Pictured Above: Photo courtesy of BYSA
Bloomingdale 10U All-Stars, Emma Velasco, Jansen Warbritton, Riley Porter, Camryn VanGalder, Leah Pabon, Haylee Baker, Ava Velasco. Paige Sanchez, Kimora Okimosh, Emily Knowles, Leanne Allen, Carly Rivera. Charlie Allen, Larry Knowles, Jason Warbritton and Eric VanGalder celebrate their state championship victory.

By Tamas Mondovics

Area student-athletes gave parents, coaches, and fans a great first half of the 2017-2018 athletic season to which a few highlights provide clear testimony.

The start of the season drew attention to the success of the Bloomingdale 10U girls’ softball all-stars who enjoyed the spotlight after winning both district and state champions on the back of an undefeated season.

The team led by program manager Larry Knowles represented Bloomingdale communities as well as the state of Florida at the annual Babe Ruth World Series.

Another athlete’s success the community enjoyed hearing about this fall was 11-year-old Fishhawk resident and sixth grade Bell Creek Academy student, Aiden Sadler, who has managed to post a solid performance during this year’s USA Diving National Championship held in Columbus, OH. The win qualified Sadler to represent TEAM USA in Victoria, Canada at the 2017 Junior Pan American Championships in October.

The most anticipated sport each fall, of course, is high school football, which continues to draw large crowds to support their teams on Friday nights.

While needing some work, Newsome High School fans were not disappointed as the Wolves turned in a solid season after a strong start of a 4-0 overall and 2-0 district record in preparation for a makeup game against Durant. Before taking on Riverview, Newsome Head Coach Kenneth Hiscock spoke highly of his players’ commitment, preparation, and hard work in hopes of posting solid season.

One of the most praised programs was the Bloomingdale Bulls varsity football team, which following a two-game loss to start the season, managed to refocus and plow through its conference to reach the post season for the third time in school history.

Of course, the above highlights but just a few of the hundreds of local student-athletes who have worked hard this fall and deserved the commendation and recognition.

The community is looking forward to the second semester for more great achievements to highlight as well as celebrate.

For more information about local students and teams, please visit, www.maxpreps.com.

Newsome Wolves senior kicker Spencer Shrader (84) gets the extra point against the Sharks during a district game.
BPHAT Fitness powerlifters Katie Little, 21 and Anna Boettger 15, competed in the annual International Powerlifting League (IPL) World Power lifting competition in Las Vegas last month. Little won gold while Boettger brought home a silver and broke an American record during the tournament.
Local diver, Aiden Sadler, 11, smiles after winning first place in the three-meter springboard competition at the USA Diving National Championship in Columbus OH.
The Bulls began with a two-game loss but proved their right to appear in the postseason after defeating Class 7A, District 9 rival Durant 21-15. The win set up the program for a round-two, against the Titans in the 7A region three quarterfinal game; the Bulls’ third postseason appearance in school history.
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