To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video The day after their Military Appreciation Night win, the Green Bay Blizzard hosted the 2025 Youth Camp on June 14 at the Resch Center. Kids ages 7–13 hit the field for drills, skills, and a combine experience. […]
The day after their Military Appreciation Night win, the Green Bay Blizzard hosted the 2025 Youth Camp on June 14 at the Resch Center. Kids ages 7–13 hit the field for drills, skills, and a combine experience.
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During the 2025 Youth Camp, kids ages 7–13 hit the field for drills, skills, and a combine experience with Blizzard players, coaches, and Aurora BayCare Sports Medicine.
Parents enjoyed the new to this year lounge with lunch and information from Blizzard educational partners like Thrivent, the Wisconsin Beef Council, and more. Each camper also scored a free ticket to the June 13 game. For more on the Green Bay Blizzard visit: greenbayblizzard.com
Daily Hampshire Gazette – Paper City Flyers take off: Holyoke’s youth track program gains traction
In less than a year’s time, Kevin McDonald has turned an idea into a burgeoning organization that aspiring area athletes have begun flocking toward. McDonald is the president and head coach of the Paper City Flyers youth track and field program based out of Holyoke, a nonprofit that “strives to provide a safe, supportive, and […]
In less than a year’s time, Kevin McDonald has turned an idea into a burgeoning organization that aspiring area athletes have begun flocking toward.
McDonald is the president and head coach of the Paper City Flyers youth track and field program based out of Holyoke, a nonprofit that “strives to provide a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where young athletes of all abilities can develop their skills, build character, and learn the values of perseverance, teamwork and sportsmanship,” as noted in the Flyers’ cover letter.
McDonald accepts athletes from grades 2-12 and the Flyers are members of the USATF and AAU, which allows athletes to compete in organized meets against competitors from all around the state and New England.
This past spring, the Flyers attracted around 50 athletes who joined the program and a pair of youngsters in Genesis Kelly and Ben Ramos earned national qualifier status.
“They just competed in the regional Junior Olympics in Fitchburg,” McDonald said. “Genesis, in particular, took third place in the long jump and fifth place in the 100 and qualified for nationals. Ben took, I believe, seventh and is a national qualifier.”
McDonald noted neither Kelly nor Ramos will compete in the national meet, due to prior commitments, but nevertheless, the fact that two athletes from the up-and-coming Flyers program did well enough to earn spots in a nationwide meet speaks to the potential that lies within this Paper City youth program.
“My goal is to develop programs here in Holyoke to compete with what’s going on in Northampton, with what’s going on in Longmeadow,” McDonald said. “We have all the facilities, we have all the athletes available, not only in Holyoke but in South Hadley, Southampton and so forth.
“Bill Kane’s name is all over the track,” McDonald added of the longtime HHS track coach. “A lot of the major events in the area come through Holyoke, it doesn’t make sense that we don’t we have a strong youth team right here.”
The Flyers met every Tuesday and Thursday from April through June, hosted their own Mini-Meet, plus competed in meets as far south as Connecticut in what McDonald dubbed a “very successful season.”
Still, McDonald sees room for growth within his program, specifically in garnering more high-school-aged athletes. As a result, McDonald is hosting an All Sports Combine Event on Sunday, July 27 at Holyoke High School.
“We had trouble getting football players to be involved with what we’re trying to do, so what I did is I put together a football combine that includes track events,” McDonald said. “I made it available to every sport in town and every sport in town is going to be involved — soccer, basketball, football, et cetera, and hopefully what this will do is this’ll give those athletes, those kids, a taste of track and field.”
The Combine is a free event that will begin at 1 p.m.
Local businesses also have taken note of McDonald’s efforts as the Flyers have already received some considerable sponsor partnerships. McDonald mentioned the YMCA of Holyoke and Gary Rome Hyundai as two of the numerous sponsors who have stepped in to help the Flyers fund their equipment, uniforms, transportation, competition fees and facility rentals.
