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Tag: APP Sports

  • St. Pete Police ensure safety, security ahead of Firestone Grand Prix

    St. Pete Police ensure safety, security ahead of Firestone Grand Prix

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    TAMPA, Fla. — With thousands of racing fans expected to attend this weekend’s 20th annual Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg kicking off the INDYCAR Series, Police Chief Anthony Holloway said Wednesday that his officers are committed to keeping everyone safe. 

    What You Need To Know

    • St. Pete Police Chief Anthony Holloway said that his officers are committed to keeping everyone safe during this weekend’s Firestone Grand Prix

    • Holloway said his officers will be monitoring the venue by land, water and air, along with the help of federal and state law enforcement partners


    • RELATED: 20th Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg set for this weekend

    Security measures will be in place to ensure the safety of the race car drivers, their crews and fans with the support of federal and state law enforcement partners, Holloway said during a press conference. Officers will be monitoring the venue by land, water and air. Several agencies, including St. Petersburg Fire Rescue, FBI, Florida Highway Patrol, United States Coast Guard and Tampa Bomb Squad, will be assisting throughout the weekend.

    “We will have a full staff of officers in uniform and undercover working the entire event,” he said.

    About 100,000 to 150,000 fans are anticipated to be in the downtown area as sporting festivities get underway. 

    Holloway advised attendees to be prepared to pass through security checks at admission and secure any phones, wallets and purses.

    St. Pete Police also encouraged the public to say something if they see something. Fans can call the police department at 727-893-7780 or text “SPPD” and a tip to 847-411 (TIP-411).

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    DeJanae Phillips

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  • 20 years ago, St. Pete changed INDYCAR racing forever

    20 years ago, St. Pete changed INDYCAR racing forever

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — This weekend, when the checkered flag drops for the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, former Mayor Rick Baker will again flash a satisfied smile.

    INDYCAR had never had a street course as part of their circuit before then-Mayor Baker waved the green flag in downtown St. Petersburg in 2005.

    For Baker, the race started as the passion project. 

    Growing up on the west side of Indianapolis, Baker said he starting falling in love with INDYCAR when he was 5 and attended his first Indianapolis 500 at age 9. Since then, he hasn’t missed watching a race.

    “If you grew up in Indianapolis, you’re not allowed to not be an INDYCAR fan,” he said with a smile.

    During his first term in office as St. Petersburg’s mayor, Baker wanted to bring the sport to the city’s waterfront. Some of the framework was already in place, as the city had previously hosted a Champ Car race in 2003 before the sanctioning body went bankrupt.

    “It was a crazy idea at the time because INDYCAR had never done a street race,” Baker said.

    Baker made a cold call to INDYCAR’s CEO in hopes of getting the sanctioning body onboard.

    Honda agreed to take the spot as the title sponsor and the previous circuit from the 2003 race served as a good starting point for the design team. The last piece of the puzzle was getting a promoter, and Andretti Green Promotions agreed to take on the role.

    “We really had to convince a lot of people along the way,” he said. “You had the promoter, INDYCAR, and the city because some people weren’t too wild about having loud race cars next door to their retirement community.”

    Baker’s INDYCAR dreams came to fruition in April 2005 as the first racers sped off from the starting line as he waved the green flag.

    Being INDYCAR’s first street course meant it was also the first right-hand turn in a formal event.

    “2005 … the first right-hand turn ever in INDYCAR history. That’s a big deal!” Baker said while pointing at the turn, located following the straightaway by Albert Whitted Airport.

    A sticking point for Baker happened as promotors for onetime Champ Car race stated they wanted the event to be branded at the Florida Grand Prix.

    “If we’re going to have a race here, then it needs to be named St Petersburg,” Baker said. “The only way for that to happen is it’s got to be the name of the race. You can do anything you want, but the race needs to be after the city. There’s a reason it’s the Indianapolis 500.”

    Now 20 races later, Baker will once again serve as one of the grand marshal’s of the race alongside his predecessors Bill Foster, Rick Kriseman, and Ken Welch.

    Practice and qualifying rounds will take place March 8 & 9 with the final races beginning at noon Sunday, March 10.

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    Angie Angers

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  • Mike Zunino retires at age 32 after 11 seasons as big league catcher

    Mike Zunino retires at age 32 after 11 seasons as big league catcher

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    Former All-Star catcher Mike Zunino is retiring at age 32 after 11 major league seasons.

    What You Need To Know

    • Former All-Star catcher Mike Zunino is retiring at age 32 after 11 major league seasons

    • Zunino was released by Cleveland last June and announced his retirement in an Instagram post Wednesday

    • Zunino hit .199 with 149 homers and 372 RBIs for Seattle (2013-18), Tampa Bay (2019-22) and Cleveland

    • Zunino signed a $6 million, one-year contract with the Guardians ahead of the 2023 season

    Zunino was released by Cleveland last June and announced his retirement in an Instagram post Wednesday.

    “While my time on the field has concluded, my passion for baseball remains as strong as ever, and I eagerly anticipate exploring new avenues to contribute to the sport,” he wrote. “I am excited to bring what I have learned in the game to the next generation of MLB players, and to give back to the game that has given so much to me.”

    Zunino hit .199 with 149 homers and 372 RBIs for Seattle (2013-18), Tampa Bay (2019-22) and Cleveland. He was an All-Star in 2021, when he batted .216 and set a career high with 33 homers along with 62 RBIs, and homered off the New York Mets’ Taijuan Walker in the American League’s 5-2 win at Denver’s Coors Field.

    Zunino reached 20 homers four times.

    He was selected by Oakland from Mariner High in Cape Coral, Florida, in the 29th round of the 2009 amateur draft but didn’t sign, went to three straight College World Series with the University of Florida and was selected by the Mariners with the third overall pick in 2012, signing for a $4 million bonus.

