As the sun rose, fans scattered across the Harold Patterson Sports Center as UTA’s men’s and women’s cross country teams placed first and third respectively in their season opener at the Gerald Richey UTA Invitational on Friday. The complex, which features baseball, football and soccer fields within it, filled its open grass with tents along the coned paths serving as a guide for runners that were competing. Families and friends from various colleges and universities across the state packed the complex, showing support throughout the route. The men's team brought home the gold with a team title, winning the invitational trophy as it secured a standout first-place finish. Notable runner Toby Eaton, a sophomore transfer, led the team 5K with a fourth-place finish with a time of 15:07.10. “Felt good, today as a team, I think we did what we wanted to do,” Eaton said. “We went out hard and fought, and I think we're going to keep on rolling this high through practice and keep training hard.” The event started with the women’s 5K at 7:30 a.m., followed by the men’s 5K. In addition to the collegiate events, the invitational featured high school teams in the University Interscholastic League Regional Meet with various varsity and junior varsity divisional events. As each race wrapped up, runners could be assisted to their respective tents to rehydrate and went on a cooldown run after competing. UTA, serving as the host for the invitational, provided on-site medical care under a tent marked with the university's name and colors. Head coach John Sauerhage was impressed with the performance of both the men’s and women's teams as they were pitted against comparable competition. He was pleased with the men’s finish, despite missing key returning runners, he said. ”Unfortunately, our two returners both had the flu this week and that kind of killed us,” Sauerhage said. “If we can get everybody healthy, eat good, and get some rest, we'll perform even better.” The women's team completed its 5K with a third-place finish. Freshman Dorcas Jepkosgei and junior Matro Jepkemboi led the way as they finished in the top five among three Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi runners. “Our top two girls ran really well. The other gals had a nice performance,” Sauerhage said. “They’re just going to have to have good days. There's a lot of good teams out there. It’s gonna take a lot of work for us to be an elite team.” Out of the freshman newcomers, Angel Sanchez and Jameson Stewart both finished in the top 25 in their first meet, both hitting sub-16-minute times. Stewart said he thought the team performed well, touching on how being around his teammates affects success. “I think we did amazing,” Stewart said. “We did a great job sticking together as a group, went out strong and stuck with it, beat some really good teams, and yeah, really proud of how we did.” The teams will head to College Station, Texas, to participate in their second competition of the season in the Texas A&M Invitational on Sept. 13. @player_z0 sports-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

The first phase of ticket sales for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including nine matches at AT&T Stadium, begins Sept. 10, with prices starting at $60 for group-stage matches. The matches are a tournament high and mark the first time the AT&T Stadium has ever hosted a World Cup game. Starting at 10 a.m., Visa cardholders who have registered will be able to join the Visa Presale Draw through Sept. 19 for a chance to purchase tickets, according to a FIFA press release. Selected customers from the draw will receive emails starting from Sept. 29, giving them a date and time slot to purchase tickets. Time slots start Oct. 1. A successful draw does not guarantee a ticket. High demand has led to FIFA rolling out the tickets in phases, giving fans numerous opportunities to buy them. The first phase will include group stage tickets starting at $60. Customers can choose between ticket categories 1-4, four being the most affordable and one the highest-priced seats. Phase 2 expects an Early Ticket Draw from Oct. 27-31. Time slots for purchase are from mid November to early December. Like the first phase, fans must apply and will be randomly selected. Phase 3 will have a Random Selection Draw that opens shortly after the official Final Draw for the FIFA World Cup 2026, allowing fans to submit applications for specific matches once most group-stage matchups are revealed. While it's unclear how expensive tickets will get, FIFA shared in the press release that prices are dynamic, fluctuating as demand increases, noting tickets for the final match will reach up to $6,730. The 2026 World Cup marks the first time three countries — U.S., Canada and Mexico — will serve as joint hosts, and the first time the U.S. has hosted since 1994. While Arlington is making its World Cup debut, Texas last welcomed the tournament 31 years ago when the Cotton Bowl hosted six matches. @diegocllazo sports-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

UTA cross country will jump-start its season by hosting the Gerald Richey UTA Invitational on Friday at the Harold Patterson Sports Center. The invitational will be held in memory of Gerald Richey, a former track and field assistant coach who mentored pole vaulters at the university for 18 years. He died at 83 in 2019. Prior to Richey’s tenure at UTA, he spent 27 years working at Arlington High School. During his career, he coached football, cross country and track. He saw two state championships, a regional championship, and 18 district championships in cross country. Going into this year's invitational, the team aims to build on last year’s success in the race, as the men’s team finished second and the women’s team finished third. Then sophomore Matro Jepkemboi secured a second-place finish with a time of 17:33.90 for the women's team, and then junior Jackson Cichon aided the men’s team with his fourth-place finish with a time of 15:09.40, according to a UTA press release. UTA, in addition to its season opener, will host the Western Athletic Conference Cross Country Championships on Oct. 31. It’s the team’s first time since 1992 to host a conference championship. Despite the decision to withdraw from the John McKenzie Invitational in August, UTA has three more competitions scheduled ahead of the WAC championships this season. The team will participate in the Texas A&M Invitational on Sept. 13 and the Arturo Barrios Invitational on Oct. 17. The Mavericks will compete in the NCAA South Central Regional on Nov. 14 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. To finish out the postseason, the team will head to Missouri, where the NCAA championships are slated to be held Nov. 22. @player_z0 sports-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

