In the 1993 film “Rudy,” the lead character, Daniel E. ‘Rudy” Ruettiger, played by Sean Astin, has a memorable dialogue with Notre Dame coach Ara Parseghian, played by the late Jason Miller. I’ve come to realize that God made some people out to be football players, and that I’m not one of them, Rudy said. […]
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SHOW ME THE MAUNEY: Athletes prove anything is possible
If there is one lesson that should be taken away from recent stories in the sports section of the Plant City Observer, it’s that great things are possible with hard work and dedication. In the past few weeks, we have brought you stories of overcoming great odds and local athletes achieving great things. This underlying […]
Continue ReadingATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Brooke Miller
After graduating from Plant City High in just three years, Brooke Miller has added another impressive accomplishment: she is now a cheerleader for the University of South Florida. Miller tried out in May and made the co-ed team, along with fellow PCHS alum Jonathan Belk, who played three years of football for the Raiders. The […]
Continue ReadingPHOTO GALLERY: Durant Youth Football Camp
Durant High School continued its annual summer tradition of developing young athletes this week as head coach Mike Gottman and his staff and players conducted the 2013 Cougars Youth Football Camp. The Cougars coaching staff has more than 100 years of combined coaching experience. Durant is coming off an undefeated regular season and a second […]
Continue ReadingSHOW ME THE MAUNEY: Pro ball, White Sox a good fit for Danish
Let’s all daydream for moment. Imagine you are an 18-year-old gifted athlete from a rural town. For the past two years, you have had professional scouts at your practices, your games and even in your home. Last week, five-time All-Star Frank Thomas called out your name and high school on national TV. You come to […]
Continue ReadingTEAM OF THE WEEK: Pool Master Tiger Sharks
Editor’s note: Instead of spotlighting one player, we have decided to honor the entire roster of the Plant City Little League machine pitch Pool Master Tiger Sharks. The Tiger Sharks went 26-0 this spring and won their league tournament, as well as the Tournament of Champions, in Haines City, going undefeated in both. The team, […]
Continue ReadingHoop dreams come true for Crest student
It was Jan. 25, at Strawberry Crest High School, and the Chargers boys’ basketball team was celebrating Senior Night. The Chargers had amassed a double-digit lead over Spoto and were playing under a running clock. Then, what seemed like an ordinary Senior Night became a moment to remember for one senior — and everyone else […]
Continue ReadingFuture for VSI in Plant City uncertain
Although Plant City is considered the home of VSI Tampa Bay FC PRO and three other affiliate United Soccer League teams, the future of professional soccer and VSI’s presence in the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World is unknown. VisionPro Sports Institute, an international soccer business, secured a lease of Plant City Stadium in March, […]
Continue ReadingTyler Danish named Mr. Florida Baseball
Durant High pitcher Tyler Danish continued his memorable June Monday with the announcement that he was named this season’s Florida Dairy Farmers Mr. Florida Baseball. The award is given to the top high school baseball player in the state. In April, Danish was named the player of the year by the Florida Athletic Coaches Association. […]
Continue ReadingVSI routs Antigua 8-0, prepares for Sunday’s home match
VSI Tampa Bay FC’s Mauricio Salles delivered five goals in the first 30 minutes Friday, helping VSI topple Antigua 8-0 in USL PRO action at Plant City Stadium. “It was a great match. The last two weeks I had a concussion and I was working hard to get back on the field,” Salles said. “Finally, […]
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