    Zunino made his big league debut at age 22 in June 2013 and homered in his second game, off Oakland’s Tommy Milone.

    After his All-Star season in 2021, Zunino was limited to 36 games in 2022. After feeling soreness in his left shoulder, Zunino went on the injured list on June 10 and the team said the following month he needed thoracic outlet syndrome surgery.

    Zunino signed a $6 million, one-year contract with the Guardians ahead of the 2023 season. He hit .177 with three homers and 11 RBIs in 140 plate appearances, was designated for assignment on June 16 and released five days later.

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    Associated Press

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  • Florida knocks off No. 16 Alabama 105-87

    Florida knocks off No. 16 Alabama 105-87

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    GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Two weeks after getting bullied by Alabama, Florida refused to let it happen again. Not at home. And not on senior night.

    Will Richard scored 23 points, Walter Clayton Jr. added 22, and the Gators handled No. 16 Alabama 105-87 on Tuesday night to stay in contention for a top four seeding in the upcoming Southeastern Conference Tournament.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Gators win their home finale against the No. 16 Crimson Tide 105-87

    • The victory keeps Florida in contention for a top 4 seeding in the SEC Tournament

    • Will Richard scored 23 points and Walter Clayton Jr. had 22 for the Gators

    • Florida took 21 more free throws than Alabama

    Florida (21-9, 11-6 SEC) made 40 free throws — the program’s most since December 1998 — and won for the 10th time in 13 games. The Gators finished 14-1 at home this season, and equally important to coach Todd Golden, they moved a step closer to potentially landing a double bye in the league tournament.

    “We were very physical,” Golden said. “We did what we needed to do to beat the best offensive team in America.”

    Tyrese Samuel and Zyon Pullin chipped in 19 points and six rebounds apiece after being honored before their home finale. The graduate transfers helped Florida avenge an overtime loss at Alabama last month and hand the Crimson Tide (20-10, 12-5) a third loss in four games.

    “I thought Tyrese was a monster,” Golden said. “And ZP was just a calming influence out there. Both those guys were just a huge, huge reason as to why we won.”

    Samuel made all nine of his shots from the charity stripe, and Pullin went 8-for-8.

    Florida took 21 more free throws than Alabama and made twice as many.

    “It’s not a recipe for winning games when you get doubled up at the free-throw line,” Alabama coach Nate Oats said.

    The biggest surprise was how easily the Gators controlled the rematch. They opened up a double-digit lead late in the first half, extended it to 20 midway through the second and never let up.

    It was a huge sigh of relief for a team that hadn’t shown a knack for delivering knockout punches. Florida had lost five games after leading at the break, and several of those included double-digit advantages.

    “It’s definitely not a good feeling letting a team come back on you,” Clayton said. “We just got to be mentally tough, go up 10 and get your foot on the gas and not let up.”

    Added Richard: “I don’t think we let ourselves off the hook (this time). I feel like we can get lazy once when we get up on a team. For us, it’s just staying disciplined.”

    Mark Sears led Alabama with 33 points, including 29 in the second half. Aaron Estrada added 17 points, and Grant Nelson chipped in 12 before fouling out late.

    Alabama’s Rylan Griffen was helped off the floor and to the locker room with 4 minutes, 15 seconds remaining after colliding with Florida’s Richard. Oats, who drew a technical foul while arguing it should have been a foul, said Griffen has a calf injury that will require more tests Wednesday.

    “They were very physical with us,” Oats said. “We had some offensive frustrations and some defensive letdowns.”

    Poll implications

    Florida should have a chance to move back into the next AP college basketball poll.

    Wrightsell returns

    Alabama guard Latrell Wrightsell Jr. returned after missing the past four games following a concussion. Wrightsell finished with two points in eight minutes.

    Senior night

    Pullin and Samuel were among five players recognized in pregame ceremonies that included family, friends and framed jerseys. The other three were walk-ons Jack May, Alex Klatsky and Bennett Andersen. May’s father is current Florida Atlantic coach Dusty May.

    Big picture

    Alabama: The Crimson Tide lost consecutive games for the first time since dropping three in a row in early December. This was the first unranked team Alabama has lost to since Clemson upset the Tide in late November.

    Florida: The Gators have been close to unbeatable at home, with the lone loss coming against Kentucky to begin 2024. They closed the season with eight consecutive wins in the O’Connell Center but will need to bottle that energy and take it on the road for the postseason.

    Up next

    Alabama wraps up the regular season at home against Arkansas on Saturday.

    Florida ends the regular season at Vanderbilt on Saturday.

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    Associated Press

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  • No. 24 USF beats Tulane, extends winning streak to 15 games

    No. 24 USF beats Tulane, extends winning streak to 15 games

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    TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Chris Youngblood had 29 points and five assists and No. 24 South Florida won its 15th straight game, beating Tulane 85-72 on Tuesday night.

    Kasean Pryor scored 13 points and Selton Miguel added 12 for the Bulls (23-5, 16-1 American Athletic Conference), the conference’s regular-season champions. USF was playing its first home game and second overall as a team ranked in the Top 25 in the program’s half-century history.

    “Just really proud of this group,” first-year USF coach Amir Abdur-Rahim said. “They just keep responding. Their resolve just keeps showing up.”

    Jaylen Forbes scored 24 points for Tulane (13-16, 4-13), which has lost seven straight, the team’s longest losing streak since an eight-game skid in 2019-20.

    Forbes picked up his fourth foul with 5:49 to play and Tulane trailing 69-67. After USF’s Brandon Stroud made a layup, Forbes went to the bench and the Bulls got two baskets from Youngblood and a 3-pointer from Stroud for a 78-67 lead.

