• Slug: Sports–ASU Dillingham Kickers, 740 words.
• 4 photos available.

By Patrick Holleron
Cronkite News

CINCINNATI – After calling Arizona State’s kicking game “atrocious” in the wake of a 24-14 Big 12 loss at Cincinnati Saturday, Sun Devils coach Kenny Dillingham continued to walk back his criticism of kicker Ian Hershey during his Monday press conference.

Dillingham opened the media session by apologizing for his comments immediately after the game, when he said he would hold open tryouts for a kicker and invited ASU students to email him if they have kicking experience.

“I’m not kidding,” Dillingham said at the time. Continue reading “Dillingham apologizes, ASU football looks to bounce back after kicker controversy”

• Slug: Sports–Phoenix Country Day Volleyball, 1,000 words.
• 3 photos available.

By Sebastian Mondaca Sepulveda
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – It was one loss. One loss in a season otherwise stuffed with wins. One measly, soul-crushing loss from last November that should be a distant, fuzzy memory.

But not for Phoenix Country Day, which has one of the most dominant girls volleyball teams in the Valley’s 2A region. Part of that success comes from Kat Glaeseman, the team’s coach who brought in a new identity for the squad when she took over the program.

Between 2021 and Thursday night, Phoenix Country Day had won 57 and lost five matches in the regular season, while winning two state titles in 2021 and 2022. In 2023, the Eagles had their best year yet, going undefeated with a 17-0 record in the regular season. However, after reaching the 2A finals for a third consecutive season, Phoenix Country Day suffered an upset, losing to Trivium Preparatory Academy, marking the Eagles’ lone defeat that year. Continue reading “‘Hungry’ for redemption: Phoenix Country Day girls volleyball seeks third title in four years”

• Slug: Sports–ASU Football Linebackers, 1,000 words.
• 4 photos available.

By Tucker Sennett
Cronkite News

TEMPE – The legendary coach Bill Parcells once said, “I like linebackers. I collect them. You can’t have too many good ones.” As the heartbeat of a defense, they are arguably the second-most important position on a football team.

Arizona State coach Kenny Dillingham, defensive coordinator Brian Ward and linebacker coach A.J. Cooper did their best to emulate the great Parcells by building a position group that has excelled in a number of ways in the 2024 season.

A perfect example of that excellence came in the Sun Devils’ 27-19 upset win over No. 16 Utah last Friday, which raised ASU’s record to 5-1, its best start in years. After being suspended for targeting the week before, junior linebacker Keyshaun Elliott had to watch the defense he normally leads from the sideline for the first half. Luckily for the Sun Devils, the depth of the group shined bright. Continue reading “Heart of the defense: ASU’s clutch linebacker room fuels team’s remarkable 5-1 start”

• Slug: Sports–Phoenix Rising Review, 780 words.
• Photo available.

By Cooper Burns
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – Just two weeks remain in the United Soccer League’s regular season, and with only a handful of games left to play, the playoff picture is going from murky to clear. One notable team has yet to lock themselves into the playoffs.

That’s right, 2023 USL champion Phoenix Rising FC is still looking to punch their ticket to the playoffs.

Not having clinched a spot with two games remaining may sound the alarm bells in some quarters. But despite the season’s ups and downs, Rising still has a very good shot of making the playoffs. Continue reading “Can Phoenix Rising FC clinch a playoff berth at home? Memphis 901 match looms large”

• Slug: Sports–Vanden Bosch Twins, 700, words.
• 3 photos available.

By Jalen Weathers
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – The 2024 high school football season has been nothing short of competitive in the AIA, and Brophy College Prep is at the center of it all. Ranked the No. 2 team in the Arizona 6A division, the 5-1 Broncos are in the midst of a fierce start thanks in part to key contributions from twin brothers Case and Bastian Vanden Bosch.

The dynamic duo benefits from Kyle Vanden Bosch’s 12 years of NFL experience, which he shares with his sons to make them better football players as the special team’s coordinator for the Broncos. But more than statistics, Kyle is focused on the character of his sons as teammates.

“I’m just proud of them for who they are,” Kyle said. “I told them from when they were little that you will get respect based upon how hard you work in life. Neither one of them is perfect. They make mistakes, but they’re tough. And they show a certain level of toughness on the football field.” Continue reading “Vanden Bosch twins take a page from father’s NFL playbook to power Brophy College Prep football”

• Slug: Sports–ASU Beach Volleyball Event, 670 words.
• 3 photos available.

