Frank Cusumano
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Articles by Frank Cusumano
Church's two-run homer powers Cardinals past Marlins 5-3
MIAMI — Tuesday’s Game Report: Cardinals 5, Marlins 3 It was a good night to be a lefthanded hitter for the Cardinals. Their lefthanded batters combined for six of the team’s 10 hits and drove in all five of their runs in a win over the Marlins on Tuesday night in Miami. The big hit was a two-run homer by Nathan Church in the fourth inning that turned a 2-1 lead into a 4-1 advantage.
Kelly Chase's leukemia in remission as former St. Louis Blues enforcer continues cancer fight
ST. LOUIS — Former St. Louis Blues enforcer Kelly Chase says his leukemia is in remission, offering a measure of optimism as he continues to battle serious complications from the disease and raise money for cancer research. Chase told 5 On Your Side sports director Frank Cusumano in an interview last week that his condition has improved following a 2023 diagnosis. Still, he faces significant health challenges, including graft-versus-host disease that has affected his vision and caused severe pain.
Teamwork and a miracle on the high school soccer field
CREVE COEUR, Mo. — Braden Langwith doesn't remember anything but playing in the game and waking up in the ambulance. Langwith, 17, didn’t have a pulse and stopped breathing in the middle of a soccer game in October. It could have been a tragic story, but instead, it's one about teamwork. “It’s probably the scariest thing I've ever seen in my life,” said junior varsity coach Tim Koppel.
At birth, his parents didn't know if he could use his hands; now he's a 200-average bowler
ST. LOUIS — At just 15 years old, Chase Tippetts is already a force on the bowling lanes—rolling a 285, maintaining a 200 average, and once stringing together 14 straight strikes in practice. But his most extraordinary achievement isn’t measured on a scoreboard. It began before he ever picked up a bowling ball. Chase discovered his passion early. “One day I went to a birthday party and I just loved throwing the ball down the lane and seeing it hit the pins,” he recalled.
St. Joseph's Academy tennis coach retiring after 28 years
Doug Smith has 28 years of experience as the head coach at St. Joseph's Academy. It's been a labor of love seeing young tennis players grow. Example video title will go here for this video Example video title will go here for this video To stream 5 On Your Side on your phone, you need the 5 On Your Side app. ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — St. Joseph's Academy has one special coach, who is in the stretch run of a storied career. "He does not get mad.
Maryville University's men's, women's lacrosse teams still alive in NCAA tournament
The men and women can't stop winning, and there is competition going on. Example video title will go here for this video Example video title will go here for this video To stream 5 On Your Side on your phone, you need the 5 On Your Side app. ST. LOUIS — There are only two schools in the United States that have both their women's and men's lacrosse teams still alive in the NCAA tournament. There is something magical going on at the Maryville lacrosse fields.
Mizzou's Brady Cook on trajectory to be a star QB
In general, 2024 was a down year for the region in sports – no playoffs and no real superstar seasons. However, in Columbia, Missouri, one quarterback turned into the most compelling sports figure in our area: the pride of Chaminade College Preparatory School, Brady Cook. Ask yourself this. When was the last time you saw an athlete leave the game because of an injury, go to the hospital, then return and win the game? On Oct. 19, 2024, in a game against Auburn, Cook did just that.
Missouri-born Olympic basketball player Napheesa Collier talks WNBA season, motherhood and creating a legacy
There are lots of debates in St. Louis sports. Who was better: Stan Musial or Albert Pujols? Kurt Warner or Jim Hart? Charlie Spoonhour or Rick Majerus? However, there is no debate on who is the best female basketball player of all time from St. Louis: Napheesa Collier. The 27-year-old power forward is a two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and WNBA All-Star. She had a dominating career at Incarnate Word Academy in St. Louis where she won three straight state championships. Her record was a staggering 91-3.
