June 2016 Emerald Coast Edition by ITG Next Magazine

1st Tee To Argonaut A Father’s Hand

UWF Golf Adrian Stills

Only In Your Mind: Camden “Bone” Siefert Sand Vollyball Striving To Excel Coach Kliengsak ‘Sam’ Dakota Berry Nimpchaimantham Pace High School

Pine Forest Track Club Volleyball

STATE CHAMP RECAP

“ AT The Helm”

IN THE

GAME

June 2016

Gil Hackel | Gulf Breeze Elementary

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IN THIS ISSUE 9 Fast Breaks 12 A Father’s Hand Adrian Stills

17 Only In Your Mind! Camden “Bone” Siefert

18 Striving To Excel Dakota Berry Pace High School

22 It Comes In 3’s!

Keon Voisin, Devin Voisin, and Jaden Voisin Crestview High School

28 1st Tee To Argonaut UWF Golf

30 Sand Vollyball

Coach Kliengsak ‘Sam’ Nimpchaimantham

41 WORLD

32 Pine Forest Track 34 State Champ Recap 38 Club Volleyball 44 Instant Replay

WIDE

WAVES

Braidyn Cunningham

ON THE COVER 24 “On The Helm”

Gil Hackel Gulf Breeze Elementary

FROM THE PUBLISHER

36 homerun Hire For Pensacola High: James “Jamie” Rigdon Another Day In The Park Legend Of The Game Cordova Park Elementary Jody Skelton

The Beauty Of High School Sports Diamonds are a Making Her Girl’s Best Friend! Tate High School Softball

Own Wake

Sophia Nguyen

Upward Skateboarding: Jon Shell

Check Out Our

REBRAND

March 2016

Baseball Player Profiles “Spring Is In The Air”

TELL US YOUR THOUGHTS! email us at info@itgsportsnetwork.com to let us know what you thought of the March edition of ITG.

18 What an incredible 2015-16 school year for In the Game Magazine and the schools along the Emerald Coast. Arnold and I acquired ITG-EC in June 2015 and what an amazing ride it’s been. We truly have enjoyed bringing you the best of prep sports in our area. We hope you have appreciated the talent, perseverance, and skill that we have been honored to showcase. And to think: we have only scratched the surface. Keep sending your story ideas. We are constantly on the lookout for players, teams, coaches and fans to highlight. We promise to do our best to get to them all. In this issue, we put youth sailing in the spotlight. In an area surrounded by water, sailing is wildly popular. The youth sailing program

Contributors at the Pensacola Yacht Club exposes aspiring sailors as young as 6 years old to the sport that takes you not only across the bay, but to the Olympics and literally around the world. Eight-year-old Gil Hackel and former Olympic Sailor Tom Whitehurst show us the ropes. The end of the school year is also track time, and we highlight some of the fastest along the Emerald Coast. And is it ever really not a good time to talk football? We take a quick look at a special family playing for the Crestview Bulldogs. The “Legend of the Game” for June is Mr. Adrian Still, PGA Professional General Manager of Osceola Golf Course in Pensacola. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more inspiring story. Go to Osceola and meet an exceptional golfer and even better human being. Again, thank you for reading. If you like what you see, please let us know. We would love to hear from you. And please let our advertisers know you saw their ad and appreciate them keeping the Emerald Coast IN THE GAME!

Arnold & Ed

In the Game is published bi-monthly. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in part or in full without consent from the publisher. P & T Productions, LLC makes no representation or warranty of any kind for accuracy of content. All advertisements are assumed by the publisher to be correct. Copyright 2015 P & T Productions, LLC All rights reserved. ISSN 1945-1458.

Publisher Mark Dykes Editors Arnold Gamber Ed Spears Graphics Ashlyn Peek Cover Photography Katherine Quarles/Spiros Zachos Feature Photography Rachel McMeninmen Arnold Gamber Marque Milla Reese Michelle Smith Katherine Quarles/Spiros Zachos Feature Writers Marty Stanovich Rachel McMeninmen Arnold Gamber James Washington Tiffany Roher Edward Spears Copy Editor James Washington Advertising/Marketing Arnold Gamber arnold@itgsportsnetwork.com Ed Spears edward@itgsportsnetwork.com Website Manager Cole Parker FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION CALL: 888-715-4263 P & T Productions, LLC 3451 Bayou Blvd. Pensacola, Fl 32503

FAST BREAK

TEST YOUR KNOWLEGE 1

To acquire the ball after a missed shot is called a_________. A. Lay up B. Foul C. Free throw D. Rebound

A Spike in Activity:

7th Annual Strike Out Cancer Tate High School and the Aggie Softball Team hosted West Florida Tech for the Seventh Annual “Strike Out Cancer” Game. They competed in JV and Varsity and the Lady Jaguars contributed $5,000.00 to the cause. Tate head coach Melinda Wyatt said the girls look forward to this event each year and support cancer research with the money raised.

WAY TO GO JAQUARS AND AGGIES! WAY TO BE IN THE GAME TO BEAT CANCER!

Which shot has the highest percentage of going in the basket? A. 3 Point Shot B. Lay-up C. Fade away D. Free throw

written by: Njeri Mathis photography courtesy of danasokc.top

Beginning in the spring of 2017, beach volleyball will become an official high school sport in the state of Florida. The announcement was made on Wednesday (April 20) when Florida Governor Rick Scott signed a bill allowing high schools in the state to join other athletic conferences without any consequences. The Sunshine Sports Athletic Conference and USA Volleyball partnered on the initiative. It will start off exclusively for girls, with a 3A classification and below. But don’t worry, indoor volleyball is still

Two technical fouls result in removal from the game. A. True B. False

A __________ occurs when an offensive player reaches a desired position first, causing a defensive player to go around him/her; delaying the progress of that defender. A. assit B. pivot C. steal D. screen

Flip for answers.

Volleyball has been an Olympic discipline for the last 20 years, and has recently been recognized as an official National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) sport. offered to everyone. The season will be directed by USA Volleyball rules and regulations. The change comes as no surprise. Volleyball has been an Olympic discipline for the last 20 years, and has recently been recognized as an official National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) sport. It was only a matter of time before we found our high school athletes playing the game. Having the full support of both the Florida Region of USA Volleyball and the Sunshine State Athletic Conference is probably the best way to expand the sport, seeing that they’re established experts in the sport. Predictions are leaning toward a fruitful first season and a quick jump in popularity. The goal is the have

Answers

Congrats to all the Participants!

B. 2 D. 4

5. D

Saturday, April 30th, saw the cream of the crop compete in the Warrington Youth Sports All-Star Games. Ten teams competed in an exhibition affair to help raise money for the Youth Sports Association and the Warrington Sports Youth Scholarship. Boys and girls in grades 3-12 were represented on the court at Escambia High School in this worthwhile event. In The Game Emerald Coast is glad we could play a small part with this.

A. 1 C. 3

1. D 2. B 3. B 4. A

Warrington Youth Sports Charity Basketball Games

Beach Volleyball Comes to the Sunshine State

How many points is a basket worth if shot from inside of the 3-point line?

IN THE GAME | 9

FAST BREAK

CARDIO WORKOUT: Endurance Sprints: Two 150-meter sprints with 30 seconds rest between each run. Finish each run in less than 20 seconds. Rest three minutes.

Three 200-meter sprints with 30 seconds rest between each run. Finish each run in less than 30 seconds. Rest three minutes.

One 300-meter sprint. Run in less than 50 seconds. Rest five minutes.

Stadium Stairs: Sprint up stairs and walk down. Do 10 repetitions with 10 seconds rest between each rep. Rest five minutes.

Sled Drag: Load a drag sled with 90 lbs. Sprint with the sled for 30 yards, then rest for 30 seconds. That’s one repetition. Do 8 reps.

This information is coutesy of muscleandfitness.com

STUDENT-ATHLETES EARN DIPLOMAS AT RECORD RATE More student-athletes than ever are earning degrees at Division I schools. The most recent Graduation Success Rate data, collected for student-athletes who entered college in 2007, show 84 percent graduated within six years. The rate is up 2 percentage points from the class that entered in 2006 and includes gains in virtually every demographic. “Supporting student-athlete success in the classroom is at the heart of our Association, and today’s announcement shows progress toward that goal that is nothing short of remarkable,” NCAA President Mark Emmert said. “We are delighted to see a record percentage of student-athletes achieve graduation, the ultimate goal of entering college.” Football student-athletes in the Football Bowl Subdivision graduated at a 75 percent rate, a 4 percentage point increase. African-American Football Bowl Subdivision student-athletes increased their GSR four points. The overall FBS rate represents an all-time high for the Football Bowl Subdivision.

READ THE REST AT NCAA.ORG This information is coutesy of ncaa.com

A SPIKE IN ACTIVITY CONTINUED at least 20 teams compete in the opening season. The growing popularity of the sport will likely attract high numbers. The competition will involve a minimum of three pairs of girls per squad competing against the opponent school’s team in the best two out of three matches. Games are set to start next April at Hickory Point Beach located in Tavares, Florida. Various venues throughout Florida will be used for in-season matches. Game dates haven’t been set yet, but one thing is for sure, we all need to stock up on sunscreen.

GPAC Concludes successful 2015-16:

Senior Class has 6 of 9 going on to compete in college. 3 of 9 to service academy. Makayla Ludwick named to National Diversity Select Camp and to Open Water Zone Championships. Maren Makey named to Southern Zone Open Water Championships. Walker Parra broke 2 GPAc individual records and was on 2 record setting relays this past SCY season.

FAST BREAK

MOVIN’ ON UP

TRAIN LIKE A PRO ATHLETE

Do you want to be more like the guys you’ll be watching every Sunday during the NFL season? Well then you need to train like one. Trust me, no NFL players pump up their muscles by spending hours on a treadmill, elliptical or a stationary bike. So ditch the steady-state cardio workouts and start a more structured strength, power and anaerobic fitness routine.

