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Actor Brad Pitt has raced back into cinemas with his latest film, F1. Directed by Joseph Kosinski, who previously helmed Top Gun: Maverick, this sports drama follows veteran racer Sonny Hayes (Pitt) when he is called upon by his old rival (Javier Bardem) to return to Formula One racing to partner up with a young rookie, Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris), in the last few races of the season.

After taking on the world of aerial combat, Kosinski brings his distinctive brand of cinematic flair to this depiction of competitive racing. Naturally, this makes for another captivating, blood-pumping blockbuster achievement. Though it seems to have left a better story in the rearview mirror, F1 makes up for it with a bevy of charismatic performances, engrossing visuals, and stirring moments.

The story runs a familiar track with mixed results

F1‘s opening scene hooks its viewer with its introduction of the laid-back Sonny and his dazzling first race. This presents enough thrills and mystery to leave audiences wanting to see more of his character and learn more about him in the coming attractions. But beyond that, F1 presents a predictable story of an aged athlete, described in the film as “the greatest who never was,” as he tries to educate a younger protégé and regain his former glory. It’s essentially Top Gun: Maverick with race cars, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

Though the story of F1 is familiar, it still presents the right amount of severe character drama and lighthearted quips between Sonny, Joshua, and their teammates to make this an enjoyable summer blockbuster. Nevertheless, the script could ease up on the amount of expositional, on-the-nose dialogue, as journalists and news personalities fill the audience in on the story with heavy-handed commentary with very little subtlety.

Also, F1‘s story seems to brush past the challenges that the characters face, such as forged legal documents, Sonny’s vision problems, and his post-traumatic stress, without much difficulty or consequence. Despite its potholes, F1 features plenty of emotional and even inspiring moments that fit well in the sports film genre, particularly that fiery crash scene and Sonny’s climactic “flight” to the finish line. Overall, F1 presents a fun story with a decent amount of tension. However, the film struggles to ground itself in reality.

Traditional characters with compelling actors

In F1, Sonny Hayes is a cocky, loose-cannon racing veteran who doesn’t play by the rules, similar to Tom Cruise in Top Gun: Maverick. Meanwhile, Joshua Pearce is Sonny’s younger, equally arrogant partner, who’s desperate to prove himself and reach the top, which naturally leads to friction between the two. While this is the kind of dynamic seen between Maverick and Rooster in Top Gun: Maverick, Sonny and Joshua lack any prior history together to make their conflict more engaging.

Instead, their relationship is more of a clash of like-minded egos, and the film doesn’t spend enough time dissecting them and their backstories to make their characters feel true and unique. Likewise, Sonny and Joshua’s development feels rushed at times. Though the latter experiences the most growth in the film and follows Sonny’s example, his character presents so much more dramatic potential. Joshua talks about having to climb out from nothing to become the famed racer he is today, which could say a lot about the state of modern athletes. Instead, the film fails to expand upon his character to make him seem especially distinctive or relevant.

Likewise, Sonny is presented as a divorced husband and father coping with a gambling addiction and a traumatic racing accident, and there are some nuances to his character aching to be unlocked. However, F1 seems to speed past all that without adding anything fresh and captivating to his character. Pitt at least touts his trademark charisma in the role of Sonny, making his jerk of a character a lovable, entertaining presence in the film.

At the same time, many members of the film’s supporting cast shine just as brightly as Pitt. Idris brings the right balance of solemn intensity and cocky swagger as Joshua. Javier Bardem brings plenty of drama and humor as Sonny’s friend and struggling new boss, Ruben Cervantes. Kerry Condon, in particular, wins with her performance as Sonny’s tech director/love interest, Kate McKenna, sharing palpable chemistry with Pitt. Her character also stands out for the way she keeps her team together, arguably making her the movie’s secret weapon.

Stunning action and visuals

Like with the pilots in Top Gun: Maverick, Kosinski places viewers right in the driver’s seat with the drivers as they battle each other with their cars like the chariot riders in Ben-Hur. This film immerses its audience thanks to the thrilling, up-close camerawork of the racers and their vehicles by Oscar-winning cinematographer Claudio Miranda (who also worked on Top Gun: Maverick). The panning shots filmed atop the moving cars are among the film’s most distinctive visual achievements, giving viewers a heart-pounding view of all the excitement.

