Local Sports Headlines: August 12, 2021

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Indiana University Running Back Sampson James Enters Transfer Portal For 2nd Time

For the 2nd time since he enrolled at Indiana University, Running Back Sampson James has entered the transfer portal. James from Avon Indiana ran for 371 yards and three touchdowns the last two seasons. James was competing for time in the backfield with USC grad transfer Stephen Carr and Tim Baldwin. He was listed as number 2 running back on the preseason depth chart. James originally committed to Ohio State out of high school but changed his mind and committed to Indiana. James entered the transfer portal after his freshman season but he decided to return to the Hoosiers.

Indianapolis Colts Extend Chris Ballard and Frank Reich Through 2026

The Indianapolis Colts have announced contract extension for head coach Frank Reich and General Manager Chris Ballard through the 2026 season. Ballard has been with Colts since January of 2017 and he is regarded as one of the NFL’s best general managers and was named the executive of the year in 2018. Reich hired was in February 2018 and together they have 28-20 record and have made the playoffs two out of three seasons. The Colts have had three different starting quarterbacks in three years and Carson Wentz is projected started will be the fourth in 4 years after coming over from Philadelphia in the off season.

Indiana Women’s Soccer Host Akron in Exhibition Game

Indiana Women’s Soccer will host Akron at 1 pm this afternoon in an exhibition game at Bill Armstrong Stadium. The Hoosiers finished 6-5-1 in the 2020-21 season. Akron was 3-5-1 in the 2020-21 season and played a conference only schedule. The Zips are in the Mid-American Conference. The Hoosiers are coached by Erwin van Bennekom who begins his 3rd season with a 14-14-3 record. The Hoosiers welcome back Sophomore Gabbi Rennie who played 17 minutes off the bench and scored a goal in the Tokyo Olympics for New Zealand. 

Valparaiso University Adopts ‘Beacons’ as New Nickname

Valparaiso University in Northwest Indiana has adopted the “Beacons” as its new team name.  It replaces the Crusaders, a term that school officials dropped this year after saying it had been embraced by hate groups. Beacons was chosen after a monthlong process that included nearly 1,000 suggestions and input from student, student athletes, faculty, staff and alumni. The new nickname, new mascot and related imagery will be phased in during the 2021-22 academic year and the athletic teams will be known as the Beacons.