By Patrick Holleron
Cronkite News

TEMPE – Shouts of excitement and bursts of sand filled the air at the Sun Devil Beach Volleyball Facility. The Arizona State beach volleyball season might not begin until February, but the athletes didn’t need competitors on the other side of the net to help push their sport last Wednesday.

As Sun Devils junior Tori Clement tossed volleyballs to her teammate Samaya Morin, Kastyn Hoffman helped an assembly of kids with their serving technique during a session of “Building Brilliant Futures,” a program created by Beach Nation Volleyball to reach out to underprivileged youth in multiple communities throughout the U.S.

“I hope that by being a role model for the kids here right now, they can follow by example and fill in those shoes when they get older,” Clement said. “These sessions help hone their skills, and learn about teamwork. The lessons learned can apply this to many different aspects of their life. They can really grow their game, make themselves better athletes, better friends and better leaders.” Continue reading “ASU beach volleyball serves up skills for local youth through ‘Building Brilliant Futures’ in first Tempe event”

• Slug: Sports–Marvin Harrison Jr. Past, 2,500 words.
• 4 photos available.

By Grace Del Pizzo
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – On every level, Arizona Cardinals rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. has taken the game of football by storm. He famously excelled at Ohio State, winning the 2023 Biletnikoff Award as the most outstanding receiver in college football. Before that, he was a three-time state champion at St. Joseph’s Preparatory School in Philadelphia.

Oh, and his father – and namesake – happens to be a Pro Football Hall of Famer.

Expectations have never been anything less than sky-high for Harrison. Now the world is watching as he makes his mark in the NFL, bringing his track record of success with him. Continue reading “‘He’s only scratching the surface’: Former coaches say Marvin Harrison Jr. will bring his winning tradition to Cardinals”

• Slug: Sports–Arizona Women’s Hockey, 1,200 words.
• 3 photos available.

By Anne-Marie Iemmolo
Cronkite News

PHOENIX — When Caitlin Hogan, a lifelong hockey player and Division I standout, saw that the University of Arizona was building a women’s hockey program, she reached out to offer her expertise to the burgeoning team in any way she could.

By the time Hogan contacted the school to extend her services, its national search for a hockey coach was already underway. But after Troy Vaughn, the director of campus recreation, and Chad Berman, the men’s ice hockey coach, met with Hogan, the hunt was over.

“She (Hogan), by far and away, rose to the top,” Vaughn said. Continue reading “Caitlin Hogan leads Arizona Wildcats’ revival of women’s hockey in Tucson”

• Slug: Sports–ASU Quarterback Change, 520 words.
• Photo available.

By Tucker L. Sennett
Cronkite News

TEMPE – After taking a hard hit in Arizona State’s win over Utah and sustaining a rib injury, redshirt freshman quarterback Sam Leavitt will not play Saturday against Cincinnati, ASU coach Kenny Dillingham announced Wednesday.

Senior quarterback Jeff Sims will take his place as the starter for the 5-1 Sun Devils on the road against the 4-2 Bearcats.

“We brought him in to compete to start,” Dillingham told reporters after ASU’s practice. “Now (Sims), who’s started a crap-ton of games, gets to go start again. To me, there’s not much drama.” Continue reading “Enter Jeff Sims: Veteran ASU quarterback poised to take over for injured Sam Leavitt”

• Slug: Sports–Fantasy Football Old School, 860 words.
• 2 photos available.

By Dane Palmer
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – The first sign of this fantasy football league’s uniqueness is the walk commissioner Mark Armijo makes to his mailbox every August. Inside sit the $75 entry fee checks required of each participant. Venmo? PayPal? In this league, that’s blasphemous.

Fantasy football – a game in which members are general managers of teams they’ve drafted, often for money – has become a way to unite friends and family, as well as claim glory by way of bragging rights or prize. One group of friends with connections to the Arizona Republic have done just that for 46 years in the most old school of ways: no apps, no fantasy programs, just old-fashioned pen, paper and emails. Lots of emails.

“I still have a flip phone, I’m still living in the 20th century,” said Mark Armijo, commissioner of the Republic Football League. “I’m so attuned to our league that I don’t understand any other fantasy apps.” Continue reading “Snail mail, checks and flip phones: This journalists’ fantasy football league is keeping it old school for 46 years”

• Slug: Sports–Phoenix Rising FC, 740 words.
• Photo available.

