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
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — During Women’s History Month, leaders across the United States are recognized for their contributions to progress, equity and community empowerment. Among them, Florida National News (FNN) recognizes retired U.S. Army Commander Jocelyn Thomas, a military veteran, author, speaker and advocate for women’s sports.
Thomas has built a career defined by service, leadership and storytelling, transitioning from two decades in the U.S. Army to a growing influence in the sports and media industry.
Photo Credit: U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion, Facebook page – Tampa (Captain Jocelyn Thomas speaker)
Commander, United States Army (Retired)
Thomas entered the United States Army at just 19 years old, beginning a distinguished 20-year military career that would take her across the United States and around the world.
During her time in service, she held numerous leadership roles including Company Commander (twice), Battalion S3, Battalion Assistant Support Operations Officer (SPO), Executive Officer, Platoon Leader, Platoon Sergeant and Team Leader.
Her assignments included Georgia, Virginia, South Carolina, Texas, Korea and Florida, along with combat deployments to Afghanistan, Kuwait and Guantanamo Bay.
As a Company Commander, Thomas led a military unit responsible for approximately 100 to 250 soldiers, overseeing mission readiness, operational planning, training and the well-being of service members under her command.
Her responsibilities included:
- Tactical Leadership: Planning and executing company-level operations and maneuvers
- Training and Readiness: Ensuring soldiers were prepared for combat while maintaining equipment and operational standards
- Personnel Management: Mentoring and developing subordinate leaders, including platoon leaders
- Disciplinary Authority: Upholding military discipline and accountability within the unit
“Being a woman in the Army is a unique experience unlike any other,” Thomas said. “I want people to know that beneath the uniform, I am my own person.”
She describes herself as influential, trustworthy and hardworking. In addition to her military accomplishments, Thomas is also a certified personal trainer and wellness coach, reflecting her continued commitment to leadership, discipline and personal well-being.
Crewing Coordinator at ESPN
Following her military retirement, Thomas transitioned into the sports and media industry, where she currently works as a Crewing Coordinator at ESPN.
In this role, she supports live sports productions, managing behind-the-scenes logistics and coordinating on-air talent to ensure seamless broadcasts.
Thomas is also a Disney Military Fellowship Program Ambassador, representing the program that helps military veterans transition into civilian careers within The Walt Disney Company and ESPN.
Her leadership, organization and communication skills have proven valuable in the fast-paced environment of sports broadcasting.
Sports Events Manager at ESPN Wide World of Sports
Prior to joining ESPN, Thomas worked as a Sports Events Manager at ESPN Wide World of Sports, where she helped oversee major sporting events from planning through execution.
Her background as a U.S. Army Operations Officer provided the leadership and logistical expertise needed to manage complex sporting events and coordinate teams working behind the scenes.
Advocate for Women’s Sports
Thomas has also become a passionate advocate for the growth and visibility of women’s sports, particularly women’s flag football.
Her work includes storytelling and coverage for initiatives such as:
- She Is Football Weekend with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Girls Flag Football Week with the Atlanta Falcons
- Coverage of Alabama State University’s Women’s Flag Football Team during the 2026 season
Through these efforts, Thomas continues to amplify opportunities for female athletes and expand awareness of women’s football programs across the country.
Author and Motivational Speaker
Beyond sports media, Thomas is also a best-selling author and national keynote speaker, sharing lessons on leadership, resilience and perseverance.
She has delivered presentations for organizations including:
- Collegiate Sports Management Group
- ESPN Wide World of Sports
- Military Influencer Conference
- The Mayweather brand
- Streaming platform Twitch
Thomas has also spoken at universities and institutions such as Spelman College, Full Sail University and the University of Tampa, along with numerous military programs and high schools.
Her philosophy remains simple yet powerful:
“Success is a marathon, not a sprint.”
Impact on Women and Future Leaders
Thomas’ journey from Army commander to sports media professional reflects the growing influence of women leaders in fields traditionally dominated by men, including military leadership, sports broadcasting and athletics.
Through her advocacy for women’s flag football, leadership mentoring and public speaking, Thomas continues to inspire young women, athletes and veterans pursuing new careers after military service.
Key Achievements and Milestones
- 20-year U.S. Army combat veteran
- Three combat deployments
- Two-time U.S. Army Company Commander
- Leader responsible for more than 10,000 soldiers during her military career
- Disney’s first Military Veteran Intern (Fellow) at Disney Sports
- First Disney Fellow to complete the fellowship program and be hired full-time by ESPN
- Crewing Coordinator at ESPN
- Former Sports Events Manager at ESPN Wide World of Sports
- Best-selling author and national keynote speaker
- Sideline reporter and journalist for the Atlanta Truth Women’s Professional Tackle Football team and Alabama State University Women’s Flag Football team
- Mother to Legend Thomas (8)
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About the Florida National News Women’s History Month Series
Each March, Florida National News proudly celebrates Women’s History Month by highlighting the achievements, leadership, and impact of women across Florida and beyond. This special editorial series spotlights trailblazers in arts, culture, and fashion; business and entrepreneurship; education and academia; government and public service; media and communications; military and veterans; nonprofit and community leadership; philanthropy; and sports and athletics—women whose stories inspire progress and empower future generations.
