Sports
From huddles to hurdles
Christian Edgar runs down the field during a game against West Point. Edgar was recruited as a quarterback before becoming a slot receiver. Courtesy Rice Athletics For Edgar, football and track aren’t separate pursuits. They complement each other, both physically and mentally. “You prioritize what you want to do,” he said. “It does limit some […]
Courtesy Rice Athletics
For Edgar, football and track aren’t separate pursuits. They complement each other, both physically and mentally.
“You prioritize what you want to do,” he said. “It does limit some things, like hanging out with friends on the weekends—but it’s worth it.”
The constant grind has forced him to be intentional about how he spends his time, and what he sacrifices along the way.
“When football players get their weekends off, I’m at a track meet,” Edgar said. “And when track season is over, I’m going through fall camp and football season.”
“I saw that my time from high school would’ve done okay — not great, but okay,” Edgar said. “And that kind of first put the thought into my mind.”
One of the greatest challenges Edgar faces is not having an offseason.
Warren said Edgar deserves the credit for clear communication with both staffs and managing his own time.
With spring football practice wrapping up, Edgar is preparing to shift his attention fully to the outdoor track season.
“Christian is in charge of making this work,” Warren said. “He communicates with the football staff and the track staff, and due to his diligence, it works well.”
“Football teaches an athlete that to succeed they have to work well with others,” he said. “ Track is a great off-season vehicle for football players to improve their speed.”
Outside of his roles as an athlete, Warren said Edgar has had other effects on the team as well.
On the football field, Edgar’s role has evolved since his arrival at Rice. He was initially recruited as a quarterback, later transitioned to safety and now plays slot receiver under the new offensive system.
“In his event group, he’s made a great impact,” Warren said. “He’s a good leader and has made an impact on the full squad in a positive way.”
Reflecting on his time at Rice so far, Edgar said it’s the journey itself—not just the results—that has been the most rewarding.
“That took a toll on my body,” Edgar said. “I had to focus on nutrition and sleep to stay healthy. If I wasn’t eating enough or getting enough rest, it wasn’t going to work.”
But it’s not just about speed. Edgar believes football’s mental toughness has helped him handle the physical and emotional demands of track competition.
Managing two Division I sports is no small task. Edgar credits his ability to stay on top of both sports to consistent communication and a carefully structured routine. And with Rice’s new football coaching staff in place this year, he said his schedule has become more sustainable.
“My dad has been there when I’m stressed out and need to calm down,” Edgar said. “At the same time, he doesn’t feel sorry for me. He pushes me to make the most of my resources. It’s a really cool opportunity to do two sports, and he reminds me of that.”
During the indoor season, Edgar competes in the 60-meter hurdles. Outdoors, he runs the 110-meter hurdles and is a key member of Rice’s 4×400 relay team.
When Christian Edgar first arrived at Rice, his focus was singular: football. Competing in two sports wasn’t part of the plan, at least not at first. But by the spring of his freshman year, as he stood on the sidelines watching a home track meets, something shifted.
Courtesy Rice Athletics
“With football, I think the offense the new coaching staff is bringing in is going to be exciting and fun to watch,” Edgar said. “I’m excited to see where my role lies and how I can best help the team this fall.”
Warren sees the connection between the two sports as well.
Today, he splits his time between being a slot receiver on the football team and competing as one of the track program’s top hurdlers.
By
Ana Rivera
3/25/25 10:46pm
“You have to be gritty,” he said. “You have to be able to suffer and go through hard practices. That’s helped me push through tough workouts in track. And the pressure from football games is greater than the pressure from track meets, at least for me. So at track meets, I can relax a whole lot more. It’s like, ‘I just get to be here and run.’”
“I only have a couple of meets before [the conference meet],” Edgar said. “I’m just taking it one week at a time and trying to get a little better each week.”
Throughout the process, Edgar credits his dad for helping him stay grounded and focused.
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“We do weight room lifts Monday, Wednesday and Friday,” Edgar said. “Football runs are Tuesdays and Thursdays, but I was able to replace those with track runs instead. I’m still lifting with football, still around the facility, but instead of running football drills on the field, I’m running track.”
By his sophomore year, Edgar had turned that passing thought into a plan. After working closely with both the football and track coaches to coordinate his training schedule, he officially joined the Rice track and field team.
“Trying to be good at both sports is great,” he said. “But for me, it’s really about enjoying the process. Going through track practices with my track teammates and football workouts with my football teammates — that’s been so cool. Not a lot of people get to do that. It’s a gift, and I am just trying to make the most out of it.”
It’s a more manageable workload than he had in the past. Last year, he wasn’t allowed to miss any football workouts, which often meant double training days—football practice in the morning, track in the afternoon and sometimes even back-to-back competitions.
