Mississippi

Northeast Park Tennis Center hosts USTA Mississippi’s 65 and over State Championships

Published

2 years ago

April 21, 2024

Northeast Park Tennis Center hosts USTA Mississippi’s 65 and over State Championships

MERIDIAN, Miss. (WTOK) – The United States Tennis Association of Mississippi (USTA) brought their 65 and over Tennis State Championships to the Queen City over the weekend.

Over 300 participants from all over the state came to Northeast Park Tennis Center to compete. With just 12 total participants from Meridian, most of the competitors had to travel for the event, which benefits the city.

“It’s a great economic impact,” said Pete Mazzella, the director of Northeast Park Tennis Center. “The rest are all eating out here and spending the night at hotels,” Mazzella said.

Besides economic growth for the city, events like this grow the sport in the community. Meridian has a lively tennis community that has grown a lot over the past few years, which USTA Mississippi has noticed.

“One of the reasons we were awarded this tournament was because of the growth we’ve had. It shines a spotlight. A lot of people have talked about how beautiful this facility is, and we love hearing that because we work hard to keep it up,” said Mazzella.

The tournament took place over a three-day span, featuring eight total flights up for grabs. State Championship winners of the 3.5 Women’s flight mentioned that competing in these events keeps them feeling young.

“It’s the comradery of friends is what it’s all about- is friendship. It makes our health better, the exercise. My doctors tell me to keep playing tennis.” said Tina Roberts and Cynthia Rhaly, members of the team.

For a full list of results, visit this link to the USTA Mississippi website.

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Mississippi

Forrest General Hospital raises flag for Mississippi Organ Recovery Association

Published

11 hours ago

April 10, 2026

Press Room

Forrest General Hospital raises flag for Mississippi Organ Recovery Association

HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WDAM) – April 10 is Blue and Green Day, a day to honor the lives of those who have donated tissue, eyes and organs.

Medical professionals and the grieving family of Carter Bourque, an organ donor, gathered at Forrest General Hospital for the Mississippi Organ Recovery Association flag raising.

Kandise Courtney, Bourque’s mother, spoke today, saying her son Carter will always be remembered for donating life.

“I stand here not only to honor my son, but to remind others of the incredible power of giving life. I pray for families that are grieving like we are,” she said.

Courtney says that Carter’s story inspired others to become donors at a young age.

Forrest General Hospital’s development coordinator, Joel Stevens, became an organ donor at the age of 15.

He says that his decision was easy because he wanted to help save lives.

“I knew at 15 that I wanted to help people. If we have one donor, one organ donor can save up to eight lives through a life-saving transplant,” Stevens said. “Then if that person is also a tissue and eye donor, then they can save and help up to 75 lives through transplant.”

Members of MORA say there are many misconceptions surrounding organ donation.

“One of the biggest things I’ve heard is ‘Oh, if I’m an organ donor, they’re not going to save me,” said MORA family care specialist Anna McLaurin.

MORA says that hospitals are needed to save lives, and the donor’s health and well-being are a top priority throughout the process.

“With the opportunity to donate, if they do not save you, then we are unable to even offer the opportunity of donation, let alone save lives afterwards,” Organ recovery coordinator Camron Clark said.

Anybody who is looking to become a donor can register through the Department of Motor Vehicles when getting or renewing their license.

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Mississippi

Mississippi State football lands Ridgeland safety Trae’kerrion Collins

Published

24 hours ago

April 10, 2026

Press Room

Mississippi State football lands Ridgeland safety Trae’kerrion Collins

STARKVILLE — Mississippi State football landed its first four-star in the 2027 recruiting class.

Ridgeland safety Trae’kerrion Collins committed to the Bulldogs on April 9.

“I am grateful to the entire coaching staff for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to continue my academic and athletic career in Starkville,” Collins wrote on X. “I’m ready to work, compete, and represent the Bulldog family with pride.”

He picked MSU after decommitting from Ole Miss on Nov. 30. Collins holds numerous offers from power conference teams including Alabama, Georgia Tech, LSU and Michigan.

Collins is ranked No. 404 nationally, No. 12 in Mississippi and as the No. 12 safety, according to the 247Sports Composite.

Collins recorded 62 tackles in 2025 with five interceptions, two tackles for loss and one fumble recovery. He also had four receptions for 45 yards and one touchdown, plus 11 carries for 111 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown. Ridgeland (11-2) lost to Warren Central in the MSHAA Class 6A semifinals.