CLOVIS, Calif. (AP) — California’s high school track-and-field state finals will award one extra medal Saturday in events where a transgender athlete places in the top three, a rule change that may be the first of its kind nationally by a high school sports governing body.

The new California Interscholastic Federation policy was written in response to the success of high school junior AB Hernandez, a trans student who competes in the girls high jump, long jump and triple jump. She led in all three events after preliminaries Friday. The CIF said earlier this week it would let an additional student compete and medal in the events where Hernandez qualified.

The two-day championship kicked off in the sweltering heat at high school near Fresno. The atmosphere was relatively quiet Friday despite critics — including parents, conservative activists and President Donald Trump — calling for Hernandez to be barred from girls competition leading up to the meet.

There was some pushback Friday. A group of fewer than 10 people gathered outside the stadium ahead of the meet to protest Hernandez’s participation. Some of them wore “Save Girls’ Sports” T-shirts. At one point as Hernandez was attempting a high jump, someone in the stands yelled an insult. An aircraft circled above the stadium for more than an hour during the events, carrying a banner that read, “No Boys in Girls’ Sports!”

The rest of the night ran smoothly for Hernandez, who finished the triple jump with a mark close to 41 feet (13 meters), nearly 10 inches (25 centimeters) ahead of her closest competitor, San Francisco Bay Area junior Kira Gant Hatcher.

Hernandez also led in the long jump with a mark close to 20 feet (6 meters) to advance to the final. She advanced in the high jump, clearing 5 feet, 5 inches (1.7 meters) with ease.

She did not address the press.

California at center of national debate

The CIF rule change reflects efforts to find a middle ground in the debate over trans girls’ participation in youth sports.

“The CIF values all of our student-athletes and we will continue to uphold our mission of providing students with the opportunity to belong, connect, and compete while complying with California law,” the group said in a statement after announcing its rule change.

A recent AP-NORC poll found that about 7 in 10 U.S. adults think transgender female athletes should not be allowed to participate in girls and women’s sports at the high school, college or professional level. That view was shared by about 9 in 10 Republicans and roughly half of Democrats.

The federation announced the rule change after Trump threatened this week to pull federal funding from California unless it bars trans female athletes from competing on girls teams. The CIF said it decided on the change before then.

The U.S. Department of Justice also said it would investigate the state federation and the district that includes Hernandez’s high school to determine whether they violated federal sex discrimination law by allowing trans girls to compete in girls sports.

Some California Republicans also weighed in, with several state lawmakers attending a news conference to criticize the federation for keeping Hernandez in the competition and a Republican gubernatorial candidate planning to attend Saturday’s finals.

California law allows trans students to compete on sex-segregated sports teams consistent with their gender identity.

The federation said the rule would open the field to more “biological female” athletes. One expert said the change may itself be discriminatory because it creates an extra spot for “biological female” athletes but not for other trans athletes.

The federation did not specify how they define “biological female” or how they would verify whether a competitor meets that definition.

Hernandez told the publication Capital & Main earlier this month that she couldn’t worry about critics.

“I’m still a child, you’re an adult, and for you to act like a child shows how you are as a person,” she said.

Another student breaks a record

California’s state championship stands out from that of other states because of the number of competitors athletes are up against to qualify. The state had the second-largest number of students participating in outdoor track and field in the nation during the 2023-2024 school year, behind Texas, according to a survey by the National Federation of State High School Associations.

Olympians Marion Jones and Tara Davis-Woodhall previously set state championship records in the long jump in 1993 and 2017, respectively, both surpassing 22 feet (6.7 meters).

The boys 100-meter dash heats were also a highlight Friday. Junior Jaden Jefferson of De La Salle High School in Concord finished in 10.01 seconds, about .2 seconds faster than a meet record set in 2023. Jefferson’s time won’t count as a record unless he can replicate his results in the final.

Austin is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Follow Austin on X: @sophieadanna

Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

CLOVIS, Calif. (AP) — A transgender teen is competing in the California high school track-and-field finals on Saturday, one day after advancing in the competition as a protest plane circled about the meet that has drawn national attention, including criticism from President Donald Trump.

