Catch Central Florida

Lakeland Raiders Fan Fest

Emily L — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:48:10 +0000

As the regular football season comes to a close, many fans are beginning to wonder what they will do with their time. Luckily the patrons of Polk County will be continuing on the football tradition with the inaugural season of the Lakeland Raiders indoor football team. In order to start the season off right, the team will be hosting Lakeland Raiders Fan Fest on Saturday, February 11, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at The Lakeland Center.

Events to look forward to throughout the day include:

Free Raiders Inaugural Season Posters to first 1,500 Fans
Coaches and Player pictures and autograph signings
Fan Fest Season Ticket Specials
Kids Zone, Games, Face Painting
Giveaways All Day Long
Fan Contests
Meet and Greet with Coaches, Players and Dancers
See Live Football Drills
Raiders4Kids Youth Teams And Junior Dancer Sign Ups
Drink and Food Specials
Raiders 2012 Merchandise on Sale
Try Out to Sing the National Anthem
Try Out To Be The Voice of the Raiders
2012 Raiders Model Search Sign Ups

This event is completely free to everyone so come out and enjoy food, football, and get an inside look at the newest team in the United Indoor Football League. Don’t forget to check out the home game schedule and be the first to get your tickets at www.lakelandraiders.com.

This Week in Sports

Rebecca — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 22:01:42 +0000

Florida ISA – Super Bowl Showdown
Dates: 2/4 – 2/5
Venue: Bartow”555” Complex
-This is an ISA qualifying tournament that is expected to bring in 130 adult participants, 300 youth participants, and 210 spectators.
-For more information, please visit www.isasoftball.com or www.centralfloidasports.com

NSA – Winter World Warm-Up
Dates: 2/4 – 2/5
Venue: Auburndale Softball Complex
-This NSA tournament is expecting over 30 teams (500 participants) and over 300 spectators to travel to the Polk County area.
-For more information please visit www.playnsa.com or www.centralfloridasports.com

Winter Haven Hospital Foundation – Heart Smart Days Festival
Dates: 2/2 – 2/27
Venue: Winter Haven Hospital
-The Heart Smart Days Festival is a series of events to promote heart awareness in conjunction with National Heart Month in February. The events include a Ladies Luncheon and lecture, a Heart Smart Days Health Fair, and ending the event is a Community Evening Lecture by one of the Winter Haven Hospital’s Heart Physicians. All proceeds raised will benefit the patients served by Winter Haven Hospital’s nationally recognized Bostick Heart Center.
-For more information, please visit www.winterhavenhospital.org or www.centralfloridasports.com

Winter Haven Hospital Foundation – Big Bass Bash
Dates: 2/2 – 2/27
Venue: Winter Haven Hospital
-The Big Bass Bash Fishing tournament will go to support the care of premature and sick babies at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the Winter Haven Hospital Regency Center for Woman and Infants. This great fishing event will allow anglers to enjoy a beautiful day out on the Chain of Lakes while supporting a worthy cause. Participants will be fishing to share a total purse valued at $4000.
-For more information, please visit www.winterhavenhospital.org or www.centralfloridasports.com

Enduring Warrior Dash Central Florida

JoeC — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 12:45:18 +0000

As a young boy your mother expects you to play in the dirt, get muddy, ruin clothes and destroy shoes. Somewhere along the line you get older, take down the “no girls allowed” sign in front of the tree house, and eventually trade in the tree house for a real house in an effort to mature and move forward. No one expects that at age 25 you’d still be playing in the mud. Then again with an event like Warrior Dash, where you’re encouraged to throw on a pair of Superman briefs, a makeshift cape, crawl, swim, and jump through mud, on top of cars, under barbed wire and over fire, how could you resist?

I had the opportunity to partake in Warrior Dash Central Florida 2012. My friend and I showed up an hour before our start time so that we could grab our registration packets: a horned warrior helmet, athletic Warrior Dash t-shirt, bib and timing chip.

There were around 500 people in our 11:00 a.m. wave, and we started off with a light jog for 100 yards. The first obstacle was getting through the thickest, heaviest, black muck I’d ever encountered. It was military grade mud, if such exists. Overzealous participants had to look for help getting out after sinking knee deep. The wave had thinned. Now weighting about 20 pounds more than when I started, I jogged to the next obstacle – a barricade breakdown where we had to lift ourselves over a bar and immediately under barbed wire several times. Remember, my hands and shoes are caked with mud.

