PREGAME
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june 2015 CONTENTS
7 PUBLISHER’S LETTER
northeast florida Winter Sports Reception
ON THE COVER The Spartan Dynasty..............................................10 Jammin’ at THE PLAYERS......................................16 Nick Loomis............................................................20 Beyond the Game with Rashad Jennings...........24 Maddy Elmore........................................................26 Jessica Converse....................................................34 In the Stands...........................................................44 Darius Lee...............................................................48 Baseball & Softball Roundup.......................18 & 40
08 Claudia cottO Leading by Example
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Lace up! A Beginners Guide to Making Your High School Cross Country Team and Doing Well
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bulldogs add fifth girls soccer title
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managing sports related concussions Wolfson Children’s Hospital
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1st Place sports supports aspiring runners
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Menendez captures first cheer title
59
energy drink pros and cons
60
clay swimmers among florida’s elite
14 Twice as Nice
Breindel Claims Back to Back Championships
14 Bartram trail cheer Claims Second Title in Program History
23 #Getinthegame with TourAcademy
33 Recognizing and preventing heat illness
37 Creekside Claims individual golds and boys 3a title
43 warriors in a league of their own West Nassau Competitive Cheer
46 Bronco cheer program
+ Trinity Football, Bishop Kenny Volleyball & Providence Basketball
notches first title
Read. Subscribe. Share.
June 2015
In the Game
5
June 2015 Publisher’s page
Twenty-two. That’s the number of state champions, both individual and team, we feature in this month’s In the Game High School Sports Magazine. I have written this before, but it bears mentioning again – the North Florida edition is one of four different high school sports magazines we publish. The others are all in Georgia and, with the exception of the Columbus Valley edition, are from largely rural areas. A state championship is something special. It doesn’t happen very often and few high school athletes are able to experience the thrill of being the best in the state. In our other territories, we have had a handful of state titles: A few in baseball, a couple in football, one in basketball, and several more in tennis. I may be missing a few others, but the point I’m trying to make here is that it is very likely that our other magazines can go years without celebrating a state title on their pages. In our Georgia magazines, state championships are rare, and as such, they are indeed special. Here, however, it’s different. There are more teams, more athletes, a greater talent pool from which to draw, and tremendous training and coaching resources. Florida is a state that values athletics and routinely turns out the best athletes and teams in the country. I am always excited when schools we cover win championships. To have an edition in which we are able to celebrate 22 different championships is mind-boggling. These championships have been
won by both teams and individuals in sports such as cheerleading, soccer, and swimming. I could not be prouder of these schools, teams, and athletes. High school athletics are about more than accumulating trophies, though. It’s about building character and establishing lasting friendships. It’s about taking those lessons learned on the field of play and applying them in other areas of life in order to become productive citizens. Darius Lee, a football player from St. Augustine High, has learned that maybe more than others. After losing his father late last year, he has had to take care of his family and fill the role his father once occupied. He is a tremendous athlete and the work ethic, sense of responsibility, and teamwork he learned on the football field have helped him grow up much quicker than any teenager ever should. This month, he tells his story on the pages of our June edition. We also spent a few minutes with Jessica Converse, Duval Charter’s volleyball coach; Claudio Cotto, who is our Academic Athlete feature; Maddy Elmore, a nine-year-old top-ranked gymnast who studies in Jacksonville; Rashad Jennings, a former Jaguar who now plays for the New York Giants; and a host of other talented student-athletes who are representing the North Florida region throughout the state and nation. This is an exciting time of the year. School is wrapping up, and we are able to look back on another year’s worth of athletic and academic achievement. At the same time, we look forward to the coming school year with great anticipation. Enjoy your summer. Keep training and working out. And we will see you again in August.
Saturday 12-12:30 p.m. on WJXT Tell us your thoughts! Email us at info@inthegamemagazine.com to let us know what you thought of the April edition of In the Game!
Contributors For advertising information call: 888-715-4263 M & S Media Group, Inc. 13245 Atlantic Blvd., Suite 4191 Jacksonville, FL 32225
In the Game team
Commentary:
Publisher Mark Dykes Editors Skyler Callender Joey Lopes Sarah Turner Graphics Sarah Turner Cover Photography Amanda Callender Feature Photography Amanda Callender Feature Writers Skyler Callender Joey Lopes Brent Beird James Washington Copy Editor James Washington
Will Ganas Video Editor
“High school sports not only build great athletes, but also great young adults.”
Advertising/Marketing Mark Dykes mark@inthegamemagazine.com Skyler Callender skyler@inthegamemagazine.com Website Manager Sarah Turner
In the Game High School Sports Magazine is published monthly excluding July. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in part or in full without written consent from the publisher. Dykes Publishing Group, Inc. makes no representation or warranty of any kind for accuracy of content. All advertisements are assumed by the publisher to be correct. Copyright 2014 Dykes Publishing Group, Inc. All rights reserved. ISSN 1945-1458.
June 2015
In the Game
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ponte vedra High School
“Softball has definitely helped with my focus and discipline. Those two qualities are huge because they can help you beyond sports. Your job, school, studying; the skills I’ve learned through softball can help shape my future.”
Claudia Cotto
Leading by Example by James Washington photography by Chris Norton
To Ponte Vedra junior Claudia Cotto, individual accomplishments are second to the success of a team. Simply put, she is the ultimate team player. “I want everyone to remember how dedicated I was as a player and
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a teammate,” Claudia says. “I want people to think about the positive moments, both on and off the field. I want to be remembered as a good person above everything else.”
