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Stronger Together: Supporting Local Sports Outlets in NEPA
Written by: Jeric Yurkanin | Staff, Agape Sports
I began this sports podcast in 2024 out of pure passion and a dream I’ve carried since high school in 2002. Between 2000 and 2005, I ran a free website called JERIC’S Lackawanna Sports. I loved writing, volunteered my time, and covered games because I wanted nothing more than to be a sports journalist. But college didn’t go the way I hoped—it was a struggle.
My old website (2000-2005):
https://www.leaguelineup.com/welcome.asp?url=jericslackawannasports
Back then, times were different. Technology wasn’t what it is today. Now we have iPhones, instant access, and better tools that grammar check our writing and help us share articles instantly. That’s been a blessing—it gave me the chance to restart the dream I had 20 years ago and bring it to life through my Agape Sports organization .
Sports have always been my passion. Writing and covering games isn’t just something I do—it’s who I am. And I believe this: if passion dies, everything dies with it. I’ve never done this for a paycheck. Sponsorships help offset the costs of running the podcast and, yes, provide a little support for my family and me. But at its core, this podcast was birthed—and will always be birthed—out of love for sports, a desire to support our communities, and to shine a positive light on athletes and coaches.
Respecting Other Voices:
I’m not interested in competing with other podcasts or worrying about who people see as rivals. This has always been about passion, community, and the joy of sports.
In fact, I deeply respect the other voices covering our area. Sportzwire with Brad Loft and Justin Bradley, and the NPF Network with Chris Kucharski and Scott Mackinder, all do a fantastic job. They work hard, bring exposure, and provide unique coverage that strengthens the entire sports community.
If I wasn’t so busy with my own sports media outlet, I’d honestly be their number one fan. I’ve always enjoyed NPF’s play-by-play broadcasts, and for years I tuned in to their game coverage and updated live football scores. That’s why I encourage everyone—check them out, support them, and support all our local podcasts.
I also love what Sportzwire brings to the table. Their live score updates keep fans connected in real time, and their photography captures unforgettable moments for local athletes and families. On top of that, their website is filled with valuable information and stands as one of the best resources for NEPA sports fans.
We each bring different gifts to the table. One may shine in one area, another in a different one, but together we make NEPA’s sports scene stronger. What I can’t cover, other local outlets do—and that’s exactly what makes all of our organizations necessary.
My Current Role:
Right now, I’m a one-man team. I run the Agape Sports social media pages, create content, cover games, and write articles. Since September 2024, that’s been the way it is. Earlier this year, we had some help with the NEPA Chronicles Show and even brought in a few paid hosts for winter and spring, Some of them covered about five games in the spring and wrote one extra article. But with my new second-shift job in school maintenance, my time is limited.
For now:
Weekend coverage is my main focus. Podcasts are recorded on weekends. Articles are written during the week before I head to work.
It’s not easy—but it’s worth it. My dream is to eventually move to a first-shift job, which will allow me more flexibility to cover even more local sports.
Athletes Deserve the Spotlight:
I don’t believe in an “us vs. them” mentality. Athletes only get a few years in their life to shine, to be recognized, and to capture moments they can look back on decades later with gratitude. Every outlet that gives them that exposure matters.
NEPA is blessed with so many passionate small organizations covering local sports—and I’m just thankful to play a small part in it. Support all our local sports outlets. Together, we make a difference.
What’s Next for Agape Sports:
In the winter season, starting in November our focus will shift to boys’ and girls’ basketball and college men’s and women’s basketball bringing consistent coverage, features, and stories that highlight the talent across NEPA. But we will cover games in weekend until further notice.
For Spring 2026, the sport we will cover most consistently—and with a dedicated weekly podcast, Top 12 countdown, and weekly articles—will be girls’ softball. Softball has always been my biggest passion, and truthfully, it doesn’t get the level of coverage it deserves. Our goal is to change that and give these athletes the spotlight they’ve earned. And in NEPA my opinion, we have some of the best softball players in the state just in our area!
Here are a few local organizations doing great work—check them out, support them, and help keep local sports coverage alive and thriving:
Sportzwire website:
NPF Website:
Agape Freedom Sports LLC 
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