Contra Costa Herald

News Of By and For The People of Contra Costa County, California

Antioch’s Najee Harris signs as free agent running back with N.Y. Giants

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Najee Harris in his new N.Y. Giants jersey with #22 on it, as he’s worn in college and the NFL, answers questions during a press conference after Tuesday’s practice at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026. Video screenshot source: NY Giants

Will play for Head Coach John Harbaugh after playing for his brother Jim with L.A. Chargers

“Ready to get back. Got my confidence back, too. I think this is a good opportunity here. I have a lot to prove as somebody coming back from a torn Achilles.” – Najee Harris

By Dan Salomone, Director, Editorial Strategy, New York Giants

The New York Giants today (Tuesday, Aug. 18th) signed Najee Harris, a former Pro Bowl running back who needs no introduction to his new head coach.

John Harbaugh faced Harris repeatedly in the rugged AFC North.

“I felt like the hair on the back of my neck stood up when I saw him over there,” Harbaugh said Monday after the Giants worked Harris out. “He’s a big dude.”

Harris was drafted 24th overall by the Steelers in 2021, never missing a start while rushing for 1,000 yards in each of his first four seasons. He then signed with the Chargers, who are led by John’s brother Jim Harbaugh, as a free agent in 2025. But his season was cut short when he suffered a torn Achilles in a Week 3 game against the Broncos. The next week, the Chargers faced the Giants at MetLife Stadium in Jaxson Dart’s first career start.

“He’s an experienced back,” Harbaugh said after they signed him on Tuesday. “Anybody that’s watched him play knows what type of a back he is. He’s a downhill runner, physical runner. I’ve played against him a lot. I have a good feel for who he is as a player. Everybody that’s been around him, my brother, G-RO (Senior Offensive Assistant Greg Roman), (former Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach) Mike Tomlin, love him as a teammate. So, excited for the possibilities.”

Harris was added to a running backroom that recently lost Dante Miller, who suffered a groin injury in the preseason opener.

“I want opportunity,” Harris said after his first practice with the Giants. “I think this is a good opportunity here. I think the style of play that they’re heading towards is the style of play that aligns with me. Harbaugh coming from the AFC North, me playing against him a lot of times, I know the type of style of football he wants. I think that we align with each other with what type of football we want to play. I think that just coming here is a good opportunity, and I’m willing to just put my foot in there and help out in any way I can.”

Najee Harris. Official NY Giants photo.

Harris has played in 71 regular-season games with 68 starts. His career numbers include 1,112 rushing attempts for 4,373 yards (3.9 yards per carry) and 28 touchdowns, in addition to 183 catches for 1,174 yards and six more scores. Harris, 6-1 and 242 pounds, has also started three postseason games.

Before the injury, Harris ranked fifth in the NFL in rushing yards from 2021-24. He became the 14th player in NFL history to record 1,000 rushing yards in each of his first four seasons.

In 2021, he was selected to the Pro Bowl and named All-Rookie by the Professional Football Writers of America.

Prior to the NFL, Harris was a two-time national champion at the University of Alabama and in 2020 was in the running for the Heisman Trophy.

He finished his Crimson Tide career as the program’s all-time leader in rushing yards (3,843), scrimmage yards (4,624) and total touchdowns (57), while tying for the most rushing touchdowns in school history (46).

Harris also won the Doak Walker Award, which annually recognizes college football’s best running back, and earned unanimous All-American recognition after setting a single-season program record with 30 total touchdowns en route to his second College Football Playoff title.

“I most definitely go into every year with a chip on my shoulder, but more so much this year,” Harris said. “I have a lot to prove as somebody coming back from a torn Achilles. Really everything that I did in the past is in the past, and everything I do now is really what matters. I know there are going to be a lot of questions of how I’ll come back looking, and I’m ready to answer all those.”

Career at Antioch High School

Najee Harris jokes with a reporter during the press conference. Video screenshot source: NY Giants

Prior to his college career, Harris developed as a running back with the Antioch High School Panthers in California. As a freshman, he was 6-foot-1 and 185 pounds with wide shoulders and a big frame. Within just a few weeks of joining the Panthers’ football program, Harris was pulled up to varsity as a freshman. By his junior year, Antioch High went undefeated and won a league championship for the first time in 31 years.

According to the stats on his page of the Giants website, he now weighs in at 232 pounds.

At the time he joined the Steelers, Harris was the 11th person to make it to the NFL from Antioch High. He was also the first Antioch High alum to be drafted since 1999. The last time an Antioch High alum was selected in the first round was 1969.

A post on the school’s Facebook page with an excerpt from Harris’ press conference video on Tuesday reads simply, “Wishing Najee all the best!” A post on the Antioch Sports Legends Facebook page that day reads, “Share and Like, help us spread the NEWS!”

