Former Dexter QB Colin Parachek announces Division I transfer decision
Colin Parachek has found his new collegiate home. After spending the past two seasons at Marshall, the former Dexter star quarterback announced on Sunday his commitment to the University at Albany. “Let’s get to work,” Parachek said in his announcement post on X. “Go Danes!” Parachek did not play last season and threw one pass […]
After spending the past two seasons at Marshall, the former Dexter star quarterback announced on Sunday his commitment to the University at Albany.
“Let’s get to work,” Parachek said in his announcement post on X. “Go Danes!”
Parachek did not play last season and threw one pass during his time with Marshall.
Prior to his stint there, Parachek played his freshman season at Morehead State where he played in four games and threw two touchdown passes.
The 6-foot-3 signal caller was an all-state passer for Dexter and set multiple school records and finished his career with 518 completions for 7,561 yards and 90 touchdowns.
Parachek will have two years of eligibility remaining.
Kids learn basketball and boxing at Stick & Move camp
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) – Dozens of kids are learning the fundamentals of basketball and boxing at the second annual Stick & Move Youth Day Camp. The free camp organized by the Legacy Driven nonprofit organization run by former University of Virginia basketball star Travis Watson. The unique camp combines basketball with boxing. “Same components and […]
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) – Dozens of kids are learning the fundamentals of basketball and boxing at the second annual Stick & Move Youth Day Camp.
The free camp organized by the Legacy Driven nonprofit organization run by former University of Virginia basketball star Travis Watson.
The unique camp combines basketball with boxing.
“Same components and skill sets,” says Watson. “Having to use both left and right hand. We did it again to put on for the community.”
“I love basketball, my mom said I might like boxing so it’s a good way to mix both,” says camper Ian Kaufman. “Boxing is a good cross sport for basketball because it’s a cardio sport.”
“This is an impressionable age to train that mentality and be professional and find out what they like.” says Watson.
The innovative camp promotes physical fitness and mental resilience.
“Boxing is important to teach kids because it’s just like life, it’s tough,” says boxing instructor George Rivera. “When you build your confidence in your mental and physical, it’s going to prepare you for life in all sports.”
The camp is designed to instill discipline, teamwork and leadership.
“Self-defense, respecting others, it’s not just about boxing,” says camper Mohamed Androaje. “Coach also teaches us about manners and to have respect for each other in and out of the ring.”
Whether it’s a punch or a pass, it’s a meaningful summer experience.
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HELIOS Partners with NHL Rising Star Matthew Knies to Revolutionize Youth Sports Training
Matthew Knies x HELIOS PORTSMOUTH, N.H., June 04, 2025–(BUSINESS WIRE)–HELIOS, a leader in sports technology innovation, proudly announces a groundbreaking partnership with Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies. This collaboration aims to redefine youth sports training, starting with ice hockey player development, by delivering performance data, personalized insights, and automated shift video to players and […]
PORTSMOUTH, N.H., June 04, 2025–(BUSINESS WIRE)–HELIOS, a leader in sports technology innovation, proudly announces a groundbreaking partnership with Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies. This collaboration aims to redefine youth sports training, starting with ice hockey player development, by delivering performance data, personalized insights, and automated shift video to players and coaches.
As the youth sports industry evolves, with projections estimating a market size of $70 billion by 2030, the demand for individualized training solutions has never been higher. HELIOS stands at the forefront of this transformation, offering cutting-edge technologies that empower young athletes to reach their full potential.
Matthew Knies, known for his relentless work ethic and explosive approach to the game, embodies the synergy between athletic excellence and sports science. His partnership with HELIOS underscores a shared commitment to fostering the next generation of athletes through innovative training methodologies.
“When I was younger there wasn’t any way to track what I was doing. I always dreamed of having something like this,” Knies said. “Now, HELIOS has completely changed the landscape for developing youth hockey players. I’m excited to work with HELIOS and drive the game forward.”
HELIOS’ platform leverages cutting edge AI-wearable technology to provide objective insights on skating performance, enabling athletes and coaches to optimize training and development . This approach not only enhances performance but also prioritizes injury prevention and individualized athlete development.
“Matthew’s development pathway aligns perfectly with our mission,” stated Bill Near, CEO of HELIOS. “Together, we’re setting a new standard for how young athletes train and grow in their respective sports.”
About HELIOS
HELIOS is the leading wearable technology and data platform for ice hockey, providing coaches, players, and parents with unmatched insight into on-ice performance. Trusted across programs at all levels, from elite youth to professional, HELIOS is redefining how development is measured and achieved.
