Perry High School splits 6A soccer state championships

​​MESA – Perry High School fielded two teams in the 6A state championships in soccer on Saturday, but Xavier Prep High School stood in the way of a sweep.

In his fifth season as Perry boys soccer coach, Jason Berg earned his first state championship and celebrated the victory with family. (Photo by Haley Smilow/Cronkite News)

Luke Voit, Tyler Naquin travel similar roads to arrive in Brewers camp

PHOENIX – Luke Voit and Tyler Naquin have followed similar paths in their baseball careers, and it led them both to the Milwaukee Brewers. The major league veterans signed minor league contracts on Feb. 21 and were invited to spring training as non-roster additions. They have about a month to carve out a niche that will earn them a roster spot on Opening Day.

After recently signing with the Brewers, Luke Voit is campaigning for a spot on the Opening Day roster as a non-roster addition. (Photo by Robert Crompton/Cronkite News)

Something to prove: Brewers outfielder Jesse Winker returns from injury with winning mindset

PHOENIX – When Jesse Winker was a member of the Cincinnati Reds, he was known as the guy to destroy the Brewers. Now back in the NL Central division, Winker hopes his familiarity with Milwaukee will benefit him immensely.

Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Jesse Winker was an All-Star in 2021 with the Cincinnati Reds, but he hit a slump last season with the Seattle Mariners. (Photo by Robert Crompton/Cronkite News)

Reality checks: MLB veterans hope one-year deals lead to major payoff

GLENDALE – Heading into spring training, many Cactus League veterans are on new teams after signing one-year contracts. There are many different factors that go into a MLB player's decision to sign a short-term deal, and a few players explained their reasoning at spring training.

Shelby Miller, who signed with the Dodgers this offseason, prefers the flexibility of one-year contracts as a 10-year major leaguer. "I don't want to be locked down on a second-year option," the veteran pitcher said. (Photo by John Cascella/Cronkite News)

McKale Mary: Cambridge’s buzzer beater stuns Arizona, keeps ASU’s postseason hopes alive

TUCSON – A dramatic buzzer beater by Desmond Cambridge Jr. in Tucson kept Arizona State’s postseason hopes alive. Arizona, meanwhile, hopes for a strong finish against Los Angeles schools.

Arizona State men’s basketball coach Bobby Hurley and his team celebrate a desperation shot by Desmond Cambridge Jr. that lifted the Suns Devils to a victory over Arizona and center Oumar Ballo at McKale Center in Tucson. (Photo by Christopher Hook/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Top dog? Phoenix pooch paw-ticipates in Corgi Winter Nationals

ARCADIA, Calif. – The rambunctious stubby-legged dogs put their paws to work at the Corgi Winter Nationals in Southern California. A hundred corgis raced for the opportunity to become the top dog at this annual race.

It's a race to the finish line for the Corgi Winter Nationals held Feb. 19 at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif. (Photo by Ayana Hamilton/Cronkite News)

Abraham Toro enters Brewers camp with clean slate following wild ride to big leagues

PHOENIX – After a wild ride from Houston to Seattle and Milwaukee, Abraham Toro hopes to earn a role on the Brewers roster in spring training after a career defined by wild moments and difficulty finding playing time.

Abraham Toro's golden opportunity in Brewers spring training comes with stiff competition for the second base job. (Photo by Robert Crompton/Cronkite News)

New Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing sees success on the horizon

TEMPE – Drew Petzing was introduced as the Arizona Cardinals’ new offensive coordinator Thursday, and said he was excited to work with quarterback Kyler Murray.

New Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing addressed Kyler Murray and said "one of the appealing things about this job to me was being able to work with a quarterback of his caliber." (Photo courtesy of Arizona Cardinals)

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)

Baseball’s back! Cactus League expects full crowds, significant economic impact with 2023 spring training

SURPRISE – In 2018, the W.P. Carey School of Business reported that the Cactus League generated $644.2 million in economic impact for Arizona. But between the COVID-19 pandemic and MLB lockout, the economy has taken a hit. With the first normal spring training in four years beginning on Feb. 24, the Cactus League expects full crowds, and a massive turn for the better.

The Peoria Sports Complex, home of the San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners, expects to return closer to its pre-pandemic employment numbers. (Photo by John Cascella/Cronkite News)

After a successful season, ASU men’s swimming and diving squad pushes towards Pac-12 Championships

PHOENIX – ASU men’s swimming & diving team has had an impressive season capped by Léon Marchand’s standout performances, a 7-1 record and a No. 1 ranking. Now the Sun Devils seek to carry their momentum into the Pac-12 Championships in early March.

ASU men's swimming and diving star Léon Marchand has established a phenomenal record-setting pace this season in helping lead the Sun Devils to a 7-1 record. (File photo by Jacob Flores/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)