Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff, D-Norwalk, had half an answer to the question of why an aquarium in a Republican senator’s district would be getting half as much money in the two-year state budget as an aquarium in Duff’s district would.

Duff could not say why the Mystic Aquarium in Stonington would be getting $795,000 over the next two years, but he knew exactly why the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk would be getting $1.6 million.

He asked for it.

The $55.8 billion budget for the biennium that begins on July 1 is both a statement of priorities for Connecticut and an exercise as old as the definition of politics: It’s the art of determining who gets what, when and how.

The money for the two aquariums, which sit 88 miles apart at opposite ends of I-95, were line items in a $35 million appropriation for tourism over the next two years. 

“I do think it’s not equitable,” said Sen. Heather Somers, R-Groton, whose district includes Stonington, home of the Mystic Aquarium. “I’m not trying to put one against the other in any way, shape or form.”

Duff said in an interview he would have “no beef” with Mystic getting as much money as the aquarium in Norwalk, but he does not apologize for his success in getting more money for the one in his district.

“I advocate for the aquarium in Norwalk, and that’s my job,” Duff said.

Submit items for youth and non-varsity high school sports by noon Tuesday for publication Wednesday. Email stories and photos (in .jpg format) to sports@cdapress.com. 

Information: 208-664-8176, Ext. 1205 

    Courtesy photo The North Idaho Sharks 12U baseball team won the Best in the Northwest tournament in Spokane for the third year in a row. The Sharks finished the regular season with a 27-6 record, reaching the championship game in each tournament they played in. In the front row from left are Colin Schrieber, Kellen Larson, Ashton Elwell, Cason Bishop, Koa Fenter, Nolan Haley, Jacob Briner and Brodie Williams; and back row from left, Beck Odenthal, Easton Henderson and Wyatt Mathews.

    Courtesy photo The Sting Soccer Club 15 boys Yellow team won all its matches in the Gold Bracket and capturing the championship at the 3 Blind Refs tournament in Kalispell, Mont. The Sting defeated the Strikers FC SFC, Missoula Surf, Helena Youth and, in the finals, the Calgary Villains. In the front row from left are Silas Ballou, George Jerkins, Chase Baune, Cooper Corbeill, Harvey Granier, Bam Bookholtz, Thomas Davis, Flynn Bundy, Maddox Hoy, Beckham Sharbono, Henry Hermance and Case Schwarz; and back row, coaches Kip Sharbono and Ian McKenna.
  

    Courtesy photo The North Idaho Storm boys varsity/18U basketball team completed its 2025 tournament season with the consolation championship of the Seatown Shootout Division 1, held this past weekend in Seattle. The Storm posted a 3-1 record, losing their opener to the Uptown Jets (Adidas) 71-46, then beating True North 82-57, Narrows Elite 60-58, and the White River High varsity 88-62 to win the consolation title. In the front row from left are Kauis Lukey, Evan Hensyel and Garrett Varner; and back row from left, coach Al Arnone, Dominic Wilhelm, Peyton Hillman, Brayden Carrel, Zach Cook, Carter Kloos and Mason Hensley.
 

    Courtesy photo The North Idaho Youth Lacrosse 5/6 Grade Falcons girls team wrapped up its season at the Spokane LaxFest last weekend at the Dwight Merkel Sports Complex in Spokane. From left are Bailey Walker, Carter Glindeman, McKinley Anderson, Evelynn Osterdock, Audrey Parkinson, Riley Mucciaccio, Julia Clark, Hannah Bassols, Kendall Fierro, Charlie Williams and Corinna Clark.

    Courtesy photo The North Idaho Youth Lacrosse 7/8 Grade Falcons White team wrapped up its season last weekend at the Spokane LaxFest at the Dwight Merkel Sports Complex in Spokane. In the front row from left are Collin Gerstlauer, Kolby Cox, Jonah Clay, Alek Smalley, Liam Elliott, Jacob Putzig and Elias Lambro; second row from left, Cooper Arrotta, Weston Krull, Jakson Kilgore, Rhen Andersen, Thorne Provost, Ryder Griffitts and Carter Voorhies; and back row from left, assistant coach Chris Elliott, head coach Harrison Williams, and Eli Frantz.