It won’t be difficult for Claudia to be remembered by future Sharks for her athletic talents and abilities. Having completed her third varsity season, she has numerous accolades to be proud of, including being named to the All-St. Johns County Team and the All-First Coast Team for her efforts. “Second base is my favorite position, but I don’t mind playing elsewhere,” she says. “I’m comfortable just about anywhere, but this is where I’m needed. I do what I need to do for the team.” Her willingness to adjust is one quality that stands out and earns her the respect of her peers and coaches. “She’s definitely a second baseman,” says Ponte Vedra head softball coach Jerry Shepherd. “But she has the arm and glove to play third as well. She’s versatile; she has the talent to react to the ball and get rid of it quickly.” Claudia also took a commanding role on a Sharks team that made it to the state tournament her sophomore year. “It was our first time making it,” she says. “My freshman year, we lost in the first or second game of Regionals. It was pretty exciting to advance.” While Claudia will boast about her team, what is usually understated is just how important her role is to the team. She is an unspoken leader of the Sharks, and her leadership style is the type that coaches love to see. She may not always be the most vocal player on the field, but when Claudia is locked into a game or practice, teammates pay attention. Her actions speak volumes. “Claudia is very disciplined,” George Cotto, Claudia’s father, says. “She is focused, and she works extremely hard. It’s normal for her to come home and tell us that the game went ‘okay’ without mentioning to us that it was her double or triple that won the game. She’s just incredibly humble.” Claudia is every bit as amazing in the classroom as she is on the field. She is s stellar student, currently carrying a 4.1 grade point average. Her GPA stands out even more when her coursework is taken into consideration. Prior to her junior
Bragging Rights year, she completed AP courses in Human Geography and World History. This year, AP chemistry, English/Language AP, Literature and Composition AP, Psychology AP, and Calculus AB can all be added to her list of academic achievements. “I honestly can’t pick a favorite course,” she says. “There are different aspects about each one that I love. My teachers are also wonderful; I got really lucky this year.” A student-athlete tackling a workload of this magnitude is not unheard of, but it can be argued that few take it in stride the way that Claudia does. “Claudia is a leader, both on and off the field,” Coach Shepherd says. “She gives her all, no matter where she is or what she’s doing. If she isn’t on the field for games or practices, then you can find her training, hitting, doing something to get better. That’s just the kind of leader she is.” Given her selfless attitude, her future plans are no surprise. “I plan on taking up pre-med in college,” she says. “I just like helping people. It puts a smile on my face to know that I’m making other people happy.” Prior to Claudia’s junior year, the Ponte Vedra Sharks had lost a good amount of talent to the ranks of NCAA Division I softball. If Claudia keeps up her impressive work ethic and leadership, she could be seeing them again very soon. ITG
“Claudia is very conscientious. She puts in a great deal of preparation and is able to make adjustments as needed. She leads by performance; she doesn’t have to be vocal to get her point across. She just quietly does her job.” George Cotto, Claudia’s father
“Claudia has made a strong commitment to her conditioning. As a freshman, she would never dive for a ball; now she’s like a fish in that clay. She’s just a quality player and a quality person. Her talent and determination are family-instilled.” Jerry Shepherd, Ponte Vedra Head Softball Coach)
St johns country day school
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The Spartan Dynasty by Brent Beaird
I
t takes a lot of intangibles to win a state title in any sport. The St. Johns County Day School girl’s soccer team in Orange Park has won four straight Class 1A championships. The latest state title came on Feb. 5
photography by Donna J. Conversano
when SJCD beat Lakeland Christian, 4-0, at Eastern Florida State College in Melbourne, Fla. The architect of those championships is head coach Mike Pickett, whose teams have won seven state titles since 2005.
Pickett said the Lady Spartans have a system that was implemented when he came aboard 17 years ago. “I took over a program that was only six years old, so we started with basics,” Pickett said. “We concentrated the first June 2015
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two years on defending and teaching them to do the small things well. Overall, we harp on doing the little things. It’s not the big things that make a difference in winning championships. It’s the little things.” Pickett said another vital aspect of his system is players knowing their role, whether it is five minutes a game as a sub or 80 minutes as a full- time player. Pickett said the team who has better role players usually wins state titles. Players understanding their roles has also minimized parent issues. Pickett said never in his 17 years as a coach has he had a parent call him to complain about their child’s lack of playing time or their role on the team. “That’s not normal for many programs in today’s world where parents are over-involved and pushy,” Pickett said. “I deal with it in club ball, but not in high school.” Pickett laughed when he said he thinks his parents are afraid of him. “I don’t cross my professional line of being a coach,” Pickett said. “I don’t go out socially with my parents. I don’t call them every day. I do have informational meetings. I sit down with ninth grade parents to tell them we’re going to start the college recruiting process. I tell them that your role is to sit back, close your mouth and let the coaches deal with your athlete. We spend a lot of time educating the parents. They don’t bug us. If they have questions, I am glad to help them with process. Recruiting is either a nightmare or a thing of beauty. I tell the parents that they are not recruiting
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“
It’s much harder now than before we won state,” Pickett said. “If we don’t win state, it’s almost a failure. It’s hard to win state. These kids now are reaping the benefits of those kids before them who established everything, but didn’t get a championship. I tell them that I wish I could get them a ring. There is more internal pressure to succeed that I put on myself. All streaks all come to an end. I’m enjoying the ride right now. When it ends, I will reflect, but now I will keep plugging away.”