START LIFTING HEAVY

written by: Edward Spears | photography courtesy of americanpaintballcoliseum.com One of the highlights of a high school athletic career is Signing Day. Knowing you get to play your sport at the next level and continue your education. Fulfilling your dream and repaying your parents for the many sacrifices they made to get you there. In the Game Magazine surveyed the schools along the Emerald Coast to recognize the players who will be movin’ on up.* CONGRATULATIONS AND GOOD LUCK IN COLLEGE!!!! Bozeman High School: Alec Aleywine – Baseball - Gulf Coast College Freeport High School: Madysen Jones – Volleyball - Gulf Coast College Gulf Breeze High School: Tori Bindi - Swimming – University of Florida Julia Denby - Volleyball – Birmingham Southern College Allison Von Brock - Volleyball – Pensacola State College Amber Hamilton - Soccer – Nova Southeastern University Megan Hawkins - Soccer – Mississippi College Kiersten Edlund - Soccer – Troy University Olivia Printiss - Softball – Daytona State College Frances Williams - Lacrosse – Lenoir-Rhyne University Alanna Zambetti - Lacrosse – Florida Southern College Nick Valletto - Lacrosse – Oglethorpe College Mosley High School: Ezra Gray – Football - Alabama State University Zach Saffold – Football - Florida A&M University Nick Gentili – Football - Troy University Jimmy Daniel – Football - University of West Florida JJ Bleday – Baseball - Vanderbilt University Jordan Murray – Baseball - Florida Tech Garrett Breland – Baseball - Huntingdon College Kenley Adams – Volleyball - University of Alabama, Birmingham Kiana Yangson – Volleyball - Auburn University at Montgomery Elizabeth Wingrove – Volleyball - Gulf Coast State College Daniel Lozier – Tennis - Quincy University Emily Whitlock – Tennis - Birmingham Southern University Taylor Hallmon – Girls Soccer - Florida State University Jordan Lewis – Girls Soccer - University of West Florida Lucas Williams – Boys Soccer - Culver Stockton University

Pace High School: Dakota Berry - Softball - Faulkner University Tyler Butcher - Football - Walsh University Celine Coleman - Swimming - University of West Florida Nathan Harshany - Basketball - US Coast Guard Academy Alexis Lawson - Soccer - Daytona State Aaliya Neal - Basketball - Johns and Wales University Ty Oxford - Football - Milsap College Rutherford High School: Jacquez Koonce – Baseball – Gulf Coast State College Chris Casey – Baseball – Huntington College Jacob Munn – Baseball/Football – Huntington College Jaleel Heard – Football – Alabama Prep Academy Zhakori Lewis – Football – University of West Florida Abbigail Barron – Softball – Faulkner University Taylor Stalnaker – Softball – Wallace State Savanna Boyette – Softball – Wesleyan College Zabella Thompson – Soccer – Trinity Baptist College Vernon High School: Ryan Malloy – Football - Lyon College Joseph Smith- Football - Lyon College Darrius Peterson – Football - Benedict College Darrion Peterson - Football - Benedict College Howard Freeman – Football - Benedict College Jaylen Davis – Football - Benedict College Q’Darius George – Football - Arkansas Baptist JC Jordan Peterson- Football - Arkansas Baptist JC Adrean Rodgers – Football - Arkansas Baptist JC Marlon Stephens – Football - Arkansas Baptist JC Jaylen Steele – Football - Arkansas Baptist JC Walton High School: Azende Rey - Football – Florida A&M University *Surveys were sent to each high school athletic director. All information provided by the schools. The included schools responded by the print deadline.

In order to gain maximum strength and muscle, you need to move heavy weight, and increase the load and intensity of the workouts. Lift heavy and work out hard for short bursts of time - pushing your body harder, but for short durations. Cardio is necessary, but upgrade slow steady-state cardio for intensive cardio that gets the heart rate high and keeps it there for a short time, followed by an equal amount of recovery time. I’m not saying that you should go out and try to bench press 275 lbs. like professional football players, but I would suggest using the heaviest weight that you could manage to lift (with correct form) for a total of 5 repetitions. Focus on the large muscle groups that function as prime movers, such as quadriceps, hamstrings, chest, and back. Pay less attention to smaller muscles such as biceps, triceps and calves. Alternate cardio days with sprint intervals at 85% of you max heart rate (220 – your age), and use a heart rate monitor to ensure you’re working at the correct intensity.

STRENGTH WORKOUT: Power cleans – 5 sets x 3 reps Squats – 5 sets x 5 reps Bench press – 5 sets x 5 reps DB rows – 5 sets x 5 reps Dead lifts – 5 sets x 5 reps DB overhead press – 5 sets x 5 reps Pull-ups – 5 sets x 5 reps Burpees 5 sets x 10 reps with 30 seconds between sets Core plank for 1 minute Crunches on SB using band for resistance Plate twists This information is coutesy of muscleandfitness.com

7 FUN FACTS ABOUT GOLF

LEGEND OF THE GAME LEGEND OF THE GAME LEGEND OF THE GAME LEGEN

Golf is a centuries-old sport that’s enjoyed by millions of people throughout the world. While most people are familiar with the general concept of golf, we’re going to share some fun facts that you probably didn’t know.

Longest Recorded Drive Was 515 Yards

English-American pro golfer and kinesiology expert Michael Hoke Austin is credited with making the longest drive. While playing in the U.S. National Seniors Tournament in 1974, Hoke drove the ball a mind-boggling 515 yards. PGA champion Chandler Harper, Hoke’s foursome teammate, said “This is impossible, but there is a ball over here.”

First 18-Hole Course Was on a Sheep Farm America’s first 18-hole golf course constructed on a sheep farm in Downer’s Grove, Illinois in 1892. Businessman and golf lover Charles Blair McDonald moved to this quaint town and began constructing the course with his colleagues. The Downer’s Grove Golf Course is still intact after all of these years, although its since been downsized to 9 holes.

Golf Balls Were Originally Made of Wood

Here’s a fun fact: some of the first golf balls were made entirely of hardwood, such as beech and box trees. These balls appeared during the 14th century and remained in use until the 17th century. Of course, a typical wooden golf ball would only last for a few games before it needed to be replaced.

Other Golf Balls Were Made of Feathers

An alternative type of golf ball, known as a feathery, also appeared around the era of the wooden ball. A feathery was basically a leather pouch filled with chicken or goose feathers (hence the name. Due to the extensive labor and materials required, a single feathery ball would often cost the modern-day equivalent of $10-$20 bucks.

12 | itgsportsnetwork.com

A FATHER’S HAND written by: Arnold Gamber | photography by: Arnold Gamber

Throughout his experiences and challenges in the world of professional golf, Adrian expresses it has shaped the man he is today. Inheriting a work ethic from his father but coupled with the lessons of sportsmanship, honesty, and self-discipline honed by the game of golf allowed him to excel in this exclusive sport.

The measure of a man is how he treats others and the impact he has on his community. Adrian Stills has tried to live up to the standard his father, Roy Sr., set for his children, and he has done the memory of his father proud. He is 58 years old, father of two successful sons, and has been married to his high school sweetheart, Maria, for 34 years. He carved out a career in professional golf – which is something that not many African Americans have been able to do – and now he is giving back to the youth of his hometown of Pensacola. Currently, if he is not working with the youth of the First Tee Program, he is helping former Surgeon General Regina Benjamin fundraise for her nonprofit primary clinic in Bayou La Batre, Alabama. Adrian is paying forward the sacrifices his parents made for their children to have a better life. Adrian has been the General Manager and Head Pro at Osceola Golf Club in Pensacola since 2003, when he moved back to care for his ailing mother. The story of his journey begins much earlier when his father had to leave Tuskegee Institute after only one semester to return home to care for his brother and sisters when his father (Adrian’s grandfather) died suddenly at only 38 years old. Roy Sr. would, shortly after, marry his wife Lelia, who helped him raise the younger children. Not long after, Roy Sr. would enlist in the US Navy, where he would learn the brick mason trade. Once he was discharged,

he returned home to Pensacola, where he began his construction business. He and Lelia would bring five children into this world; the youngest of which would be Adrian. Having three older sisters and an older brother, Adrian says he was truly the baby of the family. There were not a lot of luxuries in the Stills’ house, but they had a roof over their head and food on the table. Once Adrian and his brother Roy Jr. were old enough, they were helping their father mix mortar when they weren’t in school at St. Joseph’s Catholic School. It was during these early years that Roy Sr. would make the decision that would influence Adrian for the rest of his life. Roy Jr. had started running with a rough crowd, and this concerned his father. So to keep Roy Jr. and Adrian out of trouble, he introduced them to the sport of golf. Adrian contributes his father’s decision to Roy Sr.’s friendship with U.S. Air Force General Daniel “Chappie” James, a Pensacola native and his father’s roommate at Tuskegee. Osceola Golf Club is where young Adrian would begin to excel in the sport that charted his life. There is not a lot of trouble a young man can get into on the golf course, so when he was not in school or helping his father, he was swinging the clubs. Roy Jr. was one of the first to recognize the talent in Adrian and convinced his father to let Adrian play golf instead of mixing mortar. So, on

ND OF THE GAME LEGEND OF THE GAME LEGEND OF THE GAME LEGEND OF

MORE FUN FACTS Golf Was Played on The Moon

Golf is one of the two only sports to be played on the moon. On February 6, 1967 Alan Bartlett “Al” Shepard, Jr. performed a one-handed swing with a six-iron, sending the ball flying through the moon’s low-gravity atmosphere. And in case you were wondering, javelin is the other sport that was reportedly played on the moon.

It’s a Good Workout!

