James Carter Senior News Editor

GREENSBORO, N.C. – The West Virginia University swimming and diving team began competition at the 2026 Substantial 12 Swimming and Diving Championships on Wednesday at the Greensboro Aquatic Center in Greensboro, North Carolina. The Mountaineers showcased promising performances on the first day, highlighted by a strong showing in the men’s 800-yard freestyle relay and solid contributions from both the men’s and women’s teams.

The men’s 800-yard freestyle relay team delivered a standout performance, posting a time of 6:27.89. This time ranks as the third-fastest in program history for the event, according to West Virginia University Athletics. Although the team finished seventh the time demonstrates significant progress and sets a positive tone for the remainder of the championships.

The men’s team also excelled in the diving events. The trio of sophomore Levi Hellmann, senior Christian Torres, and redshirt senior Glenn Eloriaga combined for a total score of 315.45, securing a sixth-place finish. On the women’s side, the 800-yard freestyle relay team, comprised of freshman Delia Ostafi, junior Maddie Smutny, and seniors Gabriela Martin and Olivia Busch, finished seventh with a time of 7:17.17.

Big 12 Championships Impacting Greensboro Economy

The Big 12 Swimming and Diving Championships are not only a showcase of athletic talent but also a significant economic driver for the host city. According to wfmynews2.com, the championships are projected to bring millions of dollars to Greensboro, and are scheduled to return in 2027.

The Mountaineers will resume competition on Wednesday morning with preliminary heats beginning at 10 a.m. The afternoon session will feature the women’s 1-meter diving competition at 5:15 p.m., followed by the finals at 6 p.m., which will include the 500 freestyle, 200 individual medley, 50 freestyle, and men’s 3-meter diving events.

Upcoming Schedule of Events

Here’s a look at the schedule for the remainder of the Big 12 Swimming and Diving Championships:

• Wednesday, Feb. 25
• 10 a.m. – Prelims
• 5:15 p.m. – Women’s 1-meter diving
• 6 p.m. – Finals (500 freestyle, 200 individual medley, 50 freestyle, Men’s 3-meter diving)
• Thursday, Feb. 26
• 10 a.m. – Prelims
• 5:15 p.m. – Men’s 1-meter diving
• 6 p.m. – Finals (100 butterfly, 400 IM, 200 freestyle, Women’s 3-meter diving, 4×100 medley relay)
• Friday, Feb. 27
• 10 a.m. – Prelims
• 6 p.m. – Finals (200 butterfly, 100 breaststroke, 100 backstroke, Men’s platform diving, 200 freestyle relay)
• Saturday, Feb. 28
• 10 a.m. – Prelims
• 6 p.m. – Finals (200 backstroke, 100 freestyle, 1650 freestyle, 200 breaststroke, Women’s platform diving, 400 freestyle relay)

Fans can find more information about the West Virginia Mountaineers by visiting WVUsports.com and following WVUSwimDive on X, Facebook, and Instagram.

As the Big 12 Championships progress, the Mountaineers will look to build on this initial momentum and continue to improve their standing in the conference. The coming days promise exciting competition and opportunities for West Virginia to showcase its swimming and diving talent.

What are your thoughts on the Mountaineers’ performance so far? Share your comments below and let us know what you’re looking forward to seeing in the rest of the competition!

PHOENIX – A quick-thinking crew from Camelback Moving played a pivotal role in the safe recovery of 2-year-old Kehlani Rogers, who was the subject of an Amber Alert issued after her disappearance from Avondale on February 21st. The dramatic rescue unfolded at a Phoenix QuikTrip on February 22nd, when employees recognized the child and her alleged abductor, 23-year-old Marina Noriega, and took action to prevent their escape.

The Amber Alert was triggered after Kehlani Rogers was reported missing from her home near 118th Avenue and Thomas Road around 8 a.m. On February 21st. Authorities believed she was with Marina Noriega, and the alert quickly spread across Arizona, prompting widespread public awareness. The case took a concerning turn when a tipster reported seeing Noriega and Rogers near Friendship Park in Avondale, and later in Maricopa, where Noriega reportedly mentioned plans to travel to California by train, according to reports.

The break in the case came when a security guard at a QuikTrip near 27th Avenue and Thomas Road recognized Noriega and Kehlani Rogers at approximately 7:30 a.m. On February 22nd. The guard immediately alerted Camelback Moving employees who were at the location, initiating a coordinated effort to secure the suspect until law enforcement arrived.

Moving Crew Blocks Suspect’s Vehicle

Foremen Ralph Vollmert and Kevin Place of Camelback Moving were at the QuikTrip getting coffee and snacks when they overheard the security guard’s call to 911, reporting a possible abduction in progress. “Oh my God, that’s her,” one employee exclaimed, recognizing the pair from the Amber Alert. The Camelback Moving team swiftly decided to use their trucks to block Noriega’s vehicle, effectively trapping her in the parking lot. They also obtained her license plate number to relay to authorities.

“Our trucks are 28, 30 feet long, so we knew it was a excellent idea to put the truck there just as there’s just no where you could head after that,” Vollmert and Place said. The employees described a sense of urgency and concern for the child’s well-being, stating, “It just breaks our heart because we have kids ourselves…nobody ever wants a kid to be a harm or to be hurt or to be mistreated.”

