Search result for Jake Goodrick

From ‘lonely’ to Lily’s Pad: Tempe playground to give immunocompromised kids a chance to be a kid

PHOENIX – Children with weakened immune systems or other disabilities often can’t play with other kids. Lily’s Pad, a new playground scheduled to open in Arizona in April, is designed to help immunocompromised children build their physical and emotional health. It’s among other recreational areas across the U.S. meant to accommodate children with disabilities.

“We knew almost right away that there was something wrong within the first six hours of his birth,” Christine Buckrucker said about her 4-year-old son, Colton Buckrucker. Colton and his father, Chris, build a toy. Colton has a weakened immune system that’s led to several surgeries and medical procedures. (Photo by Sierra Alvarez/Cronkite News)

Turf Paradise agrees to pay $150,000 in fees after concerns raised about track conditions

PHOENIX – In response to concerns raised by the newly formed Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, Turf Paradise has agreed to pay over $150,000 in fees to insure its track meets updated standards.

Turf Paradise has agreed to pay more than $150,000 in assessed fees after concerns about the track were raised by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority. (Photo by Grace Edwards/Cronkite News)

Arizona Diamondbacks slugger Kyle Lewis looks to swat injury bug and return to form with new club

SCOTTSDALE – Named the 2020 AL Rookie of the Year, Kyle Lewis has caught the injury bug in recent seasons. The power hitter has played in only 54 games since his breakout campaign but hopes to get back on track as an offseason acquisition of the Diamondbacks.

The Arizona Diamondbacks added power with the offseason trade for Kyle Lewis, who hopes to get back on track after injuries derailed him with the Seattle Mariners. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

Getting into the swing of things: Arizona Diamondback players talk pregame routines

SCOTTSDALE – Arizona Diamondbacks players have different routines as they prepare for games. Six players share what they do, and a look at some of the strangest superstitions around the league.

Most Arizona Diamondbacks players maintain the same routines in preparation for each game. The pregame rituals range from light work in the batting cage to visualizations and taking naps. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)

George ‘The Sodfather’ Toma sheds light on Super Bowl 57 field issues

GLENDALE – Weeks following the confetti raining down on the Super Bowl 57 champions Kansas City Chiefs, the answer to what caused poor field conditions remained at large. The man who has worked on all 57 Super Bowl fields, ‘The Sodather’ George Toma, stepped out of the shadows to spill on what caused the slippery playing surface.

The State Farm Stadium field for Super Bowl 57 caused slick conditions for the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles and forced players to change their cleats mid-game. (Photo by Susan Wong/Cronkite News)

Calling an audible: Jake Plummer shifts attention to wellness, natural health remedies

CHANDLER – Ahead of Super Bowl 2023, former Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jake Plummer returned to the Valley with an event advocating for natural health and wellness remedies.

Plummer, left, and former NFL running back Ricky Williams led yoga sessions at the beginning of festival. (Photo by Robert Crompton/Cronkite News)

Pick-Nick party: Arizona Cardinals introduce Rallis as new defensive coordinator

TEMPE – The Arizona Cardinals and Jonathan Gannon hired Nick Rallis and held an introductory press conference on Wednesday to formally introduce him. The defensive coordinator’s promotion makes him the youngest coordinator in the NFL.

Nick Rallis addresses the media during his introductory press conference as the Arizona Cardinals new defensive coordinator on Wednesday. (Photo by Jake Seymour/Cronkite News)

Valley’s boxing reputation grows as Emanuel Navarrete defeats Liam Wilson in thrilling scrap

GLENDALE - Emanuel Navarrete won the WBO junior lightweight title with a ninth round TKO of Liam Wilson. This marks the third title fight and fifth major boxing card held in the Valley in the past year.

“I like when there’s time, when I get to go a few rounds. It’s fun.” Nico Ali Walsh secured a unanimous decision victory after going the distance against Eduardo Ayala. (Photo by Damian Rios/Cronkite News)

What the Eagles and Chiefs are saying ahead of Super Bowl 57

PHOENIX – For the first time since 2015, Arizona will play host to the Super Bowl. Follow along for live updates, featuring news, event highlights and more from the Cronkite News team, before the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs kick off on Super Bowl Sunday at State Farm Stadium.

Margaret T. Hance Park is home to a portion of the Super Bowl LVII Experience. Signage at the park promotes the big game and events surrounding it. (Photo by Drake Presto/Cronkite News)

Super Bowl 2023 week kicks off with Opening Night at Footprint Center

PHOENIX – For the first time since 2015, Arizona will play host to the Super Bowl. The privilege comes with plenty of must-see live entertainment; tailgates; festivals; and, of course, football in the lead-up to the big game at State Farm Stadium. Follow along for live updates, featuring news, event highlights and more from the Cronkite News team, before the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs kick off on Super Bowl Sunday.

Footprint Center welcomed the Super Bowl contenders and fans Monday for a night of interviews, entertainment and the flat-out bizarre. (Photo by Reece Andrews/Cronkite News)

Muhammad Ali’s grandson, Nico Ali Walsh, seeks greatness in Glendale

GLENDALE – Nico Ali Walsh, the grandson of Muhammad Ali, will look to extend his unbeaten record to 8-0 with a win Friday against Phoenix native Eduardo Ayala at Desert Diamond Arena. If all goes according to plan, this week’s trip will be better than his last.

Nico Ali Walsh, left, hopes to show fans his full range of skills in Friday's bout against Eduardo Ayala at Desert Diamond Arena. (Photo by Damian Rios/Cronkite News)

Tip of the ice: Arizona hockey on the rise through Arizona Coyotes, colleges and community

PHOENIX – The rise of professional, collegiate and youth programs has allowed hockey to thrive in Arizona. While hockey was nearly nonexistent in the Valley decades ago, it has slowly become one of the premier sports in the state. Here’s how it happened.

During the 2015-16 NHL season, 7,510 kids from Arizona were registered with USA Hockey. By the 2017-18 season, that number increased to 8,617, and the drafting of the Valley's Auston Matthews by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2016 is believed to have contributed to that. (Photo courtesy of Arizona Coyotes)