In that video, Harris also said, “Ready to get back. I feel great. It’s been a process. Learned a lot about myself. Had a great off-season with the PT’s (physical therapists) at Elite OrthoSport. They got me back. Got my confidence back, too.”

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Coach Beam’s Legacy Foundation announces inaugural Service Awards to Pittsburg, Hayward high school coaches who leads with heart, purpose and community

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The Coach Beam Service Award inaugural winners are Coaches Virgil Hart and Charlie Ramirez. Sources: Photo collage – Alex Kith on X, Virgil Hart on X and (bottom far right) courtesy of CBLF.

Service Award established in memory of John Beam, beloved Oakland Football Coach and Educator

Honorable Mentions for Fremont, Concord coaches

By Tish Gallegos, Coach Beam’s Legacy Foundation

Oakland, CA (August 12, 2026) – Coach Beam’s Legacy Foundation has announced its two inaugural Bay Area winners of the Coach Beam Service Award. The foundation recognizes Virgil Hart, head football coach and women’s head basketball coach at Hayward High School, and Charlie Ramirez, head football coach at Pittsburg High School. The newly established award honors coaches who lead with heart, purpose and community to transform the lives of student-athletes. Coach Beam’s Legacy Foundation announced the 2026 winners during the Oakland Ballers baseball game at Raimondi Park in West Oakland.

“We hope this service award will allow Coach Hart and Coach Ramirez to continue focusing on helping their student athletes in a significant way,” said Monica Beam, co-founder of Coach Beam’s Legacy Foundation. “We recognize the great work they are doing in their communities and how they extend Coach Beam’s dedication to uplifting young people through sport and education and building lasting character.”

Coach Virgil Hart – Hayward High School

Coach Virgil Hart returned to his alma mater with a mission that extends far beyond football. In addition to serving as head football coach, Hart works as an academic and social-emotional counselor, allowing him to support students both on the field and throughout the school community.

Under his leadership, Hayward football has compiled a 20-10 record and a league championship, but Hart’s greatest impact can be seen in the relationships he builds with students. His program places a strong emphasis on academics, mental health, leadership, and personal growth. Student-athletes participate in year-round study halls supported by college tutors and math teachers, while the program uses NCAA academic tracking to help athletes prepare for college opportunities.

Hart also prioritizes mental wellness, partnering with graduate students in sports and performance psychology to work with athletes on resilience, mental toughness, and personal development. Perhaps most importantly, Hart creates a safe and supportive environment where students know they have an adult they can turn to.

“He is not simply focused on developing athletes; he is committed to developing well-rounded young people who are prepared for life’s challenges,” wrote one of Hart’s nominators.

Coach Charlie Ramirez – Pittsburg High School

Coach Charlie Ramirez, aka “Coach Ram”, has dedicated more than two decades to Pittsburg High School, first as a player and assistant coach and now as head football coach, teacher, and mentor.

His accomplishments on the field are extraordinary. Since becoming head coach, Ramirez has led Pittsburg football to a 36-0-7 record, multiple BVAL and NCS championships, a NorCal D1AA championship and a state championship game appearance.

But his greatest contribution is the culture he has created around those accomplishments.

Ramirez works closely with administrators, counselors, families, and student-athletes to ensure players are prepared academically and positioned for college opportunities. His program has significantly reduced the number of academically ineligible student-athletes and increased the varsity team’s GPA. The varsity program has also had zero academically ineligible players over the past three seasons.

His commitment extends into the community through civil rights advocacy, campus initiatives, youth coaching clinics, and opportunities that teach players leadership and civic responsibility.

“He protects, disciplines, advocates for, and loves them like family,” one recommender wrote.

Awards

The two Coach Beam Service Award winners will receive individual recognition with a $7,500 stipend and program support through a $5,000 grant for their athletic program. Awards are renewable for up to three years based on continued good standing.

Coach Beam’s Legacy Foundation’s nine-member selection committee also named two 2026 honorable mention coaches: Nathan Boyes, head women’s basketball coach at California School for the Deaf in Fremont, and Lanette Stanziano, cross-country and track and field coach at Concord High School. Each will receive a $1,500 donation to their programs.

The Coach Beam Service Award highlights coaches of all sports in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties in California, who create safe, supportive environments where student athletes can truly thrive. By celebrating those who lead with compassion and integrity, the Foundation ensures Coach Beam’s legacy of unwavering commitment continues for generations to come.

The next round of nominations will open in Spring 2027. Criteria include serving as a high school coach in Alameda or Contra Costa Counties, possessing a minimum of three years coaching experience, and demonstrating a commitment to mentorship, leadership, and community impact. To learn more, visit www.coachbeamslegacy.org/service-award.

