Browsing: Oregon

November 8, 2025 – Tigard, Oregon

The Paddle Palace Club buzzed with excitement as players from across Oregon came together for the 2025 Oregon State Table Tennis Championships. Held inside the stateâ€s premier table tennis facility, the event brought a full day of rallies, cheers, and unforgettable moments that showcased the depth and diversity of Oregonâ€s table tennis community.

From juniors to veterans, families to first-time competitors, every corner of the club echoed with the rhythm of paddles and the shared joy of competition. The tournament, proudly sponsored by Paddle Palace, highlighted what makes the sport special—sportsmanship, perseverance, and connection across generations.

Championship Highlights

The Open Singles division drew the largest crowd of the day. Dahuan Zhu emerged as the new Oregon State Champion, combining patience and precision to overcome a determined Nicholas Daescu in the final. Ryan “The Nightmare†Gibson and Ryan Hoarfrost shared third place.

Daescu wasnâ€t finished, though. He stormed back in the Over 50 Round Robin, capturing the title with his trademark consistency and total court awareness. Jay Crystal earned a well-deserved runner-up finish, while John Scott rounded out the podium.

The Womenâ€s Singles final reflected both legacy and new talent. Veteran champion Alix Geller reclaimed her crown with steady play and sharp serves, edging out rising star Stephanie Hyder, whose spirited performance turned heads throughout the event. Their sportsmanship and mutual respect captured the spirit of the day.

In the Junior Round Robin, Nitya Shah continued his steady rise, claiming first place with remarkable poise. He held off Jiarui Hu and Nimay Shah, both of whom showed promise that bodes well for Oregonâ€s next generation.

Family pride was on full display in the Multi-Generation Doubles event, where Peng Zhang and Ben Zhang—father and son—claimed the championship. Their chemistry, forged through years of shared practice, carried them past Darwin and Darwin-Antonio Castro, who finished second in a spirited final.

2025 Oregon State Champions

Open Singles
1st – Dahuan Zhu
2nd – Nicholas Daescu
3rd – Ryan “The Nightmare†Gibson, Ryan Hoarfrost

Over 50 RR
1st – Nicholas Daescu
2nd – Jay Crystal
3rd – John Scott

Womenâ€s RR
1st – Alix Geller
2nd – Stephanie Hyder

Juniors RR
1st – Nitya Shah
2nd – Jiarui Hu
3rd – Marcel Hao

Multi-Generation / Family Doubles
1st – Peng Zhang / Ben Zhang
2nd – Darwin Ismael Castro Lopez / Darwin-Antonio Castro
3rd – Josh Hu / Christopher Hu

A Day to Remember

Between matches, players shared tips, laughter, and encouragement. Parents cheered on their children, veterans swapped stories of tournaments past, and volunteers kept everything running smoothly. The Paddle Palace Club once again proved why itâ€s the heart of Oregon table tennis—combining professionalism with the warmth of community.

As the final trophies were handed out, one thing was clear: Oregonâ€s table tennis future is in good hands. The mix of seasoned champions and hungry newcomers ensured that every match meant something—and every rally told a story.

Congratulations to all participants, and special thanks to the volunteers, officials, and Paddle Palace staff who made the 2025 Oregon State Championships such a success. See you back at the tables soon!

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Baseball America continues its series of fall baseball updates with a look at several programs shaping their 2026 outlooks.

From Oregonâ€s push toward a long-awaited return to Omaha to Dallas Baptistâ€s trademark consistency and Michiganâ€s steady climb, hereâ€s how three more teams have performed this fall.

Oregon Reloads For 2026

Oregon enters 2026 with the weight of expectation and the confidence of a program that has established a winning standard under coach Mark Wasikowski. The Ducks have reached the NCAA Tournament in five-straight seasons, with super regional berths in 2023 and 2024. Wasikowski is hopeful his 2026 group can break through and return the program to Omaha for the first time since 1954.

Sustained success in Eugene has been rooted in player development, exemplified most recently by the rise of outfielder Mason Neville, who arrived as a little-used Arkansas transfer in the summer of 2023 and blossomed into the nationâ€s home run leader in 2025 before becoming a fourth-round pick.

