SW Orlando Sports News – August 18, 2016

compiled by Lauren Salinero


081816sports01(Front, l. to r.) Ruben Saldana, Jeremy Nunez, (back, l. to r.) Matt Clapp, Noah Sullivan, Austin Snyder and JJ Rogers of the Dip Brother Hood ultimate dodgeball team win Sky Zone Orlando’s first Ultimate Dodgeball Qualifier.

In Southwest Orlando Sports news, Sky Zone Orlando hosted its first Ultimate Dodgeball Qualifier. The winning team, Dip Brother Hood from the Dr. Phillips area, had the opportunity to compete in the fifth annual Ultimate Dodgeball Championship in Las Vegas for a shot at $50,000.

Team members included Matt Clapp, Jeremy Nunez, JJ Rogers, Ruben Saldana, Austin Snyder and Noah Sullivan.


Florida League High School Baseball, a nonprofit organization, is conducting tryouts for its fall season on Aug. 27 and Aug. 28 at the Historic Sanford Memorial Stadium.

League officials believe in development and preparation for college baseball, not just playing in tournaments. There are several team practices and clinics, working to improve on the model from the summer. Clinics are designed for individual work, while the practices focus on team-oriented aspects of the game. The fall program is open to all players who will graduate high school in 2017-20, and the cost to tryout is $99.

For more information or to register, call 321-206-9174 or visit www.flhsbaseball.com on the web.


West Orange Chamber of Commerce has opened registration for its 2016 Golf Classic. As one of its most popular events, the Golf Classic is an ideal setting for business leaders to bring their best clients, top prospects and office staff for a fun afternoon of golf and relationship building.

The tournament will take place at MetroWest Golf Club on Nov. 3. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. For more information, visit wochamber.com/chamber_events/golf on the web.


Central Florida residents contributed to naming the area’s new Minor League Baseball team by submitting and voting for six finalists in the Name the Team contest.

“We are humbled by the response from the Central Florida community,” said Joe Harrington, team president. “We’ve heard local businesses and organizations were encouraging employees, members, friends and family to submit their thoughts on what our team name should be, and we couldn’t be more pleased. In true Minor League Baseball fashion, the top six finalists reflect not only the creativity of our fans but also the diverse community in which our team will live, work and play.”

The top six names are the Florida Dragonflies, Florida Fire Frogs, Florida Mud Kickers, Florida Rodeo Clowns, Florida Sorcerers and Florida Toucans.

(At the time of this posting, a final name had not been announced.)


081816sports02(Front, l. to r.) Erika, Zuli, Victoria Q., Molleigh, Brittany, Mackenzie, Nikki, Nicole F., Lauren, Victoria R., (back, l. to r.) Lily, Kiki, Sarah, Cierra, Olivia, Desiree, Rachel, Bethany, Nicole H. and Kori are selected as the 2016-17 Orlando Magic Dancers.

The Orlando Magic announced its 2016-17 Orlando Magic Dancers. For two weeks, women competed for a spot on the team, taking pre-audition classes, participating in physical fitness sessions, and interviewing with judges and former Orlando Magic dancers. The audition process culminated with a performance of a pair of routines in front of family members and friends.

Aside from performing in front of thousands of fans during games, the Orlando Magic dancers play an essential role at many other team and community events.

The new season’s dancers are Bethany, Brittany, Cierra, Desiree, Erika, Nicole F., Nicole H., Kiki, Kori, Lauren, Lily, Mackenzie, Molleigh, Nikki, Olivia, Victoria Q., Victoria R., Rachel, Sarah and Zuli.


Dr. Phillips High School officials announced several new coaches for the 2016-17 school year. Laura Kirkikis is leading the men’s and women’s cross country teams. Ms. Kirkikis is a USA Track & Field-certified coach. She is a graduate of Louisiana State University and lettered for three years in track and cross country from 2010-13. After graduation, she returned to her high school alma mater as an assistant coach for both sports, helping them to both district and conference championships.

Donny George is coaching women’s soccer. Mr. George had a strong playing career at Baker University in Kansas, where he led the team to an undefeated season and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Final Four. Prior to coming to the U.S., he played under contract in England for Leiston Football Club, AFC Sadbury and the Ipswich Wanderers Football Club from 2002-08.

Men’s volleyball is being led by Jeremy Fonnett, who is stepping into the head coaching position after serving as assistant for many years. Mr. Fonnett is a DPHS alumni. He returned to teach at the school after graduating from Florida State University. He also is assisting the women’s volleyball team under new head coach Danny Eleutiza.


Orange Tree Womens Golf Association is holding its female-only golf fundraiser for Women Playing For T.I.M.E. in partnership with Orlando Health Foundation on Oct. 20 at Orange Tree Golf Club. Money raised will be donated in support of UF Health Cancer CenterOrlando Health to defeat cancer as it affects men and women.

Since its inception in 1993, WPFT has contributed more than $10 million.


081816sports03Stuff, mascot for the Orlando Magic, wins its first NBA Mascot of the Year trophy.

Orlando Magic mascot Stuff was named the 2016 NBA Mascot of the Year in recognition of its high-flying feats and acting prowess. Stuff’s complete arsenal was on full display during the season, including a death-defying flip off a ladder through an inflatable hoop, a stellar performance in its trampoline symphony skit, the unique What Stuff Does video, and assisting Magic forward Aaron Gordon in his perfectly executed slam dunks in the 2016 NBA All-Star Slam Dunk competition.

The award was voted on by NBA mascots at the 20th annual NBA Mascot Conference. It was debuted in 2005 at the conference, which provides an opportunity for NBA mascots to continue to innovate and share ideas on game-day skits, the newest props and outfits. Since the award began, 11 mascots have been selected. This is Stuff’s first year winning the honor.


Relay for Life of Dr. Phillips representatives are seeking forward-thinking, creative and dedicated individuals from the Dr. Phillips, International Drive, MetroWest and Millennia communities to bring it to the next level of success as part of its Event Leadership Team.

The Relay for Life of Dr. Phillips is tentatively set for April 1, 2017, at Dr. Phillips High School. Organizers are looking for those with experience working in a team environment. Volunteer committee experience is preferred, but not required. The American Cancer Society provides training through webinars, roundtables and support from the community representative.

For more information, email Cindy at cardschweitz@gmail.com.


Although we try to ensure that all information presented above is the most current, correct and dependable available, we do rely on others for the source of our news. Therefore, the Southwest Orlando Bulletin and Kearney Publishing Corp. cannot be held responsible for the validity of the information presented here, nor does mentioning it constitute an endorsement. Sports information is welcome and may be mailed to P.O. Box 851, Windermere, FL  34786; or emailed to Lauren@kearneypublishing.com.💓