For Aaron Graves, 2025 will be remembered as an emerging year for his Riverdale Baptist School’s baseball team.

In his seventh year coaching at the Upper Marlboro, Maryland-based school, Graves has rebuilt its baseball program — once a national power — into a contender. In mid-May, the Crusaders defeated Southern Maryland Christian Academy 5-0 to win the Old Line Conference Championship, the private school’s first varsity title since 2018.

However, to Graves, raising the conference title was only part of the journey.

“In my eyes, we’re averaging four to five championships a season, because that’s how many young men we’re sending to college every year,” Graves told WTOP.

In an era where money is gaining influence in youth sports, Graves uses his personal struggles battling cancer and injuries to encourage his players to put their academic success before their athletic goals.

This year, seven Riverdale Baptist seniors plan to go to college, while five juniors have already received college offers.

“The one thing that we will continue to do is put these young men in position academically first and athletically to move on to college to pursue their dreams,” he said.

‘Man of God first, cancer survivor, and I’m a coach’

At 13 years old, Graves, a Maryland native, was diagnosed with brain cancer and given only a month to live. He had surgery to remove the cancer in 1990, where an issue during the procedure caused his heart to stop.

“I actually flatlined during that surgery,” he said. “So I’ve seen heaven’s gates. I’ve seen the clouds.”

Doctors were able to revive Graves, leaving him with a visible scar on his head. Gates had to relearn how to walk and take, as well as all his motor skills.

However, he was motivated by his desire to return to the baseball field. He played for Gwynn Park High School in Brandywine, where he used his skills to battle for a possible athletic scholarship.

In his senior year, another injury would derail those dreams.

“I had seven scholarship offers, and I also had seven pro teams that wanted me coming out of small Gwynn Park in Prince George’s County,” he said. “I ended up tearing my left quadricep and straining my right quadricep, simply by not stretching right before a legion game.”

After playing college baseball, Graves entered coaching, and said he wanted to make sure that the next set of stars coming up would be more prepared for life after their playing careers were over.

“(I’m) a man of God first, cancer survivor, and I’m a coach,” Gates said.

“We love baseball, we love athletics, but at any point in time, you can sustain an injury, and that’s it,” he added. “What do you have to fall back on?”

Living as a Crusader

In 2019, Riverdale Baptist hired Graves as its first African American head baseball coach in school history. He was previously the junior varsity coach at neighboring Bishop McNamara.

He was taking over a program that went 31-1 in 2018, ranked No. 1 nationally and went 97-5 over a three-season stretch.

Once the previous coaching staff left, so did many of its players, leaving Graves with only enough to field a junior varsity.

It was at that point Graves started the rebuild with an education-first philosophy: Students had to be enrolled in Riverdale Baptist and reach a 3.0 GPA on report cards. Players were giving practice suspensions if grades were low and no “D” grades were allowed. In his first year, Riverdale Baptist won a JV title.

“Having that in place really put an emphasis on the importance of academics and getting our young men to understand that if you don’t have the grades, you’re not going to be successful here, you won’t be successful in life,” Graves said.

Early in the 2025 season, in an away game against Archbishop Curley of Baltimore, the Crusaders pitched a no-hitter in a 4-0 win. That result was the turning point for Riverdale Baptist’s fortunes to become title contenders, Graves said. At one point, the Crusaders were ranked No. 9 among Maryland private schools.

Shortstop Dixon Monk, a Georgetown commit with a 4.75 GPA, said this year’s team is the “closest group of guys” he’s played with.

Players took on the challenge of following Graves’ grade requirements, Monk said, adding that the school’s community helped the team reach their academic goals with additional tutoring and support.

On May 12, all the hard work paid off. After right-handed pitcher Riley Blount threw the final out to win the Old Line Conference title, Monk said it “meant the world” to final win a championship wearing a Riverdale Baptist jersey.

“We’ve always gotten close, but could never finish the job,” Monk said. “So this last time around, at least my last time around, with the guys actually winning. It meant a lot to all of us.”

For Graves, the title was the continuation of his own legacy at Riverdale Baptist. While calling the school’s past baseball successes “awesome,” Graves said his path for the Crusaders can position students to succeed on and off the field.

“If you fit what we do, and you’re academically strong, I am interested in you coming to Riverdale,” he said.

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ST. LANDRY PARISH — The countdown is on—but there’s still time to make a difference in the lives of Opelousas youth.

Hope for Opelousas, a local nonprofit dedicated to empowering children through mentorship, academics, and enrichment programs, has launched a 24-hour fundraiser called “Hope for Adventure.” 

The campaign aims to raise funds for year-round programs that provide students with new experiences, leadership skills, and academic support.

