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Articles by Ben Murphy
Harrison heads for McBain Friday to open Division 7 football playoffs
By BEN MURPHY Cleaver Sports Writer The regular season went just about as well as the Harrison football team had hoped. The Hornets (7-2 overall) will now officially turn their attention to the Division 7 playoffs, as they head for mcbain (7-2) on Friday. “They are a very good football team,” head coach Jamie Lipovsky said of their round one matchup.
Mackinac Island Goes 1-1 at League Tournament
They didn’t win the tournament, but the Mackinac Island soccer team certainly made its presence felt. Saturday, October 10, the Lakers joined the Northern Lights League tournament, hosted by Munising Baptist. They opened with a resounding 8-0 win over Ojibwe Charter, then they lost in a thriller, 3-2, to Big Bay in the semi-finals on penalty kicks.
Area Schools Travel to Island for Annual Home Volleyball Tournament
The Mackinac Island volleyball team hosted their annual home tournament Saturday, October 3. The Lady Lakers took part in three matches, going 1-2 on the day. They had a solid two set win over Beaver Island, 25-13 and 25-21, but lost to Alanson 25-24 and 25-19 in a close one. Their day ended with a loss to an experienced Posen squad, dropping that one 25-14 and 25-16. “One of my players got injured in soccer a couple nights before, she was favoring her ankle a lot.
Mackinac Island Doccer Drops both Games at Potterville Tournament
The Mackinac Island soccer team made the long road drip to the Potterville Viking Tournament on Saturday, September 19. The Lakers had to battle some tough teams and unfavorable weather, dropping both of their matches, and they also lost a key player to injury in the process. They were tamed by host Potterville 6-0, and their day ended with an 8-0 setback to Lansing Sexton. “It was a great opportunity to compete and improve against talented opponents,” head coach Mike Gruits said.
Young Mackinac Island Volleyball Team Ready to Attack New Season
The Mackinac Island volleyball team kept things pretty relaxed this off-season; though they were still able to get some work in, especially when the weather was nice. “The off-season was great,” seventh year head coach Emma Motz said. “I set up the volleyball net in my yard and girls were invited to come use it and play together and bring friends.
Harrison football looks to stay focused ahead of season of potential
By BEN MURPHY Cleaver Sports Writer With as good as the Harrison football team was last year and with as much talent as they have returning, it’s no secret that they could be really, really good this fall. Tenth-year Hornet head coach Jamie Lipovsky knows that his squad has to stay locked in at the task at hand though. “They have to stay focused, that is going to be the key,” he said.
Mackinac Island Track Team had Two Members Compete at UP Finals
Two members of the Mackinac Island track and field team competed at the UP finals Saturday, May 30. Sophomore Brady Hardy competed in two events, and freshman Jenavieve Fisher competed in one, and both fared well. Hardy was seventh in the 100 meter dash with a time of 12.15, and he was 14th in the 400 meter run with a […]
Jenavieve Fisher, Brady Hardy Qualify for U.P. Track Finals
A pair of Mackinac Island track and field athletes are headed to the U.P. Finals: Jenavieve Fisher and Brady Hardy. Fisher makes it in the long jump, while Hardy will be competing in the 100-meter dash and 400-meter run, after they performed well enough at the Division 3 regional meet at St. Ignace on May 15. Hardy qualified for the […]
Harrison track teams enjoying successful early season
The Harrison track and field teams have been practicing for over a month, and they’ve already gotten a few meets in. Things have been going well for …
Predicting the 2025 Six Nations Championship
Ben Murphy · Follow 6 min read · -- Photo by Thomas Serer on Unsplash January is coming to a close and that can only mean one thing, the Six Nations Championship is upon us. In what is the 26th instalment of the competition, the top international teams in the northern hemisphere will go toe to toe for the top spot. With one eye on the Lions Tour of Australia in the summer, the players from the British Isles have plenty to play for.
A Data Driven Exploration of TV Episode IMDb Ratings
Ben Murphy · Follow 10 min read · -- Photo by Jonas Leupe on Unsplash I don’t know if it’s just the data nerd that I am, but when I’m scrolling on social media and I see a nice data visualisation, I stop and I appreciate it. No single factor outweighs the rest when it comes to capturing my attention, but colours, topic and readability covers most of it. One visualisation that always stops me in my tracks is the heat map.
