Shuckers' Junior Broadcaster Program provides unique opportunity for next generation
BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) – Aspiring broadcasters like Tanner Mickle are getting their shot in the booth, all thanks to the Shuckers Junior Broadcaster Program. RELATED: Shuckers to continue Junior Broadcaster Program for 10th anniversary season “Broadcasting seems like the way to go for me. Maybe baseball, football, maybe even NASCAR because I really like that, […]
BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) – Aspiring broadcasters like Tanner Mickle are getting their shot in the booth, all thanks to the Shuckers Junior Broadcaster Program.
“Broadcasting seems like the way to go for me. Maybe baseball, football, maybe even NASCAR because I really like that, but any sport sounds good for me,” Mickle said.
Broadcaster Javik Blake is known as the “Voice of the Shuckers.” He’s opening the door for kids like Mickle to find their voice in the booth.
“That’s what I’m all about here. Whether it’s looking at tapes of aspiring broadcasters in the off-season or having a phone call with a kid who may be in college or high school and wanting to do this for a living,” Blake said.
Blake started his career in a similar way, growing up with the Pawtucket Red Sox in Rhode Island.
“I knew I wanted to work in baseball, knew I wanted to work in minor league baseball, but that was kind of the first experience of seeing what it’s all about, so I knew I wanted to do it but to see what it was all about and to experience it and be apart of it, it was something real special and something that I’ll never forget,” Blake said.
Blake started his career in a similar way, growing up with the Pawtucket Red Sox in Rhode Island.(Javik Blake)
Driven by the desire to give others a similar experience, he approached general manager Hunter Reed about bringing the program to Keesler Federal Park.
“I was really excited once he came to me with it. He grew up having minor league baseball in his backyard, and it was something he got to experience and wanted to bring and share with all the kids on the Coast,” Reed said. “It’s a great starting point for anyone that’s interested in that field, and Javik does such a great job with it, so I couldn’t be happier that we can give this opportunity back to some of the kids here on the Coast.”
Now going into year two of supporting junior broadcasters, Reed and Blake hope to continue inspiring the next generation.
Junior Broadcasters will join the broadcast during the top of the fourth inning and lead the play-by-play in the bottom half of the inning for two more Sunday home games during the Shuckers’ 10th anniversary season:
May 25 against the Knoxville Smokies at 5:05 p.m.
June 8 against the Montgomery Biscuits at 5:05 p.m.
Applicants can send a short essay, homemade audition tapes and contact information to jblake@biloxishuckers.com. The selected participants and their families will be the Shuckers’ guests for the game. Participants will receive a media credential and a Shuckers prize pack along with joining the broadcast.
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Men’s and Women’s Basketball, Volleyball Top NCAA Division III in Home Attendance
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Hope College fans supported the Flying Dutchmen and Flying Dutch at an elite level during the 2024-25 academic year, ranking first in home attendance in three sports and the top four in two more. Hope led the nation in home attendance in men’s basketball, women’s basketball and women’s volleyball, tied […]
Hope College fans supported the Flying Dutchmen and Flying Dutch at an elite level during the 2024-25 academic year, ranking first in home attendance in three sports and the top four in two more.
Hope led the nation in home attendance in men’s basketball, women’s basketball and women’s volleyball, tied for second in men’s soccer and placed fourth in women’s soccer.
In men’s basketball, Hope topped Division III in both average attendance at 1,622 and total attendance at 19,462 over 12 games. Illinois Wesleyan University finished second in average attendance at 1,409.
It is the 26th time the Flying Dutchmen have led the nation in home basketball attendance. Hope also led Division III in home men’s basketball attendance in 2023-24, 2022-13, 2021-22, 2019-20, 2018-19, 2017-18, 2016-17, 2015-16, 2014-15, 2013-14, 2012-13, 2011-12, 2010-11, 2009-10, 2008-09, 2007-08, 2006-07, 2005-06, 2004-05, 2003-04, 2002-03, 1998-99, 1995-96, 1990-91 and 1983-84.
In women’s basketball, Hope ranked first in Division III in average attendance at 1,183 and second in total attendance at 15,377 over 13 games. Illinois Wesleyan University was runner-up in average attendance at 1,086.
The Flying Dutch topped Division III in home attendance for the 18th time overall. They joined national attendance-leading Hope teams from 2023-24, 2022-23, 2021-22, 2019-20, 2018-19, 2017-18, 2016-17, 2015-16, 2014-15, 2013-14, 2012-13, 2011-12, 2010-11, 2009-10, 2008-09, 2005-06 and 1989-90.
In volleyball, Hope topped the nation in average and total attendance for the second consecutive season, averaging 793 and totaling 13,477 fans over 17 games. Anna Maria College (Massachusetts) was second in average attendance at 684.
It is the fourth time the Flying Dutch have led Division III in home attendance, following 2023-24, 2014-15 and 2013-14.