F1 keeps up the intensity with super-swift editing courtesy of Stephen Mirrione, jumping from one character to another, from inside the cars to outside on the sidelines. The movie hardly gives its audience the time to breathe with its breakneck depiction of Formula One racing, making it all the more gripping. The thrills and emotion are also elevated by an excellent soundtrack and original musical score from the ever-reliable Hans Zimmer.

Is F1 worth a watch?

For those looking for an eye-catching, heart-pounding underdog story to enjoy in theaters this summer, F1 is the right choice. Kosinski’s movie doesn’t add that much depth or innovation in terms of storytelling, but it is still a sight to behold. F1 is a cinematic roller coaster from start to finish, with the film making up for its shortcomings with compelling performances from the cast and immersive action.

F1 is now in theaters.

There was no shortage of boys track and field talent from the Boulder, Broomfield and Longmont areas during the spring season. Forty-two athletes in all earned spots on CHSAA’s all-state lists, led by Niwot’s Class 4A team state champions.

Frederick’s Tanner Kaufman led the Class 5A first-team contingent thanks to his silver in the 800-meter run, and Legacy’s Devin Shea joined him on that list after winning the high jump with a 6-foot, 9-inch clearance.

Centaurus’ Joseph Bermudez likewise earned recognition for his fifth place in the high jump, but he did so on second team. Erie’s Hayden Fox kept the local 5A second-team party going with fifth in the 400-meter dash while his teammate, Brett Michalski, joined him with sixth in the 3,200. Monarch’s Ethan Nuttall claimed fourth in the pole vault to round out that list.

Monarch’s Thomas Cole (pole vault), Brek Hoenninger (300 hurdles), Malakhi Payne (100) Broomfield’s Alexander Darby (100 hurdles) and Erie’s Grant Nemeth (high jump) rounded out the 5A contingent on honorable mention.

The real talent lay with the 4A boys this year, as Longmont’s Teagan Malcom led first team with the athlete of the year honors from both CHSAA and the Times-Call. He won the 300 hurdles (36.94) while placing second in the 110 hurdles and third in the 400. Niwot’s Maurice Henriques, whose team won another title with 98 points, naturally took home coach of the year.

Niwot enjoyed first-team recognition for Joshua Archuleta, Townes Bernstein, Gavin Engtrakul and Quinn Sullivan, who won the 4×400 with a 3:21.70, while Engtrakul, Sullivan, Daily Camera athlete of the year Rocco Culpepper and Cole Mazurana won similar recognition thanks to their gold in the 4×800 (7:51.53). Culpepper won the 800 (1:54.51) and the 1,600 (4:12.23), while Sullivan placed second in the 800.

The Cougars enjoyed more first-team representation from Ryder Keeton (first, 9:02.44) and Hunter Robbie (third) in the 3,200, as well as from Kingston Staton (third) in the triple jump. Longmont’s Mason Hendricks earned his own berth onto first team after placing third in the high jump, just as Holy Family’s Monte Samaras did with third in the long jump.

Silver Creek’s Michael Fertitta kicked off the 4A second team representation with fifth in pole vault, while his teammate Ibrahim Kabore, Holy Family’s Brady Lindoerfer and Mead’s Grant Gordon all stacked up at fourth, fifth and sixth in shot put.

The 4A honorable mentions included Longmont’s Bode Becker (800), Niwot’s Weston Domich (long jump), Evan Kear (3,200), Jaydan Martinez (110 hurdles) and Mead’s Dresden Spendlove (discus).

Peak to Peak’s Ethan Rathke paved his own way toward 3A’s first team thanks to his silver in the pole vault, just as Jefferson Academy’s Zachary Owings managed second team in 100 at fourth. Peak to Peak’s Gavin Flanagan (pole vault), Jefferson Academy’s Rylan Mills (800) and Prospect Ridge’s Nicholas Shoemaker (1,600) all forged paths toward honorable mention.

