Who is Kevin Schnall? Coastal Carolina baseball coach leads alma mater back to CWS

Who is Kevin Schnall? Coastal Carolina baseball coach leads alma mater back to CWS

Asthe College World Seriesofficially starts in Omaha, Nebraska,Coastal Carolinaheads into theeight-team, double-elimination tournamentas one of the great storylines incollege baseballthis season. Making just its second trip to Omaha, the Chanticleers are riding a historic 23-game winning streak into their first game at Charles Schwab Field, which is the longest winning streakentering the CWSin over two decades. It's part of the winning culture that first-year coach Kevin Schnall has been able to keep intact after taking over for his former coach and mentor, Gary Gilmore. In his first season, Schnall has led the Chanticleers to new heights while returning the program to national relevance after several "down years" for one of the better mid-major baseball programs in the country. COLLEGE WORLD SERIES:Updated bracket, schedule for NCAA baseball tournament Though he has coached in Omaha before, Schnall is set to make his CWS managerial debut on June 13 at 2 p.m. ET (1 p.m. local) when No. 13 Coastal Carolina takes on Arizona. Here's what you need to know about Schnall ahead of the CWS: Kevin Schnall is in his first season as the skipper of the Coastal Carolina baseball program, though he has ties with the Chanticleers' program dating back to 1995. A longtime assistant coach at Coastal Carolina,Schnall had been cited by a number of outletsin the past decade as one of the top college baseball assistant coaches in the nation. He was officially named the successor to Gilmore, who had a legendary 29-year coaching career with the Chanticleers,after the 2024 season. "Being given the privilege to coach at my alma mater and now lead this program is one of the greatest honors of my life,"Schnall said in a statement."I am deeply grateful to Matt Hogue, Dr. Benson, and our Board of Trustees for entrusting me with the leadership of our storied baseball program. If it weren't for the opportunity Gary Gilmore gave me 24 years ago, this wouldn't be possible. His leadership and guidance have brought us to where we are today, and I am forever indebted to him. Coastal Carolina is a special place, and my family and I couldn't be more excited!" Good morning, Teal Nation#ChantsUpI@KSchnall9pic.twitter.com/U8QX2nusA4 — Coastal Carolina Baseball (@CoastalBaseball)June 8, 2025 Following a brief two-year minor league career in the Cincinnati Reds organization, Schnall got his start in coaching at Coastal Carolina in 2001. He'd spend 12 seasons at his alma mater before taking a position at Central Florida, which he held from 2013-16. Schnall returned to Coastal Carolina in 2016, the same season that the Chanticleers advanced to and won the CWS for the first time in program history. Since then, Schnall spent nine seasons as Gilmore's associate head coach before taking over full-time after the 2024 season. In his first season, Schnall has led the Chanticleers to one of their best seasons in program history. At 53-11 overall on the season, Coastal Carolina reached the 50-win mark for the third time since 2010. "This is no Cinderella," Schnall said after Coastal Carolina's super regional win. "Coastal Carolina the past century, only eight teams have made the regionals more than us. During that same period we have the sixth-best win percentage and the ninth-most wins. "This is not a Cinderella story. We're one of the most premier, most successful college baseball programs in the entire country." NCAA BASEBALLL WINNERS AND LOSERS:College World Series full of surprises after super regionals The now 48-year-old coach was a standout player for the Chanticleers from 1995-99 during his playing days in college. A starting catcher for Coastal Carolina, Schnall was named the Big South Conference Player of the Year for his senior season in 1999. That season, Schnall set the program single-season record for on-base percentage (.515), while becoming just the second Coastal Carolina player in Big South history to hit over .400 on the season. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the 25th round of the 1999 MLB Draft. Prior to being named Gilmore's successor last June, Schnall spent two separate stints on Gilmore's staff in Conway, South Carolina. He also had a brief three-year stint at Central Florida from 2013-15. In his first season as a full-time coach, Schnall has led his alma mater to its third Sun Belt baseball tournament title, fourth regional title, second super regional title and second trip to the CWS in program history. "I got into this profession because of my father's influence," Schnall said after Coastal Carolina advanced to the CWS on June 7,according to The Trentonian."He passed away before I became a head coach. It just felt like he was looking down today and this weekend, the last two weeks. I know he's proud." Here's a look at how the Chanticleers have fared under Schnall: 2025:53-11 overall, 26-4 in Sun Belt play The Chanticleers' appearance in Omaha is a historic one, as it is just the second time in program history that Coastal Carolina is one of the final eight teams in the postseason. But it is also an emotional, bittersweet one for Schnall and his family. Following Coastal Carolina's super regional victory on June 7, Schnall told reporters down in Auburn, Alabama, that the last time Coastal Carolina made it to Omaha in 2016 his family didn't come because his son Jayden had a stroke the previous fall. "This was nine years ago we went to Omaha. In the fall our son had a stroke. When we went to Omaha we decided the kids were going to stay back. He better now and if we every go back, he's coming, there coming and these guys have award him that opportunity."Kevin Schnallpic.twitter.com/5ZajmVqyYt — Brandon Dunn (@BDunnsports)June 7, 2025 "Not to get emotional, but I guess it was nine years ago we went to Omaha and in the fall, our son had a stroke. He ended up having five more strokes. When we went to Omaha, he was in the third grade, he was young and he had a rough year. We decided as a family that our kids were going to stay back," Schnall said. "He's doing great now. He's flourishing and a freshman in high school. We've been talking for years if we ever go back, he's coming (and) they're coming. And these guys have awarded him that opportunity." The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast.Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Coastal Carolina coach Kevin Schnall back in College World Series

