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| Volume 2, Issue 3 | ||
| In the News | ||
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On December 8, at the Tampa Bay Business Journal's 2005 Business of the Year Awards Dinner, the Tampa Bay Sports Commission received the Special Community Business Award for Services to the Region. The Tampa Bay Sports Commission was a finalist for the award along with the HomeBanc Mortgage Corporation and Diamonds Direct, Inc. "The past 12 months have been unprecedented for the Tampa Bay Sports Commission," said Chairman Ronald J. Campbell. "We appreciate the confidence of the Hillsborough Tourist Development Council, our county leadership, the Tampa Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau, and the many sponsors that support our mission." "Additionally, we should note that the efforts of the sports commission do more than just bring events and economic impact to our community. For example, last year's Southeast High School Football Combine brought dozens of universities to the Tampa Bay region, which in turn granted 28 football scholarships to deserving student-athletes. Hopefully, those numbers grow even greater next year." The recognition concludes a stellar year of accolades that included winning the BlazeSports 2005 Friend of the Team award and the 2005 Florida A&M Distinguished Community Service Award. Area Youth Take the Field at Game Day of Champions
On Saturday. December 10, the Tampa Bay Sports Commission hosted the annual Game Day of Champions Football and High School All-Star Game at Raymond James Stadium. This year's Game Day of Champions featured the Antioch Redskins, Bay Area Raiders, East Tampa Bandits, Lutz Chiefs, New Tampa Wildcats, Pinecrest Pilots, and the Plant City Dolphins. Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners Chairman Jim Norman started Game Day of Champions 11 years ago in Tampa Stadium.
"Game Day of Champions was the coming together of a lifetime of memories for 26 football players from the Lutz Chiefs, " said Sherri Leach team mom for the players, " The reward of a once in a lifetime season for the young men growing into young adults." Aside from the treat of playing on a professional caliber field, the players also were invited to tour the locker rooms, and were announced over the stadium's public address system.
2005 Game Day of Champions Football Results East Tampa Bandits 19, Bay Area Raiders 12 East Tampa Bandits 12, Pinecrest Pilots 6 Plant City Dolphins 12, New Tampa Wildcats 6 Lutz Chiefs 12, Antioch Redskins 2
East All-Stars Comeback to Win Catch 47
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In the evening, immediately following the Game Day of Champions, two all-star teams from Hillsborough County High Schools squared off in a high-caliber football game at Raymond James Stadium. In an amazing ending, the East Hillsborough County All-Stars stormed back in the fourth quarter to defeat the West Hillsborough County All-Stars, 16-13. The East All-Stars were coached by Tampa Catholic head coach, Bob Henriquez, and were led by offensive MVP Chip Bowden from Durant High School and defensive MVP James Finger from Bloomingdale High School. The West All-Stars were coached by Gaither High School head coach, Mark Cantor. Be sure to check local listings to see all of the exciting action on Bright House Networks Catch 47. Tampa Bay Sun Bowl Attracts Over 100 College Coaches
The 28th annual Tampa Bay Sun Bowl kicked off December 27th and continued until champions were crowned on December 30th. The annual soccer tournament which had 248 club teams from 27 states was held at the University of South Florida, the Ed Radice Complex, and many other facilities throughout the Tampa Bay area. The Sun Bowl attracted 101 college coaches to this year's event. AAU Wraps Up Another Successful Winter Nationals
The AAU Winter National Baseball Tournament, the largest winter baseball tournament in the United States, took place during the last week of December in the Tampa Bay area. The event featured 121 teams competing in age groups ranging from 8-under to 19-under. Games were played throughout the week at the Ed Radice Sports Complex, Citrus Park Little League, University of South Florida, Florida College, and several local high schools. The champions of each age group were awarded rings to commemorate their victory. The Tampa Bay Sports Commission would like to thank the Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation for co-sponsoring the AAU Winter National Baseball Tournament. To see results click here. | ||
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Ph: 813.223.1111 - Toll Free: 800.826.8358 - Fax: 813.218.3376 - www.TampaBaySports.org
For more information, email Joe Willis at jwillis@VisitTampaBay.com