In the team’s final practice ahead of an exhibition match against Stephen F. Austin State University, volleyball head coach Tania Schatow was focused on communication. She talked one-on-one with each player and had open discussions with the team frequently. “Probably the most important part of my job is building the right culture,” Schatow said. “And that comes with open communication. I have a truly open-door policy.” Schatow, UTA’s eighth volleyball head coach and former assistant coach at Pacific University, brings a wealth of experience to the program. Her volleyball journey began in high school, where she joined the team as a sophomore. She played as a middle blocker during her four years at Louisiana State University, seeing an NCAA tournament berth each season and winning a Southeastern Conference championship in 2009. She graduated with a kinesiology degree in 2011, according to the UTA Athletics website. She traveled overseas to Belgium to gain coaching experience and develop as a player after college. Schatow returned to LSU to further her growth as a coach after spending six years overseas. In Europe, she saw notable success with her team, earning a bid to the European Volleyball Confederation cup, where some of the top teams in Europe compete. “She’s a badass,” redshirt junior Sophie Ocampo said. “I have never met anyone like her and don’t get me wrong, it’s hard a lot of the time, but you know, pressure is a privilege. And for her to be this hard on us, it’s just because she loves us and she wants us to win.” Schatow succeeded former head coach J.T. Wenger in January. Wenger resigned in December of 2024, shortly before accepting a head coach position at Gonzaga University. Wenger spent eight seasons at UTA, and solidified himself as a decorated coach after leading the team to an NCAA appearance, the university’s first in over two decades. Going into a fresh season with the intention of defending the team’s title as the 2024 Western Athletic Conference Champions, Schatow said her pillars for success consist of hard work, discipline, family and trust. “Winning will be a by-product,” Schatow said. “So I think that’s been my biggest focus, is just having us work hard, keeping our feet on the ground, and doing the work every day to get 1% better.” Building off of the culture she is wanting to create, Schatow shared a book that she and the team read: “The Energy Bus” by Jon Gordon. She said it “goes well beyond the volleyball court,” opening their eyes to how they should communicate with each other, she said. “It’s refreshing for them that I’m just very real and honest when we have conversations,” she said. “Some of them have had that, some haven’t. I think that’s been really big from a culture standpoint.” The volleyball team introduced nine new players to the roster, four of whom are freshmen. Despite the changes, the team has already reminded the conference why they were last year’s champs. Junior libero Samantha Glenn was named the WAC Preseason Libero of the Year, her first time receiving the award. Additionally, both Glenn and Ocampo were selected to the All-WAC Team, according to a UTA Athletics press release. The team will play its first home game against the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in the UNT-UTA Invitational on Sept. 13 at College Park Center. WAC play for the Mavericks will start with a home game against Southern Utah University at 1 p.m. Sept. 27. “I think that last couple of weeks have been very, very good, and a lot of different things that we’re being taught with volleyball, and I think that’s what we need for the program,” freshman outside hitter Andrea Nunez said. “I’m definitely changing and learning a lot more, and I’m so grateful for Tania. The last couple of weeks have been awesome.” @kaleivie_ sports-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

The UTA volleyball team swept the Bradley Invitational Tournament on Friday and Saturday at the Renaissance Coliseum in Peoria, Illinois. In the tournament, the Mavericks took a 3-1 win over Quinnipiac University, a 3-2 win over Bradley University and a 3-2 win over Western Illinois University. These games were the first of the regular season for UTA, and the Mavericks began with a 3-0 record. Across the first two games, senior outside hitter Jalie Tritt led the way with 27 kills, followed by Sophie Ocampo, redshirt junior outside hitter, with 17 and freshman middle blocker Sophia Krichev close behind with 16. Also in the first two matches, Krichev had the most blocks of any Maverick, with 2 solo blocks and 8 block assists, followed by Alexis Bull, redshirt sophomore middle blocker, with 1 solo and 6 assists and junior setter Mira Ledermueller with 5 assists. Junior libero Samantha Glenn got 41 digs, the most for UTA, followed by 22 for Tritt and 19 for Ledermueller in the first two games. In the final match, the Mavericks took the lead early against Western Illinois University, winning the first set 25-17 and the second set 25-15. The Leathernecks mounted a comeback, winning both the third and fourth sets 25-23. UTA pulled out with a 15-11 win in set five to clinch the tournament sweep. The Mavericks continue their nonconference slate at the Cowgirl Classic starting Sept. 4 at Legacy Center in Lake Charles, Louisiana, where they’ll play the University of Louisiana Monroe, McNeese State University and Alcorn State University. @TyRoland06 sports-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

Maverick Stadium will host high school football games for Arlington ISD on Friday nights and select Thursday nights from Aug. 29 through Nov. 6. The decision to host the games comes as UTA continues its efforts to support and connect with the Arlington community, according to a UTA press release. "We are thrilled to open Maverick Stadium to Arlington ISD this fall," Jon Fagg, UTA Athletic Director, said in the release. "High school football is a cornerstone of Texas culture, and we want to give players, families, and fans an unforgettable experience while showcasing our beautiful campus." AISD features six high schools, three of which are scheduled to play at the campus' recently updated stadium, including Martin High School, Bowie High School and Arlington High School. Arlington is slated to be the first team to play in Maverick Stadium as they take on Mesquite High School in their season opener at 7 p.m. Aug. 29. With high school football being a cornerstone of Texas, Fagg said he hopes hosting AISD games will inspire young athletes and strengthen UTA’s connection to the city of Arlington. Game attendees will also get to experience Maverick Stadium’s recently upgraded scoreboard, which was installed in February. This isn't the first time AISD has used Maverick Stadium for events. In 2024, the stadium hosted the Dean Corey Marching Extravaganza, which was previously held at Lamar High School until it could no longer seat all guests. The Maverick Stadium’s uses have come and gone, but it has stood firm as the home of UTA’s track and field team since its opening in 1980. Along with the scoreboard, the track itself also received a renovation. @diegocllazo sports-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

