Northeast Florida April/May 2018 Edition

UNF'S RUNNING SISTERS

Eden and Grace Meyer

Mandarin Swimmer Turns Her World Upside Down Keegan Fluharty

Shining Knights Rally for Inclusion Creekside High School

FAST LANE Sara Stotler, Clay High School

IN THE

GAME NORTHEAST FLORIDA

APRRIL/MAY 2018

Living Life in the

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We are Jacksonville’s Orthopaedic Institute Sports medicine provider for:

Episcopal School of Jacksonville

Atlantic Coast High School

Bishop Kenny High School

Bishop John J. Snyder High School

joi.net

The Bolles School

Paxon School for Advanced Studies

Fernandina Beach High School

In The Game | 3

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In The Game | 5

ITG Next Ambassadors 2017-18 In 2017, ITG Next launched its inaugural Ambassador Program.

ITG Next Ambassadors exhibit academic excellence, a passion for athletics, outstanding character, and a strong commitment to their schools and communities.

As role models, Ambassadors are encouraged to inspire their peers to explore and create new initiatives within their high schools and communities by being a part of In the Game’s mission, which is inspiring your inner athlete toward the passionate pursuit of excellence, on and off the field.

Be a part of ITG Next’s 2018-19 Ambassador Program!

For more information, email us at nefl@itgsportsnetwork.com.

Tamara Barrs Mandarin High SchooL

Brandon Carrol

Cooper Huskey

Creekside High School

Bishop Kenny High School

Kofi is a sophomore at Paxon School for Advanced Studies, and his hobbies are track and cross country, which he also runs competitively. Besides running, he enjoys hanging out with friends and going to new places. His goal is to one day become a neurologist because it is an amazing field filled with uncertainty. Kofi joined the Ambassador Program to expand his skill set and make new connections.

Tamara, 17, is a junior at Mandarin High School. She became an Ambassador to meet like-minded peers and to explore new opportunities. Her passions are basketball, running the 300 IH hurdles, and reading. When she graduates high school, Tamara plans to attend a 4-year university and major in veterinary medicine.

Brandon is a junior at Creekside High. In addition to being an Ambassador he is also a student-journalist with his school’s own media program, Creekside Sports Management, where his articles are often published online. He became an Ambassador to improve his writing and make new connections. Brandon hopes to pursue some type of career in the sports industry in the future.

Cooper is a senior at Bishop Kenny High School. He became an Ambassador to help build his skills to become a sports broadcaster for television. Being a part of this program, he is excited to further his anchoring skills on the television show and also learn how to film and edit different sports in new ways. Going into sports journalism is not work for Cooper, but a passion.

Jalondra Jackson

Leah Pelham

Taryn Peterson

Paxon School

Episcopal School of Jacksonville

Leah,16, is a sophomore at Paxon School for Advanced Studies. Her favorite things to do are play tennis, run, and participate in her youth group at church. In the future, she hopes to be a physical therapist so she can help athletes just like her. Leah chose to be an Ambassador for In the Game so she can meet new students and network with people who can help her reach her goals.

Taryn is a junior at the Episcopal School of Jacksonville. She is an avid tennis player and has been on the varsity team since sixth grade. She also has a deep interest in video production and has produced many promotional films for her school. She hopes to attend University of Virginia or Georgetown University to pursue her passion for psychology. Taryn wanted to join the In the Game Ambassador Program to continue learning about video production. She also hopes to learn more about social media, communications, and writing for magazines.

Kofi Bame Paxon School

Sandalwood High School Jalondra, 16, is a junior at Sandalwood High School. In her free time, you can find her shopping or expanding her wardrobe in some way. She's always had a passion for fashion, a passion that seems to grow as she begins to launch her fashion styling/consulting business.

Becoming an Ambassador for In the Game will provide Jalondra with opportunities to enhance her entrepreneurial spirit. This program will give her the chance to work on her merchandising and networking skills.

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ARE YOU In?

Northeast Florida

In the Game Be fearless.

Take chances. Push boundaries.

Do what’s never been done.

Get In the Game. Stay In the Game. Live In the Game.

In The Game | 7

At Farah & Farah, the name of the game is never stop fighting for our clients. We are proud to provide you and your family with the expertise and dedication that your case deserves. Based right here in Jacksonville, we are perfectly positioned to faithfully serve Northeast Florida with care and determination.

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Player Profiles Northeast Florida’s Top Athletes

Overlooking Mayfield Changing the Scope

Ponte Vedra Volleyball Coach Making Success a Legacy Robin Mignerey

Cheerleading Injuries: Prevention and Treatment JOI

Living Life in the Fast Lane Sara Stotler, Clay High School

The YMCA’s First Coast Games Creekside Boys Basketball Reaches Championship Game Hard Work Pays Off for Ribault Dual Athlete Devon Matthews

Shining Knights Rally for Inclusion Creekside High School

Mandarin Swimmer Turns Her World Upside Down Keegan Fluharty

UNF’s Running Sisters Eden and Grace Meyer

How Early is Too Early?

Coaching Legend Stepping Down at Wolfson Bruce Rosebrock

Griffin Ready to Make History What’s Wrong With Kentucky?

Running's Impact on Knees

ITG Next Apparel @ITGNext

Train Insane Tee

Go to

Love to Live In the Game Tank

www.itgnext.com to Get In the Game today!

In The Game | 9

FROM THE PUBLISHER Spring has sprung in Northeast Florida. The clocks have changed, the weather is getting warmer, and wildflowers are beginning to bloom. It’s also a special time of year because spring sports are in full swing.

In this issue of In the Game, we highlight scholar athletes from spring sports including track and field, lacrosse, and boys weightlifting. All of these students are outstanding athletes who show their passion for sports but also for academics and their communities.

We also highlight our ITG Next Ambassadors. This program is an opportunity for area students to contribute to the vision of In the Game and to play an important role in social media and digital content creation.

Many of our Ambassadors are hoping to pursue careers in journalism and communications and have chances to be published in our magazine and help out with the TV show.

Our cover is Sara Stotler, a freshman who swims with Clay High School and has dreams of making it to the Olympics. While reaching the Olympics is merely a dream for some, for Sara it may become a reality. She is close to hitting a time that would qualifying her to compete at the Olympic trials.

Success aside, Sara is a true champion because of the way she stays humble and true to herself.

We also learn about Creekside High’s inclusive cheerleading team, the Shining Knights. This team pairs varsity and junior varsity cheerleaders with students who have developmental and physical disabilities. Shining Knights team members get to cheer on the sidelines during home games. This unique program is changing the culture at Creekside and teaching lessons about acceptance and kindness.

We also speak with girls volleyball coach Robin Mignerey, whose team won the 6A state title. Mignerey pushed her team to success and said she plans on continuing that streak in the future.

Devon Matthews from Ribault is our Farah and Farah Progress Award winner. Matthews, a senior, is a dual athlete who is committed to the University of Indiana for football. He has worked hard to make improvements in his game to get to the next level.

This issue is jam-packed with stories that really hone in on what living life In the Game means: living each day with passion, determination, and positivity. We love highlighting those who drive home these qualities and inspire us along the way. It is why we do what we do. If you know of any athlete, coach, or program that embodies this spirit, head to our website to nominate a story idea.

As always, we thank you for your continued support of In the Game and your local athletic programs. To make sure you never miss a chance to stay In the Game, follow us on social media @itgnext and check out our new website, itgnext.com.

If you’re in search of great stories, we have the answer. itgnext.com features apparel, stories from the magazine, and much more all at your finger tips. There is even a spot to submit your ideas to us.

Tell us what you thought about the February/March issue of In the Game! info@itgnext.com

Contributors Publisher Mark Dykes Editor Anna Limoges Graphics Mandy Douthit Jarius Bailey Cover Photography Aaron Musgrove Feature Photography Aaron Musgrove Player Profile Photography Aaron Musgrove Feature Writers Susannah Parmenter Jeff Elliott Mary Catherine Bell Joshua Miller Gerald Thomas III Copy Editors Anna Limoges Alex Dunn Advertising/Marketing Mark Dykes mark@itgsportsnetwork.com

Website Manager Mandy Douthit

In the Game is published bi-monthly. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in part or in full without written consent from the publisher. M&S makes no representation or warranty of any kind for accuracy of content.

All advertisements are assumed by the publisher to be correct. Copyright 2018 M&S. All rights reserved.

ISSN 1945-1458

@ITGNext In The Game | 11

The YMCA of Florida’s First Coast is proud to announce that In The Game Sports Network is now the official coverage partner of the Y’s First Coast Games.

OFFICIAL COVERAGE PARTNER

Beginning in March: Channel 4 • Saturdays at 3:30pm YouTube • First Coast YMCA Facebook • First Coast Games

FirstCoastYMCA.org

Your child’s very own ERs! 24/7 Pediatric Emergency Care at 4 Locations

In an emergency, minutes count. That’s why it’s good to know there’s a Wolfson Children’s Emergency Center close to you.

Learn more at wolfsonchildrens.org/ER.

4 locations: 1 Main Hospital 800 Prudential Drive, Jacksonville, Florida 904.202.2000

2

Baptist/Wolfson Children’s Emergency at Town Center 4085 Town Center Parkway, Jacksonville, Florida 904.202.6800

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Baptist Clay Medical Campus 1771 Baptist Clay Drive, Fleming Island, Florida (Intersection of U.S. 17 & Village Square Parkway)

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Baptist North Medical Campus 11250 Baptist Health Drive, Jacksonville, Florida (Intersection of Dunn Avenue & I-295)

904.202.6905 In The Game | 13

Contributors

BE IN THE GAME 14 | itgnext.com

Mark Dykes

Brittany k. Wyche

Mandy Douthit

Chief Executive Officer

Director of Sales

Creative Director

Founder Mark Dykes is the entrepreneur and mastermind behind the In the Game vision. Back in 2007, Mark set out to create a company that captured the passion, intensity, and unrivalled commitment toward high school athletics in the South Georgia area. Today, that vision has become a reality, and he continues to be the leading influence in what lies ahead for ITG Next, despite his annual prediction that UGA will win the national championship.

