The third annual kickball game between the Planteen and MLK rec centers came right down to the wire. A 1-1 tie carried into the final inning and, when Keyshawn Green came up to kick, MLK had gotten a few runners on base. Green gave it his best shot and, to his surprise, scored the winning […]
Continue ReadingWHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND: How do international swimmers find U.S. programs?
I can’t speak for all Olympic sports, but it seems to me that more international swimmers come to America to train than athletes in any other event. Florida especially seems to be a hotspot, but it’s easy to figure out why: The weather is generally great for training year-round. And, everywhere I’ve gone since I […]
Continue ReadingSidelines 07.17.14
Do you have a good sports scoop for us? Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com. FOOTBALL + Tavares Chase cracks ESPN 300 “Cracks” might be an understatement. Last week, Plant City High School wide receiver/defensive back Tavares Chase found himself on ESPN’s Junior 300 for the first time — but, rather than just barely making it, he […]
Continue ReadingCity Commission axes event planning program
Seven months after taking on the newly created role of special events manager, Deanna Hurley found out last week that her position will not exist come October. Because of what Interim City Manager David Sollenberger called a “timing issue,” Plant City’s Special Events program was cut July 1. All planned events, with the exception of […]
Continue ReadingGerold Dickens: From Plant City to the Pros
One wall in Gerold Dickens’ home office is devoted to business. His computer, on a desk to the left, sits ready to pull up game film; on the right-hand side is a huge white board, covered from end to end in names and schools and other information. The other walls help tell the story of […]
Continue ReadingSIDELINES
MARTIAL ARTS + Chris Welbon team sees success Last weekend, at the AAU Karate Nationals tournament, Chris Welbon Karate’s team enjoyed its most successful competition to date. The team brought home 21 medals — eight gold, seven silver and six bronze. For the first time, the team won more gold medals than silver or bronze. […]
Continue ReadingChargers bring in new offensive, defensive coordinators
It’s going to be an interesting year for the Strawberry Crest Chargers. After losing much of their core to graduation, the Chargers are looking at a relatively inexperienced roster, including many players who have never played on the varsity level. In addition, the team will add some personnel changes on both sides of the ball. […]
Continue ReadingWHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND? Gerold Dickens on the 1987 NFL players’ strike
I missed the 1987 NFL players’ strike, but I had a good excuse: I wasn’t yet born. So, reading up on it is, in a way, similar to studying history. Except that football is way more interesting than the English Parliament. The strike had huge implications across the board: for the league, the NFL Players […]
Continue ReadingATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Robbie Spitler
Seven Chris Welbon Karate team members won gold medals at last weekend’s AAU Karate Nationals tournament. For Robbie Spitler, though, winning gold in Sanbon Kumite was huge. “He is our youngest team member and has struggled all year in tournament competition,” Welbon says. “For him to come through with a first place (win) at a […]
Continue ReadingMotorcycle Crash Kills Plant City Man
On Tuesday night, a Plant City man died after crashing into a car that had turned in front of him. According to police, Tommy Jerkins, 50, was driving his motorcycle northbound on Coronet Road around 7:30 p.m. when Jessica Alexander, 32, of Lakeland, attempted a left turn onto Cason Road right in front of him. […]
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