    Courtesy photo The North Idaho Youth Lacrosse 5/6 Falcons Boys White team wrapped up its season at the Spokane LaxFest last weekend at the Dwight Merkel Sports Complex in Spokane. From left are Lucas Bennett, Korbin Morlock, Cayden Morris, Tatum Espinoza, Caleb Kroepfl, Johnny Nuebauer, Jaxton Barthalamew, Fisher South, Blake Walton, Kavan Raeneilson, Gus Rigg, Spencer Angle, Cannon Bond, Alexzander Cael, Will DePriest, Chance Minor, Bridger Sheppard, coach Justin Kroepfl and coach Dustin Moore.
  

    Courtesy photo The North Idaho Youth Lacrosse 3/4 Grade Falcons Boys team took second place at their final tournament of the season, the Spokane LaxFest last weekend at the Dwight Merkel Sports Complex in Spokane. In the front row from left are Brixton Turrell, Rogan Zentner, Gabe Heavener, William Krull, Kamran Rosenberger and Jameson Whitcomb; second row from left, Ben Espinoza, Walker Angle, Noah Wijma, Noxon Turrell, Jamison Lunsford and Hazen Hutchison; and back row from left, coaches Nick Espinoza, Josh Whitcomb, Hans Wijma and Ryan Lunsford. Not pictured are Nolan Shumway, Toby Beckett, Luke Johnson, Charlie Alberton and Leo Lawhead.

    Courtesy photo The North Idaho Youth Lacrosse 7/8 Grade Falcons Black team wrapped up its season last weekend by taking fourth place at the Spokane LaxFest at the Dwight Merkel Sports Complex in Spokane. In the front from left are Hayden Carpenter and Blake Legler; second row from left, Berkley Todd, Linkoln Todd, Barrett Halgren, Hawke Warren, Hayden Christensen and Landon Kroepfl; and back row from left, coach Karl Todd, Kowen Lawhead, Wesley Morlock, Gabe Thexton, Tristan Lunsford, Ian Osterdock and Matt Osterdock. Not pictured is Eli Peak.

    Photo by BEN NORWOOD The North Idaho Youth Lacrosse 5/6 Falcons Boys Green team wrapped up its season by taking third place at the Spokane LaxFest last weekend at the Dwight Merkel Sports Complex in Spokane. In the front row from left are Lucas Perry, Luke Nicholson, Monty Montgomery, EJ Dahlin, Wyatt Carpenter, Boston Parsons, Keegan Rosenberger, Connor Smalley, Wyatt Secord, Gabe Stearns and Benji Whitcomb; and back row from left, assistant coach Josh Steans, Liam Clark, Levi Tebbe, assistant coach Justin Schlepp, Blake Parkinson, McCoy Jolley, Hunter Neeley, Bricen Cornett, Joe Dauncey-Scheler, Troy Hill, Camden Glindeman and head coach Kam Dahlin. Not pictured is assistant coach Aaron Parsons.
  

    Courtesy photo The North Idaho Youth Lacrosse 1/2 Grade Falcons Boys team wrapped up its season last weekend at the Spokane LaxFest at the Dwight Merkel Sports Complex in Spokane. In the front row from left are Weston Wilson, Van Montgomery, Anderson Perkins, Kai Cullen and Summit Turrell; and back row from left, coach Evan Perkins, Owen RaaeNielson, Henry Dodgion, Jett Tanner, Dakota Russell and coach Chris Montgomery.

    Courtesy photo The Sting FC 2016 Boys Black soccer team reached the finals of the Gold Bracket at the 3 Blind Refs tournament last weekend in Kalispell, Mont. On Friday, the Sting beat the BVBIA CDA Boys U9 Black 11-5. Sting goals were scored by Jackson Martin. On Saturday the Sting beat the Strikers FC SFC Boys 2016 Blue 4-3. Sting goals were scored by Jackson Martin, Lincoln Triebwasser, Emmett Cowan and Oliver Lundy. On Sunday morning, the Sting beat the Strikers FC Boys 2016 Red team 5-2. Sting goals were scored by Jackson Martin and Emmett Cowan. Sunday afternoon, the Sting fell 9-4 to the BVBIA CDA Boys U9 Black in the championship match of the Gold Bracket. Sting goals were scored by Jackson Martin. From left are Drew Fulton, Wesson Malmstadt, Jackson Martin, Leo Leferink, Emmett Cowan, Kellen McLemore, Kevin Sahm, Oliver Lundy and Lincoln Triebwasser.

