Thomas Cook
Verified- Sports Anchor and Reporter, Spectrum News 13
- Sports Anchor and Reporter, Bay News 9
Florida, Michigan, Syracuse, Utica
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Articles by Thomas Cook
Lake Minneola senior runner Quentin Thompson sets school record in 5K Original
MINNEOLA, Fla. — Lake Minneola High School runner Quentin Thompson has opened the boys cross country season with one of the fastest performances in school history, setting a school record of 15:16 in a 5K race as he works toward state podium finishes in cross country and track. “It felt great. Amazing. It was like a roller coaster,” Thompson said. “Overall, it was just shocking because it’s just the first race.
Raising the bar of trade compliance: Navigating CBP’s stringent enforcement strategies
In concert with the Departments of Commerce, Homeland Security, Commerce and Treasury, the Trump Administration is creating a bold initiative to hold both domestic and foreign companies to a higher standard on their imports into the United States. CBP is raising the bar and tightening up on several key areas to ensure an even playing field in global trade.
'We'll find out how ready we are on Thursday,' UCF's Frost says ahead of opener Original
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — As the University of Central Florida gets ready to kick off its season Thursday night against Bethune-Cookman University, coach Scott Frost said Monday that he likes where his team stands after fall camp, but the true test will come in the first game. “We’ll find out how ready we are on Thursday,” said Frost, who is entering his second season in his second stint as the Knights' coach.
Lake Mary’s 2025 state championship season lives on in student-made documentary Original
LAKE MARY, Fla. — Lake Mary High School’s 2025 football state championship season is being remembered through a student-produced documentary after the Rams won the 7A state title following a viral finish against Vero Beach. The Rams were down by eight points with less than a minute left in the state championship game, which was played in heavy rain. Instead of punting, Vero Beach took a safety, then attempted a squib kick that gave Lake Mary one final chance.
Florida Citrus Sports plans to bring future Week 0 games to Orlando Original
ORLANDO, Fla. — The 2026 college football season kicks off with Week 0 games this weekend, marking the unofficial start of the year. Camping World Stadium in downtown Orlando has hosted four season-opening marquee games in the past, like Alabama against Louisville and Florida versus Miami. The last one was in 2023 when Florida State took on LSU. But it doesn't have any of those games this season.
Lake-Sumter golfer earns scholar-athlete honors, gets set for next step in college career Original
LEESBURG, Fla. — Tripp Watkins has wrapped up his second season at Lake-Sumter State College and is now heading to the New College of Florida in Sarasota. Before he departs, Watkins was named the Florida College System Activities Association Men's Golf Scholar-Athlete of the Year. The honor recognized his performance on the course, his 3.45 grade-point average and his volunteer work within Lake-Sumter’s athletic department. “I wouldn’t change a thing; it was awesome,” Watkins said.
The First Academy’s Reed Ramsier leads Royals into senior season
ORLANDO, Fla. — The First Academy opened the high school football season with a 58-7 win over Dr. Phillips on Friday night. Senior offensive lineman Reed Ramsier is heading into his final year with some unfinished business. “It's pretty awesome to be back out here,” Ramsier said. “We had a really good offseason. We've been working really hard in the weight room.
UCF's athletic director continues to grow football program ahead of 4th season in Big 12 Original
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — As UCF prepares to enter its fourth season of Big 12 football, Vice President and Director of Athetics Terry Mohajir said the Knights continue to develop multiple ways to help the program grow. Having the right players and staff is a key factor, he said. Mohajir hired football coach Scott Frost in Orlando on Dec. 7, 2024, after former coach Gus Malzahn left the team. The Knights were 5-7 last season and are looking to build on that this fall.
Central Florida twins to represent Team USA in Italy for Junior World Kickboxing Championships
ORLANDO, Fla. — Central Florida twins Edwin and Luis Rivera Falcon will represent Team USA at the Junior World Kickboxing Championships in Italy later this year after qualifying for the event earlier this year. The 17-year-old brothers began their martial arts journey in Puerto Rico. They said they were 4 years old when they would walk with their mother past a martial arts studio in their small town and became interested after hearing music coming from inside.
