http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/tomlayberger/ en-us https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1f0cfc60248f04b1a47e3603a934ed24?s=400&d=mm&r=g http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/tomlayberger/ Tom Layberger's stories. Copyright 2024 Forbes Media LLC http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/tomlayberger/2024/05/17/college-football-teams-elevating-to-fbs-find-a-home-in-conference-usa/ Five schools in two-and-half years announced they were moving to college football’s highest level and joining Conference USA. Tom Layberger, Contributor Tom Layberger, Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/tomlayberger/ content_66465799c447bb29a015c303 Fri, 17 May 2024 09:30:25 -0400 2024-05-17T09:46:54-04:00 Five schools in two-and-half years announced they were moving to college football’s highest level and joining Conference USA. Icon Sportswire via Getty Images SportsMoney /sportsmoney Business /business SportsMoney /sportsmoney business sportsmoney standard http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/tomlayberger/2024/05/16/unexpected-transfer-propelled-ej-cumbo-to-record-breaking-career-with-tampa-spartans/ With his parents and relatives in the stands and grandmother looking down, E.J. Cumbo had the starring role during an afternoon that will not soon be forgotten. Tom Layberger, Contributor Tom Layberger, Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/tomlayberger/ content_664608e0aeabcc51bdcdf459 Thu, 16 May 2024 10:28:08 -0400 2024-05-16T15:14:48-04:00 With his parents and relatives in the stands and grandmother looking down, E.J. Cumbo had the starring role during an afternoon that will not soon be forgotten. Courtesy University of Tampa Athletics SportsMoney /sportsmoney Business /business SportsMoney /sportsmoney business sportsmoney standard http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/tomlayberger/2024/05/10/ann-liguori-shares-life-lessons-from-award-winning-sports-media-career/ As a little girl watching radio and television pioneer Ruth Lyons in her family’s Cincinnati home, Ann Liguori was hooked and knew what career path she wanted to travel. Tom Layberger, Contributor Tom Layberger, Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/tomlayberger/ content_663b862d09d1385d3e357a2b Fri, 10 May 2024 11:04:55 -0400 2024-05-10T12:02:35-04:00 As a little girl watching radio and television pioneer Ruth Lyons in her family’s Cincinnati home, Ann Liguori was hooked and knew what career path she wanted to travel. Courtesy Ann Liguori SportsMoney /sportsmoney Business /business SportsMoney /sportsmoney business sportsmoney standard http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/tomlayberger/2024/05/05/kevin-cash-reflects-on-becoming-tampa-bay-rays-winningest-manager/ Kevin Cash's milestone victory, in which he passed the man he succeeded, Joe Maddon, arrived a little more than nine years after he picked up his first win. Tom Layberger, Contributor Tom Layberger, Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/tomlayberger/ content_6637a7fc3dc8a345dcc0fbfd Sun, 05 May 2024 12:22:15 -0400 2024-05-05T12:46:59-04:00 Kevin Cash's milestone victory, in which he passed the man he succeeded, Joe Maddon, arrived a little more than nine years after he picked up his first win. Getty Images SportsMoney /sportsmoney Business /business SportsMoney /sportsmoney business sportsmoney standard http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/tomlayberger/2024/05/01/keeping-lightning-captain-steven-stamkos-in-tampa-is-a-priority/ Tampa Bay Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois wasted no time in touching base with Steven Stamkos and his agent concerning an extension. Tom Layberger, Contributor Tom Layberger, Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/tomlayberger/ content_66329dfc4213035957d79c27 Wed, 01 May 2024 19:49:46 -0400 2024-05-07T00:01:29-04:00 Tampa Bay Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois wasted no time in touching base with Steven Stamkos and his agent concerning an extension. NHLI via Getty Images SportsMoney /sportsmoney Business /business SportsMoney /sportsmoney business sportsmoney standard http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/tomlayberger/2024/04/26/lightning-coach-jon-cooper-recalled-impact-of-broadcaster-bob-cole/ Jon Cooper said he is not often starstruck. He was in 2018 when he got together for a cherished meeting with Bob Cole in Montreal. Tom Layberger, Contributor Tom Layberger, Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/tomlayberger/ content_662bcc893d04fa23b092e790 Fri, 26 Apr 2024 12:10:12 -0400 2024-05-02T09:27:36-04:00 Jon Cooper said he is not often starstruck. He was in 2018 when he got together for a cherished meeting with Bob Cole in Montreal. Tampa Bay Lightning SportsMoney /sportsmoney Business /business SportsMoney /sportsmoney business sportsmoney standard http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/tomlayberger/2024/04/25/amed-rosario-ben-rortvedt-among-rays-newcomers-providing-much-needed-production/ It is so typical of the Rays to sign and trade for players who perhaps lost some luster in the eyes of other organizations or were simply toiling on the fringes. Tom Layberger, Contributor Tom Layberger, Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/tomlayberger/ content_662ab396ac0d967ed2e65ac4 Thu, 25 Apr 2024 16:18:17 -0400 2024-05-02T09:27:36-04:00 It is so typical of the Rays to sign and trade for players who perhaps lost some luster in the eyes of other organizations or were simply toiling on the fringes. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. SportsMoney /sportsmoney Business /business SportsMoney /sportsmoney business sportsmoney standard http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/tomlayberger/2024/04/22/several-experienced-quarterbacks-have-entered-the-transfer-portal-this-spring/ The transfer portal opened April 16 giving players a 15-day window to explore their options. A handful of quarterbacks with starting experience have entered the portal. Tom Layberger, Contributor Tom Layberger, Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/tomlayberger/ content_66267ea137780e76d87d692b Mon, 22 Apr 2024 11:49:54 -0400 2024-05-02T06:02:40-04:00 The transfer portal opened April 16 giving players a 15-day window to explore their options. A handful of quarterbacks with starting experience have entered the portal. Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. SportsMoney /sportsmoney Business /business SportsMoney /sportsmoney business sportsmoney standard http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/tomlayberger/2024/04/19/nikita-kucherov-is-the-straw-that-stirs-the-tampa-bay-lightning/ Brayden Point has seen first-hand for several years how dedicated Nikita Kucherov is to making himself and his teammates better. Tom Layberger, Contributor Tom Layberger, Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/tomlayberger/ content_66226458fd33c96c88b408e9 Fri, 19 Apr 2024 09:00:35 -0400 2024-05-02T05:50:56-04:00 Brayden Point has seen first-hand for several years how dedicated Nikita Kucherov is to making himself and his teammates better. Getty Images SportsMoney /sportsmoney Business /business SportsMoney /sportsmoney business sportsmoney standard http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/tomlayberger/2024/04/17/josh-lowe-nearing-return-which-is-good-news-for-rays-scuffling-lineup/ Josh Lowe provided a nice combination of power and speed in his first full MLB season of 2023. The lefthanded hitter batted .292 with 20 homers and stole 32 bases, Tom Layberger, Contributor Tom Layberger, Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/tomlayberger/ content_661fc4caa50b8b16ec3e5e19 Wed, 17 Apr 2024 09:17:12 -0400 2024-04-17T09:34:07-04:00 Josh Lowe provided a nice combination of power and speed in his first full MLB season of 2023. The lefthanded hitter batted .292 with 20 homers and stole 32 bases, Getty Images SportsMoney /sportsmoney Business /business SportsMoney /sportsmoney business sportsmoney standard http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/tomlayberger/2024/04/16/spring-brought-clarity-at-quarterback-for-some-college-football-teams-not-all/ Some of the spring quarterback battles will continue in preseason camp. In other cases, a clear No. 1 emerged. Tom Layberger, Contributor Tom Layberger, Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/tomlayberger/ content_661e8d3218df7a5422acd273 Tue, 16 Apr 2024 12:30:42 -0400 2024-04-17T12:24:20-04:00 Some of the spring quarterback battles will continue in preseason camp. In other cases, a clear No. 1 emerged. Icon Sportswire via Getty Images SportsMoney /sportsmoney Business /business SportsMoney /sportsmoney business sportsmoney standard http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/tomlayberger/2024/04/11/tampa-bay-lightning-want-strong-finish-nikita-kucherovs-magical-season/ This is the time of year when, with only a few games remaining, refining one’s game is essential before the curtain rises on the playoff derby. Tom Layberger, Contributor Tom Layberger, Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/tomlayberger/ content_6616de1ddd5ac43ae21fc380 Thu, 11 Apr 2024 08:51:33 -0400 2024-04-15T03:21:20-04:00 This is the time of year when, with only a few games remaining, refining one’s game is essential before the curtain rises on the playoff derby. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. SportsMoney /sportsmoney Business /business SportsMoney /sportsmoney business sportsmoney standard http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/tomlayberger/2024/04/09/control-issues-have-plagued-tampa-bay-rays-bullpen-in-early-going/ The fact the season is all of two weeks old shall not dismiss the ineffectiveness of the Tampa Bay Rays' bullpen. Tom Layberger, Contributor Tom Layberger, Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/tomlayberger/ content_66156589e5175b1a197d7cfa Tue, 09 Apr 2024 12:22:39 -0400 2024-04-15T03:14:49-04:00 The fact the season is all of two weeks old shall not dismiss the ineffectiveness of the Tampa Bay Rays' bullpen. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. SportsMoney /sportsmoney Business /business SportsMoney /sportsmoney business sportsmoney standard http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/tomlayberger/2024/04/05/crohns-disease-has-not-slowed-mikey-eyssimont-tampa-bays-masterton-nominee/ When Mikey Eyssimont walked into the Tampa Bay Lightning’s clubhouse at Amalie Arena for the first time, he knew it was where he wanted to be. Tom Layberger, Contributor Tom Layberger, Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/tomlayberger/ content_660f1e84ad671009caa11696 Fri, 05 Apr 2024 09:14:24 -0400 2024-04-08T04:04:09-04:00 When Mikey Eyssimont walked into the Tampa Bay Lightning’s clubhouse at Amalie Arena for the first time, he knew it was where he wanted to be. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved SportsMoney /sportsmoney Business /business SportsMoney /sportsmoney business sportsmoney standard http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/tomlayberger/2024/03/29/more-consistent-play-special-teams-fueling-tampa-bay-lightning-run/ The Lightning have been helping themselves by limiting turnovers and playing a noticeably more patient brand of hockey. Tom Layberger, Contributor Tom Layberger, Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/tomlayberger/ content_6605c29c1c7b1a49c0b522bf Fri, 29 Mar 2024 08:58:57 -0400 2024-03-30T03:36:48-04:00 The Lightning have been helping themselves by limiting turnovers and playing a noticeably more patient brand of hockey. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. SportsMoney /sportsmoney Business /business SportsMoney /sportsmoney business sportsmoney standard http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/tomlayberger/2024/03/27/tampa-bay-rays-open-2024-with-rotation-far-different-from-start-of-last-season/ Zach Eflin is the only member of the Rays' rotation that broke camp with the club ahead of Opening Day last year. Tom Layberger, Contributor Tom Layberger, Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/tomlayberger/ content_6604172996c33d1d23f988a7 Wed, 27 Mar 2024 09:25:35 -0400 2024-03-28T03:42:27-04:00 Zach Eflin is the only member of the Rays' rotation that broke camp with the club ahead of Opening Day last year. Getty Images SportsMoney /sportsmoney Business /business SportsMoney /sportsmoney business sportsmoney standard http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/tomlayberger/2024/03/24/tampa-bay-rays-have-long-valued-versatility-which-is-needed-as-injury-bug-bites/ The signing of Amed Rosario early in spring training was a good move at the time and looks even better as Opening Day nears. Tom Layberger, Contributor Tom Layberger, Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/tomlayberger/ content_65ff3efd11192454d0775203 Sun, 24 Mar 2024 08:56:30 -0400 2024-03-26T01:50:39-04:00 The signing of Amed Rosario early in spring training was a good move at the time and looks even better as Opening Day nears. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. SportsMoney /sportsmoney Business /business SportsMoney /sportsmoney business sportsmoney standard http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/tomlayberger/2024/03/21/three-college-football-coaches-joined-the-10-million-club-this-year/ Florida State’s Mike Norvell, Texas’ Steve Sarkisian and Alabama's Kalen DeBoer will each make $10 million coaching their teams this year. Tom Layberger, Contributor Tom Layberger, Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/tomlayberger/ content_65fb055e65c8996f954f0526 Thu, 21 Mar 2024 20:50:23 -0400 2024-03-26T01:48:33-04:00 Florida State’s Mike Norvell, Texas’ Steve Sarkisian and Alabama's Kalen DeBoer will each make $10 million coaching their teams this year. Getty Images SportsMoney /sportsmoney Business /business SportsMoney /sportsmoney business sportsmoney standard http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/tomlayberger/2024/03/12/tampa-bay-rays-do-not-need-taj-bradley-josh-lowe-injuries-to-become-major-issues/ There is one thing that can ruin a gorgeous 75-degree spring training afternoon for a manager. That is having to scratch his pitcher right before a scheduled start. Tom Layberger, Contributor Tom Layberger, Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/tomlayberger/ content_65f0e9555f7c2a48bb65ae70 Tue, 12 Mar 2024 20:14:07 -0400 2024-03-14T04:43:21-04:00 There is one thing that can ruin a gorgeous 75-degree spring training afternoon for a manager. That is having to scratch his pitcher