Rec Sports
REDs AND NUTRITION IN FOCUS AT IFSC YOUTH WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
Competitors and team officials at the IFSC Youth World Championships in Helsinki, Finland attended a seminar focussing on athlete health and nutrition held by the IFSC.
As the first International Federation to implement a REDs (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport) policy and screening for competitions, the IFSC welcomed attendees from around the world to learn about the importance of energy availability, fuelling, and long-term health in climbing.
Led by Karen Halsell, the IFSC Medical and Anti-doping Commission member, who first introduced and delved further into REDs in climbing, the young climbers and their team officials were then addressed by Edward Gibson-Smith, a nutritionist from Great Britain.
Gibson-Smith, a researcher and sports nutrition practitioner specialising in nutrition for climbing, highlighted the importance of food and hydration before looking into common food ‘myths’ and providing example plans for fuelling for training and competing.
Kim Mitchell, the USA Team Leader and physiotherapist who attended the workshop with team members said: “It was an excellent presentation; there was a lot of information. There was basic information on REDs and the nutritionist gave a lot of great details about how to fuel your body before during and after competitions.
“I think it’s very important we do these kinds of things at the youth competitions. There was a good crowd there, it was pretty much packed, so it was very well received, I think.”
The IFSC plans to continue expanding education opportunities at events, reinforcing its commitment to athlete health, safety, and performance.
Rec Sports
Frank Migliaccio Obituary January 10, 2026
Frank Migliaccio, a beloved member of the Trenton and Allen Park communities, passed away on January 10, 2026, at the age of 69. Born on October 17, 1956, in Wyandotte, Michigan, he was known for his infectious sense of humor and quick wit that made him a treasured friend to many.
Frank enjoyed a fulfilling career as a driver, retiring from DHL, where he embraced the opportunity to connect with people from all walks of life. His education journey began at Trenton High School, from which he graduated in 1974, followed by earning a Computer Science Degree from CDI. This combination of practical skills and knowledge served him well in both his professional and personal endeavors.
A dedicated sports enthusiast, Frank found joy in fishing, hunting, golfing, and baseball. He generously shared his passion for the game by serving as a long-time baseball Coach for the Allen Park City and Travel Baseball Leagues, where his commitment to youth sports left a lasting impact. Additionally, he captivated audiences as an announcer for Allen Park High School football games, where his vibrant personality shone through his broadcasts.
Family was always at the center of Frank’s life. He is survived by his children, Anthony, Sam (Natalie), Jimmie (Brittany), and Joey (Brienne), who were a source of pride and joy for him. He was also a cherished grandfather to Mia and Brady. Frank’s bonds extended beyond his immediate family; he is survived by his sister, Maribeth, and brother, Joseph (Lisa), as well as his beloved nephews, Nick, Steve, and Kyle, and niece, Meg. The mother of his children, Darlene (Henry), remained a significant presence in his life, and he left behind many other loving family members and friends who will carry his memory forward. Their loyal dog, Hank, also mourns the loss of his companion.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Mary Lou (Gerstner) Migliaccio, whose love and guidance shaped the man he became.
As we remember Frank, we celebrate a life filled with laughter, love, and contribution to his community. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
The family wants to extend a special thank you to Select Specialty Hospital-Downriver for their exceptional care to Frank
A Memorial Service will be on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 12 pm at the Woodhaven Baptist Church, 21950 Gudith, Woodhaven, MI 48183.
Memorial contributions to honor his life may be made to the family.
Rec Sports
Schuyler County shows interest in upstate nuclear power development
Jan. 9, 2026, 1:31 p.m. ET
Schuyler County is among the counties and municipalities that recently expressed interest in hosting a new state nuclear power plant.
For Schuyler County, though, the gesture was about showing support for the effort, rather than bringing nuclear power production to the shores of Seneca Lake.
Economic development officials say that while Schuyler County doesn’t have a suitable location for what the New York Power Authority has in mind, the county recognizes the need for reliable nuclear energy and wants to be part of the discussion.