AB Hernandez — a trans student who on Friday finished as the top qualifier in the girls high jump, long jump and triple jump — will be in the finals Saturday, competing under a new rule change that may be the first of its kind nationally by a high school sports governing body.

The California Interscholastic Federation announced the policy earlier this week in response to Hernandez’s success. Under the policy, the federation will let an additional student compete and medal in the events where Hernandez qualified.

The two-day championship kicked off Friday in the sweltering heat at high school near Fresno, with more hot temperatures on tap for Saturday’s finals. The atmosphere has been relatively quiet despite critics — including parents, conservative activists and Trump — calling for Hernandez to be barred from competing with girls.

A group of fewer than 10 people gathered Friday outside the stadium ahead of the meet to protest Hernandez’s participation. Some wore “Save Girls’ Sports” T-shirts. At one point as Hernandez was attempting a high jump, someone in the stands yelled an insult.

An aircraft circled above the stadium for more than an hour during the qualifying events, carrying a banner that read: “No Boys in Girls’ Sports!” Two groups — the Independent Council on Women’s Sports and Women Are Real — that oppose transgender athletes participating in women’s sports took credit for flying the banner.

Separately, one person was arrested outside the competition on Friday after getting in a confrontation with another protester that turned physical, according to the Clovis Police Department.

The rest of the night ran smoothly for Hernandez, who finished the triple jump with a mark close to 41 feet (13 meters), nearly 10 inches (25 centimeters) ahead of her closest competitor, San Francisco Bay Area junior Kira Gant Hatcher.

Hernandez also led in the long jump with a mark close to 20 feet (6 meters) to advance to the final. She advanced in the high jump, clearing 5 feet, 5 inches (1.7 meters) with ease.

She did not address the press.

California at center of national debate

The federation’s rule change reflects efforts to find a middle ground in the debate over trans girls’ participation in youth sports.

“The CIF values all of our student-athletes and we will continue to uphold our mission of providing students with the opportunity to belong, connect, and compete while complying with California law,” the group said in a statement after announcing its rule change.

A recent AP-NORC poll found that about 7 in 10 U.S. adults think transgender female athletes should not be allowed to participate in girls and women’s sports at the high school, college or professional level. That view was shared by about 9 in 10 Republicans and roughly half of Democrats.

The federation announced the rule change after Trump threatened to pull federal funding from California unless it bars trans female athletes from competing on girls teams. The federation said it decided on the change before then.

The U.S. Department of Justice also said it would investigate the federation and the district that includes Hernandez’s high school to determine whether they violated federal sex discrimination law by allowing trans girls to compete in girls sports.

Some California Republicans also weighed in, with several lawmakers attending a news conference to criticize the federation for keeping Hernandez in the competition.

California law allows trans students to compete on sex-segregated sports teams consistent with their gender identity.

The federation said the rule opens the field to more “biological female” athletes. One expert said the change may itself be discriminatory because it creates an extra spot for “biological female” athletes but not for other trans athletes.

The federation did not specify how they define “biological female” or how they would verify whether a competitor meets that definition.

Hernandez told the publication Capital & Main earlier this month that she couldn’t worry about critics.

“I’m still a child, you’re an adult, and for you to act like a child shows how you are as a person,” she said.

Another student breaks a record

California’s state championship stands out from that of other states because of the sheer number of competitors. The state had the second-largest number of students participating in outdoor track and field in the nation during the 2023-2024 school year, behind Texas, according to a survey by the National Federation of State High School Associations.

Olympians Marion Jones and Tara Davis-Woodhall previously set state championship records in the long jump in 1993 and 2017, respectively, both surpassing 22 feet (6.7 meters).

The boys 100-meter dash heats also were a highlight Friday. Junior Jaden Jefferson of De La Salle High School in Concord finished in 10.01 seconds, about 0.2 seconds faster than a meet record set in 2023. Jefferson’s time won’t count as a record unless he can replicate his results in the final.

