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Mike Chamernik’s Question of the Week (June 16-20)

Last week, we had another “Question of the Week” from Mike Chamernik, and he’s back today with his latest QOTW. Enjoy! • • • • • Question of the Weekby Mike Chamernik I’ve been on sports teams my whole life. I’m sure many of you Uni Watchers have as well. As we know, the universal […]

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Last week, we had another “Question of the Week” from Mike Chamernik, and he’s back today with his latest QOTW.

Enjoy!

• • • • •

Question of the Week
by Mike Chamernik

I’ve been on sports teams my whole life. I’m sure many of you Uni Watchers have as well. As we know, the universal rule is: Don’t quit.

It’s drilled into you at a young age. Even if it’s hard, even if you’re not playing much, even if you’re not having fun, you have to stick it out. You can’t back down from a challenge, and you have to be there for your teammates.

As adults, we learn how nonsensical that can be.

True, it’s good to face adversity and build grit. The most meaningful accomplishments in life don’t come easy. But really, there is value in quitting. Knowing when to walk away from a sunk cost. Not subjecting yourself to unneeded stress — especially for a sport, where you’re supposed to be having fun.

Have you ever quit a sport or quit a team? I especially want to hear if you quit during the middle of a season. Why did you quit? What was the reaction? Did you think you made the right choice?

What are some notable instances of a pro athlete quitting? Not because of injury or loss of ability, but for other reasons.

• • • • •
Thanks, Mike. Really interesting question/thought piece this week.

I’ve almost always enjoyed sports (especially in my youth) and usually was pretty good, so I never quit during a season. As an adult, there were various non-competitive leagues, as well as some competitive ones, where I’ve wanted to quit after a particularly bad game or frustrating loss, but to borrow an analogy from fishing: your worst day of fishing is still better than your best day of work, so I always looked at whatever particular activity as still better than pretty much almost anything else, so I always knew the next time I played it would be better. At least in theory.

As far as pros quitting, there are several that come to mind, but one of the earliest instances I can remember was when Swedish tennis player Bjorn Borg quit the game at basically his peak. He’d won six French Opens and five straight Wimbledons until one John McEnroe finally took him out, beating Borg in the finals at Wimbledon and the US Opens in 1981. In 1982, Borg for all intents and purposes quit, playing just a handful of matches from 1982-84, and no majors. He basically walked away from the game at the age of 25. I know athletes didn’t usually compete as long back then as long as they do now, but even then I knew 25 was way too early to call it a career.

Looking forward to what the readers have to say on this one!



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Sky Carp announce free youth baseball camp

BELOIT — The Beloit Sky Carp are inviting young ballplayers to step up to the plate for an unforgettable summer experience. The Sky Carp Youth Baseball Camp returns August 12-14, offering three days of free, high-energy instruction at beautiful ABC Supply Stadium. Open to kids ages 9-12, the camp runs daily from 9 a.m. to […]

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BELOIT — The Beloit Sky Carp are inviting young ballplayers to step up to the plate for an unforgettable summer experience. The Sky Carp Youth Baseball Camp returns August 12-14, offering three days of free, high-energy instruction at beautiful ABC Supply Stadium. Open to kids ages 9-12, the camp runs daily from 9 a.m. to noon and is made possible by the generous support of First National Bank and Trust.

This action-packed camp focuses on baseball fundamentals in a fun, positive environment. Campers will receive expert instruction from Sky Carp coaches and players in key areas including pitching, hitting, fielding, throwing, and base running, while also building confidence, sportsmanship, and a love for the game.

“It’s one of the most rewarding things we do all year,” said Zach Brockman, President of the Sky Carp. “This camp brings kids from across the Stateline together for three days of fun, friendship, and learning. It’s a chance to show young players that baseball is more than a game — it’s a community.”

Each participant will also receive:

●  Daily lunch

●  Player autograph and picture opportunities

●  A camp T-shirt

●  Awards for all participants

●  Pre-game on field parade on August 14

●  A free ticket to each Camp participant to the Sky Carp home games on August 12, 13, and 14

●  Additional game tickets for family and friends are available for purchase on the Sky Carp website. 

To cap off the experience, campers will be recognized in a special pre-game on-field parade on Thursday, Aug. 14, with awards for all participants. 