In men’s soccer, Hope tied for second in Division III in average attendance at 596 and ranked fourth in total attendance at 5,367. Calvin University finished first in average attendance at 623.
In women’s soccer, Hope ranked fourth in Division III in average attendance at 370 and 11th in total attendance at 3,330. Messiah University (Pennsylvania) was first in average attendance at 459.
Chinese swimmers dope-tested the most ahead of World Aquatics Championships
China players line up before the game – Water Polo – World Aquatics Championships – Men – Group D – Greece v China – OCBC Aquatic Centre, Singapore – July 14, 2025. – REUTERS/Tingshu Wang HONG KONG: Chinese swimmers took more anti-doping tests this year than swimmers from any other country ahead of the World […]
China players line up before the game – Water Polo – World Aquatics Championships – Men – Group D – Greece v China – OCBC Aquatic Centre, Singapore – July 14, 2025. – REUTERS/Tingshu Wang
HONG KONG: Chinese swimmers took more anti-doping tests this year than swimmers from any other country ahead of the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore this month, the Aquatics Integrity Unit said in a report.
From January 1, Chinese swimmers had an average of 8.8 anti-doping tests versus those from the U.S. who were tested 4.1 times and those from Britain who were tested 2.2 times, the report showed.
Swimmers competing as neutrals – mainly those with Russian nationality – were tested 8.2 times on average.
In total the Aquatics Integrity Unit conducted 4,018 anti-doping tests on athletes participating in the Singapore event scheduled for July 11-22.
“The report underscores World Aquatics unwavering commitment to fair competition and the highest standards of integrity in aquatic sport,” it said.
The China Swimming Association did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
China’s swimming team has faced heightened scrutiny since revelations in April that 23 swimmers had tested positive for a banned heart medication in 2021 but were permitted to compete in the Tokyo Olympics that year.The World Anti-Doping Agency accepted the findings of a Chinese investigation that the results were due to contamination from a hotel kitchen. An independent review backed WADA’s handling of the case.
Testing will remain in force until the end of the event, with 830 samples to be collected during 24 days of competition, the Aquatics Integrity Unit said.
China’s male freestyle sprinter Wang Haoyu was tested 13 times, while 200 metre breaststroke world record holder Qin Haiyang was tested 12 times, the report showed.
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New NCAA historical database provides wealth of information on championships
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The NCAA has released a historical championships dashboard, a first-of-its-kind resource that includes details on the winners of every NCAA championship. This interactive dashboard, displayed across several tabs, provides a comprehensive visual catalog of championship sports, individual titles and school-level summaries throughout the NCAA’s history. The NCAA research, library and championships […]
The NCAA has released a historical championships dashboard, a first-of-its-kind resource that includes details on the winners of every NCAA championship.
This interactive dashboard, displayed across several tabs, provides a comprehensive visual catalog of championship sports, individual titles and school-level summaries throughout the NCAA’s history.
The NCAA research, library and championships departments collaborated to create the database, which allows users to view historical championship data by year, division, sport, event and school. Championship data will be updated after the end of the fall, winter and spring sports seasons.
“This new historical championships dashboard is a powerful example of how we’re using data to bring the NCAA’s rich history to life,” NCAA President Charlie Baker said. “It celebrates the achievements of student-athletes across generations and gives fans, alumni and schools a dynamic way to explore our championship history.”
The resource includes data from 1921 through the 2024-25 academic year for over 4,500 team and 23,000 individual championships. Highlights from the database include:
The first NCAA championship occurred in 1921, with Illinois winning the men’s outdoor track and field championship.
Several of the first individual champions were World War I veterans, including Kansas State’s Ray Watson, who won the mile in 1921.
The first NCAA men’s basketball tournament was won by Oregon in 1939.
The first women’s championships took place in 1981, with field hockey and cross country titles being awarded in Divisions I, II and III in November.
Southern California (86) holds the most men’s championship titles, while Stanford (67) leads on the women’s side.
The dashboard will assist staff and the membership in their historical research pursuits. For questions, reach out to Lee Rathbun (lrathbun@ncaa.org) in research or Michelle Watsky (mwatsky@ncaa.org) in championships.
Croatia beats Montenegro to go top at water polo World Championships in Singapore
by croatiaweek July 14, 2025 in Sport (Photo credit: HVS/Aniko Kovacs) Croatia’s national water polo team have recorded their second win at the World Championships in Singapore, overcoming a strong Montenegrin side in a tightly contested and physical encounter. After beating China (25-6) in the first group match, Croatia beat Montenegro 13-11 today. It was […]
Croatia’s national water polo team have recorded their second win at the World Championships in Singapore, overcoming a strong Montenegrin side in a tightly contested and physical encounter.
After beating China (25-6) in the first group match, Croatia beat Montenegro 13-11 today.
It was not an easy or dominant performance, but it was a deserved win that sees the ‘Barracudas’ take the lead in their group ahead of the final round.
The first half of the game was defined by strong defensive displays on both sides. The opening 16 minutes saw only ten goals scored (5-5), which is considered low by today’s standards.
