Sports Archive

Kianna Kidd figured once her high school lacrosse season was over that her athletic career would be as well.

Fate has a funny way of working things out.

At the end of her post-game talk with the team late last Tuesday evening in the outfield of Hensley Stadium, Navarre head softball coach Kelly Hayes opened the floor up to Caitlin Tilton, the lone senior.

For four years Tilton has been an integral part of the Raider softball program, a starter since her freshman year, making big catches in centerfield and delivering clutch hits in key moments.

Jeff Lindgren returned to Pensacola earlier this month after a stint with Triple-A Jacksonville and looked sharp despite a 6-3 loss to the Mississippi Braves.

Lindgren went six innings and struck out six. He gave up two runs on three hits as the Blue Wahoos wrapped up their two-week road swing with a 6-6 record.

Rachel Leggett was the state runner-up a year ago in the high jump. On Saturday in Gainesville, she’ll take aim at a championship.

Leggett is one of five Navarre Raiders who qualified for the 4A state track meet this weekend at the University of Florida.

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.