Sports

Portage’s Bode Layo signs to join PennWest California’s track and field team | Football

PORTAGE, Pa. – Recent graduate Bode Layo soared to new heights during his Portage Area High School career. After breaking the school’s high jump record in track and field, he entertained football college offers. Layo deliberated his options and decided to sign and continue his track and field career at PennWest California, an NCAA Division […]

Published

3 weeks ago

June 6, 2025

Your Sports Nation

PORTAGE, Pa. – Recent graduate Bode Layo soared to new heights during his Portage Area High School career.

After breaking the school’s high jump record in track and field, he entertained football college offers. Layo deliberated his options and decided to sign and continue his track and field career at PennWest California, an NCAA Division II program within the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference.

“It aligned with my major and I really believe that the staff can help me succeed and develop me as an athlete and as a person,” Layo said.

Layo, who will play in the 1st Summit Bank Ken Lantzy All-Star Classic June 13, also competed in basketball and helped the Mustangs win three District 6 championships on the hardwood. He totaled 908 points, 418 rebounds and 82 steals over four seasons. He thought about pursuing a college football career after earning all-Heritage Conference recognition in 2023 and 2024, but decided to continue ascending to new heights with the Vulcans.

“I wasn’t too sure at first, but I saw more positives with track and field,” Layo said. “It should be easier on my body. I really liked the dorms, and the coaches are great.”

In football, Layo compiled 45 catches for 1,309 yards and 17 touchdowns over four seasons. He added 180 tackles, 361/2 for loss, and 141/2 sacks on defense.

Layo – who chose California over Indiana (Pa.), Robert Morris and Shippensburg – will compete for coach Daniel Caulfield. Assistant coach Brady Wert works with the jumpers at California and he mentored Chestnut Ridge graduate Logan Pfister.

Layo will major in business. He cleared 6 feet, 6 inches this spring to set a new school mark. Layo finished fourth in high jump at the 2025 PIAA Class 2A track and field championships and was the District 6 champion as a senior.

He was the 2023 and 2025 Heritage champ in the event.

“I would like to thank my parents and grandparents for their unending support over the years in both academics and athletics,” Layo said. “I would like to thank Coach (Lance) Hudak for suggesting I try high jumping and helping me succeed over the years. I have so much gratitude for coach Travis Kargo for all his guidance over the 13 years he coached me in basketball and led our team to multiple championships. I’d also like to thank our athletic director, Craig Castel, for helping me with this process. I will miss my Portage Area teammates, but am excited to pursue this opportunity.”

“On behalf of the entire Portage track and field program, we would like to congratulate Bode on his signing with California to continue his academic and track and field career as a Vulcan,” Hudak said. “Over the last three years, he has developed into a top high school high jumper in Pennsylvania. Under Coach Wert’s tutelage at California, the sky is the limit in what Bode is yet to accomplish. We are excited to watch your many successes yet to come on the collegiate level.”

Layo is the son of Deven and Breanna Layo, of Portage.

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Track and Field community mourns Bill Dellinger, dead at 91

Olympic medalist and two-time NCAA champion, Oregon track and field coach and distance runner Bill Dellinger died Friday. He was 91. Dellinger won five National Championships as Oregon head coach, four in cross country. In 1984 his Duck outdoor Track and Field squad set an NCAA record with 108 points to win the team title […]

Published

10 minutes ago

June 28, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Olympic medalist and two-time NCAA champion, Oregon track and field coach and distance runner Bill Dellinger died Friday. He was 91.

Dellinger won five National Championships as Oregon head coach, four in cross country. In 1984 his Duck outdoor Track and Field squad set an NCAA record with 108 points to win the team title at Hayward Field.

Dellinger mentored Steve Prefontaine, 81 All-Americans. Running for Bill Bowerman he won the 1954 national championship in the mile and in 1956 he captured NCAA gold in the 5000 meters.

His athletes set 18 U.S. records and won a dozen NCAA individual crowns, appearing in the Olympic Games 17 times.