From gospel yoga to full-body workouts, Arlington residents can attend Epic Fit Fest 2025, a weekend experience filled with fitness and wellness from Friday to Sunday at the Loews Arlington Hotel. Black Girl Fit is hosting its second annual Epic Fit Fest, which invites attendees of all ethnicities and sizes to work out in a safe and comfortable environment, co-founder Kristi Andrew said. Attendees can choose from one of three passes, ranging from a one-day pass to a three-day VIP option that includes exclusive amenities, according to the event website. Andrew said attendees aren't limited to a certain schedule or workouts. Guests can build their own experience by choosing when to arrive and what classes to take, allowing them to train in a way that fits their lifestyle. “We actually do curated fitness events, so we're not just trying to do workouts. We’re trying to do fun workouts in fun and different places to make people enjoy exactly what they're doing,” Andrew said. This year's event is expected to feature 16 instructors, who will lead a variety of classes across different fitness zones, including cycling, yoga, strength training, glutes, dance and high-intensity interval training, according to the Arlington Convention and Visitors Bureau website. Alongside the workouts, more than 60 vendors will showcase health and wellness products. The event will also feature Epic Conversations, a mental health panel with New York Times best-selling author Sarah Jakes Roberts. As a pharmacist, Andrew said she believes mental health is as important as physical well-being and wanted to set aside time to have a conversation about mental health and the role it plays in a person's health journey. “We’ve been focusing on health as a whole, and that of course starts with the fitness journey, but of course it also encompasses being internally healthy,” she said. “Not just physically, but spiritually and mentally.” Andrew and LaTosha Duffey, a former UTA basketball player, co-founded Black Girl Fit and created Epic Fit Fest to combat the health disparities people of color face, which Andrew said often stem from lack of access and inclusion. “We wanted a place where people feel comfortable letting their hair down, maybe not necessarily being a size two, maybe being able to take their wig off and to basically have no barriers to get in the way for their health,” she said. Last year's event drew 500 participants as a one-day event at The Epic Grand Lawn in Grand Prairie, Texas. With the expansion to three days and a new venue, attendance is expected to more than double. “I think people had a really good time last year. They came out and understood and saw what we’re about and we’re doing. Also, this year it’s a lot more,” she said. @diegocllazo sports-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

Fans erupted into repeated chants of “Beltré!,” reminiscent of those he drew during his playing days, as the Texas Rangers unveiled Hall of Famer Adrian Beltré’s honorary statue Friday at Globe Life Field. The figure, depicting Beltré in his iconic kneeling follow-through, puts the former third baseman in a select group of Rangers legends to be forever memorialized in bronze, including fellow Hall of Famers Ivan Rodriguez and Nolan Ryan. The statue, located outside the ballpark near the Northeast Plaza entrance, was designed and sculpted by Mike Tabor and recognizes a career defined by many unforgettable moments. The announcer for the Texas Rangers, Chuck Morgan, introduced Beltré as not only a great player in Rangers history, but as one of the greatest to ever play the game, with Beltré’s statistics and accolades backing that sentiment. In 21 Major League Baseball seasons, Beltré racked up five Gold Gloves, four Silver Sluggers, four All-Star appearances and is one of 33 players to be part of the elusive 3,000-hit club. Despite reaching heights many players can only dream of, when it came time to give a speech, Beltré remained humble and thankful for the opportunity to play in a Rangers jersey. “I don’t know if I’m worthy of this. One thing is for sure, I know I’m grateful and I’m glad to always be a Ranger,” Beltré said. Ray Davis, managing partner and majority owner of the Rangers, recalled the effect Beltré had on the winning culture the team was working to cultivate day after day. “Adrian was a tremendous ballplayer, but on top of that, he was a tremendous leader,” Davis said. “Today I see Ian [Kinsler] and Elvis [Andrus] here, but I used to call it the Beltré stare. Beltré was a leader because all he had to do was look at somebody if they messed up, and they knew they messed up, and they changed.” As a testament to the person he was, former teammates of Beltré’s were present to support him, including Shin-Soo Choo and Rangers Hall of Famer Elvis Andrus. Andrus rubbed the statue’s head, paying homage to their playing days when Beltré would avoid getting his head rubbed at any cost, going as far as running away or playfully telling Andrus off, similar to how an older brother would. Beltré’s impact extends further than Arlington. While leaving the unveiling, Beltré stopped to greet fellow co-founder and CEO of Baseball United, the first professional baseball league in India, Kash Shaikh, who said it felt surreal to see Beltré get a statue. Shaikh said he and Beltré were in a board meeting over Zoom joking with each other when he took a moment to reflect on how iconic Beltré is as a player and how great he is as a person. “I had the honor of watching him get inducted into the baseball Hall of Fame, and now to see this statue was pretty special,” he said. This unveiling meant a lot to many, but for lifelong Rangers fan and Arlington resident Colton Benge, it’s more than bronze — it’s a reminder of the joy Beltré brought to Arlington and the Rangers. “He was a great captain and a role model for the team, and on top of that, he just brought a lot of laughter and fun to the teammates and to the fans, which made it really easy to root for him and root for the team,” Benge said. Along with the funny moments, Benge said his favorite Beltré moment was when he hit a walk-off homerun in 2013 to complete a sweep of the Los Angeles Angels. Benge said if he had the opportunity to speak with Beltré, he would ask him about that game and thank him for all the memories. @diegocllazo sports-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