Thanks to a generous $50,000 matching donation from the William C. Schumacher Family Foundation, every dollar donated will be matched up to $50,000, effectively doubling the impact of each contribution.

The organization has been expanding its reach, offering afterschool programs, summer camps, tutoring, mentoring, and leadership development opportunities to more students than ever before.

The fundraiser supports key programs such as Adventure Crew, Kids Across America Camp, and on-campus summer activities—initiatives that help students grow as leaders and dream beyond their circumstances.

“It builds one-on-one relationships with students—real relationships,” said Alyssa Daggs, a former student and current tutor with Hope for Opelousas. “They take us places we’ve never been before and help us dream big and set goals for ourselves.”

“Every dollar you donate supports local kids and makes a real impact,” added Co-founder and Executive director, Loren Carrier. “These programs are critical to the future of our youth.”

The fundraiser runs until midnight tonight. To donate click here

Despite needing immediate upgrades, the Falcons made only modest free-agent additions. And after spending four of five draft picks on defense, they’re in the development game. If new defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich is going to orchestrate a turnaround, it will be because he and his staff proved good teachers.

What a treat for Ulbrich and defensive-minded coach Raheem Morris in his second season. They should view this as a privilege. They’re tasked with overseeing a largely homegrown unit that can help guide the Falcons out of this defensive malaise.

“That’s the biggest part of our game (player development),” Morris said. “Free agents are expensive. You get the chance to go out there and draft guys. You get to watch them go play and be exciting. You watch your own, raised at home. That is truly exciting for us. I’m so excited about the last two (draft) classes and what that can look like, everybody getting their opportunity to play this year.”

In 2024, the Falcons drafted defensive lineman Ruke Orhorhoro (second round), edge rusher Bralen Trice (third round), defensive lineman Brandon Dorlus (fourth round) and linebacker JD Bertrand (fifth round) to assist their defense. All players contributed in a limited capacity except Trice, who tore his ACL in the exhibition opener (he’s expected to be ready for training camp). The team needs more from this group moving forward.

This spring, the Falcons added edge rushers Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr., who instantly assumed the pressure of fixing a moribund pass rush. The team also drafted defensive backs Xavier Watts and Billy Bowman Jr., adding a couple of big-school, experienced defenders to the back end. The Falcons need a couple of home runs here.

“Let’s face it: We have some young guys who are going to have to make some impactful plays for us this year,” All-Pro safety Jessie Bates said Tuesday.

Ages of some notable Falcons defenders (*denotes drafted by team):

DL- David Onyemata (32), Morgan Fox (30), Ta’Quon Graham* (26), Brandon Dorlus* (24), Zach Harrison* (23), Ruke Orhorhoro* (23).

Edge- Jalon Walker* (21), Leonard Floyd (32), James Pearce Jr.* (21), Arnold Ebiketie* (26), DeAngelo Malone* (25).

ILB- Kaden Ellis (29), JD Bertrand* (25), Troy Andersen* (26), Divine Deablo (26).

CB- A.J. Terrell Jr.* (26), Mike Hughes (28), Clark Phillips III* (23), Dee Alford (27), Billy Bowman Jr.* (22), Cobee Bryant (23; the bet here is the undrafted rookie, whom the Falcons have lauded, makes the team).

S- Jessie Bates (28), Xavier Watts* (23), Jordan Fuller (27), DeMarcco Hellams* (24).

The depth chart includes three prominent players aged 30 or above. Beyond that, some of these individuals have very little experience, like Dorlus, Orhorhoro and Phillips, and some have none at all, such as Walker, Pearce and Watts.

This shifts the spotlight to the coaches, who must prepare the youngsters not only to contribute but to do so at a level that’ll help the team qualify for the playoffs. If the Falcons are left on the outside again, the prevailing thought is there will be more changes. The franchise’s stability hinges on its draftees.

But the responsibilities here aren’t just on the coaching staff, as Bates notes.

“Just getting those guys in here, making them feel comfortable,” Bates said of his leadership role as a veteran. “Making them feel comfortable in the scheme and just let them know that you’re in your dream. You just started your dream. But there’s a whole lot more that you can do in this league. You didn’t just get here to get drafted and play one year. You want to have a long career. Just teaching those guys the daily habits. Not just talking about it but being an example for these guys every single day. You do little stuff every day, the type of stuff that adds up. Next thing you know, you’ll be on year eight like me. Good things will happen for you and your family. So just talking to those guys about that.”

Bates continued elaborating, explaining that players like him, Floyd and even the more experienced offensive players must set examples.

“That’s where you have to have your leaders, some solid leaders who these young guys can see,” he said. “See what it looks like. What is the right way to go about your days? Sometimes it’s good to have some young bucks that have no clue out there, they just know how to go fast.

