Do you have a good sports scoop for us? Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.
VOLLEYBALL
+ Durant keeps crown after ruling
After a weekend filled with uncertainty, the Durant volleyball team learned the decision to force the team to forfeit its district title Monday morning was reversed by the FHSAA.
According to coach Brittany Wade, the governing body received a report Friday, Oct. 24, alleging that the Lady Cougars had dressed too many players for the district championship game. The FHSAA initially ruled Durant had committed a violation and awarded the title to Strawberry Crest.
The FHSAA later ruled Durant could keep its title. The school had reported adding an extra player for the district final game, but as a team manager. The player in question had not played this season.
RACING
+ Aidan Keel finishes in top 10
Local driver Aidan Keel is no stranger to competing in the Rotax Pan-American. Looking to duplicate last year’s win in New Orleans, Keel traveled Oct. 15 to 19, to Mooresville, North Carolina, and came fairly close. He finished seventh in the main event.
Keel moved up from the Mini-Max class to the Juniors class earlier this year and, competing in Mooresville against 33 of his peers, recorded his best finish yet as a Junior. He qualified for the race with a ninth-place finish. After three heats, he finished 10th in the pre-final and rallied to seventh in the finale.
REC & PARKS
+ Footballers win at competition
The Plant City Rec and Parks Department and Plant City Optimist Club’s hosted the Tri-Star Football Skills Competition Saturday, Oct. 25.
The winners:
6-7 Boys: Brendan Smith (64 feet, 2 inches); Mark Hall (64 feet, 1 inches); Aidan Beachy (63 feet, 5 inches).
8-9 Girls: Gracie Edgemon (104 feet, 7 inches); Kayla Hall (63 feet, 6 inches); Ayeniah Ghent (50 feet, 7 inches).
8-9 Boys: Anthony Palestrini (158 feet, 11 inches); Cooper McDonald (123 feet, 5 inches); William Cordle (103 feet, 7 inches).
10-11 Girls: Shelby Jacobsen (80 feet, 5 inches).
10-11 Boys: Nick Strickler (173 feet, 3 inches); T.J. Hoffman (135 feet, 8 inches); Quinton Kahelin (120 feet, 5 inches).
12-13 Girls: Madison Osman (76 feet, 2 inches).
12-13 Boys: Martin Etcheverry (197 feet, 7 inches); Wesley Gould (159 feet, 6 inches); Joe Jacobsen (139 feet, 8 inches).
14-15 Boys: Jarrett Jacobsen (239 feet, 4 inches).