Young Eaton Rapids baseball team wraps up season
Ben Murphy Contributing Writer Veteran coach Jey Zubal returned to the Eaton Rapids baseball program this spring. The Greyhounds had a 13-19 record in his first year back, as they played well despite a bit of a youthful roster. “We got better toward the end of the season,” Zubal said.
Charlotte graduate John O’Brian a two-time national champion with South Dakota State
Ben Murphy Contributing Writer (Photo provided) It is safe to say that the two seasons John O’Brian played football at South Dakota State were quite memorable. The 6’5” 300 pound right tackle was a key part of the Jackrabbit’s offensive line, a team that won back-to-back Division 1 Football Championship Series national championships. “We had won the national championship (in 2023), that emotion was pure joy,” O’Brian, a 2018 Charlotte graduate said.
Maple Valley’s Marty Martin earns regional coach of the year honors
Ben Murphy Contributing Writer (Photo Provided) Winning the program’s first league championship in 21 years is pretty much guaranteed to draw some attention. That attention turned into some coaching honors for Maple Valley football head coach Marty Martin, as he was recently named one of the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association Regional Coach of the Year. “I am deeply honored to be selected for this award,” Martin said.
Lightning using February as recovery period before playoff run
TAMPA, Fla. — With plenty of NHL games that need to be made up before the regular season ends, the league made the decision to not send players to the Olympic Games. This had an impact on multiple Lightning players and their coaching staff. Head Coach Jon Cooper was slated to coach team Canada but now has to watch the games from Florida. "It stings a bit to watch the Olympics because, you know, the bunch of us here would really love to be over there," Cooper said.
Tampa-born hockey player Nathan Smith set to play for Team USA
TAMPA, Fla. — Nathan Smith is the first Tampa-born athlete to be drafted in the NHL. The 23-year-old now plays for Minnesota State but will have a bigger logo on his chest over the next two weeks. Smith will be playing for Team USA which plays its first game Thursday morning. "It's still kind of a long shot for me, just being from Florida. And, you know, maybe just getting passed up on, you know, some somebody else that they've chosen for the team," Smith said ahead of the games.
Is Kyle Trask ready to replace Tom Brady?
With Tom Brady stepping away from football, the Bucs have a decision to make with the quarterback position. TAMPA, Fla. — The expectation when you draft a quarterback in the second round is that he will eventually take the reins of your team. However, Kyle Trask was not even the immediate backup in Tampa during his 2021 rookie campaign.
Tuesday Tips: The 10 Biggest Changes to the USAU Rules for 2022
With an even-numbered year comes a new USAU ruleset. February 1, 2022 by Ben Murphy in Opinion with comments Revolver’s Grant Lindsley, PoNY’s Matt Lemar, and observer Jonathan Monforti discuss a controversial dangerous play call in the 2018 Club Championships Men’s final. Photo: Paul Rutherford — UltiPhotos.com Tuesday Tips are presented by Spin Ultimate; all opinions are those of the author.
Ondrej Palat welcomed back to the Lightning lineup following injury
TAMPA, Fla. — At the end of the 2021 Stanley Cup title run, Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Jon Cooper made it clear that the group would not be intact like it was the previous year going forward. The team did keep hold of Ondrej Palat who has been stellar in his time on the ice this season. It's not often any player can have 12 points over their last nine games and still be under the radar, but, somehow, Palat is as he returns from injury to the Lightning lineup.
Brady and Bucs offense get ready for a Sunday shootout
Where does this season rank all-time for Brady as we head to Sunday's game against the Eagles? TAMPA, Fla. — Tom Brady is looking for his 35th career playoff win on Sunday when the Bucs play the Eagles. Having that many playoff wins comes with a lot of history. On Thursday, Tom Brady was asked if this season, the one where he's passed for over 5,300 yards, is his best one at age 44. And that includes a season where he threw 23 touchdown passes to Randy Moss in 2007.
Here's how Buccaneers wide receiver Cyril Grayson got his start
TAMPA, Fla. — There's a great line in sports: "You can't teach speed." That's what head coach Bruce Arians and the Bucs staff saw in wide receiver Cyril Grayson. It's not just opinion either, Grayson won four NCAA titles in Track and Field at Louisiana State University — a school where he competed as an NCAA athlete but not in football. "You know, it's - it's a shame he didn't play football at school," now teammate and former LSU Tiger, Kevin Minter said about Grayson this week.