you. We educate them on letting kid enjoy the process.” An advantage that SJCD has is many players become involved in the Spartan soccer program much earlier than the usual high school because the elementary and middle schools are on the same campus as the senior high. “We have kids in our program six or seven years,” Pickett said. “It’s a big advantage for a small school. Our numbers for a girls program are around 45-50 compared to bigger schools that have 100 kids in varsity tryouts. It’s really important that our tradition is set. We don’t spend time talking legacy. They know it because they have been listening to it in morning announcements since they were in elementary school.” One of the newest parts of Spartan soccer is a program for younger kids. “We now have a fourth and fifth grade elementary program that we started this spring,” Pickett said. “We had 35 boys and girls come out. These kids are chomping at the bit to play in the program. They’re wearing our practice and game tops just like our varsity. We’ve had more fans at those games than some of our varsity games. Our varsity girls are helping us coach them. “ SJCD has also been successful in sending 20 players to play on the college level over the past 10 years. Pickett said it’s important to bring some of his college players back in late December
to talk to the team before the playoff run begins. One of the players to come back is current Florida State player Carson Pickett, who was recently named to the U-23 National team. The younger Pickett, who is the daughter of the head coach, was named to the team for the Four Nations Tour in Norway coming up in May and June. “I’m proud of her as father and coach,” Pickett said. “She spends time with our elementary kids. It’s big to have our former players back on campus.” Academics can be as big of a challenge at SJCD as winning state titles. The girl’s team is used to carrying the highest team grade point average on campus. Pickett said he takes study hall on game days very seriously. “If we play at 7:20 p.m., our kids have a two-and-a-half hour study hall before the game.” Pickett said. Smart kids in classroom are smart kids on the field. In recruiting for college, if two players have similar skill levels, then college coaches are going to take player with a 4.0 GPA compared to a 2.1 GPA. Well-rounded students are who soccer programs such as North Carolina and Florida State are looking for.” All successful programs have a solid support system. Pickett said assistant coach Brad Schmidt has been with him for 16 years. “Brad is 11 years younger than me,”
Pickett said. “He had a great soccer career with the Jacksonville Cyclones and Richmond Kickers. He has taken over the boys program the last few years, but he’s still involved with our program. We run a lot of practices together where the boys and girls train together and against each other. It really helps our girls to compete against the boys in practice.” Pickett also praised former Spartan players and current assistant coaches Christie Jones and Cody Slaughter, who played with the SJCD boys’ 2009 state title team. He also said the team’s medical staff, which includes a full- time trainer, who travels with the team, is very valuable. One of the biggest changes for Pickett in recently years is his philosophy for taking time off. “We used to never take a day off,” Pickett said. “Then as I have gotten older and wiser, I figured out recovery is just as important. Less is more, now. Older players have told me, ‘we trained every day and you killed us’. I also told them we didn’t always win state titles. We’ve invested in inflatable ice tubs for our players to sit in for 15-20 minutes in 45 degree water. We’re in touch with FSU and other schools to see how they train their athletes and give them down time.”
Pickett said his normal offseason routine is to take two or three weeks off after the season. He has individual meetings with each player, where both he and the player agree on a plan together for goals over the next few months. Pickett said coaching on the field is only 20 percent of what he does. “I’m a mentor, father figure and man-
ager,” Pickett said. “It’s a challenge to juggle it, and I don’t do it for the money.” Still, Pickett said he is blessed to be at a school where he played. “My whole plan in the beginning was to win one state title and my career would be complete,” Pickett said. “God has been good to me. I’ve surrounded myself with good assistants. I’ve coached 135 kids in the program. I’ve had an opportunity to move to bigger places, but I elected to stay here to try to put kids in college and allow them to achieve their dreams.” Retirement is not in the immediate future for Pickett. He is striving to win five straight state titles. “It’s much harder now than before we won state,” Pickett said. “If we don’t win state, it’s almost a failure. It’s hard to win state. These kids now are reaping the benefits of those kids before them who established everything, but didn’t get a championship. I tell them that I wish I could get them a ring. There is more internal pressure to succeed that I put on myself. All streaks all come to an end. I’m enjoying the ride right now. When it ends, I will reflect, but now I will keep plugging away.” ITG
winning
Twice as Nice
Bartram Trail Cheer Claims Second Title in Program History
Breindel Claims Back-ToBack Championships by James Washington photography by Stephanie West and Roger Merring
For Clay High School’s Adam Breindel, hard work and determination are second nature.
After Breindel was unable to break into the starting lineup as a freshman, he worked tirelessly on his craft, competing in countless tournaments throughout the Southeast, and his efforts paid off when he earned a Class 1A State Championship in the 145-pound weight class as a junior. As a senior, he only got better. Not only was Breindel named to the All-First Coast First Team, he was also able to capture a second-consecutive state title; this time in the 152-pound weight class. His title capped off a year in which he went 45-4, and he became the Florida Times-Union’s first two-time All-First Coast Wrestler of the Year since 2001. ITG
Roster
Bartram Trail varsity cheerleading took home the 1A extra large (tumbling included) state championship with a final score of 73.75 in Kissimmee, FL. The team was lead by Coach Danielle Parker, a former Bartram Trail cheerleader. “The biggest reason for our success this year was the team’s determination and hard work they put in. We have fallen just short of the title for the past couple of years, and the girls were tired of it. So they pushed them-
selves to make it possible. We also trained at a new gym, Zone Cheer All-Stars, where they really focus on using proper technique and skills, which really helped our program this year.” The 2015 championship was the second in program history and their first since 2008. ITG
Beavers, Kristin Carraway, Darby Copeland, Bailey Dziwulski, Keri Fisher, Kaelyn Fletcher, Jordan Heba, Holly Herth, Nina Hohmann, Katie Houk, Taylor Jackson, Lindsey Ladwig, Toni Lewis, Grace Lucas, Alexis Mayfield, Jilly Mayfield, Joy McMullin, Maddie Melcolm, Jessie Rose, Ali Shoemaker, Emma Taylor, Olivia Whitsell, Kennedy Williams, Kelsey Young, Avery
C
A
2014-15 softball Roundup Batting Average Leaders (BA) Minimum 50 at bats
A
Maddie Wilkes St John’s Country Day Molly Roark Paxon Destinee Lizzmore Paxon
.571 .561 .556
B
Hit Leaders (H)
B
Hope Hamilton Clay Morgan Podany Ponte Vedra Kristen Sterling Baldwin
50 47 45
Runs Batted In Leaders (RBI)
C Mandarin Kendall Reid
Fayth Davis Bartram Trail Hope Hamilton Clay
47 46 46
Home Run Leaders (HR) Kendall Reid Mandarin Morgan Podany Ponte Vedra Brooke Barlow Bartram Trail
Team Hits Clay Bartram Trail Creekside
13 11
Team Earned Runs Allowed
7
Clay Baker County Fleming Island
Strikeout Leaders (K) KK Leddy Fleming Island Ashley Stokes Clay Kelsey Sweatt Oakleaf
18
ing Island, Bartram Trail, Clay, Bishop Snyder, St. Johns Country Day
209 185
Elite 8: Atlantic Coast, Creekside
Final 4: Oakleaf, University
0.71
Christian
0.93
Finals: West Nassau
0.97
Champions: Baker County
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Sweet 16: Mandarin, Flem-
245
Earned Run Average Leaders (ERA) Ashley Stokes Clay KK Leddy Fleming Island Macy Jackson Baker County
318 284 273
June 2015
19
NICK Loomis
on the cover
St. Augustine’s Newest Swim Champion by Skyler Callender photography by Amanda Callender
It took over 80 years for St. Augustine High to claim another individual swimming title, but Nicholas Loomis etched his name in the St. Johns County swimming history books by becoming just the fourth swimmer from the county to claim an individual state title.
