In 2003, Plant High School won all of one football game. The once-proud Panthers had fallen on the hardest of times; they were now Friday Night Lightweights. Dad's Stadium orphans. Enter new head coach Robert J. Weiner, who seemed almost oblivious to the riches-to-rags challenge. The whispers had grown deafening that the iconic, 82-year-old South Tampa institution, synonymous with affluence and academic achievement, had grown too soft to excel at a tough, noncountry club sport. But the longtime Jesuit High assistant had seemingly been preparing for this opportunity his whole career. His philosophy of old-school work ethic, zealot-like motivation, unwavering loyalty and community commitment -- plus a fun, high-octane spread offense – may have found the perfect fit in high-profile, under-performing Plant High. He also realized that South Tampa was unique: a de facto small town within a major city and would likely rally around a revived football program. ...more

August 19, 2008

Experience is often used as a reason why a team succeeds. The difference between the seasons of Tampa's two United Soccer League Men's Super-20 teams is another case in point. ...more

July 23, 2008

Experience is often used as a reason why a team succeeds. The difference between the seasons of Tampa's two United Soccer League Men's Super-20 teams is another case in point. ...more

July 23, 2008

Experience is often used as a reason why a team succeeds. The difference between the seasons of Tampa's two United Soccer League Men's Super-20 teams is another case in point. ...more

July 23, 2008

Experience is often used as a reason why a team succeeds. The difference between the seasons of Tampa's two United Soccer League Men's Super-20 teams is another case in point. ...more

July 23, 2008

Experience is often used as a reason why a team succeeds. The difference between the seasons of Tampa's two United Soccer League Men's Super-20 teams is another case in point. ...more

July 23, 2008

Experience is often used as a reason why a team succeeds. The difference between the seasons of Tampa's two United Soccer League Men's Super-20 teams is another case in point. ...more

July 22, 2008

from uniforms to results. The core players are maturing before everyone's eyes. Once, the franchise couldn't avoid ridicule. Now there's a virtual love-fest from the national media. ...more

May 23, 2008

For moments during Saturday's game the Lightning looked like the Lightning of old. ...more

February 24, 2008

A year's worth of frustration might finally be brewing to the top as Tampa Bay remains at the bottom. ...more

February 21, 2008