Cronkite Sports Stories

(Matt Layman/Cronkite News)...
Taylor Clark | Cronkite News

Cool it: From slushy ice to high utility bills, sports in desert can be costly

Sports in the desert can be costly. Ask the Coyotes and Diamondbacks, who pay a steep price to cool their facilities down.
7 years ago
ASU women’s volleyball’s players are closer off and on the court than in years past (Photo by E...
Eric Newman | Cronkite News

Culture change helps ASU volleyball start strong

Arizona State has seen an overhaul of its volleyball program recently, and players and coaches said the culture is the best it has been in years.
7 years ago
San Diego State quarterback Christian Chapman (10) runs with the ball as Arizona State's Joey Bryan...
Joshua Clark | Cronkite News

ASU’s defensive backs face first real test on the road against Texas Tech

ASU defensive backs came into 2017 looking nothing like they did coming into 2016. They have yet to face a dangerous passing attack.
7 years ago
From their work with the Waste Management Phoenix Open, the Thunderbirds raised more than $10 milli...
Perry Cohen | Cronkite News

Thunderbirds raise over $10 million at Waste Management Phoenix Open

Over the course of the 7-day Waste Management Phoenix Open, the Thunderbirds raised over $10 million to donate to Arizona charities.
7 years ago
Albert Buelna of Buckeye Union High School listens to rap music before football games. Studies have...
Rafael Alvarez | Cronkite News

Tupac? Bette Midler? Valley high school pregame football music runs gamut

High school football players and coaches in the Phoenix area listen to a variety of music to get motivated. It has become a ritual for many.
7 years ago
Arizona State head coach Todd Graham spoke to the media Monday after ASU's loss to San Diego State ...
Omar Soussi | Cronkite News

ASU’s Graham talks accountability for players, fans, himself

Todd Graham takes responsibility for loss against San Diego State, looks to improve his team and move forward to Texas Tech and having his team healthy.
7 years ago
Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) walks off the field with medical staff for X-rays...
Rafael Alvarez | Cronkite News

Arians: David Johnson injury disappointing but ‘not end of the world’

Cardinals coach Bruce Arians said Monday that David Johnson suffered a dislocated wrist and will seek a second opinion, but could be out for awhile.
7 years ago
GCU’s move to NCAA Division I sports has brought the universiuty a lot of national attention. How...
Brittany Bowyer

As GCU completes D-I transition, Pac-12 relationship remains complicated

Grand Canyon University is officially a part of the NCAA Division I, but its relationship with the Pac-12 remains complicated.
7 years ago
Jean-Francois Favory at Ability 360 in the sports and fitness center, Thursday, August 31, 2017, Ph...
Brooke Coltelli

A wheelchair and pursuit of knowledge: Mauritius man travels 11,000 miles to Phoenix

PHOENIX — At 7 years old, Jean-Francois Favory walked into a government hospital for a surgical procedure in his home country of Mauritius. When he woke up, he learned the unthinkable: He no longer had use of his legs. During the procedure, a medical error left Favory a paraplegic. He left the hospital in a […]
7 years ago
Manny Wilkins and Kalen Ballage share a laugh during practice. 
(Photo by Joshua Clark/Cronkite New...
Joshua Clark

Running backs Ballage, Richard hope to help ASU bounce back from tough season

Kalen Ballage and Demario Richard have been Sun Devils for four seasons now and look to finish strong in their senior seasons.
7 years ago
Arizona Diamondbacks' Paul Goldschmidt (44) celebrates his two-run home run against the Los Angeles...
Matthew McClure | Cronkite News

A different team: Goldschmidt, D-backs look forward, not back

September is full of crucial games for the Arizona Diamondbacks, who after a disappointing 2016 are on the brink of the playoffs.
7 years ago
Phoenix Rising FC uses STATSports Viper technology to maximize conditioning as well as recover from...
Eric Newman | Cronkite News

What do cars, phones and Phoenix Rising players have in common? GPS

How technology helps on the field. Phoenix Rising FC use STATSport Vipers to maximize training.
7 years ago
The GCU basketball team enters it's first season of NCAA Division 1 eligibility. (Photo: Eddie Poe/...
Eddie Poe/Cronkite News