Austin is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Follow Austin on X: @sophieadanna

Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

CLOVIS, Calif. (AP) — A transgender teen is competing in the California high school track-and-field finals on Saturday, one day after advancing in the competition as a protest plane circled about the meet that has drawn national attention, including criticism from President Donald Trump.

AB Hernandez — a trans student who on Friday finished as the top qualifier in the girls high jump, long jump and triple jump — is in the finals Saturday, competing under a new rule change that may be the first of its kind nationally by a high school sports governing body.

The California Interscholastic Federation announced the policy earlier this week in response to Hernandez’s success. Under the policy, the federation will let an additional student compete and medal in the events where Hernandez qualified.

The two-day championship kicked off Friday in the sweltering heat at high school near Fresno, with more hot temperatures on tap for Saturday’s finals. The atmosphere has been relatively quiet despite critics — including parents, conservative activists and Trump — calling for Hernandez to be barred from competing with girls.

A man used a megaphone to shout “No boys in girls’ sports” as Hernandez and her group prepared for the long jump final. Other critics in the stands wore “Save Girls’ Sports” T-shirts. The day before an aircraft circled above the stadium for more than an hour during the qualifying events, carrying a banner that read: “No Boys in Girls’ Sports!”

Separately, one person was arrested outside the competition on Friday after getting in a confrontation with another protester that turned physical, according to the Clovis Police Department.

In the long jump final, Hernandez faulted on her first attempt but spanned just over 20 feet (6.10 meters) on her second to take the lead. The field had four more tries to go.

On Friday, she led in the long jump qualifier with a mark close to 20 feet (6 meters) to advance to the final. She also advanced in the high jump, clearing 5 feet, 5 inches (1.7 meters) with ease and finished the triple jump with a mark close to 41 feet (13 meters) — nearly 10 inches (25 centimeters) ahead of her closest competitor, San Francisco Bay Area junior Kira Gant Hatcher.

California at center of national debate

The federation’s rule change reflects efforts to find a middle ground in the debate over trans girls’ participation in youth sports.

“The CIF values all of our student-athletes and we will continue to uphold our mission of providing students with the opportunity to belong, connect, and compete while complying with California law,” the group said in a statement after announcing its rule change.

A recent AP-NORC poll found that about 7 in 10 U.S. adults think transgender female athletes should not be allowed to participate in girls and women’s sports at the high school, college or professional level. That view was shared by about 9 in 10 Republicans and roughly half of Democrats.

The federation announced the rule change after Trump threatened to pull federal funding from California unless it bars trans female athletes from competing on girls teams. The federation said it decided on the change before then.

The U.S. Department of Justice also said it would investigate the federation and the district that includes Hernandez’s high school to determine whether they violated federal sex discrimination law by allowing trans girls to compete in girls sports.

Some California Republicans also weighed in, with several lawmakers attending a news conference to criticize the federation for keeping Hernandez in the competition.

California law allows trans students to compete on sex-segregated sports teams consistent with their gender identity.

The federation said the rule opens the field to more “biological female” athletes. One expert said the change may itself be discriminatory because it creates an extra spot for “biological female” athletes but not for other trans athletes.

The federation did not specify how they define “biological female” or how they would verify whether a competitor meets that definition.

Hernandez told the publication Capital & Main earlier this month that she couldn’t worry about critics.

“I’m still a child, you’re an adult, and for you to act like a child shows how you are as a person,” she said.

Another student breaks a record

California’s state championship stands out from that of other states because of the sheer number of competitors. The state had the second-largest number of students participating in outdoor track and field in the nation during the 2023-2024 school year, behind Texas, according to a survey by the National Federation of State High School Associations.

Olympians Marion Jones and Tara Davis-Woodhall previously set state championship records in the long jump in 1993 and 2017, respectively, both surpassing 22 feet (6.7 meters).

The boys 100-meter dash heats also were a highlight Friday. Junior Jaden Jefferson of De La Salle High School in Concord finished in 10.01 seconds, about 0.2 seconds faster than a meet record set in 2023. Jefferson’s time won’t count as a record unless he can replicate his results in the final.

