Rec Sports

Ty Detmer to Headline Sports Fundraiser for Hungry Kids in Cibola County

Published

7 months ago

June 4, 2025

Grants/ Milan Rotary Club’s All- Star Weekend returns to help feed Hungry Kids

GRANTS, N.M. — Working to feed the hungry kids of Cibola County, the Grants/Milan Rotary Club has an eventful weekend planned.

NFL legend Ty Detmer is coming to Cibola County this weekend — not to play, but to give back. He’ll be joined by an all-star lineup of professional athletes, college coaches, and even a reality television champion for the 22nd Annual DYFL All-Star Weekend, a high-energy fundraiser hosted by the Grants/Milan Rotary Foundation.

The goal of the event is simple and urgent: to raise money for the Rotary’s backpack program, which provides food-filled backpacks to local students who might otherwise go hungry over the weekend.

Cibola is a county where more than 40 percent of students live below the poverty line, organizers say the need for food assistance is urgent.

Friday: Camps and Clinics

The weekend kicks off Friday, June 6, with a series of youth sports clinics and leadership sessions held at Grants High School and other local venues.

Activities begin with volleyball drills led by Jon Gonchar, head coach of the University of New Mexico women’s volleyball team. Older students — grades 8 through 12 — will take the court from 9 to 11 a.m., followed by a lunch break and a second session for younger players in grades 3 through 7 from 12 to 2 p.m.

Basketball fans will have the chance to train with WNBA player DeMya Wheatfall, who will run morning and afternoon camps for girls and boys in grades 3 through 12. Wheatfall, known for her collegiate career at Texas A&M and her professional play overseas, will be joined by Rickey Sullivan and Chance Patterson for the day’s clinics.

Meanwhile, in a nearby gym, Survivor 2024 winner Rachel LaMont will host a motivational workshop titled “The Will to WIN.” LaMont, who became a fan favorite for her resilience and leadership on the show, will speak to students in grades 8 through 12 about mental preparation and the power of perseverance.

Later in the day, former MLB All-Star Dee Gordon will take the field at the Grants High School baseball diamond. Gordon — known for his speed, agility, and standout seasons with the Miami Marlins and Seattle Mariners — will lead a baseball and softball session for high school athletes from 2 to 4 p.m.

Also on Friday afternoon, UNM tennis coach Rob Bareford will conduct a youth tennis camp for students in grades 4 through 8 at the high school tennis courts.

The day concludes with a business casual fundraising dinner at Coyote Del Malpais Golf Course from 5 to 7 p.m. The evening will feature a special guest speaker and a hole-in-one shootout to boost donations.

Saturday: Ty Detmer and Football

Saturday’s schedule shifts the spotlight to football — and to Ty Detmer himself.

Detmer, who won the Heisman Trophy in 1990 as quarterback at BYU and went on to play for several NFL teams including the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers, will lead a quarterback camp for students in grades 9 through 12 from 9 to 10 a.m. at Grants High School.

Following the camp, a combine-style workout will be held from 10 to 11:45 a.m. for all students in grades 4 through 12.

Joining Detmer on the field will be three other professional football players: Rodney Rice, a defensive back who played for Virginia Tech and signed with the Denver Broncos; Jeff Badet, a speedy wide receiver who has spent time with the Minnesota Vikings, Washington Commanders, and the XFL’s Vegas Vipers; Bene Benwikere, a former Carolina Panthers cornerback known for his standout rookie season and stints with multiple NFL teams.

An autograph session with all four athletes will follow immediately after the morning’s events at the Grants High School Football Field.

The weekend will wrap up with a golf tournament at Coyote Del Malpais beginning at 1 p.m. Saturday, with dinner at the clubhouse to follow.

Supporting Cibola’s Hungry Students

The DYFL All-Star Weekend has become a cherished annual tradition in Cibola County and has for years helped fund the Backpack Program.

All proceeds will support the Rotary’s weekend Backpack Program, which discreetly provides students with nutritious meals to take home on Fridays. For many local families, this program is the difference between hunger and hope.

