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Tag: Visits

  • Chipper Jones visits Jackie Robinson Boys & Girls Club in Cairo


    A little more than a century after was born in Cairo, Ga., traveled to the rural southwest Georgia town to observe the iconic pioneer’s birthdate while further aiding a charity that would have also been near and dear to Robinson’s heart.

    “Any Boys & Girls Club in Florida and Georgia has been the onus of my focus throughout the life of the Chipper Jones Family Foundation,” Jones said. “The fact that I can extend that focus while being in Jackie Robinson’s hometown makes it even more special.”

    Jones served as the keynote speaker for the 12th Jackie Robinson Boys & Girls Club “A Diamond Affair” fundraising event on Friday night. This event was held on what would have been Robinson’s 106th birthday.

    Robinson’s mother moved the family to Pasadena, Calif., when he was still an infant. But Cairo has always celebrated its native son. The Jackie Robinson Boys & Girls Club provides opportunities for children, many of whom continue to benefit from the courage and fortitude Robinson showed when the former Dodgers star permanently broke baseball’s color barrier in 1947.

    As Robinson constructed an 11-season Hall of Fame career that was highlighted with the 1949 National League MVP Award, he aided children, much like those who currently benefit from the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. He and Dodgers catcher Roy Campanella worked as coaches and counselors in the Boy’s Work Department of the Harlem YMCA.

    “Jackie was a trailblazer of epic proportion,” Jones said. “It’s hard to find anything bad to say about the guy who was a hell of a ballplayer and a hell of a person.”

    Jones joined Robinson as a Hall of Famer in 2018. He has spent his post-playing career continuing to give back though his foundation, which has aided The Rally Foundation, the Boys & Girls Club of America, Little League programs and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

    “We try to do all we can to give kids with less opportunities than we had, the opportunity to go out there and play baseball,” Jones said. “Every chance I get to help the Boys & Girls Clubs, I will take every opportunity to help as many people and kids as I can.”



    Chipper Jones, former Atlanta Braves baseball player and Hall of Famer, recently made a special visit to the Jackie Robinson Boys & Girls Club in Cairo.

    The club, named after the legendary baseball player Jackie Robinson, provides a safe and positive environment for children to learn and grow. Chipper Jones spent time interacting with the kids, playing games, and sharing stories from his own baseball career.

    The children were thrilled to meet a baseball icon like Chipper Jones and to hear about his experiences in the sport. Jones emphasized the importance of hard work, perseverance, and teamwork, encouraging the kids to always strive for their dreams.

    Overall, Chipper Jones’ visit to the Jackie Robinson Boys & Girls Club in Cairo was a memorable and inspiring experience for all involved. It served as a reminder of the positive impact that sports can have on young lives, and the importance of giving back to the community.

    Tags:

    Chipper Jones, Jackie Robinson Boys & Girls Club, Cairo, community visit, baseball legend, youth outreach, Atlanta Braves, community engagement, sports icon, charity event

    #Chipper #Jones #visits #Jackie #Robinson #Boys #Girls #Club #Cairo

  • Otto Addo visits Thomas Partey, Alexander Djiku amid rumors of dressing room breakdown in Black Stars


    Otto Addo meets Thomas Partey and Alexander Djiku Otto Addo meets Thomas Partey and Alexander Djiku

    Black Stars coach Otto Addo has visited Thomas Partey and Alexander Djiku, strengthening his connection with key players ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in March.

    His visits come amid speculation about unrest in the Black Stars camp, though no concrete issues have been confirmed.

    Addo, who will lead the new Black Stars technical team, is focused on reviving the team after a disappointing 2024, which saw Ghana fail to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

    Determined to get the squad back on track, the former Borussia Dortmund assistant coach has intensified his efforts, engaging with key players, including Djiku and Partey.

    The two players were previously rumored to have been involved in a dressing room dispute, which allegedly led to their absence from Ghana’s last two AFCON qualifiers against Angola and Niger. However, Addo’s recent visits suggest a move toward strengthening team unity.

    He met Djiku in Turkey, sharing a moment with the defender before heading to England to meet deputy captain Partey. During his visit, Addo also had discussions with Partey’s manager at Arsenal, Mikel Arteta.

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    Recently, rumors have been swirling about a possible breakdown in the Black Stars dressing room. To address these concerns, Ghana’s assistant coach, Otto Addo, paid visits to key players Thomas Partey and Alexander Djiku.

    Addo’s visits were seen as a way to check in on the players and ensure that team morale remains high ahead of upcoming matches. Both Partey and Djiku are important members of the national team, and their form and attitude will be crucial to Ghana’s success in future competitions.

    While the exact nature of the rumored dressing room issues remains unclear, Addo’s proactive approach to addressing the situation is a positive sign that the coaching staff is taking steps to maintain unity within the team.

    Fans will be hoping that these visits will help to quash any tensions and that the Black Stars can focus on their upcoming matches with unity and determination.

    Tags:

    1. Otto Addo
    2. Thomas Partey
    3. Alexander Djiku
    4. Black Stars
    5. Dressing room breakdown
    6. Ghana national team
    7. Football rumors
    8. Soccer news
    9. Team chemistry
    10. African players

    #Otto #Addo #visits #Thomas #Partey #Alexander #Djiku #rumors #dressing #room #breakdown #Black #Stars

  • St. Louis U. gets another home challenge as Dayton visits


    For the first three months of the St. Louis University basketball season, the team’s results went pretty true to form. They beat the teams they were expected to beat, but against the best opponents, both in conference and nonconference play, they didn’t.

    Neutral-site games with Santa Clara and Wichita State. Road games at San Francisco, Grand Canyon and Virginia Commonwealth. SLU went 0 for 5 in those games.

    That’s what made SLU’s win over VCU on Tuesday a big deal. After going 0 for 5 against Quad 1 and Quad 2 teams, essentially the top 75 teams in the nation according to the NCAA’s Net ratings, SLU broke out with its win over the Rams.

