Sports

Catch the latest sports news, scores, highlights, and community coverage from across Southwest and Southside Virginia with Cardinal News. From high school football rivalries and basketball championships to college athletics, local athletes, outdoor recreation, and regional sporting events, Cardinal News delivers in-depth reporting that celebrates the teams, traditions, and communities that define Virginia sports culture. Follow coverage from the New River Valley, Roanoke Valley, Blue Ridge region, and beyond with stories that spotlight hometown talent, game-day moments, and the passion behind local sports.

Gold medal podium L-R: Lilly Williams, Jennifer Valente, Kristen Faulkner, Chloé Dygert - USA Cycling/SW PIX

Sports

Cyclist who trains in the Roanoke Valley wins Olympic gold as part of U.S. women’s cycling team

by Robert Anderson August 7, 2024August 8, 2024

Jennifer Valente is part of the the Virginia’s Blue Ridge TWENTY24 cycling team.

Cole Hocker (center, in white shirt) at the send-off in Blacksburg before he left for Paris. Photo by Robert Anderson.

Sports

Blacksburg runner Cole Hocker wins gold, sets Olympic record

by Robert Anderson August 6, 2024August 6, 2024

The former University of Oregon star has been training under Virginia Tech’s track and field coach.

Jennifer Valente. Courtesy of USA Cycling.

Sports

Cyclist who trains in Roanoke Valley qualifies for Olympic finals

by Robert Anderson August 6, 2024August 6, 2024

Jennifer Valente trains with the Blue Ridge TWENTY24 cycling team.

Sports

Blacksburg runner qualifies for Olympic finals

by Robert Anderson August 4, 2024August 4, 2024

The former University of Oregon star has been training under Virginia Tech’s track and field coach.

Sports

Runner who has been training in Blacksburg qualifies for Olympic semifinals

by Robert Anderson August 2, 2024August 2, 2024

Cole Hocker has been training under Virginia Tech’s track and field coach.

Members of the Blacksburg running community assembled to give Cole Hocker a farewell for his trip to Paris for the Summer Olympics. Hocker is in the white shirt behind the "Good Luck" sign. Photo by Robert Anderson.

Sports

Olympics-bound runner is training in Blacksburg with Virginia Tech coach

by Robert Anderson July 25, 2024July 24, 2024

The U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials 1,500-meter champion has moved from Oregon to the New River Valley.

Bill Cochran with a fish Courtesy of the Cochran family.

Sports

Legendary Roanoke outdoors writer Bill Cochran dies

by Mark Taylor July 1, 2024July 1, 2024

The longtime Roanoke Times outdoors editor was the first outdoors writer to be inducted into the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame.

Lou Whitaker opens the gates before a dedication ceremony at Hooker Field, where he grew up playing baseball. Photo by Robert Anderson.

Sports

Future baseball All-Star Lou Whitaker grew up playing in this Martinsville park. Now it’s named after him.

by Robert Anderson June 28, 2024June 27, 2024

Only two other players in baseball history have appeared in more games for the Detroit Tigers.

Sports

The ‘basketball IQ’ that’s taking JJ Redick to LA is nothing new. Just ask his Roanoke County coach.

by Robert Anderson June 20, 2024June 20, 2024

The former Duke University star is now tasked with leading the Lakers back to an NBA title. “I would never, ever bet against him,” his high school coach said.