Florida Citrus Sports

2013 Russell Athletic Bowl Scheduled For Dec. 28

Matt — Fri, 03 May 2013 13:44:00 GMT

The 2013 Russell Athletic Bowl will take place on Saturday, Dec. 28th at 6:45 p.m. ET. The game will air nationally on ESPN.

Capital One Bowl To Continue On January 1 In 2014

Matt — Fri, 03 May 2013 13:38:00 GMT

The 2014 Capital One Bowl will be played at 1:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Jan. 1. The game will air nationally on ABC.

Tony Massey Installed As President, Kuykendall Moves To Chairman

Matt — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT

The 2013-14 leadership team officially began their terms last night during the 2013 Member Celebration at Fields BMW in Winter Park. Kuykendall Gardner Risk & Insurance Brokers’ Bobby Kuykendall began his one-year term as Chairman of the Board, while Tony Massey of Massey Services Inc. was inducted as the organization’s 37th President.

The Member Celebration, presented by BMO Harris Bank and Florida Hospital, signifies the beginning of the 2013-14 Florida Citrus Sports (FCSports) season with the induction of the new leadership. In brief remarks to close out the evening, Massey highlighted some of the organization's achievements in 2012-13 and looked ahead to a renovated Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium.

"The decision to rebuild the stadium unlocks the limitless potential Orlando has, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for Florida Citrus Sports," he told the gathered crowd.

In his role as president, Massey will lead the day-to-day activities of the Executive Committee. Massey is the Chief Operation Officer of Massey Services, Inc., a company he joined after graduation from the University of Alabama in 1989. Massey currently serves on the Professional Pest Management Alliance Board of Directors, is the President of the Board for the Orlando Museum of Art, and holds executive advisory positions with SunTrust of Central Florida and the Orlando Economic Development Commission. Massey’s father, Harvey, is a long-time community leader, the 1998 Florida Citrus Sports President, and the 2009 recipient of the Howard Palmer Award.

2012-13 President Bobby Kuykendall will move to Chairman, where he will continue to advise on the Executive Committee and also oversee the Team Selection Committee for the Capital One Bowl and Champs Sports Bowl. Born and raised in Orlando and a 1974 graduate of Florida Technical University (now UCF), Kuykendall is the Executive Vice President of Kuykendall Gardner Risk & Insurance Brokers and has been a member of FCSports for 34 years. His father, Jim, was one of the organization’s key members in the early ‘70s.

Charlie Miller Named 2013 Howard Palmer Award Winner

Matt — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 03:30:00 GMT

Local athletics pioneer and former Florida Citrus Sports employee Charlie Miller has earned the organization's highest service honor, the Howard Palmer Award. Miller received the recognition in front of his family and a crowd of fellow FCSports members at the 2013 Member Celebration presented by BMO Harris Bank and Florida Hospital.

Kevin McDonald Named Chairman Of The Year

Matt — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 03:15:00 GMT

Kevin McDonald was named the 2013 Chairman of the Year for his leadership of the Florida Citrus Sports Hospitality Committee. The award was presented during the 2013 Member Celebration presented by BMO Harris Bank and Florida Hospital.

Vonn Howard Named 2013 Volunteer Of The Year

Matt — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 03:00:00 GMT

Vonn Howard of Mercury Marine was named the 2013 Volunteer of the Year for his tremendous service with collegiate and high school bands across a number of Florida Citrus Sport events. The award was presented at the 2013 Member Celebration presented by BMO Harris Bank and Florida Hospital.

Gary Schneider Named Rookie Of The Year

Matt — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 02:45:00 GMT

First-year Florida Citrus Sports member Gary Schneider was named 2012-13 Rookie Of The Year by the organization. The award was presented at the 2013 Member Celebration presented by BMO Harris Bank and Florida Hospital.

Member Celebration Set For April 15 At Fields BMW

Matt — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 21:28:00 GMT

The 2013 Member Celebration presented by BMO Harris Bank and Florida Hospital will be held on Monday, April 15, at Fields BMW Winter Park (963 N Wymore Road) from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

New Florida Citrus Sports Merchandise Store Launched

Matt — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 14:27:00 GMT

Florida Citrus Sports has a new online merchandise store for members and fans. The new store features apparel from Russell Athletic as well as other accessories such as briefcases and tote bags.

Aaron Murray Makes History With Capital One Bowl MVP Performance

Matt — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 00:52:00 GMT

Aaron Murray entered the Capital One Bowl with a winless postseason record, still reeling from an SEC Championship Game heartbreaker that saw a shot at the national title slip from his grasp. On New Year's Day, he put on a record-setting performance and left the Capital One Bowl a champion.

Georgia Wins Barnburner Over Nebraska, 45-31

Matt — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 00:49:00 GMT

The Georgia Bulldogs defeated the Nebraska Cornhuskers, 45-31, in the 2013 Capital One Bowl. Quarterback Aaron Murray broke a 31-31 tie in the fourth quarter and led the Dawgs to victory with a record-setting passing performance.

Antone Exum, Virginia Tech Outlast Rutgers

Matt — Sat, 29 Dec 2012 04:22:00 GMT

Nobody had a better week than Virginia Tech cornerback Antone Exum.

