The start of summer is looming in Arizona, and there’s plenty of activity. Phoenix Rising FC’s USL Championship soccer and Arizona Rattlers seasons are in full swing, along with new women’s soccer club Desert Dreams FC.

Here are the news and events happening around Arizona sports.

Rattlers drop 2nd straight, fall in Jacksonville

The Rattlers couldn’t pull out another miracle win, losing their second straight, this time to the Sharks, 54-48, on Saturday, June 7, in Jacksonville.

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Dalton Sneed was intercepted late in the third quarter, leading to a Larry McCammon touchdown run that gave the Sharks a 51-34 lead. Wide receiver Corey Reed Jr.’s third rushing touchdown of the game cut the Rattlers’ deficit to 54-48 with nine minutes left.

After a missed Sharks field goal, the Rattlers took over from their 5-yard line with 52 seconds left and three time outs. The Rattlers could’t capitalize, falling to 7-3 and losing their grip on first place in the IFL Western Division.

The Bay Area Panthers (7-2) moved into first place, ahead of the Rattlers, who return home June 14 to take on the Tucson Sugar Skulls (3-6) at 6 p.m., at Desert Diamond Arena.

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— Richard Obert

The Vegas Golden Knights will include several stops in Arizona the annual road trip from July 12-17.

The VGK Road Trip will feature members of the Golden Knights organization participating in a series of on-ice hockey clinics and meet-and-greets with fans in each city. The team’s mascot, Chance, as well as members of the VGK Cast and team broadcasters, will be on the trip.

The Golden Knights will visit the Chandler Ice Den on July 15, Scottsdale Ice Den and Sunnyslope Community Center in Phoenix on July 16 and Mullett Arena in Tempe and Chicanos por la Causa in Phoenix on July 17.

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The events at the Sunnyslope Community Center and Chicanos por la Causa will be ball hockey clinics.

—Jenna Ortiz

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Rattlers lose 2nd straight road game, fall to Sharks

Fisk University’s groundbreaking gymnastics team will be no more after next season, the school announced on Friday. 

According to a release, the Bulldogs plan to discontinue the nation’s first historically Black college or university gymnastics program at the end of the spring 2026 season. 

The decision came after “a comprehensive review of the gymnastics program and its alignment with the HBCU Athletic Conference.” Fisk faced considerable challenges, per the release, in scheduling and recruitment because gymnastics is not sanctioned by the conference.

“While we are tremendously proud of the history our gymnastics team has made in just three years, we look forward to focusing on our conference-affiliated teams to strengthen our impact in the HBCU Athletic Conference,” Fisk Director of Athletics Valencia Jordan said in the release.

“Fisk is grateful for the hard work, dedication and tenacity of its gymnasts, staff members, and coaches who made this program possible.”

Fisk previously promoted donations for the gymnastics team through its university website. Funds supported scholarships, training, nutrition, travel assistance and equipment upgrades among other expenses, according to the site.

Already departed from the program are its inaugural head coach Corrinne Tarver and six-time national champion Morgan Price. 

Tarver announced her exit from Fisk in February. Price transferred to Arkansas last month. 

The school said after Tarver’s departure that a national search would commence for a new head coach. Former meet director and social media manager Nuriya Mack was named interim coach for the rest of the spring season.

Together they founded the first HBCU to compete in NCAA gymnastics. 

Long before becoming Fisk’s coach in March 2022, Tarver was the first Black woman to win an NCAA all-around gymnastics championship. 

She was promoted to the role of athletic director for the Bulldogs in July 2022 but was replaced by Jordan in 2023.

Price, a Lebanon native and multi-time All-American, was the first HBCU gymnast to record a perfect score with her uneven bar performance this season at Temple University. In April she won five individual titles for Fisk at the Women’s Collegiate Gymnastics National Invitation Championship.

“Morgan Price has served as a phenomenal ambassador for Fisk University and embodied the incredible ways our institution continues its history-making legacy,” Fisk President Agenia Clark said in a statement following Price’s transfer. “I am extremely proud of all she has accomplished and the light she’s been able to shine on Fisk.”

Fisk’s final gymnastics season will run through April of next year.

Unveiling the Intrigue: Eric Blum’s Controversial Symphony

In the world of sports, where every move is scrutinized and every word dissected, few figures command attention quite like Eric Blum. Known for his incisive commentary and ability to stir the pot, Blum has once again captured the spotlight with his latest revelation, leaving fans and critics alike buzzing with speculation and intrigue.

The Maestro of Controversy

Eric Blum’s latest disclosure has set the sports world ablaze, reminiscent of a conductor leading an orchestra through a tumultuous symphony. His words, sharp and precise, have a way of resonating deeply, challenging the status quo and prompting a reevaluation of long-held beliefs. Blum’s reputation for not shying away from controversial topics has made him a polarizing figure, yet undeniably influential in shaping public discourse.

A Legacy of Provocation

Blum’s career has been marked by a series of bold statements and daring insights that have often put him at odds with conventional wisdom. His ability to articulate complex issues with clarity and conviction has earned him a devoted following, as well as a fair share of detractors. Whether addressing the intricacies of team dynamics or the broader implications of sports in society, Blum’s commentary is never short of thought-provoking.