Last year, he finished seventh in the 110-meter hurdles at the American Athletic Conference Outdoor Championships. This indoor season, he placed third in the 60-meter hurdles at the AAC Championships with a time of 7.90 seconds—ranking him sixth on Rice’s all-time performance list.
“The obvious thing is speed,” Edgar said. “With track, you really train the top end of your speed. That’s helped me on the football field. Coaches love when people are fast — when they can see it on film.”
“When you truly enjoy the training and competition of both sports — and I believe this absolutely applies to Christian — it’s not asking too much,” said Rice track and field head coach Jon Warren. “He’s a big-time competitor who gives his all to both sports.”
Sports
MLB Draft 2025 live updates
In the leadup to Sunday’s MLB Draft, many pundits will note the Holliday family’s deep baseball ties. Matt Holliday played 15 years in the major leagues and made seven All-Star games. His oldest son, Jackson, was drafted first overall three years ago and is now the second baseman for the Baltimore Orioles. Now, Ethan Holliday […]
In the leadup to Sunday’s MLB Draft, many pundits will note the Holliday family’s deep baseball ties. Matt Holliday played 15 years in the major leagues and made seven All-Star games. His oldest son, Jackson, was drafted first overall three years ago and is now the second baseman for the Baltimore Orioles.
Now, Ethan Holliday is next in line for a baseball dynasty forged under the endless skies of Oklahoma. He is a gifted 6-foot-4 shortstop with tremendous raw power from the left side. He has a chance to go to the Washington Nationals first overall, and if he doesn’t go there, draft experts predict he will go fourth to the Colorado Rockies, the same organization that drafted his father.
Some may mention that the line doesn’t actually start with Matt, Jackson, and Ethan. Tom Holliday — Matt’s father and Jackson’s and Ethan’s grandfather — was a longtime Division I baseball coach, including a seven-year run as the coach at Oklahoma State. His brother, Dave, is a veteran scout for the Philadelphia Phillies. Matt’s brother, Josh, is now the coach at OSU.
There are other families out there who have made baseball their business. The Alous, the Boones, the Griffeys. Thirteen pairs of brothers have been drafted as first-round picks. B.J. Upton went second in 2002, and Justin Upton went first in 2005.
But if Ethan were to go No. 1, it would be the first time in baseball history two brothers have both been 1-1 picks. Only Peyton and Eli Manning have done that in any major American sport.
Read more below.
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Ethan Holliday could go No. 1 in the MLB Draft. It would be a pick 4 generations in the making
Sports
Five Teesside stories you might have missed this week
Image source, Walter CrinnionImage caption, Walter Crinnion was a keen amateur photographer From a lost cache of photographs of a folklore festival to the A66 dualling plan being approved – here are some of the stories from Teesside you might have missed this week. Stray puppy recruited by police force Image source, Durham PoliceImage caption, […]
Walter Crinnion was a keen amateur photographer
From a lost cache of photographs of a folklore festival to the A66 dualling plan being approved – here are some of the stories from Teesside you might have missed this week.
Stray puppy recruited by police force
Eight-week-old Jager was found running around the streets of Hartlepool before he was rescued
A police force has gained a new four-legged recruit after it adopted a stray puppy.
Jager, an eight-week-old Belgian Malinois, was found running around the streets of Hartlepool last week before he was taken in by animal charity Stray Aid, Durham Police said.
After seeing the young pup’s potential, the organisation contacted the force’s Dog Support Unit to see if there was a job for him.
Hundreds of dead fish in lake after hot weather
The fish fatalities have been explained by hot weather and a drop in dissolved oxygen levels
Hundreds of fish have died in a park lake after a significant drop in oxygen levels due to increased water temperatures.
Residents spotted the fish floating on the surface of the lake at Locke Park, Redcar, Teesside.
The Environment Agency (EA) investigated and determined it had been caused by “natural factors”.
A66 dualling approved again after review delay
The government said the work would reduce journey times on the route across northern England by up to 12 minutes
A plan to dual the A66 has been approved again, a year after the government put the scheme on hold.
The project to widen the road, which runs from Penrith to Scotch Corner, was approved by the previous Conservative government, but when Labour won the election last July it put the plan on hold to review a “black hole” in the public purse.
The Department for Transport (DfT) has now confirmed the work in a £92bn national package announced on Tuesday.
Water polo team ‘dreaming’ of winning top division
Sedgefield Water Polo team have been promoted to Division One of the British Water Polo League
A men’s water polo team will be entering Division One and competing for a place in European competitions after four back to back promotions.
The Sedgefield Water Polo Club will represent their County Durham town and nearby Newton Aycliffe in the top flight of the British Water Polo League, external from September.
The men’s team was created in 2021 and started playing at the bottom of the pyramid in Division Five.
Photos showcase early days of folklore festival
This year is Billingham International Folklore Festival’s 60th anniversary
A treasure trove of previously unseen photographs that showcase the early years of a folklore festival have been revealed.
