• Slug: Sports-Rex Chapman Book, 1,500 words.
• Photo available.

By Hayden Cilley
Cronkite News

TEMPE – Sitting down in a chair at the Changing Hands Bookstore, Rex Chapman gazed through a near-filled audience who were on hand to support his first book, “It’s Hard for Me to Live with Me: A Memoir.”

Chapman’s eclectic group of fans – including those who have known him from his University of Kentucky days, others who watched him with the Phoenix Suns, the legions who now follow him on social media, and his family and friends who stood by when he hit rock bottom – had come together Tuesday night for a conversation of humility, transparency and, in some cases, regret.

Chapman spoke with reporters privately before the seminar. The former Suns guard faced conflicting emotions about the anticipation of his book. Continue reading “‘It’s pretty terrifying’: Ex-Suns guard Rex Chapman’s memoir sparks conversations on addiction, recovery in Tempe”

• Slug: Sports-Léon Marchand Olympics, 1,200 words.
• Photo available.

By Hayden Cilley
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – Arizona State junior swimming savant Léon Marchand is expected to be the face of the French national team at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

But first things first.

For now, Marchand is focused on getting through the Pac-12 Conference Men’s Swimming and Diving Championships and leading the Sun Devils in pursuit of an NCAA title. And that means remaining in the present and taking each meet one at a time. Continue reading “ASU’s Léon Marchand preps for Pac-12, NCAA championships en route to second Olympic appearance”

• Slug: Sports-Xavier Prep Dynasty, 1,650 words.
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By Brett Lapinski
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – The year is 1973. Secretariat has won the unprecedented Triple Crown, the Miami Dolphins’ perfect season is complete, and the greatest sports dynasty in Arizona high school history is born.

During the 1973 girls swim and dive season, coach Mary Faith led her Xavier College Prep Gators to the first state championship in school history. Fast forward 50 years, and Xavier College Prep has amassed an additional 150 state championships – a feat no other single-sex or co-ed school has accomplished in Arizona.

Although the number of state championships is in the hundreds, the main reason behind the success stems from one legendary nun. Founded in 1943, Xavier is a private, Catholic all-girls school located in Central Phoenix. Continue reading “Gator greats: Xavier College Prep’s ongoing sports dynasty is decades in the making”

• Slug: Sports-New Managers,1055 words.
• 4 photos available.

By Justin de Haas
Cronkite News

GLENDALE – The job of an MLB manager is one of the most highly-coveted positions in sports, but there are only 30 spots available at any given time.

Eight MLB teams have a new manager in 2024 – an anomaly that has happened twice since 2006 – with six of those clubs playing in the Cactus League in spring training. Offseasons with this amount of manager movement do not often occur, but there will also be a lot of familiar faces in new places for the upcoming season.

Some of these managers – referred to as head coaches in almost every other sport – are at the helm for the very first time, while others have experience with different teams in various roles. Nonetheless, no path to being an MLB manager is created equal. Continue reading “Spring ahead: Six Cactus League teams feature new managers in dugout, all with same goal”

• Slug: Sports-GCU Tennis Player Serbia, 660 words
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By Jaden Batiest
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – Serbia is known for producing elite athletes Nikola Jokic in basketball, Novak Djokovic in men’s tennis and Sergej Milinković-Savić in soccer, but tennis is one of the least popular sports because its price tag.

However, Iva Sepa is using tennis as a vehicle as she adjusts to moving from Serbia to Phoenix, where she is a freshman studying business information and is on the Grand Canyon University women’s tennis team.

“I started playing tennis when I was eight. Actually, my grandma brought me to the tennis courts because she was a big fan of tennis,” Sepa said. Continue reading “From Serbia to Phoenix: Freshman Iva Sepa makes waves in tennis, culture at Grand Canyon University”

• Slug: Sports-ASU Baseball Preview, 1,400 words
• 2 photos available (thumbnails, captions below)

By Anthony Remedios
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – With just a month to go in the 2023 season, the Arizona State baseball team was ranked in the Top 20 and controlled its destiny to return to the NCAA Tournament. The possibility even existed to host postseason baseball at Phoenix Municipal Stadium for the first time since the team’s move from Packard Stadium nine years earlier.

