Sports

Twins Minor League Week in Review (5/6

Published

7 months ago

May 13, 2025

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Twins Video

MONDAY’S TRANSACTIONS

TWINS DAILY MINOR LEAGUE CONTENT
–Top 20 Twins Prospects, May 2025 Update: Two New Names to Know
–Twins Daily Minor League Report (5/11): Carson McCusker Crushes Again, Jay Thomason Comes Through
–The Minnesota Twins Have a New Top 100 Prospect
–Twins Daily Minor League Report (5/10): Emmanuel Rodriguez Plays Late-Inning Hero in St. Paul
–Twins Minor League Report (5/9): Wichita Surges Back; Rotations Get Rocked
–Twins Minor League Report (5/8): Wild Game in St. Paul Ends with a Walk-Off Win
–Twins Minor League Report (5/7): Mike Ford Sends Everyone Home Happy
–Is Billy Amick the Minnesota Twins’ Long-Term Solution at First Base?
–Twins Minor League Report (5/6): We’re Making “Carson McCrusher” Happen…
–Twins Minor League Week in Review (4/29-5/5): April Showers Bring May Power

WEEK IN REVIEW

Triple-A: St. Paul Saints
Overall: 20-15 (5.0 Games Out of First)
Last Week: 5-1

On Monday, Mickey Gasper is the Triple-A International League’s Player of the Week after a red-hot series in which he hit .478 (11-for-23) with two doubles, four home runs, and six RBI. Gasper’s four homers and his 11 total hits are both tied for the most in minor league baseball. His .571 on-base percentage, 1.087 slugging-mark, and 1.658 OPS are all the highest in the minors over the last six days among hitters with at least 20 at-bats.
St. Paul capped off a tremendous week on Sunday. With the win the Saints have won 10 of their last 12, won their last three series, and are a season-high five games over .500 at 20-15.
The Saints have homered in eight consecutive games thanks to a Mickey Gasper solo homer on Sunday. Two batters later Carson McCusker crushed the fifth hardest hit in franchise history, a 115.0 mph laser over the left field wall, his 10th of the season.
Travis Adams started and went four innings allowing two runs on three hits while walking three and striking out one.
Emmanuel Rodriguez drove a first-pitch fastball out to left field for his second home run in as many days to flip a one-run deficit into a one-run lead late. Earlier in the game, threw out a runner at third that was trying to go first to third on a single.
For Rodriguez, it was the sixth time that he has homered in back-to-back games in his professional career. It was also his first two home runs in 2025.
Zebby Matthews started on Saturday and finished with 5 1/3 innings in his seventh start of the season. He struck out four and issued no walks on five hits. His season ERA dipped to 1.93 after allowing just one unearned run.
In Friday’s blowout loss, Gasper finished with a career high four hits, going 4-for-5 with a double, home run, RBI, and a run scored.
On back-to-back nights, Mike Ford and Mickey Gasper hit three-run walk-off homers. It was just the second time in franchise history the Saints have won back-to-back games in walk-off fashion and the first with walk-off homers.
Jair Camargo added a three-hit game on Thursday with a double and two runs scored.
Ryan Fitzgerald homered in back-to-back games on Wednesday and Thursday.
On Wednesday, Carson McCusker hit two more home runs with one leaving the bat at 114.7 mph. He is nearly halfway to the Saints single season home run record (21).
David Festa continued to perform well after returning to Triple-A. He went 5 2/3 innings allowing one run on three hits while striking out seven. He threw 72 pitches (50 strikes) and got 16 swings and misses.

What’s Next: The Saints are off on Monday and return to action in game one of a six-game road series against the Iowa Cubs at 6:38 p.m. CST.