The images capture the spectacle of the Billingham International Folklore Festival (BIFF) from 1968 to the early 1970s.
The shots were all taken by keen amateur photographer Walter Crinnion before his death in 1974.
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Sports
Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz
The rivalry between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz has transcended the tennis court, becoming a catalyst for transformative growth in the sports industry. Their dominance in 2025—culminating in five Grand Slam titles between them—has reignited fan engagement, redefined sponsorship strategies, and set the stage for a new era of profitability in tennis. This article explores […]
The rivalry between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz has transcended the tennis court, becoming a catalyst for transformative growth in the sports industry. Their dominance in 2025—culminating in five Grand Slam titles between them—has reignited fan engagement, redefined sponsorship strategies, and set the stage for a new era of profitability in tennis. This article explores how their generational appeal is reshaping sponsorship deals, media rights, and merchandise sales, and why investors should take note.
The Rise of a New Dynasty
Sinner and Alcaraz have collectively won seven of the past eight majors entering the 2025 Wimbledon final, a level of dominance unmatched since the Federer-Nadal-Djokovic era. Their rivalry is not just about trophies: it’s about cultural relevance. Sinner, the first Italian to win Wimbledon, and Alcaraz, a five-time Grand Slam champion by 2025, embody youth and global appeal. Their matches draw younger, digitally native audiences, a demographic brands are desperate to reach.
Sponsorship Deals: A Gold Rush for the Next Generation
The pair’s influence on sponsorship is profound. Their rivalry has become a marketing magnet, with brands clamoring to align with the faces of tennis’s future. Consider Nike, which has long sponsored both players: their partnership with Sinner and Alcaraz could drive revenue growth in activewear, as young fans emulate their heroes.
But the opportunity extends beyond apparel. Beverage giants, tech companies, and automotive brands are all vying for visibility. Sinner and Alcaraz’s social media followings—over 10 million combined on Instagram—provide platforms for sponsored content that resonates with millennials and Gen Z. Their ability to monetize beyond the court suggests a long-term upward trajectory for endorsement-heavy sectors, making companies with robust athlete partnerships prime investment targets.
Media Rights: A New Audience, New Dollars
The pair’s matches have become must-watch events, driving spikes in viewership. Wimbledon’s 2025 final, their seventh straight major showdown, likely shattered streaming records. For media networks like ESPN and the BBC, which hold Grand Slam broadcast rights, this translates to higher ad revenues and subscription growth.
Their global appeal also opens doors to untapped markets. Sinner’s Italian heritage and Alcaraz’s Spanish roots have expanded tennis’s footprint in Europe, while their fluency in English and social media savvy help attract fans in Asia and the Americas. Investors in sports media rights could benefit as networks renegotiate deals with inflated valuations, fueled by the duo’s star power.
Merchandise Sales: Capitalizing on the Rivalry Narrative
The Sinner-Alcaraz rivalry is a merchandiser’s dream. Their head-to-head record—Alcaraz leads 3-1 in Grand Slam finals—creates drama perfect for branded gear. Imagine fan merchandise: “Clay King” shirts for Alcaraz, “All-Court Maestro” caps for Sinner. The $30 billion global sports merchandise market stands to grow as their rivalry evolves.
Companies like Fanatics, which licenses player merchandise, could see surges in sales. Even smaller brands could profit by licensing their likenesses for video games, trading cards, or NFTs.
Investment Implications: Where to Place Your Bets
The tennis market’s renaissance hinges on Sinner and Alcaraz’s sustained success. Here’s how investors can capitalize:
1. Activewear Giants: Companies like Nike and Adidas, which sponsor both players, are positioned to capture growth in apparel sales driven by their fanbase.
2. Sports Media Networks: ESPN and the BBC, which own broadcast rights, could see valuation increases as their tennis coverage attracts younger, premium audiences.
3. Merchandise Platforms: Platforms like Fanatics or Alibaba’s Taobao (for Asia) could profit from the surge in branded merchandise sales.
The Long Game: A Dynasty in the Making
Sinner and Alcaraz are still in their mid-20s, with careers likely spanning decades. Their rivalry’s longevity—projected to extend through the 2030s—means sustained growth for tennis’s revenue streams. With both players one Grand Slam away from completing career Grand Slams, their hunger to compete will keep fans and sponsors engaged for years.
Conclusion
The Sinner-Alcaraz rivalry is not just about tennis—it’s a commercial juggernaut. Their dominance is fueling a renaissance in sponsorship, media, and merchandising, creating opportunities for investors in every corner of the sports industry. As their rivalry evolves, so too will the market’s valuation of their influence. For investors, now is the time to position for a future where these two stars—and the companies that back them—are at the center of the game’s next golden age.