Earlier this week Exum gave his Best Buy gift cards to three kids in need and gained national attention. ESPN, CBS and many other media outlets praised his actions.

He was a star at the Give Kids the World Village dancing and playing games with the children.

And now he’s the 2012 Russell Athletic Bowl MVP after Virginia Tech defeated Rutgers 13-10 in overtime.

“Words can’t explain how happy I am,” Exum said. “The way this season has gone with all the ups and downs I was proud of the resilience the guys showed with sticking with them and showing so much heart.”

Exum earned MVP honors after he intercepted Rutgers QB Gary Nova with 11 minutes left in the game. At the time Tech was trailing 10-3 and the interception set up the Hokies with great field position at the Rutgers 21. Three plays later, Logan Thomas hit Cody Fuller for a touchdown to tie the game at 10.

“When Fuller got that it was just an emotional swing,” Exum said. “We were on the sideline going crazy. We wanted to get back out there and give them another shot.”

It was a defensive game for both teams as they finished with an identical 196 yards of total offense. The two teams also set a new Russell Athletic Bowl record for the most punts in a game (21).

“It’s always nice to score a lot of points but that wasn't the case tonight,” Virginia Tech linebacker Jack Tyler said. “Bruce (Taylor) and I were talking on the sideline and we said ‘we’re having fun’. It doesn't matter what the offense does we’re going to go out and keep playing the way we are. They are going to take care of themselves; they’re a good offense. It takes them a little long to get started but we knew at some point they would come around and we knew that if we kept playing good defense we’d come out of here with a win.”

The offense didn't show much life in the first three quarters as they were shut out 10-0 and held to just 79 yards of offense.

“Nothing came easy for us,” Virginia Tech head coach Frank Beamer said. “Not everything in life is real smooth and I think these players are all winners. We worked hard. I think how they reacted to adversity and to disappointment and when all of them wanted to do better, wanted our football team to do better. I couldn't be more proud of a team.”

Virginia Tech denied Rutgers a 10 win season and finished above .500 for the 20^th straight year.

“I certainly want to congratulate Coach Beamer and his staff and their program,” Rutgers head coach Kyle Flood said. “They did a tremendous job this evening coming back and winning the football game. When two defenses play like that like, the team that makes one more play ends up play winning the game. They were able to make one more play on offense than we were. And unfortunately we came out on the losing side of it.”

Virginia Tech Comes Back To Trump Rutgers In Overtime

Matt — Sat, 29 Dec 2012 04:20:00 GMT

Virginia Tech completed its 20th consecutive winning season with a 13-10 overtime victory over Rutgers in the 2012 Russell Athletic Bowl. The Hokies rallied from a 10-0 deficit to tie the game in the fourth quarter before Cody Journell's field goal in overtime gave them their first lead of the game. They sealed the victory when Rutgers kicker Nick Borgese missed a 42-yard field goal attempt in the Scarlet Knights' overtime possession.

Virginia Tech To Meet Rutgers In Russell Athletic Bowl

Matt — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 02:30:00 GMT

The Virginia Tech Hokies and Rutgers Scarlet Knights have been selected to play in this year’s Russell Athletic Bowl. Set to take place December 28 from Orlando’s Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium, the game will kick off at 5:30 p.m. and be televised nationally by ESPN.

Georgia And Nebraska To Meet In Capital One Bowl

Matt — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The Georgia Bulldogs will meet the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the 2013 Capital One Bowl. The New Year’s Day classic will kick off in its traditional 1:00 p.m. ET slot on January 1 from Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium in Orlando and will be televised nationally by ESPN on ABC.

Olympic Gold Medalist, ‘Bachelorette’ Stars Join Orlando Citrus Parade Lineup

Matt — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 21:54:00 GMT

Track star and Olympic gold medalist Justin Gatlin will serve as grand marshal for the 2012 Orlando Citrus Parade, while Trista and Ryan Sutter -- stars of the first season of “The Bachelorette” and the show’s biggest success story -- will host the syndicated national broadcast. The 32nd Orlando Citrus Parade steps off in Downtown Orlando at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 29.

Bethune-Cookman Holds Off Florida A&M In Florida Blue Florida Classic, 21-16

Matt — Sun, 18 Nov 2012 00:30:00 GMT

The Bethune-Cookman Wildcats overcame a resilient Florida A&M team 21-16 after forcing a fumble in the waning moments of the Florida Blue Florida Classic at the Florida Citrus Bowl.

Country Star Dierks Bentley To Perform At Capital One Bowl

greg — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 16:38:00 GMT

The Capital One Bowl will add big-time musical talent to a bill that already features the top non-Bowl Championship Series postseason matchup in college football. Capital One presents Dierks Bentley in a free concert for game ticket holders at the Capital One FanFest pregame tailgate party as well as a headlining performance in the game’s halftime show.

