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Rec Sports

Taking Liberty: In the books, 52 pickup with a full deck

By Bruce SaylerA lingering memory from the passing of the recent school sports year centered on Sam Henderson basking in the aftermath of a personal-best in the high jump.The Butte High senior had just cleared the bar at 6 feet, 10 inches and did it on his first attempt at the height. He said it […]

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By Bruce Sayler
A lingering memory from the passing of the recent school sports year centered on Sam Henderson basking in the aftermath of a personal-best in the high jump.
The Butte High senior had just cleared the bar at 6 feet, 10 inches and did it on his first attempt at the height. He said it was the only time he attempted the height outdoors after having missed it twice indoors.
He was smiling and packing up his warmup clothes, thoughtful in conversation. Henderson was better known in the triple jump and Montana’s track fandom was anxious to await his crack at the state record to be held the following weekend. He bounded 48 feet, 7 ½ inches at the divisional a day after the 6-10 high jump and had placed fifth at the internationally prestigious Penn Relays a couple weeks previous, marking 46-8.
So, his thoughts turned warmly to Philadelphia.
“It was fun,” he said and smiled about the Penn Relays experience. “It was cool to see kids a lot better than me.”
The winning triple jump was 52-4, one of three place marks longer than 50 feet, a distance thought impossible for high school kids half a century ago.
The laugh from this perspective, though, was Henderson saying “kids a lot better than me.”
I wasn’t there on Franklin Field, but this day at the Charlie Merrifield Track of Bulldog Memorial Stadium, Gene Fogarty Sports Complex, East Middle School grounds of familiarity testified “a lot better than” him didn’t exist – not in these parts.
So, it was a foreign language and Henderson spoke it with humility. He competed with a wide smile on is face and laughed after landings. He was 4 years old again and rolling in the triple jump pit sand or bouncing off the high jump pit cushion.
Before his winning and record attempts, Henderson would acknowledge the crowd, wave, grin broadly and begin the slow clap, pounding down the runway once he had the whole stadium smacking hands in uniform.
He’s needed in sports. I hope he’s in them a long time.
Henderson’s divisional record in the triple jump was a Herculean effort that saw him splash into the sand and contort awkwardly as he milked every quarter inch he could wring out of the leap. Where he was going to get another 2 ½ inches for a state record was a mystery.
Well, he’ll solve it someday. It didn’t happen at state as the record remains 48-9 ½ and in the possession of Flathead High grad Mathew Tokarz, set in 2013. Henderson won the event, landing a sensational jump of 47-1 ½ at Legends Stadium in Kalispell, site of the state meet.
He also took third place in the high jump as one of three athletes to clear 6-4. On the basis of fewer overall misses, Jaxan Lieberg of Helena High won the event and Porter Gibbs of Missoula Big Sky got second place, all getting over 6-4. Henderson also pocketed a sixth place in the 110-meter high hurdles with a time of 15.12 seconds.
The divisional meet, though was a personal bookmark for 2024-25. No state championship meets or tournaments for spring sports were held in Butte this year, so our season as general onlookers ended early.
As a sports reporter, it was my 52nd Montana school sports year and one of only a couple I didn’t find myself on a sideline with a notebook on the last weekend.
I hope a 53rd looms, though there were some annoying health issues over the last 12 months and, dammit, it is getting a little harder, physically. They’re only reminders, though, not stoppers. And, not all is getting worse, some actually feel better.
