31 | Host: Arkansas
- New Mexico Team Open | Jan. 30-31| Host: New Mexico
- Bob Pollock Invitational | Jan. 30-31 | Host: Clemson
- John Thomas Terrier Classic | Jan. 30-Feb. 1| Host: Boston U
- DeLoss Doggs Invite | Jan. 30-31 | Host: Kansas State
- 117th Millrose Games | Feb. 1 | The Armory in NYC
- New Mexico Collegiate Classic | Feb. 6-7 | Host: New Mexico
- Charlie Thomas Invitational | Feb. 6-7 | Host: Texas A&M
- Carolina Classic | Feb. 6-7 | South Carolina
By late January, indoor track teams will have long knocked off any rust and will be deep into the regular season. The end of January provides exciting meets in all corners of the country that will showcase sprinters, distance runners and more.
We can’t forget about the historic Millrose Games to start February, either. The iconic meet in The Armory is can’t miss.
The busiest weekend in indoor track and field
- Tyson Invitational | Feb. 13-14 | Host: Arkansas
- David Henry Valentine Invitational | Feb. 13-14 | Host: Boston U
- Don Kirby Elite Invitational |Feb. 13-14| Host: New Mexico
- Jarvis Scott Invitational|Feb. 13-14| Host: Texas Tech
- Husky Classic |Feb. 13-14| Host: Washington
- Tiger Paw Invitational |Feb. 14-15| Host: Clemson
- Music City Challenge | Feb. 14-15 | Host: Vanderbilt
Exactly one month before the DI indoor track and field championships, it’ll be the busiest weekend in indoor collegiate track and field. Top-ranked teams and top athletes will go head-to-head. There are so many great meets this weekend that some teams are splitting up among multiple meets. Expect records to fall across the country.
Last chance meets
- Arkansas Qualifier | Feb. 20 | Host: Arkansas
- Alex Wilson Invitational | Feb. 20-21 | Host: Notre Dame
- Virginia Tech Challenge|Feb. 20-21| Host: Virginia Tech
- Terrier DMR Challenge |Feb. 22| Host: Boston U
- USC Invite | Feb. 22 | Host: South Carolina
This will be the final regular season weekend of the season, with last-chance meets running around the country. The Terrier DMR Challenge will give college teams one last chance to work on their DMR order, handoffs and more. With conference championships up next, this will be the final time for some DMR squads to qualify for nationals and the final weekend for some individuals to qualify for conference championships.
Postseason meets
Most DI conference championships will be run the weekend of Friday, Feb. 27.
Two weeks later, the DI indoor track and field championships will be held in Fayetteville, Arkansas starting March 13.
Sports
Graduate Assistant Coach of Track & Field and Cross Country in Winchester, VA for Shenandoah University Athletics
Details
Posted: 05-Dec-25
Location: Winchester, Virginia
Type: Full-time
Salary: Tuition Waiver + Stipend
Categories:
Coaching
Coaching – Cross Country
Coaching – Track & Field
Sector:
Collegiate Sports
Salary Details:
Full-time Graduate Tuition; $2,500 per semester stipend; $250 per semester meal plan.
Required Education:
4 Year Degree
Additional Information:
2 openings available.
Shenandoah University, a NCAA Division III institution and a member of the Old Dominion Athletic Conference, is searching for qualified applicants for a Graduate Assistant Coach of Men’s and Women’s Track & Field and Cross Country.
The Assistant Coach of Men’s and Women’s Track & Field and Cross Country will provide event-specific coaching in T&F/XC and provide administrative assistance for the overall Men’s and Women’s T&F/XC program. The Assistant will be responsible for assisting with all phases of the team, displaying strong leadership in the assisting of managing a successful college T&F/XC program which will include: coaching, providing support for the head coach, scouting, recruiting, instructing, conditioning, arranging travel, tracking equipment, and meet management. The primary event focus of this position will be event experience in distance or throws. Handle secondary and other duties as assigned.
