Murray State reaches College World Series as underdog and emblem
Wait, where is Murray State, anyway?
Why, it's in way-western Kentucky in a town of 18,000 called Murray, a hop and a skip and a flyball above the Tennessee line, about an hour or so east of the Mississippi River, two hours and change from Nashville, almost three from Memphis, three-and-some from St. Louis and from Louisville.
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3 hours ago
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Packers Receiver Cornelius Johnson Gives Answer Fans Wanted Before Season
Packers Receiver Cornelius Johnson Gives Answer Fans Wanted Before Season originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Green Bay Packers are preparing for another push in the competitive NFC North, with mandatory minicamp happening months before the real games begin. The dust has settled after the Jaire Alexander release, allowing players to focus on some early practice this past week. Advertisement They'll still have key players on the roster, with quarterback Jordan Love hoping to guide them to further playoff success. He'll have preferred targets like Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, Romeo Doubs, and rookie Matthew Golden for the upcoming campaign. The team closed out the 2024 season, finishing third in the division, and bowed out of the Wild Card Playoffs to the eventual champion, the Philadelphia Eagles. And while practice remains critical to a better Packers season, players recently had vacation destinations on their minds. Michigan wide receiver Cornelius Johnson (WO13) talks to the media at the NFL Ruszkowski-Imagn Images That wasn't necessarily due to a lack of focus, but instead for the team's social media clip. In the X video, several players were on their way to the field or back from it, and we're asked about their bucket list destinations. Advertisement Most players had intriguing choices. For Javon Bullard and Pro Bowler Xavier McKinney, it was Africa. Golden named Ireland. Evan Williams wouldn't mind going to a foreign island, such as the Bahamas or Fiji. Mecole Hardman indicated he'd like to go check out "the pyramids" for his bucket list. And all of these sound enticing for players booking future travel plans. However, it was wide receiver Cornelius Johnson scoring some major points, naming a destination that Packers fans would love to see him at next year. "Super Bowl," he simply replied, suggesting that he's locked in on achieving that goal. "Cornelius has his priorities straight," one X commenter said in the video replies. Advertisement "W Cornelius," another individual wrote. "Best answer...@CorneliusNation," an X commenter added. The Packers have been to the Super Bowl five times, achieving four wins. Fans haven't seen them reach that ultimate team destination since Super Bowl XLV in 2011, where Aaron Rodgers led them to the championship, defeating the Steelers 31-25. According to Vegas Insider, the team opened in the top 10 for Super Bowl odds, tied with the Cincinnati Bengals and Washington Commanders at +2000. While Johnson's still a newcomer to the league, he certainly has the right idea and approach as he looks to contribute in Green Bay. Advertisement The former Michigan Wolverine entered the NFL last season and the Los Angeles Chargers took him 253rd overall. However, he never got to participate in their games after being released from the team's practice squad last August. The Packers signed him to their practice squad soon after. Earlier this year, Johnson signed a future/reserve contract, and now sits at fourth on the team's depth chart for receivers. Related: Packers' Matt LaFleur Praises 1,700-Yard WR Ahead Of Mandatory Minicamp This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 14, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
This Small Georgia Town Two Hours From Atlanta Is The Watermelon Capital Of The World
When you think of a small Southern town, Cordele, Georgia fits the bill—friendly diners, historic architecture, and classic summer festivals. But it also brings a few surprises. Just two hours south of Atlanta, this agricultural hub in Crisp County is home to farms, wide-open countryside, and more watermelons than you've likely seen in one place. In fact, Cordele proudly claims the title of Watermelon Capital of the World, thanks to its bustling summer harvest and massive state-run produce market that supplies much of the Southeast. But the town's appeal goes far beyond its famous fruit. Whether you're relaxing on a vintage train ride through President Jimmy Carter's hometown, glamping lakeside at Georgia Veterans State Park, or feeding longhorns on a working cattle ranch, this small town offers big reasons to make the drive. Here are 12 things to do in Cordele. Related: This Small Georgia Town With Its Own French Quarter Is The Perfect Day Trip From Atlanta Any local will tell you the SAM Shortline Excursion Train is a must. This historic rail line lets you take in the Georgia countryside from the comfort of an air-conditioned vintage train car. Your journey begins at Georgia Veterans State Park, crossing the scenic Lake Blackshear before arriving in Plains, President Jimmy Carter's quaint hometown where you can explore local shops and enjoy peanut butter treats. Onboard concessions and themed rides, such as wine-and-cheese pairings or the murder-mystery dinner train, make the journey all the more memorable. 