Lyons didn’t see any 2A selections for first team or second team, but instead enjoyed honorable mentions for Evan Bolkovatz, Mebratu Duckwitz, Will Dumbauld and Jesse Nunez for the 4×200 as well as Payton Bolkovatz for the triple jump.

Per University of Louisville Sports Release:

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The University of Louisville volleyball program has announced its schedule for the upcoming 2025 season.

Louisville has 30 regular season matches slated with four scheduled for the KFC Yum! Center and the remaining 12 home contests slated for L&N Federal Credit Union Arena. In all, the Cardinals will play 16 matches against teams that competed in the 2024 NCAA Championship, nine of those from the ACC.

“We built this schedule to challenge us — and it will,” said Louisville head coach Dan Meske.  “The Cards have never shied away from top teams or big stages and 2025 will be no different.  I’m excited to get this schedule released so our fans here in the ‘Ville and around the country can make their plans to ‘join the flock’ and cheer us on!”

Meske’s first season at the helm gets underway with an Alumni match on Aug. 23. UofL will then host the Cardinal Classic featuring St. John’s, Morehead State, and Auburn. UofL’s first match at the KFC Yum! Center follows with a matchup with Illinois on Sept. 7.  Texas, Creighton, Northern Iowa, Rice, Kentucky and Western Kentucky round out the non-conference slate. Kentucky and WKU will be contested at the KFC Yum! Center Sept. 18 and 22 respectively.

The ACC slate begins Sept. 27 with Boston College as the first of 10 home contests as the Cards will host BC, Syracuse, Virginia Tech, Virginia, SMU, Pitt, Notre Dame, Florida State, Miami and Stanford. The Notre Dame match will mark the final KFC Yum! Center appearance of the regular season.  

Check out the full schedule here. 

Tickets & Premium Seating
A four-match ticket package for Louisville Volleyball at the KFC Yum! Center is available now for less than $15 per match: Buy Now

40+ ways to get your game on

By Rachel Pasche | June 28, 2025

Not only does the National Cherry Festival serve up some of the best cherry delicacies, but it also dishes out friendly competition throughout the week! Get sporty, spitty, sandy, or splashed at the various contests held all week, with something for every age group. 

Saturday, June 28

Pickleball Tournament, 8am: A two-day pickleball tournament kicks off the Cherry Festival contests, starting with men’s and women’s doubles. The tournament is hosted at the Traverse City YMCA. Bring your game face and your paddles! Sign up at pickleballtournaments.com/tournaments/national-cherry-festival-pickleball-tournament-3. 

Balance Bike Race, 9-10:30am: Get ready to cheer on the bike-riders of the future at this balance bike course at the Grand Traverse Civic Center. Up to 150 young riders (ages 2–5) will be able to showcase their cycling skills at this free event. Riders can register at 8am on the morning of, or at norteyouthcycling.org/calendar/ncf-balance-bike-race.

Bayside Beach Volleyball Tournament, 2-Person Men’s and Women’s, 9am: What better setting for a tournament than the lakeside courts? Root for your favorite twosome as they bump, set, and spike their way to the top. Entry is $35 to play. Register at runsignup.com/Race/MI/TraverseCity/BaySideBeachVolleyballTournament.

Adult Cherry Spit Contest, 6pm: The furthest pit spit at the National Cherry Festival is 74 feet, per Executive Director Kat Paye. Think you have what it takes to beat it? Sign up for the Cherry Pit Spit contest, held at the Open Space. Registration is free and on-site before the contest. 

Sunday, June 29

Pickleball Tournament, 8am: The tournament continues with a round of mixed doubles. Games start at 8am at the YMCA.

Bayside Beach Volleyball Tournament, Co-ed, 9am: More sand, more volleyball, and more opportunities to cheer on your favorite team! The tournament consists of four-person open and rec co-ed leagues plus a two-person co-ed league. 

Cherry Open Bowling Tournament, 9am: Incredible Mo’s is bringing bowling to Cherry Festival. The tournament includes divisions for seniors, youth, and adults, entry for any division is $15 and includes shoe rental. Register for your age division at cherryfestival.org/events/2025/cherry-open-bowling-tournament.