Just past the barbed wire, we got our balance and walked up and over a six inch wide ramp. After a short jog, we jumped and crawled over a 50 yard stretch of tires and junk cars. Past the last car I could see the climbing wall. Not too difficult to pull myself up with the rope, slide over and crawl down. I’m feeling good at this point.

Immediately after the wall there was a deep pool of what appeared to be clean water. I was relieved. The sign said, “Deep Water.” I’m good, I can swim. Easy part, right? Splash! The sign should have read, “Freezing Deep Water.” My body was stunned; it was pretty difficult to swim and pull myself up, and over, the floating barriers in my path. Once out of the water, we had a half mile jog through sand lined with motivational signs saying things like “Don’t worry, we didn’t train for this either,” and “Don’t let Dale from Accounting beat you.”

The next obstacle was a large manmade sand dune we had to climb up and over. Simple enough I thought, but stationed on the back side of the dune was an airboat blowing water directly into my face. A nice breeze in the middle of Warrior Dash? Not exactly. Next up was elevated cargo nets we had to crawl across. I was careful not to slip for fear I wouldn’t be able to get back upright in a timely manner.

At this point we had a mile to go. After a quarter mile run through sand, the next obstacle was a 50 yard trek through a waist deep section of mud. Done. My legs are good and tired as I approach the next obstacle of army crawling under ropes hanging less than a foot off the ground. My whole body was feeling the burn, literally, as I attempted to leap over rows of thigh high flames. Yes flames, as in real fire. I remember thinking, “This can’t be safe,” but I’d made it to the final obstacle. Or did I? After clearing the last smoky pile, I turned towards the finish line and saw a murky, muddy trench with barbed wire strung across, close to 20 yards long. Back to crawling and swallowing gritty, sandy, smelly clay water. I was ready Warrior Dash to be over. After sprinting through the finish line, I was thrilled to receive my medal and a fresh drink of water.

Repeat! Yes, I had so much fun the first time, I ran Warrior Dash again that same day.

After the race, my friend and I walked around, turned in our timing chips, watched a concert for a little while, and soon noticed that the race crowd had grown into a huge outdoor party. Surprisingly, everyone was outgoing and friendly; the post race camaraderie was like nothing I’ve been involved with before. You can expect to see me at Warrior Dash Central Florida 2013!

Polk County’s Bar-B-Que Festival Season is Underway

Jessica — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:52:18 +0000

Polk County residents – and visitors alike – are fortunate to have the 2012 barbeque festival season looming on the horizon. Celebrate mouthwatering barbeque with the return of annual sanctioned competitions such as the Lakeland PigFest, Smoke on the Water, and Ribs on the Ridge. And this year, a new entrant joins the field… the Southern Smokers BBQ Competition. All four events offer live entertainment and FREE admission. Come hungry, as many competing teams will be selling their savory fare for the public to enjoy.

The Southern Smokers BBQ Competition took place last Saturday, and the inaugural event was a success. Sanctioned by the Florida BBQ Association, over 25 teams competed in the event.

This weekend, Friday, January 27th and Saturday, January 28th, Lakeland PigFest will celebrate its 16th year at the Tiger Town Sports Complex. Lakeland PigFest is the is the area’s largest barbeque competition. It is a Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) sanctioned event and the KCBS is the largest international organization of barbeque enthusiasts. Each year PigFest welcomes close to 200 teams to compete in the Pro Division, BackYard Division and the Kid’s Q competition and proceeds benefit Lakeland-area charities.

The 8th Annual Budweiser Smoke on the Water BBQ Competition returns to Winter Haven on Saturday, February 4th as the 2012 Florida BBQ Association State Championship. Funds raised benefit the Citrus Center Boys & Girls Clubs of Winter Haven, Lake Wales and Haines City. More than 80 teams from across the country will compete for the Florida State Grand Champion title. Unique entertainment includes a Cypress Water Sports Ski Show on beautiful Lake Cannon.

The 4th Annual Ribs on the Ridge takes place at Lake Eva Park in Haines City on Friday, February 24th and Saturday, February 25th. This growing event has been the Florida BBQ Association’s largest competition for the past two years; with approximately 100 teams competing. Don’t miss performances by The Pork Chop Review featuring “Oink” the singing pig!

In October 2012, the festivals start over again with the Florida BBQ Association sanctioned Fine Swine at the Pit in Mulberry offering up more delicious barbeque to please your palette. Visit www.fineswine.org.

