Potts Selected as NACDA Cunningham Award Recipient
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CLEVELAND, Ohio – The Division I-AAA Athletics Directors Association (DI-AAA ADA) is proud to announce Steve Potts, former director of athletics at Pepperdine University, as the 2025 Gary Cunningham Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. “I am so overwhelmed and humbled to even be considered for this incredible award,” said Potts. “I wish to express my […]
CLEVELAND, Ohio – The Division I-AAA Athletics Directors Association (DI-AAA ADA) is proud to announce Steve Potts, former director of athletics at Pepperdine University, as the 2025 Gary Cunningham Lifetime Achievement Award recipient.
“I am so overwhelmed and humbled to even be considered for this incredible award,” said Potts. “I wish to express my sincere thanks to DI-AAA ADA for this honor and for all they do for our unique member institutions. Any achievements and successes that may have been credited to me in my position as the director of athletics at Lipscomb University and Pepperdine University were the direct result of the talent, dedication and commitment of coaches, sta? members and student-athletes with whom I was blessed to associate.”
Steve Potts (JD ’82), who oversaw one of the nation’s most successful Division I-AAA programs as Pepperdine’s director of athletics, retired at the conclusion of the 2023–24 academic year after leading the Waves since January 2011.
A Nashville native, Potts earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Tennessee-Martin in 1979 and went on to earn his juris doctor degree from the Pepperdine Caruso School of Law in 1982. Prior to his position as Pepperdine’s AD, Potts spent 17 years at the university as an administrator and a professor and serving as the school’s associate dean of administration and an assistant professor of law from 1990–99. In July 2008, Potts returned to Malibu as the senior associate AD after serving as the director of athletics at Lipscomb University from 2000 to 2008.
Under Potts’ leadership, Pepperdine earned the I-AAA Athletic Director’s Association All-Sports Award (given to the top-performing non-football school in Division I) three times (2011–12, 2021–22 and 2022–23), while finishing in the top three five additional times. Throughout Potts’ tenure, the Waves won 69 conference regular-season or tournament titles (through the 2023-24 school year) and captured the 2021 NCAA men’s golf national championship.
Potts brought beach volleyball to the university and the team captured the inaugural AVCA national championship in 2012, and again in 2014. In addition, men’s golf won the 2021 national championship. Through his tenure, multiple teams experienced firsts, including but not limited to the following:
2014 – baseball advancing to a Super Regional for the first time; women’s soccer advancing to the Sweet 16
2015 – men’s basketball making its first postseason appearance since 2002
2018-19 – women’s basketball winning 20 games for the first time since 2010 and won its first postseason game in the modern era.
2020-21 – men’s basketball winning the College Basketball Invitational
2021 – women’s soccer advancing to the Sweet 16; women’s tennis advancing to national championship match
2022 & 2023 – women’s swimming and diving team won back-to-back PCSC titles
2023-24 – women’s tennis doubles advanced to NCAA Tournament final match; men’s water polo captured first WCC regular-season title
Pepperdine’s various facilities have also been upgraded under Potts’ leadership, which has provided student-athletes and coaching staff exceptional opportunities to excel in their respective sports and increased the level of recognition of the Waves’ great athletics history.
Prior to Pepperdine, Potts oversaw Lipscomb’s transition from NAIA to NCAA Division I, successfully guiding the athletics department through four years of NCAA Division I provisional membership. In 2003, Lipscomb received active membership status and joined the Atlantic Sun Conference.
About Division I-AAA ADA: Now in its 24th year, the Division I-AAA Athletics Directors Association’s mission is to enhance initiatives common to its Division I-AAA membership (non-football institutions), in particular, aspects related to their flagship basketball programs. For more information on the Division I-AAA ADA, please visit www.div1aaa-ada.com. The Division I-AAA ADA is administered by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), which is in its 60th year. For more information on NACDA and the 19 professional associations that fall under its umbrella, please visit www.nacda.com.
Jonesboro, AR — (JonesboroRightNow.com) — June 25, 2025 — Arkansas State volleyball is set to take on a challenging schedule in 2025, as head coach Brian Gerwig unveiled the slate for the reigning Sun Belt regular-season champions on Wednesday. Entering the fourth season under Gerwig, the Red Wolves are coming off their best season since […]
Jonesboro, AR — (JonesboroRightNow.com) — June 25, 2025 — Arkansas State volleyball is set to take on a challenging schedule in 2025, as head coach Brian Gerwig unveiled the slate for the reigning Sun Belt regular-season champions on Wednesday.
Entering the fourth season under Gerwig, the Red Wolves are coming off their best season since 2015, capped by a Sun Belt regular-season crown and postseason run to the Great 8 of the NIVC.
