When I first accepted this job and moved from Atlanta to Plant City, I didn’t know what to expect. Like many of my colleagues, being a part of a startup paper was both exciting and scary. The opportunity was great, but the transition was one of the most significant of my life. Gone was the […]
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SHOW ME THE MAUNEY: Redman Cup recalls favorite rivalries
As Plant City and Durant prepare to square off in another chapter of the battle for the James L. Redman Cup this Friday, it got me thinking about some of my favorite football rivalries. We all know of Florida-Georgia, Michigan-Notre Dame and the rivalry of the Giants and Cowboys in the NFL, but here is […]
Continue ReadingSHOW ME THE MAUNEY: Breakfast with the ‘Hogs’
In sports, no relationship between two positions is as important as the one between a quarterback and his offensive line. Offensive linemen are the unspoken heroes of a football team. They protect a quarterback and risk their bodies every play to do so. A quarterback must respect and trust his offensive line, and a good […]
Continue ReadingSHOW ME THE MAUNEY: Tough schedule a benefit for Durant
We’re just one week into the high school football season, and Durant already has as many losses as they did all of last season. The Cougars won’t be having another undefeated regular season, after their lopsided 48-6 loss to Armwood Aug. 30, at home. It’s a fact that won’t surprise anyone familiar with Durant’s 2013 […]
Continue ReadingSHOW ME THE MAUNEY: What’s in a team nickname?
It’s an aspect of sports that, at the end of the day, doesn’t really matter. But without it, sports would not be the same. I’m talking, of course, about nicknames. Some teams are known more for their nicknames than the cities they represent. No one says, “I’m a fan of Boston baseball,” they say, “I’m […]
Continue ReadingSHOW ME THE MAUNEY: Preseason essential in high school
Every year, there is an ongoing debate about preseason games at the pro level. Some believe the four-game NFL preseason should be cut in half or reduced to a single game. Some believe the games are unnecessary and only are beneficial to guys trying to make the team as back-up or scout team players. In […]
Continue ReadingSHOW ME THE MAUNEY: Pro stars set bad examples
With the recent scandals surrounding MLB stars Alex Rodriguez and Ryan Braun and Heisman winner Johnny Manziel, you can’t blame those who have lost faith in sports. These days, it seems if you have an athlete as a role model, chances are, that role model will end up disappointing you with their actions — whether […]
Continue ReadingSHOW ME THE MAUNEY: Walden Lake needs quality golf course
Healthy property values and happy residents are not the only things Walden Lake Golf & Country Club lost May 15, when it closed the Hills golf course. With the closing, Walden Lake and Plant City lost another golfing option for players in town and surrounding areas. When I took this job and moved down from […]
Continue ReadingSHOW ME THE MAUNEY: Pro soccer short-lived in Plant City
Longtime Plant City residents will never forget the decade when the Cincinnati Reds called Plant City home during the spring. Few, however, will remember the time when the facility hosted a professional soccer franchise. It seems VisionPro Sports Institute’s time in the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World will be short-lived. After two request for […]
Continue ReadingSHOW ME THE MAUNEY: Big League Dreams has potential
Fifteen years after the Cincinnati Reds left the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World, a major league ballpark may soon call Plant City home. OK, so technically, it’s not an actual major league park, but it will look like one — albeit a smaller version. After it received two request for proposals for a sale […]
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