The UTA women’s golf team finished third in the Jayhawk Invitational on Aug. 25 at The Jayhawk Club in Lawrence, Kansas. The team combined to post scores of 309-305-299 and finish 49-over-par. The meet, hosted by the University of Kansas, was the first of the 2025-26 season for the Maverick golf program. In the summer, the Women’s Golf Coaches Association named sophomore Tarini Bhoga and senior Nitisha Manikandesh to the All-American Scholar Team. This was Manikandesh’s second time receiving the recognition, according to a UTA press release. Bhoga led the way as she shot 71-76-75 on her way to a 6-over-par for the weekend and a sixth-place overall finish in the competition. In round three, she had two birdies and 12 pars by the end of the invitational. Senior Kamri Gabel finished in 14th, six strokes behind Bhoga. Manikandesh finished in 19th, with a 14-over-par score for the weekend. Graduate student Salome Arango Marin and redshirt senior Chandler Browning rounded out the performance by UTA, with 27th-place and 34th-place finishes respectively. The team competes again Sept. 23, when the team will participate in the Red Raider Invitational at The Rawls Course in Lubbock, Texas. The Mavericks will compete in three more tournaments: the Golf Iconic Classic starting Oct. 13 in Las Cruces, New Mexico; the Diamante Intercollegiate starting Oct. 19 in Little Rock, Arkansas; and the Bear Brawl on Oct. 28 in Waco, Texas. @TyRoland06 sports-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

Chuck Morgan, Texas Rangers’ public address announcer, said when he came to Arlington to be a part of the Rangers, it had a great feel. “I just really fell in love with the area and fell in love with the ballpark and just thought it was the right thing to do, and it just turned out, having been here now for over 40 years, it was the right decision to make,” Morgan said. Over the years, the team has achieved monumental feats and carved its place in Major League Baseball history, including a World Series win from three appearances, six MVP awards, dozens of Silver Slugger and Gold Glove winners and has hosted two All-Star Games. As for the city, Arlington has firmly established itself as a sports hub for decades. Fans can grab a drink at Texas Live and walk across the street to Globe Life Field – all part of the atmosphere that defines a night out at the ballpark. Arlington has stood out nationally, serving as home to some of Texas’ most well-known theme parks and three professional sports venues. Since 1972, the Rangers have become a cornerstone in the city by blending innovation with tradition. One of the clearest examples of that blend is the complete repurposing of the Rangers’ former home, Choctaw Stadium, which is now strategically managed behind the scenes by REV Entertainment. The company is no stranger to the Rangers franchise. Formerly Rangers Enterprises and Rangers Events, the company has maintained a working relationship with the team for over a decade. It became REV Entertainment in 2017 and took over operations at Choctaw Stadium in 2021. “We made a promise to the city that we were going to do everything we could to continue to operate the venue and run content through there, and make sure people could still visit the stadium,” said Jared Schrom, REV Entertainment senior vice president. Updates to the facility have only ramped up since REV Entertainment took the reins of Choctaw Stadium. Following $7.8 million invested into the west side retail development, the stadium is now undergoing over $4.2 million in additional renovations, including public safety developments, parking improvements and a storefront for the Arlington Police Department. Choctaw Stadium offers a multitude of experiences outside of the sports realm, including classic stadium food, storefronts with restaurants and gift shops such as Lone Star Dry Goods and Lucchese Bootmaker. The stadium even offers private and shared office spaces with Spark Arlington. Regardless of the time of year, the stadium buzzes with an unprecedented amount of catered activities. Even when teams such as the United Football League’s Arlington Renegades are out of season, they are still in and out of the facility, Schrom said. Choctaw Stadium currently hosts the Renegades and North Texas Soccer Club, which is home to FC Dallas’ reserves. It will also host the Catholic Charity Bowl on Sept. 13. Previously, it was the home to the Dallas Jackals, a Major League Rugby team that withdrew from the stadium after it ceased operations in 2024 amid ownership uncertainty. While the Renegades’ 2026 season is slated to remain at Choctaw Stadium, North Texas Soccer Club, which won the 2024 Major League Soccer NEXT Pro Cup, will depart from Arlington following its 2025 season. The club is set to move to Mansfield Stadium, which is expected to open in the summer of 2026. Choctaw Stadium may no longer echo with the crack of a ball hitting a Rangers bat, but it still holds deep ties to its past. To many, it’s more than just a building; the stadium is a landmark of historical and personal moments. Former Arlington Mayor Richard Greene said its design was a tribute to the history of American baseball. Arlington is one of the few cities able to say it houses a Major League Baseball team, owing much of its national identity to the sport, Greene said. Even with the former mayor playing a key role in the construction of the stadium, originally known as The Ballpark in Arlington, he said it was the people of Arlington who ultimately pushed the project across the finish line. “The actual credit for all of this happening is to the forward-thinking, optimistic people of the community who, when asked to approve the partnership between the city and the Rangers, they show up in record numbers and say, ‘Yes, we want to do it,’” Greene said. @kaleivie_ sports-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