That example fuels Wasikowskiâ€s confidence in replenishing a roster that lost a core responsible for roughly half of Oregonâ€s runs, two-thirds of its home runs and half of its pitching wins. He told Baseball America that his staffâ€s recent developmental track record gives him belief the Ducks can weather that level of turnover and remain among the sportâ€s elite.

The foundation remains strong. Corner infielder Dominic Hellman (.326/.426/.567 with 13 home runs) and outfielder Drew Smith (.313/.423/.487) return after productive 2025 seasons and have performed well this fall. Shortstop Maddox Molony (15 home runs), infielder Ryan Cooney (.335 with 15 steals) and catcher Burke-Lee Mabeus round out a returning core expected to shoulder larger roles. Senior outfielder Jack Brooks has emerged as a potential spark in center field after injuries limited his early career. Wasikowski said Brooks is a plus athlete with a clean, direct swing.

An influx of talent adds further upside. Freshman catcher Brayden Jaksa, BAâ€s No. 76 prospect in the 2025 draft class, has impressed physically after arriving on campus at 6-foot-5 and roughly 180 pounds and adding about 20 pounds. Fellow freshman outfielder Angel Laya (No. 329) has stood out, too. The portal delivered impact pieces, including Northern Kentucky first baseman Gabe Miranda, plus-armed former San Diego righthander Cal Scolar—who has sat 94-96, touched 98 and features “unique pitch metrics†across a four-offering arsenal—and Gonzaga lefthander Miles Gozstola, a low-slot arm up to 94.

Oregonâ€s heightened physicality and depth have Wasikowski eager to see how it translates as the Ducks aim to turn sustained success into a College World Series breakthrough.

More Of The Same For Dallas Baptist?

Few programs in college baseball have achieved the sustained reliability of Dallas Baptist. Since coach Dan Heefner took over in 2008, the Patriots have missed the NCAA Tournament only three times and remain one of the sportâ€s most consistent postseason fixtures. That reputation should hold steady in 2026 despite the loss of several key contributors on both sides of the ball, including pitchers James Ellwanger, Micah Bucknam and Mason Peters, third baseman Michael Dattalo and catcher Grant Jay.

Roles are still taking shape, but early performances have offered clarity. On the mound, Akron transfer Jared Schaeffer is a strong candidate for the weekend rotation after posting a 4.31 ERA with 79 strikeouts to 20 walks over 85.2 innings last spring. His four-pitch mix includes a low-to-mid-90s fastball, two distinct breaking balls and a changeup he can command for strikes or use to induce chases. Heefner believes Schaefferâ€s experience and polish will translate quickly in Conference USA.

Junior college transfer Russ Smith has also impressed. He sits 92-94 mph and touches 96 with carry through the zone while backing it with a sharp curveball and firm slider. Heefner called Smith an athletic mover with impressive command and body control.

The Patriots†depth on the mound continues beyond the newcomers. Ryan Borberg (3.38 ERA, 79 strikeouts, 20 walks over 80 innings) returns as a likely rotation anchor with advanced fastball command and a plus splitter. Former top recruit Athan Kroll is finally healthy and recently touched 100 mph. Polk State transfer JT Long, a 6-foot-7 righty with a fastball up to 96 and a solid splitter, has drawn comparisons from Heefner to former DBU closer Kyle Amendt. Lefty Michael Benzor, a Houston transfer up to 97 with a two-plane slider, could emerge as a late-inning weapon if he finds consistent control.

Offensively, the Patriots again look potent. Corner infielder Chayton Krauss returns under the NCAAâ€s extra-year waiver for JUCO players after slugging 31 home runs and hitting .345/.407/.621 across two seasons. He posted a 94 mph average exit velocity and 33% barrel rate last year and will likely anchor the lineup at first base. Keaton Grady has had a standout fall and could take over at shortstop, while Ben Tryon and Ryan Martin project as corner outfielders. Brooks Sartain will contend for the center field job after redshirting in 2025.

The breakout of the fall has been freshman Reagan McCluskey, a versatile hitter with advanced barrel control who leads the team in most zone-discipline metrics and has earned early playing time.

With its trademark depth, balance and player development, Dallas Baptist again looks positioned to host a regional and extend one of the longest-running success stories in college baseball.