Double-A: Wichita Wind Surge
Overall: 19-14 (1.0 Game Up)
Last Week: 4-2

With their series victory, Wichita moved into first place in the Texas League North Division.
Noah Cardenas smashed a lead-off home run in the ninth to lead the Wichita Wind Surge to a Sunday victory. The team ended the week with four straight victories.
John Klein threw three innings of scoreless relief as part of Sunday’s win as he gave up just two hits with a walk and a pair of strikeouts.
On Saturday, the Wind Surge scored three runs in the eighth and ninth innings to cap a late rally. It was the seventh come-from-behind win for Wichita and second when trailing after seven innings. Every Wind Surge batter had a hit in the game.
Christian MacLeod started Saturday’s game. He threw his longest appearance of the season, striking out three over four innings.
Pierson Ohl, Jarret Whorff, and John Stankiewicz combined to retire 11 of the final 12 hitters in the comeback win.
On Friday, the Wind Surge trailed 3-0 entering the seventh inning and pushed across five unanswered runs. Kala’i Rosario connected on a two run homer in the seventh. Andrew Cossetti hit a three-run later in the same inning.
Aaron Rozek retired 15 straight hitters from the last out of the bottom of the first and the opening out in the last of the sixth. He pitched six innings and allowed three earned runs on four hits with four strikeouts. It was the first quality start of the year for Wichita.
Ricky Castro and Jaylen Nowlin allowed just two baserunners over the final three innings. Nowlin earned his first professional save after striking out two in the ninth.
Aaron Sabato had a three hit game on Thursday. It was his first three-hit performance of the season and fifth overall multi-hit game.
Connor Prielipp threw his longest outing of the season, four frames of three-hit baseball with a career-high tying six strikeouts.
Trent Baker threw five innings of one-hit baseball with three walks and six strikeouts, one shy of his season-high.
On Thursday, Tanner Schobel had his first four-hit performance of the season, and ninth overall multi-hit game in 2025.
Rubel Cespedes records his team-leading fifth multi-RBI performance.
The six doubles Wichita hit on Tuesday were the most in a game this season.

What’s Next: Wichita returns to home on Tuesday, May 13 to begin a series with the Arkansas Travelers at 6:05 p.m. CST.

High-A: Cedar Rapids Kernels
Overall: 20-12 (1.0 Game Out of First)
Last Week: 3-3

Khadim Diaw crushed a three-run homer to put Cedar Rapids up 4-0 on Sunday. Later in the game, Gabriel Gonzalez smacked a solo shot that turned out to be the difference in the game.
Caden Kendle hit his second home run of the season on Friday. It was a two-run shot.
Tanner Hall started on Thursday and did not allow an earned run in 4 2/3 innings on three hits with two strikeouts.
Danny De Andrade came up with multiple big hits on Wednesday. In the first, he cracked an RBI double to plate the game’s first run. In a tied game with two outs in the top of the eighth inning, he produced a go-ahead RBI single that was the game winner.
Cole Percival kept the Kernels in the game on Wednesday by pitching 2 1/3 scoreless innings with two strikeouts.
Chase Chaney did not allow a run across six innings of work, striking out six while not issuing a walk en route to his second consecutive quality start and his first Cedar Rapids win.
Behind Chaney, Samuel Perez did not allow a run in two innings out of the bullpen, and Jacob Wosinski pitched a perfect ninth to cap off the victory.

What’s Next: The Kernels return home for a six-game series against Peoria next week. Game one is set for Tuesday at 6:35 p.m. CST.