The Texas Rangers (66-66) won 5-0 against the Cleveland Guardians (64-65), shutting them out for the second time to sweep the series Sunday at Globe Life Field. Texas Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said they’ve needed wins, and this was a good bounce back from the away series they lost against the Kansas City Royals. The series sweep marked the Guardians’ eighth of the season, dropping them back below the .500 for the first time since July 29. For the Rangers, the sweep brought them back to .500, building momentum from their 10-0 shutout in the second game of the series Saturday. The Rangers added a 10th player to their injured list, placing second baseman Marcus Semien on the 10-day with a foot injury. Meanwhile, outfielder Adolis García returned to the outfield this weekend after being sidelined with a left ankle sprain. The Rangers started pitcher Merrill Kelly, whom they acquired on the final day of the trade deadline in July. Kelly made his fifth start with the Rangers since leaving the Arizona Diamondbacks, and is among the quality and experienced pitchers the Rangers have acquired to enhance their earned run average, which is currently the highest of any team in Major League Baseball. In his seven innings on the mound Sunday, Kelly found six of his eight strikeouts by the top of the fourth. Additionally, he recorded two walks and a pickoff on first while only giving four hits. Danny Coulombe took the mound for a single inning, and Kelly received a standing ovation on his way off the field. “I take a lot of pride in the fact that these guys did trade for me,” Kelly said. “I feel like games like today are one of the reasons why, just to add some more stability to the rotation and continue just the depth down the line.” The Rangers struggled to capitalize early and had left four on base by the top of the fourth inning, three of which were walks. In the bottom of the fourth, the Rangers opened the scoring with a two-run home run from first baseman Rowdy Tellez, whom the Rangers acquired from Triple-A Round Rock in July, scoring Adolis García. “He clutched up quite a few times as he’s come up here. I think he’s done a nice job at first base too,” Bochy said. “He’s a really good clubhouse guy, good teammate, guys have a lot of fun with him.” The Rangers continued to carry momentum in the fourth, finding two more runs from a RBI single produced by center fielder Wyatt Langford to run in second baseman Ezequiel Duran and third baseman Josh Jung, which forced the Guardians' second pitching change in the inning. The Rangers have had a notable offensive series against the Guardians, forcing constant changes in the diamond and getting 17 on base. Cleveland had six different pitchers on the mound and several fielding changes and subs throughout the game. In the seventh inning, designated hitter Joc Pederson smashed a right field home run to bring the score to 5-0. The homer was Pederson’s sixth of the season. The Rangers held the lead through the end, finalizing the series sweep. They'll face Cleveland once more to close out the regular season on the road in September. With a quick turnaround, the Rangers will open their home series against the Los Angeles Angels on Monday at Globe Life Field. The series is available to stream on Rangers Sports Network. @kaleivie_ sports-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

With the fall semester in full swing, UTA sports return with volleyball, golf and cross country. The Dallas Wings will also finish out their season at College Park Center. Volleyball UTA volleyball began its season with an exhibition match against Stephen F. Austin State University on Saturday in Nacogdoches, Texas. The team will begin conference play against Southern Utah University on Sept. 27 at College Park Center. Under the new leadership of head coach Tania Schatow, the team is looking to build upon its previous season's success, which boasted a 29-3 season record and a perfect 16-0 in conference play. Women’s golf The women's golf team starts its fall season with the Jayhawk Invitational hosted by the University of Kansas, playing a 36-hole match Sunday. The team will participate in five events during the season, all away from campus. In the spring, UTA finished fifth in the Western Athletic Conference championship, with now senior Nitisha Manikandesh and sophomore Tarini Bhoga finishing in the top 10 for the match. The two were also named 2024-25 Women’s Golf Coaches Association All-American Scholars in the summer, Manikandesh’s second time winning the award. Men’s golf The men's golf team tees off with the Whirlwind Invitational, where it will start its fall season with a match against the University of Southern California on Sept. 8. The team will participate in two more invitationals and one classic, finishing the season out with the Saint Mary’s Golf Invitational. The final match is set to be played on Oct. 22 in Monterey, California. In the Western Athletic Conference championship last season, the Mavs finished in eighth place, with a +70 above par scoring in the team competition. Cross country The cross country team starts its fall season hosting the Gerald Richey UTA Invitational on Sept. 5 at the Harold Patterson Sports Center. The team will have three additional meets before the WAC championship, which will be the first cross country championship UTA has hosted since 1992. Dallas Wings The Wings will play three more home games for their season. The team will play Sunday and Wednesday and will end the 2025 schedule Sept. 11 at College Park Center. @tracysansomjr sports-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

Campus Recreation kicked off the fall semester with its annual Rec Fest Tuesday at the Maverick Activities Center, bringing students and staff several activities, prizes and opportunities to get to know different organizations. The event had tables set around the gym where students could learn about the organizations and clubs available across campus, from sports to science and books. Outdoors, different courts contained games like mini-golf, lumberjack throw, Connect Four, a mechanical bull and bounce houses. Josh Hale, Campus Recreation assistant director for UTA sports programs, was pleased with Rec Fest’s new touches this year. “We added the mechanical bull, we figured that would be a good hit,” Hale said. “Then out on the outdoor courts, we’ve got a number of different things, the big thing students love is tie-dye, that’s something that we live by.” After playing one of the inflatable games, exercise science junior Eadie Edwards said she was surprised to see such a big turnout and plans to continue supporting intramural sports from the sideline. “It forces you to get out of your comfort zone,” Edwards said. The tie-dye station was one of the main attractions at the event. Students were given UTA Campus Recreation shirts and had the option to dye them with a variety of colors to their liking. Special education freshman Teyah Watts helped work the tie-dye station and encouraged her peers to participate and dye their shirts. “This is my first year too, so I’m attending a lot of these and they’re actually really fun, so I recommend everybody to come to all of them,” Watts said. Mechanical engineering freshman Prescott Williamson said he enjoyed the event despite thinking he would not be interested initially. He noted the lively environment and multitude of organizations. “It's really active,” Williamson said. “A lot of people came up to me asking if I wanted to join.” @tdreevess @diegocllazo sports-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

Musician and actor Miles Caton, middle, smiles with Natalia Bryant, left, NBA star Kobe Bryant’s daughter, during a Dallas Wings game against the Indiana Fever on Aug. 1 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. Caton was recently casted as Sammie Moore in the film “Sinners.”

