WILL GRAVES National Writer, Author at The Rapid City Post

Members of the 2016 Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins, Sidney Crosby, left, Evgeni Malkin, center, and Kris Letang take part in a celebration of the 10th anniversary before an NHL hockey game against the New York Rangers in Pittsburgh, Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

A nod to the past brought Sidney Crosby to tears. The Penguins captain is smiling about the present

January 31, 2026

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby didn’t try to fight back the tears during a tribute to the 2016 team that won the Stanley Cup. Crosby says he knew the emotions would bubble up on a night the Penguins honored the club that won the franchise’s third Stanley Cup. Well over a dozen members of the team flew in to be honored before a 6-5 win over the New York Rangers. The 38-year-old Crosby is upbeat about the current group of Penguins. Pittsburgh has won 13 of 17 to move into second place in the Metropolitan Division.

Saint Louis center Robbie Avila (21) looks to pass with Duquesne forward David Dixon defending during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Pittsburgh, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

The spirit of Saint Louis: how a lack of ego is fueling the 24th-ranked Billikens

January 21, 2026

No. 24 Saint Louis is using a selfless approach to one of the best starts in program history. The Billikens improved to 18-1 with a victory over Duquesne that kept them tied for the top spot in the Atlantic 10. Saint Louis is the only team in the country with six players averaging at least 10 points per game. Senior center Robbie Avila says the Billikens are winning because they have prioritized team success over individual accolades. Avila is taking fewer shots and playing fewer minutes than he did a year ago, a sacrifice he says he’s happy to make if it helps the Billikens reach the NCAA tournament.

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington (80) avoids a tackle by Cincinnati Bengals safety Geno Stone (22) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Steelers tight end Darnell Washington isn’t your average NFL big guy and has the skills to prove it

November 21, 2025

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington is redefining what players his size can do on the football field. The 6-foot-7, 311-pound Washington already has 18 receptions for 209 yards this season for the Steelers. His 31-yard catch-and-run last week against Cincinnati included Washington running over three Bengals on the way to the longest play of his young career. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has called Washington’s skills ‘freakish,’ and Washington’s teammates say he’s more than just some sort of novelty act. Washington and the Steelers travel to Chicago this weekend to take on the Bears.

FILE - Pittsburgh head coach Pat Narduzzi looks on during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Clemson Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Matt Freed, File)

‘Not fair at all.’ In the super-sized conference era, a school’s fate could hinge on tiebreakers

November 12, 2025

There is growing concern among college football coaches about spots in the Power Four conference title games coming down to tiebreakers instead of play on the field. That concern is highest in the ACC, where seven teams have two conference losses or less with three weeks to go in the regular season. Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi prefers the old divisional play system, which he feels was fairer. Duke coach Manny Diaz says the heightened impact of tiebreakers is one of the “unintended consequences” of massive conference expansion that makes it impossible for every team to play each other.

After seeing his first college football game action, Lycoming College nose tackle Tom Cillo (40) and teammates celebrate a 23-16 win over King's College in an NCAA Division III junior varsity college football game in Williamsport, Pa., Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

At 58, Tom Cillo is tackling his dream of playing college football

October 1, 2025

Tom Cillo, a 58-year-old freshman at Lycoming College, has become a college football player. He recently made his debut as a nose tackle during a junior varsity game against King’s College. Cillo, who had never played football before, decided to pursue his dream last spring after saying he was tired of living with regret. Despite the physical and financial risks, Cillo is determined to succeed. He balances school, football, and caring for his mother. Cillo hopes his story inspires others to pursue their dreams, no matter their age.

At 58, Tom Cillo is tackling his dream of playing college football

October 1, 2025

USA Gymnastics president Li Li Leung walks on stage after the senior men's finals of the U.S. Gymnastics Championships in New Orleans, Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Li Li Leung guided USA Gymnastics out of the darkness. The outgoing president is eager for a break

August 11, 2025

Outgoing USA Gymnastics president and CEO Li Li Leung is looking forward to a break. Since taking over in 2019 during the Larry Nassar scandal, Leung has worked tirelessly to restore trust and stability to the tainted organization. Leung focused on financial viability and rebuilding faith among members and survivors. Leung’s leadership has been praised for fostering change and healing. Membership has grown, and corporate sponsors have returned. As she steps down, Leung emphasizes the ongoing need for vigilance and accountability in the organization.

Hezly Rivera of WOGA reacts after competing on the uneven bars during the senior women's finals of the U.S. Gymnastics Championships in New Orleans, Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Olympian Hezly Rivera edges Leanne Wong for victory at the US gymnastics championships

August 10, 2025

Hezly Rivera has claimed victory at the U.S. gymnastics championships. The 17-year-old Olympic gold medalist pulled away on Sunday, looking ready to lead the women’s program toward the 2028 Games in Los Angeles. Rivera, the youngest member of the team that won in Paris last year, posted a two-day total of 112.000, just ahead of runner-up Leanne Wong. Three weeks after a shaky performance at the U.S. Classic, Rivera’s polished routine has all but assured her a spot on the world championship team heading to Jakarta in October. Wong also secured spots in the selection camp.