Those state track meets did see some state records fall. The Class AA saw Flathead junior William Hollensteiner burn a 47.22 400-meter dash into the boys’ books and Wilson Schmidt of Belgrade blaze a 1:50.21 time in the boys’ 800-meter run. Also, Alivia Rhinehart of Flathead put up a new girls’ 100-meter hurdles record of 14.06 and Rae Smart of Billings Skyview chuck the javelin 162-11, a colossal distance and a record that will likely hold up a good while.
Smart’s throw was about 30 feet beyond the winning mark of last year, launched by Butte High’s Brityn Stewart. Stewart threw 127-2 this year at the state AA and placed third. She and Henderson were among the Butte kids who earned place-winnings.
Jaeger Hansen of Butte High was the runner-up in the boy’s javelin, sticking a career-best 172-1, and Butte Central sophomore Danny McCarthy got a fourth place in the Class A boys’ 100-meter dash. He clocked a personal-best 11.39. Maroon senior Keefer McGree closed his prep career with a 40.47 time while placing fourth in the boys’ 300-meter hurdles.
Neither school got to state in softball, though both gave fans plenty to cheer. Butte High lost on a tense playoff game at Missoula Sentinel that went extra innings and included a play at the plate in championship-level competition. The Bulldogs were competitive, finished fifth in the Western AA standings and seemed capable of slotting in anywhere between No. 2 and No. 6 in the league seedings and that was just about how it came out of the last regular-season weekend.
Butte High didn’t fill any first-team spots on the all-conference team, but held down four on the second team with senior pitcher Ashlinn Mullaney, senior first baseman Madisyn Swanson, junior right fielder Mattie Stepan and sophomore designated player Kendallyn Schad all earning accolades. Senior catcher Gracie Ferriter, sophomore second baseman Reese Johnson and junior center fielder Gracie Jonart were accorded honorable mention.
With no divisionals in Class AA anymore, a 12-team bracket for the State AA tourney should maybe be considered. Softball seems to be made for the 12-teamer and a small postseason could be available to all with the top four seeds in each division earning berths and the bottom four in each playing in play-ins (5 vs. 8 and 6 vs. 7) for the other spots at State.
A Butte 15-and-under team won five of its last eight games playing in a 19-and-under league through the spring. Actually, it was a Butte Central squad that started six or seven freshmen every game and had no seniors on the roster. The Maroons just missed getting a play-in game chance for state and closed strong after going winless the first five weeks of the year. Freshman first baseman Kodee Badovinac won a spot on the Southwestern A All-Conference team. She and sophomore third baseman Marly Mansanti missed the last couple of weeks of the season with injuries. Expect Badovinac to be joined by several Maroons on next year’s honors teams.
Butte Central senior Owen McPartland advanced to the state Class A tournament and came up a win short of playing for a placing. Uncooperative weather and no good indoor availability of courts greatly hinder the Butte tennis endeavors each spring.
Butte High and Butte Central teams missed State in baseball as more teams fielded teams and competition improved. The Bulldogs and Maroons will focus on next year with the state tourney coming to town next year.
Individually, this spring saw Butte High junior shotstop/pitcher Cayde Stajcar and senior second baseman Tocher Lee both gain All-Conference first-team honors, as did Butte Central sophomore pitcher/shortstop Gunnar O’Brien. The second team included Butte High senior center fielder Will Stepan, senior third baseman Matthew Donaldson and Butte Central junior right fielder Trapper Stajcar.
Promise rests in the number of good-quality athletic returnees likely to return to the gyms and fields in Butte next fall. Could be fun.
Hmmmm, year 53 …



