Sports
Wisconsin wake surfing is a low
AI-assisted summaryWake surfing is a safe and enjoyable way for people of all ages to enjoy being on the water.Claims that wake boats negatively impact the environment are unfounded and not based on scientific evidence.Safety concerns about wake surfing are overblown, and the activity is actually very controlled and low-risk.Efforts to restrict or ban wake […]

AI-assisted summaryWake surfing is a safe and enjoyable way for people of all ages to enjoy being on the water.Claims that wake boats negatively impact the environment are unfounded and not based on scientific evidence.Safety concerns about wake surfing are overblown, and the activity is actually very controlled and low-risk.Efforts to restrict or ban wake surfing are driven by fear and misinformation rather than legitimate concerns.There are few things that make me happier than spending a warm summer day on the lake with my friends and family. Whether it’s getting out early to cast a line, water skiing or tubing during the afternoon, or an evening cruise on the pontoon, lake life is a huge part of what makes summer in our great state so much fun.In recent years, my family and I have discovered a new passion – wake surfing. Wake surfing is a low speed, safe way for people of all ages to enjoy the water. Instead of a tow rope and big wipeouts behind a speed boat, wake surfing happens behind a boat that is going slower and creates a wake that allows the surfer to ride the waves. It’s low-impact on the surfer, which allows people of all ages to participate, and, despite what detractors would want you to think, it’s low-impact on Wisconsin’s lakes.
On Wisconsin’s glacial lakes, wake-enhanced boating damaging and dangerous
That last part is important, because as someone who enjoys wake surfing, my love for the lake and health of the ecosystem is most important. Without a healthy lake, all of the fun would eventually vanish.
Claims about negative impact of wake boating don’t hold up
Unfortunately, there has been a lot of misinformation spread about wake boats and wake surfing. Opponents – many of them the same people that will find just about any reason to support restrictions on outdoor recreation opportunities – claim that wake boats will lead to a spread of invasive species, destroy shorelines and lake bottoms, and pose a safety risk. These arguments are nonsense – compelling and emotionally-charged, but nonsense nonetheless.First, let’s quickly address the invasive species issue. Wake boats– like all watercraft – are subject to state law requirements that are in place to protect our lakes from invasive species. Boat owners must drain water from boats, motors and all equipment before moving them from one body of water to another. The bottom line: when drained properly – as required by law – wake boats do not increase the spread of invasive species.
Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
I’m the father of son with Down syndrome. Using the ‘R’ word is never acceptable.
Then there’s the shoreline and lake bottom argument. The low-impact nature of wake surfing means that, when done responsibly, it generates minimal wave energy, far less than what we see on windy days. Research has demonstrated that at a 200-foot distance from shore, the energy of a wake boat wave is about the same as waves generated by a 20-mph wind over a one-mile of water and much less than waves generated by wind on large lakes. And compared to windy conditions that may persist for hours at a time, waves from wake boats are only on the lake for a brief period of time.
Assembly Speaker should listen to people on marijuana, citizen-initiated bills
At the end of the day, this shouldn’t be an issue dominated by scare tactics and legal issues. At the end of the day, what’s truly important is ensuring access for all lake users to enjoy sharing stories and laughs with your friends and family about the great time you just had out on the water as you watch the sun set on another beautiful Wisconsin summer day at the lake – whether it was on a fishing boat, a pontoon, or, yes, a wake boat.
Ed Gignac is an avid water sports enthusiast. He lives on Powers Lake in Kenosha County and also has a longtime family property on Butternut Lake in the Northwoods.
