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  • Team USA Olympic Medalist Announces Massive Milestone Beyond Boxing Career

    Team USA Olympic Medalist Announces Massive Milestone Beyond Boxing Career

    Only one prospect brought back a medal in the 2024 Paris Games from boxing—21-year-old Omari Jones. The Orlando resident won a bronze medal but squandered his chances for gold losing to Uzbekistan’s Asadkhuja Muydinkhujaev in the semi-finals of the welterweight division. However, months after the games came to a close, Jones has achieved a new milestone.

    Before the Olympic Games, Jones’ resume was already a star-studded wonder, with a gold medal from the Czech Republic Grand Prix and the 2023 GeeBee International Tournament held in Helsinki, Finland. He even clinched a silver medal in the 2021 Elite World Championship held in Belgrade, Serbia.

    However, after the games, he redirected his focus to his education. The Orlando resident was attending Valencia College majoring in business. It appears he has completed his associate degree from the college, marking another major milestone in his journey outside the boxing ring. To celebrate this achievement, the 21-year-old shared his excitement on social media, expressing his pride in reaching this important goal.

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    “I finally walked across the stage today completing my Associates Degree and I am now a proud graduate of Valencia College,” Jones wrote on Instagram while sharing some pictures of himself in his academic regalia. “While training for my boxing career and chasing Olympic Glory while traveling the world. I made sure to find a way to get the job done.”

    Despite his success in boxing, Jones has maintained that education has been a big part of his life. 

    Omari Jones reveals future after Olympic medal in boxing

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    While appearing in an interview with Boxing Scene, Jones spoke about the importance of education in his life. “I feel like education was instilled in me since a child,” he said. Following in the footsteps of his two older brothers, Jones claimed he always knew he would do something after school, “even if I don’t know for what.”

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    “Even if I don’t get a masters [degree] and all of that, I’m going to get some type of degree after high school,” he noted. Describing his future plans, the 21-year-old revealed owning a clothing brand, which he was inspired to start after listening to J.Cole. “I want to be able to look at contracts and run my website and my business that I have now with my clothing brand and stuff.”

    That being said, it appears Omari Jones has a bright career ahead of him, as he completed his associate’s degree. As for when Jones may turn pro, the 21-year-old claims he hasn’t decided yet. What did you think about Jones’ recent achievement?

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  • Jax State football trashes Western Kentucky to win Conference USA title

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  • Team USA B-Girl Logistx Talks 2024 Olympics And What’s Next

    Team USA B-Girl Logistx Talks 2024 Olympics And What’s Next

    “The biggest takeaway for me from the Olympics was a huge realization of how powerful it is to be unique and to be authentically you in that spotlight, or in that moment, and the impact it can make,” Logan “Logistx” Edra of Team USA reflects on her experience competing in the Women’s Breaking event at Paris 2024 .

    While Olympic breaking (‘breakdancing’) has concluded its run and will not be returning as a sport in LA 2028, none of that has stopped breakers from continuing to train and test their skills internationally.

    One of the last major breaking competitions of 2024 will be the upcoming Red Bull BC One World Final on December 7, to be held in Rio de Janeiro. Fortunately for USA fans, Logistx will be competing and is a favorite for the B-girl bracket. I had the opportunity to speak with her about her dance journey, including her time at the Olympics and what’s next.

    At 21 years old, Logistx is already a veteran of the game. With dance experience starting from the age of 7, she has accumulated a number of accolades such as winning the 2018 Silverback Open and 2021 Red Bull BC One, as well as high placements at a range of WDSF events that paved her way to the 2024 Olympics.

    B-girl Logistx’s Olympic Experience

    For Logan, the main takeaway from the Olympics was “realizing how powerful it is to be authentic.” Authenticity is a pillar of breaking and hip hop, and her performance at the Olympics was a master class in bringing your own style and personality to the highest level of the craft.

    She likens being on that stage to reaching the ultimate stage in a video game, “The biggest stage I’ve ever battled on with the biggest crowd and the biggest stadium…the Olympics felt like the final, the big grand finale battle.” With that much going on around you, it’s not easy to express and execute at the same time. But, Logistx made it look easy with her fresh toprock and well-rounded combinations, earning her a 10th place finish.

