UWF Argos Win First-Ever National Championship
June 5, 2011
The University of West Florida Argos won their first-ever national title Saturday with a 12-2 win over Winona State in Cary, N.C.
“It’s an amazing moment and a great moment for West Florida baseball, the University of West Florida and the Pensacola community. As a coach, you work hard and you wonder as you’re out there in the hot sun, doing field work and doing individual work with the guys if anyone is ever going to see the fruits of your hard work. There are so many great teams across the country working hard, too. It’s special. Words can’t describe it,” Argos Head Coach Mike Jeffcoat said.
“When you get four runs in the first inning, you go out there and just pitch to contact – throw strikes, not try to strike everyone out. Our hitters did what they’ve done all year, just try to put the ball in play and let the ball do the work. Our defense was amazing again today. An outstanding performance by our infield and outfield. It’s just a great job all around,” Said UWF pitcher Daniel Vargas-Vila.
With the win, UWF ended their record setting season at 52-9.
“It’s exciting. Words really can’t describe how great this feels. We’ve worked for it all year. Jumping out to a big lead like that was huge. We were excited throughout the whole game, but still trying to stay focused, stay in the moment, not lose ourselves. It’s just a great feeling,” said UWF right fielder Greg Pron.
Photo Gallery: Century Little League Celebrates Winning Season
June 4, 2011
Century Little League wrapped up a successful season Friday afternoon, celebrating several championships and four undefeated teams.
Century swept the Tri-County League, winning first place in softball, tee ball, minor league baseball and major league baseball. The teams were undefeated on their way to the championships, with the exception of lone loss for the girls’ softball team.
For a photo gallery from the celebration, click here.
The teams celebrated Friday with free pizza, a water slide and closing ceremonies with recognition and trophies for each player.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Results Announced In Log A Load Bass Tournament
June 3, 2011
The recent 15th annual charity Log A Load For Kids Bass Tournament raised $15,000 for Sacred Heart Hospital.
The tournament at the Swamp House Marina and Landing offered $10,000 guaranteed prize money, including $3,000 for first place.
Top ten tournament winners were:
- Eddie Milstead and Tony Clements
- Leon Jernigan and Bobby Jernigan
- Kenneth Morris and Chazz Morris
- Larry Bullock and Rodger Caldwell
- JerryManning and Reggie Carper
- Jamie Franklin and Jeff McNiel
- Cole Griffith and David Foshee
- James Purvis and Shane Garrett
- Daniel C. Griffith and Danny R. Griffith
- Josh Halford and Jason Terry
Mystery Weight Fish
- Doug Tipton and Larry Tipton
NHS Holds Scalpball Tourney
June 1, 2011
Team Bradley and Quarantine were the winners in the recent Northview High School Spring 2011 Scalpball Tournament.
Team Bradley was tops among five teams in the adult bracket, while Quarantine took the teen bracket which consisted of eight teams.
“As always the day was filled with action packed volleyball from all levels of play,” said Betty Heaton, Northview’s volleyball coach. All proceeds from the event benefited Northview High’s volleyball program.
The next Scalpball tournament will be in October, and Heaton said now is the time to start forming teams and get ready.
Pictured top: Team Quarantine – Dabney Langhorn, Derek Lewis, Josh Scott and Colton Sims. Pictured below: Team Bradley — Josh Bilon, Tara Bradley, Michael Bradley, Dan McDonald and Mike Dalton. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Dobson Wins Eglin Gate To Gate Run
May 31, 2011
Matt Dobson of Jay was the overall winner in the 26th annual Memorial Day Gate to Gate 4.4 Mile Run/Walk at Eglin Air Force Base Monday morning.
The 41-year old Dobson’s winning time was 24:21, just ahead of second place finisher Thomas Howell, 15, of Niceville. The top female runner was Pasca Cheruiyot, 22, of Tallahassee. She finished in fifth place overall with a time of 25:18.
One other North Escambia area runner placed in the race — William Robertson, 26, of Cantonment was 227th overall with a time of 36:13.
Picture: Overall male and female champions in the 26th annual Memorial Day Gate to Gate 4.4 Mile Run/Walk at Eglin Air Force Base Pasca Cheruiyot (left) of Tallahassee and Matt Dobson (right) of Jay. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Photos: NWE Closing Ceremonies
May 27, 2011
Closing ceremonies were held Thursday evening for Northwest Escambia Little League in Walnut Hill. Junior and senior baseball and senior softball will continue at NWE through June 14.
For a photo gallery from the event, click here.
Photos by Mandi Kinely for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
‘Flash And Dash Of A Star’ – Molino’s Kart Racing King Jarrett Parker
May 25, 2011
Molino kart racing star Jarrett Parker continues his winning ways, taking another big win this past weekend in Gulfport. The Northview High student has caught the attention of Chase’n Race’n Illustrated magazine, America’s top kart racing publication dedicated to dirt karting.
Rowdy Jordan, the magazine’s publisher, gives NorthEscambia.com an industry-insider’s look at Parker:
Submitted by Rowdy Jordan
A couple of years ago, we stumbled on a youngster on the kart racing scene from Molino. This youngster had the flash and dash of a star. This youngster was Jarrett Parker.
Rules of the sport presented an opportunity in 2010 for Jarrett to continue competing in the junior divisions while also making the move into the senior divisions at select events.