Macomb Township 2024 Primary Election results
Decision 2024 (WDIV) Here’s where you’ll find the 2024 Michigan Primary Election results for Macomb Township. Click here to full Michigan primary election coverage. Peter J. Lucido III(R) 00% Michigan Primary Election Results 2024 Copyright 2024 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.
Q&A with Paris 2024 Olympic runner and St. Louis native Brandon Miller
Eleven years ago, I got a phone call from a coach in the area who said I had to cover a television story on an 11-year-old track phenom. Normally, we didn’t do stories on athletes that young, but the coach insisted there was nothing “normal” about Brandon Miller's running ability. Not only was Miller the best runner in the region, but he was also the top runner in his age bracket across the entire United States.
St. Louis man planning to run 100 miles in 38 hours to raise money for study of rare disorder
Jay Murry is planning to run 1,000 laps around the Sumers Rec Center at Washington University in 38 hours. ST. LOUIS — A St. Louis area man is preparing to run a race for a good cause. Jay Murry is planning to run 1,000 laps around the Sumers Rec Center at Washington University in 38 hours. The feat of endurance, totaling 100 miles, is all to raise money for the Rett Spectrum Clinic in St. Louis Children’s Hospital, and the International Rett Syndrome Foundation.
STL Blues manager on the changing of the guard, career wins
You may disagree with some of the moves Doug Armstrong has made over the years, but no one can deny his success. As general manager for the St. Louis Blues, Armstrong has led the team to the fifth most regular season wins in the NHL during his 14-year tenure, including four of the top five regular-season point totals in team history. His 811 career wins ranks tenth of all time among NHL general managers.
We interviewed the 'fastest boy in America' 11 years ago. Now his Olympic dreams are coming true
On Sunday, he qualified for the summer games in the 800 meter, finishing third in the U.S. Olympic Team Trials and posting his fastest time ever at 1:43:97. "Every day I wake up, you know, I dream about it — being in the race, standing on the podium, getting the gold medal around my neck," the young boy told 5 On Your Side's Frank Cusumano in 2013. At 79 pounds and 4 feet, 8 inches tall, the 6th grader at Fort Zumwalt Middle School had already heard from several schools.
New SLU coach details his vision for Billikens' program
Last month, Jeff Goodman, a renowned national college basketball writer, graded the schools that hired new basketball coaches. Saint Louis University received an A-plus, largely due to SLU athletics director Chris May's decision to hire 48-year-old Josh Schertz. Only two coaches in the United States won more games than Schertz did last season. His previous team, the Indiana State Sycamores, went 32-7 and reached the finals in the National Invitational Tournament.
'Hard to believe': Man hits 2 holes-in-one at St. Charles golf course
And let it be known, Brett Combs, like all "hole-in-oners," paid for quite a celebration. ST CHARLES, Mo. — Brett Combs is a good golfer, he has a 7-handicap. But what he did five days ago, not even Jack Nicklaus or Tiger Woods has done. Bogey Hills County Club in St. Charles, Missouri, had recorded 160 holes-in-one, but they had never a day like last Sunday. At 9:48 a.m. on Sunday, Combs, 65, used a 5-hybrid club on the second hole from 175 yards away.
'Hard to believe': Man hits 2 holes-in-one at St. Charles golf course
ST CHARLES, Mo. — Brett Combs is a good golfer, he has a 7-handicap. But what he did five days ago, not even Jack Nicklaus or Tiger Woods has done. Bogey Hills County Club in St. Charles, Missouri, had recorded 160 holes-in-one, but they had never a day like last Sunday. "Went into shock phase," golfer Ben Toebben said. "It's like being in a twilight zone," Combs said. And now you're about to enter another dimension of golf.
Incarnate Word basketball coach Dan Rolfes continues to recover after heart attack
Five weeks ago, Rolfes suffered a massive heart attack right after the team's semifinal game in Columbia, Missouri. Paramedics tried to resuscitate him for 30 minutes in the parking lot and another 50 minutes at an area hospital. Rolfes was shocked about 30 times. He had damage to his liver and kidney, and two different surgeries—but he made it through. "It puts a lot of things in perspective," Rolfes said.
