Jul. 30Editor's note: This is the second in a series of stories that will run each day previewing Washington State's preseason camp before it begins on Aug. 6. This edition covers the Cougars' offensive line.PULLMAN Flip back to last fall and check out a few of Washington State's more forgettable losses. You'll find setbacks to North Texas, to Oregon State, to James Madison. The first of those is an exception, but you can draw a through-line through the final two.The Cougars couldn't sustain any offense.Which is why as head coach Kirby Moore takes over, WSU is likely prioritizing production from its offensive line more than ever. Last season, the Cougars finished nine spots up from dead last in Pro Football Focus' pass-blocking grades, then just three spots up from last in run-blocking grades. Injuries besieged a front five that was already shaky at times, and while the Cougs made it work and won a bowl game for the first time in seven years, they could have engineered an even more memorable season with more consistent offensive line play.That brings us to WSU's current offensive line, which at first glance has the tools to improve on that trend. Headed into next week's fall camp opener, this group will likely take first-team reps, at least to start camp: Left tackle Ashton Tripp, left guard Jonny Lester, center Kyle Martin, right guard Noah Dunham, right tackle Maximus McCree. By the end of WSU's spring practices in April, that's the group that had risen to the top.How does that group break down? On the left side, the Cougars have two returning starters in Tripp and Lester, the latter of whom had to play a couple different positions last season because of injuries. In the middle is Martin, who replaces graduated senior Brock Dieu, while fourth-year Coug Dunham will get a chance to cement his spot and the UW transfer McCree can build on a standout spring camp.In that group, if there are any position battles to watch for, they belong to the right guard and right tackle spots. If WSU's season started this weekend, Dunham and McCree would likely earn starting nods, but it's possible others will push them for those honors. The names to keep an eye on: third-year sophomore Nick Bakken at right guard and fifth-year senior Jaylin Caldwell.How close could those battles get? The closest one could involve Bakken, who filled in for the injured Dunham for the team's spring game back in April. Listed at 6-foot-5 and 307 pounds, Bakken appeared in six games and redshirted at South Dakota State in 2024, then appeared in one game last fall before missing the remainder of the season with an injury. But he was healthy in time for the Cougars' spring slate, where he established himself as a clear-cut No. 2 at right guard.In his nine games of experience last season, Dunham acquitted himself well, but he doesn't have a wealth of experience either. Filling in for injured starters, the 6-foot-5, 299-pound Dunham played 210 snaps last fall, all at left guard. His numbers: one sack on seven pressures in 105 pass-blocking snaps, then 105 more snaps in run-blocking, where he graded out at 44.3 far below average.Dunham has the size and the tools to improve on that output, and it's fair to expect him to do so with another year under his belt, his first playing something close to a meaningful role. But it also opens him to competition, namely from Bakken, who will be on his heels this August. Keep a close eye on that competition during fall camp.At the right tackle spot, things are likely tilting in the direction of McCree, who handled first-team reps all spring. Listed at 6-foot-6 and 296 pounds, McCree looked fleet-footed, a remarkable development considering his career: He sandwiched two years of JUCO ball around one year at Maryland, then transferred to Washington, where injuries cost him 10 total games across two seasons.That combination of spring production and prior experience might give him a leg up on Caldwell, who spent the first three years of his career at Division-II Grand Valley State before transferring to WSU, where he was elevated into the starting lineup for two games last fall before going down with his own injury against Virginia. He missed this spring's practices with that injury, and it's unclear whether he'll be available for fall camp.If Caldwell can practice, it'll be worth watching how he fares, which could turn into an interesting competition. But if not, look for McCree to become the Cougars' new right tackle, earning a starting spot for WSU's season-opener: a road matchup with Washington, his former club.

