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06/18/2026

⚾BREAKING: Penn College Names Brett Marks Head Baseball Coach

Williamsport, Pa. – Brett Marks has been selected as Penn College's head baseball coach, the institution announced Thursday.

"Brett rose to the top of a very strong candidate pool," Penn College Director of Athletics Scott Kennell said. "We're excited for him to join our coaching staff, and we believe the future of the baseball program is in very good hands."

Marks spent the 2026 season as an assistant coach at Penn State Abington and helped guide the Nittany Lions to a 32-13 record and a United East playoff berth.

Prior to last season, Marks was the head coach from 2022-25 at Cairn University, where he compiled a 101-70 record and led the Highlanders to the postseason each year. He was named the 2024 United East Skye Division Coach of the Year and mentored 24 all-conference selections, including the Player of the Year and the Rookie of the Year, and five all-region selections.

"I am excited for the opportunity to be the next head coach at Penn College," Marks said. "The program has a great deal of talent returning, and a rich history of success, and I'm thrilled to take the reins and lead this program."

Marks was a four-year member of the Cairn baseball team as a catcher and earned both his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Master of Business Administration from Cairn. After graduation, he spent three seasons as an assistant coach for the Highlanders.

A native of Cooper City, Fla., Marks also has prior playing and coaching experience with the Miami Marlins Foundation's RBI program.

Marks will assume his role on July 13.

Photo provided by Penn College Athletics

06/18/2026

🏒Penn State Announces 2026-27 B1G Weekend Opponents & Non-Conference Schedule

University Park, Pa. – On Thursday afternoon the Big Ten announced its complete 2026-27 men’s hockey schedule with each team playing each other a total of four times, twice at home and twice on the road.

For Big Ten Conference play each two game series could be played at any time from Thursday-Sunday on the weekend noted with exact dates becoming finalized in the coming months.

Full Big Ten Hockey Weekend Schedule

The 2026-27 season begins the weekend of October 2-4, however, Penn State opens with a bye week ahead of the 2026 Ice Breaker Tournament the following weekend in Connecticut. The Nittany Lions visit UConn on October 9 and conclude the weekend at Sacred Heart on October 10.

Two more non-conference weekends follow for the Blue & White before conference play begins as 2023 National Champion Quinnipiac visits Hockey Valley for the first time on Friday, October 16, in a return trip from the contest in Hamden back in October 2024, a 3-2 Bobcats victory.

Penn State then welcomes Robert Morris to Pegula Ice Arena for a rare Tuesday night contest on October 20 before a weekend set against Canisius (Oct. 23-24).

The Nittany Lions then open Big Ten play on Halloween weekend with a trip to Minnesota marking the sixth time in the past seven seasons Penn State has opened conference play on the road. PSU is 7-5-1 all-time in Big Ten openers with a 4-4-0 record in such games on the road.

Penn State returns to Hockey Valley the following weekend to battle Notre Dame (Nov. 5-8) before four-straight on the road prior to Thanksgiving against Michigan (Nov. 12-15) and Wisconsin (Nov. 19-22).

The day after Turkey Day, the Nittany Lions will play a single non-conference contest against Princeton at Pegula Ice Arena on Friday, November 27 before concluding the first half of the season following a bye week with a home-and-home against Army West Point on December 10 & 12.

The second half slate for the Blue & White begins at home on New Year’s Eve with a non-conference tilt against Niagara before concluding the series up north on Saturday, January 2.

Penn State is back home the following weekend to welcome in Ohio State for a Big Ten series (Jan. 7-10) before traveling back to the Mitten for a series at Michigan State (Jan. 14-17).

The Nittany Lions then entertain Wisconsin (Jan. 21-24) before traveling to South Bend to close out the month of January against the Irish (Jan. 28-31).

The final non-conference game of the season breaks up Big Ten play as Penn State travels west to conclude the season series against Robert Morris on Saturday, February 6, before finishing the year with six-of-eight games on home ice.

