Austin Ford aws-tin fohrd
Sports Visual Journalist, PhoenixAustin Ford expects to graduate in December 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in sports journalism. Ford is interning with PBS NewsHour West.
Latest from Austin Ford
Despite a losing season, University of Arizona football is building a winning program
TUCSON – The University of Arizona football team had a combined 1-23 record over its last 24 games coming into this season, but the Wildcats were able to put together a 5-7 season this year, which was capped off by their first Territorial Cup victory in six years. The Wildcats have a lot to build on heading into the future.
Brotherly love: Reunited in Arizona, McLain trio leave their baseball mark
PHOENIX – Growing up in California. brothers Nick, Matt and Sean McLain played baseball in their backyard with their parents. Now, two are in major league farm systems and another at ASU. While their paths may have intertwined, these brothers are forging their own outside of each other's shadows.
Play ball! A day in the life of the Arizona Fall League
MESA – While the Arizona Fall League takes place from October-November, it is considered baseball’s league of the offseason. From the communications department to the players, each person has different experiences.
Former ASU infielder Jake Elmore returns to roots in the Arizona Fall League
PEORIA – Jake Elmore thought he would remain an Arizona Diamondback for his entire MLB career. However, he played for 12 teams over 13 years. Now a coach with the Surprise Saguaros, Elmore has returned to where it started in the Arizona Fall League.
Marcus Bagley looks to take ASU men’s basketball and his career to the next level
TEMPE – As Arizona State men’s basketball returns to game action, so will star forward Marcus Bagley. Bagley was a highly-rated recruit coming out of high school, but only played in 15 games over the last two seasons for the Sun Devils.
Back to where it all began: Three Sun Devils reunite in Arizona Fall League
PEORIA – Gage Workman, Trevor Hauver and Justin Fall were part of a 2020 ASU baseball team that lost out on half a season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ending their college baseball careers. While Hauver and Workman were selected in the 2020 shortened draft, Fall was drafted the year after and the three reunited for the first time back where it all began, Phoenix Municipal Stadium.
Cubs prospect Matt Mervis uses past struggles to propel career in Arizona Fall League
PEORIA – Matt Mervis has found great success in the Arizona Fall League, but the road has not always been easy. With limited playing time at Duke, he had to work hard to prove he deserved to be where he is today.
Alon Leichman uses past to propel next generation of pitchers in Arizona Fall League
SCOTTSDALE – Alon Leichman, pitching coach of the Tacoma Rainiers (Triple-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners), has had two Tommy John Surgeries and almost needed a third during his time at UCSD. Not wanting to give up on his playing career, Leichman played for Team Israel, coaching and pitching across international competition.
Mets prospect Brandon McIlwain sees Arizona Fall League payoff from his years in football
SCOTTSDALE – New York Mets prospect Brandon McIlwain was a quarterback at Cal in college and also played at the University of South Carolina as a baseball player before pursuing baseball full time. While he was drafted by the Miami Marlins in 2019, he opted to return to college and signed with the Mets in 2020.
Major lessons: Peoria Javelinas manager Reid Brignac imparts wisdom on young prospects in Arizona Fall League
SCOTTSDALE - Binghamton Rumble Ponies manager Reid Brignac is no stranger to the game of baseball. Now wanting to expand his wealth of knowledge to younger prospects, Brignac has brought his talents to Peoria to manage the Javelinas in the Arizona Fall League.
Robert Hassell III’s hopes for the future come to a halt in the Arizona Fall League
SCOTTSDALE – When Robert Hassell III was drafted by the Padres, he thought he would end up in San Diego. But Major League Baseball can be an unforgiving business and he was traded to the Washington Nationals. He was using the Arizona Fall League to showcase his skills before an injury sidelined him.
Mike Kraus adjusting well to college coaching in first year with GCU men’s soccer
PHOENIX – The GCU men’s soccer program continues to establish its same standard of success in 2022 under first-year coach Mike Kraus. The team’s chemistry and culture has already led to one major upset this season.
ASU football’s ranking tumbles: From Top 25 a year ago to bottom third
LOS ANGELES – Here’s why ASU is ranked in the mid-80s or worse headed into Week 4. And it could get worse over the next three games as the Sun Devils face top-20 competitors, including seventh-ranked USC.
Cha-ching! Arizona’s first year of legalized sports betting cashes in on surprising success
PHOENIX – Friday marks the one-year anniversary of legalized sports betting in Arizona. Many observers say the state has exceeded expectations.
Florida transfer Emory Jones prepares for debut as ASU quarterback
TEMPE – After Jayden Daniels transferred to LSU, ASU was in search of a quarterback. They found Emory Jones, a transfer from the University of Florida who has similar attributes to Daniels.