Jul. 30When 90+ Project Director of Programming and Coach Aaron Lewis asked the players at Thrive International's youth summer soccer camp how many of them weren't born in the United States, dozens of hands shot up.Sitting in the grass at Franklin Park, those same players watched as four out of the five Spokane Velocity players who were visiting camp Thursday raised their hands, too."You're my GOAT," 9-year-old Mel Akon later told Velocity left-backer Moses Mensah while the kids collected autographs on soccer balls, cleats and posters. "One day I'm gonna look like you and be like you.""I want to see that," Mensah, originally from Ghana, answered without hesitation.The annual youth soccer camp is run through a partnership with refugee resettlement organization Thrive International and sports-based youth development organization 90+ Project. This year, close to 200 kids, including kindergartners to 12th graders, from more than a dozen nationalities, arrived at Franklin Park to play soccer.The free weeklong camp focuses on providing an opportunity for players from refugee and immigrant families, and several participants previously lived in Thrive's shelters in Spokane and Tacoma."We teach character, leadership, mental wellness, and we do those things through the sport of soccer, so using it really as a vehicle for transformation," said 90+ Project Executive Director Russ Davis. "And then we seek to provide access to the game, so creating opportunities for kids."With the Velocity superstars there to watch, Davis and other camp coaches gave shout-outs to players who exhibited virtue, respect and responsibility throughout the day and week. The standout players were awarded Velocity posters that they could get signed by the professionals.Mel received the first shout-out from Davis, who applauded him for showing up every morning and afternoon to get in as much soccer as possible."We were talking about the Velocity, and I said, 'The Velocity is gonna be here tomorrow,' " Davis said. "And I don't know that (Mel) believed me fully, he was kinda like doubting it, and then he said to me, 'If the Velocities show up tomorrow, I will now trust you one billion percent.' "With Mel's doubts proven wrong and the Velocity players really there in Franklin Park, Davis said he was ready to cash in for "one billion percent" trust from Mel, who beamed while holding up his new poster."This is the fifth year we've done a soccer camp, and the reason we do that is because our vision is we want to see people not just survive when they come to a new country, we want to help them thrive," said Thrive International Executive Director Mark Finney.Before the aspiring players were let loose to chat with the players, 15-year-old Teodoro Tchetchembe and 16-year-old Jomar TC got the chance to test their juggling skills against Velocity forward Joe Gallardo.Sporting a Lamine Yamal Barcelona jersey, Jomar tied with Gallardo with 35 hits.Gallardo said the best advice he could give the kids at the camp was to assure them that their dreams were possible."If you really want to get there, if you push yourself, just work hard everyday I mean obviously, it's still hard to get there but if you can do everything possible to get there, I think it's achievable," Gallardo said.Mensah's guidance was more concrete: "Listen to your coaches a lot because they have more experience than you guys." The piece of advice was met with a high five from Coach Lewis and laughs from the players.Originally living in Ghana , Mensah said he felt a special sort of connection with the kids at Thrive's camp, who had arrived in Spokane from all over the world and have had to learn the culture just like he did. He said his goal as a player for Velocity is to be a role model for all the people in the community.The Velocity players' appearance at the camp was a highlight of the week for 11-year-old Emmanuel Kalumuna, who managed to get his soccer ball signed by all the players."The week has been amazing," Emmanuel said. "I've been playing a lot and hanging out and having fun."

The growing demand for high-quality chocolate products has encouraged manufacturers to focus on better processing methods, production consistency, and advanced equipment solutions, making a professional Chocolate Ball Mill Manufacturer an important partner for confectionery businesses seeking reliable production support. Behind every successful chocolate processing system is a combination of...

Jul. 30 More than 20 middle school and high school coaches came together this summer for the inaugural Austin Coaches Leadership Retreat, a new professional development opportunity centered on one shared belief Culture Wins: One Department. One Coaching Community. One Standard.According to a release from the district, the afternoon was dedicated to strengthening leadership, fostering relationships, and building a unified coaching culture with the intent tol positively impact every student-athlete in Austin Public Schools.The retreat began with a "Coaching Journey Map" activity, where coaches shared the experiences, mentors, and moments that shaped their coaching careers. Common themes emerged across the coaching spectrum including relationships, trust, accountability, service, and a passion for helping young people grow.Guest presenters expanded those themes throughout the afternoon. Mental performance expert Melissa Hager challenged coaches to think about developing confident, resilient athletes who are prepared to handle both success and adversity. Coaches also heard from the team at ETS Strength and Performance, who shared the philosophy behind Austin's investment in performance training and highlighted how strength and conditioning supports injury prevention, confidence, discipline, and long-term athletic development.Head and assistant coaches from both the middle school and high school connected, exchanged ideas, and began building relationships that are intended to strengthen collaboration across programs for years to come.