Coach Beam’s Legacy Foundation operates under the fiscal sponsorship of The AthLife Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to supporting student-athletes in promising communities across the country.

For more information about Coach Beam’s Legacy Foundation, its mission, and how to donate, visit www.coachbeamslegacy.org.

About Coach Beam’s Legacy Foundation: Founded in 2025, Coach Beam’s Legacy Foundation was established by the Beam family to honor the life, values, and lifelong service of Coach John Beam. The Foundation exists to ensure that his name, his work, and his unwavering commitment to uplifting others continues to live on and positively impact the community he loved. Rooted in Coach Beam’s belief in the transformative power of sport, the Foundation seeks to develop well-rounded student-athletes and the leaders of tomorrow by focusing on five core pillars: Leadership, Academics, Financial Literacy, Mental Health and Social Justice. Guided by his enduring words – “I believe in you so you can believe in yourself”– the Foundation strives to empower young people to realize their potential, strengthen their communities, and create meaningful, lasting change. Learn more at www.coachbeamslegacy.org. 

About The AthLife Foundation: Founded in 2010, The AthLife Foundation is a 501(c)(3) national nonprofit organization with a mission to ensure that every kid who plays can achieve lifelong success beyond sport. Through grant funding, training and industry leading resources, we help schools create a critical professional staff position in secondary education, called an Academic Athletic Coach. That Academic Athletic Coach works year-round to create high impact programming, taps into a student’s passion for their sport and drives holistic development. We’ve reached tens of thousands of student-athletes in schools across multiple states, strengthened by partnerships with organizations such as the Heisman Trophy Trust, Joe Moore Award and Foundation for Teamwork, NFL Foundation, New York Community Trust, St. Luke’s University Health Network, State of Connecticut, State of Pennsylvania, Under Armour Foundation, and many others. Learn more at athlifefoundation.org or join our professional network at 3ace.connectedcommunity.org.

Chosen Sports to hold 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament “Honoring Fathers” June 13-14 in Brentwood

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Sponsorship opportunities available.

By Jermaine Worley

It’s time to lace up and hit the hardwood! Chosen Sports is teaming up with the City of Brentwood for the Brentwood 3-on-3 Tournament, and we want you on the court.

Whether you’re looking to prove you’ve still got that jumper or you want to give your kids a weekend they won’t forget, this tournament is all about honoring fathers and strengthening our community.

CALLING ALL BALLERS

Don’t miss out on your chance to compete for cash prizes and bragging rights.

  • When: June 13 – 14
  • Where: Liberty High School
  • Who: Ages 10 to Adult (Youth + Adult Divisions)
  • The Perks: 3 games guaranteed, Live DJ, Dunk Contest, and a Free Chick-fil-A Dinner for the first 50 dads!

ATTENTION LOCAL BUSINESSES

Want to get your brand in front of the community? We have three tiers of sponsorship designed to help you make an impact:

  • Team Sponsor ($500): Full team registration + your name on the reversible jerseys.
  • Father’s Day Gift Sponsor ($1,000): Direct brand association with our raffle and honoring local dads.
  • Event T-Shirt Sponsor ($2,500): Maximum exposure with your logo on every single tournament shirt (players + staff).

HOW TO JOIN

Scan the QR code in the images above to register or head to www.chosensportsleagues.org.

Questions? Give us a shout at 925-529-5194.

Let’s make this Father’s Day Month legendary. See you at Liberty High!

Martinez author, former sportswriter pens another book

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Photos source: Matt Sieger

“In My Humble Opinion: Musings of a Sports Columnist”

Martinez author and former sportswriter, Matt Sieger just published a new book entitled, In My Humble Opinion: Musings of a Sports Columnist.

According to the description on Amazon.com, the book “is a rich, intelligent, and deeply personal collection of sportswriting that goes far beyond scores and statistics. Written by veteran journalist Matt Sieger-also the author of The God Squad: The Born-Again San Francisco Giants of 1978-this engaging book brings together a lifetime of observation, experience, and love for the games that shape us.

“Drawing from his work as a columnist, reporter, and lifelong fan, Sieger explores not only baseball, basketball and legendary athletes, but also race, faith, ethics, sports culture, books, movies, and the timeless beauty of “the thinking person’s game.” With wit, warmth, insight, and a storyteller’s eye for unforgettable detail, Sieger invites readers into a world where sports serve as a lens for understanding character, memory, competition, and life itself.