    “It shows what we’re capable of,” said guard Gibson Jimerson, “that we can compete with the physical teams that we play. And I think for us, it’s kind of been a journey. We’ve had a lot of guys out and we kind of have that core group now that’s been playing together for a good amount of games. Defensively, I think we really stepped it up. We saw last game, from the physicality standpoint, but just what we’re doing schematically and in scouting report, I think we’ve been really on point. It was obviously a good win for us, probably our best win so far. But we got a lot to go.”

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    SLU’s tough week continues on Friday with a game against Dayton that, as of Thursday afternoon, was on the brink of being the team’s first sellout at Chaifetz Arena since Feb. 3, 2023, against VCU. As recently as the start of 2025, Dayton was clearly the best team in the Atlantic 10, but it has run into some trouble and is 4-4 in league play.

    “The (VCU) win means something,” said coach Josh Schertz. “That’s obviously the best one of the year so far. We haven’t played Dayton or a bunch of these teams yet, but that’s the best team we’ve played all year. I felt that going into the VCU game and certainly feel that as of today. So it gives us confidence moving forward, that with everything that we’ve been through, that we have enough. That’s what we’ve kind of talked about, is we have enough to win games in this league. You’d love to have your full complement of players and be able to have the depth and the things that you’d like, but this group now should have confidence that there’s no reason we can’t go out and compete and find a way in every game moving forward.”

    At 6-2 in Atlantic 10 play, 13-8 overall, SLU is one of only three teams in the conference with a winning record as it hits the halfway point in conference play. SLU has won seven of its past nine games and doesn’t look much like the team it was before.

    “This journey has been rewarding,” Schertz said, “because of how much I’ve seen guys improve and how much this team has grown. I would have said in November, in my 17 years, I don’t know that I had coached a softer team, a less physical team, mentally or physically, and then to see them go out and do that against VCU. But just in general, the growth the last month or so, five weeks or so, has been about as good as I’ve seen. The trajectory, I mean, we were, I think, 15th out of 15 (in the A-10) in non-league play in defensive efficiency, now we’re first eight games into the league. That’s a change in mentality, much more than anything else than scheme. It’s a change in mentality. It’s a change in commitment.

    “To see a group that has endured what these guys have in terms of games missed and losing what you would consider to be three or four of your main players and your experienced guys and just continue to work, try to get better, not hang their head, not make excuses and say, ‘Well, you know, it’s not our year.’ It’s been super impressive to me, super inspiring to me. And that’s that physicality, that effort, that commitment that they’re making to it to win high level games, those elevated games where you’re playing the best teams. There’s a level of competitiveness needed. There’s a level of physicality needed, and there’s obviously a level of execution of detail needed on both ends of the floor. The physicality growth of this team from Nov. 22 against Wichita State to Jan. 28, that’s about as good as I’ve ever seen. Now, you don’t want to start off as bad as we did with it. You hope there’s a baseline that’s way above what our floor was.”

    It’s a weird time in the Atlantic 10 right now. George Mason is 7-1 in league play, SLU and VCU are 6-2, and those are the only three teams — out of 15 — with records above .500. Dayton is one of five teams at .500, and then there are four teams that are one game below .500, either at 4-5 or 3-4.

    That underscores the danger of Dayton (14-7, 4-4), which has some of the best nonconference wins in the league but is at .500 in conference play. The A-10 has shown on any night, just about anybody can beat anybody.

    And SLU has to make physical play like it had on Tuesday the rule rather than the exception.

    “I think this group is starting to look like a basketball team,” Schertz said. “We’re flawed. We’re not perfect. We do a lot of dumb stuff, but we fight and we fought at Richmond, and I’ll say this, we fought at GW. We were down 13 with five minutes to play. We’re down in 16 in the second half and easy to mail it in and say, ‘Ah, we got beat by 25 today. We just didn’t have it.’ … The resilience is there, the competing together, competing present, the attention to detail. You’re starting to see the lights come on, and as a coach that’s exciting.”



    St. Louis U. is gearing up for another tough home challenge as they prepare to take on Dayton in a highly anticipated matchup. The Billikens have been on a hot streak lately, winning six of their last seven games and climbing up the Atlantic 10 standings.

    However, Dayton is no easy opponent. The Flyers are currently sitting at the top of the conference and have been playing dominant basketball all season long. With a strong offense led by star player Jalen Crutcher, Dayton will be a formidable opponent for St. Louis U.

    Fans can expect a thrilling and intense game as these two teams battle it out on the court. The Billikens will need to bring their A-game and play solid defense in order to come out on top against the high-flying Flyers.

    Be sure to tune in to see all the action as St. Louis U. takes on Dayton in what promises to be an exciting matchup. Let’s go Billikens! #Billikens #Dayton #Atlantic10 #CollegeBasketball

    Tags:

    1. St. Louis University basketball
    2. Dayton basketball
    3. St. Louis U. vs. Dayton
    4. College basketball game
    5. NCAA basketball matchup
    6. St. Louis University home game
    7. Dayton Flyers
    8. St. Louis Billikens
    9. A-10 basketball
    10. College hoops showdown

    #Louis #home #challenge #Dayton #visits

  • Catherine, Princess of Wales visits children’s hospice as she becomes latest royal patron




    CNN
     — 

    Catherine, Princess of Wales continued her phased return to public duties on Thursday, visiting a children’s hospice in Wales, as it was announced that she’d become a patron of the organization.

    Tŷ Hafan was the first children’s hospice in Wales when it opened in 1999. Based in the village of Sully, near Cardiff, the charity provides care and support to children with life-shortening conditions, as well as their families.

    During her visit, the princess spent time with children receiving care at the hospice and joined a “stay and play” session with them, according to Kensington Palace.

    She also met with bereaved families supported by the hospice. The charity provides holistic support, focusing on the physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs of the children and their families, Kensington Palace said.

    Irfon Rees, chief executive of Tŷ Hafan, said it was an “absolute pleasure” to welcome the princess to the hospice.

    “As our Patron, Her Royal Highness will be an inspiration for children with life-shortening conditions and their families, our dedicated staff and volunteers and everyone who so generously supports us,” Rees added in a statement.

    Catherine, Princess of Wales talks with 5-year-old Oscar who is being treated at the Tŷ Hafan.

    Catherine is not the only royal patron of the hospice. King Charles III became patron in 2001, when he was Prince of Wales, and Diana, Princess of Wales was a patron while the charity was in its fundraising stage.