The Latest Revelation

The recent revelation that has everyone talking is no exception to Blum’s storied history of stirring debate. While details remain shrouded in mystery, the impact of his words is undeniable. Fans are left to ponder the implications, dissecting every nuance in search of deeper meaning. Blum’s ability to keep audiences engaged, even when the full picture is yet to be revealed, speaks to his mastery of narrative and timing.

Reflection and Future Possibilities

As the dust begins to settle and the sports community grapples with the latest wave of controversy, one thing remains clear: Eric Blum’s influence is as potent as ever. His revelations serve as a reminder of the power of words to inspire change and ignite conversation. Looking ahead, the question on everyone’s mind is what Blum will unveil next and how it will continue to shape the ever-evolving landscape of sports commentary.

In the grand tapestry of sports, Eric Blum stands as a figure who challenges norms and invites us to look beyond the surface. His latest revelation is not just a moment of controversy but an invitation to engage with the complexities of the sporting world in a meaningful way.

The Tulane Green Wave football team has about two more months until fall camp begins in preparation for the 2025 college football season.

The Green Wave are entering their second season under head coach Jon Sumrall, who led the team to a 9-5 record last year, a third straight trip to the American Athletic Conference title game, and a berth to the Gasparilla Bowl.

While they lost a lot of star talent this offseason in the transfer portal, namely starting quarterback Darian Mensah and running back Makhi Hughes, Tulane football kept Sumrall and both coordinators, giving the program stability.

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Sumrall is only in his fourth year as a head coach in college football, but he’s catching attention across the nation as a coach to watch in the Group of Five.

Sumrall appeared on Josh Pate’s College Football Show this past offseason and made an impression on the CFB host in his first year with the Green Wave.

Pate recently named the most underrated head coaches in college football on his show.

More News: Tulane Football Transfer Impresses with ‘Shock and Shed’ Spring Performance

When Pate got to the G5 level, he immediately zeroed in on two AAC coaches he believes will be at Power Four jobs soon: Sumrall and South Florida Bulls head coach Alex Golesh.

Pate thinks Sumrall and Golesh could already have jobs at that level, but they know college football is a business first and foremost, and they’re both in good spots.

That’s good news for Tulane fans as he continued to boost Sumrall’s profile.

“Jon Sumrall is only a fourth-year head coach, but he’s got two titles at Troy,” Pate said. “He just went 9-5 at Tulane. We went down there a couple of months ago, spent the afternoon with him, and he just gets it. I don’t know; you know when you’re sitting with the real deal. He’s the real deal.”

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Pate likely saw a candid version of Sumrall, as that sit-down was around the time Mensah left for the Duke Blue Devils, and things were still raw.

That type of passion is also what has resonated with fans and insiders across the sport, as has his adaptable mentality that’s critical for success in the current NIL era.

Now, the Green Wave walloped the Bulls last year in a 45-10 win to start conference play, but they were a team that went toe-to-toe with the Alabama Crimson Tide and lost their quarterback to an injury in the loss at Yulman Stadium.

They won’t see them this season unless both make the title game—undoubtedly a goal for Tulane that they know they can reach.

For More Green Wave News, Head to Tulane Green Wave on SI

The New England Patriots’ running back room will largely revolve around workhorse Rhamondre Stevenson and incoming second-round rookie TreVeyon Henderson. That leaves veteran Antonio Gibson to compete for the scraps, a battle he seems to be losing at the moment.

Jordy McElroy of the Patriots Wire identified Gibson as one of the biggest losers from New England’s organized team activities (OTAs) thus far. The listing isn’t necessarily because of what the rising sixth-year pro is or isn’t doing; it’s more about undrafted free agent (UDFA) tailback Lan Larison.

UDFA Lan Larison may spell the end of veteran RB Antonio Gibson’s time with the Patriots

Gibson’s “name is starting to fade into the background,” McElroy said, citing Henderson and Larison as reasons why. However, the writer sensibly highlights that this notion may be a tad premature, knowing the Patriots are still practicing in shorts and t-shirts.

Declaring the Pats ready to cut Gibson loose at this juncture in the offseason “might seem somewhat unfair, considering [they’ve] practiced without pads,” McElroy stated. Yet, Henderson’s arrival instantly moves him down the depth chart. Moreover, he “might not even be the No. 3 option if Larison’s stock continues to rise.”

Getting to know Patriots UDFA RB Lan Larison

Why favor Larison, an older (23) prospect from UC Davis who didn’t hear his name called in this year’s draft, over Gibson, you may ask? Versatility.

Larison can do it all. He can carve up opponents on the ground and through the air. His 2,387 all-purpose yards in 2024 marked a UC Davis school record, including a 284-1,465-17 rushing line and 62-847-6 receiving tally.

Furthermore, Larison was both effective and protective with the football in his hands in college. He never fumbled across five campaigns at UC Davis. Being able to tote and hold onto the rock is notable, especially because Gibson and Stevenson have each had their fair share of fumble problems.

Not only did Larison dominate the FCS out of the backfield, but he’s a kicking unit weapon. UC Davis relinquished him of this role during his final two collegiate seasons because he was too valuable as their offensive centerpiece. Nonetheless, his All-Big Sky First Team selection in 2022 came as a special teamer.

A true jack of all trades, Larison was even deployed as a passer at times! He completed 5-of-7 attempts for 45 scoreless yards and an interception as a fifth-year senior. So, Gibson isn’t the only one who should be on alert: Franchise quarterback Drake Maye could also be in trouble (kidding).