Despite efforts, the Dallas Wings (8-20) came up short in a tightly contested 88-85 loss against the Atlanta Dream (16-11). Wings guard Haley Jones made her second appearance in the starting lineup since rejoining the team earlier in July, and did not disappoint. She recorded three assists, three rebounds and 12 points, including a 37-foot 3-pointer with the shot clock expiring to put the Wings ahead during the final stretch. Wings rookie guard Paige Bueckers said since the all-star break, the Wings have improved their offensive movement and changing sides of the floor, which helped the team get open looks and read defenses. The game was back-and-forth from beginning to end and physical throughout. Dream center Brittney Griner was ejected one minute into the third quarter, which would only heighten the intensity of the game. Dream guard Allisha Gray scored 15 points and seven assists. Dream forward Naz Hillmon also came up big time for the team with 21 points, shooting 5-7 from range. To top off her performance, Hillmon sealed the game with a 3-pointer to put the Dream ahead with 2.6 seconds left in the game. The Wings faced a seven-point deficit late in the third, when the game started to get away from them. Despite their resilience, the team could not claw its way back into the game. The Wings’ defense was somewhat disorganized down the stretch which led to multiple 3-point attempts for the Dream. “In defense we need to be tougher, especially in the final stretch when it’s a tight game, but also the first half was not our best defensive half,” Wings Luisa Geiselsolder said. “I think we need to start more aggressive and not just wait for them to be aggressive.” In the fourth quarter, Wings guard Arike Ogunbowale hit a mid-range shot to tie the game at 85 apiece, sending the crowd into a frenzy with 21 seconds left on the clock. As a team, the Wings made 50% of their field goals and shot 50% from three. Bueckers led the team in scoring with 21 points and seven assists. She took over late, electrifying the arena with multiple shots made while being fouled and adding a 3-pointer in the final minutes of play. Head coach Chris Koclanes said he was proud of the team’s growth and resilience but knows they need to capitalize more. The offense is in a better place, and they need the defense to match the standard, he said. The Wings look to bounce back as they return to the American Airlines Center to host a home rematch against the Indiana Fever at 6:30 p.m. Friday in Dallas. The game will be available to stream on ION and League Pass. @tdreevess sports-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

As a little kid, Dana Collins said the heat at the Texas Rangers games was one of those things that fans were forced to endure. Nowadays, Irving resident Collins, 42, praises the experience in Globe Life Field, calling it “night and day” compared to The Ballpark in Arlington. While he enjoyed his time at the old ballpark, he said he likes that the new one keeps his family out of the heat. “It was good for me to kind of suffer through those things,” he said. “But that doesn't mean that I can make that a family experience all the time.” As the summer nestles itself into Texas’ typical triple-digit temperatures, the Arlington Entertainment District bustles with sports fans. Two ballparks stand a block apart, one a testament to the past, the other, a nod to the future. “When that park opened in 1994, nothing had ever been built like that in Arlington,” said John Blake, Rangers historian and senior adviser. “It was such a source of civic pride. It put us on the map nationally.” Originally designed to look older than it was, The Ballpark in Arlington was destined to lead the Rangers into the future, but struggles with the Texas heat turned some fans away. Soon, a new stadium was built, where the faithful could watch games regardless of the temperature. When the weather was right, the Rangers were the spotlight of the city, bringing in tens of thousands of fans per homestand. Over the years, the team has called three different Texas stadiums home under seven different names, each one building on the franchise’s legacy. When The Ballpark in Arlington opened, it was met with praise and applause. The MLB held the 1995 All-Star Game in Arlington’s backyard, and fans from across Dallas-Fort Worth and the United States flocked to see the ballpark. However, Texas weather won out in the end. Blake recalled a reporter checking the thermometer during a match leading up to the All-Star game – it read a blistering 120 degrees on the field. The game itself was no cooler, with over 50,000 fans dripping like popsicles. “We also had an old-timers game scheduled, and it was so hot that the old-timers only would play one inning,” he said.“After the first inning, they said, ‘we're done, it’s too hot out here.’” In the 2024 All-Star Game, hosted in the Globe Life Field, temperatures reached just shy of 100 degrees outside the air-conditioned stadium. Inside, the climate felt like a comfortable 74 degrees. Former Rangers catcher Jim Sundberg, who played in the original 1972 ballpark, said that The Ballpark in Arlington was a big upgrade, but Globe Life Field is even better. “A lot of people like [The Ballpark in Arlington], but it was just way too hot,” he said. The amenities at Globe Life Field play a big role in the experience, with staggered seating for optimal spectating and a 360-degree view of the field, Blake said. Not to mention the retractable roof, which shields the crowd from elements and amplifies their cheers into a deafening echo. While the move across the street was deemed necessary, the Rangers made every effort to memorialize the historic moments that fans hold dearly. So much so, they kept the old stadium alive and turned it into a multi-purpose conglomerate. Nods from the past are shown on each corner at Globe Life Field. Fan favorite players that left a legacy with the franchise, monumental achievements and even fun callbacks to simpler times. Chuck Morgan, executive vice president of Ballpark Entertainment, promotions, production and announcer for the Rangers, said fans would talk about the heat at every outdoor stadium the team has had. Aside from the heat that caused daily technical issues, the memory of the ballpark, now called Choctaw Stadium, rings throughout the rafters at Globe Life Field in honor of its impact on not just Rangers’ baseball, but the city of Arlington. “They’ll talk about how hot it was over there,” Morgan said. “A lot of folks who went to Arlington, sitting in those aluminum bleachers out in the outfield, how hot that was. They burned the backs of their legs on those bleachers, but most of it’s all good, they’ve all good memories over there.” @kaleivie_ @wall035203 sports-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