Bruce Arians cleared to coach on Sunday after testing positive for COVID
TAMPA, Fla. — Editor's note: Video above is from a previous story. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Head Coach Bruce Arians cleared COVID-19/Reserve protocol on Saturday and will return to coaching duties, the team reported. Arians returns alongside WR coach Kevin Garver who was also on the reserve list with Arians. The team had scheduled assistant coach Harold Goodwin in his place on Sunday but that will no longer be necessary. Arians and the Bucs kick off against the Jets at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday.
MLB Lockout: Baseball enters its first work stoppage in more than 25 years
TAMPA, Fla. — Representatives with MLB's players' union and team owners were unable to negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement. That means the league has now entered its first work stoppage since 1994. What that means for baseball in the story below. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- It's an event that's been more than 25 years in the making.
MLB Lockout: Baseball enters its first work stoppage in more than 25 years
TAMPA, Fla. — Representatives with MLB's players' union and team owners were unable to negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement. That means the league has now entered its first work stoppage since 1994. What that means for baseball in the story below. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- It's an event that's been more than 25 years in the making.
MLB Lockout: Baseball enters its first work stoppage in more than 25 years
TAMPA, Fla. — Representatives with MLB's players' union and team owners were unable to negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement. That means the league has now entered its first work stoppage since 1994. What that means for baseball in the story below. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- It's an event that's been more than 25 years in the making.
What is it like to be a Patriots fan without Tom Brady?
TAMPA, Fla. — Life without Tom Brady as a Patriots fan has to feel different. 10 Tampa Bay Sports Anchor Ben Murphy sat down with a couple of die-hard Patriots fans here in the Tampa Bay area to discuss having Brady in their new backyard. They will be watching the game Sunday with a fond memory of what once was between the Bucs quarterback and their team. Jay Lessard of Patriots Nation of Tampa Bay says that there will be no "split fandom" when it comes to Sunday night's matchup.
Tom Brady ready to return to New England on Sunday
TAMPA, Fla. — A lot is being made of Tom Brady's return to New England, rightfully so, since he won six Super Bowl titles with the Patriots. Tom Brady however, is trying to calm the noise in regards to this week's matchup. "I'm not sure, I haven't done it yet. You're right, I've played in a lot of big games. This is a big game for our team, a big game for our guys. We had a tough loss last week. We want to get backtrack, get back to winning. You've got to do things right, right?
Club Regionals 2021: Mega-Preview (Mixed)
Breaking down every region and all your contenders. September 24, 2021 by Ben Murphy, Laura Osterlund, Patrick Stegemoeller, Scott Dunham, Isabel Cruz, Edward Stephens and Luca Serio in Preview with comments San Francisco Polar Bears’ Aaron Shi at NorCal Sectionals 2021. Photo: Rodney Chen — UltiPhotos.com The regular season and Sectionals are now behind us. We can finally get down to business.
Tampa Bay Bucs confident ahead of NFL season opener with Cowboys Original
Bucs look to become the first team in over 15 years to repeat as Super Bowl Champions. TAMPA, Fla. — Football season is back and, naturally, kickoff is where the champs play. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers face the Dallas Cowboys at 8:20 p.m. Thursday from Raymond James Stadium. Refresh this page for updates. Want to watch the game? You can stream the season opener on the Yahoo! Sports app and the Buccaneers' official app. 11:53 p.m.: A field goal ends up being the deciding factor.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers confident ahead of 2021 NFL season opener against the Dallas Cowboys
Bucs look to become the first team in over 15 years to repeat as Super Bowl Champions. TAMPA, Fla. — “We’re miles ahead of what we were last year" Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans said before the 2021 season opener. Evans, who has been adamant that this is his best training camp to date, is on the verge of setting a major Bucs' record this season. He will pass Mike Alstott for most touchdowns in franchise history if he gets 10 touchdowns this season.
'My heart was pounding through my chest': Bucs cornerback motivated by sister's Olympics performance
TAMPA, Fla. — It was a big day for Ross Cockrell at Monday's Buccaneers training camp as he collected three interceptions at practice. Byt the defensive back's quick hands wasn't the most impressive athletic feat his family had today — his sister, Anna, qualified for the 400-meter hurdle finals at the Tokyo Olympics. Ross said he was just as nervous as his sister going into her race today. "She did, she gutted it out at the end. My heart was pounding through my chest.
