SAULT STE. MARIE — A Sault resident was recently recognized with one of the top awards that an enlisted person in the Coast Guard can receive.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Bennette Swanson of the United States Coast Guard Sector Sault Ste. Marie was honored on April 30 as the Coast Guard’s Enlisted Person of the Year. Swanson is a machinery technician who enlisted in 2021.
“It was very cool, it’s the first time anybody from this area has ever won this award,” said Swanson’s father, Tom Swanson. “We’re very proud of him — parents, grandparents — we’re all so excited for him.”
Swanson achieved his required qualifications to advance in record time, allowing him to step up and take on much needed jobs within the Coast Guard.
In 2024, he was assigned to the Aids to Navigation team where he worked to help improve the team’s performance by removing aids to navigation prior to the ice season.
According to the Coast Guard, Swanson was chosen for the prestigious award due to his commitment, ability to lead and his embodiment of the Coast Guard’s core values.
Swanson has a family history with the Coast Guard, with both his father and sister having served. He enlisted soon after graduating from Sault Area High School.
He was previously nominated by his senior chief for Sailor of the Quarter for the sector. After receiving that award, Swanson was automatically nominated for Sailor of District Nine, and eventually nominated for the Enlisted Person of the Year award as he was continually recognized by his superior officers.
“It was his work ethic and leadership abilities and the fact that he was willing to help out that made them think he was deserving of the award,” said Tom Swanson.
Swanson is also very active in the Sault community. He has over 100 hours of volunteering, including coaching youth sports and other efforts. He is also the current president of the St. Marys River Walleye Club, which includes teaching boating safety and environmental conservation.
Swanson is currently enrolled at Lake Superior State University, where he is working towards a degree in general education.
Swanson was presented with the award in Washington, D.C. at the Coast Guard Headquarters by Vice Adm. Peter W. Gautier, Vice Commandant of the Coast Guard, and Master Chief Petty Officer Heath B. Jones, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard.
“He’s a true northern Michigander through and through. He was told he might be able to choose where he serves and he said he wanted to stay right here in Sault Ste. Marie,” said Tom Swanson.
— Contact Brendan Wiesner: BWiesner@Sooeveningnews.com
Following a breakout inaugural season that captivated fans nationwide, the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL), today announced the host cities and venues for its teams beginning with the 2026 season, marking a watershed moment for the league and for professional softball.
With teams spanning six Top 50 U.S. media markets and two of the nation’s leading innovation hubs and fastest-growing cities, the announcement cements AUSL’s transition to a fully city-based league and reflects the widespread resonance of softball across the United States. In addition, AUSL’s national reach allows the league to authentically connect with fans across diverse regions and communities. Collectively, these markets significantly over-index in Millennial and Gen Z populations, women-led and college educated households, and youth sports participation – all audiences that are shaping the future of professional women’s sports fandom.
This milestone builds on a historic inaugural season fueled by sellout crowds, record viewership and social engagement, a strategic investment by Major League Baseball, expansion to six teams, and a multi-year media rights renewal with ESPN.
After evaluating numerous potential markets against a comprehensive set of criteria, each AUSL host city was ultimately selected for its authentic connection to softball, demonstrated support for women’s sports, access to professional-caliber facilities and ability to serve as a long-term home for professional teams. Together, these markets reflect the nationwide resonance of softball and AUSL’s commitment to building a league rooted in community, culture, and competitive excellence.
The Carolinas have produced generations of elite softball talent, and Durham sits at the heart of that tradition. With a strong youth pipeline and a deep appreciation for high-level competition, the region offers an ideal home for the Blaze.
Duke University Softball Stadium provides a premier venue where the Blaze can connect with fans who value the growth and development of women’s sports. With former Duke standouts Ana Gold and Jala Wright on the roster, the Blaze reflect the pride and passion of Carolina softball.
Chicago is one of the most passionate and knowledgeable softball markets in the country, and the birthplace of the sport itself. The return of the Bandits brand represents both a homecoming and a new chapter, blending deep regional roots with the future of professional softball.
