Safeway pitches in to enhance volleyball at Prince Rupert Middle School
With brand-new, modern training equipment, students will now have greater opportunities to develop their skills A $5,000 donation from the local Safeway is helping Prince Rupert Middle School replace volleyball equipment that’s nearly 30 years old. “Volleyball is such a growing sport in the community,” said Safeway’s manager Ranjit Gill. “Kids are starting off playing […]
With brand-new, modern training equipment, students will now have greater opportunities to develop their skills
A $5,000 donation from the local Safeway is helping Prince Rupert Middle School replace volleyball equipment that’s nearly 30 years old.
“Volleyball is such a growing sport in the community,” said Safeway’s manager Ranjit Gill. “Kids are starting off playing younger, and it’s getting pretty big.”
He noted that middle schoolers have shown a strong interest in the sport to their coaches, and their involvement is helping to keep them more positively engaged.
The school applied to the supermarket’s community funding program, which periodically reviews and supports meaningful projects in the city.
“Volleyball is a sport that our students are able to pursue that allows them to develop sportmanship and teamwork while improving their mental and physical wellbeing,” said the school.
The school is optimistic that by providing the right environment and resources to develop students’ skills, they can participate in competitions across the province. This would be a valuable opportunity, especially for students who have not otherwise had the chance to experience new places.
“As we work to grow the sport of volleyball in our community, it is imperative that we have safe, modern equipment for our students,” said the school.
Gill was happy to share that the school will now be able to replace the aged setup with new nets, poles, balls and other training equipment.
“It’s a valuable thing to invest in our community,” he said.
16 York-Adams League boys’ volleyball players named District 3 all-stars
Standouts from Central York, Northeastern, Red Lion, York Suburban and Eastern York were recognized among the region’s best. York Suburban student lives out her childhood dream of wrestling York Suburban wrestler Angela Imorhoa wrestles to claim her spot at the state level tournament in March at the Giant Center, Hershey. Sixteen York-Adams League boys’ volleyball […]
Standouts from Central York, Northeastern, Red Lion, York Suburban and Eastern York were recognized among the region’s best.
York Suburban student lives out her childhood dream of wrestling
York Suburban wrestler Angela Imorhoa wrestles to claim her spot at the state level tournament in March at the Giant Center, Hershey.
Sixteen York-Adams League boys’ volleyball players from five different programs have been selected as District 3 all-stars across two classifications.
Standouts from Central York, Northeastern and Red Lion were recognized in Class 3A, including four selections to the 12-man first team. York Suburban had an impressive eight honorees in Class 2A, with one player from Eastern York joining the first team.
Central York senior outside hitter John He and setter Lance Shaffer both landed on the District 3-3A first team; Shaffer was previously named Player of the Year in 2024, an honor that went to Cumberland Valley’s Isaiah Sibbitt this spring. Senior opposite hitter Patrick Siewert made the second team, adding to his honorable mention last year. The Panthers finished runner-up to Cumberland Valley in the district tournament and saw their 18-4 season come to a close with a five-set loss to North Allegheny in the state semifinals Tuesday.
Northeastern was represented on the 3A first team by senior outside hitter Hugh Rogers and on the second team by junior setter Jacob Zambito, while senior middle hitter Lincoln Wertz received an honorable mention. The Bobcats leaned on their depth as they hit their stride late in the season, winning the York-Adams League tournament title as the third seed and reaching the district semifinals as the 13th seed. Northeastern (17-6) won its PIAA playoff opener in five sets before dropping a five-set quarterfinal against Governor Mifflin last Saturday.
Red Lion senior outside hitter Tyler Good, who was named York-Adams League Player of the Year last month, is also a repeat selection to the District 3 first team. Good helped lead a young Lions team to a 10-7 record; Red Lion was the first team out of a loaded D3-3A playoff field after making runs to the district semifinals and state quarterfinals in 2024.
York County was also represented on the D3-3A second team by Red Land junior opposite hitter Chase Piazza and senior outside hitter Anden Sadler. The Patriots went 14-5 to qualify for the district playoffs.
