Sports

Sacramento sports: 9 stories of ambition and transformation

Stories by Sacramento Bee journalists, with AI summarization

Sacramento sports stories highlight ambition and change. The articles share themes of passion and resilience in the sports community, from football and powerlifting to basketball and baseball. A spotlight falls on Sacramento State's football team, whose "Go-Go" offense secured a win against Mercyhurst. First-year coach Marion credits Cardell Williams' impressive debut at quarterback for their victory.

Meanwhile, Nick Squires, a Sacramento-based powerlifter, overcame injury to break national records, demonstrating relentless dedication. The Sacramento Kings also made news by unveiling their new City Edition uniform for the NBA season, marking another chapter in the city's sports narrative.

Powerlifter Nick Squires trains at Third Street Barbell in Sacramento on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025. By JOSÉ LUIS VILLEGAS

NO. 1: SACRAMENTO-BASED POWERLIFTER OVERCOMES INJURY TO BREAK NATIONAL RECORD

Professional bodybuilder and powerlifter Nick Squires set new records and took home a “best lifter” title during a competition at this month’s USA FitFest in Tampa, Florida, a year after suffering a ruptured bicep tendon playing recreational hockey. | Published September 1, 2025 | Read Full Story by Marcus Smith

Refugio's Ernest Campbell gestures after his first-place finish in the 400-meter relay during the Class 2A UIL State track and field meet, Friday, May 3, 2024, at Mike A. Myers Stadium in Austin. By Annie Rice / Avalanche-Journal

NO. 2: SAC STATE WR IS A 145-POUND BLUR. IS HE ‘THE FASTEST GUY IN COLLEGE FOOTBALL’?

Football is, as the cliche goes, a game of inches. | Published September 10, 2025 | Read Full Story by Joe Davidson

Sacramento State Hornets safety Diesel Gordon (4) celebrates an interception with teammates during an NCAA football game against Mercyhurst Lakers on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025 at Hornet Stadium in Sacramento. By HECTOR AMEZCUA

NO. 3: SAC STATE ‘GO-GO’ OFFENSE HITS OVERDRIVE IN HOME OPENER FOR 1ST WIN UNDER MARION

It wasn’t always pretty or polished, but in this grueling sport, you live with the results. | Published September 14, 2025 | Read Full Story by Joe Davidson

Philadelphia Eagles fans, including Emily McHugh, right, celebrate their team’s win over the Washington Commanders at Limelight sports bar in Sacramento on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025, during the National Football Conference. The Eagles will head to the Super Bowl. By Lezlie Sterling

NO. 4: WHO’S YOUR FAVORITE NFL TEAM? CONNECT WITH LIKE-MINDED FANS AT THESE BARS

Are you ready for some football? | Published September 4, 2025 | Read Full Story by Marcus Smith

Sacramento Kings interim coach joins his players in 4th huddle during an NBA game against the Dallas Mavericks on Monday, Dec. 30, 2024 at Golden 1 Center . By Hector Amezcua

NO. 5: HERE’S WHERE ESPN SAYS SACRAMENTO KINGS WILL FINISH IN WESTERN CONFERENCE

The Sacramento Kings have made major changes after falling short of expectations over the past two years. | Published September 7, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jason Anderson

The Sacramento Kings have unveiled their City Edition uniform for the 2025-26 NBA season.

NO. 6: SACRAMENTO KINGS UNVEIL CITY EDITION UNIFORM FOR 2025-26 NBA SEASON

The Sacramento Kings have unveiled their City Edition uniforms for the 2025-26 NBA season. | Published September 17, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jason Anderson

Athletics left fielder Carlos Cortes reacts after hitting a home run against the Cincinnati Reds in the third inning Friday, Sept. 12, 2025, at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento. By Cary Edmondson

NO. 7: A’S SHUT OUT REDS, STAY HOT IN SPOILER ROLE AGAINST MLB PLAYOFF HOPEFULS

Even with the MLB playoffs out of reach, the Athletics are closing out the season with a fight. | Published September 13, 2025 | Read Full Story by Mathew Miranda

Christian Brothers coach Larry Morla looks toward Christian Brothers Falcons quarterback Deakon Holden (3) on the sideline against Nevada Union in Sacramento on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025. By NATHANIEL LEVINE

NO. 8: WAVE OF COACHING ABSENCES HITS SACRAMENTO HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PROGRAMS

Early in Saturday night’s Holy Bowl clash between Christian Brothers and Jesuit at Hughes Stadium, attended by more than 12,000 people, the student rooting section decked in Christian Brothers blue started a chant. | Published September 16, 2025 | Read Full Story by Joe Davidson

UC Davis Aggies quarterback Caden Pinnick (12) dives across the goal line for a touchdown against the Mercer Bears during the FCS Kickoff Game at Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, Alabama, on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025. The game was declared a no contest in the fourth quarter due to lightning. By Jake Crandall

NO. 9: THE AGGIE WAY: CAMPUS MOVE-IN DAY MEETS HOME OPENER FOR UC DAVIS FOOTBALL

Scores of freshmen unpack their belongings and settle into the UC Davis dorms of the Yolo County campus during move-in week. | Published September 17, 2025 | Read Full Story by Joe Davidson

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.