byMario Satorik

in

June 13, 2025

Who is Kevin Schnall? Coastal Carolina baseball coach leads alma mater back to CWS

Who is Kevin Schnall? Coastal Carolina baseball coach leads alma mater back to CWS Asthe College World Seriesofficially starts in Omaha, Neb...

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Does college baseball have a pitch clock? Action clock length, rules explained

Does college baseball have a pitch clock? Action clock length, rules explained

Sometimes the professionals can learn from the amateurs. That has been the case with thepitch clockin the sport of baseball. While college baseball has had one implemented since 2011, the MLB added a pitch clock ahead of the 2023 season has helped speed up the game. REQUIRED READING:College World Series bracket: Schedule, matchups for 2025 NCAA baseball championship Just as it was in the 2024 College World Series, pitch clock rules are in place for the 2025College World Seriesin Omaha, Nebraska. For the second straight season,  Division I games must have at least one "action clock" visible on the field. Here's what you need to know about college baseball's pitch clock ahead of the CWS, including how long it is and the differences from the MLB. Pitch clock:20 seconds Yes, college baseball does have a pitch clock. A pitch clock has been in place for all divisions ofcollege baseballsince the 2011 season. Pitchers have 20 seconds to deliver a pitch with no runners on base. With runners on base, a pitcher is required to start the motion of pitching or make a pickoff to avoid the clock violation. Pitchers are allowed one step-off or fake throw to a base per batter to reset the clock. A defensive player or the batter can request a timeout as well, and the clock is reset if it is granted by the umpire. Unlimited step-offs and pick-off attempts are no longer allowed. If a pitcher violates the pitch clock, a ball is added to the count. Which means if it happens on a 3-ball count, the batter is awarded a walk. On the flipside, if a batter violates the clock ― which includes the batter not being in the batter's box and informs the pitcher with no fewer than five seconds on the clock ― a strike will be added to the count. Likewise, if it's a 2-strike count, the batter strikes out. The NCAA approved requirements for all Division I games to have at least one "action clock" visible on the field by Jan. 1, 2024. The requirement is for a visible clock for Division II and II by Jan. 1, 2025. Per the NCAA, the timer shall stop under the following circumstances: The pitcher begins the windup motion or, from a set position, begins the motion to deliver the pitch. The pitcher makes a pickoff attempt (throw) to any base. With runners on base, the pitcher steps off the pitcher's plate to get a new sign or to feint a pickoff attempt. This action counts as a "reset" and is allowed one time per at-bat. The catcher leaves the catcher's box to give defensive signals or to confer with the pitcher from a distance (in which case the timer shall stop, reset, and start again after the catcher returns to the catcher's box). This action counts as a "reset" and is allowed one time per at-bat. The umpire calls "time" for any legitimate reason. The MLB actually followed college baseball's lead of adding a pitch clock to the sport to speed up the game. However, there are differences between the pitch clock in college and in the pros. In the MLB  In there is a 30-second timer in between hitters and pitchers have 15 seconds to deliver a pitch with no runners on and 18 seconds with runners on base (the rule was 20 seconds in 2023). Other major differences include: Batters must be in the box by the eight-second mark in the MLB, or they are charged with an automatic strike. Pitchers are limited to two disengagements (pickoff attempts or step-offs) per plate appearance. However, this limit is reset if a runner or runners advance during the plate appearance. If a third pickoff attempt is made, the runner automatically advances one base if the pickoff attempt is not successful. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:College baseball pitch clock, explained: How long is action clock?

byMario Satorik

in

June 13, 2025

Does college baseball have a pitch clock? Action clock length, rules explained

Does college baseball have a pitch clock? Action clock length, rules explained Sometimes the professionals can learn from the amateurs. That...