Blues captain Brayden Schenn talks hockey and legacy
It’s the most respected position in sports: The captain of a National Hockey League Team. There are no captains in baseball. There are multiple captains in football. But in hockey, it’s one man wearing the “C” on his jersey. These are leaders of men who make every player on the team accountable. When captains like Ray Borque, Mark Messier and Bobby Clark address the team, people listen. When a coach wants to get his message across to his team, he does it through the captain.
SLU's basketball head coach Travis Ford on the sport and life
I watched Travis Ford play for the first time in 1989. I was a young reporter, and my assignment was to go to Rupp Arena and report on the Sweet 16 at the high school state championships. Ford, who was playing for Madisonville North, had accumulated more than 26 hundred points and 700 assists during his high school career. As I watched him play that day, it looked like the ball was connected to his body. I covered Ford again when he transferred to the University of Kentucky.
De Smet freshman goes viral for 'the shot heard round Creve Coeur'
CREVE COEUR, Mo. — De Smet Jesuit High School in Creve Coeur, Missouri, became the first Catholic all-boys Jesuit high school to start an inclusive education program. It allowed a young man to have a chance to go there. We often call De Smet the "Palace on Ballas." Many great things have happened in that gym, but perhaps none better than the one authored by this 14-year-old boy with Down syndrome named Aiden Harrigan.
De Smet freshman goes viral for 'the shot heard round Creve Coeur'
Heartwarming "That was one of those things that you're not really prepared for. Just the reaction of our students is pretty awesome," Williams said. Author: Frank Cusumano Published: 6:39 PM EST February 7, 2024 Updated: 6:48 PM EST February 7, 2024 CREVE COEUR, Mo. — De Smet Jesuit High School in Creve Coeur, Missouri, became the first Catholic all-boys Jesuit high school to start an inclusive education program. It allowed a young man to have a chance to go there.
De Smet freshman goes viral for 'the shot heard round Creve Coeur'
"That was one of those things that you're not really prepared for. Just the reaction of our students is pretty awesome," Williams said. CREVE COEUR, Mo. — De Smet Jesuit High School in Creve Coeur, Missouri, became the first Catholic all-boys Jesuit high school to start an inclusive education program. It allowed a young man to have a chance to go there.
St. Louis natives, Mizzou players react to Cotton Bowl Classic win
Brady Cook, Cody Schrader and Luther Burden III all dazzled in Mizzou's win over Ohio State. ARLINGTON, Texas — The University of Missouri Tigers year ended like the season played out with the trio of St. Louis natives playing starring roles. "It's hard to put into words, but you know, what it means to me is, I mean, I'm proud of first of all, I'm proud of this the school, the fan base, my teammates, my coaches," Brady Cook said.
Frankly Speaking: Losing my best friend
ST. LOUIS — I love the Lord, my family, sports and dogs. Tonight, I am spending my last night with my best friend. That's Jackson next to me, one who has spent a lot of time at KSDK. I certainly didn't want to be without him tonight and here we are preparing for the 10 p.m. sports newscast. He's not big in stature but is a tough guy. He likes meat, watching football on the couch and picking fights with other dogs. His nickname was "Rumble." and boy, did he growl.
Blues player Jordan Binnington on life lessons, sports heroes and bringing home a second Stanley Cup
The most important hockey figure in St. Louis right now isn’t Doug Armstrong, the team president, or Craig Berube, the head coach. It isn’t even Jordan Kyrou, the most gifted player on the team. In fact, it’s another Jordan entirely – Jordan Binnington. Binnington is instrumental to the Blues’ success. They don’t have a proven back-up goaltender; it’s basically Binnington or bust. Last season, he received little to no help from his defense and had his worst season yet.