    Photo by LINDSEY KNOLL Playing up a year, the 2013 Sting boys Academy soccer team took second place this past weekend at the 3 Blind Refs tournament in Kalispell, Mont., falling to the Sandpoint Strikers 2012B in the final game. In the front row from left are assistant coach Jon Baune, Asher Witherwax, Levi Pooler, Luke Baune, Jonah Wuest and Carter Mitchell; and back row from left, Maverick Sargent, Nolan Bode, Xander Weeks, Crew Kuhlmann, Vance Corbeill, Jasper Meyer, Asher Engles, assistant coach Chad Kuhlmann and Keaton Knoll.

    Photo by KAYLEAN MAY The Sting SC 2013 Academy Girls soccer team competed up an age group and won the U13 Silver Bracket at the 3 Blind Refs tournament in Kalispell, Mont. The Sting opened the tournament with a 10-0 victory over The Royals. In their second match, the Sting beat the Sandpoint Strikers FC 2012G 3-2. In the championship rematch with Sandpoint, the Sting won 3-0. In the front row from left are Peyton Cantrell, Alexis Morisette, Kaylee Evans, Presley Hart, Nora Snyder, Kinsley May and and Sophia Quigley; and back row from left, assistant coach Gary Evans, Addison Salas, Nora Schock, Nevie Sousley, Hayden Hays, Kyal Carlson, Felicity Miller, Emma Storlie, Evellyn Howard, Novalee Hoel, Amelia McGowan and head coach Tomas Barrera.

    Courtesy photo The North Idaho Sharks 10U baseball team went 26-8 on the season and finished the season on winning its last 11 games and was champions of the Super Bash tournament (6-0) and The Best of the Northwest tournament (5-0). In the front row from left are Caden Bennett, Riley Everson, Dalton Gregg, Chase Wedekind, Hunter Everson, Sullivan Green, Rylan McCreavy, Luke Templeton, Tripp McLeod, Maverick Schindelbeck, Cas Cooper and Jake Pernell; and back row from left, coaches Brent Everson, Mike Gregg and Chase Bennett. Not pictured is Dave Everson.

    Courtesy photo The Sting 2016 girls soccer team went 4-0 and took first place in its bracket at the 3 Blind Refs tournament last weekend in Kalispell, Mont. From left are Alice Tincup, Ezra Honsaker, Marlowe Rathbone, coach Brian Bean, Maddie Dowiak, Rya Verlanic, Brystol Hayes, Alivia Ogle, Izzy Gabriel, Harper Ferretti, Emersyn Barton, Lydia Clare, Lucy Bean, Kimber Gatten and coach Hailey Gabriel.

    Courtesy photo The BVB IA CDA U9 Black boys soccer team won the Gold Division of their age bracket last weekend at the 3 Blind Refs tournament in Kalispell, Mont. The team went undefeated through three games and clinched the championship with a 9-4 win over Sting U9 Black in the final. From left are Weston Kramer, Waylon Wood, Onyx Barnes, Hugh Erickson, Mitchell Volland, Greyson Guy, Colin Happeny and Max Stover; and rear, coach John O’Neil. Not pictured is Peyton Schock.

    Courtesy photo The BVB IA CDA U15 Boys soccer team traveled to Kalispell, Mont., for the 3 Blind Refs tournament last weekend, winning three matches to earn a spot in the championship final against the Sting. The match ended in a 1–1 draw, but with more points earned throughout the tournament, BVB was crowned champions. From left are John O’Neil (coach), Camden Taylor, Elias Herzog, Soren Vedel, Michael Steffani, Carter Lloyd, Wryder Stone, Logan Siahaya, Sebastian Guitron, Holden Loustalot, Bennett Anderson, Kenton Susca, Xavier Tierney, Ethan MacPherson, Dillon Matheson and Bailey O’Neil (2010 boys coach).