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Angry and afraid, Iranians brace for more Israeli attacks

Angry and afraid, Iranians brace for more Israeli attacks

By Parisa Hafezi DUBAI (Reuters) -Iranians reacted to Israeli strikes with anger and fear on Friday, with some urging retaliation while others worried the conflict would spell more hardship for a nation worn down by crises. With Tehran and other cities shaken by a night of Israeli airstrikes, some said they planned to leave for neighbouring Turkey, bracing for escalation after Israel signalled its operation would continue "for as many days as it takes". "I woke up to deafening explosion. People on my street rushed out of their homes in panic, we were all terrified," said Marziyeh, 39, from the city of Natanz, which is home to one of Iran's nuclear sites and where explosions were reported. "I am deeply worried about my children's safety if this situation escalates," said Marziyeh, one of 20 people Reuters contacted in Iran for this article. Israel said it had attacked nuclear facilities, ballistic missile factories and military commanders in the operation it said aimed to prevent Tehran from building an atomic bomb. Iran says its nuclear programme is only for peaceful purposes. In an initial wave of panic, some Iranians rushed to banks to withdraw cash on Friday morning. Masoud Mousavi, 51, a retired bank employee said he waited for the exchange offices to open, "so I can buy Turkish Lira and take my family there by land since airspace is closed". "I am against any war. Any strike that kills innocent people. I will stay in Turkey with my family until this situation is over," he said from Shiraz city. Iranians have become accustomed to turmoil since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, which ousted the U.S.-backed Shah and brought the clerical establishment to power, from the 1980s war with Iraq, to heavy crack-downs on anti-government protests and years of biting Western sanctions. Some opponents of Iran's ruling clerics expressed hope that Israel's attack might lead to their downfall, though one Tehran resident said he supported Iranian retaliation, even though he was not a supporter of the Islamic Republic. "We can't afford not to respond. Either we surrender and they take our missiles, or we fire them. There's no other option — and if we don't, we'll end up surrendering them anyway," he said, seething with anger at Israel's attacks. 'I WILL FIGHT AND DIE' Two money changers in Tehran said they were busier than usual, as people rushed to buy foreign currency following the attack. But one of them said people were not too panicked. "We have been through so much already. I don't support Israel's attack and I understand that Iran's leaders feel the need to retaliate," said retired teacher Fariba Besharati, 64, who lives with her children and two grandchildren in Tabriz. "But what about us? Haven't we endured enough suffering?" Many Iranians still believe in Iran's right to a civilian nuclear programme, but some said it was now costing the country too much. "The price we are paying is too high. And now, a military attack, no I don't want more misery," said Mohammadreza, 29, a teacher in the northern city of Chalus. Economic hardship and political and social restrictions have fuelled protests against the clerical rulers in recent years, notably in 2022, when a young woman died in police custody after being arrested for allegedly flouting conservative dress codes. Witnesses in several cities, including Tehran, said that plainclothes agents and police forces had deployed in the streets on Friday. Iran's rulers are facing myriad other crises, from energy and water shortages, to a collapsing currency and growing public anger over economic hardships, caused largely by U.S. sanctions over its nuclear programme and economic mismanagement. But the clerical leadership still has a tight grip on the country, underpinned by loyal security forces. Ali, whose father was killed during the eight-year Iran-Iraq war, said he was ready to sacrifice his life for the Islamic Republic. "I am a member of (volunteer militia) Basij. I will fight and die for our right to a nuclear programme. Israel and its ally America cannot take it away from us with these attacks," he said from the holy city of Qom by phone. (Writing by Parisa Hafezi: Editing by Tom Perry and Sharon Singleton)

byMario Satorik

in

June 13, 2025

Angry and afraid, Iranians brace for more Israeli attacks

Angry and afraid, Iranians brace for more Israeli attacks By Parisa Hafezi DUBAI (Reuters) -Iranians reacted to Israeli strikes with anger a...