Monday, June 30

Bayside Beach Volleyball Youth Tournament, 9am: The fun continues with the youth volleyball tournament, split across two days to accommodate different age groups. Monday is 12U, 16U, and Boys tournaments. Registration is $27.50.

Hole-in-One Contest, 9am: X-Golf in Traverse City is hosting a hole in one contest for a chance to win $50,000. Step up to the tee and give it your best swing; daily prizes are awarded for those closest to the pin, and top qualifiers advance to the final shootout on July 5. Attempts are $5 for 3 or $10 for 7.

Kids’ Cherry Pie-Eating Contest, 1-3pm: See who can gobble up a piece of cherry pie the fastest at the pie-eating contest, held at F&M Park (corner of Railroad and Washington Streets). This event is free; arrive 15 minutes before the event to register. Each day of the kids’ contest uses 250 slices of pie, according to Mandy DePuy, National Cherry Festival marketing manager. 

Bubble Gum Blow Contest, 2pm: Calling all bubble-blowing masters, this is your time to shine! Head to Clinch Park Kids Zone to see if you’ve got what it takes to blow the biggest bubble. Kids 12 and under can join in the fun and compete in their age groups. Registration runs from 1:45-2:15 and a parent must be present to sign the waiver.

Adult Cherry Pie-Eating Contest, 5-6pm: Head on over to the Lays Cherry Blast Stage in the Open Space to try your hand (or rather, mouth) at a fork-free slice of cherry pie. Registration for this free event begins 30 minutes before the start time, and spaces fill up quickly. The adult’s contest uses 200 slices of pie, according to DePuy.

Adult Cherry Pit Spit Contest, 6-7pm: The cherry goes in and the pit gets spit out, but how far can you project your pit? Find out at the Cherry Pit Spit contest! Prizes are awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places in the men’s and women’s divisions. This free event is held in the Open Space.

Tuesday, July 1

Bayside Beach Volleyball Youth Tournament, 9am: Tournament day for the 14U and 18U age groups.

Kids’ Pet Show, 9:30am: Enter with your furry friend for a chance to win a prize! This free contest is held at F&M Park for any contestants between the ages of 3–12. Any “live” pets can enter and must be under control of the handler. This year’s categories are: Best Dressed Ensemble, Most Patriotic Pet, Most Royal Pet, Most Creative Cherry-Theme, Most Unusual Pet, and Furthest Distance Traveled. Registration begins on-site at 8:45am.

Bowl for Cherries, 1-10pm: Head to Incredible Mo’s and knock over cherry pins for the chance to win incredible prizes. For $15, you’ll receive a game of bowling, shoe rental, two slices of pizza, unlimited soda, and dessert.

Kids’ Cherry Pie-Eating Contest, 1-3pm

Wednesday, July 2

Bubble Gum Blow, 2pm
Adult Cherry Pie-Eating Contest, 5pm
Adult Cherry Pit Spit Contest, 6pm

Thursday, July 3

Cherry Golf Scramble, 8:30am: Grab a partner and your clubs to join in on this scramble at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. Played on Spruce Run (the original resort course), this 18-hole scramble has a shotgun start and prizes for the top teams in the men’s, women’s, and mixed divisions. Proper golf attire is required. Registration is $145 per team: golfgenius.com/register?league_id=11384690103013085375.

Kids’ Sand Sculpture Contest, 9am: Bring your creativity to Sunset Park Beach for the free sand sculpture competition, where you can only use items found on the beach (and food coloring) to bring your beachy creation to life. The contest starts with younger participants and advances by age group. Families and mixed-age groups have from 10:30-noon. 

Ultimate Air Dogs, 11am: Watch dog athletes soar through the air and make a spectacular splash into the water at the Ultimate Air Dogs show, held in the Open Space at 11am, 1pm, 3pm, and 5pm. Register and find more info at ultimateairdogs.com/event-info/2025/CherryFest.html.