    Thursday’s visit follows Catherine’s first solo engagement of the year and marks part of her phased return to public duties.

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    Catherine, who is also known as Kate, stepped back from her public duties last year to undergo treatment for an unspecified cancer.

    In September, she announced that she had completed her chemotherapy and said she was “doing what I can to stay cancer free.”

    On Monday evening, Kate joined her husband, Prince William, for a surprise appearance at official commemorations in the UK to mark Holocaust Memorial Day and the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau.

    Kate held hands and affectionately hugged Holocaust survivors at the event in central London.

    Meanwhile, Kate earlier this month visited The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust in Chelsea, west London, where she met with medical teams and spoke to patients receiving treatment, according to Kensington Palace.

    Following her visit that day, Kate revealed on social media that she was in remission from cancer.

    “As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal,” the 43-year-old said in a post on X. “I am however looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead. There is much to look forward to. Thank you to everyone for your continued support.”



    Catherine, Princess of Wales, made a heartwarming visit to a children’s hospice as she officially became the latest royal patron. The Duchess of Cambridge spent time with the young patients and their families, bringing smiles and spreading joy during her visit.

    The children’s hospice provides vital care and support for children with life-limiting conditions, and the royal patronage from Catherine will help raise awareness and support for the important work being done at the hospice.

    During her visit, the Princess of Wales took the time to speak with the children, play games with them, and listen to their stories. Her compassion and kindness shone through as she interacted with the young patients and their families, showing her genuine care and support for those in need.

    The visit was a touching reminder of the impact that royal patronage can have on charitable organizations and the communities they serve. Catherine, Princess of Wales, has once again shown her dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of others, and her visit to the children’s hospice will surely leave a lasting impression on all those she met.

    As she continues her work as a royal patron, Catherine, Princess of Wales, will undoubtedly bring hope and happiness to many more people in need. Her commitment to charitable causes is truly inspiring, and her visit to the children’s hospice is a testament to her caring and compassionate nature.

    Tags:

    1. Catherine, Princess of Wales
    2. Children’s hospice
    3. Royal patron
    4. Charity visit
    5. Princess Catherine
    6. British royals
    7. Hospice care
    8. Royal family
    9. Children’s charity
    10. Royal patronage

    #Catherine #Princess #Wales #visits #childrens #hospice #latest #royal #patron

  • No. 1 Auburn visits LSU Wednesday: ‘We need witnesses’ – Auburn Tigers


    AUBURN, Ala. – One-third of the way through the SEC gauntlet, No. 1 Auburn stands alone atop the conference standings, the only team without a league loss.

    Three of Auburn’s six Southeastern Conference wins have come on the road, where the top-ranked Tigers hope to add two more this week at LSU Wednesday and at Ole Miss Saturday. 

    “Hopefully we’re going to get our share,” Pearl said. “There are only two teams that are undefeated on the road this year, and it’s Auburn and Alabama; we’ve each won three road games. We’ve got two tough road games this week with a huge prize on our head.

    “Our guys have done a good job so far this year where we’ve been excited about playing everybody. Are we due for a letdown? I suppose, but I haven’t seen it yet.”

    Pearl pointed out LSU’s 10-1 home record to give his team and its fans a measure of the challenge awaiting Auburn, calling the Bengal Tigers “one of the most athletic teams in our league.”

    “They’re one win against a team like Auburn away from being in (NCAA Tournament bracket projections),” Pearl said. “That’s what we’re going to face.”

    With SEC Player of the Week Johni Broome returning to Auburn’s starting lineup, Chaney Johnson rejoins Tahaad Pettiford as the Tigers’ top two weapons off the bench, a luxury few opponents can match.

    “They both have a starter impact,” Pearl said. “It really does help us when we go to the bench and we don’t drop off. We just get different.”

    As opponents try to use the knowledge they’ve gained by scouting Auburn’s body of work this season, Pearl plots adjustments. 

    “Who can continue to evolve and grow?” he asked, “without going to what you’re not very good at, without trying to do stuff you can’t do?”

    One thing Auburn has done consistently is prevent opponents from scoring down the stretch in close games, mostly recently in the Tigers’ 53-51 win Saturday over No. 8 Tennessee. 

    “It takes an elite game plan, and it takes elite personnel,” Pearl said. “We had both.”

    Noting that tickets remain for Wednesday’s battle in the Bayou, Pearl encouraged Auburn people in Louisiana and Texas to trek to see the Tigers.

    “I almost want to reach out to the parents of our students whose children go to Auburn that are down in Texas,” he said. “Come on over to Baton Rouge Wednesday night. We need witnesses.”  

    Seeking its 12th consecutive victory, No. 1 Auburn (18-1, 6-0) visits LSU (12-7, 1-5) Wednesday at 6 p.m. CT at Maravich Center on SEC Network. Andy Burcham and Randall Dickey will call the action for listeners on the Auburn Sports Network. 

    Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on X: @jeff_shearer





    The No. 1 ranked Auburn Tigers are set to take on LSU in a highly anticipated matchup on Wednesday. With both teams boasting talented rosters and a fierce rivalry, this game is sure to be a thrilling showdown.

    “We need witnesses,” proclaims Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl. “This is a game that you won’t want to miss. It’s going to be intense, it’s going to be physical, and it’s going to be full of exciting plays.”

    Auburn comes into this game with a perfect record, but they know they can’t underestimate the LSU Tigers. LSU is always a tough opponent, especially when playing at home.

    “We’re going into this game with a lot of confidence, but we know that we have to bring our A-game,” says Auburn star player Jabari Smith. “LSU is a talented team and they’re going to give us a run for our money. We need our fans and supporters to come out and cheer us on.”

    So mark your calendars and get ready for a thrilling game as No. 1 Auburn faces off against LSU. It’s bound to be a game for the ages. Don’t miss out on the action – be a witness to this epic showdown.

