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Sault Ste. Marie Set to Rejoin Big North Conference in 2025 for All Sports

2024-12-09

Sault Ste. Marie has always been a place that holds a special place in the hearts of athletes. From basketball to baseball, everyone dreams of having a home where they can showcase their skills. Over the past year, the Sault Ste. Marie athletic program faced a challenge as it didn't have a dedicated conference to call its own. But now, the wait is over as the Blue Devils are set to once again call the Big North Conference home.

Why the Big North Conference is the Perfect Fit

The Sault Athletic Director, Pat Bennin, had a clear vision when it came to finding a conference that would suit their needs. "We started looking at avenues of where we wanted to go and we thought the Big North was the perfect fit for us," he said. By reaching out to athletic directors and superintendents, they began the process of joining the BNC.In November, Sault Area Public Schools officially announced their intention to join the BNC in the fall of 2025. This move not only brings back a sense of belonging but also provides an opportunity for the teams to compete at a higher level.

History of the Sault in the Big North Conference

The Sault has a rich history with the Big North Conference. They were an original member from 1997 to 2004 and now, they are making a comeback. This time, they will be competing in a variety of sports including baseball, basketball, cross country, hockey, lacrosse, soccer, softball, track, volleyball, and wrestling.For years, the Sault has been competing against BNC teams in every sport. This familiarity with the conference makes the transition seamless. As Bennin said, "It seemed like an easy fit considering we play them in a lot. We play them in basketball, play in baseball and softball and we're already in a conference with them for football. It just seemed like a logical way to get our sports in a conference."

The Rivalry with Petoskey

One of the teams the Blue Devils meet more than anyone in the BNC is Petoskey. An easy drive up or down I-75 makes their matchups even more exciting. Now, with the Sault joining the league, these games will have a little extra on the line.Petoskey Athletic Director Joel Dohm is excited about the new competition. "It is great to have the Sault joining the league. We compete with them in just about every sport each year, now we will be making them league contests. It is hard for larger schools here in the North to find a spot to be with schools their same size, so this is a natural fit for both them and the rest of the BNC."

Enrollment and Size Comparisons

While the Sault will be the smallest school within the league, the margin isn't that great. With a 2024-25 enrollment of 802, they are not far behind Petoskey's 834 and Cadillac's 836. Traverse City West is the largest within the league at 1,428, followed by TC Central with 1,302; Alpena with 1,040; and Gaylord with 907.Larger doesn't always mean better, as was evident during the 2022-23 girls basketball season. The Sault girls completed a 10-0 season against BNC teams as non-league or postseason opponents. This shows that size doesn't determine success on the court.

The Benefits of Joining the Conference

Bennin is confident that the move to the Big North Conference will benefit his teams in the long run. "We'll be able to compete. It's high school sports, so you go through ups and downs with all your sports. Everyone is looking forward to the challenge of competing in a conference. Over this last year, not having it, that's probably the one thing I've heard over and over again is, 'Boy, it'd be nice to have a conference to play for.' It just allows you to motivate your kids throughout the year, where as just playing for the tournament is a little different. The competition is going to better us down the road for all our sports."The Sault will continue to compete as an independent throughout the winter 2024-25 season and spring of 2025. But the excitement of being part of a conference is already in the air.Contact or send game stats/info to Sports Editor Drew Kochanny at dkochanny@petoskeynews.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DrewKochanny, and Instagram, @drewkochanny.

America's Car-Mart Inc. (CRMT + 7.21%) has recently submitted its 10-Q filing for the quarterly period ending on October 31, 2024. This filing provides valuable insights into the company's financial performance and operations during this specific period.