St. Louis CITY SC's defender and accountant Kyle Hiebert
ST. LOUIS — Sometimes the perception of professional athletes is fast cars and fast lifestyles. "I memorize long digits of pi, I can solve a Rubix cube some of the math games I played in high school I would still enjoy now. You know, I like scrabble. All of these things kind of make me who I am," Hiebert said. And he's not spending a lot of money on clothes at Sam Cavato either. "I'm definitely one of the more frugal guys," he said.
St. Louis City SC superstar Eduard Lowen on what makes St. Louis soccer fans so special
Twenty-one years ago, the movie “Bend It Like Beckham” was released. The film’s title refers to English footballer David Beckham’s unique curling free kick technique, also known as bending. Imagine the best curve ball you have ever seen, multiply by 10, and you have what Beckham could magically do with the ball. Fast forward to St. Louis City SC and their midfielder, Eduard Lowen, who has the ability to make a soccer ball bend like few others in the sport.
'That's my boy! That's my boy!': Mizzou kicker Luke Bauer making his family proud
GLENDALE, Mo. — Mizzou kicker Luke Bauer has always been a Tiger at heart. There are few photos of him as a toddler when he's not a Tiger, and this past Saturday, his passion came to life on the football field in a moment that his family will never forget. Bauer executed a fake punt that resulted in a 39-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Marquis Johnson—the biggest play of the game in Mizzou's XX-XX win over Kentucky. His mother, Kathy was watching at home in Glendale.
Blues' Jordan Binnington talks about 2023-24 season, success on the ice
ST. LOUIS — Jordan Binnington just turned 30, got married and he just wants to win again. He's the most important player in the St. Louis Blues franchise. There are not many paths to success unless Binnington is brilliant again. Last year, with a little help from his teammates, his save percentage was under 90% for the first time, but he's looked razor-sharp for much of the preseason. The 2019 Stanley Cup Champion hopes to get back to having success on the ice and with his team this season.
Saint Louis University hosts ribbon cutting ceremony for O'Loughlin Family Champions Center
ST. LOUIS — It's been in the works for about a decade. On Monday, a ribbon-cutting ceremony joined by donors, coaches and student-athletes was held by Saint Louis University. "We believe it puts our student-athletes and coaches in a position, unlike many in the basketball-centric space and in our community, really rallied around it," SLU athletic director Chris May said.
America's Resilience: Voice of Jack Buck offers hope after nation mourns 9/11 attacks
ST. LOUIS — It was a day that brought America to a standstill. On September 11, 2001, the nation came to a screeching halt as shocking images of terror unfolded across the country. As the world watched in disbelief, America searched for a way to heal, to come together, and to move forward. In St. Louis, known for its love of sports and unwavering patriotism, residents paused --- just like the rest of the nation.
'He's a phenom' | 85-year-old Illinois pitcher's love story with baseball spans decades
SMITHTON, Ill. — Life in Smithton moves at a tranquil pace, and it's the kind of place where everyone knows their neighbors. But more than anything else, Smithton is home to a heartwarming love story spanned over six decades. Meet Kent and Joan Weisenstein, a couple whose love story began in high school and has stood the test of time. "It all began when she needed a ride home," Weisenstein chuckles as he reminisces about their high school days.
'He's a phenom' | 85-year-old Illinois pitcher's love story with baseball spans decades
SMITHTON, Illinois — Life in Smithton moves at a tranquil pace, and it's the kind of place where everyone knows their neighbors. But more than anything else, Smithton is home to a heartwarming love story spanned over six decades. Meet Kent and Joan Wisenstein, a couple whose love story began in high school and has stood the test of time. "It all began when she needed a ride home," Wisenstein chuckles as he reminisces about their high school days.
'He's a phenom' | 85-year-old Illinois pitcher's love story with baseball spans decades
SMITHTON, Illinois — Life in Smithton moves at a tranquil pace, and it's the kind of place where everyone knows their neighbors. But more than anything else, Smithton is home to a heartwarming love story spanned over six decades. Meet Kent and Joan Wisenstein, a couple whose love story began in high school and has stood the test of time. "It all began when she needed a ride home," Wisenstein chuckles as he reminisces about their high school days.
