Latest news with #HometownHeroes'
USA Today
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
‘Dunkstronaut' returns: Rockets to bring back popular City Edition uniforms in 2025-26
'Dunkstronaut' returns: Rockets to bring back popular City Edition uniforms in 2025-26 Back by popular demand, the Rockets are returning to their 'dunkstronaut' City Edition uniforms in the 2025-26 NBA season. That set was first worn in the 2023-24 season. Under something of a 'greatest hits' concept by the NBA and Nike, teams across the league are returning to a previous City Edition uniform during the upcoming 2025-26 season. A few of the NBA's 30 teams are using alternate color versions, but each is doing at least a variation of a popular concept from the first few years of the program. Most are simply running it back with their most beloved version, as is. In Houston, that will mean bringing back the 2023-24 'dunkstronaut' concept, which pays homage to the city's basketball history. In the team's original announcement from late 2023, here's how those white uniform sets were described: These uniforms are a part of the overarching 'Hometown Heroes' storyline, which was developed to celebrate NBA teams' unique connection to their respective cities. The Rockets new City Edition jersey is adorned with 'H-Town' across the chest in honor of the impact Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler had in building Houston's love of basketball during their iconic Phi Slama Jama collegiate careers (at the University of Houston). The 'H-Town' nickname was quickly adopted by the players and appeared on their team warmups during the 1982-83 season. The jersey design is a fusion of classic and modern elements, combining the sleek, contemporary style of today's NBA uniforms with the retro flair from the Phi Slama Jama era. It prominently features 'H-Town' in a sleek, script typeface with player's name and numbers designed in a bold collegiate style. A standout feature of the uniform is the inclusion of a dunking astronaut on the side of the shorts This emblem is a homage to the high-flying style of Phi Slama Jama and to City of Houston's status as 'Space City,' adding a unique and powerful touch to the uniform. The shorts also include silicon print signatures from Olajuwon and Drexler near the bottom corner tag. The dunking astronaut became known as the 'dunkstronaut,' and that logo was featured at midcourt as part of a custom, matching court design at Toyota Center for those City Edition games. The news of Houston bringing back its 2023-24 City Edition uniforms was first reported on X by ProLine Mockups and Basketball Jersey Archive, and Rockets Wire can confirm the reporting. Choices by other NBA teams can be viewed in that thread. City Edition uniforms for seasons beyond 2025-26 have yet to be revealed. More: Hometown heroes: With nod to Houston's hoops history, Rockets unveil 2023-24 City uniforms
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
‘Hometown Heroes' honored in Alden
ALDEN, N.Y. (WIVB) — For the community of Alden, the term 'Hometown Heroes' carries an even deeper meaning. Alden High School unveiled its 'Hometown Heroes' memorial on Wednesday, honoring the 14 Alden graduates who have lost their lives in the line of duty dating back to World War II. Alden seniors and class officers, Sophia Mikulski and Sylvia Witmer, designed and manufactured this memorial, dedicating their time, talent, and hard work to honor these fallen veterans with the help of Alden faculty and staff. The cost of war is often measured in names or numbers, but it is important to remember that for many, the memory of such sacrifice is felt very personally. These heroes are classmates, neighbors, family members, and friends, and their lasting legacy will forever have an impact on those whose lives they touched and beyond. For one family, the loss of their loved one has left heartache that time simply cannot erase. Carole McCarthy and Chuck Kocher, former Alden residents, spoke on the memory of their late nephew and cousin, Robert A. McCarthy, who was killed at the age of 19 in Da Nang, Vietnam, while serving as a U.S. Marine in 1969. 'We will never forget him,' Carole McCarthy said. Robert's name is displayed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. Michael Bennett, president of the Alden Central School District Board of Education, is a war veteran who knows the importance of remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice. 'I just think it's important that these service members are never forgotten by their school and community,' Bennett said. This memorial was two years in the making, and it is now a permanent addition to Alden High School, reminding those who pass by of the ones who gave up their lives for us. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
USA Today
09-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Giants LB Kayvon Thibodeaux discusses his community support, rookie teammate Abdul Carter
Giants LB Kayvon Thibodeaux discusses his community support, rookie teammate Abdul Carter This Week, United Way of New York City (UWNYC), the New York Giants, and the New York Jets celebrated 32 years of partnership at the annual Gridiron Gala. Touchdown Wire's Ed Easton Jr. was on hand as players and honorees walked the red carpet. One of this year's 'Hometown Heroes' honorees is Giants linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux. He spoke about his dedication to helping the community through the JREAM (Journey to Readiness in Enrichment and Academic Mentorship) Foundation. "It's been amazing. I think, you know, a lot of people have poured into us. We've made a lot of connections, and there have been a lot of, you know, big companies that have really poured into these underserved communities, you know, through the JREAM Foundation." said Thibodeaux, "So we're there to support that initiative, give kids opportunities, and support them the way they need. It has been amazing. I think, you know, the sky's the limit. I think this is, you know, one stepping stone in my career. I think, you know, there's still a long way to go, but I'm excited." Since becoming the fifth overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Thibodeaux has started all 43 regular-season games and two postseason games in which he's played. He is the first Giants defender with 21+ sacks in his first three career seasons since Jason Pierre-Paul had 27.5 sacks from 2010-12. Thibodeaux shared a quick thought on adding another first-round pick to the team. "Having another first-round guy," said Thibodeaux regarding 2025 third overall pick Abdul Carter, "I think it's amazing."
