Oleg Joins The Great American Road Rally, Richie and Mason Accept College Offers, NJ Coaches Clinic
Oleg Prudius Joins the Cast of The Great American Road Rally: Celebrity Edition
Former WWE star Oleg Prudius has been selected as one of 20 celebrities who will compete in the Great American Road Rally: Celebrity Edition.
Known as Vladimir Kozlov, “The Moscow Mauler,” when he competed in the WWE, the Ukrainian-born Prudius has turned to acting since his retirement from the ring with roles in John Wick 2, Fast & Furious 5 and 8, Wolf Warrior 2, and The Punisher.
The former WWE tag team champion (with Santino Marella), who was undefeated for two years and who fought against the likes of The Undertaker, Triple H, and Shawn Michaels, became a U.S. citizen in 2009.
The Great American Road Rally has been formed to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the iconic Route 66, America’s most historic highway. Each celebrity will be driving for a cause, raising money for their favorite charities.
“I’m very excited to be selected for this great event,” said Prudius. “Since I became a U.S. citizen, I have been fortunate to see so much of this great country. And driving from Chicago to Santa Monica will be a thrill, while helping great charities.”
The Rally is finalizing a national broadcast rights agreement.
You can see more about Oleg’s “ride” here: https://vimeo.com/1094183823/7b96204a00
And more about Oleg here: https://olegprudi.us/
Oleg’s latest movie, Caught Stealing, opens tonight. He plays a Russian gangster, appropriately named “Oleg.” You can see the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mIvD-GN-p4
St. Peter’s Dynamic Duo will become Foes in College
Richie Rosa, Jr., and Mason Santiago, the dynamic one-two duo for St. Peter’s Prep, who have led the school to three straight Hudson County titles, will become opponents following the completion of their high school careers.
Teammates not just at St. Peter’s, but also with Puerto Rico’s national team from 2022-2024, and the Riverside Hawks AAU team, the friends will now be competitors in the NCAA’s Metro Atlantic Basketball Conference when Rider University and St. Peter’s University compete beginning in 2026. But they will both still be in New Jersey, with Santiago moving across town from St. Peter’s Prep to St. Peter’s University.
“I sincerely appreciated the interest I received from great colleges, and picking St. Peter’s wasn’t easy,” said Santiago. “However, I have developed a great relationship with the coaches and appreciate the potential they feel I have. And Coach Bashir preaches that if you are dedicated and work hard, it’s possible to play. I intend to do just that.”
Rosa will head a bit farther south in New Jersey, accepting an offer from Rider University.
“The staff at Rider made me feel at home from the first minute I met with them,” said Rosa. “It felt like family – the culture, the environment, the foundation for the future…it made me feel like I could have an impact, and have that impact quickly. I’m looking forward to my senior year at Prep, and then can’t wait to start my career at Rider.”
But before their college careers commence, Richie and Mason will try and lead St. Peter’s Prep to their fourth straight Hudson County championship, which would be a first for the school.
“We are thrilled about the upcoming season at St. Peter’s Prep as we continue to build on the strong foundation that has been developing over the past few years,” said Prep coach Alex Mirabel. “This group has grown together both on and off the court, and their commitment to the program has created a culture of hard work, accountability, and pride in representing Prep basketball.
“This season, we are proud to have Mason Santiago and Richie Rosa serve as our team captains. Since their arrival at St. Peter’s Prep, both players have made a lasting impact through their leadership, dedication, and ability to elevate the play of those around them. They embody what it means to be a Prep athlete—competing with passion, leading with integrity, and setting the tone for their teammates every day.”
And this week, the boys will host a “Back to School” basketball clinic for boys and girls from grades 3-8 at the Ethical Community Charter School in Jersey City, beginning at 6 p.m.
Coaches Convene for NJ Clinic
The Newark Rams AAU program and the New Jersey Starz Basketball League will host a clinic on Saturday, September 13th, at 11 a.m. at Weequahic High School in Newark.
Featuring coaches from NJIT, LaSalle, St. Peter’s University, Seton Hall University, and Hampton University, the Clinic is designed to help local high school and AAU coaches learn more about NIL, as well as new drills and different philosophies in the college ranks, according to Muhammad Oliver of the Rams.
IPZ will participate in the NIL discussion.
