The Sports Ledger www.TheSportsLedger.com
Alabama Ledger www.AlabamaLedger.com
PAGE 7 June 2025 E-Edition
The American Athletic Conference directors of athletics have approved the venues and host cities for the American Athletic Conference Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships for the next three seasons. The 2026 Championships will be held at Legacy Arena at the BJCC in Birmingham, Alabama. The 2027 and 2028 championships will be held at the Yuengling Center in Tampa, Florida. Both venues will host the American championships for the first time. “We are thrilled to bring our basketball championships to Birmingham and Tampa,” said American Athletic Conference Commissioner Tim Pernetti. “Our top priority when we began this bid process was to deliver the best possible experience for our student-athletes. The ability of Birmingham and Tampa to accommodate both championships and the year-round support that we will receive from their respective local committees will help to make these events an unforgettable experience for our players and fans.” Legacy Arena at the BJCC is an 18,000-capacity arena that hosts national and international touring concerts, productions and sporting events each year and underwent a $125 million modernization in 2021. Most recently, the venue hosted the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Regionals and the 2025 SEC Women’s Gymnastics Championships. The arena previously hosted the 2023 NCAA Men’s Basketball First and Second Rounds and will host that event again in 2028. “We’re incredibly excited to welcome the American Athletic Conference to Legacy Arena,” said Tad Snider, executive director & CEO of the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex. “With the recent NCAA Women’s Regionals, the 2023 Men’s First and Second Rounds, and another set of Men’s Rounds scheduled for 2028, Birmingham has firmly established itself as a premier destination for championship basketball. We’re proud to showcase our vibrant city and world-class venue, and we look forward to delivering an unforgettable experience for student-athletes, fans, and the entire American Athletic Conference community.” The Yuengling Center hosts more than 300 events each year, including sporting events, concerts and family shows. It includes a 10,500-seat arena and has undergone more than $43 million in renovations since 2000. The American’s membership in men’s and women’s basketball includes UAB, Charlotte, East Carolina, Florida Atlantic, Memphis, North Texas, Rice, South Florida, Temple, UTSA, Tulane, Tulsa and Wichita State. The American has produced four NCAA championship teams in basketball (three women, one men) as well as two Men’s Final Four teams, six Women’s Final Four teams and an NIT championship team. Five current members of The American (Charlotte, Florida Atlantic, Memphis, Temple, Wichita State) have reached the Final Four in men’s basketball, most recently Florida Atlantic in 2023. Birmingham to Host American Basketball Championship
FORT PAYNE CHAMBER CHATTER Courtesy of Jessica Townsel, Executive Director
We also extend our sincere appreciation to Mayor Brian Baine. His presence, energy, and ongoing support help create a warm and welcoming atmosphere while encouraging the kind of community connections this event is built on. Congratulations to this year’s top finishers. They included: • 1st Place Overall: FTC Team 1 – Marlon Williamson, Luke Black, John Bailey, & Chad Williamson (Top photo) • 2nd Place Overall: FTC Team 2 – Jason Traylor, JT Traylor, Heath Jones, & Jesse Townsel (Bottom Photo) • 3rd Place Overall: Jet Polymer Recycling– Lee Morgan, Michael Guest, Scott Hayes, & Jake Minnix We’re already looking forward to the 19th Annual Mayor’s Cup in 2026—another fantastic day of golf, connection, and community impact.
With 31 teams, perfect spring weather, and strong community energy, the Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce hosted its 18th Annual Mayor’s Cup Golf Tournament on May 16 at Terrapin Hills Country Club. The event raised over $22,000 to support Chamber operations, keep membership and event costs accessible, and fund the Scott Bateman Memorial Scholarship awarded annually to a local high school senior. “This tournament is more than a fundraiser—it’s a celebration of community support and connection,” said Chamber Executive Director Jessica Townsel. “We’re grateful to everyone who played, sponsored, volunteered, and made it such a memorable day.” Special thanks to our event partners, sponsors, and community businesses who contributed both on and off the course—through financial support, food and beverage donations, team participation, and more. Your commitment brings this event to life.
Submitted Photo
Submitted Photo
SSCC Fishing Team Continues to Rise Nationally
The Snead State Community College Fishing Team is reeling in more than just trophy catches this season. With an impressive resume of competitive finishes, academic success and community service, the 2024–2025 Snead State fishing team has proven to be one of the top collegiate fishing programs in the country. Ranked as the second-highest community college team nationwide, Snead State also holds the No. 32 overall ranking among all collegiate fishing teams, regardless of classification — a remarkable feat given the competition from NCAA Division I schools. Throughout the 2024–2025 season, Snead State anglers have posted top-tier finishes in some of the largest and most competitive collegiate tournaments in the country: • Mason George and Reece Knight placed third at the Auburn Bass Tournament on Lake Guntersville. • Walker Griffith and Brady McCamy earned fourth place out of 250 boats at the Southern Collegiate event on Lake Martin. • Mason George and Carter Maples placed sixth out of 250 boats at the same tournament. • Mason George also finished seventh out of 500 anglers at the Collegiate Bass Open on Kentucky Lake. • The duo of George and Knight secured a ninth- place finish at the Montevallo Tournament on Lake Guntersville. • Reece Knight and Sean Baugh placed 10th at the Auburn University Tournament at Lake Martin. • Brady McCamy placed 13th at the Collegiate Bass Open among 500 anglers. • Carson Floyd and Jarred Bodine claimed 14th place at the Southern Collegiate Bass Tournament on the Black Warrior River. • George and Maples also had a strong showing with a 32nd-place finish out of 300 boats at Lake Pickwick.
Submitted Photo
Snead State Community College Fishing Team
Knight was named Snead State’s first-ever Academic All-American. Knight was one of only 12 student-anglers nationwide,
out of roughly 1,000, to receive the honor at the Anglers and Sponsors Banquet ahead of the National Championship.
These results have qualified Mason George, Carter Maples, Reece Knight and Sean Baugh to compete in the National
Championship this summer on Lake Hartwell. The sponsor of the Fishing Team is Dr. Tom Warren.
REEL 1 - Snead State Fish Team member Reece Knight REEL 2 - Snead State Community College sophomore Ashley Nelson placed third during the NJCAA Division II Women’s Golf National Championship. (Photo Courtesy of Snead State) REEL 3 - Alabama Christian two-time Class 1A-3A state girls’ golf champion Julie Waldo will be on the South All-Star squad for the 2025 All-Star Week Golf competition. (Photo by David Holtsford, AHSAA) REEL 4 - Huntsville Sports Commission Executive Director Mark Russell presents Guntersville senior A.J. Shumate the Class 5A State Soccer Championships MVP Award following the Wildcats’ 2-0 win over Indian Springs. (Photo by David Holtsford, AHSAA) Highlight Photo Reel Pictures
Made with FlippingBook. PDF to flipbook with ease