Dontayvion Wicks provided an early glimpse of the big-play ability the Eagles envisioned when they acquired him from the Green Bay Packers. Wicks produced the highlight of Thursdays training camp practice at the Jefferson Health Training Complex, elevating between Jakorian Bennett and Cole Wisniewski to secure a deep pass from Jalen Hurts.The throw required Hurts to trust his receiver in traffic. Wicks rewarded that confidence by attacking the ball at its highest point, maintaining possession through contact and completing one of the most difficult catches of the opening two days of camp.Hurts saluted Wicks from downfield before offering a more colorful assessment of the play.I like (expletive) like that, Hurts said in a video shared by the Eagles official social media account."I like **** like that." pic.twitter.com/YZM2ISlhX0 Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) July 30, 2026Philadelphia acquired Wicks in April for a 2026 fifth-round pick and a 2027 sixth-round selection. The Eagles also signed him to a one-year, $12.5 million extension that keeps him under contract through 2027.The investment reflected Philadelphias belief that Wicks could become an important part of its restructured receiving corps. DeVonta Smith enters the season as the unquestioned No. 1 option, but roles behind him remain available as Wicks competes with Hollywood Brown, Makai Lemon, Elijah Moore and others.At 6-foot-1 and 206 pounds, Wicks offers size, route-running ability and the confidence to compete for contested passes. The Eagles do not need him to win every downfield opportunity, but they need another receiver capable of punishing defenses that devote additional attention to Smith, Saquon Barkley and Dallas Goedert.One catch during the second practice will not determine Wicks role. It can help establish trust with his quarterback, however, and Hurts reaction made it clear that the effort was appreciated.Wicks was brought to Philadelphia to create plays. On Thursday, he produced the type that can earn additional targets.This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Dontayvion Wicks delivers catch of the day at Eagles training camp

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MAY 04: Claressa Shields visits "The Big Tigger Morning Show" on V-103 Atlanta at Audacy Atlanta on May 04, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)Getty ImagesThe G.W.O.A.T is back in the ring in August and she's taking on a couple of challenges in her return. Claressa Shields is dropping back down in weight, which may not be an easy task for an athlete who has become accustomed to competing in a bigger division. And Shields is facing Kaye Scott, a woman who knows she's being seen as a walkover opponent, but who is determined to prove otherwise. Let's talk boxing.Key FactsDate: Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026Venue: State Farm Arena, AtlantaStreaming: DAZN, from 9 p.m. ETTitles: WBC and WBA middleweight, held by ScottRecords: Shields 18-0, 3 KOs Scott 5-1-1Promoter: Salita PromotionsClaressa Shields Vs. Kaye Scott Date, Time And LocationShields challenges unified WBC and WBA middleweight champion Scott on Saturday, Aug. 15 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, with Salita Promotions announcing the card and DAZN streaming live beginning at 9 p.m. ET.The event is presented by Salita in partnership with Wynn Records, Claressa Shields Promotions and Route 30 Promotions, with Zeus Network as presenting sponsor, and it marks the first women's headliner in State Farm Arena history. It is also Shields' first professional appearance in Atlanta.Who Holds What Going InUnlike most of her fights, Shields is the challenger in this one.Scott holds the WBC and WBA middleweight belts. The IBF and WBO versions belong to fellow Australian Desley Robinson, which means Aug. 15 is not for the undisputed championship. Shields is instead using it as the opening step back toward undisputed status at 160 pounds.Scott, 42, of New South Wales, won the vacant WBC and WBA titles by majority decision over Olivia Curry on Dec. 20, 2025 at the Fox Theatre in Detroit, a rematch of a September meeting that ended in a majority draw. She represented Australia at three Commonwealth Games and took silver at the 2016 world championships.The Weight Class QuestionsShields, 31, is the current undisputed heavyweight champion and a two-time Olympic gold medalist who has been undisputed in three divisions. Her last middleweight bout came in 2023 against Maricela Cornejo, and her last three fights have all been at heavyweight. She most recently beat Franchon Crews-Dezurn by unanimous