“Whether recalling childhood ballfields, reflecting on iconic players, or offering sharp commentary on the meaning behind the games we love, he writes with authenticity, intelligence and heart. In My Humble Opinion is an ideal book for devoted sports fans, thoughtful readers, and book buyers seeking a fresh, substantial, and highly readable voice in sports literature.”

Purchase a copy of Sieger’s new book at https://www.amazon.com/My-Humble-Opinion-Musings-Columnist/dp/163132280X

Read his article published last year by the Herald entitled, “Giants of the Faith”, here.

About the Author

Matt Sieger has a B.A. from Cornell University and a master’s degree in magazine journalism from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Public Communications. He was a sports reporter for the Cortland (New York) Standard, The (Vacaville, California) Reporter, the Martinez (California) News-Gazette, and the Ithaca (New York) New Times. He is a Jewish believer in Jesus and has written numerous magazine articles about Christian athletes. Sieger and his wife, Leigh live in Martinez.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

LMC Mustangs Baseball team wins thriller in Skyline Regional playoff opener

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Mustangs’ catcher Chris Olson congratulates pitcher Kyoungseo Min in the come from behind win with a 7-4 victory over the West Vikings in the opening game of the 3C2A Baseball Playoffs at the Skyline Regional in San Bruno, CA on Friday, May 1, 2026. Photo: Professor B Media

By Professor B Media

San Bruno, CA —The Los Medanos Mustangs won with a come-from-behind thriller in the opener of the 2026 California Community College Athletic Association (3C2A) playoffs at the Skyline Regional, Friday afternoon, May 1, 2026, on the campus of Skyline Community College, with a 7-4 win over the West Valley College Vikings from the Coast South Conference.

The Vikings led 4-1 through the first four innings before chipping away at the Vikings’  lead when by scoring a run in the 6th inning to slice the Vikings lead to 4-2 the outfielder Carlos Garcia hit a game-tying two run homer to tie the game at 4-4 then the Mustangs scored three more times to make the final 7-4 as the Mustangs overcame a 4-1 deficit to score six unanswered runs while Mustangs reliever Kyoungseo Min pitched 3 ⅔  no-hit scoreless innings giving up no runs, no hits, walked two with a strikeout to get the win in relief.

Leading the way for the Mustangs Carlos Garcia who went 2 for 5 with the big two-run homer to tie the game in the 7th inning while Nate Liddcoat went  2 for 2 at the plate with a pair of runs scored while third baseman Antonio Moriera went 1 for 4 at the plate with a pair of runs scored and Zack Madrigal went 1 for 3 at the plate scoring a pair of runs and a RBI.

Source: 3C2A

With the win Mustangs improves their record to (27-13) while West Valley falls to (27-13-1) as the Mustangs have now won 11 of their last 13 games. (See game details and game video)

The Mustangs (1-0) will now advance into the winner’s bracket as they will face either West  or Skyline from the loser’s bracket in game 3 of the Skyline Regional as the Vikings (28-13-1) upset the top-seeded host Skyline (30-12) Trojans 22-7 meaning the Mustangs are trying to remain in the winners bracket in game four Saturday afternoon as the Mustangs are now only one win away from to earn a berth and advance to the  Championship Final of the Skyline Regional.

For the latest of the 3C2A Baseball Championships please go to cccaasports.org/bsb/composite and for the latest on Mustangs Athletic please go to losmedanos.edu/baseball

Pittsburg Olympic gold medalist Eddie Hart to be inducted into Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame

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Olympic gold medalist Eddie Hart of Pittsburg will be inducted in the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame on May 14. Photo: BASHOF

Joins Class of 2026 including Brandon Crawford, Missy Franklin, Jesse Sapolu and Coach Jack Clark

Enshrinement Dinner in San Francisco May 14, 2026

By Anne Cribbs, President & CEO, Bay Area Sports Organizing Committee

The Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame (BASHOF) Class of 2026 Enshrinement Dinner, presented in part by KNBR 680 AM, will be held on Thursday, May 14 at the Hyatt Regency Embarcadero in San Francisco. The terrific Class of 2026 inductees include, Eddie Hart (Track & Field), Brandon Crawford (Baseball), Missy Franklin (Swimming) and Jesse Sapolu (Football) and Coach Jack Clark (Rugby).

A portion of the proceeds from the dinner will benefit Special Olympics Northern California.

“The 2026 class of the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame features five extremely worthy individuals who have made a tremendous impact in their sport and in our region,” said Mario Alioto, Board Chair of BASHOF. “It’s a distinguished group that features Super Bowl and World Series Champions, Olympic Gold medalists, and NCAA National Champions and we are thrilled for them to take their rightful place among the other legends enshrined in the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame.”