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Omaha youth basketball player to compete in Brazil

LA VISTA, Neb. (WOWT) – Max Preasha is a hooper at heart. “I’ve been playing basketball since about three years old,” he told First Alert 6. “My dad really brought it to me first.” “From an early age we knew that he was going to be a basketball player,” added Marcus Preasha, Max’s father. He’ll […]

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LA VISTA, Neb. (WOWT) – Max Preasha is a hooper at heart.

“I’ve been playing basketball since about three years old,” he told First Alert 6. “My dad really brought it to me first.”

“From an early age we knew that he was going to be a basketball player,” added Marcus Preasha, Max’s father.

He’ll turn 13 later this month and Max’s growth and passion have led to new opportunities beyond borders.

“Twelve years old is crazy for him to be able to experience this,” said Amanda Preasha, Max’s mother. “This is a lot of kids’ dream.”

After standing out at a USA basketball tournament in Kansas, Max earned an offer he couldn’t refuse.

“The coach came up to him and was like, ‘Hey, we really want you to come with us to Brazil and play,’” Marcus said. “It was a shock to us. I was like, ‘Oh man, that’s amazing.’”

“I feel like my defense in that game stood out to him and he just loved it — and my enthusiasm,” Max added. “Going out of the country, showing my talents to different coaches, it’s just very special to me.”

“It’s very surreal,” Amanda said. “It hasn’t even really set in. It’s really crazy. We didn’t ever think this would come about.”

Max has joined Andre White Sr.’s DaWhiteWay USA 12U/13U Global Team. He, alongside Evangelist Scott Lee, have taken other youth programs to Africa and Spain — playing basketball and also speaking to people in those countries about their religious values.

White Sr. and Lee wrote on social media that this saying “perfectly encapsulates” their work: “When God says His will will be done, trust and believe because it will.”

Max is part of a group that will play in the city of Blumenau, Brazil, part of the “Meeting Basketball” BRA x USA Sub-14 International Basketball Tournament between Brazil and the United States.

It’s a move that doesn’t surprise his club coach Andy Beck of AEF Academy, who also uses a strong religious base as the foundation of his core personal principles. It is those values that helped him found AEF, which stands for Attitude, Effort, Focus.

“He’s our vocal communicator, he’s our leader — and he’s our youngest player,” Beck said. “I think the opportunity to play against gritty kids that learn different skills and different mindsets that are not in America, I think it’s going to make him use his leadership skills that he’s developed with us at AEF.”

“The opportunity to go overseas and see different cultures and play against different types of players, I’m real big on that,” Marcus added.

But the value of this experience goes far beyond the court.

“This is my first time out of the country and something I’m looking forward to is just the experience,” Max said. “I’ve heard a lot about Brazil. It sounds like a really special place. I think it’s going to be really fun.”

“Max is a really humble kid, and so I know he’s going to just take in all of the opportunities,” Amanda added.

“He could make friends with a tree stump, literally, he’s just got that personality,” Beck said. “I think that his personality rubbing off onto other people in Brazil is going to be huge.”

Max will also have the chance to showcase what basketball in Nebraska is all about.

“I couldn’t think of anybody, honestly, that I’d want to represent America, AEF basketball, youth sports, then Max,” Beck said.

“Get out of the Nebraska bubble — Nebraska is a small piece of the entire world,” Marcus added. “That’s what I’m really hoping he gets out of it.”

The youth tournament runs Aug. 8-13 and Max’s fundraising efforts are being supported through a fiscal sponsorship with the Foundation for the Common Good, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Nebraska.

This partnership allows all contributions to be processed as tax-deductible donations under the Foundation’s nonprofit status. As such, 98% of every dollar goes directly toward Max’s journey, with just 2% used to cover necessary administrative costs.



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Ride wristbands now available for Berrien County Youth Fair

Now available are wristbands to get discounted rides at the Berrien County Youth Fair next month. Youth Fair Manager Karen Klug tells us they sell the discount wristbands every year, and they’re a popular way for a parent to save a few bucks when they take their kid to the fair. During the fair, wristbands […]

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Now available are wristbands to get discounted rides at the Berrien County Youth Fair next month.

Youth Fair Manager Karen Klug tells us they sell the discount wristbands every year, and they’re a popular way for a parent to save a few bucks when they take their kid to the fair. During the fair, wristbands will be $32 each, but you can buy them now for $27 at Honor Credit Union locations and the youth fair office.

It’s a $5 savings over purchasing a wristband at the fair when you come,” Klug said. “So it’s a little bit of a savings and you just bring the voucher into one of their kiosks and they scan the QR code on it and an issue you a wristband and you can ride all day long and each voucher is good for one day and one child.”

Klug says if you’ve got a little one who’s going to be wild for rides, then the wristbands are a great idea.

Meanwhile, planning for the fair continues with about a month left to go. Klug says they’ll have the full array of youth exhibitors, rides, and all the fair food you can eat.

The Berrien County Youth Fair “Fiesta at the Fair” will be August 11 through August 16. Thousands of people are expected to attend.