Austin is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Follow Austin on X: @sophieadanna

Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

J.C. Insurance Agency in Elyria will sponsor three children in the Elyria Youth Sports Club to attend the Cleveland Guardians 2-Day Baseball Camp in July.

As a frequent supporter of the organization, Lisa Bliss, agent for J.C. Insurance Agency, is helping to provide three players the opportunity to train with current and/or former Cleveland Guardians players in a “once-in-a-lifetime” experience, according to Aric Bowens, CEO of Elyria Youth Sports Club.

“I’m always willing to help,” Bliss said. “I don’t want anybody to ever not get to play because they need shoes, need a glove or cannot afford camp.

“It’s wonderful memories.”

In terms of donating, Bowens said Bliss has sponsored a team for three years, as well as provided numerous players with various pieces of equipment they were in need of.

Bliss has mitts and cleats, and consistently keeps in contact to see if there are other ways she can help, he said.

She reached out after seeing a Facebook post advertising the camp to inquire about sponsoring three players, Bowens said.

“I feel very appreciated — I’m proud of it,” said Latoya Washington, whose 9-year-old son Dontay Stewart will be sponsored. “It will be awesome and it will help him in the long run if he continues to play baseball.”

Washington said the camp also should help her son, who has earned the nickname “Sniper,” in regard to pitching as he has a strong arm.

According to Bowens, all participants are guaranteed 12 hours of training time with players, lunch courtesy of Aramark, a T-shirt, two tickets to a Guardians game and entry into the Guardians Camp Skills Competition.

“I know that they’re actually going to gain the opportunity to be around some professional players, which is just astonishing,” he said.

For Elyria Youth Sports Club, community involvement and support is a main contribution to the sustainability of the program and the future of all players, Bowens said.

Businesses and individuals, such as Bliss and J.C. Insurance Agency, being so willing to sponsor and take extra steps, “directly affects” the organization, he said.

“She (Bliss) asks all the time if there’s anything that the kids may need,” Bowens said. “She’s been a blessing to so many of the kids.

“It’s exciting just to have the community to give back and to have people genuinely watching what we’re doing.”

J.C. Insurance Agency, 30 West Ave., can be reached at 440-322-7900.

For more information on the Elyria Youth Sports Club, visit www.elyriayouthsportsclub.com or email elyriayouthsportsclub@gmail.com.

By David Trinko

The Lima News

By David Trinko

The Lima News

You have the time. You just have to make the choice.

People say the younger generations isn’t stepping up to volunteer with organizations. They hear the same answers, that people don’t have time. People are too busy with work or their children’s activities to help out.

If you’ve binge-watched a TV show or picked up a new hobby recently, I respectfully suggest you think again. You’re not too busy. You’ve made a choice to spend your time that way. You declared your priorities.

Volunteerism is so important to keep the things we like about living in the places we live. We’d have fewer opportunities for entertainment and enrichment if there weren’t so many volunteers out there.

I’ve been thinking about this, strangely enough, as I wrap up my time as a volunteer with an organization I hold close to my heart, Allen Lima Leadership. For the past 18 years, I’ve helped with the youth classes several times a year, teaching useful leadership skills to high school sophomores and juniors. Two of my daughters have been through the class.

I’d decided at the beginning of the year that this would be my last time through the class. Greater work responsibilities and other opportunities to meaningfully donate my time came along. My interests changed over time, and I hated that it felt like I was going through the motions with these recent classes of young leaders. They deserved all-in, totally engaged volunteers.

They deserve someone who’s as enthusiastic as I was back in the day. It’s time for a new generation to take over.

I’m not getting out of the volunteer game altogether. I’m just shifting my focus. I’m needed more for coaching youth sports or helping in leadership capacities with other organizations where I’ve helped out informally for years.

I remember being a young parent, taking my daughter to a youth basketball practice for the first time. As I dropped her off, I noticed the coach there alone, trying to handle a dozen kindergarteners while her infant son clung to her leg. Instead of wandering off for that hour, I asked her if she needed help. It was that simple, and it led to getting to coach all of my daughters at some point in their youth.