“Things are working, things are growing,” McDonald said. “We’re not out here by ourselves. I’m actually shocked at the amount of support that we’ve gotten, particularly in this area.”
Despite growing up in California, McDonald has lived in western Massachusetts for the better part of a decade and decided now was the time to put together a youth program that can not only compete with the bedrocks of Hampshire County, but also those from eastern Mass.
“When I came out here, I saw what was going on and to be quite honest, I was tired of hearing about eastern Mass. and what they do in eastern Mass. and track is a whole different situation in eastern Mass.,” McDonald said. “I would like to bring that and make that as strong here in western Mass. as it is in eastern Mass. That’s how I got involved in what I’m doing here.”
In a small sample size, McDonald has proven he’s committed to building a sustainable youth track program — which will continue this winter — that not only brings athletes together, but also provides an avenue for them to flourish.
For more information, McDonald can be reached at papercityflyers@yahoo.com.
Wild brawl between players, fans explodes at American Legion playoff game
Some Massholes ruined an American Legion playoff game Monday night. Fans ran onto the field Monday night and at least one brawled with East Springfield Post 420 players during the middle of a game against Milford Post 59, causing it to be postponed in the fourth inning. Police are investigating the issue and whether to […]
Some Massholes ruined an American Legion playoff game Monday night.
Fans ran onto the field Monday night and at least one brawled with East Springfield Post 420 players during the middle of a game against Milford Post 59, causing it to be postponed in the fourth inning.
Police are investigating the issue and whether to charge three individuals, including at least one player and a Milford High School student, Milford Police Department spokesperson Jason Covino told the Boston Globe. No arrests were made nor were any injuries reported, per the outlet.
“Absolute mayhem taking place over by the third base dugout as members of the Milford crowd have now come onto the warning track on the third base side,” Milford broadcaster Tim Caouette said.
“Never in all of my years covering Legion Baseball have I ever seen this kind of activity from the fans.”
The fan in red shorts is held back. @MyMilfordTV/YouTube
The game is scheduled to resume Wednesday at 6 p.m. ET, according to the Milford Daily News, and there may be some extra bad blood as East Springfield coach Eduardo Colon alleged Milford coach Steve DiVitto ignited the fireworks by inciting his fans and that ”led to the fans going crazy.”
“Umpires are not reacting to this the way [they] should be,” Colon told the Boston Globe. “Because if I was to run out in the field and yell at an umpire’s face, I would have been ejected immediately.”
The commotion started in the fourth inning with the bases loaded in a 1-1 game and a batter facing a 2-1 count at Fino Field in Milford, Mass., as captured by the YouTube channel @MyMilfordTV.
Police told TMZ they believe heckling sparked the wild scene, and Colon alleged to the Boston Globe on Tuesday that a Milford fan started the ruckus by arguing with a player’s parents in the stands.
In the broadcast streamed by @MyMilfordTV, one individual’s voice rose above the murmur moments before things got out of hand.
“What the f–k is you talking about?” the person said. “Get your ass out of there.”
A “shut the f–k up” was captured while the Milford catcher looked toward the stands situated near the East Springfield dugout, before one fan seemingly said: “You’re an old ass woman, what the f–k you doing coming in the stands?”
The umpire then turned toward the stands while play stopped. Caouette noted how “the fans are starting to get into it over on the third base side.”
Not much could be seen, although “come on this side” and a repeated “Max” could be heard before an individual in red shorts ran around the dugout and made way onto the field.
Caouette later told boston25news.com Milford fans had been taunting and eventually came on the field and engaged the Post 420 players.
The umpire stops the game and looks toward the stands. @MyMilfordTV/YouTube
One East Springfield player motioned as if he was ready to fight, while an umpire and what appeared to be a security official grabbed the individual in red.
