Sports
Florida Savage Race Draws Thousands to Dade City as Orlando Vet Miguel Morales Pushes Limits
DADE CITY, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — Florida National News was on location as over 4,300 athletes and thrill-seekers descended upon Dade City in Pasco County, Florida, for the Florida Savage Race, one of the most demanding obstacle endurance challenges in the world. Among the determined finishers was Orlando Navy Veteran Miguel Morales, who marked his 40th birthday by pushing his body and mind to the limit in the name of grit, fitness, and celebration.
Florida National News highlights Orlando Navy veteran Miguel Morales ahead of Veterans Day (Tuesday, November 11, 2025).
Participants leap over a fire pit just before crossing the finish line at the Florida Savage Race in Dade City, Pasco County, Florida, on Saturday, November 1, 2025. Photo by J. Willie David, III / Florida National News
A Test of Strength, Strategy, and Endurance
The Savage Race (5–7 miles) and its shorter version, the Savage Blitz (3+ miles), are no ordinary obstacle courses. Competitors face between 20 to 30 world-class obstacles, including Colossus, a towering slide challenge, and Sawtooth, the iconic monkey-bar gauntlet suspended over water. This year’s event also introduced brand-new 2025 obstacles, testing racers’ agility, teamwork, and mental toughness.
With mud pits, barbed wire, fire, and ice, every part of the course demanded endurance and courage. Participants who completed multiple races earned the coveted Savage Syndicate medal and pins, a symbol of elite-level accomplishment within the obstacle racing community.
The event also welcomed kids races, spectators, and first-time athletes, turning Dade City into a festival of adrenaline and community. The influx of visitors provided a measurable boost to the local economy, filling hotels, restaurants, and retail stores across Pasco County.
Orlando Navy Veteran Miguel Morales tackles one of the endurance obstacles during the Florida Savage Race in Dade City, Pasco County, Florida, on Saturday, November 1, 2025. Photo by J. Willie David, III / Florida National News
Miguel Morales: From Navy Service to Savage Strength
For Miguel Morales, the Savage Blitz was more than just a race — it was a personal milestone. The Orlando-based Navy veteran and fitness enthusiast has competed in Tough Mudder and numerous Spartan events, including the Spartan Hurricane and Spartan Deka races across the United States, earning multiple medals that showcase his unwavering dedication to discipline, endurance, and perseverance.
“This race pushed me in new ways,” Morales shared with Florida National News. “It’s about mental toughness as much as physical ability. You learn a lot about yourself when you’re out there fighting through every obstacle.”
Morales’ participation symbolizes the resilience and perseverance of veterans who transition from military life to personal fitness missions, inspiring others to overcome challenges both on and off the course.
Participant leap out of the water pit at the starting line at the Florida Savage Race in Dade City, Pasco County, Florida, on Saturday, November 1, 2025. Photo by J. Willie David, III / Florida National News
Savage Syndicate
The Savage Syndicate is a loyalty program created to honor Savage Race’s most dedicated and adventurous participants—the ones who go above and beyond by competing in multiple races each calendar year.
These athletes are the heartbeat of the Savage community, traveling across the country to take on the newest and toughest obstacles, including the towering Colossus, the daring plunge of Davy Jones’ Locker, the icy shock of Shriveled Richard, and the spinning challenge of Wheel World.
By running more than one event annually, participants earn exclusive Syndicate medals, pins, and recognition for their commitment, endurance, and passion for pushing limits. The Savage Syndicate isn’t just a reward program—it’s a badge of honor for those who live the Savage spirit year-round.
What’s Next for Savage Race?
Following another record-breaking year in attendance and participation, Savage Race continues to expand its footprint across the U.S. and Florida. Organizers plan to unveil new obstacle innovations in 2026, while exploring regional expansion to bring the event closer to more communities.
Future races will also enhance the family and spectator experience, introducing more interactive zones, youth races, and partnerships with local fitness groups and veteran organizations — reinforcing Savage Race’s commitment to community, fitness, and adventure.
To learn more visit: Savagerace.com
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News@FloridaNationalNews.com
Davison scores 26 points, Branham adds 23 and Osceola records 23 steals to open its season with a victory at Silver Spurs Arena.
