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Perpetual Man in Motion, McAleer Helps Raise Gradient’s Mojo

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2 years ago

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DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Before the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, Stevan McAleer received instructions from Gradient Racing owner Andris Laivins:

Just finish the race.

It had been a rough start to the 2024 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship for Gradient’s No. 66 Acura NSX GT3. A mechanical problem at the Rolex 24 At Daytona resulted in a 19th-place finish in the Grand Touring Daytona (GTD) class. A crash in the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring Presented by Cadillac left the team in 14th place in GTD standings.

The just-finish instruction led McAleer to ask a specific question of Laivins:

“What happens if we’re P4 fighting for P3?’” McAleer said. “He said, ‘I just want to finish this race.’”

Oddly enough, that scenario – fourth fighting for third – is precisely where McAleer found himself in the final minutes at Long Beach.

“I came on the radio and said, ‘How badly do you guys want this podium?’” McAleer said. “I think I scared them a little bit. To be fair, I didn’t really have anything for Mike Skeen at the end, but it was a great weekend.”

Funny how a basic finish can revitalize things. McAleer, moved to a full-time role after the team parted with Katherine Legge in early April, helped Gradient Racing improve to 12th in the GTD championship points standings heading into this weekend’s Motul Course de Monterey Powered by Hyundai N at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.

“You could see the relief on the team’s faces,” McAleer said. “Fourth place to me is maybe not great – I’m always after some of the biggest trophies – but it was certainly a win for a team whose last couple of races had been unlucky.”

Now he and co-driver Sheena Monk press forward to WeatherTech Raceway, where McAleer has memories of a victory in 2016 with Freedom Autosport in what is now the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge. WeatherTech Raceway’s offseason repaving project is the first topic of conversation leading into the weekend.

“It will be interesting to see how that suits the Acura,” McAleer said. “Looking at the lap times from last year, the car definitely had some pace. It didn’t look like it was the fastest, but it was in a window that I can work with.”

McAleer’s newfound duties with Gradient Racing are added to his already crowded schedule, joining his previous commitment to co-drive the No. 28 RS1 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport with Trent Hindman in the Michelin Pilot Challenge. McAleer will race in both series this weekend, along with his extensive coaching obligations that include co-ownership of a Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup Presented by Michelin team with four cars entered.

In his world, a busy schedule is beneficial.

“The constant being in a race car regardless of what it is has always helped me adapt to something that I’m maybe not necessarily familiar with,” McAleer said. “People might have concerns with that, like maybe you’re not going to be as efficient as you could be. I disagree. Each car has a limit, and it’s my goal to find it. I thoroughly enjoy it.”

McAleer, who spent last weekend coaching drivers in another series at Sebring International Raceway, has multiple student clients in different series. Add his involvement with go-kart racing to his coaching and driving, and he’s eternally busy.

“That’s all deliberate for me,” McAleer said. “I’ve seen drivers’ careers disappear overnight for whatever reason – they get hurt, they move on to something else, or the team retires. There are so many variables in this sport just because of the sheer amount of funding it takes to run programs. … If I have 10 programs going, I know without a doubt that 10 programs are not going to disappear overnight.”

So, he aims for the weekend, with a crowded calendar, a never-give-up attitude, and few complaints.

“I would argue that there is nobody in the paddock as busy as I am from a driving standpoint, but that’s my own doing,” McAleer said. “When I complain that I’m tired, my wife tells me quite quickly that I did it to myself.”

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Central Florida News

Orlando City SC & Orlando Pride Launch New Pop-Up Bar for 2026 Kickoff to Soccer Events

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2 weeks ago

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January 28, 2026

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) – Orlando City SC and Orlando Pride today announced the launch of The Final Whistle at Thornton Park Pub, a first‑of‑its‑kind pop‑up bar and fan gathering space that will serve as the centerpiece of the Club’s 2026 Kickoff to Soccer celebrations. Presented by Heineken and located at 808 E. Washington St., the fully branded venue will open on Saturday, January 31 and operate exclusively in the weeks leading up to each team’s season opener, offering marquee events, special appearances, exclusive merchandise drops and interactive fan experiences.