Source: BASHOF

Eddie Hart: A native of Pittsburg, CA, he is an Olympic gold medalist, Olympic Trials champion, two-time world record holder and Olympic record holder.

According to his bio on the BASHOP website, Olympic gold medalist and “World’s Fastest Human”, Hart is renowned for both his athletic excellence and his lifelong dedication to serving East Bay youth. The favorite to win the 100-meter gold medal at the 1972 Munich Olympic Games, Hart had equaled the world record of 9.9 seconds at the U.S. Olympic Trials. Despite being disqualified from his signature event due to an unfortunate coaching scheduling error, he displayed remarkable resilience and character by returning to anchor the U.S. Men’s 4×100-meter relay team, securing Olympic gold in world-record time.

Hart won state titles in the 100- and 200-yard events at Contra Costa College and later captured NCAA titles in the 100-yard dash and 4×110-yard relay while competing for the University of California, Berkeley. Ranked among the top 10 U.S. sprinters five times between 1970 and 1979, he was inducted into the UC Berkeley Hall of Fame in 1988 and will enter the Bob Hayes Hall of Fame later this year.

Hart’s rise began at Pittsburg High and Contra Costa College, where he won the 100-and 200-yard dashes at the California Junior College State Meet. He later transferred to the University of California, Berkeley, where he captured NCAA titles in the 100-yard dash and the 4×110-Yard relay in 1970. His achievements alongside teammate Isaac Curtis remain a historic chapter in Cal track and field history After retiring from open competition, Hart returned to the sport in the master’s division, winning world championships in both the 100 and 200 meters.

His world record in the 100 meters stood for 14 years.

Born in Martinez and raised in Pittsburg, California, Hart co-founded the Eddie Hart All In One Foundation in 2003 with his wife Gwen and son Eddie Jr., mentoring disadvantaged youth through sports, music, and education. In 2024, he was honored as a Hometown Hero by the City of Pittsburg. Eddie and Gwen have been married for fifty-two years. He is the proud father of Paris and Eddie, Jr., and the grandfather of Eddie III, James and Bella.

His autobiography about his experience at the 1972 Olympics, co-authored by former Bay Area sports reporter Dave Newhouse, is entitled Disqualified.

Brandon Crawford: 2x San Francisco Giants World Series Champion (2012, 2014); 3x MLB All-Star (2015, 2018, 2021); 4x Gold Glove (2015, 2016, 2017, 2021); 2015 Silver Slugger Award; 2x Wilson Defensive Player of the Year Award winner (2012 and 2016); 2017 World Baseball Classic Gold Medal; 2016 Willie Mac Award; Bay Area native played more games at shortstop than any player in Giants history and the seventh-most games played for the franchise overall; 6th player in MLB history to hit a grand slam in his first MLB game (2011), and the first shortstop to hit a grand slam in an MLB postseason game (2014)

Missy Franklin: 28x medal winner in swimming including 5x Olympic Gold, one Olympic bronze; 11x Gold at the World Championships; USA Swimming and FINA Swimmer of the Year (2011, 2012); At University of California, Berkeley, captured 2015 NCAA Women’s Division I Swimming and Diving Team Championship; 7x individual NCAA champion; 2015 Collegiate Woman of the Year and Honda Sports Award as the nation’s top female swimmer; Inducted International Swimming Hall of Fame (2023)

Jesse Sapolu: 4x Super Bowl Champion with the San Francisco 49ers (1984, 1988, 1989, 1994); 2x Pro Bowl selection; NFL All Pro at center and guard (1994, 1995); 13 NFL seasons with San Francisco; 10th all-time in games played for the 49ers; 2nd in franchise history with 22 playoff games; Ed Block Courage Award (1997); Bobb McKittrick Award (1991, 1996); California Sports Hall of Fame (2025)

Jack Clark: Currently in his 43rd season as head coach of men’s rugby at University of California, Berkeley; Has led Cal to 30 National Championships (25x National 15s Championships, 5x National 7s Championships) and produced 157 All-Americans; Head coach of the USA National Team (1993-99) and GM from 1993-2003; Craig Sweeney Award recipient for major contributions to the sport in 2001; 2014 inductee U.S. Rugby Hall of Fame; 2016 Glenn T. Seaborg Award recipient and member of the Cal Athletics Hall of Fame.

Tickets for the dinner are $375 per person or $5,500 for a table of 10 and available at Purchase Tickets – Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame.

For information on details for the 2026 BASHOF dinner and induction ceremony, please visit bashof.org.

About BASHOF

The Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that was founded in 1979 by Lou Spadia, former president of the San Francisco 49ers. Spadia had long dreamed of a Hall of Fame to honor the Bay Area’s athletic legends which simultaneously raised funds to help kids play sports.

The Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame, which is supported by its Champions Circle sponsors including Bay FC, the Golden State Warriors, San Francisco 49ers, San Francisco Giants and San Jose Sharks, has previously enshrined more than 200 outstanding athletes and individuals and donated more than $4 million to youth organizations in our local Bay Area communities.

About Special Olympics Northern California

Special Olympics Northern California (SONC) enriches the lives of children and adults with intellectual disabilities through sports, health, leadership and inclusive school programs. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization offers free year-round programming in 44 counties across Northern California, empowering athletes to be their best both on and off the field. More information is available at SONC.org.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Pioneers capture West Region Championship, advance to Elite Eight of NCAA DII men’s basketball tournament

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The Cal State East Bay Pioneers men’s basketball team celebrate their 2026 West Regional Championship with the trophy Monday, March 16, 2026. Photos: CSEB

Cal State East Bay earns No. 2 seed, set for matchup against Oklahoma Baptist

Only undefeated team remaining in NCAA men’s basketball

By CSEB Athletics

Cal State East Bay men’s basketball are still perfect!  The Pioneers incredible season continued on Monday behind a dominant second-half performance in a 73-58 win over Point Loma in the NCAA Division II West Regional Championship.  East Bay improved to 33-0 on the season and punched their ticket the NCAA DII Elite Eight in Pittsburgh next week.

The Pioneers set the tone early, getting off to a quick start with Jaayden Bush scoring the game’s first points on a strong finish inside before adding a mid-range jumper to keep them in front in the opening minutes. The first half, however, was tightly contested, with Point Loma responding with a 9-0 run midway through the period to take an 11-6 lead. The Sea Lions extended their advantage to as many as eight following a three-pointer from Caden Harris, putting East Bay in an early hole.

The Pioneers responded with composure. A transition three from Ramsey Huff off a steal by Tyree Campbell sparked momentum, and Amare Campbell added a bucket inside to help chip away at the deficit. East Bay continued to battle, with Jalen Foy converting a putback and Matt Williams knocking down a key three-pointer to bring the Pioneers within one. Late in the half, Tyree Campbell delivered a three-pointer to give East Bay a 30-28 lead, but Point Loma answered just before the break to take a narrow 31-30 advantage into halftime.

The second half however belonged to the Pioneers.  After briefly falling behind 33-32, East Bay seized control with a decisive run fueled by defense and transition play. Tyree Campbell sparked the surge with a three-pointer, then found Amare Campbell for a fastbreak layup following a steal. Moments later, another three from Campbell pushed the lead to 42-35, capping a 10-2 burst that swung momentum firmly in East Bay’s favor.

From there, the Pioneers never looked back. Takai Emerson-Hardy provided a spark off the bench with a strong finish inside, while Payden White added a mid-range jumper to keep the lead steady. Point Loma briefly cut the deficit to one, but East Bay answered again as Jalen Foy knocked down a three-pointer to extend the lead back to four.

With under five minutes to play, East Bay delivered the knockout punch. A steal by Matt Williams led to a fastbreak jumper from Amare Campbell, and moments later, Tyree Campbell scored in the paint to push the lead to seven. The Pioneers’ defense tightened down the stretch, forcing multiple turnovers and contested shots, while Josh Ijeh threw down a fastbreak dunk off a feed from Amare Campbell to ignite the home crowd.

East Bay closed the game at the free throw line, with Foy, Amare Campbell, and Bush all converting key attempts before Bush punctuated the victory with a breakaway dunk in the final minute. The Pioneers outscored Point Loma 43-27 in the second half.

Tyree Campbell led the way and was named West Regional Most Outstanding Player after leading all players with 20 points on 8-of-13 shooting, including 3-of-5 from beyond the arc, while adding six rebounds and three steals. Amare Campbell was named to the All-Tournament Team and provided a strong all-around effort with 12 points, five rebounds, and three assists.  He was joined by Bush who added 11 points, six rebounds, three steals, and two assists.  Foy also tacked on 11 points and pulled down five rebounds.

With the win, Cal State East Bay became the first team to claim a spot in the NCAA Division II Elite Eight in Pittsburgh starting next Thursday, March 25th.

Photo: CSEB

Fresh off their historic West Regional Championship, Cal State East Bay is headed to the national stage as the No. 2 seed in the NCAA Division II Men’s Basketball Championship, advancing to the Elite Eight for the first time since 1986.

The Pioneers (33-0) are the only undefeated team remaining in NCAA men’s basketball.  They will take on Oklahoma Baptist Bison, the tournament’s No. 7 seed, in a national quarterfinal matchup on Tuesday, March 25. Tipoff is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. PT at the UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse in Pittsburgh.