105 9th Ave E, Cordele, GA 31015; 229-276-0755 If you want to see the small town at its sweetest, plan your trip during the Watermelon Days Festival, Georgia's oldest festival honoring the workers behind this bountiful industry since 1949. Held every June, this tradition celebrates the year's harvest with a festive parade, classic car displays, live music, and what feels like endless fresh-cut watermelon. And that's just the main event. In the weeks leading up to it, expect a full month of community fun—from geocaching and 5K races to scavenger hunts and kid-friendly contests. 229-273-1668 If you like history, lake views, and quiet time in nature, this park should be high on your list. A memorial to U.S. veterans, the 1,300-acre park features an on-site Military Museum with both indoor and outdoor installations—including jets, tanks, a helicopter, and even a B-29A Superfortress. There's also plenty of opportunities for recreation, so bring comfortable shoes to wander the four miles of hiking trails, head to Lake Blackshear for boating, fishing, and other water recreation, or test your aim at the Archery & Air Gun Range. 2459 US-280 W, Cordele, GA 31015; 229-276-2371 Located at Georgia Veterans State Park, this 18-hole course designed by golf architect Denis Griffiths features a challenging layout with rolling mounds, water hazards, and sand bunkers. Part of the Lake Blackshear Resort and Golf Club, the course is open from 8 a.m. to dusk, seven days a week. And all rounds are accompanied by scenic views and cool breezes coming off the lake. After your game, head to the course's full-service clubhouse for happy hour and a satisfying meal. 2315 US-280, Cordele, GA 31015; 229-276-2377 You don't have to be a motorsports expert to enjoy the fast-paced fun at Cordele Motor Speedway. Spread across 100 acres, this small-town racetrack hosts weekly Division Trials featuring go-karts, pit stop challenges, and INEX-sanctioned Bandolero and Legends races—giving you a front-row seat to local talent and rising national stars. Visitors appreciate the clean facilities, friendly staff, and wheelchair-accessible seating. Tickets start as low as $10 for children over six and $20 for adults. 385 Farmers Market Rd, Cordele, GA 31015; 229-938-8814 This retired Titan I missile now serves as one of the most photo-worthy roadside stops in all of Georgia. Located just off I-75, this 98-foot space monument is the real deal—a decommissioned Cold War missile transported from California to Georgia in 1969. It was placed here thanks to local veterans and the Cordele Rotary Club, which wanted to honor the region's military history. As you explore the site, read the informative plaques, enjoy the surrounding park, and snap plenty of photos for bragging rights. 1815 16th Ave E, Cordele, GA 31015 Run by native Texan Barry Baskin and his wife Susan, Aussie Acres Ranch is home to a registered herd of Texas Longhorns. Get up close with these majestic animals during the Meet and Greet Experience, where you'll learn their history and feed them treats right from your palm. While you're on the property, explore the lake at your own pace, bring gear for fishing, or pick from their plentiful fruit trees when in season. 1741 Cemetery Rd, Pitts, GA 31072; 423-371-0421 For a satisfying start to the day, head to BJ's Diner, a no-frills spot known for its homestyle soul food—and probably the only place where you can enjoy pancakes alongside smothered pork chops and fried chicken. At lunch, locals line up at Smoakies Bar-B-Que for chopped barbecue plates and Brunswick stew, best enjoyed on the shaded porch. Dinner by the lake comes with breezy views and frequent live music at Cypress Grill, where the menu is casual but satisfying. In town, 16 East Bar & Grill offers steaks and wings inside a revamped warehouse setting, while Daphne Lodge, a 1950s-era favorite amongst locals, leans classic with fried catfish and shrimp served in a charmingly rustic dining room. This isn't your average farmers market. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., the Cordele State Farmers Market is one of the largest and oldest of its kind in Georgia—and a vital hub for watermelon distribution throughout the Southeast. At the height of melon season, hours stretch from sunrise to nearly midnight. Even outside of peak harvest, you'll find locally grown produce, regional specialties, and a true glimpse into Cordele's agricultural heart. 128 Seedling Dr, Cordele, GA 31015 This working cattle ranch isn't just for touring—you can also stay overnight in the property's 2-story guesthouse overlooking open pastures and a 6-acre pond. Inside, there's nearly 1,500 square feet of space for up to 10 guests, with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and two full kitchens. Start your morning by the bay window in the first floor kitchen for a view of the fields, and end the day on the private balcony, where the sunsets stretch wide across the farm. Guests are encouraged to wander the wooded trails, paddle across the private lake, wind down fireside beneath the stars, and take in the easygoing rhythm of life on the ranch. 423-371-0421 Live out your boho-chic camping dreams with a stay at Timberland Glamping, tucked along the perimeter of Georgia Veterans State Park. Choose between two air-conditioned tent types—the Deluxe Safari or Double Safari—each outfitted with real beds, mini fridges, electrical outlets, and stylish touches that make 'roughing it' feel anything but. A private bathhouse with showers, restrooms, and laundry is located just a short walk from the tents, along with picnic tables, grills, and hammocks throughout the site. From your tent, it's just a short stroll to the shores of Lake Blackshear, where you can rent kayaks, book a pontoon cruise, or cast a line off the dock. Georgia Veterans State Park, 2459 US-280, Cordele, GA 31015; 912-550-4096 For another relaxed lakeside stay, spend a few nights at one of the ten cottage-style cabins at Lake Blackshear Resort & Golf Club. Set right along the water's edge, each cabin includes two spacious bedrooms, a large bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen, and a cozy family room with a fireplace—ideal for winding down after a day outdoors. Guests have easy access to the resort's golf course, marina, and on-site dining, plus a screened porch outfitted with rocking chairs and a grill perfect for sunset dinners. 2459-H, 2459 US-280 West, Cordele, GA 31015; 229-276-1004 Read the original article on Southern Living
Yahoo
5 hours ago
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Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce Will Spend a ‘Different' NFL Season This Time, Claims ‘Source'
Now that Taylor Swift's 'Eras' tour is officially over, she will reportedly attend an NFL season with Travis Kelce without worrying about exhaustive commitments. One of the most discussed couples in the industry, Swift and Kelce are reportedly ready to bring a blend of pop culture and sports to the stadium. According to a source, the upcoming season will pave the way for their romance to be unencumbered by busy schedules. After concluding the 'Eras' tour, Taylor Swift is reportedly gearing up for the next NFL season with Travis Kelce. Since the beginning of the couple's romance in 2023, the upcoming NFL season will be the first one where Swift will not keep busy with the tour commitments. According to PEOPLE's insider, for this reason, Swift is particularly excited for Kelce's upcoming season. The insider suggested the season's uniqueness, saying, 'This fall will be completely different. It's the first season where she's not constantly flying back and forth or working around an entire touring calendar.' Swift was busy with her record-breaking 'Eras' tour till her last stop at Vancouver in December. Meanwhile, her boyfriend was navigating his football career. Hence, the past two seasons tested the couple's endurance and patience. The source noted, 'The past two seasons were a whirlwind between performing across multiple countries, long flights, and trying to squeeze in alone time together wherever possible.' They added, 'It wasn't easy but they made it work.' The source further claimed Swift planned to attend as many of Kelce's games as possible. 'Her schedule is much more open now that the Eras Tour is wrapped, and she's genuinely excited to have the time and flexibility to show up for Travis more consistently,' reported the insider. While rumors about their split and their marriage swirl around, all eyes will be on Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce this NFL season. The post Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce Will Spend a 'Different' NFL Season This Time, Claims 'Source' appeared first on Reality Tea.
