What’s the most important position in football, outside of the quarterback? That falls on the offensive line — the guys responsible for keeping the quarterback on his feet. And no one on a line has a deeper role to play than the center. Ben Gude, described by his coaches as the “heart and soul” of […]
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ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Corey Thornton
The Turkey Creek Trojans JV team picked up right where it left off, handling the Wesley Chapel Cowboys Aug. 9, in a 21-6 win that was called early because of lightning. According to coach Dub Atkins, Corey Thornton was an impact player on both sides of the ball, moving the rock downfield and keeping the […]
Continue ReadingATHLETE OF THE WEEK: John Straub
In his second year or playing sports, Special Olympics athlete John Straub has picked up softball for the first time. With the season fast approaching, his coaches have been pleased with his progress in the Hillsborough County team’s practices. So, this is your first year ever playing softball? It’s my first year. I’ve never done […]
Continue ReadingATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Kellie Pernula
A senior on the Plant City High School volleyball team, Kellie Pernula spent much of this past week helping at the Lady Raiders’ summer volleyball camp, working with the young campers to improve their skills. Tell me a little bit about your volleyball career. I’ve been playing since the sixth grade, and I’ve played for […]
Continue ReadingATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Ethan Pues
The 9-10 Baseball A team made a great run through the playoffs, winning both the District 14 and Section 4 championships before playing in last weekend’s state tournament. Although all of the boys played well over the past few weeks, outfielder Ethan Pues’s consistent hitting and good defense led to his nomination. How good have […]
Continue ReadingATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Keyshawn Green
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 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 ReadingATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Eduardo Lucas
Normally a first baseman on the Plant City Little League Junior All-Stars, Eduardo Lucas was called up to pitch against Auburndale on Monday night. After getting out of a jam near the middle of the game, Lucas remained composed and helped the Juniors win, 16-6. He did it on just 74 pitches in six innings, […]
Continue ReadingATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Maurice ‘Mo’ Eston
Before the basketball championship game at the 2014 Special Olympics National Games, Plant City center Maurice “Mo” Eston knew he wanted to play better than in the previous game — he had scored eight points. In the big one, he led the team to the gold medal with 19 points in a 44-36 victory. You […]
Continue ReadingATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Mallory Ness
Although the Tampa Bay Rays haven’t been doing so well at Tropicana Field lately, it was a different story on Sunday at the Pitch, Hit and Run competition. Plant City’s lone representative, Mallory Ness, turned in a great performance and placed second overall in the age 7 to 8 group. What was your favorite part […]
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