    Tags:

    1. Auburn Tigers
    2. No. 1 Auburn
    3. LSU
    4. College basketball
    5. SEC showdown
    6. Auburn vs LSU
    7. Top ranked team
    8. NCAA basketball
    9. Game preview
    10. Witness the action

    #Auburn #visits #LSU #Wednesday #witnesses #Auburn #Tigers

  • CRAWFORD | Calipari expects emotional return to Rupp when Arkansas visits Kentucky | Sports


    LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — While the Kentucky men’s basketball team prepares for its latest knock-down, drag-out SEC road game — this time at No. 6 Tennessee on Tuesday — its former coach and several former players at Arkansas have a whole week to prepare for their much-anticipated return to Rupp Arena.

    John Calipari and Arkansas will be in Lexington for a 9 p.m. showdown with Kentucky on Saturday night — but they won’t exactly be striking fear into anyone. Arkansas is 12-8 overall, just 1-6 in the SEC, and recently lost point guard Boogie Fland (a former Kentucky signee) for the season.

    Asked about his return to the place where he won a national title, went to four Final Fours and won nearly 79% of his games, Calipari acknowledged it would be a challenge.

    “There will be some emotion, walking into that building,” he said. “Really being in town. Probably get together with some of my friends.”

    Calipari left Lexington out of frustration after loss to Oakland in a first-round exit of the NCAA Tournament, his second in three years. Fans had grown frustrated, and so had he.

    Wildcats Adou Thiero, DJ Wagner and Zvonimir Ivisic followed Calipari to Arkansas, as did Fland, a Kentucky recruit, and Top 40 recruit Billy Richmond, who also was coming to Kentucky.

    Arkansas rolled to an 11-2 start, its best win an 89-87 victory over Michigan. But SEC play has been difficult. Calipari and the Razorbacks lost their first five conference games, and limp into Lexington 1-6.

    After telling his players just to get the games close at the end, and he would lead them the rest of the way, following Arkansas’ first SEC win, over Georgia, the Razorbacks faltered late in a 65-62 loss to Oklahoma, their third home-court loss in four games.

    Despite Kentucky’s recent SEC struggles, Mark Pope’s Wildcats (14-5, 3-3) should be favored, though as always, Calipari has abundant talent and athleticism.

    “They’re playing good,” Calipari said. “We’ve got our hands full. Let’s see what happens. You know, they’re a good team. Mark’s doing a good job with them. So, we’ve just got to keep going, keep fighting, keep figuring this out. What does this team look like? What do we have to play like?”

    The game will also mark a return to Rupp for Calipari assistant Kenny Payne, who spent two tumultuous years as head coach at his alma mater, Louisville, before being fired with a record of 12-52. The last time Payne coached in the building, his Louisville team lost to Kentucky 86-63. Before taking the job at Louisville, Payne was an assistant at Kentucky from 2010 to 2020, the last six of those seasons as associate head coach.

    Kentucky won’t be able to turn its attention to the game for a couple of days. The Wildcats will try to snap a two-game losing streak at No. 6 Tennessee on Tuesday at 7 p.m.

    table visualization

    Kentucky Basketball Coverage:

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    The upcoming matchup between Arkansas and Kentucky is sure to be an emotional one as former Wildcats player and current Razorbacks head coach, Eric Musselman, makes his return to Rupp Arena. Kentucky head coach, John Calipari, is expecting a passionate atmosphere as fans welcome back a familiar face.

    Musselman, who played for Kentucky in the early 1980s, has quickly made a name for himself as a successful head coach in the college basketball world. His return to the place where his basketball career began is sure to bring out strong emotions from both fans and players.

    Calipari, who has a long-standing rivalry with Musselman, knows that this game will be a highly anticipated one for both teams. The Wildcats will be looking to defend their home court against a tough opponent, while the Razorbacks will be eager to prove themselves against a top-tier program.

    With both teams boasting talented rosters and passionate fan bases, this game is shaping up to be a must-watch event. The energy and excitement surrounding this matchup are sure to make for a thrilling and emotional night at Rupp Arena.

    Tags:

    1. Crawford
    2. Calipari
    3. Rupp Arena
    4. Arkansas
    5. Kentucky
    6. Sports
    7. College basketball
    8. Emotional return
    9. SEC matchup
    10. Basketball rivalry

    #CRAWFORD #Calipari #expects #emotional #return #Rupp #Arkansas #visits #Kentucky #Sports

  • How to watch/listen as Providence basketball visits Seton Hall




    Are you a Providence Friars fan eager to watch or listen to the upcoming basketball game against Seton Hall? Look no further! Here are some options for catching all the action:

    1. TV Broadcast: The game may be televised on a sports network such as ESPN, CBS Sports, or Fox Sports. Check your local listings to see if the game will be broadcast in your area.

    2. Online Streaming: If you don’t have access to a TV, you can stream the game online through platforms like ESPN+, CBS All Access, or the Fox Sports app. Some streaming services may require a subscription or a one-time purchase to access the game.

    3. Radio Broadcast: If you prefer to listen to the game, you can tune in to the radio broadcast on your local sports radio station or stream it online through platforms like TuneIn Radio or SiriusXM.

    4. Social Media: Follow Providence basketball and Seton Hall basketball on social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for live updates, highlights, and behind-the-scenes content during the game.

    So grab your snacks, settle in, and enjoy watching or listening as Providence takes on Seton Hall in what is sure to be an exciting matchup! Go Friars! #ProvidenceBasketball #SetonHall #CollegeBasketball

    Tags:

    1. Providence basketball
    2. Seton Hall
    3. College basketball
    4. NCAA basketball
    5. Big East Conference
    6. Live stream
    7. Watch online
    8. Listen live
    9. Game preview
    10. Providence vs Seton Hall

    #watchlisten #Providence #basketball #visits #Seton #Hall

  • NOTES: Penn State Visits Rutgers Friday Night for B1G Dual Meet – Penn State


    THIS WEEK’S ACTION:

    UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.; January 22, 2025 – The Penn State Nittany Lion wrestling team (8-0, 2-0 B1G) visits the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (10-3, 2-1 B1G) on Friday, Jan. 24. The dual begins at 8 p.m. and is a B1G Network national telecast. All rankings listed are InterMat/InterMat Tournament Power Index (TPI).