Bill Dellinger falleció. DEP pic.twitter.com/7Gk0eYYDHK

— AthleticsTracks (@AthleticsTracks) June 28, 2025

After college he joined the Air Force, training alone outside a radar station on the Olympic Peninsula, twice-daily workouts on the beach, counting his steps to simulate track distances. He made the U.S. Olympic team three times, winning a bronze medal in the 5000 meters at the Tokyo Olympics in 1964.

Born in Grants Pass and raised in Springfield, Dellinger became Bill Bowerman’s assistant at Oregon in 1968, succeeding him as head coach in 1973.

He guided the careers of Prefontaine, Alberto Salazar, Rudy Chapa and Matt Centrowitz Sr., named to the National Track and Field Hall of Fame in 2001.

Chapa told Runner Space, “Coach Bill Dellinger was one of the greatest coaches ever. However, for those of us lucky enough to have been coached by him, what we treasured most was the genuine friendship he gave us long after our running days were over.”

“He gave us so much more than guidance on the track; he gave us his heart. Bill was deeply loved, and he will be profoundly missed by his athletes, the Eugene-Springfield community, and the entire world of track and field.”

As a distance runner Dellinger set five American and World records:

1956 American Record holder: 5000 meters 14:16.2

1958 American Record holder: 1500 meters 3:41.5

1959 World Record holder (indoors): 2 miles 8:49.9

1959 World Record holder (indoors): 3 miles 13:37.0

1960 American record holder: 2 miles 8:43.8

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10 key developments shaping Kazakhstan this week

1. Kazakhstan attaches special importance to expanding partnership with international universities – President President Tokayev announced the upcoming opening of the AlemAI International Centre for AI in Astana, alongside the development of “CryptoCity,” an experimental zone for digital assets where legal and tech solutions will be piloted, during the plenary session of the Eurasian Economic Forum […]

Published

15 minutes ago

June 28, 2025

Your Sports Nation

1. Kazakhstan attaches special importance to expanding partnership with international universities – President

President Tokayev announced the upcoming opening of the AlemAI International Centre for AI in Astana, alongside the development of “CryptoCity,” an experimental zone for digital assets where legal and tech solutions will be piloted, during the plenary session of the Eurasian Economic Forum in Minsk, Belarus.

2. Astana hosts Kazakhstan-China cultural forum

From June 22 to 24, Nazarbayev University became a vibrant hub as attendees gathered under the theme “Bronze Meets the Golden Man” to deepen cultural exchanges between Kazakhstan and China.

3. President addresses Aibyn XI International Military-Patriotic Youth Gathering

President Tokayev opened the XI Aibyn youth forum in Aktobe, welcoming 800 participants from across six countries and marking the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory and the centenary of Kazakh war hero Aliya Moldagulova.

4. Kazakh dried kumys and horse meat adapted to foreign market requirements

Kazakhstan is expanding production of powdered kumys and horse meat tailored to meet international veterinary standards. Thanks to state support, the horse population and related product output have grown significantly in recent years. Besides, Kazakhstan grants farmers soft loans and leasing options for buying horses and equipment.

5. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev states need to launch Safe City national platform

President Tokayev proposed the launch of a national Safe City platform to integrate video surveillance, facial recognition, and AI-driven analytics. The aim is to strengthen crime prevention and modernize law enforcement with digital tools.

6. Almost 90% of all transactions in Kazakhstan cashless, says Head of State

Over 89% of financial transactions in Kazakhstan are now cashless, driven by rapid growth in mobile banking. President Tokayev highlighted the country’s progress in digital finance and invited international partners to collaborate in developing digital and AI infrastructure.

7. NPP construction: Kazakhstan and Russia to sign intergovernmental agreement by year-end

Kazakhstan plans to sign a key agreement with Russia by the end of the year to build its first nuclear power plant. The project is expected to be worth over $14 billion and will be funded through a preferential loan. Preparatory studies and legal frameworks are already underway.

8. RES in Kazakhstan: what new projects will be launched by 2027

The Vice Minister said that 91 projects with an overall capacity of 2258MW are under implementation now, which includes: 20 wind power stations, 9 solar power stations, 58 small hydropower stations, 4 bioenergy facilities.