    Sights On Red Bull BC One

    If the Olympics was the biggest stage for Logistx yet, the 2024 Red Bull BC One World Final could have the toughest roster she’s faced to date. She is looking forward to the challenge, though, “I’m just most excited to battle and face the best. In my opinion, like it’s all the best b-girls of this time.”

    Some of the young women that Logistx sees as strong contenders for Rio are Nicka (Lithuania), Syssy (France), and India (Netherlands), who all represented their countries in the Paris Olympics, with Nicka taking home the silver.

    Unseen Struggles Of A Pro Breaker

    But, behind the victories and the glory are the very real challenges of pursuing a less-understood discipline like breaking. “I think when you pursue what you love to do, regardless of what it is, it brings another layer of difficulty, more layers of difficulty that I think are unseen often,” Logan shares, elaborating, “I would say one of the biggest ones is this feeling, almost like a lack of self-acceptance because of not conforming to a normal career route, especially as a Filipino-American. So I’m constantly faced with ideas about who I am, if they don’t know what I do and the caliber that I’m at.”

    Having pursued this path for over 10 years, Logan says she always tries to treat others with the same consideration, because we rarely get to know their internal experience. For herself, much childhood trauma and stress came from being pushed to train at a young age, but she made the most of it, “I tried to use it to my advantage because it’s one of those things where I got to learn things that a lot of people don’t get to learn. And the way I learned it may not have been the healthiest, but what I learned is valuable.”

    Healing from this type of trauma takes considerable time and effort. Journaling, therapy, life coaching, and dance are some of the ways Logan works through it. She also founded a group for South Florida dancers focused on “building together, training together, feeling safe,” which is now in its fourth season.

    Gratitude For The Important Things

    In the midst of her busy life as a dancer—training, teaching, performing, and competing—Logistx keeps her mindset grounded. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I asked what she’s thankful for right now, and she answered, “I’m really thankful for the people in my life…I’ve experienced a lot at a young age. A lot of things with just people I love. And I think like, that means a lot to me. It weighs heavy on my heart. So I’m thankful for the health and happiness of the people I love.”

    Logan’s story is an inspiring one, and there’s certainly more to come. The breaking community is teeming with inspiring stories and passionate individuals who deserve the spotlight. But for now, we can cheer them on as they step into bright lights to do what they do best.

    A few recent and upcoming competitions to check out: Freestyle Session took place November 15-17, Red Bull BC One World Final is December 7, and Fujifilm Instax Undisputed is January 15 next year.



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  • Outshining USA, One of Japan’s Gold Medalists Reveals Secret to Wrestling Olympics Success

    Outshining USA, One of Japan’s Gold Medalists Reveals Secret to Wrestling Olympics Success

    After the Paris Olympics, there is no space for doubt about Japanese wrestlers. They came, they saw, and boy, oh boy, did they conquer! When the 2024 Olympics ended, Japan’s wrestling medal tally stood at 11, of which eight were gold. The world saw some of the greatest matches in both Greco-Roman and freestyle events go down this year. For starters, there was Daichi Takatani, who went on to take down Kyle Dake in the 74 kg freestyle finals.

    Then there is also Rei Higuchi, who took down an American legend. Rei went up against Spencer Lee, and to the world’s surprise, Lee lost. Rei went on to win 4-2. While the men’s wrestling was huge, the women were just as formidable. Akari Fujinami went on to continue her 130-0 streak and win the 53 kg freestyle gold. All of it left a very simple message to the world. Japan is here to stay and to stay right on top! But what is the secret to their medal sweep?

    Nao Kusaka tells his story, giving a glimpse into Japanese training!

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    One of the Japanese wrestlers who won answers this for the world. Nao Kusaka was the man who took the Olympic gold in the 77 kg event. But his winning moment was perhaps one of the most iconic ones. He stood at Champ-de-Mars Arena, flag in hand, and dropped to his knees. It was an emotional moment, but at the moment of victory, they wondered about the secrets of Japanese training!

    Well, wonder no more! Nao Kusaka’s story and how it began give us a glimpse into the Japanese world of wrestling. Kusaka’s journey, however, began when he was just three years old. As a child, he was a “crybaby” who clung to his mother’s side. But amidst the loud cries, one man saw potential in him. It was Takeshi Takeshita, who later went on to become his coach. Takeshi has a very interesting equation for the results that Japan gets.

