An eight-speed automatic transmission is coupled to a 3.6 liter V6 that comes with an EPA mileage rating of 17 city and 22 highway.

Key features include adaptive cruise control, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, automatic climate control, backup camera, Bluetooth, fog lights, forward collision warning, heated seats, interior accents, keyless entry, leather seats, power seats, push start, remote start, satellite radio ready, side-impact air bags, sunroof and moon roof, tow package and WiFi Hotspot.

On the outside features include a regular box style, steel spare wheel, full-size spare tire stored under body with crank down, black side windows trim, black door handles, black wheel well trim and black fender flares, black power heated side mirrors with manual folding, removable rear window, variable intermittent wipers, deep tinted glass, galvanized steel and aluminum panels, body-color grille with colored accents, tailgate rear cargo access, auto on/off reflector LED with high beam daytime running headlamps with delay-off, front fog lamps and LED brake lights.

Inside are four-way passenger seat with manual recline and fore and aft movement, 60-40 folding split-bench front facing fold forward seatback rear seat, manual tilt and telescoping steering column, leatherette steering wheel, illuminated front cupholder, rear cupholder, compass, cruise control with steering wheel controls, adaptive cruise control, air conditioning with console ducts, voice activated dual zone front automatic air conditioning, locking glove box, urethane gear shifter material, interior trim includes metal-look instrument panel insert, metal-look door panel insert, metal-look console insert and metal-look interior accents, day-night rear view mirror, driver and passenger visor vanity mirrors with illumination, driver and passenger auxiliary mirror, full floor console with locking storage, two 12V DC Power Outlets and one interior 120V AC Power Outlet, front and rear map lights, Jeep Connect Tracker System, Alexa built-in, touchscreen Display, 110 MPH vehicle max speed calibration, SiriusXM Radio Service, instrument panel bin, dashboard storage, driver and passenger and rear door bins, delayed accessory power, driver information center, redundant digital speedometer, outside temperature gauge, analog appearance, manual adjustable front head restraints and fixed rear head restraints, front center armrest with storage, two seatback storage pockets, sentry key immobilizer, perimeter alarm and air filtration.

It’s a figurative nickname, after all, in representing how the Bills have enjoyed a surge in popularity and competitiveness since the star quarterback’s arrival in 2018.

What Allen can’t dispute is looking forward to the Bills’ first opportunity to take the field at Highmark Stadium on Saturday night, when the team holds its annual Blue and Red scrimmage in front of what’s expected to be a full house.

“It’s really cool to be a part of a team that gets to play the inaugural season at a new stadium, a stadium I think that was long-needed here in Western New York,” Allen said Friday, after the Bills closed their training camp schedule in suburban Rochester, New York.

Allen acknowledged he’s not much of a sentimentalist in reflecting on the team’s former home, also called Highmark, which has since been reduced to rubble across the street.

“We had good times there,” he said. “But looking forward to having good times in the new one, too.”

Entering the modern age

In having bid farewell to their aging, utilitarian home, with dark, narrow corridors and few amenities, the Bills make the transition into the modern age.

There will be much to get accustomed to from new sightlines to the sound system, a curved overhang to reduce the effects of the wind and elements, and a natural grass field replacing the artificial turf surface.

There will be no cramped tunnel for the players of both teams to squeeze out of, with home and visiting locker rooms now separated. And even the seating configuration will be different, with the 60,000-plus seats stacked more vertically, and seemingly on top of the action.

First-year coach Joe Brady regards the practice on Saturday as the first of several key test runs. The Bills will hold several more practices in the new facility, along with playing two preseason games, before their prime-time Thursday home-opener against Detroit on Sept. 17.

“I’m going to be looking at everything, just getting a feel of play clocks while I am calling it. Vantage points from lights and how does the wind feel? There’s so many things just from my perspective,” Brady said, noting he has spent countless meetings going over every scenario regarding the new stadium.

Brady even had Bills staff provide an orientation of the building to members of players’ families. The last thing the coach wants is having his players distracted on game day because someone can’t find an entrance.

“It’s like truly walking into the house,” general manager Brandon Beane said. “Yeah, it’ll be different, and the number one thing we have to do is try and get over there as much as we can with our team to make it feel like home.”

Getting accustomed to the elements

For most players it won’t take long to get accustomed to their new surroundings. The big exception is the special teams unit, with kicker Tyler Bass and Buffalo’s two punters on the roster having to take into account the wind and elements.

