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 […]
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Sidelines 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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MARTIAL ARTS + Chris Welbon team sees success Last weekend, at the AAU Karate Nationals tournament, Chris Welbon Karate’s team enjoyed its most successful competition to date. The team brought home 21 medals — eight gold, seven silver and six bronze. For the first time, the team won more gold medals than silver or bronze. […]
Continue ReadingChargers bring in new offensive, defensive coordinators
It’s going to be an interesting year for the Strawberry Crest Chargers. After losing much of their core to graduation, the Chargers are looking at a relatively inexperienced roster, including many players who have never played on the varsity level. In addition, the team will add some personnel changes on both sides of the ball. […]
Continue ReadingWHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND? Gerold Dickens on the 1987 NFL players’ strike
I missed the 1987 NFL players’ strike, but I had a good excuse: I wasn’t yet born. So, reading up on it is, in a way, similar to studying history. Except that football is way more interesting than the English Parliament. The strike had huge implications across the board: for the league, the NFL Players […]
Continue ReadingATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Robbie Spitler
Seven Chris Welbon Karate team members won gold medals at last weekend’s AAU Karate Nationals tournament. For Robbie Spitler, though, winning gold in Sanbon Kumite was huge. “He is our youngest team member and has struggled all year in tournament competition,” Welbon says. “For him to come through with a first place (win) at a […]
Continue ReadingPlant City Patriots twirl way to national stage
What do people think of when they hear about baton twirling in the sporting world? Maybe it’s a parade, which makes sense: There always seems to be a group of baton twirlers marching in any given Plant City-area parade. Or, maybe it’s football, where the twirlers provide the halftime entertainment. But, do people know that […]
Continue ReadingRec center teams ready for annual kickball throwdown
Though it may not be obvious at first, there’s a friendly rivalry between two of Plant City’s recreation centers — Planteen and Martin Luther King Jr. And every year, boys and girls from the two rec centers come together to see which one is the best — at kickball. It’s a fairly young series, having […]
Continue ReadingSIDELINES 07.03.14
Do you have a good sports scoop for us? Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com. RECREATION & PARKS DEPARTMENT + Volleyball camp rescheduled The Plant City High School Summer Volleyball Camp was recently moved to a later date. online pharmacy antabuse no prescription According to the Recreation & Parks Department, the camp is now slated to be […]
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