Former Purdue University Football Star and Minnesota Viking Rondale Moore Unexpectedly Passes Away Rondale Moore, former Purdue University football star and current Minnesota Vikings wide receiver, was found dead on Saturday in New Albany, Ind. The New Albany Police Department found Moore “deceased in the garage of the property of a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound.” The police department is currently “conducting an investigation into the incident.” Moore, who is from New Albany, played high school football at Trinity High School in Louisville, Ky. Moore majored in selling and sales management at Purdue. Moore was a football junkie who once called former Purdue quarterback David Blough at 1 a.m. asking what he was supposed to run on a play according to Moore’s bio on the Purdue Sports website. In college, he played for head coach Jeff Brohm at Purdue.
Brohm posted a message on social media following news of Moore’s death: “Rondale Moore was a complete joy to coach. The Ultimate competitor that wouldn’t back down from any challenge. Rondale had a work ethic unmatched by anymore. A great teammate that would came through in any situation. We all loved Rondale, we loved his smile and competitive edge that always wanted to please everyone he came in contact with. We offer all of our thoughts and prayers to Rondale and his family, we lover him very much,” said Brohm in a statement posted to X.
“The Purdue Football family is deeply saddened by the news of Rondale Moore’s tragic passing. An All-American with an infectious smile, Rondale was a joy on and off the field. Someone who left this world too soon, Rondale will be remembered as a legendary Boilermaker. Our thoughts and prayers are with Rondale’s family and loved ones during this difficult time” said Purdue football in a statement.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Rondale Moore. While we are working to understand the facts, we have spoken with Rondale’s family to offer our condolences and the full support of the Minnesota Vikings. We have also been in communication with our players, coaches, and staff, and will make counseling and emotional support resources available to anyone in need. Our thoughts are with Rondale’s family and friends during this devastating time,” said the Minnesota Vikings in a statement.
“I am devastated by the news of Rondale’s death. While Rondale had been a member of the Vikings for a short time, he was someone we came to know well and care about deeply. He was a humble, soft-spoken, and respectful young man who was proud of his Indiana roots. As a player, he was disciplined, dedicated and resilient despite facing adversity multiple times as injuries sidelined him throughout his career. We are all heartbroken by the fact he won’t continue to live out his NFL dream, and we won’t all have a chance to watch him flourish. My prayers are with Rondale’s family, friends, teammates and coaches as we all deal with this tragic news,” said Vikings Head Coach Kevin O’Connell in a statement.
Shay Ciezki Leads the Hoosiers to a Senior Day Win over Oregon The Indiana Hoosiers beat the Oregon Ducks 72-65 Sunday Afternoon in Simon Skjdot Assembly Hall. The Hoosiers are 15-13 and 4-12 in the Big Ten. Indiana travels to Rutgers on Wednesday and Hosts Penn State on Saturday afternoon in the Regular Season Finale. The Hoosiers have a one game lead on Penn State for the 15th and final spot in the Big Ten Tournament. Penn State hosts USC on Wednesday Night and if the Hoosiers win and Nittany Lions lose Wednesday Indiana will be in the Big Ten Tournament and Penn State will be eliminated. The Hoosiers win officially eliminates Rutgers from the Big Ten Tournament as the Scarlet Knights have 1 win in the Big Ten with 2 games left to play.
It was Senior Day for Shay Ciezki and Jerni Kiaku who were honored both before and after the game. The Seniors were escorted to the court by their families and presented with a framed jersey by Indiana Head Coach Teri Moren. After the game they along with the Mangers and Practice players were honored and Both Seniors thanked everyone in a special video presentation. Ciezki came into the game seven points away from becoming the 34th of the 1,000-point club for her Indiana Career. With 1:34 left before Halftime Ciezki scored on a pullup in the paint to hit the moment. Ciezki came into the game with 604 points this season which was ninth best coming into the game. Ciezki scored 20 points and has scored 1,013 points for her Indiana Career and has moved up to 6th on the single season scoring list. Ciezki passed Cyndi Valentin who scored 609 points in 2005-06 and Tyra Buss who scored 619 points in 2016-17 and 620 points in 2015-16. Jerni Kiaku scored 5 points off the bench along with 5 assists, 2 rebounds in 24 minutes. Edessa Noyan scored 18 points and 8 Rebounds; Lenee Beaumont scored 15 points and Maya Maklauksy added 10 points. Neveah Caffey and Jade Ondienme scored 2 points apiece and Faith Wiseman played 2 minutes but did not score. Indiana finished 22-52 from the field for 42%, 7-16 from three-point range 43% and 21-26 from the free throw line for 80%. The Hoosiers pulled down 37 rebounds, dished out 17 assists, 2 blocks, 2 steals and 17 turnovers.