    Tulane was held without a field goal over the game’s final three minutes.

    “Focused on getting stops because they were scoring a little more than we would like, and we know once we get our defense going there’s no telling what we can do from there,” Youngblood said.

    Youngblood scored 12 points as USF took a 44-43 lead at halftime. Forbes shot 5 for 7 from 3-point range and had 17 points in a first half that featured 13 lead changes.

    BIG PICTURE

    Tulane: Entered 20th in the nation in scoring at 82.6 points, but were allowing 80.

    South Florida: Is poised to make its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2012 after winning its first regular-season conference championship. This is just the second winning season for the Bulls since 2012. USF has reached the tourney three times.

    SPREADING THE WORD

    Abdur-Rahim had a message for naysayers of the AAC.

    “All these people who do the net rankings or whatever, man, you come spend a night in the American Conference, ok,” Abdur-Rahim said. “Our league is dang good, top to bottom. Our league is one of the best in the country.”

    HARD CONTACT

    Forbes and Miguel collided six minutes into the game and were down on the floor for a period of time. Both returned after missing a few minutes.

    MILESTONE WITHIN REACH

    Forbes has 1,830 career points and is 12 away from passing John Williams for fourth place in Tulane history.

    UP NEXT

    Tulane: Ends the season Friday night at home against Wichita State.

    South Florida: Closes the regular season at Tulsa on Saturday night.

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    Associated Press

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  • Bradenton knights in shining armor with a punch

    Bradenton knights in shining armor with a punch

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    BRADENTON, Fla. — Welcome to Medieval Armored Combat, where old world meets new world.

    It’s where martial arts meets armored fighting and Excalibur meets Monty Python and the Holy Grail. It’s street fighting with real steel, real swords, real axes, real knights in shining armor.

    What You Need To Know

    •  Medieval Armored Combat features real people fighting in real steel with real weapons

    •  The Tampa Swamp Kings are one of three Florida teams that compete in tournaments

    •  The armored uniforms must conform to medieval times and can weigh up to 100 pounds

    “This is where a lot of nerd rage comes into play,” said Kenneth Thompson, a member of the Tampa Swamp Kings.

    As in most sports, the uniform is everything — everyone’s armor is different, tailored to their specific tastes and needs. You won’t find zippers or clasps. Why? Because they did not have them back in medieval times. Every uniform, which can weight up to 100 pounds and cost thousands of dollars, must be historically correct for combat.

    The Tampa Swamp Kings, one of three Florida teams that compete in tournaments, practice in a park in Bradenton, and most participants found their way to this unique and creative sport after trying MMA fighting, tae kwon do or working out at the gym. For whatever reason, those activities didn’t take, but this one did.

    “There’s history involved, there’s brotherhood and fellowship involved,” Thompson said. “There’s just a lot more bonding involved in this.”

    These knights, when the armor is off, come from all walks of life. One team member is an accountant, while another a firefighter. Kenneth Thompson is an elementary school art teacher.

    When he’s not wielding an axe or a sword, he’s armed with a paintbrush. He said he got the artistic gene from his mom and feels a connection to her whenever he puts brush to canvas.

    “I’ve been in art my whole life,” Thompson said. “Pretty much martial arts and arts go hand in hand. So whenever I’m doing a painting, for me, it’s almost like that creative release.”

    He said there is a correlation and carry-over from the creativity in his artwork to the creativity in his sport of choice, medieval combat. Just like every brush stroke creates an image on a canvas, every slash and stab make up an armored fight.

    “There are some people who probably just do it for the joy of being in armor and doing it like a hobby,” Thompson said. “Then there’s probably going to be like the gung-ho people who like to go to the competitions.”

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    Katherine Smith

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  • No. 25 USF beats Charlotte 76-61 for 14th straight win

    No. 25 USF beats Charlotte 76-61 for 14th straight win

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    CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Being ranked for the first time in school history hasn’t impacted South Florida’s momentum.

    Chris Youngblood scored 17 points, Kasean Pryor had 16 points and nine rebounds, and the 25th-ranked Bulls beat Charlotte 76-61 on Saturday for their 14th straight win, clinching the American Athletic Conference regular-season title outright.

    Selton Miguel chipped in with 13 points for the Bulls (22-5, 15-1), who haven’t lost since Jan. 7 and entered the AP Top 25 for the first time ever earlier this week.

    “It’s different, and I’m not going to give you some coach speak that it’s not,” South Florida coach Amir Abdur-Rahim said. “You have a different target on your back now.”

    But he said he’s stressed to his players that they need to focus on “the same old boring habits” to continue winning.

    “There’s still a lot of season left and if you want to rest on being ranked we aren’t going to make as much noise as we can,” Abdur-Rahim said.

    Last year Florida Atlantic, another American Athletic Conference team, surged late in the season and made a memorable run to the Final Four. Abdur-Rahim believes the conference is loaded this year with four or five teams deserving of making the NCAA Tournament.

    Lu’Cye Patterson had 17 points for Charlotte (17-11, 11-5), which had its eight-game home win streak snapped.

    Charlotte entered the game looking for its second home victory over a Top 25 team after upsetting then-No. 17 Florida Atlantic 70-68 on Jan. 6.

    And the 49ers were sharp early on, jumping out to a 12-7 lead against the Bulls after making 5 of 9 shots to open the game. But the Bulls would storm back to take a 33-28 lead at the break, stepping up their defense and holding the 49ers to 5-of-18 shooting for the remainder of the first half.

    Pryor’s 3-pointer from the corner gave the Bulls their first double-digit lead less than two minutes into the second half and Charlotte never mounted a serious challenge.