Golf is an excellent workout that burns calories while promoting greater muscle mass. According to the health and fitness website ShapeFit. com, a typical 190-pound golfer will burn 431 calories per hour — assuming he or she is walking across the course instead of riding a golf cart.

Development of New Golf Courses Is Banned In China

the same course he goes to work at each day is where he began to make a name for himself. Osceola Golf Club was one of the first golf clubs to integrate in 1959. The game came quickly to Adrian, and he would quickly dominate the youth leagues and all but one of the tournaments in this area. He won the Divot Derby but never got the opportunity to play in the Future Masters held in Dothan, Alabama. The reason – Dothan Country Club was still a “white only” club in the early 1970s. Today the tournament is open to all who qualify, and interestingly both of Adrian’s sons would compete in this event. Adrian would catch the eye of the golf coach from South Carolina State when he was only 12 years old. His older brother was being recruited; Adrian played a round with his brother and the coach offered him a scholarship following that round. Six years later, after graduating from Pensacola Catholic High School, Adrian would follow in his brother’s steps and go to school and play golf at South Carolina State University. One fixture of his prep years Adrian still recalls is the Sunday 9:46 a.m. tee time with his father and brother. The family would go to 8 a.m. mass at St. Joseph’s and then head to the course. Reminiscing, he remembers going through family papers following his mother’s passing and he found the family’s original membership card to Osceola Golf Club. Fifty years

ago it cost the family $21.00 a month to belong, but Roy Sr. felt even at such an expense for the time, it was a great investment in his family. As a collegiate golfer for the Bulldogs, Adrian would earn All-American status three times. But Adrian’s senior season was not meant to be. Social inequality would cancel most of the year’s events, with the state of South Carolina banning public schools from playing at segregated golf clubs. This decision would leave a sour taste in most people’s mouths, but Adrian smiles and tells of his trip with the golf team his junior year to St. Andrews, the birthplace of golf in Scotland. He says the weather was awful the first eight days, but on the day before they departed, it improved; while playing he looked up and saw the Blue Angels in formation overhead. In some odd way, he states this confirmed to him he was on the right track. He would graduate from South Carolina State in 1979 with a degree in Health and Physical Education. Adrian would accept a job at Grand Cypress Academy of Golf in Orlando, Florida, as an instructor and to pursue his professional playing career. The next five years saw him competing on the mini-tour and trying to qualify for the PGA at the Tour “Q” School. He would earn his player’s card in 1985. Although he lost his card several years later, he would end up playing in 26 PGA Tour Events, making the cut 11 times. Adrian explains this was

China’s government placed a ban on all new golf courses several years ago. However, this hasn’t stopped cities and local communities from building them. To get around the ban, developers conveniently avoid mentioning the fact that they are building a golf course in the proposed plans. This information is courtesy of rpga.com

TRAIN LIKE A PRO ATHLETE

written by: Whitney Cole and Byron Paidoussi

START LIFTING HEAVY

In order to gain maximum strength and muscle, you need to move heavy weight, and increase

Keep Reading

TRAIN LIKE A PRO ATHLETE CONTINUED the load and intensity of the workouts. Lift heavy and work out hard for short bursts of time - pushing your body harder, but for short durations. Cardio is necessary, but upgrade slow steady-state cardio for intensive cardio that gets the heart rate high and keeps it there for a short time, followed by an equal amount of recovery time. I’m not saying that you should go out and try to bench press 275 lbs. like professional football players, but I would suggest using the heaviest weight that you could manage to lift (with correct form) for a total of 5 repetitions. Focus on the large muscle groups that function as prime movers, such as quadriceps, hamstrings, chest, and back. Pay less attention to smaller muscles such as biceps, triceps and calves. Alternate cardio days with sprint intervals at 85% of you max heart rate (220 – your age), and use a heart rate monitor to ensure you’re working at the correct intensity.

LEGEND OF THE GAME LEGEND OF THE GAME LEGEND OF THE GAME LEGE pre-Tiger Woods PGA, and the prize money was nowhere close to what it is today. By the late 1990s, Adrian and Maria were still in Orlando, but he wanted to get closer to home for his mother. Adrian’s next stop was the Robert Trent Jones course in Prattville, Alabama. The next year saw him move to the San Destin Golf and Country Club as the Head Pro for the Raven course. It was while there he helped start the Northwest Florida First Tee Program and become the Executive Director for the first five years of the organization. Not long after, this would see his return to Pensacola and Osceola Golf Club. These last 13 years have seen Adrian immerse himself into the community and continue to give back. Throughout his experiences and challenges in the world of professional golf, Adrian expresses it has shaped the man he is today. Inheriting a work ethic from his father and coupled with the lessons of sportsmanship, honesty, and self-discipline honed by the game of golf allowed him to excel in this exclusive sport. These are some of the life lessons he has passed on to his sons Justin, former collegiate golfer at Florida A&M, and Joey, a sophomore on the UWF golf team. Adrian continues to teach these lessons to the First Tee youth also. Marty Stanovich, Executive Director of First Tee Northwest Florida and Steve Fell, UWF Head Men’s Golf Coach, both say Adrian was a legend when they were growing up in Pensacola. Every young golfer in the 1970s and 1980s wanted to play like Adrian Stills. Anyone who goes out to play a round at Osceola Golf Club is warmly greeted by Adrian, who is omnipresent at the course. What most of them don’t know due to his humble nature is the talented golfer with a lifetime of accomplishments smiling at them. Roy Sr.’s decision to expose his sons to the game of golf is still changing lives of the next generation through Adrian.

END OF THE GAME LEGEND OF THE GAME LEGEND OF THE GAME LEGEND OF

May 14-15 - Pro Watercross Jet Ski Racing @ Pensacola Beach

Cheer on your friends and teammates at the Subway High School All-Star Series: Volleyball - Nov. 17, 2016 Football - Dec. 16, 2016 Soccer - Feb. 16, 2017 Basketball - March 10, 2017 Baseball / Softball - May 25, 2017 pensacolasports.org - #bemoved - #Pensacolasports

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*This Offer: Promotional package price does not include standard installation ($149.94), activation fee ($10), monthly modem charge (currently $7.50), sports/broadcast surcharges (currently up to $7.11/mo.), taxes, franchise fees, governmental charges or other charges. After month 12, the monthly promotional package price will increase $20 each year until the rate is equal to standard rate in your area, currently $169.98 (subject to change). If you cancel any service in the package during the first 12 months, standard rates will apply to any continuing services. All Offers: Offers may be terminated at any time without notice, may not be available in all areas, cannot be combined with any other offer, are not transferable and are void where prohibited. Promotional offer available only to customers who have not subscribed to Mediacom services within the preceding 90 days and meet Mediacom’s applicable credit and other requirements. Customer agreement to all applicable terms and policies required. Standard installations utilize existing wiring and do not include special wiring work, installation or repair of outlets or any other special installation procedures for which additional charges apply. Offers, prices, programming availability, channel lineups, service features, specifications and terms may vary among areas and customers and may change from time to time. Some content may not be downloaded due to copyright regulations or contractual restrictions. Download and upload speeds are not guaranteed and may vary. Optional services or features, including international calling, are not included. Other charges, conditions, requirements and restrictions may apply. Call your local Mediacom office for complete details. Logos, brand names and other branding are the property of their respective owners. † Mediacom PRIME PLUS internet usage allowance is 350 gigabytes per monthly billing period. Excess usage will result in additional charges of $10 for every increment of up to 50 additional gigabytes used. Usage allowances are subject to change. For more information, see “Additional Terms and Conditions: Monthly Usage Allowance” at https://mediacomcable.com/site/legal.html.

Did you know?? BASEBALL Factoids

Think you know everything there is to know about baseball? Well check out these baseball factoids and find out what you might not know!

Only In Your Mind!

Pete Rose, who played for the Cincinnati Reds and then was banned from baseball for life for betting on games while managing the team, holds the all-time record for hits (4,256) and games played (3,562). The first World Series was played between Pittsburgh and Boston in 1903 and was a nine-game series. Boston won the series 5-3.

written by: Arnold Gamber | photography by: Arnold Gamber

Camden “Bone” Siefert is just like any other 6-yearold. He enjoys playing sports and watching them on television when he is not playing. He keeps his parents, Megan and Joe, and little sister, Sadie, on the move. He wants to grow up and play for the St. Louis Cardinals, and his favorite college team is the Florida State Seminoles. Twice a week right now he can be found at Northeast Pensacola ballfields playing first base and lead-off batting for the Pensacola Park and Recreation Titans Tee Ball team. Compared to other boys his age he is very active and one of the better athletes for his group. He was the leading scorer for his basketball team this past winter. He will start first grade this fall and is planning on playing youth football. Sounds like a lot of kids featured in In the Game Magazine. But what makes Cam truly special and athletically gifted for his age is that he does all this with only one hand. He was born with a congenital birth defect that left him without a right hand.

Now many kids his age might be withdrawn or ashamed due to this condition. “Bone” does not give it one thought; His defect is in other people’s minds, not his. This feisty 6-year-old has adapted techniques for batting and catching that allows him to play on the same or higher level as his team mates. “Bone” reminds one of former major leaguer Jim Abbot, who played 10 seasons with 4 different teams, all without a right hand. “Bone” is finishing up kindergarten at Beulah Elementary and enjoys recess and math problems. He does say morning work is not a lot of fun. But any chance he gets, he wants to be outside playing ball, and it really does not matter what ball it is. The only limiting factor for this youngster is what is in other people’s eyes, because he does not see any. Oh! What’s up with this name “Bone”? Well, when he was younger his parents and grandparents affectionately called him “Hambone”. Surprisingly, he began to answer to it. So in the time honored tradition of Southerners and their nicknames, it got shortened to “Bone”. Don’t be surprised in a few years when you begin to hear more about Camden “Bone” Siefert. We’ve met him. We certainly won’t.