    Courtesy photo The BVB IA CDA U11 Black and Yellow boys soccer teams competed at the 3 Blind Refs tournament in Kalispell, Mont., last weekend. In the front is Ezra Herzog; front row from left, Kash Tucker, Luka Riley, Maverick Paine, Stein Berk, Jack Harrison, Carter Dance, Carter Marine, Thatcher Lechleitner and Davis Hartley; and back row from left, Andres Lujan, Luke Johnson, Sam Mojzis, Ben Erickson, Jett Crandall, Graysen Higgins, Griffin Curry, Jasper Kolb, Gunnar Stover and Landon Skiles. Not pictured are Collin Pinchuk and Isaac Estep.
 

    Courtesy photo The Sting Girls 11 soccer team went undefeated at the 3 Blind Refs tournament in Kalispell, Mont. In the front row from left are Ava Langer, Avery Thompson, Presley Moreau, Hailey Viaud, coach Mark Plakorus, Eloise Elgee, Gracie McVey, Brinlee Plumb, Evalyn Haycraft, Aubree Sergent and Kinley Rider; and back row from left, Alex Keating, Kylie Lorona, Elle Sousley, Jillian Speelman and Kenzie Rix.

    Photo by AMAN STERLING The 2024-25 season ended with the Sting U9 Boys Yellow soccer team returning home this past Sunday night with championship medals after winning their division bracket at the 3 Blind Refs tournament in Kalispell, Mont. Friday evening started with a win of 7-4 against the Sandpoint Strikers FC B2016 Red Team with Sting goals scored by Xander Rodriguez (1), Xavier Sousley (1), Elijah Cline (1), Gideon Lee (2) and Atlas Lepley (2). Saturday morning’s game ended with a 7-2 win against the BVB IA CDA U9 Boys Yellow team, with Sting goals scored by Elijah Cline (1), Gideon Lee (1) and Atlas Lepley (5). Sunday morning’s game ended with a 4-0 win against the Sandpoint Strikers FC 2016B Black team, advancing the Yellow Team to the finals with goals scored by Jaxson Matheney (1), Gideon Lee (1), Atlas Lepley (1) and and Isaak Sterling (1). Sunday afternoon’s finals game ended with the Sting winning 5-1 against the Sandpoint Strikers FC 2016B Black team, with Sting goals scored by Elijah Cline (1), Atlas Lepley (3) and and Isaak Sterling (1). From left are Gideon Lee, Elijah Cline, Hudson Helbling, Lincoln Sargent, Jaxson Matheney, Xavier Sousley, Xander Rodriguez, Micah D’Alessandro, Isaak Sterling and Atlas Lepley; and rear, coach Ian McKenna.

    Courtesy photo The 14U Coeur d’Alene Lumbermen baseball team finished in second place last weekend at the Best in the Northwest tournament in Spokane. In the front row from left is Blake Anderson, Kovack Dolan, Jack Kreis, Levi Miller, Nash Russell, Clay Larwin, JJ Larson and Kyle Everson; and back row from left, Cooper Fordham, Ricky Bateman, coach Jon Larson, Caleb Brumbach, Josh Gomez, manager Dave Everson, Trent Lilyquist and coach Jeff Kreis.

    Courtesy photo The 2012 Sting boys Academy soccer team finished in second place last weekend at the 3 Blind Refs tournament in Kalispell, Mont. In the front row from left is Micah Brumbach, Mason Melison, Mason Fantozzi, Jimmy Greene, Blake Cline and Breesen Ellis; and back row from left, coach Robin Bundy, Alister Campbell, Colin Hutchins, Sander Bundy, Jake Young, Jack Boland, Kai Peraldo, Henry Bowlby, Connor McKenna, Camden Nelson, Ben Thomas and Max Shaporda.

    Courtesy photo The Sting SC 2015 yellow girls soccer team took first place at the 3 Blind Refs tournament in Kalispell, Mont., last weekend. From left are Hailey Blue, Callum Chesnut, Hailey Gurgel, Emma Richards, Tatum Chesnut, Addison Conley, Livi Staeheli, Charlotte Denton, Lola Peterson and coach Nate Conley.
  