Charlie Wilson, Rickey Smiley Headline Florida Blue Florida Classic Weekend

greg — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 20:50:00 GMT

The Florida ClassicConsortium is pleased to announce CharlieWilson, former lead singer of The Gap Band, will headline the McDonald’sHalftime Show as part of the 33^rd annual Florida Blue FloridaClassic. Additionally, comedian Rickey Smiley will perform as part of thisyear’s Florida Blue Battle of the Bands.

Orlando MINI Open Raises $50K for FCSports Foundation

greg — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 21:33:00 GMT

The Florida Citrus Sports Foundation MVPs held its primary fundraiser of 2012, the Orlando MINI Open presented by Roetzel & Andress and UnitedHealthcare, at CityWalk’s Hollywood Drive-In Golf at Universal Orlando Resort yesterday. Players dressed the part, digging out their knickers and argyle socks for the special occasion.

Florida Citrus Sports Feast On The 50 Returns Oct. 18

Matt — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 14:28:00 GMT

Get your feet on the field and enjoy tailgating at a different level on Thursday, October 18. Florida Citrus Sports Feast on the 50 presented by UnitedHealthcare and BMO Harris Bank takes place on the turf of the Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. and features a night full of food, family and fun.

Public tickets to the event are $17.25 in advance and $25 on the day of the event. Tickets are available in advance via Ticketmaster.com.

Most Florida Citrus Sports members have tickets included in their membership package and can print by logging in to their member account on Ticketmaster.com.

Feast on the 50, which is also supported by Bright House Networks, is one of FCSports' most popular events. Guests will enjoy unlimited food and drink from caterers and restaurants around Central Florida. Alumni clubs from our partner schools in the Big Ten, SEC, Big East and ACC (as well as Bethune-Cookman, Florida A&M and UCF) will compete for the most spirited tent in the Alumni Village. The Met Life Kids Zone will have inflatable games, face painting and other fun activities. Finally, the whole night will capped off by an amazing fireworks show.

The night will also include a silent auction featuring a variety of sports memorabilia and other great items from around Central Florida and across the country. Proceeds will benefit the FCSports Foundation and its youth-oriented programs in our region.

Members and guests often talk about Feast on the 50 throughout the year as a highlight of the FCSports calendar. It's a great opportunity to step on the field of Orlando's historic stadium and spend quality time with friends to celebrate the college football season.

Lee Corso Entertains Selection Committee At Kickoff Dinner

Matt — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 17:11:00 GMT

ESPN personality and mascot aficionado Lee Corso joined Florida Citrus Sports on Monday, Sept. 10, for the annual Team Selection Committee Kickoff Dinner. Corso offered his thoughts on the top teams and players season and took questions from the audience with all the energy fans are accustomed to seeing from him every Saturday on College Game Day.

Half Marathon and 5K "Under New Management"; Races Set For Dec. 1

Matt — Fri, 07 Sep 2012 13:16:00 GMT

The 36th annual OUC Orlando Half Marathon and 5K is set for Saturday, December 1 on the streets of Downtown Orlando. Starting in 2012, the event, which benefits the Florida Citrus Sports Foundation MVPs, will be wholly managed by Track Shack, the leading race organizer in Central Florida.

Bowl Game Tickets Now On Sale

Matt — Sat, 01 Sep 2012 13:00:00 GMT

Tickets for the 67th Annual Capital One Bowl and 23rd Annual Russell Athletic Bowl are now on sale to the general public. Tickets may be purchased at any Ticketmaster outlet, at the Amway Center box office, by phone (800.745.3000) or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

Foundation Mini Golf Fundraiser Set For September 20

Matt — Sun, 05 Aug 2012 13:34:00 GMT

The Florida Citrus Sports Orlando MINI Open presented by Roetzel & Andress and UnitedHealthcare moves to Hollywood Drive-In Mini Golf this year. The fundraising event for the FCSports Foundation, which will take place on Thursday, Sept. 20, features a miniature golf tournament in the style of a major PGA event.

Players will enjoy a fun -- but competitive -- atmosphere with on-course food and drink stations as well as leaderboards and course "officials" to watch the action. Individual and team prizes will be awarded to the top performers. Individual registration is $125 with proceeds directly benefiting the FCSports Foundation MVPs and our programs throughout Central Florida. If you have a team ready to take the links, foursome registration is also available for $500. Registration includes a round of golf and unlimited food and drink all night.

Register NOW for the Orlando Mini Open

Hollywood Drive-In Mini Golf at Universal Orlando is a brand new attraction at CityWalk. It features a pair of 18-hole courses, each following a classic cinema theme. Orlando MINI Open participants will compete on either "The Haunting Of Ghostly Greens" or "Invaders From Planet Putt" with both courses having the same par. From the official course website:

Based on vintage horror flicks and “little green men” science fiction films, guests putt through elaborate movie-style scenes, passing through a cemetery, under a giant spider, around an enormous alien robot, through the open mouth of a giant space worm, and into the basement lab of a towering haunted house. Cutting-edge interactive elements and special effects immerse guests further into the “double feature,” and LED neon edge-lighting allows play during the day, night, and late night.

The event will also feature a silent auction and raffle featuring a number of big-ticket sports and hospitality items that guests have come to expect of Florida Citrus Sports events. Raffle tickets can be purchased in advance via the registration link above.