I know there’s a perception out there that volunteering is somehow giving of yourself. I disagree with that entirely. I get way more out of my donated time than I ever put it into it.

I’ve met so many interesting people who I never would’ve known. I have a soft spot in my heart for the youth, and I love when they stop me in public to tell me what they’ve done since I helped them in some small way when they were young. It’s so rewarding.

Recently I’ve been helping keep the Jefferson Awards going here in Lima. It’s so rewarding to see the humility of the people recognized as top volunteers in the area. They feel the same way I do about volunteering: Someone’s got to do it, so why shouldn’t it be me?

Organizations throughout the area are just looking for a little bit of help a few times a year. Find something that speaks to you. Let them know you can help a little, even if it’s just moving tables around before an event or agreeing to sign people into something. You’d be amazed how much a little bit of your time can help.

David Trinko is editor of The Lima News. Reach him at 567-242-0467, by email at [email protected] or on Twitter/X @Lima_Trinko.

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The Opp and Covington County Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 Hall of Fame inductees are, from left, Davy James Lindsey and Larry DeWayne Presley. (PHOTO PROVIDED)

The Opp and Covington County Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 Business of the Year Award is Southern Independent Bank. (PHOTO PROVIDED)

The Opp and Covington County Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 Spirit of Opportunity Award is Meals of Love. (PHOTO PROVIDED)

The Opp and Covington County Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 One of Opp’s Own Award recipient is Sheriff Blake Turman. (PHOTO PROVIDED)

The Opp and Covington County Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 Dr. Jason Cain Memorial Award recipient is Tykeria Banks. (PHOTO PROVIDED)

The Opp and Covington County Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 Trail Master of the Year Award recipient is Robert Paul Norris. (PHOTO PROVIDED)

The Opp and Covington County Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Opp Hall of Fame Banquet on Tuesday, June 10.

During the event, the chamber will induct two Opp citizens into the Hall of Fame and will present other awards, including Business of the Year, the Spirit of Opportunity Award, One of Opp’s Own Award, the Dr. Jason Cain Memorial Award, and the Trail Master of the Year Award.

“Each year, the Hall of Fame Banquet allows us to pause and reflect on the incredible individuals who have shaped Opp through their service, leadership, and lasting impact. It’s an honor to recognize these deserving recipients and preserve their stories as part of our community’s proud legacy,” Opp Chamber Executive Administrator Joni Lolley said.

Those being inducted into the Hall of Fame are Davy James Lindsey and Larry DeWayne Presley.

The 2025 Opp Business of the Year will be presented to Southern Independent Bank. Covington County Sheriff Blake Turman will receive the One of Opp’s Own Award and will serve as guest speaker for the event. Meals of Love will be recognized with the Spirit of Opportunity Award. Tykeria Banks will be the recipient of the annual Dr. Jason Cain Memorial Award. Robert Paul Norris will be recognized as the Trail Master of the Year.

The event will be held at the First Baptist Church of Opp Fellowship Hall beginning at 6 p.m. Tickets are available at the Opp Chamber for $40 for chamber members, $50 for non-chamber members, or $300 for a reserved table of six. Tickets may also be reserved by calling 334-493-3070.

Following is information on this year’s award recipients.

Opp Hall of Fame Inductees
Davy James Lindsey

Born near Danley Crossroads in Coffee County, Davy’s life has been defined by service, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to faith and community. A 1972 graduate of Opp High School and a multi-sport athlete, he went on to serve his country in both the United States Air Force and the U.S. Army Reserves, retiring after 26 years of military service.

Davy built a distinguished Civil Service career at Fort Rucker, while also continuing to give back through ministry, mentorship, and public service. He served 12 years on the Opp City Council, is a former Secretary of the Opp NAACP, and currently leads as Chairman of the Opp Housing Board and Director of the F.A.I.T.H. Program for youth. His legacy is one of integrity, compassion, and an enduring love for the people of Opp.

