In the first home game of the 2015 season, the Durant Lady Cougars picked up a solid win, 17-2, over Tampa Bay Tech. One of the team’s driving forces is senior Baylee Cauwels, who has helped keep the entire Durant machine working. “She’s an all-around athlete,” head coach Kiara Klingler says. “She has the skill […]
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ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: KASEY LOCKE
Strawberry Crest’s softball team is getting over the loss of several important seniors, and junior shortstop Kasey Locke has been tabbed to play one of the key roles in the team’s youth movement. “Kasey had a really good preseason, and a really good game against Bloomingdale,” head coach Mindy Miltner says. “She’s a powerful, strong, […]
Continue ReadingCrest cheerleading makes history with state championship
Boxing legend Muhammad Ali once said, “A true champion can adapt to anything.” That’s what Strawberry Crest head coach Loveny Rivas told her cheerleaders this season, and it looks like the words of wisdom paid off better than expected. In a 2014-15 season riddled with injuries and a few other bumps in the road, Strawberry […]
Continue ReadingSidelines 2.13.15
Do you have a good sports scoop for us? Email Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com. FOOTBALL + Beloved PCD president Bennett dies Buddy Bennett, president of the Plant City Dolphins football and cheerleading organization, died Tuesday morning, team sources confirmed. Bennett, who worked tirelessly with the Dolphins for 21 years, was diagnosed with colon cancer in […]
Continue ReadingPCHS senior turns outdoor sports passion into project
Most fishermen have at least a few tall tales up their sleeves. But Plant City High School junior Chase Lott catches all of his outdoor adventures on video. He found his calling last summer at Captiva Island just north of Sanibel in the Gulf of Mexico. But he didn’t get the idea to start […]
Continue ReadingPHOTO GALLERY: PCHS Preseason Classic
Plant City High School hosted its second annual Preseason Classic baseball tournament over the weekend, but it was another Plant City-area team that stole the show. Strawberry Crest was the only team to win both of its games, although the Chargers and Raiders did not meet up. Visiting teams Wiregrass Ranch and Trinity Christian Academy […]
Continue ReadingPlant City High wrestling honors seniors, beats Hawks
Plant City had only one home meet in the 2015 season, and the Raiders made it count. The wrestling team sent off its seniors with a 42-22 win in seven matches over the Armwood Hawks Wednesday, Jan. 28. The team’s five seniors, Kaleb Daugherty, Roberto Jaramillo, Jesse Jaramillo, Chris Ratcliff and Brett Estrada, were honored […]
Continue ReadingATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Eric Ugarte
Plant City’s boys soccer team is coming off of an appearance in the FHSAA regional tournament, ending with a 5-3 loss at Palmetto Thursday, Jan. 29. Head coach Chris Black has been pleased with the team’s effort this season, especially praising the efforts of freshman Eric “Peanut” Ugarte. So, everyone calls you “Peanut.” How did […]
Continue ReadingDurant senior en route to racing career
At the moment, Chris DeShong’s 1995 Honda Prelude doesn’t look like a winner. Damage to the front fender and a minor issue with the suspension means that the car’s going to be staying in the garage until it gets repaired. Looks aren’t everything, though. If this car could talk, it would have some bragging rights […]
Continue ReadingSidelines 2.6.15
Do you have a good sports scoop for us? Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com. BASKETBALL + Crest girls win district For one half of Thursday’s 7A-7 district championship game, the Plant City defense was in control. In the second half, Strawberry Crest proved that defense doesn’t always win championships. A third-quarter rally, capped off with […]
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