    Takeshi has a mix of wrestling and sumo in his training. As Takeshi himself puts it, “30% wrestling and 70% sumo.” So why sumo? Well, the sumo sessions are intended to build Kusaka’s lower body strength and aggression in wrestlers. But that’s not all it does! When Nao Kusaka had an awful period during high school, he did not give up. An attitude his training had given him. Instead, he doubled down.

    From that loss on, Nao Kusaka doubled down on his squats, strengthening his legs and perfecting his balance. Today, whenever he feels out of sync, he returns to sumo stomping, a simple but powerful move that grounds him. As his coach puts it, “While most kids would compromise and give up, he never does. He’s a genius that can also put in the hard work.” Now, that’s the kind of training and attitude that gives you a clean sweep at the Olympics. While it was great for Japan, America saw some of its biggest names in wrestling fall.

    The fall of American legends like Spencer Lee and Mitchell Mesenbrink!

    For America, the wrestling mat turned into a battlefield that they couldn’t conquer. Let’s take Spencer Lee, for example! Lee is a Penn State legend with three NCAA titles and U20 championship wins, but even he fell short at the Olympics. He made it all the way to the finals, where he was set to go head-to-head against Japan’s Rei Higuchi. The match ended with Lee’s fall. While the Olympics have been big for Japan, the U23 World Championships were equally great!

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    The U23 World Championships unfortunately saw the fall of another American wrestler. America’s beloved and Nittany Lion’s favorite, Mitchell Mesenbrink, had a fate quite like Lee’s. Mitchell, during the championships, had to face Japan’s Kota Takahashi. The match ended with Mitchell’s loss. It is evident that Japan has managed to adopt a style that is quick, agile, and makes every move count. Another American wrestler had something to say about this style!

    via Reuters

    Serbian-American wrestler Stevan Micic, impressed yet taken aback, went on to talk about Japan’s techniques. “I think that Japan just having a very outside style, very quick athletic, you know, it’s really difficult to kind of get your hands on them,” said Stevan. It’s a unique blend of speed, precision, and surprise that has even American wrestlers reconsidering their strategies. While some reconsider, there are others who have lived with the Japanese influence for a long time now! Remember Bo Nickal?

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    Bo Nickal, over the years, has gone on record many times to talk about how Japan has influenced his wrestling. Bo is also a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and has, over the years, infused the same into his techniques. While Japan’s wrestlers continue to break new ground and reimagine the wrestling mat as their own, it’s clear that their rivals are taking notes. The world might just be on the cusp of a Japanese wrestling revolution, and we just might have to scramble to even keep up!

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  • INSIDE SPORT: Premier League fears grow that leading clubs will snub USA summer tournament, while Erik ten Hag breaks bread with media he accused of spreading ‘fairytales and lies’

    INSIDE SPORT: Premier League fears grow that leading clubs will snub USA summer tournament, while Erik ten Hag breaks bread with media he accused of spreading ‘fairytales and lies’

    No Premier League club has yet committed to the second Summer Series in the promised land of the United States. 

    Insiders say a number of ‘good discussions’ are ongoing over the pre-season tournament and add that they are confident of a positive outcome, as the clock continues to tick towards next July. 

    However, the lack of any confirmation will do little to ease fears that the top flight’s big guns will shun the competition.

    A number of issues are at play. Champions Manchester City and Chelsea – who enjoy huge support in the US – are unavailable thanks to their participation in the Club World Cup (ironically being held across the US). 

    Then there is the problem of money, and how the top-flight can make this an attractive option for the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal, who will not be short of offers.

    No Premier League club has yet committed to the second Summer Series in the promised land of the United States

    No Premier League club has yet committed to the second Summer Series in the promised land of the United States

    Chelsea reigned victorious in the Summer Series pre-season tournament that took place in America

    Chelsea reigned victorious in the Summer Series pre-season tournament that took place in America

    An intriguing subplot – given the current civil war gripping the league – is the impact any additional revenues would have on a club’s position within the profit and sustainability rules (PSR) and whether it is fair that some should benefit in that regard from a tournament organised by the league itself.

    It has also been reported that the Premier League is considering a sliding scale, which would see United and Liverpool form part of a four or six-team tournament with £6.3m each up for grabs. 