Polk County offers numerous barbeque restaurants so you won’t have to suffer withdrawal in the off-season. Historic eateries include Peebles Bar-B-Q, a Central Florida landmark that has been serving up barbeque for more than 55 years, and Jimbo’s Pit Bar B-Q, a Lakeland tradition since 1964. Brock’s Smoke Hut in Winter Haven was recognized in 2011 by National Barbecue News as one of the “Best of the Best Barbecue Restaurant’s in America.” Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q and Woody’s Bar-B-Q are familiar names with locations all around Polk County. This list hardly scratches the surface. For a comprehensive listing of restaurants in Polk County, go to www.VisitCentralFlorida.org.

This Week in Sports- A Weekend of Softball!

Rebecca — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 19:29:03 +0000

Independent Softball Association – Adult Winter Nationals
Dates: 1/27– 1/29
Venue: Diamondplex, Auburndale Softball Complex
-The ISA Winter Nationals takes place over three weekends in January, with open invitations to youth and adult teams from across the country. This weekend’s competition features the Adult Class C, D, Co-ed, and Modified divisions.
-For more information, please visit www.isasoftball.com or www.centralfloridasports.com

Florida ISA – Youth Blast
Dates: 1/28 – 1/29
Venue: Bartow”555” Complex
-This is an ISA qualifying tournament that is expected to bring in 105 adult participants, 315 youth participants, and 170 spectators.
-For more information, please visit www.isasoftball.com or www.centralfloridasports.com

Detroit Tigers to Host Annual Fantasy Camp Game on Saturday at Joker Marchant Stadium

Jessica — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 14:55:22 +0000

Baseball in January? Yes, for a group of lucky Detroit Tigers Fantasy Camp participants, past Tigers players, and local fans. The Detroit Tigers will host their annual fantasy camp game tomorrow, January 21st, at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland. The game begins at 10:00 a.m. and admission is free, but a suggested donation of $2.00 will be collected for the Detroit Tigers Foundation of Florida, which benefits local youth sports organizations and local charities.

The fantasy camp participants have been in town since Sunday, participating in clinics, batting practices and games. After spending the week training alongside Tigers greats, the campers will have the opportunity to showcase their talent and passion for the game on the field. Participants scheduled to appear include: Willie Horton, Alan Trammell, Mickey Lolich, Frank Tanana, Larry Herndon, Jon Warden, Jim Price and more.

The Tigers will begin their exhibition schedule on Friday, March 2nd as the club plays host to Florida Southern College in the annual matchup against the Moccasins. Detroit Tigers Spring Training games are currently on sale. Tickets can be purchased at the Joker Marchant Stadium Box office, online through the Detroit Tigers website at www.Tigers.com, or by phone at (866) 66-TIGER (84437).

RussMatt Baseball Returns to Polk County in February

Emily L — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 12:05:25 +0000

For the 4th straight year, Russmatt Baseball will be hosting their annual Central Florida Invitational right here in Polk County. Collegiate baseball teams from the around the coast will all gather over a six week period for spring training and game competition. Starting on February 18th, over 200 teams from all different divisions (NCAA D I, II, III, NAIA and JUCO) will begin to pour into all parts of the county to begin their preparation.

Some of the top teams venturing out to our region will be Northwestern, Navy, Georgetown, Army, Yale and North Dakota State. This collegiate spring training is a time for major league scouting, practice, and preparation for what will be a tough season ahead. the Russmatt Baseball tournament is a great opportunity to grab family and friends, and scout out your favorite potential pros or just enjoy a great day of baseball.

Be on the lookout for game schedules, weather updates, and game results that will be updated daily through our Facebook and Twitter accounts. The finalized tournament schedule will be published in February at www.CentralFloridaSports.com.

Sports Central: January 13, 2012

JoeC — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:11:48 +0000

Links:

Interviews:

Richard Murvin, Bartow High School Girls Head Basketball Coach
Jeff Meeks, Red Trail Racing
Feddy Azofeifa, Operations Manager, Lakeland Raiders
Jeremy Burnett, Defensive End, Lakeland Raiders
Ingrid Burch, Event Coordinator, Southern Smokers BBQ
Lora Donley, BBQ Chair Southern Smokers BBQ Competition

Show Packages:

Lake Wales Pioneer Days
Roar N’ Soar
Arts & Culture Update with Jessica Roberts

Show Sponsors:

The Ledger
Sunsplash Vacation Homes
Days Inn Lakeland North
Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille
Holiday Inn Winter Haven
Travelodge Lakeland North
Ramada Inn Lakeland Hotel & Conference Center
Peebles Bar-B-Q
Hampton Inn Lakeside Village