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The Benefits and Risks of Flag Football for Girls| Banner

Flag football has exploded in popularity — especially among girls and women. From girls’ youth leagues to all-girls high school and collegiate teams, it’s one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S. With more schools and recreational leagues offering non-tackle football programs, you may wonder if flag football is a good choice for your daughter. […]

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Flag football has exploded in popularity — especially among girls and women. From girls’ youth leagues to all-girls high school and collegiate teams, it’s one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S.

With more schools and recreational leagues offering non-tackle football programs, you may wonder if flag football is a good choice for your daughter.

We talked to Genevieve Lambert, MD, a sports medicine specialist with Banner – University Medicine, to learn more about the sport, its benefits and risks and how to support your child if she decides to play.

What is flag football?

Flag football is a non-contact version of traditional football. Instead of tackling, defensive players pull a flag from the ball carrier’s belt to stop the play. 

“This key difference makes it a safer option than traditional football while still allowing for competition, strategy and teamwork,” Dr. Lambert said.

The game is typically played with five or nine players on a shorter, half-field, without heavy protective gear or padding. That said, players often wear mouthguards, cleats and optional soft headgear for added safety.

The benefits of flag football for girls

Sports like flag football offer much more than physical activity. They can build lifelong skills and support a girl’s mental, emotional, and social well-being.

Physical health benefits

Players run, pivot, throw and catch, providing a full-body workout.

“It can increase endurance, agility, coordination and other sport-specific skills,” Dr. Lambert said.

These movements help girls build:

  • Cardiovascular fitness
  • Muscle strength and tone
  • Balance and coordination
  • Healthy exercise habits

Being a part of a sport also helps reduce the risk of childhood obesity, type 2 diabetes and other chronic conditions later in life. 

Mental and emotional benefits

“Girls and women who play sports tend to have higher self-esteem and experience greater states of well-being than those who don’t,” Dr. Lambert said. “Improved mental health, leadership skills and discipline are some of the key benefits girls get from playing flag football.”

Other benefits include:

  • Teamwork and communication skills
  • Confidence through skill development
  • Stress relief and emotional regulation
  • Resilience and perseverance
  • Friendship and a sense of belonging

For girls navigating adolescence, sports like flag can be a safe space to express themselves, test their limits and excel. 

Is flag football safe for girls?

Compared to tackle football, flag offers a lower risk of serious injury. The chance of traumatic injuries is lower than in tackle football. But that doesn’t mean flag football is injury-free.

“Like any sport, there is still a high risk of extremity, head and neck injuries, even without high-level contact,” Dr. Lambert said.

Dr. Lambert shared that the most common injuries she sees in female flag football players include:

  • Knee injuries, such as ACL tears
  • Ankle sprains
  • Contusions (bruises)
  • Concussions
  • Neck and facial injuries

Is your daughter ready to play?

So how do you know if your child is ready to try flag football? Dr. Lambert recommends considering her current activity level and interests. 

“If they are highly active, like to play team sports and have basic skills like running, throwing and catching, this may be a good sport for them,” she said. 

Every child develops at a different pace. What matters most is that your daughter feels excited, comfortable and physically able to participate. A pre-participation sports physical is a good way to check her readiness and screen for any health issues that might affect her safety. 

How to keep your daughter safe

As a parent, there’s a lot you can do to support your daughter’s safety and well-being on the field. Dr. Lambert offered several important tips:

  • Use a mouthguard: This can protect against dental injuries.
  • Wear proper footwear: Supportive, sport-specific shoes like cleats help prevent ankle sprains.
  • Stay hydrated: Encourage regular water breaks, especially during warm weather.
  • Warm and stretch: A proper warm-up routine can help prevent injuries.
  • Look for trained coaches: Ask if coaches are certified and follow safe training practices for youth sports. 

Watch for signs of overtraining

Like any sport, flag football can become too much if your child isn’t getting enough rest. Here are some red flags that your child may be overtraining:

  • Fatigue
  • Mood changes
  • Lack of motivation to play
  • Decreased performance 
  • Changes in sleep
  • Recurrent injuries or slower recovery time

If you notice any of these signs, it might be time to take a step back and reassess her training schedule. 

