34 Scholarships Worth Over $100K Awarded To Pensacola Sports Senior Scholar Athletes
May 13, 2021
Each year, Pensacola Sports brings together the top senior student athletes in each sport from Escambia and Santa Rosa County schools for a scholarship recognition program. The 2021 Senior Scholar Athlete Awards event had 227 senior nominees that were introduced during the event at at Olive Baptist Church.
“This might be our best event we do,” said Pensacola Sports President Ray Palmer. “There are some tremendously smart and talented young adults growing up in our school districts and we get to meet and recognize them at this event. It is a great night for everyone involved.”
Jane “Merrill” Dickerson from Washington High School volleyball and Jordan McCants from Pensacola Catholic High School baseball, won the overall female and male scholarships, respectively. Pensacola Sports awarded these two individuals each with a $4,000 scholarship.
Other awardees were:
Dr. Alec Kessler Memorial Scholarship – named for Dr. Alec Kessler, a standout basketball player at University of Georgia and Miami Heat and later an orthopedic surgeon at the Andrews Institute before he passed away suddenly at the age of 40. This scholarship is awarded to students of good character who excels in academics and sports and involved in the community.
Riley Poggi – Pace
Tailor Ernst – Navarre
Levi Cherek – Pensacola
Timothy Burman – Navarre
Prosser Crow – Tate
University of West Florida Scholarship – Awarded to a student-athlete who is attending UWF in the coming year.
Jillian Thornton – Jay
Super Star Multi-Sport Scholarship – Awarded to two students who excelled in the classroom and in more than one sport their senior year.
Landry Cato – Jay
Chance Outten – Escambia
Additionally, Pensacola State College awarded 24 individual sport winners with a one-year renewable scholarship.
The individual sport winners are:
Baseball — Hunter Pierson, Escambia
Girls Basketball — Kinsey King, Catholic
Boys Basketball — Trenton Moye, Central
Cheerleading — Ashlyn NeSmith, Tate
Boys Cross Country — Christopher Bissell, West Florida Tech
Girls Cross Country — Mira Helms , Gulf Breeze
Football — Brennan Smith, Escambia
Girls Golf — Meredith McGhee, Northview
Boys Golf — Maxwell Page, Catholic
Girls Lacrosse — Lauren Thompson , Gulf Breeze
Boys Lacrosse — Joseph Snider, Gulf Breeze
Girls Soccer — Kendall Blackmon, Tate
Boys Soccer — Jackson Hamrick, Catholic
Softball — Kariana Williams, Escambia
Girls Swimming — Paige Connors, West Florida Tech
Boys Swimming — Jack Rowell, Pace
Girls Tennis — Adele Dorion, Pensacola
Boys Tennis — Kyle Kizilbash, Pensacola
Girls Track — De’Aundra Johnson, Pine Forest
Boys Track — Abe Pasion, West Florida Tech
Volleyball — Willow Sinkus-Blackburn, Pace
Schools in both Escambia and Santa Rosa nominate their senior athletes for each sport. A selection committee made of educators, community leaders, and Pensacola Sports board members reviews the anonymous applications and select the best person’s credentials for each sport. Those are the individual sport winners. Then they select the overall male and female winners from the individual sport winners.
Northview Baseball, Jay Softball Regional Games Postponed Again To Thursday
May 12, 2021
Both the Northview Chiefs baseball and Jay Lady Royals softball regional games in Bonifay were rained out Tuesday night. They were tentatively rescheduled for Wednesday night, but the games have now been moved to Thursday at 7 p.m.
Here’s another look at background information we first published on Tuesday:
Tickets will be sold at the gate for $7 (per game). We are told that there will not be a capacity limit. [Google map ...]
BASEBALL
The Northview High School baseball team will be at Holmes County in the Region 1-1A finals at 7 p.m. The Holmes County Blue Devils are 19-8, and the Chiefs are 17-6. Northview is averaging nine points per game, while Holmes County is averaging 6.9 points.
The teams did not meet during the regular season.
SOFTBALL
The Jay High School softball team will be at Holmes County in the Region 1-1A finals at 7 p.m. The Holmes County Blue Devils are 16-9, the Lady Royals are 22-5. Jay is averaging nine points per game, whiles Holmes County is averaging about 6.5 points.
The teams met once during the regular season. On March 5, Jay beat Holmes County 7-2.
