Clearwater, Florida, boasts a dynamic sports culture that spans from high school athletics to professional teams. This article provides an overview of the local sports scene, highlighting key teams and their contributions to the community.
High School Athletics
Clearwater High School
Clearwater High School, home of the Tornadoes, offers a diverse athletic program. The school has a rich history of excellence in sports, with state championships in boys’ golf (1968), girls’ cross country (1976), girls’ track (1977), boys’ swimming (1978), girls’ volleyball (1997 and 2000), and boys’ soccer (2001). The school’s 4,200-seat football stadium, built in 1950 and dedicated in 1951 as Central Pinellas Stadium, was renamed in 1963 to honor Judge Jack White, a leading figure in the effort to build the stadium.
Clearwater Central Catholic High School
The Marauders of Clearwater Central Catholic High School have a strong athletic tradition. The school offers a range of sports, including baseball, basketball, football, lacrosse, soccer, softball, volleyball, and wrestling. Notably, the baseball team achieved a 16-9 record, and the football team posted a 6-3 record in recent seasons.
Countryside High School
Located in Clearwater, Countryside High School’s Cougars participate in various sports such as baseball, basketball, football, lacrosse, soccer, softball, and volleyball. The school emphasizes the development of student-athletes, fostering skills like discipline, perseverance, and teamwork.
Lakeside Christian School
The Lions of Lakeside Christian School offer sports including baseball, basketball, cross country, football, soccer, track and field, and wrestling. The school is committed to providing a holistic education, integrating athletics into its comprehensive program.
Calvary Christian High School
Calvary Christian High School provides an advanced college preparatory education with a Christian worldview. The school offers honors, AP, and dual-credit courses, along with extracurricular activities such as athletics, fine arts, student government, clubs, and leadership opportunities. The athletic program includes 38 teams across sports like baseball, basketball, bowling, cheer, cross country, football, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, track and field, volleyball, and beach volleyball.
Professional Sports
Tampa Bay Rays
While based in nearby St. Petersburg, the Tampa Bay Rays have a significant fan base in Clearwater. The Rays are a professional baseball team competing in Major League Baseball’s American League East division. Their upcoming games include:
- Aug 4: Rays @ Rockies at 5:40 PM PDT
- Aug 5: Rays @ Rockies at 12:10 PM PDT
- Aug 7: Rays @ Mariners at 6:45 PM PDT
- Aug 8: Rays @ Mariners at 6:50 PM PDT
- Aug 9: Rays @ Mariners at 1:10 PM PDT
- Aug 10: Rays @ Athletics at 6:40 PM PDT
- Aug 11: Rays @ Athletics at 6:40 PM PDT
- Aug 12: Rays @ Athletics at 12:05 PM PDT
- Aug 14: Orioles @ Rays at 4:10 PM PDT
- Aug 15: Orioles @ Rays at 3:10 PM PDT
- Aug 16: Orioles @ Rays at 9:15 AM PDT
- Aug 17: Orioles @ Rays at 3:40 PM PDT
- Aug 18: Blue Jays @ Rays at 3:40 PM PDT
- Aug 19: Blue Jays @ Rays at 3:40 PM PDT
- Aug 20: Blue Jays @ Rays at 10:10 AM PDT
- Aug 21: Rays @ Orioles at 4:15 PM PDT
- Aug 22: Rays @ Orioles at 4:05 PM PDT
- Aug 23: Rays @ Orioles at 10:35 AM PDT
- Aug 24: Rays @ Tigers at 3:40 PM PDT
- Aug 25: Rays @ Tigers at 3:40 PM PDT
Clearwater’s sports scene is vibrant and diverse, offering opportunities for athletes and fans alike to engage in a wide range of activities. From high school competitions to professional games, the community’s passion for sports is evident throughout the city.