    The Nittany Lions are coming off a dominating 31-7 win at Nebraska last Friday night. The Nittany Lions rolled up eight wins, including three tech falls and a major, in front of a Nebraska wrestling record crowd of over 6,600 in the Devaney Center. Penn State improved to 8-0 overall with the win, 2-0 in Big Ten action.

    Penn State’s line-up features ten ranked wrestlers. True freshman Luke Lilledahl is 10-0 and ranked No. 6 at 125. Sophomore Braeden Davis is 6-2 and ranked No. 7 at 133. Senior+ Beau Bartlett is 11-0 and ranked No. 3 at 141. Sophomore Shayne Van Ness is 10-1 and No. 4 at 149. Sophomore Tyler Kasak is 10-0 and No. 3 at 157. Sophomore Mitchell Mesenbrink is 12-0 and No. 1 at 165. Junior Levi Haines is 10-1 and No. 2 at 174. Graduate Carter Starocci is 11-0 and No. 1 at 184. Redshirt freshman Josh Barr is 9-0 and No. 4 at 197. Senior+ Greg Kerkvliet is 11-0 and ranked No. 2 at 285.

    Rutgers is coming off a strong 31-7 win of its own, downing Wisconsin in Piscataway on Sunday. The win improved RU to 10-3 overall, 2-1 in Big Ten action. The Scarlet Knights feature a line-up that also has 10 ranked wrestlers in it. Dean Peterson is No. 19 at 125. Dylan Shawver is No. 9 at 133. Joseph Olivieri is No. 14 at 141. Andrew Clark is No. 20 at 149. Conner Harer is No. 31 at 157. Anthony White is No. 26 at 165. Jackson Turley is No. 22 at 174. Shane Cartagena-Walsh is No. 18 at 184. John Poznanski is No. 16 at 197. Yaraslau Slavikouski is No. 7 at 285. Penn State leads the all-time series with Rutgers 24-0, including a 35-3 win at Penn State last year on Feb. 12, 2024. Penn State won the last meeting at Rutgers as well, 33-8 on Feb. 10, 2023.
     
    Penn State will return to action next week when it hosts Iowa on Friday, Jan. 31, in the Bryce Jordan Center. The dual, the first of two straight Friday night BJC Duals, is set for 7 p.m. and is a B1G Network national telecast.

    The 2024-25 Penn State Wrestling season is presented by the Family Clothesline. Penn State Fans are encouraged to follow Penn State wrestling via X at @pennstateWREST, on Penn State Wrestling’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pennstatewrestling and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/pennstatewrest. This is PENN STATE. WRESTLING lives here.

    Individual rankings listed are InterMat as of 1-21-25  // Team ranking InterMat TPI

    THIS WEEK
    The Penn State Nittany Lions (8-0, 2-0 B1G) head to Piscataway, N.J., for a Big Ten road dual at Rutgers (10-3, 2-1 B1G). The dual is set for Friday, Jan. 24, at 8 p.m. and is a B1G Network national telecast.

    UP NEXT
    Penn State hosts Iowa on Friday, Jan. 31, at 7 p.m. in the first of two straight BJC Duals.

    ON THE AIR
    Television         – B1G Network
    Streamed TV    – Fox Sports App
    Radio online    – Free all year via Lionvision at GoPSUsports.com

    #1 PENN STATE NITTANY LIONS (8-0, 2-0 B1G)

    125    #6 Luke Lilledahl    Fr.    Weldon Spring, Mo./Wyoming Seminary    10-0
    133    #7 Braeden Davis    So.    Belleville, Mich./Dundee    6-2
    141    #3 Beau Bartlett    Sr.+    Tempe, Ariz./Wyoming Seminary    11-0
    149    #4 Shayne Van Ness    So.    Somerville, N.J./Blair Academy    10-1
    157    #3 Tyler Kasak    So.    Doylestown, Pa./Bethlehem Catholic    10-0
    165    #1 Mitchell Mesenbrink    So.    Hartland, Wis./Arrowhead    12-0
    174    #2 Levi Haines    Jr.    Arendtsville, Pa./Biglerville    10-1
    184    #1 Carter Starocci    Gr.    Erie, Pa./Cathedral Prep    11-0
    197    #4 Josh Barr    R-Fr.    Davison, Mich./Davison    9-0
    285    #2 Greg Kerkvliet    Sr.+    Inver Grove Heights, Min../Simley    11-0
    #25 RUTGERS SCARLET KNIGHTS (10-3, 2-1 B1G)

    125    #19 Dean Peterson    Sr.    Barnegat, N.J./Saint John Vianney    14-3
    133    #9 Dylan Shawver    Sr.    Lorain, Ohio/Elyria    14-3
    141    #14 Joseph Olivieri    Sr.    East Hanover, N.J./Hanover Park    12-3
    149    #20 Andrew Clark    Sr.    Collingswood, N.J./Collingswood    17-7
    157    #31 Conner Harer    Fr.    Montgomery, Pa./Montgomery    12-5
    165    #26 Anthony White    Sr.    South Plainfield, N.J./South Plainfield    12-5
    174    #22 Jackson Turley    Gr.    Chester, Va./St. Christopher’s    12-5
    184    #18 Shane Cartagena-Walsh    So.    Ocean Township, N.J./Ocean    17-5
    197    #16 John Poznanski    Sr.    Colonia, N.J./Colonia    11-4
    285    #7 Yaraslau Slavikouski    Gr.    Rechitsa, Belarus/Northfield Mt. Hermon    12-3

    Individual rankings listed are InterMat as of 1-21-25  // Team ranking InterMat TPI

    NOTES: 

    NITTANY LIONS ROUT #4 NEBRASKA IN LINCOLN,
    LIONS WIN 8 OF 10 IN FRONT OF NEARLY 7K FANS
    Penn State routed homestanding Nebraska 31-7 in Lincoln, Neb., on Friday, Jan. 17, winning eight of ten bouts in front of a Nebraska record crowd of over 6,600 fans. Penn State used three tech falls and a major, as well as a number of impressive regular decisions, to grab the win. True freshman Luke Lilledahl downed #6 Caleb Smith 4-2 at 125 and sophomore Mitchell Mesenbrink posted a 20-3 tech fall (5:39) over #7 Bubba Wilson as well. 

