The Seawanhaka Sports Rundown is a weekly roundup of five stories that examine developments in sports news at the local, state, national, and international levels.
BY: COOPER ALBERS / CHIEF SPORTS EDITOR
Yankees’ Gerrit Cole Wins 2023 Cy Young Award
All aboard the Cole Train Express!
On Wednesday, Gerrit Cole won the 2023 American League Cy Young Award. The Yankees Ace took home the award for the first time in his career and did it in unanimous fashion.
“I’m very proud of this season,” Cole said. “I’m very proud of some of the other seasons where I made a pretty strong run at this award as well. There was a lot of momentum going into this.”
The 33-year-old was the epitome of consistency this season and provided life to a struggling Yankees squad every fifth day. He went 15-4 and led the AL with a 2.63 ERA in a league-high 209 innings. He also led the majors in fewest hits allowed (6.8) per nine innings and WHIP (0.981).
Cole became the sixth Yankee to claim the Cy Young and the first since Roger Clemens in 2001. Additionally, he’s the second-ever No. 1 overall pick to win the award, joining David Price in 2012.
Athletics Officially Set for Relocation to Las Vegas
What happens in Oakland does not stay in Oakland.
On Thursday, MLB owners unanimously voted to approve the relocation of the Oakland Athletics to Las Vegas. The A’s become the first team to relocate since the Montreal Expos became the Washington Nationals in 2005.
“We are excited to begin this next chapter in Las Vegas,” noted Owner John Fisher. “We will continue to work hard to bring home more championships for our fans and for our new home in Vegas.”
The team expects to begin play on the Las Vegas Strip in 2028. In the meantime, the club will play one final season in the Oakland Coliseum and work with the MLB to determine options for interim pay following the 2024 season.
Big 12 Partners with WWE
The Big 12 will host the most electrifying game in college football.
On Thursday, the Big 12 Conference announced a partnership with WWE surrounding the upcoming 2023 Big 12 Football Championship Game. The pair will present a specialized championship belt to the game's most outstanding player.
"WWE is a global brand that connects with a wide array of audiences," Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark said in a statement. "With this partnership, we will integrate WWE and its brand power into one of the conference's biggest moments, further strengthening the bridge between sports and entertainment throughout the Big 12."
The belt will be presented on-field after the game by a WWE Superstar. Additionally, WWE talent will play a prominent role in the event buildup, from community events to the official coin toss.
The Dr. Pepper Big 12 Conference Game will be played on December 2 in Arlington, Texas, at noon ET. Grammy-winning hip-hop artist Nelly will perform at halftime.
LIU Women’s Hockey Wins 10th Straight
A late-game frenzy secured the Sharks their longest winning streak in team history.
On Saturday, LIU women’s hockey defeated Stonehill 4-1. Trailing by a score, the Sharks erupted with four goals in the final nine minutes to set a program record of 10 straight victories.
Mikayla Lantto scored twice for the Sharks, with Jeannie Wallner and Grace Babington each picking up a goal as well. Babington, a freshman-winger, broke the 1-1 tie with the first goal of her college career.
With the win, the Sharks improved to 10-0 in NEWHA play. They will head to Waterbury, Connecticut, to take on Post University on December 1.
LIU Women’s Volleyball Wins NEC Tournament
Who doesn’t love a good underdog story?
LIU Women’s Volleyball defeated FDU on Saturday to win the NEC Tournament. After taking care of one seed, Sacred Heart, a day prior, the Sharks continued their magical run by upsetting the defending champs in four sets to snag their 13th Conference Championship.
Camelia Melendez led the Sharks with 15 kills (30 for the entire tournament) and was named the tournament MVP.
Additionally, Amaris Smith and Alasha Colon were named to the all-tournament team for their contributions. Other standouts for the Sharks included Selina Koç, Bria Plante and Rumur Rouille.
The Sharks will find out who they play in the NCAA Tournament next Sunday at 6 p.m.