Last June, Gov. Kathy Hochul asked the New York Power Authority to develop 1 gigawatt of nuclear power — enough for about 1 million homes — in upstate New York to power some of the energy-hungry data centers and manufacturing hubs planned for the upstate region. Hochul said the reactors will likely be state-of-the-art small modular reactors that are cheaper to build than traditional water-cooled reactors.
In October, the NYPA solicited interest from potential host communities and development partners for the new upstate facility.
Schuyler County was among eight potential hosts that responded to requests for information from the Power Authority.
But don’t look for a new plant to be built in Schuyler, according to Judy McKinney Cherry, executive director of the Schuyler County Partnership for Economic Development (SCOPED).
“Schuyler County does not have the minimum site requirements for a one gigawatt facility. However, for Schuyler to be a competitive location for year-round high energy users like manufacturing, we need to have direct access to advanced energy resources on a smaller scale,” McKinney Cherry said.
“We applaud NYPA for being focused on the future needs of our economy, working collaboratively with the counties, and want to ensure Schuyler County is at the table as new technology emerges for investments and jobs that this can bring,” she said.
Other communities that responded included Broome County, Jefferson County, Oswego County, St. Lawrence County, Wayne County, the City of Dunkirk and RED-Rochester.
NYPA is currently reviewing responses to the requests for information and will use them to help guide its nuclear efforts in 2026.
The goal is to deliver firm, zero-emission power that complements renewable generation, strengthens grid reliability, prioritizes affordability and advances an energy policy of abundance that prioritizes energy independence and supply chain security, the authority said in a news release.
Some area residents are unhappy the county’s approach. Seneca Lake Guardians announced a protest for Monday, Jan. 12 from 6-6:30 p.m. at 105 9th St. in Watkins Glen, outside the Schuyler County legislature meeting. The group said it plans to “call on the county to rescind its bid to site a nuclear power plant of any size within the county.”
With reporting by Tom Zambito, New York State Team. Follow Jeff Murray on X (Twitter) @SGJeffMurray. To get unlimited access to the latest news, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
Rec Sports
MLK Basketball Classic turns Knoxville rivalry into King Week tradition
Jan. 10, 2026, 5:06 a.m. ET
- The first annual MLK Basketball Classic will feature a rivalry game between Austin-East and Fulton high schools.
- This new tradition is part of Knoxville’s 44th annual King Week, celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy.
- The event includes three games and a scholarship presentation for a student demonstrating community leadership.
- The classic is designed to promote the MLK Jr. Youth Summit and empower young people in the community.
A new tradition organized by the MLK Commemorative Commission is tipping off Jan. 10 to elevate a historic basketball rivalry between two Knoxville high schools.
The First Annual MLK Basketball Classic is part of the lineup for the 44th annual King Week, celebrating the legacy of Civil Rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The main attraction will take place on the court as Austin-East Magnet High School visits Fulton High School for a three-game showdown. A scholarship presentation is also part of the festivities.
The rivalry happens every year, but the commission − aiming to take the big game to the next level − was able to “help build the branding and build the message of Dr. King” by creating the MLK Basketball Classic, MLK Jr. Youth Summit chair Bishop Farris Long told Knox News.

The Saturday action starts with the boys junior varsity game at noon, followed by the girls varsity game at 1:30 p.m. The day culminates with the boys varsity game at 3:30 p.m.
Jody Wright Arena will host all the games at 2509 N. Broadway.
MLK commission will award a scholarship during game
Commission members will take the court during a break in the final game to deliver the Outstanding Youth Service Award and Scholarship worth $1,000 to a student who demonstrates leadership, service and community commitment.
Long hopes the award will inspire others at the event “to do good things” and feel encouraged their work is being recognized.
“Our goal is to empower young people to make a difference in the community,” Long said. “We don’t want them to just come, but we want to show them how to make a difference in the community − how to be contributors rather than just consumers.”