East Bay earned its place in the Elite Eight by capturing the NCAA West Regional title, capping off a dominant postseason run and extending its perfect season to 33-0. Tyree Campbell added to his historic senior season, earning NCAA West Regional Most Outstanding Player to go along with his West Region Player of the Year and CCAA Player of the Year honors.

Oklahoma Baptist enters the matchup following an impressive regional showing of its own, winning the Central Region after entering is the No. 2 seed.

The winner of the East Bay–Oklahoma Baptist contest will advance to the Final Four on March 27, facing the winner of the matchup between No. 3 seed Gannon and No. 6 seed Michigan Tech. The opposite side of the bracket features top-seeded Nova Southeastern against No. 8 Black Hills State, and No. 4 Daemen versus No. 5 Lander.

The national championship game is scheduled for April 5, as the remaining teams battle for the Division II title.

 

30-0 Cal State East Bay Pioneers men’s basketball team to play in NCAA DII Tournament beginning Friday

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2026 CCAA champion Cal State East Bay Men’s Basketball Pioneers team members celebrate their conference victory Saturday, March 7, 2026, by holding up a display of the tournament brackets. Photo: Cal State East Bay

With brackets chosen will face No. 8 Cal Poly Humboldt in First Round of West Regionals March 13

All games to be played on home court in Hayward

Team now No. 2 in national rankings

Head Coach Bryan Rooney named CCAA Coach of the Year

By Kimberly Hawkins, Senior News and Media Manager/PIO, Cal State East Bay

One of the most dramatic turnaroundsin college sports now owns the national spotlight.

Last year, Cal State East Bay’s men’s basketball team finished 11–17. Today, the Pioneers stand as the only undefeated team remaining in NCAA Division II at 30–0.

That remarkable rise brings the postseason home to Hayward. For the first time in 38 years, the Pioneers will host the NCAA Division II West Regionals March 13-16, welcoming eight teams from across the West Coast and Pacific Northwest for three days of high-stakes competition. Games begin Friday, with the champion advancing to the NCAA Division II Elite Eight.

The Pioneers secured their place by winning the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Tournament, Saturday, March 7, 2026, for the first time in program history — defeating Cal Poly Humboldt 80–63 in the championship game. Under Head Coach Bryan Rooney, named the CCAA Coach of the Year, East Bay has climbed to No. 2 in the national rankings — completing a transformation few could have predicted a year ago.

Now, with the stakes higher, the lights brighter and perfection intact, the Pioneers turn to their next chapter. Their rise — proof that in sports — and sometimes in life — transformation can happen faster than anyone expects.

Source: NCAA

Game schedule:

First Round — Friday, March 13 (PST)

  • 12:00 p.m. | No. 3 Point Loma vs. No. 6 Northwest Nazarene
  • 2:30 p.m. | No. 2 Saint Martin’s vs. No. 7 Hawaii Pacific
  • 5:00 p.m. | No. 4 Alaska Anchorage vs. No. 5 Cal State Dominguez Hills
  • 7:30 p.m. | No. 1 Cal State East Bay vs. No. 8 Cal Poly Humboldt

Second Round — Sunday, March 15 (PST)

(Matchups TBD — winners of Friday’s games)

  • 5:00 p.m. | Game 1 (Winners of 12:00 p.m. & 2:30 p.m. games)
  • 7:30 p.m. | Game 2 (Winners of 5:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. games)

See 2026 NCAA DII Tournament Brackets.

NCAA DII Men’s Basketball West Regionals Tournament Brackets. Source: NCAA

All tournament games will be played in Pioneer Gym at 25800 Carlos Bee Blvd. in Hayward.

Click here for tickets.

Undefeated Cal State East Bay Pioneers men’s basketball team wins first CCAA championship

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The Cal State East Bay Pioneers men’s basketball team and coaches celebrate their conference championship Saturday night, March 7, 2026. Photo source: Cal State East Bay

Heads to NCAA DII Tournament

UNBEATEN. UNTOUCHED. UNSTOPPABLE.

Watch NCAA seed Selection Show Sunday night

By Kimberly Hawkins, Senior News and Media Manager/PIO, Cal State East Bay

The Cal State East Bay men’s basketball team continued their historic run, clinching the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Tournament title with an 80-63 win over Cal Poly Humboldt.  The Pioneers improved to 30-0 on the season, captured their first tournament championship and earned their first ever berth into the NCAA DII Tournament.

East Bay set the tone early, opening the game with a layup from guard Jaayden Bush just seconds into the contest. The Pioneers quickly built a lead behind strong interior play from Josh Ijeh, who converted a tip-in and free throw to give East Bay an early five-point advantage. Cal Poly Humboldt answered with a brief run midway through the half, but the Pioneers continued to respond with balanced scoring and strong defense.