Low-A: Fort Myers Mighty Mussels
Overall: 15-18 (5.0 Games Back)
Last Week: 1-5

Sunday’s starter was Eli Jones, who pitched five innings and allowed one earned run on three hits while striking out three.
Ivran Romero was strong in relief on Sunday with 2 1/3 scoreless innings, allowing two hits and striking out three.
Ruddy Gomez made his FSL debut on Saturday out of the Fort Myers bullpen. He pitched two scoreless frames and only allowed one hit.
Jacob Kistin entered Friday’s game in a tough spot when the starter threw 35 innings in the first. He threw a season high 4 1/3 innings by allowing two runs on four hits.
Zander Sechrist took the loss on Thursday but still had a strong performance. In a career-high five innings, he allowed one earned run on two hits with six strikeouts. The lefty threw just 47 pitches while collecting 15 outs.
On Wednesday, Yasser Mercedes hit a game-tying two-run homer. It was his first home run at Hammond Stadium this season.
Cole Peschl was charged with two runs which were the first earned runs he has allowed on the season. It ended a streak of 21 2/3 consecutive innings without allowing an earned run to begin his professional career.
Fort Myers started the week with an exciting game as they recorded a season-high 16 hits enroute to a walk-off win. Jefferson Valladares capped off the game with a walk-off sacrifice fly in the eleventh inning.
Earlier in the game, Byron Chourio hit his first home run of the season, a solo shot.
Michael Ross went three innings by allowing one run on one hit and striking out four.

What’s Next: After an off day on Monday, Fort Myers will travel to Jupiter to take on the Hammerheads on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m CST.

Rookie: FCL Twins
Overall: 5-1
Last Week: 4-0

Bryan Acuna reached base three times on Saturday including a home run. He drove in three runs and scored three runs.
Luis Fragoza matched Acuna by reaching base three times in the same game. He had a double, two RBI, and a stolen base.
Will Armbruester finished off two games during the week with a combined four scoreless innings.
FCL Twins pitchers combined to hold the FCL Red Sox to two hits on Friday.
Mitch Mueller earned a three-inning save as he allowed one hit and struck out five. Hendry Chivilli earned his first professional win after his two shutout innings.
Melvin Rodriguez pitched four shutout innings in his first appearance of the season. He allowed two hits with two strikeouts and a walk.
Murphy Hernandez reached base four times on Thursday with two hits and two walks. He also scored two runs and drove in two runs.
Ariel Castro had a big four RBI game including his first triple of the year.
Ruddy Gomez earned his first professional win after coming into a jam on Tuesday. He combined for four outs and got them all via strikeout.

What’s Next: The Twins will see the FCL Rays, Orioles, and Red Sox during the coming week.

PROSPECT SUMMARY
Check out the Prospect Tracker for much more on our Twins Top 20 prospects. And, be sure to note the new, updated Top 20 rankings.

Walker Jenkins (Wichita): On injured list
Luke Keaschall (Minnesota): On injured list
Emmanuel Rodriguez (St. Paul): 4-16, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 2 R, 3 BB, 9 K
Charlee Soto (Cedar Rapids): On injured list
Connor Prielipp (Wichita): 4 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 6 K
Kaelen Culpepper (Cedar Rapids): 4-26, 1 2B, 3 RBI, 3 R, 4 BB, 8 K
Marco Raya (St. Paul): 1 IP, 7 H, 6 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
Andrew Morris (St. Paul): 5 IP, 8 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 6 K
Brandon Winokur (Cedar Rapids): 8-26, 1 2B, 4 RBI, 6 R, 0 BB, 9 K, 1 SB
Dasan Hill (Fort Myers): Did not pitch
Kyle DeBarge (Cedar Rapids): 2-10, 4 R, 4 BB,33 K, 3 SB
Cory Lewis (St. Paul): 4 IP, 7 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
Billy Amick (Cedar Rapids): On injured list
Gabriel Gonzalez (Cedar Rapids): 6-18, 1 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 3 R, 1 BB, 3 K
C.J. Culpepper (Wichita): On injured list
Eduardo Beltre (FCL Twins): 0-11, 4 RBI, 5 R, 3 BB, 3 K, 3 SB
Tanner Schobel (Wichita): 9-27, 3 2B, 4 RBI, 7 R, 1 BB, 5 K
Yasser Mercedes (Fort Myers): 3-24, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 3 R, 4 BB, 11 K, 1 SB
Carson McCusker (St. Paul): 9-23, 2 2B, 3 HR, 6 RBI, 5 R, 3 BB, 6 K, 2 SB
Ricardo Olivar (Wichita): 4-15, 1 2B, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 1 R, 2 BB, 1 K