Unveiling America's Car-Mart Inc.'s Financial Trajectory

Financial Performance Overview

The filing reveals a notable decrease in revenue by 4.3% to $695,032,000 for the six months ended October 31, 2024, when compared to the same period in the previous year. This decline can be attributed to a 9.3% reduction in retail units sold. However, it is interesting to note that this was partially offset by a 5.3% increase in interest income. Such fluctuations in revenue and sales units highlight the dynamic nature of the automotive retail industry.Cost of sales also saw a significant improvement, decreasing to 62.8% of sales from 65.4% in the prior year. This led to an increase in the gross margin to 37.2%, which was partly due to an accounting change in the revenue recognition period for service contracts. Such changes in cost structures and margins can have a profound impact on a company's profitability.

Credit Losses and Interest Expenses

Provision for credit losses decreased by 15.9% to $194,945,000 for the six months ended October 31, 2024. The allowance for credit losses stood at 24.72% of finance receivables at the end of the period, indicating the company's efforts in managing credit risks.On the other hand, interest expense increased by 17.8% to $36,354,000 during the same period. This increase can be attributed to rising interest rates and an expansion in average borrowings. Managing interest expenses is crucial for a company's financial health, especially in a rising interest rate environment.

Capital Raising and Liquidity

The company successfully completed an underwritten public offering of 1,700,000 shares of common stock at $43.00 per share, raising net proceeds of approximately $68.2 million. These funds were used to pay down a portion of the revolving line of credit, improving the company's liquidity position.As of October 31, 2024, the company had $8.0 million in cash and $97.0 million of availability under its revolving credit facilities. This provides a cushion for the company's operations and future growth plans.

Focus on Customer Experience and Procurement

America's Car-Mart Inc. remains committed to improving vehicle quality and procurement efficiencies. The company believes that these efforts will lead to better customer experiences and higher gross margins. By focusing on these aspects, the company aims to enhance its competitive position in the market.

Revolving Line of Credit Extension

The company has initiated discussions with its lending group for an extension of its revolving line of credit, which is scheduled to mature in September 2025. This extension is crucial for the company's continued operations and growth, as it provides additional financial flexibility.In conclusion, America's Car-Mart Inc.'s 10-Q filing provides a comprehensive overview of the company's financial performance and strategic initiatives. The company's efforts in managing costs, credit risks, and liquidity, along with its focus on customer experience and procurement, are likely to shape its future growth and success.

Luigi Mangione, the individual the police are closely examining as a "strong person of interest" in the recent killing of a UnitedHealthcare executive, has a fascinating background. His digital trail provides insights into his life and interests.

Unraveling the Digital Story of Luigi Mangione

Technology and Video Games Industry Background

Luigi Mangione's digital footprint indicates a significant presence in the technology and video games industry. His LinkedIn profile and former employer reveal that he has worked for several tech companies over the past 10 years. This extensive experience in the tech field likely played a crucial role in shaping his skills and perspectives.Moreover, his active online presence on gaming platforms like Steam showcases his deep passion for games. He co-founded UPGRADE, the University of Pennsylvania's first video game development club, during his student days. This initiative highlights his early interest in game creation and his determination to pursue it.

Interest in Self-Improvement and Clean Eating

In addition to his work in the tech and gaming industries, Mangione's social media accounts and assorted websites offer a glimpse into his diverse interests. His curiosity about self-improvement is evident, as he likely seeks to constantly enhance his skills and knowledge. This drive for self-improvement may have influenced his work and creative pursuits.Furthermore, his critiques of contemporary technology on these platforms demonstrate his ability to think critically and offer unique perspectives. His interest in clean eating also shows his concern for a healthy lifestyle, which may contribute to his overall well-being and productivity.

Early Beginnings in Game Development

Mangione's interest in games started at a young age when he began exploring the independent gaming community online. In a now-deleted interview published to the University of Pennsylvania's campus events blog, Penn Today, in 2018, he shared his passion for making games. He taught himself to code in high school, which laid the foundation for his future endeavors in game development.Along with a few friends, he started his own game development company, Approar Games, in high school. The group published at least one app called Pivot Plane, which is a testament to their early success and creative abilities. This early experience in game development likely fueled his ambition and set him on a path towards a career in the industry.