Frederick Richard of the University of Michigan competes on the pommel horse during the senior men's finals of the U.S. Gymnastics Championships in New Orleans, Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Frederick Richard is taking his fight to make gymnastics ‘cool’ to a new front: His uniform

August 10, 2025

Frederick Richard is challenging men’s gymnastics norms with his wardrobe. The 21-year-old Olympic bronze medalist swapped traditional stirrup pants for shorts over compression leggings at the U.S. Championships. He accepts a three-tenths deduction each day for breaking uniform rules, believing it’s worth it to make the sport more appealing. Richard’s goal is to inspire young boys by making gymnastics more accessible. He debuted his new look at Winter Cup in February and refined it for nationals. While the clothing violates the rules, Richard is determined to push boundaries and hopes for more flexibility in uniform rules.

FILE - Arkansas gymnast Joscelyn Roberson competes on the floor against LSU during an NCAA gymnastics meet on Jan. 24, 2025, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods, file)

USA Gymnastics is entering a new era both on and off the floor as the US championships begin

August 7, 2025

A new wave of gymnasts are ready to step into the spotlight at the U.S. Gymnastics Championships. The absence of superstars like Simone Biles and Sunisa Lee has opened the door for a large group of teenagers to take center stage as the organization begins to build toward the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. USA Gymnastics isn’t just changing on the floor, but off it, too. President and CEO Li Li Leung, who deftly guided the organization out of the Larry Nassar sexual abuse scandal, is stepping down at the end of the year. Leung called the decision bittersweet with only three years to go until the opening ceremony in Los Angeles.

FILE - Stephen Nedoroscik, of the United States, celebrates after winning the bronze medal during the men's artistic gymnastics individual pommel finals at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Aug. 3, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco, File)

A year after fame found him in Paris, Stephen Nedoroscik, aka ‘Pommel Horse Guy,’ is back for more

August 7, 2025

Stephen Nedoroscik, known as “Pommel Horse Guy,” remains dedicated to gymnastics despite his newfound fame. After winning bronze medals in Paris last summer, he embraced his celebrity status with appearances on “Dancing With the Stars” and its national tour. However, he never considered leaving gymnastics for Hollywood. Three months ago, he returned to training at EVO Gymnastics. As the U.S. Championships begin, Nedoroscik is focused on his sport, aiming for the 2028 Games in Los Angeles. Despite his social media following, he stays grounded, committed to being true to himself and his passion for gymnastics.

Tyrrell Hatton, of England, reacts after hitting his ball into the rough on the 17th hole during the final round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Oakmont Country Club Sunday, June 15, 2025, in Oakmont, Pa. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Hatton, Ortiz and Hovland had a shot at the US Open. Then Oakmont happened

June 15, 2025

Famed Oakmont bared its teeth on the back nine at the U.S. Open. Tyrrell Hatton, Carlos Ortiz and Viktor Hovland were part of a large group of players who found themselves in the mix during the final round. All three had their issues with the brawny course. Hatton’s chances ended when his drive on the 17th hole got caught up in the rough above a bunker. A wayward drive on the 15th cost Ortiz. Hovland hovered all day but couldn’t make the putts necessary to keep up with winner J.J. Spaun.

Scottie Scheffler reacts to his putt on the first hole during the first round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Oakmont Country Club Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Oakmont, Pa. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Scottie Scheffler has frustrating day at the US Open to fall 7 shots off the pace

June 12, 2025

Scottie Scheffler has some work to do to get into contention at the U.S. Open. The reigning PGA champion shot a 3-over 73 in the opening round at Oakmont. That left him in a tie for 49th, seven shots behind leader J.J. Spaun. Scheffler says he made some “sloppy” mistakes that cost him during a round that matched his worst-ever start in a major. The 28-year-old says he just needs to clean things up to put himself in position for the weekend.

Matt Vogt walks past the clubhouse to the first tee for a practice round for the 2025 US Open golf championship at Oakmont Country Club in Oakmont, Pa. Monday, June 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Matt Vogt once chose dentistry over golf. Back home at the US Open, he’s learned he didn’t have to

June 9, 2025

Matt Vogt is trading a drill for a driver at the U.S. Open. The 34-year-old Vogt, who runs a dental practice near Indianapolis, qualified as an amateur for the 156-man field. Vogt grew up north of Pittsburgh and caddied for a few years at Oakmont, which is hosting the national championship for the 10th time. Vogt played briefly in college before focusing on dentistry. He returned to the game in 2018 and qualified for this year’s Open two months after losing his father to colon cancer. Vogt says he’s going to try to enjoy the moment and plans to be back in his office next week.

WILL GRAVES National Writer.