Whether we like it or not, skateboarding culture has its fingerprints just about everywhere these days. Influential celebrities such as Lil Wayne have taken notice, starting their own companies (such as Trukfit) and planting roots in the scene to draw up some success. Skater fashion has moved its wares from the skate shops and mags […]
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Chevelle Hallback, 42, returns to the boxing ring
By Joey Knight | Tampa Bay Times Bulldog Boxing and Fitness occupies part of a warehouse complex on a remote rural patch where east Tampa nudges against Brandon. A gym still in its crawling stage, it remains more tidy than dingy. None of the chains bearing the weight of the nine heavy bags squeal. The […]
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Do you have a good sports scoop for us? Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com. WOMEN’S BASEBALL + Dawson makes U.S. trials roster Kendall Dawson is now one step closer to going to Japan this September. USA Baseball announced the former Alabama and Plant City High School catcher made the cut for the 40-woman team trials roster […]
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 ReadingLindsey Hoover opens Fierce Athletics
In Plant City, cheerleading is serious business. So serious that cheerleaders and their families are willing to travel nearly an hour away just to train at the nearest gyms, which can cost thousands of dollars per year. Soon, though, those problems won’t exist in the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World. Local cheer coach Lindsey […]
Continue ReadingLocal swimmers catch ride on Blue Wave
There’s no sport quite like competitive swimming, at least in terms of training. Athletes get up at the crack of dawn to jump in the pool and push their entire bodies to the limit, all in the name of shaving off a few seconds — or 10ths of seconds — from their times. There are […]
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 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 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 […]
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