    Smaller clubs could expect less based on their share of the US market. Again, this is unlikely to go down well. United and Liverpool may well believe they could drive more revenue should they arrange their own matches while smaller clubs may well have their noses put out of joint.

    To make matters worse, FIFA have now revealed Inter Miami will take part in their CWC, despite the fact that the MLS play-offs are yet to start. They have seemingly acted now to ensure Lionel Messi features, whether Miami – who finished top of the Eastern Conference – go on to be crowned champions or not. The competition for eyeballs in the US ahead of the World Cup is intense.

    Liverpool could compete in the Summer Series

    Man United are yet to commit to the competition

    It has also been reported that the Premier League is considering a sliding scale, which would see United and Liverpool form part of a four or six-team tournament with £6.3m each up for grabs

    Manchester City won't be competing in the Summer Series as they plot another trophy victory in the Club World Cup

    Manchester City won’t be competing in the Summer Series as they plot another trophy victory in the Club World Cup

    FIFA have now revealed Inter Miami and Lionel Messi will take part in their Club World Cup

    FIFA have now revealed Inter Miami and Lionel Messi will take part in their Club World Cup

    None of this is lost on MLS commissioner Don Garber, who chose his words carefully when Inside Sport asked him recently for his thoughts on the prospect of a Premier League match heading to the US. ‘I hear that the Premier League is interested and that the fans aren’t in support of it,’ he said. 

    ‘It’s up to them. I for one know the value of a regular season game, I know what it means to fans, I know what sovereignty means – that football is based around borders. I believe in the importance of those borders.’

    Ten Hag makes annual awards appearance

    On Friday he was accusing the media of making up ‘fairytales and lies’ over his future – and on Sunday Erik ten Hag was breaking bread with them.

    The under-pressure Manchester United manager attended the Football Writers’ Association’s Northern Awards dinner for the second year in succession – and brought the FA Cup with him. Ten Hag has a decent relationship with the press and his presence at the annual shindig was a welcome sight.

    Erik ten Hag attended the Football Writers’ Association’s Northern Awards dinner for the second year in succession on Sunday

    Erik ten Hag attended the Football Writers’ Association’s Northern Awards dinner for the second year in succession on Sunday

    Pique’s competition pride

    Gerard Pique was the headline speaker at the recent Leaders in Sport backslapfest at Twickenham. The former Barcelona man waxed lyrical about the King’s League he created, which sees fans set the rules and streamers own each club. 

    Pique was effusive in his praise of the disruptor competition’s sponsors, which include adidas. That love, however, did not stop him from wearing a pair of Nike sneakers.

    EFL meeting brought forward as Championship clubs consider ticket cap

    Inside Sport has learned that the EFL’s annual summer meeting has been brought forward to February – in an attempt to tackle the various financial issues facing the game. Championship clubs will discuss new spending regulations while those in Leagues One and Two will examine amendments to existing arrangements. 

    While the summer meeting will still take place, it is hoped that the summit will be used as a rubber-stamping exercise. The lack of a redistribution deal with the Premier League and the forthcoming football regulator will also be high on the agenda.

    Inside Sport has learned that the EFL’s annual summer meeting has been brought forward to February

    Inside Sport has learned that the EFL’s annual summer meeting has been brought forward to February

    It can also be disclosed that Championship clubs are considering mirroring the Premier League and introducing a £30 cap on tickets for away supporters. A decision is expected early in the new year, but only a small number are thought to be against the move.

    Welsh clubs consider new cup territory 

    There is a growing feeling that clubs across the Severn who compete in the English league are attempting to ‘have their Welsh cake and eat it’, as one exec put it.

    Swansea, Cardiff, Wrexham and Newport, who all ply their trade in England, are considering entering the Welsh League Cup – with the winners competing in Europe’s Conference League. 

    Swansea, Cardiff, Wrexham and Newport, who all ply their trade in England, are considering entering the Welsh League Cup – with the winners competing in Europe’s Conference League

    Swansea, Cardiff, Wrexham and Newport, who all ply their trade in England, are considering entering the Welsh League Cup – with the winners competing in Europe’s Conference League

    Aside from the fact such qualification could wreak havoc with the Championship fixture calendar, there is also the argument that the revenues European qualification would bring would put give the side in question an unfair advantage over their English counterparts. 