Cornhole Tournament, 12-6pm: Toss some bags and throw back some drinks at this iconic tournament hosted by the Michigan Cornhole League and Cornhole America. Held in the beer tent area along West Bay, it’s a scenic spot for some bag-throwing. Registration is $40 per team and cash prizes are awarded to the top teams. Register at cherryfestival.org/events/2025/cornhole-tournament.

Kids Cherry Pie-Eating Contest, 1–3pm

Cherry’s Got Talent Finals, 2pm: Come watch the local talent as they showcase their skills on-stage for a chance to win! The finalists will be performing at the Lays Cherry Blast stage. 

Rubber Duck Race, 3:30pm: Send your rubber ducky on a race down the Boardman River! This annual event is put on by the Traverse City Optimist Club; all proceeds go toward youth organizations. Ducks are $5, or $25 for a “six-quack.” Adopt your duck at tcoptimist.org/duck-race/adopt-a-yellow-duck.

Cherry Kids Fun Run, 6pm: Open to kids of all ages, this one-mile run starts at Central Grade School and follows the parade route. Registration is $10 and can be done online or before the event. runsignup.com/Race/MI/TraverseCity/CherryMile

Friday, July 4

Diaper Derby and Toddler Trot, 10am: Meet at F&M Park for a race of the littles three and under, filled with crawling, walking, trotting, and wobbling. Registration for this free event starts at 9am on-site. 

Ultimate Air Dogs, 10am, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm, 6pm
Cornhole Tournament, 12–6pm
Hole in One, 12–5pm
Kids Cherry Pie-Eating Contest, 1–3pm
Bubble Gum Blow, 2pm
Adult Cherry Pie-Eating Contest, 5–6pm
Adult Cherry Pit Spit Competition, 6–7pm

Saturday, July 5

Meijer Festival of Races, 7am: Line up with thousands of others (over 2,800, according to Executive Director Kat Paye) to participate in a 5K, 10K, 15K, or half marathon. The shorter races finish along the parade route, while the half-marathon winds through fruit-laden cherry orchards. This is the fastest-growing event of the Cherry Festival; register to find out why! Registration starts at $45: cherryfestival.org/events/2025/meijer-festival-of-races2. 

Hole-in-One, 12–5pm: Finalists compete for a chance at $50,000.

Ultimate Air Dogs, 10am, 12pm, 2pm
Adult Cherry Pit Spit Contest, 6-7pm

By: John Grupp


Saturday, June 28, 2025 | 11:01 AM

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Whether he was defending passes in football or soaring through the air in track, Nick Humphries left his mark at North Allegheny.

Now he’s ready to make the leap all the way to Des Moines, Iowa.

The 2025 NA graduate departed in late June for Drake, where he will begin preparation for his first year with the Division I FCS football program.

“I’m very excited,” Humphries said. “It’s a new chapter in my life. Closing this one and opening a new one is always good. As a young kid, I always had a dream to play Division I football. This is very big for me, so I’m excited.”

Humphries, who was part of WPIAL champion teams in football and track, was set to leave for Drake on June 26 to start orientation, move into his dorm room and begin summer conditioning.

A lot has changed since Humphries, a 6-foot, 170-pound two-time all-conference defensive back, committed to Drake in October. Former Bulldogs coach Todd Stepsis departed in early December for Northern Iowa, and Joe Woodley, who had led crosstown Grand View to the 2024 NAIA national championship, was hired at Drake on
Dec. 23.

While all of the coaches who had recruited Humphries are gone, he didn’t waver in his commitment to the school.

“When I first heard the news, I was kind of shocked,” he said, “but at the same time, I was firm in my decision with Drake. In my household, academics always come first. Drake has excellent academics. … I knew they were getting good coaches, so it wasn’t really a problem for me.”

Humphries, who carried a 3.5 GPA at North Allegheny, earned an academic scholarship to Drake and plans to major in data analytics at the 4,800-student school. The Bulldogs play in the Pioneer Football League, the only nonscholarship, football-only conference in the FCS. The lone other WPIAL product on the roster is former Canon-McMillan defensive back Chris Davis Jr.

