Latest news with #MarkRogers
USA Today
12-08-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Legendary college football publisher Phil Steele thinks USC will rebound this season
It was a disappointing start to USC's tenure in the Big Ten last year. The Trojans finished a humbling 7-6 overall and 4-5 in conference play. Most losses last season for the Trojans were by one possession. While that does not lessen the blow for coming up short last season, that notion gives great hope that this upcoming season will be better. Legendary college football publisher Phil Steele thinks that detail is important. The Trojans were in every game last year; unfortunately they did not pull out enough games in clutch situations. They could not catch a break down the stretch. Phil Steele dissected why the Trojans failed to meet expectations last season and why they can contend in the Big Ten this season in a recent interview on the College Football Show with Mark Rogers: "There was a point prior to the Notre Dame game where I thought they were five plays away from being 11-0. So, they were not far away from being that talented team," Steele said. "And when you look at the schedule this year, they do have to play Illinois, Notre Dame, Oregon on the road. But those are the only three games I have a true underdog in. And most of them only a light underdog. A surprise team is a team that not top 10. Nobody's top 10 that I think has a shot of making the playoff. I think if there is breaks go their way this year as opposed to last year, you might see USC up there contending for the Big Ten." With a better roster and an even more improved defense with another former NFL coach on staff (Rob Ryan), the Trojans should be a better team which is able to close out these nail-biting games. In addition to that the Trojans also benefit from having a more favorable schedule this season. The Trojans should be able to get work done in the Big Ten and be in competition for a playoff spot. It is up to this Trojan team to focus on the things they can control and not give up games to their opponent in similar ways as they did last year.
Mid East Info
12-06-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Intagulf Travel Retail Celebrates 20 Years of Excellence in Global Beverage Distribution - Middle East Business News and Information
Intagulf Travel Retail , a leading distributor of beverages across the Middle East, East Africa, and the Indian Subcontinent, proudly marks its 20th anniversary this year. This expansive reach has contributed to annual sales exceeding $40 million, highlighting its sustained growth and commercial success across international markets. This milestone reflects two decades of innovation, expansion, and commitment to delivering world-class beverage solutions to travel retail markets across the region. In addition to its annual sales achievement, Intagulf Travel Retail proudly celebrates a key highlight – achieving a 99.998% pick accuracy rate in 2023, setting a new benchmark for operational excellence within the industry. The company proudly adds to its list of accomplishments by operating as a carbon-neutral business since 2022, powered entirely by self-generated electricity, and partnering with environmentally responsible suppliers, resulting in all products being carbon neutral at delivery point. With a continually expanding footprint in the Middle East, Intagulf collaborates with an esteemed portfolio of global brands, including Champagne Bollinger, Carlsberg, Masi, Cono Sur, Balthasar Ress, and Yering Station. The company sources more than 2,000 fine wines, boutique spirits, and premium beers from over 50 countries worldwide and to ensure product quality and provenance, all beverages are imported in refrigerated containers and stored in the region's only purpose built, temperature and humidity-controlled wine cellar. Mark Rogers, Managing Director & Founder of Intagulf Travel Retail commented, '20 years has gone by in a flash! It feels like just yesterday we were excitedly waiting and watching our first ever container, imported directly from Australia, reverse up to our empty warehouse. The container held wines like Yering Station, Mount Langi Ghiran & Parker Coonawarra bound for DDF. I am pleased and proud to say they are still selling strong today. Looking back over the past 20 years, a lot has happened. We have forged a number of very long-standing relationships, as well as more recent partnerships including, Remoissenet, Vicchiomaggio, Balthasar Ress, Fishbone, Ironstone, Cono Sur and Mooiplaas. We have gotten through the Financial Crisis of 2008/2009 and Covid in 2020, coming through it together and stronger. It is a true testament to the dedication and passion of all involved. Our commitment to unrivalled service, choosing fantastic partners, with a dedication to quality and environmental sustainability has been the cornerstone of our success, and we have been lucky enough to grow steadily since 2005. Here's to the next 20 years!' 'I first met Mark at Vinexpo, Bordeaux, in 2005 when we tasted our Yering Station and Mount Langi Ghiran wines together. Over the last 20 years we have enjoyed business together and a great friendship. I admire Mark's integrity, business sense and ability to adapt to changing market conditions. I wish Mark and the wonderful team at ITR a very Happy 20th Birthday,' said Gordon Gebbie, Commercial Director at Rathbone Wine Group. Established in 2002 in Dubai's Jebel Ali Free Zone, Intagulf Travel Retail has become a trusted leader in the travel retail and duty-free industry. As it celebrates 20 years of success, the company is focused on highlighting its rich heritage, global scale, and longstanding commitment to sustainability, reinforcing its position as a valued partner to leading brands and clients worldwide. About Intagulf Travel Retail (ITR): Intagulf Travel Retail is a prominent distributor of premium wines, spirits, and beers across the Middle East, East Africa, and the Indian Subcontinent. Established in 2002 within Dubai's Jebel Ali Free Zone, the company operates as a sister brand to International Diplomatic Supplies (IDS), which was founded in London in 1997. Intagulf Travel Retail specialises in supplying a curated selection of beverages to travel retail and duty-free markets, emphasising quality, service, and sustainability. The company collaborates with renowned global brands such as Champagne Bollinger, Carlsberg, Masi, Cono Sur, Balthasar Ress, and Yering Station, offering a portfolio of over 2,000 fine wines, boutique spirits, and premium beers sourced from more than 50 countries.