'He's a phenom' | 85-year-old Illinois pitcher's love story with baseball spans decades
SMITHTON, Illinois — Life in Smithton moves at a tranquil pace, and it's the kind of place where everyone knows their neighbors. But more than anything else, Smithton is home to a heartwarming love story spanned over six decades. Meet Kent and Joan Wisenstein, a couple whose love story began in high school and has stood the test of time. "It all began when she needed a ride home," Wisenstein chuckles as he reminisces about their high school days.
Meet the final member of the Sansone family's football legacy
ST. LOUIS — There's an incredible tradition on Oakland Avenue. The quarterback of the St. Louis University High School football team is the final member of the family business. SLUH football has been around for 107 years. They have won 637 games and have had over 5,700 players. For almost two decades, one name has been with the program: Sansone. This year, Marco Sansone is continuing the family tradition. "Known for working hard, playing hard and just being a good teammate.
Billiken legend Jordan Goodwin is living the NBA dream
ST. LOUIS — They have been working together for 12 years, usually in a quiet gym and not too much has to be said. Pee Wee Lenard and Jordan Goodwin understand each other. "I always call Jordan my son," Lenard said. "That's my second dad," Goodwin said. Goodwin is an Althoff Catholic High School grad and left as the all-time leading scorer. He chose Saint Louis University and Travis Ford remembers his defining moment there.
St. Louis CITY SC's Megan McCormick is coaching the next generation of soccer players
ST. LOUIS — St. Louis CITY SC has nailed just about every one of their hires from sporting director to head coach to starting goalie. They work with academy teams, those coaches developing the future of CITY SC and one of those coaches has a unique story. This is Megan McCormick, one of two female coaches in Major League Soccer. McCormick is unique for a lot of reasons. For one, she graduated from Ball State University in Indiana with a degree in architecture.
Gateway Grizzlies are having fun with fans, victories this year
SAUGET, Ill. — Welcome to the Gateway Grizzlies. Something special is happening this year at GCS Credit Union Ballpark. They have packed the house and they are pounding the opposition as a first-place team. "It's awesome I mean fans are always cheering for us," one player said. "We like to win on the field obviously, but if we get our top five guys signed throughout the season we'll take that any day," General Manager Kurt Ringkamp said. The Grizzlies have eight All-Stars.
Pavol Demitra's impact on St. Louis Blues' recent draft picks
ST. LOUIS — The hockey community lost Pavol Demitra 12 years ago at the age of 36. He will never be forgotten, but for the last few weeks, he's been remembered quite a bit. The St. Louis Blues hope they drafted a few more players just like Demitra from Slovakia. Demitra was a highlight film waiting to happen. In his eight seasons with the Blues, he never scored less than 20 goals. His nearly 500 career points ranked No. 7 all-time in the team's history.
'I feel blessed': Kevin Lisch returns home after playing, coaching basketball in Australia
ST. LOUIS — Sometimes success can be traced, like if you have a father and mother who set a good example and are always trying to help their kids from day one. That child has a good chance. That is the way Kevin Lisch grew up and it's all paid off. He's lived a fascinating basketball life all over the world. He has spun his way to an incredibly successful basketball career, and now after being across the globe about 10,00 miles away, he has returned home.
'Dream come true': Former Mizzou football star joining Tigers staff
ST. LOUIS — Brock Olivo is the new Special Teams Analyst for The University of Missouri's football team. He finished his career at Mizzou first all-time in rushing yards and touchdowns. He also was the National Special Teams Player of the Year. All this out of someone who wasn't that fast, but always motivated. "I was a late bloomer, so everyone kind of passed me up. I got beat in a race one day and I went home and told my father 'Dad, this happened to me. I'm mad, I'm angry.