Rosemont has served as the home of Athletes Unlimited Softball since its 2020 inception and offers an outstanding, centrally located venue for Midwest fans. Chicago is the ideal market to build the next era of professional softball, honoring tradition while pushing the sport forward.
Oklahoma stands as one of the most influential softball markets in the world, with a rich culture spanning youth, collegiate, and national levels. As the home of USA Softball and the Softball Hall of Fame, Oklahoma City represents the heart of the sport.
The University of Oklahoma’s storied softball history and the city’s growing appetite for women’s professional sports make Oklahoma City a cornerstone market for AUSL. Announced as the league’s first city and joining in late 2025, the Spark deepen AUSL’s central U.S. footprint while connecting with a passionate fan base. The return of hometown favorites Kinzie Hansen, Haley Lee and Sydney Romero further strengthens that bond.
The Pacific Northwest has consistently led the way in supporting women’s sports, and Portland stands as the epicenter of that movement. The city offers a community that embraces innovation, inclusion, and high-level competition—making it a natural fit for AUSL and its athletes.
With a passionate fan base and a strong softball culture, the Cascade will thrive in a region where women’s sports are celebrated year-round. The presence of Pacific Northwest standouts Sis Bates and Paige Sinicki further deepens the connection between the team and its fans.
Texas is synonymous with softball excellence at every level, and the Volts’ home reflects that legacy. Strong fan support during AUSL games last summer confirmed the region’s appetite for elite professional softball, while the fast-growing women’s sports community provides a powerful platform for long-term growth.
Dell Diamond offers a world-class venue and fan experience, and AUSL is proud to partner with Reid Ryan and his team to establish a premier destination for the Volts. With Texas legends including GM Cat Osterman, Head Coach Ricci Woodard and recent Longhorn standout Mia Scott, the Volts are anchored in a region that lives and breathes the sport.
Salt Lake City has emerged as a dynamic sports market with a strong youth softball foundation and growing enthusiasm for women’s professional sports. Following sellout crowds during last season’s series, the Talons return as the reigning AUSL champions, bringing momentum and excitement to the Mountain West.
The University of Utah provides an exceptional setting for the Talons and for league expansion in the region. Led by hometown hero Hannah Flippen, the Talons are deeply connected to the community they represent.
“These host cities represent the next major chapter of the AUSL’s growth,” said Kim Ng, Commissioner of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League. “We are building on the momentum of an historic inaugural season by establishing franchises in markets with strong softball traditions, proven fan engagement, and the infrastructure to support a world-class professional experience. This is about creating lasting connections between our athletes, our teams, and the communities they represent, and setting up the sport of softball for long-term success at the professional level.”
The 2026 AUSL regular season will begin June 9 with an Opening Day featuring all 6 teams – the Utah Talons hosting the Chicago Bandits, the Carolina Blaze hosting the Portland Cascade and the Oklahoma City Spark hosting the Texas Volts. The full 2026 schedule can be found below. At www.theAUSL.com, fans can become Founding Season Ticket Members for any of the six teams beginning today at 12:00pm ET*.* Group tickets for all games are also available. Single game tickets will be available at a later date.
The AUSL playoff format will expand to include a play-in game between the second- and third-ranked teams, with the top performing team earning a bye into the best-of-three AUSL Championship. The AUSL Championship and play-in game will take place at a neutral site, to be announced at a later date. Following the AUSL Championship, a select group of players will be chosen to compete in the AUSL All-Star Cup, a high-stakes showdown held in Rosemont to crown the ultimate individual softball champion utilizing the innovative Athletes Unlimited format.
Earlier this offseason, AUSL announced a veteran leadership group of General Managers and Head Coaches across its six teams, a collective that brings six Olympic medals, 17 NCAA championships as players and coaches, and 17 NCAA All-American honors to the league. The league’s original teams — the Bandits, Blaze, Talons, and Volts — will be joined by expansion teams OKC Spark and Portland Cascade, forming a six-team league that will compete beginning in 2026.