RNZ News
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- RNZ News
The Detail: How New Zealand is falling in love with country music
Tami Neilson has been recording with country icon Willie Nelson. Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi Once considered niche, and tucked away in dusty record stores or rural community halls, country music in New Zealand is enjoying something of a golden moment. From chart-topping Kiwi artists to two dedicated radio stations in the past 18 months, the genre is striking a heartfelt chord with more people than ever before. RNZ Nashville Babylon host Mark Rogers grew up listening to country music, from Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash to Marty Robbins, and told The Detail that it's all about the storytelling. "As a kid, the songs and storytelling caught my imagination," he said. "The songs have no fat on them, they cut to the chase straight away, they are pretty simple. "There's nothing too complicated about them, you know exactly where you are and the classic country songs have something in them that will appeal to just about everyone. They hit home, they are easy to get and understand, people can identify with them. "It's rare that they are talking about big flash cars or billion-dollar jewellery. It's the workingman's music - that's been its appeal for many, many decades and that will continue to ring true." It seems Kiwis are falling more in love with the genre and over the last 18 months, this has prompted the launch of not one, but two dedicated country music radio stations in New Zealand. First, broadcaster Mike Puru started Southern Cross Country, found on digital platforms. Then this month, NZME launched iHeartCountry NZ, offered on the iHeartRadio app and selected FM frequencies around the country. There are no presenters, just pre-programmed country music. Both stations showcase global legends and local voices. Among those voices, one name stands out - Tami Neilson. The Canadian-born, NZ-based powerhouse has been a trailblazer for years and has just won the inaugural Country Music Honour for Contribution to Country Music in Aotearoa, recognising her outstanding impact and unwavering dedication to the scene. "What Tami is doing at the moment is astounding," Rogers said. "She has been teaming up with Willie Nelson over in the States, which is a dream come true for her. "It's incredible and I'm super proud of what she is achieving. I would like to think she will get on the [mainstream radio] playlists, because what she is doing is absolutely fantastic. "The songs are great and radio loves a good song, so there is no excuse not to play Tami." Neilson competes for airtime with unlikely country singers, including Beyonce and Post Malone, who have swapped pop and rap respectively for country beats. "This has just exploded and I think it's a good thing,'' Rogers says. "Admittedly, I'm not a massive fan of some of it, but I'm a big fan of others. "I don't think it's cheapened the genre at all - it's just music developing." Clearly, Kiwis want more of it, proving country music in New Zealand isn't just surviving - it is thriving. Check out how to listen to and follow The Detail here . You can also stay up-to-date by liking us on Facebook or following us on Twitter .
Scoop
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
Under-20 Basketball Nationals Slam Into Tauranga
Press Release – Tauranga City Council Supported by Tauranga City Council through the Tauranga Event Fund, this Basketball New Zealand tournament gives representative-level players a final chance to compete at age-group level on the national stage. Tauranga's newest sports facility is set to host its first national tournament – and it's a slam dunk for local basketball fans. The Foot Locker Under 20 Basketball Nationals will take place over King's Birthday weekend, from 30 May to 2 June 2025, at the new University of Waikato Haumaru Sport and Recreation Centre. The former site of The Warehouse on Cameron Road was purchased by Tauranga City Council in early 2024 and has been converted into a multi-purpose sport and recreation centre featuring indoor sports courts. Supported by Tauranga City Council through the Tauranga Event Fund, this Basketball New Zealand tournament gives representative-level players a final chance to compete at age-group level on the national stage. It brings together young talent from across the country – including Kiwis returning from overseas – and is free for the public to attend. Bethlehem Ward Councillor Kevin Schuler, who helped officially open Haumaru earlier this month, says the tournament is a great opportunity for the city and community. 'We're proud to support the U20 National Basketball event through the Tauranga Event Fund. National sporting events like this strengthen our community by providing opportunities for connection, participation, and inspiration, especially for our younger generations. 'Basketball continues to grow rapidly in Aotearoa, and hosting this national competition shows we're serious about being a city that supports youth development. 'Hosting national sporting events such as this also attracts visitors and wider economic benefits for Tauranga and helps raise our profile as a great host city – so it's a win-win for everyone. 'This new facility right in the heart of Tauranga is already proving its worth by being able to host this event and sets the stage for an exciting long weekend of sport. It really is going to be something special. 'We also encourage visitors who are here for the event to take time to enjoy everything our city has to offer.' Basketball's rise in Tauranga has been remarkable. Since 2009, the number of teams registered with the Tauranga City Basketball Association has nearly quadrupled from 228 to an impressive 812 in 2024. Mark Rogers, General Manager of Tauranga City Basketball, says demand for court space has surged alongside the sport's popularity. 