Shea Sbranti, a former baseball player for Penn State, has taken a step into the coaching world by joining Grand Canyon University's baseball program as a volunteer assistant coach. Sbranti played as a catcher and infielder for the Nittany Lions in 2018 and 2019. Prior to this new coaching role, he was involved with Penn State's baseball team as the director of player personnel for two seasons.

The article discusses the selection of four Penn State players in the 2021 MLB Draft, contributing to the historical count of 61 Nittany Lions chosen since 1965. It highlights notable draftees like David Aardsma and D.J. Dozier, and compares the 2021 class to previous years, particularly 2005, 2001, and 2007. In 2005, Sean Stidfole, Josh Palm, and Mike Milliron were drafted; in 2001, Chris Netwall, Rod Perry, and Dan McCall; and the 2007 class set a record with five players: Drew O'Neil, Scott Gaffney, Craig Clark, Matt Cavagnaro, and Gary Amato. The article provides details on each player's achievements and the teams that drafted them.

Penn State is set to begin its 2021 golf season with the 45th annual Nittany Lion Invitational, marking the centennial of the university's golf program. The team, coached by Denise St. Pierre for 30 years, is looking to build on a sixth-place finish in the previous Big Ten Championship. Senior Sarah Willis, a standout player, is expected to lead the team, supported by junior Mathilde Delavallade and Isha Dhruva, who are also recognized as Big Ten golfers to watch. The team includes a mix of experienced juniors and sophomores, as well as promising freshmen like Michelle Cox, Jami Morris, Drew Nienhaus, and Katie Scheck. The upcoming invitational will serve as the first significant challenge for the team to showcase its depth and talent.

Penn State's volleyball team secured their first series victory away from home this season by defeating Michigan State in straight sets, 3-0. The match was characterized by a strong start from Penn State and numerous errors from Michigan State. Key players for Penn State included Serena Gray, Kaitlyn Hord, A.C. Fitzpatrick, and Anastasiya Kudryashova, while Jonni Parker had a less impactful match. Despite the win, Penn State also made mistakes, particularly with service errors. The victory was significant as it marked Penn State's first away wins of the 2021 season, setting a positive tone for upcoming postseason play. Michigan State, returning from a break due to coronavirus-related cancellations, struggled with errors throughout the match.

The article provides an update on the progress of former Penn State baseball players who have been drafted into the minor leagues, with a focus on their performance and career developments. Jack Anderson, a pitcher for the Arkansas Travelers, has experienced a less successful year in 2021 compared to his previous seasons. Jim Haley, an infielder for the Montgomery Biscuits, has shown increased power but a lower batting average this season. Justin Hagenman, a pitcher for the Tulsa Drillers, has maintained a strong ERA and strikeout record. Eric Mock, another pitcher, now with the Akron RubberDucks, is on the injured list but has had a decent ERA. Ryan Sloniger, a multi-position player, has retired from professional baseball. Lastly, Dante Biasi, a pitcher for the Quad Cities River Bandits, has had a successful season with a good ERA and was part of a combined no-hitter.

Penn State's volleyball team dominated North Carolina A&T in their first match of the NCAA Tournament, winning in straight sets. The Nittany Lions started strong and maintained their momentum throughout the match, with a particularly impressive offensive performance, including a .352 hitting percentage and five players with over five kills. Serena Gray and Kaitlyn Hord were standout players, both with hitting percentages above .750. Penn State also excelled defensively, with 30 digs and six blocks, limiting A&T to a .133 hitting percentage. Despite a long break before the tournament due to coronavirus concerns, Penn State showed no signs of rust under coach Russ Rose's leadership.

Penn State's volleyball team faced the Texas Longhorns in the NCAA Tournament regional semifinal, losing 3-1 despite a resilient performance. The Nittany Lions, coached by Russ Rose, showcased their determination throughout the season, overcoming schedule disruptions due to cancellations and postponements. Junior middle blocker Kaitlyn Hord highlighted the team's fighting spirit in her final game of the season. Despite the loss, the team's effort was commendable, marking their 40th consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance and 18th straight Regional Semifinal. The match was competitive, with the third set tied at 25 before Texas secured the win. Penn State looks to build on this experience for the next season, emphasizing growth and resilience.

The MLB Draft League, a new developmental baseball league, began its inaugural 68-game season with six teams: Trenton Thunder, Frederick Keys, Mahoning Valley Scrappers, Williamsport Crosscutters, West Virginia Black Bears, and State College Spikes. These teams, previously part of the New York-Penn League or facing uncertainty due to the pandemic and MLB's restructuring of minor leagues, now offer players a chance to showcase their talents for the MLB Draft. The league's future and its impact on players' progression to major league clubs are still uncertain, but it provides a vital opportunity for exposure. The league is compared to the NBA's G League, which has become a successful feeder system for the NBA.