Oregon got a career high 27 points and 16 rebounds from Sophomore Ehis Etute as the 6-0 Sophomore from Luxembourg recorded her sixth double-double of the season and her career and her 9th game with double digit rebounds. As Freshman Etute scored three times in double figures and did not have any games with double digit rebounds a season ago. Etute previous career highs in points was 26 in a 68-61 at Maryland January 31st and15 Rebounds at Auburn November 30th in a 58-53 win. Katie Fiso scored 15 points and Astera Tuhina added 14 points for the Ducks as they are 19-10 overall and 7-9 in the Big Ten. The Ducks finished 27-71 for 38% from the field, 3-11 from three-point range for 27% and 8-14 from the free throw line for 57%. Oregon pulled down 40 rebounds, 14 assists, 6 steals, 5 blocks and 9 turnovers.
Indiana jumped out to an 8-0 lead and led 17-10 at the end of the first quarter when Jerni Kiaku beat the buzzer. The Hoosiers maintained the lead outscoring the Ducks 20-18 to lead 37-28 at halftime. The third quarter was a struggle as the Hoosiers were outscored 15-7 in the third quarter as Indiana went 0-12 from the field, 0-2 from three-point range and 7-10 from the free throw line. Indiana had 6 turnovers and 6 fouls as the Hoosiers led 44-43 at halftime. Indiana outscored Oregon 28-22 in the fourth quarter as the Hoosiers have won two straight in the series as this was the first time Oregon has visited Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall as the Ducks led the series 3-2 as the teams have split the regular season meetings 1-1 with the Hoosiers winning the Big Ten Tournament in Indianapolis in 2025.
Shay Ciezki was emotional throughout the day, and it is always special to get a win on Senior Day. Ciezki will face her former team in Penn State in the final regular season home game but to her it is just another game.” I am treating it as another game, and I still have people I have played with there on the team, but it is going to be a fun one for sure” Ciezki said after the game. Edessa Noyan has come on late in the season and has stepped her game up has her confidence has grown throughout the season. “I have learned to trust myself and my teammates trust me and it has taken a while to understand that” Noyan said after the game. For Head Coach Teri Moren she was proud of the fact that she did not foul out and that is a big key for the Hoosiers as the wrap up the regular season and get ready for the postseason.
Bloomington South Sophomore Nick Russell Finishes 7th at the Boys Wrestling State Finals Bloomington South Sophomore Nick Russell finished 7th in the 106 Pound Weight Class at the IHSAA Boys Wrestling State Finals over the weekend at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Russell beat Joseph Warner of Carroll (Fort Wayne) 7-1 in the Quarterfinals Friday Night. On Saturday Russell lost to Westfield Sophomore Connor Maddox by Technical Fall 20-3 at 2:51 mark in the Quarterfinals. Russell lost 2-0 by Decision to Nolan Culp of Hamilton Southeastern in the Consolation Semifinals. Russell beat Lowell Sophomore Gavin Longoria by fall at the 2:05 mark in the 7th place match. Russell finishes the season with a 33-9 record. Maddox completed his 34-0 unbeaten season with a 17-2 Technical Fall at the 3:17 mark over Delta Freshman Karson Kahlekomo to win the State Championship as Sophomore.
Brownsburg Sophomores Traevon Duckling and Case Bell won at 113 and 120 pounds respectively along with Junior Braylon Reynolds at 144 pounds. Chesterton Junior Maxmius Qurioz won at 126 Pounds. Avon Senior Nate Rioux won at 132 pounds. Lowell Junior Evan Stanley won at 138 pounds and Sophomore Kameron Hazlett won at 285 Pounds. Crown Point Junior Clinton Shepherd won at 150 Pounds and Sophomore Ceasar Sales won at 215 pounds.