Only 200 spots are available, and registration closes at 5 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 4.

To Register:

●  Visit skycarp.com

●  Click on ABC Supply Stadium in the top menu.

●  Select FNBT Youth Baseball Camp.

●  Or call the Sky Carp Ticket Office at 608-362-2272 for assistance.

●  Additional game tickets for family and friends are available for purchase at skycarp.com.

ABC Supply Stadium 

ABC Supply Stadium opened in 2021 along the Rock River. As a High-A affiliate of the prestigious Miami Marlins, the Sky Carp host 66 home games each season. In addition to baseball, the versatile stadium serves as a venue for hundreds of events, becoming a central hub for community engagement.



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Meet the Future of Women’s Hoops: the 626ers

LOS ANGELES – For some people, meeting their role model is a dream. For these young hoopers, that dream became reality when they learned firsthand from LA Sparks stars Rickea Jackson and Dearica Hamby. It was all part of the LA Sparks’ annual 3-on-3 tournament BallN on the Beach — a powerful day of play, […]

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LOS ANGELES – For some people, meeting their role model is a dream. For these young hoopers, that dream became reality when they learned firsthand from LA Sparks stars Rickea Jackson and Dearica Hamby.

It was all part of the LA Sparks’ annual 3-on-3 tournament BallN on the Beach — a powerful day of play, mentorship, and community impact. On Friday, July 11, The Sparks hosted this all-girls contest in collaboration with a nonprofit dedicated to empowering communities through basketball, the Hoopbus. Known for their court beautifications, social cause support, and youth programs, the Hoopbus strives to help young athletes envision succeeding in the sport they love. BallN on the Beach unites the competitive spirit of youth girls basketball with the inspiration from professional players. 

Among all the talent and tough competitors in the tournament, one team stood out: the 626ers, who went undefeated in the rookie division. Representing their area code of San Gabriel Valley with pride, the 626ers brought hustle, chemistry, and joy to every matchup. Their coach, Joey, emphasized how the young ladies used their motto of staying together in order to win it all. 

“We went up there just wanting to have fun and establish comradery for the girls,” Coach Joey said about their game plan.  “A lot of good teams out there, a lot of good competition but sticking together was the biggest thing for us to win that tournament.” 

The 626ers celebrate with their rookie division trophy at center court in Venice Beach.

Christopher Rodgers – LA Sparks

The 626ers celebrate with their rookie division trophy at center court in Venice Beach.

This tournament meant more than just wins and highlights. It was a celebration of women’s sports, hosted by an organization who knows firsthand the importance of investing in the next generation of female athletes. Under the leadership of Vice President of Community Relations and Social Impact Natalie White, the Sparks are determined to promise a brighter future for youth sports and beyond. Initiatives like Jr. Sparks, BallN on the Beach and partnerships with after-school and summer programs like Girls Got Game, allow the Sparks to help close the gap between underrepresented communities and opportunities that may otherwise be out of reach. 

“It was so cool for the Sparks to do that. They are always looking out for the youth and utilizing that platform,” Coach Joey said about the Sparks organization’s community engagement. “We see women’s sports just exploding right now and it’s so fun to be a part of that wave.”

From games to meet-and-greets, attending Sparks events has become a meaningful tradition for the 626ers. For these young girls, staying close to the players who inspire them is key to visualizing what’s possible. Always locked into the sport they love, the San Gabriel Valley team soaks in every moment by watching, learning, and dreaming. During games, you’ll often find them in the stands holding up handmade signs, smiling ear to ear as they wait to catch a glimpse of their future selves on the court.

Seeing LA Sparks stars Dearica Hamby and Rickea Jackson in person was the kind of moment that will stick with them forever. Before the games tipped off, the players had a chance to meet both pros and take pictures with them. Hamby and Jackson took time to sign autograph balls and jerseys from each youth player. Some even shared a heart-warming moment of sharing the same jersey number as the pros. 

“I know we talk about the number of young girls who drop out of sports as they grow older.” Sparks’ forward Dearica Hamby said about the empowering event. “So, it’s things like this that keep them motivated and excited. Something they can look forward to.”

Rickea and Dearica lit up the court by simply being themselves, reminding everyone how representation can spark a fire inside a young girl who just wants to be seen.