In 2011, Jarrett has made the move into the senior ranks full-time. Early results, while fairly good, paled in comparison to his usual “winning” ways. Struggling a little against much more experienced veterans served as a wake-up call for the teen. Over the past month, Jarrett has competed at two high level events with national media in attendance. If there was ever a time to “answer the call”, this was it.
Jarrett managed a strong weekend in late April in Booneville, MS at the Mississippi Dirt Track Series event, but his “break-out” event of the year came in round three of the Mississippi Series held in Gulfport, MS on May 21.
Jarrett’s performance at Gulfcoast Motorsports Park exuded maturity, confidence, and the demeanor of a champion, something that has been missing in his earlier events this season. As a result, Jarrett bagged a win in the Stock Medium feature. That was just a “warm-up” for the Pro Flathead feature, which is the measure of success on this particular tour. Jarrett started on the outside pole alongside fellow Florida competitor Carson Haulman. While Haulman led the early laps, Jarrett clearly had the fastest ride on the track, but chose wisely to bide his time as the pair of youngsters sailed away from the field of competitors.
Just past the halfway point, Jarrett took over the top spot and cruised to the checkers nearly a half second ahead of second place Wesley LeBlanc of Louisiana, to claim the big payday.
His performance at the Gulfport event signals good and bad news. The good news; Jarrett Parker is here, and he’s here to win. The bad news is for his competitors: Jarrett Parker is here, and he’s here to win!
Photos courtesy Chase’n Race’n Illustrated for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Go Blue Wahoos! Pcola’s New Baseball Team Gets A Name
May 24, 2011
Pensacola’s new Double-A baseball team will be named the Blue Wahoos.
The name, submitted by Shelley Yates of Pensacola, was the slight favorite among thousands of fans that cast their vote during a “Name the Team” contest.
The Blue Wahoos brand was officially welcomed to Pensacola Monday at Cordova Park Elementary School. Quint and Rishy Studer, owners of the Double-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds, Blue Wahoos President Bruce Baldwin and fifth grade students and teachers from Cordova Park Elementary School were on hand to cheer for the six finalists and ultimately the winning name.
“From the 1,700 people who submitted team names to the pep rally here today at Cordova Park Elementary School, we have all thoroughly enjoyed this whole process,” said Quint Studer. “Naming the team is one of many opportunities for our fans and community to really take ownership of their new team. If the energy and creativity we saw from fans during this contest is any indication, we are going to have a lot of fun when the Blue Wahoos begin playing in Pensacola.”
Named for the explosive way they pull out of the water, Wahoos are a tough hometown fish that mean business. Blue, while part of the fish’s color, also connects to Pensacola’s blue water, blue skies and the Blue Angels, according to the team.
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos are the future Double-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds. The team will begin play in April 2012 at Maritime Park.
Pictured top: The Pensacola Blue Wahoos name is announced Monday morning during a pep rally at Cordova Park Elementary School. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
West Florida Downs Northview In Spring Jamboree (With Photo Gallery)
May 20, 2011
The Northview Chiefs, coming off the best season ever in the school’s history, lost to the West Florida Jaguars 21-6 Thursday night during the varsity part of their spring football jamboree.
The Chief’s lone score came from Brandon Sheets with a 53-yard run.
The loss was, to say the least, a disappointment for Head Coach Sid Wheatley. He said the team had spent the three weeks of spring practice working on some new tricks that failed Thursday night due to mistakes.
For a photo gallery from the jamboree, click here.
“We knew we would have some mistakes and miscues; we were trying some different things offensively,” Wheatley said.
The mistakes and miscues were not limited to the offense, with the defense giving up some big plays.”Tackling was the most disappointing thing for us defensively,” he said. “We will work extremely hard to get better on the basics like tackling.”
Wheatley said fans will see a much improved team by fall, where the Chiefs have their sights set on that bringing thhat elusive state championship trophy home to Bratt.
We are going to continue to work, and we are going to be better,” Wheatley said.
West Florida scored with a 30-yard touchdown pass from Kyle Faxlanger to Ty Peasant, an 11-yard run from Daylan Abrams and a 12-yard dash from Lawrence Lee.
For a photo gallery from the jamboree, click here.
JUNIOR VARSITY
In the JV half of Thursday nights spring football jamboree at Woodham Middle School, the West Florida Jaguars slipped past the Northview Chiefs 3-0.
Even with the loss, Head Coach Sid Wheatley said his JV Chiefs played hard, moved the ball well and controlled the clock.
“I though the young kids played hard, and they are going to get better,” he said. “We are going to continue to work and have a great off-season and be ready to go in the fall.”
Pictured: Action as the Northview Chiefs take on the West Florida Jaguars Thursday evening at Woodham Middle School. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Twirler Wins Regional Titles
May 19, 2011
Colbi Kendall of Flomaton won two titles at the Regional Baton Competition last weekend in Wetumpka, Ala. She won the regional titles for 10-12 years old in 1 and 2 baton and also show twirl.
Kendall competed in the open division where she took fourth place in solo, second place in 2 baton and first place in show twirl. She competes on a competition team consisting of three other girls from Pace and Pensacola. They placed first in the open division and also had the highest score in Regional and open of all competing teams combined.
Kendall is instructed by Melissa Majors of Santa Rosa and Escambia Twirlers.