Last month, AUSL also completed its 2026 player acquisition process with a two-part Draft that aired live on ESPNU. The Draft opened with an Expansion Draft, allowing the OKC Spark and Portland Cascade to establish their rosters, followed by an Allocation Draft in which all six teams selected from a wider pool of professional athletes. In the spring, remaining roster spots will be filled through the AUSL College Draft, with selected NCAA athletes receiving Golden Tickets to join the league.
Earlier this offseason, Athletes Unlimited and ESPN announced a multi-year media rights extension that will make ESPN an official broadcast partner of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League beginning in 2026. Under the three-year agreement, ESPN will carry 50 exclusive AUSL games annually, including 47 regular season contests and the best-of-three AUSL Championship Series. Coverage will span ESPN platforms and include a marquee game on ABC — marking the first time professional softball will air on broadcast television in the United States.
On May 29, 2025, MLB announced a strategic investment in the AUSL, marking a first-of-its-kind, comprehensive partnership with a women’s professional sports league to help establish and grow the AUSL as a sustainable organization. As a part of MLB’s ongoing commitment to supporting the growth of softball at all levels, MLB will work collaboratively
University Heights, OH — The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford women’s basketball team had a tough challenge on Monday evening as they headed to John Carroll to face the 10th-ranked Blue Streaks. The Panthers struggled to keep up with John Carroll and fell 112-41.
The Panthers started fast, matching John Carroll’s five early points with a three-pointer by Amber Murak and a jumper from Ella Gettings. Unfortunately, they were unable to keep pace after the Gettings bucket, and the Blue Streaks rolled off 10 straight points. Murak ended the run with a layup, but it was followed by another Pitt-Bradford scoring draught that saw John Carroll push their lead to 16. Murak and Zennette Zigler combined for three free throws in the last few minutes, while their effort was matched by the hosts, who finished the period with a 31-10 lead.
John Carroll opened the second with a 9-0 run before Murak got the Panthers on the board with a pair of free throws. Gettings made a short jumper with 4:15 left in the half, ending an 11-minute drought from the field. It was in the midst of an 18-4 run that also included two free throws by Raquel Sewell. Dalayla Alexander added a late jumper, but the hosts hit two more three-pointers in the final minute to send the game to the break with Pitt-Bradford trailing 64-18.
The hosts continued their run as the 2nd half began, scoring the first 10 points of the 3rd quarter. Murak stopped another run with a driving layup. It started the Panthers’ best offensive stretch of the game, as a minute later, they scored on three straight possessions. A Murak layup was followed by an Alexander three and a tip-in from Sewell. Alexander added another layup in the quarter, but the Blue Streaks closed with a 7-0 run to end the quarter.
The Panthers were able to score first in the fourth as Alexander made a jumper in the lane on Pitt-Bradford’s second possession. Murak added two more layups and a three-pointer in the quarter. Abigail Goss closed the game with two free throws, putting the final score at 112-41.
Amber Murak led all scorers in the game with 19 points. Dalayla Alexander added 9 points, while also tallying 4 rebounds and 2 steals. Raquel Sewell and Zennette Zigler each grabbed 7 rebounds in the loss.
Pitt-Bradford falls to 0-12 on the season with the loss. The Panthers will be back in action on Thursday, when they return to AMCC play with a home matchup against Alfred State. Tipoff is set for 7:00 p.m., and the game will include a halftime game played by teams from the Bradford Youth Girls Basketball League.
The562’s coverage of Jordan Athletics is sponsored by former LBUSD superintendent Chris Steinhauser and the Timu Foundation.
The562’s coverage of Long Beach Poly Athletics for the 2025-26 school year is sponsored by Former Jackrabbits Wendell “WoWo” Moe, Jr. & Tyson Ruffins.
