At the end of each month, they spotlight a Female Athlete of the Month, a Male Athlete of the Month, and honor one student with the Good Sportsmanship Award.

After an exciting Homecoming victory, Athletic Director Ryan Lavallee proudly named the September Athletes of the Month. Congratulations to Jacob Allese, Colton Davis, and Makaila Lindsey; they each earned this recognition with their dedication and impressive performances.

Click here for more information.

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Friday’s varsity game at Veterans Stadium had Lemon Bay squaring off against Wellen Park High, with kickoff at 7:30 p.m. Lemon Bay High School’s Manta Rays dominated the Wellen Park Eagles with a heavy ground attack in a homecoming victory resulting in a big win, Lemon Bay 40, Wellen Park 7. 

The 2026 Homecoming King and Queen: Moriah Baker & Peyton Horn were crowned during halftime. 

That night, the Touchdown Club rolled out something new: the Jubilee Jamboree Toy Drive, working with St. David’s Jubilee Center and inviting everyone to bring a new toy or gift card to help families during the holidays.

On Saturday, October 3, everyone traded in jerseys for glitter and gowns at the Homecoming Dance. The memories made there probably don’t fit in a scrapbook; they’ll linger long after the night ends. And grads? They came back, just like every year, turning Homecoming into a true Manta Ray family reunion.

The Athletic Hall of Fame Induction

But October at Lemon BayHigh School holds even more unforgettable events. The Athletic Hall of Fame Induction lands on Friday, October 9, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. on campus, a celebration that honors the school’s finest. 

After the induction, the crowd rolls straight to Senior Night/Pink Out football as Lemon Bay faces LaBelle at 7:30 p.m., and the next morning sees teams hitting the links for the Athletic Department Golf Tournament.

Lemon Bay Athletics couldn’t be prouder of the Hall of Fame Class of 2026. This year’s inductees:

Christian Otvos: Weightlifting & Football
Sam Tilly: Track & Field & Football
Robert Burris: Track & Field, Soccer & Football
Charlie Russo: Trainer, Mentor, Legend
Cherie Ingordo-DeVaux: Horse Trainer

Congratulations to every inductee, a group whose stories and dedication will keep inspiring Lemon Bay for years to come.

Click here for more information.

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Usually, the team starts at 5:45 a.m. That means lineups, sprints, and calisthenics before a lot of kids have even hit snooze on their alarms. But it’s Thursday morning, September 17, 2026, and they actually “slept in” and didn’t start until 6:30 a.m. 

Still, no one’s late. The coaches don’t have to chase them down. That’s just how things are with this program; discipline isn’t optional, it’s automatic.

Coach Jason Mensing doesn’t waste time. As soon as he steps onto the field, the players huddle up and are ready. When asked what it’s like to run practices at the crack of dawn, he doesn’t sugarcoat it. “We switched to mornings over a year ago. We actually start at 6 a.m. with warm-ups from 5:50,” he says. “We moved practice before school for health and safety. We were dealing with so much lightning and heat in the afternoons that we’d go entire weeks stuck inside. Then, on game nights, the kids struggled to handle the weather. Morning practices let us get outside almost every day, and the temperature’s a lot like it’ll be at kickoff.”

And it’s paid off. “I’m thrilled with how it’s gone,” Mensing says. “The guys prefer getting the work done early, and it’s made a huge difference in our team’s discipline and academic performance. We’ve seen fewer discipline issues at school, too.”

Right now, Lemon Bay’s off to a solid start: 3-2 with both losses coming against some of the toughest teams in the area. The roster is young; they’re starting six sophomores, ten juniors, and even a freshman. But with this kind of work ethic, Mensing believes they’ll keep getting better and have a real shot at the playoffs.

Participation is higher than it’s ever been, and the standards haven’t dropped. That’s why the staff is excited not just for this season, but for the whole direction of the program. These early mornings aren’t just about football; they’re building something bigger.

Lemon Bay High School’s mission? Simple. They push students, teachers, and parents to come together as learners, striving for excellence in every area. Their beliefs are clear: every student can learn, each one brings unique value, and the school’s primary job is to help them do it. They rely on high expectations, teamwork, and a commitment that lasts beyond graduation. 

There’s a strong set of values, too: empowerment, community, resilience, innovation, safety, and more. This isn’t just a place to play football; it’s a school determined to help kids grow.

Walking on the field with the players in the dark, a few players turned to this reporter and said, “Good morning, ma’am.” These players are not just talented athletes; they’re polite, and all before 6:30 a.m. 