Sports
How to watch Yahoo Sports' NFL Draft Live show
The 2025 NFL Draft starts Thursday, April 24. Players including Cam Ward, Travis Hunter, Abdul Carter and Will Johnson will be in the mix, and coverage is airing across all the usual suspects — NFL Network, ESPN, ESPN2, NFL+ and ESPN+. But you can also find coverage of the 2025 NFL Draft right here on […]

The 2025 NFL Draft starts Thursday, April 24. Players including Cam Ward, Travis Hunter, Abdul Carter and Will Johnson will be in the mix, and coverage is airing across all the usual suspects — NFL Network, ESPN, ESPN2, NFL+ and ESPN+. But you can also find coverage of the 2025 NFL Draft right here on Yahoo Sports with the Yahoo Sports Draft Live show.
Host Jason Fitz will be joined in studio by Football 301’s Nate Tice, Charles McDonald and Matt Harmon for pick-by-pick analysis, with senior NFL reporters Charles Robinson and Jori Epstein making appearances. Yahoo Sports Draft Live will be available to stream via the Yahoo Sports website, app, YouTube, X and Facebook.
Advertisement
In addition to the Yahoo Sports Draft Live show, Yahoo Sports will also deliver expanded coverage throughout the draft, including a crossover Football 301 and Yahoo Fantasy Forecast show breaking down the first round of the draft and a live edition of Inside Coverage this Saturday, April 26, at 4 p.m. ET. Also on tap: A live edition of Football 301 Sunday, April 27, at 3 p.m. ET to deliver final draft grades and a taping of Yahoo Fantasy Forecast this Sunday to break down what this draft means for your fantasy teams next year. Are you ready to tune in?
Stream Yahoo Sports’ NFL Draft Live show
Here’s what else you can do in the Yahoo Sports app:
Connect with other NFL fans
The Yahoo Sports app will let you connect with other fans around the NFL Draft in real time. Using the Discussions feature, you can chat with each other and Yahoo Sports experts about each player and pick in the draft.
Advertisement
To access Discussions for each player, go to their prospect pages. You can find Discussions about the broader draft in a draft megathread.
Use emojis to react to NFL draft picks
You can now react to each pick in the draft with emojis — but only a select few. You can share if you agree with the pick,
if you’re unsure how you feel about the pick, or
if you don’t like the pick.
Emoji reactions are available on both iOS and Android versions of the Yahoo Sports app.
Live activities feature
The Yahoo Sports app has a new live activities feature, which lets you stay up to date on each pick in the draft, even if your phone is locked.
When is the 2025 NFL Draft?
Round 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft kicks off on Thursday, April 24, at 8 p.m. ET. Rounds 2-7 will follow on Friday, April 25, and Saturday, April 26.
Yahoo Sports Draft Live time
Yahoo Sports’ NFL Draft Live show will begin at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, Apr. 24. Friday’s Yahoo Sports Draft Live show will stream at 7 p.m. ET.
2025 NFL Draft channel
In addition to Yahoo Sports’ coverage of the draft, you can tune into coverage of this year’s NFL Draft on NFL Network, ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes (Spanish broadcast). You can stream coverage on NFL+ and ESPN+.
More ways to watch the NFL Draft:
NIL
Dowagiac Union High announces Class of 2025 Top 10
Dowagiac Union High announces Class of 2025 Top 10 Published 1:56 pm Thursday, April 24, 2025 From left: Markus Ottinger (Salutatorian,3.952 GPA), Guadalupe Brito (Valedictorian), Nevaeh Hemminger (Valedictorian), Lauren Balsbaugh (No. 9, 3.950 GPA), Brenna Mott (Valedictorian), Merrill Adams (No. 10, 3.920), Emerson Kruger (Valedictorian), Rebecca Guernsey (Valedictorian), Carlee Spagnoli (Valedictorian), Emma Stanger (Valedictorian). (Submitted) […]

Dowagiac Union High announces Class of 2025 Top 10
Published 1:56 pm Thursday, April 24, 2025
- From left: Markus Ottinger (Salutatorian,3.952 GPA), Guadalupe Brito (Valedictorian), Nevaeh Hemminger (Valedictorian), Lauren Balsbaugh (No. 9, 3.950 GPA), Brenna Mott (Valedictorian), Merrill Adams (No. 10, 3.920), Emerson Kruger (Valedictorian), Rebecca Guernsey (Valedictorian), Carlee Spagnoli (Valedictorian), Emma Stanger (Valedictorian). (Submitted)
DOWAGIAC — Dowagiac Union High School has announced the Top Ten Graduates from the Class of 2025.