No team piled up more District 3 all-star selections than York Suburban, and it’s also worth noting that seven of the Trojans’ eight honorees are underclassmen. Junior outside Trent Weinstein, sophomore outside Truett Miller and junior middle Billy Doyle all landed on the Class 2A first team; sophomore libero Evan Guyer and middle Robert Berry made the second team; and junior right-side hitters Zac Perryman and Josh Slade joined senior setter Turner Hare as honorable mentions.
Suburban broke out after somewhat of a rebuilding season in 2024, improving its record from 9-8 to 18-5. The Trojans reached the district final and state semifinals before being swept by Manheim Central on both stages. The Barons, who will face District 10’s Meadville for the PIAA title on Saturday, also had three first-teamers and two second-teamers in addition to Player of the Year Dylan Musser.
Eastern York junior outside hitter Aaron Hildebrand also earned a spot on the District 3-2A first team. Hildebrand and Weinstein were both district honorable mentions a year ago.
The York-Adams League sent only four teams to the District 3 playoffs this season, but three of those squads made it all the way to the PIAA semifinals and three won state playoff contests. Central York and Northeastern plan to reload, and York Suburban will look to build on its breakout year, while programs like Dallastown, New Oxford, Red Lion and more have aspirations of taking the next step in 2026.
Masuk’s SWC champ volleyball team reached state tourney semis
It was quite a season for the Masuk High boys volleyball team. The Panthers won the South-West Conference Championship and got all the way to the Class M State Tournament semifinals. The Panthers worked hard for everything they accomplished. “It was definitely not an easy year, from having to deal with injuries or playing really […]
It was quite a season for the Masuk High boys volleyball team. The Panthers won the South-West Conference Championship and got all the way to the Class M State Tournament semifinals. The Panthers worked hard for everything they accomplished.
“It was definitely not an easy year, from having to deal with injuries or playing really good teams. However, no matter the challenge, the boys fought ’til the very end. I am very proud of them,” Coach Dan Nyitrai said.
No. 2 Masuk beat No. 7 Pomperaug 3-0 (25-13, 25-23, 25-18) in the quarterfinals on June 6.
Daniel Ferris had 18 kills, 7 digs, 1 block, and 6 aces; Michael Majersky had 13 kills and 5 digs; Nathan Kurkoski had 33 assists, 8 digs, 1 block, and 1 ace; and Andrew Oleyar had 12 digs.
The Panthers then lost 3-2 *23-25, 25-23, 27-25, 19-25, 15-10) to No. 3 New Canaan at Naugatuck High in the semis on Tuesday.
Against New Canaan, Kurkoski had 45 assists, 8 digs, 1 kill, 1 block, and 1 ace; Ferris had 16 kills, 6 aces, and 13 digs; Majersky had 13 kills and 13 digs; Mathias Aoaeh had 10 kills, 2 digs, and a block; and Oleyar had 16 digs.
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Musical swings at Cantigny | IPSD 204 superintendent search | Cavalcade of Planes
Musical swings set fun tone at Cantigny’s new sensory exhibit Musical swings are setting a fun tone at the newest display at Cantigny Park, called “Feast of the Senses.” The new interactive art installation provides visitors of all ages with a sensory-rich experience, featuring several elements for guests to see, touch and hear. Take a […]
Musical swings set fun tone at Cantigny’s new sensory exhibit
Musical swings are setting a fun tone at the newest display at Cantigny Park, called “Feast of the Senses.”
The new interactive art installation provides visitors of all ages with a sensory-rich experience, featuring several elements for guests to see, touch and hear.
Take a look at some of what you’ll find at the new exhibit.
Local firm to search for next IPSD 204 superintendent
Approaching the start of Superintendent Dr. Adrian Talley’s last year, Indian Prairie School District 204 now has a search firm to help find its next leader.
The board at its meeting on Monday night hired Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates to recruit Talley’s successor.
