Final Four coaches share stories of pranks and mutual admiration
PHOENIX — North Carolina’s Roy Williams, entering the ninth Final Four of his coaching career, sounds happy for the three opposing coaches, who are entering his first this weekend at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale. But Gonzaga’s Mark Few hits close to his heart.
Final Four security to include ‘busiest night in the history of Downtown Phoenix’
GLENDALE — The confidence Glendale and Phoenix officials have in security measures for the NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four stems from success protecting other major events, including the College Football Playoff and two Super Bowls.
Four on the floor: Stage set at University of Phoenix Stadium for Final Four
GLENDALE -- It’s been built. Now, it’s time to see who will come to play on it.
Born without legs, Jen Bricker followed an unconventional path to become an acrobat and author
SCOTTSDALE — Wearing a red dress, her long brown hair falling almost to her waist, Jen Bricker navigated the stage in a wheelchair Thursday before a packed ballroom of 850 people at the JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort and Spa.
ASU outfielder Hunter Bishop lives ‘4MOM’ with Alzheimer’s
PHOENIX – Hunter Bishop leans up against the railing of the dugout at Phoenix Municipal Stadium, sunflower seeds stuffing his mouth. Every part of him – except for maybe his slender 6-foot-5 frame – looks the part of an ordinary Division I baseball player. However, there’s more to the Arizona State freshman outfielder.
As March Madness begins, so does final countdown to Valley’s Final Four
GLENDALE, Ariz. — As arena scoreboards across the nation record the first slew of March Madness games on Thursday, the basketball tournament’s ultimate destination is ready to take delivery of its own.
Synergy Sports Tech has ‘changed the game’ of basketball analysis
PHOENIX -- Basketball coaches and their players -- from colleges to the pros, men and women -- turn to a technology company founded by a former Grand Canyon University assistant coach to evaluate players, scout opponents and recognize tendencies.
Coyotes Curling Club has found a home in the Arizona desert
TEMPE -- Tucked away in a former warehouse, where the fuzz for Penn tennis balls once was manufactured, resides the Coyotes Curling Club. Six expat Canadians with a passion for the game decided after the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah that curling belonged in the desert, too.
Phoenix Rising FC makes its case for MLS expansion
TEMPE -- In a dirt lot, trucks whir and beep, their sounds filling gaps in the sound of passing traffic. Construction is underway on a temporary soccer stadium for Phoenix Rising FC.
There are pitfalls for golf parents who coach, caddy for their children
TEMPE - In youth sports, parents often are called upon to coach their children. It’s a dynamic that can be rewarding and successful. It also can be difficult and create conflict, especially if it is an individual sport, such as golf.
Arizona State’s ballpark fitted with new cameras
PHOENIX -- Arizona State baseball’s big acquisitions this offseason weren’t limited to its No. 1-rated recruiting class.
Female jockeys are thriving at Turf Paradise racetrack
PHOENIX — Underneath a white tent on the apron of Turf Paradise racetrack, a group of female jockeys who are competing there this season awaited racing fans. Dressed in their racing silks, the women ranged in age from 16 to 43 and spent about two hours Saturday signing autographs and taking photos with the spectators.