Penn State athletes had a strong performance at the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships, with six members earning All-American status. Maddie Holmberg and Danae Rivers, both concluding their Penn State careers, achieved First Team All-American honors in the heptathlon and 1500m events, respectively. David Lucas, another senior, was named a Second Team All-American for his discus throw. Underclassmen Noah Swaby, Tyler Merkley, and Mark Porter also earned Second Team All-American honors in their respective events, the decathlon, hammer throw, and javelin. Evan Dorenkamp, with two years of eligibility remaining, narrowly missed the final stage in the 800m event. The Penn State women's team finished 33rd overall, tying for third among Big Ten teams.

The article discusses the history and impact of Penn State's golf course turfgrass management program, which began with Joseph Valentine's initiative in 1928. The program, founded by Joe Duich in 1957, has become a significant contributor to the professional golf industry, producing many of the world's top golf course superintendents and pioneering turfgrass varieties like Penncross. The program's alumni have gone on to manage prestigious golf courses, and its research has led to grasses that can withstand various climates, revolutionizing golf course maintenance. The Joseph E. Valentine Turfgrass Research Center and the Center for Sports Surface Research at Penn State continue to be at the forefront of turfgrass evaluation and education.

Seven athletes from Penn State will compete in the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon. This marks the first outdoor national championship in two years due to the pandemic's impact last year. Maddie Holmberg, a heptathlon competitor, has previously won the Mid-Atlantic Women's Field Athlete of the year and is a Big Ten Champion. Mark Porter, a javelin thrower, and David Lucas, a discus thrower, have also shown strong performances. Evan Dorenkamp, Tyler Merkley, Noah Swaby, and Danae Rivers are other notable athletes from Penn State participating, with Rivers having an extensive record of achievements at Penn State. The article also mentions Penn State's recent addition of a goaltending specialist to the men's hockey coaching staff.

The article discusses the importance of mental health and performance psychology for athletes at Penn State. The athletic department, particularly the performance psychology department led by Carl Ohlson and Adrianna Napoletano, emphasizes the development of mental strength in athletes. They work closely with Penn State’s Counseling and Psychological Services to provide comprehensive support. Ohlson's background includes military service and education under sports psychologist Bob Rotella. The department's approach focuses on building relationships with athletes and coaches, teaching mental skills proactively, and being present in various athletic environments. Nicole DeFerrari also plays a role in addressing clinical mental health concerns. The article highlights the positive impact of this support on athletes like Sam Coffey, especially during challenging times such as the pandemic. The field of performance psychology is growing, and there is recognition of the need for mental health support in sports.

The article reviews Penn State's baseball performance, contrasting the impressive 10-5 record in the 2020 season with the disappointing 18-24 record in the 2021 season. It highlights the team's struggles with inconsistent pitching, particularly noting the underperformance of juniors Kyle Virbitsky, Bailey Dees, and Conor Larkin. The bullpen also faced difficulties, with the most-used relievers each having an ERA above 4.5. Additionally, the team's poor away record is discussed, including a sweep by Indiana and losses against Iowa, Illinois, and Purdue. Despite these challenges, the article points out the promising young talent, such as outfielder Johnny Piacentino and the catching duo of Matt Wood and Josh Spiegel, suggesting a potential for improvement in the future.

Penn State's golf team celebrated a historic victory at the 45th annual Nittany Lion Invitational, held on the White Course to mark 100 years of Penn State golf. The team set a new tournament record with a 13-under-par 851, breaking the previous record set by Penn State in 2012. Junior Mathilde Delavallade and senior Sarah Willis led the team, finishing first and second individually. The article highlights the team's performance, including contributions from other players such as Isha Dhruva, Victoria Tip-Aucha, and freshman Drew Nienhaus. Coach Denise St. Pierre praised the team's collective effort and the strong start to the season. The team is looking forward to future tournaments with high aspirations, including the Cougar Classic in Charleston, South Carolina.

The article provides a historical recap of notable baseball events that occurred in the week of May 15th in various years. It highlights Len Barker's perfect game for Cleveland against the Toronto Blue Jays on May 15, 1981, and his subsequent All-Star appearance. It also covers Ted Williams' impressive return to the Boston Red Sox after military service, where he had eight hits in a doubleheader against the Detroit Tigers on May 16, 1954. Additionally, the article recounts David Wells' perfect game for the New York Yankees against the Minnesota Twins on May 13, 1998, and his contribution to the Yankees' World Series win that year. Lastly, it describes a unique tie game between the Baltimore Orioles and the Chicago White Sox on May 18, 1957, due to a curfew set to accommodate the White Sox's travel schedule.

The article takes a historical look at remarkable baseball achievements during the week of April 24th in various years. It begins with Sandy Koufax's 18-strikeout game for the Dodgers in 1962, tying a record with Bob Feller. It then recounts Jack Chesbro's start to his 1904 season with the Yankees, where he set an American League record with 41 wins. Nolan Ryan's 1990 game tying Feller's record of 12 career one-hitters is highlighted, along with his impressive career longevity. Barry Bonds' 300th home run in 1996 is noted, placing him in an elite club with his father and other legends. Juan Gonzalez's record-setting RBI performance in April 1998 for the Rangers is mentioned, as is Roger Clemens' 20-strikeout game for the Red Sox in 1986, marking the start of his dominant career.

