Latest news with #HallofFame
Scoop
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Equestrian Sports New Zealand Hall Of Fame Awards Winners Announced For 2025
27 June Equestrian Sports New Zealand's 75th Anniversary Dinner played host to the sports organisation's Hall of Fame Awards held in the Banquet Hall at Parliament Buildings tonight. Approximately 260 guests celebrated 75 years of equestrian sports in New Zealand since the organisation's inception as the Horse Society of New Zealand on 14 July, 1950. This year's awards were presented along with the latest Hall of Fame inductees, and others who have made an outstanding contribution to ESNZ and the sport during the past years, were announced. Special guests included founder of the Catwalk Trust Dame Catriona Williams and husband Sam, ESNZ Patron Jennifer Millar, former ESNZ CEOs Justine Kidd, Vicki Glynn and Dana Kirkpatrick now National MP (Gisborne), Sport NZ Relationship Manager Karin Adlinger-Smith and Group General Manager Strategy, Policy and Investment Julie Morrison, NZ Pony Club CEO Lizzie Turnbull and Riding for the Disabled CEO Donna Kennedy. Riders from throughout the ages, including Olympians Blyth Tait and Tinks Pottinger, took part in a series of 'fireside chats' to reflect on the past 75 years of equestrian sports. Here are the award winners: 2025 ESNZ RIDER OF THE YEAR: Melissa Galloway (Dressage). Marlborough rider Melissa represented NZL at the Olympic Games 2024, on the only Southern Hemisphere and New Zealand bred horse in the field of 60 competitors. 2025 ESNZ HORSE OF THE YEAR – INTERNATIONAL: Showcase BC (owners Frankie Webb & Louise Duncan). Showcase BC is a 15-year-old warmblood bred by Beachcroft Equestrian of Waitoki, Auckland. In just two years this horse developed all the skills of a 'para-equestrian pony' learning to work with Levin para-equestrian rider Louise Duncan (see Against All Odds Award). They went on to compete in the 2024 Paris Paralympics, and were placed 13th in the Grand Prix. 2025 ESNZ HORSE OF THE YEAR – NATIONAL: LT Holst Freda (owners Julie Davey & Andrew Ormond). Ridden by Hastings rider Julie Davey, LT Holst Freda is the winner of the Olympic Cup Horse of the Year 2025 and the New Zealand World Cup series for 2024-25 over 4 rounds. Freda is the daughter of the mare LT Holst Andrea and together they have established a NZ record as the first mother and daughter horse duo to achieve both these titles. 2025 ESNZ TEAM OF THE YEAR: 2024 FEI Dressage World Challenge Helen Hughes-Keen (Chef d'Equipe), Katy Payne (Dragonbach Master Reilly), Paige Fitzgerald (Greenmoor Euphoria), Amanda Macpherson (Friden Star) and Samantha Belsham (Dolcetto II). This national team of members were placed 1st, 5th,11th and 16th in the world, where there were up to 107 starters. Their training and focus demonstrated excellent work as individuals, leading up to the event, as they were named just one day before the competition, in line with the competition rules. 2025 ESNZ AGAINST ALL ODDS: Louise Duncan (Para-Equestrian). At age 17, Levin rider Louise contracted the potentially-fatal disease of meningitis, suffered a stroke and was left partially paralysed. She was told she would never ride again but her determination led her to overcome that fate against all odds. Louise fought back and went on to become an FEI grade IV para-equestrian (profile 26a) which recognises severe impairment or deficiencies of both limbs or moderate impairment in all four limbs. Louise and her horse Showcase BC represented NZ at the 2024 Paris Paralympics and finished 13thin the Individual Grand Prix. They also won Champion & Reserve National Para Dressage Champion at the Webb Equestrian Para Dressage Nationals. Special Recognition was given to Jesse Campbell (Eventing). Jesse Campbell faced the loss of his wife in a tragic accident just over a year ago at an Event in the UK. With time, Jesse was able to use the memory of his wife as a motivator to pursue his eventing dreams, returning to competition just 3 months later to compete four horses in the CCI3* & CCI4* at Alnwick. He also debuted at Burghley Horse Trials and finished a very credible 21st place, crossing through the finish flags as he blew a kiss to the sky in recognition of his late wife Georgie. Special Recognition was also given to Clarke Johnstone (Eventing). Clarke tragically lost his partner Cody in an accident on New Year's Eve 2023/2024 while on holiday. Clarke displayed resilience when he returned to their home in the UK and continued the pursuit of his dream alone. Clarke's sheer determination and talent saw him succeed throughout the Northern Hemisphere season and become selected for the NZ Olympic team, where he produced a spectacular 25.7 dressage score, adding only 4.8 time faults in the cross country and just 1 rail down in each of the two SJ rounds. 