    NITTANY LIONS TIE ALL-TIME MARGIN OF VICTORY RECORD
    WITH 55-0 SHUTOUT WIN OVER MICHIGAN STATE
    The Penn State Nittany Lions opened up Big Ten dual action on Friday, Jan. 10, by shutting out visiting Michigan State 55-0 in Rec Hall. Penn State tied its all-time record for margin of victory with the effort (Buffalo, 55-0, Feb. 18, 2018). The Nittany Lions had six pins (Greg Kerkvliet, Shayne Van Ness, Tyler Kasak, Levi Haines, Carter Starocci, Josh Barr), three technical falls (Luke Lilledahl, Braeden Davis, Mitchell Mesenbrink) and a major (Beau Bartlett).

    BECKETT RUNNER-UP AT F&M, 5 LIONS COMPETE
    Senior Sam Beckett went 4-1 with three majors to take second place at 174 in the Franklin & Marshall Open on Friday, Jan. 10. Four other Lions competed as well: Cael Nasdeo picked up two wins at 141, Brock Weiss grabbed two wins at 149 and Ty Watson won twice at 157. Tim Levine picked up a victory at 141.

    ZACK RYDER NAMED B1G FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK (1/8)
    Freshman Zack Ryder was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week for the week ending Jan. 5, 2025. Ryder was one of nine Penn State Nittany Lion wrestlers to head to the 2025 Southern Scuffle in Chattanooga, Tenn., on Jan. 4-5. He rolled through a strong field at 184 to claim the 184-pound title as a true freshman. Ryder went 5-0 overall with a pin and a tech fall. He posted a dominant 9-2 win over No. 22 DJ Parker of Oklahoma in the quarterfinals and then pinned No. 25 TJ Stewart of Virginia Tech in the semifinals. He downed Northern Colorado’s Al Heeg 6-1 (sv) in the finals. 

    THREE LIONS WIN SCUFFLE TITLES, FIVE PLACE AT UTC
    Penn State sent nine individuals to Chattanooga for the 2025 Southern Scuffle on Jan. 4-5 and three true freshmen won titles. Five Penn Staters placed overall. Zack Ryder went 5-0 with a pin and a tech to win the crown at 184. He beat #22 DJ Parker of Oklahoma 9-2 in the quarters and pinned #25 TJ Stewart of Virginia Tech in the semis on his way to the championship. Connor Mirasola went 5-0 with a pin, two techs and a major to win at 197, downing #30 Patrick Brophy of The Citadel 7-3 in the finals. Cole Mirasola went 4-0 with two techs and a major to win at 285. He downed #29 Connor Barkett of Duke in the quarters and majored #25 Lucas Stoddard of Army in the finals. Sophomore Connor Pierce went 4-1 to place second at 149 and senior+ Kurt McHenry went 6-2 to take fifth at 125.

    NASDEO WINS EDINBORO OPEN CROWN; BECKETT SECOND
    True freshman Cael Nasdeo went 3-0 with a tech and a major (plus a non-collegiate win) to claim the 141 pound title at the Edinboro Open on Jan. 4. Redshirt freshman Sam Beckett went 2-1 at 174 and took second place.

    PENN STATE NEARLY PERFECT IN NASHVILLE
    The Penn State Nittany Lions went 3-0 at the 2024 Journeymen Collegiate Duals in Nashville, Tenn., on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in dominant fashion. The Nittany Lions notched two shutout wins and went 29-1 overall in their three duals. Penn State shutout Binghamton 52-0 and #15 Little Rock 44-0 and downed #8 Missouri 41-3. The Nittany Lions had 29 wins, 22 for bonus (four majors, eight technical falls, eight pins and two forfeits) and outscored its three opponents 135-3.

    PENN STATE ROARS TO 41-3 WIN OVER #8 MISSOURI
    TO CLOSE OUT COLLEGIATE DUALS IN NASHVILLE
    Penn State roared to a 41-3 win over #8 Missouri on Sunday, Dec. 22, to close out the 2024 Journeymen Collegiate Duals in Nashville. Beau Bartlett posted a 4-1 win over #16 Josh Edmond at 141 and Carter Starocci majored #10 Colton Hawks 10-1 at 184 to lead Penn State. Levi Haines, ranked #2 at 174, lost a thrilling 4-1 sudden victory decision to #1 Keegan O’Toole in the dual’s marquee match up.

    NITTANY LIONS POST THIRD STRAIGHT SHUTOUT, 
    BLANKING #15 LITTLE ROCK AT JOURNEYMEN
    Josh Barr posted a 4-1 (sv) win over #5 Stephen Little at 197 and Braeden Davis downed #5 Nassir Bailey 1-0 at 133 to spark Penn State to a 44-0 shutout win over #15 Little Rock in its second dual at the Journeymen Collegiate Duals on Dec. 22. The shutout was Penn State’s third straight. The Lions also got ranked wins from Shayne Van Ness, who pinned #16 Jordan Williams at 149; Tyler Kasak, a 4-2 winner over #20 Matty Bianchi at 157; and Mitchell Mesenbrink, who roared to a 17-1 tech over #21 Joey Bianchi at 165.

    PENN STATE SHUTS OUT BINGHAMTON in Nashville
    The Nittany Lions opened up the 2024 Journeymen Collegiate Duals with a 52-0 shutout win over Binghamton. Luke Lilledahl posted a 19-4 tech over #33 Carson Wagner and Carter Starocci pinned #23 Will Ebert to spark Penn State.

    BARR EARNS SECOND B1G FRESHMAN
    OF THE WEEK AWARD (12/25)
    Redshirt freshman Josh Barr was named Big Ten Freshman of the week for the week ending Dec. 22, 2024, his second honor of the season. Barr went 3-0 at the Journeymen Collegiate Duals in Nashville on Sunday, Dec. 22. He had a tech fall in PSU’s win over Binghamton and a pin in the Lion win over Missouri. Barr also used a takedown in extra time to post a thrilling 4-1 (sv) win over #5 Stephen Little in the Nittany Lions’ victory over Little Rock.

