Pressure, resilience define former Pinnacle star Spencer Rattler’s unconventional journey to NFL draft
PHOENIX – Ever since middle school, Spencer Rattler has been in the spotlight. From Pinnacle High to Oklahoma to South Carolina, the quarterback’s closest coaches and trainers from Arizona reflect on how he’s dealt with the pressure leading up to the NFL draft.
NFL tight end Mark Andrews wants to inspire others with diabetes both on and off the field
MESA – Mark Andrews, a tight end for the Baltimore Ravens, has never let his type 1 diabetes slow him down on the field or off it. He aims to inspire others with his story and his accomplishments despite his diagnosis.
After losing players to the transfer portal, Arizona State football looks to returnees to bolster defensive line
TEMPE – Every school loses players to the transfer portal, but the Arizona State football team is counting on some returnees to bolster its defensive line.
A walk toward growth: Success of Nelly Korda, improved marketing could help increase LPGA audience
GILBERT – Now firmly settled into the LPGA 2024 season with Arizona hosting the inaugural Ford Classic in March, golfers reflect on the recent growth that the sport has seen plus improvements that still can be made.
Inspired: Football mom’s idea brings HBCU programs, local players together at Arizona camp
PHOENIX – Britney Buckles was watching her son Xavier playing football for Williams Field High when an idea came to her. Why not bring coaches from HBCU programs to Arizona for a camp that would connect them with local players they otherwise couldn’t afford to recruit? The result is a May 18 HBCU camp at Higley High School featuring at least four HBCU programs.
With Arizona Coyotes leaving, relocation talk clouds Roadrunners’ future in Tucson
TUCSON — After the Arizona Coyotes were sold and approved to relocate to Salt Lake City, rumors have swirled about the team's AHL affiliate, the Tucson Roadrunners, potentially moving to Tempe's Mullett Arena.
No funding, no problem: ASU Overwatch stuns esports elites without university’s financial backing
TEMPE – Despite lacking funds and support, ASU's Overwatch esports team defied expectations, climbing into the top 10 national rankings and stunning the collegiate scene.
Game of Thrones: Kings, queens of Tucson Catalina Foothills High tennis seek another crown
TUCSON – With the Division II AIA tennis playoffs slated to begin this week for both boys and girls, Catalina Foothills looks to add to its lasting footprint in the tennis scene with a pair of state championships to bring each team’s total to 18 and 19, respectively.
Cranks, bugs, hurlers and short scouts: Arizona Vintage Base Ball league celebrates sport’s history in yearly tournament
BISBEE – The Arizona Vintage Base Ball League isn’t a traditional baseball league. It’s played with rules from the 1860s with hopes of preserving the game's rich history.
Photo essay: Mexican fighters take center stage at Top Rank Boxing in Glendale
GLENDALE – A large Hispanic fanbase watched Oscar Valdez and Liam Wilson face off in the interim junior lightweight title bout, while Seniesa Estrada and Yokasta Valle squared off for five belts in the minimumweight title unification bout.
‘Most painful decision in my life’: Meruelo, Bettman respond to criticism about Arizona Coyotes departure
PHOENIX – Arizona Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo and NHL commissioner Gary Bettman suggested Friday that despite losing the Coyotes to Salt Lake City, both are committed to professional hockey returning to Arizona. “Absolutely I can do it again. Now I really know how things work," Meruelo said.
Walk of shame: ASU football slapped with probation, scholarship reductions due to violations during Herm Edwards era
Following NCAA Level I violations during the Herm Edwards era that “seriously undermine or threaten the integrity of college sports,” the Arizona State athletic department faces punishments extending into the move to the Big 12 conference.