Eastside Senior Linkin Carter at 157 pounds, New Prairie Sophomore Matthew Staples won at 165 Pounds, Junior Sean Breedlove completed a 38-0 season winning the state title at 175 pounds. Lawrence North Senior Michael White finished his season at 47-0 winning the 190 Pound State title. Center Grove won the State Title for the first time with 137 points two-time defending state champion Brownsburg was second with 133.5 points, Crown Point third with 86.5 Lowell fourth with 76.5 and Delta fifth with 71 points. Bloomington South tied for 47th along with Northfield and Hamilton Southeastern with 6 points.
Indiana University Women’s Swimming and Diving Finishes 2nd at the Big Ten Championships No. 6-ranked Indiana finished its week at the 2026 Big Ten Women’s Swimming and Diving Championships with a golden glow, recording a Big Ten record to win the final event: the 400-yard freestyle relay. The Hoosiers finished second at the conference meet, rallying in the final day to move up a spot in the team standings Saturday inside the Jane K. Freeman Aquatic Center on the campus of the University of Minnesota. The relay record was the cherry on top of a night in which Indiana won four medals and broke three program records and two Big Ten Championship records. “We are super proud of our women’s swimmers and divers,” IU head swimming coach Ray Looze said. “Last night we were over 100 points behind second place Ohio State and sitting in fourth place. We could’ve easily given up, yet everyone dug down to the very deepest parts of their hearts to have a fantastic preliminary session, which set us up for our second-place finish tonight. Winning the 400 freestyle relay was a fantastic way to end the competition!”
“I am so proud of this team,” IU head diving coach Drew Johansen echoed. “Swimmers and divers. The fourth day fight was in everyone today. Every swim and every dive mattered all week. The all-out effort in prelims made the evening finals a success for the entire team.” In a great battle with Big Ten team champion Michigan, Indiana won the 400-yard freestyle relay in 3:07.72 – taking the conference record outright after it had tied the previous record (3:08.07) set in 2019 by the Wolverines earlier this season. The quartet of freshmen Alex Shackell, Liberty Clark, senior Kristina Paegle and freshman Grace Hoeper set the second-fastest time in the nation. At the start of this 2025-26 season, the previous program record was 3:10.47, set by the 2025 squad – only Paegle remains from that relay.
The result encapsulates this Indiana team: a mix of battle-hardened veterans and outrageously talented freshmen. IU freshmen contributed 281 of the team’s 1,084 point this week. In their conference championship debuts, Liberty Clark and Alex Shackell combined for three Big Ten titles and five medals. Clark, Shackell, Hoeper and diver Kaylee Bishop all made the Big Ten All-Freshman Team, having each scored from a ‘B’ final or better in three events apiece. Indiana set seven program records – at least one each of the four nights – and two championship records, one conference record and one pool record.
Clark led the team with 92 points, tied for the most in the conference with the Big Ten Swimmer of the Championships, Michigan junior Bella Sims. The freshman won her first individual Big Ten Championships in the 200 free and 100 free, set the championship record in the latter, took silver and a program record in the 50 free and contributed to all four of Indiana’s podium relays. Junior Macky Hodges contributed to IU’s final night medal count with her first-career conference medal, taking bronze in the 200-yard backstroke with a personal best 1:52.74. Hodges swam a 200 IM-200 back double on Saturday and placed top six in both events.
Diving once again gave Indiana separation among the top teams in the standings, as four Hoosiers scored in Saturday’s platform event. “Mary Kate Cavanaugh making her fist A-Final was inspirational,” Johansen said. “Ella Roselli continuing to be a point scoring machine for the team was powerful, Kaylee ‘Mini’ Bishop scoring her third ‘B’ Final as a freshman was emotional, and Lily scoring a high C in her off event was true leadership.” “This is a great team, and we have only just started the championship season. Two more meets to go for these women. We need to keep getting better. Build off the success and let any disappointment drive preparation for the weeks to come.”
