Latest news with #Wingo
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Miami in the thick of it for in-state WR Somourian Wingo Jr.
The Miami Hurricanes have hosted Somourian Wingo several times over the last two years. But last weekend he was able to take in campus in an official visit capacity and it offered more depth for the St. Augustine (Fla.) High School wide receiver to take in. Advertisement "In the meetings, spending time with academics and going over all of that gave a better understanding of how it would be," Wingo said. "All the people stood out -- the staff, the players. It's always a good time being here spending time with the players and coaches, it's a blessing more than anything. "It was about adding on to what we know, plus that I'd have a lot of fun here. It was more about having fun instead of being strictly a football player. They showed that." The well-rounded trip to South Florida also came with more sit-downs from assistant coaches under Mario Cristobal, including wide receivers coach Kevin Beard. "The bond always strengthens when I'm around KB," Wingo said. "Especially this weekend, being around him with my family. Showing that he can be that same person around my family, my siblings... Advertisement "He's an all-around good dude. Good coach. It's a blessing to know him." CLASS OF 2026 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State CLASS OF 2027 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State TRANSFER PORTAL: Full coverage | Player ranking | Team ranking | Transfer search | Transfer Tracker RIVALS CAMP SERIES: Rivals Five-Star heading back to Indy | Rivals Five-Star roster | Schedule/info Wingo was also able to reconnect with UM freshman wide receiver Daylyn Upshaw while back on campus. The two have grown relatively close as Upshaw played host to the blue-chip target this time around. Advertisement "I was with Daylyn this weekend, I was with him last time," he said. "He is relatable so it's always a good time. He made sure to put me first for a lot of things. "You can tell the players want me as well." The overall push from Miami has long been evident for Wingo, who kicked off his official visit slate with the Hurricanes. Florida hosts him this weekend before stops at Alabama and South Carolina to round out the month. "It's a huge impact, they set the standard," he said of Miami. "Now everywhere I go they got to know they have to give it 110 percent and show they really want me just as Miami did." A verbal commitment from one of the Sunshine State's top wideouts could come this offseason. Marcus Benjamin contributed to this report.
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Young WR talent at Miami impresses four-star Somourian Wingo
There is no lack of familiarity between Miami and in-state wide receiver target Somourian Wingo. The St. Augustine (Fla.) High School four-star has been to campus several times this spring, including over the weekend for UM's spring game showcase. Advertisement There he saw something for the first time, a group of freshmen wide receivers making an immediate impact. "Seeing the freshman ball stood out," Wingo told Rivals. "All the hard work is paying off. Them being first in the meetings, last to leave, it's all showing that hard work really shows you can ball and that it will pay off. "(Malachi) Toney is setting the standard, showing what it takes to be a really good player." The leader of the wide receiver room, coach Kevin Beard, reconnected with the in-state star in addition to others on staff while Wingo was back in Coral Gables for the second time in a few weeks. Advertisement "They always invite me and show me a lot of love," he said. "They really care, and it's a blessing to be in that position. "The scheme is similar to my high school so when you talk about the relationships, it comes all together and matches perfect." CLASS OF 2025 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State CLASS OF 2026 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State CLASS OF 2027 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State TRANSFER PORTAL: Full coverage | Player ranking | Team ranking | Transfer search | Transfer Tracker The battle for Wingo's commitment will feature Miami against a heavy SEC contingent, and all parties involved have penciled in official visit. Advertisement The Hurricanes will get the initial official visit, May 30, before consecutive weekends throughout SEC country. Florida hosts him June 6 before Alabama on June 13 and South Carolina on June 20. A verbal commitment is expected at some point thereafter, though Wingo says he remains open to visits beyond the decision window. "I'm going with the flow," he said. It sounds like game trips will be taken independent of the productive wide receiver's verbal pledge status. The rising-senior, who notched more than 1,000 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2024, will include trips down I-95 to Hard Rock Stadium in the fall. "I will be in Miami for multiple games," Wingo said. "The relationship I've built with these coaches has grown even stronger and I want to keep adding on to it."
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Colorado Springs teacher selected for VFW Top Award
(COLORADO) — A middle school teacher from Colorado Springs has been selected to receive a 2025 Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award. Christie Wingo, a middle school science, technology, engineering, and math teacher at Colorado Springs Christian School, was selected to receive the award at the middle-school level. Each year, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) selects elementary, middle, and high school teachers to participate in the Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher program. The program was launched by the VFW to recognize classroom teachers for their 'outstanding' commitment to teaching Americanism and patriotism to their students. Wingo was sponsored by VFW Post 7829 in Monument. According to the VFW, Wingo 'was chosen for her continued efforts to prepare responsible citizens while encouraging a strong passion for STEM and fostering an atmosphere that values hard work, collaboration, and bettering their community.' As a member of the Space Foundation's International Teacher Liaisons Group, Wingo uses space-related educational programs and practical resources in the classroom. Wingo also works to bolster education on cybersecurity, biomedical engineering, machine learning, and robotics. Wingo is also working on bringing hands-on projects to the school to further inspire her students. 'The VFW is proud to recognize outstanding educators like Christie who inspire civic responsibility and patriotism in our youth, ensuring the pillars of our democracy are not forgotten,' said VFW National Commander Al Lipphardt. 'Beyond academics, she inspires critical thinking, a deep respect for democracy, and helps foster curiosity. Her influence extends far beyond the classroom, helping to cultivate a generation that values integrity, civic duty, and the power of informed decision-making — essential qualities for those who will guide our nation forward.' Two other teachers from Illinois and New Jersey were also recognized. Wingo and the other two national recipients will be presented with a $1,000 award for professional development and $1,000 for their school during the 126th VFW National Convention in Ohio on Aug. 9-13. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.