'Very blessed': 14-year-old Brock Bonner following father's footsteps
ST. LOUIS — Here's something that you don't see often. A 14-year-old who is 6-foot-7, dunking like he's in the National Basketball Association. This is Brock Bonner, and you might recognize that name. His father, Anthony Bonner, is the all-time leading scorer at Saint Louis University with 1,972 points. He was a first-round pick by the Sacramento Kings and is a 16-year professional. "Where he is at 14, I'm not sure I ever got to as a player," Anthony Bonner said.
'Once a coach, always a coach': Health issues can't keep 66-year-old out of the dugout
ST ANN, Mo. — "Once a coach, always a coach," Vince Misuraca said. It's a Tuesday night at the 72-year-old Athletic Boys Club Ballpark in St. Ann, Missouri. Looks like an ordinary night with kids delivering base hits and parents cheering them on in the background. But in the dugout, managing two games for about six hours is an extraordinary man named Vince Misuraca. "I am just hoping that I can be some kind of good influence," Misuraca said.
Despite 2 strokes, longtime baseball coach has no plans to leave the game
ST ANN, Mo. — "Once a coach, always a coach," Vince Misuraca said. It's a Tuesday night at the 72-year-old Athletic Boys Club Ballpark in St. Ann, Missouri. Looks like an ordinary night with kids delivering base hits and parents cheering them on in the background. But in the dugout, managing two games for about six hours is an extraordinary man named Vince Misuraca. "I am just hoping that I can be some kind of good influence," Misuraca said.
St. Louis golfer hits balls around a quarter mile far
ST. LOUIS — Bobby Ray doesn't hit golf balls, he destroys them. He's not allowed at many golf ranges in the St. Louis area. "Some big-name [ranges] I have been kicked out of a Bellerive, Norwood Hills, Algonquin. Finding a driving range is the toughest part of my job," Ray said. It's all because Ray hits golf balls a long, long way. "I've hit some golf balls close to 500 yards out in Colorado. In competition, my long right now is 446 yards, which is just over a quarter mile," Ray said.
Adam Wainwright on his career and life after baseball
I have done this job for 30 years. Adam Wainwright is the best interview I have ever had. We have probably talked 100 times. Never once has it not been either interesting, insightful, spiritual or flat-out funny. He is incapable of being dull. There are certain athletes who you can talk to for 10 minutes and you may get one 12-second soundbite. With Waino, you can talk for three minutes and get 12 soundbites. That’s why when his career ends this October, he will have his choice of broadcasting jobs.
'Bend It Like Löwen': Inside St. Louis CITY SC's goal of the year
ST. LOUIS — St. Louis CITY SC midfielder Eduard Löwen's goal on Saturday left many shocked and quickly became the talk of Major League Soccer. David Beckham is one of the greatest soccer players ever. He became famous for his ability to curve or bend his shots on the pitch. "He was iconic in his day, we will try to duplicate, replicate," CITY SC's coach Bradley Carnell said.
Cardinals, Stan Musial disagreed on pay early in his MLB career
ST. LOUIS — The St. Louis Cardinals in the early stages of Stan Musial's career barely wanted to pay anything, but that quickly changed. In 1942, Stan Musial had just completed his first full season in Major League Baseball. He led the St. Louis Cardinals to a World Series title, hit .315 and had a nearly .900 OPS. That season, he made a whopping $4,500. So when the season was over, he asked for a raise.
'We all make mistakes': Fort Zumwalt West baseball coach teaches players that umpires are human, too
O'FALLON, Mo. — Fort Zumwalt West High School is having an incredible baseball season this year. The team is 28-8, ranked third in the state and could win it all. However, what caught 5 On Your Side's Frank Cusumano's attention is not so much their pitching and hitting skills, but rather the treatment of their umpires. It was a high school scene in Texas but happens all over the country. An umpire was physically assaulted by a coach.
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