(Photo credit: HVS/Aniko Kovacs)
Despite the lack of attacking fluidity early on, Croatia managed to build momentum in the second half. Goalkeeper Marko Bijač stood out with 11 crucial saves, helping keep Montenegro at bay.
(Photo credit: HVS/Aniko Kovacs)
Goals were spread across the Croatian squad, with Loren Fatović and Konstantin Harkov each netting twice, while Luka Bukić led the scoring with three. Other scorers included Burić, Lončar, Vukičević, Žuvela, Kržić, Butić, and Biljaka.
For Montenegro, Baničević and Radović were the top scorers with three goals each. Despite putting up a strong fight, they were unable to overturn Croatia’s late push.
(Photo credit: HVS/Aniko Kovacs)
The final scoreline was Croatia 13, Montenegro 11 (3-2, 2-3, 3-2, 5-4).
Croatia now sit at the top of their group heading into their last group match against Greece.
The match against Greece, scheduled for Wednesday, will determine who finishes first in the group and secures a more favourable draw in the knockout stage.
OSIJEK, Croatia — Former Crestview High School All-Ohioan and University of Pittsburgh freshman Abbey Emch got a medal in her first international volleyball competition. Emch is one of 12 players on the United States Girls U19 National Team that earned the silver medal at the 2025 Girls U19 World Championship after falling in the final […]
OSIJEK, Croatia — Former Crestview High School All-Ohioan and University of Pittsburgh freshman Abbey Emch got a medal in her first international volleyball competition.
Emch is one of 12 players on the United States Girls U19 National Team that earned the silver medal at the 2025 Girls U19 World Championship after falling in the final to Bulgaria, 3-1 (21-25, 25-16, 25-17, 29-27) on Sunday.
The U.S. has medaled in the last four World Championships for the age group. The 2023 World Championship, where the team won gold, was the first one contested as a U19 championship. Previously, FIVB held Worlds as a U18 event, and the U.S. won bronze in 2021 and gold in 2019.
The match was close statistically as the U.S. finished with a one-point advantage in kills (46-45) and blocks (11-10), while Bulgaria served eight aces compared to five for the U.S. The key statistic was Bulgaria committing 14 fewer errors (37-23).
It is the first time in Bulgaria won a World Championship title in women’s volleyball at any age category and the first women’s team to become world champion across all team sports in Bulgaria.
The U.S. finished with a 6-3 record in the tournament, two of the losses to Bulgaria.
Outside hitter Suli Davis led the U.S. in points (17), kills (13), aces (3), digs (16) and successful receptions (4). Libero Lily Hayes finished with 14 digs.
Outside Cari Spears totaled 12 points on 10 kills and two blocks, while middle blocker Jordan Taylor shared match-high honors with four blocks to go with seven kills for 11 points.
Six-foot-three middle blocker Abbey Emch made some big plays in big moments to finish with four points on three kills and a block
The U.S. led the entire first set, jumping out to a 6-1 lead. A Davis kill extended the lead to six, 10-4. Spears and Davis provided back-to-back kills to make it 14-7 and force Bulgaria to use its final timeout. Bulgaria used a late 7-2 run to cut the margin to three points, 23-20, but kills by Anderson and Davis sealed the opening set.
Davis led all players in the with six points on four kills, a block and an ace. Taylor scored five points on three kills and two blocks. The U.S. doubled Bulgaria’s kill total in the set, 14-7.
Bulgaria scored seven consecutive points to break a 7-7 tie and take early control of the second set. The U.S. got no closer than five points. Davis and Spears each scored three points on kills.
Bulgaria never trailed in the third set, using a 5-0 run to take a 7-2 lead. After the U.S. closed the gap to four points, 13-9, Bulgaria scored the next seven points. Davis scored three points.
The U.S. fell behind 7-4 in the fourth set before using a 5-2 run to even the score at nine apiece on Kelly Kinney kill off hands. A Davis ace and a Taylor block gave the U.S. a three-point lead 13-10 but Bulgaria went on a 10-1 run. The U.S. responded with its own 10-3 run to earn set point on a block by Taylor.
Each team had two set points before Bulgaria converted on its third set point with a block to capture the gold medal.
In Sunday’s third-place match, Poland swept Turkey 3-0 (25-21, 25-21, 25-20) for the bronze medal. There were 24 teams in the tournament.
In a semifinal Saturday, U.S. defeated Poland 3-0 (25-14, 25-18, 25-19).
Outside hitter Suli Davis led the U.S. with 18 points on 13 kills, three blocks and two aces. Opposite Henley Anderson had six kills, three blocks and two aces for 11 points, and middle blocker Jordan Taylor had seven kills and one block for eight points.
Gabrielle Nichols and Cari Spears also scored eight points, with Nichols collecting four kills, three blocks and an ace, and Spears notching six kills, one block and an ace. Devyn Wiest had one ace.
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