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Hitter of the Week: Mickey Gasper, St. Paul Saints
11-for-23, .478/.571/1.087 (1.658), 2 2B, 4 HR, 6 RBI, 8 R, 5 BB, 4 K, 1 SB

Pitcher of the Week: Connor Prielipp (Wichita Wind Surge)
4.0 IP, 0 ER, 3 H, 6 K, 0 BB, 46 pitches (37 strikes), 9 swinging strikes

Feel free to ask questions about any of this week’s action. What streaks will continue in the new week?

Interested in learning more about the Minnesota Twins’ top prospects? Check out our comprehensive top prospects list that includes up-to-date stats, articles and videos about every prospect, scouting reports, and more!

View Twins Top Prospects

Sports

The new home of Texas volleyball?

Published

10 minutes ago

December 11, 2025

Your Sports Nation

AUSTIN (KXAN) – As Texas volleyball gets set for a busy weekend hosting the regional semifinals and final at Gregory Gymnasium, the future takes the spotlight as much as the present.

The University of Texas issued a request for proposal (RFP) Wednesday as they look for private developers to help them create the new home for Texas volleyball and a student-athlete housing facility adjacent to the arena.

In a release, the university explained the aim is to have the arena hold around 6,000 fans, with some ability to change that number for shows and university events. The project, which will be located just north of East MLK Boulevard, is set to take up about four acres.

The request does not set a date for when the facility would begin construction, as the university currently seeks, “private developer(s) to plan, design, construct, equip, finance and operate,” the new arena and housing development. Essentially seeking partnership in developing the two buildings, the announcement delivers a message on Texas Athletics’ growing ambition to expand its facilities.

_{Rendering of the new Texas volleyball arena from outside (Courtesy: Texas Athletics)}

“It is important for us to be strategic about how we use our space and how our students and visitors engage with our campus,” UT President Jim Davis said. “This is a unique development that will enhance the University’s athletics facilities and housing portfolio and benefit students, Longhorn fans and our city for years to come. I am grateful to our Board of Regents for their support for our vision.”

Any initial arguments for a greater fan capacity was supported early this season when the Longhorns hosted Stanford in Moody Center in September. Setting a state of Texas volleyball attendance record of 10,899 fans, the Longhorns certainly made a case for why they deserve more space for their matches.

Texas volleyball currently resides in Gregory Gymnasium, which can officially hold a capacity of 4,000 fans, but can accommodate more if necessary. Regularly attracting a large crowd, Texas averaged 4,393 fans per match in 2024, according to UT Athletics.

_{Rendering of the proposed new Texas volleyball arena and student-athlete housing center} _{(Courtesy: Texas Athletics)}

“This is a critical step for the future of Texas Volleyball and our student-athletes’ housing experience,” Athletics Director Chris Del Conte said. “It is about creating an experience that our student-athletes, coaches and passionate fans will be proud of in the heart of a district built for elite talent and entertainment.”

The university’s proposal for the new facility will certainly create a new experience for the Longhorns. According to renderings released by the University via X, the arena will resemble the design of the Moody Center, have an upper bowl and a jumbotron over the center of the court.

Dedicating this arena is yet another indicator of the growing influence of women’s volleyball. A sport that continues to gain popularity, this step by Texas Athletics not only shows the team’s commitment to providing its athletes some of the nation’s best facilities, but to the growth of the sport as well.

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Thai women’s volleyball face Philippines in second SEA Games clash at Huamark Stadium

Published

26 minutes ago

December 11, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Fans can watch the Thai women’s volleyball team take on the Philippines in their second group match at the 33rd SEA Games on Thursday, December 11, 2025. The game will be played at Indoor Stadium Huamark in Bangkok, with live online coverage from 5.30pm.