9. Kazakhstan wins bronze at Canoe Sprint Championships in Minsk

Tatyana Tokarnitskaya and Olga Shmeleva claimed the bronze medal in the Women’s K2 500m race. The tournament brought together athletes from 9 countries.

10.Kazakhstan wins first-ever gold at Asian U21 Beach Volleyball Championships

Ryukhov and Mastikhin overcame China’s third Liu Yuan and Mao Yuan 2-0 (21-19, 21-16) in the final of the men’s competition. It’s worth noting that the Kazakhstanis’ triumph marked the country’s historic first gold medal in this Asian Age Group competition.

You can read last week’s 10 key developments shaping Kazakhstan here.

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Spain and Greece claim crucial wins on day two of the Women’s U16 European Water Polo Championships

Greece made it two wins from two after beating Italy on day two of the U16 European Championships in Istanbul. Photo: Nikola Krstic/European Aquatics Greece came back from four goals down to beat Italy in the top match in Group B at the Women’s U16 European Water Polo Championships in Istanbul on Saturday. In the […]

Published

19 minutes ago

June 28, 2025

Your Sports Nation

*Greece made it two wins from two after beating Italy on day two of the U16 European Championships in Istanbul. Photo: Nikola Krstic/European Aquatics*

Greece came back from four goals down to beat Italy in the top match in Group B at the Women’s U16 European Water Polo Championships in Istanbul on Saturday. In the other highlighted match, in Group A, Spain left no chance for the Hungarians and secured the top spot and the quarter-final berth. Greece are also on their way to the quarters and to clinching first place in their group.

Women’s U16 European Water Polo Championships
Day 2 Results – Istanbul, Türkiye
Saturday 28 June 2025

Group A

Serbia 8-22 Netherlands
Spain 15-7 Hungary

Group B

Germany 8-6 Croatia
Greece 13-10 Italy

Group C

France 20-8 Slovakia
Türkiye 10-9 Czechia

Group D

Malta 13-12 Ukraine

*Germany managed to overpower Croatia on day two of the Women’s U16 European Championships. Photo: Nikola Krstic/European Aquatics*

In the first big match of the tournament, Greece overturned a four-goal deficit to beat Italy in a thrilling match. The Italians staged a pretty strong start, shutting out the Greeks for the entire first period while taking a 0-2 lead and added more to lead 1-5 three minutes into the second period.

What came next was the Rafaela Saltamanika show. The Greek captain hit three before half-time to lift her team and they managed to pull it back to 6-6 at the turnaround.

In the third, it was Saltamanika again who scored a stunning hat-trick after 7-7, while the Italians remained scoreless for four and a half minutes and that ultimately cost them the game.

Once down by three, their comeback attempts were halted by the Greeks right away, who sailed to a fine win, with Saltamanika finishing the match with an impressive seven-goal haul.

In the other Group B game, Germany stunned Croatia. It was a toe-to-toe battle until half-time when the Germans led 4-3, then they staged a 3-0 rush in the third which proved decisive.

The Croats managed to pull one back before the last break and another one early in the fourth, but the next four and half minutes were devoted to battling, and it was still 7-5 to Germany.

Mare Jankovic then hit one from action for 7-6, but before the Croats could have any thoughts of equalising, Bianca Mitterbauer put away an extra just 33 seconds later with 1:25 remaining, which not just halted the Germans’ seven minute-long scoreless run, but also closed down the contest.

In Group A, Spain took the upper-hand early on in their clash with Hungary. They stormed to a 6-3 lead and never looked back. Ona Jurado led the charge, hitting five of Spain’s first seven goals, while the Magyars couldn’t really outplay the Spanish defence – they missed three six on fives in a row late in the second, at 7-4, so no wonder they trailed 8-4 at half-time.

Soon, the Spanish killed the party with another 4-0 run – indeed, after thrashing the Dutch 20-6 on day one and now beating Hungary by eight goals, it was a pretty strong message about their title ambitions.

Elsewhere, Netherlands blew away the Serbs, as a 6-1 opening period put the match on its expected path and the Dutch eventually stopped their relentless barrage at 22.