In 2001, San Francisco’s Barry Bonds broke the alltime single-season home run record when he hit 73. He broke the mark of 70, set by St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Mark McGwire in 1998. Fourteen players have hit four home runs in one game: Bobby Lowe, Ed Delahanty, Lou Gehrig, Chuck Klein, Pat Seerey, Gil Hodges, Joe Adcock, Rocky Colavito, Willie Mays, Mike Schmidt, Bob Horner, Mark Whiten, Mike Cameron and Shawn Green. Pitcher Nolan Ryan played 27 seasons in major league baseball and struck out more batters in his career than any other pitcher.

Jim Abbott

Baseball stars from the National League and the American League played the first All-Star Game in 1933. The National League has won 41 of the 80 games. The game ended in a tie twice. In 1961 rain in Boston prevented extra innings and the game ended in a 1-1 tie. And in 2002, the game went 11 innings with the score knotted at seven before it was finally called off due to a lack of pitchers.

Jim Abbott was born September 19, 1967, in Flint, Michigan without a right hand. He was an All-American hurler at Michigan; won the Sullivan Award in 1987; was the pitcher for the Gold Medal Olympic Team in 1988; and threw a 4-0 no-hitter for the New York Yankees against Cleveland (September 4, 1993). Jim played for 10 seasons on four different teams and ended his big league playing career in 1999.

Former Yankees right fielder Mickey Mantle holds the record for most career home runs (18) and RBI (40) in World Series history. This information is courtesy of factmonster.com

IN THE GAME | 17

Test Your Knowledge 1

Who has the most homeruns in MLB history? A. B. C. D. E.

What team has won the most MLB championships? A. B. C. D. E.

Babe Ruth Barry Bonds Hank Aaron Derek Jeter Jackie Robinson

Boston Red Sox Arizona Diamondbacks New York Yankees Atlanta Braves Saint Louis Cardinals

How many stitches are in an MLB baseball? A. 110 B. 236 C. 74 D. 108 E. 92

How many feet are between the bases? A. B. C. D. E.

90 100 80 70 85

Flip to Find your Score!

B, C, D, A

Answers 18 | itgsportsnetwork.com

Striving

to Excel written by: Arnold Gamber | photography by: Arnold Gamber

The Emerald Coast is known for its competitive softball, and there is another program on the rise trying to make its mark. The Pace High School Patriots, under the leadership of first year head coach Greg Rice, are determined to battle their way to the top. One of the biggest reasons these ladies are making a move is second baseman Dakota Berry. Although she will be moving on to the next level, Dakota has been a big part of the change at Pace. This leader on the diamond has worked hard to achieve the success she has attained. A crowning reward to her dedication is receiving a softball scholarship to Faulkner University in Montgomery, Alabama. It has not come easy for her. The program underwent a coaching change prior to her senior season and academics have demanded a fair share of her time, which has resulted in her being on the A/B Honor Roll. According to Coach Rice, he would take nine more Dakota Berry’s due to her competitiveness and smart ball play. Dakota plans on majoring in pre-physical therapy at Faulkner University, with future goals of becoming a physical therapist. She set her mind on this profession after undergoing six months of rehabilitation on her own shoulder in the offseason. One of her goals is to be the first person in her family to graduate from college. This leads to the other part of her story, which makes her that much more special. Dakota’s parents, Carla and Eric, are both deaf. Their three children – Elizabeth, Dakota, and younger brother Nathan – all have normal hearing. Even with her parent’s disability, they have

not let it stand in the way of giving their children every chance possible. Dakota says her parents have been there for her and totally support her in pursuing her goals. “Aunt Tam” – her mother’s sister – has also played a big part in her and her siblings’ lives. Carla is a little sad to see Dakota leaving home to go away to school this upcoming fall, like most moms when their children leave the home. She chuckles that her father Eric claims he is just going to go live with her in Montgomery so he will not miss any of her games. The softball field has been a form of escape of this student-athlete. The game has challenged her to get better each day and to continue to grow. She contributes a lot of her improvement to Dennis Roesle, her recruiting consultant, who urged her to continue to keep working harder to become the player a college program would want to have playing for them. Growing up watching her parents work for everything they have and to raise three children inspired her to develop a work ethic too. Also, the support and friendship of her teammates and coaches motivates her to strive to succeed. At 18 years old, Dakota has gained a perspective that many people do not gain until much later in life. She has focused on her goals and what she wants to achieve and is determined to reach them. Carla and Eric have taught her to not let anything hold her back, and the sport of softball has instilled in her the discipline and the will to win. Not just on the diamond, but also in the game of life, Dakota Berry is STRIVING TO EXCEL!

The game has challenged her to get better each day and to continue to grow.

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written by: Arnold Gamber | photography by: Arnold Gamber

Times might be getting better for the Crestview High School Football Team. Coach Tim Hatten believes he will have one of the most talented groups of skill players since he started coaching the Bulldogs. Thanks to the United States Air Force, three of the group is the Voisin boys. Eldest Keon and twins Devin and Jaden are expected to play a big role this upcoming year. Having the opportunity to represent the red and black has these guys working hard. The brothers ended up at Crestview High School when their parents were assigned to Hurlburt Field. They have been impressed with the academics and athletics of the school and plan on remaining in the area until the twins graduate. Yes, that is correct, both parents are career military. Ryan, originally from Michigan, and Maria from Panama City, Panama, feel strongly about raising their children on the Emer22 | itgsportsnetwork.com

ald Coast. And we cannot forget baby sister Isabella. You will be able to find all three in the stands in the fall watching the other three Voisins on the field. Keon is completing his sophomore year and is excited about being on the field with his younger brothers this fall. He has been a two-year starter for the Bulldogs at receiver and sometimes at defensive back. The 16-year-old has developed a strong sense of maturity due to having to help his parents with the younger children when they have been deployed. Keon grins when he says his father was sold on Coach Hatten when Keon overslept for a summer workout and Coach came to the house and got him out of bed. Keon explains Coach Hatten is tough on them as a team, but only to make them better. Twins Devin and Jaden are not quite as reserved as their older brother. They are

both outgoing and excited to be playing varsity for the Bulldogs. They do not care if they play offense or defense, as long as they can get on the field. It will be even better when all three are out there together. The consensus from all of them is if one of them does well, they all do. The opportunity to compete is all they are looking for. All three boys are very competitive according to Dad. Ryan says since they have always been small, everything they do is a competition. Little sister Isabella has gotten this from her brothers and has begun to play softball this spring. Sunday is the one day the family tries to reserve for time together. In a family with four children and two working parents, being able to spend time together is important to them. The brothers value their family time together, having seen their parents sent overseas to serve. Keon, Devin, and Jaden all aspire to play

Injuries In The NFL NFL players have collectively sustained more than 1,300 injuries on the field. Below are just a few of the injuries sustained. Head 96

Hand 63

Shoulder 116

Upper Leg 155

Ankle 206

Hip 47 Knee 300

Foot 93 This information is courtesy of Simple Therapy.

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE What was the fastes score in the Super Bowl history? In Super Bowl XLVIII (2014) the Seattle Seahawks scored on the first play of the game when the opening snap flew over Peyton Manning’s head and was recovered by Knowshon Moreno for a safety. The play took 12 seconds eclipsing the previous record of 14 seconds when Devin Hester scored for the Chicago Bears on the opening kickoff in Super Bowl XLI in 2007. When and where was the first NFL Pro Bowl played? The first NFL Pro Bowl was played on January 14, 1951 (for the 1950 season) in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. In that game the American Conference defeated the National Conference 28-27. What NFL quarterback has the most games in which he passed for 400 or more yards? Peyton Manning holds the record for the most 400 yard passing games with 17. Drew Brees and Dan Marino are tied for second with 15.

football collegiately. Whether it’s together or on opposite sidelines, the opportunity to play football and get an education would be a blessing. Coach Hatten thinks if the brothers continue to improve, their future is limitless. The Voisin brothers all top 6’0” in height, and the twins are only 14 years old. Along with their fellow Bulldogs, the brothers hope to see their goal of a playoff season unfold. The Crestview High School announcer may be calling out the Voisin name quite a bit this fall. All three will have the chance to play positions on both sides of the ball. Wherever they end up on the field, it will not interfere with the passion these young men have for the game of football. More importantly, the love for each other and their family will be even stronger. This is purely a testament to the sense of duty Maria and Ryan have given to their children.

Coach Tim Hatten believes he will have as talented group of skill players since he started coaching the Bulldogs. Thanks to the United States Air Force, three of the group is the Voisin boys.

This information is courtesy of sports-trivia-nut.com

“AT The Helm”

written by: Arnold Gamber | photography by: Katherine Quarles and Spiros Zachos

24 | itgsportsnetwork.com

â&#x20AC;&#x153;You cannot discover new oceans unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shoreâ&#x20AC;? - Andre Gide Gil Hackel, at 8 years old, is already beginning to live the words of Andre Gide. In his second year of Opti competition, he is constantly working at getting better. If the conditions are safe, the Gulf Breeze Elementary second-grader wants to be out on the water at the Pensacola Yacht Club. He is looking forward to July, when he will compete in the Texas Youth Races at Houston. Until then, he will continue to work on his sailing under Coach Tom Whitehurst. Under his watchful eye, Gil will continue to refine his nautical skills with hope to eventually compete in the USODA Optimist Nationals in San Francisco, California. Only twenty five percent of the top Opti sailors from around the world are eligible to compete.