MLK Basketball Classic part of Youth Summit, King Week
The MLK Basketball Classic leads into the MLK Jr. Youth Summit happening Jan. 17. Banners for the summit will be visible during Saturday’s games, and more information will be on hand for children and families interested in attending.
Young people attending the summit will connect and collaborate through workshops and interactive sessions to be inspired to take on leadership roles in their community. Austin-East, located at 2800 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., will host the summit from 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Jan. 17.
The MLK Commemorative Commission is hosting a series of related events throughout January designed to embody the theme of King Week 2026: “One Community, One Purpose, One Dream: A Call to Action.” The theme, according to the commission, is a reminder of King’s vision that “unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality.”
Knox News reporter Devarrick Turner contributed to this report.
Keenan Thomas is the higher education reporter for Knox News. Email: keenan.thomas@knoxnews.com.
Support strong local journalism by subscribing to subscribe.knoxnews.com.
Rec Sports
Girls’ ice hockey gets a boost from Newton South
For the first time in the 12-year history of the Wayland High School girls ice hockey program, a third school will join the cooperative team.
While there is a much-needed boost from bringing Newton South into the fold with Wayland and Weston, it will add competition for the three locals who don the skates and equipment for the Warcats.
Unfortunately, there was little choice. Weston’s four representatives, along with the three from Wayland, would make up only two forward lines and a goalie for the 2025-26 season.
Thankfully, the team from Newton South, a fellow Dual County school with Wayland and Weston, was available after Newton North ventured out on its own. Newton South brings loads of players (12) in addition to experience and success.
“The biggest thing coping with a third school is it allows Wayland and Weston to continue playing,” said coach Jess Boehmer, a Wayland native in her fifth year in the program, fourth as head coach. “It’s a big year across the board with lots of changes in the team and practices. But I think it is going to help the program.”
Drew Galizio, a sophomore defense-man from Wayland, welcomes the new players, even if it may cut into her ice time. During last year’s 6-13-2 campaign, she got consistent ice time despite being a freshman, though she’s well aware that it could change.
“It’s been really great having more players, especially in practices — it challenges us more,” she explained. “When we start playing harder games we should be more prepared.
”I’m not really concerned with ice time now that we have another school. I know the coaches will do whatever is best for the team. I think everyone feels the same.”
Boehmer noted that she has already seen improvement in Galizio’s game. She said her on-ice vision has improved and her confidence is higher. It may result in more than her one assist last year, but that isn’t her main job.
“She’s always ready to go and always gives 100% on every shift,” Boehmer said. “She played strongly and confidently as a freshman.”
Galizio has also shown leadership characteristics by being one of the first players to make friends with the Newton South girls while acclimating them to the program. Boehmer is excited to see her lead the team in the coming years.
Fellow sophomore Mackenzie Young saw significant ice time as a freshman, finishing with one goal and one assist as a center. She’s the type of player who wants to improve from shift to shift, and Boehmer describes her as “a great teammate.”
Adeline Marashio, the third player from Wayland, is a freshman defenseman who is still navigating her way on the varsity squad, The staff sees her as a very coachable player who learns from her mistakes.
So far, the influx of new faces has contributed to early-season success. With three wins in its first five games. While it’s still early, they may be on their way to their second winning season in a dozen years.
“I think a good start is going to be important for us as we push into the middle of the season,” said Galizio. “Last year started out losing and it brought the overall mood down in both practices and games.”
In addition to providing depth for this year’s team, having Newton South enables the squad to be successful while also cultivating young players like Marashio and the two freshmen goalies from the larger third school.
And youngsters who are playing in youth leagues, or are considering talking up the sport, will have something to strive for with a varsity program that will be around for some time.
“Good, younger players will know there’s somewhere to play,” Boehmer said. “A big goal for me and the program is to get the awareness out there and then kids at the elementary level can learn to play hockey and want to play for their high school team.”
Rec Sports
James Richard Spangler
November 21, 1939 – January 8, 2026
James Richard Spangler, 86, passed away on January 8, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on November 21, 1939, in Archbold, Ohio, and resided in Cicero. A humble man who lived his life with great love and loyalty, Jim led by example and inspired many throughout his life.