Minnesota (Feb. 11-14) and Michigan State (Feb. 18-21) visit Hockey Valley prior to a trip to Columbus to face off against Ohio State (Feb. 25-28) to close February. Penn State then concludes the regular season with a Thursday-Friday series at Pegula Ice Arena against Michigan on March 4-5.

Big Ten Tournament dates will be announced later this summer when the conference office announces the all-sports championship calendar.

The NCAA Regionals are then set for March 25-28 with the NCAA Frozen Four being contested on April 8 & 10 at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.

All dates are subject to change with game times and the full television schedule to be announced in the coming months.

For more information on the 2026-27 season, visit the men's hockey ticket page at GoPSUsports.com or call 1-800-NITTANY Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Photo provided by Penn State Athletics

06/18/2026

🏅Check out these highlights from Bucknell's Evelyn Bliss who was just named USTFCCCA NCAA Division I Mid-Atlantic female athlete of the year.

Video provided by Bucknell Athletics

06/18/2026

🏅BREAKING: Evelyn Bliss Wins Program's First USTFCCCA NCAA Division I Mid-Atlantic Women's Field Athlete of the Year

Lewisburg, Pa.- Defending U.S. National Champion Evelyn Bliss broke new ground once again for the Bucknell women's track & field program on Thursday when the USTFCCCA announced that the junior javelineer had been named the NCAA Division I Mid-Atlantic Region Women's Field Athlete of the Year. Bliss became the first Bison to earn the honor.

USTFCCCA Release

"Congratulations to Evie on earning regional field athlete of the year," Bucknell throws coach Ryan Protzman said. "Evie had a dominating season. The stats speak for themselves, but after earning a trip to Tokyo in the fall, she had taken a major step towards the most elite level of track and field."

The award arrives one week after Bliss finished second at the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships, the highest placement ever for a Bison woman. She joined Maura Fiamoncini (javelin) and Lonnie Fertik (heptathlon) as the program's all-time First Team All-American honorees. Bliss also joined Fiamoncini as the only First Team All-Americans in program history.

Her 2026 spring campaign not only rewrote the Bucknell record book but the record books at numerous other schools. Bliss won six competitions, established six facility records (including two at Power Four schools), set five meet records, and, at one point, ranked first in the world. She won and set facility records at the Colonial Relays (William & Mary), the Bison Outdoor Classic (Bucknell), the historic and prestigious Penn Relays (University of Pennsylvania), the Kehoe Twilight (Maryland), the Patriot League Outdoor Championships (Navy), and the NCAA East First Round (Kentucky). She established meet records in five of those six competitions, the lone exception being the NCAA East First Round.

At April's Bison Outdoor Classic, in front of a supportive home crowd, Bliss broke the 60-meter barrier for the first time and threw a personal best 61.34m (201-3), decisively setting a facility record, a meet record, and moving into possession of first place in the world.

Bliss extended a number of streaks in 2026. She won the Patriot League Championship for the third consecutive time and repeated the hat trick in the Colonial Relays and Bison Outdoor Classic. For the second straight year, she posted the highest mark at the NCAA East First Round with a one-throw-and-done process.

Photo provided by Bucknell Athletics/Photo taken by Isabelle Roes

06/18/2026

⚾The NTL Baseball and Softball All-Stars have been announced! Below is a full list of the honorees. Congratulations!

MVPs:

Player of the Year: Marek Mascho, Wellsboro

Pitcher of the Year: Max Mascho, Wellsboro

Rookie of the Year: Cooper Hugo, Northeast Bradford

Newcomer of the Year: Gage Baltzley, Wellsboro

Coaching Staff of the Year: Kyle Smith, Wellsboro

Large School:

Zeke Noble, Athens

Brady Flynn, Athens

Nick Grazul, Athens

Kamdyn Wheeler, Athens

Duncan Thetga, Athens

Ryder Breon, North Penn-Mansfield

Andy Hermansen, North Penn-Mansfield

Shane Maghamez, Towanda

Boom Thompson, Towanda

Lucas Vincent, Towanda

Brendan Gilliland, Troy

Mason Smith, Troy

Reed Palmer, Troy

Gabe Cuneo, Wellsboro

Coen Tennis, Wellsboro

Griffin Morral, Wellsboro

Small School:

