Despite challenges, UCF’s Johnny Dawkins excited for new season

The San Francisco 49ers welcomed back running back Christian McCaffrey, who has fully recovered from injuries that limited him to just four games last season, providing a significant boost to the team. Coach Kyle Shanahan praised McCaffrey's readiness and noted his impressive performance in drills, which reflects his past success as the AP Offensive Player of the Year in 2023. While the team has seen good attendance this offseason due to early contract resolutions, several...

In the District 2 Class 1A championship, Holy Cross overcame an early deficit to defeat Old Forge 8-1, led by junior pitcher Ava Schmidt, who struck out eight batters and scored three runs. After Old Forge initially took a 1-0 lead, Schmidt bounced back, contributing a triple that gave Holy Cross the lead, followed by crucial runs in the later innings. The Crusaders solidified their victory with strong offensive play, showcasing their versatility and determination...

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan reported that running back Christian McCaffrey is "as healthy as can be," following an injury-plagued previous season where he played only four games due to ankle and knee issues. Videos from OTAs show McCaffrey making sharp cuts, indicating he is fully recovered as he enters the 2025-26 season, two years after leading the NFL with 1,459 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns. With McCaffrey's health, the 49ers are optimistic...

ANDOVER — The first-ever Merrimack Valley Conference Football Showcase hosted 100 underclassmen at Andover High, aiming to attract college coaches and fulfill student-athletes' dreams of playing at the next level. Spearheaded by new head coach Jay Fielding, the event received praise from participants like Lawrence High’s Jariel Atiles and Central Catholic’s Brian Waller-Reitano, who appreciated the opportunity to showcase their skills through drills and interactions with coaches from various college divisions. This initiative, unique to...

Yealimi Noh is tied for the first-round lead at the 80th U.S. Women’s Open with a 4-under 68, using a broomstick putter to overcome her struggles with the yips. Noh, who won her first LPGA title at the Founders Cup in February, now ranks 30th in putts per GIR after previously ranking 130th and 102nd in the past two years. As she enjoys her time in Wisconsin, Noh reflects on her journey, noting that fellow...

Major League Baseball is investing in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL), marking its first venture into a professional women’s softball league, with an equity stake exceeding 20%. The league will debut on June 7, featuring four teams—Bandits, Talons, Blaze, and Volts—playing across 10 cities until July 23, culminating in a three-game championship series in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Players, drafted from those who have exhausted college eligibility, will earn an average salary of $45,000, with potential...