Though the new stadium is not covered, it has design elements to reduce the effects of the wind.

The curved overhang is one element. Another is the the new stadium being taller and also having a north-south orientation. That’s different from the west-east facing former home, which allowed the gusting winds blowing in off of Lake Erie to funnel and swirl into the stadium bowl.

“I’d love to go over there on a windy day just to see,” long-snapper Reid Ferguson said. “I’m sure it’ll take a few practices in there to kind of get our bearings on the different parts of the field where the wind may swirl a little bit if there is any. So, yeah, excited to get in there.”

Veteran pass rusher Bradley Chubb might be in his first season with the Bills, but he’s familiar with playing in Buffalo after spending the previous four seasons with the AFC East rival Miami Dolphins.

Though eager to play in the new stadium, Chubb said he’ll miss the old one.

“It’s that old-school feel. Everybody shares the same tunnel, the locker room’s not super updated, the shower’s cold, even when it’s cold outside,” Chubb said. “But you know, change is good. New is good.”

Downs’s personal goals are even more ambitious.

“That’s for me to know, and y’all to find out,” Downs said.

Downs has shown nothing so far in training camp to indicate he should set a ceiling on those aspirations, demonstrating every bit of the pedigree established during his college career at Alabama and Ohio State. That track record is one of the reasons the Cowboys have been comfortable using the 6-foot, 210-pounder in the slot and at safety.

Downs played both positions in college, but new Dallas defensive coordinator Christian Parker seems to be looking at him as a slot defender first, a role that has taken on greater significance as the NFL has embraced spread offenses.

Quarterback Dak Prescott cited the need for a standout nickel back to counter the use of elite wide receivers in the slot, listing off his top target in CeeDee Lamb and others around the league, including Jaxon Smith-Njigba of the Seattle Seahawks, Ja’Marr Chase of the Cincinnati Bengals and Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings.

“Those guys are moving around, and that’s what makes these offenses great, when you can move these type of guys in and out,” Prescott said. “So if you don’t have a guy that can travel with them, if you don’t have a guy that can match up and play that, you’re putting yourself in a bind. And he not only has to travel and get inside when that guy goes inside, but he also has to stop the run. And so to have a guy that can do that, to be versatile, but more importantly physical, that’s what makes great defenses great.”

Downs is already getting a sense of the position’s demands from daily battles against Lamb, who has topped 1,000 yards receiving in five straight seasons. Coach Brian Schottenheimer recalled how Lamb beat Downs on a play during organized team activities, but the rookie was ready the next time that same route concept was used.

“He’s a young player, he’s a rookie, he’s going to make mistakes,” Schottenheimer said. “But like I said in the spring, I’ll say it again, he doesn’t repeat mistakes, and that is a sign of a young man that understands X’s and O’s in football, and he’s wired the right way.”

Parker has been pleased with Downs’ willingness to learn, particularly as he navigates different positions. It stood out to the 34-year-old Parker, who had success helping young defensive backs thrive in his previous role with the Philadelphia Eagles, during the pre-draft process.

“Curiosity is one thing for young players that you really look for,” Parker said. “They want to know the why behind everything. We give them that up front, the intent behind each thing that we’re trying to do. And so, I think, with him, he has that natural spirit about him for sure.”

Downs, in turn, is able to to put those lessons to immediate use.

“Playing under Kevin Steele, coach (Nick) Saban’s defense, playing under Jim Knowles, and playing under Matt Patricia, I have a lot of defensive knowledge to bank from, and I feel like that allows me to play fast out here,” he said.

“Every day, things slow down just a little bit, and that’s how it’s supposed to be.”

Downs has also shown strong communication skills, which are important as Parker stresses the need to take and receive information as the foundation of a successful defense. Cornerback Cobie Durant said the slot defender serves as a valuable conduit between the linebackers and cornerbacks in relaying and adjusting coverages, putting Downs in a key role.

Those abilities allowed Downs to thrive in two of the most demanding systems in college football. He had six interceptions, a forced fumble, 16 tackles for loss, and 257 total tackles in 44 career games, earning numerous individual honors and winning a national championship after the 2024 season.

The confidence Downs carries from those experiences is what has impressed his fellow Buckeyes alum, safety Malik Hooker.

