There is an enclave in College Station, Texas, known as “Aggieland.” It’s Texas A&M University, where students are committed to upholding the school’s unique and plentiful traditions.

Four-time NHRA Pro Stock champion Erica Enders — A&M class of 2006 Mays Business School alumna — invoked the so-called Spirit of Aggieland in trying to describe what it’s like to have soared into the stratosphere of her equally tradition-rich, 50-year-old “factory hot rod” class.

“Like we said at Texas A&M, from the outside looking in, you can’t understand it. And from the inside looking out, you can’t explain it,” Enders said.

That’s an apt depiction of her journey, which began at the age of eight as a Jr. Dragster competitor nearly 30 years ago and has traveled through the Super Gas, Super Comp, Factory Stock Showdown, Stock, Competition Eliminator and Pro Modified classes.

It has brought her notoriety. She and sister Courtney inspired the 2003 Disney movie “Right On Track.” She owns the NHRA Pro Stock’s fastest speed, a 215.55 mph clocking that has held up since 2014. She has 29 “Wally” trophies and her next elimination-round-win will be No. 350. She has matched class icons Greg Anderson and the late Lee Shepherd with four series crowns.

Enders passed drag-racing icon Shirley Muldowney (Top Fuel) and Pro Stock Motorcycle trailblazer and 43-time winner Angelle Sampey for the most NHRA titles among women.

“It’s pretty awesome to join the winningest female, Angelle, and then, of course, Shirley, who’s one of my heroes — paved the way for all of the girls nowadays and a tough woman who has offered a lot of solid advice for me,” Enders said. “It’s a goal I set as a child; that I wanted to be the best race car driver on the planet, not just female. To be one ahead of my idols means a lot to me.

“I don’t feel like I’m anywhere near done yet, but even if I were, this is huge.”

With her second set of consecutive titles completed, Enders is the most decorated professional woman in NHRA drag racing.

Her career has also had its roadblocks and speed bumps: short-lived sponsorship deals, the occasional run-in with an on-track rival, the heartbreak of a broken car at the starting line in the final round, losing close races, red-lighting and being tricked by malfunctioning electronics telling her she won when she didn’t.

The business-management and marketing major has learned lessons about corporate cunning that have made posting stellar reaction times and hitting shift points seem like a cakewalk.

Those experiences have only made her stronger.

“I believe that our ability to persevere through any circumstance is what makes us great,” Enders said of her Elite Performance team with whom she has registered all four championships. “No matter what the world, the NHRA, our competitors or our haters throw at us, we find a way to dig deep and play with all the heart we have. Individually, we all have strengths, but together we are unstoppable.

“I believe and trust in this team with everything that I have. They are the reason why I am here. Our fearless leader, Richard Freeman, organized the most perfect group of people,” she explained. “We crawled our way to the top, earning every bonus point, every qualifying position, every round win, every national event win and every world championship. We did it with our backs against the wall and we did it together. That’s what makes our team special. It’s what makes us elite.”

It’s what has enabled her to triumph in a variety of ways.

Enders’ first two championships came back-to-back (2014-’15) but certainly weren’t carbon copies. The first she called “epic,” as she bested Jason Line in a winner-take-all showdown. The next year, she locked it up over Anderson with one race remaining.

In 2019, she said her third title was special because of the struggle. Her team switched car manufacturers, from Dodge to Chevrolet. She finally adapted to the fuel-injection era. The NHRA cut the schedule from 24 races to 18, meaning she and her competitors had just 12 events in which to qualify among the Countdown’s top 10.

Through those obstacles, Enders broke a 30-race drought and edged multi-time champion Jeg Coughlin Jr. for the championship.

That title, she said that November day, “means a lot because of the valleys that we’ve been through. It was a challenge for us. On a personal level, I have struggled. I’ve struggled mentally in the race car.

“I’ve struggled in my personal life. It’s just an awesome feeling to be back on top.”

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CONCORD, N.C. – Since the dawn of the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series at Devil’s Bowl Speedway in 1978, Californians have been a constant staple with The Greatest Show on Dirt.

Now, for the first time in 16 years, there’s a new man sitting on the mountaintop above California’s 28 World of Outlaws sprint car winners.

With his 59th career win at Florida’s Volusia Speedway Park on Feb. 5, Brad Sweet of Grass Valley, Calif., officially moved beyond Jason Meyers of Clovis, Calif., to become the winningest California native in World of Outlaws history.

Ironically enough, those two are the only drivers from the Golden State to ever score an Outlaws title, both doing so twice and both doing it back-to-back.

The Big Cat’s journey began way back in 2003, when the young 17-year-old kid made his World of Outlaws debut at Silver Dollar’s Gold Cup. His first-career feature start would not come until a year later at Calistoga Speedway on Sept. 3, 2004.