The docket features seven total matches against teams that reached the NCAA Tournament last season, including three against foes advancing to the second round or better. A-State will take on 10 opponents that earned winning records a season ago.
In the preseason, A-State hosts its annual Scarlet and Black Scrimmage on Saturday, Aug. 16, before hosting North Alabama in an exhibition bout on Aug. 23.
The Red Wolves open the season with a trio of 2024 NCAA Tournament participants, traveling to Atlanta, GA, for matches against Ole Miss (Aug. 29), Wofford (Aug. 30) and Georgia Tech (Aug. 31).
A-State opens its home slate with a pair of matches against Missouri (Sept. 4-5) – a squad that reached the NCAA Round of 16 last season. Thursday’s bout against the Tigers will be held inside First National Bank Arena, while the Friday contest will be played at Valley View High School due to a scheduling conflict.
A trip to Orlando, FL, follows, with A-State taking on Florida Atlantic and host UCF (Sept. 12), as well as Brown (Sept. 13).
The Scarlet and Black remain in-state for the final non-conference matches of the season, traveling to Fayetteville, Ark., to take on North Dakota State (Sept. 18), Southern Illinois (Sept. 19) and Arkansas (Sept. 20). A-State’s meeting against the Razorbacks will be just the second all-time meeting in volleyball, and first since 1975.
A-State then opens Sun Belt Conference play at Georgia State (Sept. 26-27) before returning home to host Southern Miss (Oct. 3-4). The Red Wolves face road tests at ULM (Oct. 10-11) and Troy (Oct. 23-24) as well as rematches at home against 2024 SBC Tournament champion Texas State (Oct. 17-18).
The Red Wolves open November at home against Louisiana (Oct. 31-Nov. 1) and at South Alabama (Nov. 7-8) before ending the regular season by hosting Old Dominion (Nov. 14-15).
The Sun Belt Conference Championship will be held Nov. 20-23, in Foley, AL, at the Foley Event Center.
FUEL TV Partners With Shout! For FAST Distribution of Five Action Sports Channels
John Latchem June 25, 2025 FUEL TV, a global television channel dedicated to action sports, June 25 announced a partnership with Shout! TV, which will stream five FUEL TV FAST channels across platforms in the United States and Canada. Shout! TV is the streaming arm of Shout! Studios, a leading multi-platform media company and home entertainment distributor. […]
FUEL TV, a global television channel dedicated to action sports, June 25 announced a partnership with Shout! TV, which will stream five FUEL TV FAST channels across platforms in the United States and Canada.
Shout! TV is the streaming arm of Shout! Studios, a leading multi-platform media company and home entertainment distributor.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Shout! TV to bring our action sports universe to even more viewers across North America,” said Fernando Figueiredo, CEO of FUEL TV. “This is a perfect fit — Shout! shares our passion for fan-driven content and understands how to maximize the reach and impact of genre-focused brands on digital platforms.”
The agreement covers FUEL TV’s flagship channel as well as its four new vertical channels — Surfer TV, Powder TV, Skateboarding TV and BikeMag TV — each inspired by their respective sports’ associated print magazines (Surfer Magazine, Powder Magazine, Transworld Skateboarding and Bike Mag). The brands, owned by Arena Group, boast a combined social reach of more than 20 million people and are now being brought into the digital streaming age in partnership with FUEL TV Group.
Founded in 2003, FUEL TV is available in more than 100 countries and territories, delivering premium original programming. The new channels are powered by FUEL TV Group’s 4,000-hour library of action sports content, spanning from 1996 to today, and feature a mix of live events, award-winning series, films, documentaries, and athlete-driven storytelling that has defined the evolution of surf, snow, skate, and biking culture for nearly 30 years.
“FUEL TV represents a goldmine of authentic, high-quality programming for audiences who live and breathe action sports,” said Gene Pao, EVP of strategy and digital for Shout!. “We’re stoked to deliver these genre-leading channels to FAST platforms across the U.S. and Canada, meeting the growing demand for free, premium content that speaks directly to enthusiast communities.”
FUEL TV programming can also be viewed at FUELTV.com and through services such as Fubo TV, Sling, DirecTV Stream and Plex, among others. It also operates its own premium streaming service, FUEL TV+, which is available for $4.99 per month after a free 30-day trial.
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Click here to discover the other 24 athletes in the Men’s Health 25, a celebration of the top athletes in the high school class of 2025. HE’S A FIVE-STAR recruit, but Keelon Russell’s football life didn’t take off until his sophomore year. That’s when the quarterback led Duncanville High School to a Texas state championship. […]
Click here to discover the other 24 athletes in the Men’s Health 25, a celebration of the top athletes in the high school class of 2025.
