This week on Skin in the Game, John and Tim sit down with Greg Pokriki from Invest Buffalo Niagara to explore the powerful connection between sports, identity, and economic development in Western New York. From major league franchises to youth leagues and college teams, Pokriki explains how the region’s passion for sports is more than just fandom—it’s a strategic asset for attracting businesses and bringing talent back home.

At the core of the conversation is Invest Buffalo Niagara’s Be in Buffalo initiative, a post-pandemic push to grow the region’s workforce and convince former Western New Yorkers—and newcomers—that this is the place to live, work, and play. That means leaning into the city’s snow-covered brand with winter sports and recreation while spotlighting the other three seasons that make WNY a year-round destination.

Whether skating at Canalside, cheering at a Sabres game, or coaching Little League on a spring afternoon, Pokriki makes the case that sports shape how we see ourselves—and how others see us. It’s about identity, momentum, and why people put down roots in a place that shows up for its teams, people, and future. We call that “skin in the game.”

VICTORIA, Texas- As the countdown to fall football begins, one local youth football organization is already putting in the work to prepare its athletes for a big season ahead—one that comes with new challenges and new opportunities.

This week, the organization kicked off its summer conditioning camp, where young players of all age divisions are sharpening their skills, building endurance, and strengthening team chemistry. Coaches say it’s about more than just fitness—it’s the foundation for a successful season.

Coach Caleb Garcia spoke to 25 News Now, sharing how the camp is part of a broader push to get ready for a major transition.

“We’re moving into a brand-new conference this fall,” Garcia said. 

But the action isn’t just limited to the fall. Athletes in the organization’s high school division are preparing to compete in a statewide 7-on-7 football tournament, a fast-paced, non-contact version of the game that emphasizes speed, strategy, and communication.

Stay tuned to 25 News Now for continuing coverage of local youth sports and the athletes working hard behind the scenes to make their seasons a success.

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 THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.

It felt a little full circle being at Chandler High School on Saturday. 

While being at a place that former Wolves coach and current ASU running backs coach Shaun Aguano built on the concepts of ohana and community, two Sun Devils were doing exactly that. Quarterback Sam Leavitt and wide receiver Jordyn Tyson – two key leaders in the Sun Devil program – hosted a youth clinic for Arizona kids. The players got a chance to get instruction and interact with the Sun Devil standouts. 

While Leavitt was at the event, he donated $15,000 to the Pat Tillman Foundation. The donation will go toward funding Tillman scholars. In the foundation’s time, the organization has been able to support nearly 1,000 scholars according to CEO Katherine Steele. 

It was a chance for two Sun Devils to give back to a Valley that has been fully activated as they prepare for another College Football Playoff run. 

Channel Quick Jump   Home Page   Answers & FAQs   Apartments & Rentals   Automotive & Cars   Back To School Guide   Best of The Woodlands   Blogs   Business Directory   Business to Business   Car Dealers Guide   Church Guide   Classifieds   Commercial Real Estate   Community Podcast   Community Services   Contests   Dental Guide   Education & Schools   Election Guide 2016   Electronics & Computers   Email Lists   Employment Guide   Entertainment & Arts   Events Calendar   Family Life   Food & Drink   Golf Guide   Government   Health & Medical   Home D�cor   Home Improvement   Homes For Sale   Hotels Guide   Industry & Research   Insurance   Internet & WWW   Jobs Market   Just For Kids   Legal Services Guide   Marketplace   Media Kit   Members (My WOL)   Money & Finance   Music & Nightlife   Networking   News   Parks Guide   Patio Dining   Personal Care & Beauty   Pets   Photo Galleries   Pokemon Go Guide   Postcards   Professional Services   Real Estate Directory   Religion   Relocation Guide   Restaurant Guide   Shopping Guide   Specials & Coupons   Sports   Sports Directory   Summer Camp Guide   Travel   Vacation Bible School   Video Directory   Visitors Guide   Wedding Guide   WOLcares   Woodlands Summer Internships   Yard & Garden

By: Brandon Ussery

Jonathan Neal was named Valley’s new Director of Parks and Recreation. He comes from Munford, Tennessee, where he served as sports coordinator and athletics manager for the city. Neal takes over the position from Laurie Blount, who served as the director for 15 years.

During his six years in Munford, he was no stranger to work. His responsibilities ranged from park maintenance to organizing both youth and adult recreational sports leagues. Through his efforts, he has increased the enrollment of the youth flag football league from 60 in the Spring of 2021 to 270 participants this Spring. Neal’s dedication to the betterment of communities is shown through recruiting initiatives and the training of both staff and volunteers as referees for recreational sports leagues.

A better position and a fresh start bring him to the Valley area. Neal is no stranger to fresh starts. When he moved to and began working for the City of Munford, the only person he was acquainted with was the person who interviewed him for the position.

Since then, he developed working relationships with everyone and garnered the respect of those he supervised. The choice to migrate to the Valley was not done lightly. Here, he saw an opportunity to grow with the City of Valley and to be of service to the community.

“I have seen growth and the potential for growth,” Neal said.

Hopes for the department include plans to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the department and look for feedback from the community as to what it wants and where it wants to go. Neal said that he has no desire to undermine or discount the accomplishments of the department prior to his arrival.

“I’m not coming in to do it my way or the highway,” he said. “I’m coming in to serve the community.”

He clarified that he is not coming into the position as an authority figure, but as a fellow member of the community, trying to create a happier atmosphere.

Neal strongly believes in teamwork and what can be done through collective efforts. He asks that the citizens and communities of Valley actively work with him and the Parks and Recreation department to improve both the quality and the quantity of amenities.

“It’s the community that we’re serving. It’s the community that we want to better, and it takes people in the community to do that and work as a team,” Neal said.

He calls on the community to point out blind spots that may not be otherwise noticed. Having safe places for children to play is one of the top priorities for any parent, and Neal recognizes the importance of this priority.

Neal comes to the Valley on June 2, 2025, and looks forward to joining and flourishing with the city as one of its own.