2025 ESNZ GROOM OF THE YEAR: Madison (Madi) Schollum (Dressage). Based in West Auckland, Madi has devoted four years of her career to Team Williamson, a facility co-owned by Grand Prix Dressage Rider Wendi Williamson and husband Jon. There are 30 horses, with 15 in active training. Madi is herself a successful international rider, and understands well the physical demands of caring for horses in high-level training. THE PILMER PLATE – ESNZ LIFETIMEVOLUNTEER/OFFICIALS AWARD: Wendy Farnell (Endurance). Waitaki equestrian Wendy is a 3* judge, technical delegate and steward, and has been instrumental in bringing the sport of Endurance and Competitive Trail Riding together. Wendy is the go-to person for entries throughout the country, the vet gate at all lower South Island rides, as well as all three Championships and two non-championship FEI rides throughout the country. ESNZ YOUNG PERSON OF THE YEAR AWARDS FOR 2025 Dressage Young Person of the Year is Paige Fitzgerald. From Canterbury, Paige and Greenmoor Euphoria are winners of the 2025 Dressage Pony of the Year and National Title Trophy at Horse of the Year, and the FEI Dressage Pony Challenge at the Bates National Championships. Paige has also set the standard for the Youth section of the FEI Dressage World Challenge Youth World Rankings where she was ranked 2nd in 2022 and 2023, and 1st in 2024. Paige will represent the Dressage Youth Council at the 2025 Dressage Conference this weekend. Eventing Young Person of the Year is Charlotte Penny. From Karaka in South Auckland, Charlotte has excelled from competing at 95cm to being one of NZ's most successful riders nationally. Charlotte and Festival are winner of the 2025 Horse of the Year CCI4*. Together they were able to produce the fastest cross country time getting closest to the optimum time around a course, which is notoriously difficult to achieve. The duo placed 4that the 2024 Sydney CCI3* and 2nd at the Taupo CCI4*. Jumping Young Person of the Year is Johanna Wylaars. At just 18 yrs old, Christchurch's Johanna has represented NZ five times in the Trans-Tasman Young Rider teams. She was the joint winner of the 2024 Horse of the Year Young Rider of the Year and has produced a number of horses herself, including those winning the National Six & Seven year old series this year. Johanna has been awarded a Sports Scholarship for Equestrian while studying at Lincoln University. 2025 ESNZ HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES David Goodin (Waerenga) Harvey & Ann Wilson (Waverley) Joe Yorke & Big Red (Wanganui) Penny Pearce (Hawke's Bay) HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS FOR 2025 (Bio's available on request) Sue Hobson (Dressage) Pahiatua Gill Usher (Dressage) Canterbury Helen Christie (Eventing) Southland Dr Margaret Evans (Eventing) Canterbury Rowan Armer (Eventing) Bay of Plenty Roger Laplanche (Jumping) Timaru Marilyn Vincent (Jumping) Waikato Adrian White (Jumping) Hastings Tony Parsons (Jumping) Taupo Wendy Farnell (Endurance) Waitaki
Time of India
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
'Disappointed with the decision': Justin Tucker's agent slams NFL suspension, says league ignored integrity and career legacy
Justin Tucker's agent criticizes the NFL ruling but signals acceptance (Image via AP0 Veteran kicker Justin Tucker, once considered one of the most reliable players in NFL history, has been handed a 10-game suspension following a lengthy investigation into allegations of misconduct involving massage therapists. The suspension, announced Thursday, marks a stunning turn in the career of the seven-time Pro Bowler, who currently remains a free agent. Justin Tucker's agent criticizes the NFL ruling but signals acceptance The allegations, first reported by the Baltimore Banner in January, stem from 16 different massage therapists who accused Justin Tucker of inappropriate behavior dating back to his rookie season in 2012. While no criminal charges were ever filed and Maryland's statute of limitations has since lapsed for civil suits, the NFL concluded that Tucker violated its personal conduct policy. He will now be sidelined without pay starting August 26 and cannot return until mid-November. Tucker's agent, Rob Roche, issued a firm yet conciliatory statement following the decision, expressing disappointment with the league's ruling but noting that the kicker will not contest the suspension. 