“It reminded me that I can be there one day,” 626ers’ point and shooting guard Zadie said about meeting Hamby and Jackson. “Anything I want…my dreams.”

Fresh off their tournament win, the 626ers showcase their medals with pride.

Christopher Rodgers – LA Sparks

Fresh off their tournament win, the 626ers showcase their medals with pride.

At the LA Sparks and Connecticut Sun game later that weekend, all of the tournament-winning teams were honored on the court. By highlighting these young athletes, the Sparks organization truly acknowledged the values that define the game: sisterhood and determination. In a space where so many legends have played, they stood tall as the next generation shaping the future of women’s basketball.

“The Sparks did a good job of putting that platform together,” Coach Joey said about the 626ers being recognized at the game. “But also the experience of being able to go out and hold the trophy…Going to Crypto [.com] Arena’s center court just created core memories for these girls that I know they’ll never forget.”

When asked to describe that moment with only one word, Zadie smiled and said, “Amazing.”

“Not a lot of people get these opportunities that we have.”

In a world where women’s sports still fight for equality and investment, events like BallN on the Beach show us why they matter. Because somewhere out there, young girls like Zadie fell in love with the game of basketball and believed they could be the next Dearica Hamby or Rickea Jackson. 



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One with nature: Local youth makes finals for National Junior Ranger Competition | News, Sports, Jobs

Garrison Henderhot, 8, of Marietta is one of 16 finalists competing in the National Junior Ranger competition sponsored by the National Wildlife Federation. He was fourth in the count as of Tuesday. (Photo provided) Garrison Hendershot of Marietta at the Grayson Highlands in Virginia. Hendershot, 8, the son of Emily and Mark Hendershot, is in […]

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Garrison Henderhot, 8, of Marietta is one of 16 finalists competing in the National Junior Ranger competition sponsored by the National Wildlife Federation. He was fourth in the count as of Tuesday. (Photo provided)

MARIETTA — A youth from Marietta is in the finals for the National Junior Ranger competition sponsored by the National Wildlife Federation.

Garrison Hendershot, 8, is among the 16 finalists competing for the most votes at https://jr-ranger.org/2025/garrison-626d. Voting ends at 10 p.m. Thursday, and Garrison is No. 4 in the tally so far.

The winner receives $20,000 and will be featured in the “Ranger Rick” magazine for kids.

Garrison enjoys the outdoors and camping. His favorite place is the Grayson Highlands, a picturesque area with much wildlife, according to Garrison. The highlands are south of West Virginia in Virginia near the border with North Carolina.

“There’s lots of wild horses there,” he said. “And the view.”

Garrison Hendershot of Marietta at the Grayson Highlands in Virginia. Hendershot, 8, the son of Emily and Mark Hendershot, is in the finals for the National Junior Ranger competition sponsored by the National Wildlife Federation. Voting ends at 10 p.m. Thursday at https://jr-ranger.org/2025/garrison-626d. (Photo provided)

Garrison’s favorite wild animal is the elk.

“Because they make a cool noise and they’re really strong,” he said.

He enjoys exploring in creeks and finding crawdads and salamanders, along with backpacking for miles to camp under stars.

“I also love that nature gives wild game and I can hunt with my family to provide healthy meals,” he wrote for the Wildlife Federation. “I love nature and want to give back by teaching others to love it as much as me.”

Backpacking is his favorite outdoor activity, which gives him the opportunity to “hike up climbs, eat wild blackberries, find salamanders, see wild longhorns, meet wild ponies, drink fresh-fresh mountain water, sweat and work hard, set up camp under the stars, hang a hammock, explore deciduous forests, keep food in bear cans, sometimes roast marshmallows and have the best days and sleeps outside in nature,” Garrison said.

He hopes to be an advocate for nature and wildlife as the Junior Ranger.

“Getting to tell people about God’s creation,” he said.

Garrison is a member of Trail Life in Vienna and its Hawk Patrol for boys age 7-8. Garrison is the son of Emily and Mark Hendershot and the grandson of Kathy and Roger Bonnette of Marietta and Gary and Vickie Hendershot of Marietta. Garrison is named after Gary, his mother said.

His sister, Lilly, 10, also participates in the camping adventures.

Garrison was in an original field of about 100,000 participants in the competition and was chosen as a finalist after a survey by the National Wildlife Federation, Emily said.

