Former Richards football star Sebastian Castro did not get picked in the NFL Draft, but he has a chance to prove a lot of teams wrong.
Castro recently signed an undrafted free agent contract with Pittsburgh and participated in the Steelers’ rookie camp.
Even though the cornerback from Iowa was undrafted, he could receive a fair shake with the Steelers. Last year’s starting cornerback, Beanie Bishop Jr., was an undrafted free agent in 2024.
Castro’s former coach at Richards, Tony Sheehan, is happy Castro is getting a shot.
“Sebastian is one of the best, if not the best, players ever to come out of Richards,” Sheehan said. “He works so hard every day. He is a very humble and appreciative man. We are very proud of him and know he will do nothing but great things for the Steelers.”
Catching on with Minnesota
Former St. Rita and Louisville catcher Luke Napleton had his contract purchased by the Minnesota Twins organization on May 9 from the independent High Point Rockers.
“Luke did a great job for us, he did a nice job behind the dish and was more impressive at the plate,” Rockers manager Jamie Keefe said in a news release. “We knew when we traded for him that he probably wouldn’t be here long so we are glad he was a Rocker and we know he will be great in the Twins organization.”
Napleton hit .571 in 21 at-bats with two homers and 10 RBIs for High Point.
He logged four years at Quincy College and had a fifth season at Louisville, where he had 11 homers.
National news
The St. Xavier baseball and softball teams had their seasons end at their respective NAIA national tournaments.
The Cougars baseball team (33-24) finished 2-2 in the opening round May 13-15 in Lawrenceville, Georgia. It was the first time the Cougars won in the opening round since 2009.
Before getting eliminated 16-5 by Georgia Gwinnett, they won 9-8 over Talladega (Ala.), scoring the winning run in the bottom of the ninth on an error.
The softball team (37-8) finished 1-2 in opening-round play in Ashland, Oregon, and was eliminated by the College of Idaho, 4-2. Aubrey Wroble went 2-for-3 in that game and became the first player in program history to hit more than .500 in a season with a minimum of 100 at-bats. She finished at .516.
Moraine Valley’s women’s tennis team finished 25th in the NJCAA Tournament in Tyler, Texas. Breanne Schultz reached the semifinals of the consolation bracket.
Fire win, Stars lose
Brian Gutierrez scored in the 42nd and 79th minutes to lead the Chicago Fire (6-5-2) to their second straight Major League Soccer win, 4-1 over host Charlotte on May 17\.
The Fire were scheduled to play at New England on May 20 in the U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 and return to MLS play at New York on May 25.
The Chicago Stars (1-7-1) lost to North Carolina, 2-0 on the road on May 17. Cari Roccaro made her 51st straight start, which is a club record.
The Stars return home at 6:30 p.m. May 24 to take on Kansas City at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview.
Pro soccer changes of venue
Due to conflicts with the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field, two Fire MLS games will be switched at SeatGeek Stadium.
The Fire face St. Louis at 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 16 and New England at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 6.
The Chicago Stars will also be switching sites for a game.
The Stars will host the Seattle Reign at 4 p.m. June 14 at Soldier Field as a part of a doubleheader with the Fire.
Big-time scorer
Mount Carmel water polo standout Kaleb McCluer wrapped up his senior season with a school-record 155 goals.
He broke the record of 133 held by Mike Vlamis in 1976.
According to MaxPreps, the 155 goals is tops in the nation among schools that submit their stats to that site.
Sports briefs
Lyons baseball pitcher Tucker King earned his 14th career win, a program record.
● St. Laurence hired Dan Gilbert as its wrestling coach. He coached at St. Rita from 2019-2024. He was a two-time state placer for Andrew and a two-time junior All-American.