Sports

Tohopekaliga head coach Anthony Paradiso (center with hoodie) talks to his squad after the team’s first fall practice. The Tigers will battle St. Cloud, Harmony and Lake in District 7A-10 in 2024 in search of their first district title. PHOTO/J. DANIEL PEARSON

Tohopekaliga head coach Anthony Paradiso (center with hoodie) talks to his squad after the team’s first fall practice. The Tigers will battle St. Cloud, Harmony and Lake in District 7A-10 in 2024 in search of their first district title. PHOTO/J. DANIEL PEARSON

2024 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL — Kickoff Classics usher start to season

J. Daniel Pearson
Wednesday, August 14, 2024
School is back in session and high school sports return, not only to the gym (volleyball), pool (swimming) and course (cross country and golf), but also to the gridiron.All eight Osceola County football teams are in action Friday night in their annual pre-season Kickoff Classics.
St. Cloud boys basketball coach Tommy Billiteri led an amazing turnover for the Bulldogs on the hardwood in his first season. PHOTO/ THRUJOHNSLENS

St. Cloud boys basketball coach Tommy Billiteri led an amazing turnover for the Bulldogs on the hardwood in his first season. PHOTO/ THRUJOHNSLENS

COACH OF THE YEAR — Billiteri Turned Bulldogs program around

J. Daniel Pearson
Wednesday, August 7, 2024
If you didn’t know and ran into him in a St. Cloud High School hallway, it would be pretty easy to mistake Tommy Billiteri for a student. But in the basketball gym, you quickly realize he’s the man in charge.
Long-time Osceola County resident Hal Lanier was inducted into the American Association of Professional Baseball Hall of Fame. PHOTO/DAN PEARSON

Long-time Osceola County resident Hal Lanier was inducted into the American Association of Professional Baseball Hall of Fame. PHOTO/DAN PEARSON

Hal’s in the Hall

J. Daniel Pearson
Wednesday, August 7, 2024
After half a century spent in baseball, long-time Osceola County resident Hal Lanier is officially a Hall of Famer.The former Major League player and manager was inducted into the American Association of Professional Baseball Hall Fame in a ceremony in Kansas City on July 23.
In the end it was Orlando City goalie Pedro Gallese's penalty kick shootout stop that provided the winning margin against Atlético de San Luis Sunday night. PHOTO/MARIO CASAMALHUAPA

In the end it was Orlando City goalie Pedro Gallese's penalty kick shootout stop that provided the winning margin against Atlético de San Luis Sunday night. PHOTO/MARIO CASAMALHUAPA

What rain? Orlando City tops Atlético de San Luis in Leagues Cup

Mario Casamalhuapa
Monday, August 5, 2024
In a rain-soaked spectacle at Inter&Co Stadium, Orlando City and Atlético de San Luis delivered a heart-pounding performance that had fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.
Harmony will play at rival Tohopekaliga on Thursday, Sept. 27 and host St. Cloud on Oct. 25 in District 7A-10 games. PHOTO/KATIE WILLIAMS

Harmony will play at rival Tohopekaliga on Thursday, Sept. 27 and host St. Cloud on Oct. 25 in District 7A-10 games. PHOTO/KATIE WILLIAMS

Football schedules — here's what nights Osceola's teams will meet, and other big games

Ken Jackson
Thursday, August 1, 2024
As they hit the field this week for the first official practices of the season, Osceola County’s eight football programs have finalized their 2024 (and, for the most part, 2025) schedules.Monday also marked the start of practices for girls volleyball, bowling, cross country, golf and swimming teams.
Valeria Lopez and Juan Jimenez of Celebration are the News-Gazette county tennis players of the year. PHOTOS/CELEBRATION HIGH SCHOOL

Valeria Lopez and Juan Jimenez of Celebration are the News-Gazette county tennis players of the year. PHOTOS/CELEBRATION HIGH SCHOOL

ALL-COUNTY TENNIS — Celebration dominated, Gateway made history

J. Daniel Pearson
Thursday, August 1, 2024
Led by Players of the Year Juan Jimenez (boys) and Valeria Lopez (girls), the Celebration Storm dominates the Osceola News Gazette’s All-County Tennis Teams for the 2024 season.The Gateway Panthers made some noise, qualifying for the girls state tournament for the first time in school history.
Gateway’s Aniyah Radcliff (in the lead) won three OBC track events and went to the state meet in the long and triple jumps. PHOTO/GATEWAY HIGH SCHOOL

Gateway’s Aniyah Radcliff (in the lead) won three OBC track events and went to the state meet in the long and triple jumps. PHOTO/GATEWAY HIGH SCHOOL

ALL-COUNTY GIRLS TRACK — Gateway’s Radcliff tops in several events

J. Daniel Pearson
Wednesday, July 24, 2024
In a year that featured several outstanding performers, Gateway senior Aniyah Radcliff stood above the rest and is the Osceola News Gazette Girls Track Athlete of the Year.Radcliff displayed her incredible versatility at this year’s Orange Belt Conference track championship.
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