Whether it’s creating relationships with clients or designing the cover of a magazine, Brittany’s multiple talents bring value, and personality, to the In the Game team. Upon recognizing her natural ability to sell, combined with her insatiable drive to succeed, her original role as a graphic designer evolved into primarily client relations. Unfortunately, she and her husband, who looks like Shaun Livingston, are big Golden State Warrior (bandwagon) fans.

As a Pine Mountain, Georgia, native, Mandy’s move to Valdosta has brought enhanced artistry and intricacy to the ITG design team. The University of West Georgia alum graduated with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in art with a concentration in graphic design. Her artistic nature has allowed her to use graphic design to win national and international design competitions, all of which are meant to serve as diversions and coping mechanisms for Alabama’s loss against Auburn.

Garrison Muelhausen Video Coordinator

Susannah Parmenter

aNNA Limoges

Area Coordinator

editor

Moving from Atlanta, Garrison is now a member of our growing video department in Jacksonville. As a graduate of Thomas County Central and Valdosta State University, this filmmaker has been filming and working in a variety of sports since high school all the way up to working for CBS Sports. He always strives to add creative pizzazz in all of his work and in his own personal hobbies such as drawing graphic novels.

Susannah Parmenter is a Florida transplant, originally from California. After graduating from California State University, Fullerton with a broadcast journalism degree she continued her education with a meteorology degree from Florida State. Now, as part of In the Game, she combines her journalism and broadcast skills to highlight the athletes who inspire and motivate us to release our “inner champion.”

After four years as an interdisciplinary studies major at Valdosta State University and nearly two years as an ITG intern, Anna has remained a member of the team as an editor. Since her start in early 2016, she has devoted her editorial eye toward serving as one of the first and last lines of defense against errors within these pages. More importantly, while her Facebook page says that she likes the Saints, there is fortunately no other sign of such irrational fandom.

What to look forward to: 2017-18 Championship Issue In this issue, we recognize all the champions from Northeast Florida.

2018 Spring Sports Awards Banquet After each school year, we come together to recognize the top athletes from across Northeast Florida. It is a night to honor all spring athletes.

Football Preseason In this issue, we tell you all you need to know to get ready for those Friday night lights.

LEVEL

LOVE YOUR OFFICE

Aaron Musgrove

Gerald Thomas, III

Contributing Photographer

Journalist Intern

Originally from Live Oak, Florida, Aaron found his home as a multitalented photographer and graphic designer after moving to Valdosta in 2007. As the lead graphic designer at Colquitt Regional Medical Center since 2010, Aaron has found his passion in corporate graphic design and commercial photography, but he also loves capturing the unique dynamics of sports with ITG. Fortunately, his notable lack of any sports career that lasted more than a single day does not impact his sports photography.

Born and raised in Savannah, Georgia, Gerald is now a mass media major at Valdosta State University. He started working for In the Game in the Spring of 2018 to offer his writing flair and to generate exciting sports content. Gerald enjoys the writing aspect of mass media, whether it be journalism or screenwriting. He is always looking to grow and improve his craft.

Gerald has grown to rely on the future, as his favorite team, the Atlanta Falcons, disappoints him every season.

Mary Catherine Bell

Joshua Miller

writer/video intern

Journalist Intern

A native of Charleston, South Carolina, and a student-athlete at Flagler College, Mary Catherine aspires to bring her passions for sports and journalism into one dream. After making leaps and bounds playing soccer at the collegiate level, she hopes to use this unique background in her evolving work as an ITG intern.

Joshua was born and raised in Gwinnet County and joined ITG in the fall of 2017.

Currently a junior mass media major at Valdosta State, Joshua is aiming toward a career as a sports television personality. Although he’s still learning new techniques in sports journalism, his admiration and knowledge of a variety of sports is easily recognized. As a diehard Dallas Cowboys fan, he has learned to remain optimistic towards his goals despite the inevitable obstacles in the way.

Alex Dunn

Jarius Bailey

Copy Editing Intern

Graphic Design Intern

Alex is a senior English-journalism major at Valdosta State University. She started working for In the Game the summer of 2017 to lend her editorial eye to the many articles that filter through her before heading on to print. Although her main job is devoted to copy editing, she does a little bit of everything from creating closed captioning for videos to writing the occasional article or two for the magazine.

Jarius is a junior mass media major at Valdosta State University. There he began to develop creative skills which led him to the ITG family. He began interning for In the Game in the spring of 2018 as a graphic designer. He enjoys the artistic journey, and works hard every day to develop as a content creator. He has plans to own his own media company one day, as long as he doesn’t follow the Portland Trailblazers’ marketing strategy.

PRIVATE OFFICES OFFICE SUITES COWORKING SPACE 25 N MARKET STREET CALL 904-900-4330

LIVING IN THE GAME Cedric Lehky was invited become a wrestler at North Royalton in Ohio. Kehky has Down syndrome, but he has never been viewed as having limitations. This year he competed in his final high school match, ending the season undefeated. Lehky's mom hopes her son can serve as inspiration to those who live with disabilities so others can #LiveInTheGame.

Courtesy of fox8.com

In The Game | 15

WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST SPORTS INSPIRATION?

MY DAD because he made it to the top in the NFL and he gives me the best help and advice.

Reighan Sheppard Paxon High School

Track

What is the most memorable moment of your sports career to date?

Going to state and making it to the finals in the 4x100 relay.

What makes you different from everyone else?

I am very dedicated when it comes to academics. I take it very seriously, and when I don’t get straight A’s, I am very disappointed.

After your sports career is over, what do you see yourself doing?

I want to become an orthopedic surgeon, specializing in sports medicine.

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What is the most memorable moment of your sports career to date?

Getting second at state as a junior.

Alex Newman

What makes you different from everyone else?

My work ethic. After losing state by 5 pounds, not a day goes by when I don’t use that as a motivation to work harder than everyone else.

Weightlifting

Bartram Trail

Who has helped you the most in your sports career?

My coach, Marc Nadeau, has helped me the most in my sport. He always tells me straight up what I need to do to succeed.

AFTER YOUR SPORTS CAREER IS OVER, WHAT DO YOU SEE YOURSELF DOING? After high school I plan to attend the

UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA to become an engineer.

In The Game | 17

What is the most memorable moment of your sports career to date?

Winning the 4x800-meter relay at state my sophomore year.

What makes you different from everyone else?

I strive every day to go above and beyond in not only athletics but in all aspects of my life.

After your sports career is over, what do you see yourself doing?

I could see myself going into dentistry after my sports career is over.

WHO HAS HELPED YOU THE MOST IN YOUR SPORTS CAREER?

COACH CURRAN has helped me the most in my sports career because he has taught me the importance of hard work and the focus that goes with fulfilling goals.

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Nathan Jubran Bishop Kenny

Track & Field, Cross Country

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In The Game | 19

Jeremiah Baclig Paxon High School Track & Field, Football

What is the most memorable moment of your sports career to date?

Being able to run at the state championship freshman and sophomore years and receive medal standing.

Who is your biggest sports inspiration?

Usain Bolt. Besides the fact that he’s the fastest man in the world, on TV and social media he’s always himself and stays true to that.

Who has helped you the most in your sports career?

My dad. He always keeps me involved in whatever I am doing, and if there’s something I need, he is always there for me.

WHAT MAKES YOU DIFFERENT FROM EVERYONE ELSE? Being an

ASIAN-AMERICAN running sprints on the track.

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What is the most memorable moment of your sports career to date?

When my lacrosse team won the district championship my sophomore year. This was such a rewarding experience because we lost in the championship game freshman year. Coming back and redeeming ourselves was the best feeling.

Emily Gober St. Augustine High School

Lacrosse — Midfield

Who is your biggest sports inspiration?

My biggest inspiration growing up playing lacrosse was my teammate Emmy Fluman. She has been such a good role model for me and has helped me with lacrosse and school. She is two years older than me, so I’ve always looked up to her as a lacrosse player and as a person.

If you could play any other sport, what would it be?

I have always wanted to try track but have never had the chance because it is during lacrosse season. It looks very challenging, but I have always loved sprinting, so I think I would enjoy it.

AFTER YOUR SPORTS CAREER IS OVER, WHAT DO YOU SEE YOURSELF DOING? I hope to go to the

UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA and major in physical therapy. I would like to work with young athletes because I have always been passionate about sports.

In The Game | 23

What is the most memorable moment of your sports career to date?

Making it to the regional round of playoffs with my teammates.

Who is your biggest sports inspiration?

Gabby Douglas. She overcame the struggles she faced growing up and still managed to accomplish her dreams.

Who has helped you the most in your sports career?

My brother has helped me the most. He’s helped me by providing insight on the game. He watches me play and helps me work on things I struggle with.

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Ashley Byrd Fleming Island High School

Flag Football

IF YOU COULD PLAY ANY OTHER SPORT, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

TACKLE FOOTBALL, to show that girls can do any sport a guy can.

Nominate Male & Female Athlete of the Year

Submit your nominations to nefl@itgsportsnetwork.com

In The Game | 25

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Emma Jane Warren Bishop Kenny

Track — Distance, Cross Country What is the most memorable moment of your sports career to date?

Last year, in the 4x800 relay, I placed seventh at the state meet.

IF YOU COULD PLAY ANY OTHER SPORT, WHAT WOULD IT BE? I would love to participate in

CREW. It looks very difficult, but also fun. I’ve lived in Fernandina Beach my whole life and am always doing something on or in the water, so I’ve always wondered if it would come naturally.

Who is your biggest sports inspiration?

Joan Bennet is one of my biggest inspirations because of her success in the first ever Olympic marathon in 1984.

She ran the fastest Boston Marathon time in 28 years and is in the Maine Women’s Hall of Fame.

What makes you different from everyone else?

Running doesn’t tend to come naturally to me, unlike a lot of successful athletes. I’ve been so lucky to have amazing people to support me and to run for and with. I have also continued ballet and pointe, which has been difficult to maintain because of the massive time commitment to distance running.