However, a late season skid that saw the Sun Devils win just three of their final 12 Pac-12 conference games and fall short in the Pac-12 tournament, ultimately led to the team missing out on a regional. During the NCAA tournament selection show, ASU was announced as a “First Four Out” and rival Arizona as a “Last Four In” after the Wildcats won seven of their last nine games, including a 12-3 victory over ASU in pool play of the Pac-12 tournament.

With Friday’s opener here, the Sun Devils are ready to embrace the peaks and valleys that the 2024 campaign is sure to bring. The Santa Clara Broncos will visit Phoenix Municipal Stadium to kick off the festivities, fresh off a West Coast Conference Tournament championship and a regional appearance in the 2023 NCAA tournament, their first in 26 years. Continue reading “Road to Omaha: ASU baseball team begins 2024 season with renewed confidence”

• Slug: Sports-Gilbert Regional Pickleball, 1,000 words
• 4 photos available (thumbnails, captions below)

By Sammy Nute
Cronkite News

GILBERT – The lights have just come on at Gilbert Regional Park, and paddles line the fences, signaling it’s time for the park’s busiest time of day. Playing under the lights is special for any athlete, adding an extra level of atmosphere that is hard to top, and Gilbert Regional has just come alive.

Pickleball, a game played with a paddle and balls on a truncated tennis court, has become the fastest-growing sport in the country, with professional and recreational leagues popping up across the nation.

The Association of Pickleball Players reported in March 2023 that 48.3 percent of Americans had played at least one pickleball game, a number that represents 19% of the country. Continue reading “From dusk till dawn: Gilbert Regional Park’s pickleball oasis offers electric atmosphere to draw passionate community”

• Slug: Sports-Stewart-Eubanks punch, 960 words
• File photo available (thumbnail, caption below)

By Asher Hyre
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – NBA games in mid-February are typically uneventful with players eager to finally rest their bodies during the imminent All-Star break. However a matchup on Valentine’s Day between the Detroit Pistons and Phoenix Suns didn’t consist of much love.

The game Wednesday night ended peacefully with the Suns winning 116-100, but started fiery and emotional after Pistons’ forward Isaiah Stewart punched Suns’ center Drew Eubanks in the face pregame, resulting in a “minor injury,” according to local police. Eubanks went on to play in the game, finishing with six points and six rebounds in 18 minutes.

Stewart was “arrested for assault and issued a citation and released. The investigation remains active,” Phoenix police said in a statement. Continue reading “Isaiah Stewart arrested for punching Drew Eubanks ahead of Phoenix Suns’ win”

• Slug: Sports-Perry Basketball, 810 words
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By Noah Maltzman
Cronkite News

GILBERT – Fueled by exceptional team chemistry and the desire to build a legacy, the Perry High School boys basketball team has its sights set on winning a third consecutive state championship.

The Pumas are off to a good start in that pursuit after defeating Willow Canyon, 75-43, in a first-round game Wednesday night. The state’s top-ranked team will face Deer Valley on Friday.

Perry, which has not had a losing season since 2016-17, took a 19-6 record into the state tournament, to go along with a 6-2 split through eight games in the 6A Premier region. Despite playing in the toughest region in the state, Perry had a point differential of +403 and defeated opponents by an average of 16 points per game. Continue reading “3-Peat? Koa, Perry boys basketball seek third straight title riding chemistry, family history”

• Slug: Sports-Brandon Aiyuk, 652 words
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By James Morel
Cronkite News

PHOENIX — Days after the San Francisco 49ers season was in the rearview mirror, former Arizona State receiver Brandon Aiyuk took to social media fresh off the biggest stage of his playing career to post cryptic posts about his future with the team.

With the confetti long gone inside Allegiant Stadium after the Kansas City Chiefs won a second straight Super Bowl, Aiyuk had an important message to send out after only posting three catches for 49 yards in defeat: “Don’t forget what got you there,” he tweeted.

His girlfriend and brother followed Aiyuk’s lead with vague social posts of their own. When asked about free agency and the “right move” later in the week, Aiyuk said, “Being a champion.” Continue reading “Former ASU receiver Brandon Aiyuk blazes trail to Super Bowl”

• Slug: Sports-Phoenix Open wrap, 700 words
• 2 photos available (thumbnails, caption below)

By Josh Jones
Cronkite News

SCOTTSDALE – Golden hour was nearing its end at TPC Scottsdale’s 18th hole Sunday evening. Weather, headlining much of the weekend, was not the primary focus on this picture-perfect day.