Pictured: The Northview Chiefs (NorthEsambia.com photos) and the Jay Lady Royals (courtesy photo).
Blue Wahoos Fall 6-1 As Baseball Returns To Pensacola
May 12, 2021
Once all the afternoon rain stopped, the skies parted into a postcard sunset. And people filled the seats.
The only missing element was a Blue Wahoos win, after the Birmingham Barons jumped to a big lead in the first three innings en route to a 6-1 victory in the Wahoos long-awaited, home opener Tuesday night.
While the game didn’t evolve to the fans’ desire, the festive atmosphere became the overriding element.
After a 20-month, 600-plus days absence, Pensacola’s team ushered baseball entertainment and new affiliation with the Miami Marlins back into people’s hearts. The result was a good time among the crowd of 3,669 at Blue Wahoos Stadium
Wahoos Life was back. That mattered.
“The atmosphere was great from start to finish,” said Blue Wahoos manager Kevin Randel, who previously managed against Pensacola while with the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
“(Fans) were out there, they didn’t miss a beat. I’m sure they were excited to get back out to the stadium and watch some baseball. It was a fun atmosphere. I just wish we could have played a little better for ‘em and had something for (fans) to cheer about, but it was one of those games.”
On the field, the second pro start for Blue Wahoos acclaimed pitcher Max Meyer did not go as well as the first.
After a clean first inning, it got difficult for Meyer, the No. 3 overall player chosen by the Marlins in the 2020 draft. Meyer worked only four innings, giving up eight hits, including a two-run homer by clean-up hitter by cleanup hitter Micker Aldofo in the Barons’ 4-run, third inning.
“He didn’t have great stuff out there (Tuesday), Randel said. “He battled out there, he competed well. His weapon, his slider, was unable to get going. (Barons) did a great job game-planning against him. I think their approach was to just let (slider) go and they were sitting on fastball.
“We are going to get back with him. He’s got some work to do in between starts. We’re going work on some fastball command get that slider in for strikes.”
It was one of five extra-base hits the Barons (6-1) produced against Meyer. The other four were doubles.
In all, he yielded five runs, all earned, two walks, two strikeouts on 71 pitches. It was a contrast to his dominating performance a week ago in the season-opener at Mississippi , where he tossed a 1-hitter against the M-Braves and didn’t yield a run in winning his debut.
But the night still began in a special way.
Without being unable to have traditional first-pitches, the Blue Wahoos (4-3) started a new one: “First Fishes.”
Led by popular WKRG-TV sports personality Robby Baker, who is moving to a new TV job in his home state of Arizona, actual fish were tossed into a waiting net held by Blue Wahoos mascot, Kazoo.
Then, after some microphone issues on the National Anthem, the crowd came to the rescue and sang the words in unison to rescue the moment. The singer and the players both reacted in a good way.
On the field, the second pro start for Blue Wahoos acclaimed pitcher Max Meyer did not go as well as the first.
After a clean first inning, it got difficult for Meyer, the No. 3 overall player chosen by the Marlins in the 2020 draft. Meyer worked only four innings, giving up eight hits, including a two-run homer by clean-up hitter by cleanup hitter Micker Aldofo in the Barons’ 4-run, third inning.
“He didn’t have great stuff out there (Tuesday), Randel said. “He battled out there, he competed well. His weapon, his slider, was unable to get going. (Barons) did a great job game-planning against him. I think their approach was to just let (slider) go and they were sitting on fastball.
“We are going to get back with him. He’s got some work to do in between starts. We’re going work on some fastball command get that slider in for strikes.”
It was one of five extra-base hits the Barons (6-1) produced against Meyer. The other four were doubles.
In all, he yielded five runs, all earned, two walks, two strikeouts on 71 pitches. It was a contrast to his dominating performance a week ago in the season-opener at Mississippi , where he tossed a 1-hitter against the M-Braves and didn’t yield a run in winning his debut.
The Blue Wahoos had their best chance for a big inning in the third inning. They loaded the bases with none out on a trio of singles by Lazaro Alonso, Riley Mahan and Connor Justus.
Birmingham starter Blake Battenfield then got Victor Victor Mesa to hit into double-play that scored the Blue Wahoos lone run of the game. Battenfield then retired JJ Bleday with a ground out to end the inning.
Birmingham racked up 11 hits in the game, but only three off a trio of Blue Wahoos relievers. Blue Wahoos shortstop Demetrius went 2-for-4, leading the way among the team’s five hits.
