Latest from Jack Barron
Rodeo’s rough reality: Inside America’s most dangerous sport as increased safety measures aim to protect riders, horses
WILLCOX – Rodeo is more dangerous than football and ice hockey, but riders often wear far less protective gear. After decades of danger, the rodeo world is prioritizing the safety of riders and the horses and cattle they compete with in the ring.
Best of the best: In NHL’s absence from Arizona, Jr. Coyotes skate on to develop college, professional hockey players
SCOTTSDALE – The Jr. Coyotes are carrying on their namesake NHL team’s legacy as a hotbed for hockey talent in Arizona. The organization has produced the likes of Auston Matthews, Josh Doan and Mark Kastelic and is looking to add more players to the list.
Graded gold: Pokémon cards boom post-COVID, with vendors cashing in at Arizona State Card Show
PHOENIX – Pokémon trading cards have been in the United States since their introduction in 1999, but the hobby has never been this popular. The hobby’s growth is fueled by nostalgia and high prices for rare cards.
A farewell to Saint Paul: NCHC set for Frozen Faceoff finale in Minnesota, shift to on-campus postseason
PHOENIX – The NCHC has hosted its Frozen Faceoff games in Saint Paul, Minnesota since the 2013-14 season in the Minnesota Wild’s Xcel Energy Center. However, the conference will change to an on-campus format next season, potentially bringing more playoff hockey to the Valley.
ASU ice hockey’s next challenge: Taking down defending champion Denver in NCHC Frozen Faceoff
PHOENIX – The reigning national champion Denver Pioneers will prove a challenge for the Sun Devils in their first NCHC Frozen Faceoff. ASU won three of four meetings this season, but Denver’s fiery offense and strong goalkeeping make the Pioneers hard to beat.
Old school meets new school: Centennial High baseball coach Jon Williams aims for state title with sabermetrics and scheduling
PEORIA – Centennial baseball coach Jon Williams created a sabermetrics and year-long scheduling program to take his team to the next level. The Coyotes have become one of Arizona’s best baseball teams thanks to analytics and rigorous preparation.
A town without football: Arizona border town San Luis rallies behind its standout soccer team
SAN LUIS – The Sidewinders soccer team is the pride of San Luis, Arizona, a tiny border town. The surrounding community rallies around the team’s coach and the players they’ve seen grow into soccer players in a town without a football field.
From qualifier to top 10: PGA Tour newcomer Will Chandler enjoying the ride at WM Phoenix Open
SCOTTSDALE – Will Chandler was one of three to clinch their spots for the WM Phoenix Open in the Monday qualifier. In his third PGA Tour event, Chandler made the cut and entered round three with a top-15 spot after his second round was delayed until Saturday.
Puerto Rican fans cheer on Rafael Campos at WM Phoenix Open
SCOTTSDALE – Puerto Rican golfer Rafael Campos made his first WM Phoenix Open appearance and was cheered on by a small, but rowdy contingent of Puerto Rican fans.