The following students have excelled both in and out of the classroom by maintaining a superb academic record, while also participating in numerous extracurricular activities and teams. Commencement will take place at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 18 at Chris Taylor Alumni Field. This year, seven Chieftains earned 4.0 GPAs to achieve Valedictorian status.
Graduating as a Valedictorian of the Class of 2025 is Guadalupe Brito. Guadalupe is the daughter of Andres and Natalia Brito. Her high school activities include National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, Humanities Club, Educational Talent Search, varsity soccer and wrestling.
Her Awards include academic Award of Excellence, Academic Achievement Award, Student of the Month, Honorable Mention for soccer from the Lakeland Conference, Honorable Mention all-conference wrestling and high honors. She plans to attend Ferris State University to pursue a degree in diagnostic medical sonography and she hopes to one day become an ultrasound technician.
Also graduating as Valedictorian is Rebecca Guernsey. Rebecca is the daughter of Richard and Jennifer Guernsey. Her high school activities include golf, softball, basketball, National Honors Society, robotics and powerlifting. Her awards include National Rural Small Town Academic Award, a six-time first-team all-conference honoree – four times in golf, two for soccer – two-time first team All-State golf, three-time state qualifier.
She is also an individual regional champion in golf and is a five-time team MVP – three in golf, two in softball. She plans to attend Bethel University to get a bachelor’s degree in sports management and her career plan is to become a golf course manager and a PGA professional.
Nevaeh Hemminger is also graduating as a Valedictorian. Nevaeh is the daughter of Regina Hemminger and Chad Velthouse. Her High School activities include National Honor Society, Chieftain Heart, Humanities and National Society of High Schools. Her awards include student of the month and she was aNational Rural and Small Town Recognition Award winner. She has received High Honor Awards, First Generation Recognition Award, CTE Health and Therapeutic Awards, the Award of Academic Excellence, National Career Readiness Certificate and has been a CTE Outstanding Award recipient.
After graduation, Nevaeh plans to attend Southwestern Michigan College for another year before entering the workforce or possibly transferring to the University of Michigan. At the University of Michigan, she plans to major in business and minor in entrepreneurship. Her goal is to become a successful entrepreneur and business owner by opening a bakery within five years of graduation.
Emerson Kruger is Dowagiac’s next Valedictorian. Emerson is the daughter of Andy and Jacqueline Krueger. Activities include being Vice President of the Rotary Interact Club, secretary of Student Senate, captain of the varsity volleyball team, member of National Honor Society and also a member of the Humanities Club and Environmental Club.
Her awards include receiving High Honors and the Academic Award of Excellence. She’s been Student of the Month and had a volleyball academic All-State award. Emerson plans to attend the University of Michigan to major in kinesiology and exercise science. Emerson hopes to become either a physical or occupational therapist or work for a sports team as an athletic trainer.
Brenna Mott is also graduating as a Valedictorian. Brenna is the daughter of Jason and Stephanie Mott. Her high school activities include Vice President of the National Honor Society, treasurer of Student Senate, chair of Rotary Interact Club and a member of Humanities Club and Environmental Club. Her awards include an Academic Award of Excellence, High Honors, individual, All-State basketball and individual All-State volleyball.
Brenna plans to attend Michigan State University. In the future, she dreams of working for the Detroit Lions as a member of their managing and marketing team, where she can promote them on social media,
Graduating as a Dowagiac Valedictorian is Carlee Spagnoli. She is the daughter of Michael Spagnoli and Mickey Spagnoli. Her high school activities include softball, golf and National Honor Society. She is a member of the Career and Technical Education showcase team that represented the Dowagiac’s automotive class in Lansing.
