“If I can share some words of wisdom and somehow make an impression on how drunk driving can change your life, I certainly want to do that,” said Richard Ocker. 

Richard Ocker, an alumnus and member of the Shippensburg University Athletics Hall of Fame and the PA South Central Hall of Fame, is on a mission to turn his life-altering tragedy to a story that inspires change and education on the dangers of drunk driving. 

Ocker first received his Bachelor of Science in elementary education from Ship in 1959 and returned to Ship for his master’s in education in 1964 and a reading supervision degree in 1973. He continues to remain connected to the university as a Hall of Fame selection committee member, a Tower Associate and a phone-a-thon fundraiser. 

What first attracted Ocker to Ship was his passion for running. “Track and field has been good to me. I’ve been coaching for 65 years, and I continue to stay active.” Throughout his life, Ocker has coached track at the high school, college and university level, including at Dickinson College and now at Messiah University. “I’ve coached All-Americans. I’ve coached hall of famers, and national champions. It’s been a good run.” 

In 2015, he was celebrated for his accomplishments as a distance runner. Ocker ran the mile, 880-yard dash and the two-mile relay during a time when facilities and training equipment were nowhere near today’s standards. “We had cinder tracks and long spikes on our shoes – it was quite different then,” he recalled.

Even after retirement, Ocker continued to participate in the 100-meter dash in the Keystone Games, PA Senior Games and ran in various other events. It wasn’t until his recent accident that he had to put a hold on running. Now, Ocker dedicates the majority of his free time to advocating against drunk driving and educating the dangers of driving under the influence. 

In 2024, Ocker and his wife Ester Ocker who met one another during their time at Ship, were hit head-on by a drunk driver in a tragic car accident. Both Ocker and his wife lost a leg in the collision and spent six months in the hospital. 

“The surgeon said it was a miracle that we survived,” Ocker said. “One of the reasons we did survive was that we were both in pretty good physical condition. That’s part of my message – we need to live a healthy lifestyle.” 

The accident has forever changed the Ockers lives, but it never stopped them from keeping a positive mindset and using their story to raise awareness on the consequences of drinking and driving.  Now, they are walking with prosthetics and receive a lot of support from their family. 

Ocker has spoken with the Shippensburg University basketball team and the Messiah track and field team. Moving forward, Ocker is scheduled to speak at Dickinson College and Boiling Springs High School this fall. “College-age athletes are a good starting point for me,” he said. “I’ve been an athlete all these years, and I think it’s important for me to go in and speak to prospective athletes.” 

Alongside public speaking, Ocker is also working hard to advocate for legislative change. “I am hoping to help them get some changes in the law to tighten things up,” he said. 

Despite that hardship that he and his wife have endured, Ocker remains dedicated to serving others. “If I can help anybody along the line, I certainly want to do that,” he said. “I hope coaches pass the word along, and they’ll contact me, and I will gladly go and speak.” 

To Ocker, his life is all about giving back to the community, his alma mater and to future generations. “I really appreciate what Shippensburg has done for me, and it’s payback time,” he said. 

As Ocker and his wife learn how to navigate life after their accident and using prosthetics  Ocker has never given up on his passion for track and field and is confident that he will soon be running again. The Ocker’s story serves as a true inspiration of how powerful it is to remain positive and determined, and how one incident, such as drunk driving, can forever change people’s lives.

RALEIGH, N.C. – NC State volleyball head coach Megan Wargo-Kearney released the non-conference slate for the 2025 season Friday morning.
 
The Wolfpack will kick off the season at home on Aug. 29 for the Summit Hospitality Tournament. The Pack will host Akron at 11am and Army at 7pm before facing Green Bay on the 30^th at 6pm in Reynolds Coliseum.
 

NC State will then head to Kansas State for the Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Kansas Classic on Sept. 3 and 4. The Pack will face host Kansas State on Sept. 3 at 7:30pm before facing Nevada on the 4^th at 1pm.
 
The Pack will host South Carolina for an ACC/SEC clash in the Showdown at the Net on Wednesday, Sept. 10. The match will air on ACC Network.
 
Cleveland State and Coastal Carolina will visit the Wolfpack Sept. 13 and 14 for the Wolfpack Invite. The Pack will host the Vikings on the 13^th at 5pm and the Chanticleers on the 14^th at 4pm.
 
NC State will wrap up the non-conference slate at the VCU Invite Sept. 20-21. The Pack will face the host, VCU, on the 20^th at 6pm before facing Old Dominion at 2pm on the 21^st. 
 
Season tickets are on sale now at: LINK. Single game tickets will be on sale at a later date. All home games will be played in Reynolds Coliseum and times are subject to change.
 

YEARS of experience equate to years of wisdom and multi-titled veteran coach Roger Gorayeb perfectly fits the Strong Group Athletics (SGA) premise to elevate its grassroots volleyball program.

The 39-time NCAA champion is tasked with mentoring all Strong Group-supported volleyball teams such as the University of the Philippines, University of Santo Tomas, College of Saint Benilde and Colegio de San Juan de Letran.

“I am happy, since there are people who still trust me. It is a great feeling that I am never out in the volleyball scene. It is my passion to mentor young athletes,” he said in a statement.

From left are Frank Lao, Roger Gorayeb and Kiara Cruz. SGA PHOTO

Gorayeb steered the ship for San Sebastian College-Recoletos and led them to 22 seniors titles in the NCAA plus 11 championships in the juniors’ division.

Six of his championships came from beach volleyball in the NCAA, making him the winningest team coach in NCAA history.

SGA volleyball program manager Kiara Cruz said that Gorayeb will mentor the athletes for as long as he can.

“It is for as long as he can mentor our athletes,” she said. It is truly an honor to have coach Roger Gorayeb guiding our student-athletes,” Cruz said.

“His wealth of experience and championship pedigree will be an incredible asset to all our teams, both on and off the court,” she added.

Gorayeb coached the Capital 1 Solar Spikers in four conferences at the Premier Volleyball League (PVL).

With Jorge Souza de Brito replacing Gorayeb at the helm, the 65-year-old mentor will now serve as the consultant of Capital 1.

The veteran coach also mentored volleyball icon Alyssa Valdez, and gave her the moniker “Bagyong Baldo.”

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Kristian Kuld has been named the head coach of Oregon’s beach volleyball program, following 11 successful seasons as an assistant coach at Long Beach State. His tenure at LBSU included five NCAA Championship appearances and more than 225 wins. Kuld’s arrival coincides with the upcoming construction of new beach volleyball facilities at Oregon. Athletic director Rob Mullens expressed excitement about Kuld’s impressive background and commitment to student-athlete excellence. Kuld aims to build a strong program while enhancing Oregon’s athletic legacy.

By the Numbers

• Kuld led Long Beach State to five NCAA Championships and 225 wins over 11 seasons.
• Helped secure two Big West Conference titles (2025, 2023) and a runner-up finish (2024).

State of Play

• Oregon will play its home matches in 2026 at new facilities currently being developed.
• Kuld aims to leverage Oregon’s resources and reputation to enhance the program.

What’s Next

Kuld’s immediate focus will be on recruiting to strengthen Oregon’s team ahead of the new facilities opening. His long-term vision includes establishing Oregon as a top competitor in beach volleyball nationally. Stakeholders expect a progressive shift in the program’s performance and reputation under his leadership.

Bottom Line

Kristian Kuld’s hiring represents a strategic move for Oregon beach volleyball, promising enhanced competitiveness and a focus on student-athlete development. His coaching pedigree and vision may well transform the program into a formidable force in collegiate beach volleyball.