First-year Plant City coach Jason Strunk can't help but get excited when talking about seniors Denzel Drone and Duran Lowe. It's for good reason. There are a lot of reasons for Strunk to be excited. ...more

September 4, 2008

Joe Taylor considers coaching his ministry. He might need a miracle to restore football glory overnight at Florida A&M. ...more

August 29, 2008

Deb Logano didn't know, at least not really, what her son was getting into at first. ...more

August 26, 2008

In basketball, much of the scoring emphasis is focused on the 2- and 3-point field goals. Often overlooked is the free throw, worth only one point. ...more

August 24, 2008

The Tribune began its countdown of the top 10 Hillsborough County football teams on Tuesday with No. 10 Tampa Bay Tech. Today: No. 9 Brandon. The rankings were compiled in a vote by the Tribune's four staffers who cover high school football and News Channel 8's Dan Lucas. ...more

August 20, 2008

In 2003, Plant High School won all of one football game. The once-proud Panthers had fallen on the hardest of times; they were now Friday Night Lightweights. Dad's Stadium orphans. Enter new head coach Robert J. Weiner, who seemed almost oblivious to the riches-to-rags challenge. The whispers had grown deafening that the iconic, 82-year-old South Tampa institution, synonymous with affluence and academic achievement, had grown too soft to excel at a tough, noncountry club sport. But the longtime Jesuit High assistant had seemingly been preparing for this opportunity his whole career. His philosophy of old-school work ethic, zealot-like motivation, unwavering loyalty and community commitment -- plus a fun, high-octane spread offense – may have found the perfect fit in high-profile, under-performing Plant High. He also realized that South Tampa was unique: a de facto small town within a major city and would likely rally around a revived football program. ...more

August 19, 2008

Before he became the greatest Olympian ever, Michael Phelps was a kid who was bullied because he had big ears and a lisp. A teacher once told his mother he'd never be successful because he couldn't focus. ...more

August 19, 2008

Selecting judges is no easy task. The candidates are often unfamiliar to voters and judicial canons prevent them from addressing specific issues. The restriction is frustrating, though appropriate. Judges must execute the law without bias or agenda. The bench is no place for political grandstanding. ...more

August 4, 2008

ALL-COUNTY BOYS TRACK AND FIELD Strength in numbers leads to county, district championships for previously unheralded program. ...more

August 3, 2008

Juli Inkster had the sort of opening round Annika Sorenstam was hoping for at the Women's British Open, a bogey-free 7-under 65 that left the 48-year-old American one shot ahead of the field. ...more

August 1, 2008