Michigan Continuing To Make Strides

Tracy Smithâ€s third season as Michigan coach delivered tangible progress. The Wolverines hovered on the NCAA Tournament bubble for much of 2025, ultimately falling just short of a postseason berth but generating meaningful momentum heading into 2026. For a program that has faced both resource constraints and academic restrictions limiting its ability to fully tap into the transfer portal, the strides were encouraging.

Even with those challenges, Michigan managed to add key pieces this offseason. Utah Tech transfer Cade Montgomery has impressed early after posting a 2.35 ERA with 48 strikeouts to 19 walks across 57.1 innings last year. Though undersized, he sat 93-95 mph and reached 96 this fall, flashing the kind of arm the Wolverines have sought. Returning righthander Tate Carey is back to anchor the rotation after leading Michiganâ€s qualified arms in ERA (3.63) and finishing a perfect 9-0 in 2025. His slider was a legitimate weapon, generating a 43% miss rate and 31% chase rate. Freshman lefthander Shane Brinham also drew strong reviews in his first fall on campus.

Smith told Baseball America that this yearâ€s pitching staff is deeper, more athletic and harder-throwing than any he has coached at Michigan, calling it both the teamâ€s greatest strength and the most important area of improvement.

Positionally, the Wolverines added impact, as well. St. Louis transfer Brenden Stressler brings patience and balance to the outfield after hitting .292/.411/.514 with 12 home runs and 15 stolen bases. While his average exit velocity of 86.3 mph doesnâ€t jump off the page, his consistent contact and approach make him a likely top-of-the-order fixture. Houston transfer Evan Haeger and returning outfielder Greg Pace (.313/.448/.586 with six home runs) have also had strong falls, while Matt Ossenfort (NC State) and Colby Turner each made a case for regular starts.

The wild card is former outfielder Keegan Oâ€Hearn, who transitioned full-time from the outfield to the mound this offseason. With a very low three-quarters, crossfire delivery, Oâ€Hearn has touched 98 mph and paired it with a developing slider. Smith noted that Oâ€Hearn remains raw but could evolve into a late-game bullpen option.

After years of recalibration, Michigan looks built to once again push for an NCAA Tournament spot, the programâ€s first since its 2019 national runner-up run.

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ESPN college football analyst Kirk Herbstreit has Indiana ranked as the No. 1 college football team just ahead of defending national champion Ohio State after the Hoosiers’ 30-20 road win at then-No. 3 Oregon last Saturday.

Herbstreit made his remarks on the Dan Patrick Show on Tuesday.

“They deserve all the credit in the world,” Herbstreit said in part. “In fact, this week I have them at No. 1 in the country, but just slightly ahead of Ohio State just because of what they did against Illinois and against Oregon, especially on the road in Oregon.”

Indiana crushed (then) No. 9 Illinois 63-10 on Sept. 20 and followed that up three weeks later with a statement win over the Ducks.

The Hoosiers showcased their resiliency in that one after quarterback Fernando Mendoza threw a pick-six that helped tie the game at 20 early in the fourth quarter.

However, Mendoza then led Indiana on a 12-play, 75-yard drive capped by an eight-yard touchdown toss to Elijah Sarratt. Indiana intercepted Oregon quarterback Dante Moore twice down the stretch, and in between, Hoosiers kicker Brendan Franke knocked home a 22-yard field goal for the 30-20 lead.

Right now, Indiana is ranked third in the Associated Press poll behind No. 1 Ohio State and No. 2 Miami. Ohio State received 50 first-place votes, while Miami had 13 and Indiana received three.

The Hoosiers have made a dramatic rise up the poll after starting the year at 20th.

Led by head coach Curt Cignetti and Mendoza, a Heisman Trophy candidate, the Hoosiers have started the 2025 season with a 6-0 record.

The Hoosiers could also very well finish this season 12-0 and roll into the Big Ten Championship Game. Only one of the remaining six teams on their schedule, 4-2 Maryland, has a winning record.

Indiana will look to keep it rolling on Saturday when the team hosts Michigan State.

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Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza is ready for the nation to take notice of the his team’s 6-0 season start now that the Hoosiers have defeated a top-three opponent by upsetting Oregon on Saturday.