Carlee Earned her ASE certification in maintenance, light repair and brakes. Her Awards include High honors, the Academic Award of Excellence, Academic all-state team and individual all-state for softball and golf and all-conference for golf. Carlee plans to attend Ferris State University for either radiography or nuclear medicine. She hopes to work in a hospital as a radiography tech or a nuclear medicine tech.
Dowagiac’s final Valedictorian for the Class of 2025 is Emma Stanger. She is the daughter of Mike and Melissa Stanger. Her school activities include Rotary Interact – where she was the treasurer last year and president this year – Environmental Club Leadership Team, Student Senate, National Honor Society. Humanities and Chieftain Heart.
She also represents Dowagiac in the Michigan Gateway Foundation Youth Advisory Council. Emma is a 14-year member and team captain of the Miss Michelle and Company dance team. Her Awards include High Honors, MVP, all-state and academic all-state for competitive cheer.
Emma plans to attend Purdue University and major in marketing. After graduating college, she aims to work in the sports industry being behind the scenes working on marketing.
Representing the Class of 2025 as Salutatorian is Markus Ottinger with a GPA of 3.952. He is the son of Brandon Ottinger and Sherry Chaline. Markus’ high school activities include National Honor Society, Rotary Interact and Environmental Club. His awards include receiving an Academic Award of Excellence and being recognized for high honors. He was honorable mention at the 106 and 113-pound weight class and was first team all-conference in wrestling. He was also Academic All-State for four years, a four-year wrestling varsity starter and is ASE certified in maintenance and light repair and plans to attend Western Michigan University to study computer science, computer systems and information. He hopes to become a certified information technician.
Lauren Balsbaugh is ranked number 9 with a GPA of 3.95. She is the daughter of TJ and Kelly Balsbaugh.Her high school activities include National Honor Society, Rotary Interact, Environmental Club, Student Senate, Chieftain Heart, varsity sideline cheer along with varsity competitive cheer and varsity tennis. Her awards include Certificates of Excellence all four years of high school, High honors and Academic All-State for competitive cheer. She’s been the MVP for tennis and has made all-conference in competitive cheer as well. Lauren plans to attend Saint Mary’s College and after graduation hopes to start as a registered nurse before returning to get a master’s degree to become a nurse practitioner.
Merrill Adams is ranked number 10, graduating with a GPA of 3.92. She is the daughter of John and Erin Adams. She is enrolled at Cassopolis Ross Beatty for agriculture classes and is dual-enrolled at Southwestern Michigan College. She is the Vice President of the Cassopolis FFA chapter, Michigan’s Region One FFA Reporter, is a member of Student Senate, Vice President of the Dowagiac National Honor Society and Rotary Interact Club.
She has received high honors all four years of high school and was the recipient of Green Hand, chapter and state degrees for FFA. She also received a state chapter award for FFA and placed sixth at the Michigan FFA State Convention in the prepared public speaking competition.
Merrill is currently Miss Cassopolis and Miss Congeniality 2025. She plans to attend Southwestern Michigan College for agricultural business before getting her certificate in agricultural operations from Michigan State University. After graduating, she plans to get her bachelor’s in animal science from Kansas State University’s online program. She plans to be a MagnaWave practitioner and hopes to become an agricultural science teacher.
NIL
Amazon Prime Video Taps Eric Church, John Fogerty for NASCAR Theme
Some music never goes out of style. Amazon Prime Video has enlisted country star Eric Church and former Creedence Clearwater Revival leader John Fogerty to update the band’s classic “Up Around The Bend” for use as a theme for the streamer’s new coverage of NASCAR. “Working with both Eric Church — an incredible artist who […]


Some music never goes out of style.