Trapper Burr, Canton

Daniel Inman, Canton

Bailey Gardner, Canton

Lucas Hamilton, Cowanesque Valley

Dave Hess, Cowanesque Valley

William Kies, Cowanesque Valley

Hunter Simonds, Cowanesque Valley

Levi Stahli, Cowanesque Valley

Ayren Morgan, Cowanesque Valley

Nate Gross, Northeast Bradford

Wes Alderfer, Northeast Bradford

Anthony Johnson, Northeast Bradford

Kohen Hugo, Northeast Bradford

Karter Green, Sayre

Kohen Vandelinder, Williamson

Softball

MVPs:

Player of the Year: Haley Litzelman, North Penn-Liberty

Pitcher of the Year: Gretchan Hiley, Athens

Rookie of the Year: Julia Kaczynski, North Penn-Liberty

Newcomer of the Year: Jocelynn Colegrove, Williamson

Coaching Staff of the Year: Brian Wendela, Athens

Large School:

Memphis Paul, Athens

McKenna Jarvis, Athens

Madalyn Hiley, Athens

Maddie Smith, North Penn-Liberty

Kameron Lightener, North Penn-Liberty

Elyna Booth, North Penn-Liberty

Caedence Wells, Towanda

Brooklyn Evans, Towanda

Leila Cobb, Towanda

Erinn Knapp, Troy

Haidyn Watson, Troy

Lauren Reed, Troy

Adelyn Frantz, Wellsboro

Treanna Nickeson, Wyalusing

Addison Fluck, Wyalusing

Addisyn Bly, Wyalusing

Small School:

Lindley Sechrist, Canton

Lucy Proseus, Canton

Jaylee Ward, Canton

Raya Preston, Canton

Lilah LaBarron, Cowanesque Valley

Zeraya Wilson, Cowanesque Valley

Karmyn McPherson, Northeast Bradford

Zoey Thetga, Northeast Bradford

Orissa Gardner, Northeast Bradford

Madalyn Callear, Northeast Bradford

Rylee Lantz, Sayre

Olivia Thompson, Sayre

Kenna Thomas, Williamson

Olivia Gee, Williamson

Lexi Smalley, Williamson

Photo provided by Ed Weaver for Circle W Sports

06/18/2026

⚾Digital Ticketing Coming to the Little League Baseball® World Series

South Williamsport, Pa. – For the first time ever, fans and guests attending the 2026 Little League Baseball® World Series, Presented by T-Mobile, will enjoy an enhanced experience with digital ticketing, bringing stadium seating access to the world’s largest youth sports tournament to your fingertips.

“Little League is always looking for new ways to enhance the experience for our players, families, and fans while honoring the traditions that makes our organization so special,” said Patrick Wilson, Little League® President and CEO. “Introducing digital ticketing for the Little League Baseball World Series is a significant step forward in delivering a more convenient, secure, and connected experience for our guests. As fan expectations continue to evolve, we remain committed to investing in innovative solutions that make it easier for families to enjoy the Little League World Series while preserving the moments and memories that have defined Williamsport for generations.”

As part of the new experience, the following games will utilize digital tickets for stadium seating at Lamade Stadium for the 2026 event:

MLB Little League Classic Sunday – 1 p.m. Game (August 23)

No ticket necessary for the other three games that day; Seating available on first-come, first-served basis

Championship Saturday (August 29)

One ticket provides access to both the International Championship Game and the U.S. Championship Game

LLBWS Championship Game (August 30)

No ticket necessary for the Consolation Game; Seating available on first-come, first-served basis

As always, there is no cost to attend the LLBWS, and everyone is welcome to access all the fun and excitement that the two-week event brings each summer. For all games throughout the LLBWS, no ticket is ever needed to watch the games from the iconic Lamade Stadium hillside and stadium seating (excluding Section 1) for all other games outside of those listed above are available for free on a first-come, first-served basis.