“It shows the country that the IU football team, it’s a real team,” Mendoza said after leading the No. 7 Hoosiers to a 30-20 road victory over No. 3 Oregon (h/t Peegs.com). “We’re not just a one-hit wonder.”

The Hoosiers appeared to be in danger of suffering their first loss of the season when Mendoza threw a game-tying pick-six early in the fourth quarter.

Mendoza bounced back by leading the Hoosiers to score on the next drive, which he completed with an eight-yard touchdown pass to Elijah Sarratt.

The Hoosiers defense then picked off Ducks quarterback Dante Moore on the next two drives to allow Indiana to extend the lead.

“We came in here, we handled adversity fantastically, and we rose to the moment,” Mendoza said after the win in an on-field interview during which he thanked his offensive line and pass-catchers.

Indiana surprised the FBS after claiming 11 wins and a College Football Playoff berth in Curt Cignetti’s first year as head coach in 2024.

After exiting the first expanded CFP with a first-round loss to Notre Dame, Indiana is now hoping not just for another playoff berth but for a deeper run this winter.

Indiana has never received a modern AP poll ranking of higher than No. 7. Taking down the nation’s No. 3-ranked program should be enough to earn Mendoza and his team the highest ranking in program history ahead of next weekend’s matchup with Michigan State.

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No. 7 Indiana football authored an impressive 30-20 road victory over No. 3 Oregon in a battle of undefeated Big Ten teams on Saturday afternoon.

Hoosiers wide receiver Elijah Sarratt caught eight passes for 121 yards and a touchdown to lead the offense. Indiana running back Roman Hemby added 70 rushing yards and two touchdowns as well.

Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza completed 20-of-31 passes for 215 yards and one touchdown. He also threw an interception returned 35 yards for a score by Brandon Finney Jr.

Oregon tied the game following the PAT with 12:42 left in regulation. However, Mendoza responded in dramatic fashion, leading the Hoosiers on a 12-play, 75-yard drive capped by an eight-yard touchdown toss to Sarratt on 3rd-and-goal.

The defense then stepped up, with Louis Moore intercepting Oregon quarterback Dante Moore just two plays from scrimmage later to set Indiana up at the Ducks’ 32-yard line.

Indiana capped a nine-play drive with Brendan Franke’s 22-yard field goal for a 30-20 lead.

Moore then threw another pick on Oregon’s first drive. This time, Isaiah Jones grabbed the interception, all but sealing the win.

The door is now wide open for 6-0 Indiana to find itself playing for the Big Ten title in December. The Hoosiers don’t play a ranked team for the remainder of their regular season schedule.

Simply put, the Hoosiers are writing an amazing story led by head coach Curt Cignetti, who has flipped the script in Indiana in just two short years.

Indiana went just 3-9 in 2023 before the ex-James Madison coach arrived in town. However, the Hoosiers then won 11 games and made the College Football Playoff last year, losing to Notre Dame in the first round.

This year’s team looks like a real national championship contender, which is remarkable considering preseason expectations.

ESPN Analytics only gave Indiana an 11 percent chance to make the College Football Playoff before this season. Indiana also was 20th in the Associated Press’ preseason poll, so it’s fair to say many pundits didn’t anticipate this start.

However, Indiana has been exceptional, and its start also includes an impressive 63-10 win over Illinois, which was ranked ninth in the AP poll at the time.

Ultimately, the Hoosiers have a very strong resume and could coast to the College Football Playoff from here. Fans and analysts are also certainly impressed with the work of Cignetti and his Hoosiers.

Indiana will return home to host Michigan State on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET.

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Saturday’s double-overtime loss against No. 6 Oregon was all too familiar for Penn State fans, and head coach James Franklin is shouldering the blame.

The No. 3 Nittany Lions fell 30-24 against the Ducks in front of a “White Out” crowd at Beaver Stadium, dropping Franklin’s record against AP top-10 opponents to 4-21 during his tenure, including 1-18 against top-10 Big Ten teams. He said after the game that the team’s struggles against elite squads fall on him.

“I get that narrative, and it’s really not a narrative — it’s factual. It’s the facts,” Franklin said, per ESPN’s Jake Trotter. “I try to look at the entire picture and what we’ve been able to do here. But at the end of the day, we got to find a way to win those games. I totally get it. And I take ownership. I take responsibility.”

According to Trotter, Franklin’s .160 winning percentage against AP top-10 teams while coaching Penn State “is tied for the third-worst record by a coach (minimum 25 games) at a single school since the poll era began in 1936.” Franklin added that he understands the growing frustration among the fans.

“We have a passionate fan base,” he said. “When we win, there’s nothing better. When we lose, there’s nothing worse. So I get it. I get the frustration that comes with a fan base that is invested and cares.”

Before losing in double overtime, the Nittany Lions nearly pulled off a miraculous comeback by storming back from a 17-3 deficit in the fourth quarter. Senior quarterback Drew Allar spearheaded back-to-back touchdown drives to force overtime, and the team scored a touchdown on the opening possession of the extra frame.

However, the Ducks answered back with a touchdown and another one on the first play of the second overtime, and Allar threw an interception on the ensuing play to seal the loss.

Allar, who is now 0-6 against AP top-6 opponents since becoming Penn State’s starting quarterback in 2023, echoed Franklin’s disappointment, but also expressed optimism for the remainder of the year.

“Obviously, it hurts,” Allar said. “We had our opportunities. … But it’s a long season ahead of us. We’re going to have more opportunities to fix this, and I’ll be the first one to go into the fire.”

Penn State will look to bounce back from its first loss of the season when it visits unranked UCLA next Saturday.

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The Oregon Ducks honored Nike co-founder and Oregon alum and donor Phil Knight with a tribute video on Sunday, and will also pay homage to him with their “Shoe Duck” uniforms against Oregon State on Saturday.

“We’re just grateful for everything he’s done,” senior linebacker Bryce Boettcher said in a statement. “We wouldn’t be the University of Oregon—the Mecca—without his help. And even though he doesn’t want his flowers—naming buildings after other people, which is great—this is our way of giving him his flowers. Recognizing that we’re just grateful that he’s been able to help us along the way.”

Oregon players and coaches were consulted in the design of the uniforms, which include a number of nods to Knight.

Among them, the “uniform’s base color of anthricite, the gold cleats and indeed even the project’s name—’Shoe Duck’—were inspired by the cover of Knight’s book about Nike’s founding, ‘Shoe Dog.'”Â

Additionally, the “gloves bear a waffle print, representing the waffle iron that Bowerman used to make an early prototype of the sneakers Nike would go on to produce.”

The matte helmet has wings on each side, “mimicking the tail of Knight’s private jet—which represents his two passions—it bears on one side the classic Duck wing of previous Oregon helmets, and on the other side the wing of Nike, the Greek goddess of victory.”

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By Sean P. Oâ€Neill

Ron Carver, a ten-time Oregon State Champion and respected figure in the Northwest table tennis community, has passed away. He was a fierce competitor, a loyal friend, and a gentleman in every sense of the word.

Ron was more than a great athlete. He was a grinder, a fighter, and a blue-collar champion who made his mark through relentless effort and determination. While working full-time raising salmon for the Oregon Fish Commission, he often drove three hours from Astoria to Portland to train or compete. That kind of commitment is not reflected only in the number of trophies he won. It defined who he was.

On the table, Ron played with fire. Quick, aggressive, and intensely focused, he thrilled crowds with his devastating forehand and sharp angles. He attacked every point with courage and precision. Whether blasting winners or blocking left-handed loops, his fearless style captivated everyone who watched him. What made Ron special was his consistency, his work ethic, and his refusal to ever give up.

Off the table, Ron remained humble. He trained every day, using his Stiga robot, running, and lifting weights, yet he never boasted about the work he put in. He competed across Oregon, from University of Oregon leagues to Paddle Palace tournaments, always carrying himself with dignity and respect.

His achievements were remarkable: multiple state titles across more than a decade, countless tournament victories, and unforgettable battles with the best players in the region. His true legacy, however, is larger than any single match result. Ron showed us what it means to commit fully, to keep striving, and to honor the game at every stage of life.

Ron is survived by his wife and two daughters, who stood by him throughout his years of training and competition. Our community feels his loss deeply. For those of us who shared the court with him, or simply had the chance to watch him play, we will carry forward the lessons he embodied. Compete hard, stay humble, and respect the sport.

Rest in peace, Ron. You gave everything to the game you loved.

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