The 33rd SEA Games, the biggest sporting festival in ASEAN, runs from December 9-20, 2025, featuring 50 sports. Thailand has set a target of 241 gold medals. Indoor volleyball at Huamark is one of the main highlights, with both the Thai women’s and men’s teams tipped as strong favourites to win gold on home soil.

This is the seventh time Thailand has hosted the SEA Games, following 1959, 1967, 1975, 1985, 1995 and 2007. Eleven countries are competing: Thailand (host), Brunei, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Timor-Leste and Vietnam. Cambodia has announced it will not take part.

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ECAC Announces 2025 Division III Women’s Volleyball All-ECAC and Major Awards

Published

42 minutes ago

December 11, 2025

Your Sports Nation

ECAC Announces 2025 Division III Women’s Volleyball All-ECAC and Major Awards

12/11/2025 9:18:29 AM

DANBURY, Conn. – The Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) has announced its 2025 Division III Women’s Volleyball All-ECAC Teams and major awards.

Kean University brought home two awards this year as Ashley Torok won Rookie of the Year and Don Perkins won Coach of the Year. They are joined by Gwen Eustace from Salisbury University and Bella Demers from William Paterson University as Offensive Player of the Year and Defensive of the Year, respectively.

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Gwen Eustace – Salisbury University, MB

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Bella Demers – William Paterson University, Libero

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Ashley Torok – Kean University, Outside Hitter

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Don Perkins – Kean University, Head Coach

ECAC Division III Women’s Volleyball All-ECAC First Team

Gwen Eustace – Salisbury University, Sr., MB

Hannah Smith – Virginia Wesleyan University, Gr., OH

Cadence Jones – PSU Behrend, So., OH

Kai Fitzpatrick – NJCU, Jr., OH

Jadyn Orava – John Jay College, So., OH

Niya Nash – Virginia Wesleyan University, Jr., S

Bella Demers – William Paterson University, So., L

ECAC Division III Women’s Volleyball All-ECAC Second Team

Cayley Elena Morrison – Kean University, Jr., MH

Molly Mishinkash – Juniata College, So., MH

Shannon McGrath – Union College, So., OH

Maggie Hayes – Juniata College, Jr., MH

Loren Hernandez – Manhattanville University, Sr, OH

Aspen O’Brien – Kean University, Sr., S

Megan Wright – Utica University, Jr., L

ABOUT THE ECAC

The ECAC is an eighty-six year old intercollegiate athletics organization with roughly 200 member schools for traditional sports across all three NCAA Divisions – I, II and III – that exists to enhance the experience of student-athletes participating in NCAA sports, and provide great value for universities, by sponsoring championships, leagues, bowl games, tournaments and other competitions throughout the country. The ECAC also hosts a comprehensive esports program, with over 300 schools, 4,000 teams and 10,000-plus participants in twenty-four different games titles.

STAY CONNECTED

Stay updated on the latest news, championships and more by connecting with the ECAC on Facebook (ECACSports), Twitter (@ECACSports) and Instagram (@ECACSports).

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Sports

Indoor Track and Field Weekly Awards – Dec. 10

Published

1 hour ago

December 11, 2025

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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – EKU, West Georgia and Queens claimed this week’s Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN) Men’s Indoor Track and Field honors while EKU and West Georgia earned this week’s Women’s honors, announced Wednesday by the league office.

EKU’s Taha Er Raouy was named Men’s Track Performer of the Week. The 2025 ASUN Cross Country Individual Champion finished sixth in the 3,000 meters at the BU Sharon Colyear-Danville Season Opener. Er Raouy competed in a field of collegiate and professional athletes. He is currently ranked fourth in the nation in the 3K after his performance of 7:40.56. The Colonels’ Daryoce Flemons and West Georgia’s Isaiah McMichael were both named Field Athlete of the Week. Flemons took first place in the weight throw at the KTCCCA Commonwealth Opener. He threw a school-record 17.81 meters. McMichael competed in the high jump at the KTCCCA Commonwealth Opener. He claimed first place with a 2.00-meter jump. Queens’ Oliver Cooper was named Freshman of the Week. He took sixth place in the men’s mile at the Visit Winston-Salem College Kick Off. His 4:17.87 mile is currently ranked first in the ASUN.