When to talk to a doctor

Most flag football injuries are mild and respond well to rest, ice and over-the-counter (OTC) pain relief. But some symptoms may signal a more serious issue. 

Contact your child’s provider if your daughter has:

  • Ongoing pain or swelling that doesn’t improve
  • Difficulty walking or using a limb
  • Headache, dizziness or confusion after a hit
  • Breathing problems during exercise
  • Multiple injuries in a short period

At Banner Health, our pediatric care teams and sports medicine specialists support athletes of all ages. 

Final thoughts

Flag football can be a fun, healthy and empowering sport for girls. But it’s not one-size-fits-all. Consider your daughter’s interest level, physical abilities, health and social comfort. 

Talk about how she feels during practices and games. Stay open and supportive as she explores what she enjoys.

Need a last-minute sports physical? Walk into Banner Urgent Care. We offer quick, convenient sports physicals — even on evenings and weekends. Find a nearby location and check wait times. 

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Devotional on assists: July 14

The New York Yankees’ Aaron Boone, center, celebrates after hitting a solo home run in the 11th inning to beat the Boston Red Sox in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series, Oct. 16, 2003. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun) “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your […]

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The New York Yankees’ Aaron Boone, center, celebrates after hitting a solo home run in the 11th inning to beat the Boston Red Sox in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series, Oct. 16, 2003. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” — Joshua 1:9

>> Sign up here for Sports Spectrum devotionals sent right to your email inbox <<

There’s nothing quite like a Game 7.

It’s the pinnacle of pressure, the moment when everything is on the line. No more second chances. Every play matters. Every decision carries weight. Game 7 is when legends are born and legacies are cemented. And as spectators, we’re glued to the screen on a night when sports and cinema collide.

I’ve been fortunate to be alive for some amazing Game 7s. There seems to always be a defining moment in each of them, too.

• The 1997 World Series: The Edgar Renteria walk-off base hit.
• The 2001 World Series: The Luis Gonzalez walk-off base hit.
• The 2003 MLB American League Championship Series: The Aaron Boone walk-off home run.
• The 2006 MLB National League Championship Series: The Adam Wainwright curveball to end it.
• The 2016 NBA Finals: The LeBron chase-down block.
• The 2017 2017 NHL Eastern Conference Finals: The Chris Kunitz overtime goal.
• The 2019 NBA Finals: The Kawhi Leonard game-winner.

The list goes on.

But what about the Game 7 moments in our lives? That diagnosis. That job interview or loss. That conversation that could change everything. That step of obedience when the future feels uncertain. The defining moments of our faith.

Spiritually speaking, we all face Game 7 moments — seasons where the pressure is high, the outcome unclear and the stakes feel overwhelming. It’s in those moments we’re tempted to rely on our own strength, to panic, to freeze, or to run.

Yet God calls us to a different posture: strength and courage grounded in His presence.

When Joshua stood on the edge of the Promised Land, it was his Game 7. Moses was gone. The leadership mantle was his. Ahead of him lay enemies, uncertainty and the enormous responsibility of leading God’s people into a new chapter. But God didn’t give Joshua a battle plan first. He gave him a promise: “I will be with you wherever you go” (see verse above).

That’s the secret of a Game 7 faith. It’s not about how strong we are, but how present God is.

Athletes often say that pressure doesn’t create character, it reveals it. The same is true in our spiritual lives. When the pressure is on, what’s revealed? Fear or faith? Panic or prayer?

The good news is, even when we’re weak, Jesus is strong. Even when we fumble, He is faithful. And even when the scoreboard of life looks like we’re losing, we know the ultimate victory is already won because of the cross and the empty tomb.

So whether you’re in a Game 7 moment right now, or one is on the horizon, remember this: God is not pacing nervously on the sidelines. He’s with you. He’s in you. He’s fighting for you.