Fueled by his passion for swimming and never-giveup attitude, the senior swimmer will continue his swimming at Indian River State College, a program that owns the longest championship win streak of any college sport at the collegiate level with 40 straight. ITG
Loomis Name: Nicholas hool gustine High Sc School: St. Au Grade: Senior
llege River State Co an di In e: eg ll Future Co on 100 3A State Champi s: nt me sh li mp 1.34) 2014 Acco -up 100 back (5 er nn ru d an ) fly (49.43 the Year ty Swimmer of St. Johns Coun
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#GetInTheGame
meals, camps amenity pack and accommodations (optional).
For additional information about TOURAcademy, Contact us at 877.611.1911 or visit us at TOURAcademy. Com Follow us on Instagram, @ TOURAcademyJuniorCamps @ TOURAcademy
Located in the heart of North Florida, you will find two premier golf instruction facilities, TOURAcademy TPC Sawgrass and PGA TOUR Golf Academy World Golf Village. The brand philosophy of TOURAcademy is built upon the concept of a total game experience; full swing, short game, on-course instruction, club fitting and fitness. This experience is designed to improve every aspect of the student’s game in an exclusive and personal setting. The team of TOURAcademy instructors consistently rank among the nation’s top instructors voted on by their peers; Golf Magazine’s Top 100, Golf Digest’s Best Young Instructors, U.S. Kids Top 50 Instructors for Juniors. Offering private instruction, golf schools, group clinics and junior golf camps, TOURAcademy has
several products to challenge their students. Summer Golf Camps This summer TOURAcademy will host (16) different weeks of golf camp at our North Florida locations. With Elite, Overnight, Full-Day and Half-Day programs, TOURAcademy welcomes junior golfers of all ages and skill levels. TOURAcademy Junior Golf Camp brand hosts camps nationwide at over (20) locations outside of North Florida providing a world-class golf instruction experience in an environment that is fun, competitive and nurturing for the junior athlete. Campers are not only exposed to golf instruction but they develop important fitness and life skills that will help them as they advance on through grade school, high school, and beyond. “To best teach your child how to build a solid foundation for success, the TOURAcademy
segments the junior development program into eight categories: Life Values, Rules & Etiquette, Fundamentals, Full Swing, Short Game, On-Course Management, Club Fitting and Fitness.” - Travis Fulton, Director of Instruction at TOURAcademy Outside of our Summer Camps, TOURAcademy offers opportunities for juniors to learn year round with Private Lessons, After School Programs, Winter Golf Camps, and Spring Break Camps. Introducing Team Camps New for 2015, TOURAcademy is offering Team Camps at PGA TOUR Golf Academy World Golf Village. Focusing on tuning up your game for the season, we are hosting several weeks of camp customized to high school and middles school golf teams. Camps include golf instruction, on-course instruction, comprehensive evaluation,
Partnership with St. Johns Middle School Athletic Association Beginning in fall 2014, PGA TOUR Golf Academy World Golf Village is the primary instruction facility and preliminary evaluation center for all SJMAA Golf teams. As a PGA of America accredited facility, PGA TOUR Golf Academy makes it an obligation to give back to the game of golf and provide opportunities to those who may not receive that chance otherwise. In the fall or off-season, coaches from each team schedule clinics for their students to keep their game sharp as well as introduce new players to the game. During the season, PGA TOUR Golf Academy is a host facility for several middle school teams and provides team instruction at little or no cost. “Our partnership with SJMSAA was long overdue. As PGA Members, it is our responsibility to give back to the game of golf through growth and opportunity. We think this is a great way to position PGA TOUR Golf Academy World Golf Village as the home of junior golf in North Florida. We are so proud to support the local school districts and look to build on this partnership for many years to come.” Dan Myers, TOURAcademy Junior Camp Manager
June 2015
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advice by Rashad Jennings photos courtesy of Rashad Jennings
Beyond the game with Rashad Jennings Renaissance Man: n. A person with many talents or areas of knowledge. Rashad Jennings is impressive. While his accomplishments as a professional football player in the National Football League speak for themselves, the New York Giants running back’s life off the field is what truly sets Jennings apart. Whether he’s in and out of meetings for his youth-centered nonprofit, The Rashad Jennings Foundation, learning how to play the piano, spending hours in the Barnes and Noble bookstore refusing to leave until he learns something new, or getting to know the life story of a homeless person on the side of the street, one can most definitely view Jennings as a Renaissance man, a person of many talents and areas of knowledge. Despite being a solid go-to running back in the National Football League, Rashad says there’s much more to his life – and he wants to share it with you, the readers of In The Game Magazine. In his own column, Rashad will share his insights from not only on the football field, but also off.