About Matthew Knies
Matthew Knies is a forward for the Toronto Maple Leafs and one of the NHL’s most promising young players. A standout in the USHL and at the University of Minnesota, he earned All-American honors and helped Team USA win gold at the IIHF World Junior Championship. Off the ice, Knies is dedicated to helping young athletes train smarter and reach their potential.
Henry County and Eminence will host a variety of youth sports camps this summer. HCHS has five options in June with boys basketball, football, girls soccer, boys soccer and volleyball, while Eminence will offer a football youth camp. The HCHS boys basketball camp will take place June 16-18 from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at […]
Henry County and Eminence will host a variety of youth sports camps this summer.
HCHS has five options in June with boys basketball, football, girls soccer, boys soccer and volleyball, while Eminence will offer a football youth camp.
The HCHS boys basketball camp will take place June 16-18 from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at HCHS. The camp is open to kids entering first through eighth grade, and the registration fee is $50.
The HCHS football camp is set for June 16-18 from noon to 3 p.m. at HCHS. Kids entering first through eighth grade are welcome to attend, and registration is $50.
The girls and boys soccer camps will take place on June 18-20 at the park from 9 a.m. to noon. Both camps are open to kids entering first through eighth grade, and registration is $50 for each camp.
Lastly, the HCHS volleyball camp is scheduled for June 23-24 at HCHS, and registration is $60. The camp will be split into two sessions, with kids entering second to fifth grade from 9 a.m. to noon, and kids entering sixth through eighth grade from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
To sign up for any of the HCHS camps, visit https://henrycoathletics.com/Registrations.
The Eminence football program will also host a youth camp on June 20-21 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Warrior field.
Liberty County Student Shines in Boys & Girls Club America Arts Contest | Article
Noel Best, Liberty County High School student, earned recognition for his outstanding artistic talent in the digital arts category of the National Boys and Girls Club Arts Contest. (Photo Credit: Courtesy) VIEW ORIGINAL Noel Best, Liberty County High School student, earned recognition for his outstanding artistic talent in the digital arts category of the National […]
Noel Best, Liberty County High School student, earned recognition for his outstanding artistic talent in the digital arts category of the National Boys and Girls Club Arts Contest. (Photo Credit: Courtesy)
VIEW ORIGINAL
Noel Best, Liberty County High School student, earned recognition for his outstanding artistic talent in the digital arts category of the National Boys and Girls Club Arts Contest.
Best’s diverse life experiences have shaped his path to success. Originally from Nigeria, he spent time in South Carolina before settling in Liberty County, Georgia, as part of a military family. His father’s service led them to different places, but his resilience and adaptability never wavered. Despite living here for only three years, he quickly established himself as a standout athlete, leader and artist in the community.
As a three-sport athlete, he plays football, runs track and competes in basketball. His journey in sports began with inspiration from his older brother, Tai’Jon Best.
“I watched him play AAU football growing up, and after scoring multiple touchdowns, I was like, ‘I want to play,’” he said.
This athletic upbringing served as the catalyst for him entering the contest. After brainstorming ideas at the Fort Stewart Youth Center, he leaned into one of his favorite activities to do there, play basketball.
“This piece reflects how I feel when I’m at the Youth Center, shooting hoops,” Best said.
Luis Camacho, Fort Stewart’s Youth Center computer technician, aided Best in bringing his ideas to life. Seeing that he could use his ability to dunk the basketball, they got to work on taking the perfect shot. After numerous attempts and angles, they landed on one that would then be used to create the digital art. Mixing numerous graphic design elements for the photo, the artwork portrays Best as a superhero basketball player.
The National Arts Contest recognizes members for their accomplishments in visual, digital and performing arts through the following BGCA legacy arts programs. Best received recognition for his piece at the local level and it has moved all the way to nationals.
The Fort Stewart Youth Center is a space for youth and teens to participate in sports and recreation programs, educational programs and programs that support leadership and career development.
Camacho takes pride in pulling the best qualities out of all the youth and teens that come in.
“Even on days when they want to give up, we as a staff express that we are not giving up on them,” he said. “People have bad days, but it’s our job to bring them back, reset, and try again. We want to push them to be the best versions of themselves.”
Outside of his artistic accomplishments, Best has been described as a motivated and well-rounded individual. His leadership qualities shine through in his interactions at the Youth Center, where he sets a strong example for his peers.
“He’s a leader in here,” Camacho said. “He leads by example, and many other kids here are receptive to that and follow by doing the right thing.”
Best’s heart remains with football, and he envisions himself pursuing a future in both athletics and mechanical engineering. His dedication to academics is as strong as his commitment to sports, maintaining a 3.9 GPA.
His journey is a testament to the power of resiliency, creativity, and determination. From excelling in athletics to making a mark in the digital arts, he continues to inspire those around him.
+ Thibodeau’s TRUST in bench PAYS OFF 
| First Take
