Palm Desert Hurdlers Headed to Nike Outdoor Nationals; Lakers to Return to Acrisure Arena

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High school sports may be winding down, but two Palm Desert hurdlers are gearing up for the biggest meet of their season.

Junior Nick Dangleis and sophomore Jax Penny have both earned a spot at the Nike Outdoor Nationals, taking place June 19–22 at the legendary Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon. Only a select group of athletes from around the country are invited, making this a major accomplishment.

“It’s going to be one of the best competitions for high school,” said Dangleis. “There are a lot of college coaches—it’s a great recruiting opportunity.”

Penny added, “As a sophomore, I’m ranked number two in California. I was in disbelief, but I’m super excited and really happy to compete there.”

Both athletes will take on the 400-meter hurdles—an event usually reserved for the college level. “I’ve only trained and raced the 300, so this will be something new,” Penny said. “I’m not nervous—I’m just ready to get my backpack.”

That coveted Nike Nationals backpack is a rite of passage, and a major flex among track athletes across the country.

In NBA news, the Los Angeles Lakers will return to Acrisure Arena in the fall. They’ll face the Phoenix Suns in a preseason matchup on October 3. Tickets go on sale this Friday via Ticketmaster and at the Acrisure Arena box office. The Lakers will also play preseason games at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles and T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

That’s it for sports. I’m Caitlyn Kelley.

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