“With those two guys off the edge, Jalon and James, I think we’ll be excited to watch those guys. Just watching them in their individual work, 1-2 step get off the ball, it’s been pretty impressive. There’s going to be some learning things as well as they get through the season, but that’s where you have leaders and guys who have to step up. The older guys who’ve been there before need to show them what it’s about.”

The Falcons will see if youth does indeed provide innovation — the innovation being a quality defense. Around these parts, such would be considered transformative.

The Long Beach Century Club returned to the Walter Pyramid on Monday to honor the All-City champion middle school sports teams from the Long Beach Unified School District. This year’s banquet was the 37th annual celebration for the city’s young athletes, awarding teams and players for their on-field success, as well as naming the best overall sports program.

The evening was opened with welcoming remarks from Rob Wigod and Mike Filipow, the co-chairs of the event. There were then words from Bobby Smitheran, executive director of athletics at Cal State Long Beach; Kaladon Stewart, director of athletics at LBCC; William Salas, program administrator for K-12 Sports & Recreation; and Mack Calvin, Long Beach Poly and LBCC alum as well as former Laker, who led the crowd with “Mack’s Motivational Minute.”

The first award of the night was the Keith Hansen Sportsmanship Award, named after the late Century Club past president who also helped transition the banquet into the Pyramid in recent years. The award is presented to a school that has “distinguished itself by exhibiting a high level of character and sportsmanship,” annually selected by team coaches. Intellectual Virtues Academy was the honoree for the 2024-2025 school year.

Carol Hansen presented the award to IVA, who also received a $1000 check donation to their school’s sports program in honor of Keith. 

Teams from three divisions were honored across the eight sports played this year. The banquet ended with the All-Sports Awards, which honor the top boys’ and girls’ sports programs as well as the top overall program. Lindbergh won for the boys’ program and Hughes and Stanford shared the award on the girls’ side. 

The overall award went to the Stanford Hawks as well, making it their third All-Sports title in the last four years. Carol Hansen returned to present the Hawks with a $1000 check donation for their sports program on behalf of the Keith Hansen fund. 

Each student-athlete was presented a plaque for their championship. The individual sport and division champions are as follows:

Coed Flag Football 

Rogers Middle School (D1)

Hoover Middle School (D2) 

Lindbergh Stem Academy (D3)

Girls’ Volleyball

Stanford Middle School (D1)

Hoover (D2)

Jackie Robinson K-8 Academy (D3)

Girls’ Track and Field

Stanford (D1)

Cubberley K-8 School (D2)

Lindbergh (D3)

Boys’ Basketball

Hughes Middle School (D1)

Franklin Middle School (D2)

Tincher Preparatory School (D3)

Boys’ Track and Field

Stanford (D1)

Newcomb K-8 Academy (D2)

Lindbergh (D3)

Girls’ Basketball

Hughes (D1)

Lindbergh (D2)

Hamilton Middle School (D3)

Boys’ Soccer 

Keller Dual Immersion Middle School (D1)

Stephens Middle School (D2)

Franklin (D3)

Girls’ Soccer

Stanford (D1)

Cubberley (D2)

Tincher (D3)

WATAUGA COUNTY POSITION OPENING

Recreation Specialist I

Watauga County Parks and Recreation is accepting applications for the full-time position of Recreation Specialist I.

Work hours vary according to recreational program schedules and will include some night, weekend and holiday hours.

Duties include organizing senior games, youth athletics, and youth sports camps, and other duties as assigned.

Position is responsible for hiring, training and supervising part-time seasonal employees, officials, field supervisors and volunteers in a variety of programs.

Position also assists in preparing and managing a budget for youth athletics, and is responsible for securing projected revenues from program sponsors and participants.

A bachelor’s degree in Recreation Management, Physical Education or a related field with 1 to 3 years of experience in recreation work or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required skills and knowledge is required.

Certified Parks and Recreation Professional preferred. Possession of a valid Driver’s License and a good driving record is also required.

County benefit package includes health insurance, retirement, paid holidays, vacation and sick leave.

Salary Grade 8: $54,034.00

Apply at NC Works Career Center, 130 Poplar Grove Connector, Boone, NC 28607, (828) 278-6460.

Applications may also be obtained at www.wataugacounty.org (Employment Link) and submitted by mail, email WataugaCounty@ncworks.gov, or fax (828) 278-6468.

An active NCWorks account is required, please visit ncworks.gov to create an account or to retrieve username.

Application deadline is Thursday, June 12, 2025

Watauga County is an EEOE.

Members from the sports industry community gather on May 7 for the AANHPI Sports Symposium in New York. (Photo courtesy of NBA APEX.)