The Dallas Wings (7-19) suffered a crushing 106-80 defeat to the Las Vegas Aces (13-13) Sunday at College Park Center. This game drew the attention of the retired Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt. The crowd erupted as he appeared on the big screen. Coming off a narrow 86-76 loss to the Golden State Valkyries, the Wings returned home in hopes of adding an eighth win to the season. However, after its loss to the Valkyries, Wings rookie guard Paige Bueckers was the first player in WNBA history to record over 350 career points and over 100 career assists in the first 20 games. Coming into this game, the Wings were without two of their key players: Bueckers, who was out on rest, and forward Myisha Hines-Allen, one of the more experienced players on the team. Forward Maddy Siegrist also remained out of play due to a knee injury suffered earlier in the season. The Wings started slow as the Aces took a 9-2 lead over them early in the first quarter. With the help of Wings guard JJ Quinerly, the team ended the first stretch tied 27-27. For the Aces, guard Jackie Young took over the first quarter, scoring 14 points, went 4-5 on 3-pointers and had a dominant half against the Wings' defense. Early in the second quarter, the Wings took a 31-29 lead over the Aces, but was short-lived with costly turnovers and fouls. The team attempted to pull back ahead, but the Wings were down by 12 points at the end of the half. The Wings struggled to find their rhythm in the third quarter, missing key shots which allowed the Aces to surge ahead and build a commanding lead. “They got way too many 50/50 balls tonight compared to what we did,” Wings guard Haley Jones said. “So, I think that we can just learn from them. They’re a championship team.” Aces forward Kierstan Bell, Young and guard Jewell Loyd were on fire. The trio recorded 63 points for the team and finished with a combined 20-33 from the field. The bench was where the Wings clicked, as center Teaira McCowan and Jones put on a dominant performance. Jones finished the game with more than 10 points and McCowan finished the game with a season high in points and rebounds. “I’m pretty proud of myself, I mean, it’s what I do,” McCowan said. “It’s what I’ve been doing my whole entire career, so I just went out there and showcased it today.” Trailing 73-58 entering the fourth quarter, the Wings attempted a comeback but ultimately fell short. The Wings return with a back-to-back home game set to play the New York Liberty at 7 p.m. Monday at College Park Center. The game will be available to stream on ESPN. “We’re just going to continue to tinker where we need to,” head coach Chris Koclanes said. “Paige wasn’t in the lineup, so there’s somebody missing that is a spark, but we’ll continue to make sure we’re doing everything we can to have the best combinations out there to give us the best chance of winning.” @tracysansomjr sports-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

Robert “Snake” LeGrand, a former UTA men’s basketball head coach well known for his extensive kindness and ties to the community, died at 81 Saturday in Arlington. LeGrand, nicknamed “Snake” for his gliding movements on the court, was a decorated coach with high school and collegiate experience. But his legacy does not end at the court. He was a father, a mentor, and to many, a friend who led with compassion and care. Ricky French, a longtime friend and former vice principal of the high school LeGrand’s son attended, said the coach always cared for others and never treated anyone like a stranger. French recalled a trip to the 2012 Olympics in London, where even overseas, LeGrand ran into people whose lives he had touched. “That’s just the kind of guy he was, you know,” French said. “When he was your friend, trust me, he was your friend. He had your back.” LeGrand initially joined UTA as the assistant head coach of the UTA men’s basketball team. As head coach from 1976 to 1987, he left a lasting legacy and helped open doors for those who followed. Under LeGrand’s leadership, UTA recorded its first 20-win season and saw its first National Invitation Tournament in 1981. He also helped lay the foundation for the university’s wheelchair basketball program, originally known as the Freewheelers before becoming the Movin’ Mavs, according to a UTA press release. Through highs and lows, Snake left his mark not only on the basketball program but on the state of Texas. He was the first Black head coach in Texas NCAA Division I and UTA history, while being the first coach to reach 100 wins at the university. “He just exemplified everything that athletics is supposed to teach you,” French said. Before UTA, LeGrand attended three colleges. He first enrolled at Central State University but left after a year to join the Air Force. After his discharge in 1967, LeGrand returned to school at St. Mary’s University, where he played basketball and earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and government. LeGrand graduated from St. Mary’s University in 1970 and earned a master’s degree in counseling from Southwest Texas State University, now known as Texas State University, in 1974. He was inducted into St. Mary’s Men’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 1987. He spent the latter years of his career as a counselor at Lamar High School in Arlington. After more than a decade, he retired but stayed busy running a T-shirt business, Sports N Goods 4 U. LeGrand became a regular at J. Gilligan’s after his time at UTA. Owner Randy Ford, who first met him there, said LeGrand always arrived with a group of friends. “He was always just so full of life, he was always happy,” Ford said. “ I don’t know that I ever saw him at Gilligan’s in a bad mood. He knew everybody.” LeGrand was a beloved figure at J. Gilligan’s, where photos of him hang around the bar and grill. Just the mention of his name would bring people to a smile. His impact is duly noted in the history of Arlington. He is survived by his wife, Gloria LeGrand, his children Brian, Chris, Bobby, Aurice, Lisa, Brianna and 10 grandchildren. “He was a wonderful ambassador for UTA and our athletics programs and a pillar within this community,” said Jon Fagg, UTA director of Intercollegiate Athletics, in a press release. “We will greatly miss having him around the College Park Center and his spirit and legacy will live on for generations to come.” @kaleivie_ sports-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