In The Game | 27

Tyler Bates Pedro Menendez Weightlifting

What is the most memorable moment of your sports career to date?

For weightlifting it would be placing fifth at regionals to help my team win the regional championship.

After your sports career is over, what do you see yourself doing?

I see myself going to SFU to study to become a physical therapist.

Who has helped you the most in your sports career?

Coach Lippo has helped me the most by far, not only molding me into an athlete but also helping me become a better person.

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WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST SPORTS INSPIRATION? WHY?

MY TEAMMATES are. In every practice and competition, they encourage me to challenge myself and get better. It’s awesome to see that because now I have no choice but to get better because I don’t want to disappoint them.

Taylor Thomas St. Augustine High School Lacrosse — Midfield

What is the most memorable moment of your sports career to date?

When I broke the school’s record of how many shots in one game. We were playing Pedro, and the school record was seven, and I shot nine. We beat them 18-4.

Who is your biggest sports inspiration?

My sister, Rachel Thomas. She plays lacrosse as well, and I wanted to be just like her. She is like my own personal coach, pushing me and wanting me to get better. It pushes me because I want to be just like her, and as a sister it makes me want to compete to be better than her.

Who has helped you the most in your sports career?

I would say Coach Rob has helped me the most in my sports career. If it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t have started playing lacrosse. He has pushed me from the start and has supported me the whole way. I also see him as my other dad, so I can always look to him to tell me what I can do better and correct myself.

WHAT MAKES YOU DIFFERENT FROM EVERYONE ELSE? I am very

OBSERVANT and want everyone to get better, so I try to be a leader and show them how they can improve themselves. I am not afraid to speak up when it’s needed.

In The Game | 29

Overlooking Mayfield

Super bowl LII MVP

Written by: Joshua Miller

9 #

Courtesy of dailydolphin.blog.palmbeachpost.com

30 | itgnext.com

No. 1 pick to the Cleveland Browns.

Although getting drafted to the Browns may be career suicide for most players, I’d like to see Mayfield try to revitalize that organization. The Browns might just need Mayfield’s charisma and attitude at their quarterback spot.

However, it’s likely that won’t happen, and Mayfield will inevitably be the third quarterback selected in the draft.

I see two teams out of the first 10 draft picks that need a quarterback like Mayfield: the Denver Broncos and the New York Jets.

Denver is only a quarterback away from changing back into playoff contenders. The New York Jets need a quarterback – and a lot more. But a quarterback is their priority, and adding a guy like Mayfield could pay off in the long haul.

Mayfield was a walk-on athlete who ended up earning himself a spot in history as a Heisman winner. That alone shows his work ethic and drive. Yet, the experts continue to short him, and if NFL teams follow suit, it may give Mayfield more to prove.

S E OL

F K IC

N

Foles Brady

Efficiency

There is no doubt that Heisman winner Baker Mayfield is a first round pick. The question is who is drafting Mayfield, and is he getting overlooked?

When it comes to the quarterbacks in this NFL draft, you’ll hear these two names: Josh Rosen and Sam Darnold. Then the debate on who should be drafted first ensues.

But nobody really mentions Mayfield over those two names. Is it because Rosen and Darnold are 6’4” and 220 pounds while Mayfield is just three inches shorter?

It must be because Rosen and Darnold threw for fewer yards than Mayfield. Or that Mayfield threw for 43 touchdowns, while Rosen and Darnold both threw for 26 touchdowns and threw more interceptions than Mayfield.

Note that talk of the two players being drafted over Mayfield doesn’t add up.

Mayfield wins in just about every statistical category compared to Rosen and Darnold. Plus, Rosen and Darnold are basically the same quarterback on paper.

There are four NFL analysts that put their mock drafts on the official NFL website, and all four of them have Sam Darnold as the

97.5% Passer Rating Game Time

3

Touchdown Passes

28 43 of

373

Pass Completions

Passing yards

CHANGING THE SCOPE

5 FEMALES MAKING A NAME IN

A MALE-DOMINATED INDUSTRY:

Written by: Gerald Thomas, III | Photography courtesy of www.sfgate.com

www.baltimoresun.com

SARAH THOMAS, NFL FULL-TIME OFFICIAL In 2015 Thomas became the first ever female official for the NFL. So, next time you are yelling at the refs, keep a lookout for her too.

www.theitem.com

KATHRYN SMITH, BUFFALO BILLS SPECIAL TEAMS QUALITY CONTROL COACH Smith is making history, being the first full-time female assistant coach to ever be hired in the NFL. Her nine years of perseverance paid off.

​In a league dominated by male referees, the NBA has taken steps to bring in female referees. Lauren Holtkamp is the third female referee to be hired by the NBA. Holtkamp — a Jefferson City, Missouri, native — is changing the scope of NBA refereeing. Succeeding former female NBA referees Dee Kantner and Violet Palmer, Holtkamp is feeling no pressure when it comes to refereeing a game played by males.

Holtkamp attended Drury University in Springfield, Missouri, where she pursued her marketing degree. She picked up refereeing in 2004 when she was invited to a local referee meeting. Following the meeting, she refereed a girls middle school basketball game. ​Holtkamp ventured out to officiate at bigger empires, such as the NBA D-League, WNBA, women’s college basketball games. Holtkamp landed a job with the NBA in the 2014-15 season. She passed through the referee program. ​Current Houston Rockets point guard Chris Paul critiqued Holtkamp in 2015 because he felt that she should have allowed the ball to inbound quicker. She gave Paul a technical foul after a heated conversation. Paul proceeded to tell the press that her reasoning is terrible and that refereeing may not be for her.

Holtkamp is aware that her gender will play a part in every interview or officiating gig she hasdue to her being the only woman. She is unfazed and has exchanged mutual respect with players such as Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant. ​Once aspiring to attend Emory University to pursue a masters in divinity, she decided against it in favor of being a referee. Holtkamp feels comfortable where she is and is pleased with her development at being a referee. ​Holtkamp feels as if there is no added pressure being a new referee to the NBA. In an interview with Grantland, she said, “The pressure I feel as a new referee is no different than any other pressure that a first-year referee feels coming in.”

She feels that refereeing is fully demanding: physically, mentally, and emotionally. The only pressure Holtkamp feels, she said, is creating space for women in the sports officiating field.

www.mysanantonio.com/

BECKY HAMMON, SAN ANTONIO SPURS ASSISTANT COACH Hammond is the first salaried female basketball coach in the history of the NBA as of 2014, and she is a WNBA legend herself.

fortune.com

NANCY LIEBERMAN, SACRAMENTO KINGS ASSISTANT COACH Casually a two-time Olympian and hall-of-famer, Lieberman joined Hammon to be just the second female coach in NBA history.

www.usnews.com

JEN WELTER, ARIZONA CARDINALS ASSISTANT COACHING (INTERN) In 2015, Welter was coaching the inside linebackers. It may have been a temporary position, but it made a permanent impact.

In The Game | 31

Ponte Vedra Volleyball Coach Making Success a Legacy Written by: Mary Catherine Bell Photography courtesy of Robin Mignerey

After winning the Class 6A state title this past season, Ponte Vedra High School’s varsity volleyball coach Robin Mignerey and her team are ready to make success a tradition.

Mignerey said that through the years at Ponte Vedra High School her team has taken success one step at a time.

“Volleyball is definitely a growing sport in the country and the area,” she said. “We’ve not always had big numbers at tryouts, but the girls that come out are year-round players, and as a whole these players that come through the high school know that that is what they are doing.”

Mignerey revealed that many factors led to the team’s success.

“Depth,” she said. “We had 15 strong girls on our roster. They were constantly pushing each other in practice day in and day out all year long.”

She said another important aspect was the level of talent and competitive attitude.

“It’s a long year for these girls,” Mignerey said. “I have some very motivated girls on the court and in the classroom. It really makes my job easy that they want to do well.”

For Mignerey, shaping versatile players and keeping practices fun is important.

“In practice we play a lot of games that make everyone play all positions,” 32 | itgnext.com

she said. “A lot of the girls want to play college volleyball, so they have put in the time and effort. If they are happy, they will compete and play hard.”

Mignerey said the levels of grit and determination on the team were tested numerous times throughout the season. Several of her players came down with the stomach flu the day before a big match, but it didn’t stop them from competing.

“It’s important to them to be good all-around players, so we had some fun with the line-up and had girls mixing it up,” she said. “Thankfully, a few girls pushed through on the few crackers they had in their system and made it through to a four set match win.”

Mignerey plans to keep the winning culture of the team an ongoing tradition. She said many feeder schools help support the sport at the youth level.

“I have been very fortunate to have a big feeder through Landrum Middle School, so when I see that, I’m always excited,” she said.

Mignerey said that she is focused on creating a program that bridges middle and high school student-athletes.

“I am trying to incorporate a fun program that works hard, is committed, and hopefully not have these kids burn out,” she said. “Happy, healthy kids produce good results.”

Sports Coaching Tips 1. Plan.

2. develop communication skills and try to improve them.

3. Learn to effectively utilize the Internet, social media, and email.

4. Never stop learning. Learning is life.

5. Be open minded. Never say never.

6. What you may lack in knowledge, make up for with enthusiasm, desire, and passion.

7. Be a role model for your athletes.

8. Accept constructive criticism as a positive.

Learn from mistakes, take steps to improve from the experience, and move on.

9. Allocate time every day for personal health and fitness.

10. Keep a detailed diary and record work actually done by athletes.

Cheerleading Injuries: Prevention and Treatment

Cheerleading Stunt Safety Measures Equipment

• Mats or a soft, even surface should be used in practice as well as during competitions. The American Association of Cheerleading Coachers & Administrators insists on always using mats.

Spotters

Compared to other sports, cheerleading has a lower frequency and risk of sustaining injuries. However, the injuries that do occur tend to be severe and can result in a long recovery for female athletes. Competitive cheerleading injuries range all over the body, with the most common injuries being the ankle, wrist, head, lower back, and knee. Here’s a list of prevention methods that have been put into place on stunts to minimize the chance of any of these areas becoming injured and what to do when injuries do happen.