Find out more about the firm and when the new hire would start.
DuPage County Historical Museum’s annual report shows uptick in visitors
The DuPage County Historical Museum reported a rise in visitor numbers in 2024 in year-over-year comparisons, though total figures continue to lag from pre-pandemic benchmarks.
A high-level overview of the organization’s annual report was presented at a DuPage County Board meeting Tuesday.
Find out more about the museum’s report and one County Board member’s suggestion to boost attendance.
Flights of fun at the Cavalcade of Planes
It was a sight of flight at Bolingbrook’s Clow International Airport this past weekend, for another year of the Cavalcade of Planes.
Aviation enthusiasts gathered for an up-close look at various aircraft, both on the ground…and up in the air.
Take a look at some of the fun.
Naperville North water polo star Anna Tarantino continues to thrive on the West Coast
2021 Naperville North graduate Anna Tarantino is making a splash out west, as a member of the Loyola Marymount University’s woman’s water polo team.
Hear more about how her training in Naperville set her up for success.
Running off at the typewriter … Thanks to the many readers on both sides of the issue for responding to a column I wrote earlier this week on the hot-button issue of transgender people participating in girls and women’s sports. My stance has been pretty consistent: While supporting transgender rights and compassion, I firmly believe […]
Thanks to the many readers on both sides of the issue for responding to a column I wrote earlier this week on the hot-button issue of transgender people participating in girls and women’s sports. My stance has been pretty consistent: While supporting transgender rights and compassion, I firmly believe that biological males retain physical advantages after puberty, making their participation in women’s sports unfair and undermining competitive integrity.
However, one of the things that has bothered me most about this issue is that transgender athletes who just want a place to play and the entire transgender population — the vast majority of whom don’t participate in organized athletics — have been dragged into this polarizing political firestorm. They have been vilified by many of those on the right and patronized by many of those on the left.
A transgender young woman reached out to me after reading my column and her words resonated with poignant sorrow, powerful honesty and dry humor.
Here’s what she said:
“I’m a transgender girl, and so I’m very amused by the antics of those who hate me.
Of course it’s true that transgender people are not actually playing in women’s sports in large numbers. I don’t, at least. … As for me, I remember being bullied in mandatory gym class for ‘throwing like a girl’ back before I knew what ‘transgender’ even was. But I don’t play sports. None of my transgender friends play sports either.
But it does make a good political issue for (President) Trump, and that’s why the ‘biological truth’ matters less than the ‘grand total reality truth.’ While in normal times, it would be fine and fair to discuss sports fairness issues, it’s not quite a normal time when the president is calling in the Marines on American citizens, while demonizing transgender people, censoring the internet and colleges, and taking control of the entire government. Among other things.
If not for all that, sure.
Instead, we (transgender people) must contend with the idea that we are defending more than ‘sports.’ We are defending actual freedom, in the larger sense, and so what we seek is a unified front, and for that, I’d recommend keeping discussions incredibly ‘The Matrix’ aware, and not fall for tricks and psychological traps that politicians and media manipulators lay for us voters.
And that also includes the people you critiqued in your article. They gotta get real with how they respond to this stuff. Even if I DO throw like a girl, I’m still pretty tall. And, so, I’m not going to play naive.
The way I see the world, as a transgender person: Most people have been TRICKED into seeing me as an enemy. But by the living human biological default, we are allies and good neighbors, and so every time I meet someone who hates me, I feel freshly surprised and shocked, as if I innately expected them to be my friend.
I’ve never seen things as ‘left or right.’ An eagle needs both its wings to fly.
We were meant to be united.”