By Sebastian Mondaca Sepulveda
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – After suffering its third straight loss last Friday, Phoenix Rising FC’s season was in jeopardy. Interim coach Diego Gómez was unable to propel his team to a needed victory, and everything looked dim for the club.

Despite the loss to Monterey Bay FC in front of Rising’s dejected but loyal fanbase, Gómez had a couple of words to share heading into Wednesday’s crucial matchup on the road against rival New Mexico United.

“Win,” Gómez said. “We need to win on Wednesday. We need to shake it off and push. The most important thing right now is our mentality and continue to work after this.” Continue reading “Phoenix Rising FC faces tough road ahead on cusp of USL postseason berth”

• Slug: Sports–Melton Brothers NFL, 1,000 words.
• 2 photos available.

By Patrick Holleron
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – In the stands of SHI Stadium, Gary and Vicky Melton wiped away tears.

Their sons, Bo and Max Melton, took the field as teammates for the first time at the collegiate level for Rutgers in Piscataway, New Jersey. The Scarlet Knights walked away with the victory over Michigan State, but the 38-27 final score took a backseat for the proud parents as they witnessed their sons fulfill their football dreams.

Now, four years later, Bo and Max will accomplish another milestone for the Melton family Sunday when the Arizona Cardinals face the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Bo, in his second year at wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers, and Max, rookie defensive back Cardinals, will face off against each other for the first time in the NFL.
For Max, the matinee matchup against his brother is one he always envisioned before his first NFL snap. Continue reading “Melton brothers set for first sibling rivalry as Max and Bo battle in Cardinals vs. Packers”

• Slug: Sports–Arizona Wildcats BYU, 720 words.
• Photo available.

By Tom Forbes
Cronkite News

TUCSON – Before the Arizona Wildcats travel to Provo, Utah, to take on BYU for the first time since 2021, the No. 14 Cougars have been studying last week’s game between Arizona and Texas Tech in search of weaknesses.

At Arizona’s Big 12 home opener, quarterback Noah Fifita struggled to gain an offensive rhythm in the first half, getting sacked on the Wildcats’ first possession and throwing an interception returned for a touchdown that allowed the Red Raiders to take the lead at halftime.

Arizona eventually picked up its offense but still lost, 28-22, dropping to 3-2 overall and 1-1 in the conference. Continue reading “Arizona Wildcats head to Provo eyeing upset of unbeaten, well-rested BYU after suffering setback”

• Slug: Sports–Utah Hockey Club Reax, 1,900 words.
• 2 photos available.

By Chase Beardsley
Cronkite News

SALT LAKE CITY – Rally towels, singer Shaboozey and slushie-drinking contests. All were features of the Utah Hockey Club’s inaugural game at the Delta Center, marking the NHL’s first regular-season game in Salt Lake City. While the team let the local fans go home happy, winning 5-2 over the Chicago Blackhawks, reminders of where the franchise was a year ago were everywhere.

Forward Dylan Guenther got the crowd on their feet early Tuesday night, just 4:56 into the game. The young Edmonton native scored the first-ever goal in Utah franchise history and more than likely, found a spot in Utah fans’ hearts as well after scoring a second goal late in the third period. 

Guenther was once in the hearts of Arizona Coyotes fans. After the team selected him ninth overall in 2021, the forward had 50 points in 78 games across two seasons. He was expected to be a pillar of success for the franchise’s future ambitions. Now, he’s the property of Utah, looking to help it make the playoffs. Continue reading “Utah Hockey Club’s debut provides exciting beginning for some fans, difficult closure for others”

• Slug: Sports–Tyus Jones Suns 1,000 words.
• Photo available.

By Koby Braunstein
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – Tyus Jones could be the missing link to unleashing the Phoenix Suns’ offensive potential and bringing an NBA championship to the Valley in 2025.

Jones will look to spearhead a high-tempo brand of basketball oriented on crisp ball movement and transition 3-pointers while serving as a security blanket that maximizes each player’s strengths.

Suns general manager James Jones emphasized the importance of acquiring both Jones and Monté Morris in free agency over the summer to hold down the point guard position. Continue reading “Tyus Jones poised to guide Phoenix Suns offense in NBA championship push”

• Slug: Sports-Booker Russell friendshop, 1,060 words.
• Photo available.

By Connor Moreno
Cronkite News

PALM DESERT, Calif. — As Devin Booker wrapped up his routine of feeling out the game ball before the Phoenix Suns tipped off last Sunday’s preseason game, Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell jokingly tried to steal the ball in front of referee Kevin Cutler to stop Booker from getting comfortable.