• Sometimes fliers go as high as 20 feet in the air. Basic toss stunts require the flyer to have four spotters under her with one of them behind her. The spotters are responsible for catching the flyer, so proper supervision and spotting techniques should be used.

Fitness

• Cheerleaders should not perform any stunts if they are feeling tired, ill, or have a previous injury.

• Cheerleaders should maintain a good fitness level throughout the season as well as the offseason.

• Proper stretching and warmups should take place before every practice and competition to ensure the athlete is physically able to perform stunts safely. Regular stretching improves agility and flexibility that could prevent serious injury.

Emergency Plan

• Cheerleading teams should have an emergency plan in case serious injuries do occur. The plan should include roles for the athletes and coaches, instructions, emergency contacts, and first aid procedures.

When Injuries Occur

• Seek medical attention as soon as possible. It is better to be safe than sorry.

• If the case of minor injury, rest for at least 24 hours before resuming any form of exercise.

• If appropriate, apply ice to the injury site to reduce swelling and pain. Only ice for 10-20 minutes in four-hour intervals to increase blood circulation.

• Bandage the injury (if required) in a form fitting compress. Make sure the bandage is not too tight, as it could decrease blood flow. Sliding two finger widths between the bandage and injury site will ensure that it is a snug fit.

• Elevate the injury immediately after medical attention.

In The Game | 33

CELEBRATING OUR 34 | itgnext.com

duvalford.com

SCHOLAR ATHLETES In The Game | 35

Living Life in the

Fast Lane Written by: Susannah Parmenter Photography by: Aaron Musgroves

so far, knowing that I still is a have a lot left of swimstandout swimmer, and ming in the years to come while she loves the water, and that I can still do so one of her main goals is much more,” she said. to stay grounded.

Stotler comes from a With all Stotler has family of swimmers. The accomplished – at just 14 middle of five siblings, years old – that may be she discovered swimming one of her tougher goals from her to attain. older sister As a freshas a way to man swimavoid the ming for Florida heat Clay High and humidSchool, ity.

Stotler was “I startthe highed swimest placing — Sara Stotler ming when I freshman was 5 years from Clay County at state old,” Stotler said. “My big in any class this year. sister came home one In addition to being day, and she said, ‘This named Long Course is great! I’m not sweaty Swimmer of the Year or anything!’ So, I started three times by Florida swimming, and I realized Swimming, Stotler also it was great because the racked up medals at the water was nice and cool, FHSAA 2A championand all my coaches noships in November: secticed that I had a feel for ond place in the 100-methe water. I started comter butterfly, third place petitively swimming when in the 200 freestyle, and I was 6.” eighth in the 200 relay.

Stotler started with She also is close to hitting the Spartan Aquatic Club a qualifying time to make year-round swim team the Olympic trials for the before moving through 2020 Games. different teams and clubs “It is definitely humuntil she landed at Logbling to realize that I’ve gerhead Aquatics in Julaccomplished this much ington Creek. Although

Sara Stotler

"I started competitively swimming when I was 6.”

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home schooled, Stotler was invited to swim competitively for Clay High School.

“I’m very blessed that I’m home schooled so I can balance my schoolwork to accommodate my swim schedule,” she said.

Stotler trains six days a week at Loggerhead and works with coaches on aspects of competitive swimming, including using visualization and mental exercises to manage her nerves.

“I definitely get ner-

vous,” she said.

“But my coaches help me with visualizing and calming myself with my nerves, and all my coaches say to ride the wave of nerves instead of letting it overcome you. So, I funnel my nerves into excitement and get excited for my race instead of focusing on the negative nerves.”

A good coach is instrumental to an athlete’s success, and many

athletes have that ‘one coach’ who becomes not only a coach but a friend. For Stotler, that mentor was her former coach Shawn Delifus, who passed away in April 2016.

“Coach Delifus passed away right before one of our meets, and that was rough for me,” Stotler said. “But it has definitely pushed me to be a better swimmer and a better person because he was all about staying motivated and staying positive.”

Stotler’s mother, Deb“When we are dealby Stotler, felt that loss as ing with her trips, we try well. She said her daugh- to keep things the same ter has had many coach- and organized,” Stotes, but Delifus was spe- ler’s mother said. “And I cial. learned from “She had their coachShawn very es when they young, and were young that my job he had a big influence on is to hand her,” Stotthem their ler’s mother water and said.

“He to tell them they did a was a big tall guy, he good job.”

Stotler was all into appreciates Star Wars and always her family’s support. channeling Yoda, She said and he reher parents are some of ally made her biggest an impres— Sara Stotler motivators sion on her when she is when she was little. She was so ex- in the water. cited when we ended up “My parents are alat Loggerhead Aquatics ways pushing me to be and she had Shawn as her better, and they always coach again. They had all motivate me and remind sorts of inside jokes, and me it’s going to be worth he was just one of those it,” she said.

She also looks up to people that was inspirational for her.” her coaches and her two With her new coach- older siblings, who both es, Kyle Casias and Mark swam in high school and Corley, Stotler continues make sure to give their to pursue her dreams to younger sister lots of adswim at a Division I uni- vice. versity and make it to the “My siblings told me Olympic trials. to relax at meets because “For 2020 the Olympics are in Tokyo, and I high school is a lot about am trying to get Olympic having fun and meeting cuts for that,” she said. “If new people and just havI go to the Olympics, that ing great experiences,” would be great, but I will Stotler said. only be 16, so I will still be Now Stotler is getting young, so I’m really shootto pass down her own ing to make the Olympic wisdom to her younger trials.” brother who is 8 years Athletes have to hit old and beginning to disa certain cutoff time to cover his own passion for qualify for the trials, and swimming. as of now, Stotler is 1.2 “My little brother has seconds away from that started swimming too, cut off time. and he’s in year-round,” To turn her dreams Stotler said. “He’s always into a reality, Stotler asking me how to do flip keeps a tight schedule turns and how to do the and remains focused on butterfly, and I love gether sport. Her mom said ting in the water with him she refers to trips for and teaching him to do all swimming as “business that.” trips.”

“If I go to the Olympics that would be great, but I will only be 16, so I will still be young, so I’m really shooting to make the Olympic trials.”

Workout Break Push-Up/Knee Tuck With Gliders Start in the top of a plank position, with your arms straight and your hands wider than shoulder-width apart. Place your toes on gliders (or hand towels). Perform one push-up.

Putting your weight onto the balls of your feet, pull your knees toward your chest, pausing when they are about three inches in front of your hips. Hold for one second and then slide your legs back out into the top of a plank. Do another push-up and repeat; keep going for 30-45 seconds.

In The Game | 37

What is the most memorable moment of your sports career to date?

I think one of the most memorable moments so far for me in swimming would be getting my first USA Summer Junior National cut last March at the Florida Age Group Championships in Stuart, Florida, in the 200-yard butterfly. It was a big accomplishment for me because it’s a goal I set for myself and it is a big step closer to the Olympic trials. I was also thrilled to win second in the 100 fly and third in the 200 free at FHSAA states last fall as a freshman.

If you could play any other sport, what would it be?

If I could play any other sport, I would probably choose gymnastics. I was a gymnast as a young girl, and I loved absolutely everything about it. I was determined to go far in the sport until I discovered swimming and realized how much I loved being in the water. I was hooked from the first practice, and now I get to do what I love every day.

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Sara Stotler Swimming WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST SPORTS INSPIRATION? My biggest sports inspiration is

KELSI WORRELL. She inspires me through her love for Christ, her accomplishments thus far in swimming, and the way she presents herself to society.

䈀唀䤀䰀䐀䤀一䜀 伀唀刀

䌀伀䴀䴀唀一䤀吀夀 吀䠀刀伀唀䜀䠀

匀倀伀刀吀匀 ☀ 吀伀唀刀䤀匀䴀

䈀䔀䌀伀䴀䔀 䄀 䴀䔀䴀䈀䔀刀 ☀ 䜀䔀吀 䤀一匀䤀䐀䔀刀 䄀䌀䌀䔀匀匀 吀伀 匀倀伀刀吀匀 䤀一 䨀䄀堀℀

䴀䔀䴀䈀䔀刀匀䠀䤀倀 䤀匀 䘀刀䔀䔀 眀眀眀⸀樀愀砀猀瀀漀爀琀猀⸀挀漀洀

䤀一䐀䤀嘀䤀䐀唀䄀䰀 䴀䔀䴀䈀䔀刀匀䠀䤀倀 䤀匀 䘀刀䔀䔀⸀ 䄀䐀䐀䤀吀䤀伀一䄀䰀 䴀䔀䴀䈀䔀刀匀䠀䤀倀 䈀䔀一䔀䘀䤀吀匀 䄀嘀䄀䤀䰀䄀䈀䰀䔀 䄀吀 倀䄀䤀䐀 䰀䔀嘀䔀䰀⸀

The YMCA’s First Coast Games The YMCA’s First Coast Games is an annual corporate challenge designed to encourage healthy lifestyle choices for participants while building fellowship among employees outside the office. All events and activities encourage employees to get active through fun and competitive sports, games, and activities, which in turn benefits the overall wellness of the company. In addition to promoting and encouraging company pride, morale, and camaraderie among employees, FCG promotes networking among businesses across the First Coast. Employees will strengthen their bodies, minds, and spirits, while the Games open more opportunities to engage a broader base of company employees.

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In The Game | 45

Creekside Boys Basketball Reaches Championship Game Written by: Jeff Elliott Photography courtesy of Creekside Sport Management, student-photographer Blake Kiser

All during the 2017- ship. We reached the top 18 basketball season, of that mountain; we just the Creekside boys didn’t put the flag in it.” team charted the path Reaching the Fiof achieving their goal to nal Four culminated a climb to the top of Mt. Ev- three-year journey for erest. The Knights accom- Creekside. The Knights plished the feat; it’s just had fallen one step short that they forgot to plant the previous two years, the flag at the top of the both times losing to Talmountain. lahassee Lincoln in the The top of the mountain regional finals. Both were for Creekside was the Class heartbreaking defeats, coming by 8A state champion- “Everyone a total of four points ship game. including And while was excited last year’s the Knights about playing put togethcontest on er another in the the Knights' incredible floor, championship home s e a s o n where Lin(27-5) and game on coln put made it in the winto the title Saturday ning basgame in ket at the after we Lakeland, buzzer to they weren’t had come win by one able to seal point. And so close the the deal as who did two previous the Knights they fell to Blanche Ely draw for years.”