In The Game | 25

“Well that FIrst summer camp experience opened the world of sailing to this young man. Since then there has been no turning back for Gil“ says Bert Neither one of Gil’s parents, Melissa and Josh, have ever been sailors. Melissa explains that they enrolled him in summer sail camp at Pensacola Yacht Club and he has taken to sailing ever since. Pensacola Yacht Club was one of the first yacht clubs to sponsor youth sailing, so junior members can get involved using club boats. Bert Rice is the summer camp director and helps coordinate the youth program. “Well, that first summer camp experience opened the world of sailing to this young man. Since then there has been no turning back for Gil,” says Bert. Josh, a sports medicine physician at the internationally renowned Andrews Institute, said he was encouraged to get Gil involved in the sport of sailing by Dr. James Andrews. Dr. Andrews became involved in sailing when he was in medical school and remains involved with America’s Cup sailing. He says starting at Gil’s age, he could stay with sailing his whole life and possibly get where he could cap-

tain a larger ship one day. The basic skills you learn, such as boating safety, navigation, and boatmanship stay with you your whole life. Although Gil might be a little undersized for his age, his Opti is the same size as everyone else’s. Gil is like most of your typical 8-yearolds. He plays baseball and soccer and is even taking piano lessons. When you ask him what he really wants to do, he grins and says sailing his Opti. Younger sister Claire is looking to begin in the youth sailing program this summer as well. But he says racing is fun, and he does not like to lose, but learning to get better and working on improving is his biggest enjoyment. The other fun aspect to sailing is that he is able to travel to different regattas around the country to race. With the travel, he gets to see different places and meet people from around the USA and from other countries. Coach Whitehurst, Director of Team CAST (Coastal Area Sailing Team), says that

Tom Whitehurst

although Gil is one of the youngest of the 20 kids involved, he is progressing rapidly. He has allowed Gil to help crew on one of the six-man boats. Tom says safety is of the utmost importance and each member has to rig their own Opti and wear a life vest the whole time on the water. Watching these young people grow and develop self-resilience and carry a passion for the sport is very satisfying. Maybe, just maybe, one of the young sailors will match Tom in becoming an Olympic sailor. In a boat not much bigger than a bathtub for now, Gil Hackel has developed a love for being on the water with the wind as his power. What future shores lay ahead for him, only time will tell. One thing that you definitely can see is he has developed a sailor’s stare from reading the sails and wind. With that is also a sense of confidence and independence from having to rely on himself. Do not be surprised if the sirens of the sea latch on to his heart and he keeps the sail with the wind.

Olympian In Our Midst

Calling Pensacola home, Tom Whitehurst has lived here 46 of his 58 years. His father, a career Navy man, settled here in 1970 when Tom was 12. One of 5 children, his mother and father got the children involved in sailing. Tom and his brother Robert spent all of their spare time learning and working on boats. His parents sacrificed so they could compete. It payed off for the Whitehurst sons, when they won the 1976 Olympic Trials in the 470 Olympic Class and represented the United States in the games in Montreal, Canada. They would have qualified for the 1980 Olympics also but the United States boycotted so that was the end of his international racing. Over the next 20 years Tom would get married and raise 4 daughters while working for Sacred Heart and Escambia County. In the early 2000’s he started getting back into sailing and coaching. He has created CAST and with around 20 boys and girls from around the area they split time between Pensacola and Fairhope. Tom would love to see more young people get involved in this great sport and maybe one of them would get to where he was 40 years ago – sailing all the way to the Olympics. In The Game – Emerald Coast salutes Tom Whitehurst!

The 10 Commandments of Match Play Since match play is a head-to-head battle, its strategy is more complex than that for stroke play. In addition to managing your game and contending with the course, you must stay constantly in tune with the match; on each hole you must know and understand your opponent's situation as clearly as you do your own, then plot your moves accordingly. With each set of opponents and each hole, a new confrontation unfolds, calling for a unique response. Generalized advice is therefore dangerous. Still, through centuries of match play at all levels, certain tactics have gained virtually universal acceptance.

UWF

THE COURSE, 1 PLAYNOT YOUR OPPONENT

YOUR GAME 2 KNOW -- AND PLAY IT ON YOUR 3 PUT POKER FACE

HARD FROM 4 TRYTHE START GIVE UP 5 DON'T WHEN YOU'RE DOWN

LET UP WHEN 6 DON'T YOU'RE AHEAD

7 WATCH THE COURSE YOUR 8 WATCH OPPONENT 9 KEEP IT IN PLAY IN TROUBLE, 10 WHEN BE PATIENT This information is courtesy of golf.com

28 | itgsportsnetwork.com

written by: Marty Stanovich | photography courtesy of UWF Media Relations

1st Tee to Argonaut The University of West Florida Men’s Golf team has had great rosters and amazing success through the years, especially under Coach Steve Fell.

The University of West Florida Men’s Golf team has had great rosters and amazing success through the years, especially under Coach Steve Fell. Since Fell returned to his alma mater in 1994, UWF has boasted three national championships and numerous Gulf South Conference Championships, with dozens of All-Conference and All-American Honors. Many of these players during this run were from Northwest Florida, but generally only one or two at a time; then something special for our Northwest Florida family occurred: in the last four years, five players transitioned from local Prep and Junior Golf to play on scholarship at UWF. All of these young men were four-year lettermen on their high school golf teams with promising futures. So what has made the difference in talent leaving town versus staying home? Perhaps we can look to the local playing programs of the GPJGA. Founded by Hiram and Bonnie Cook of Stonebrook Golf Club in 1990, The Greater Pensacola Junior Golf Association was created to give local prep golfers opportunities to compete

during the summer months—a program that hosted participants like Boo Weekley, Heath Slocum, and Bubba Watson in the early days. In 2011, the GPJGA was expanded to include five, two-day 36-hole summer tour events--which along with the three-day Divot Derby and twoday Tom Dorsey Classic, Pensacola City Championship, Southern Juniors and A. Downing Gray Invitational—would give junior golfers 10 local opportunities to post scores to the National Junior Golf Scoreboard. Competition began to blossom and college coaches—including Coach Fell—began to take notice. Redshirt senior Spencer Olson was the first of the five to sign with the Argos, following in the footsteps of his father Mark (a teammate of Coach Fell’s at UWF and two-time Divot Derby Champion), his older brother Blake, now on the PGA’s Web.Com Tour, and his sister Danielle, who played for the Lady Argos. “Spence” is a 2012 Pace graduate who won the 2011 Divot Derby in dramatic fashion against now-teammate Christian Bosso. Tied on the 54th hole and playing in a steady rain,

TEST YOUR KNOWLEGE! All five have served as mentors and coaches to younger participants, help teach golf skills and life skills to the next generation…who may just follow in their footsteps to The University of West Florida. Spencer hit a shot from the right rough to within a foot on the 18th – and won his title when Bosso’s birdie putt narrowly missed. Olson, who helped Pensacola Catholic High School to three district titles and two regional championships, played in the FHSAA State Championship three years. Majoring in Environmental Science, Olson is also a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. In 2013, two great friends (and freshman year roommates) – Gulf Breeze’s J.R. Schultz and Catholic High’s Joey Stills – have made the decision to sign with UWF. Joey, the son of former PGA Tour Player and three-time Divot Derby Champion Adrian Stills, helped his team claim four straight district and regional titles and earned one first team All-Area selection. He won the Class 1A District Championship as well as the Bryon Nathan Championship and made three appearances at the state tournament, finishing 13th his senior year. Stills was also named the Pensacola Scholar-Athlete Award winner. Joey won the Fort Walton Beach Daily News in 2012 as well as backto-back Pensacola City Junior Championships in 2012 and 2013. Three down with three to play against his close friend and now-teammate Christian Bosso in 2012, Stills birdied two of the last three holes to close the gap and force a playoff. After Bosso drove the green at Osceola’s par four ninth, Stills hit a solid wedge from the center of the fairway to just a few feet to match his competitors two-putt birdie, and held on to win two holes later. Now a redshirt junior and MIS major, Stills has racked up numerous academic honors at UWF, including induction into the Honor Societies of Beta Gamma Sigma and Chi Alpha Omega. Also a Redshirt junior, J.R. Schultz won the FWB Daily News in 2013, as well as the Divot Derby following an opening round 67—and followed with two solid rounds to keep close friend and teammate Bryce Geraghty from winning four in a row. His prep career featured three regional appearances—including a 67 to win the individual title in 2012 at Seminole Golf Course in Tallahassee--and two state championship appearances as

1. What is Lee Trevino's nick name?

2. What is the amateur's equivalent of the Ryder Cup? 3. What is the maximum number of clubs permitted in a golf bag? 4. What is the status of competitors in the Walker Cup?

5. What is the women's equivalent of the Ryder Cup? 6. What name did Jack Nicklaus give to his own golf course in honour of his favourite British course? 7. What nationality is golfer Vijay Singh? 8. Where does Ernie Els hail from?

Where is the 'home of golf'?

10. Where is the US Masters held? 11. Where was the first-ever US Open played in 1895?

12. Which actor shared his name with the winner of the 1939 British Open?

13. Which actress did Sam Torrance marry?

14. Which American played in

the British Open only once and won it?

15. Which American won the British Open Golf championship five times between 1975 and 1983? 16. Which British golfer won the British Open in 1969? 17. Which comedian took his name from the 1912 British Open?