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Everyone needs a
checkpoint station
D
uring various seasons of my life, I stop into what I like to call a “checkpoint station.” This checkpoint station serves as a time in which I evaluate myself. The sole purpose of the evaluation is to examine and check my character. While you may have one definition
of character, I see character as how a person acts out their original nature, or imitates and mimics the quality of another individual they admire based on one’s moral standards. Character is like the mind. We all have one. But, not every mind operates on the same motherboard or is the same. We are unique individuals, and no two people
are exactly alike. Each of us possesses different traits that make up our character. Whether a person is devoted, kind, determined, funny or cooperative, our character identifies who we are. Likewise, a person can be disloyal, unkind, impatient, grumpy or quarrelsome; our personality is being developed based on such traits. Have you ever found yourself in a predicament in which a person addresses you about your behavior, actions, attitudes, or responses to a particular matter? Depending on the individual who approaches you about such concerns, you may or may not give it a great deal of thought. On the other hand, you may have a general consensus of people expressing the same ideas about your character. Immediately, you examine the concerns of the individuals as the concerns carry more weight when it’s a group of people addressing who you are, your character. A person will know when he or she is on the right accord when their character aligns with the way others view
their character. If a person’s “check point” doesn’t match with others, there is no need to get mad at them. Take advantage of the time and allow it to be a time for self-examination. Check yourself first. Imagine with me that one’s character is important simply because it is a “check point.” Check points can be refreshments as should be one’s character. The character portrayed by every individual should be refreshing for and to other people. Think about it for a moment. After a game, recital, or training for work, a parent, guardian, teacher, co-worker or place of employment may provide light refreshments. Every individual appreciates the refreshments, as they are rejuvenating after a game or temporarily satisfying for the physical body until lunch or dinnertime. In a similar manner, our characters should represent us in such a way that is refreshing and rejuvenating throughout our day. During my elementary and middle school years, I was a quiet boy who preferred to be alone. I was insecure. While I was not a rude and disrespect-
ful boy, I was always inquisitive to the things my teacher discussed as well as matters in the world. I had a lot of questions to ask. As I entered high school, I begin to come out of my shell and was more outgoing. Others recognized me as generous and funny. It was not a part of my character to be found with negative character traits attached to my identity towards others. My struggle was within, my own insecurities. As you start school, play sports, report to work, or simply go about your day, I encourage you to stop into a “check point.” Examine your character as well as ask other people how they view you as a person. It should be everyone’s desire to be like refreshments. If you find yourself not so refreshing, begin the process of making changes to your character. You will find that it is worth the time. Well, that’s it for this first column for In The Game. If you have any questions, be sure to tweet them at @ rashadjennings and I will try my best to answer them via social media or on this column. ITG
Maddy Elmore The bigger your goals, the bigger your work ethic has to be. There’s not a much bigger goal than Olympic gold!
Don’t Participate.
Compete! by Amanda Callender photography by Amanda Callender
M
addy Elmore, a nine-yearold level-eight gymnast, has built her attitude towards gymnastics around this motto. She is a true competitor, challenging and often placing above older gymnasts.
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Ultimately, Maddy would love to bring home an Olympic Gold medal just like her favorite gymnast, Gabby Douglas. For now, she has her sights set on moving up to level nine and earning the gold at her next meet. Maddy loves
June 2015
the vault and uneven bars the most, although she performs beautifully in all her events. She’s worked very hard on beam recently, mastering a connection of back handspring-back handspring. That has been her hardest skill to learn
so far. Maddy spends five days each week in the gym, driving (with her parents Howard and Crystal) from Brunswick in order to train at Starlight Gymnastics in Jacksonville. She has fallen in love with the gym and the coaches, Vessy Ivanov and Cheri Gillikin, who give her the support and guidance to help her reach her ultimate potential. That makes the nearly 15 hours each week in the car worth it. Maddy hasn’t always traveled so far for gymnastics, but her parents knew she needed a change in December 2013 just after she finished her level five season at her previous gym in Brunswick. Their advice for other parents of hard-working, talented athletes like Maddy is to keep an open dialogue and really listen to your child(ren). Everyone will have a bad day or bad practice now and then, but it’s the parents’ job to recognize when those bad days and bad practices become signs that a change is needed. Maddy has some advice, too! To others who are interested in gymnastics, she says, “Go for it!” It will take lots of hard work, dedication, time, and energy, but it will teach you to be responsible. Most things in life that are worth having are worth working hard to
have. The bigger your goals, the bigger your work ethic has to be. There’s not a much bigger goal than Olympic gold! If she hopes to win big someday, she is on the right track. Her first meet with Starlight Gymnastics took place at the Atlantis in Nassau, Bahamas. At that meet, where she competed at level seven, she placed first in vault (score of 9.350), first on uneven bars (score of 9.7), fifth on beam (score of 8.8), first on floor (score of 9.550), and second all around (score of 37.4). After that meet, she began training for level 8. Two weeks after the start of her level 8 training, she started competing at that level. She has gone to competitions two to three weekends each month of this year so far. She’s competed in Atlanta, Orlando, Tampa, Ft. Worth (Texas), Ft. Lauderdale, Ft. Myers, and Savannah.
Maddy spends a good bit of her time in the gym, but she also remembers to be a kid and enjoy her time off. When she’s not tackling multiple back handsprings on a fourinch-wide beam and doing giants around the uneven bars, she enjoys going to the beach, playing volleyball, drawing, and playing with her dogs. Her family is also very much into football. Her big brother plays varsity football in Charlton County, her dad is a former college football player, and her uncle played for UGA and the Seattle Seahawks. Her family is familiar with the amount of dedication it takes to perform at a higher level. Maddy is not backing down from her family’s legacy of star athletes! Howard and Crystal Elmore have a lot to be proud of in their daughter Maddy, and this mature young lady has a lot to be proud of in herself! ITG
June 2015
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Recognizing and Preventing
Heat Illness Meghan Sink, MS, ATC, LAT
W
ith summer upon us, many athletes will be exercising outside in the heat to gear up for the upcoming fall sports seasons. An easily preventable, but all too common, condition that strikes many athletes during this time of year is heat illness. Heat illness typically has three categories, which include heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Other heat related illnesses can include heat syncope and exertional hyponatremia. Heat stroke is one of the leading causes of deaths in
athletes participating in sports. Heat cramps are defined as acute, painful and involuntary muscle contractions that usually occur during or after intense exercise. Other signs and symptoms include dehydration, thirst, sweating and fatigue. Heat exhaustion is the inability to continue exercise due to heavy sweating, dehydration, sodium loss, and energy depletion. Common symptoms for this stage of heat illness include decreased color, persistent muscle cramps, weakness, fainting, dizziness, and
nausea. Core body temperature generally ranges from 97째F - 104째F. An athlete with heat stroke usually has a core body temperature of 104째F or higher. It is also associated with signs of organ system failure. These signs and symptoms include increased heart rate, low blood pressure, sweating, hyperventilation, altered mental state, vomiting, and seizures. Heat stroke is life threatening and can be fatal if not treated promptly.