Bringing fans closer to the Club than ever before, The Final Whistle will feature rare memorabilia from both teams, such as iconic kits, match‑worn items and historic moments that tell the story of how Orlando became one of the most passionate soccer cities in the country. Beyond its historic displays, the space delivers a fully immersive matchday‑meets‑night‑out experience, complete with a team‑inspired food and drink menu crafted specifically for City and Pride fans.

“The Final Whistle represents everything that makes soccer in Orlando special,” said Jarrod Dillon, President of Business Operations for Orlando City and Orlando Pride. “It’s a space built for our fans where history, culture and passion come together. Whether you’re joining us for the kit launch, testing your club knowledge at trivia night or simply reliving some of our most iconic moments, we want this to feel like home. This is the most immersive preseason experience we’ve ever created, and it’s only the beginning of what promises to be a special year for both City and Pride.”

Throughout February, The Final Whistle will host several fan events, including the highly anticipated unveiling of Orlando City’s 2026‑27 Community Kit, presented by Orlando Health, along with appearances from players, alumni and club personalities, and surprise moments available only inside the pub. The Club will also host additional events at Inter&Co Stadium, including the annual Purple Pride 5K and a Season Ticket Member exclusive Orlando City match against the Colorado Rapids, which will round out the slate of preseason celebrations.

A list of confirmed Kickoff to Soccer events is below. The Orlando Pride’s schedule of preseason programming, including player appearances and fan events, will be announced at a later date ahead of the team’s 2026 NWSL campaign, which kicks off on March 15. Fans can view The Final Whistle’s hours of operation and full schedule of events at OrlandoCitySC.com/TheFinalWhistle.

2026 Kickoff to Soccer Events:

The Final Whistle Grand Opening Event
Saturday, January 31 | 12 p.m. ET | Thornton Park Pub, 808 E. Washington St.

The new Orlando City and Orlando Pride pop‑up bar opens its doors with giveaways, drink specials and appearances from club personalities.

Purple Pride 5K, presented by Once Upon A Coconut
Saturday, Feb. 7 | 8 a.m. ET | Inter&Co Stadium

A fan-favorite tradition, the Purple Pride 5K, presented by Once Upon A Coconut and supported by Orlando Health, Heineken, Pepsi, and Publix, returns for its 11th year.

The annual run kicks off on Church Street before finishing on the pitch inside Inter&Co Stadium. After completing the race, the celebration continues at the Fan Zone outside Gate B with a festival featuring food trucks, live music, beer, interactive games and more.

Register

Orlando City Jersey Launch, presented by Orlando Health
Tuesday, Feb. 10 | 6–9 p.m. ET | The Final Whistle

The new 2026‑27 Community Kit makes its debut with a backyard‑style party featuring live music, activations, giveaways, player drop‑ins and an appearance from Kingston. Attendees will have early access to purchase the kit along with a special collectible that’s part of a season-long series.

Register

Preseason Friendly: Orlando City SC vs. Colorado Rapids
Saturday, Feb. 14 | 7 p.m. ET | Inter&Co Stadium

A Season Ticket Member‑exclusive chance to see the Lions in their final tune-up before the 2026 MLS season kicks off. Members will receive an email to RSVP for the match from their Member Experience Specialist.

Lagers with the Lions, presented by Heineken
Monday, Feb. 16 | 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. ET | The Final Whistle

Raise a glass with Orlando City players during a one‑night‑only experience where forward Tyrese Spicer and goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau will step behind the counter to serve drinks and interact with supporters. The evening will feature signature drink specials, a live DJ, an appearance by Kingston, exclusive giveaways and memorable photo opportunities. Prizes will include autographed items, match tickets and more.

Register

Home Opener, Presented by Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute: Orlando City SC vs. Red Bull New York
Saturday, Feb. 21 | 7:30 p.m. ET | Inter&Co Stadium

Orlando City’s 12th MLS campaign will kick off at Inter&Co Stadium against Red Bull New York.

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North Florida News

Jaguars Add Mathieu Araujo, Brian Picucci to Coaching Staff for 2026 Season

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2 weeks ago

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January 28, 2026

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JACKSONVILLE (FNN) — The Jacksonville Jaguars announced two additions to their coaching staff for the 2026 season, naming Mathieu Araujo as defensive pass game coordinator and Brian Picucci as run game coordinator.