77-54 in the the regionchampional finals — Will Mayer ship game. this year?

“EveryLincoln, of one was excited about course, and on the Troplaying in the champion- jans’ home floor. A tight ship game on Saturday af- game throughout all 32 ter we had come so close minutes wasn’t decidthe two previous years,” ed until late in the game Will Mayer, Creekside when Creekside prevailed basketball head coach, by four points. said. “We have this picCreekside had finally ture of Mt. Everest that we cleared the hurdle that brought to every game blocked its path to the Fithis year. We put little nal Four the two previous marks on it as we were years. For five senior startclimbing that mountain ers, it was sweet revenge. to get to the peak, to get The five seniors – guards to the state champion- J’Michael Plummer and 46 | itgnext.com

DJ Dumas along with front court players Noah Lippy, Bobby Kasprzak, and Caleb Townsend – have been together dating back to their days in middle school.

Plummer was the scoring leader. Midway through the season, the versatile guard became the first 1,000-point scorer in school history. He’s equally adept at playing defense, often drawing the assignment of curtailing the opponent’s leading scorer.

“I’ve never coached a better leader than what he’s been for us,” Mayer said. “He has a very even demeanor and temperament, which is what you need. His ball-handling skills and one-on-one moves have always been tremendous. Everything I’ve asked him to do he’s done so willingly.”

Creekside suffered a major blow before the season even started.

Townsend, the team’s most physical player and leading rebounder, broke the fifth metatarsal bone in his foot during warmup drills in the Knights’ season-opener against Nease in November.

That shelved him for the entire regular season and through district and regional playoff games.

Townsend made his first appearance of the year for the Knights in the state semifinal game against Winter Haven.

“He had just received

#1 – Jay Plummer #4 – Caleb Townsend #5 – DJ Dumas #20 – Noah Lippy #22 – Mekhi Parker #23 – Zach Moore

clearance from the doc- fifth in the last seven years. tors the day before," May“Everyone was exciter said. "After sitting out ed about playing in the the entire champiseason, he onship finally got “I had stressed to game on to play. Ca- the guys to enjoy that Saturleb scored this trip, enjoy day,” May8 points in er said. the experience.

“I had 16 minutes of action in stressed It was a oncethat game. in-a-lifetime to the It was such guys to an emo- experience enjoy this trip, enjoy tional lift they were about for Caleb, to have." the experience. me, and the rest of — Will Mayer It was a once-inhis teama-lifetime m a t e s .

You couldn’t have asked experience they were a better story for a kid about to have. But we ran who missed his entire into a buzz saw with Ely. senior season to be able We knew they were good. to come back and play in They shot the ball well in the state Final Four. That that game, hit like 6 of was pretty special.”

10 from 3-point range in Creekside used the the first half. We got into emotional surge from foul trouble in the second Townsend’s return to re- quarter and then ran out cord a 19-point win over of gas in the second half Winter Haven. But the and just couldn’t recover.

Knights’ quest to earn the But I couldn’t be prouder school’s first boys state of this group of kids for championship (the school sticking together and evwon its first-ever FHSAA erything they did. state championship in “There were a lot February with a title in of tears in the locker competitive cheerleading) room with the seniors and the first cage title by and myself after the a St. Johns County school game, and then again since Nease in 2002, was thwarted with the loss to Sunday morning when Ely. The Pompano Beach we woke up. Some school won its seventh of the texts back and state title including the forth between me and

Recovery Shake

Ingredients

- 2 scoops protein powder - 1 handful ice - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 banana - 2 to 3 frozen strawberries

Directions

- Add all ingredients to blender.

- Blend and enjoy.

Serving size: 1 shake Recipe yields: 1 serving

those five senior starters were pretty emotional. I’m just blessed to be able to have coached those guys the last four years and have the experience of getting to the state championship game.

Losing those five seniors hurts me more than losing the state championship game.

Losing those five guys really breaks my heart because I’m not going to be able to coach them anymore.”

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As team physicians for the Jaguars, area high schools, colleges, and universities, you’ll find us on the field and at convenient office locations across Northeast Florida. That’s good for the team — and good for you.

To learn more or to set an appointment, call JOI-2000 or visit joi.net

18

TOP 3

Prospects

Marvin Bagley III Duke University

Luka doncic real madrid

DeAndre Ayton

Arizona State University

Bagley has been one of college basketball’s most productive players, utilizing his athletic mismatch to score in the paint and manufacturing easy baskets on the offensive glass at an elite clip. https://www.si.com/nba

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Elite physical tools, soft touch at the rim, and a promising jump shot make Ayton a tantalizing prospect.

Doncic’s continued mastery of the Euroleague and Spanish ACB leave little question as to his readiness for the next level, and it’s possible we never see another teenage prospect quite like him.

Hard Work Pays Off for Ribault Dual Athlete Written by: Mary Catherine Bell Photography courtesy of Devon Matthews

Ribault High School’s Devon Matthews, a dual-athlete in football and basketball, recently committed to the University of Indiana.

However, success has not come easy for Matthews. He dedicated hours to training, improving his game, and making it to the next level.

“The first time I felt I made progress in football was last summer of my junior year heading into my senior year,” Matthews said. “I got better being an all-around football player.

I got better every day of the summer, and I worked harder than I ever worked before. That progress has led me to my accomplishments of receiving a total of about 22 scholarship offers throughout the whole summer.”

His hard work also showed on the basketball court this past winter.

“I was more of a vocal leader," Matthews said. "I started to talk a lot more on and off the court and on the football field as well. I am the type of player to lead by example on the court and on the field, so coaches and others pushed me to talk more and become the leader I can be.”

The star student-athlete’s career has not always been this rewarding.

“When I was in ninth grade, I played on JV, and then my 10th-grade year I didn’t play football because I thought football

wasn’t going to be for me,” colleges pushed me to go he said. “I wasn’t feeling harder and achieve more,” the vibe for he said. “I “I also hope to the game finally realat first be- maintain my constant ized I had cause I playmaking abilities a chance thought I while also learning to be a top was going high school from the older guys prospect to to make my money and coaches as well.” come out of — Devon Matthews Florida and playing basketball.” that I have However, a chance to Matthews’ love of football go to college for free off and a little encouragement football and have a chance from his mother brought to go to the NFL.” him back to the game.

Although Matthews has “After the year was over, dreams to play professionI did a lot of thinking and ally, for now he looks for(got) help from my mom, ward to having a great time which led to me coming in college. back to play football again “I hope to bring a great my junior year.” work ethic and become a Matthews’ potential was leader on and off the footevident after his breakout ball field,” he said. “I also season this past fall, and hope to maintain my consoon he realized that he stant playmaking abilities was good enough to play while also learning from at the college level or even the older guys and coaches in the NFL. as well.”

“Last summer, the looks I was getting from major

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Shining Knights

RALLY FOR INCLUSION

Written by: Susannah Parmenter | Photography by: Laura Clary and Kaley Presnell

Creekside High School’s cheerleading team has a lot to shout about. The team recently won its first state championship, competed at the National High School Cheerleading Championship, and then performed at “The Swamp” during a Gators football game.

However, as members of the team will tell you, one of the most rewarding aspects of being part of Creekside cheer is working with the “Shining Knights,” a program that pairs students with developmental and physical disabilities with varsity and junior varsity cheerleaders.

The goal of the program is to form an inclusive team where everyone “shines.”

Coach and Exceptional Student Education teacher Kaley Presnell said: “They learn all the cheers that the cheerleaders do at the football games and at the basketball games, and they cheer with their buddies from the JV or varsity teams. They cheer at the home football games and some of the basketball, baseball, and softball games. We try and be as active as we can, and it’s a very cool way for our students to be included.”

The fact that Shining Knights team members get to cheer on the sidelines during home games is unique to Creekside. It isn’t an additional squad; members all cheer together and all receive varsity letters and pins. The team got its start when former Creekside teacher Jamie Godfrey and her daughter, Taylar, had the idea to launch an initiative in which athletes with special needs could be included in team sports.

Presnell and fellow Shining Knights coach and ESE teacher Stephanie Triay took over the team from Godfrey in 2015.

“Stephanie and I are very passionate about people with disabilities, and we’re passionate about our students, and we want them to be as included as possible,” she said. “We want them to leave Creekside and feel like they were a part of the school. We really strive to mimic that typical high school experience that everybody else gets.

We want our students to be able to go to the football games and cheer at the basketball games and wear Creekside letters.”

In The Game | 51

Triay said the relationships formed through the team hold a special place for all Creekside students.

“For the seniors, not doing Shining Knights next year, it’s one of the things they are most upset about,” Triay said. “It’s been such a huge part of their experience.”

She still agrees that the friendships are the most important part of the program.

“It helps our students feel included and practice all the social skills,” she said. “It’s so nice for them to go to school functions and know all of these people and know them on such a personal level.”

“They learn valuable lessons from these truly special young adults in patience, kindness, and acceptance."

— Laura Clary

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Creekside senior and varsity cheerleader Chase Rocker and teammate Kimari Hill, also a senior, are student coaches for the team. They spend one of their daily class periods teaching Shining Knights students the cheers. Rocker believes her experience has given her insights that she wouldn’t have acquired sitting behind a desk.

“Over the past two years, I have learned more from this program about communicating with people than any class or book could have taught me,” Rocker said.

