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Riverview's McConnell now headed for Liberty

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By ADAM ADKINS | The Tampa Tribune
and EDDIE DANIELS | The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 22, 2009

Riverview golf standout Ian McConnell thought he finished the recruiting process in February when he gave a verbal commitment to Auburn. As it turns out, that was only the beginning.

Now, McConnell hopes he's reached the end.

McConnell, a rising senior and the Tribune's Boys Golfer of the Year each of the past two seasons, has backed off a commitment to Auburn and verbally committed to Liberty, a Division I program that competes in the Big South Conference.

Liberty was one of three finalists for McConnell, along with Auburn and Colorado, before he originally committed to the Southeastern Conference program in February.

What prompted the change? Auburn changed coaches, and McConnell was left in the dark as to whether his scholarship offer was still on the table.

He ended up making a visit to the Auburn campus last weekend to meet with the new coach and was assured the offer was still there. Friday, McConnell said he reaffirmed his commitment to the Tigers golf staff.

However, things changed again very quickly.

"They sent me an e-mail Sunday saying they needed more time to think about the scholarship offer. I didn't think the offer was going to be there anymore, so I decided to go with Liberty," McConnell said.

McConnell said Liberty had kept a generous offer on the table since it began recruiting him. He plans to sign with the program during the early period, barring one thing happening.

"Unless something bizarre happens there with their coach," McConnell said. "But I don't see that happening."

Wrestling

Armwood's James Gray will get a chance to continue his wrestling career at the next level.

Gray, a recent graduate, committed to NAIA program California Baptist University, Hawks coach Robert Langford said Tuesday. Langford said Gray was drawing interest from several college programs, including fellow NAIA programs Morningside College and Campbellsville University.

Gray, a four-year varsity wrestler with the Hawks, finished his career with 144 wins. He was a three-time state qualifier and two-time state placer. As a junior, Gray finished fifth in the Class 2A state tournament at 103 pounds. As a senior, Gray was the 2A state runner-up to Brandon's Ryan Renkey at 112, posting a 54-8 record during his final season in a Hawks singlet.

"I just wish him the best of luck," Langford said. "He's a hard-working kid. I'm sure he'll go out there and do the right things and excel."

Football

Former Plant quarterback Robert Marve has a torn ACL, an injury that will prevent him from opening fall practice with his new teammates at Purdue, according to a report on ESPN.com.

According to the story, Marve suffered the knee injury three days after announcing his intentions to transfer from Miami to Purdue. The injury occurred while Marve was doing on-field drills.

While the injury likely will keep Marve off the field for some time - the ESPN story says Marve plans an October return - it doesn't have any real impact on his 2009 season, since he is forced to sit out the year because of NCAA transfer rules.

•Pasco quarterback D.J. Clower and Wiregrass Ranch defensive tackle Noah Revenna have been selected to attend the Offense-Defense Elite Football Camp, which will be held Monday-Tuesday in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

The camp features NFL and college coaches offering instructions as well as evaluations.

Clower, who will be a senior in the fall, completed 75 of 149 passes for 1,199 yards, 18 touchdowns and three interceptions last season. He also ran 86 times for 168 yards and four touchdowns, leading the Pirates to the 3A state semifinals.

Last season as a sophomore, Revenna collected 11 tackles in three games.

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