Tracy McGrady’s Ones Basketball League raises the bar at Oak Ridge High School Original
ORLANDO, Fla. — Basketball Hall of Famer Tracy McGrady founded the Ones Basketball League in 2022. He relaunched the league this summer with its OBL Battle of the Cities events in Orlando. The competition is exactly what it sounds like: one-on-one basketball, with games up to seven. “It’s you by yourself,” said McGrady, who starred with the Orlando Magic and Houston Rockets in the 2000s. “You’re out on the island by yourself, and that’s a very challenging thing to do.
Florida Miss Volleyball and Winter Park alum Amelia Mancino gets set for college volleyball Original
WINTER PARK, Fla. — Winter Park volleyball capped off another magical season last fall, winning back-to-back state championships. “It's just, like, the same girls for the past nine years of my life," Winter Park volleyball and Appalachian State signee Amelia Mancino said. "I've been with the same people, like this amazing coaching staffs on both sides.
Horizon tight end Davien Bradley is working toward a bigger role in his junior year Original
ORLANDO, Fla. — Horizon High School tight end Davien Bradley is heading into his junior season this fall. He looks to have a much larger role for the Hawks. Horizon High opened six years ago, and football coach Dennis Thomas Jr. said he has been part of building the program from the beginning. “Defensively, we definitely bring a lot of guys back, and I think we have a chance to be the best defense we’ve had here,” Thomas said. “Offensively, I’ve got a new offensive coordinator.
Starting pitcher Max Sakala leading Orangewood Christian baseball, committed to Miami Original
MAITLAND, Fla. — Orangewood Christian baseball made it all the way to the state semifinals last year. This season, they’re embarking on a similar journey once again. “I think the boys have played well. Figuring out how to win games. We’re a little undersized. But I think our pitching has been phenomenal this year,” Orangewood Christian baseball coach Scott Hilinski said. The pitching staff has been led by junior Max Sakala.
UCF defensive end Malachi Lawrence looks to be first round pick Original
ORLANDO, Fla. — Former UCF defensive end Malachi Lawrence quietly put together another great season for the Knights, capping off a 20-sack college career. What You Need To Know Malachi Lawrence spent four years at UCF racking up 20 sacks in his career Lawrence had an impressive day at the NFL Combine, running a 4.52 40-yard dash He is now projected to be a first-round draft pick in some mock drafts “Here at UCF, it was just a great time. Just like going through the grind.
Sophomore Vanessa Waite is becoming one of the best sprinters in the state at Lake Minneola Original
MINNEOLA, Fla. — The Lake Minneola High School girls’ track and field team will once again have many athletes at the state meet in early May. What You Need To Know Vanessa Waite is a sophomore at Lake Minneola High School. After an injury riddled freshman season, she still finished fifth at states in the 400m. Now that she is healthy, Vanessa is back to runnning the 100 and 200m. Vanessa Waite is now in her sophomore season at Lake Minneola.
Florida native Colin Castleton talks about his journey back to Orlando Original
ORLANDO, Fla. — DeLand native and former University of Florida standout Colin Castleton is back on familiar ground after earning a two-way contract with the Orlando Magic.
Freedom girls’ senior wrestler Paola Ramirez leads Patriots to state title Original
ORLANDO, Fla. — The Freedom girls wrestling program is one of the best in the state, winning its second state championship this year. Paola Ramirez led the way for Freedom, finishing in second place in the 130-pound division earlier this month. That was the best finish for a Patriots girls wrestler.
Solai Washington set to make NWSL debut with Pride after winning national title with Florida State Original
SANFORD, Fla. — The Orlando Pride kick off their National Women's Soccer League regular season at 3 p.m. Sunday at Inter&Co Stadium, taking on the Seattle Reign. Among the newcomers to the team is forward Solai Washington, who signed a two-year, free-agent contract with the Pride through the 2027 season with a mutual option for 2028.
Poohpha Warakulnukroh's basketball journey takes him from Thailand to UCF Original
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — It’s been quite the journey for Poohpha Warakulnukroh. He grew up in Thailand, came to the United States as a high school sophomore and spent two years at Montverde Academy in Lake County.