Throughout his early-to-mid 20’s, Sweet ran Outlaw shows when possible, but he was then full-time with the USAC National Midget Series and USAC National Sprint Car Series before transitioning to pavement and making more than 50 starts across the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series.

Finally, in his 112th attempt, Sweet scored his first-career World of Outlaws win at Iowa’s Clay County Fairgrounds on June 8, 2012. He nabbed a massive King’s Royal crown in 2013, and then joined the Outlaws full-time with Kasey Kahne Racing in 2014.

Since then, the rest has been history.

As mentioned, California’s relationship with the Outlaws goes back to the very beginning. After all, Oakland’s Jimmy Boyd was the inaugural winner at Devil’s Bowl on March 17, 1978.

Boyd, along with Johnny Anderson of Palmdale, Buster Venard of Tustin, and Rick Goudy of Cerritos, were the four California kids to score Outlaw wins that first year.

In 1979, Anderson broke through to become the first Californian with multiple triumphs against the Outlaws. His wins at East Bay Raceway Park, Tulsa Speedway, and Twin City Speedway in Champaign, Ill., put him atop the list until Tim Green of San Jose came calling.

Green won the first rookie-of-the-year award in Outlaw history in ’79, then busted out a career year in 1980 with six victories, including a big win at Knoxville (Iowa) Raceway.

For almost 25 whole years, Green’s eventual mark of 12 career victories was the most of any Californian until Meyers hit the circuit.

The Clovis native surpassed Green with his 13th win on June 3, 2005 at Sharon (Ohio) Speedway, and ended up driving his tally all the way to 58 career wins to go along with his 2010 and ’11 World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series championships.

Meyers was the California king for more than 15 years until Sweet took the throne just two weeks ago.

In total, 28 California natives have earned a feature win with the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series. They’re the second most diverse state, behind only the Pennsylvania Posse’s 33 winners.

A pair of 70’s babies made their mark when Tyler Walker of Los Angeles rose to 12 victories and Tim Kaeding of San Jose soared to 21, which ranks as the third-most of any Californian.

The newest generation, including Rico Abreu (eight wins) and Carson Macedo (six wins) have recently advanced into the top 10.

Advancing from 10th to fourth on the list last year, Elk Grove’s Kyle Larson made a huge splash amid his brilliant 2020 campaign. His single-season total of 12 victories pushed him to 20 career wins in just 94 features with the World of Outlaws.

California Winners vs. World of Outlaws

1. 59 wins – Brad Sweet  – Grass Valley, Calif.
2. 58 wins – Jason Meyers – Clovis, Calif.
3. 21 wins – Tim Kaeding – San Jose, Calif.
4. 20 wins – Kyle Larson – Elk Grove, Calif.
5. 12 wins – Tim Green – San Jose, Calif.
6. 12 wins – Tyler Walker – Los Angeles, Calif.
7. 9 wins – Brent Kaeding – Campbell, Calif.
8. 8 wins – Jimmy Sills – Placerville, Calif.
9. 8 wins – Rico Abreu – St. Helena, Calif.
10. 6 wins – Carson Macedo – Lemoore, Calif.
11. 5 wins – Johnny Anderson – Palmdale, Calif.
12. 5 wins – Brad Furr – Pleasanton, Calif.
13. 3 wins – Lee James – Northridge, Calif.
14. 2 wins – Darrell Hanestad – San Lorenzo, Calif.
15. 2 wins – Randy Hannagan – San Jose, Calif.
16. 2 wins – Cory Eliason – Visalia, Calif.
17. 2 wins – Shane Golobic – Fremont, Calif.
18. 2 wins – Gio Scelzi – Fresno, Calif.
19. 1 win – Jimmy Boyd – Oakland, Calif.
20. 1 win – Buster Venard – Tustin, Calif.
21. 1 win – Rick Goudy – Cerritos, Calif.
22. 1 win – Dean Thompson – Carson, Calif.
23. 1 win – Dave Bradway Jr. – Roseville, Calif.
24. 1 win – Chuck Miller – Morgan Hill, Calif.
25. 1 win – Jason Statler – Grass Valley, Calif.
26. 1 win – Sean Becker – Oroville, Calif.
27. 1 win – Jonathan Allard – Chico, Calif.
28. 1 win – Kyle Hirst – Paradise, Calif.

NEWARK, N.J. -- Nico Hischier has been named the New Jersey Devils' captain.

The Devils made the announcement Saturday before Hischier faced the Buffalo Sabres in his first game of the season. The Swiss center, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 draft, missed the first 11 games with a leg injury.

The Devils have not had a captain since Andy Greene was dealt to the New York Islanders last February.