    BARTLETT AND LILLEDAHL EARN
    B1G WEEKLY HONORS (12/18)
    Senior+ Beau Bartlett was named B1G Wrestler of the week and true freshman Luke Lilledahl was named B1G Freshman of the Week for the week ending Dec. 18, 2024. Bartlett pinned No. 28 Cole Brooks and Lilledahl posted a 20-5 tech fall at 4:25 over Jack Braman in Penn State’s 54-0 shutout win over visiting Wyoming in the Bryce Jordan Center.

    PENN STATE SHUTS OUT WYOMING 54-0 IN JORDAN CENTER
    The Penn State Nittany Lions rolled to a 54-0 shut out win over visiting Wyoming on Sunday, Dec. 15. The dual, moved to the Bryce Jordan Center earlier in the week due to scheduling conflicts with the NCAA women’s volleyball tournament in Rec Hall, was wrestled in front of over 7,300 fans, turning a Rec Hall sellout into an even bigger crowd for the Cowboy dual. Penn State had five pins, four technical falls and a major in posting its second most lopsided win ever (55-0 over Buffalo on Feb. 18, 2018).

    JOSH BARR MAJORS #6 BEARD TO LEAD PENN STATE
    IN 36-3 WIN OVER LEHIGH IN ALLENTOWN’S PPL CENTER; named B1G freshman of the week
    Red shirt freshman Josh Barr tallied three takedowns (one in the second and two in a dominant third) to roll to an 11-3 major decision over #6 Michael Beard at 197, leading Penn State to a 36-3 win over the Mountain Hawks. The dual was wrestled in Allentown’s PPL Center in front of a sold out crowd of nearly 10,000 fans. Penn State won nine of ten bouts, also picking up a win from true freshman Luke Lilledahl over #15 Sheldon Seymour at 125. Barr was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week (12/12) for his efforts.

    KELLY WINS MAT-TOWN I TITLE, LEVINE RUNNER-UP
    Jack Kelly went 3-0 with two pins (in 0:13 and 0:46 seconds) to win the 174 pound title at the Mat-Town Invitational on Dec. 1 in Lock Haven, Pa. Tim Levine went 1-1 plus a non-collegiate victory to earn a runner-up finish at 133 while Sam Beckett went 2-1 to place third at 174.

    MITCHELL MESENBRINK EARNS B1G W.O.W. HONORS (11/27)
    Sophomore Mitchell Mesenbrink went 4-0 with four technical falls at the Black Knight Invitational on Sunday, Nov. 24, to earn the 165 pound title at West Point, N.Y., earning tournament Outstanding Wrestler honors. He was named Big Ten Wrestler of the Week for the week ending Nov. 24, 2024, for his efforts.

    NITTANY LIONS DOMINATE BLACK KNIGHT INVITATIONAL
    The Penn State Nittany Lions dominated the 2024 Black Knight Invitational at Army West Point on Nov. 24. The Nittany Lions won nine of the 10 individual titles, 18 of their 22 competitors placed in the top six and every Penn Stater garnered at least one win. With results against teammates not counting as official NCAA bouts, three of Penn State’s titles included shared crowns with teammates not wrestling each other in the title bouts. Luke Lilledahl (125), Beau Bartlett (141), Shayne Van Ness (149), Tyler Kasak (157), Mitchell Mesenbrink 165), Levi Haines/Matt Lee (174), Carter Starocci/Zack Ryder (184), Lucas Cochran (197) and Greg Kerkvliet/Cole Mirasola (285) were champs. Alex Facundo (157) and Lucas Cochran (197) were runners-up. Kurt McHenry (125) and Connor Mirasola (197) placed third. Penn State rolled up a 55-9 overall record at the event, including seven majors, 24 tech falls and 15 pins (46 of its 55 wins were for bonus). Various matches that pitted Nittany Lions against each other are not included in those totals.

    NITTANY LIONS ROLL OVER DREXEL
    41-3 IN SEASON OPENER
    The Penn State Nittany Lions opened up the regular season with a 41-3 victory over visiting Drexel on Sunday, Nov. 17, in Rec Hall. True freshman Luke Lilledahl received a forfeit win at 125 in his collegiate debut and Greg Kerkvliet closed out the dual with a pin at 285. In between, the Nittany Lions picked up three decisions and four straight tech falls in the second half to roll to the win. Levis Haines (174) and Carter Starocci (184) competed the night before in the NWCA All-Star Classic Exhibition and posted tech falls the next day in the win over the Dragons. Also grabbing victories were Braeden Davis (133), Connor Pierce (149), Alex Facundo (157), Mitchell Mesenbrink (165) and Lucas Cochran (197).

    PSU SHINES AT ALL-STAR CLASSIC EXHIBITION
    While Penn State’s official season began on Sunday, Nov. 17, in Rec Hall when the Nittany Lions beat Drexel, five Nittany Lions took part in the NWCA All-Star Classic exhibition the night before. The exhibition, not an official NCAA event and does not count towards wins, losses or RPI, featured Beau Bartlett (141), Shayne Van Ness (149), Tyler Kasak (157), Levi Haines (174) and Carter Starocci (184). Bartlett dropped a hard-fought 4-1 decision to No. 2 Jesse Mendez of Ohio State, Van Ness rolled to a 16-4 major over No. 3 Ty Watters of West Virginia, Kasak posted a 4-2 win over No. 3 Peyten Keller of Ohio, Haines notched a 7-0 win over No. 3 Cade DeVos of South Dakota State and Starocci grabbed a hard-fought 4-1 (sv) win over No. 2 Parker Keckeisen of Northern Iowa.

    #FUNSTATS AFTER THE 2024 NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS
    // Most Individual NCAA Titles Since 2011 — PENN STATE 38, Cornell 14, Oklahoma State 10, Ohio State 10, Iowa 7
    // Penn State National Finalists Since 2011 — 56
    // Penn State in NCAA Finals Since 2011 — 38-18 (Since 2011, winning percentage in NCAA finals is .679)
    // Penn State in NCAA Semifinals Since 2011 — 56-8 (Since 2011, winning percentage in NCAA semis is .875)
    // Penn State Team Championships Since 2011 — 11 (of 13, no NCAA tournament in 2020)
    // Penn State Percentage of Team Titles Won Since 2011 – .846 (no NCAA tournament in 2020)
    // Penn State has 12 NCAA Championships (11 under Sanderson), third most in NCAA history
    // Penn State is the only team in the nation to win at least one individual title at EACH WEIGHT in the last decade
    // Penn State is one of only two teams in NCAA history to have five individual champions in one year TWICE.
    // Penn State’s Cael Sanderson has won 11 NCAA titles as a coach, second most in NCAA history (tied).