'We've seen huge growth over the past decade. Numbers grew steadily until 2023, when a lack of space began to hold us back. The addition of the Haumaru facility to the Council-owned network will open the door for further growth in the coming years.' The U20 Nationals are a key development event for players, referees and coaches across the country, and are gaining international recognition. The upcoming event will welcome 16 men's teams and 8 women's teams from across New Zealand, all of whom have earned their place through regional qualifiers. Referees are also hand-picked for their performance as part of national development pathways. Many athletes who compete will go on to secure college scholarships in the USA or professional contracts in Australia's National Basketball League and Women's National Basketball League. 'Currently, there are around 150 New Zealanders on college basketball scholarships in the USA, with the vast majority having played in the U20 Nationals in previous years,' says Jay Macdonald, Basketball New Zealand's Tournaments Lead. 'This year, some Tauranga players will be back from their college to represent Tauranga City Basketball Association.' Spectators who attend can expect fast-paced, high-quality basketball with many players coming from Sal's National Basketball League, G.J. Gardner Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa, and US college teams. Stu Stevenson, Head of Sport and Fitness at Bay Venues, says the tournament is a fitting way to mark the opening of the new facility. 'We are excited to be hosting the Foot Locker U20 Nationals basketball tournament at the newly opened centre. This event is particularly special for us as it will be the first tournament held at Haumaru. We look forward to welcoming some of the best young basketball players from across the country and providing them with a new venue to showcase their skills.' With seating for spectators and free public entry, the community is encouraged to come along and experience the energy, talent and passion of New Zealand's future basketball stars – right here in Tauranga.
Scoop
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
Under-20 Basketball Nationals Slam Into Tauranga
Tauranga's newest sports facility is set to host its first national tournament - and it's a slam dunk for local basketball fans. The Foot Locker Under 20 Basketball Nationals will take place over King's Birthday weekend, from 30 May to 2 June 2025, at the new University of Waikato Haumaru Sport and Recreation Centre. The former site of The Warehouse on Cameron Road was purchased by Tauranga City Council in early 2024 and has been converted into a multi-purpose sport and recreation centre featuring indoor sports courts. Supported by Tauranga City Council through the Tauranga Event Fund, this Basketball New Zealand tournament gives representative-level players a final chance to compete at age-group level on the national stage. It brings together young talent from across the country – including Kiwis returning from overseas – and is free for the public to attend. Bethlehem Ward Councillor Kevin Schuler, who helped officially open Haumaru earlier this month, says the tournament is a great opportunity for the city and community. 'We're proud to support the U20 National Basketball event through the Tauranga Event Fund. National sporting events like this strengthen our community by providing opportunities for connection, participation, and inspiration, especially for our younger generations. 'Basketball continues to grow rapidly in Aotearoa, and hosting this national competition shows we're serious about being a city that supports youth development. 'Hosting national sporting events such as this also attracts visitors and wider economic benefits for Tauranga and helps raise our profile as a great host city – so it's a win-win for everyone. 'This new facility right in the heart of Tauranga is already proving its worth by being able to host this event and sets the stage for an exciting long weekend of sport. It really is going to be something special. 'We also encourage visitors who are here for the event to take time to enjoy everything our city has to offer.' Basketball's rise in Tauranga has been remarkable. Since 2009, the number of teams registered with the Tauranga City Basketball Association has nearly quadrupled from 228 to an impressive 812 in 2024. Mark Rogers, General Manager of Tauranga City Basketball, says demand for court space has surged alongside the sport's popularity. 'We've seen huge growth over the past decade. Numbers grew steadily until 2023, when a lack of space began to hold us back. The addition of the Haumaru facility to the Council-owned network will open the door for further growth in the coming years.' The U20 Nationals are a key development event for players, referees and coaches across the country, and are gaining international recognition. The upcoming event will welcome 16 men's teams and 8 women's teams from across New Zealand, all of whom have earned their place through regional qualifiers. Referees are also hand-picked for their performance as part of national development pathways. Many athletes who compete will go on to secure college scholarships in the USA or professional contracts in Australia's National Basketball League and Women's National Basketball League. 'Currently, there are around 150 New Zealanders on college basketball scholarships in the USA, with the vast majority having played in the U20 Nationals in previous years,' says Jay Macdonald, Basketball New Zealand's Tournaments Lead. 'This year, some Tauranga players will be back from their college to represent Tauranga City Basketball Association.' Spectators who attend can expect fast-paced, high-quality basketball with many players coming from Sal's National Basketball League, G.J. Gardner Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa, and US college teams. Stu Stevenson, Head of Sport and Fitness at Bay Venues, says the tournament is a fitting way to mark the opening of the new facility. 'We are excited to be hosting the Foot Locker U20 Nationals basketball tournament at the newly opened centre. This event is particularly special for us as it will be the first tournament held at Haumaru. We look forward to welcoming some of the best young basketball players from across the country and providing them with a new venue to showcase their skills.' With seating for spectators and free public entry, the community is encouraged to come along and experience the energy, talent and passion of New Zealand's future basketball stars – right here in Tauranga.