Bucs weather the storm during day four of training camp
TAMPA, Fla. — On a day before an off day, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers had to move practice inside for the first time this week due to rain halfway on four of training camp. The team will get a much-needed day off tomorrow, but Bruce Arians is expecting an impactful day Friday. "We have to go back and stay in spiders one more day. But again, nothing sluggish. The first 15 minutes of practice should be our best, and no drop-off whatsoever.
'We've got to get in shape:' Bucs feeling the heat on day 2 of training camp
TAMPA, Fla. — Monday's forecasted high was 93 degrees — no surprise for a July day in Florida. But, for the Super Bowl champs, the heat is something that head coach Bruce Arians says his team needs to start adjusting to sooner rather than later. BA not thrilled with how the boys are handling the heat. Says the last 30 minutes of practice each day have been less than ideal.
Former Bucs coach Monte Kiffin added to team's Ring of Honor
Buccaneers The Super Bowl-winning defensive coordinator will be the 14th person in franchise history to be inducted. Author: Ben Murphy (WTSP) Published: 5:08 PM EDT July 14, 2021 Updated: 5:08 PM EDT July 14, 2021 TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers relied on their defense heavily in the 2002-2003 Super Bowl run. The Bucs forced five interceptions in the Super Bowl against the Raiders giving the franchise its first-ever title.
Lightning GM Julien BriseBois gets emotional while speaking on Stanley Cup run
The Lightning General Manager looks back on back-to-back titles and ahead on the 2001-22 season. TAMPA, Fla. — "That's how you win the Stanley Cup," Lightning General Manager Julien BriseBois said while fighting back tears Monday when talking about this Tampa Bay Lightning roster. The statement came after he went into detail about Alex Killorn trying to play through a broken fibula in the final series against Montreal.
Lightning rally for 5 goals to take Stanley Cup Final Game 1
Lightning Nikita Kucherov scored twice, with Erik Cernack, Yanni Gourde and Steven Stamkos also finding the back of the net in Game 1. Author: Ben Murphy (WTSP), David Belleville (WTSP) Published: 10:04 PM EDT June 27, 2021 Updated: 11:11 PM EDT June 28, 2021 TAMPA, Fla. — Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final is in the books as the Tampa Bay Lightning look to become back-to-back champs. The Lightning won 5-1. Here's how it played out. Also, join in on the conversation by following us on Twitter.
New York BENT | Team News, Stats, History & More | Ultiworld
Established 2009 Based in New York, NY Personnel Roster Announcement ultiworld.com Postseason titles Sectional titles (2) 2015, 2012 Postseason appearances Regional appearances (7) 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010 Sectional appearances Italic indicates team received a bye to Regionals. (4) 2016, 2014, 2015, 2012 Championship appearances (4) 2015, 2013, 2011, 2010 New York BENT is a club ultimate team based in New York, NY.
Tampa Bay Lightning Stanley Cup Semifinals Game 5
Lightning The Bolts are looking to avoid a second home loss this series. Author: Ben Murphy (WTSP) Published: 10:58 PM EDT June 20, 2021 Updated: 10:58 PM EDT June 20, 2021 TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Lightning have not lost back-to-back games in the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs. In fact, the Bolts haven't lost back-to-back games in the playoffs since 2018. They return home Monday with a sour 3-2 loss to the New York Islanders in Game 4 on their minds.
Tampa Bay Lightning, Carolina Panthers round 2 playoff schedule
Lightning The series gets underway Sunday afternoon at 5:00 ET with game 2 following on Tuesday at 7:30 ET. Author: Ben Murphy (WTSP) Published: 11:18 PM EDT May 29, 2021 Updated: 11:18 PM EDT May 29, 2021 TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Lightning and Carolina Hurricanes will face off with rights to the Eastern Conference Finals on the line. As the reigning Stanely Cup champions skate closer to another title, the best-of-seven series begins with home-ice advantage for the Hurricanes.
Marine veteran picked as honorary Super Bowl LV captain
James Martin, who spent 15 years as a United States Marine, will be an honorary captain during Super Bowl LV. TAMPA, Fla — Before Sunday evening’s game kicks off, three front line workers from different fields will take the field as honorary captains of Super Bowl LV. One of the four is James Martin, who spent 15 years as a United States Marine. In 2013 Martin returned from his final deployment.
Report: Jaguars add offensive & defensive coordinator to the staff
Jacksonville Jaguars Urban Meyer is bringing on members to his staff with a strong NFL background according to Thursday's reports. Author: Ben Murphy Published: 6:19 PM EST January 21, 2021 Updated: 6:26 PM EST January 21, 2021 The cautionary tale has been that college coaches fail in the NFL more times than they succeed. The first steps for Urban Meyer to avoid faltering in the league is to hire a staff with an extensive background in the league.