At 22 years and 47 days old, Hischier is the youngest captain currently in the NHL and the second-youngest in New Jersey history after Kirk Muller (21 years, 243 days old). Hischier also becomes the second Swiss-born captain in the league, joining Roman Josi of Nashville.

Hischier has played 209 regular-season games in three seasons, collecting 51 goals and 84 assists. He has finished in the top three in team scoring in each of his three years with the club.

The Columbus Blue Jackets received permission from state authorities to allow a limited number of fans at games starting next week.

The city of Columbus and the Ohio Department of Health signed off on the plan to allow up to 1,953 fans -- 10% of Nationwide Arena's capacity -- for the last 16 home games, beginning March 2 against Detroit.

Fans entering the building must complete an online check-in questionnaire and wear masks. They will be grouped in "seating pods" to maintain physical distancing. Tickets will be digital and concession stands cashless.

Fans have not been at games in Columbus this season because of COVID-19 restrictions. The last time the venue welcomed spectators was March 1, 2020, about a week before the pandemic began to shut down sports nationwide.

The Blue Jackets join a few other NHL teams allowing limited numbers of fans.

A day after Rudy Giuliani appeared on a podcast and shared an inappropriate story about Michelle Wie West, the LPGA player took to social media to express her disgust with the former New York City mayor.

Wie West on Friday called it “unsettling to hear of this highly inappropriate story” shared by Giuliani on Steve Bannon’s “War Room” podcast in which Giuliani described paparazzi showing up at a charity golf fundraiser seven years ago in order to, in Giuliani's words, photograph Wie West’s “panties.”

“What this person should have remembered from that day was the fact that I shot 64 and beat every male golfer in the field leading our team to victory,” Wie West wrote. “I shudder thinking that he was smiling to my face and complimenting me on my game while objectifying me and referencing my ‘panties’ behind my back all day.”

Giuliani, who was also playing with late radio host Rush Limbaugh, elaborated on the uncomfortable story before ending with, “Is that OK to tell that joke? I’m not sure.”

“Michelle Wie is gorgeous, she’s 6 feet, she has a strange putting stance,” Giuliani said. “She bends all the way over and her panties show, and the press was going crazy. They were trying to take pictures of her panties. It’s not me, it’s not you, it’s her panties.”

Wie West, the 31-year-old five-time LPGA winner who is currently on maternity leave from the tour, also noted that she won the 2014 U.S. Women’s Open at Pinehurst that year, which she correctly states should’ve been the subject of the story, “not what we wear or look like.” Plus, she says, she was wearing a Nike skirt with built-in shorts, which makes Giuliani's story even more egregious.

“My putting stance six years ago was designed to improve my putting stats…,” she wrote, “NOT as an invitation to look up my skirt!”

Update: The PGA Tour announced that play will resume at 3:20 p.m. ET.

LOS ANGELES – Play was suspended at the Genesis Invitational at 1:18 p.m. ET because of high winds. The last time play was suspended on the PGA Tour because of high winds was during the third round at the 2015 Open Championship.

The last group including front-runner Sam Burns was on the first tee preparing to start the third round when play was halted because golf balls were moving on most of the greens.

Winds were gusting in excess of 15 mph and expected to blow harder across Riviera Country Club, which is playing uncharacteristically firm and fast this year following weeks of dry weather in Los Angeles.

United States women's manager Vlatko Andonovski said he is looking forward to playing an "unpredictable" Brazil side in the second match of the SheBelieves Cup for both teams.

Brazil currently tops the tournament standings on goal difference over the U.S. following their 4-1 win over Argentina on Thursday and the Americans' 1-0 win against Canada. With the U.S. facing Argentina in its final game of the tournament, Sunday's match will likely decide who claims the top spot.

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But the tournament is more about preparation for the Tokyo Olympics later this year, and Andonovski feels Brazil will provide a unique challenge for his team.

"There is no certain pattern that we can say, 'Okay, this is what they're gonna do every time,'" he said on a Zoom call with reporters. "That's what makes Brazil special, that they're so unpredictable that we're gonna have to overcome those challenges or come up with solutions in the split second. I'm actually looking forward to see how our team [will] react."

Marta remains one of Brazil's main threats, with Andonovski noting that the scouting folder on six-time The Best FIFA Women's Player award is "pretty thick" given the player's longevity. She's joined by North Carolina Courage forward Debinha in leading Brazil's attack.

"She's an incredible player," said Andonovski about Debinha. "Her creativity and ability to change and play in between the lines in the middle of the field, but also make runs behind the line and in the side games is incredible. I think she's one of the best players in the world."