Humphries had attended a football camp at Drake last summer and been offered — his first Division I deal — shortly afterward. He had also looked at Robert Morris and Howard.

“The reason why I picked Drake was, first and foremost, academics,” said “They have very good academics. I liked the people around there. They were very welcoming, and I liked the community and the environment. It was very nice.”

Humphries had a nice career at North Allegheny, lettering four times in track and twice in football.

He led the WPIAL Class 6A runner-up Tigers with 11 pass breakups and returned two punts for touchdowns in his senior football season.

This past spring, he finished third in the long jump at the WPIAL Class 3A Track and Field Championships and anchored the fourth-place 400 relay team that broke a 46-year-old school record with a time of 42.37 seconds.

He also placed second in the long jump at the Baldwin Invitational with a personal-best leap of 23 feet, 3 inches, one of the best marks in school history by anyone not named Ayden Owens.

NA track coach John Neff said Humphries was much more than just a football player using track season to stay in shape.

“Football is definitely his No. 1 sport, but he attacks track and field as if it were his No. 1 sport, too,” Neff said. “He was a great teammate, and he was really interested in the team’s success. I couldn’t have asked for any more out of him.”

Humphries’ track days are over; he’s football-only at Drake. He said the new coaching staff has reached out, and he was encouraged by what he heard from cornerbacks coach Jacob Brown and safeties coach AJ Vasquez.

“They’ve been calling me, texting me and keeping me up to date,” Humphries said. “It’s going good, and I’m very excited to get there and start my new journey, my new chapter, and see how it goes.”

Tags: North Allegheny

JJ Stec

Crestwood, Junior

Outside Hitter

Stec helped Crestwood to a berth in the PIAA Class 2A playoffs. He was third in the WVC with 165 kills, and added 116 digs, 69 service points and 17 aces. He’ll be one of the featured hitters in the league next season.

Luke Joseph

Crestwood, Junior

Libero

For the second straight season, Joseph was named as the league’s Defensive Most Valuable Player. He had 154 digs, added 65 service points and 17 aces.

Jack Wasiakowski

Holy Redeemer, Junior

Setter

Wasiakowski lands on the All-Voice team for the second consecutive season. He was the league’s top setter, leading the conference with 337 assists as Holy Redeemer advanced to the PIAA Class 2A quarterfinals. He was also good behind the service line with 88 service points and 22 aces.

Jordany Rodriguez Disla

Wilkes-Barre Area, Senior

Outside Hitter

Rodriguez Disla was the Wolfpack’s leading attacker as it was third in the WVC with an eight-win season. The senior ended with 154 kills, which was good enough for fourth in the league. He had 56 points, 13 aces and added seven blocks. It’s his third selection to the All-Voice team.

Carlos Guzman

Berwick, Senior

Outside Hitter

Guzman was another one of the strong senior hitters in the league as the Bulldogs reached the District 2 Class 2A semifinals. He ended with 128 kills, 98 digs, 75 service points and 13 aces.

Zachary MacBain

Tunkhannock, Senior

Outside Hitter

MacBain was a bright spot for the Tigers. He was fourth in the league with 154 kills, and was also talented on the back line with 111 digs and 30 service points. MacBain added 41 assists.

Kendrick Ortiz

Hazleton Area, Junior

Outside Hitter

While it was a rebuilding year at Hazleton Area, a team filled with underclassman, Ortiz made his impact. He was sixth in the WVC with 149 kills, and added 92 digs, 33 service points and 12 aces. He’ll be one of the top hitters in 2026.

Davyn Piatt

Hanover Area, Senior

Outside Hitter

The senior did a little bit of everything. He led the team with 79 kills and also had team bests in digs (105) and service points (57). He added 10 blocks, 13 assists and six aces.

Zachary Zubritski

Nanticoke Area, Sophomore

Outside Hitter

Zubritski is an underclassman to keep an eye on in the next two years. He made quite an impact in 2025, helping Nanticoke to five wins in the league and a berth in the playoffs. He was two kills away from 100 on the year, and added 54 digs, 70 service points and 11 aces.

Originally Published: June 27, 2025 at 6:00 PM EDT