“You’ve seen Caleb day in and day out lining up against CeeDee, and he gives him his respect, obviously, it ain’t nothing like that,” Hooker said. “But every play he gets a chance to line up against him, he feels like he’s going to win that rep, and that’s the type of mentality we want on this defense. Especially coming from a guy that we’re expecting to play a lot, and not only play a lot, but to be a difference maker in our defense.”

Barnham leaves with possible injury

Rookie LB Jaishawn Barham left practice early Thursday because of an apparent groin injury. A third-round pick out of Michigan, Barham has been a standout early in camp.

What is BAC?

BAC indicates the amount of alcohol a person has in their blood. The Cleveland Clinic notes that alcohol is rapidly absorbed in the stomach and the intestines before it enters the bloodstream. The liver then metabolizes the alcohol to filter it out of the blood. However, when people consume alcohol faster than the liver can process it, their BAC increases. That’s when side effects like intoxication can occur.

Does alcohol affect people differently?

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism notes that alcohol metabolism is controlled by genetic factors, including variations in the enzymes that break down alcohol. So the speed at which someone becomes intoxicated can be much quicker for some people than others.

How do different levels of BAC affect the body?

The Cleveland Clinic notes that alcohol is a depressant, which is always good to keep in mind when consuming it. According to the Alcohol and Drug Foundation, depressants slow down the brain and body, which can lower energy levels, slow breathing, slow heart rate, and lower body temperature. The ADF also notes that depressants slow down a person’s ability to respond to unexpected situations, which is one reason why drinking and driving is so dangerous. Drivers contend with an array of unexpected situations whenever they get behind the wheel, and a slowed response to such scenarios can be fatal for drivers, their passengers and others sharing the road.

The Cleveland Clinic notes that different BAC levels produce different side effects. But even a relatively low BAC can have an adverse physical and mental effect.

• .02: At this level, people consuming alcohol may experience a change in mood and feel more relaxed. However, a slight loss in judgment also is typical with a BAC at .02.

• .05: Lowered inhibitions and alertness and impaired judgment are possible when BAC reaches .05.

• .08: This is the legal driving limit in all 50 states and Canada. Driving with a BAC level of .08 will merit an arrest in both the United States and Canada. At this level, a person may have reduced muscle coordination, struggle to identify dangerous situations and suffer from impaired judgment and reasoning.

• .10: A BAC of .10 is considered severely impaired. Slower reaction time, slurred speech and slowed thinking is possible when BAC reaches .10.

While it’s true that alcohol affects some people differently than others, all people who plan to consume alcohol are urged to do so responsibly and avoid driving if they plan to drink.

Assistant general manager Dan Feinstein will work as interim GM for the remainder of the season as the team begins searching for a permanent replacement.

“David has been an integral part of the A’s and our success for nearly three decades,” team owner and managing partner John Fisher said in a statement. “His leadership, dedication, and commitment to this team have helped shape our baseball operations department and position us for the future. We are grateful for everything David has done for our organization.”

Forst received a new contract last September for this season, coming as the club continued a transition in California’s capital region while waiting for a planned relocation to Las Vegas in 2028. The move comes with the Athletics sitting near the bottom of the AL West at 45-70.

Forst had been GM since 2015 and with the organization since 2000.

“It was truly an honor to spend the last 27 years with the A’s, especially the last 11 as the GM,” Forst said in a statement. “This organization is full of incredibly talented, devoted, and good people, and I am lucky to have worked alongside them for so long.”

PITTSBURGH (AP) — The New York Mets claimed infielder Gabriel Arias off waivers from the Cleveland Guardians on Friday.

Arias is out of minor-league options and must remain on the Mets’ active roster or be subject to waivers again. He is expected to join the Mets on Saturday night for their game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The 26-year-old Arias hit .244 with five home runs in 42 games this season for the Guardians. He started 24 games at third base, 10 at shortstop and two at second base. He is a .219 career hitter over five seasons, all with Cleveland, and has 30 home runs.

Yankees’ Rodón to start rehab assignment

NEW YORK (AP) — New York Yankees left-hander Carlos Rodón will begin a minor league rehab assignment on Saturday as he works to return from left elbow inflammation.

Rodón is to throw close to 50 pitches for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes Barre and could make another rehab start with an increased pitch count.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Rodón could return to the team early in a piggyback situation, similar to Max Fried’s return from a bruised left elbow on July 22.

Fried has made three starts and thrown 57, 66 and 78 pitches since returning.

