Sam Albuquerque

Orlando

High School Sports Reporter at The Herald-Journal (Spartanburg, SC)

Sports editor for the @OrangeObserver, @OrangeSportsOMG. Contact: [email protected] Formerly: @GoUpstate | @ESPNOrlando | @WDBONews

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Articles

Windermere High dissolves 501(c)(3) athletic booster association, internalizes booster operations

2 weeks ago | orangeobserver.com | Sam Albuquerque

In a letter penned by Windermere High Principal Andrew Leftakis, the school’s athletic booster association will be dissolved and booster operations will be internalized by the school, which aligns with Orange County School Board policy. “Over the years, athletic boosters operated as a 501(c)(3) in an effort to support all athletic programs at Windermere,” wrote Leftakis. “The board also organized events, sought out corporate sponsors and sold the annual booster passes.
PHOTOS: Dr. P. Phillips YMCA hosts Summer Safety Splash

2 weeks ago | orangeobserver.com | Sam Albuquerque

In partnership with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the Dr. P. Phillips YMCA Family Center hosted families from the Southwest Orange community for its Summer Safety Splash event June 7. The community pool party — which featured a live deejay, a variety of local vendors, free snacks and activities — is a fun summer event put on in an effort to help keep kids safe. Along with the family fun event-goers learned tips focused on swimming and overall safety during the summer from experts.
Three-star football prospect Brian Dillard announces transfer to TFA

3 weeks ago | orangeobserver.com | Sam Albuquerque

West Orange football’s 2024 starting quarterback and do-it-all athlete Brian Dillard has announced he will be transferring to The First Academy for the 2025 football season. “Proverbs 3:6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths,” Dillard wrote in an Instagram post.
Olympia boys basketball's Nicholas Blake commits to Maryland

3 weeks ago | orangeobserver.com | Sam Albuquerque

By Sam Albuquerque | 12:00 a.m. June 6, 2025 Sports High Schools Share Olympia High boys basketball player Nicholas Blake, son of NCAA National Champion and former NBA player Steve Blake, has announced his commitment to play college basketball for his father’s alma mater, the Maryland Terrapins.
Athlete of the Week: Anthony Picciano, Winter Garden Squeeze

3 weeks ago | orangeobserver.com | Sam Albuquerque

With the Winter Garden Squeeze 2025 season kicking off this past week, fans will notice a litany of former area Little Leaguers and high school players up and down the Squeeze lineup. One of those familiar faces and names is former Winter Garden Little Leaguer and Montverde Academy player Anthony Picciano, who currently plays college baseball at West Texas A&M.
West Orange football star Devonte Anderson announces top eight, commitment date

3 weeks ago | orangeobserver.com | Sam Albuquerque

West Orange High star football player Devonte Anderson has announced the final eight college football programs he is considering committing to and that he will officially announce his commitment July 11. The programs are UCF, Maryland, Miami, Louisville, Rutgers, Auburn, Michigan State and Iowa.
West Orange Dream Center set to host women’s self-defense class

3 weeks ago | orangeobserver.com | Sam Albuquerque

The West Orange Dream Center is set to host a women’s self-defense class led by Windermere Police Chief Dave Ogden from 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, June 7. Those interested in attending the event can expect to learn practical tools to avoid and respond to conflict, gain insight into how the body and mind react in stressful situations and learn simple and effective martial arts techniques taught through a biblical lens by a lifelong martial artist.
Coach Wells’ closet: Dr. Phillips football coach donates clothing to students

3 weeks ago | orangeobserver.com | Sam Albuquerque

For about two decades now, following his college football playing days at Syracuse, Rodney Wells has dedicated his professional life to giving back to the school he calls home, Dr. Phillips High, first serving as Panthers football’s defensive coordinator for six seasons, then as head coach since 2011. There’s no question, given the unprecedented success he’s had in charge of the DP football program, that Wells could have left his alma mater for more lucrative coaching opportunities.
Meet the 2025 All-Orange Observer baseball teams and Player of the Year

3 weeks ago | orangeobserver.com | Sam Albuquerque

Now that the 2025 spring high school sports season — along with the 2024-25 school year — officially has come to an end, it is time to take a look back and celebrate the amazing season West Orange and Southwest Orange teams had on the baseball diamond. Along with a state championship team — The First Academy Royals — the area saw six programs reach the regional playoffs and a plethora of players receive postseason recognition, such as selections to various all-star games.
Foundation Academy breaks ground on new track, other athletic facilities

3 weeks ago | orangeobserver.com | Sam Albuquerque

Foundation Academy has broken ground on a plethora of construction projects and upgrades to its Tilden campus’ athletics facilities. “We are currently building a track facility with the specifications needed to host any FHSAA meet,” said Robert East, Foundation’s athletics director and director of operations. “We are also adding expanded seating to (Lions) Field in order to service (track-and-field), football, soccer and lacrosse.