Stories by Brian Lester

Raider volleyball team feeling good about season after productive summer workouts

July 19, 2024

With travel volleyball taking up time and head coach Ryan Davenport having to step down and then get rehired after retiring from teaching, the Navarre Raiders have only done summer workouts during the month of July.
But it’s safe to say summer has been productive.

Navarre Raider football team gets work in at 7 on 7 against Wildcats

July 19, 2024

Garrett Bagley brought up energy after his Navarre Raider football team finished out a 7 on 7 against Booker T Washington on Thursday in Pensacola.
The Raider head coach wants his team to have it every time it’s on the field, to celebrate big plays when they are made.

Navarre softball standout Renee Hester announces college commitment

July 18, 2024

Navarre’s Renee Hester is headed to the Division I level for softball.
The rising senior announced her commitment to Canisius on Thursday.

Play Ball! FSU, Auburn to meet up in showcase event at Blue Wahoos Stadium

July 17, 2024

Saturday afternoons in the fall are usually reserved for college football.
If anyone is up for baseball, however, Blue Wahoos Stadium is the place to be Oct. 12 as Florida State will take on Auburn in a showcase doubleheader starting at Noon.

Caden Howard lands new track and field opportunity at Alabama-Huntsville

July 17, 2024

Caden Howard needed a new challenge when it came to competing in track and field.
So, after his second year with the NCAA Division III Huntingdon Hawks ended, the Navarre grad started searching for a new home.

UWF Argo taken in MLB Draft

July 16, 2024

Darrien McDowell is the highest drafted player in University of West Florida baseball history.
McDowell was taken 180th overall, going in the six round to the San Diego Padres on Monday.

Former area athletes featured in new college football video game

July 16, 2024

A handful of area athletes are featured in the new EA Sports College Football video game.
Among them are Dante Wright, Grady Kelly and Ethan Newman from Navarre as well as Tyler Strain out of Pace and Emory Williams from Milton.

Marquez White feeling more comfortable as he gears up for another football season

July 16, 2024

Marquez White had never played a full season of football before last year. It didn’t take him long to catch on to the game and thrive.
White finished among the top tacklers for the Navarre Raiders, ranking third with 64, and he’s ready to build on that success as a junior.

Emily (Madril) Sams talks Olympic team, year two as a pro in Orlando

July 15, 2024

Sometimes Emily (Madril) Sams still can’t believe this is her life. Not many get to be a pro athlete, after all, and let it be known the Navarre alum is fully aware she’s living the dream.

Right on Q: Randolph helps Vegas Knight Hawks punch ticket to IFL playoffs

July 15, 2024

Quentin Randolph is headed to the postseason with the Vegas Knight Hawks.
Randolph caught three passes for 45 yards and also rushed for seven yards as he helped Vegas defeat Northern Arizona 55-45 on Saturday to clinch the franchise’s first ever Indoor Football League playoff berth.