Emma Pynes continues to shine at Cornerstone Charter Academy
ORLANDO, Fla. — Emma Pynes is one of the best softball players in Central Florida. As a sophomore at Cornerstone Charter Academy, she had an over .400 batting average and hit 10 home runs. What You Need To Know Emma Pynes is now in her junior year at Cornerstone Charter Academy As a sophomore, she hit over .400 and had 10 home runs She is committed to playing softball at the University of Tennessee “I'm really excited.
Rollins' Mayson Quartlebaum, who battled cancer, now having career year Original
WINTER PARK, Fla. — In his final season of college basketball, Mayson Quartlebaum is having arguably his best year on the floor.
Oak Ridge’s Donovan Williams blossoms into national spotlight, heading to UCF
ORLANDO, Fla. — From a young age, Donavan Williams has been a special player on the basketball court. He has blossomed into one of the best players not just in Central Florida, but the entire country. What You Need To Know Donovan Williams is a star at Oak Ridge, ranked as one of the best players in the country He is back in Orlando after spending his junior season at Oak Ridge Academy in Virginia Williams has played for his high school coach since the third grade “Special talent, can really score.
Senior wrestler Isaac Velazquez continues legacy of Freedom wrestling program Original
ORLANDO, Fla. — The Freedom High School boys wrestling program is full of championship banners. That is the expectation every year for the Patriots. What You Need To Know Isaac Velazquez is a senior on the Freedom High School boys wrestling team The Patriots were once again back in the state duels this year Isaac had a big time pin to help earn points towards a state championship Isaac Velazquez is in his fourth-year wrestling for the Patriots. He has had quite the season, with some big-time wins.
Florida boxer is USA Boxing's youth super heavyweight champion Original
PALM BAY, Fla. — Caleb Stewart-Reid won the USA Boxing youth super heavyweight championship belt in December and is now off to Team USA tryouts at the U.S. Olympic training facility in Colorado.
Quarterback Carter Emanuel has led Edgewater to a perfect regular season
ORLANDO, Fla. — Edgewater High School had a perfect regular season. The Eagles went 10-0 and are the top seed in the 5A Region 2 bracket. A big reason why is the play of senior quarterback Carter Emanuel.
Magic's Franz Wagner blossoming into one of NBA's rising stars
ORLANDO, Fla. — The Magic drafted forward Franz Wagner with the eighth pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, and he has developed into a core player on Orlando's roster.
Magic's Franz Wagner blossoming into one of NBA's rising stars
ORLANDO, Fla. — The Magic drafted forward Franz Wagner with the eighth pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, and he has developed into a core player on Orlando's roster.
Magic's Franz Wagner blossoming into one of NBA's rising stars
ORLANDO, Fla. — The Magic drafted forward Franz Wagner with the eighth pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, and he has developed into a core player on Orlando's roster.
Magic eager to get to work to take on higher expectations Original
ORLANDO, Fla. — The Orlando Magic are ready to tip off a new season and are embracing the work they will have to put in to meet higher expectations for the team this season. What You Need To Know The Magic held Media Day on Monday Both management and players said they are ready to work to meet higher expectations Orlando plays its first preseason game Oct. 4 and its first regular-season game Oct.
UCF preparing for Big 12 opener at Kansas State while processing loss of Clark
ORLANDO, Fla. — It has been a somber week for the UCF football program following the death of offensive line coach Shawn Clark on Sunday. Clark, 50, had an undisclosed medical emergency on Sept. 9 and had remained in the hospital since then. Knights coach Scott Frost said his heart breaks for the Clark's wife, Jonelle, and his two children, Giana and Braxton. He said Clark had a special spirit and energy about him that he’ll miss deeply. "I just miss my friend," Frost said.
UCF preparing for Big 12 opener at Kansas State while processing loss of Clark
ORLANDO, Fla. — It has been a somber week for the UCF football program following the death of offensive line coach Shawn Clark on Sunday. Clark, 50, had an undisclosed medical emergency on Sept. 9 and had remained in the hospital since then. Knights coach Scott Frost said his heart breaks for the Clark's wife, Jonelle, and his two children, Giana and Braxton. He said Clark had a special spirit and energy about him that he’ll miss deeply. "I just miss my friend," Frost said.