While more information on the digital ticketing system will be made available in the coming weeks, including a number of FAQs and when fans can start requesting tickets, those interested in learning more about the digital ticket options for this year’s event are encouraged to fill out the Ticket Information Form at LittleLeague.org.

TICKET INFORMATION FORM

Fans are also encouraged to download the LLWS Mobile App for real-time updates throughout the tournament. The 2026 LLBWS will take place from August 19-30, 2026. For more information, including visitor resources, special guests, and more, check back all summer long at LittleLeague.org/WorldSeries. To start planning your visit to Williamsport, go to LittleLeague.org/Visit.

In addition to the ticketed games, Section 1 Pass Holders as well as those with on-site parking passes in the stadium parking (“S”) lots will utilize the digital ticketing system starting in 2026. Information on how to utilize these passes will be sent directly to those individuals.

About Little League®

Founded in 1939, Little League® is the world’s largest organized youth sports program, with approximately two million players (ages 4-16) playing baseball and softball in communities across every U.S. state and more than 80 other countries. Operated by more than one million volunteers, Little League believes in the power of youth baseball and softball to teach life lessons that build stronger individuals and communities. A mission-driven nonprofit, Little League International has earned its Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid.org, a nationally recognized designation earned by nonprofits that share key organizational information on Candid, the world's largest nonprofit database. From professional athletes and award-winning celebrities, to public officials and other influential members of society, Little League graduates have taken the lessons they learned, both on and off the field, to create the next chapter of the Little League story. Each year, millions of people follow the hard work, dedication, and sportsmanship that Little Leaguers® display at our seven baseball and softball World Series events, the premier tournaments in youth sports. For more information, visit LittleLeague.org, and follow Little League () on Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. When we all come together, we are truly One Team. One Little League.

Photo provided by Little League Baseball

06/18/2026

⚾PHOTO GALLERY: RTL continued to roll in the District 33 Major Softball Tournament. They beat NEBall 12-2 in four innings Wednesday. Chris Manning of the Northern Tier Sports Report provided these shots. Visit his website at https://ntsportsreport.com/ for more photos.

Photos by Chris Manning/Northern Tier Sports Report

06/18/2026

🥎⚾Little League® and adidas Team Up to Unveil 2026 Little League Baseball and Softball World Series Uniforms

South Williamsport, Pa. – Inspired by the speed and excitement that define both baseball and softball, Little League® and adidas unveiled the official uniforms for the 2026 Little League Baseball and Softball World Series tournaments.

The 2026 Little League Baseball and Softball World Series uniforms represent the continued growth of the partnership between Little League and adidas, giving all the participants the opportunity to celebrate movement, self-expression, and individuality. This year’s collection is built around adidas’ “ADIZERO Racing” concept, drawing inspiration from motorsports and racing culture to create a look that feels dynamic, modern, and unmistakably competitive.

“Our partnership with adidas reflects a shared commitment to creating access, opportunity, and a positive and equitable experience for our Little Leaguers through the game of baseball and softball. By providing high-quality uniforms for every participating team—including players, coaches, interpreters, and player advocates—we help ensure that all teams take the field on equal footing,” said Liz DiLullo Brown, Little League Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing and Business Relationship Officer. “Focused on ensuring the players feel confident in the way they look and feel, adidas continues to elevate the Little League World Series experience while helping build momentum for youth baseball and softball participation around the world. Together, as leaders in the industry, we are delivering uniforms that honor the traditions and values of Little League while providing the quality, performance, and style that today’s athletes deserve.”

The design language draws from racing culture, while celebrating what happens on the field every day – impressive swings, quick reactions to stolen bases, game-changing plays, and exuberant team celebrations. This year’s uniforms celebrate the fast-paced nature of the game while providing each region with a unique visual identity to honor their community and celebrate their achievements throughout the Little League International Tournament journey.