“I think he’s close to 50, not quite 50 pitches tomorrow, and I think we’ll definitely, probably piggyback him at some point,” Boone said before the Yankees opened a three-game series with Atlanta on Friday. “It’s just do we have him do one more and then do the piggyback at whatever pitch count he’s at. That’s the most likely right now.”

Rodón was placed on the 15-day injured list July 3 after his velocity slightly decreased in five innings during a 5-4, 10-innning loss at Boston on June 28. Rodón had a platelet-rich plasma injections. He threw about 40 pitches on Monday to a group that included injured slugger Giancarlo Stanton.

“I wouldn’t say anything delayed me,” Rodón said. “We just had like a plan with the injections.”

In the fourth season of a $162 million, six-year contract, Rodón is 4-2 with a 3.30 ERA in nine starts after missing the first month recovering from offseason elbow surgery. He returned in early May and struggled with command in his first three starts. He was 4-0 with a 2.97 ERA in his last six outings before going on the IL.

Rodón had surgery Oct. 15 to remove loose bodies in his left elbow and shave a bone spur. He then had a setback in late March when he felt tightness in his right hamstring while throwing at the Yankees’ Florida complex.

He was 18-9 with a 3.09 ERA last season despite an ailing arm. Since joining the Yankees, Rodón is 41-28 with a 3.93 ERA in 88 starts.

The Yankees made the move Friday, retroactive to Tuesday. On Sunday, Rodón allowed two runs and one hit over five innings in a 5-4, 10-inning loss at Boston.

The song, with its hyperpop affectations and cheeky, lyrical dedication to craft — “I think the dance floor is dead/So now we’re making rock music” — confused and confounded. Was she trolling? Was she being sincere? Was the entire record going to be made up of power chords? Was “BRAT,” her zeitgeist-shifting 2024 electro album, worthy of total rejection?

No answers can be found on “Music, Fashion, Film.” It’s up for the listener to decide. What is present are 11 alternative, genre-averse songs with winking rock ‘n’ roll instrumentation, preoccupied by artmaking and ego. And what is clear is that Charli xcx and her dedicated team, the co-producers and songwriters A.G. Cook and Finn Keane, have a coherent collaborative vision — just like a band might.

Conceptually, the candor of “BRAT,” at the top of its hedonism, connected the club to a panic attack or, at the very least, a diary page, with its unwavering dedication to lyrical vulnerability. “Music, Fashion, Film” meets those same depths, but now with anxieties focusing primarily on fame, creativity and performance. (In that way, the song “Rewind” from “BRAT” might’ve been the greatest indication of what was to come. “Wonderin’ ’bout whether I think I deserve commercial success,” she sang.)

Reputation and perception have always mattered deeply to Charli xcx. On “Music, Fashion, Film” they still do — just not as much as her many thoughts on what it means to be an artist — delivered with distortion and humor throughout.

The apathetic spoken-word sections on “Music, Fashion, Film” feel closer to the moody influence of Charli’s beloved Velvet Underground than the dance floor when placed atop fuzzed-out guitars, like on the standout, crushed and choppy “Card Declined.”

“2007,” written about filming TikToks, avoids vapidity atop power chords that play out like someone learning pop-punk covers for the first time, and sets a notable undercurrent for the album: The instrumentation is repeatable, often valuing rhythm-driven minimalism and alternative tunings, the sound of an early musical love.

The production is another story. Complications abound, like in the unexpected tempo change found in the charming post-rock “Magic Metal Montana,” a platonic love song written for Cook.

The catchy chorus of chords and drum machine on “SS26” doesn’t have some of the rhythm of songs that offer a guitar-drums-bass reprieve, like “Yeah” and “Wink Wink.” But its distinct lack of the undeniable percussions that made “BRAT” is welcomed.

If Charli xcx is looking to find ways for reinvention, she’s found a few, like in the loose and reverberating “I’m Afraid.” That one will invariably inspire lyrical comparisons to Meredith Brooks’ 1997 hit “B—-,” though Charli xcx approaches self-flagellation where Brooks turns criticism into a weapon. But that’s a distraction from its charms: loose bass, a claustrophobic chorus, a post-grunge exorcism.

The 2026 meta mockumentary “The Moment” may have foreshadowed “Music, Fashion, Film.” The movie is a document of what happens after celebrity ambitions are realized. It isn’t a partner piece to this album, but there’s a shared ideology: Both are an illumination of what it is to be Charli xcx without the self-hagiography of an artist-produced documentary. Both are funny. Both are imbued with verisimilitude, while portraying a persona approximating her truth. And, ultimately, both are a bit dizzying.