right before a scheduled start. Getty Images SportsMoney /sportsmoney Business /business SportsMoney /sportsmoney business sportsmoney standard http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/tomlayberger/2024/03/10/longtime-friends-matt-dumba-and-anthony-duclair-had-immediate-impact-with-lightning/ Anthony Duclair is no stranger to Lightning fans after spending three seasons with the division rival Florida Panthers before he was dealt to San Jose last summer. Tom Layberger, Contributor Tom Layberger, Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/tomlayberger/ content_65edeb82090c022ab5211bf0 Sun, 10 Mar 2024 21:51:57 -0400 2024-03-12T04:14:54-04:00 Anthony Duclair is no stranger to Lightning fans after spending three seasons with the division rival Florida Panthers before he was dealt to San Jose last summer. NHLI via Getty Images SportsMoney /sportsmoney Business /business SportsMoney /sportsmoney business sportsmoney standard http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/tomlayberger/2024/03/09/tampa-bay-lightning-addressed-needs-by-adding-matt-dumba-anthony-duclair/ The deals the Tampa Bay Lightning made at the trade deadline were not of the buzz-generating variety. They were, however, deals that should help in a couple of key areas. Tom Layberger, Contributor Tom Layberger, Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/tomlayberger/ content_65ec6100619f81652669f72b Sat, 09 Mar 2024 09:24:35 -0500 2024-03-12T03:58:54-04:00 The deals the Tampa Bay Lightning made at the trade deadline were not of the buzz-generating variety. They were, however, deals that should help in a couple of key areas. NHLI via Getty Images SportsMoney /sportsmoney Business /business SportsMoney /sportsmoney business sportsmoney standard http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/tomlayberger/2024/03/07/tampa-bays-valspar-championship-far-more-than-a-pga-tour-event/ There is plenty to do in the Tampa Bay region in March, and more and more people, not just avid golf fans, are making their way to the Valspar Championship in Palm Harbor. Tom Layberger, Contributor Tom Layberger, Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/tomlayberger/ content_65e8a49304086345bd500be0 Thu, 07 Mar 2024 09:10:54 -0500 2024-03-09T15:04:36-05:00 There is plenty to do in the Tampa Bay region in March, and more and more people, not just avid golf fans, are making their way to the Valspar Championship in Palm Harbor. Getty Images SportsMoney /sportsmoney Business /business SportsMoney /sportsmoney business sportsmoney standard http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/tomlayberger/2024/02/28/notre-dame-uconn-will-soon-be-college-footballs-lone-independents/ When UMass joins the MAC in 2025 for all sports except for ice hockey, Notre Dame and UConn will be the only major college football teams without a conference. Tom Layberger, Contributor Tom Layberger, Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/tomlayberger/ content_65df66e1d55b217faed35660 Wed, 28 Feb 2024 15:45:27 -0500 2024-02-29T12:08:54-05:00 When UMass joins the MAC in 2025 for all sports except for ice hockey, Notre Dame and UConn will be the only major college football teams without a conference. Getty Images SportsMoney /sportsmoney Business /business SportsMoney /sportsmoney business sportsmoney standard http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/tomlayberger/2024/02/26/usf-mens-basketball-coach-amir-abdur-rahim-embraces-energizes-campus-community/ From being ranked for the first time to winning 13 in a row, the University of South Florida men’s basketball team has been rewriting the program's record book. Tom Layberger, Contributor Tom Layberger, Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/tomlayberger/ content_65dcf10c1a81f0342aab0049 Mon, 26 Feb 2024 16:31:41 -0500 2024-02-27T12:59:48-05:00 From being ranked for the first time to winning 13 in a row, the University of South Florida men’s basketball team has been rewriting the program's record book. University of South Florida Athletics SportsMoney /sportsmoney Business /business SportsMoney /sportsmoney business sportsmoney standard http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/tomlayberger/2024/02/23/dave-andreychuk-brad-richards-recall-winning-lightnings-first-stanley-cup/ Dave Andreychuk and Brad Richards will be inducted into the Tampa Lightning Hall of Fame during the team's alumni weekend March 8-9. Tom Layberger, Contributor Tom Layberger, Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/tomlayberger/ content_65d7eb08ec42ac1d3ca8b078 Fri, 23 Feb 2024 12:59:36 -0500 2024-02-23T13:08:53-05:00 Dave Andreychuk and Brad Richards will be inducted into the Tampa Lightning Hall of Fame during the team's alumni weekend March 8-9. Sports Illustrated via Getty Images SportsMoney /sportsmoney Business /business SportsMoney /sportsmoney business sportsmoney standard