A number of steps can be taken to prevent heat illness. Ensuring appropriate medical care is available for organized practices and games is the first step. A Certified Athletic Trainer or other health care provider should be present and able to treat any athlete who displays heat illness. Coaches and athletes should be educated regarding recognizing heat illness, and how to prevent it. Athletes should be educated on how to maintain their fluid levels. This includes
instructing them to drink sodium-containing fluids to keep their urine color clear to light yellow. They should also be instructed how to maintain less than 2% body weight change between practices. Athletes can weigh themselves before and after practice sessions. They should aim to consume 16 oz of fluids per 2.2 lbs lost during exercises.
Athletes should be acclimatized to the heat by gradually adapting them to exercise over a period of 10-14 days. The intensity and duration of work should be progressively increased. Athletes should maintain proper hydration during this process. Other guidelines include limiting or decreasing practice times in hot, humid conditions, or moving practice indoors. Rest breaks should be encouraged in a shady, cool location, with plenty of access to water and sodium-containing fluids. Athletes should wear light-colored, loose fitting clothing, and minimize equipment if temperatures increase. Ice should also be available to rapidly cool an athlete in the form of ice bags, cooling tub, or whirlpool. June 2015
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Jessica Converse 34
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Coach knows best
Setting Success by James Washington
The girls’ volleyball team at Duval Charter School at Baymeadows is on the upswing. After a winless (0-7) season in 2012, the team went 2-9 in 2013 before a jump to becoming a 6-9 playoff-bound group this past season. For this issue of In the Game Magazine, we sat down with head coach Jessica Converse, who has led the Lady Panthers to the postseason in her first year.
photography by Amanda Callender
Tell us a little about your coaching experience.
I will be going into my second year as head volleyball coach for Duval Charter at Baymeadows High School. I started coaching volleyball in 2009 when I was in college, coaching a men’s club volleyball team. We had a few travel games and practiced once a week the first year. This was probably one of the most challenging teams to coach as none of the men on the team ever played volleyball before. I continued coaching until I graduated. The goal was to make the team successful enough to develop it into a Division III collegiate team. The year I graduated, the school approved the team and the following year Cazenovia College had a men’s volleyball Division III team. In 2011 I joined Cayuga Community College as the assistant women’s volleyball coach. This was a great experience, as it opened my eyes to new responsibilities as a coach.
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I am a very realistic and strategic person. I analyze everything before a game from the other team, other coaches, the fans, my player’s attitudes and the refs. I feel you need to know the emotions and talents of what you are walking into before trying to motivate players. Did you, in any way, have to alter your coaching style or approach in order for change to take place within the team? If so, what changed? My coaching style has stayed the same from when I first began coaching until now. Conditioning, fundamentals and defense are my priorities when it comes to a season. How does the community support your team’s effort and improvement over the last few seasons?
Does your experience extend to playing as well? Yes; I grew up playing volleyball, basketball and softball most of my life. All throughout high school, I played for my high school team as well as AAU and a local traveling league team. I was consistently playing sports. When I got to college I knew it would be hard trying to manage school and sports, but somehow I managed and played volleyball and basketball as well as tried crew and golf, both for one year. What changes in attitude and leadership have you seen in your players as
they develop and improve? Five girls remain from last season. We only had two seniors and the rest were freshmen or sophomores. We had a very young team. I can say with confidence that come their senior year, we will be a team that is hard to beat. These girls have been playing together for a while, and some play together on club teams. They work well together. How do you provide motivation and encouragement for the team as they work their way into becoming contenders?
I am very lucky to have such a wonderful group of volleyball parents. The parents made my first year at Duval much easier. I didn’t have an assistant coach or manager, and all the parents stepped up and helped every single game. It had such a positive impact on our season, not just for me, but for the players. My parents did not miss one of my sporting games growing up and it always made me feel like I had support, and that is exactly what student-athletes need, especially this age group. What are your thoughts on the upcoming season? I know we will continue to keep improving. We have new conditioning equipment and a new staff of middle school and JV coaches. We have a strong team coming back and only lost one starter. ITG
winning Creekside Claims Individual Golds and Boys 3A Title photos courtesy of Creekside Swim Program
Up until the final two events, the Creekside boys team trailed Belen Jesuit by just a point and a half in the 3A state finals. It took a runner-up finish by Gian Garcia in the 100 breast and a second place finish by the boy’s 400 relay team to top Jesuit 190 to 181.5.
Creekside Boys 200 Yard Freestyle Relay
Dani Gordon from the girls team took home gold in the 100 breast with a score of 1:03.88, which was more than a second faster than the next competitor. The Creekside girls also claimed the 200 medley relay title, something that has not previously been accomplished at Creekside.
Creekside Girls 100 Yard Breaststroke
1) Garcia, Gian JR 2) Wheeler, Owen JR 3) Strickland, Carter SO 4) Burke, Zach SR
Dani Gordon Creekside Girls 200 Yard Medley Relay 1) Ellis, Abigail FR 2) Gordon, Dani SR 3) Trummel, Lauren SO 4) Revels, Kate JR
CREEKSIDE SWIMming June 2015
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by Skyler Callender photos by Amanda Callender
O 1
n March 22nd, 2015, 75 student athletes joined us at River City Brewing Company for our second awards banquet of the school year. Through our amazing partnership with Jacksonville Orthopaedic and Baptist Health, we are able to recognize and award Northeast Florida’s top athletic talents and provide a special evening for the athletes, families, and coaches in attendance.
northeast florida
Winter Sports Reception Sunday, March 22, 2015 3
2
KEY 1. Wrestling 10 2. Girls Weightlifting Five 3. Boys Basketball 15 4. Girls Basketball 15 5. Boys Soccer 10 6. Girls Soccer 10 7. Competitive Cheer 10 NOTE: Some athletes were unable to attend the reception, and therefore, were not pictured.