“As we're shaping the future of sport and the culture around it, Little League World Series athletes are a tremendous source of inspiration for us at adidas,” said Aaron Seabron, General Manager of US Sports at adidas. “In designing the 2026 uniforms, we leaned into the visual language of racing to celebrate the electric speed, inspiring performances and unstoppable spirit of these athletes and help them tap into greater confidence as they compete on one of baseball's biggest stages."

With the official uniforms now released, fans can represent their favorite region with this year’s adidas replica jerseys and other great merchandise by visiting ShopLittleLeague.org or stopping at the Little League Flagship Store on-site at the LLBWS Complex. Also, don’t forget to take advantage of FREE SHIPPING on all U.S. orders all summer long.

For more information about the LLBWS, including visitor resources, special guests, and more, check back all summer long at LittleLeague.org/WorldSeries. To start planning your visit to Williamsport, go to LittleLeague.org/Visit.

About adidas®

adidas is a global leader in the sporting goods industry. Headquartered in Herzogenaurach/Germany, the company employs more than 62,000 people across the globe and generated sales of €24.8 billion in 2025. For more information, please visit www.adidas-Group.com.

About Little League®

Founded in 1939, Little League® is the world’s largest organized youth sports program, with approximately two million players (ages 4-16) playing baseball and softball in communities across every U.S. state and more than 80 other countries. Operated by more than one million volunteers, Little League believes in the power of youth baseball and softball to teach life lessons that build stronger individuals and communities. A mission-driven nonprofit, Little League International has earned its Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid.org, a nationally recognized designation earned by nonprofits that share key organizational information on Candid, the world's largest nonprofit database. From professional athletes and award-winning celebrities, to public officials and other influential members of society, Little League graduates have taken the lessons they learned, both on and off the field, to create the next chapter of the Little League story. Each year, millions of people follow the hard work, dedication, and sportsmanship that Little Leaguers® display at our seven baseball and softball World Series events, the premier tournaments in youth sports. For more information, visit LittleLeague.org, and follow Little League () on Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. When we all come together, we are truly One Team. One Little League.

Photo provided by Little League Baseball and Softball

06/18/2026

⚾Schupmann’s Blast Backs Bartkowski, Cutters

Kyle Schupmann’s go-ahead home run was enough to back Will Bartkowski as the Cutters run their win streak to six-straight with a 2-1 victory over Mahoning Valley on Wednesday night.

Will Bartkowski gave Williamsport a brilliant relief outing, facing the minimum through four shutout innings of relief. Bartkowski struck out four batters and produced six infield outs as he picked up his first win of the season.

Alex Walsh allowed one run over three innings in his Crosscutters debut. The Jacksonville product struck out four and did not allow a walk.

Kyle Schupmann connected on his first home run of the season, a 356-foot shot, in the 7th inning to give the Cutters a 2-1 lead. Schupmann finished the night 2-for-2 with a pair of walks in four trips to the plate. He scored both Crosscutters runs.

Maddix Dalena drove in the first Cutters run with a RBI single in the 5th. Dalena ended the night 2-for-3 with a pair of singles and a walk.

With the win the Crosscutters advance their winning streak to six-straight games, their longest since July of 2024.

WP: Will Bartkowski (1-1)

LP: David Lally (0-1)

SV: N/A (-)

Crosscutters Record: 8-5

Next Game: Thursday, June 18

The Williamsport Crosscutters vs Mahoning Valley, 6:35 p.m.

Next Home Game: Thursday, June 18th vs Mahoning Valley, 6:35 p.m.

Promotion: American Rescue Workers Clothing Drive / Thirsty Thursday / Thank You Thursday

Story by Justin Hawkins for the Williamsport Crosscutters/Photo by Brett Crossley/Northcentralpa.com

06/18/2026

🥎PHOTO GALLERY: Keystone beat South Williamsport 9-2 Wednesday to reach the District 12 Major Softball semifinals. Bill Crowell from the Clinton County Sports page provided these wonderful photos. Visit his website at https://clintoncountysports.com/ for more.

Photos by Bill Crowell/Clinton County Sports

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