    Pryor drove across the lane a few moments later, dribbled between his legs and made a step-back jumper from the foul line while drawing a foul for a 3-point play to increase the lead.

    Charlotte continued to struggle with missed shots and turnovers in the second half, and Kobe Knox scored on back-to-back offensive rebounds, including a powerful two-handed dunk to push the lead to 17.

    There was a controversial moment with 2:47 remaining when Pryor grabbed a defensive rebound and, while struggling to find an outlet due to a three-man trap under the basket, threw a hard pass directly into the face of Charlotte’s Igor Milicic, causing him to fall to the floor.

    Officials reviewed the play but determined it wasn’t worthy of an intentional foul.

    After the replay was shown on the scoreboard, Pryor was booed loudly every time he touched the ball for the remainder of the game, and the Halton Arena crowd erupted with cheers when he missed a free throw with about two minutes remaining.

    Charlotte coach Aaron Fearne said he doesn’t think Pryor meant to hit Milicic in the face.

    “I don’t think so,” Fearne said. “I think he was in trouble and falling out of bounds near the baseline.”

    Pryor was not made available after the game for interviews.

    THE BIG PICTURE

    South Florida: The Bulls survived their first week in the AP Top 25 with wins over Southern Methodist and Charlotte. They’ve won 20 of their last 21 games overall will be the No. 1 overall seed. They should be a lock to make the NCAA Tournament even if they falter in conference play.

    Charlotte: The 49ers were picked to finish 13th in the AAC this season, but have exceeded expectations and have been competitive in nearly every conference game. But this was the 49ers’ third straight loss, so they don’t have a lot momentum with the conference tourney approaching.

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    Associated Press

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  • Sports academy coming to Pasco County private school

    Sports academy coming to Pasco County private school

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    TRINITY, Fla. — Pasco County’s nickname as the ‘Sports Coast’ is getting a credential boost as plans for an elite sports training facility are in the works.

    What You Need To Know

    • Generations Christian Academy will be expanding with elite sports training facilities on campus

    • The school will be adding an extended sports program called ‘G-Sports,’ offering students who attend the chance to hone their skills in selective sports

    • About 30 different sports will be offered, including basketball, football, volleyball, hockey, soccer and more.

    • Each program is expected to have an award-winning leader at the helm, from Olympians and internationally recognized athletes to local Tampa pros

    It’s part of the Generations Christian Academy at Trinity Commons. The school will be adding an extended sports program called ‘G-Sports,’ offering students who attend the chance to hone their skills in selective sports. Those sports that will be offered at the school include basketball, football, volleyball, hockey, soccer and more.

    “To have a premier sports academy located in our county and be focused on sports and education, it just fits perfectly with the plans we have to grow this into a great place where you can live, work and play,” says Kathryn Starkey, Pasco County Commissioner District 3.

    Each program is expected to have award-winning leaders at the helm. From Olympians and internationally recognized athletes to local Tampa professional sports athletes and coaches. Many of the sports programs are already in place and operating with additional buildings and facilities on the way.

    An exciting prospect for both parents and students alike.

    “It’s something that he’s been wanting to do so we’re here to support him,” says Hope Zimmermann, who will be enrolling her son at the academy.

    At Generations Christian Academy, parents and students are getting a sneak peek at what’s coming.

    “Just all of the technology that they’re putting into it,” said Zimmerman. “The staff that’s going to be here and the coaches- it’s going to be incredible.”

    One of the families on this tour is the Zimmermann’s. Their son, Mason, is looking to enroll at the academy where expansion plans are underway. The goal is to offer a premier sports training facility and school—all in one.

    “Having the education, first and foremost. Pushing that on them first with it being a private school and then having the flexibility to go and do something that he loves, it’s only best for him in the long run. However, we can best support him and his dreams—we’ll make it happen.”

    The academy plans to offer students the chance to play in a wide range of sports, from football and soccer to figure skating and hockey.

    “Him and his friends, they participate in science fairs, so they get to do all of the normal school activities but it’s on a more flexible schedule,” said Zimmerman. “Once he’s here, it’s still almost going to have that same feel of the home school.”

    They hope enrolling in the school leads to more athletic opportunities.

    “The amount of places that he’s gone because of hockey. I mean, he’s already been to Canada and played up there at nine, which is something crazy to think about. So seeing the doors that will open up for him while still maintaining that high level of education.”

    An exciting prospect for both mother and son.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • These four schools are top seeds in women’s NCAA Tournament reveal

    These four schools are top seeds in women’s NCAA Tournament reveal

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    South Carolina, Ohio State, Stanford and UCLA would be the No. 1 seeds in the NCAA Tournament if it began now.

    What You Need To Know

    • The NCAA women’s basketball selection committee on Thursday did its second reveal of the teams in line for the top 16 seeds

    • A lot has changed in the two weeks since the initial unveiling, outside of South Carolina and Ohio State’s dominance

    • Of the original top 16 seeds, 11 lost at least one game

    The NCAA women’s basketball selection committee on Thursday did its second reveal of the teams in line for the top 16 seeds. A lot has changed in the two weeks since the initial unveiling, outside of South Carolina and Ohio State’s dominance. Of the original top 16 seeds, 11 lost at least one game.

    “That’s a testament to where college basketball is right now, it’s difficult night in and night out,” NCAA women’s basketball selection committee chair Lisa Peterson told The Associated Press in a phone interview Thursday. “That hasn’t always been the case.”

    Peterson said that South Carolina and Ohio State have had really strong seasons and that there was a lot of discussion of the final two No. 1 seeds.

    “Stanford was a little more secure than the others because of their body of work,” she said. “They lost to Arizona, but Cameron Brink was out. The last No. 1 had a lot of conversations considering that Virginia Tech has been playing so great right now. UCLA had such a tough schedule and they have (Lauren) Betts back.”