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Iran Vows ‘Painful’ Response After Israeli Attack

Iran Vows 'Painful' Response After Israeli Attack

Smoke rises up after an explosion in Tehran, Iran, Friday, June 13, 2025. Credit - Vahid Salemi—AP Iran has vowed that Israel and the U.S. will pay a "heavy price," according to a military spokesperson, after Israel launched "preemptive" strikes early Friday local time on Iran, amid growing regional tensions and concerns about Iran's nuclear capabilities. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khameneisaidin a message to his nation that Israel "sealed for itself a bitter and painful destiny." The U.S. has disclaimed involvement in the strikes, but Iran's foreign ministrysaidin a statement that the attack, which it alleged violated international law, "could not have been carried out without coordination with and approval of the United States" and that the U.S. as Israel's main supporter will also "be held responsible for the dangerous consequences of Israel's adventurism." Read More:Iran Fires Back at Israel: Latest Updates Calling the operations "Rising Lion," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahusaidin a video statement that the strikes targeted areas focused on "nuclear enrichment" and "nuclear weaponization" programs. The operation "will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat," Netanyahu said. The Sultanate of Oman, which was meant to host a sixth round of nuclear talks between Iran and the U.S. in its capital Muscat this weekend, blamed Israel for the "escalation and its consequences," according toOmani state media. Oman said Friday after Israel's attack that "such conduct threatens to marginalize diplomatic solutions and undermine regional security and stability." Iranian media, citing officials,reportedthat the talks will no longer happen following the strikes. Global leaders have called for calm, including United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, who according to astatement"condemns any military escalation in the Middle East" and "asks both sides to show maximum restraint, avoiding at all costs a descent into deeper conflict, a situation that the region can hardly afford." Explosions were seen and heard across Iran, including in the capital Tehran as well as in the city of Natanz, where a nuclear facility is located. Sources on the ground tell TIME that apartment buildings where senior Iranian officers and officials were believed to reside appear to have also been targeted. A journalist based in Tehran who requested anonymity for security reasons tells TIME that he first heard strikes at around 3:24 a.m. local time (7:54 p.m., Thursday, ET). "It was very close to my home … It woke me up," the journalist said, describing a very loud noise. "The windows were shaking, and I immediately realized this was an attack of some sort." The journalist confirmed that some residential complexes were hit in the attack, adding that the strength of the strikes caused some to collapse. "I'm pretty sure that there has been civilian casualties," the journalist said. Panic ensued on the ground, the journalist recounted, with people pouring onto the capital's streets. "Nobody really knows where it's safe to go." Iranian state mediareportedthat Armed Forces chief of staff Mohammad Bagheri and Islamic Revolution Guards Corps Chief Commander Major General Hossein Salami as well as nuclear scientists Mohammad-Mehdi Tehranchi and Fereydoun Abbasi were among those killed. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF)saidin a statement that it launched a "preemptive, precise, combined offensive to strike Iran's nuclear program," with dozens of Air Force jets targeting "nuclear targets in different areas of Iran." Axios Reporter Barak Ravidreportedthat a senior Israel official said the airstrikes were accompanied by a series of Mossad-led "covert sabotage operations deep inside Iran" that were designed to damage Iran's missile sites and air defense capabilities. IDF spokesperson Effie Defrinsaidits "preemptive and precise strikes" were targeted to prevent Iran's "ability to build a nuclear bomb in the immediate time frame." Defrin added: "We have no choice—we are operating against an imminent and existential threat." Read More:The Tense History and Modern Context Behind Israel's Reported Plan to Attack Iran Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said in astatementthat a retaliatory attack on Israel and its civilian population "is expected in the immediate timeframe." Israel's attack comes a day after the U.S. beganevacuating embassy personnelacross the Middle East amid rising regional tensions as negotiations between the U.S. and Iran over the latter's nuclear program have appeared to stall. Axios reported Thursday that U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve WitkoffwarnedSenate Republicans last week that if Israel were to attack Iran, Iran's response could involve hundreds of missiles launched at Israeli and U.S. sites that could result in a "mass casualty" event. The State Department on Thursday nightdirectedall embassy employees and their families in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza to shelter in place. President Donald Trumpreportedly told Fox Newsafter Israel's attack began that he was aware the strikes would take place but that the U.S. was not involved. He added that the U.S. still hopes to engage with Iran in nuclear talks but will defend itself and Israel if Iran retaliates. According toNBC, Trump's national security team monitored Israel's strikes on Iran from the Situation Room. The White House said Trump will attend a National Security Council meeting on Friday morning. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in astatement: "Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region. Israel advised us that they believe this action was necessary for its self-defense. President Trump and the Administration have taken all necessary steps to protect our forces and remain in close contact with our regional partners. Let me be clear: Iran should not target U.S. interests or personnel." U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabeeposted on Xamid the strikes: "At our Embassy in Jerusalem and closely following the situation. We will remain here all night. 'Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!'" U.S. lawmakers have had mixed reactions. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R, La.)posted on X: "Israel IS right—and has a right—to defend itself!" Sen. Chris Murphy (D, Ct.)posted: "Israel's attack on Iran, clearly intended to scuttle the Trump Administration's negotiations with Tehran, is further evidence of how little respect world powers—including our own allies—have for President Trump." Contact usatletters@time.com.