4 5
6
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2014-15 Baseball Roundup Batting Average Leaders (BA) Minimum 50 at bats Julio Perez Seacoast Aaron Anderson Christ’s Church Dalton Board Bishop Kenny
.610 .569
Earned Run Average Leaders (ERA) Rollin Layton Trinity Christian Jordan Tylski Mandarin Zach Breitenfeld Terry Parker
0.46 0.48 0.61
.478
Hit Leaders (H) Koy Parman Eagle’s View Aaron Anderson Christ’s Church Dillion Reed Creekside
37 37 36
Runs Batted In Leaders (RBI)
*
Donnie Gleneski Bishop Kenny Chris Gau University Christian Aaron Anderson Christ’s Church Angel Camacho Creekside Julio Perez Seacoast
29 26 25
*
25 25
Home Run Leaders (HR) Alec Sanchez Providence Chris Gau University Christian Hunter Jones Providence Zach Miller University Christian Julio Perez Seacoast
Hilliard Providence Creekside
254 237 236
5
Team Earned Runs Allowed
4
Mandarin Creekside Raines
4 4 4
30 35 35
Sweet 16: Creekside, Clay,
Strikeout Leaders (K) Jeff Vaughn Menendez Skylar Arias Oakleaf DJ Roberts Orange Park
Team Hits
Bolles, University Christian
Elite 8: Oakleaf, Baker County,
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Providence
106
Finals: Bartram Trail
99
Champions: Trinity Christian
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Winning Head Coach: Tammy Reeves retired after 2014 season
2014-15 West Nassau Competitive Cheerleading
The State Cheer Competition Daytona – First Place
All-Out Central Florida Regional - Champions
FHSAA Region 1 – First Place
UCA Central Florida Regional – First Place All-Out West Florida Regional - First Place & Grand Champions
FHSAA STATE CHAMPIONS National High School Cheerleading Competition – Sixth Place
photos courtesy of West Nassau Cheer Program
When did you start coaching at West Nassau?
Anything of note at the state championships?
I began working with the cheer program at West Nassau in 2007. In 2009 I became the varsity coach and the girls expressed an interest in competing, so that year we started with two competitions. In 2010, we began a full competition season including FHSAA and UCA High School Nationals. Each year, the team has gained a variety of new skills to stay competitive and win!
The state championships were a little different for us this year, as we advanced straight to finals because we placed first at our FHSAA regionals; therefore we only performed once at states. We had a fall in our last pyramid, which was really tough, as the rest of the routine was very creative and contained a lot of elite cheer skills.
What championships has your program claimed? The FHSAA state titles were 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2015… .2014 we were State Runner-Up.
Are there any specific girls that helped lead this team and propel you to winning another title? No one girl…This team’s strength was the fact that they were able to come together and work as one.
What ultimately led to your decision to retire this year? There was not one thing …I just decided it was time for me to move on to the next chapter in my life.
Roster: Ashton Jaques Brean Powell Jayde Rhoden Peyton West Katelyn Wildes Breahna Mangold Aleah Stiles Brandi Taylor Makayla Dorner Haley Hursey Kimberly Kaneer Skyler McCue Camryn Murray Ke’Ana Pennamon Mackenzie Salinger Mary Sue Anderson Hannah Regulacion Issabella Regulacion
Warriors in a League of Their OWN!
When did preparation for the season begin? Preparation for the competitive season begins in October.
Are any of your cheerleaders continuing the sport at the collegiate level? We have had a few cheer at the collegiate level in years past and some trying out this year.
Was there a team motto this year? This team of girls knew they had to work together to bring that state championship back to WN. and they knew the way to make that happen was for each of them to work together.…ONE TEAM ONE DREAM!
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IN THE STANDS
Eagles View three-sport athlete Tanner Korn getting mic’d up for his interview
Georgia Tech commit Victor Alexander practicing his interviewing skills!
But first, let me take a selfie with Nigerie Poyser of Ribault!
Jason Burnell, Wyatt Walker and LaDarien Griffin of Providence at the finals press conference.
Behind the scenes of ITG “The Show” with volleyball standout Kelli Miracle of Duval Charter
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The Providence student section showing out in Lakeland for the 3A finals
What you should know about Wisdom Teeth Removal
brought to you by
What are wisdom teeth? The wisdom teeth, or third molars, are located farthest back in the mouth, and are the last ones to form or erupt.
When can I get back In the Game ? As early as one week after surgery, most athletes are able to return to full physical activity. Occasionally, the use of mouth guards or splints are necessary. You should not return to play until those aids are comfortable and able to stay in during the entire game or practice.
Why remove them? Frequently, the wisdom teeth are trapped below the gums, creating a space where bacteria can grow and cause pain, infection and tooth decay. Commonly, the wisdom teeth are removed to avoid more serious problems later.
How common is wisdom tooth removal? 10 million wisdom teeth are extracted each year in the United States.
What is the most common age for wisdom teeth removal? Wisdom teeth are typically removed during the mid- to late-teen years. The older one gets, the more potential for problems and complication.
Y
our oral surgeon will give a written list of instructions to follow during your recovery, and should be followed closely to ensure a quick and minimally painful postoperative course. Trying to return too early to help your team or not miss a meet will hinder your recovery in the long term, and should be avoided. While we all strive to return to athletics as quickly as possible after surgery, please ensure that you are recovered adequately before restarting sports activities.
The oral surgeons at North Florida Oral and Facial Surgery wish all North Florida athletes the best of luck in the upcoming year’s contests.
www.nfofs.com
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winning Bronco Cheer Program Notches first Title The Middleburg competitive cheer program topped Harmony High and Pasco High by less than a point with a score of 70.00 in the 1A small coed finals in Kissimmee, FL. The Bronco cheer team came close in 2013 as the runnerups in 1A, but 2014 served as the payoff for the winning mindset that coach Amanda Austin has inspired in her team. ITG
Inspiration
Darius Lee
by James Washington photography by Amanda Callender
“I realized that I was going to have to be strong to help keep the rest of my family together. I took that in my heart and ran with it.”
