Sports Archive

Pace’s success in the pool is as much about the bond that has been forged within the program as it is about talent.

“We like to say we are a family,” Pace boys swim coach Amy Wolfenden said. “Everyone comes in and has a role and has a part on the team.”

Reice Griffith put his hands on his side, took a breath and stayed focused. Choctaw had just committed its second straight offsides penalty, moving a potential game-winning field for the Pace kicker up 10 yards from its original spot.

Now, instead of a 39-yard attempt here on a muddy field soaked by a steady rain that fell most of the night in Fort Walton, Griffith was gearing up to attempt a game-winner from 29 yards away instead.

It’s a rebuilding year for the Milton swim team.

A total of 15 are on the roster and head coach Daisy Eddins said the group is working hard.

It’s safe to say that West Florida Baptist Academy’s volleyball team is picking up where it left off a year ago.

Winners of a conference and regional title last year, the Conquerors opened this season with a tournament championship in Georgia.

Sixteen consecutive wins. That’s the streak Milton’s volleyball team rode into the district tournament a year ago.

And then, just like that, the season was over, a crushing five-set loss to eventual district champ Niceville ending an impressive run for the Panthers.

Bailee Sproat has spent the summer getting ready for a new volleyball season.

The junior standout for the Pace Patriots feels good about the progress she’s made and is set to provide leadership as well.

Milton’s football team walked away from last season knowing its win-loss record reflected opportunities missed and potential unfulfilled. The Panthers finished 5-5 and were winless in the district.

Quarterback Emory Williams and wide receiver Raymond Cottrell discussed that after the Panthers wrapped up their season with a 30-16 win over Fort Walton Beach.

Only once last season did Jay experience the thrill of victory on the football field.

The Royals are banking on a much different fate in 2022.

Pace defensive tackle Brandon Beckham is a senior, so the motivation that comes with being in his final year of high school is a given.

Yet, there is added motivation for the Patriot standout as he gears up for the 2022 campaign with his teammates, and that comes from not getting to play a year ago.

Cassidy Lanier likes the way Jay handled its summer workouts, and she believes the time and effort the players have put in has paid off.

“We had a very productive offseason,” Lanier said. “The girls really increased their skill levels and worked to improve in all areas.”