USA Today
14-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Texas WR Ryan Wingo undergoes LASIK surgery ahead of spring football
Texas WR Ryan Wingo undergoes LASIK surgery ahead of spring football Wingo was still able to catch from Manning. Freshman wide receiver Ryan Wingo was expected to make an impact for the Texas Longhorns in his first season, but few could have predicted the extent of his contributions. Even more surprising, he accomplished it despite what has been described as 'very poor vision' on the field. According to reporter Anwar Richardson, Wingo underwent LASIK surgery during the offseason after Texas staff discovered he was struggling with significant vision issues. 'According to my sources, Texas WR Ryan Wingo recently had LASIK surgery after the staff discovered he was struggling with very poor vision after struggling in workouts,' Richardson shared on X. 'Apparently, he dealt with it last season. However, he'll clearly see those dimes from Arch Manning this season.' Wingo, a five-star recruit and one of the Longhorns' top offensive weapons, made his collegiate debut in Texas' season opener against Colorado State. He led the team with 70 receiving yards on four catches, including a 30-yard reception. His impact continued throughout the season, highlighted by a career-high 127-yard performance against UTSA, which included a 75-yard touchdown grab from quarterback Arch Manning. The St. Louis native also played a key role in Texas' transition to SEC competition, contributing in matchups against Mississippi State, Oklahoma, and Georgia. He finished the regular season with 16 games played, tallying multiple receptions in the College Football Playoff matchups against Clemson, Arizona State, and Georgia.
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
These 5 Longhorn athletes are cashing in on NIL deals with Texas at the forefront
If you're looking for cash cows on the Forty Acres, you might find yourself at Darrell K Royal Memorial Stadium or the Texas Longhorns' new Moody Center. Roaming these athletic plains are some of the highest-paid college athletes in the country, according to data from On3, a sports analytics website. Since the introduction of name image and likeness rules into college football, Texas was always bound to be a big spender, considering its generous donors and ability to consistently rake in revenue from its athletics department. Data from USA Today shows the University of Texas as the second-highest grossing athletic department in terms of revenue as it brought in $239 million last year — only bested by Ohio State's $251 million. From 2005 to the end of the 2022 season, Texas received $766 million in booster donations, according to USA Today and the Knight Commission. Only Texas A&M ($849 million) and Oregon ($969 million) outspent Texas. In On3's rankings, which use a 'proprietary algorithm' to project the annual value of college and high school athletes, these Longhorn athletes ranked highest in the website's top 100, according to the site's internal system. The combination of a superstar last name and the Longhorn football empire was always destined to make money, and Arch Manning is making good on that. Even before he took the mantle as Texas' starting quarterback, Manning was topping the NIL Valuation rankings and now, as a Heisman favorite, he is essentially unrivaled. Boasting an estimated valuation of $6.5 million, Manning has already penned a $100 thousand deal with Panini and a headlining deal with Red Bull, although the financial details of the latter are not yet available. Edge rusher Colin Simmons was a key piece of a stout defense in 2024. His performances earned him the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award, determined by the Maxwell Football Club. Simmons has also turned his on-field accolades into a $1.5 million NIL valuation, good enough for 44th on the list. Locally, he has collaborated with Austin Speech Labs and Austin Regional Clinic in ads. Additionally, he also appeared in a campaign for Kane Footwear. Like Simmons, Ryan Wingo is another Longhorn sophomore who is expected to cash in after a stand-out debut season. At 46, Wingo is the fifth-ranked wide receiver on the list and currently has an NIL valuation at $1.5 million. Through the Texas One Fund, an NIL liaison that helps Longhorn players ink deals, Wingo has collaborated with Austin Regional clinic, the Austin Marathon and Dell Medical Center. Wingo was also featured in the same Kane Footwear campaign as Simmons. Tre Johnson is projected to be a surefire lottery pick in this year's NBA draft, with some predictions placing him in the top five. The highly-rated recruit is expected to be a one-and-done, but before leaving UT, he will likely have the opportunity to make a significant impact in the NIL market. Slotting in at 59th on the list, Johnson is the 12th-ranked college basketball player on the list. While his NIL valuation is not available, he has already made good on a handful of NIL deals. Following in the footsteps of football phenom Manning, Johnson made a deal with Panini Trading Cards, except that Johnson did it while he was still in high school. Johnson was also featured in an ad for PSD Underwear and, through the One Texas Fund, collaborated with the Austin Creative Resuse Center. Justus Terry is the last Texas Athlete to make the list and will be the latest highly touted recruit to join the program. Still in high school, Terry is ranked 13th nationally in his class, according to 247Sports, and was originally expected to commit to Georgia before heading to Longhorn land. In On3's list, Terry is ranked 83rd. While his valuation is currently unavailable, it's not a stretch to think he will rise up the rankings after a strong first season on Texas' defensive line. Beck Andrew Salgado covers trending topics in the Austin business ecosystem for the American-Statesman. To share additional tips or insights with Salgado, email Bsalgado@ This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: These five Texas athletes are cashing in on NIL deals