Amazon Prime Video has enlisted country star Eric Church and former Creedence Clearwater Revival leader John Fogerty to update the band’s classic “Up Around The Bend” for use as a theme for the streamer’s new coverage of NASCAR.
“Working with both Eric Church — an incredible artist who is a genuine NASCAR fan — and the legendary John Fogerty to put a fresh spin on his iconic hit gives our coverage a distinctive sound that matches the energy of the sport,” said Stacey Rosenson, Head of U.S. Sports Marketing, Prime Video, in a statement. “Incorporating the anthem into our new commercial featuring the legendary duo of Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Steve Letarte, alongside current Cup Series star Chase Elliott, taps into the heartbeat of NASCAR and highlights our commitment to delivering a unique, fun, and exciting viewing experience for fans.”
Other media companies are working a little harder to win fans to new racing properties. Fox Sports earlier this year ran promos featuring Josef Newgarden, who has won the Indianapolis 500 back to back on two separate occasions, along with Tom Brady, Fox Sports’ lead NFL analyst, to win fans for IndyCar.
Popular on Variety
The song debuts Thursday in commercials that tout Prime Video’s coverage and will appear across linear platforms leading up to the debut on May 25. The commercial, produced by 77 Ventures and Boomshot, features racing icon and Prime Video analyst Dale Earnhardt Jr., analyst Steve Letarte, and Cup Series star Chase Elliott.
The new anthem will premiere during Prime Video’s presentation of the Coca-Cola 600 from Charlotte Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 25, and will be woven into broadcasts throughout the streamer’s exclusive five-race NASCAR Cup Series package.
Sports
Surfers Dharma – The Journey to Purpose (ft. Koa Smith, Tom Carroll, Pacha Light)
Filmmaker and narrator Uriel Jean Armel sets out to document what it means to live with purpose. Along the way, iconic surfers including Tom Carroll, who turned his struggle with addiction into a gift, and rising voices for activism and awareness through surfing like Koa Smith and Pacha Light share their own stories of transformation. […]

Filmmaker and narrator Uriel Jean Armel sets out to document what it means to live with purpose. Along the way, iconic surfers including Tom Carroll, who turned his struggle with addiction into a gift, and rising voices for activism and awareness through surfing like Koa Smith and Pacha Light share their own stories of transformation.
Through this movie, we aim to bring awareness on environmental issues in Indonesia.
If you would like to support this cause, you can reach out to Risman via his IG page: Lombok Plastic Free IG page @lombokplasticfree
Or, Sungai Watch who provided us with some additional footage. Their their teams are cleaning up beaches and rivers of Indonesia, installing barriers to prevent the trash from coming to the ocean: @sungaiwatch – you can also support and donate through their webpage: sungai.watch
If you are interested in the topics of healing and meditation, head over to the website of Dr Joe Dispenza (drjoedispenza.com), both Koa and Uriel have been attending his retreats and found deep healing through his studies and practices
Thank you to all our kickstarter donors who made this journey possible. To be continued!
Sports
Garbiñe Muguruza and Kosovare Asllani plot sporting pathway to social sustainability …
A former World No.1 in women’s tennis and a footballer who has played in the top divisions of Spain, England, France, Italy and the USA joined forces with Laureus and sustainability partner, EY, at the Laureus World Sports Awards earlier this week, to begin a new chapter in social sustainability in sport. Both two-time Grand […]

A former World No.1 in women’s tennis and a footballer who has played in the top divisions of Spain, England, France, Italy and the USA joined forces with Laureus and sustainability partner, EY, at the Laureus World Sports Awards earlier this week, to begin a new chapter in social sustainability in sport.
Sports
Amer Sports' SVP Sustainability, Anne Larilahti, joins WFSGI Board
We are proud to share that Anne Larilahti, Senior Vice President, Sustainability at Amer Sports, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI). Anne has led sustainability efforts at Amer Sports since 2022. As a board member, she will share her experience and help shape […]


We are proud to share that Anne Larilahti, Senior Vice President, Sustainability at Amer Sports, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI).
