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Change is coming to the athletic department at Marshall.

Athletic director Christian Spears and the school have mutually agreed that they will not be renewing his contract, which expires in March 2026.

Marshall, in a statement Tuesday, said it will begin an immediate search for a replacement for Spears, who was hired in February 2022.

“It has been my honor to serve this incredible university,” Spears said in a statement.

Spears has overseen a generally successful tenure at Marshall since being hired in 2022. Marshall has been bowl eligible in all three football seasons he has been there.

Spears’ hires included Kim Caldwell in women’s basketball, who has since gone on to coach at the University of Tennessee. Marshall also reached the national final of the men’s soccer college cup in 2024, a notable achievement for a mid-major program. He also oversaw the fundraising and building of a new baseball stadium, which opened in March 2024.

“We are grateful for Christian’s passionate leadership and substantial contributions to Marshall Athletics,” Marshall president Brad Smith said in a statement. “From championship seasons to key facility upgrades, Christian is leaving the athletic department in a strong position. We wish him continued success in his next venture.”

After Marshall won the Sun Belt this year in football and finished 10-3, coach Charles Huff departed for another program in the SBC — Southern Miss. A flurry of transfers followed Huff, which led in part to Marshall opting out of playing in the Independence Bowl.

The Sun Belt fined Marshall $100,000 for the decision, which Spears had said was done “for all the right reasons.”

Spears filled the football job with longtime NC State defensive coordinator Tony Gibson, who has deep ties in the state from two stints at West Virginia.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Follow live: Phiilies, Dodgers

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October 7, 2025

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Phillies’ 2025 ballpark bite to beat: the ‘Fall Classic Shake’

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October 6, 2025

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Phillies' 2025 ballpark bite to beat: the 'Fall Classic Shake'

Move aside, hot dogs, peanuts and Cracker Jack. Baseball teams are becoming more innovative and stepping up their food game in 2025.

One of those creations is the Philadelphia Phillies‘ limited-edition “Fall Classic Shake,” which includes a vanilla soft serve, blended with dulce de leche. If that wasn’t enough, an apple cider donut tops it off. Philadelphia has been on a heater in the kitchen recently — it also unveiled a postseason 9-9-9 challenge box last Friday.

Here are more ballpark innovations that can be found at MLB concession stands this season:

Houston Astros: Fried chicken waffle sandwich

Washington Nationals: Jake and Jake’s Smoked Brisket Sandwich

In collaboration with Joe’s Kansas City BBQ, the Royals will offer a new item this season: the Z-Man Sandwich. It includes slow-smoked beef brisket and provolone cheese on a toasted kaiser roll, topped with two onion rings.

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Chourio to start Game 2 after hamstring injury

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2 hours ago

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October 6, 2025

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Chourio to start Game 2 after hamstring injury

  • ESPN News Services

Oct 6, 2025, 05:27 PM ET

Jackson Chourio will start in left field for Game 2 of the NLDS for the Milwaukee Brewers and bat leadoff against the Chicago Cubs, manager Pat Murphy said Monday.

Chourio, 21, had an MRI after leaving Game 1 on Saturday with a right hamstring injury after legging out an infield hit in the bottom of the second inning. It’s the same hamstring he injured in July — also while playing against the Cubs.

Murphy said Chourio isn’t 100% and would be removed if he’s hampered at all by the injury.

“I’m sure it’s not 100%, but I’m more worried about behavior than feelings,” Murphy said. “However he feels isn’t as important as how he behaves. If he gets in a situation where he doesn’t feel like he can do the job, we’re going to take him out.”

Chourio was 3-for-3 with three RBIs in Game 1 before he suffered the injury. He hit .270 with 21 home runs and 78 RBIs during the regular season.

The Brewers lead the best-of-5 series 1-0.

ESPN’s Jesse Rogers and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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