Shenandoah University is committed to enriching its educational experience and culture through the diversity of its faculty, administration, and staff. All candidates are strongly encouraged to include a statement in their cover letters addressing ways in which they may be able to contribute to that commitment.
**Note: A pre-employment background check will be required and a satisfactory driving record may be required as a condition of hire.
Shenandoah University values the unique and diverse perspectives of individuals and communities locally and globally and seeks to foster mutual understanding in an inviting community where individuals are welcome and respected. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, physical, or mental disability, genetic information, veteran’s status, or on any other basis protected under applicable law.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree required.
- Acceptance to graduate program at Shenandoah University.
- USATF Level 1 certification preferred.
About Shenandoah University Athletics
Shenandoah University is a private, nationally recognized university established in 1875 and located in Winchester, Virginia, with nearly 4,000 students in more than 100 academic programs in seven different schools. Shenandoah is an NCAA Division lll school and a member of the Old Dominion Athletic Conference.
Connections working at Shenandoah University Athletics
RICHMOND, Ky. – The Eastern Kentucky University men’s and women’s track and field teams will begin the 2025-26 indoor season at the Boston University Sharon Colyear-Danvielle Season Opener and KTCCCA Commonwealth College Opener on Saturday.
Highlighting the group traveling to Boston is Taha Er Raouy, who will compete in the men’s elite-invite section of 3,000 meters.
The Moroccan native enters the indoor season after a successful 2025 cross-country season during which he was the ASUN Conference’s Male Runner of the Year and an All-American, finishing 21st at the NCAA National Championships.
He will also compete in the men’s 5,000 meters with teammates Brian Kimutai, a 2025 cross-country All-American, and Mario Priego.
Running in the men’s open 3,000 meters for EKU will be Hammish Murray.
On the women’s side, Edna Chelulei will make her indoor debut for 2025-26 in “Beantown” running in the 3,000 meters and 5,000 meters.
In the 2025 outdoor season, Chelulei was the ASUN’s Most Outstanding Freshman while being a Second Team All-American in the 10,000 meters and an Honorable Mention All-American in the 5,000 meters.
In the women’s 3,000 meters, Chelulei will be joined by Khadija Ennasri.
Up the road in Louisville, another crop of Colonels will be in action at the Commonwealth College Opener.
On the track, Irene Rubio-Miralles is entered for the women to compete in the mile, 1,000 meters, and 800 meters, with Isabelle Shearer competing in the 3,000 meters.
Jacob Tapscott will be the lone representative running on the men’s side from EKU, being slated for the mile and 1,000 meters.
It will be a busy day in the throws department with EKU competing in the weight throw and shot put.
Anaiya Adams, Eliza Hoffman, Haley Angel, Ava Phillips, Lexi Lawless, Lariah Wooden, Amya Livingston, and Kristan Simmons will compete in the women’s weight throw.
Meanwhile, Landon Adkins, Bill Kissick, JJ Love, Matt See, and Daroyce Flemons will compete in the men’s section of the event.
In the shot put, Ava Phillips, Kristan Simmons, Eliza Hoffman, Lexi Lawless, Amya Livingston, and Lariah Wooden will compete for the women, with Landon Adkins, Bill Kissick, JJ Love, and Matt See competing on the men’s side.
BU Sharon Colyear-Danville Season Opener
KTCCCA Commonwealth College Opener
| Event | Participants |
| 1 Mile (W) | Irene Rubio-Miralles |
| 1 Mile (M) | Jacob Tapscott |
| 1,000m (W) | Irene Rubio-Miralles |
| 1,000m (M) | Jacob Tapscott |
| 800m (W) | Irene Rubio-Miralles |
| 3,000m (W) | Isabelle Shearer |
| Weight Throw (W) | Anaiya Adams, Eliza Hoffman, Haley Angel, Ava Phillips, Lexi Lawless, Lariah Wooden, Amya Livingston, Kristan Simmons |
| Weight Throw (M) | Landon Adkins, Bill Kissick, JJ Love, Matt See, Daroyce Flemons |
| Shot Put (W) | Ava Phillips, Kristan Simmons, Eliza Hoffman, Lexi Lawless, Amya Livingston, Lariah Wooden |
| Shot Put (M) | Landon Adkins, Bill Kissick, JJ Love, Matt See |
Kansas will take on Miami in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on Friday at 6 p.m. CT inside Horejsi Family Volleyball Arena. The match will air on ESPN+.