Here and throughout her career, Charli xcx has existed at a crossroads, a cult-classic artist with pop-star recognition. “Music, Fashion, Film” is yet another evolution in that teetering identity, a big swing if one that may go underappreciated by newer fans. And if that’s the case, that’s a disappointment: Here and elsewhere, she remains one of the current moment’s most interesting pop contrarians.

***

“Music, Fashion, Film” by Charli xcx

Three and a half stars out of five.

On repeat: “Card Declined,” “Magic Metal Montana,” “Wink Wink”

Skip it: “Persona,” “Rock Music”

For fans of: Loops, “Videodrome,” kitten heels

With those high expectations in mind, he had a relatively long list of concerns after coming off the practice field Thursday for the first time this preseason.

“Well, I think we all wanna see how the offensive line shakes out here, that’s for sure,” Day said. “I think the tight end room is an interesting room. I think that we do have some depth there, but who’s actually gonna take the majority of those reps?”

He also listed backup quarterback and receiver slots three, four, five and six before wondering about the running back position, where 1,000-yard rusher Bo Jackson is back, and the defensive secondary as a whole.

While Day being mostly concerned about backups might illustrate the types of “problems” most coaches would gladly take, the offensive line was a sore point throughout the offseason after getting shoved around in season-ending losses to Indiana in the Big Ten Championship Game and Miami (Fla.) in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals.

Four starters return, but more than one position might have a new starter when the Buckeyes open the season at home against Ball State on Sept. 5.

Austin Siereveld, who started at left tackle last season, was at right guard Thursday to allow the team to take a look at Ian Moore at left tackle.

They could end up joining center Carson Hinzman, left guard Luke Montgomery and right tackle Phillip Daniels in the starting lineup, but others are also likely to get a look this month, including Joshua Padilla at guard.

At tight end, the Buckeyes lost Will Kacmarek and Max Klare to the NFL, but return Bennett Christian and Nate Roberts. Newcomers include transfer Mason Williams (Ohio University) and Hunter Welcing (Northwestern), so the cupboard is not exactly bare.

No one is likely to cry for Day when it comes to receiver either, as All-American Jeremiah Smith is back for his junior season along with senior Brandon Inniss, a respected leader who can play inside or out.

The choices to fill in the depth chart there include five-star freshman Chris Henry Jr. and transfers Devin McCuin (Texas-San Antonio) and Kyle Parker (LSU).

Despite Jackson’s return at running back, the pecking order might not be determined thanks to a strong offseason for classmate Isaiah West’s work in the weight room over the winter and summer.

“He had a tremendous offseason, one of the best in the whole building,” Day said of West, who took reps with the first team offense Thursday. “When he was in there last year, he showed some real good things, so we want him to take the next step, just as we do Bo.”

Another option at running back, freshman Legend Bey, was not on the practice field Thursday, and Day attributed that to a violation of team rules.

“He’s learning, but he’ll be back on the field soon,” Day said.

The Buckeyes open the season on Sept. 5 against Ball State before a potential top 10 matchup at Texas the following week.

The 2024 champion was in tears as she put on the yellow jersey and now leads 2023 champion Demi Vollering by 15 seconds and Reusser by 39 with two stages left.

“I’m just so tired and so blown away with what just happened,” Niewiadoma-Phinney said. “When I started climbing I looked to the right and I saw my parents standing on the roadside. They came today by surprise. I saw my father yelling for me and I thought I had to make him proud.”

Reusser and Vollering could not follow Niewiadoma-Phinney when she broke away about nine kilometers (six miles) from the top of Ventoux, one of the most iconic climbs in cycling with its barren, lunar aspect.

It was a first Tour stage win for Niewiadoma-Phinney, who won the 2024 edition without claiming a stage win. Gritting her teeth in the final few hundred meters, the Polish rider dug deep and with the sun gleaming behind her, raised her arms after crossing the line.

She then almost lost balance through fatigue and had to be helped off her bike. Moments later, she was all smiles as she sat on the road and poured cooling water over her head.

“I never chase victories for the sake of winning, I target them because I like this beautiful feeling I have right now,” said Niewiadoma-Phinney, who is married to former men’s Tour sprinter Taylor Phinney.