HE’S A FIVE-STAR recruit, but Keelon Russell’s football life didn’t take off until his sophomore year. That’s when the quarterback led Duncanville High School to a Texas state championship. He did it again his junior year, then attended various quarterback camps, winning MVP honors at the Elite 11 Finals because of his arm strength, accuracy, and decision-making. “It made me gain so much confidence,” he says. “I was like, ‘Okay, yeah, I can see myself at the big leagues with the big fellas.’ ” The next season, he completed 69 percent of his passes, throwing for 4,177 yards as he was named the 2024-2025 Gatorade National Football Player of the Year. He was recruited by every major college and committed to Alabama, to play for head coach Kalen DeBoer, a renowned quarterback whisperer.
Although Russell has all the attributes of a modern quarterback—he’s big, accurate, and speedy—he very much wants to be known as the kind of QB who outfoxes his opponents before the ball is even snapped. He models his mental game on Tom Brady’s. “We all know he was a sixth-round pick, didn’t nobody believe in him—now he’s one of the greatest of all time. It gives me that drive—it touches my heart.” Russell, who spent the spring in Alabama, then returned to graduate, is going deep on film study. “A coach told me Tom would study film all night, sleep in the film room. That’s one of the things that I take away from him.” Here’s what else helps Russell elevate his game.
Matt Hawthorne
How much time do you spend training? “Thirty hours a week: 10 hours of actual team practice, then gym time and film study.” Check out his moves and others in the MH25 Strength and Bounce Workout.
What do you focus on? “Strength is important, but we are very strategic about doing moves that support my throwing motion. We do a lot of lats work—pullups, rows, deadlifts—because lats are the big thing for quarterbacks because they can prevent injuries.”
Frenemy exercise? “Hip-mobility drills. I know I have to do them, but they’re boring.”
Hype music? “Lil Baby. If it’s game day, a workout, or I’m just going to throw, he gets me in that mode.”
Dream workout partner? “Prime [Deion Sanders] in his prime. Cam Newton. Aaron Rodgers. And of course the wide receivers—Stefon Diggs, Ja’Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson.”
Fast-food order? “Two McDonald’s Hot ‘n Spicy McChickens, large fries, and milkshake.”
Last book you read? “My Bible app. Read scripture every day.”
Pier 360 Returns: Santa Monica’s signature event brings the vibes | Arts & Events
Santa Monica is renowned for its laid-back beach vibes. To celebrate that, the Santa Monica Pier Corp. is hosting the Pier 360 Beach Festival on Saturday, June 28, and Sunday, June 29, with competition and entertainment along the shoreline. The free, all-ages event brings together thousands of locals and visitors for ocean sports, beachside games, […]
Santa Monica is renowned for its laid-back beach vibes.
To celebrate that, the Santa Monica Pier Corp. is hosting the Pier 360 Beach Festival on Saturday, June 28, and Sunday, June 29, with competition and entertainment along the shoreline.
The free, all-ages event brings together thousands of locals and visitors for ocean sports, beachside games, skateboarding, roller skating, live music, food and drinks, and a deep dive into 90 years of paddleboard racing history.
“Pier 360” action kicks off Saturday and Sunday at 8 a.m. on the sand and continues from 10 a.m. on the Pier deck, where festivalgoers can explore interactive activities, grab bites and brews, and soak up summer energy at one of Southern California’s most legendary destinations.
(Santa Monica Pier Corp./Submitted)
Main attractions
• Paddleboard Races (June 29): Celebrate 90 years of paddleboard racing with the 1-mile short course ($30), Mike Vaughan Memorial 5-mile distance race ($40) and high-speed spring racing ($40). Open to paddlers of all levels.
• Ocean Swims (June 29): 500m and 1-mile open water swim events with wetsuit/non-wetsuit divisions and age group awards. Check-in begins at 7:30 a.m., with a Hawaiian blessing.
• CBVA Beach Volleyball Tournaments (June 28 and 29): Men’s and women’s open competition for a $4,000 prize pool plus the Santa Monica Beach Volleyball Hall of Fame Legends Exhibition.
• Santa Monica Strongman Classic (June 28 and 29): High-octane strongman contest featuring over 80 male and female athletes competing across multiple weight classes.
• AAU Invitational (June 29): Top 18:U girls teams compete in a triple-crown showdown.
• Lifeguard Competitions (June 28): Including the historic Pete Peterson Surfboat 1-Mile Dory Race and Junior Guard events.
