Search result for Melodie Edwards

NASCAR levies severe penalties to Hendrick Motorsports, Justin Haley and Denny Hamlin for Phoenix incidents

AVONDALE – For Hendrick Motorsports and Justin Haley, NASCAR issued a historic punishment for illegal modifications made before Sunday’s race at Phoenix Raceway. Denny Hamlin also received penalties for intentionally trying to wreck Ross Chastain during the race.

Kyle Larson is one of four drivers who will receive a 100-point deduction as part of NASCAR's historic ruling on Wednesday. (Photo by Grace Edwards/Cronkite News)

25 years later: Behind Bryce Drew’s 1998 buzzer beater were the unknowns of March Madness, which lend hope to GCU

PHOENIX — Though far removed from the feeling of taking a low-enrollment Lutheran university to its first Sweet 16 appearance and only one since, Bryce Drew is now the coach for a Grand Canyon program that’s approaching its second NCAA Tournament in his third season. And the situation seems even more similar since GCU is No. 14 and as much or more of an underdog against No. 3 Gonzaga than Valpo was on March 13, 1998, when the efforts of Drew and his father, Homer, combined with many others to culminate in an improbable memory made plausible.

Homer Drew, right, coached his son Bryce at Valparaiso. He said the play involving Bryce’s famous buzzer beater shot in the 1998 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament was never executed that well in practice. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Under Kenny Dillingham’s direction, ASU football starts spring practice upbeat

TEMPE – New ASU football coach Kenny Dillingham roamed the field on the first day of spring practice with a microphone in his hand as he directed the Sun Devils through Day 1 drills to officially kick off spring football. His energy was contagious.

ASU football coach Kenny Dillingham set the expectations for the Sun Devils program in the team's first spring practice. (Photo by Reece Andrews/Cronkite News)

William Byron snatches victory amid late-race chaos at Phoenix Raceway

AVONDALE – William Byron’s teammate Kyle Larson led 201 laps of Sunday’s race at Phoenix Raceway. However, a late race caution opened the door just wide enough for Byron to squeeze his way to victory.

William Byron is on a roll after earning his second consecutive win Sunday at NASCAR’s United Rentals 500 Cup Series at Phoenix Raceway. (Photo by Grace Edwards/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)

A dynasty is born: Kansas City Chiefs enter rare air with Super Bowl 57 win

GLENDALE – The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 57 to become the NFL’s newest dynasty. Historical parallels between the Patriots’ dynasty of old and the Chiefs of today are more apparent after Sunday's comeback win over Philadelphia at State Farm Stadium.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes fought his way through a high ankle sprain to capture his second Super Bowl MVP award in Sunday's 38-35 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Chiefs or Eagles? WM Phoenix Open field enters Super Bowl predictions

SCOTTSDALE – With Super Bowl 57 and the WM Phoenix Open happening in Arizona at the same time this weekend, this year's field provided picks for the big game.

Former MLB Alex Rodriguez, who participated in the Annexus Pro-AM earlier this week, predicts the Philadelphia Eagles to win Sunday's Super Bowl 57. (Photo by Grace Edwards/Cronkite News)

A-Rod in a Cardinals jersey? Pujols with a pitching wedge? Celebrities compete in WM Phoenix Open

SCOTTSDALE – With two popular sporting events in the Valley this week, celebrities have descended on Arizona. Several, including Alex Rodriguez, Albert Pujols and Michael Phelps, headlined the WM Phoenix Open celebrity Pro-AM.

Michael Phelps, one of the most accomplished Olympians of all time, said he was giddy about competing with PGA Tour pros. (Photo by Grace Edwards/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)

Kenny Dillingham’s first football signing class at ASU ripe with new talent

TEMPE – Kenny Dillingham and his staff secured 43 commitments on National Signing Day, including 15 high school prospects and 25 college transfers, in a complete overhaul of the Sun Devil football roster.

Kenny Dillingham at a press conference.

Ice breakers: Arizona High School Hockey Association brings new community, awareness to hockey in Valley

TEMPE – The AHSHA was started to allow high school athletes to participate in high level hockey competition across the state. However, the AIA has not sanctioned it due to equipment costs and limitations with how many schools have participated. With the league gaining traction, hockey in the desert is thriving more than ever.

Notre Dame Preparatory School's hockey team defeated Basha High School in the semifinal of the ASHA playoffs to secure a place in Saturday's championship against Desert Vista High School at Mullett Arena. (Photo by Grace Edwards/Cronkite News)