    Just outside the top four teams was Caitlin Clark and Iowa, which is ranked No. 6 in the AP poll. It will be Clark’s last NCAA Tournament as she announced on Thursday she is foregoing her final season to enter the WNBA Draft.

    The Hawkeyes, last year’s national runners-up, were once again projected as a No. 2 seed. They play at home against Ohio State on Sunday.

    The top 16 seeds will host first- and second-round games, with the regional rounds being played at two neutral sites for the second straight year. Portland, Oregon, will host half of the Sweet 16, and Albany, New York, will host the other eight teams.

    South Carolina and Ohio State were projected as the top seeds in the Albany Regional, with Stanford and UCLA in Portland. The unbeaten Gamecocks were the overall No. 1 seed.

    Joining the Gamecocks in their bracket were No. 2 Iowa, No. 3 Oregon State and No. 4 Oklahoma.

    Peterson said Iowa was switched with USC to ensure that the bracketing principle of keeping the top four teams in a conference in different regions was protected.

    The Pac-12 had five of the top 16 seeds.

    The Buckeyes would have No. 2 seed Southern Cal, No. 3 LSU and No. 4 Colorado. The Buffaloes were a No. 1 seed in the initial review.

    The other top teams in Stanford’s region were No. 2 Texas, No. 3 N.C. State and No. 4 Indiana. UCLA would be joined by Virginia Tech, UConn and Gonzaga.

    Teams just outside the top 16 included Kansas State, Notre Dame, Syracuse and Utah.

    The Final Four will be played in Cleveland on April 5, and the NCAA championship game is two days later.

    The NCAA has been doing in-season reveals since 2015 to give teams an early idea of where they could be come selection night. Thursday’s reveal did not factor in the games scheduled for later that night. The NCAA will unveil the tournament bracket on March 17.

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    Associated Press

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  • USF releases 2024 football schedule

    USF releases 2024 football schedule

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Coming off a dramatic turnaround in its first season under head coach Alex Golesh, including a 45-0 rout of Syracuse in the Boca Raton Bowl, USF football on Thursday released its 2024 schedule.

    Non-conference games vs. Bethune-Cookman (Aug. 31) and Miami (Sept. 21) in Raymond James Stadium and road dates at Alabama (Sept. 7) and at Southern Mississippi (Sept. 14) were already announced.

    The Bulls now know the conference road that awaits as the program seeks its first-ever conference championship.

    Kickoff times and television broadcasts for the first three weeks of the season, as well as the season’s weeknight games, will be finalized by June 1.

    The schedule (with conference games marked with *) is below: 

    Aug. 31 vs. Bethune-Cookman

    Sept. 7 at Alabama

    Sept. 14 at Southern Miss

    Sept. 21 vs. Miami

    Sept. 28 at Tulane*

    BYE WEEK 

    Fri., Oct. 11 vs. Memphis*

    Oct. 19 vs. UAB* (Homecoming)

    BYE WEEK

    Fri., Nov. 1 at FAU*

    Nov. 9 vs. Navy*

    Nov. 16 at Charlotte*

    Nov. 23 vs. Tulsa*

    Nov. 29/30 at Rice*

    Fri., Dec. 6 AAC Championship Game

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • UCF makes 2nd-half run to top Oklahoma State for its 2nd Big 12 road win

    UCF makes 2nd-half run to top Oklahoma State for its 2nd Big 12 road win

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    STILLWATER, Okla. — Darius Johnson scored 17 points, Jaylin Sellers scored 10 of his 12 points in the second half, and UCF defeated Oklahoma State 77-71 on Wednesday night for its second Big 12 road victory in eight attempts this season.

    What You Need To Know

    • UCF came from behind in the second half to beat Oklahoma State 77-71

    • The victory marked the Knights’ second on the road in the Big 12

    • It also was the first time UCF has won back-to-back conference games this season

    • Darius Johnson and Jaylin Sellers led the Knights in scoring

    UCF (15-12, 6-9), coming off a 75-61 win over No. 23 Texas Tech on Saturday, won back-to-back conference games for the first time this season.

    Johnson sank a jumper early in the second half to give UCF its first lead of the game at 43-42. Ibrahima Diallo added a dunk on the Knights’ next possession for a 7-0 start to the second half.

    Diallo made a putback with 2 minutes, 41 seconds left to extend the lead to 70-63 following a 6-0 run.

    Oklahoma State guard Quion Williams had a layup attempt roll off, and C.J. Walker grabbed the defensive rebound before making 1 of 2 free throws with 35.8 seconds left for a 71-67 lead. Marchelus Avery came up with an offensive rebound on the missed free throw, and Johnson sealed it with two free throws with 26.2 left.

    Shemarri Allen also scored 12 points, including eight of his team’s 27 made free throws, and Walker added 10 points for UCF. Walker, who entered with two made 3-pointers on the season, made back-to-back shots from distance to pull UCF within 38-33 late in the first half.

    John-Michael Wright scored 22 points and made five 3-pointers for Oklahoma State (12-16, 4-11). Eric Dailey Jr. added 15 points and Javon Small scored 13.

    Wright made four 3-pointers in the opening six minutes of the game to give Oklahoma State a 16-11 lead. Wright finished the half with 15 points, and Dailey added 13 as the Cowboys held a 42-38 lead at the break. Oklahoma State was 4 of 13 from 3-point range in the first half, with nine attempts coming from Wright.

    Up next

    UCF: Returns home to face No. 8 Iowa State on Saturday

    Oklahoma State: Plays at Texas on Saturday

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    Associated Press

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  • Samuel, Pullin carry No. 24 Florida to 83-74 victory over Missouri

    Samuel, Pullin carry No. 24 Florida to 83-74 victory over Missouri

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    GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — With scoring leader Walter Clayton Jr. sitting on Florida’s bench, his teammates needed to step up.