    Courtesy photo The Sting SC 2013 Premier boys soccer team took second place at the 3 Blind Refs tournament in Kalispell, Mont., this past weekend. From left are assistant coach Joshua Pratt, Liam Arnie, Oliver Clark, Bridger Gatten, Easton Molitor, Finn Hebener, Hunter McComb, Brody Pratt, Shane Staeheli, Liam Jell, Kaleb Smith, Beau Broker, Lucas Gonzales and head coach Leo Barone.
  

MT Athletics

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee Football is gearing up for an exciting fall at Floyd Stadium, where the Blue Raiders will host six home games during the 2025 season. Each game will feature a theme designed to unite the Blue Raider community and honor groups who make a difference. With group tickets now on sale, it’s the perfect time to rally your friends, coworkers, church groups, or youth teams and be part of the action together this season.

August 30 vs. Austin Peay
#BLUEnited – Community Day
Faith and Family Day

September 20 vs. Marshall
Game Sponsor: Ascend Federal Credit Union
Homecoming
Hall of Fame
Blue Raider Kids Club

October 8 vs. Missouri State
Game Sponsor: Window World
Educator Appreciation
Youth Sports – Celebration of Excellence

October 29 vs. Jacksonville State
Game Sponsor: Murfreesboro Medical Clinic
Breast Cancer Awareness
Healthcare Appreciation
Trunk or Treat

November 8 vs. FIU
Game Sponsor: Mid-South Ford & The Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center
Salute to Veterans and Armed Forces
Scout Day
Family Weekend

November 22 vs. Sam Houston
Senior Day
Lightning’s Reading Club

Group tickets are on sale for the 2025 season!

The athletic department is thrilled to announce that group tickets are now available for all six homes games for the 2025 season. For those interested in bringing a group of friends, family, co-workers, church members or youth sports teams and groups can now purchase tickets for only $12 (regularly $22) when purchasing 20+ tickets directly through the Blue Raider Ticket Office. Group tickets are available in the Family Fun Zone of Floyd Stadium or in the south end zone near the Blue Raider Beer Garden. The $12 price reflects a traditional group ticket purchase where the group leader contacts the ticket office and makes one bulk purchase of 20+ tickets. Additionally, several benefits exist when purchasing group tickets including:

• “Welcome to Floyd Stadium” recognition with your group’s name on the Jumbotron during the game
• Reserved block seating so your entire group may sit together
• $10 savings off regular price ticket
• Food Voucher add-on option available
• On-field opportunities like Blue Raider High-Five Tunnel, Presenting the Colors or National Anthem performance.

*Minimum ticket purchase required. Various for each experience

Click HERE and fill out the form if your group is interested in purchasing group tickets in the 2025 Blue Raider Football season.

Party Tent Packages are also now on sale for the perfect hassle-free tailgate experience on a Blue Raider football gameday! With one of our three different ticket/tent packages, reserved tickets can be located in our Family Fun Zone end zone or the Blue Raider Beer Garden end zone, depending on your group’s preferences and availability. Party tent locations are available in the grass near the Greenland Drive parking lot, with limited availability in The Grove as well. If you require additional group tickets above what your package offers, tickets are only $12 (group rate) when purchased in advance at the time of your booking.

• Package #1 – One 20’x20′ Tent, Four 60″ Round Tables, One 8′ Serving Table, 20 Chairs, 20 Reserved Game Tickets, One Parking Pass
• Package #2 – One 20’x40′ Tent, Six 60″ Round Tables, Two 8′ Serving Table, 50 Chairs, 50 Reserved Game Tickets, Two Parking Passes
• Package #3 – One 40’x40′ Tent, Ten 60″ Round Tables, Two 8′ Serving Table, 100 Chairs, 100 Reserved Game Tickets, Four Parking Passes

For more information on a traditional group ticket outing, or for our Party Tent Packages, contact John Paul at 615-904-8082.

While historically tied to athletes cheating in their respective sports, the specter of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) has found its way into local gyms and youth athletics. As the scope of PED use grows, so do healthcare provider concerns, as problems associated with the dangerous drugs spill into their practices. (more…)

Little League championship series set

Santa Maria Indians

Santa Maria Indians’ home opener set