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.

John Hackworth is set to begin his first season as Navy men’s soccer coach on Thursday night in San Diego. Hackworth brings an impressive resume and sterling reputation to Annapolis. (Courtesy Navy Athletics)

New era dawns for Navy men’s soccer under first-year coach John Hackworth

August 20, 2026 at 8:00 a.m.

A new era dawns for Navy men’s soccer as it plays its first season under the direction of head coach John Hackworth, who arrives in Annapolis with an impressive resume...

Navy football defensive coordinator Eric Lewis will work closely with coach Brian Newberry each week, with Newberry calling defensive plays. (John Gillis/Freelance)

How Navy football’s collaborative defensive coordinator setup will work

August 19, 2026 at 8:30 a.m.

Eric Lewis is Navy football's defensive coordinator, but coach Brian Newberry will call defensive plays. Lewis explains how the collaborative process works.

Navy football junior Xavyer Arrington has big shoes to fill at nose guard as he must replace NFL Draft pick Landon Robinson.

Navy defensive line replacements performing well during preseason camp

August 18, 2026 at 10:20 a.m.

Navy football's defensive line replacements have looked good during preseason camp, a promising sign after the team graduated Landon Robinson.

Navy quarterback Braxton Woodson looks for a receiver during a practice session at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium on Saturday. (John Gillis/Freelance)

5 takeaways: Navy QB Braxton Woodson takes control at public practice

August 17, 2026 at 12:06 a.m.

Here are five takeaways from Saturday’s Navy football practice session that was held in front of a large contingent of fans.

Navy needs its skill position players, such as split end Luke Hutchison, to step up and increase their production. (John Gillis/Freelance)

Navy football has been dominant running the ball. How will defenses adjust?

August 15, 2026 at 2:23 p.m.

Navy football led the nation in rushing last season. How opponents respond will be a crucial question for offensive coordinator Drew Cronic.

Navy co-captain and offensive guard Hoke Smith II was selected to wear the No. 68 jersey honoring late Midshipmen offensive lineman David Forney, who died in 2020 after suffering heart failure. “Ever since I stepped foot on campus here it’s been a dream of mine to wear that number as a senior,” Smith said. (Paul W. Gillespie/Staff)

Navy football’s Hoke Smith II achieves career-long goal of wearing No. 68

August 14, 2026 at 4:35 p.m.

Senior left guard Hoke Smith was the Navy football offensive lineman selected to wear No. 68 in honor of the late David Forney.

Navy men's lacrosse great Glen Miles died last week at the age of 62. (Phil Hoffmann/Navy Athletics)

Glen Miles, former Navy great and National Lacrosse Hall of Famer, dies

August 13, 2026 at 5:37 p.m.

Former Navy lacrosse star Glen Miles died Friday at the age of 62. "Glen was a great husband, a great father and a great friend," a former classmate says.

Aidan Gray sailed Bad Nancy, an A Class catamaran, to victory in the Two Bridges Fiasco race. (Will Keyworth/Courtesy)

Aidan Gray wins wild Two Bridges Fiasco; plus Governor’s Cup roundup

August 10, 2026 at 4:33 p.m.

A pair of exciting sailing competitions took place in Annapolis over the weekend, including the Two Bridges Fiasco.

"I’ve waited three years to make it to this position, and I’m not going to take it for granted," Navy co-captain and quarterback Braxton Woodson said. (Paul W. Gillespie/Staff)

Navy football QB Braxton Woodson not taking starting job for granted

August 8, 2026 at 6:31 p.m.

Now the undisputed starter, Navy quarterback Braxton Woodson hopes to emulate the poise and leadership displayed by Blake Horvath.

Navy football strength and conditioning coordinator Jim Kiritsy, left, is always looking to raise the bar for offseason workouts. At right is assistant strength coach Nick Aloi. (Navy Athletics/Courtesy)

How Navy football built 450 pounds of muscle this offseason: ‘Raising the bar’

August 6, 2026 at 9:38 a.m.

Navy football opened preseason practice on Wednesday morning and coach Brian Newberry said it was obvious the players are in phenomenal shape.

All Stories