The Grants/Milan Rotary Foundation is encouraging the public to participate in the festivities or contribute to the cause.

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Rec Sports

Photos: Fort Lewis College women’s and men’s basketball take on Westminster University

Published

2 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Both Skyhawks teams were victorious on Saturday afternoon

Fort Lewis College plays tough defense against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Donald Bangham, Jr. of Fort Lewis College finger rolls the ball over Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Ashten Martinez of Fort Lewis College plays defense against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Massal Diouf of Fort Lewis College blocks a Westminster University shot on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Cassius Carmichael of Fort Lewis College dunks the ball against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Chuol Deng of Fort Lewis College puts up a shot against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Natalie Guanella of Fort Lewis College passes the ball while playing against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Fort Lewis College plays tough defense against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Jaxon Smith of Fort Lewis College puts up a three-point shot against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Makaya Porter of Fort Lewis College drives to the basket while playing against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Fort Lewis College plays tough defense against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Lauren Zuniga, left, Fort Lewis College women’s baseketball head coach, and assistant coach Maggie Espenmiller-McGraw are all smiles with player Claudia Palacio Gámez after winning the game against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Stewart Erhart of Fort Lewis College splits the Westminster University defense on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Katie Lamb of Fort Lewis College puts up a 3-point shot against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Natalie Guanella of Fort Lewis College plays defense against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Claudia Palacio Gámez of Fort Lewis College fights off the Westminster University defense on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Josie Davis of Fort Lewis College puts up a shot against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Trey Curry of Fort Lewis College takes away a passing lane while playing Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Fort Lewis College plays tough defense against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Savanna Dotray of Fort Lewis College puts up a shot against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Donald Bangham, Jr. of Fort Lewis College goes for the ball while playing Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Savanna Dotray, left, and Katie Lamb of Fort Lewis College fights for the ball while playing Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Natalie Guanella of Fort Lewis College comes off the floor during the Westminster University game on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Katie Lamb of Fort Lewis College puts up a three-point shot against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Makaya Porter of Fort Lewis College puts up a shot while playing against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

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Rec Sports

City to unveil sports park master plan

Published

2 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Your Sports Nation

FAIRBORN — The community is invited to attend a community presentation on Fairborn’s Sport Park Master Plan. The event will be held at the Fairborn High School Performing Arts Center on Sunday, January 18, at 3 p.m.

According to the city, the plan outlines proposed improvements to the Fairborn Wee Hawks Football and Fairborn Little League fields at Ernie Apt. Park. The city’s goal is to create a modern, much-needed athletic facility for local youth.

Park planners say that during the presentation, you’ll be able to see the proposed layout and upgrades, learn how the improvements will benefit young athletes and families, and ask questions.

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Rec Sports

The wildest hockey brawl of the year was at an AHL intermission youth game

Published

2 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Your Sports Nation

The Hershey Bears, the AHL affiliate of the Washington Capitals, won a game 3-2 on Saturday, breaking a tie in the third period while short-handed. That’s not what fans were buzzing about from the game on social media.

Between periods at the Giant Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania, a standard mites game became very un-standard when a bizarre brawl broke out between the two youth teams.

Countless haymakers were thrown with tiny gloved fists. Multiple kids charged full-speed into the fray. At least one kid punched a teammate. The crowd, or at least the louder fans in the stands, was loving it. There are no officials in sight. Which is unfortunate, because at least one kid can be seen dangerously trying to kick an opponent with his skates.

The spectacle peaks at the 47-second mark when a goalie charges in and completely lays out an opponent who was grappling with his teammate.

What’s that? You want another angle?

Details are admittedly sparse here. We don’t know if any of those kids sustained an injury on the ice, or what even caused the brawl aside from youthful aggression. We’re just talking about something you don’t expect to see at a youth hockey game.

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Rec Sports

PEM hosts area athletes in wrestling invitational

Published

3 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Your Sports Nation

PLAINVIEW, Minn. (KTTC) – Wrestlers filled the gym at Plainview-Elgin-Millville high school for the 2026 PEM Wrestling Invitational.