Edgewater High School, EA Sports extend partnership Original
ORLANDO, Fla. — Edgewater High School partnered with EA Sports starting in 2024. It allowed the Edgewater varsity football team to travel to the United Kingdom to play the NFL Academy team, and this year, it wants to bring the NFL Academy to Orlando.
'We're ready to play': UCF gets set for UNC on Saturday
ORLANDO, Fla. — UCF is off to a 2-0 start in the return of coach Scott Frost. After an early-season bye week, UCF now gets set for its toughest test yet this season — Bill Belichick and North Carolina — at 3:30 p.m. Saturday at the Acrisure Bounce House.
'We're ready to play': UCF gets set for UNC on Saturday
ORLANDO, Fla. — UCF is off to a 2-0 start in the return of coach Scott Frost. After an early-season bye week, UCF now gets set for its toughest test yet this season — Bill Belichick and North Carolina — at 3:30 p.m. Saturday at the Acrisure Bounce House.
Windermere Prep Brandon Bass Jr. Florida State basketball Original
WINDERMERE, Fla. — The name Brandon Bass is familiar in the City Beautiful. Bass played for the Orlando Magic from 2009 to 2011. What You Need To Know Brandon Bass Jr. is a consensus four-star high school basketball recruit who recently committed to Florida State He is is the son of former Orlando Magic forward Brandon Bass Bass Jr. is a senior at Windemere Prep High School coached by former Seminole Brian Hoff Now his son, Brandon Bass Jr., is making a name for himself as well.
Rockford bounces back with OK Red win over Caledonia in Game of the Week
Posted (WXMI) — Rockford bounces back with OK Red win over Caledonia in Game of the Week. The Blitz has the highlights and hear from the Rams after their win on Friday night. For more scores, highlights, and the latest news on high school sports in West Michigan, go to the FOX 17 Blitz page. Follow the FOX 17 Blitz on social media: Facebook - X (formerly Twitter)
In Motion: West Michigan junior pistol champion sets eyes on 2028 Olympics
(WXMI — Ethan Hanko competed in the Junior Olympics and Olympic trials this year. He now has his eye set on an even bigger goal - the 2028 Olympics. "It's been crazy going from not shooting too great in the first couple of weeks and then just skyrocketing and seeing my scores grow higher," Ethan said. Ethan will be entering 10th grade this fall at East Kentwood High School. He's only been shooting competitively for a year and a half.
Michigan State basketball to play exhibition game in U.P.
(WXMI — Michigan State men’s basketball will play at Northern Michigan for an exhibition game on Sunday, Oct. 13 in Marquette, Mich. The game will tip off in the Superior Dome on the NMU campus in Marquette at 1 p.m. This will be the first visit for 30th-year Michigan State Head Coach Tom Izzo to his alma mater to coach a game. Izzo graduated from Northern Michigan in 1977.
Portage native Carson Hocevar wins his first-ever Battle at Berlin
Posted and last updated (WXMI — Portage native Carson Hocevar wins his first-ever Battle at Berlin. "This is one of the most fun races I've run in a long time," Hocevar said in the winner's circle. Thomas Cook has a full recap of the Battle at Berlin. Follow FOX 17: Facebook - X (formerly Twitter) - Instagram - YouTube
Tigers promote top prospects Max Clark and Kevin McGonigle to Whitecaps
The Detroit Tigers have promoted No. 1 prospect Max Clark and No. 4 prospect Kevin McGonigle to the West Michigan Whitecaps. Both were in Low-A Lakeland all year. Clark was selected with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft from Franklin Community High School in Indiana last July after winning the 2023 Gatorade National Player of the Year Award. The gold medal winner at the 18-and-under World Cup hit .646 with a .808 on base percentage during his senior season in high school.