Back on the field, there’s a chant the players do before getting to work: “You for me! Enjoy your struggle! I trust you! Work!” It’s loud, it’s real, and it speaks volumes.

Ryan LaVallee, the Athletic Director for the Lemon Bay Manta Rays, watches it all with clear pride. He spoke with the REVIEW and confirmed Coach Mensing’s message regarding why they moved to morning practices. 

“When you practice in the afternoon down here, you’re constantly dodging lightning and high temperatures. We were losing one or two practices a week. Now? In almost two years, we’ve only missed a day and a half.”

What about the early alarms? Did parents complain? “Honestly, there was a little grumbling at first,” LaVallee explains. “The kids weren’t thrilled about getting up early. But now, they’re used to it; they actually like it. Plus, it means they get to school on time and have more free time after classes.”

This is only the second year of morning practices, but everyone’s buying in. The players are all here, before the coaches, ready to go.

How’s the season shaping up? LaVallee is optimistic. “We’re 3-2. Lost to a couple of really strong teams, but that’s a good test for us. We have a lot of good games left, and we feel good about our chances.” 

With Lemon Bay now in the new SSAA for football, the playoff format’s changed, but everyone’s eager to see where they’ll land.

The community spirit here is alive. JV just played at Sarasota Christian, and varsity is up against DeSoto County next. “Next week’s big: JV’s away, but varsity’s playing at home Friday night. Everyone should come out. It’ll be a great game. And Homecoming’s on the horizon, along with the Hall of Fame game. So yeah, there’s a lot to look forward to.”

At Lemon Bay, football is more than just wins and losses. It’s 5:45 a.m. wake-up calls, discipline, grit, teamwork, and building a program and a school that everyone can be proud of.

At the end of each month, the Lemon Bay High School Athletic Department announces the Female and Male Athlete of the Month along with the Good Sportsmanship Award. Here are the August recipients.

Click here for more information about the Lemon Bay High School Athletic Department.

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On September 26th and 27th, the league is hosting a charity tournament for the Lemon Bay High School swim team. Nichole Reyes, whose daughter is a senior swimmer, took charge of the fundraising. The swim team gets hardly any money for its season, so Nichole and the softball crew stepped up. The event features a coed tournament on the 26th, followed by a men’s tournament on the 27th. You’ll find concessions, raffle baskets, vendors, everything you need to help boost the team’s funds. Every dollar goes toward travel, new swim gear, uniforms, and more.

But this group is more than just softball. Listen to what the members say about what the team means to them, and to Englewood.

Kelly Williams, President and Coach, puts it simply: “Where I found my people, lost my patience, spent all my free time, and somehow wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

Nichole Reyes, Security and Coach, shares her perspective: “Some people go to therapy. I go to the softball field. It’s not about wins and losses—it’s about escaping life for a while, finding peace between the lines, making memories, and being around people who turned into family.”

Coach Kenny Laymance keeps it light: “Play hard, have fun, compete and keep the good vibes!! YOLO.”

Derek Richardson, Security, gets to the heart of it: “If you want to be remembered, don’t just play the game. Leave everything you have on the field, lift your teammates up, and make every moment count.”

Here’s to another incredible season, on and off the field.

For information go to https://sportsplus.app/public/6518/schedule or check out their Facebook page Englewood Adult Softball League, Inc.

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This wasn’t just any season opener; it was the first football game ever played at Wellen Park, and the Eagles didn’t disappoint. They cruised to a 45-7 victory over their rivals from North Port, putting on a show for a packed stadium in Sarasota County.

The atmosphere after the game was electric. Wellen Park High took to social media to soak it all in: 

“We’re still taking in everything that was last night. What a way to finish our first week at Wellen Park High School. 

To our families and our Wellen Park community—thank you.

Thank you for showing up. Thank you for packing Wellen Park Stadium. Thank you for cheering on our kids, our cheerleaders and our band. And thank you for being part of a night that we’ll remember for a long, long time.

There are going to be a lot of ‘firsts’ this year, but last night felt different. Walking around the stadium and seeing our students, families, staff and community all together—it felt like Wellen Park High School became a little more real.

We learned some things, we’ll keep getting better, and we appreciate the patience and grace you showed us throughout the week.

And getting to finish it all with the first football win in Wellen Park High School history? Pretty special.

One week down.

We’re just getting started.

Go Eagles!”