Eight schools took the mat: LARP (Lewiston-Altura/Rushford-Peterson), Pine Island, FCLMC (Fillmore Central/Lanesboro/Mabel-Canton), Lake City, WWC (Winona/Winona Cotter), La Crosse Logan/Cent., Cochrane-Fountain City, and the host school PEM.

The Bulldogs came out on top at home, leading the way with 206.5 points. LARP finished in second with 201.0 points. The team results are as follows:

PEM – 206.5
LARP – 201.0
Pine Island – 192.0
Eau Claire North – 111.0
FCLMC – 96.0
Cochrane-Fountain City – 70.5
Lake City – 47.5
WWC – 47.5
La Crosse Logan/Cent. – 39.0

An individual champion was crowned in each weight class. Those champions are as follows:

107 – Mason Zabel, PEM

114 – Owen Zabel, PEM

121 – Reid Ihrke, PEM

127 – Christian Zibrowski, LARP

133 – Michael Alexander, LARP

139 – Owen Lange, LARP

145 – Jag Foster, Pine Island

152 – Aiden Graner, PEM

160 – Ben Grabau, Pine Island

172 – Calvin Arentz, La Crosse Logan/Cent.

189 – Kane Larson, FCLMC

215 – Logan Peterson, PEM

285 – Chase Drazkowski, LARP

Find stories like this and more, in our apps.

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Rec Sports

Native Youth Olympics preparations under way | Sports

Published

5 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Ketchikan athletes had the gym to themselves on Friday as they warmed up for the Native Youth Olympics kick-off scheduled for 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday at the Clarke Cochrane Gymnasium at Kayhi.

Henry Agony practices the One Foot High Kick during the Native Youth Olympics open gym at the Clarke Cochrane Gymnasium on Friday, Jan. 8, 2026. Staff photo by Christopher Mullen

Nina Varnell practices the Alaskan High Kick during the Native Youth Olympics open gym at the Clarke Cochrane Gymnasium on Friday, Jan. 8, 2026. Staff photo by Christopher Mullen

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Rec Sports

NDSU handles business against Omaha WBB in blowout fashion | Sports

Published

5 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Your Sports Nation

The Omaha women’s basketball team remains winless in conference play and suffered its third-largest loss of the season at the hands of North Dakota State.

The Mavericks (2-17, 0-4 Summit League) were blown out by the Bison (15-2, 4-0 Summit League) by a score of 94-39. The game marks the fifth time this season that Omaha has lost by 50 or more points.

NDSU controlled the game from the start. They opened the contest by scoring 15 straight points before Omaha’s Leekaya Burke Perryman ended the run with a layup.

The Bison put together another 9-0 run as the quarter wound down. Regan Juenemann beat the buzzer with a layup, but NDSU led by a whopping 20 points after the first.

The second quarter was followed similarly. The Bison matched their first-quarter total of 24 points and led 48-11 entering the locker room.

The third quarter proved to be the dagger in the backs of the Mavericks. Omaha almost doubled its first half score with ten points in the quarter, but 27 Bison points put the game out of reach. NDSU led 75-21 entering the fourth.

With North Dakota State’s subs in the game for majority of the final ten minutes, the Mavericks were resilient, only being outscored by one point in the final quarter.

Juenemann led the team with 15 points, being the only Maverick to finish in double figures. The freshman shot 6-for-10 from the field in 30 minutes off the bench.

Avril Smith continued crashing the boards, grabbing 15 rebounds in the contest and eclipsing 200 total boards on the season.

Recent addition Reilly Palmer logged her first statistics of the season, recording one rebound and one assist. Lainey Maehl also made her collegiate debut for her first appearance as a Maverick.

Molly Lenz topped the Bison with 24 points on the day, a career high for the junior. In total, four NDSU players scored in double figures.

The Bison shot 42.9 percent from the field and 44 percent from 3-point range compared to the Mavericks’ 27.1 percent and 18.8 percent marks in both categories.

Omaha returns home to host St. Thomas (8-9, 1-2 Summit League) at Baxter Arena on Thursday, Jan. 15 at 6:30 p.m.

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