Arizona high schools forced to seek creative funding solutions for athletics

Perry High School’s badminton team is good.

Coolidge High School photo

Mercury’s male practice squad a hidden key to team’s success

Former NCAA Division III Puget Sound forward Robert Krauel frequently squeezes in a workout on his lunch break from his job at Grand Canyon University.


Small UA program produces big results in horse racing industry

TUCSON — The well-dressed horse trainer with the signature white hair and dark sunglasses who was the darling of the sports media this spring got his start in the racing industry in the most unlikely of places. Before Bob Baffert trained the first Triple Crown winner in 47 years, he cultivated his tradecraft in Tucson.

horse photo

Cards’ coaching intern Welter can learn from female community college coach

More than 30 years ago, Dot Murphy, former All-American and women’s basketball coach at Mississippi University for Women, sat with her children at Hinds Community College football practice watching her husband, Gene, coach the Eagles defense.

Jen Welter photo

Basketball at breakneck pace a way of life on Navajo reservation

WINDOW ROCK — At 5:15 a.m., sunrise is only a thin pale highlight over red rock mesas in the east as Alicia Hale steps out of her house for her daily run. Even in June, the morning is so chilly at an altitude of almost 7,000 feet that she needs several layers to stay warm.


Giveaways help boost Diamondbacks’ Saturday attendance

The first thing Bernie Ray looks at when the Diamondbacks announce their schedule is the promotional games. She hasn’t missed one of them. After all, an A.J. Pollock Star Wars bobblehead is worth planning for.

A.J. Pollock bobblehead photo

Arizona Coyotes and Sun Devil Athletics announce partnership for 2015-16 season

TEMPE - Hockey leaders in Phoenix unveiled an Arizona Coyotes jersey with the No. 15 and Sun Devils on the back Wednesday, signifying a union of the two hockey giants.

Sun Devils hockey photo