“In turn, I have worked to promote Shining Knights as a way to link these students to the rest of the school. This program has allowed the school to learn the power of encouragement and inclusion. It has taught our student body that the definition of who a person is lies within their heart and their compassion for others, rather than appearances or IQ.” Shining Knights team member and Creekside senior Jenna Perowski has also enjoyed being a part of the experience.

“I love Shining Knights because I get to cheer at the football games and dance to the band’s music," Perowski said. "It is a lot of fun going to the games and staying up late.”

Varsity cheerleading head coach Laura Clary said that the Shining Knights have had a positive effect on her team.

“I have noticed a change in our athletes after they start working with our Shining Knights cheer team,” Clary said. “They learn valuable lessons from these truly special young adults in patience, kindness, and acceptance. These lessons are taught on paper in schools, but performing and cheering with the Shining Knights allows the other students a hands-on perspective they can take with them throughout their entire life.”

Presnell still agrees that the Shining Knights and also the Best Buddies club are making strides at the school.

“The culture of Creekside High School has changed,” Presnell said. “Our students are not separated from the rest of the school; they are included. The message of Best Buddies is to spread inclusion and disability awareness and to let everybody know that our students are just like everybody else. They have something to share with this school.”

Winter Olympics Rankings: Norway

Mandarin Swimmer Turns Her World Upside Down Written by: Jeff Elliott Photography courtesy of Keegan Fluharty

Germany

Canada

USA

When Keegan Fluharty was 13 years old, her world turned upside down, literally and figuratively. That’s when Fluharty changed her sport of choice, and instead of performing flips and twists that had her landing on her feet in gymnastics, she perfected her athletic routines with head-first finishes in diving.

Fluharty will graduate from Mandarin High School in a couple of months with the rare distinction of being the first girl in Northeast Florida to win a girls state diving title in the last five years. Her accomplishment came last November when she finished first in the FHSAA Class 4A diving competition held in Stuart, just north of Fort Lauderdale. It was a fitting finish for the Mustang senior, who had posted sixth-, fifth-, and fifth-place finishes in her three previous state meet competitions.

The biggest transformation was making sure you went in head first instead of finishing on your feet, just the opposite of gymnastics.

— Keegan Fluharty Six years earlier, Fluharty never dreamed she would conclude her high school career as a diving state champion. She instead envisioned herself as a gymnast state champion, maybe winning the all-around event or the parallel bars. She had become an accomplished gymnast in her preteen years and thought she would follow the path of her older sister, Eli, who also competed in the sport. But she suffered a Jones fracture at the base

of the fifth metatarsal bone in her foot during one of her gymnastic performances. She was in a boot and on crutches for four months, and the injury never healed properly to the point she could continue her gymnastic flips and twists and the hard landings on her feet.

Welcome to the world of diving.

“It was tough to leave gymnastics because I loved the sport and didn’t want to see it end the way it did,” Fluharty said.

“But diving is pretty similar to gymnastics in that you’re moving your body, twisting, flipping, always knowing where your body is in the air. The biggest transformation was making sure you went in head first instead of finishing on your feet, just the opposite of gymnastics. It was kind of hard, but I practiced on dry belts where you would be strapped in and would simulate dives but you’re doing it on a mat instead of in the pool.”

In The Game | 53

allowed me to compete at the meets representing their school even though I didn’t know hardly anyone on the team. But for my senior year, I wanted to be around my friends and do some of the normal school activities, so I went back to Mandarin to finish up this year. The state meet last November was an awesome experience. I knew most of the girls that I competed against at that meet and was fortunate enough to finish first. ” The one consistent factor in all of Fluharty’s movement in schools was that she remained under the tutelage of local diving coach Melisa Hyams.

The former University of North Florida diving coach took Fluharty under her wing as a young, inexperienced teenage diver and has turned her into a diving champion.

It proved to be an easy transition for Fluharty, although it took countless hours of practice with the dry belts and eventually in the pools.

Fluharty also had to overcome the discomfort of performing for three different high schools in her first three years of high school. She attended Paxon as a freshman, competed for Mandarin as a sophomore, and dove for St. Johns Country Day as a junior when she was home-schooled. She returned to the comforts of Mandarin this past year,

where she is enrolled with a half-schedule that allows her to take just two classes every day and get out of school at 10:30 a.m. each day. Then it’s on to double workouts two days a week and diving practice seven to eight times a week.

“Our family moved to the Mandarin area after my freshman season, so that’s why I left Paxon and enrolled at Mandarin,” she said.

“My junior season I was home-schooled, and that allowed me more time to practice my diving. SJCD

“Keegan progressed superfast," Hyams said. "She’s a very talented, gifted athlete and has done better than I ever would have imagined in the last four to five years I’ve worked with her.

“She’s very strong. She has great awareness of where her body is in the air. And she’s hungry.

She really wants it, so she works really hard. She

really has it all. (She's) probably one of the most talented athletes I’ve worked with. Without a doubt she can be an accomplished college diver.

She has the talent to get there, and that would include the Olympic trials.

It’s just a matter of what she wants to do and how far she wants to take her diving.”

Fluharty is one of four athletic sisters in the family. She has twin older sisters – Hannah, who is on a full soccer scholarship at Springhill College in Mobile, Alabama, and Eli, who has competed as a gymnast since she was a youngster and who now teaches gymnastics locally while she finishes her schooling at FSCJ before she’ll transfer to Florida. A younger sister, Riley, is a seventh-grader at Mandarin Middle who has followed in Keegan’s footsteps as a diver.

Fluharty continues to refine her routine on the 1-meter and 3-meter platforms. High schools only have 1-meter diving competition, but she has become proficient on the 3-meter platform by competing with her club team, North Florida Diving. Unfortunately with no 3-meter boards in the area, she must travel to Gainesville, Orlando, or Tallahassee to practice from that height.

Her highest scoring dive is a back dive straight, during which she stands on the board with her back to the water, jumps backward, and does half a flip. Her favorite dive

is a front, 1½ full, during which she walks forward, jumps, and does one flip with a full twist and then another half flip.

“I’m always working on newer, tougher dives with a higher degree of difficulty to try and get a higher score,” she said.

The next big decision on Fluharty’s plate is selecting a college where she’ll continue her diving.

She’s had several talks with diving coaches at Louisville and Florida Atlantic but could hear from other schools before she makes a final decision.

“I’m still open to anything, but right now it’s between those two schools,” she said.

“Coaches for sure will be a part of the reason why I attend a certain school. I really want to get better at diving while in college to see where my limits are, see how good I can be. It really depends on how well I do in college as for how far I take my diving. I’m not disappointed that I didn’t take up diving earlier because I loved gymnastics. But I do wonder, if I had taken up diving at an early age, how much better could I be now?”

But if she had been a diver all these years, Fluharty wouldn’t have had the opportunity to flip her world upside down and experience the differences in landing on your feet compared to going in head first. It appears she has made a good choice.

GOLF TRIVIA

Who are the oldest and youngest players to win the Masters in 1963 and 1986?

54 | itgnext.com

2 What is the only grand slam event Lee Traviano won?

3

4

Who was the first golfer since Jack Nicklaus to win eight PGA events in their first six years on tour?

Which Japanese golfer is the only player to win events on the PGA, Senior, Japanese, European, and Australian tours?

5 Which golfer won nine tournaments during her 1978 rookie year on the LPGA Tour?

Answers: 1. Jack Nickalus 2. The Masters 3. Phil Mickelson 4. Isao Aoki 5. Nancy Lopez

1

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UNF's Running Sisters Written by: Jeff Elliott Photography courtesy of Brian Morgan

They are carbon copies of each other in so many ways. They are as close to being identical twins without actually being such. They both run long-distance races for the University of North Florida track team. And they are both as close to perfection as you can get in the classroom.

Meet the talented, smart, and competitive Meyer sisters, Eden and Grace. They are seniors in their final year of outdoor competition for UNF. Grace Meyer has already graduated, having received her bachelor’s degree in May of 2017. She’s now working on her master’s degree in business administration, which she’s on pace to earn this

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December. Sister Eden will earn her bachelor’s degree in biology later this spring.

G. Meyer has the slightest advantage in the classroom, supporting a 4.0 GPA to her sister’s 3.9 mark and earning her degree a year ahead of her sister. E. Meyer has prevailed when it comes to success on the track.

Truth of the matter, she is one of UNF’s best-ever distance runners. A year ago, she set the school record for the 10,000-meter race with a time of 33:43.46 at the Raleigh Relays. In February this year, she established a new school indoor mark for the 5,000-meter race with a 16:23.66 clocking in a meet at Vanderbilt

University.

“I wasn’t thinking about setting a record that day," E. Meyer said. "I just wanted to run well against some really amazing runners in that race. Now I’m looking forward to the outdoor season where I want to P.R. (personal record) in a couple events and then qualify for the prelims and eventually nationals (NCAA Meet at Eugene, Oregon). I made it to nationals last year, and it was a lot of fun running on that track against the best girls in the country.”

UNF coach Jeff Pigg feels E. Meyer has the tal-

ent and grit to be among the top finishers at the NCAA meet this year.

“In last year’s meet, she led the race for six laps, so she definitely can keep up with the others,” Pigg said. “She’s stepped up and really handled herself well at that elite level. She’s not intimidated by anyone. From a talent standpoint, she absolutely can be a contender. I really feel she can run with near anyone in the country.”

G. Meyer didn’t arrive at UNF with nearly the flare that her sister had accomplished in high school. Both girls were members of the cross country and track programs at Providence High School. E. Meyer set a

school record in the 3200 event, while her sister was a solid contributor in both sports. E. Meyer earned a scholarship to UNF, while her sister was invited to join the Ospreys program as a non-scholarship performer. But through a lot of hard work and continued improvement, a year after her arrival at the school, G. Meyer was awarded a scholarship as well.

“Grace taught me not to ever count anyone out,” Pigg said. “She had some injuries in high school, which held her back somewhat. But she’s overcome that here, and I’ve been amazed with her improvement and how she’s handled setbacks.

She’s worked so hard. The

mental toughness that it takes for both Grace and Eden to do is huge. They are tough. Toughness is being willing to suffer more than the other person; that’s how you get good. Grace has definitely exceeded expectations when she first got here, both on the track and the way she handles business on a regular basis. Both her and Eden have.”