With so much uncertainty on how in-game activities would evolve, the Blue Wahoos were able to generate some of their most popular contests, including the beloved “Roach Run” after the fifth inning in the outfield. They ran the Military Mascot Races on the concourse after the sixth inning.
The Blue Wahoos also became a pregame site for coronavirus vaccines. Nurses from the Department of Health administered the Johnson & Johnson dose to a group of people in the Cox Clubhouse area on the concourse. Vaccinations will also be available on Saturday and Sunday before the final two games of this full-week series.
The homestand will continue Wednesday at 6:35 p.m. against the Barons.
The Blue Wahoos will play Thursday and Friday games at 6:35 p.m. as well, then have their first Fireworks Saturday game at 6:05 p.m. before closing the 6-game series on Sunday at 4:05 p.m.
By Bill Vilona, Blue Wahoos Senior Writer
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Get A Vaccine At One Of Three Upcoming Blue Wahoos Games
May 11, 2021
You can watch a Wahoos game and get a COVID-19 vaccine at the same time at two upcoming games.
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos, in partnership with the Florida Department of Health in Escambia County, will offer free COVID-19 vaccines to fans at their games on Saturday, May 15, and Sunday, May 16. Johnson & Johnson single-shot vaccines will be available to medically-eligible fans ages 18 and up and will be administered by Department of Health nurses.
“We’re so excited for the opportunity to work together with the Florida Department of Health to offer vaccines to our fans,” team president Jonathan Griffith said. “Helping get Pensacola vaccinated meets our mission as an organization to improve the quality of life in our community. I’m so excited about this chance that I’ve committed to get vaccinated myself on the dugout during the 7th inning stretch while singing Take Me Out To The Ballpark!”
No appointments will be necessary for fans attending the games. 500 vaccine doses will be available at the ballpark in first-come, first serve fashion.
“This collaboration with the Pensacola Blue Wahoos is not only a great opportunity to increase vaccinations in our community but also a model of the vital role that partnerships play in our public health system,” Marie Mott, health officer and administrator for FDOH-Escambia, said. “The COVID-19 vaccine is an important tool to stop the spread of COVID-19, and I encourage all eligible persons to get vaccinated.”
Jay’s Jillian Thornton Wins State 1A High Jump Title
May 10, 2021
Jay High School’s Jillian Thornton took first place in the state in high jump at the FHSAA 1A track and field meet in Jacksonville.
She came in at 5-foot, 1.75-inches to take state. The senior joins just two other Royals that were track and field state champions in the past three decades.
Teresa Dobson, a current Jay track coach, took first place in the 3200 meter run and set a new state and school record in 1991, and Crystal Creamer Kelly was state champion in shot put in 1998.
Thornton was coached by Caleb Copeland for Jay.
Also at the 1A meet last Friday, Jay’s Isaac Black placed eighth and Landry Cato placed 11th in pole vault.
Pictured top: Jay High School’s Jillian Thornton won the Florida 1A High Jump Championship Friday the University of North Florida Hodges Stadium in Jacksonville. Pictured below: Thornton with Jay coach Teresa Dobson, who won the 3200 meter state championship in 1991 and set a state record. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate High’s Logan Tyree Signs With UWF Soccer
May 10, 2021
Tate High School’s Logan Tyree has signed to play soccer for the University of West Florida.
Tyree was a four-year varsity starter for the Aggies. He played on the Gulf Coast Texans club team, as well as the Pensacola FC NPSL team.
Mom Watches Escambia Firefighter Son Save A Life During Mother’s Day Brunch
May 10, 2021
An Escambia County firefighter made his mom extra proud during Mother’s Day brunch Sunday.
“So it’s not everyday that a mom gets to watch one of her children save someone’s life,” Madeline Willis wrote in a social media post. “But that happened to me today. What an amazing Mother’s day!”
Willis is in Pensacola visiting with her son Jacob Hoskins, an Escambia County Fire Rescue firefighter assigned to the Ensley Fire Station.
They were at a McGuire’s for Mother’s Day brunch when a woman began to choke. Hoskins jumped into action, and saved the woman’s life.
“So saving people’s lives is something he does on a daily basis…but for me to observe this humble son of mine do his ‘job’ was an experience I’ll never forget,” Willis said. “So proud!”