Returning from the All-Star break, the Texas Rangers opened the second half of the regular season with a 2-0 win against the Detroit Tigers on Friday at Globe Life Field. The Rangers went into the break with a 2-1 series win against the Houston Astros. The team holds a third-place standing in the American League West and is pegged at 17th in the MLB. Over the break, history was made at the T-Mobile Home Run Derby, with Cal Raleigh being the first ever catcher to win a derby Monday in Atlanta, Georgia. The following day, the MLB showcased the league's finest in the 95th annual All-Star Game on Tuesday. Rangers pitcher Jacob deGrom, the team’s lone nomination, earned his fifth All-Star nod but did not take to the mound in his first as a Ranger. Ahead of the trade deadline, the Rangers sent pitcher Dane Dunning to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for pitcher José Ruiz and cash considerations. Ruiz was optioned to Round Rock Express following the deal. The Rangers leaned on their minor league affiliates to manage their 40-man roster before their opening game against the Tigers. The team selected contracts for Round Rock Express first baseman Rowdy Tellez and infielder Cody Freeman after outfielder Sam Haggerty was placed on the 10-day injured list. Defensive efficiency defined the early innings of the game, as both teams managed only four combined hits and stranded five runners over the first four innings. Pitching was the definitive doorstop for halting both teams’ offenses. The opening pitchers recorded six strikeouts each, with the relievers adding several to total 18 strikeouts throughout the game for both teams. “I can’t say enough about what our pitching did tonight, it’s a tough lineup and well-played game, but it’s good to get off to a start like this,” Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said. The earliest action for the Rangers came from an error produced by Detroit’s shortstop Javier Báez, which allowed Rangers catcher Kyle Higashioka to reach third and catcher Jonah Heim to first. Both were left on base after a strikeout from shortstop Corey Seager ended the third inning. Approaching the final stretch, Seager drove it down center field to net a double RBI in the bottom of the eighth that landed him at second base. A flyout by second baseman Marcus Semien left Seager on base and ended the inning 2-0. The Tigers looked for a hole in the Rangers' defense in their final at-bats in the top of the ninth, but a groundout and two strikeouts by reliever Robert Garcia earned him the save and a Ranger win. “It’s good for these guys, we’re doing some good things here offensively,” Bochy said. “Didn’t score a lot of runs today, but when you get to that mark, you keep losing that one game to get you [over .500]. These guys should feel good about it.” The Rangers resume their nine-game homestand with the mid-series match against the Tigers on Saturday at 6:05 p.m. at Globe Life Field. The team will only see one off day during their trio of series. Streaming for the series is available on Rangers Sports Network and Victory+. @kaleivie_ sports-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

The Women’s Volleyball Nations League wrapped up its final week of preliminaries with a 3-2 loss for No. 8 Team USA against No. 5 China on Sunday at College Park Center. China snapped Team USA’s five-game run while extending its own to four. The victory marked China’s ninth win in the 2025 VNL. With multiple core rotation changes and several new players on the roster, Team USA faced tribulations early in the preliminary round. After rallying in week two, the team finished week three 3-1 and closed out the phase with seven wins in 12 matches. “Obviously when you make changes, you expect maybe the flow to change a little bit,” head coach Erik Sullivan said. “I thought our players did a good job of staying in our systems and competing real hard.” China stumbled early in the game, letting Team USA quickly take control and win the first two sets. Miscommunication and errors put China in an early hole. The U.S. used its size and power to overwhelm China with strong serves and aggressive net play, deepening China’s early deficit further. By set three, Team USA had conditioned China to expect heavy spikes, creating gaps in coverage that allowed well-placed dinks to land. However, China looked refreshed after the break and cut down on errors. They took the next two sets to even the match, but Team USA held firm as they battled through the fifth set in search of a win. Setter Rachel Fairbanks said China has a unique play style compared to other teams they recently faced. Even with scouting, she said it's up to them to compete against every team. Point-defining blocks and diving saves fueled a back-and-forth battle, drawing shouts from fans with each rally. The arena shook with energy as the match reached a fever pitch. With the fifth set tied at 16, China gained the upper hand and drove in the dagger that sent Team USA into the final plunge to end the set 18-16. Women’s VNL play ramps up for the final week as Team USA and 17 other national teams head into the elimination round in Łódź, Poland. The quarterfinals begin July 23 with the semifinals starting July 26 and the finals happening the following day to wrap up the week. The quarterfinals opening game will have Team USA challenge defending champions No. 1 Italy. The elimination bracket match-ups are available to view on Volleyball World, with all matches set to be available for streaming on VBTV. “We’ll go back to Anaheim and start training, work through some kinks,” libero Morgan Hentz said. “There’s definitely things we can get better at and focus on, so I think it's just that mindset of trying to get 1% better every day.” @kaleivie_