EKU’s Edna Chelulei earned Women’s Track Performer of the Week after she ran 15:42.14 in the 5K. Her performance at the BU Sharon Colyear-Danville Season Opener marked a new school indoor record. Kristan Simmons was named Field Performer of the Week. She took first place in the women’s weight throw. Her 17.28-meter throw marked a new school record for EKU. Kellie Walker earned Freshman of the Week after earning two top-5 finishes for the Wolves on the weekend. She ran 25.66 seconds in the 200M to earn third place then followed with a 7.77-second 60m to claim fifth.

Men’s Track Performer of the Week

Taha Er Raouy, EKU

Other Nominees: Trey Leggins, Queens; Gavin Barlow, West Georgia.

Men’s Field Performer of the Week

Daryoce Flemons, EKU and Isaiah McMichael, West Georgia

Other Nominees: Justin Davis, Lipscomb; Josiah Ford, Queens.

Men’s Freshman of the Week

Oliver Cooper, Queens

Other Nominees: Tola Taiwo, Bellarmine; KeShawn Allen, Lipscomb; Juliam Mays, West Georgia.

Women’s Track Performer of the Week

Edna Chelulei, EKU

Other Nominees: Regan Watts, Lipscomb; Rowan Shannon, Queens; Chloe Leblanc, West Georgia.

Women’s Field Performer of the Week

Kristan Simmons, EKU

Other Nominees: Madelyn Kocik, Austin Peay; Amelia Svidal, Bellarmine; Vesna Kljajevic, Queens; Dru Green, West Georgia.

Women’s Freshman of the Week

Kellie Walker, West Georgia

Other Nominee: Kacie Bailey, Queens.

2025 Season Award Winners

Men’s
Dec. 10 | Track: Taha Er Raouy, EKU; Field: Daryoce Flemons, EKU and Isaiah McMichael, West Georgia; Freshman: Oliver Cooper, Queens

Women’s

Dec. 10 | Track: Edna Chelulei, EKU; Field: Kristan Simmons, EKU; Freshman: Kellie Walker, West Georgia

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Sports

Track & Field Continues December At Wagner College Seahawk Shootout

Published

1 hour ago

December 11, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Men’s Track & Field | 12/11/2025 9:33:00 AM

SEAHAWK SHOOTOUT HISTORY
The 2025-26 season marks only the second time that Saint Francis will be participating in the Wagner College Seahawk Shootout. The meet has been an annual event since the 2015-16 campaign. Last year, Sevison took first place in weight throw as a part of 16 top 10 finishes for the Red Flash.

LAST EVENT
The women’s team accumulated seven top 10 performances. Olivia Renk finished second in the 200-meter and fourth in the 60-meter on the women’s side. The sophomore clocked in a time of 25.46 in the 200-meter and a 7.72 time in the 60-meter. In the women’s long jump, Taylor Foster finished in fifth place in the event with a jump of 5.29m. Foster also claimed eighth place in the women’s triple jump with 10.63m. Aubrie Wells and Karsyn Ford both finished with 3.25m to tie for eighth place. Rounding out the top 10 finishes was Rylee Nicklas taking 10th in the women’s weight throw with a toss of 14.22m.

On the other side, the men’s team registered 12 top 10 finishes on the day. Jayden Foster took eighth place in the men’s 200-meter dash with a time of 22.81. Meanwhile, Tyler Craft claimed the ninth spot with a time of 37.08 in the 300-meter. Craft jumped his way into second place in the long jump with 6.94m. Staying in the meter dashes, James Parmelee (1:10.38) took third and Holden Schreier finished seventh (1:12.90) in the men’s 500-meter. Two more Red Flash placed top 10 in the high jump, Ayden Martinage (8th, 1.85m) and Braydon Beach (10th, 1.80m).