Andonovski had previously spoken of how disappointing the U.S. team's performance was in its win over Canada on Thursday. That said, he highlighted how the U.S. took 29 shots and had 27 open play crosses. He also noted that many of his players are very much still in preseason mode given that the NWSL season won't start until April 9 with the Challenge Cup.

"They've not played, they haven't had the touches with their teams. They haven't had regular games on a weekly basis," he said. "OK, once it all comes in play, I'm not worried about it. As long as we're creating opportunities, we're moving in the right direction, because the execution will come."

With the U.S. playing three games in seven days over the course of the tournament, Andonovski will have to juggle his lineup to a degree. One change he hinted at was that Rose Lavelle, scorer of the game-winner against Canada, will see more of the field.

Lavelle does have a history of injury, but Andonovski said he's not worried about the midfielder's health based on what he's seen.

"We're not worried at all," said Andonovski about Lavelle. "She's playing hard, she's training hard, so we're excited to have her here. And I think we're going to see the best of Rose as we're going forward."

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has said that he was "not happy" with Callum Hudson-Odoi's performance in the 1-1 draw at Southampton when he substituted the winger after bringing him on at half-time.

Hudson-Odoi replaced striker Tammy Abraham at the break but was then hooked off with 13 minutes remaining for Hakim Ziyech.

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- Ratings: 5/10 Hudson-Odoi is a subbed sub

The England international reacted angrily to being substituted but Tuchel stood by his decision and said he expected more from Hudson-Odoi.

"I am not concerned about Tammy Abraham, it was not about the injury, it was hard for him to show his quality," he told BT Sport after the game.

"He could not put his stamp in this game so we changed the formation. We brought in Callum Hudson-Odoi but I was not happy with his attitude, energy and counter-pressing.

"I took him off and we demand 100%, I feel he is not in the right shape to help us. It was a hard decision but tomorrow it is forgotten and he has all possibilities to start against Atletico Madrid."

Speaking in a news conference afterwards, Tuchel added: "It was hard to create chance and we needed counter-pressing to force errors for the second ball and get an easy chance.

"We had to be sharp with counter-pressing and I didn't feel this from Callum today. I did not feel it, but I trust him."

Tuchel was very critical of Chelsea's attacking players after they failed to win a Premier League match for the first time in six matches.

Mason Mount rescued a point for Chelsea after Southampton went ahead through Liverpool loanee Takumi Minamino.

"We not only had possession but good possession in the opponent half, in the last 20 metres we lacked quality and that is the truth," Tuchel told BBC.

"We lacked determination, aggressiveness and more one on one chances. We controlled 80 metres, all counter attacks and when you control the match like this and you need a penalty to score, you see the problem is clear."

Chelsea remain fourth in the league table but could fall outside of the Champions League places if Liverpool and West Ham United secure wins later this weekend.

United States international forward Jordan Morris was stretchered off with a leg injury in Swansea City's 4-1 loss to Huddersfield Town on Saturday.

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Morris, who came on as a substitute at half-time, left the game in the 66th minute after falling awkwardly on the ball.

Swansea did not give any details about the injury after the game.

In better news for the U.S., American midfielder Duane Holmes scored his first two goals since his return to Huddersfield, helping his side to an important win as they seek to avoid relegation from the Championship.

Morris, 26, joined Championship club Swansea on loan from the Seattle Sounders in the January transfer window.

He made his Swansea debut in a 3-1 win over Rotherham on Jan. 30.

Liverpool's losing run continued as rivals Everton earned a rare Merseyside derby victory with a 2-0 result at Anfield on Saturday.

Goals from Richarlison and Gylfi Sigurdsson in each half were enough for Everton to secure their first derby victory at Anfield since 1999.

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The result means that Liverpool suffered their fourth consecutive defeat in the league and fourth in a row at home.

Liverpool's dismal day was compounded when they lost captain Jordan Henderson to injury in the first-half

Everton go level on points with Liverpool with both teams three points off the top four places but Everton have a game in hand.

Everton took the lead inside three minutes when James Rodriguez played a through ball to Richarlison who produced an emphatic finish.

Liverpool responded well and forced Jordan Pickford into two superb saves from Henderson and Trent Alexander-Arnold respectively.

The Liverpool captain then limped off just before the half an hour mark with an injury and was replaced with youngster Nathaniel Phillips.

Moments after the substitution, Everton had a great chance to double their lead but Seamus Coleman's close-range header was saved by Alisson.

The hosts were livelier in the second half with Sadio Mane heading two crosses over the bar and then having a shot brilliantly blocked by Michael Keane.

Just before 70 minutes, Mohamed Salah was denied from close-range by another great Pickford save.

With eight minutes remaining, Dominic Calvert-Lewin was brought down by Alexander-Arnold inside the box and Sigurdsson converted the penalty to seal the win.