If only our politicians showed half as much nuance, grace and truth as she did in that one email. …
Short stuff: “ESPN’s College GameDay” announced earlier this week that it will be at the Texas-Ohio State game in Week 1, which will be the legendary Lee Corso’s final appearance on the show. Sure, the Ohio State-Texas game is the marquee matchup of the weekend, but the game is airing on Fox. Why wouldn’t “GameDay” be at Corso’s alma mater in Tallahassee for the FSU-Alabama game on ABC? You don’t honor The Godfather of “GameDay” by crashing someone else’s wedding. ESPN may have picked the biggest game, but they didn’t pick the right one. … With the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final for a third straight year and shooting for back-to-back championships, the tradition of their fans throwing rubber rodents on the ice has been getting tons of publicity. I haven’t heard so much talk about rats in South Florida since Jimmy Butler left town. …
Is it just me or does there seem to be as many people taking social media videos and photos of the L.A. protests as there are the protesters themselves? Sigh. Just a sad sign of the times: “Hey, look at me, I’m at the civil unrest experience taking a selfie in front of a burning car — don’t forget to like and subscribe!” … Indianapolis Colts and former Florida Gators QB Anthony Richardson is already hurt, and the season is still months away. I’m not saying he’s fragile, but I’m starting to wonder if he’s really an NFL quarterback or just a Fabergé egg with an arm. … The New York Knicks requested permission to speak to Houston Rockets coach Ime Udoka for their open head-coaching job and got denied. They then requested permission to speak to Minnesota Timberwolves coach Chris Finch and got denied. They have asked permission to speak with Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd, and that request, too, has been denied. The Knicks are like the guy trying to get into the VIP party while wearing cargo shorts, a faded Lynyrd Skynyrd T-shirt and Crocs. …
A moment of silence, please, Brian Wilson has just gone to That Big Endless Summer in the Sky. … Another moment of silence, please, Sly Stone has just gone to That Big Funk Jam in the Sky. … Now that it’s official and colleges can directly begin paying their athletes, conference commissioners say they actually believe the new rules to keep boosters from offering bogus NIL deals can and will be enforced. In related news, the Easter Bunny, Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy have been put in charge of compliance and investigations. … Did you see where Florida A&M University athletic director Angela Suggs was arrested Monday on fraud and theft charges for allegedly using a corporate credit card for personal use totaling more than $24,000 at her former job? The Florida Department of Law Enforcement said Suggs made wire transfers, cash withdrawals and personal purchases at casinos during business trips. Hey, what’s the big deal? Most ADs spend their money in the transfer portal; Suggs evidently just likes to spend hers at the Blackjack table. … I’m not saying the NBA postseason has been going on for far too long, but here’s a list of the five longest-running TV shows of all-time: (5) Gunsmoke. (4) The Simpsons. (3) 60 Minutes. (2) Meet the Press. (1) 2025 NBA Playoffs. …
Last word: With Wednesday having been the late, great Vince Lombardi’s birthday, let us never forget the inspirational words of the iconic football coach: “It’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get back up.”
Women’s Volleyball & Men’s Golf Honored With Raise Your Sights Award
INDIANAPOLIS – The Purdue Fort Wayne men’s golf and women’s volleyball teams were recognized by the Horizon League with Raise Your Sights Awards on Thursday (June 12), honoring the highest team GPAs from each league institution. The Raise Your Sights award is given annually to the top academic men’s and women’s teams in the […]
INDIANAPOLIS – The Purdue Fort Wayne men’s golf and women’s volleyball teams were recognized by the Horizon League with Raise Your Sights Awards on Thursday (June 12), honoring the highest team GPAs from each league institution.
The Raise Your Sights award is given annually to the top academic men’s and women’s teams in the Horizon League, based on combined GPA from the current academic year.
The Mastodon men’s golf team had the highest GPA among all Purdue Fort Wayne men’s teams with a combined GPA of 3.66. The women’s volleyball team recorded the highest among women’s sports, turning in a 3.70.
This is the fifth year in a row that the men’s golf team had the highest GPA in the Purdue Fort Wayne athletic department.