“Anytime you win a postseason match, it’s a big deal, and getting to do it at home makes it even sweeter,” said head coach Matt Ulmer. “High Point brought great energy with their band, and that pushed us, but I’m really proud of how we responded. It gives us a chance to chase something that’s really hard to do and go win the next one.”
Kansas’ balance showed throughout the sweep, led by Jovana Zelenovic’s efficient 8 kills on .400 hitting and three aces. Reese Ptacek added 7 kills and a pair of blocks, while middle blocker Aisha Aiono turned in one of the night’s strongest lines with 7 kills on .636 hitting and a team-high 6 blocks. Setter Katie Dalton guided the attack with 20 assists, 3 kills and an ace, and Selena Leban contributed 5 kills and solid back-row play. Libero Ryan White anchored the defense with 14 digs and added two service aces as Kansas finished with 36 kills, 9 blocks and 8 aces.
High Point jumped out to a quick 3–0 start, but Kansas settled in fast. A block from Aiono and Zelenovic put KU on the board, and the Jayhawks quickly found their rhythm from the service line as Zelenovic delivered back-to-back aces to tie it 4–4 and then give Kansas a 5-4 lead. KU continued to apply pressure with steady side-outs and clean execution. Reese Ptacek added multiple early kills, and another Kansas ace pushed the Jayhawks ahead 8–6.
High Point briefly tied the frame, but KU responded with kills from Ptacek, Swanson and Zelenovic to rebuild a multi-point cushion. Kansas controlled the pace through the midpoint of the set, forcing High Point into a timeout while holding a 12–9 advantage.
The teams continued to trade points late into the first set, until High Point drew within a point at 21-20. The Jayhawks rattled off two straight points following a pair of High Point attack errors to retake the advantage at 23-20 and force a Panther timeout. Kansas would close out the first set on a Zelenovic kill to take the opening set. By Kansas winning the first set, the Jayhawks handed High Point their first set loss since Oct. 31 vs. USC-Upstate.
In the second set, Kansas jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead. After High Point got on the board, Kansas rattled off five straight points to take an 8-1 lead into a High Point timeout. The Panthers were able to tie a few points together to cut their deficit in half at 12-6. Kansas continued to stay in control, getting kills from Zelenovic and Aiono to keep the margin comfortable at 15-8. The Jayhawks continued their success at the net with a pair of kills by Selena Leban and Addison Freeland to make the score 19-12. Kansas would later take the second set, 25-15 on a Katie Dalton service ace.
High Point jumped out to an early 7-3 advantage in the third set, until the Jayhawks cut into the deficit behind a block by Rhian Swanson and Aiono to make the score 8-6. Kansas would force High Point into a timeout with another block by Aiono and Zelenovic as Kansas trailed by 1, 10-9.
The Panthers would bounce back strong out of the timeout to extend their lead to 13-9. The Jayhawks would then rally for six-straight points to retake the lead at 15-13. After High Point evened the score at 17-17, Kansas scored three-straight points including back-to-back kills from Aiono to take a 20-17 lead and force a Panther timeout.
Kansas pushed its lead late in the third set to 23-18 on a Swanson kill on an assist from Dalton. The Jayhawks would take the third set on a kill by Aiono, securing the three set victory.
Up Next
Kansas will take on Miami at 6 p.m. CT on Friday at Horejsi Family Volleyball Arena. Miami defeated Tulsa, 3-1, in Thursday’s first round matchup.
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