Enough Plant City youths have told me that their favorite sports team is the New York Yankees that I’m no longer surprised to hear it during Athlete of the Week interviews with baseball players. So it’s nice to hear teams like the Angels, Cubs and Pirates mentioned instead, all of which have been named recently. […]
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ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Josh Herring
The Plant City 10-11 Baseball All-Stars might have lost in sectionals, but it wasn’t for lack of effort. Josh Herring, one of the team’s top pitchers, had himself a career game at the plate, smacking three home runs out of the park in one game at Lake Wales Little League. How did you feel before […]
Continue ReadingChris Welbon Karate team wins 29 medals at AAU Nationals
Local karate master Chris Welbon is usually seen with a smile on his face, but it’s been a little bigger than normal lately. It’s not every day that one’s karate school team goes to a national tournament, and it’s even rarer for it to place well. But Welbon’s team just put in hard work at […]
Continue ReadingRec centers gear up for kickball showdown
Every summer, the local Martin Luther King Jr. and Planteen Recreation centers get together for a friendly game of kickball. With bragging rights, a trophy and a pie to the face on the line, this is a battle that both teams come prepared for. This year, both sides have something new to prove. The Planteen […]
Continue ReadingWHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND? Now is the time to get in shape
If you read this section last week, you noticed that there was a new voice behind one of the articles. If you’re thinking you could stand to improve your physical health, trainer Heather Dykstra’s column hopefully spoke to you and helped get you on the right track. I’m here to let you know that her […]
Continue ReadingATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Brent May
In the Wednesday, July 8, Juniors Baseball district championship, Plant City found itself trailing to Lake Wales late in the game. But the hometown All-Stars managed to rally back. Thanks to Brent May’s go-ahead, three-RBI hit in the sixth inning, the team pulled out the 8-7 win. You scored the go-ahead runs to help get […]
Continue ReadingSidelines 07.17.15
Do you have a good Sports scoop for us? Email Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com or Tweet us at @PCTOSports. SOCCER + TOPSoccer schedule released TOPSoccer, a Brandon-based program for special needs athletes, just released its fall 2015 schedule and is now accepting registrations. The program, which is run by volunteers, is for East Hillsborough athletes […]
Continue ReadingP.C. athlete first Floridian to carry Special Olympics torch
William Corsi has spent much of his adult life learning to be independent. Corsi, 32, has developed a reputation for always being prepared for anything, as well as being a fine athlete, but his first big test lies ahead: flying across the country, for the first time, by himself. Of course, his parents wouldn’t be […]
Continue ReadingPlant City’s McKay commits to Florida
Although much of pitcher Billy McKay’s work has come as a reliever, Plant City High School head coach Mike Fryrear called him a “co-ace” not long ago. Now the incoming senior has made a good enough impression to earn a scholarship to the University of Florida. With his June 30 verbal commitment, McKay became the […]
Continue ReadingWHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND? The best outdoor game you should be playing
We’ve made it to mid-July, everyone, so let’s enjoy the peak of the summer to the best of our ability. Chances are you’re spending much of your weekend free time outside with friends and family. Pool days, cookouts, beach trips and the like are all in play. And if you’re hanging out with a good-sized […]
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