Running over to the pole vault, Dylan Andrews finished with a jump of 4.25 to give himself seventh place. Clark Gulycz took fourth in the men’s shot put with a mark of 17.07m. Saint Francis took another two top 10 finishes, this time in the men’s triple jump. Nehemyah Williams gained third place with a leap of 14.35m. Ian Conway was not far behind him in seventh with 12.54m. Vincent Franco finished out the Red Flash in sixth place with a time of 15.94m.

NEC PRESEASON POLL

Saint Francis women’s track & field was picked fifth in the NEC Preseason Poll. Wagner earned five first-place votes and earned the distinction of being the preseason favorite. Stonehill and CCSU both gained two first-place nods to finish in second and third place. Chicago State gained the last vote for first-place, finishing in fourth. After the Red Flash in fifth place, FDU, LIU, New Haven, Mercyhurst, and Le Moyne round out the ten-team poll.

Saint Francis men’s track & field was picked seventh in the NEC Preseason Poll. CCSU earned eight first-place votes and earned the distinction of being the preseason favorite. Wagner gained one first-place vote to finish in second. Stonehill and Chicago State were picked to finish in third and fourth. FDU and LIU were both tied in fifth place, however, LIU earned the last vote for first-place. After the Red Flash in seventh place, New Haven, Le Moyne, and Mercyhurst round out the ten-team poll.

NEXT UP FOR RED FLASH

Saint Francis will take some time off until January 17 when it will attend the Nittany Lion Challenge located at University Park, Pa.

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UT Seeks Private Developers for Multipurpose Arena, Student-Athlete Housing – UT Austin News

Published

3 hours ago

December 11, 2025

Your Sports Nation

AUSTIN, Texas — The University of Texas at Austin has issued a request for proposal (RFP) to seek private developer(s) to plan, design, construct, equip, finance and operate a small multipurpose public arena to serve as the competition home for the Longhorns’ four-time National Champion Women’s Volleyball and an adjacent student-athlete housing facility, with minimal financial outlay from the University. The project will encompass approximately 4 acres in the Athletics and Entertainment District of UT’s main campus, located north of East MLK Jr. Boulevard between Robert Dedman Drive and Interstate 35.

“It is important for us to be strategic about how we use our space and how our students and visitors engage with our campus,” said UT President Jim Davis. “This is a unique development that will enhance the University’s athletics facilities and housing portfolio and benefit students, Longhorn fans and our city for years to come. I am grateful to our Board of Regents for their support for our vision.”

The arena aims to seat approximately 6,000 fans, with the flexibility to expand seating for concerts, shows and University events that complement the adjacent Moody Center. The student-athlete housing facility is envisioned to provide a best-in-class housing experience for the University’s student-athletes that reflects UT’s commitment to recruiting and developing premier talent. Additionally, it could provide ground-level retail opportunities that will enhance the campus, community, and visitors’ experience.

“This is a critical step for the future of Texas Volleyball and our student-athletes’ housing experience,” said Athletics Director Chris Del Conte. “It is about creating an experience that our student-athletes, coaches and passionate fans will be proud of in the heart of a district built for elite talent and entertainment.”

The RFP seeks private developers who have successfully developed and operated best-in-class, multipurpose public arenas, student housing and retail facilities, and who have the financial capability to contribute all or a substantial portion of the cost to develop, build and operate the new facilities. Under the proposed public-private collaboration, UT would own both the arena and student-athlete housing properties, and an outside entity would operate them.

UT issued the RFP Dec. 10 after the UT System Board of Regents authorized it last month. The 2033 Higher Education Development Foundation will lead the RFP process, and developer(s) will have the option to submit proposals for both or each facility by Feb. 6. The specific timeline and financial arrangement between the University and developer(s) will be determined through negotiations before any agreement is reached.

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