Sports

Driver Bubba Wallace, right, is overcome with emotion as he and team owner Richard Petty walk to his car in the pits of the Talladega Superspeedway prior to the start of the NASCAR Cup Series auto race at the Talladega Superspeedway on Monday, in Talladega Ala. (JOHN BAZEMORE/AP Photo)

Driver Bubba Wallace, right, is overcome with emotion as he and team owner Richard Petty walk to his car in the pits of the Talladega Superspeedway prior to the start of the NASCAR Cup Series auto race at the Talladega Superspeedway on Monday, in Talladega Ala. (JOHN BAZEMORE/AP Photo)

AUTO RACING: NASCAR rallies around Wallace as FBI investigates noose

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Monday, June 22, 2020
Bubba Wallace steered the No. 43 to the front of pit road, NASCAR champion Kyle Busch pushing the famous car on one side and close friend Ryan Blaney pushing on the other. The entire 40-driver field and their crew members followed.
What was No. 1 in this year's top 10 list?

What was No. 1 in this year's top 10 list?

COMMENTARY: Top 10 moments from the 2019-2020 school year

JORDAN KROEGER
Friday, June 19, 2020
In a year scarred by the covid-19 pandemic, one that cut the spring season short, it’s time to look back on the positives from this school year. Even with a third of the year lost, there were still plenty of historic and exciting moments from high school athletics in Columbia County.
On Thursday, SEC commissioner Greg Sankey said in a statement that until the Confederate emblem is removed from Mississippi's state flag (left), the conference will consider precluding SEC championship events from being conducted in the Magnolia State. (MICKEY WELSH/Advertiser/TNS)

On Thursday, SEC commissioner Greg Sankey said in a statement that until the Confederate emblem is removed from Mississippi's state flag (left), the conference will consider precluding SEC championship events from being conducted in the Magnolia State. (MICKEY WELSH/Advertiser/TNS)

COLLEGE SPORTS: NCAA expands ban, joins SEC in targeting Confederate flag

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Friday, June 19, 2020
Emboldened by the athletes it serves, the NCAA is taking another stand on a social issue.
Florida coach Mike White yells to his players during a game against Mississippi on Jan. 14, in Gainesville. (AP FILE PHOTO)

Florida coach Mike White yells to his players during a game against Mississippi on Jan. 14, in Gainesville. (AP FILE PHOTO)

COLLEGE BASKETBALL: NCAA approves plan for players to access coaches

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Thursday, June 18, 2020
The NCAA Division I Council on Wednesday approved a plan to allow college basketball players to start working with their coaches for the first time since the pandemic wiped out March Madness. The summer access period for men’s and women’s players will begin July 20.
Gator fans watch a 2018 game against Charleston Southern at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville. (TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE)

Gator fans watch a 2018 game against Charleston Southern at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville. (TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE)

COLLEGE SPORTS: UF ends 'gator bait' cheer, cites racism

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Thursday, June 18, 2020
The University of Florida is ending its “gator bait” cheer at football games and other sports events because of its racial connotations, the school’s president announced Thursday in a letter making several other similar changes on campus.
Columbia coach Lawrence Davis talks to his athletes during a track & field practice on Feb. 13. (FILE)

Columbia coach Lawrence Davis talks to his athletes during a track & field practice on Feb. 13. (FILE)

PREP CROSS COUNTRY: Davis hired as new coach at Columbia

JORDAN KROEGER
Wednesday, June 17, 2020
A familiar face is taking over Columbia’s cross country teams. Lawrence Davis has been hired as the new head coach at CHS, a move that was approved by the school board Tuesday night. He replaces Shelli Shoup, who stepped down after last season following bullying accusations.
Florida Gators head coach Dan Mullen speaks to the media about the 2019 Orange Bowl during a press conference at the Hard Rock Hotel on Dec. 11, 2019, in Hollywood. (MATIAS J. OCNER/Miami Herald/TNS)

Florida Gators head coach Dan Mullen speaks to the media about the 2019 Orange Bowl during a press conference at the Hard Rock Hotel on Dec. 11, 2019, in Hollywood. (MATIAS J. OCNER/Miami Herald/TNS)

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: Mullen says Gators remain focused on preparing for season opener

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, June 16, 2020
UF coach Dan Mullen said the Gators expect to open training camp Aug. 7 and kick off the 2020 season on Sept. 5 at home against Eastern Washington. Things certainly could change at a time when nothing is predictable due to the coronavirus pandemic.