    Tyrese Samuel and Zyon Pullin took over.

    Samuel scored a career-high 28 points, Pullin added 21 and No. 24 Florida never trailed in an 83-74 victory over woeful Missouri on Wednesday night.

    Samuel and Pullin scored 23 of the team’s final 25 points, taking charge after Clayton fouled out with 14 minutes to play.

    “They were just awesome,” coach Todd Golden said. “In tight moments, you want your experienced guys to step up and shoulder a little more of the load. … They stepped up and made big shots.”

    The Gators (20-8, 10-5 Southeastern Conference) won for the ninth time in 11 games to reach 20 victories for the first time since the 2017-18 season. The Tigers (8-20, 0-15) lost their 15th in a row and guaranteed a last-place finish in the league as well as the 14th seed in the conference tournament.

    Florida has been on the rise for weeks and is now 2-1 — with the lone loss coming at then-No. 13 Alabama in overtime last week — since getting ranked for the first time in Golden’s two seasons.

    This one was closer than many expected, though. The Gators were 13 1/2-point favorites but found themselves clinging to the lead after coming out flat to start the second half.

    Missouri whittled a double-digit deficit to 55-54 after Nick Honor made three free throws with Clayton on the bench.

    Florida’s Will Richard answered with his first 3-pointer of the night after missing six from long range. Pullin followed with another trey, and the Gators started to pull away. Samuel then converted a three-point play and made a layup on consecutive possessions. He finished with 10 rebounds.

    All of it came with Clayton cheering from the bench. Clayton picked up his fifth foul on a technical while arguing a defensive foul called against him. He finished with 13 points, five assists and three rebounds.

    “I think we played great the stretch,” Samuel said. “We didn’t panic. Poise was key. I had a lot of confidence that we were still going to win the game.”

    Micah Handlogten chipped in 12 points and 12 rebounds for Florida, which won its seventh straight at home and improved to 13-1 in the O’Connell Center. Pullin rebounded from his worst offensive outing of the season — he scored two points against Vanderbilt on Saturday — and reached double figures for the 27th time in 28 games.

    “Having games like this, you can’t relax,” Samuel said. “It wakes us up and brings back a little urgency that we need going forward. Sometimes we need games like this, especially when you come out on top.

    Added Pullin: “It brings us back to reality a little bit. It shows us our weaknesses and what we got to keep getting better at.”

    Sean East II led the Tigers with 20 points. Honor added 18, and Tamar Bates, who torched the Gators for 36 points in their first meeting of the season, finished with 15.

    “Second half was a little bit different of a game, but (the Gators) still manufactured what they had to do in a different way,” Missouri coach Dennis Gates said.

    BIG PICTURE

    Missouri: The Tigers have endured several tough losses during their skid, but they weren’t all that competitive in this one. Florida led comfortably in the first half and pulled away down the stretch after Mizzou provided a brief scare.

    Florida: The Gators avoided a letdown and prevented what would have been a huge hit to their NCAA Tournament resume. They are one of just a handful of teams in the country to not have a loss outside Quad 1 games.

    UP NEXT

    Missouri: Hosts Mississippi on Saturday.

    Florida: At No. 18 South Carolina on Saturday.

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    Associated Press

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  • Orlando City moves on to Champions Cup round of 16

    Orlando City moves on to Champions Cup round of 16

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    ORLANDO, Fla. — Midfielder Nico Lodeiro got the scoring started for Orlando City and added an assist as the Lions defeated Calgary FC 3-1 Tuesday night to advance to the CONCACAF Champions Cup round of 16.

    The aggregate score in the round was 6-1.

    “We achieved a lot today with rotating different players,” Lions coach Oscar Pareja said. “Trying to time our week that is, as you know, difficult with the game coming, and we just played last Saturday here. So, I’m happy with the group. I think we all refreshed today with the group playing and those who have not played and the ones who have been resting. I’m happy now just thinking about the next game, and we’ll think about the next steps in CONCACAF next week.”

    Mexican soccer power Tigres UANL will travel to Orlando on March 5 for the first leg of the next series, and the second leg will be played March 12 in Monterrey, Mexico. The series will be a rematch from last year, when the Tigres advanced to the quarterfinals.

    Ramiro Enrique scored on Lodeiro’s assist in the 71st minute, and Kyle Smith finished the scoring on an assist by Facundo Torres in the 88th minute to complete the Lions’ scoring. Lodeiro, who signed with Orlando City in the offseason, got his goal on an assist by newly acquired designated player Luis Muriel in the 48th minute.

    Season-ticket members and recognized supporter groups can buy tickets to the March 5 match now. The general public can purchase tickets online starting Thursday.

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    Spectrum Sports Staff

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  • Welcome aboard: USF men’s hoops makes first ever Top 25

    Welcome aboard: USF men’s hoops makes first ever Top 25

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — For the first time in the program’s history, the University of South Florida mens basketball team is in the Associated Press Top 25 poll.

    Fresh off the team’s 13th consecutive win on Sunday, the Bulls debuted at No. 25, one spot behind the Florida Gators.

    South Florida has been a surprise in its first season under Coach Amir Abdur-Rahim, who led a remarkable turnaround at Kennesaw State from a one-win season to an NCAA Tournament bid last year. Now he’s helped the Bulls (21-5) go from being picked ninth in the American Athletic Conference to their first-ever ranking.

    The Bulls beat SMU, 79-68, on Sunday to improve to 14-1 in league play. The game drew more than 10,200 fans to the Yuengling Center.