Anne has led sustainability efforts at Amer Sports since 2022. As a board member, she will share her experience and help shape the direction of the sporting goods industry on key issues such as physical inactivity, sustainability, and responsible business. We talked with Anne about what this means for her, for Amer Sports, and for the future of the industry.
What is WFSGI, and why is it important for Amer Sports to be involved?
The WFSGI is a global organization that brings together companies and associations from across the sporting goods industry, from big brands to manufacturers and national federations. It’s a platform for joint action on the challenges and opportunities we all face, like promoting physical activity, advancing sustainability, and working on international trade issues facing the industry. For Amer Sports, being part of WFSGI means we can contribute to and learn from industry-wide solutions and bring our perspective into global conversations.
What will your role be as a board member?
I am honored to join the WFSGI Board as a representative of Amer Sports at this pivotal time for our industry. I will bring in perspectives from sustainability, especially on topics like decarbonization, circular business models, and inclusive access to sport. I’m also interested in how we as an industry can better connect with public health and policy stakeholders to encourage more active lifestyles.
Physical inactivity is one of WFSGI’s key focus areas. Why does that matter?
It’s a huge global issue. According to the World Health Organization, 31% of adults worldwide—that is 1.8 billion people—don’t get enough physical activity. That’s not just a statistic—it’s a global public health crisis. Physical inactivity is linked to chronic diseases, mental health challenges, and reduced quality of life. As an industry, we have both the responsibility and the opportunity to help reverse that trend. We can create more inclusive products, support community sports, and work together to remove the barriers that keep people from moving.
What are you most excited about in this role?
At Amer Sports we believe that sport has the power to drive positive change by improving health, strengthening communities, and inspiring more sustainable ways of living. I’m excited to work together to turn that potential into action with others who are passionate about the same goals. It’s a valuable opportunity for us to learn from global peers, contribute to industry-wide progress, and share how our brands are working to make sport more inclusive and sustainable.
We congratulate Anne on her appointment and look forward to the impact she will help deliver in this new role.
-
College Sports1 week ago
Former South Carolina center Nick Pringle commits to Arkansas basketball, John Calipari
-
College Sports2 weeks ago
Lindbergh water polo hosts multi
-
High School Sports1 day ago
Appling County football to forfeit all 10 wins from 2024
-
College Sports1 day ago
Lehigh wrestlers prepare for wrestling U.S. Open
-
NIL1 week ago
Patriots Legend Rob Gronkowski Makes Surprising Career Move
-
Finance2 weeks ago
Money in American Politics Started With This Supreme Court Decision
-
Sports2 weeks ago
Team USA Coaching Staff Announced for 2026 WBC
-
College Sports3 weeks ago
30DayChallenge
-
Motorsports1 week ago
New York Auto Show turns 125 with Asian debuts, EV test tracks
-
Finance2 weeks ago
Rory McIlroy Wins First Masters, $4.2 Million in Prize Money
-
College Sports2 weeks ago
UNC Greensboro transfer Donovan Atwell commits to Texas Tech basketball
-
NIL1 week ago
When Did Chaos Get Safe?
-
Sports2 weeks ago
Achievement unlocked
-
College Sports1 week ago
Indiana men's basketball gets commitment from transfer guard Lamar Wilkerson
-
Sports1 week ago
Fitness trainer who helped Anant Ambani, Nita Ambani lose weight shares the best time to …
-
Professional Sports2 weeks ago
Table tennis mixed team event to be included at LA Olympics
-
Rec Sports2 weeks ago
Flag football for women rising at HBCUs
-
Sports2 weeks ago
8 Fitness Habits Experts Say Boost Health & Wellness for Life
-
Sports1 week ago
Big parlays, fake injuries and Telegram tips
-
Sports1 week ago
2025 WCGNIC Concludes On Sunday Following Individual Event Finals