1. Supermex

8. South Africa

15. Tom Watson

2. Walker Cup

9. St Andrews

16. Tony Jacklin

3. Fourteen

10. Augusta, Georgia

17. Ted Ray

4. Amateurs

11. Newport, Rhode Island

18. Spain

5. Curtis Cup

12. Richard Burton

19. Ted Dexter

6. Muirfield

13. Suzanne Danielle

20. Howard Clark

7. Fijian

14. Ben Hogan

ANSWERS

well. Definitively the team comedian, “Chino” has played 13 tournaments thus far for the Argos, is a Business Finance and Management Major. The following year, Christian Bosso, West Florida High School 2014 graduate, joined this group of friends and competitors at UWF. Playing number one as a freshman at WFHS, he led the young school to is very first ever district title and regional appearance, and became an All-Area Selection. This year, his steady play helped UWF capture its 14th Gulf South Conference crown in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Christian is quiet in demeanor, but a fierce competitor on the golf course. Of all of these great young golfers, the brightest star might be reserved for true freshman Bryce Geraghty. The 2015 Gulf Breeze graduate joined rare company when he racked up three Divot Derby Titles in 2012, 2014, and 2015. Moving back to the panhandle from Pelham, Alabama, in 2011, he immediately became the prep golfer to beat. Never the longest player, he dominated the junior golf competitions with precision and consistency. “Pepe” also added the A. Downing Gray Cup at Pensacola Country Club in an epic four-hole Playoff against Alec Riley. At UWF he became a star as a freshman, being named to the All-Conference Team and Freshman of the Year for the Gulf South Conference. He already has four top-15 finishes on the year and a win at the Las Vegas Desert Classic. Golfing ability aside, all five of these young men are great examples of the Nine Core Values of The First Tee, and Olson, Stills, Schultz and Bosso all attained “Eagle” certification by participating in The First Tee’s Life Skills Experience programs. All five have served as mentors and coaches to younger participants, help teach golf skills and life skills to the next generation…who may just follow in their footsteps to The University of West Florida.

Do you think you know everything there is to know about golf? Take our quiz and find out.

18. Which country hosted the 1997 Ryder Cup? 19. Which England cricket cap-

tain is an amateur golf champion?

20. Which English player scored a hole in one on the final day of the 1995 Ryder Cup? This information is courtesy of paulsquiz.com

How Many Calories Does An Endurance Athlete Burn In 30 Minutes of Exercise?

(results based on male weighing 190 lbs and a female weighing 140 lbs.)

14-16 MPH

Sand

Volleyball

408 Calories 336 Calories written by: Rachel McMenimen | photography by: Rachel McMenimen

Freestyle

377 Calories 377 Calories

7 MPH

444 Calories 365 Calories Increased muscular endurance has benefits ranging from improved athletic performance for activities like running and cycling, to assisting in day-to-day activities such as walking through the grocery store or carrying a baby in your arms. You can improve your muscular endurance using the basic principles of fitness, which include exercise frequency, intensity, time and type. Be sure to slowly increase exercise frequency, intensity and duration to avoid overuse injuries. Vary the types of activities you do to challenge your muscles and avoid training plateaus. This information is courtesy of livestrong.com and healthstatus.com

30 | itgsportsnetwork.com

Newcomers to the sport of volleyball in the Gulf Coast Region discover a few things about our area: there’s always a game in a gym or in the sand; it’s a big, happy, complicated family, and you have to meet Coach Kliengsak “Sam” Nimpchaimantham. If you haven’t heard of him yet, well, just know that he’s famous around here. Famous for his insane athletic ability (his highest measured standing vertical jump was 46 inches – that’s right, almost four feet) and famous for his love and knowledge of the game of volleyball. More than anything, however, Sam is known for his love of the athletes who play the game. It doesn’t matter if you never train with him; he still cheers for you with the same passion and respect that he has for his own players. He’s Switzerland and Reagan’s America, both at the same time. Sam was born in Chainat, Thailand, and thought he was born to play soccer. He played all the way from Thailand, to Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska, to Japan, as he moved with his USAF family. After high school in Okinawa, he, too, joined the Air Force in 1983 and continued to play soccer until 1986 when a knee injury in a match versus the Navy (a very important detail) ended his soccer career. Sam was then introduced to volleyball by Stan Celebrado while stationed at Eglin AFB. Sam recalls, “Stan and his family showed me and the volleyball community what the ‘aloha’ spirit and Ohana is all about. He taught me and trained me along with the men and women of the Eglin varsity volleyball community. He’s more than a mentor, he’s my adopted Dad”. Two years later, Sam made the United States AllAir Force team, on which he played for the next 18 years, winning nine gold and seven silver medals. Throughout these years, he was selected as a seven-time member of the U.S. All-Armed Forces Team, which represents the U.S.A. at the Military World Games and other international championships around the world. Soccer who?

While stationed at Eglin (where he retired in 2007), Sam eventually added “coach” to his resume as well. He has coached and mentored an estimated 1,000 indoor and beach volleyball players at the adult, high school, and club levels with great success. He also keeps current professional letters to back up all this experience: he’s USAV Increased Mastery and Professional Application of Coaching Theory (IMPACT) and USA Beach Volleyball Coaching Accreditation Program (USAV-BCAP I & II) certified. Many of his players have gone on to play their sport in college, but they always call Coach Sammy to catch up when they’re back in town. His sand players (Sammy’s Sand Turtles) often come home to the full-sized court in his backyard where it all started for them to play ball with old friends and mentor new players. They all know that no matter where they are in the world, they will always be Ohana -family. One such athlete is Brittany Pase who just helped her team at the University of North Florida win the NCAA Atlantic Sun Beach Volleyball Championship in April. Brittany says, “Without Sammy, there’s no way I’d be near the athlete or person I am. He helped me at any time and any place when I needed it, and always encouraged and believed in me. He’s family and without him, I’m not even sure I would even still be playing.” Speaking of family, Sam is the very proud father of two children, Kody and Keanna; above it all, they are his greatest achievement and source of joy. When he’s not spending time with them or at work on Duke Field, you can usually find Sam at the new 850 Elite Volleyball Academy facility in Valparaiso, where he coaches both indoor and sand volleyball. Just ask for the genuinely humble guy who looks like he was born to play volleyball.

PINE FOREST

TRACK

written by: Arnold Gamber | photography by: Michelle Smith

Coach Charles “CJ” Washington has the Pine Forest track team rolling this year. Watch out – they have their eyes on the Florida State Championship. The stalwarts of this year’s squad are the 4x800 team, 4x100 team, and senior Marcus Reaves. Expectations are high this season, and these young men are determined to bring back the GOLD TO PENSACOLA!

32 32 | | itgsportsnetwork.com itgsportsnetwork.com

Baseball 4 x 100m – 2016 District & Region Champs, 4 x District Champs, School Record 41.20-Fastest time of any Pensacola Team. Jaelon Carmona – Senior Jaden Gardner – Junior Nyheir Davis – Senior Marcus Reaves – Senior

4 x 800m – 2016 District Champs, 4 x District Champs, Currently 1st in 3A in Florida with a 8:17 time. Michael Watson – Senior Donte Howard – Junior Azayah Suggs – Senior Stephan Pressley – Senior

Marcus Reaves Senior

Coach: CJ Washington

Events: 100m, 200m, 4x 100m relay Parents: Mya & Stan Bowens Brother: Roman Reaves

Influential Person: My deceased father Shane Reaves

Athletic Acheivements: 4x District Champ, 2016 100 m Region Champion Mobile Meet of Champions 100m Champion, School Record 10.66 Academics: A/B Honor Roll

College: Interested in LSU, South Alabama, Louisiana Tech/ wants to study pre-physical therapy Goal: WIN STATE!

May 26, 2016 @

Softball May 26, 2016 @

Body Injuries in Basketball 8.8%

GIRLS

11.2% 16.6% 13.0% 36.0% 12.2%

BOYS

State Champ Recap written by: Edward Spears

A look back at individuals and teams that were definitely in the game in 2015-16. These young men and women showed the rest of the state just how good the Emerald Coast is in all sports:

11.5% 14.7% 10.3% 38.3%

This information is courtesy of momsteam.com

Did You

KNOW? Women’s basketball dates back to 1892, when women at Smith College began playing the sport invented by Dr. James Naismith. Today, the sport is played worldwide. Women’s basketball follows mostly the same rules as men’s basketball, with the exception that the ball is smaller. In 1936, a team called the All American Red Heads competed in exhibition games across the country against men’s teams playing by men ‘s rules. The Red Heads, one of the first pro women’s basketball squads, were very popular and would play up to 200 games a year. Members of the Red Heads were required to wear makeup, don red wigs, or tint their hair crimson. This information is courtesy of ehow.com

34 | itgsportsnetwork.com

Football:

Tate HS – 6A Semifinals

Cross Country:

Catholic HS - Kaytlyn Buschmon, 5th Place Fort Walton Beach HS – Madeline Fulmer, 10th Place

Golf:

Fort Walton Beach HS – Chase Hurt, 4th Place

BT Washington HS – State Champion Girls 200 Medley Relay; Brooke Ferrara, 2nd Place 100 Back Niceville HS – 3rd Place Girls 200 Free Relay & 5th Place Girls 200 Medley Relay; Tatum Hackler, 5th Place 50 Free; Sidney Dawson, 4th Place 100 Free

Volleyball:

South Walton HS – 1A Semifinals

Gulf Breeze HS – Nolan Remig, 10th Place

Catholic HS – 4A Semifinals

Niceville HS – 2nd Place Girls Team; Lauren Miller, 4th Place

Boys Basketball:

Arnold HS – 6th Place Girls Team

Pensacola HS – 6A 3rd Place

Fort Walton Beach HS – 10th Place Girls Team BT Washington HS – Jade Sanders, 11th Place Catholic HS – 8th Place Girls Team

Swimming:

Chipley HS – State Champion

Girls Basketball:

South Walton HS – 1A Semifinals Choctawhatchee HS – 6A Semifinals Niceville HS – 7A Semifinals

Gulf Breeze HS – Tori Bindi, State Champion 50 & 100 Free; Anthony Davis, 2nd Place 50 & 3rd Place 100 Free; Girls Team, 4th Place 400 Free Relay

Cheerleading:

Arnold HS – Hannah Retherford, 2nd Place 100 Fly & 10 Back; Madeline Campbell, 5th Place 100 Back, Keena Williams, 4th 100 Breast; Kolanee Krause, 5th Place 200 IM; Chad McGuire, 5th Place 200 IM; Boys Team, 5th Place 400 Free Relay; Girls Team, 3rd Place 400 Free Relay; 2nd Place 200 Medley Relay Girls and Boys

Niceville HS – 4th Place

Fort Walton Beach HS - Daniel Orcutt, State Champion 200 IM & 4th Place 100 Back

Arnold HS -5th Place Crestview HS – 3rd Place South Walton HS – State Champion Choctawhatchee HS -2nd Place

Girls Soccer:

Niceville HS – 4A State Runner-up

Boys Weightlifting:

Choctawhatchee HS -State Champions;

Doron Ojeda, 5th Place; Nelson Elder, 4th Place; Justin Scott, State Champion; Graylon Johnson, State Champion.