decision in February at Little Caesars Arena.Shields is seemingly moving closer to a clash with Mikaela Mayer or perhaps a long-awaited rumble with Cris Cyborg. Both would be major money fights for Shields, but neither is realistic above 160 pounds.Shields has said she can make weight comfortably without losing power, noting she was undisputed twice at 160 when she was not yet at her strongest. She is also attempting to become just the second heavyweight champion in more than 120 years, male or female, to win a world title in a lower weight class.That said, were lying to ourselves if we dont recognize the level of Shields competition. Its not great. Thats not Shields fault entirely. Most of the great womens boxers are in lower weight classes. Shields would need to show great discipline to remain in their weight region to have the big fights many crave to see in womens boxing. Theres no question she is the biggest name in womens boxing at least in America. Katie Taylor could challenge her for the mythical global crown. In any case, if weve ever going to see Shields in against women whose skills are anywhere close to her, its going to come at 154 pounds or lower. The question is: can Shields make that weight? Time will tell.Claressa Shields Vs. Kaye Scott Full CardMiddleweight Troy Isley, 16-0 with six knockouts, faces Hicks, 12-1 with seven knockouts, in a bout carrying real amateur history: Isley lost to Hicks at the 2020 Olympic Trials before taking his place on the U.S. team on ranking. In the co-feature, 2024 Puerto Rican Olympian Ashleyann Lozada, 4-0, meets Paulette Cuesta, 19-5-1. WBC junior lightweight titleholder Caroline Veyre also makes her first defense on the card.Tickets are available through State Farm Arena and Ticketmaster.This article was originally published on Forbes.com

One training camp practice was enough to show the Eagles are changing everything originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Philadelphia Eagles are showing early signs of an offensive evolution, and quarterback Jalen Hurts appears ready to embrace the changes.During the teams first training camp practice, one of the biggest takeaways was how different the offense looked compared to recent seasons. Hurts spent much of the session operating from under center rather than exclusively working out of the shotgun, signaling a new direction for Philadelphias attack.The shift was especially noticeable during team drills, where the Eagles frequently incorporated under-center play-action concepts. Its a wrinkle that could make the offense more unpredictable while creating additional opportunities in both the running and passing games.For Hurts, however, the adjustment isnt as dramatic as it may seem from the outside.Hurts reveals the offensive twist that has defenses on noticeI think its an extension of what Ive done already in that department, Hurts said. Its been an area of my game that Ive always had. We just havent done it a lot.The new-look offense also featured plenty of pre-snap motion, another element designed to create mismatches and force defenses to reveal their intentions before the snap. Philadelphias coaching staff appears intent on making life easier for its quarterback while opening up explosive opportunities downfield.Hurts looked comfortable throughout the session, attacking multiple levels of the defense. He connected on several throws over the middle, an area the Eagles are emphasizing more this season, while also delivering deep passes to wide receiver DeVonta Smith and rookie receiver Darius Cooper.In addition to stretching the field vertically, Hurts showed efficiency on shorter throws, completing several quick passes to the flat that kept the offense on schedule.The first day of camp offered only a small glimpse of Philadelphias plans, but the changes were impossible to ignore. With more under-center formations, increased motion, and a greater emphasis on play-action, the Eagles appear committed to expanding their offensive identity.If Hurts continues to adapt as smoothly as he did during the opening practice, Philadelphia could field one of the NFLs most versatile offenses in 2026. The early returns suggest the Eagles arent simply tweaking their schemetheyre building an attack designed to keep opposing defenses guessing all season long.More NFL news:A.J. Brown and Stefon Diggs have a Patriots, Bills, Drake Maye, Josh Allen linkJosh Allen called out by a coach with a major losing recordLamar Jackson has an obvious reason not to sign right nowCommanders have plenty of reason not to want Brandon AiyukWill they still be called the Chicago Bears if they play in Indiana?