An East Springfield player wearing No. 19 — which belongs to starting pitcher Eliezer Rosario — then threw multiple punches at the fan and seemingly connected with at least one before being separated by the umpire and others.
The Milford Daily News reported that it “appeared” Rosario was ejected by the umpires.
The individual in red shorts makes their way onto the field. @MyMilfordTV/YouTube
Colon told the Boston Globe that the Milford fan whom he alleged started the altercation “shoved (a player’s) mother to the side and took a swing at his father” and acknowledged one of his players threw a punch.
“When the (fan) came around (the dugout), he swung at another parent that tried to stop him from coming, and he was just going swinging,” Colon told the outlet. “So the kid that had seen his parents getting pushed and swung at, you know, swung back.”
The tension intensified while what appeared to be a fan hit the ground after colliding with a player.
One East Springfield player, Eliezer Rosario, punches the fan. @MyMilfordTV/YouTube
Caouette said that DiVitto made his way over at this point, while pointing out that there had been trash talk happening.
“Great ballgame. It’s unfortunate,” DiVitto told the Milford Daily News. “I don’t want to take anything away from how hard the kids from both teams played.”
One East Springfield coach, who could be heard telling the umpires he’s the manager — Colon — then started screaming at the umpires before one seemingly told him: “One more and you’re gone.”
Those in the area separate the fan in red and Eliezer Rosario after punches were thrown. @MyMilfordTV/YouTube
The coach then seemingly said no players should be thrown out before yelling: “My wife got f–king thrown on the f–king ground.”
One umpire told the teams to retreat to their dugout and the East Springfield coach then seemingly yelled at the opposing fans.
Colon alleged to the Boston Globe that one of the umpires shoved one of his players in the face while attempting to quell the tensions.
Things get out of hand Monday night. @MyMilfordTV/YouTube
“As an umpire, I understand that he was trying to separate the altercation,” Colon told the outlet. “But that’s not how you separate. The players are not going to put their hands on you.”
The East Springfield coach and DiVitto then conferred near home plate, while Caouette noted how police cruisers had arrived.
As the umpires and coaches congregated, one East Springfield player had to be held back by teammates.
The umpires were yelled at after the melee. @MyMilfordTV/YouTube
A police officer eventually made his way onto the field, speaking with DiVitto and the umpires and eventually taking statements, per Caouette.
Covino told the Boston Globe that police received a call shortly after 9 p.m. ET.
The coach yells about how his wife was thrown on the ground. @MyMilfordTV/YouTube
Caouette noted then how some Milford fans had “crossed the line” and said things which “exacerbated” the situation, but said no Milford players were involved.
The field announcer eventually said they wanted fans to exit in groups.
DiVitto was unaware after the game if any players had been ejected.
“I don’t know the final decision,” he told the Milford Daily News. “The umpires are going to have to speak to the umpiring chief and the state chairman as well. It’s just a really unfortunate situation all around.”
A police officer on the field. @MyMilfordTV/YouTube
Post 59 President Cindy Stulac wrote Tuesday on Facebook that the Milford police chief opted against resuming play that day “to allow for adequate planning to ensure the safety of all involved to finish the game.”
When the teams resume action Wednesday night, they will have to put aside the bad feelings and focus on the playoff implications.
East Springfield can advance to the state tournament with a win, while Milford needs to triumph and then beat East Springfield again to advance, per the Milford Daily News.
American Legion is for baseball players aged 13-19, per its website.
UNH Picked Fifth in CAA Football Predicted Order of Finish
RICHMOND, Va. – The University of New Hampshire football team, led by fourth-year head coach Rick Santos, was picked fifth in the 2025 CAA Football Predicted Order of Finish that was released by the conference prior to Media Day on Wednesday. The Wildcats, who tied for third place in the final 2024 CAA standings and advanced […]
RICHMOND, Va. – The University of New Hampshire football team, led by fourth-year head coach Rick Santos, was picked fifth in the 2025 CAA Football Predicted Order of Finish that was released by the conference prior to Media Day on Wednesday.