Wellen Park High School officially opened its doors to students on August 10, 2026, kicking off the 2026–27 school year. Before that, the community celebrated with a ribbon-cutting on July 28. Now, with their first victory in the books, the Eagles are off and running.

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This decision follows a turbulent summer. After Booker fired head coach Carlos Woods in July, 21 players transferred out to other schools. On top of that, the Florida High School Athletic Association fined Booker $500 and put the school on probation until May 25, 2027, all because they let eighth-graders practice with the team last spring.

Principal Jamal Crook admits that rebuilding won’t happen overnight. “This isn’t us giving up on football at Booker. We’re investing in its future,” he wrote.

Retired area coach James Ward didn’t hide his disappointment. He’s watched Booker football become a powerful program and hates seeing the players who helped build it leave. “I just hate to see the young men who worked so hard have to change schools,” Ward told ABC7. “Xavier, our county, plays really good football, and I’m excited to see how this season unfolds.”

Booker High announced its decision on social media, emphasizing that this move came after “careful consideration of the current needs of our student-athletes and the long-term health of the football program.” The school stressed its proud athletic tradition and the aim to rebuild a football program that lives up to it. 

Booker also thanked students, families, and alumni for sticking with them through such a tough period, a gesture that means a lot while the program starts to regroup and look ahead.

The post Fines, Firing, and 21 Transfers: Booker High Scraps Varsity Season Days Before Kickoff appeared first on Englewood Review.

Kyle wrapped up his fourth season on “American Ninja Warrior” after reaching the Eastern Regional Finals in Las Vegas; his episode aired July 13. He’s hit the course in seasons 14, 16, 17, and 18, and he’s no stranger to being inches away from the national finals. He came closest in season 17, even slapping that buzzer. His entrance into the Ninja world? Credit his mom, who suggested the show. After a few episodes, Kyle started finding gyms where he could train.

His drive has roots in his day job, too. For a decade, he’s been an occupational therapist at HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital. He’s spent about five years working with kids who have limb differences, through the Never Say Never Foundation. The charity runs the annual Pirate Camp in Clearwater; money raised there helps pay for prosthetics and equipment for kids who need them. On air, Kyle brings the cause front and center, using his Ninja platform to drum up support.

He sees himself in the energetic kids he helps, especially those with sensory processing disorders like ADHD and autism. That inspired him to start Sunshine Ninja Therapy in 2019, taking kids to a ninja gym to tackle obstacle courses that build sensory integration, teamwork, and overall strength. That program’s on pause now because he just can’t do it all, but he still dreams of opening a ninja gym for Sarasota’s youth one day.

And then there’s Tre. Kyle found Tre, just a puppy and already missing a leg, while searching for a companion after his divorce. He adopted Tre from Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue in Lakewood Ranch. Thanks to his therapy background, Kyle helped Tre learn to walk and find his balance, eventually getting him certified as a therapy dog during the pandemic. Their bond? Kyle calls it a “perfect match” and laughs that people in town recognize Tre more than him.

Training’s not getting easier as Kyle ages, so his focus is shifting toward inspiring and supporting the next generation. His message on and off the Ninja course stays the same: chase your dreams, don’t let obstacles stop you, and never, ever quit.

If you’d like to help kids with limb differences, donate at neversayneverfoundation.org.

Click here for information about American Ninja Warrior.

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Here’s what die-hard Bucs fans need to know heading into camp at the end of July:

First off, let’s talk about dates. The Bucs will hold eight open practices. Beginning on July 30, the Bucs will make three days available to the public. The rest target Krewe Members, corporate partners, and special groups. All the practices start bright and early at 8:30 a.m. except for a night session on August 4, which kicks off at 7:00 p.m. If you want in, you’ll need a digital ticket. Krewe Members can snag them from June 16; everyone else has their turn on June 22. Check Buccaneers.com/TrainingCamp/2026 for ticket sales.

Day one of camp is pretty laid-back for the veterans: physicals, meetings, classroom instruction, and some light conditioning on the field; no real football yet. On days two and three, the rules stay pretty strict: think running around in shorts, but still no contact or pads. After that, the real action starts. Once the league green-lights padded practices, teams get only one per day, capped at three hours. There’s also room for an extra field session, but it has to be more of a walk-through, with no helmets, no hard work, just mental reps.