    Elsewhere in the poll, the Gators — coming off a loss to Alabama and a victory over Vanderbilt — are No. 24.

    The Houston Cougars are at No. 1 for the first time this season, ending the six-week stay of reigning national champion Connecticut.

    Purdue rose one spot to No. 2, while the Huskies’ loss to Creighton dropped them to third.

    Teams four through 10 in Monday’s poll are: Tennessee, Marquette, Arizona, Kansas, Iowa State, North Carolina and Duke.

    The rest of the Top 25 on Monday:

    11. Auburn

    12. Creighton

    13. Illinois

    14. Alabama

    15. Baylor

    16. Kentucky

    17. Saint Mary’s

    18. South Carolina

    19. Washington State

    20. San Diego State

    21. Dayton

    22. Utah State

    23. Gonzaga

    24. Florida

    25. USF

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • USF sets program record with 13th straight win

    USF sets program record with 13th straight win

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    TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Kasean Pryor scored 19 points off the bench and South Florida increased its win streak to 13 with a 79-68 victory over SMU on Sunday.

    Pryor also contributed nine rebounds for the Bulls (21-5, 14-1 American Athletic Conference). Selton Miguel made three 3-pointers and scored 18. Chris Youngblood added 12 points.

    The Mustangs (19-9, 10-5) were led by Ricardo Wright with 16 points. Samuell Williamson pitched in with 12 points, seven rebounds and four steals. Zhuric Phelps totaled 11 points and nine rebounds.

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    Associated Press

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  • Nico Lodeiro brings veteran presence to Orlando City

    Nico Lodeiro brings veteran presence to Orlando City

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    ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando City had a productive offseason, keeping their core roster intact while bolstering it with a few additions.

    Nico Lodeiro joins Orlando City after a historic career with Seattle Sounders that spanned eight seasons.

    The Uruguayan midfielder helped Seattle to two MLS Cups and a CONCACAF Champions League title in 2022.

    Spectrum Sports 360’s Danielle Stein sat down with Lodeiro ahead of his Orlando City debut to learn more about his decision to join the club. 

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    Danielle Stein

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  • ECU baseball player makes history after life-altering accident

    ECU baseball player makes history after life-altering accident

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    BUIES CREEK, N.C. — Two years ago, Parker Byrd was one of the best high school baseball players in the country, ranked 126th. He had a promising future with options to head straight to Major League Baseball with a projected late-round draft pick, or he could go to one of the top college baseball programs in the country and build his stock in the NCAA. 

    What You Need To Know

    •  Parker Byrd of East Carolina University made history as the first Division I baseball player to compete with a prosthetic leg

    •  Byrd was in a boating accident 19 months ago, leading to the amputation of his right leg

    •  Before his accident, Byrd was the 126th top-ranked high school baseball player in the country

    • ECU is ranked 11th in the country by D1 Baseball

    But 19 months ago, Parker Byrd’s life was changed when he was involved in a boating accident when tubing with his friends. The East Carolina baseball commit lost his right leg in an amputation procedure that created the possibility he would never walk again.

    “You know, his mom told him pretty early on, there’s no D-1 guy that’s ever played the game with a prosthetic leg. You could be the first,” Parker Byrd’s dad, Jeff Byrd, said. “I went to Dick’s and bought him a five-pound, actually a 10-pound weight, and he was so weak, he couldn’t even pick up 10 pounds, but I made him start working out in the hospital, because we didn’t want him to quit, we didn’t want him to lose his fight.”

    “And as soon as he got home from the hospital, he said, let’s go to the cage,” Jeff Byrd said. “He was in a wheelchair, and he went to the cage in a wheelchair, and all he wanted to do was track pitches, and from that moment, he has figured out what it has taken to get back to this moment right here.”

    The moment Jeff Byrd was referring to was the fourth game of the 2024 college baseball season, just a few days following a historic moment in sports.

    In game one, Parker Byrd became the first Division I baseball player to compete in a game with a prosthetic leg. He drew a walk Feb. 16 in his team’s win over Rider. 

    “My family, my mom, kind of implied early on in my accident, she told me keep going, there always has to be a first, why couldn’t it be me, so kind of ever since then, I believed in this dream and knew that one day, it would come true,” Parker Byrd said. 

    His dream of playing major league baseball may have changed, but now he’s on a path to inspire others.

    “Show people I can still play baseball, and just because I lost some limbs doesn’t mean my life is over,” Parker Byrd said. “People that have limb differentials and prosthetics are still athletes.”

    For Jeff Byrd, watching his son play baseball again has been awe-inspiring. 

    “Nineteen months ago, we never thought this day would happen. And just to be able to get in the car and drive to a game, the possibility he could get in the game, is always a big moment for me and his mom and his two sisters just to know he’s back in the game,” Jeff Byrd said. “Aside from the birth of my three children, it was probably the greatest moment of my life. I never thought I’d see him step in the box again.”

    Parker Byrd will continue to practice and play for the Pirates as they look to compete for a national championship. His family and friends will be there with him every step of the way, as he looks to become a baseball para-Olympic athlete in the future. 

     

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    Evan Abramson

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  • Play Ball! Grapefruit League games begin this weekend

    Play Ball! Grapefruit League games begin this weekend

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    TAMPA, Fla. — Major League Baseball Spring Training begins in Florida this weekend with teams, including the Tampa Bay Rays and New York Yankees, playing their first games of the season on Saturday.

    Florida is playing host to 13 MLB teams this year for Spring Training, including several that call the Tampa area their spring training homes.