USA Today
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Jets QB Tyrod Taylor on his foundation, role alongside new teammate Justin Fields
Jets QB Tyrod Taylor on his foundation, role alongside new teammate Justin Fields This Week, United Way of New York City (UWNYC), the New York Giants, and the New York Jets celebrated 32 years of partnership at the annual Gridiron Gala. Touchdown Wire's Ed Easton Jr. was on hand as players and honorees walked the red carpet. Jets quarterback Tyrod Taylor is one of this year's 'Hometown Heroes' honorees. He spoke about his dedication to giving back through the Tyrod Taylor Foundation, which aims to support positive advancements in the lives of youth in underserved communities through charitable giving and education. "Awesome to be honest, whether this was year one or year 15, as it is now, this speaks more to just a community that's born into me because I'm really just paying it forward," said Taylor, "I'm truly honored to be here such a great crowd and so many great leaders in this room, not only my own community, but here as well too." Taylor, who signed with the Jets in 2024, was awarded the Kyle Clifton Good Guy award last season, as voted on by the team. He has played with six other teams, including the Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Browns, Los Angeles Chargers, Houston Texans, and the New York Giants. He won Super Bowl XLVII with Baltimore and earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2015, and hopes to continue to share his experiences in the quarterback room. "I know Justin very well, (we) trained together in the off-season down in Atlanta. We've been good friends throughout this time," said Taylor, "So I'm here to support and help the team win in any form or fashion, whether it's me on the field or whether it's me being able to share some vital experience to coach guys through, whether it's in the quarterback room or any other position, any knowledge or experience that I could offer to the younger guys that helps the team win at the end of the day, is what I'm here to do."
Yahoo
08-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Honors set for Falls Sam's Club employee amid search for ID of second good Samaritan
NIAGARA FALLS — A shopping center is at the heart of a tale of two good Samaritans — one known and one not yet identified. The Buffalo Bandits are preparing to honor one of the individuals — U.S. Army veteran and Niagara Falls Sam's Club merchandise manager Robert Beer — for his role in saving the life of an 81-year-old customer who experienced a cardiac episode while shopping at the Military Road store on Jan. 5. Beer, who will be honored by the Bandits as part of the professional lacrosse team's 'Hometown Heroes' night, responded to an call about a medical issue inside the store and assisted in performing CPR on the man before using an automated external defibrillator to shock him. During Saturday's Bandits game, Beer will receive the Heart Saver Hero award from the American Heart Association for his role in providing the man with life-saving assistance until Niagara Falls firefighters and emergency personnel arrived on the scene. 'By time they got him on a gurney and got him out, he was actually awake and talking to his wife,' Beer said during an interview with a reporter from WBKW Channel 7 in Buffalo. 'It was amazing.' During his weekly address on YouTube on Friday, Mayor Robert Restaino commended Beer for his life-saving actions. He also noted that Beer, the man he helped saved and members of that man's family are still interested in identifying the woman who helped administer CPR in the store that day. Restaino said their combined actions allowed the 81-year-old man to enjoy his 82nd birthday, which was the following day. Restaino described it as an 'heroic act.' 'They provided signifiant help,' Restaino said. 'The gentleman and his family would like to just express their thanks,' he added. Anyone who has additional information about the identity of the female good Samaritan who aided the Sam's Club customer on Jan. 5 should visit the Sam's Club store at 1580 Military Road in Niagara Falls or contact the store at 716-298-1580.