Key contributions from the East Bay bench helped swing momentum in the first half. Takai Emerson-Hardy threw down a dunk and added another basket inside, while Jordan Espinoza converted a layup late in the period. Bush added a fast-break layup and knocked down free throws in the closing seconds to help the Pioneers take a 35–27 lead into halftime.

East Bay extended its advantage immediately after the break as Tyree Campbell knocked down a three-pointer to push the lead into double digits. Bush followed with a three of his own, and Campbell connected again from beyond the arc to keep the Pioneers firmly in control. The Lumberjacks briefly cut the deficit to single digits midway through the half, but East Bay answered with a decisive run fueled by defensive stops and second-chance opportunities.

Bush led all scorers with a season high 23 points, shooting 7-of-14 from the field while adding five rebounds and two steals. Bush, a junior, was named CCAA Tournament MVP.  Jalen Foy finished with 13 points and five rebounds, while Ijeh dominated the glass with a game-high 15 rebounds to go along with 12 points for a double-double. Campbell added 11 points on three made three-pointers and contributed three assists and two steals.  Ijeh and Campbell both earned All-Tournament team honors.

Cal State East Bay men’s basketball team Head Coach Bryan Rooney cuts down the net following the championship game on Saturday, March 7, 2026. Photo source: Cal State East Bay

East Bay’s depth also played a key role in the championship victory. Amare Campbell dished out a team-high six assists and scored five points, Emerson-Hardy added four points and three rebounds, and Terence Haywood chipped in three points off the bench. The Pioneers controlled the boards with a 41–36 rebounding advantage and outscored Humboldt 36–30 in the paint while forcing turnovers that led to transition opportunities.

With the win, Cal State East Bay improves to a perfect 30–0 on the season and claims the CCAA Tournament title, completing a dominant run through the conference tournament and continuing one of the most remarkable seasons in program history.

Source: CCAA

CSUEB remains the only undefeated team in NCAA Division II and earns the CCAA’s automatic bid, as the No. 1 seed, to the NCAA West Regional, which begins next Friday (Mar. 13). Cal State East Bay will learn its opponent and seed during the NCAA Selection Show tonight (Mar. 8) at 8 p.m. on NCAA.com.

30–0. Conference Champions. History Made.

See Championship Game video, game photos and the post-game press conference video.

For more information about the school with campuses in both Concord and Hayward visit www.csueastbay.ed.

Super Bowl anti-human trafficking operations net 29 traffickers, recovery of 73 victims

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Source: Santa Clara County DA’s Office

Including 7 traffickers in Contra Costa County; CCDA, Pittsburg PD participate

By Lt. Joshua Singleton, Task Force Commander, Human Trafficking Task Force, Santa Clara District Attorney’s Office                 

Days after the Super Bowl, the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Human Trafficking Task Force reported its own statistics: numbers that showed enhanced investigations resulted in the arrests of 29 traffickers and the recovery of 73 sex trafficking victims, including 10 minors. One of the victims, who was being trafficked in Oakland, was 12 years old.

Law enforcement operations were held throughout 11 Bay Area counties during the lead up to one of the world’s biggest sporting events. Similar enforcement is being prepared for the deluge of fans coming to see the 2026 FIFA World Cup soccer tournament games at Levi’s Stadium between June 13 and July 1.

Santa Clara District Attorney Jeff Rosen said: “Beyond football, the Super Bowl was a triumph of Bay Area law enforcement planning, organization, cooperation, and safety. Human trafficking is not a game, it’s a tragedy. However, our team was very successful. Close to 70 agencies effectively discouraged traffickers from exploiting the game and victims. For traffickers that still came to the game from all over the world with bad intentions, many ended up behind bars.”

The HTTF helped organize the efforts of 67 law enforcement agencies from Sacramento to Monterey.

For two weeks before the big game, the Task Force set up a command center in Sunnyvale populated with more than 20 analysts from various agencies, such as the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office, the DA’s Crime Strategies Unit, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office, Pittsburg Police Department, federal agencies and partners from community-based organizations such as In Our Backyard, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The analysts worked on tips in real time and worked alongside agents in the field to do investigations and make arrests. Operations that often take weeks took minutes in the enhanced Human Trafficking Tactical Operations Center.

Launching almost 40 operations, investigators recovered 20 victims from San Mateo County alone. Seven traffickers were arrested in Contra Costa County; six in Monterey and Solano counties. In Santa Clara County, seven victims were recovered, two traffickers arrested and a firearm was seized.

View the In Our Backyard 2026 Super Bowl Report.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.