Sports and Recreation

Chandler Bears gearing up for a third title run

By Zach Alvira Sports Editor The Chandler Bears have spent the last seven years dominating the youth football circuit in Arizona and the nation, winning several state titles and three at the national level. Founded in 2012 by...

Louisville “felt like home” for Chubba Purdy

By Brittany Bowyer Contributing Writer Growing up in a house full of athletes, hard work and dedication was nothing out of the ordinary for Chubba Purdy. The senior, a 4-star dual threat quarterback at Perry High School, watched...

‘No regrets’ for Hamilton as volleyball begins

By Zach Alvira Sports Editor Hamilton High School’s volleyball program has long endured success under coach Sharon Vanis. Vanis took over the program ahead of the 2005 season and has since coached the Huskies to the playoffs...

Kyrene debuting an esports league next month

SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF Young video game enthusiasts who are students in Kyrene School District will now have intramural competition to satisfy their competitive desires. Kyrene School District is hosting an esports league starting...

State cracking down on unsanctioned events

By Zach Alvira Sports Editor The Boxing & MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) Commission has been cracking down on unsanctioned combat sporting events since it was established under the Arizona Department of Gaming in 2015. The...

Community college offers personal training degree

By Zach Alvira Sports Editor Students looking to jump into a career in personal training will now have a chance to obtain a highly sought after certification at Chandler-Gilbert Community College. CGCC announced on June 24 it...

Golf, softball: Andersen siblings have it covered

By Matthew Roy Cronkite News Abby and Mason Andersen have a lot in common. They are siblings. They are star athletes at Arizona State. And, said their dad, they are best friends. “They are super close,” Richard Andersen said....

Gold’s Gym makes return to East Valley

By Zach Alvira Sports Editor It’s been nearly five years since the last Gold’s Gym location in the East Valley changed ownership and rebranded under a different name. But thanks to Jad Awale, a 29-year-old fitness enthusiast,...

Cardinals’ camps aim to enlighten Arizona youth

By Zach Alvira Sports Editor The Arizona Cardinals have long made it a priority to make a difference in the youth across Arizona through camps. Several times throughout the year, the Cardinals’ community relations department...

Former football player, Hamilton coach pens book

SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF The road from homelessness to motivational speaker took Norris Thomas through the heartache of a homeless teen and the triumph of sports-related accomplishments. Along the way was a side trip as he searched...