'We are disappointed with the NFL's decision. Justin has always strived to carry himself in a way that would make his family and community proud,' Roche said via ESPN's Adam Schefter. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Girl gives seat to old man, passengers' faces turn pale when he gives it in return. Crowdy Fan Undo 'He stands by his previous statements. In order to put this difficult episode behind him and get back on the field as soon as possible, we have advised Justin to accept this resolution and close this matter.' Despite his decision not to appeal, Tucker has consistently denied the allegations. Roche reinforced his client's commitment to personal growth and family life, emphasizing: 'The people who know Justin best know his character and understand that while he remains fully committed to excellence as a football player, he is deeply dedicated to his most important lifetime roles as a father, husband and friend.' Tucker's on-field reputation was once impeccable—he owns the highest field goal accuracy rate in NFL history and has won a Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens. However, his career hit a sharp decline in 2024, when he converted just 73% of his kicks. Baltimore released him in May, and drafted Tyler Loop as his replacement. Also Read: Explained: How Justin Tucker's 10 games suspension was quietly negotiated behind the scenes without legal action Now, with a suspension looming and no teams showing interest, Tucker's once-certain Hall of Fame future is clouded by controversy, off-field scrutiny, and the reality of an aging kicker in a league that rarely forgives. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Miami Herald
20 hours ago
- Sport
- Miami Herald
HBCU Football Player Turned Army General Enters HoF
Major General Mitchell Kilgo has spent more than three decades serving his country with distinction in the US Army. The HBCU alumnus is now being recognized for his accomplishments on and off the field as he prepares to be inducted into the Virginia Union "Tricky Tom" Harris Athletic Hall of Fame. A native of Newport News, Virginia, Kilgo played football for the VUU Panthers from 1985 to 1988. His time on the field reflected the same discipline and leadership that would define his military career. Kilgo's military journey, however, wasn't part of his original plan. As a freshman, he accepted an ROTC scholarship as a practical backup. "It was my Plan B," he recalled. "I played football and knew if I couldn't play for some reason, I needed an alternative plan to help me stay in school… it was not a lifelong ambition." But what started as a fallback quickly became a calling. "I felt great about serving and fell in love with the people and the Army's way of life," Kilgo said. "I guess Plan B was in line with God's plan for my life and not the alternative I was seeking." In 1988, Kilgo commissioned into the U.S. Army. Over the years, he rose through the ranks to become the Deputy Inspector General of the U.S. Army Inspector General Agency, retiring in 2022. The role placed him at the heart of military accountability and oversight. Kilgo's military résumé is as decorated as it is diverse. Over the span of his career, he has commanded at every level, held key operational roles, and earned multiple advanced degrees in pursuit of professional excellence. His leadership has impacted global operations, from cybersecurity initiatives to logistical command support across the Department of Defense. The induction into the Hall of Fame at his HBCU is more than a personal achievement. It is a recognition of the enduring impact of his time at an HBCU on his life and career. For Kilgo, the lessons learned on the football field in the shadow of Richmond's Lombardy Street were foundational. "Congratulations to all on your induction into the Virginia Union 'Tricky Tom' Harris Athletic Hall of Fame," said Joe Taylor, VUU Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics and Community Wellness. "You are joining an elite, distinguished group of extraordinary individuals. Your induction is a result of strong character, commitment, and dedication to personal growth and unselfish support of Virginia Union University. All of you embody the championship spirit of Tricky Tom Harris in strengthening the brand of our beloved university." Kilgo's story is emblematic of the pathways that HBCU institutions continue to provide for Black leaders. His journey from student-athlete to Major General underscores the role that VUU-and the broader HBCU community-play in producing leaders of consequence. As Major General Mitchell Kilgo takes his place in the Hall of Fame. His career stands as a testament to the powerful intersection of service, scholarship, and sport that defines the HBCU experience. The post HBCU Football Player Turned Army General Enters HoF appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