Blog | Jaguars' GM, staff tracker
Former Falcons interim head coach Raheem Morris will reportedly interview Wednesday for Jaguars' defensive coordinator JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — General Manager January 12, 2021 First Coast News' sister station 9News in Denver is reporting that the Jaguars are interviewing Saints VP/Assistant GM of Pro Personnel Terry Fontenot today. 9News' Mike Klis reported that Fontenot had a meeting with the Broncos virtually this morning, before beginning another virtual interview with the Jaguars this afternoon.
Live Blog: Jaguars making moves in search of new GM, head coach
LIVE BLOG: First Coast Sports keeps you up-to-date with the latest individuals to interview for Jaguars GM and head coaching positions JACKSONVILLE, Fla — Following the dismissal of general manager Dave Caldwell in November, the Jaguars fired head coach Doug Marrone on January 4. Armed with the No. 1 selection in this April's NFL Draft and the fourth-most cap space heading into 2021, the two vacancies figure to be among the most coveted in the NFL.
Urban Meyer is the next head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars
Urban Meyer and the Jaguars came to an agreement Thursday for him to become the next head coach of the franchise. JACKSONVILLE, Fla — Thursday afternoon NFL Network reported that the Jacksonville Jaguars hired Urban Meyer as the 6th head coach in franchise history. “This is a great day for Jacksonville and Jaguars fans everywhere,” said Jaguars Owner Shad Khan. “Urban Meyer is who we want and need, a leader, winner and champion who demands excellence and produces results.
Tony Boselli named a 2021 Hall of Fame finalist
Will this be the year the Jaguars finally get a name in the Pro Football Hall of Fame? JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — We thought last year might've sealed the deal, Tony Boselli was left just out of the 2020 Hall of Fame class. This time around he is hoping for luck in the sunshine state during Super Bowl weekend in Tampa. Boselli is one of 15 stars who were named finalists. Peyton Manning and Charles Woodson headline the 2021 class. This is the fifth consecutive year Boselli has been a finalist.
Could Urban Meyer be Jaguars next coach? He wants $12 million
Is the expensive price tag worth it to get the three-time National Champion to Jacksonville? JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Monday afternoon Pro Football Talk & NBC Sports reported that Urban Meyer would coach in the NFL for $12 million per year. The last coach to make the jump from college to the professional ranks is Matt Rhule. Rhule's contract with the Panthers totals $8.86 million per year. Where would $12M rank in the NFL hierarchy of contracts?
Report: The Jaguars part ways with Doug Marrone
The report this morning is that the Jaguars have let go of head coach Doug Marrone JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — It might have been an unfair verdict, but it is one that needed to be fulfilled. Doug Marrone has been let go as the Jacksonville Jaguars head coach. First reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter the Jaguars have parted ways with Doug Marrone. He finishes his term with a 23-43 regular season record.
Live Blog: Jaguars making moves in search of new GM, head coach
LIVE BLOG: First Coast Sports keeps you up-to-date with the latest individuals to interview for Jaguars GM and head coaching positions JACKSONVILLE, Fla — Following the dismissal of general manager Dave Caldwell in November, the Jaguars fired head coach Doug Marrone on January 4. Armed with the No. 1 selection in this April's NFL Draft and the fourth-most cap space heading into 2021, the two vacancies figure to be among the most coveted in the NFL.
Jaguars request to interview Robert Saleh, Arthur Smith for head coach opening
While Urban Meyer rumors swirl, the Jaguars have requested to interview multiple coaches already in the NFL JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jaguars have reportedly requested interviews with multiple coaches already in the NFL, one within the division. The Chargers, Jets, Texans, Lions, Falcons and Jaguars have all asked to interview Titans offensive coordinator Arthur Smith for their head coaching vacancies. The 38-year-old Arthur Smith is one of the hottest names around the league.
Jaguars Owner Shad Khan will be more hands-on in 2021
Shad Khan says he will maintain control of the roster even when they hire a new GM this off-season. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jaguars owner Shad Khan opened his Monday press conference by saying "it was difficult but really the right thing to do" when going into detail about the firing of head coach Doug Marrone. The information we obtained Monday extended way beyond the parting of ways with Marrone.
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