“I came here (before) to Mont Ventoux with my friends and my husband, and we rode up the climb three times,” she recalled. “The feeling of reaching the top of this mountain was amazing. From that moment, I just wanted to experience that feeling again. The pure joy of riding, as if I was a kid.”

Vollering dropped Reusser in the closing stages of the 15.7-kilometer ascent of Ventoux, which has featured several time on the men’s Tour. In one of the darkest days in Tour history, British rider Tom Simpson died after collapsing during a tortuous ascent in 1967.

Reusser struggles at the end

World time trial champion Reusser battled gamely but lost valuable time in the title fight. The Swiss rider finished the stage fourth as Vollering and two-time Giro d’Italia winner Elisa Longo Borghini of Italy both placed ahead of her.

There were three smaller climbs heading to Ventoux, which was ranked as a Hors Catégorie ascent — the hardest category — and had a gradient of nearly 9%.

Vollering moved ahead first, and Reusser and Niewiadoma-Phinney joined her as others lagged behind. Niewiadoma-Phinney then attacked and, although Vollering stood up in her saddle to chase her the new race leader was riding a brilliant tempo and proved too strong.

“My idea was that I had to make it to Chalet Reynard (six kilometers from the end) on my own,” Niewiadoma-Phinney said. “Because from then on the headwind would be quite strong and the chasers would try to stay on each other’s wheel for as long as possible.”

Weekend finale

Saturday’s eighth stage is a flat 172-kilometer route for sprinters finishing in Nice, where the race ends after another mountain stage on Sunday.

Stage 9 features four sharp climbs of Col d’Èze, nestled in the hills overlooking the tiny Principality of Monaco.

Two years ago, Niewiadoma-Phinney beat Vollering on the final stage to win the race by just four seconds.

“I’m excited to add two incredibly smart assistants in Justin and Brennen,” said Sullivan. “Throughout the hiring process, it was extremely important to find intelligent teachers of the game that value humility and building elite relationships. The endorsements of them from coaches whose opinions I truly value made these two no-brainer hires.”

A 2020 graduate of Heidelberg University, Liserio spent the previous two seasons as the pitching coach for Cal State University of Bakersfield. During his time with the Roadrunners, he solidified a pitching staff that improved by eight victories in those two seasons. Prior to that role, he gained experience as the assistant pitching coach at Texas Christian University, where he helped pilot the Horned Frogs to a 33-21 record and a deep postseason run in the 2024 Big 12 tournament.

The Elyria, Ohio native spent his college playing career as a relief pitcher for Heidelberg. He was part of the 2019 Student Prince team that advanced to the opening round of the College World Series. Upon earning his degree in Exercise Science, he became a Performance Coach at Tread Athletics. In this role, Liserio expanded his expertise and developed valuable insights dedicated to preparing young pitchers for collegiate success.

“Justin has a plethora of experience developing high level pitchers on the field as well as high-level athletes in the weight room.” said Coach Sullivan. “His ability to individualize programs based off individual needs will have a tremendous impact on the program.”

Hunt makes the move to Marietta after a season as an assistant coach at Thomas More University. He worked primarily as a hitting instructor and also worked as the recruiting coordinator for the team. Prior to that, Hunt served as an Assistant Coach at his alma mater, Ohio Dominican University. In 2025, he helped guide the Panthers to the Great Midwest Athletic Conference championship game and a league lead in home runs, RBIs, and walks.

The Ashland, Ohio native played his entire collegiate career at Ohio Dominican where he collected a career .283 batting average. In his senior season, Hunt hit a career high eight home runs while driving in 30 runs.

“Brennen is one of the brightest up-and-coming coaches and recruiting coordinators in the region,” said Sullivan. “Following an outstanding playing career, he has quickly made his mark as an exceptional recruiter and teacher of the game. The discipline, organization, and pure passion for developing student athletes makes him a perfect fit for what we’re building here.”

Sullivan also announced that the Pioneers will continue to have the services of Bill Mosca for the 2027 campaign. Mosca, a 1979 graduate of Marietta College, was an All-Region player for the Pioneers and is a member of the College’s Athletic Hall of Fame. He served as the Pioneers’ acting head coach last spring after serving as a volunteer assistant in 2024 and 2025. Mosca was Marietta’s top assistant coach from 1986-1994 helping lead the Etta Express to the 1986 National Championship.

“The care level that Bill has for these kids and this program is unmatched, said the new Pioneer skipper. “I’m looking forward to learning from his experience and having him help with the connection of this incredible alumni base!”