Sport

Indianapolis will be the battleground this weekend as the Wisconsin women’s track and field team heads to the Huge Ten Indoor Championships, beginning Thursday, February 26th and concluding Saturday, February 28th. The competition kicks off at 10:20 a.m. CT on Thursday, offering fans multiple avenues to follow the action. Live streaming will be available on Big Ten Plus, with live results accessible here. Updates will too be posted throughout the three-day event on the @BadgerTrackXC Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) pages.

The Badgers enter the championships with a blend of seasoned champions and rising stars, poised to make a significant impact. Among those to watch is NCAA Indoor weight throw champion Taylor Kesner, looking to add another title to her impressive resume. This year’s team also boasts strong performances in throwing events, freshman talent, and a competitive distance squad, setting the stage for a compelling weekend of competition.

Kesner Aims to Repeat Championship Success

Taylor Kesner, the reigning 2025 NCAA Indoor weight throw champion, is a key athlete for Wisconsin. Her winning throw at the NCAA Championships measured 77-1 ¼ (23.50m), ranking her second all-time in Wisconsin indoor track and field history, according to UWBadgers.com. Last year, Chloe Lindman finished third at the Big Ten Championships in the weight throw with a distance of 73-3 ¼ (22.33m) and placed sixth at the NCAA Championships. Kesner has demonstrated consistent success this indoor season, winning three of the five weight throw competitions she’s entered.

Throwing Powerhouse: Skoraczewski and Lindeque Lead the Way

Nora Skoraczewski and Zonica Lindeque have emerged as significant contributors for the Wisconsin throwers. At the recent Panther Tune-Up in Milwaukee, Skoraczewski won the weight throw with a heave of 66-6 ¼ (20.25m), securing the No. 9 spot in the Wisconsin record book. The sophomore has achieved podium finishes in four of her six meets this season. Lindeque also excelled at the Panther Tune-Up, winning the shot put with a toss of 54-11 ¼ (16.74m), improving her ranking from No. 8 to No. 5 on the UW top-10 list. She has won three of the four shot put competitions she’s participated in this season.

Freshman Aizpurua Makes Immediate Impact

Freshman Luciana Aizpurua has quickly established herself as a force for the Badgers. She has twice entered the Wisconsin record book this season, most recently at the Jarvis Scott Invite, where she ran a personal best of 7.48 seconds in the 60 meters, earning her the No. 5 spot in the indoor record book. Aizpurua is scheduled to compete in both the 60 meters and 200 meters at the Big Ten Championships.

Distance Runners Ready to Compete

Wisconsin will also be represented by a strong contingent of distance runners, including Kylie Finger, Bella Jacobsen, Zaira Malloy-Salgado, Sara Mlodik, and Leané Willemse. Finger and Willemse both achieved UW top-ten marks at the David Hemery Valentine Invitational in the 5000 meters. Finger finished first in her heat with a time of 15:50.00, ranking sixth in school history, while Willemse took third in her heat with a personal best of 15:59.41, placing eighth all-time at Wisconsin. Mlodik has also had a successful season, winning the 5000 meters at the Badger Windy City Invite (16:30.73) and finishing second in the 3000 meters at the Penn Elite (9:34.98). Jacobsen won the mile at the Windy City Invite with a personal best of 4:54.26, and Malloy-Salgado finished fifth in the 3000 meters at the Blue Demon Alumni Classic (9:42.49).

Following the Big Ten Championships, Wisconsin will conclude its indoor season at the 2026 NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships, scheduled for March 13-14 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The team will seem to build on their performances in Indianapolis and carry that momentum into the national competition.

The Big Ten Championships promise to be a showcase of talent, and determination. Fans can follow the Badgers’ progress throughout the weekend and cheer them on as they compete for a conference title. Share your thoughts and support for the team in the comments below.

Plans for 650 new homes on the Sutton Green golf course in Surrey are sparking concerns among local residents and environmental groups regarding the potential impact on wildlife. The proposed development, which as well includes a care home, a country park, and commercial space, aims to address housing needs in the area but faces opposition due to the ecological value of the existing green space.

The 140-acre Sutton Green golf course, located near Guildford, has long been a haven for a variety of species, including deer, badgers, and numerous bird populations. The proposed development raises questions about habitat loss and the disruption of established wildlife corridors. The project’s proponents emphasize the creation of a new country park as a mitigation measure, but critics argue that this may not adequately compensate for the destruction of the existing ecosystem. The debate highlights a growing tension between the demand for new housing and the demand to protect biodiversity in the UK.

Development Details and Local Concerns

The development, as outlined in planning documents, will consist of up to 650 homes, alongside a new care home facility. A “significant increase” in publicly-accessible open green spaces is also promised, taking the form of a country park, along with parking, commercial space, and supporting infrastructure for both current and future residents, according to publicly available information. Yet, local residents have voiced concerns about increased traffic, strain on local services, and the irreversible loss of green space. A petition opposing the development has already garnered significant support, reflecting the strength of feeling within the community.

The potential impact on the local badger population is a particular point of contention. Badgers are a protected species in the UK, and any development that could harm their setts or disrupt their foraging routes requires careful consideration and mitigation. Environmental groups are calling for a comprehensive ecological survey to assess the full extent of the potential impact on wildlife before any planning permission is granted. They argue that the existing golf course, even as managed, provides a valuable habitat that supports a diverse range of species.