While G. Meyer has watched her sister bask in the limelight with her running skills, she has never been bothered by questions pertaining to her sister or when asked to compare the two.

“It doesn’t bother me because, honestly, I think it’s more an honor,” G. Meyer said.

“I think it’s cool to be Eden’s sister. I think she knows I’m her biggest fan. I feel that whenever she wins a race, I feel it’s a win for me as well. When I get asked about her, it’s an opportunity for me to brag about her.

And I get it a lot, or in various forms of it. I like talking about her and her work ethic and how great she is at what she does.

“It’s her humility that makes Eden so unique.

You wouldn’t know that she’s a great runner.

She’s the last person to talk about herself. She doesn’t want to draw attention to herself. She’s the most humble person I’ve ever met. She would never brag about herself; that’s what I’m for (laughing). I pick up where she leaves off.”

Don’t think for a moment that the feeling isn’t reciprocated. One of the

first thoughts that Eden has after winning a race or finishing among the leaders is to check and see how her sister is doing. She’ll start yelling and encouraging her sister to keep pushing, finish strong.

‘I’m one of her biggest fans and supporters,” E. Meyer said. “I would like to say I’m her No. 1 fan.

I’ll always go and support her and encourage her if I finish ahead of her in a race. I may be able to beat her on the track, but everywhere else she wins.

“She means everything to me. She keeps me calm when it comes to running. Having her around before a race makes me feel so much more comfortable. She’s awesome. I don’t know how else to describe it. I couldn’t do anything without her.”

This is likely the last few months that the two sisters will be running together. Once the season ends, E. Meyer will continue to run competitively, perhaps on a professional basis if she continues to lower her times. Her ultimate goal is to one day represent the United States in the Olympic Games. G. Meyer will also likely keep running but more for enjoyment and good health, opting to join the work force and make use of her business administration degree.

But whatever direction their paths lead in life after college, they will remain as close as sisters can be and will forever be each other’s No. 1 fan.

Workout Break Frog Jump Start in a plié-squat position, with your feet wider than hip-width apart, your toes turned out to a 45-degree angle, and your quads parallel to the floor. Bring your palms together in front of your chest.

Jump up, traveling forward a few inches, and land back in the plié-squat position. Jump again, this time moving back a few inches, and land in the plié-squat again. Continue jumping forward and backward for 30-45 seconds.

In The Game | 57

58 | itgnext.com

How Early Is Too Early?

TRIVIA 1. What is the oldest franchise in the NFL?

Written by: Gerald Thomas III

Courtesy of www.blufftontoday.com

Do you see the trend? The two athletes I mentioned have family ties to these colleges. This is not always the case. If you can ball, you can ball. This is going to draw schools to you, no matter your age.

These children must have showed out in camps or on big stages to cause the schools to gravitate toward them.

With AAU sports becoming a big thing, especially basketball, it draws a lot of college scouts to scope talent. AAU features the best young players in the country. It is highly competitive with teams compiled of top amateur players in certain age groups. If athletes bring their A-game, they will get buzz. Let’s look at a player like Zion Williamson, who recently committed to Duke University. Zion wasn’t getting much attention because his school is so small and in a small town. Once Zion began shining on the AAU scene, he started going viral and getting offers.

Individual camps also can bring in offers. I’m not saying that you shouldn’t go to team camps, but individual camps keep the focus on you. You can go to camps at any age. Division 1 coaches will likely be present. If parents fund their children to go to these camps, they know that they will come back with some mild interest or even a scholarship offer. It is never too early to get a scholarship offer, no matter the route you take.

Think about this: Your child has committed to a top university to compete in superior athletics and receive their higher learning at a top academic university. Next thing you know, they suffer a serious injury. If they stave off recruitment until high school, it could cause their recruitment value to deteriorate and end their career after high school.

It is never too early. This could help your child stay on track. If they know they have a chance to compete collegiately, it could positively affect their behavior and performance in the classroom and the sports field.

3. What team had an undefeated season including the playoffs and Super Bowl?

4. Which head coach has the most wins in the NFL?

5. Which non-quarterback most recently won the MVP award?

Answers

Courtesy of www.flosoftball.com/

2. Which players won Super Bowl MVP despite losing the game?

1. Arizona Cardinals 2. Chuck Howley 3.

Miami Dolphins (1972) 4. Don Shula 5.

Adrian Peterson (2012)

The trend of colleges beginning the recruiting process while athletes are still in middle school has been running rampant over the past few years. The athletes are getting a head start on what some only experience in high school or never experience at all.

Some have posed the question: “How early is too early?” They argue that the children should have a chance to be kids.

In October 2017, class of 2023 softball player Mia Williams verbally committed to continue her career at the University of Florida. Can you blame her? If she’s showing up and showing out, why would she or her parents pass up a chance for free college and a chance for her to go pro? Because they want her to “be a kid”? Her dad is former NBA point guard and champion “White Chocolate” Jason Williams, who was a Florida Gator during his collegiate days.

I’m sure he experienced recruitment when he was younger. Maybe older than Mia, but he knows the game. I feel like this is a smart move to go ahead and commit. Let these children live their dreams.

Lamelo Ball, the younger brother of LA Lakers point guard Lonzo Ball, committed to UCLA back in 2015. He was only 13 years old at the time. Lonzo attended UCLA, and his brothers LiAngelo and Lamelo planned on attending and playing basketball before LiAngelo was pulled from the school and Lamelo de-committed to go pro overseas and prep for the NBA. He could not go wrong with either option. UCLA has a history of producing good basketball players, such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Russell Westbrook, and Kevin Love. Schools like UCLA also hold on to family ties. Lamelo was going to UCLA regardless before his family had a disagreement with UCLA over the treatment of LiAngelo.

Top 5 Richest NFL Contracts Annually 1. QB Jimmy Garoppolo

49ers (2018) 5 years/137.5M (27.5M per-year)

2. QB Matthew Stafford

Lions (2017) 5 years/ 135M (27M per-year)

3. QB Andrew Luck

Colts (2016) 6 years/140M (23.3M per-year)

4. WR Calvin Johnson

Lions (2012) 8 years/132M (16M per-year)

5. QB Michael Vick

Falcons (2005) 10 years/130M (13M per-year)

Courtesy of Forbes.com

In The Game | 59

Coaching Legend Stepping Down at Wolfson Written by: Jeff Elliott | Photography by: Garrison Muelhausen

There's not a lot of fanfare to Wolfson basketball coach Bruce Rosebrock. He doesn't bait officials; he doesn't complain about calls; he doesn't draw attention to himself. All Rosebrock does is win and win a lot.

Rosebrock has been the boys basketball coach at Wolfson for the past 26 years, only one of which ended with more losses than wins.

Rosebrock's current won-lost record is a remarkable 580-192 (.751 percentage). In terms of wins among northeast Florida high school boys basketball coaches, Rosebrock ranks second all-time, trailing only the late, legendary Ribault coach Bernard Wilkes, who posted 758 wins in his 30 years with the Trojans.

Rosebrock teams have earned numerous awards over the years. His Wolfpack teams have made 18 trips to the regionals, won 15 district titles, and made two trips to the Final Four, and he's had 19 teams that recorded 20 wins or more. Among his individual accomplishments are 14 District Coach of the Year awards and an impeccable, clean record with the FHSAA, never having been cited for any irregularities or misnomers in his 26 years of coaching.

Can Rosebrock notch another 179 wins and surpass Wilkes as the all-time leader? Perhaps, but if he does, it won't be at Wolfson. Rosebrock submitted his resignation at the end of the 2018 season when the Wolfpack lost to Westside High in a district semifinal playoff game. Wolfson principal Christopher Begley prefers that his coaches are also teachers. Rosebrock did not teach this past season and only wants to continue as a basketball coach.

"I wanted to keep coaching basketball at Wolfson until the day came when I died there on the court and they carried me off," Rosebrock said. "But that won't happen now. That's life, and I've got to learn to live with it. That's what retirement is going to be unless I can find another place to coach.

"Let me put it this way, I hope I haven't coached my last game. I pray I haven't coached my last game."

An hour after his team lost to Westside on Valentine's Day, Rosebrock broke the news to Wolfson Athletic Director Cindy Talley that he was stepping down as the Wolfpack coach. It was an emotional 60 | itgnext.com

exchange between the two. Talley has been one of Rosebrock's strongest supporters and for a number of years kept the official scorebook for all of Wolfson's home basketball games.

Rosebrock, 62, is young enough that he could relocate and continue coaching at the high school level. He's had numerous opportunities to have taken other coaching spots, including several at the collegiate level. But he's always proclaimed a liking to mentoring high school students and helping them develop and hone their game.

"I always wanted to coach at the high school level where you can work with the kids, you can mold them, you can help them with their problems on and off the court," Rosebrock said. "I got very involved with our players' life away from school. We had one player whose house burned down, and I was able to spearhead the drive to raise money and to furnish their house with some needs. I tried to be a father to the players who needed one, yet I would discipline them if they did something that called for it.

"Kids can easily be led the wrong way. When you can help kids on and off the court, that's special. There was one year I had a kid on the team, and he wanted to shoot his father. He had a gun and was planning on shooting him. I begged him to wait for me outside his house, that I was coming over right then. I stopped him from doing that, and that changed his whole life. He's currently a very productive member of society."

Rosebrock has had a number of players who perfected their game at Wolfson and then gained notoriety at the collegiate level, including Kenny Walker, a four-year starter at Alabama who led the Tide to a pair of NCAA tournament appearances and to the NIT championship game his sophomore season. One of Rosebrock's prized possessions is Walker's Alabama jersey that he wore during his senior season with the Tide.

Another player who went on to collegiate and professional fame is Udonis Haslem. He led Florida to four consecutive appearances in the NCAA tournament and for the last 15 consecutive years has been a member of the NBA’s Miami Heat. Haslem used to live close to Rosebrock, and the coach would drive his star player to and from school each day for two years before Haslem finished his high school career in his hometown of Miami.