Sports
Ask the AD with Russo & Rizzo on ESPN 106.3 – July 9, 2025
Story Links Keiser Director of Athletics Kris Swogger visited Russo & Rizzo on ESPN West Palm 106.3 on Wednesday, July 9, for his recurring “Ask the AD” segment. During this time, Swogger discussed the world of college sports, all things in Keiser Athletics, and more. Russo & Rizzo airs Monday through […]
Keiser Director of Athletics Kris Swogger visited Russo & Rizzo on ESPN West Palm 106.3 on Wednesday, July 9, for his recurring “Ask the AD” segment. During this time, Swogger discussed the world of college sports, all things in Keiser Athletics, and more.
Russo & Rizzo airs Monday through Friday on 106.3 on your FM dial. Fans can also listen live by clicking HERE.
ESPN West Palm is Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast’s home for sports, featuring entertaining and engaging sports talk, the best coverage of the local-area stories, and a presence at the biggest sports marketing events in the community.
General athletic news can be found at KUSeahawks on Facebook, kuseahawks on Instagram, and kuseahawks on X.
Sports
Celebration of life held for Merv Lopes at Chaminade
The family of Merv Lopes didn’t plan for the coincidence, but the sports world was given yet another reminder of the mark he left just days prior to his celebration of life on Saturday. As part of its “50 States in 50 Days” tour, ESPN’s SportsCenter highlighted Chaminade University of Honolulu’s historic 1982 victory over […]
The family of Merv Lopes didn’t plan for the coincidence, but the sports world was given yet another reminder of the mark he left just days prior to his celebration of life on Saturday.
As part of its “50 States in 50 Days” tour, ESPN’s SportsCenter highlighted Chaminade University of Honolulu’s historic 1982 victory over Virginia in its Tuesday episode. Chaminade, coached by Lopes, was an NAIA school at the time, but somehow managed to defeat the Cavaliers, the top-ranked team in the country.
Virginia, led by three-time national player of the year and eventual top NBA Draft pick Ralph Sampson, fell to Chaminade 77-72 at the Honolulu International Center, now known as the Neal S. Blaisdell Center. The game is considered by many as the greatest upset in collegiate sports history. The game gave Chaminade and Lopes such national exposure that plans to change Chaminade’s name to the University of Honolulu were canceled.
Lopes died on May 8 in Waikōloa. He was 92. Chaminade’s McCabe Gym hosted his celebration of life on Saturday, which had approximately 150 attendees. The impact he left on players, coaches, family and friends was evident throughout the celebration, which lasted three-and-a-half hours.
With his nephew, former NBA agent Jarinn Akana, emceeing the event, over a dozen speakers shared their fond memories of Lopes.
A Nānākuli native, Lopes excelled in football as a youth and also enjoyed hunting and fishing. After graduating high school from ‘Iolani, he played football collegiately for Compton College and San Jose State. He was drafted into the Army before returning home and earning a master’s in education at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa.
Lopes coached basketball locally at the high school level at Kailua and Kalaheo before eventually making his way to Chaminade. He remains the school’s all-time winningest coach at 238-118, helming the Silverswords from 1977 to 1989. In addition to his signature win over Virginia, he also led the Silverswords to victories over NCAA Division I schools such as Louisville and SMU. He was inducted into the Chaminade Hall of Fame in 2009.
Chaminade’s victory over Virginia inspired the creation of the Maui Invitational, considered for decades as the country’s top early season collegiate basketball tournament. Beginning with the tournament’s inception in 1984, the Silverswords were part of the tournament every year until it was decided by organizers that Chaminade would only play in the tournament every other year, starting in 2017, due to the blue-blooded nature of the tournament. Chaminade, which made the jump to NCAA Division II status in 1989, has gone 8-97 in Maui Invitational games, which routinely feature multiple ranked teams.
Former players who spoke at Lopes’ celebration of life on Saturday noted how his demanding practices would get the team adequately prepared to play. A common sentiment shared was how Lopes and his staff cared for their players, who came from various backgrounds across the country.
Keith Whitney, who played for Lopes from 1983 to 1985, recalled how the scholarship offer he received from Lopes allowed him to leave the projects of Orlando after junior college. Whitney, now a substance abuse counselor, told a story about how he drove with Lopes through Nānākuli, and how his coach was often stopped by those who recognized him from his upbringing, leading to long conversations. Whitney realized that even though he and Lopes grew far from each other geographically, they both came from humble beginnings.
In his speech on Saturday, Merv Lopes Jr. recalled his father’s kindness and the way he got his players to believe in themselves, even as they readied to play the top college basketball team in the country.
“People put people on pedestals,” Merv Jr. recalled his father telling the Silverswords before the Virginia game. “Get them off them.”
Christian Shimabuku can be reached at christian@alohastatedaily.com.
Sports
Big Sky State Games volleyball at Lockwood High School
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