The NBA celebrated Asian American, Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month with a series of internal and external programs throughout the month of May.

The NBA collaborated with other major sports organizations, such as the MLB, NHL, NFL, MLS and USOPC, to organize an AANHPI Sports Symposium on May 7 in New York City.

The Symposium, which the NBA’s Asian Professional Exchange (APEX) group has helped to organize since its inaugural event in 2019, brought members of the AANHPI community together to share experiences around the theme of showing authenticity in action. 

Catherine Chao, a Co-Chair of APEX, said the main goals of the Symposium are for AANHPI members to feel more connected to and informed about the industry as well as pride in being a part of the AANHPI community. The importance of bringing in cultural elements like food and supporting local AANHPI businesses was also represented. 

Hrishi Karthikeyan, an Executive Champion of APEX, said the Symposium is a great way to build an AANHPI network and community beyond the walls of the NBA. One goal of groups like APEX is to showcase the breadth and diversity of AANHPI people and culture within the sports industry.

“The AANHPI community itself is internally diverse,” Karthikeyan said. “By coming together, under one umbrella, we have an opportunity to learn and share those experiences with each other and also find new areas of growth and connection.” 

Panelists Jenny Nguyen and Ben Musselman chat at the Symposium on May 7. (Photo courtesy of APEX.)

When the overarching theme Power Forward: Authenticity in Action was introduced in meetings, it was critical that this was reflected not only through the panelists’ contributions, but also in the creation of the event itself. Having athletes from different generations and panelists with diverse backgrounds reflected the expanding opportunities for the AANHPI community across the industry. 

 “Our intention was not to go with stories that you’ve already heard,” Chao said.  

The panelists included Jenny Nguyen, Founder and Owner of The Sports Bra, Bonnie Wan, bestselling author of The Life Brief and athletes Jen Lee and Ben Musselman from the U.S. Paralympic Sled Hockey National Team. 

“People were proudly emphasizing how their identity and culture affect the way they show up in competition or in their work,” Karthikeyan said. 

For the programming of the Symposium, it was just as important for the audience to see a reflection of important figures in leagues and also the sport itself. 

“You can’t be what you can’t see,” Chao said. “It can be helpful to have people who look similar to you share their experiences. There’s a mindset shift that we’re trying to encourage.” 

The AANHPI identity is complex, but showing authenticity daily is critical. 

“Showing up as your unique, authentic self is an asset, not a liability, for your team,” Karthikeyan said. 

Members and panelists gather in Times Square ahead of the AANHPI Sports Symposium on May 7. (Photo courtesy of APEX)

The planning for the Symposium came down to intentional details.  

Each of the panelists was seen through a different lens in the sports industry, and the event showcased each panelist’s journey of powering forward through adversity. 

The Symposium’s various panels included voices from various levels of sports organizations. Executives spoke about their journeys to get to where they are and the challenges they fought along the way. 

This was a great opportunity to showcase how AANHPI identities are not just incidental to their experiences, but how they are central to the community’s experience within these leagues and sports in general.

Being able to show up in authentic ways not only benefits AANHPI employees themselves, but it also allows their colleagues to understand how they bring perspectives, background and experiences to their work. 

“[The Symposium] really connected our culture to sport in a way that sets a new bar,” Karthikeyan said. “You see our cultures being integrated into our telecasts, marketing, and on the court, and it’s only going to continue to grow from here.” 

Apex for Youth group hosted a Youth Tournament in Flushing, N.Y. to encourage youth participation in sports. (Photo courtesy of APEX.)

Externally, for the third consecutive year, APEX also supported a youth tournament in Flushing, New York to celebrate and encourage youth participation in sports with Apex for Youth. 

 Volunteers from the NBA community assisted with coaching the elementary-aged youth basketball clinic, distributing NBA Cares t-shirts/tournament jerseys and sponsoring tournament trophies for all three divisions of play. Corporate partners such as Nike provided players with sneakers and gifts.  

The importance of having serious conversations and translating that into a team environment through sports is critical for the youth and their involvement in the industry going forward. 

“Many of our APEX members say this is their favorite event of the year and being able to support an organization like Apex for Youth is incredible,” Chao said. APEX is a longstanding Apex for Youth partner dating back to 2022.

Apex for Youth empowers Asian American youth from low-income and immigrant backgrounds to unlock their potential today and a world of possibility tomorrow. Through partnerships like this, Apex for Youth’s athletics programs help our youth build confidence, develop skills and find belonging through mentorship both on and off the court. 

Through other tentpole events such as All-Star Weekend, APEX and the NBA look to continue to support AANHPI initiatives beyond the month of May. 

“We are constantly looking for ways to bring the community together and connect our stories,” Chao said.