After four years of waiting, GCU eager for first year of D-I eligibility

Coach Dan Majerle and the GCU men’s basketball program have been waiting for four years. Now, it’s eager more than ever to prove itself.
7 years ago
Brittney Griner spoke with Percy (Master P) Miller during her “Breakfast with BG” event. Procee...
Perry Cohen

Mercury’s Griner moved by Houston devastation, helps raise money

On Sunday, Brittney Griner and the Phoenix Mercury had an all-day fundraiser to benefit the Hurricane Harvey relief effort.
7 years ago
The ASU men’s ice hockey team is in just its second full season in the NCAA. Though relatively ne...
Eric Newman

Even without tradition, ASU hockey lands highly regarded recruiting class

Arizona State University’s men’s hockey team ranked ninth in NeutralZone.com’s top-10 recruiting class rankings.
7 years ago
ASU unveiled new statue of Pat Tillman right next to the Tillman tunnel. (Photo by Omar Soussi/ Cro...
Omar Soussi/Cronkite News

Reflections of Tillman accompany unveiling of bronze statue

TEMPE, Ariz. — “Somewhere inside, we hear a voice. It lead us in the direction of who we wish to become. But it is up to us whether or not to follow.” — Pat Tillman. Those words appear on the bronze Pat Tillman statue that was unveiled Wednesday, a day before the 2017-2018 opener for […]
7 years ago
Arizona Cardinals first baseman Paul Goldschmidt walks back to dugout after strikeout in the bottom...
Eddie Poe/Cronkite News

Through hardships of grind, D-backs players driven by family, fortune

For members of the Arizona Diamondbacks, the grueling 162-game season is endured through fight, clear goals and questions asked.
7 years ago
ASU’s Benjamin Hannestad was the Sun Devil men’s tennis team’s first signee under coach Matt ...
Eric Newman

Int’l signees could help rebuilding process of ASU men’s tennis

ASU spent eight years without a men’s tennis team. Benjamin Hannestad, ASU’s first recruit, could be a key building block in rebuilding the program.
7 years ago
Larry Fitzgerald talking to the media at his 9th annual Fitz Supper Club funraiser at Dominick’s ...
Rafael Alvarez

It’s no illusion: Celebrity friends say Fitzgerald really is that philanthropic

Celebrities came out for Larry Fitzgerald’s charity event, which featured a magician and benefited children in need.
7 years ago
Although Coyotes forward Shane Doan officially announced his retirement, his legacy will live on. M...
Eric Newman

Doan inspired growth of Arizona hockey community

Shane Doan retired from the NHL after a lengthy career with the Arizona Coyotes. He helped in growing hockey in the Valley.
7 years ago
Brooks Lennon, 19, played from 2012-2015 at the Grande Sports Academy. He played a brief stint with...
Eric Newman/Cronkite News

Grande reflects growing trend of academies over club teams for elite soccer players

Grande Sports Academy hopes to remain one of the top cultivators of youth soccer talent in U.S.
7 years ago
Arizona Diamondbacks' A.J. Pollock (11) connects for a home run as San Francisco Giants' Buster Pos...
Kyra Goodman/Cronkite News

Players Weekend popular with Diamondbacks, too

The Arizona Diamondbacks enjoyed wearing nicknames on their jerseys for MLB's Players Weekend as much as the fans did.
7 years ago
(Photo by Eddie Poe/Cronkite News)...
Eddie Poe/Cronkite News

On eve of enshrinement, Warner remains in awe of Hall of Fame honor

Kurt Warner may not be able to take grasp of his inclusion in the Hall of Fame, but others reflect on his story that brought him there.
7 years ago
Freshman kicker Brandon Ruiz gets set for a kickoff run through on Wednesday at Camp Tontozona. (Ph...
Greg Macafee/Cronkite News

ASU freshman kicker impresses in preseason camp

Brandon Ruiz was the top ranked high school kicker in the nation last season. Now, he’ll take the field for the Sun Devils.
7 years ago