TEAM SCORES
1. Michigan – 1,243
2. Indiana – 1,084
3. Ohio State – 1,066
4. Wisconsin – 893
5. USC – 768
6. Minnesota – 701
7. UCLA – 605.5
8. Purdue – 497
9. Northwestern – 446
10. Nebraska – 433.5
11. Rutgers – 379.5
12. Iowa – 284
13. Penn State – 216
14. Illinois – 195.5
#71 Indiana University Women’s Tennis takes down #69 Cornell Indiana women’s tennis picked up its first ranked win of the season in a 4-0 sweep of No. 69 Cornell on Saturday at IU Tennis Center. Freshman Hi’lani Williams and Ameia Sorey were able to put the match away with convincing wins. Williams finished first with a win at No. 4 singles (6-4, 6-1) and Sorey finished off her opponent at No. 1 singles with the same score, 6-4, 6-1. Indiana (8-1) started the match off on a high note by winning the singles point at No. 1, 6-2 (Hi’ilani Williams/Alessandra Teodosescu) while No. 3 (Chase Boyer/Elisabeth Dunac) finished off at No. 3 singles with a 6-4 victory. It would keep the same energy going into singles play where all six players won their first sets. Freshman Alessandra Teodosescu got IU’s second point with her No. 2 singles victory over Sage Loundon, 6-2, 6-2.
Indiana University Baseball Handles UCF in Jacksonville Behind a pair of fantastic outings from sophomore southpaw Brayton Thomas (W, 1-0) and graduate student right-handed pitcher Regan Rivera (SV, 1), the Indiana Baseball team (2-4, 0-0 B1G) rolled to a 6-1 victory over UCF on Saturday (Feb. 21) evening at VyStar Ballpark. The two pitchers combined to throw all nine innings and allowed just one run on three hits. After going deep into the bullpen yesterday to try and beat No. 2 LSU, IU needed a big start from the young lefty on Saturday in Jacksonville. He answered the bell by delivering a career performance against a talented UCF lineup.
Thomas worked around trouble but allowed just one run on one hit. He matched a career high with four strikeouts. Rivera entered in relief with a pair of runners on base in the sixth inning. He produced his best outing in an IU uniform with four scoreless frames and two punchouts. He helped turn a double play and chased down a slow-rolling ground ball to throw out a runner at first base. Rivera picked up the save after taking down the final 12 outs of the ballgame. His performance helped head coach Jeff Mercer save some important arms for the weekend finale against Notre Dame. Even without sophomore third baseman Will Moore in the lineup, the top of IU’s order produced in clutch situations.
Sophomore outfielder Hogan Denny has mashed the ball in the early part of the season and provided his first three-hit day of the young campaign. Sophomore shortstop Cooper Malamazian had three RBIs and a pair of base knocks. Redshirt junior outfielder Ayden Crouse set the tone early with a single after a 12-pitch at-bat to begin the game. Freshman second baseman Landen Fry had an RBI single in the first inning as he continues his run in the lineup for the Hoosiers. Crouse had a multi-hit game while redshirt freshman designated hitter Brayden Ricketts added a double in the seventh inning. Freshman third baseman Mateo Noto made his college debut in a start at the hot corner.
Indy Ignite win their Fourth Straight Match with a 4-Set win over the Atlanta Vibe The Indy Ignite got their fourth straight win Saturday night when they defeated the Atlanta Vibe. The Ignite ended the match with a 25-21, 23-25, 27-25, 25-23 victory, and the team is now 10-2. “Getting us in situations like tonight is really important,” head coach Lauren Bertolacci said. “There was a moment where they kind of looked a bit frazzled, we were down like 15-9 and I was like, ‘Hey, we’ve been here before!’ and everyone was like, ‘Oh yeah, we have been here before.’ The more situations we can be in and be successful at, and fail and learn how to be successful at, the better for us as the season goes on.” The Ignite are back in action at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27 in Columbus. The game will be livestreamed on WTHR+. After that game, Indy will return to the Fishers Event Center for a game against the Omaha Supernovas on March 1. First serve is scheduled for 2 p.m. ET.
Sixteen of the Ignite’s 28 matches have or will stream on WTHR+, a free 24/7 streaming app accessible on smart TVs and streaming devices such as Roku, Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV. WTHR+ is a digital extension of WTHR, providing live local news, weather and sports beyond traditional broadcast times, along with original programming and on-demand content for central Indiana viewers. The remaining Indy Ignite schedule on WTHR+ is as follows: Sunday, May 3 at 3 p.m.: San Diego at Indy Friday, Feb. 27 at 7 p.m.: Indy at Columbus Sunday, March 8 at 6 p.m.: Grand Rapids at Indy Saturday, April 4 at TBA: Indy at Omaha Friday, April 17 at 7 p.m.: Indy at Grand Rapids Friday, May 1 at 7 p.m.: Columbus at Indy