Baker HS – Jarvis Desue, State Champion

Pace HS – Adrian Acevedo, State Champion; Anthony Johnson, 4th Place

Girls Weightlifting:

Bay HS – Gavyn Collins, 2nd Place

BT Washington HS – Nathan Ampedu, 5th Place; Aaron Malory, 3rd Place

Navarre HS – Team State Champions; Payton Watson, State Champion; Savannah Diel, State Champion; Olivia Brahms, State Champion; Callan Taylor, 3rd Place; Hannah Vernetti, 2nd Place; Hannah Stapleton, 5th Place; Madison Allegretto, 3rd Place.

Niceville HS – Anthony Maraman, 2nd Place Escambia HS – Austin Travis, 5th Place

Niceville HS – Quinlyn Stocks, 3rd Place

Fort Walton Beach HS – Will Mier, 3rd Place; Justin Scott, 2nd Place, Antonio Marshall, 4th Place

Navarre HS – Brent Short, 4th Place Arnold HS – Team 5th Place; Michael Moore, State Champion; Niku Page, 5th Place. Vernon HS – Ryan Malloy, State Champion

Pine Forest HS – Ceana Gray, 3rd Place. Pace HS – Brandy Allen, 4th Place Baker HS – 4th Place Team; Mary Oglesby, State Champion; Mykala McCranie, State Champion Arnold HS – Alexus Barry-Moeschi, 3rd Place

Gulf Breeze HS – Nicole Parks, 3rd Place Rocky Bayou Christian HS – Kathryn Warner, 5th Place Choctawhatchee HS – Dayjuona Griese, 5th Place

Wrestling:

Arnold HS – 1A 3rd Place

Boys Tennis:

Catholic HS – 1A State Runner-Up *All results are for state championship tournaments as reported by the Florida High School Athletic Association at FHSAA.ORG. Sports included were completed prior to the print deadline for this edition of In the Game Magazine.

FOR THE STARS” “SHOOT BASKETBALL CAMP JEFF BURKHAMER’S “SHOOT FOR THE STARS” BASKETBALL CAMP SET FOR JUNE 6-9 AND AUG. 1-4 AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA

The 2nd annual “Shoot For The Stars” Basketball Camp will be held at the University of West Florida from June 6-9 and August 1-4, 2016. Jeff Burkhamer, Head Men’s Basketball Coach at UWF, will be directing the activities. Coach Burkhamer has 30+ years of camp experience and looks forward to sharing his basketball knowledge with local players. Basketball camp is open to boys and girls between the ages of 6-15. Camp will be broken down into age and ability groups for instruction and competition. The UWF coaching staff and players, along with area high school and junior high coaches will make up the camp staff. Camp begins each morning at 8:30 AM and ends each day at 4:30 PM. Price is $150.00 and lunch is provided each day. A special price is available for those families that have more than one child attending camp and for those that attend the June and August sessions. Camp highlights include a free camp jersey, individual instruction, team competition, contests, and daily league games. A free camp basketball will be given to each player that registers before June 1st. Enrollment is limited and advanced registration is recommended. Youngsters may register at the door between 7:45 AM and 8:30 AM on the first day of camp providing camp limit is not filled. For more information please call (850) 375 1780 or check the UWF men’s basketball website at www.goargos.com.

“SHOOT FOR THE STARS” BASKETBALL CAMP THE BEST BASKETBALL CAMP IN PENSACOLA! photo courtesy of tennessee.247sports.com

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Little Known Vollyball Facts

The game of volleyball was invented in 1895 by William G. Morgan

2. The first World Champion-

ships were held in 1949 for men and 1952 for women

Volleyball was first introduced as an Olympic sport in 1964

Most volleyball players jump about 300 times a match

5. Volleyball took some of its characteristics from handball, badminton and tennis

6. The first two-man beach volleyball game was played in 1930

7. The Beatles played a match

on Sorrento Beach in Los Angeles with President John F. Kennedy on the sidelines in the 60’s

Volleyball was called “mintonette” at first because it shared many of the same ideas as badminton

9. The first special designed

ball for the sport was created in 1900

10. The longest recorded

volleyball game was in Kingston, North Carolina. It took 75 hours and 30 minutes

11. Initially, teams played each

other in a round-robin style where the team with the best record after all games are played wins

12. The earliest beach volleyball courts were built in Santa Monica, California in the 1920’s

13. In the 1930’s, the game

was adapted from the standard six-player team to variations of two, three and four players

14. Karch Kiraly is among

the most highly regarded men’s volleyball players in history. He has the most professional career beach volleyball tournament wins at 148, and is the only player to win three gold medals

15. Misty May-Treanor is con-

sidered one of the best all-around women’s beach volleyball players with 90 career leader consecutive wins

16. Over 995 million people

play volleyball around the world This information is courtesy of idealphysicaltherapy.com

38 | itgsportsnetwork.com

Club Volleyball written by: Rachel McMenimen | photography by: Rachel McMenimen

The Gulf Coast region is known for many things: friendly people, beautiful beaches, great seafood, and we sure love our sports. Football may be king in our area, but volleyball is quickly making a name for itself, here at home and around the world. Since its inception in 1895, volleyball has grown exponentially as one of the world’s most popular sports. The governing body of volleyball here at home is USA Volleyball (USAV), self-described as “the National Governing Body (NGB) for the sport of volleyball in the United States and is recognized as such by the Federation International de Volleyball (FIVB) and the United States Olympic Committee (USOC). The vision of USA Volleyball is to be acknowledged as the world leader in volleyball.” Our very own Gulf Coast Region of USAV is a true leader for this vision and governs volleyball clubs throughout southern Alabama, the Florida panhandle, and southern Mississippi. Commissioner Phillip Bryant petitioned the USAV in 1997 to form the region, which was then comprised of four volleyball clubs. Today, it has grown to 30 clubs with 2,456 USAV registered members. Statistically, the GCR leads the nation each year in growth of its membership participation in club volleyball (travel ball, in local parlance) for junior players 12-18 years old. That is impressive, considering USAV had over 325,000 members nationwide in the 2014-15 season, including players, coaches and officials, and an estimated 5,300 junior clubs. The junior club volleyball season gives participants the opportunity to train and compete after the high school season ends, and continues

through the regional championships in April to the national championships in June. Some teams will only compete locally or regionally, while others (usually elite teams) may travel to play in large tournaments across the country. Since both college and high school volleyball seasons coincide, club volleyball is now the #1 way for a player to be seen and recruited by college coaches. Club ball provides fun and training for athletes of any skill level, along with such intangible benefits as life skills and great memories of friendships made along the way. The Gulf Coast Region recently held its own championships in Mobile and the Florida panhandle was very well represented. Teams from Pensacola to Panama City won their age divisions and qualified to compete against the best of the rest at the USAV National Championships in Indianapolis later this month. Beach season officially kicked off after the indoor regional championships, and many indoor players trade their kneepads for sunscreen and compete locally, regionally and nationally at USAV Beach Series volleyball tournaments. Many GCR clubs provide both indoor and sand volleyball for a year-round training experience for boys and girls from the grassroots through the junior levels. In May, the inaugural NCAA Beach Volleyball Championships came to the Gulf Coast Region, where teams from around the country competed in Gulf Shores; they’ll be back again next year, so don’t miss it!

To get your son and daughter involved with volleyball in your area, contact the region office for more information:

Fuel Volleyball, Niceville Director: John Key 850-305-5269

Gulf Coast Region Office Phillip Bryant, Commissioner P.O. Box 1985 Orange Beach, AL 36561 Phone: (251) 981-4746

Navarre Beach Volleyball Club Director: Michelle Lee 850-368-2686

If you prefer, you can also contact our 14 local area clubs directly (Pensacola to Panama City): 850 Elite Volleyball Academy, Valparaiso Director: Terri Fedonczak 850-582-1921 Bay United Elite Volleyball, Panama City Beach Directors: Sheryl Heninger and Michelle Mask 828-545-8898 Club Challengers Volleyball, Crestview Director: Angela Etheridge 850-758-1450 Coastal Crush Volleyball, Pensacola Director: Alanah Gamwell 832-692-2051 Emerald Coast Volleyball Club, Fort Walton Beach Directors: Scott and Meaghan Allen 850-496-2470 Euro Haus, Fort Walton Beach Director: Gigi Vardai 850-207-5025

Niceville Volleyball Club Director: Andy Faulkner 803-394-8302 NWF Pilialoha, Valparaiso Director: Lani Kekahuna 850-830-4575 NWF Pilialoha Jrs, Crestview Director: Matt Potts 360-550-5277 Pensacola Beach Volleyball Club Director: Wayne Sellers 850-351-5584 Prostyle Volleyball Club, Panama City Director: Karisa Wesley-Britton 850-238-5512 West Florida Waves Volleyball Club, Pensacola Director: Chris Laird 850-776-7588

VOLLEYBALL TACTICS AND TECHNIQUES SERVE Firstly the serve is the first shot to begin the game and a point. A good serve will score you a point or put the opposition at a disadvantage position. A poor serve is when the serve doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go over the net or is not controlled and goes out of bounds. Always serve to score points not just to get it over the net. The 2 types of serving shots are a floater and top spin. Floater is just tossing and hitting the ball with your palm through the centre of the ball. Topspin is a shot when you toss the ball and hit the ball with your palm but contact with the ball below the centre of the ball making it have top spin.