The Wildcats, who tied for third place in the final 2024 CAA standings and advanced to the NCAA FCS playoffs, received 119 points in the predicted order of finish to place behind the University of Rhode Island (163 points; eight first-place votes), Monmouth University (142; four), Villanova University (139; two) and Stony Brook University (125).
“Making the playoffs every year is one of the programmatic goals that we strive to, we want to have a national presence and we’re really excited to go into this year,” Santos stated in his opening media day remarks. “It’s probably the youngest team that I’ve ever been a part of. There are some unknowns, there is some uncertainty but I think when you go into a season like that, it’s really exciting and we look at it as an opportunity for growth.
“Through spring practice and what we’ve been doing in the summer has been elite and I’ve been really happy with it. Some young guys are gonna step up and some transfers we brought in are going to vie for meaningful positions as well.”
Senior wide receiver Caleb Burke (Johnstown, Pa.) received Honorable Mention recognition in voting for the CAA Football Preseason All-Conference Team. Burke ranked second on the team in receptions, receiving yards and TD receptions, as well as third in all-purpose yards, last season.
CLICK HERE to buy season tickets.
Plans start as low as $110 for general admission and include special benefits such as invites to exclusive events, complimentary tickets to UNH sporting events, first right to special events such as NCAA playoffs, and presale opportunities to Family Weekend and Homecoming.
Single-game tickets start as low as $36 for a general admission ticket. A general admission ticket for a premium game is $46. Other point prices for single-game football tickets are $46/$56 for a reserved seat and $61/$71 for a box seat.
For questions regarding tickets – including group tickets – and/or parking, please call 603-862-4000 or email unh.tickets@unh.edu.
UNH is followed in the CAA Football Predicted Order of Finish by Towson University (108), College of William & Mary (104), Elon University (98), University of Maine (71), Campbell University (53), Hampton University (50), UAlbany (47), Bryant University (32) and North Carolina A&T (23).
New Hampshire kicks off the 2025 season Aug. 30 (6 p.m.) at NC Central and the home opener is Youth Sports Day, presented by N.H. Distributors, on Sept. 6 (6 p.m.) against College of the Holy Cross.
Sports used to run on instinct, experience, and feel. Coaches trusted their eyes, players stuck to routine, and fans argued from the heart. But in the past two decades, analytics has reshaped the way games are played, coached, and managed. Sports used to run on instinct, experience, and feel. Coaches trusted their eyes, players stuck […]
Sports used to run on instinct, experience, and feel. Coaches trusted their eyes, players stuck to routine, and fans argued from the heart. But in the past two decades, analytics has reshaped the way games are played, coached, and managed.
Sports used to run on instinct, experience, and feel.
Coaches trusted their eyes, players stuck to routine, and fans argued from the heart. But in the past two decades, analytics has reshaped the way games are played, coached, and managed.
Today, athletes are tracked with wearables, GPS, and cameras that collect massive amounts of data. Teams use this to manage workload, prevent injuries, and improve performance. The focus has shifted from what happens to why it happens.
On the field, strategy is more data-driven than ever. Coaches make decisions—when to go for it, who to match up, how to space the floor—based on hard numbers, not hunches. In scouting, stats and predictive models guide draft picks and trades across every major sport.
Fans are part of the shift too. Advanced stats are now common in broadcasts, fantasy sports, and sports betting. From expected goals to efficiency ratings, numbers are changing how we watch and talk about the game.
Still, data isn’t everything. Intangibles like leadership, pressure, and team chemistry don’t show up in charts. The best teams strike a balance—using analytics to enhance, not replace, human insight.
In the end, analytics isn’t killing the soul of sport. It’s sharpening it.