    Sharing of such revenues was quickly dismissed on a recent call. ‘They’re more than welcome to play in the Welsh Cup – as long as they then go and play in the Welsh League,’ said another official.

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  • USA vs. Mexico LIVE STREAM (10/15/24): How to watch soccer friendly without cable today

    USA vs. Mexico LIVE STREAM (10/15/24): How to watch soccer friendly without cable today

    Team USA plays the last of four international friendlies ahead of the CONCACAF Nations League against Mexico on Tuesday, October 15 (10/15/2024) at Akron Stadium in Zapopan, Mexico.

    Fans can watch the game with a free trial of DirecTV Stream.

    Here’s what you need to know:

    What: Soccer friendly

    Who: USA vs. Mexico

    When: Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024

    Time: 10 p.m. ET

    Where: Akron Stadium, Zapopan, Mexico

    TV: TNT, TUDN, Univision

    Channel finder: DirecTV, Verizon Fios, Cox, Xfinity, Spectrum, Optimum

    Live stream: fuboTV (free trial), DirecTV Stream (free trial), Sling (half off first month), Hulu + Live TV (free trial), MAX

    Here’s a recent USA Soccer story by The Associated Press:

    GUADALAJARA, México (AP) — Guadalajara is the capital of a Mexican state that is home to tequila and Mariachi music. It is also considered the birthplace of a less flattering tradition – a homophobic soccer chant that has cost Mexico hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines over the past two decades.

    It’s no wild guess that the chant, a one-word slur which literally means male prostitute in Spanish, will be heard from the crowd in Guadalajara’s Akron stadium when Mexico hosts the United States in a friendly on Tuesday.

    Multiple sanctions from FIFA and campaigns by Mexican soccer officials to educate fans have not been able to stamp it out. The chant persists in both club and national team soccer in Mexico, not least in games between the two North American rivals who will co-host the 2026 World Cup together with Canada.

    The last time the U.S. men’s team played Mexico, in the CONCACAF Nations League final in Texas in March, the referee stopped the game twice due to homophobic chanting by Mexico fans. Last year, a game in Las Vegas between the two sides was cut short for the same reason.

    In Guadalajara, a city with a strong soccer tradition which has two teams in Mexico’s top soccer league and another two in the second division, many local fans told The Associated Press that they considered the chant to be harmless and only meant to poke fun at opposing teams.

    “Soccer is still a party, and the chant is just for fun. People who yell it mean no offense to the rival,” said Luis Gallardo, a 38-year-old who was wearing the Mexico national team’s black away shirt. “It’s been going on for years and I don’t think it’s going to change.”

    The slur, typically used when the opposing goalkeeper takes a goal kick, is hardly the only offensive chant heard in soccer stadiums worldwide, but its persistent use at international tournaments has become a costly embarrassment for the Mexican soccer federation.

    The federation has been fined countless times by FIFA for “discriminatory behavior” by supporters, including 100,000 Swiss francs ($114,000) for two incidents during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Mexico has appealed those penalties.

    The Mexican soccer federation long argued that the chant wasn’t aimed at gays and that the word had different connotations in contemporary Mexican culture. However, in recent years the federation launched campaigns to make it go away, with stadium announcers urging the crowd to refrain from discriminatory chants and eliciting the help of soccer stars and other celebrities to get the message across.

    The federation in 2022 threatened fans shouting the slur at games with five-year stadium bans. At the time, then-federation president Yon de Luisa said regardless of the intention of those using the slur, what matters is how it’s received by others.

    “If it is discriminatory, we should avoid it,” said De Luisa, who later resigned after Mexico’s poor performance in Qatar where the team was eliminated in the group stage.

    The origin of the chant is somewhat unclear, but it’s been traced back to a 2004 Olympic qualifier between Mexico and the U.S. in Guadalajara, the capital of the state of Jalisco. It then spread to stadiums across Mexico with fans of Guadalajara soccer club Atlas.

    Francisco Acuña, a 55-year-old Atlas fan, said the chant was a way for fans to express emotion during the game and shouldn’t be taken too seriously.

    “The people who know soccer they know that the game is intense and even players get hot-headed on the field and then they hug each other at the end of the match,” he said.

    Alejandro Oliva, a 40-year-old soccer fan in downtown Guadalajara, said he didn’t understand why some people find the chant offensive.