“He’s gotten way further than we expected,” she said.



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Hutto Hippos Little League teams compete at PONY World Series

The Hutto Youth Baseball and Softball Association had two teams qualify for the Pony League World Series in Youngsville, Louisiana, this past weekend. The Pinto (8U) and Shetland (6U) teams each had the opportunity to showcase their skills on a national stage. The Hutto 8U team went 2-2 in pool play, starting strong with a […]

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The Hutto Youth Baseball and Softball Association had two teams qualify for the Pony League World Series in Youngsville, Louisiana, this past weekend. The Pinto (8U) and Shetland (6U) teams each had the opportunity to showcase their skills on a national stage.

The Hutto 8U team went 2-2 in pool play, starting strong with a 12-2 win over the Hidalgo All-Stars and following it up with a narrow 8-7 victory over the North Vermilion Youth Athletic Association. The team then dropped games to the Gregory-Portland Youth Association, 13-3, and Deer Park, 5-4.

In bracket play, the Hippos bounced back with a 13-9 win over Medina Valley Black before being eliminated in a 7-6 loss to Florida Red.

The Hutto 6U team went 0-4 in pool play, opening with a 21-20 loss to the Weatherford Roos, followed by a 17-7 defeat against Iowa (Louisiana). The team closed pool play with losses to Texas and Southwest Texas Made, and was eliminated after an 18-8 loss to the War Chiefs in bracket play.

This marks the end of the season for Hutto’s Little League teams, who will now turn their focus toward preparing for next year.

The Hutto Hippos 6U little league team poses for a picture after advancing to the PONY Little League World Series in Youngsville, Louisiana



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Greenacres Park reopens with new playground, sports courts and splash pad | News

SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. – Greenacres Park in Spokane Valley officially reopened with some brand new additions. The park now features a larger playground with new equipment and a bigger splash pad. Dozens of families packed the park Friday morning for its grand reopening. Greenacres now has new basketball and pickleball courts, with a new mini […]

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SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. – Greenacres Park in Spokane Valley officially reopened with some brand new additions.

The park now features a larger playground with new equipment and a bigger splash pad. Dozens of families packed the park Friday morning for its grand reopening.

Greenacres now has new basketball and pickleball courts, with a new mini soccer pitch on the way courtesy of a donation from the Seattle Sounders.

John Bottelli, Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Spokane Valley, said the athletic opportunities are among the most exciting aspects of the project.

“I think the opportunity for more athletics in the park is one of the most exciting things about the project. Really, the opportunity for this to become soccer central out here in Greenacres. These turf areas are large enough to line them for soccer fields,” Bottelli said.

Bottelli is hopeful the park will become a hub for youth sports.

The park also has space for a community garden. The city will be announcing how to get your spot in the garden soon.

COPYRIGHT 2025 BY KXLY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.



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Sports on TV for Sunday, July 27 | MLB

(All times Eastern) Schedule subject to change and/or blackouts Sunday, July 27 AUTO RACING 8:55 a.m. ESPN — Formula 1: The Moet & Chandon Belgian Grand Prix, Circuit of Spa-Francorchamps, Stavelot, Belgium 10 a.m. CBSSN — FIM Motocross World Championship: The MX2, Loket, Czechia 11 a.m. CBSSN — FIM Motocross World Championship: The MXGP, Loket, […]

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(All times Eastern)

Schedule subject to change and/or blackouts

Sunday, July 27

AUTO RACING

8:55 a.m.

ESPN — Formula 1: The Moet & Chandon Belgian Grand Prix, Circuit of Spa-Francorchamps, Stavelot, Belgium

10 a.m.

CBSSN — FIM Motocross World Championship: The MX2, Loket, Czechia

11 a.m.

CBSSN — FIM Motocross World Championship: The MXGP, Loket, Czechia

Noon

CBS — ABB FIA Formula E World Championship: The Fantastic 4 London E-Prix – Round 16, London

CBSSN — FIM Junior Motocross: World Championship, Loket, Czechia

FS2 — NTT IndyCar Series: Warmup, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, Monterey, Calif.

1 p.m.

FS1 — Indy NXT Series: The Grand Prix of Monterey – Race 2, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, Monterey, Calif.

2 p.m.