*Türkiye fought back from 4-8 down to beat Czechia.* *Photo: Nikola Krstic/European Aquatics*

As for the second division matches, Malta and Ukraine produced a really exciting encounter where the Ukrainians seemed to have the edge as they went 9-12 up midway through the last period.

However, the Maltese players hit back with a whirlwind-like rush, hitting three in just 44 seconds to level it up at 12-12 with 2:51 on the clock.

The decision came in the six on fives, as Ukraine missed their last two, while Nevise Agius netted the winner for Malta 28 seconds from time.

France had no headaches and thrashed Slovakia 20-8, while hosts Türkiye played out an epic end-to-end contest with Czechia that was full of twists and turns.

The hosts led 4-3 after the opening eight minutes, but in the second quarter the momentum was firmly with the Czechs as they staged a 0-5 surge to take control of the contest and led 4-8 at half-time.

Türkiye ended their 10-minute scoring drought early in the third through Gunes Pektas, then Eda Moroglu added another shortly after for 6-8.

Now, it was Czechia’s turn to struggle to score, and Türkiye stepped up another gear in the fourth to win the final quarter 3-0 and the game 10-9.

Defne Keremoglu completed Türkiye’s comeback in dramatic fashion, firing in the winner from outside 6m with just 14 seconds remaining, much to the delight of the large crowd inside the Istanbul arena.

*France proved too strong for Slovakia on day two of the Women’s 16 European Championships. Photo: Nikola Krstic/European Aquatics*

Watch all the action live for free on the European Aquatics TV channel, which can be found by clicking here. For the full results/tables and schedule, click here.

Gergely Csurka for European Aquatics

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Sports

Ava Grace Wheaton looks back on sophomore season with Jaguars

Ava Grace Wheaton looks back on sophomore season with Jaguars | Santa Rosa Press Gazette Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Home Sports Ava Grace Wheaton looks back on sophomore season with Jaguars Thank you for supporting […]

Published

37 minutes ago

June 28, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Ava Grace Wheaton looks back on sophomore season with Jaguars | Santa Rosa Press Gazette

Thank you for supporting journalism at your local newspaper. This article is available exclusively for our subscribers, who help fund our work at Santa Rosa Press Gazette.

Sports

Ava Grace Wheaton made it to the NCAA track and field meet for the first time in her college career this season.

Wheaton, a Pace grad, competed in the javelin for South Alabama in the NCAA First Round at Hodges Stadium in Jacksonville.

(Photo provided by South Alabama Athletics)

The remainder of this article is available only for our website subscribers, who help fund our mission of keeping you updated on news you want and need to know. You can become a subscriber for as little as $5.67 a month.

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Volleyball Summer Hitting Camp in South Florida Now Enrolling Ages 13–17

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, UNITED STATES, June 28, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ — Fort Lauderdale United Volleyball (FL United VB) is excited to open registration for its Summer Hitting Training Sessions, a targeted program designed to help athletes ages 13 to 17 build power, precision, and confidence at the net. These small-group sessions are perfect for beginner and […]

Published

38 minutes ago

June 28, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Led by FL United VB’s experienced club coaches, each session offers step-by-step instruction and high-quality reps that break down every phase of the attack—helping athletes develop stronger approaches, cleaner arm swings, and smarter shot selection.

With limited capacity and hands-on coaching, this is one of the most effective ways to improve your hitting game this summer.

Program Overview

Summer Hitting Training Sessions
– Ages: 13–17

– Location: FTL UTD Training Facilities
7601 SW 39th St., Davie, FL

– Days: Mondays & Wednesdays

– Time: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Training Dates:
– June 30 & July 2

– July 7 & July 9

– July 21 & July 23

– July 28 & July 30

Capacity: Maximum 20 athletes per court to ensure personal attention.
What We’ll Train

– Approach Footwork: Master proper 3-step and 4-step approach patterns for better timing and power.

– Arm Swing Mechanics: Build a strong, safe, and efficient hitting motion.

– Timing & Contact: Learn how to consistently connect with sets at the ideal contact point.

– Target Hitting: Improve placement and accuracy to beat blockers and find open court space.

– Live Feedback: Receive real-time corrections and individual guidance from experienced coaches.