A spirited North American rivalry was.

“U-S-A!” was quickly contested by “CAN-A-DA!” in a Ryder Cup-like atmosphere among the playoff patrons. Continue reading “Nick Taylor’s playoff victory caps controversial WM Phoenix Open on high note”

• Slug: Sports-Phoenix Open Underdogs, 1,500 words
• 3 photos available (thumbnails, caption below)

By Aaron Schmidt
Cronkite News

SCOTTSDALE – While fans were still busy searching for a drink, slipping around in the mud or trying to simply navigate the massive crowd that packed TPC Scottsdale at the WM Phoenix Open over the weekend, a tournament longshot and a fan favorite were turning heads with their surprising performances.

Andrew Novak, who is 228th in the most recent Official World Golf Ranking, and Sahith Theegala, who endeared himself to the huge galleries when he challenged for a victory here in 2022, were putting on the early show as some of the field completed their third round and started the fourth Sunday because of weather delays earlier in the tournament.

Heading into Thursday’s opening round, all eyes were on Scottie Scheffler, the No. 1 ranked golfer in the world for the past 39 weeks and a two-time defending champion at TPC Scottsdale. Continue reading “An underdog story: In tournament lacking big names, some longshots were making theirs at WM Phoenix Open”

• Slug: Sports-Dodgers Fans Expectations, 630 words
• 2 photos available (thumbnails, caption below)

By James Lotts
Cronkite News

GLENDALE – As the Los Angeles Dodgers begin spring training with a revamped roster thanks to a record-breaking offseason spending spree, fans of the team are more excited than ever – but not without raising their expectations of winning the ultimate prize this season.

The heightened anticipation was on display Friday at Camelback Ranch as fans waited for pitchers and catchers to begin their first official workout.

Dodgers fan Danny Thompson, who runs an Instagram fan account with more than 185,000 followers, made his championship expectations very clear. Continue reading “Title talk: Dodgers fans expect to be back in the World Series in 2024”

• Slug: Sports-WM Phoenix Open Nick Taylor, 900 words
• 4 photos available (thumbnails, captions below)

By Sammy Nute
Cronkite News

SCOTTSDALE – Canadian Nick Taylor is already a hero in his home country. The 35-year-old secured his legend up north last year when he sunk a 72-foot walk-off putt to become the first Canadian to win the RBC Canadian Open on home soil in nearly 70 years. On Friday, his legend grew even larger.

After finishing runner-up to Scottie Scheffler at last year’s WM Phoenix Open, Taylor opened up this year’s tournament by shooting an 11-under bogey-free 60 for a five-shot lead, a PGA Tour record for the largest 18-hole lead in a stroke event. After Day Two play, he fell into a tie for the lead with Andrew Novak following a 1-under round.

“I made a shift a couple of years ago just seeing the lines a little better on these greens,” Taylor said. “I’ve always felt comfortable tee-to-green here, but the last couple years, I’ve been able to see the lines a little bit better. That’s been the biggest difference.” Continue reading “O Canada! Nick Taylor impresses fans to north by shooting 60 at WM Phoenix Open”

• Slug: Sports-Phoenix Open Environment, 800 words
• 2 photos available (thumbnails, caption below)

By Justin de Haas
Cronkite News

SCOTTSDALE – The WM Phoenix Open is also called “The People’s Open” for the raucous energy it provides, but precipitation rained on the parade of the opening round Thursday.

Hole 16 is known as “the loudest hole in golf” for its unique coliseum atmosphere on the PGA Tour, but a three-and-a-half hour rain delay chased away many spectators, leaving sections of empty seats in the aftermath. The fans that persevered through the suspension of play still made their presence felt, but Shane Lowry could sense the difference of camaraderie at TPC Scottsdale.

“If anything, it’s more disappointing to me because the atmosphere is not as good as it normally is, with everyone being so cold and wrapped up,” Lowry said. “I’m sure there’s less drinks being taken out there as well, because it’s not exactly nice weather to have a cold beer in your hands. Yeah, it’s one of those where you just have to deal with whatever comes. I think the weather’s going to be nice tomorrow, not great Saturday, and nice again on Sunday. So it will still be cold all week. We’ll see what happens.” Continue reading “‘Embrace the craziness’: Despite rain delay, players endure at WM Phoenix Open”

• Slug: Sports-WM Phoenix Open Preview, 850 words
• 3 photos available (thumbnails, captions below)

By Anthony Remedios
Cronkite News

SCOTTSDALE – Of all the events on the PGA Tour, the WM Phoenix Open stands out for several reasons. For many fans, it’s the party atmosphere, which typically hits a crescendo on the iconic 16th hole.