Backed by NBA and WNBA stars and fueled by the youth sports boom, Shoot 360 is targeting 600 locations by 2030 As youth sports participation and interest in performance tech accelerates, basketball franchise Shoot 360 is expanding aggressively, with plans to grow from over 50 to 600 locations by 2030. Current franchisees and investors include […]
Backed by NBA and WNBA stars and fueled by the youth sports boom, Shoot 360 is targeting 600 locations by 2030
As youth sports participation and interest in performance tech accelerates, basketball franchise Shoot 360 is expanding aggressively, with plans to grow from over 50 to 600 locations by 2030. Current franchisees and investors include NBA and WNBA names such as Trae Young, Sue Bird, Rodney Stuckey, Thad Young, Zaza Pachulia and Peyton Siva.
credit: Shoot 360
To lead its growth, Shoot 360, already active in 28 NBA training facilities, has named two franchise industry veterans to its executive team: Jason Carter as chief operating officer and Jamie Eslinger as chief marketing officer. The hires come as the company develops more than 50 additional locations, building on its presence across North America, Europe and Asia.
credit: Shoot 360
Carter most recently served as president and COO of Bandon Fitness, the largest Anytime Fitness franchise group worldwide. He has also held leadership roles at Honors Holdings, UFC Gym and 24 Hour Fitness. Eslinger previously served as CMO of JEM Wellness Brands, overseeing marketing for Crunch Fitness, Massage Envy and European Wax Center.
“Bringing Jason and Jamie onto the team is a game-changer for our brand,” said Shoot 360 founder and president Craig Moody. “Their experience in franchise growth and operations aligns perfectly with our mission to grow the love of the game by providing positive experiences to each athlete who comes through our door.”
credit: Shoot 360
The Shoot 360 experience combines AI-powered analytics with gamified training to give athletes real-time feedback on shooting, passing and ball-handling. Personalized performance data is delivered directly to each user’s app, offering a consistent and measurable approach to skill development.
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The concept has gained traction by addressing a growing gap in year-round youth athletic training. It also serves a wide age range, from children as young as five to adults looking to sharpen their game or stay active.
Shoot 360 is actively seeking franchise partners in all 50 U.S. states, with near-term growth focused on Florida, Illinois, Texas and the Northeast. The total investment to open a Shoot 360 location ranges from $600,000 to $1.8 million.
Kansas 4-H Shooting Sports Offers Youth Skill-Building and Safety Training During Fair Season
Image courtesy Canva With county fair season upon us, a common 4-H project youth participate in is shooting sports. Kansas 4-H state shooting sports specialist Chandra Plate explains the different opportunities within the project. “We have 10 4-H projects in Kansas for 4-H shooting sports, and on a nationwide basis, we also have 10 4-H […]
With county fair season upon us, a common 4-H project youth participate in is shooting sports. Kansas 4-H state shooting sports specialist Chandra Plate explains the different opportunities within the project.
“We have 10 4-H projects in Kansas for 4-H shooting sports, and on a nationwide basis, we also have 10 4-H projects. So the 10 4-H projects that we have are archery. In Kansas, we do both compound archery and recurve archery,” said Plate. “And then we have air pistol, air rifle, BB gun, hunting skills, muzzle loader, pistol, rifle, shotgun, western heritage. And those are our 10 4-H projects. For pistol and rifle, those are both small bore pistol and small bore rifle.”
Volunteers in 4-H shooting sports receive extensive training over a full weekend, typically starting Saturday morning and running through Sunday afternoon, with some sessions beginning Friday evening depending on the discipline. Each volunteer trains in only one discipline, such as archery, hunting skills, or muzzleloader. The training includes both discipline-specific instruction and youth development education. Safety is the top priority, followed closely by preparing volunteers to support positive youth development.
Plate says not every county in Kansas has 4-H shooting sports, so if you’re interested you’ll need to contact your local extension office and find out if they have 4-H shooting sports. If they don’t, she says you can contact the counties around you to see if they do.
For more information on 4-H shooting sports, visit kansas4-h.org.