     





    On Friday night, Penn State will be heading to Rutgers for a Big Ten dual meet that is sure to be action-packed. Both teams have been performing well this season and are looking to secure a win in this highly anticipated matchup.

    Penn State, currently ranked #3 in the nation, has a strong lineup that includes standout wrestlers such as Roman Bravo-Young, Aaron Brooks, and Carter Starocci. They will be looking to continue their winning streak and maintain their position as one of the top teams in the country.

    Rutgers, on the other hand, has been having a solid season as well, with wrestlers like Sebastian Rivera and John Poznanski leading the charge. They will have the home advantage on Friday night and will be looking to pull off an upset against the formidable Penn State team.

    This dual meet is sure to be a thrilling showdown between two talented programs, and fans can expect to see some exciting matches and fierce competition. Be sure to tune in on Friday night to see who comes out on top in this Big Ten battle.

    Tags:

    • Penn State wrestling
    • Rutgers wrestling
    • B1G dual meet
    • Penn State vs Rutgers
    • College wrestling
    • Big Ten wrestling
    • Penn State athletics
    • Rutgers athletics
    • Wrestling match
    • NCAA wrestling

    #NOTES #Penn #State #Visits #Rutgers #Friday #Night #B1G #Dual #Meet #Penn #State

  • Live updates: Trump visits disaster-hit Los Angeles and North Carolina, presidency news


    In this aerial view, Mexican immigration officials and police escort deportees after they were sent back into Mexico on Wednesday, as seen from Nogales, Arizona.

    President Donald Trump is moving quickly to implement his immigration agenda during his first week in office.

    Within hours of becoming president, Trump signed a spate of executive actions that have already had wide-ranging impacts for people both inside and outside the US. By Wednesday, incoming refugee flights were canceled, troops were moving to the border, federal authorities were given permission to arrest people in or near schools and churches and the pool of undocumented immigrants eligible for quick deportation without a judicial hearing was expanded.

    Here are some of the latest developments following Trump’s executive actions:

    Increase in US-bound migrants: Approximately 300 migrants have arrived into the northeast Mexican border state of Tamaulipas since Trump was sworn in, with many thinking they would be able to cross into the US legally only to find their appointments canceled, according to a state official.

    The region is seeing a steady increase in migrants arriving from southern Mexico, Haiti, Venezuela and Central America, according to Juan José Rodríguez, director of the Institute for Migrants of Tamaulipas, a state agency tasked with receiving and supporting migrants after they’re ordered returned to Mexico.

    Rodríguez explains that a majority of the new arrivals came expecting to cross the Rio Grande into Texas for appointments on the now deactivated CBP One app.

    Additionally, he told CNN that during the first few days of the second Trump administration, deportations have remained steady and similar to rates under Biden — about 150 people a day.

    New directive: Benjamine Huffman, the Department of Homeland Security’s acting secretary, issued a directive Thursday to give the Justice Department’s law enforcement agencies authority to investigate and arrest unlawful immigrants in the US. The agencies include the FBI, US Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; US Marshals Service and the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

    A call for reimbursement: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott sent letters to US Congressional Leadership and the entire Texas Congressional Delegation Thursday requesting the federal government reimburse Texas for the more than $11.1 billion in Texas taxpayer money spent to secure the border due to what he says is the Biden Administration’s refusal to do its job for the last four years.

    Trump speaks with El Salvadoran president: Donald Trump spoke Thursday with President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador and discussed immigration and transnational gangs, the White House said. On the call, the two leaders focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation to address illegal immigration and combat the growing influence of transnational gangs, specifically the notorious Tren de Aragua, according to a White House readout. Trump also praised President Bukele for his strong leadership in El Salvador and the region, the readout said.



    President Trump is on the move again, this time visiting disaster-stricken areas in Los Angeles and North Carolina. Follow this post for live updates on his visit and the latest presidency news.

    – Trump arrived in Los Angeles earlier today to survey the damage caused by the recent wildfires that have ravaged the state. He met with local officials and first responders to discuss the ongoing recovery efforts and offer federal assistance.

    – The president then traveled to North Carolina, where he will visit areas affected by Hurricane Florence. Trump is expected to meet with residents who have been displaced by the storm and assess the extent of the damage.

    – In other news, Trump recently announced plans to nominate a new Supreme Court justice following the retirement of Justice Anthony Kennedy. The nomination process is expected to be contentious, with Democrats already vowing to oppose any conservative nominee put forward by the president.

    Stay tuned for more updates on Trump’s visit and other presidency news.

    Tags:

    1. Trump visit disaster-hit Los Angeles
    2. Trump visit disaster-hit North Carolina
    3. Trump presidency news
    4. Trump disaster relief efforts
    5. Trump administration response
    6. Los Angeles disaster updates
    7. North Carolina disaster updates
    8. Trump disaster recovery efforts
    9. Trump presidential visit updates
    10. Trump disaster relief initiatives

    #Live #updates #Trump #visits #disasterhit #Los #Angeles #North #Carolina #presidency #news

  • Bruce Willis visits LA wildfire first responders: See rare video






    Bruce Willis recently made a surprise visit to first responders battling the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. In a rare video captured by a bystander, the actor can be seen expressing his gratitude and admiration for the brave men and women on the front lines. Check out the heartwarming footage of Willis showing his support for the real-life heroes who are working tirelessly to protect their community. #BruceWillis #LAwildfires #firstresponders #gratitude #support #heroes

    Tags:

    Bruce Willis, LA wildfire, first responders, rare video, celebrity visit, California wildfires, gratitude, support, firefighters, emergency responders, Hollywood actor, heartwarming moment

    #Bruce #Willis #visits #wildfire #responders #rare #video

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