Beulah Boy Appears On Outdoor Channel’s ‘Buckmasters’
July 3, 2011
Taking a child on a first deer hunt is a tradition that Lee Robinson gets to share every year. It was even more special with a child like Dawson Guy. The seven-year old Escambia County boy was born without fully developed arms and only one fully developed leg. He was able to experience the lifelong thrill of a hunt earlier this year.
From his wheelchair, he claimed his first buck.
Dawson’s hunt was part of the Buckmasters national television series Saturday morning on the Outdoor Channel.
Robinson, an Industrial Market Segment specialist at Gulf Power, spends much of his work day touting electric vehicles and large-scale technology advances for industrial customers. As a lifelong hunter, Robinson takes vacation time each year to serve as one of the volunteer guides for the Buckmasters Classic in Alabama. The Buckmasters American Deer Foundation program takes 11 disabled or critically ill children and youth on a guided deer hunt at Jimmy Hinton’s Sedgefield Plantation. Robinson has been doing this for 15 years, guiding some 40 young hunters on the all expenses paid three-day adventure of a lifetime.
“There’s been a lot of special moments over the years and this year with Dawson was one of them,” Robinson said. “Dawson will not let his disadvantage hold him back. He is truly remarkable. Deer hunting was top on his list of things he wanted to do. The thing I remember most about Dawson was his terrific smile, and he smiled and laughed a lot. We had a blast in the deer blinds cutting up and telling stories.”
On a frigid January morning this year, Robinson led Dawson, who lives in Beulah, and his father, Rueben, on the three-day hunt, using a specially prepared deer blind. The rifle was mounted to Dawson’s wheelchair. Through a special tube, Dawson’s mouth activated the specially designed trigger system.
Every year Robinson and other guide volunteers help prepare the hunters for the Classic, learning their abilities, limitations, and helping them harvest their trophy. This year, every one of them claimed a deer.
“Miracles and magic moments happen every year at this event. I am thankful I have the chance to assist them in a small way with a sport that I often find myself taking for granted,” Robinson said. “It renews my spirit and makes me thankful I helped give a little joy to them on their special hunt. It’s truly an honor and a privilege to help make their hunting dream come true, while I help make wonderful memories that will last my lifetime.”
Pictured top: Lee Robinson (far right) of Gulf Power helped Dawson Guy take his first buck earlier this year. Guy was featured on the Outdoor Channel’s Buckmasters program. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tri-County 9-10 Year Olds Finish 3rd; 11-12 Continues Play
July 1, 2011
The Tri-County 9-10 year old All Stars are out of tournament play, while Tri-County’s 11-12 year olds are still alive.
Niceville 6 Tri-County 4
The 9-10 year old Tri-County All Stars finished third in Florida District 1 Little League Thursday night. Tri-County lost to Niceville White 6-4 in Shalimar.
Niceville 11 Tri-County 0
Tri-County’s 11-12 year old All Stars also lost Thursday night. They were defeated 11-0 by Niceville in Niceville. With just one loss, Tri-County gets another shot in the loser’s bracket, playing Destin at 6 p.m. Friday in Niceville. The winner advances to the tournament final against Niceville Saturday evening.
Pictured Top: Tri-County 9-10 year old All-Stars Thursday night in Shalimar. Submitted photo by Kelly Archer for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Time Running Out To Register For Firecracker 5K
June 29, 2011
Time is running out to register for the annual Firecracker 5K to benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northwest Florida.
The event will be held Saturday, July 2 at 7:30 a.m. in downtown Pensacola. Free beverages and food are provided for all participants and tank shirts are guaranteed to the first 500 registrants. Awards are given for top runners, walkers and wheelchair racers overall and in age divisions.
To celebrate Independence Day with a bang and take part in the Firecracker 5K, register at www.active.com. For more informaiton, call the Ronald McDonald House at (850) 477-2273.
Tri-County Advances In Tournament Play, NWE Still Alive
June 28, 2011
The 9-10 and 11-12 year old Tri-County All Stars are moving on undefeated in Florida District 1 Little League tournament play after wins Monday evening, while Northwest Escambia remains alive in 11-12 year old play.
Tri-County 2 Niceville White 1 (ages 9-10)
The Tri-County 9-10 year olds came from behind in the sixth inning to win their second round playoff game Tuesday evening, 2-1 over Niceville White.
