*Whatever the new name (“America 12” is the favorite) of the ever-imploding-and-expanding Big East is, the 2013 version will include both USF and UCF. How ironic. For years, USF football tried to distance itself from UCF–once their four-year commitment was up–because UCF was a notch below the Bulls in stature. Now they’re in the same conference, USF is trying to rebound from the Skip Holtz debacle and they are forced to recognize each other for what they are: natural rivalries. Imagine, a low-overhead game that can draw well and energize campuses. And it only happened because of the exigencies of conference realignments.
*It was disappointing that USF basketball followed up its surprise run in last year’s NCAA tournament and the reopening of the renovated Sun Dome with a dud of a season. But look who did make it to the tournament: the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles, who will represent the Atlantic Sun Conference. FGCU is what used to be USF’s Fort Myers’ campus.
* Congrats to Hillsborough High’s Jeremiah Green. The Terrier senior recently won the triple jump at the prestigious New Balance Indoor Nationals in New York City. His winning distance of 51 feet, 6 inches, makes him the nation’s best.
* Once again Tampa’s Jesuit High is nationally ranked in baseball. The undefeated (10-0) Tigers, who have outscored opponents 120-11, are ranked second in the country by MaxPreps.