• Skate Experience (June 28 and June 29): An energetic celebration of skateboarding and athleticism with demos, clinics, and competitions on custom ramps with LA’s top skaters.
• POP SK8 Roller Rink (June 28 and June 29): Community-themed pop-up roller rink on the Pier deck open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (free skates available on site).
CBVA Beach Volleyball Tournaments take place on June 28 and 29. Men’s and women’s open competition for a $4,000 prize pool plus the Santa Monica Beach Volleyball Hall of Fame Legends Exhibition.
(Santa Monica Pier Corp./Submitted)
• The Fox Den Beer Garden (June 28 and June 29): Chill with cold brews and vodka seltzers thanks to Michelob Ultra. Open to all ages, with alcohol available for purchase to guests 21 and over. Sponsored by The Surfing Fox.
• All-Day Music & Polynesian Dance (June 28 and June 29): Kick off each day with vibrant Polynesian performances and live music throughout the afternoon.
• Museum of Beach Life (June 28 and June 29): A free, hands-on exhibit curated by local legends explores the history of surf, Muscle Beach, and paddleboard racing.
• Youth Zone (9 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 28 and June 29): Arts, crafts, and giant games for kids. An adult must accompany children under 18.
• Old Navy and Disney Road Trip (June 28 and June 29): A free, family-friendly pop-up experience inspired by the classic American road trip, featuring scenic photo ops, roadside refreshments, exciting giveaways, and an exclusive Old Navy x Disney pop-up store with items from the collection- — including sold-out pieces like the mini tote bag.
CBVA Beach Volleyball Tournaments take place on June 28 and 29. Men’s and women’s open competition for a $4,000 prize pool plus the Santa Monica Beach Volleyball Hall of Fame Legends Exhibition.
(Santa Monica Pier Corp./Submitted)
Separately, to celebrate Disney Mickey & Friends this summer, the iconic Disneyland Band will bring some extra Disney magic to the final Old Navy x Disney Road Trip stop with a performance at the Santa Monica Pier 360 Beach Festival location at 11 a.m. June 28. Guests can enjoy a medley of songs, including the recent addition of the Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration theme song, “Celebrate Happy.”
“Pier 360 is more than a festival; it’s a tribute to the unique culture that was born right here on the Santa Monica Pier,” said Jim Harris, executive director and historian of the Santa Monica Pier. “From racing traditions that started in the 1930s to the cutting-edge sports and experiences of today, it’s a weekend that captures the heart of SoCal beach life.”
Pier 360 is produced by Santa Monica Pier Corp., along with these great sponsors Old Navy, Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, Celsius, Big Blue Bus, Adidas, The Surfing Fox, The Pierside, Best Day Brewing, Lightship, Simply Pop, Everyday Dose, Frontier, Gatorade Hydration Booster, Lifeway Kefir, Healing Grounds, Wetzel’s Pretzel Food Truck, Costco, Standard Procedure, Kendra Scott, Johnny Rockets, Hot Dog On A Stick, Heal The Bay, Santa Monica Travel & Tourism, AB InBev and Toyota.
The festival is free to attend, with some competitions requiring advance registration and entry fees. Beach activities begin at 8 a.m. Pier deck opens at 10 a.m. For full details, athlete registration and event schedule, visit santamonicapier.org.
Arrive by Rideshare, Metro, Bus or Bike. The Santa Monica Pier is located at 200 Santa Monica Pier, Suite A, Santa Monica, CA 90401.
UConn Commit Marshall Potter Named Connecticut Outdoor Track and Field Player of the Year
STORRS, Conn.- Incoming freshman Marshall Potter (Simsbury, Conn.) has been named Gatorade’s Connecticut Outdoor Boys Track and Field Player of the Year, announced in a release on Wednesday. At the New Balance Nationals in Philadelphia, Potter finished third in both the discus (194 feet, 4 inches) and hammer throw (227-9). Earlier in June, Potter won […]
STORRS, Conn.- Incoming freshman Marshall Potter (Simsbury, Conn.) has been named Gatorade’s Connecticut Outdoor Boys Track and Field Player of the Year, announced in a release on Wednesday.
At the New Balance Nationals in Philadelphia, Potter finished third in both the discus (194 feet, 4 inches) and hammer throw (227-9). Earlier in June, Potter won the Connecticut State Open champion in the discus with a throw of 181-06 and finished second in the shot put with a throw of 58-08.25.
The future Husky broke the shot put record at the Class L meet with a throw of 61-05.75 and took home the discus crown with a throw of 175-06.
Potter was named to the Gametime CT All-State First Team for boys outdoor track and field.