The Role of Open Space in Senior Living

The inclusion of a care home within the development plans highlights a growing trend towards integrating nature into senior living communities. Research suggests that access to green spaces can significantly improve the physical and mental well-being of older adults. According to a study published by Koelsch Communities, spending time outdoors reduces stress and anxiety, improves cognitive function, and provides emotional comfort for seniors. Integrating nature into senior living can encourage movement, social engagement, and relaxation, contributing to a higher quality of life. The proposed country park could potentially offer valuable recreational opportunities for residents of the care home and the wider community.

However, critics point out that the benefits of a new country park may be undermined if This proves not designed and managed in a way that prioritizes biodiversity. Simply creating a green space is not enough. it must be carefully planned to provide suitable habitat for a range of species and to connect with existing wildlife corridors. The California-based Gateway Cities’ open space access initiative emphasizes the importance of opening up open spaces to bring the benefits of parks and green spaces to more people.

What’s Next for the Sutton Green Development?

The planning application for the Sutton Green development is currently under consideration by Guildford Borough Council. A decision is expected in the coming months, following a period of public consultation. Local residents and environmental groups are continuing to lobby the council to reject the plans, or at least to demand significant modifications to mitigate the potential impact on wildlife. The case is likely to set a precedent for future developments in the area, highlighting the importance of balancing housing needs with environmental protection. The outcome will be closely watched by communities across the UK facing similar challenges.

The debate surrounding the Sutton Green development underscores the complex challenges of sustainable development. Finding ways to provide much-needed housing while protecting valuable green spaces and biodiversity requires careful planning, community engagement, and a commitment to environmental stewardship. What happens next at Sutton Green will be a crucial test of that commitment.

What are your thoughts on balancing housing development with environmental preservation? Share your opinions in the comments below.

Anaheim, Calif. – Joel Quenneville etched his name into NHL history Wednesday night, becoming just the second head coach to reach 1,000 regular-season victories. The Anaheim Ducks secured the milestone win with a thrilling 6-5 comeback victory over the Edmonton Oilers, overcoming a two-goal deficit twice in the process. This achievement places Quenneville in an exclusive club alongside hockey legend Scotty Bowman, marking a significant moment in the sport’s coaching landscape.

The Ducks’ victory, fueled by a multi-goal performance and a resilient effort, underscored Quenneville’s ability to galvanize a team and compete at a high level. The win is particularly notable as it came in Anaheim’s first game back from the Olympic break, signaling a strong push for a playoff berth. Quenneville’s journey to 1,000 wins is a testament to his longevity and consistent success in the NHL, a career spanning over two decades.

Bowman, who holds the NHL record with 1,244 wins, remains the gold standard for coaching success. Quenneville, with 1,000 wins in 1,825 games, acknowledged Bowman’s unparalleled achievement. “He’s lonesome up there, the number he’s at,” Quenneville said, as reported by The Latest York Times. “Scotty and (former Blackhawks GM) Stan Bowman were in Chicago together. We had some great wins. He’s got a lot of Cups, and he’s been very successful in the game.” Paul Maurice (945 wins) of the Florida Panthers and Lindy Ruff (934 wins) of the Buffalo Sabres are the closest active coaches to reaching the 1,000-win plateau.

Ducks Rally for Historic Victory

The Ducks’ offensive attack was led by Leo Carlsson, who contributed a goal and two assists. Alex Kilorn, Ian Moore, Becket Seneke, Olene Zelwegers, and Tateers Gauthier also found the back of the net for Anaheim. For the Oilers, Jack Roslovic, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Zach Hyman, Evan Bouchard, and Matt Savoie scored. The game highlighted the Ducks’ offensive firepower, currently averaging 4.13 goals per game, the highest in the NHL, according to NHL.com.

Standings Implications

With the win, the Ducks improve to 65 points through 57 games, solidifying their fifth-place position in the Western Conference. The Oilers, with 64 points in 59 games, remain seventh in the conference. The victory is crucial for Anaheim as they navigate a competitive Western Conference playoff race.

Stars Continue Winning Streak

In other NHL action Wednesday, the Dallas Stars extended their winning streak to seven games with a decisive 4-1 victory over the Seattle Kraken. Wyatt Johnston scored twice for the Stars, while Matt Duchene and Sam Steel added single goals. Raiker Evans scored the lone goal for Seattle. The Stars now hold the second position in the Western Conference with 79 points in 58 games, trailing only the Colorado Avalanche, who have 85 points in 56 games.

Avalanche Secure Win Against Mammoth

The Colorado Avalanche defeated the Utah Mammoth 4-2 on the road. Parker Kelly, Victor Olofsson, Brock Nelson, and Martin Necas scored for the Avalanche, while Dylan Ganters netted two goals for the Mammoth.

Quenneville’s return to coaching with the Ducks, after being reinstated by the NHL in May 2025 following a period away from the league, has been marked by immediate success. His ability to instill a winning culture is evident in the Ducks’ improved performance and their current playoff contention. The Ducks hired Quenneville after a period where he was out of the NHL due to an “inadequate response” to allegations of sexual assault within the Chicago Blackhawks organization, as reported by The New York Times.

Looking ahead, Quenneville and the Ducks will aim to build on this momentum as they continue their pursuit of a playoff spot. The team’s performance under Quenneville’s guidance will be closely watched as they navigate the remainder of the regular season. The Ducks’ success story serves as a compelling narrative in the NHL, showcasing the impact of experienced leadership and a renewed team spirit.

What are your thoughts on Joel Quenneville reaching this incredible milestone? Share your comments below and join the discussion!