TNT — NASCAR Cup Series: The Championship Round – Brickyard 400 Presented by PPG, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Speedway, Ind.

TRUTV — NASCAR Cup Series: The Championship Round – Brickyard 400 Presented by PPG, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Speedway, Ind. (In-Season Challenge Alt-Cast)

3 p.m.

FOX — NTT IndyCar Series: The Java House Grand Prix of Monterey, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, Monterey, Calif.

FS1 — NHRA: Qualifying, Sonoma Raceway, Sonoma, Calif. (Taped)

4 p.m.

FS1 — NHRA: The Denso Sonoma Nationals presented by PowerEdge, Sonoma Raceway, Sonoma, Calif.

BASKETBALL (MEN’S)

7 p.m.

FS1 — The Basketball Tournament: Fail Harder vs. We Are D3, Quarterfinal, Wichita, Kan.

9 p.m.

FS1 — The Basketball Tournament: AfterShocks vs. Heartfire, Quarterfinal, Wichita, Kan.

CYCLING

9:30 a.m.

PEACOCK — UCI: The Tour de France, Final Stage, Mantes-la-Ville/ Paris Champs-Elysees, France

2 p.m.

NBC — UCI: The Tour de France, Final Stage, Mantes-la-Ville/ Paris Champs-Elysees, France (Taped)

GOLF

8 a.m.

FS1 — LIV Golf League: Final Round, JCB Golf and Country Club, Derbyshire, England

8:30 a.m.

GOLF — PGA Tour Champions: The ISPS HANDA Senior Open, Final Round, Sunningdale Golf Club (Old Course), Berkshire, England

Noon

NBC — PGA Tour Champions: The ISPS HANDA Senior Open, Final Round, Sunningdale Golf Club (Old Course), Berkshire, England

1 p.m.

GOLF — PGA Tour: The 3M Open, Final Round, TPC Twin Cities, Blaine, Minn.

3 p.m.

CBS — PGA Tour: The 3M Open, Final Round, TPC Twin Cities, Blaine, Minn.

GOLF — LPGA Tour: The ISPS HANDA Women’s Scottish Open, Final Round, Dundonald Links, North Ayrshire, Scotland (Taped)

HORSE RACING

1 p.m.

FS2 — NYRA: America’s Day at the Races

2 p.m.

FS1 — NYRA: America’s Day at the Races

3 p.m.

FS2 — NYRA: America’s Day at the Races

MLB BASEBALL

1:30 p.m.

MLBN — 2025 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony: From Cooperstown, N.Y.

7 p.m.

ESPN — N.Y. Mets at San Francisco

ESPN2 — N.Y. Mets at San Francisco (StatCast)

RODEO

1:30 p.m.

CBS — PBR: Camping World Team Series, Duluth, Ga. (Taped)

SOCCER (MEN’S)

7:25 a.m.

CBSSN — Club Friendly: Arsenal vs. Newcastle, Singapore

SOCCER (WOMEN’S)

Noon

FOX — UEFA Euro 2025 Championship: England vs. Spain, Final, Basel, Switzerland

SOFTBALL

2 p.m.

ESPN — Athletes Unlimited Postseason: Talons vs. Bandits, Championship – Game 2, Tuscaloosa, Ala.

TENNIS

10 a.m.

TENNIS — Umag-ATP Final

Noon

TENNIS — Washington-ATP Doubles Final

2:30 p.m.

TENNIS — Washington-WTA Final

5 p.m.

TENNIS — Washington-ATP Final

7 p.m.

TENNIS — Canada-ATP/WTA Early Rounds

TRACK AND FIELD

4 p.m.

NBC — Grand Slam Track: Day 3, Los Angeles

VOLLEYBALL (WOMEN’S)

3 p.m.

CBSSN — FIVB Nations League: TBD, Final, Lodz, Poland

WNBA BASKETBALL

1 p.m.

CBSSN — Golden State at Connecticut

3 p.m.

ABC — Indiana at Chicago

7 p.m.

NBATV — Atlanta at Minnesota

YOUTH SOCCER

7:30 a.m.

ESPNU — U.S. Youth Soccer National Championships: TBD, U-19 Boys Finals, Orlando, Fla.

10:30 a.m.

ESPNU — U.S. Youth Soccer National Championships: TBD, U-19 Girls Finals, Orlando, Fla.




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