A live TV broadcast of races for children under 16, complete with professional graphics, a studio setup, and expert commentary — just like a World Cup event. Four disciplines across four venues in Slovakia, Czechia, Poland, and Austria, completely free of charge for all young racers. The competition culminates with an unforgettable main prize: an inside-the-ropes World Cup experience in Alta Badia, Italy. Add to that special guests from the world ski scene, valuable prizes, and a rich side program for visitors of all ages. Can you imagine a stronger spark for young athletes dreaming of a future in ski racing?
Behind the idea of motivating young athletes for more than a decade stands a trio of brothers from Slovakia, well known within the ski community. Adam, Andreas, and Teo Žampa made history as the first brother trio to compete in the same discipline at the World Championships — lining up together in the giant slalom at Saalbach 2025. Their careers include notable achievements, such as a silver medal from the World Championships in the team parallel event and several top-10 finishes at major competitions.
In Slovakia, they rank among the country’s most popular athletes, not only because of their racing success but also because of the initiatives they actively support in alpine skiing development, along with the expert insights they regularly share on TV studios.
Together with his brothers, Andreas Žampa explained that they have been organizing the BILLA Žampa Cup for ten years and that he was genuinely happy to welcome last season’s winning club to Alta Badia. The overall points winner — the Czech club TJ Slovan Pec — earned a unique opportunity to experience the World Cup from the inside. The kids stood at the start, watched the top racers train, took part in the bib draw, and met the fastest men on the World Cup circuit. Žampa emphasized that experiencing life at the highest level firsthand can inspire young athletes to one day stand there as racers themselves.
The selection of the six children who participated in the trip was about more than results. The club considered discipline, regular training attendance, school performance, fair play, effort and overall attitude.
Žampa said the project’s goal is to give back to the next generation. He emphasized the importance of helping children feel motivated to improve a little every day and noted how meaningful it was to create something special in collaboration with World Cup organizers.
Click on images to enlarge
“We watched the giant slalom training and saw all those world-class skiers up close. We were at the bib draw, collected autographs, and even met Jan Zabystřan — our successful compatriot who recently celebrated his first World Cup victory,” said Emilija Ivanovska from the winning Czech club TJ Slovan Pec. “It’s an incredible experience for our entire team.”
When asked who they would be cheering for, the answer was unanimous — the Žampa brothers — a fact clearly visible from the banners they proudly held. You can see how the winners enjoyed their time in Alta Badia here.
“For the kids, this is an huge motivation, and I’m really happy the guys are organizing this event. It truly inspires young athletes,” says Lukáš Wondráček, coach of TJ Slovan Pec.
And he’s not wrong. Slovakia was represented in Monday’s slalom by young skier Adam Nováček, a 20-year-old athlete who once competed at the Žampa Cup himself. In Alta Badia, he made his second World Cup start — and celebrated his first successful World Cup finish.
One of the special guests at the Žampa Cup finals in Štrbské Pleso (SVK) in March 2025 was Zrinka Ljutić, the freshly crowned slalom globe winner, who arrived straight from the World Cup Finals in the United States. She visited the race start, spent time with thousands of fans during the autograph session, and brought not only her trophy but also an incredible dose of energy and motivation to the event.
Slovak and Croatian skiing have shared warm relations for years, and Croatian success is genuinely celebrated by Slovak fans. Zrinka’s fan club is even led by a young Slovak woman, Nina, who attended the event with Billa Žampa Cup banners in hand.
Winning the small globe was a dream come true for Ljutić, who said she was deeply happy to share the moment with everyone at the Billa Žampa Cup.
Ljutić also appeared in the live finish-area studio of JOJ Šport TV, which broadcast the entire race with full graphics and expert commentary. That level of professionalism matters, accordingly to organizers and parents.
One attending parent shared that both of their children raced and truly felt part of something big — just like what they see on TV. Even without podium results, the experience itself made the day special, capped off with hot chocolate and autograph sessions.