    “It amazes me that outside of Mexico people believe that it’s a homophobic chant. In Mexico it’s normal and it does not offend anyone,” he said. “I think that even people from the gay community use the word, and they don’t get aggravated.”

    Not everyone sees it that way.

    “It’s clearly homophobic because you are degrading a person with an insult of sexual and negative connotation,” said Andoni Bello, an LGBTQ+ activist and outspoken critic of the chant who played for Mexico in amateur soccer tournaments organized by the International Gay and Lesbian Football Association.

    He said Mexico must get rid of the chant by the 2026 World Cup when the world’s eyes will be on the country. Mexico is set to host 13 World Cup games, including four in Guadalajara.

    Bello urged tournament organizers to reach out to the LGBTQ+ community for help in dealing with the issue.

    “It’s not just taking their pictures and saying that they are against the homophobia in the stadiums,” he said. “There is a real opportunity to educate the Mexican fan. In the World Cup in ’86 we were world famous because of the ‘Mexican wave.’ We exported a good celebration, let’s hope to eradicate the chant because being known for homophobia is very sad.”

    What is DirecTV Stream?

    DirecTV Stream is a comprehensive internet TV service that offers your favorite entertainment, news and sports channels, as well as local TV stations and regional sports networks. It’s the only choice for fans who want full access to local, televised sports. DirecTV Choice includes 125+ channels, unlimited DVR storage and thousands of on-demand titles.

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  • USA Soccer is BACK: Pochettino’s Reign Begins with a Win

    USA Soccer is BACK: Pochettino’s Reign Begins with a Win

    John Dorton/ISI Photos/USSF. Getty Images.

    Ladies and gentlemen, the Mauricio Pochettino era of U.S. soccer is officially underway, and guess what? We actually won! The boys took care of business with a 2-0 victory over Panama, and even though it wasn’t exactly 1970s Brazil out there, it was nice to see us play competent soccer for once.  Look, I know it’s just Panama—no offense to our neighbors, but they’re not exactly striking fear into the hearts of anyone outside of CONCACAF. But let’s not be buzzkills here. We’ve seen U.S. teams struggle against way worse opponents. Remember that time we lost to Trinidad & Tobago and missed the World Cup? Yeah, let’s not go down that memory lane again. 

    There was a lot of curiosity about how Poch would line up the squad. Would he throw in some spicy tactics? A high press? But, to be honest, it was all pretty straightforward—solid formation, no glaring tactical disasters, and shockingly disciplined play. It’s early days, but you could tell Pochettino’s influence is already kicking in. 

    Most importantly, the boys actually looked like they wanted to be on the pitch. I don’t know what Poch said to them in training, or if it had to do with the fact that they finally spent more than an hour on the practice pitch, but whatever it was, it worked. Everyone was running, pressing, and passing the ball like they had something to prove. I don’t want to jump the gun, but this was the most organized we’ve looked since Landon Donovan was Captain America.

    Look, I’m not saying we’re going to win the World Cup just because we beat Panama, but it’s a nice start. And more importantly, it feels like there’s hope again. We’ve got Poch at the wheel, and if there’s anyone who can turn this program around, it’s him. 

    Next up, we’ve got bigger challenges, tomorrow night we play our amigos across the border. And in my opinion, it’s one of the best rivalries in all of soccer, although we will be without the likes of Marlon Fossey, Weston McKennie, Ricardo Pepi, Christian Pulisic and Zack Steffen I’m still excited to see how the boys perform tomorrow night. But for now, let’s enjoy this rare moment of competence. After years of watching disjointed play and wondering if we even like soccer, it’s refreshing to finally see a team with potential. 

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    One game down. A lot more to go. But for the first time in a while, I feel pretty good about where we’re headed. Poch, you beautiful man, welcome to the world of American soccer.

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  • USA TODAY state poll Week 9

    It was business as usual at the top of the classes in the latest USA TODAY Network Indiana high school football poll released Monday.

    Brownsburg (6A), Concord (5A), New Palestine (4A), Evansville Memorial (3A), Lafayette Central Catholic (2A) and North Judson (A) are ranked No. 1 again this week by a statewide vote of sportswriters and sportscasters.