Whitecaps blank Dragons in first game back from All-Star break
Whitecaps blank Dragons in first game back from All-Star break Prev Next Whitecaps shut out Dragons 3-0 Posted at 11:04 PM, Jul 19, 2024 (WXMI) — Whitecaps beat the Dragons 3-0 on Friday, July 19th at LMCU Ballpark. Sports Director Thomas Cook has the full highlights. Follow FOX 17: Facebook - X (formerly Twitter) - Instagram - YouTube Copyright 2024 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Grand Rapids Rise sign PVF top blocker and Michigan native Ali Bastianelli
(WXMI) — The Grand Rapids Rise have signed middle blocker Ali Bastianelli for the 2025 Pro Volleyball Federation season. Bastianelli is a Michigan native growing up in Marysville, Mich. She played last season with the San Diego Mojo and was the League’s best blocker averaging 1.02 blocks per set. “I decided to join the Rise because I felt it was time for me to come home,” Bastianelli said in a release. “I’m a Michigan native and have so much pride being from here.
Calvin hires Grand Rapids native Joel Schipper as baseball coach
(WXMI) — Calvin University has hired Joel Schipper as its new head baseball coach. Schipper takes over the program following Kevin Van Duyn's retirement in May after five seasons as the Knights baseball coach. Schipper is a Grand Rapids native who spent the last three seasons as the head baseball coach at Hastings College in Nebraska. Schipper also was an assistant coach at Davenport in 2021 and spent two seasons as an assistant coach under Van Duyn at Calvin in 2019 and 2020.
Jenison High School senior Sophia Umstead competes in Olympic Trials
(WXMI) — Jenison High School rising senior Sophia Umstead at the Olympic Swim Trials in Indianapolis. Umstead swam in the women's 200m breaststroke after qualifying for the event in her last race. Umstead was in the first of six heats. She finished third in the heat at 2:33.21 and 35th overall. While Umstead will not move on to the semi-finals, she'll return to Jenison for her senior year coming off winning two state titles last year. She is also committed to swim at Virginia.
Jenison High School swimmer to compete in Olympic Trials
(WXMI) — Jenison High School swimmer Sophia Umstead has the chance to represent Team USA in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Umstead finished up her junior year at Jenison winning two state titles last fall. She had come up just short of the time she needed to qualify for the U.S. Olympic Trials in Indianapolis. She had one last race back in West Michigan and she was able to qualify for the for the Trials.
'It felt great': Tigers top prospect makes rehab start in West Michigan
(WXMI) — The Tigers No. 1 prospect Jackson Jobe made his first rehab start with the West Michigan Whitecaps after Jobe suffered a left hamstring strain on May 1st while pitching in AA Erie. Jobe is also the No. 2 pitching prospect in all of baseball, according to MLB Pipeline. 'It felt great': Tigers top prospect makes rehab start in West Michigan Jackson Jobe's final line: 2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, 29 pitches, 16 strikes "It felt great, definitely missed it.
Western Michigan Athletics holds 61st annual golf outing
(WXMI) — Western Michigan Athletics held its 61st annual golf outing to raise money for the University's general athletic fund. Over 200 people took part in the golf outing at Egypt Valley Country Club. Western Michigan Athletics holds 61st annual golf fundraiser "It's great to see this many people show up for Western and really it's the culmination of a lot of work from the Grand Rapids golf committee. This group meets once a week, every week for the entire year to put on a great event.
From living in a car to managing the Lansing Lugnuts: Craig Conklin's journey in baseball
LANSING, Mich. — Every journey has twists and turns with a few bumps along the way, and Craig Conklin's ride to the Lugnuts fits that mold. His goal, like so many, was to play in the MLB. "The second my grandfather got me in the front yard and played catch with me, I was going to do baseball in some way, shape or form," Conklin said. One fall, Conklin even lived in his car, so he could walk on to a junior college team in California.
Meijer LPGA Classic: First and second-round tee times and group pairings
(WXMI) — The Meijer LPGA Classic has officially announced tee times and group pairings for Thursday and Friday. The first and second rounds will start with groups teeing off on holes 1 and 10.
Michigan State golfer Katie Lu embraces opportunity to play at Meijer LPGA Classic
(WXMI) — Michigan State golfer Katie Lu is playing this week at the Meijer LPGA Classic on a sponsorship exemption. Background on Katie Lu: She was named an Honorable Mention All-American by the Women's Golf Coaches Association of America. Lu was also a first-team All-Big-Ten Conference golfer this season. She led the Spartans with an average score of 71.54, the second-lowest score in Michigan State women's golf history. This will be Lu's second-ever LPGA event.
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