After exchanging a few words and laughs, the two guards embraced with a dap-up and a hug and lined up on their respective sides of the jump ball circle to open the 2024 NBA preseason – marking the start of the 10th season for the friendly foes.

From getting each other in trouble for breaking curfew at the NBPA Top 100 camp in 2014, to hitting golf balls at Booker’s mountainside driving range in the 2024 offseason as a part of Russell’s “Backyard Podcast,” their friendship has mostly been unknown to the public. Continue reading “Book & D-Lo: One of NBA’s closest friendship is hidden in plain sight”

• Slug: Sports–ASU Men’s Swimming Kharum, 730 words.
• Photo available.

By Fletcher Anderson
Cronkite News

TEMPE – Arizona State swimmers took center stage in Paris during the Olympic finals of the 200-meter butterfly on July 31. The Canadian-born Ilya Kharun captured Olympic bronze, while his former Sun Devil teammate Leon Marchand of France won gold. Four days later, in the 100-meter butterfly, Kharun secured his second bronze for Canada at just 19 years old.

Nearly three months later, as Marchand settles into his professional career, Kharun is back in the Valley and leading the Sun Devils as ASU’s swim and dive team leaps into a new season under a new coach, Herbie Behm. Last Monday, Kharun and Behm paused to reflect on a wild summer in Paris, while looking ahead at the Sun Devils’ new era as part of the Big 12 Conference.

 “Such an honor, representing the country and performing at that stage,” Kharun said about his Olympic experience. “It did take me some time to actually (realize) like wow, I was there. Because in the moment at the Olympics, I didn’t think of it as a big deal.” Continue reading “After 2024 Paris Olympics success, ASU men’s swimmer Ilya Kharun looks to build on Sun Devils legacy”

• Slug: Sports–Wildcats Mexican Baseball Fiesta, 600 words.
• 4 photos available.

By Tom Forbes
Cronkite News

TUCSON – Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium came alive as Tucsonans flocked to the diamond for a vibrant weekend of baseball, food and lively music to celebrate Mexican culture during National Hispanic Heritage Month.

The Mexican Baseball Fiesta, a beloved annual Tucson tradition, hosted professional teams from the Mexican Pacific League along with a special appearance from the Arizona Wildcats baseball team.

The event started in 2011 and has called Kino Stadium home ever since. Thousands of fans come to the field to get a taste of the atmosphere of professional baseball in Mexico. The event has expanded to include events at Sloan Park in Mesa and Camelback Ranch in Glendale in recent years. Continue reading “Arizona Wildcats dominate Naranjeros de Hermosillo in Mexican Baseball Fiesta ahead of first Big 12 season”

• Slug: Sports–Dillingham Whittingham Meeting, 800 words.
• Photo available.

By Tucker Sennett
Cronkite News

TEMPE – Other than their names ending in “ham” and guiding their teams to identical records through the first six weeks of the college football season, Arizona State coach Kenny Dillingham and Utah coach Kyle Whittingham share few similarities.

On Friday night at Mountain America Stadium, the two coaches will lead their 4-1 teams into battle against one another in a true test of youth against experience.

The 64-year-old Whittingham has been with the Utes since 1994, becoming the head coach in 2004 after the University of Florida took a chance on an exciting new coach named Urban Meyer. Since then, Whittingham has amassed a record of 166-80, quietly becoming one of the nation’s best coaches. Continue reading “Battle of the ‘Hams’: ASU braces for No. 16 Utah under Friday night lights”

• Slug: Sports–DirecTV ESPN Dispute Streaming, 960 words.
• Photo available.

By Daniel Mendenhall
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – ESPN’s “Monday Night Football,” “College GameDay,” and the 2024 U.S. Open Tennis Championships are among the most notable television sports programs that DirecTV customers could not view in September as a result of the contract negotiations between cable provider DirecTV and entertainment giant, The Walt Disney Co.

The deal impacted viewers for 13 days, but for diehard sports fans, it felt much longer.

Suzy Emre, a college football and Kansas City Chiefs fan, was one of the many DirecTV customers who vocalized their dissatisfaction with the platform’s failure to secure a deal in time for the football season. Like Emre and other sports fans, their love for the game has a personal connection, and missing the first games of the season left them feeling empty. Continue reading “DirecTV-Disney standoff underscores ongoing media industry shift, future of sports fan viewership”