byMario Satorik

in

June 13, 2025

Iran Vows ‘Painful’ Response After Israeli Attack

Iran Vows 'Painful' Response After Israeli Attack Smoke rises up after an explosion in Tehran, Iran, Friday, June 13, 2025. Credit -...

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Pickard saves the day for Oilers in a backup role in 5-4 OT win over Panthers in Game 4 of Cup Final

Pickard saves the day for Oilers in a backup role in 5-4 OT win over Panthers in Game 4 of Cup Final

A flat and undisciplined start by the Edmonton Oilers left coach Kris Knoblauch no choice but to turn to Plan B — as in backup goalie Calvin Pickard — a mere 20 minutes into Game 4 of their Stanley Cup Final series against Florida. With no disrespect to starter Stuart Skinner, who had little help in allowing three goals on 17 shots, it was the wakeup call the Oilers needed on Thursday night. Pickard stopped 22 of 23 shots and the Oilers overcame a 3-0 first-period deficit ina 5-4 overtime win over the Florida Panthersto even their Stanley Cup Final series at 2. "Unfortunate for Stu to be pulled there. Didn't give him many opportunities," Knoblauch said. "We needed to change things up, and the change was great the way he played." Pickard improved to 7-0 this postseason and has put himself in position to take over the starting duties for Game 5 with the series returning to Edmonton on Saturday. "I felt for him today," Pickard said of Skinner, who was also yanked in Game 3 after allowing five goals on 23 shotsin an eventual 6-1 loss. "He came ready to play today, made some big saves early. We just didn't have it as a team early." That changed when the Oilers responded by scoring three times in outshooting the Panthers 17-10 in the second period inwhat amounted to a near historic comeback. Edmonton became the first road team to rally from down three to win a Cup final outing since the Montreal Canadiens against the Seattle Metropolitans in 1919. Only six teams have come back from down three in the final in NHL history, the last time in 2006. Though Pickard allowed Sam Reinhart's bad-angle goal to force overtime with 20 seconds left in regulation, the 10-year journeyman enjoyed numerous standout moments before Leon Draisaitl sealed the win 11:18 into the extra frame with his NHL single-postseason record fourth overtime goal. No save was bigger than the one Pickard made some seven minutes into overtime, when Sam Bennett's shot from the slot caught the top of the goalie's glove and caromed off the crossbar. "I felt it hit my glove. I looked in my glove and didn't see it in there. And then I heard some big cheers and I'm like, 'Oh, this couldn't have gone in,'" Pickard said, not knowing what happened until he watched the replay on the scoreboard. "Yeah, good save and good bounce, too." Another key save came 12 minutes into the second period on the third shot Pickard faced and with Edmonton trailing 3-1. Jake Walman's giveaway in his own end, led to Florida's Anton Lundell driving in alone only to have Pickard kick out his right pad to make the initial stop and then smother the rebound. "I think that save kind of got me going," Pickard said. The same could apply to the Oilers, who responded with Darnell Nurse's goal about 80 seconds later, and Vasily Podkolzin tying the game at 3 with 4:55 left in the period. "It's hard to describe the situation that he gets put in sometimes," Draisaitl said of Pickard. "He's coming in, he's cold. It's not easy, and he makes those stops at the key moments that we really need them," he added. "He's been nothing but spectacular for us." Pickard became just the sixth goalie to win a Cup final game in a backup role, and the first since Tampa Bay's Andrei Vasilevskiy did so in Game 2 of the Lightning's 2015 series against eventual champion Chicago. The 33-year-old also improved to 8-1 in 12 playoff appearances, and became the Oilers fourth goalie to win seven straight postseason appearances, with Grant Fuhr doing it twice, including a franchise-best 9-0 run in 1985. "I have confidence in him because you look at his record," Knoblauch said of Pickard, who went 22-10-1 to set a career-best for regular-season wins. "He's been through it all, and right now he's been enjoying the ride," the coach added. "I'm not giving him any starts. He's deserved them." Among the first players off the bench to congratulate Pickard on the win was Skinner. Though Knoblauch has yet to name his starter for Game 5, Picard was already looking ahead to returning to Edmonton. "There's no playoff environment like it. The fans are crazy. cheering for everything," Pickard said. "I can't wait and get home and play in front of them on Saturday." ___ AP NHL:https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

