Christian Babcock
Christian Babcock
Sports Reporter, Phoenix

Christian Babcock expects to graduate in spring 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in sports journalism and a related area in sustainability. Babcock, who has interned with The Arizona Republic, is a digital reporter for Cronkite Sports this spring.

Latest from Christian Babcock

Tuesday Morning Sun Devil: Lucas pushes teammates, tells them, ‘I came back here to be legendary’

TEMPE – ASU wrapped up its spring season Sunday at Sun Devil Stadium. Coaches and players are confident they have the leadership and talent to succeed in the fall.


Tuesday Morning Sun Devil: Young football assistants raising talent level, expectations

TEMPE – While the Sun Devils prepare for the 2021 season, it’s become evident that several young assistant coaches will be critical to key position groups reaching their goals. Hear how these first and second-year assistants are approaching building their units throughout recruiting and on-field development.


Tuesday Morning Sun Devil: Returning running backs, national recruiting position ASU for success

TEMPE – Arizona State’s rushing attack was prolific in 2020, but it could be even better in 2021. Plus, how some true freshmen are already impressing in their quest to crack the depth chart.


After season of unique challenges, Valley high school basketball teams start playoffs

PHOENIX – Despite several challenges, Valley basketball teams made it through the regular season and are set to start the state playoffs. Traditions like senior night took on a new meaning in a season unlike any that players and coaches have experienced.


Monday Morning Sun Devil: ASU football growth measurable as spring practice starts

PHOENIX – Arizona State has built its program under Herm Edwards with an eye for players with unique athletic traits. As Edwards enters his fourth season with the Sun Devils, his vision is starting to come into focus.


Anatomy of a postponement: How a COVID-19 test halted Desert Vista, Mountain Pointe game

PHOENIX – After a player on Desert Vista tested positive for COVID-19, Mountain Pointe’s game with the Thunder was called off. Here’s how both teams handled the disruption, and how the players stayed engaged during their quarantine.


The Oregon Trail: Many of Arizona’s top football prospects migrating to Pacific Northwest

PHOENIX – The state's best high school football talent is going to Oregon thanks to a combination of attractive facilities, coaching continuity and good old-fashioned hard work.


Although little fanfare greeted Oubre’s return, former Suns player still missed

PHOENIX – Kelly Oubre Jr. returned to Phoenix for the first time since he was traded in the deal that brought Chris Paul to the Suns. And although the Suns have improved with Paul in the fold, they miss their former teammate and enjoyed seeing Oubre back at Phoenix Suns Arena.


Bitter Ahwatukee basketball rivals reflect on why they marched for justice

PHOENIX – “Everyone needs to hear our voices” — Why bitter Ahwatukee basketball rivals marched together for justice and how they plan to carry their message forward.


Masked men, disinfected gym give high school basketball game in Ahwatukee unique feel

PHOENIX – 6A state title favorite Mountain Pointe and central region rival Corona del Sol matched up under a bizarre set of circumstances thanks to COVID-19.


Monday Morning Sun Devil: ASU builds for 2021 as line play shows program’s growth

PHOENIX – The improvement along both lines is a big reason ASU is positioned for a big 2021 season. Plus, why Zak Hill’s offense is already a success.


Monday Morning Sun Devil: ASU rout in Territorial Cup reflects state of program

PHOENIX – Arizona State’s rout in Territorial Cup shows why ASU made the right decision when it thought outside the box and plucked Herm Edwards from ESPN.


Monday Morning Sun Devil: Reflecting on late game turnovers, future recruits

PHOENIX – Late-game turnovers doomed the Arizona State football team in its loss to UCLA, but the Sun Devils were encouraged by the progress shown in the second half.


‘So glad to be back’: Herm Edwards reflects on isolation after ASU cancels 3rd game

PHOENIX - Arizona State canceled its game against Utah, but expressed optimism that it could play Dec. 2 against UCLA. Coach Herm Edwards also shared his experience fighting COVID-19 in isolation.


Delay of games: Back-to-back cancellations leave ASU football on uncertain path

TEMPE – After canceling its second straight game, ASU football's path to the postseason is in question. However, when the Sun Devils return to the field, there still might be a route to the Pac-12 Championship Game.


Monday Morning Sun Devil: USC finish shows ASU how much work it has to do

PHOENIX – Although Arizona State controlled most of its opening game with USC, an inability to execute down the stretch doomed the Sun Devils.


Pac-12 players want parents to attend games, share petition aimed at government officials

Despite doubt that fans would attend Pac-12 football games in 2020, some conference players and parents are petitioning state and local officials to allow them to see their sons play.


Cardinals own mistakes, but remain confident in playoff chances

PHOENIX - The Cardinals took responsibility for their loss to the Detroit Lions, but expressed confidence that they could bounce back and contend for the NFC West crown.


Diamondbacks’ day of trades including fun-loving, beard-wearing Archie Bradley

PHOENIX – Arizona Diamondbacks shake up franchise, trade away Archie Bradley and Robbie Ray.


Diamondbacks, Mercury postpone games in reaction to Blake shooting; Councilman DiCiccio rips NBA

PHOENIX – The shooting of Jacob Blake led to protests around the country, including Arizona, where the Mercury and Cardinals postponed events.


Testing increases, demand and result times inconsistent

PHOENIX – State leaders say schools have flexibility as academic year approaches, bars to sue after Ducey extends closure and more headlines from around the Grand Canyon State.


Northern Arizona Suns leaving Prescott Valley? Not so fast

PHOENIX – Despite a press release stating their intent to leave, the Northern Arizona Suns have not yet made a decision on whether to move from Prescott Valley for the 2020-21 season.


Coronavirus sports roundup: Suns energized; Coyotes await games with no fans

PHOENIX – Phoenix Suns coach Monty Williams likes team’s energy, while Coyotes try to imagine games with no fans.


Coronavirus sports roundup: Booker misses his dog, Ray a workhorse, Bidwill out of hospital

PHOENIX - Phoenix Suns adjust to life in the bubble. Some Diamondbacks players stayed in Arizona during break. Michael Bidwill released from hospital.


Coronavirus sports roundup: Pac-12 opts for conference-only games, ASU won’t release test results

PHOENIX – The Pac-12 is expected to announce a conference-only schedule. Meanwhile, Arizona State opts not to release COVID-19 test results.


Northern Arizona Suns decide to leave Prescott Valley for Phoenix area

PHOENIX – Citing economic challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the NAZ Suns announced they will leave Prescott Valley for a location closer to the Valley.


Arizona’s top football recruits continue to leave state for college

PHOENIX – ASU and UA have 15 combined players committed in the class of 2021. None of them are from Arizona. Why are the state’s top players going out of state for college?


Diamondbacks’ Mike Leake first MLB player to opt out of season amid pandemic

PHOENIX – Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Mike Leake became the first known Major League Baseball player to opt out of the season, general manager Mike Hazen said Monday.


Recruiting in coronavirus era: Arizona football prospects still committing to Division I programs

PHOENIX – Despite visiting campuses few times if at all in some cases, class of 2021 prospects are committing at record rates. Here’s why three from Arizona high schools decided to join them.


College arms, bloodlines tell the story for Diamondbacks in MLB draft

PHOENIX- After losing rotation piece Taijuan Walker and acquiring All-Star Madison Bumgarner, the Diamondbacks opted to supplement their pitching stock in the draft.


Remote control: Even away from players, Pac-12 football coaches try to stay on track for season

PHOENIX – Separate physically but not socially, Pac-12 coaches have remained engaged with their players virtually as they plan for a football season with many question marks.