DIG Usually in the passing sequences it begins with a dig. A dig is a shot that is the most common shot it volleyball. It is an accurate shot that is controlled. The dig is usually performed to keep the ball up and the first shot when the attacking team hits it over. It involves having your hands together and arms straight and hitting the ball. The ball is struck on the forearms. Therefore the dig shot is the first shot of the 3 passing shots. This information is courtesy of williamtavenervolleyball.weebly.com

16 YEARS EXPERIENCE Professional Sports Recruiting Videos

40 | itgsportsnetwork.com

WORLD

WIDE WAVES Braidyn Cunningham written by: Kim Hoy | photography by: Marque Milla Reese

Braidyn Cunningham already has seven big name sponsors. She travels all around the world searching for the perfect waves. She has serious Olympic aspirations.

In The Game | 41

“Every place I go, it feels like a totally different world almost. I meet new people, and I get this new experience that I could never get in the U.S.; it’s really awesome.”

Braidyn Cunningham is 15 years old. Surfing wasn’t really ever a conscious decision for her. Her dad was a prolific surfer in his own right, and passed on the passion and love of surfing to his six children. Braidyn, the second-youngest of those six, picked up surfing early and quickly. “Every time they’d go surfing, I’d be on the boogie board,” Braidyn said. “But then I got kind of tired of that, so I tried standing up on it. Then my dad told me that he saw potential in me, so then I started really surfing, and I liked it more than pretty much anyone in my family, so I kind of took it to a new level. Now I’m traveling everywhere, and it’s really becoming a career.” Born and raised in Jacksonville, minutes from the beach, Braidyn has perfected her craft over the years, but with consequences to her schedule. “I go surfing as much as I can,” she said. “If the waves are small, I just stay home and do schoolwork all day so I can maybe surf tomorrow. I just get up, check the surf report; if it’s good, you go for a few hours, if it’s bad you just stay home and work. Especially living in Jacksonville, you have to surf every time you can in or42 | itgsportsnetwork.com

der to practice enough to keep up.” She’s also had to give up a lot of things that normal teenagers can sometimes take for granted. “When I went to public school, I got to socialize and made a lot of friends,” she said. “But now I’ve lost touch with all of them. I miss going to school, because I don’t like sitting in front of a computer screen doing online school all day.” However, Jacksonville is not the only place that she practices her surfing prowess. “I’ve been to Nicaragua, Panama, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, Hawaii; it’s a pretty long list,” she said. “Every place I go, it feels like a totally different world almost. I meet new people, and I get this new experience that I could never get in the U.S.; it’s really awesome. There’s this place called Marbella in Costa Rica, and it’s my favorite break by far. It’s like a perfect right and left, and it runs forever and you can do whatever you want on it.” You don’t go surf those places if you aren’t talented. There are serious risks involved, and sometimes even seasoned veterans have scary situations. “She was about 12 when she had a long hold down underwater,” her

mom said. “It was a hurricane; it was scary, dark, and gloomy. And you can’t find the top of the water, can’t find the bottom, if you’re facing up or down. “And then there’s the sharks, almost every session,” Braidyn said. “One time my friend got bit by a shark. Other than that, they’re not really that scary.” However, as she has done her whole career in surfing, she rode the wave and came out on top. “It was tough for her for a good year in certain conditions, she would just shut down. Mentally, it took a long time for her to recover from,” her mom said. “But she’s definitely recovered, she’s fine now.” Braidyn’s talent may come as a bit of an understatement. “Last year I was on the developmental U.S. Team,” she said. “This year, I’m trying to get on the official team. In 2020, the Olympics are going to add surfing, so that’s basically the Olympic team. Obviously it’s really hard, but I might have a chance to win a gold medal. I also won the Surfing America East Coast in the overall under-16 division.” Braidyn is also very smart. She knows her dreams are big, so she also has smaller, long-term goals set for herself. “I want to become a pro, but there’s only 17 people invited on the pro circuit in the whole world,” she said. “Overall, I want

to make a surf company, promote myself, and be my own ambassador.” She’s also sponsored by several wellknown surf and sport brands, such as Billabong, Dakine, Von Zipper, Surface Sunscreen, Natural Life, Orion Surfboards, and Aqua East Surf Shop. Only two other girls on the East Coast have Billabong as a sponsor, so that’s impressive on its own. Of course, nobody gets to the top all by themselves. None of this would be possible without the support of her mom, dad, and siblings. “We all tag team,” her mom said. “My husband goes on the trips that he can with her, and sometimes I’ll go. Fortunately, we do have six kids, and my 21-year-old goes with her a lot too. You know, I never thought I would be sending her to all these places at just 15 years old.” Although surfing isn’t very well known in Jacksonville, it’s definitely alive and thriving around the world. Braidyn is living proof that if you want something badly enough, and you work hard at it, you can achieve it, no matter your age or your circumstances. Maybe sometime, if you’re up early enough at Jax Beach, you might see Braidyn in the distance, skillfully carving up the waves with a huge smile on her face.

WORK HARD. PLAY HARD. EAT GRITS. 600 SOUTH BARRACKS STREET, DOWNTOWN PENSACOLA · (850) 470-0003 · FISHHOUSEPENSACOLA.COM

homerun Hire For Pensacola High: James “Jamie” Rigdon Another Day In The Park Legend Of The Game Cordova Park Elementary Jody Skelton

The Beauty Of High School Sports Diamonds are a Making Her Girl’s Best Friend! Tate High School Softball

Own Wake

Sophia Nguyen

Upward Skateboarding: Jon Shell

INSTANT REPLAY

Check Out Our

REBRAND

Baseball Player Profiles “Spring Is In The Air”

March 2016

written by: Edward Spears

A quick look back at the players, teams and stories featured in the previous edition of In the Game Magazine.

BASEBALL PLAYER PROFILES

Baseball is not only alive and well, but is thriving along the Emerald Coast. Several of the players profiled in the March edition saw their season extend well into the post season. Here’s how the local teams fared:

Central (Milton) and Bozeman (Panama City) High Schools advanced all the way to the state semi-finals where both teams saw their season come to an end on May 11th at JetBlue Park in Ft. Myers. Central High’s 17-5 dream season saw the team advance to their first ever state semi-final. Bozeman’s excellence on the field continued with the team’s third state final four in five years .

Catholic High School saw their season end in the regional semi-finals concluding a stellar 18-3 season.

Saw Panama City powerhouses Bay and Rutherford in the regional quarterfinals, with Rutherford advancing all the way to the regional finals. Congratulations on a great season to both teams.

Division 6A saw three teams from the Emerald Coast advancing to regional play. Choctaw (Fort Walton Beach) and Mosely (Panama City) joined West Florida (Pensacola) in the Quarterfinals, with Mosley and West Florida Advancing. Mosley High advanced all the way to the 6A championship game at JetBlue Park, before falling. Congratulations to the state runner-up Dolphins!

District 7A saw an Emerald Coast Tournament in the quarter-

44 | itgsportsnetwork.com

finals with nationally recognized programs clashing in the first round. Tate (Cantonment) faced Navarre and Milton took the field against Pace, with Tate and Milton emerging to face each other in the regional semifinals. Tate survived only to lose in the regional finals on May 10.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL EMERALD COAST TEAMS FOR A GREAT 2016 BASEBALL SEASON!!! HOMERUN FOR HIRE New Coach Jamie Rigdon delivered!!!! Hired after a disappointing 3-21 season in 2015, he led the Pensacola High School Tigers to a 13-10 overall record, good for 4th place in District 6A. Keep an eye on the Tigers and Coach Rigdon for many years to come.

DIAMONDS ARE A GIRLS BEST FRIEND

TATE HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL Similar to the baseball 7A regional quarterfinals, the softball tournament had a decidedly Emerald Coast flavor as well. Tate (Cantonment) took on Milton and Niceville tussled with Pace in an all Emerald Coast bracket. Milton and Niceville advanced to play each other in the regional semifinals with Niceville making it all the way to the regional finals before being eliminated. CONGRATULATIONS LADIES FOR A GREAT 2016 SOFTBALL CAMPAIGN!!!

FLAG ON THE PLAY

In the March edition, we inadvertently misidentified Brady Smith’s coach in is baseball profile. His coach is Joe Nedoroscik. In the Tate Softball profiles, we mistakenly switched Hayden Lindsay and Hadley Starratt’s pictures. We sincerely apologize for the mix-up.

Roger V. Ostrander, MD Roger Ostrander, M.D.

Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine Specializing in the treatment of orthopaedic conditions and athletic injuries using minimally invasive techniques Team orthopedist for the University of West Florida.

Joshua Hackel, M.D.

Primary Care Sports Medicine

The primary care sports medicine physician specializes in the nonoperative medical treatment of these injuries. Team Physician for the Univesity of West Florida.

1040 Gulf Breeze Parkway Suite 200 Gulf Breeze, FL 32561 Phone: (850) 916-3700

STAY IN THE GAME BY FOLLOWING US ON OUR SOCIAL MEDIA

CHECK US OUT ON THESE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS

850.435.4800 www.nilssenorthopedics.com 825 E. Burgess Rd. Pensacola, FL 32504

COMING SOON

To see the world impacted for Jesus Christ through the influence of athletes and coaches.

Mike Killam

Regional Director of Development Area Director mkillam@fca.org

Michelle Carmical Area Director mcarmical@fca.org

Sean Aland Area Director saland@fca.org

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2814-B Copter Rd. Pensacola, Florida 32514 850.505.0955 email: david@curringraphics.com www.curringraphics.com