Original Air Date: January 13th, 2012

This Week in Sports

Rebecca — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 18:10:40 +0000

Grand Square Inc. “Florida Winter Festival” – Square Dance
Dates: 1/20 – 1/22
Venue: Lakeland Center
-Square dance participants travel from approximately twenty states and Canada to compete. Generally there are participants from three to four foreign countries as well. www.gsiinternational.org or www.centralfloridasports.com

Independent Softball Association – Adult Winter Nationals
Dates: 1/20– 1/22
Venue: Diamondplex, Auburndale Softball Complex
-The ISA Winter Nationals takes place over three weekends in January, with open invitations to youth and adult teams from across the country. This weekend’s competition features the Adult Class A, E, Women’s, and Masters divisions.
-For more information, please visit www.isasoftball.com or www.centralfloridasports.com

Dundee Area Chamber of Commerce – 1^st Annual BBQ Competition & Crafts Show
Dates: 1/21 – 1/22
Venue: Winn Dixie plaza off of US Hwy 27 in Dundee
-Come out for a fun filled day of BBQ competition. There will be an Arts & Craft show to go along with the 25 pros and 10 amateurs expected to cook off!! The venue is expected to house 10-15 vendors with about 4000 spectators.
-Profession Division
            1st place prize $500
            2nd place prize $250
            3rd place prize $150

-Back yard division winners are awarded trophies and a $100.
-For more information, please visit http://dundeechamberflorida.org/main.php or www.centralfloridasports.com

2012 Warrior Dash
Dates: 1/21 – 1/22
Venue: Triple Canopy Ranch
-This fierce running series is held on the most challenging and rugged terrain across the globe. Warriors conquer extreme obstacles, push their limits and celebrate with music and warrior helmets. This is the wildest, muddiest; most fiery 5k run you will ever have the opportunity to participate in. With 12 seriously challenging obstacles ranging from mud-pits, to climbing walls, tight-rope walks and fire pits finishing competitors are deserving of the title Warrior! Over 1000 runners will tackle this task while over 2000 spectators watch!
-For more information please visit www.warriordash.com or www.centralfloridasports.com

This Week in Sports

Rebecca — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 18:51:03 +0000

North Central Florida Pigeon Fanciers Association – Grand Nationals & Convention
Dates: 1/9 – 1/13
Venue: The Lakeland Center
-There will be an offering of over $2550.00 in prize money. Various raffles will be held. There will be a beer garden and grill setup at the Show Hall. Tours will be available. All facilities will be in one building. ALL Specialty Clubs are invited to show with us, and the opportunity to come to a beautiful place and wonderful weather, a chance to get out of the frozen tundra in January. This event is expected to bring in over 900 participants from out of county.

Entry Fees: $6.50 per bird (non NPA members)
$5.50 per bird (NPA members)
Entries Close: December 10,2011
Banquet Tickets $35.00 per person
Sale cages: $25.00 (4 standard holes or 18″x18″ holes
Sale cages must be paid for in advance (no exceptions)
You must be an exhibitor to get a sales cage (5 adult entries minimum 0
For more information, please visit www.npausa.com or www.centralfloridasports.com

Florida State Soccer Association – Florida Classic
Dates: 1/13 – 1/16
Venue: Lake Myrtle
-Divisions include Men’s Open, Men’s Division 2, O30, O40, O45, O50, O55, O60; Women’s Open; Coed. (Only teams playing in Div 2 or lower may enter Men’s Div 2)
-Tournament is a 3 game minimum round robin format with games on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Semi-finals and Finals on Monday.
-Registration deadline is December 1, 2011
-For more information, please visit www.floridastatesoccer.com

Horses Unlimited Entertainment, Inc. – Lakeland Pro Rodeo Classic
Dates: 1/13 – 1/14
Venue: Lakeland Center
-The Lakeland Pro Rodeo Classic is a professional rodeo with 7 events sanctioned for World Championship points with the PRCA. The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association is head quartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Cowboys and Cowgirls from across the United States, Canada, and Brazil compete in bareback bronco riding, saddle bronco riding, steer wrestling, tie down roping, team roping, bull riding, women’s barrel racing, along with comedy acts, dress acts and trick & fancing riding.
-For more information, please visit www.prca.com or www.lakelandprorodeo.com or www.centralfloridasports.com

Independent Softball Association – Youth Winter Nationals
Dates: 1/14 – 1/15
Venue: Bartow Softball Complex, Diamondplex
-The ISA Winter Nationals takes place over three weekends in January, with open invitations to youth and adult teams from across the country. This weekend’s competition features the youth division, which includes all fast pitch teams from 8U to 18U.
-For more information, please visit www.isasoftball.com or www.centralfloridasports.com