Why Join?

– Small Group Instruction: Low athlete-to-coach ratio for maximum reps and personal feedback.

– Game-Like Situations: Gradual progression from technique to competitive scenarios.

– Skill Confidence: Learn and refine mechanics in a positive, focused training environment.

“This program is perfect for any athlete serious about improving their offensive skills,” says Club Director Steve Patella. “Our coaches are committed to helping each player understand the mechanics and build confidence every time they step onto the court.”

Registration & Pricing

– Pricing:
– $70 for 2 sessions per week
– $45 per single session drop-in

Secure a spot today—space is limited and expected to fill quickly.

Visit www.ftlutdvolleyball.com/hitting-training-sessions for full details and registration.

About Fort Lauderdale United VB

Fort Lauderdale United Volleyball is a youth sports academy that offers elite-level volleyball training for athletes across South Florida. Built on the principles of passion, competition, and personal growth, the academy provides a curriculum-driven environment where players can train, compete, and thrive.

Charlotte Arkwright
Exults Digital Marketing Agency
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Fort Wayne’s Empowered shines at AAU volleyball junior nationals | Recreation

The championship of the 16 Club division in the AAU Junior National Volleyball Championships went to a Fort Wayne outfit, Empowered Volleyball Academy, on Tuesday. Empowered 16 Elite Black went undefeated in the tournament, finishing 13-0, and beat Illini Elite, which was also unbeaten entering the match, 27-25, 25-19 to capture the title. The tournament […]

Published

54 minutes ago

June 28, 2025

Your Sports Nation

The championship of the 16 Club division in the AAU Junior National Volleyball Championships went to a Fort Wayne outfit, Empowered Volleyball Academy, on Tuesday.

Empowered 16 Elite Black went undefeated in the tournament, finishing 13-0, and beat Illini Elite, which was also unbeaten entering the match, 27-25, 25-19 to capture the title.

The tournament was held in Orlando, Florida, at the Orange County Convention Center and was the 52nd annual iteration of what has become the world’s largest volleyball tournament, with more than 6,500 teams competing.

The victorious Empowered team was coached by Natasha Nestleroad, whose staff of assistants included former Carroll volleyball standout Kassandra Till.

On the roster were several players who have already made their mark on the local high school volleyball scene, including Darcy Ritchie, from West Noble, who was a high honorable mention selection on The Journal Gazette’s All-Northeast Indiana team, and Amelia Kesterke of Lakewood Park Christian who was an honorable mention pick.

Empowered finished first in a division that featured 159 entrants. The team played all 13 of its matches over a four-day span, including four matches each Monday and Tuesday. It lost just one set Tuesday on the way to the title.

The group from the Summit City prevailed in tightly contested clashes with EVA 16 Blue (24-26, 25-21, 18-16), VAQUERAS 16F Mario (25-18, 22-25, 21-19), and River City Jrs 16 Navy (23-25, 25-23, 15-11).

Hudson Lake affected by dredging project

Public access to Hudson Lake may be disrupted beginning in early July through the fall due to a dredging project aimed at improving boating access.

The project, funded by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Lake and River Enhancement program and Hudson Lake Conservation Association, will hydraulically pump sediment from the access channel and a navigation channel between the lake’s east and west basins to an upland area on the northwest end of the lake.

This may result in temporary blockage or restrictions near these sites due to dredging equipment or piping on the lake.

The DNR advises lake users to plan accordingly and boat responsibly near any obstacles until the completion of the project.

JG calling for more outdoor experiences

Fishing and hunting are enjoyed by young and old, but those are not the only pastimes for residents of northeast Indiana. Bird watching, hiking, camping, and all manner of sports activities are done daily.

The Journal Gazette would like to showcase all manner of recreational activities on the weekly Recreation page.

The Journal Gazette’s Outdoors experience feature lends a forum for readers to share their love of all things outdoors, or indoors, with their neighbors.

If you have an outdoor experience you’d like to share, email your stories and photos to The Journal Gazette at jgsports@jg.net. Please provide full names, ages, hometowns, type of animal and when and where caught.

Photos must be jpegs.

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