Horizon League Raise Your Sights Winners
Cleveland State
Men’s Soccer, 3.46
Women’s Cross Country, 3.82
Detroit Mercy
Men’s Soccer, 3.62
Women’s Golf, 3.64
Green Bay Men’s Golf, 3.88* Women’s Golf, 3.91*
IU Indianapolis
Men’s Tennis, 3.672
Women’s Golf, 3.706
From the Desk of Jeremiah Donati, No. 6 – University of South Carolina Athletics
South Carolina Athletics Director Jeremiah Donati discusses the hot topics around Gamecock Athletics DEAR GAMECOCKS: As the academic year has officially concluded and we wind down the athletic year, I hope your summer is off to a great start! Our department has accomplished a lot over the last six months and we are carrying a […]
South Carolina Athletics Director Jeremiah Donati discusses the hot topics around Gamecock Athletics
DEAR GAMECOCKS:
As the academic year has officially concluded and we wind down the athletic year, I hope your summer is off to a great start! Our department has accomplished a lot over the last six months and we are carrying a lot of momentum heading into the fall.
HOUSE v. NCAA SETTLEMENT
In case you missed it, last Friday, Judge Claudia Wilken officially approved the House v. NCAA settlement, which will fundamentally change how college athletics departments around the country operate. The settlement paves the way for us to directly share revenue with our student-athletes, allowing them more opportunities than ever to financially benefit during their participation in college athletics. To learn more about the settlement and how it will affect college athletics, check out my From the Desk special edition.
NCAA OUTDOOR TRACK & FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS
Fourteen track and field student athletes are currently out in Eugene, Oregon competing in the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Outdoor Track and Field Championship. Good luck to all of our student-athletes competing!
Stay updated on the Championship
KICKING OFF FOOTBALL SEASON IN ATLANTA
Our football team will open the season in Atlanta on Sunday, August 31 against Virginia Tech in the Aflac Kickoff Game. We need all of Gamecock Country to help us paint Mercedes-Benz Stadium Garnet & Black. If you don’t have your tickets yet, there’s still time to get yours for the Labor Day Weekend matchup. See you in the ATL!
Purchase tickets for AFLAC kickoff Game
SOFTBALL SUCCESS
Congratulations to this year’s softball team on their tremendous accomplishments. They made a great run achieving a national seed for the first time in modern program history and hosted both the NCAA Regionals and Super Regionals. A special congratulations to head coach Ashley Chastain Woodard for being named the National Coach of the Year by D1Softball.
HALL OF FAMERS
Congratulations to Coach Dawn Staley who was inducted into FIBA Hall of Fame and Landon Powell (former baseball student-athlete) and Shannon Johnson (former women’s basketball student-athlete) who were both inducted into the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame last month.
MOMENTUM
As of today, we have had 13 of our 21 teams either finish the season or are currently in-season (track & field) ranked in the Top 25 of their respective sports, with five of our teams being ranked in the top 10. Our teams finished the year with 65 wins against Top 25 opponents, including 26 wins vs. Top 10 teams. I look forward to our teams building on this success for years to come.
FRANKIE GOES TO THE US OPEN
Congratulations to men’s golf redshirt junior Frankie Harris who punched his ticket to the 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club last week after finishing as co-medalist at final U.S. Open Qualifying. U.S. Open play begins today, so be sure to tune in and cheer on Frankie.
CONGRATS TO OUR STAFF
Our creative video teams picked up 13 SVG College Sports Media Awards nominations and walked away with two wins at the annual SVG/NACDA College Sports Media Awards. Our Football Communications Staff also received the Super 11 Award given by the Football Writers Association of America.
Sport & Story’s the Brew won the Best Newsletter at the 2025 Digiday Media Awards. In addition to their working bringing you great content through Gamecocks Plus, they also create a daily newsletter, The Cock-A-Doodle Brew keeping you updated on all things Gamecocks.
The Brew is free to subscribe to, so visit gamecocksbrew.sportandstory.com/subscribe to sign up today.
I hope that you and your family have a great summer and I appreciate all you have done to welcome me and my family into Gamecock Country. I look forward to continuing to get to know all our amazing fans and can’t wait for the next athletic year to begin in a few months.