But for those competing on the links, especially this year, this tournament means more than numbers on the scorecard.

After an extended medical absence due to complications resulting from a 2018 car accident, PGA Tour golfer Bud Cauley makes his return to the tour Thursday in the WM Phoenix Open’s first round. Continue reading “More than a scorecard: For Bud Cauley, Kevin Yu, 2024 WM Phoenix Open has special meaning”

• Slug: Sports-WM Phoenix Open Celebrities, 600 words
• 4 photos available (thumbnails, captions below)

By Jayla French
Cronkite News

SCOTTSDALE – Top Gun actor Glen Powell danced on the driving range. Retired Alabama football coach Nick Saban evaded the media. It was just another day of the unexpected at the WM Phoenix Open Annexus Pro-Am.

Wednesday’s event was canceled early in the afternoon when heavy rain, which later turned to hail, soaked the course at TPC Scottsdale. But the wet conditions didn’t keep fans from filling the stands at the 16th hole or standing in line to snag autographs from a celebrity lineup that included retired baseball stars (Alex Rodriguez and Adrián Beltré), current Arizona Diamondbacks players (Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly and manager Torey Lovullo) and musicians (country star Jake Owens).

“This is my first Waste Management Open. I’m unbelievably excited,” Powell said. “I’m not a good enough golfer to take this thing seriously so I’m just planning on having a good time today.” Continue reading “Stars come out, hail comes down: Wild WM Phoenix Open pro-am features appearances by Saban, Phelps”

• Slug: Sports-Phoenix Open Day Two, 970 words
• 4 photos available (thumbnails, captions below)

By Addison Kalmbach
Cronkite News

SCOTTSDALE – Despite the uncharacteristically gloomy, gray weather, the WM Phoenix Open kicked off Tuesday with charity events and a practice round for the PGA Tour pros.

As part of Ford Free Days, an Arizona Ford Dealers promotion, fans could access TPC Scottsdale’s Stadium Course free of charge to watch their favorite golfers strike practice shots ahead of Thursday’s opening round of the four-day tournament.

But talk of the inclement weather that may put a damper on the rest of the week dominated conversation. Rain showers are expected every day this week in the Valley, but PGA Tour officials are prepared. Every Tour event has an on-site meteorologist, and this week Kyle Koval is at the TPC Scottsdale to help predict the weather. Continue reading “It’s not ‘doom and gloom’: WM Phoenix Open officials remain optimistic despite weather concerns”

• Slug: Sports-Big 12 Football Schedule, 500 words.
• Photo, graphics available. (thumbnails, captions below)

By Mason Byers
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – Different conference, same goals.

The Big 12 Conference unveiled its 2024 schedule Tuesday, giving Arizona State and Arizona their first look at the road ahead in their first season in the conference.

And it’s a long road on a couple of weekends. Continue reading “Arizona’s Big 12 blitz: Conference unveils 2024 football schedule for Sun Devils, Wildcats”

• Slug: Sports-Auto Racing Radford, 1,100 words.
• 3 photos available. (thumbnails, captions below)

By Hayden Cilley
Cronkite News

SCOTTSDALE – During a week where supercars like the Acid Green Porsche 918 Spyder and Donald J. Trump’s 1997 Lamborghini Diablo VT Roadster were auctioned for millions of dollars, the Radford Racing School sought to tap into the crowds of car enthusiasts who attend the annual Barrett-Jackson car auction at WestWorld of Scottsdale.

The auction has taken place in the Valley since 1971, and the company carries a rich history of bringing one-of-a-kind collector cars to the auction while also giving back to the community.

The Radford Racing School, which is at the site of the former Bondurant High-Performance Driving School on the Gila River Indian Community near Chandler, sits only 20 minutes south of the Sky Harbor International Airport. Continue reading “Thrill ride: Radford Racing School drives enthusiasm to new heights at Barrett-Jackson auction”