Jim was a loving and devoted husband to his wife, Carolyn Spangler. They were married on August 21, 1964, and their enduring bond was a testament to their love and commitment. He was a proud father to Curtis Spangler, Christopher Spangler, and Lisa Ward, and a doting grandfather to Evan Ward, Allison Spangler, Joel Spangler, Carlie Ward, and great-granddaughter, Lennox Ward. He is also survived by his siblings Eddie (Karen) Spangler, Sharon Hayes, and Mark (Karen) Spangler, and several nieces and nephews. James was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Virginia Spangler, and his brothers Roger and Michael Spangler.
In his professional life, Jim was a long-time employee for General Motors where he served in different aspects of manufacturing but ended his career as the UAW Health and Safety Trainer; he retired in 2003. Beyond his career, he was passionate about coaching youth sports at Mt. Vernon and Hamilton Heights Schools. His influence on young athletes was profound and long-lasting. An avid sports fan, he loved everything IU, Cubs, and Colts. Jim was also a regular at Starbucks on State Road 32, where he met with his morning coffee group. He was an avid golfer and hosted an annual golf outing in memory of his father. Above all, James was a family man who cherished time spent with his loved ones.
Visitation will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. Thursday, January 15, 2026, at Hartley-Dunnichay Funeral Home, 209 W. Jackson St., Cicero. A memorial service will follow at 6 p.m. Services are under the direction of Hartley Funeral Homes – Cicero.
To remember James Spangler and celebrate his life, we encourage you to leave your memories and upload photos to his memorial page. His life was a testament to the power of humility, loyalty, love, and inspiration, and his legacy lives on in every life he touched.
Condolences: hartleyfuneralhomes.com
Rec Sports
Westside sixth-grader Lumi Oniyide appears on ‘Abbott Elementary’
“It’s fun, but it’s also kind of hard,” Lumi said.
Being a child actor means constant travel and long hours. One time, he was on set for eight hours until 1 a.m.
Lumi said there’s a teacher on set during his acting gigs who communicates with his school to keep him caught up with his classmates.
He’s also in the gifted program and formerly played football for Smithfield Packers Youth Sports, which runs football, track and cheerleading programs for ages 5-14. He now plays for the 11-and-under Virginia Seahawks, a Virginia Beach-based youth sports team.
“We are incredibly proud to celebrate Lumi Oniyide on his recent accomplishments,” SPYS said in a social media statement. “Lumi is a former athlete of Smithfield Packers Youth Sports, and it’s amazing to see him continue to shine and represent excellence beyond the field.”
Through his acting gigs, he’s met celebrities like Jamie Foxx and Sterling K. Brown. Among Lumi’s idols is actor and producer Michael B. Jordan, who starred in Black Panther and the Creed series.
In addition to Abbott Elementary, Lumi will make a guest appearance in Season 2 of Paradise, a thriller starring Brown that premiered on the streaming service Hulu in 2025. Season 2 will debut Feb. 23.
Despite his rise to stardom, his day-to-day life at Westside hasn’t changed that much, his mother said.
“With his friends, he’s just Lumi and he loves that,” Shante’ said. “They are always excited for him, but he’s just Lumi.”
“I try not to tell a lot of people,” said Lumi, but since his appearance on Abbott Elementary, “I can’t keep it a secret now.”
Shante, a principal at Mary T. Christian Elementary School in Hampton, and her husband, Olumide Sr., are originally from Brooklyn, New York.
“My husband is a graduate of Hampton University, so that’s how we ended up in Hampton, Virginia,” she said. “Our friend had a wedding at The Smithfield Center and we thought the area was beautiful and decided to buy our home here back in 2015.”
Shante’ said Lumi just signed with a modeling agency in New York City, State Management, and is working on several projects that will be released this year and early next year.
Lumi said he plans to pursue acting as a career once he graduates and hopes to one day star in a recurring role on a TV series.
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