Araujo Joins Jaguars After Success with Dolphins

Araujo (uh-ROO-joh) comes to Jacksonville following four seasons with the Miami Dolphins (2022–25), serving as cornerbacks coach from 2024–25 and assistant defensive backs coach from 2022–23.

In 2024, Araujo helped guide Miami to its first top-five finish in total defense since 2006, as the Dolphins allowed just 314.4 yards per game, ranking fourth in the NFL. The Dolphins also posted a top-10 defensive finish in 2023 for the first time since 2010, allowing 318.3 yards per game.

Before entering the NFL, Araujo spent seven seasons in the collegiate ranks, including three years at Yale (2019–21) as defensive backs coach and recruiting coordinator. A native of East Freetown, Massachusetts, Araujo was a four-year letterman at Bridgewater State, playing defensive back.

Picucci Brings Run Game Experience from Tampa Bay

Picucci (pi-COO-chee) joins the Jaguars after two seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, serving as offensive line coach in 2025 and assistant offensive line coach in 2024.

During his time with Tampa Bay, the Buccaneers ranked among the NFL’s top 10 in several rushing categories, including yards per rush (4.7, fifth), rushing first downs (252, tied for sixth), and rushing yards per game (131.9, seventh).

In 2024, Picucci worked with a Buccaneers offense led by current Jaguars Head Coach Liam Coen that ranked in the top five leaguewide in points per game (29.5), total yards (399.6), passing yards (250.4), rushing yards (149.2), first downs (23.2), and third-down conversion rate (50.9 percent).

Extensive Coaching Background

Prior to his tenure in Tampa Bay, Picucci served as an offensive quality control coach at the University of Kentucky in 2023, where he again worked with Coen. The two previously coached together at UMass from 2005–08.

Picucci’s 31-year coaching career also includes stops at Florida International University, the Detroit Lions, the University of Maine, Becker College, Widener University, Central Connecticut State, Northeastern University, Southern Connecticut State, and multiple stints at UMass.

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Sports

NFL Releases Media Details for 2026 Scouting Combine in Indianapolis

Published

3 weeks ago

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January 23, 2026

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INDIANAPOLIS (FNN SPORTS) — The NFL has announced media availability details for the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, which will feature top prospects eligible for the 2026 NFL Draft along with select NFL head coaches and general managers.

Media availability will take place at the Indiana Convention Center in downtown Indianapolis.

Event Overview

The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine will bring together the league’s top draft-eligible prospects as they undergo evaluations by NFL personnel. Select head coaches and general managers will also be available to the media during designated windows throughout the week.

Media Location Information

Media availability will be held in Hall J of the Indiana Convention Center. Media should enter through the Capitol Avenue entrance, located at Capitol Avenue and Georgia Street, or via the Indianapolis SkyWalk.

The NFL Media Workroom will be located in the Sagamore Ballroom on the second floor of the Indiana Convention Center.

Coach and Executive Availability

Select NFL head coaches and general managers will be available during the following times:

  • Tuesday, Feb. 24: 10 a.m.–6:30 p.m. ET

  • Wednesday, Feb. 25: 1–6:30 p.m. ET

Prospect Media Availability Schedule

Draft prospects will be available to the media based on their assigned position groups from Wednesday, Feb. 25, through Saturday, Feb. 28. Prospects will rotate through the media room during designated one-hour windows and will not be present for the full hour.

Wednesday, Feb. 25

  • 8–9 a.m. — Linebackers

  • 10–11 a.m. — Defensive Line, Placekickers

  • 11 a.m.–12 p.m. — Defensive Line

Thursday, Feb. 26

  • 9–10 a.m. — Defensive Backs

  • 10–11 a.m. — Defensive Backs

  • 11 a.m.–12 p.m. — Tight Ends

Friday, Feb. 27

  • 8–9 a.m. — Quarterbacks, Wide Receivers

  • 10:30–11:30 a.m. — Quarterbacks, Wide Receivers

  • 12:30–1:30 p.m. — Running Backs

Saturday, Feb. 28

  • 10–11 a.m. — Offensive Line

  • 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. — Offensive Line

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