— Cole Claybourn

>> Do you know Christ personally? Learn how you can commit your life to Him <<

>> Subscribe to Sports Spectrum Magazine for more devotionals and stories where sports and faith connect <<

>> Dive more into God’s Word with Sports Spectrum through the YouVersion Bible App <<

If you would like to submit a devotional, please email all submissions to
devotionals@sportsspectrum.com



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Banana Ball brings a wild twist to youth baseball in the Crossroads | Sports

25 News Now Ray Robinson explains some of the rules about the Banana Ball Tournament ​COPYRIGHT 2025 BY CROSSROADS TODAY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED. VICTORIA, Texas — Baseball got a bold new twist this weekend at the Youth Sports Complex, as local teams […]

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25 News Now Ray Robinson explains some of the rules about the Banana Ball Tournament

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



VICTORIA, Texas — Baseball got a bold new twist this weekend at the Youth Sports Complex, as local teams embraced the fast-paced, fan-favorite style of “Banana Ball.” The tournament, hosted by the National Championship Organization, brought out young athletes from across the Crossroads eager to compete in this fun and unconventional format.

Unlike traditional baseball, Banana Ball is designed to keep the action moving and the fans engaged. The rules? A strict two-hour time limit, scoring based on innings won (one point per inning), no walks or bunting, and yes — fans can catch foul balls for outs! In true Banana Ball fashion, batters can even steal first base on a wild pitch or passed ball.

The electric atmosphere and unique gameplay had everyone buzzing. And with fans getting directly involved in the action, it’s no surprise the tournament has been a major hit in the community.

Here’s a breakdown of this weekend’s champions by division:

  • 8U Division: Buzz Lightning Baseball Academy (Victoria) narrowly defeated AKC in a thrilling 6–5 finish.

  • 10U Division: Cuero Stars took home the title with a 5–3 win over the Cardinals.

  • 11U Division: Hurricanes held off the Angleton Assassins for a 3–2 victory.

  • 12U Division: Marucci Elite Texas shut out AKC with a dominant 6–0 performance in the championship.

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



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Scrappy’s Kids Club Memberships Open for 2025-26

Story Links First Look Beloved Chattanooga Mocs mascot Scrappy is on the lookout for recruits to the nest for the 2025-26 athletic seasons. Once described by “Late Night” host Jimmy Fallon as “a sledgehammer wielding mockingbird with a heart of Blue & Gold”, Scrappy looks share his competitive passion for all things […]

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First Look

Beloved Chattanooga Mocs mascot Scrappy is on the lookout for recruits to the nest for the 2025-26 athletic seasons. Once described by “Late Night” host Jimmy Fallon as “a sledgehammer wielding mockingbird with a heart of Blue & Gold”, Scrappy looks share his competitive passion for all things Mocs with the next generation of Scenic City sports enthusiasts.
 
Membership
$20 membership fee that remains valid through June 30, 2026. Open to kids from toddler to 8th grade.
 
Exclusive Benefits

  • Official t-shirt
  • Official membership card & lanyard
  • Access to one free ticket to select home football, men’s basketball and women’s basketball games
  • Free admission to all home regular season wrestling matches
  • Free admission to all home regular season softball games
  • Clear drawstring bag
  • Sticker
  • Color-in bookmark
  • Scrappy’s Kids Club Flag

 
Additional perks include monthly newsletters with updates on the Mocs, coloring pages, activities, seasonal content and more. Invitation to build a stuffed animal during our Make a Moc game (while supplies last). Invitations to other members-only events. Access to take part in special events and opportunities.
 
How to Join
Scrappy’s friends can register here on GoMocs.com. Previous Scrappy’s Kids Club members must re-register to receive the 2025-2026 Kids Club benefits.
 
GoMocs.com is the official website of the Chattanooga Mocs. Buy officially licensed gear in our online store. The Mocs can also be followed on their official Facebook page or on Twitter. Find out how to join the UTC Mocs Club and support more than 300 student-athletes by clicking here. NIL opportunities with Chattanooga Mocs student-athletes can be found here.





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