Sports Archive

That familiar sound of pads popping along with the potential on display after a big throw or tough catch helped usher in the start of another spring practice for the Navarre Raiders.

Head coach Jay Walls said spring ball is a continuation of the work the players have put in since the season ended last November.

Emma Simon had a chance to play soccer for her dad, Rob, during her high school career at Navarre, and that opportunity helped shape her into the player she is today.

“I’m glad my dad was my coach because he always pushed me to be the best I could be and never gave up on me,” Simon said. “I’m glad he was harder on me than everyone else because he kept me motivated.”

Navarre’s track team heads to the Region 1-3A meet Saturday in Flagler Palm Coast, with several Raiders on the cusp of punching a ticket to state next week in Gainesville.

Ameer Rustom, Devin Wright, Caden Howard and Rachel Leggett headline the list of competitors who are poised to move on to state.

Kolby Vitale struck out swinging in his final at bat of the night against Milton last Thursday evening.

And while he was frustrated, not just with that but with the 8-0 loss as well in the regular-season finale, the senior standout for the Navarre baseball team understands it’s part of the game.

There was no baseball at Lighthouse Private Christian Academy three years ago. A decision was made to take a year off from the sport. The future of the program hung in the balance.

Jump ahead to a windy, sun-splashed Wednesday morning in late April at Tiger Point and the program is thriving, already setting a program record for wins in a season.

Bryan Hoeing helped the Pensacola Blue Wahoos earn a split in their series with Biloxi. Hoeing won his second game of the year as Pensacola came away with a 4-1 win.

He threw seven scoreless innings and allowed only two hits. Hoeing struck out eight.

The University of West Florida tennis team claimed the Gulf South Conference championship Saturday, beating reigning champ Valdosta State 4-1.

The win was the 19th of the year for the Argos, who won their 14th conference title in program history.

Navarre’s softball team capped its regular season with a big win Friday night over Pensacola Catholic and now shifts its attention to the District 1-6A tournament.

The Raiders rolled past the Crusaders 18-5 on the road, their 10th win in their last 12 outings, and will play Niceville Tuesday night in the semifinal round of the district tournament.

Eury Perez made his first win at the Double-A level a memorable one.

Facing Biloxi on the road Friday night, the Pensacola Blue Wahoos pitcher threw a one-hitter, highlighting the effort with a 12-strikeout performance.