Mookie Betts, the Los Angeles Dodgers' superstar, had a remarkable week, which included the birth of his second child and a last-minute arrival to a game against the Chicago Cubs where he played shortstop for the first time in his professional career. Betts, who is known for his Gold Glove outfield play, demonstrated his versatility by making an impressive double play. Despite being drafted as a middle infielder, Betts was moved to the outfield by the Red Sox due to a crowded infield. His athletic prowess extends beyond baseball, as he is also an accomplished bowler. With injuries to several Dodgers players, Betts may see more time in the infield, and there is speculation about potential trades to address the team's needs.

The article commemorates the 42nd anniversary of baseball's longest game and highlights significant historical events in baseball that occurred around April 17. It discusses Mike Schmidt's four consecutive home runs for the Philadelphia Phillies against the Chicago Cubs on April 17, 1976. It also covers John McGraw's managerial debut on April 18, 1899, with the New York Giants, noting his successful career. The longest game in baseball history between the Rochester Red Wings and Pawtucket Red Sox on April 19, 1981, is recounted, including the performances of Dave Huppert and Jim Umbarger. Finally, the article touches on the start of 'Fernandomania' with Fernando Valenzuela's impressive early career shutouts for the Dodgers in 1981.

The Tampa Bay Rays have continued their perfect start to the 2023 season, winning their 13th consecutive game and matching the record for the longest season-opening winning streak in the modern era. The team has outperformed its opponents with a significant run differential, thanks to their powerful offense and strong pitching staff, despite injuries to key players. The Rays' success is attributed to their focus on analytics, cultivating young talent, and maintaining a low payroll while producing high-quality performance. The article highlights the contributions of players like Shane McClanahan, Randy Arozarena, and Wander Franco, and discusses the team's efficient business model in comparison to higher-spending teams like the Red Sox and Yankees.

The article covers notable events in baseball history that occurred in the week of April 10th. It highlights Greg Maddux's end of a streak on April 11th, 1996, where he faced his first road loss since 1994. The piece also mentions the record set by the Cleveland Indians for the fewest hits in a doubleheader on April 12th, 1992. Additionally, it discusses significant achievements by baseball icons Walter Johnson, Stan Musial, and Pete Rose on April 13th in different years. Lastly, it touches on Reggie Jackson's trendsetting mustache in 1972. The article celebrates historical moments and player milestones in baseball, showcasing the sport's rich history and the remarkable feats of its players.

The article celebrates the history of Major League Baseball (MLB) by highlighting significant anniversaries in the sport's history. On April 3, 1966, Tom Seaver signed with the New York Mets after a special draft was set up due to a contract nullification with the Atlanta Braves. Seaver went on to become a Mets legend and Hall of Famer. Willie Mays, another baseball great, is remembered for hitting home runs in the first four games of the 1970 season for the San Francisco Giants. Lastly, the article commemorates Hank Aaron's historic 715th home run on April 8, 1974, which broke Babe Ruth's long-standing record amidst significant racial challenges. Aaron's achievement is celebrated as a momentous occasion for baseball and the fight for racial equality.

The article discusses the excitement surrounding the opening day of the MLB season, highlighting the implementation of new rule changes aimed at speeding up the game and making it more exciting. The pitch clock is expected to reduce game times significantly, with spring training games showing a 26-minute reduction in time. Restrictions on defensive shifts and larger bases are other notable changes. The shift restrictions are anticipated to increase batting averages and encourage more traditional play, while the larger bases, along with pickoff restrictions, are expected to lead to more aggressive base running. The article cites statistics from spring training to support the expected improvements and mentions players like Ronald Acuna Jr. and Trea Turner, who could benefit from these changes.

Natalie Sawyer, a presenter at Sky Sports, shares insights into her career journey and the challenges she faced, particularly balancing motherhood with her career. She emphasizes the importance of persistence, passion, and confidence in making it in the industry. Sawyer recounts her start at Sky Sports in 2002 as a production junior and her progression to broadcasting, highlighting the value of gaining experience through various roles and local news outlets. She advises aspiring journalists to network, use social media to showcase their work, and to be confident in their abilities. The article also mentions Sky Sports' 25th anniversary and provides information on how to receive news analysis, job alerts, and event notifications from the Guardian Media & Tech Network.

The article explores the influence of porn, particularly Falcon Studios and its founder Chuck Holmes, on the body standards of gay men. It discusses how Holmes's portrayal of the Adonis-like figure in his films, along with Calvin Klein's advertising campaigns, set a beauty standard that persists in gay culture. The article reflects on the impact of these standards, including the pressure to conform to a hairless, muscular physique, and the broader implications for self-image and sexual identity. It also touches on Holmes's tragic personal story, his struggle with the AIDS crisis, and his legacy within the LGBTQ+ community. The author shares personal experiences and questions the positive and negative effects of such beauty ideals, suggesting that while they can be alluring, they can also lead to dissatisfaction and a sense of inadequacy.