Rosebrock has overcome his own health struggles.

In 2012 on the day that Wolfson played in a state semifinal game in Lakeland, his doctor called to tell him that he had a rare form of cancer, that only 13 people in the world are known to have the disease. He was told

“I wanted to keep coaching basketball at Wolfson until the day came when I died there on the court and they carried me off.”

— Bruce Rosebrock

that he would likely die sometime in the next five years.

“Knock on wood, I’ve survived for over six years now and am currently cancer-free,” Rosebrock said. “I did chemo, radiation, and more to fight it. It’s affected my vision, but I’ve learned to live with that. My vision isn't as good as it use to be, but it hasn't affected my coaching. Since my eyes started to go bad, I’ve won over 120 games, lost 50, and won three district titles.

I just wanted to keep coaching basketball at Wolfson until the day came when I died there on the court."

Rosebrock has been more than just a basketball coach at Wolfson. He's been a supporter of other sports at the school. With packed crowds attending basketball games, there was money in the basketball budget that Rosebrock directed to other sports that needed financial help.

"We've bought uniforms for the football teams, purchased baseballs for the baseball team, and have purchased equipment for other teams like softball, volleyball, and swimming," he said. "One year we paid the hotel charges for the tennis team so they could attend a regional meet. We did what we could to help other sports programs at Wolfson, and I was very proud to do that.

"But my goal was always to make Wolfson a basketball family. I have kids from 20 years ago come back to our games. When they do, I invited them to talk to our kids before the game. I feel I helped create a family atmosphere at Wolfson. It breaks my heart to have to leave, but life goes on. I'll always have a special place in my heart for Wolfson."

And likewise, Wolfson should always have a special sense of gratitude for Rosebrock and what he's meant to the school and basketball program for more than a decade.

In The Game | 61

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Jason Garrett’s

HOT SEAT

Jason Garret just finished his eighth season as Cowboys head coach since taking over in Week 10 of the 2010 season, following the dismissal of Wade Phillips.

Setting aside Tom Landry’s 29 years as a Cowboys head coach, Garrett is the longest tenured Cowboys head coach and hasn’t even came close to a Super Bowl.

The other two playoff appearances were loss- Courtesy of www.5pointsblue.com es in the NFC Divisional rounds.

• 67-53 record (.558) Is his resume strong • Three playoff appearances enough to be head coach • One playoff win (Wildcard for much longer? round) • Finished first in division twice Information courtesy of www.pro-football-reference.com

States with the most four and five-star recruits in 2018 Florida

California

Georgia

Pennsylvania Tennessee

Courtesy ofdailydolphin.blog.palmbeachpost.com

Griffin Ready to Make History Written by: Gerald Thomas III

University of Central Florida linebacker Shaquem Griffin is ready to make history in the NFL as he prepares for the 2018 draft. Griffin only has one hand, but that has not stopped him from pursuing his goals and excelling on the football field.

Shaquem Griffin was born in St. Petersburg, Florida, with amniotic band syndrome, which caused the fingers on his left hand to not fully develop. At a young age, his mother caught him trying to self-amputate his finger because of the pain it caused him. To ease his pain, she then scheduled an amputation of the hand. He still competed in sports along with his twin brother, Shaquill. They were tri-athletes, competing in football, track and field, and baseball. They both received scholarship offers from UCF to play football, which they signed.

Shaquem excelled at linebacker for the Knights. According to Sports Reference, he recorded 195 tackles, 18.5 sacks, and three interceptions. Griffin was named the 2016 AAC Defensive Player of the Year, where he got 92 tackles and 11.5 sacks.

He also was the 2018 Peach Bowl Defensive MVP, where he totaled 12 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks. Griffin led the Knights to an undefeated 13-0 record and won the Chickfil-A Peach Bowl. The Knights deemed this game as the National Championship, as they felt they were snubbed from the College Football Playoff.

Griffin is a role model to all people with disabilities who want to play sports. Hands are so important in football, but Griffin is still shining on the field. He will not be deterred. His story and success could cause children to not let a disadvantage take away their love for their respective sports. Griffin was one of the best defensive players in college football with only one hand.

Now he is about to walk across the stage and shake NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s hand.

Griffin is a projected third-round pick in the 2018 NFL draft.

Everyone is rooting for him to have a long, successful NFL career. Hopefully he will have the same impact on whichever team drafts him that he had for UCF. In The Game | 63

Running’s Impact on Knees Written By: Candace Mitchell

Knee damage as a result to running can be compared to being burned as a result to touching fire; it is inevitable. Although there are determining factors such as the type of surface or the structure of your lower body, running can still cause knee damage. In fact, this particular injury is so common it has been labeled, “runner’s knee”, and is medically known as patella-femoral pain. This happens when the patella (kneecap) irritates the femoral groove, in which it rests on the thighbone.

Patella-femoral pain is most common in older adults and women, especially if you have high arches, which provide less cushion. Also, flat feet or knees that turn in or out excessively can pull the patella sideways. But do not let this discourage you from running, there are ways you can cause less damage and procedures you can have done to recover quickly.

Surfaces & Shock Levels Concrete This is the most damaging surface because of how hard it is. It causes more shock to your lower body joints. So, avoid running or training on concrete when possible.

Grass Grass seems to cause little discomfort with its soft surface, but it can be harmful too. According to a study in Human Movement Science, the shock levels are actually twenty-five percent higher than running on asphalt.

Asphalt This is the best type of surface to run on because the shock levels are the lowest compared to others, but even asphalt can cause some type of strain on your body.

64 | itgnext.com

Tips for Running & Dealing with Knee Pain Stretch before you run

You should stretch before any workout or activity. It lowers the risk of injury and warms up your muscles so they aren’t as sore afterwards. Here are three warm-ups that can help with your knees.

1. Standing Quad

This stretch is perfect when it becomes difficult to bend your knees.

How to:

Stand on one leg while pulling the other ankle close to your glutes.

2.Standing calf

If your calves are tight, it may affect your knees due to the inward movement

How to:

Place both feet on the curb, step, or a calf machine and drop both heels at the same time. (Make sure to hold onto something)

Soy is extremely high in magnesium. If you experience anything that is “stiff or crampy” (including headaches, joint pain, or muscles cramps), you need more magnesium. You can include soy foods in your diet to get it.

Ingredients

Directions

1 pound skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick strips Salt Freshly ground black pepper 2 tablespoons peanut oil 1 teaspoon sugar 3 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder 1 cup frozen shelled edamame, thawed 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger 3 tablespoons teriyaki sauce 1 teaspoon sesame seeds 1/2 cup diced baby corn 2 scallions, thinly sliced on the diagonal 2 cups steamed white rice

1. Season the chicken lightly with salt and heat and pour in the oil. As soon as the oil is hot, add the chicken and stir-fry for about 3 minutes, until the chicken is almost cooked through.

3. Add the sugar, garlic, five-spice pow-

der, edamame and ginger, and stir-fry for 3 minutes more, stirring constantly so the garlic doesn't burn.

4. Add the teriyaki sauce, sesame seeds,

Information courtesy of www.aarp.org

Strengthening your hamstring will help your knees sustain impact.

How to:

Lie on your back in front of a doorway with your hips in line with the entryway. Keeping your left leg straight out in front of you, place your straight right leg up on door jam, keeping a small bend in your right knee. (Make sure your spine is stable)

Give yourself time to heal As soon as you feel pain, cut back on your mileage and slowly increase the hill work within your routine, using smaller strides. According to research in Current Sports Medicine Reports, the recovery and rehabilitation of these injuries clearly play a role in the subsequent risk of new running injuries. Therefore, if your pain persists do not continue your regular routine until the pain is gone, so you don’t cause more injury.

pepper.

2. Place a wok or large skillet over high

corn and scallions. Continue to stir and toss until everything is evenly coated with the sauce and heated through.

Serve hot over steamed rice.

3.Supine Hamstring

Image courtesy of dailyhomemade. wordpress.com

In The Game | 65

What’s Wrong With Kentucky?

Written by: Joshua Miller

This basketball season has been a bumpy road for the Kentucky Wildcats so far, and they only have four more regular season games left.

The Wildcats were projected as the No.5 seed in the AP preseason rankings, but are now sitting outside of the top 25 with an underwhelming 18-9 record.

Last season they only lost five games and reached the Elite Eight, but they’re now on the edge of missing the NCAA tournament this year.

The last time Kentucky was humbled by missing the NCAA tournament was in 2013. Coach John Calipari lead the Wildcats to a 21-12 record, with a 12-6 record in their conference (SEC) in 2013.

The Wildcats are now at an even 7-7 record in the conference after snapping a four-game losing streak.

My take is that Kentucky’s woes are stem-

ming from their reliability on freshmen.

It’s safe to say coach Cal started the one-anddone trend that has taken over college basketball.

Every season his best players are usually freshmen, and as they go on to the NBA right after their freshman year, Cal must recruit brand new talent all over again.

Look back at their 2012-13 season where they missed the NCAA tournament and proceeded to get eliminated in the first round of the NIT tournament. The Wildcats had just won the national championship and were looking to repeat that season.

Instead, Kentucky lost six key players to the NBA draft and brought in a new young group of talent. Cal had a 13-player roster that year, and it consisted of nine underclassmen who just couldn’t win.

This season, Cal’s team is made up of eight

freshmen, four sophomores, two juniors, and no seniors.

Not only are they young players learning how to win at the college level, but Kentucky is without a dominant, NBAready big man like they’ve had through most of their success.

This may be a reach, but this Kentucky basketball squad doesn’t look like it has a single oneand-done player ready for the draft. Even their standout player, Kevin Knox, doesn’t look ready to move on to the NBA level.

This Kentucky roster has a hard time knocking down threes, rebounding the ball, and turning the ball over frequently. This Kentucky roster looks like they should stay together and gain more experience before trying to enter the NBA.

PPG 6 .

31

5.0

RPG

APG 1 9.

66 | itgnext.com

In The Game | 67