byMario Satorik

in

June 13, 2025

Pickard saves the day for Oilers in a backup role in 5-4 OT win over Panthers in Game 4 of Cup Final

Pickard saves the day for Oilers in a backup role in 5-4 OT win over Panthers in Game 4 of Cup Final A flat and undisciplined start by the E...

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Titans rookie QB Cam Ward talks nonstop, but never misses anything his coach says

Titans rookie QB Cam Ward talks nonstop, but never misses anything his coach says

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Cam Ward talks so much that Tennessee coachBrian Callahanasked the rookie if he needed to wait until the Titans quarterback stopped before calling a play during practice. The answer? Nope.Wardlistens even while talking. The rookie then proves how closely he pays attention by never missing a beat running the next play. "He enters right into the huddle, and he calls the play and doesn't screw up the play call, and I thought that was actually kind of remarkable," Callahan said. "I know I couldn't do that." Ward said Thursday that it's pretty simple for him. TheNo. 1 overall pickinApril's draftout of Miami is always locked in. The talking comes naturally. "What's the point of playing something that you love if you can't have fun with it?" Ward said. "So that's where it comes from. But I mean, I love the game. And so any chance I get, you know, to let somebody know that they can't (mess) with me it really doesn't matter." Ward wrapped up his first offseason Thursday as theTitanscompleted their three-day mandatory minicamp in front of family and a batch of food trucks. Rookies work until June 20, then there's a break until July 22 for training camp when the quarterback competition that really isn't resumes. Callahan has done his best to limit the pressure on the rookie by rotating the start of drillsamong all four quarterbackson the roster even as Ward got more work during this minicamp for a simple reason: As a rookie the Titans need to give him as much experience as possible. Ward has been doing his part, showing up early working with fellow rookies and staying late. They have watched the Titans' 2024 games, practice tape, review the plays being run in practice later that day. All designed to grow together and be on the same page. It's been noticeable enough that Callahan has talked with the rookie about having grinding months ahead. "I'm not telling him what to do, I'm just making the point that there's a lot ahead of him that he's not aware of yet when it comes to this, the length and the week-to-week-to-week grind that comes up for these guys," Callahan said. "It is a marathon." Tyler Lockettis a veteran receiver going into his 11th NFL season and has watched Ward since he played at Washington State. Lockett has been impressed with how Ward understands defenses, gets the ball out and understands timing this early. "I think everybody's able to see exactly what they saw on the film," Lockett said. Ward has had rookie moments. He was picked off twice Thursday, once by linebacker Cody Barton. He rebounded by throwing a nice pass into tight coverage to Bryce Oliver later in a red zone drill for a touchdown. Quarterbacks coach Bo Hardegree said Ward has worked hard on his footwork and timing and improved on mechanics such as breaking the huddle and recognizing defenses. Ward's hard work is noticeable in other ways too in how he takes coaching points or corrections. "If he makes a mistake, never make the same mistake twice," Hardegree said. "And that's important to him." Once the rookies start their break, Ward knows he'll be busy studying the playbook and throwing lots of footballs. Thequarterback who worked his wayfrom Incarnate Word to Washington State andMiamibefore becoming the NFL's top draft pick in April knows he'll likely be thinking about football even while showering during the break. Even with his first NFL game still months away, Ward knows his biggest goal for his career: Wins. "The quarterback position will always be judged off wins," Ward said. "So you know I'm just trying to win a lot of games in the NFL in my career. Try to ... help my team win a lot of games." ___ AP NFL:https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

byMario Satorik

in

June 13, 2025

Titans rookie QB Cam Ward talks nonstop, but never misses anything his coach says

Titans rookie QB Cam Ward talks nonstop, but never misses anything his coach says NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Cam Ward talks so much that Tennes...