NBC Sports
a day ago
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Barry Bonds will be getting a statue outside the Giants' ballpark, team CEO says
SAN FRANCISCO — Barry Bonds will be getting a statue outside the San Francisco Giants' home stadium where he set baseball's career home run record, the team's CEO said. Giants President and Chief Executive Officer Larry Baer was asked during a radio interview about a statue for Bonds, and he responded that it was 'on the radar.' But Baer didn't have any details of when that would happen. 'Barry is certainly deserving of a statue, and I would say should be next up,' Baer said during an appearance on San Francisco's 95.7 The Game. 'We don't have the exact location and the exact date and the exact timing. ... It's coming. All I can say is it's coming.' Bonds played for San Francisco the last 15 of his 22 big league seasons, hitting 586 of his 762 homers while with the Giants from 1993-2007. He set the single-season MLB record with 73 homers in 2001, and hit his record-breaking 756th homer to pass Hank Aaron in a home game off Washington's Mike Bacsik on Aug. 7, 2007. There currently are five statues outside Oracle Park, those of Hall of Famers Willie Mays, Willie McCovey, Juan Marichal, Gaylord Perry and Orlando Cepeda. The Giants retired Bonds' No. 25 jersey in 2018. Bonds, a seven-time MVP and 14-time All-Star, is not in the Hall of Fame. He failed to reach the 75% threshold required during his 10 years on the Baseball Writers Association of America's Hall of Fame ballot, mostly because of steroids allegations that dogged him during his final years with the Giants. The Contemporary Player Committee also passed on electing Bonds in 2022, though the committee could reconsider Bonds' status.
USA Today
a day ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Would Jared Verse rather win 1 Super Bowl or 4 Defensive Player of the Year awards?
Verse: 'Let the team see this. I'll play it in the team meeting.' Jared Verse has only been in the NFL for one season but he's already started a trophy collection. He won Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2024, quickly solidifying himself as one of the best overall defenders in the league – regardless of age or experience. Heading into his second season, Verse is a legitimate Defensive Player of the Year candidate. The Los Angeles Rams are also serious Super Bowl contenders. With his talent and the Rams' status as perennial contenders, Verse seems destined to win at least one Defensive Player of the Year award and potentially one Super Bowl, too. But what would he rather have? Four Defensive Player of the Year trophies or one Lombardi? He made that decision during an episode of 'Spa Day' from Whistle. 'We don't even got to talk about it. Super Bowl all the way,' he said with conviction. But then he started to think about it. And his mind changed. 'Hell no, I ain't even going to lie to you. Four? Four?! Get that out of here, I'm going with that,' he said. 'Two or three, I would've been like, 'Oh yeah, championship all day.'' Verse isn't even afraid to let his teammates and coaches know he'd rather have four Defensive Player of the Year awards over one Super Bowl. He'll tell them himself. 'Let the team see this. I'll play it in the team meeting,' he joked. On first thought, it's easy to pick the Super Bowl like Verse did. That's what every player dreams of winning, from the time they're playing youth football to getting drafted into the NFL. But when you really think about it, four Defensive Player of the Year awards would all but ensure Hall of Fame status. No player has ever won it more than three times, with Lawrence Taylor and Aaron Donald tied for the all-time record. If Verse were to win the award four times, he'd be a first-ballot Hall of Famer just like Taylor was and Donald will be. One Super Bowl has never guaranteed a player first-ballot Hall of Fame status. It might not be the popular pick, but it's hard to blame Verse for taking the personal accolades and an inevitable gold jacket over one ring.