In addition to Ljutić, visitors and young racers also met Zabystřan, Martina Dubovská, and Finnish star Erika Pykäläinen.
The Billa Žampa Cup 2026 will introduce several new developments. For the first time, the series will expand to Austria, partnering with Ski Club Arlberg, the world’s oldest ski club. In Lech/Zürs, young racers will take part in a unique ski challenge designed to test overall skills while prioritizing fun with competition.
Each event has its own distinct character. In Pec pod Sněžkou, young skiers will compete in a combi race blending alpine skiing and ski cross. In Białka Tatrzańska, the program includes a children’s downhill — a discipline many young racers aspire to try. The season finale at Štrbské Pleso will feature a parallel slalom broadcast live on television, along with side events such as a speed challenge, skills run, and the Winter Youth Olympics of the High Tatras. Children will also have the opportunity to try snowboarding, cross-country skiing, and ski mountaineering at Teo Žampa.
Organizers promise a special atmosphere, a record number of World Cup guests, and a professional environment for all participants. The goal remains clear: to help young racers feel like stars, build friendships, and embrace the challenges of alpine skiing.
Registration for all Billa Žampa Cup events is free of charge. The initiative is not limited to future professionals. It also welcomes recreational skiers who want to try racing or simply enjoy the atmosphere.
“One of our missions is to bring skiing closer to everyday people. This is not just about professionals, but about the entire community that shares winter, a love for snow sports, mountains, slopes, and nature. We simply want to strengthen that mountain spirit,” adds Andreas Žampa.
You can also find an interesting interview with the three Slovak brothers in the Skiing is Believing podcast, where they were guests a year ago. On behalf of Ski Racing Media, we wish them the best of luck in continuing to inspire future generations of skiers.
There’s an unmet need for after-school programs across Omaha. The city and an area nonprofit look to fill the gaps.
A recently released survey commissioned by the Afterschool Alliance and Collective for Youth gathered input from 444 Omaha households with 670 children to measure the successes and shortcomings of the metro’s after-school programs. The organization found that roughly 75% of Omaha children don’t have an available program, despite their parents’ or guardians’ desire to enroll.
“Families want more spots, more access and more support, especially as national resources, particularly for middle school programs, continue to decline,” said Megan Addison, executive director of local nonprofit Collective for Youth.
Addison shared the results of the survey alongside Mayor John Ewing and Omaha City Council members during a press conference Monday afternoon.
The unmet demand for after-school programs represents 38,409 children whose parents want them to be in an after-school program but are not, according to the survey. Filling that gap will take investments, and knowing the state of things is an important place to start.
“I’ve been running Collective for Youth now for 18 years, and we’ve never had a survey done to really just get the lay of the land across Omaha,” Addison said. “We’re very familiar with what’s happening in Omaha Public Schools and with our partners and what their needs are, but we just didn’t have a good pulse on what’s going on beyond that scope.”
Ewing’s support for after-school programming is shaped by his previous career in law enforcement. He said safe alternatives for young people are especially important from 3-6 p.m. when they are “left to their own devices.”
“By doing that, we help keep our community safe, because it’s really about prevention and keeping young people engaged in positive activities versus them getting involved in criminal activity,” Ewing said.
In the new study, 88% of parents with children in after-school programs report enrollment allows them to work more hours and 79% say it boosts their productivity at work. It also found that about nine in 10 Omaha parents agree that all young people deserve access to quality after-school and summer programs and 92% are in favor of public funding for after-school opportunities.
“We want to keep them stay connected to their community, so that they give back. And that’s one thing that after school provides,” Addison said. “It helps that connection with them in the places where they live.”
MAHANOY CITY — Mahanoy Area didn’t let Nativity blink for one moment when they willed their way to a 56-16 Division II home win Monday.
Mahanoy Area’s (10-3; 7-1) defense forced 21 turnovers as Naomi Kowalick and Felicia Bro each converted steals in the first half and never slowed down for the home win over the Green Wave (1-13; 0-8).