Tri-County was led by Judd Smith who went 3-3 with a three singles. Seth Killam went 2-4 with a single and a double, and both Trevor Flowers and Jackson Free went 1-3 with a single. Flowers allowed just two Niceville hits and striking out three. Killam struck out four of six batters.
Tri-County allowed just three errors during the game.
Tri-County advances to the next round at 7:30 Wednesday in Shalimar. Tri-County will face Niceville Maroon, which beat Shalimar 13-1 Monday.
Tri-County 8 Northwest Escambia 3 (ages 11-12)
Tri-County’s 11-12 year old All Stars defeated Northwest Escambia 8-3 Monday evening. With the win, Tri-County advances to take on Niceville at 7:30 Wednesday in Niceville. Northwest Escambia gets another shot in the loser’s bracket Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. against DeFuniak Springs.
Pictured top: Jackson Free slides in for the Tri-County 9-10 year olds. Pictured inset: Nathan Archer on the mound for Tri-County. Submitted photos by Tammie Free for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tennis Anyone? Court Ready To Play In Century
June 27, 2011
Century has recently rehabilitated the town’s tennis court at Showalter Park.
A few months ago, the court was overgrown with grass, did not have a good net and was in a general state of disrepair. According to Mayor Freddie McCall, the tennis court had not been used in several years.
After a suggestion by a citizen at a town council meeting, the town cleaned up the court and installed a new net.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Tri-County Beats Myrtle Grove
June 11, 2011
The Tri-County All Stars 7-year olds picked up a big tournament win over Myrtle Grove White Friday night in Pensacola. Tri-County beat Myrtle Grove 25-10. Tri-County will take on Myrtle Grove Green Saturday. Submitted cellular phone photos by Alisa Hart for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Maher, Hadley Chosen For AISA All-Star Team
June 9, 2011
Keaton Maher of Century, Escambia Academy graduate, and Jarrett Hadley, a junior at Escambia Academy, were chosen for this year’s AISA All-Star Baseball Team at Troy University. The two played with and against the top players in the Alabama Independent School Association.
Maher was pitcher and first baseman for the senior team while Hadley, who is from Bay Minette, was shortstop and center for the junior team.
Pictured: Keaton Maher and Jarrett Hadley, were chosen for this year’s AISA All-Star Baseball Team. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate Baseball Coach Stepping Down
June 8, 2011
Todd Boyd, the Tate Aggies’ head baseball coach has announced that he is stepping down after six seasons.
Boyd was named head coach the season after the Aggies won the state championship in 2005. The Aggies have not made it past the district level since then.
Tate High School will immediately being their search for a new coach to lead the Aggies baseball program. The opening must be advertised by the Escambia County School District for two weeks before candidates can be interviewed.
UWF Argos Win First-Ever National Championship
June 5, 2011
The University of West Florida Argos won their first-ever national title Saturday with a 12-2 win over Winona State in Cary, N.C.
“It’s an amazing moment and a great moment for West Florida baseball, the University of West Florida and the Pensacola community. As a coach, you work hard and you wonder as you’re out there in the hot sun, doing field work and doing individual work with the guys if anyone is ever going to see the fruits of your hard work. There are so many great teams across the country working hard, too. It’s special. Words can’t describe it,” Argos Head Coach Mike Jeffcoat said.
“When you get four runs in the first inning, you go out there and just pitch to contact – throw strikes, not try to strike everyone out. Our hitters did what they’ve done all year, just try to put the ball in play and let the ball do the work. Our defense was amazing again today. An outstanding performance by our infield and outfield. It’s just a great job all around,” Said UWF pitcher Daniel Vargas-Vila.
With the win, UWF ended their record setting season at 52-9.
“It’s exciting. Words really can’t describe how great this feels. We’ve worked for it all year. Jumping out to a big lead like that was huge. We were excited throughout the whole game, but still trying to stay focused, stay in the moment, not lose ourselves. It’s just a great feeling,” said UWF right fielder Greg Pron.
Photo Gallery: Century Little League Celebrates Winning Season
June 4, 2011
Century Little League wrapped up a successful season Friday afternoon, celebrating several championships and four undefeated teams.
Century swept the Tri-County League, winning first place in softball, tee ball, minor league baseball and major league baseball. The teams were undefeated on their way to the championships, with the exception of lone loss for the girls’ softball team.
For a photo gallery from the celebration, click here.
The teams celebrated Friday with free pizza, a water slide and closing ceremonies with recognition and trophies for each player.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
