WATCH FOR the 18 Florida connections in Super Bowl XLVIII, in New York/New Jersey, Sunday, to make a difference the game’s outcome.
While oddsmakers have declared the Denver Broncos the favorite, the Broncos come out ahead when it comes to Florida natives and connections. The Broncos feature eight Florida natives who came through the ranks of youth and high school football in Florida and one who came to Florida to play on the college level. The Broncos also have former Jacksonville Jaguars head coach, Jack Del Rio, on the staff serving as the defensive coordinator, to bring their total connections to 10.
The Seattle Seahawks have four players and two coaches who came through the ranks in Florida and two players who brought their game to Florida for their college careers.
Denver Broncos Florida Connections
Andre Caldwell, WR, Thomas Jefferson HS, Tampa, University of Florida
Tony Carter, CB, Mandarin HS, Jacksonville, Florida State University
Orlando Franklin, OT, Atlantic HS, Delray Beach, University of Miami
Matt Prater, Estero HS, University of Central Florida
Kayvon Webster, Monsignor Pace HS, Opa-Locka, University of South Florida
Lerente McCray, LB, Dunnellon HS, Ocala, University of Florida
Dominique Rogers-Cromartie, CB, Lakewood Ranch HS, Bradenton, Tennessee State University
Danny Trevathan, LB, Leesburg HS, University of Kentucky
Jeremy Mincey, DE, University of Florida
Jack Del Rio, Defensive Coordinator, Head Coach Jacksonville Jaguars (2003-11)
Seattle Seahawks Florida Connections
Doug Baldwin, WR, Gulf Breeze HS, Stanford University
Lemeul Jeanpierre, G/C, Timber Creek HS, Orlando, University of South Carolina
Akeem Auguste, Chaminade-Madonna HS, Hollywood,, University of South Carolina
B.J. Daniels, Lincoln HS, Tallahassee, University of South Florida
Percy Harvin, WR, University of Florida
Caylin Hauptman, OT, Florida International University
Pat Ruel, Offensive Line Coach, Coral Gables High School, University of Miami
Marquand Manuel, Defensive Assistant Coach, Miami, University of Florida
WATCH FOR the Delray Beach Senior Games to kick off the 2014 Florida Local Senior Games Calendar of Events on Friday, January 31, with Games Opening Ceremonies at Pompey Park, beginning at 9:00 a.m. Also on the schedule for Friday is an open to the public free Healthwalk, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Pompey Park. The day rounds out with singles bowling at Strikes at Boca Raton at 1:00 p.m. The Delray Beach Senior Games continue through February 7.
Other local senior games events taking place in February include the Lee County Senior Games (February 9 – March 25), Gulf Coast Senior Games (February 18- 23) and the Polk Senior Games (February 22- March 9).
Seven more local senior games will be held during the spring months, which serve as qualifiers for the 2014 Florida International Senior Games & State Championships, to be held , December 6-14, in Lee County.
WATCH FOR the 2014 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival to continue with its fourth week of competition at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC), January 29, through February 2.
The FTI WEF, held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, FL, features 12 weeks of world-class competition through March 30, awarding $8 million in prize money. It is the world’s largest and longest-running equestrian competition.
This week features the $34,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 4 on Thursday, the $34,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic on Friday afternoon, the $10,000 Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Team Event presented by The Dutta Corp. in Association with Guido Klatte at The Stadium at PBIEC on Friday night, the FTI Consulting Great Charity Challenge presented by Fidelity Investments® on Saturday night, and the $50,000 Ariat® Grand Prix CSI 2* on the derby field at The Stadium at PBIEC on Sunday afternoon.
Multi-platinum recording artist and four-time Grammy nominee Hunter Hayes will perform a full concert Saturday, February 1, during the spectacular charity show jumping competition at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. The event, which features some of the world’s top equestrians, is on track to raise and distribute more than $1.75 million dollars to benefit over 34 charities.
WATCH FOR new ways to enjoy the 2014 Florida Spring Training season, which begins in less than a month, when pitchers and catchers begin reporting in mid-February.
Fans can now follow the 2014 Florida Grapefruit League season with a Mobile Phone App, featuring team and daily schedules, stadium information and directions, updates and notifications and an interactive Fan Wall. Fans can post pictures of themselves enjoying Florida Spring Training Games. The mobile app is available for Apple Smart Phones and Android Phones.
Follow the Florida Grapefruit League on Twitter @FlaSpringTrain for daily updates as the season approaches and facts about more than 100 years of Florida Spring Training.
A digital copy of the 2014 Florida Spring Training Guide, in pdf format, is currently posted to download and print, as well as a daily schedule of games. The Florida Grapefruit League website has all of the latest information on the 15 teams playing in 14 locations statewide.
The 2014 Florida Spring Training season begins the week of February 24, the first day with a full schedule of games is Friday, February 28. The season runs through Saturday, March 29.
We hope you have enjoyed the Weekly “What to Watch For in Florida Sports.” It is compiled by the Florida Sports Foundation, the state’s lead sports promotion and development organization. Follow the Florida Sports Foundation on Facebook and on Twitter #fla_sports. Visit www.flasports.com for more information about the Florida Sports Foundation and the vibrant sports industry in the Sunshine State. Florida is Where The World Comes to Play.
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