    Sectional pairings takeaways:Early showdowns, tough draws, new champs

    What we learned from Week 8:On Lawrence North, Cascade, surprises

    Lawrence North (8-0) jumped into a tie for second place in 6A with Crown Point (8-0) following its 34-21 win over Center Grove on Friday. Here is a look at the full USA TODAY Network poll going into the final game of the regular season:

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  • USA TODAY Sports Super 25 girls flag football rankings entering Week 4

    2024 USA TODAY Sports girls flag football Super 25 rankings in partnership with the NFL.

    High school girls flag football surpemacy belongs to Central (Phenix, Ala.) in Week 4.

    The Red Devils’ steady climb up the USA TODAY Sports Super 25 rankings reaches the No. 1 spot after multiple losses by a high-powered Orange Lutheran (Calif.) team created another shift inside the top 10.

    Making a strong push behind the Alabama force, Pope (Marietta, Ga.) kicked off the Georgia flag football season with a solid opening week, moving up a notch in the rankings, while dominate teams in Alaska and Arizona round out the top five.

    For the second straight week, McClatchy (Sacramento, Calif.) was the biggest mover as the Lions enter the top 15 alongside an impressive Cherry Creek (Greenwood Village, Colo.) squad.

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  • USA Rugby: Simon Amor gets Sevens job ahead of home Olympic Games : Planet Rugby

    USA Rugby: Simon Amor gets Sevens job ahead of home Olympic Games : Planet Rugby

    Former England coach and Sevens legend Simon Amor has been appointed as the new head coach of the USA men’s Sevens program, succeeding the outgoing Mike Friday.

    It is a new era for the men’s team following the departure of Friday, who held the role for 10 years in what was a largely successful period for the side.

    USA have opted to replace him with another Englishman as former Sevens star Amor comes in, with a home Olympic Games in 2028 an exciting goal to build towards.

    Honoured to take over

    “I am extremely honoured to lead the Men’s Eagles Sevens program and build on the last 10 years of work from Mike Friday and Phil Greening,” he told USA Rugby.

    “With a home Olympics, as well as home Men’s and Women’s Rugby World Cups all on the horizon, this is an incredibly exciting time to make a transformational impact on the game of rugby in the USA.

    “I am looking forward to relocating to San Diego to support the players and staff in getting better every day. I am equally as motivated to engage with the USA Rugby community, to help capitalise on this once in a lifetime opportunity.”

    Since retiring from playing, Amor has coached London Scottish, England Sevens and Great Britain Sevens, Hong Kong and Japan Sevens. He also had a brief stint in the England XVs coaching set-up during the Eddie Jones era in 2020.

    The 45-year-old will be looking to hit the ground running in the upcoming World Rugby SVNS Series, which kicks off in November in Dubai, with Amor keen to impress.

    “Inspired by the Women’s Eagles Sevens team in Paris, our ultimate goal is to medal at LA2028 with our first step targeting the top eight of an incredibly competitive HSBC World SVNS Series this year,” he said.

    World Rankings: Why the Springboks remain second despite winning the Rugby Championship

    “With only a few weeks until Dubai, alongside the retirement of some great players who have been the backbone of the team for many years, we know the challenge is high. However, having seen the players in the pathway, so undoubtedly is our potential.

    “Our first-year focus will therefore be about learning and establishing 100% commitment, which will lay the foundations for us to build on our journey to LA2028.”

    USA Rugby General Manager of High Performance, Tamara Sheppard, was thrilled by the appointment of Amor and is excited to see how Amor leads the team.

    “We are delighted to welcome Simon as the next head coach of our Men’s Sevens program,” she said.

    “USA Rugby is venturing into an all-important period with the 2028 Olympics on home soil, so we couldn’t be prouder to have Simon’s leadership and experience at the forefront of this journey.

    Perfect fit

    “After an extensive candidate evaluation process, Simon’s proficiency in player development and pedigree for Olympic success was perfect for our young and exciting Men’s Sevens program.”

    USA Rugby CEO, Bill Goren, added: “First and foremost I want to extend a warm welcome to Simon on behalf of USA Rugby. We are excited to enter a new era with his experience and tutelage at the helm of our Men’s Sevens program.

    “Our aspirations for growing rugby sevens are bright leading into LA2028, Simon has exactly the merit and dedication we’re in search of to reach those goals.”

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