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Israel strike live updates: Israel says Iran has launched 100 drones as air raid sirens blare across country

Israel strike live updates: Israel says Iran has launched 100 drones as air raid sirens blare across country

Early Friday morning, local time, Israel launched dozens of strikes against Iran and declared a state of emergency, according to Defense Minister Israel Katz. "Following the State of Israel's preemptive strike against Iran, a missile and drone attack against the State of Israel and its civilian population is expected in the immediate future," Katz said in a statement. Air raid sirens sounded in Tel Aviv following the announcement. The U.S. did not provide any assistance or have any involvement in the Israeli strike, a U.S. official told ABC News. Israel Defense Forces spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin says that "Iran launched approximately 100 UAVs towards Israeli territory, which we are working to intercept."Israel says it is planning to use its air defenses to intercept the drones as air raid sirens can be heard blaring across the country which is under a state of emergency that was imposed overnight.The state of emergency means nobody one is allowed to be out on the streets and almost all businesses, including schools, offices and supermarkets, have also been shut as the airspace over Israel is closed. President Trump spoke to Fox News' Bret Baier via phone after the Israeli strikes on Tehran and said that his administration was aware of the strikes but was not involved militarily, and that he hopes Iran will return to negotiate a deal."Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb, and we are hoping to get back to the negotiating table. We will see. There are several people in leadership that will not be coming back," Trump told Baier.-ABC News' Alex Ederson In a statement early Friday morning, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a statement calling the strikes "successful."Translated from Hebrew, Netanyahu said, "We are after a very successful opening strike. With God's help, we are going to have many more achievements." Top House Republican leaders are voicing support for Israel's strikes on Iran.Speaker Mike Johnsonpostedan Israeli flag on X and said, "Israel IS right—and has a right—to defend itself!Majority Leader Steve Scalise said he stands with Israel."Iran has refused to dismantle its nuclear program, which puts America at risk and poses an existential threat to Israel. Tonight Israel is taking action to defend itself, and we stand with Israel. Our prayers are with them and all American personnel in the region," Scalise said in apost on X.Echoing Trump administration officials, House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogerssaidthe U.S. was not involved in the strikes."The U.S. was not involved in the strikes, but our forces stand ready to defend themselves and our ally Israel," Rogers said in a statement.-ABC News' Lauren Peller The head of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Gen. Hossein Salami was killed in Israeli strikes on Iran, Iranian state TV reports. Also killed was Dr. Fereydoun Abbasi, former head of the Atomic Energy Organization, according to Iranian state TV. Israel has not confirmed the deaths. A senior security official said, "There is a growing likelihood that the Iranian General Staff, including the Iranian Chief of Staff, and senior nuclear scientists were eliminated in the opening blow." During a televised address, Israel Defense Forces Chief Eyal Zamir said the military was calling up "tens of thousands of soldiers" and was "prepared across all borders." The official went on to say, "I warn that anyone who will try to challenge us, will pay a heavy price." Following Israel's series of strikes on Iran, the U.S. Embassy in Israel has directed all American government employees and their family members to shelter in place until further notice."The U.S. Embassy reminds U.S. citizens of the continued need for caution and increased personal security awareness – including knowing the location of the nearest shelter in the event of a red alert as security incidents, including mortar, rocket, and missile fire, and unmanned aircraft system (UAS) intrusions, often take place without any warning," the embassy said in a statement, adding, "The security environment is complex and can change quickly." A senior Israeli security official told ABC News that the Iranian General Staff and senior nuclear scientists were likely killed in the first of the series of Israeli strikes on Iran's nuclear targets."There is a growing likelihood that the Iranian General Staff, including the Iranian Chief of Staff, and senior nuclear scientists were eliminated in the opening blow," the official said.-ABC News' Dana Hughes The president's schedule released by the White House late Thursday showed that he would meet with the National Security Council in the Situation Room at 11 a.m.As of now, the meeting is not open to cameras or reporters. The State Department has launched a Middle East task force focused on potentially evacuating American citizens from the region, two department officials told ABC News."The Department continuously plans for a wide range of situations for regions with heightened tensions," one official said.-ABC News' Shannon Kingston Click here to read the rest of the blog.

byMario Satorik

in

June 13, 2025

Israel strike live updates: Israel says Iran has launched 100 drones as air raid sirens blare across country

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