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- 🚣 X's, O's, and Rows
🚣 X's, O's, and Rows
We continue our deep dive into rowing and so much more...
Good Morning, Stumpers!
Picture your ideal breakfast spread. Get creative for a second. What’s on the table? Some eggs? Bacon? Hash Browns? Maybe some pancakes or waffles? Anybody feeling french toast? I know there’s a few of your thinking fresh fruit, yeah let’s throw some of that in there too. Think about how good that breakfast sounds. That’s how good this Stump is about to be! Enjoy!
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The Rundown
🚣 Rowing X’s and O’s!
🏀 Paolo Signs MEGA Extension with Orlando Magic
🎾 Wimbledon Stumpdate! Close to the end!
💰️ Willie Mays’ Personal Collection Going to Auction
On This Day
🦅 E-A-G-L-E-S Spells… Yellow Jackets?

In the history of the NFL, there are some rather interesting names that have come and gone. When it comes to the original Philadelphia team, yeah… this one was different.
On this day in 1933, the Philadelphia based professional football franchise known as the Frankfurt Yellow Jackets officially rebranded. The story goes that new owner Bert Bell, who was taking over a bankrupt franchise, was inspired by US President Franklin D. Roosevelt. FDR’s New Deal Program (enacted in response to the Great Depression) called the National Recovery Administration took the logo of an Eagle, which Bell saw on a billboard! Sports and politics, not a combo you usually are happy to see, but not today!
Today’s Trivia
We're making up an ALL-TIME Home Run Derby, who's your winner of this crew? |
Glue Guy of the Day
🚣 Rowing, the X’s and O’s!

Glue Guy of the Day: The Sport of ROWING!
Well we went over some history on Monday, and the “Super Bowl” of rowing, the Henley Royal Regatta. Today, let’s look at some X’s and O’s. First off, you may not think of it off rip, but rowers are some of the fittest athletes in the world. The endurance and sheer strength they have is impressive.
Strength, combined with endurance, is what makes a great crew. Reaching the finish line (in what is a 2,000m (or 1.25 mile) race) in the fastest time possible requires an astonishing amount of not only physical strength, but mental strength as well! Let’s talk precise seamless synchronization for a second. We see that first hand in the 4 phases of the rowing stroke: the catch, drive, release, and recovery.
The catch represents the entry of the blade into the water. The drive is when the blade gets buried in the water, moving horizontally, thrusting the boat forward. The release follows the drive and is a quick fluid motion of the blade up and out of the water. Finally in the recovery phase, the blade travels back toward the front of the boat to begin the next cycle.
Here’s a little vid just to show how in sync these crews are: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmoqjFRpu8A)
So those are the four phases. Another funky thing that you’ll notice on your first watch is how they are sitting! They aren’t even facing where they are going! Their backs are towards the bow. Some more quick terms for you, the front of the boat is known as the bow and the back is know as the stern. Also for our other boat enthusiasts you’ll be familiar with this, the right side of the boat is referred to as port, and the left side starboard.
And if you want to throw out a one liner or two to impress a rower, just tell em they have a nice shell. Don’t worry, you won’t get punched in the face. Shell is just what rowers often call their boats.
Alright. Look at us. We got some history down, and now some X’s and O’s! Tomorrow we’re going to release our interview with UConn Rower Flo! It was absolutely awesome to talk some ball with her, or in this case, Rowing!
Big things from today:
Rowing is taxing! You need the highest level of physical strength, endurance, and mental strength to be a successful crew! (Just look how in sync the crew in the video is! One move out of tune and everything goes downhill.)
There’s 4 phases of the rowing stroke: the catch, drive, release, and recovery
Front of the boat is the bow, back is the stern, and the boat itself is a shell
We’re releasing our interview with Flo tomorrow! We’ll have links flying everywhere about it but just be ready!
Weekend Moments