Larry DeWayne Presley
Born in Florala, Larry Presley dedicated his life to serving others, through his work, his faith, and his unwavering commitment to the community of Opp. A proud graduate of Auburn University’s College of Pharmacy, Larry moved to Opp in 1968 and later became the owner of Larry’s Prescriptions, Inc., where he built a legacy of care, mentorship, and excellence.

Throughout his career, Larry was a respected leader in the pharmacy field, founding the Covington County Pharmacy Association and receiving the 2017 Bowl of Hygeia Award, the highest honor for community service in the profession. But his impact didn’t stop there, he served on the Opp City Schools Board of Education, coached youth baseball, was President of the Opp Chamber of Commerce, and worshiped faithfully at Opp First Baptist Church, where he served for more than 40 years.

Larry believed in lifting others up. He mentored countless aspiring pharmacists, many of whom are still serving our community today, including his son Neal Presley and former employee Morgan Phillips, who continue the legacy of Larry’s Prescriptions. He served the Opp area for 41 years before his passing in 2020, but his influence continues to shape lives every day.

Business of the Year
Southern Independent Bank

Founded in 2006 by a group of local business leaders and veteran bankers, Southern Independent Bank began with 17 employees and zero accounts, but with a bold mission: to invest in Covington County and put people over profits. Nearly two decades later, their Opp branch alone holds over $129 million in deposits, employs 26 local residents, and has generated a local economic impact of more than $7.3 million.

Whether it’s helping local farmers secure funding, supporting youth sports teams, sponsoring community events, or processing over $5.9 million in PPP loans during the pandemic, SIB continues to prove what it means to be a true community partner. With a 5-star rating from Bauer Financial and a heart for service, Southern Independent Bank is a shining example of leadership, integrity, and commitment to the people of Covington County.

Spirit of Opportunity Award
Meals of Love

What began in November 2019 as a small soup kitchen serving 39 bowls of soup has grown into a powerful ministry serving over 28,000 meals in 2024 alone. Today, Meals of Love delivers 300 meals every Monday and Thursday, reaching the hungry, the lonely, the sick, and the elderly in our community with not just food but compassion, dignity, and the light of hope.

Their mission is guided by the principle that when the stomach is full, the heart will listen. Meals of Love shares scripture with every food box and follows the example of Christ in serving others. Entirely volunteer-run and donation-supported, this organization is a shining example of what it means to serve with purpose.

One of Opp’s Own Award
Sheriff Blake Turman

A proud graduate of Opp High School, Sheriff Turman has dedicated over 30 years to law enforcement, beginning his career as an Alabama State Trooper and now serving as Covington County Sheriff since 2019. His distinguished service includes roles as a traffic homicide investigator, special operations squad leader, immigrations and customs officer, and much more.

A U.S. Army veteran and longtime public safety advocate, he has received numerous awards, meritorious service medals, and served over a decade on the Alabama State Trooper Association’s Board of Directors.

Sheriff Turman’s commitment to public safety, his service to our nation, and his devotion to Covington County make him a true hometown hero.

Dr. Jason Cain Memorial Award
Tykeria Banks

Tykeria is a sophomore at LBW, pursuing a degree in Medical Office Administration. A 2018 graduate of Greenville High School and an active community member, she serves as music minister and missionary at Rockwest Missionary Baptist Church. Her journey has not been without trials; at just 15 years old, Tykeria survived a life-threatening illness after being diagnosed with encephalitis and spinal meningitis. Her miraculous recovery is a testament to her strength, faith, and determination.

Tykeria’s hard work, leadership, and faith-driven resilience make her a remarkable choice for this year’s award.

Trail Master of the Year Award
Robert Paul Norris

Robert is a retired machine shop foreman from Mendota, Illinois, and has called Opp home for the past 11 years. He became a dedicated member of the Frank Jackson Trail Masters in 2021, bringing his hardworking spirit and passion for the outdoors to every project. In addition to his service on the trails, Robert is also a proud member of AMVETS Post 23.

He is the proud father of Sara Ladson, Bryan Norris, and Megan Norris.