SW Orlando Sports News – June 2, 2016

compiled by Lauren Salinero


060216sports01Gymnast Hailey Clark, 12, of Windermere displays her talent on bars.

Hailey Clark, a sixth-grader and Windermere resident, achieved a high victory in gymnastics. The 12-year-old earned the titles of 2016 Florida USA Gymnastics Level 7 Bars State Champion and 2016 Region 8 USA Gymnastics Level 7 Bars Regional Champion. Aside from one second-place finish, Clark has consistently won first place in bars throughout the season. She is also a member of the National Junior Honor Society, Jack and Jill of America Inc., and Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church.


060216sports02Richie Diedrich of Dr. Phillips High School signs a volleyball scholarship with Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne.

Dr. Phillips High School senior and Dr. Phillips resident Richie Diedrich was accepted to Indiana Univeristy-Purdue University Fort Wayne on a volleyball scholarship for the 2016-17 academic year. He will be playing the middle and right-side hitter positions.

Diedrich began playing volleyball during his sophomore year, and led the Panthers to more than 300 kills, nearly 100 digs and 25 blocks. He was instrumental in helping the team attain its third consecutive Metro West Championship. A gentleman both on and off the court, Diedrich has been honored for his sportsmanship many times.


060216sports03(L. to r.) Hannah Rosenfield; Thomas Marcy, headmaster; John Lykins, director of athletics; Mandy Rosenfield, director of tennis; Steven Lyng, deputy headmaster; Hannah McGee; Zoe Rosenfield; Fernando Valdajos, coach; Madeleine Geller; Abbey Lahnston and mascot Willow the dog (front) celebrate Windermere Preparatory School girls varsity tennis team’s runner-up finish at state finals. Not pictured: coaches Howard Jones and Nick Jones.

Windermere Preparatory School’s girls varsity tennis team placed second at its state finals. The team is coached by Howard Jones, Nick Jones and Fernando Valdajos, and is cheered on by mascot Willow the dog. Players include Hannah Rosenfield, Hannah McGee, Zoe Rosenfield, Madeleine Geller and Abbey Lahnston.


060216sports04MetroWest resident and Trinity Preparatory School student Robyn Steenstra (second from right) signs to play baseball at Stetson University.

Robyn Steenstra, a MetroWest resident and senior at Trinity Preparatory School, signed with Stetson University to play baseball. He dressed in Stetson apparel for a signing ceremony with fellow classmates who have committed to play their respective sports at various colleges. The occasion was important, both to remember all of the hard work the athletes put into their sports and to signal continued commitment in college.


The second annual AutoNation Cure Bowl presented by Florida Hospital, which features an American Athletic Conference football team going up against a Sun Belt Conference team, will take place Dec. 17 at 5:30 p.m. The game will be held at Camping World Stadium and air nationally on CBS Sports Network.

During the inaugural game, a total of $1.15 million was given to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, upholding the bowl’s mission in finding a cure for cancer. The donation is the highest amount given in the history of college football bowl games from a single bowl to its cancer research foundation or charity partner.

Priority seating can be purchased by calling 407-235-3925 or visiting curebowl.com on the web. Other tickets go on sale through Ticketmaster in September.


060216sports05After impressive performances in the regional and state championships, the lightweight 8 team of Orlando Area Rowing Society heads to nationals.

Orlando Area Rowing Society’s lightweight 8 girls team won first place at the regional 2016 USRowing Southeast Youth Championship in Sarasota. The victory came on the heels of a silver at the 2016 Florida Scholastic Rowing Association State Championships. The weather allowed for fast, close racing that kept the audience on the edge of its seat.

The winning team consisted of junior Nicole Abruzzo, freshman Mallory Brown, freshman Megan Ford, captain and senior Chloë Goodyear, freshman Payton Graziotti, junior Jessica Meena, senior Sarah Newton, captain and junior Maddie Sabis, and coxswain and freshman Samantha Sizelove. The girls are headed to Princeton, New Jersey, for nationals from June 9-12.

To donate funds to help make their trip successful, visit www.gofundme.com/chloegoodyearrows on the web.


060216sports06(L. to r.) Emare Hogan, Jean DHaiti, Alex Nkuitabong and Carl Schwartz of Dr. Phillips High School’s track and field 4×800 relay team compete in the 2016 State Championships.

The Dr. Phillips High School track and field team traveled to Bradenton to compete in the 2016 State Championships. Although the team did not win, the 4×800 relay squad took home its second gold title. The relay team is composed of senior Jean DHaiti, junior Emare Hogan, junior Alex Nkuitabong and junior Carl Schwartz. They are coached by Jorge Fleitas.


060216sports07Supporters raise funds and walk in Arnies March Against Childrens Cancer to support the cancer research and clinical trials at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children.

Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and the 2016 Arnold Palmer Invitational joined forces to take a stand with Arnies March Against Childrens Cancer. Participants raised funds for the Haley Center for Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders at Arnold Palmer Hospital by creating or joining a fundraising team. They then showed their support by walking at Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge for a 1-mile march. The route wound around several golf holes and the clubhouse, sticking mostly to a concrete golf cart path but also veering onto the grass.

Sara Ball organized the Bay Hill and Friends team, which had 68 people contributing $6,760 and several team members participating in the march.

This year, the event raised more than $145,000, which will help support cancer research through clinical trials. Fundraising for Arnie’s March will continue year-round.

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. 💓