Pictured: Madeline Willis (front left) watched her firefighter son Jacob Hoskins (middle right) save a choking victim during Mother’s Day lunch on Sunday. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Wahoos Drop Game To The Braves, Bring Series Win Back To Pensacola
May 10, 2021
Pensacola dropped the finale of their first series of the year in a 6-2 game shortened by rain.
Home runs were the story once again for the M-Braves as they scored five of their six runs via the long ball on Mother’s Day. C.J. Alexander hit a three-run home run in the bottom of the first off Wahoos starter Will Stewart (L, 0-1) to put the M-Braves up 3-0.
Jerar Encarnacion had a quick response when he led off the second inning with a spectacular solo home run that landed in the parking lot well beyond the left field bullpen.
However, it was Mississippi who homered again, and this time Jacob Pearson hit a two-run shot off Stewart in the bottom of the fourth, pushing the M-Braves lead to 5-1. They would add another run in the sixth, and after the Wahoos scored in the seventh to make it a 6-2 game, the skies opened up and the game was called due to a heavy downpour.
RHP Matt Withrow made his first start for the M-Braves in almost four years, dating back to May 21, 2017 against the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp. He pitched four innings, and allowed just the one run on two hits while striking out two.
Pensacola leaves Mississippi with its first series win in hand as they prepare for back-to-back homesteads, the first beginning on Tuesday, May 11th against the Birmingham Barons.
by Chris Garagiola, Pensacola Blue Wahoos
Mississippi Braves Beat The Pensacola Wahoos
May 9, 2021
Shea Langeliers delivered a three-run home run in the eighth inning of Saturday’s contest to propel Mississippi to their first win of the season at Trustmark Park.
The M-Braves struck first in the bottom of the fourth courtesy of a couple of defensive miscues by Pensacola. Braden Shewmake reached on an infield single and took second on a throwing error by Wahoo starter Jason Alexander. After a Trey Harris single, Langeliers hit what looked like a double play; however, Riley Mahan’s throw to first was too high for Lazaro Alonso to corral. The play allowed Shewmake to score from second.
Jeff Lindgren (L, 0-1) came in relief for the Wahoos and pitched well, despite taking the loss. His only two mistakes came to Langeliers.
The first was in the sixth, when after Lindgren retired the first two batters, Langeliers lifted a solo shot into left to give Mississippi a 2-0 lead.
Despite a two-run seventh inning by the Wahoos, Langeliers struck again in the eighth after Shewmake and Harris led off the inning with back-to-back hits. He sent an 0-2 pitch over the left-center field wall to give Mississippi the eventual winning score of 5-2. The loss is Pensacola’s first of the season.
Pensacola drew eight walks in the loss, with Victor Victor Mesa and JJ Bleday combining for half of that.
The opening series for the Wahoos concludes tomorrow afternoon when LHP Will Stewart (0-0, 0.00) makes his 2021 debut for the Wahoos. He will be opposed by RHP Matt Withrow (0-0, 0.00), who pitched two scoreless innings earlier in the series. First pitch is scheduled for 2:05 PM CT.
After Sunday’s contest, the Wahoos will return home to kick off their 2021 season opener on Tuesday, May 11th with a six-game set against the Birmingham Barons, the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox.
Northview Shuts Out Paxton, Holmes County Tops Jay In Regional Semifinals (With NHS Gallery)
May 8, 2021
Josh Landis tossed a two-hit, complete game shutout Friday night as Northview beat Paxton 6-0 in the Region 1-1A semifinal.
Landis allowed no runs and two hits while striking out three and walking five.
Rustin Pope led at the plate for the Chiefs, going 2-4 with an RBI. Bryce Korinchak went 1-3 with two RBIs.
Northview sealed the win with double plays to end both the sixth and seventh innings.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Northview coach Jeremy Greenwell said his Chiefs fed off the excitement of a sold out crowd.
“We’ve got the whole community, as many people as we could get in here,” he said of the crowd, which was limited due to the pandemic. “They made it a great environment…The players played exactly how we expected them to; they played up to they hype. We don’t expect any less as a program.”
Also Friday night, Jay lost to Holmes County 3-2. That sets up a regional final Tuesday night with Northview travelling to Bonifay to face Holmes County.
“We are not going to try to instill anything new, just stay with fundamentals,” Greenwell said of the teams prep for Tuesday. “We’ll hold a short practice on Monday to get ready for Bonifay on Tuesday.”
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