KISSIMMEE, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Osceola Magic opened their season with a record-setting defensive performance, collecting 23 steals and forcing 35 turnovers in a 97-89 victory over the Oklahoma City Blue on Sunday, Nov. 8, at Silver Spurs Arena.
JD Davison scored a game-high 26 points and Malaki Branham added 23 as Osceola established a franchise record for steals and matched its record for opponent turnovers. Osceola Magic
Defense drives the comeback
Oklahoma City led 31-22 after the first quarter and 44-43 at halftime. Osceola pulled even at 70 entering the fourth quarter, then outscored the Blue 27-19 over the final period.
The victory gave Osceola a 1-0 start and dropped Oklahoma City to 0-2. Zhaire Smith led the Blue with 19 points, while Christoph Tilly contributed 13 points and 10 rebounds. gleague.nba.com
Osceola’s defensive pressure helped offset Oklahoma City’s early advantage. The Blue finished just 5 of 29 from 3-point range, shooting 17.2%.
Six Magic players recorded multiple steals, led by Johnell Davis’ career-high six — one short of the franchise record. Davison collected four, Jarron Cumberland had three, and Ace Baldwin Jr., Branham and Mike Sharavjamts each added two.
Malaki Branham leans into his drive while keeping his dribble low as an Oklahoma City Blue defender guards him during the Osceola Magic’s season opener. Photo by Bernie Walls / Florida National News.
Davison and Branham lead the offense
Davison and Branham combined for 49 points, accounting for more than half of Osceola’s scoring.
Au’Diese Toney contributed 14 points in his return to Osceola, including a late 3-pointer that helped secure the victory.
Davis provided another boost off the bench with 11 points and a career-best-tying four assists, complementing his disruptive defensive performance.
Sharavjamts makes professional debut
Sharavjamts posted a team-best plus-12 rating in 24 minutes during his professional debut. Osceola outscored Oklahoma City by 12 points while he was on the floor. Osceola Magic
What’s next for the Osceola Magic?
Following a scheduled road matchup with the Memphis Hustle on Tuesday, Nov. 10, Osceola returns to Silver Spurs Arena to host the Mexico City Capitanes on Thursday, Nov. 12, at 7 p.m. Eastern. Member News
The Magic’s challenge will be to sustain the defensive pressure that helped them overcome an early nine-point deficit in the opener.
NEW YORK CITY, NY (FNN SPORTS) – LIV Golf plans to begin winding down operations Monday, Nov. 9, following five years and more than $5 billion in spending.
Attorney Matthew Williams outlined the league’s plans during a bankruptcy court hearing Thursday, Nov. 5, in New Jersey. The process includes selling its remaining assets.
“We believe the wind down path is the best path,” Williams told the court.
LIV Golf confirmed the decision after a proposed restructuring deal fell through. The league said it will continue considering alternatives during the shutdown process.
TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — On Monday November 2, at the Yuengling Center, the South Florida women’s basketball team opened with a successful debut undernew head coach Kristy Curry.
The Bulls established control early with a 9–0 opening run, taking a 27–12 lead after the first quarter. Furman narrowed the margin before halftime, but South Florida maintained a 46–32 advantage heading into the break.
A dominant third quarter proved decisive, as USF outscored Furman 23–9 to extend its lead to 69–41 entering the fourth.
Balanced Scoring Leads the Bulls
Stefanie Ingram led South Florida with 15 points, followed by Hannah Kohn with 13 and Kendall Puryear with 12 points and nine rebounds.
The Bulls placed six players in double figures, shot 51.6 percent from the field and controlled the boards with a 48–25 rebounding advantage.
A Winning Debut for Kristy Curry
The victory marked Curry’s first win leading South Florida after arriving from Alabama.
Ahead of the season opener, Curry expressed confidence in the program’s potential:
“I’m so excited to be here. I truly think the sky’s the limit at USF.”
— Kristy Curry, USF Head Coach, in pregame remarks published by USF Athletics.
South Florida (1–0) will face Belmont on Friday, November 6, in Nashville, Tennessee.
– Nisey Spruill is a reporter and photojournalist for Florida National News (FNN), covering major news, sports and special events across Florida and nationwide. Contact sports@FloridaNationalNews.com
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