Community Response and Police Intervention

Camelback Moving President Chad Olsen praised his team’s actions, stating, “This is definitely the first time we’ve ever blocked somebody in where the entire city and county and state are firmly behind us and happy we did so.” Olsen also noted that the company had recently implemented human-trafficking awareness training for its employees, equipping them to recognize and respond to potential trafficking situations. NBC New York reported that the training prepares movers and truckers to identify signs of human trafficking.

Phoenix Police arrived on the scene within minutes and took Noriega into custody without incident. Kehlani Rogers was safely recovered and reunited with her parents. Prosecutors revealed during Noriega’s February 23rd court appearance that a glass pipe was found on her person during the search, and she admitted to using methamphetamine the day before, according to Arizona Central.

Ongoing Investigation and Custodial Interference Charge

Noriega is being held on a $250,000 bond and faces a third-degree felony charge of custodial interference. Police stated that Noriega was a recent acquaintance of the Rogers family, and the circumstances surrounding the abduction remain under investigation. The child’s parents reported that Noriega had been staying with them temporarily before disappearing with their daughter, and allegedly told detectives she believed Kehlani Rogers was her long-lost child.

Kehlani Rogers was reported to be scared but unharmed after being reunited with her parents. This incident serves as a powerful reminder of the effectiveness of the Amber Alert system and the importance of community vigilance. Authorities continue to investigate the full scope of the incident and any potential motives behind Noriega’s actions.

As the investigation continues, authorities will focus on understanding the events leading up to the abduction and ensuring the safety and well-being of Kehlani Rogers. The case highlights the critical role that ordinary citizens can play in assisting law enforcement and protecting vulnerable children.

What are your thoughts on this incredible rescue? Share your comments below and help spread the word about the importance of staying alert and supporting our communities.

Oklahoma State Senate leaders have proposed a $254 million investment package aimed at bolstering the state’s education system. The plan, unveiled Tuesday, proposes redirecting funds from the Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS) to support teacher pay raises and classroom initiatives, all without increasing taxes or seeking new spending allocations, according to officials.

The proposal comes after decades of investment in TRS, which now holds over $25 billion in assets. Senate leaders argue the system’s strengthened financial position allows for the reallocation of funds to address pressing needs within Oklahoma’s public schools. The core of the plan centers around capping annual state contributions to TRS at $200 million in Fiscal Year 2027, down from a projected $454 million, and diverting the difference to education.

“This plan protects the retirement system while allowing us to meet urgent needs in our classrooms today,” said Senate Education Chairman Adam Pugh, R-Edmond. “After years of responsible investment, TRS is strong. Although this is not a magic bullet, this is a bold plan to improve education outcomes sooner than later.”

Over the past 20 years, the state legislature has invested more than $7 billion to stabilize the Teachers’ Retirement System, which had previously faced a financial crisis. In 2025 alone, TRS distributed approximately $1.7 billion in benefits to retired educators, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to those who have served Oklahoma’s students.

Details of the Proposed Education Investment

The $254 million package is allocated as follows:

• $117 million for a $2,500 across-the-board teacher pay raise
• $50 million for the Reading Sufficiency Act
• $29.8 million in additional formula funding for schools
• $10 million for literacy coaches
• $10 million for math coaches

These investments are intended to strengthen classroom instruction and improve student achievement across the state. Senate Appropriations Chairman Chuck Hall, R-Perry, emphasized that the proposal redirects existing funds rather than creating new financial burdens. “We’re increasing our support of public schools because we know that when we invest in education, we create a brighter future for Oklahoma,” Hall stated.

Opposition and Concerns Raised by Democrats

The plan has faced criticism from Democratic lawmakers who question its long-term sustainability and scope. Senate Democratic Leader Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City, acknowledged the positive aspects of prioritizing reading, teacher salaries, and teacher recruitment but characterized the initiatives as “disjointed” and lacking a comprehensive strategy for student success.

Concerns have also been raised regarding the potential impact on public school funding, with some Democrats arguing the package increases the allocation of public funds to private school voucher programs, reaching $275 million. Senator Carri Hicks, D-Oklahoma City, asserted, “Public dollars belong in public schools with public transparency and legislative oversight.”

Senator Mark Mann, D-Oklahoma City, voiced concerns that the proposal could jeopardize retirement benefits for educators. “The Republican proposal would be paid for by lowering the state’s investment in the Teachers’ Retirement System,” Mann said, adding that this could place cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for retired educators at risk.

House Response and Next Steps

The Oklahoma House of Representatives has expressed reservations about the plan, particularly regarding its potential impact on the Teachers’ Retirement System. House Appropriations and Budget Chairman Trey Caldwell, R-Faxon, stated the House has “consistently supported commonsense retirement reforms to help experienced teachers return to the classroom, which the Senate has repeatedly rejected.” Caldwell indicated the House will carefully review the details of the Senate’s plan to ensure it strengthens schools without compromising the long-term stability of educators’ retirement funds.

Legislators will now debate the funding proposal in upcoming sessions. Any plan approved by the Oklahoma Senate will also require approval from the Oklahoma House of Representatives before becoming law. The future of Oklahoma’s education funding and the stability of the Teachers’ Retirement System hang in the balance as lawmakers weigh the merits and potential consequences of this ambitious proposal.

What comes next is a thorough review by the House and a period of negotiation between the two chambers. The outcome will significantly shape the landscape of public education in Oklahoma for years to arrive.

Share your thoughts on this developing story in the comments below.