Fans watch practice Thursday at The Greenbrier Sports Performance Center. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectWHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. Abdul Carter was dominant, Malik Nabers worked again, Kayvon Thibodeaux made an impact, and fans had fun on a beautiful West Virginia day as the New York Giants held their second practice of training camp.Here are some of the winners and losers, as well as other takeaways.WinnersAbdul Carter Carter got the better of Andrew Thomas on Thursday, and let everybody know about it. [More about Carters big day]Braxton Berrios The veteran wide receiver/return man made several catches on Wednesday. He backed that up with another productive day on Thursday. Berrios is making an early impression in the competition for one of the final roster spots.Dominic Zvada There were no placekicking sessions in Thursdays workout. On the final play of practice, though, Zvada walked on and drilled a 57-yard field goal after the ball had been clocked by backup quarterback Brandon Allen with :01 left on the clock. Score one for the undrafted free agent in his competition with Ben Sauls.Leki Fotu The journeyman defensive tackle had a disruptive day. Fotu had a tackle for loss and was in the backfield on a handful of other occasions.Malik Nabers The star wide receiver was on the field for a second straight day during individual drills. Every day that Nabers practices is a win for both him and the Giants.Kayvon Thibodeaux For the second straight day, Thibodeaux made an impact play. This time, Thibodeaux picked off a Jameis Winston pass at the line of scrimmage and took it to the house for a score. Thibodeaux has been working with the second team, but head coach John Harbaugh said he does not consider him a backup.He knows hes going to play a bunch, Harbaugh said. We have three starters outside the linebacker.Those are all starting football players.Slice it how you want.Giants fans This was the first practice attended by fans, and it happened on a gorgeous, sunny, comfortable day here in West Virginia. LosersBen Barten The Turk came for the undrafted free agent defensive tackle on Thursday, as he was cut and replaced on the roster by linebacker Anfernee Orji.Theo Johnson The third-year tight end, who has had an issue with drops over his first two seasons, dropped a pass for the second straight day. Dante Miller Turbo fumbled after catching a short pass from Jameis Winston, with the result being a scoop-and-score for linebacker Micah McFadden.Walk-throughs? What walk-throughs?One thing we have seen is that Harbaugh doesnt believe in using a bunch of walk-through or install periods. After early special teams and individual work, the rest of practice the first two days has been full-speed 11-on-11 and 7-on-7 work. That is much more competitive and a faster pace than we have seen from the Giants in training camps during recent seasons.Rookie dutiesAs media members were walking to our station in a far corner of the Greenbrier practice facility, we saw rookie Sisi Mauigoa running a lap while waving at the crowd trying to fire up the fans. After practice, I asked Andrew Thomas what that was about.That was rookie duties, Thomas said.We made him go run around and fight the crowd.He did a good job.Probably made him some money, too.Probably about 10,000 Twitter followers.Quote of the dayCan Nabers be as good or better after his knee injury than he was in 2024?I got extreme confidence in myself, Nabers said. Im not going to put myself in any spot that I feel like Im not going to be better than what I was before. So, I dont see myself being what I was before. What I was before, what you all saw my rookie year, I felt like that was basic. I got high standards for myself. I know everybody has high standards for me also. But the standard that I hold myself to is very high. I feel like whatever that standard that I hold myself to, youll see or sooner or later.John Mara in attendanceThe Giants co-owner, who has been fighting a battle with cancer, made the trip to The Greenbrier.I believe I spotted John Mara before Giants practice today. Great to see him here! pic.twitter.com/kDcLeFYV1A Justin Penik (@JustinPenik) July 30, 2026Remaining Greenbrier practice scheduleFriday, July 31 1:30-3:30 p.m. (Open to the public)Saturday, August 1 1:30-3:30 p.m. (Open to the public)Sunday, August 2 Players day offMonday, August 3 1:30-3:15 p.m.Tuesday, August 4 1:30-3:30 p.m.Wednesday, August 5 1:30-4 p.m. (Open to the public)Thursday, August 6 1:30-4 p.m. (Open to the public)Friday, August 7 1:30-4 p.m. (Open to the public)Saturday, August 8 10 a.m. 12:30 p.m.

