More than 7,000 individuals and teams competed in Google’s global science far. Shree Bose, 17, of Texas took home the grand prize for her work on drug resistance in treating ovarian cancer.

Unlike other years, without a dominant sprinter in the field this weekend’s Division I boys state high school track and field meet is wide open.

That’s good news for Centerville, which finally could contend for an elusive title. The Elks often overwhelm teams with their superior depth, but that hasn’t benefited them at state. That all changes with Michael Bennett and Benny McGowan.

Bennett could win both the shot put and discus and McGowan is capable of placing high in each event. Should they do that in both events today, Centerville should be in great position to contend.

“If we’re going to be in that conversation, that’s going to have to happen that way,” coach Matt Somerlot said.

It’s been another great sports year for many area teams. And it could get even better following the spring-ending state track and field, baseball and softball events this weekend.

T&F will cap its season today and Saturday at Ohio State University’s Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium in Columbus. The baseball tour

Read more…

The University of South Florida is making what could be considered a bold move for transgendered rights.

The Tampa-based school will now offer transgender-friendly housing options.

The St. Petersburg Times reports that the school is creating gender-neutral dorms, with the hopes of making all students comfortable, whether they are male, female or transitioning.

Students will also be able to request a roommate of either gender, as long as they know them. Romantic relationships will be discouraged, the newspaper reports.

It may be a great option for transgendered students, but I’m sure we’ll hear concerns if men and women start rooming together in great numbers. It will be interesting to watch.

If you dont follow me on Twitter, shame on you. (And you should probably start here.) If you do, you knew the big news around 3:30 this afternoon: Mike Ramponi was hired to replace John Castellano as Nyacks head football coach.

The 32-year-old Ramponi (left) will step down as the schools varsity basketball coach. He originally contemplated serving both roles, but decided it would be best for both programs and for his family if he focused on football.

In the beginning I wanted to do both, said Ramponi, who has coached football the last nine seasons three as the JV head coach and six as a varsity assistant. When I sat down and thought about all the hours, and what you need to do to make the program thrive like it has in the last few years, its a lot of time. I think its the right thing for the community and the kids. They deserve someone who can really give full attention to the program.

Nyack AD Joe Sigillo said the search for Ramponis replacement will begin immediately.

Read more…

Yesterday broke foggy and cold in Oxford which was actually very nice. It brought back so many memories of my own days as a student here, making my way into town for a day in the Oriental Institute researching and occasionally writing. This day I took my DSLR, looking every bit the tourist, and captured what I hope will be some nice shots of the colleges through the fog. I wont be able to upload those photos until I get home, but I also had my point-and-shoot and have a few to share. It is a visual cliché, but Christ Church really is such a beautiful college, how could I not?

Christ Church War Memorial Gardens, looking back towards the college.

As the day warmed up the weather cleared leaving the sky crystal clear. I headed over to Mansfield College at 10 am to begin a day full of activity. Scholar and PLA student Kaitlyn Randol met me at their student accommodations and showed me around. Why? Because

We are developing a new study abroad opportunity for our incoming first year students! T

Read more…

Left to Right: Stacey Wooden DPT’15, Kat Connelly DPT’15, Kim Jones DPT’12, Nick Forst DPT’12, Mercy Rehab Aide Steve PowellDPT’14, and Mercy PT Rich DiGiacomo DPT ’10.

Mercy Philadelphia Hospital and the Physical Therapy Department at University of the Sciences have always had a strong partnership through the Mercy/USciences Clinic for the uninsured and in the classroom teaching. So, it was no surprise that a group offive eager USciences PT students and alumni including current Mercy PT Rich DiGiacomo traveled to the beach to helpmotivated individuals with varying disabilities spend an awesome summer day surfing in Wildwood, NJ, on June 18. “They Will Surf Again” is a nation-wide event part of the “Life Rolls On” foundation, an organization promoting sports for individuals with spinal cord injuries.