“That got us into our running game and that’s what we do best,” said Mahanoy Area head coach Tom Scheeler. “The win qualifies us for districts and we have a tough road ahead.”
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Mahanoy Area’s Felicia Bro (21) approaches the basket as Mahanoy Area hosts Nativity BVM, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR)
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Mahanoy Area’s Naomi Kowalick (33) shoots the ball as Mahanoy Area hosts Nativity BVM, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR)
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Nativity’s Finley McNamara (33) looks to shoot as Mahanoy Area hosts Nativity BVM, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR)
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Nativity’s Emmalee Pinkey (15) dribbles near the sideline as Mahanoy Area hosts Nativity BVM, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR)
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Mahanoy Area’s Felicia Bro (21) approaches the basket as Mahanoy Area hosts Nativity BVM, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR)
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SEE FULL PHOTO GALLERY: Mahanoy Area girls basketball defeats Nativity
Ella Connolly led the Golden Bears offense early when she rolled in 12 points and led Mahanoy Area to a 19-5 lead at the end of the first quarter.
Bro hit Connolly with an underneath pass for an easy layup and the 21-5 lead two minutes into the second quarter and Mahanoy Area never let up.
“They find each other and Felicia (Bro) has turned into a great point guard and having Ella (Connolly) up front, she gets down the floor well so we look for her a lot.”
Connolly led Mahanoy Area’s offense with 23 points and Brooklyn Christian scored 10 points. Kowalick had eight points and Bro added seven points.
Connolly went underneath for a pair of layups and the 8-3 lead midway through the first quarter. Kowalick then scooped up a steal and flushed it at the other end for the 12-5 lead.
“I’m comfortable in my role but I can also play point guard because I can give my teammates opportunities,” said Bro. “We work on our press every day and it’s a good way to get steals.”
Connolly added another pair of layups and the Golden Bears took a 19-5 lead at the end of the first quarter.
Bro fed Connolly with a pass underneath the basket for the 21-5 lead before another Kowalick steal and full court layup gave the Golden Bears a 27-9 lead.
“Our girls were trying to run before we have the ball,” said Scheeler. “Our defense has to be as good as it’s been and that’s one thing we pride ourselves on.”
Kowalick turned up for another steal and passed it to Connolly who finished it for the 33-11 lead. Kowalick then hit a three for the 35-11 halftime lead.
Bro hit a three and scored five points in the third quarter before Christian rolled in a layup for the 48-16 lead at the end of the third quarter.
“We’re playing well offensively, moving the ball and getting open looks,” said Bro. “It’s a good win and we can’t get too confident.”
Kieran Haughney hit a two-point jumper for the 50-16 lead shortly into the fourth quarter and Christian posted a pair of layups for the 56-16 win.
Nativity’s offense was led by Emmalee Pinkey’s 10 points and Finley McNamara’s three points.
Mahanoy Area travels to Lincoln Leadership at 5:30 p.m. and Nativity hits the road to take on Marian Thursday at 6:30 p.m.
Nativity 16 — Revilla 0 0-0 0, Ulloa 0 0-0 0, Lorence 1 0-0 2, Richard 0 0-0 0, Pinkey 3 3-4 10, Vizcaino 0 0-0 0, Hylka 0 0-0 0, Zulick 0 0-0 0, Rushannon 0 0-0 0, Pascual 0 0-0 0, McNamara 1 1-4 3, Purcell 0 1-2 1, Stenmt 0 0-0 0, Evans 0 0-0 0.
Mahanoy Area 56 — Haughney 1 0-0 1, Monley 0 0-0 0, Wonsock 0 0-0 0, Zubris 0 0-0 0, Christian 5 0-0 10, Bro 3 0-0 7, Carl 2 0-0 4, Kowalick 4 0-0 8, Collado 1 0-0 2, Connolly 11 1-2 23.
© 2026 the Republican & Herald (Pottsville, Pa.). Visit republicanherald.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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