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - JUNE 20: Ilya Kharun of the United States reacts after breaking the U.S. Open record in the Men's 50 Meter Butterfly finals on Day 4 of the TYR Pro Swim Series Indianapolis at the Indiana University Natatorium on June 20, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Bobby Goddin/Getty Images)Bobby Goddin via Getty ImagesThe night's marquee rematch lived up to the billing in the men's 100 butterfly. A day after breaking Dressel's own U.S. Open record in the 50 butterfly, Ilya Kharun doubled up, winning once again in the 100 fly. Dressel got out first, flexing his iconic start and underwater, but Kharun caught fire over the final 15 meters to run him down and win in 50.05, the top time in the world in 2026.Dressel touched second in 50.45, still his fastest time in the event since the 2024 Olympic Trials.Dressel still owns every major record in the event world, American, U.S. Open and meet records, all set between 49.45 and 49.76. Although tonight's swim wasn't a threat to any of them, it's a sign that his form is trending upwards one again, even at age 29.Incoming Texas freshman Rowan Cox rounded out the podium in third in 50.54, posting the fastest performance by a 17-18-year-old in American history breaking Paris Olympian Thomas Heilman's National Age Group record.Here are more of the highlights from Irvine:Katie Grimes, Ryan Erisman dominate women's and men's 400 Individual MedleyKatie Grimes ran away with the title in the women's 400 IM, dropping nearly three seconds from this morning's prelims to win in 4:33.26. Her time is the fourth-fastest time in the world this year. Grimes and Bella Sims were locked together through the first 100 meters before Grimes pulled away on the backstroke. Riding a strong middle 200, she cruised to a comfortable win. Sims made the biggest move of the final, surging from sixth in prelims all the way up to second in 4:37.33. Sydney Schoeck held on for third in 4:38.68, just off her prelims time.Cal's Ryan Erisman led from start to finish in the men's 400 IM for his second win of the week. He moved up from third position in prelims to break 4:10 and take the title in 4:09.57, a big milestone in the event. Indiana's Noah Cakir held on for second in 4:13.28, just ahead of Michael Hochwalt for third.Tennessee's Mizuki Hirai blasts past field to win women's 100 butterflyWith world record holder Gretchen Walsh not entered, Mizuki Hirai, an Olympic finalist in this event for Japan, stole the show. Now swimming for Tennessee, Hirai blew past the field thanks an extremely fast second 50 to win in 57.52, a huge jump from fifth in this morning's prelims. Hannah Bellard took second in 58.27, while Erika Pelaez and Bailey Hartman tied for bronze at 58.43.Tomorrow's Schedule Day 4 (Friday, July 31)Prelims begin at 9 a.m. PT (12 p.m. ET); finals at 6 p.m. PT (9 p.m. ET), streaming live on USA Swimming's YouTube channel with finals also on Peacock.Women's & Men's 400 FreestyleWomen's & Men's 100 BreaststrokeWomen's & Men's 100 Backstroke*This story will continue to be updated

SAN DIEGO (AP) San Diego Padres right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. made a spectacular leaping catch to rob San Francisco's Rafael Devers of a three-run home run in the first inning Thursday night. Devers did get a sacrifice fly, but Tatis added on to his impressive list of home run robberies. Tatis tracked Devers' fly ball and leaped to get his glove high above the short wall in right-center at Petco Park to make the catch. He landed and tumbled onto his backside, but flipped the ball to center fielder Jackson Merrill, who tossed it into the infield. Merrill helped Tatis to his feet and patted him on the chest. Pitcher JP Sears raised his left arm in celebration.Tatis was an All-Star at shortstop in 2021 and was moved to right field in 2023, after missing the 2022 season with injuries and a PED suspension. He won the Gold Glove and Platinum Glove awards in 2023 and 2025.___AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb