Sports Reporter

Bill Wagner

Bill Wagner has been a sports reporter for Capital Gazette since March 1987 and has built a reputation for his versatility. Wagner is currently the Navy Athletics beat reporter and also covers Anne Arundel County community sports. He has been the sailing editor for Capital Gazette for more than 30 years and also assists with high school sports coverage. Contact him at bwagner@capgaznews.com.

Bengals defensive tackle Landon Robinson applies pressure to Lions quarterback Luke Altmyer during a preseason game on Aug. 13. Robinson was a disruptive force throughout the preseason. (Carolyn Kaster/AP)

Drafted 10 minutes apart, Navy’s Heidenreich, Robinson both make NFL rosters

August 31, 2026 at 10:27 a.m.

Eli Heidenreich and Landon Robinson, 2026 graduates of the Naval Academy, learned Sunday that they each made 53-man NFL rosters.

Navy’s Luke Hutchison catches a pass from Blake Horvath and runs in for a touchdown in the second quarter against UAB last season. Hutchison is poised for a larger role in Navy's offense this year. (Paul W. Gillespie/Staff)

With targets up for grabs, Navy football split ends eye bigger role

August 29, 2026 at 8:00 a.m.

Going into Drew Cronic’s third season as offensive coordinator for Navy football, one big question remains the same: Is this the year the split end position becomes an integral part...

Sophomore Trent Gillis was moved from safety to outside linebacker following the 2025 season and is currently the starter at the striker spot. The Archbishop Spalding product has added 15 pounds of muscle and is noticeably bigger and stronger. (Navy Athletics/Courtesy)

Navy football shuffles defense to reload at outside linebacker

August 28, 2026 at 5:15 p.m.

Navy football had its outside linebacker room decimated by graduation. The Midshipmen shuffled their roster to make up for the losses.

Navy athletics is extending its sponsorship agreement with USAA, including a jersey patch for 30 of its 36 varsity programs, including football. (Courtesy)

Navy athletics adds jersey patch as it extends partnership with USAA

August 27, 2026 at 1:32 p.m.

The USAA logo will appear on the field at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium and on the jerseys of 30 of Navy’s 36 varsity sports.

Former Navy fullback Alex Tecza signed a contract with the Steelers on Monday. (Paul W. Gillespie/Staff)

Former Navy fullback Alex Tecza signs contract with Pittsburgh Steelers

August 25, 2026 at 3:34 p.m.

Former Navy fullback Alex Tecza signed a free agent contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the team announced on Monday.

Adam Jones performs a jump on his motorcycle during the Nitro Circus 2.0 show at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis on Sunday. (Paul W. Gillespie/Staff)

Nitro Circus Live 2.0 show goes on without star attraction Travis Pastrana

August 24, 2026 at 4:48 p.m.

Nitro Circus Live 2.0 thrilled a crowd of 8,000 at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis on Sunday night despite the absence of hometown hero Travis Pastrana, who suffered a...

Navy inside linebacker Marcus Bleazard is ranked No. 52 on Bruce Feldman's annual "Freaks List" highlighting the top athletes in college football. (Navy Athletics/Courtesy)

Navy linebacker named one of the best athletes in college football

August 24, 2026 at 10:12 a.m.

Navy linebacker Marcus Bleazard is following in the footsteps of All-American nose guard Landon Robinson by being named to Bruce Feldman's "Freaks List."

Paul Bollinger, who led Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating to new heights during his decade-long tenure, has announced his retirement. (Paul W. Gillespie/Staff)

Paul Bollinger, transformational leader of Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating, retiring

August 22, 2026 at 1:59 p.m.

The Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating was on life support financially when Paul Bollinger came to the rescue.

Navy football enters the season with an experienced and deep offensive line room. (John Gillis/Freelance)

Experienced Navy football offensive line has ‘chance to be really special’

August 21, 2026 at 8:01 a.m.

With significant returning experience, Navy football's offensive line believes it can be one of the nation's most productive this fall.

Navy football freshman wide receiver Truman Brasfield was a three-sport standout in high school in Oregon. (Ronnie Gillis/Navy Athletics)

Navy football: 4 plebes who could make an impact this season

August 20, 2026 at 6:02 p.m.

It's hard to make an impact for Navy football as a freshman, but these four plebes look ready to take on college football.

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