Joint practices spice things up. Tampa Bay will host its last open session before heading north to face the Jets in New York on August 10. Expect a couple of joint practices ahead of their preseason opener on August 14. Later that month, the team travels to Jacksonville to tangle with the Jaguars in joint sessions before their final preseason game on August 28. It’s more than just a change of scenery—these joint practices push players, test depth, and give coaches a better look at how the roster stacks up before the regular season.

Of course, the part fans come to see is the one-on-one drills. Whether it’s a receiver shaking free from a cornerback, or a big man using every trick in the book to out-muscle a lineman, these battles peel back the curtain on who’s thriving, who’s struggling, and who might force their way onto the radar. It’s an adrenaline boost for the crowd and a reality check for players trying to make their mark.

Mark your calendars for these open practice sessions:

– Thursday, July 30 (8:30 a.m.)—General Public
– Friday, July 31 (8:30 a.m.)—Krewe Members, General Public
– Sunday, August 2 (8:30 a.m.)—Jr. Bucs
– Monday, August 3 (8:30 a.m.)—Military Day presented by USAA
– Tuesday, August 4 (7:00 p.m.)—Krewe Members
– Thursday, August 6 (8:30 a.m.)—She is Football Day presented by AdventHealth
– Friday, August 7 (8:30 a.m.)—General Public
– Sunday, August 9 (8:30 a.m.)—Krewe Members

So, if you’ve ever wanted a real peek behind the scenes or just want to sweat it out with other Bucs faithful, it’s all happening at training camp this summer.

Click here for more information.

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Athletes can enter as many events as they like for $10 per event. If you sign up for disciplines like swimming or track and field, your $10 fee covers up to four events in those categories. Let’s say you want to compete in both Disc Golf and Table Tennis Singles; your total entry fee is $20. Organizers will refund entry fees only if they cancel an event.

The games feature a broad lineup: swimming (Oct. 3), doubles and mixed bowling (Oct. 7), singles bowling (Oct. 9), bag toss (Oct. 10), basketball shooting (Oct. 12), singles and doubles/mixed table tennis (Oct. 14/15), disc golf (Oct. 17), golf (Oct. 20), archery and pickleball doubles (Oct. 24), pickleball mixed (Oct. 25), singles and mixed/doubles tennis (Oct. 27–29), track & field (Oct. 31), and RC sailing (Nov. 1).

You don’t need to be a Charlotte County resident to join the competition, but you must be 50 years or older by December 31, 2026. Age divisions are set in five-year increments, starting at 50–54 and going all the way up to 100+. In doubles or team sports, the youngest member sets the age group for the team. Sometimes, older athletes may compete in a lower age division if that’s needed to form a group; if this happens and medals are awarded, the next finisher in the original group will receive a medal too.

This event is sanctioned by the Florida Sports Foundation and serves as a qualifier for the Florida Senior Games State Championships. 

Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals await the top finishers in every event and age group. If you can’t pick up your medal on event day, you’ll be able to collect it the week after the games wrap up.

If you get your registration in by 5 p.m. on August 31, you’ll get a free T-shirt as a bonus. To register, visit CharlotteCountyFL.gov/SeniorGames. Registration opens July 15, 2026, and the final deadline is two weeks before each event. Don’t forget, you’ll need to sign up for the General Registration Course #29895 before you select your individual events.

You can register and pay in person with any major credit card at Charlotte County recreation facilities or handle it all online. Click here for more information. 

Do you have questions or are you ready to register? Head to CharlotteCountyFL.gov/SeniorGames and join hundreds of athletes who are ready to get fit for life.

The post 50-Plus, and Ready to Rumble: Charlotte County Launches 2026 Senior Games appeared first on Englewood Review.

Circle February 21 on your calendar. That’s when Atlanta hits the field for their first Grapefruit League game, squaring off against the Rays over in Port Charlotte. The Braves’ training facility sits in the heart of Wellen Park, North Port, and it’s buzzing with energy.

There’s more to look forward to: big spring matchups against the Twins on February 22, and the Pirates on February 25 and March 20. Plus, the team’s got a special exhibition lined up—they’ll take on Team Colombia in a World Baseball Classic warmup on March 4.

To mark their return, the Braves are pulling out all the stops with Welcome Week at CoolToday Park. They’ve got an Open House and Party on the Plaza coming up February 14, a Cosmic Beer Run the next day, and then the Braves Country Block Party on February 16. Fans can catch open workouts, happy hours, and live music all week, leading up to the home opener against the Twins on February 22. That night brings a pregame ceremony and a concert after the final out. It’s shaping up to be a great start to the season.

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