    What You Need To Know

    • MLB Spring Training games start across Florida this weekend

    • The Tampa Bay Rays will play their first game Saturday against the Atlanta Braves

    • The New York Yankees will play their first game Saturday against the Detroit Tigers

    • Florida is playing hosts 13 MLB teams for spring training this year
    • Bay News 9 Spring Training guide 2024 

    The New York Yankess in Tampa are a big draw for fans traveling from New York. Some of those fans stay in Tampa for several weeks each year.

    In Tampa’s Midtown, Senior Sales Manager for Aloft Midtown Nancy Jennings says hotel bookings have been solid since January.

    In fact, she says, booking a room right now requires at least a month or two lead time.

    “Our February, we are looking at an occupancy for the month at around 90%, and our expected, possibly in March, to be more than 90%” said Jennings. “So that’s 90% of the month, which is a lot of sold out nights.”

    The influx of MLB Spring Training fans isn’t just good for local hotels. 

    Local bars, restaurants, and shops also benefit from spring training visitors.

    The Red Sox, Orioles, Pirates, Twins, Cardinals, Mets, Marlins, Phillies and Blue Jays will all play their first spring training games Saturday, along with the Rays and Braves and the Yankees and Tigers.

    Check the Bay News 9 Spring Training Guide for game times, ballpark maps and ticket information. 

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    Jason Lanning

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  • UCF Athletics receives $5.5 million pledge from alumnus

    UCF Athletics receives $5.5 million pledge from alumnus

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    ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A UCF alumnus has pledged $5.5 million to UCF Athletics for construction of a football center and a sports facilities endowment fund, the university announced Thursday.

    What You Need To Know

    • UCF Athletics received a $5.5 million pledge from alumnus Taylor A. Gerring

    • The funds will go toward a new football center and an athletics facilities endowment

    • The commitment is the largest single cash pledge by an individual for UCF Athletics

    • The facility will be part of the Hagle Football Gateway project

    The commitment by 2005 graduate Taylor A. Gerring is the largest single cash pledge by an individual for UCF Athletics.

    The funds will help pay for construction of a new football administration and coaches building that will be part of the Hagle Football Gateway project.   

    “I’m happy to give back to the university to show my appreciation for everything that’s been provided to me,” said Gerring, who majored in business administration at UCF and is now a blockchain pioneer and co-founder of Ethereum Foundation. “My hope is that it inspires other students to achieve great things.”

    The new facility, which the UCF Board of Trustees voted to name the Taylor A. Gerring Football Center, will receive $5 million of the funds pledged, and $500,000 will be invested in the Taylor A. Gerring Athletics Facilities Endowment Fund, according to UCF.

    UCF is engaged in a fundraising campaign to have a successful transition into the Big 12 Conference, and the football campus is part of a larger plan to improve game and practice facilities for all the Knights’ teams throughout the Kenneth G. Dixon Athletics Village. 

    “This is my way to do what I can in this moment of time as we enter the Big 12 Conference,” Gerring said. “There’s a lot of momentum and excitement behind that, and I hope to inspire other donors to jump in and help us reach the end goals we’re looking for.”

    The football center will be part of the Hagle Football Gateway project. The facility also will feature Nicholson Plaza; McNamara Cove, which will offer a recovery river and hydrotherapy area for student-athletes; a renovated Wayne Densch Sports Center that will include an expanded football team locker room known as the Thow Family Locker Room; enhancements to UCF’s football practice complex; a new VIP parking lot; and a pedestrian promenade. Construction will be completed in phases and is scheduled to start this spring.

    Gerring, who is from Stuart, said his excitement about UCF’s football program kept growing while he was a student and through his involvement in the Chicago UCF alumni community. It really picked up for the 2014 St. Petersburg Bitcoin Bowl.

    “I was living in Europe and traveled back, very excited to see the culmination of this whole Bitcoin/Ethereum world come together with my UCF Knights in St. Petersburg, and it’s literally the Bitcoin Bowl,” Gerring said. “…I was like, ‘is this event made for me?’”

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    Spectrum Sports Staff

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  • College Football Playoff OKs format with 5 conference champs, 7 at-large teams

    College Football Playoff OKs format with 5 conference champs, 7 at-large teams

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    The field for the 12-team College Football Playoff will comprise five conference champions and seven at-large selections after the university presidents who oversee the CFP voted unanimously Tuesday to tweak the format.

    What You Need To Know

    • University presidents who oversee the College Football Playoff voted for a new format Tuesday

    • The CFP will be made up of five conference champions and seven at-large teams

    • The original plan, before the disassembling of the Pac-12, was for six league champs

    • The new format will go into effect in the upcoming season

    The move to decrease the number of spots reserved for conference champions from six to five was prompted by realignment and the disassembling of the Pac-12 and has been anticipated for several months. An expected vote last month was delayed at the Pac-12’s request.

    The original plan for the 12-team format was to have the six highest-ranked conference champions, with the top four receiving first-round byes, and six at-large selections. But with one fewer power conference after the Pac-12’s demise, the commissioners who manage the CFP recommended to make the change from a 6-6 format to a 5-7.

    No conference will have automatic access. Those five slots will go to the highest-ranked conference champs as determined by the CFP selection committee, ensuring at least one team from outside the Atlantic Coast Conference, Big Ten, Big 12 and Southeastern Conference will make the 12-team field.

    The selection committee’s rankings also will determine the seven at-large bids. There will be no limit to how many teams can come from the same league.

    “This is a very logical adjustment for the College Football Playoff based on the evolution of our conference structures since the board first adopted this new format in September 2022,” said Mark Keenum, president of Mississippi State University and chair of the CFP Board of Managers. “I know this change will also be well-received by student-athletes, coaches and fans. We all will be pleased to see this new format come to life on the field this postseason.”

    The 2024 season will be the first with a 12-team playoff after 10 years of it being a four-team event.

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    Associated Press

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