🇬🇧 All Eyes on Great Britain
The Stump Short Story: Wimbledon goes roaring into the first day of Quarterfinals today, and the weather calls for cloudy with a chance of epic matchups in England. On the men’s side today, Sinner clashes with Shelton, and Cobolli with Djokovic. Two massive matchups on tennis’ biggest stage, with Taylor Fritz and Carlos Alcaraz already punching their ticket to the semifinal. World #1 Aryna Sabalenka and #13 Amanda Anisimova punched their own semifinal appearance ticket yesterday, with Iga Swiatek and Mirra Andreeva looking to join them in today’s matchup.
Did you think that was it? Nope. Great Britain has another classic for us over in Scotland. The PGA Tour heads over the pond to North Berwick, Scotland for the Genesis Scottish Open. If last year was any indication, this tournament is not just an appetizer to a Major Championship, it means something to these guys. Playing well this week means your game is prepared for the links style course played overseas, and winning only skyrockets your confidence going into The Open. Players will have to go through Scotland’s own and the defending champion, Bobby MacIntyre, if they want a shot this week.
Why it Matters: I mean, come on, who doesn’t love to wake up at 2:30 AM to watch guys tee off? Who doesn’t love a freshly cut fairway or a precise grass tennis court? I know Great Britain does, ALL EYES ON THE UK!
Read More: 2025 Genesis Scottish Open odds & predictions (Golf.com), Wimbledon Schedule and Live Scores (ESPN)
🏀 Magic Sign Banchero to Max Entension
The Stump Short Story: If you want to talk numbers let’s talk numbers. The Magic extended their star to a 5-year, $239 million deal, which could go up to $287 million. Not bad for the 22-year old! The contract would increase with an All-NBA, All-Defensive team, or MVP. This past year the Magic superstar averaged 26 points with 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Their first-round series this past postseason against Boston was more compelling than the 4-1 final will show. The duo of Banchero and Franz Wagner seemed to be able to score at will!
Why it Matters: With the offseason addition of Desmond Bane, and then the under the radar signing of Tyus Jones, The Magic have the roster to win a playoff series and then make some noise from there. This year the East will be a very interesting watch. The Cavs and the Knicks are the early favorites with injuries to the Celtics and Pacers, but teams like Orlando and Milwaukee will do their best to cause some mayhem.
Read More: Paolo Banchero Signs a 5-year Extension (Yahoo Sports)
💰️ Willie Mays’ Personal Collection Going to Auction
The Stump Short Story: This is a pretty neat story about Willie Mays, who recently passed away, and his personal memorabilia collection. The MLB Hall of Famer, known as one of the greatest outfielders of all time, will have his collection go to auction per his wishes. Here’s just a taste of some of the rare and unique items that are set to hit the auction floor this September:
Presidential Medal of Freedom, awarded to Mays by President Obama
1954 New York Giants World Series ring
1954 & 1965 NL MVP Award
Hall of Fame induction ring
1962 home San Francisco Giants uniform
1977 Stutz Blackhawk VI (a custom built car for Mays)
Like I said, this is just a taste. The auction will take place in San Francisco, CA this coming September after being displayed at the 2025 National Sports Collectors Convention held in Illinois at this end of this month.
Why it Matters: While Mays was a great baseball player, he may have been an even better humanitarian. All proceeds of his collection is set to go towards delivering education, training, and health services for youth throughout the Say Hey! Foundation, founded by Mays in 2000. Even in the afterlife, Willie keeps finding a way to give back. Tip of the cap.
Read More: Willie Mays’ personal collection going to auction in September (ESPN)
🔗 Quick Links
🏀 A head coach swap in the WNBA All-Star Draft (Sports Illustrated)
What To Watch

⚾️ Full Slate in the MLB…
Dodgers @ Brewers (2:10 PM ET), Mariners @ Yankees (7:05 PM ET), Mets @ Orioles (7:05 PM ET), Rockies @ Red Sox (7:10 PM ET), Diamondbacks @ Padres (9:40 PM ET)
🎾 Wimbledon Quarterfinals on ESPN:
Men’s Bracket: (1) Sinner vs (10) Shelton (9:10 AM ET), (6) Djokovic vs (22) Cobolli (9:40 AM ET)
Women’s Bracket: (8) Iga Swiatek vs (19) Liudmila Samsonova (8:00 AM ET), (7) Mirra Andreeva vs Belinda Bencic (8:30 AM ET)
🏀 Some WNBA + an almost midseason record check!
Seattle Storm (12-7) @ Connecticut Sun (2-16) - 11:00 AM ET
Golden State Valkyries (9-9) @ Indiana Fever (9-9) - 12:00 PM ET
Minnesota Lynx (17-2) @ Phoenix Mercury (13-6) - 3:30 PM ET
Dallas Wings (6-14) @ Chicago Sky (5-12) - 8:00 PM ET
Of! The! Day’s!
Song of the Day![]() Santa Fe Bo Staloch Something about songs that are just names of cities, right? Shoutout to Santa Fe. | Quote of the Day![]() “I would love to play against (Tom Holland) in the golf course. For me it would be such an honor. I will try to set it up in these two days and I will have much time to do it.” Carlos Alcaraz When asked what Alcaraz wants to do over his days off before a Wimbledon semifinal, he answered with golfing with Tom Holland. Not a bad response on the spot. |
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