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For most athletes, the phrase “more than a game” holds a special meaning. Some place the honor of their school at the top of their list. Others play for their friends, family, or the heritage of former teammates that have graduated and moved on. As the sun sets over the horizon this fall and the St. Augustine Yellow Jackets take to the gridiron to open the 2015 football season, one player in particular will suit up with a newfound purpose. Darius Lee entered ninth grade as a running back. Since his sophomore year, he has suited up at strong safety. The change is a fitting one; now, as he prepares for his final high school football season, only a couple months away, he is proving that “strong” is more than just a designation of his position on the field. Darius Lee will be playing for pride. He will be playing for the future. Most of all, he will be playing for the memory of his father. Darius was thrust unexpectedly into becoming the man of the house when, on Christmas Eve of 2014, tragedy struck his family. His father, Ervin Watkins Jr., passed away from a
heart attack triggered by sleep apnea. “When I realized what happened, all I could do was cry,” Darius says. “I just couldn’t stop crying. But as I prayed to God, I began to see strength through the pain. One night, I had a dream that my father was talking to me, telling me that I had to stay positive for everyone else. I realized that I was going to have to be strong to help keep the rest of my family together. I took that in my heart and ran with it.” Darius was left with no other alternative; at only 16 years of age, he now finds himself trying to fill the shoes that were once filled by his father. As the oldest sibling (Darius has three sisters, one brother, and one stepbrother), he is left with the momentous task of guiding children, barely younger than him, in the ways of responsibility and growth. As with any loss, not every family member is going to handle such a trial in the same way. A big part of adjusting to life without his father has been making sure that Darius’s siblings are coping with the change. “Nobody was closer to their father than Darius’s youngest brother (Ervin Watkins III),” says Loretta Watkins, Darius’s mother. “When he passed, Ervin took it the hardest; he felt that their father was the only one that truly understood his feelings. But Darius stepped up; he let his brother know that we are all here for him.” His strength has resonated in his responsibility. According to his mother, Darius is filling his newfound role to perfection. “Darius has always been humble,” she says. “You could talk to him, one-on-one, and you could just tell that he ‘gets it’. Now, he stays on top of his siblings every day. He makes sure they do their chores, he helps with cooking, and when his siblings make mistakes, he is always there to correct them. He has even lifted me through all of this. At times he will pull me aside and remind me that it is our job to stay strong for the rest of the family; we can’t quit.” When asked about his memories of his father, Darius has no problem detailing the close bond that the two shared. His father even had his own special spot come game time. When Darius would look to the sideline, he always saw him, leaning over the fence, giving smiles and nods of pride and approval. “My father was always motivating me to work,” Darius says. “During the offseason, he would make me train, even if I didn’t want to. He would talk to me about self-motivation and how successful I could be. He would always give me pep talks before games, and after every game,
he was there, win or lose. He would celebrate with me, and he would offer me points on what I could do to improve.” Darius has had his share of support as well. His teammates have reached out to him and constantly offered their condolences and support. He is also branching out and expanding his athletic experience. This year, Darius joined the track team and competed in the 100-meter, 200-meter, 4x1, and 4x2 races. He has also continued his efforts in weightlifting. He wants to be the best athlete possible. “Losing his father has pushed Darius to work even harder,” Mrs. Watkins says. “I notice him putting forth even more of an effort now, whether it be academically, in sports, or outside of school.” Another source of strength comes from the family’s undying faith. Darius leans heavily on his belief that God does not make mistakes and that everything happens for a reason. He regularly attends Living Waters Ministries, and he is also a member of an extracurricular organization called Young Life, in which college students give back to high school communities. “I didn’t get to participate in many things with Young Life this year because of everything that was going on,” he says. “But I really enjoy what we do. The older members reach out to us and we have a lot of fun. The goal of the organization is to show kids my age that being a Chris-
tian doesn’t have to be what others label as ‘boring’.” Darius would like to attend the University of Florida and major in either business or sports medicine. He is partial to UF because he likes the coaching and the fact that the strong safety position is judged by merit and desire rather than size. Also, at less than ninety miles from home, he will be able to remain close to his loved ones. “My father always taught me that nobody will treat you better than your family,” Darius says. “Friends are great, but friends aren’t always forever. Your family is forever.” Whether his father is on the sideline fence or looking down from the heavens, Darius’s goal remains the same. With each tackle, tipped pass, or interception, he is giving it his all in hopes of making his father proud of the young man that he raised. “It’s going to be hard looking at that fence and not seeing him there,” Darius says. “I might ask my mom to stand there for a while. But it’s going to be okay. My father raised me to be responsible and handle adversity. I know we can make it through this. He was always protective of this family, and he always taught us to put God first in everything that we do. Now it’s my job to keep that going.” ITG
Bolles Swimming photography by Amanda Callender It was another banner year for the Bolles swim program. The Bulldogs took home eight gold, eight silver and four bronze medals at the 2014 finals in Stuart, Fla.
Boys 200 Yard Medley Relay 1) Song An, Andy 2) Daugherty, James 3) Barrena, Javier 4) Vergani, Andrea
Girls 400 Yard Freestyle Relay 1) Schmidt, Kasey 2) Rasmus, Claire 3) Gvakharia Mgebrishvi, Nata 4) Riley, Christi Boys 400 Yard Freestyle Relay 1) Vergani, Andrea 2) Rice, Tyler 3) Dietrich, Hagen 4) Bole, Scott
Boys 50 Yard Freestyle Rice, Tyler
Girls 200 Yard Medley Relay 1) Wilder, Abi 2) Kyriakidis, Annie 3) Gvakharia Mgebrishvi, Nata 4) Schmidt, Kasey
Boys 100 Yard Freestyle Vergani, Andrea Girls 200 Yard Freestyle Relay 1) Schmidt, Kasey 2) Rasmus, Claire 3) Kyriakidis, Annie 4) Riley, Christi Boys 100 Yard Breaststroke Daugherty, James
Female Bulldogs Moving on to College Kierystn Harmeling is committed to Florida Gulf Coast University Amelia Hartje is committed to Emory University Maddie Hoff is committed to the Air Force Academy Anna Kassis is committed to Georgia Southern University Annika Kollevoll is committed to
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Northwestern University Claire Rasmus is committed to Texas A&M Christine Riley is committed to Ohio State University Kasey Schmidt is committed to the University of Virginia Madison Pritchard is committed to the University of South Carolina
Male Bulldogs Moving on to College Jacob Andrasco is committed to Indian River State College Scott Bole is committed to Yale University Joseph Carbone is committed to Yale University Hagen Dietrich is committed to George Mason University Caio Batista is committed to the University of Missouri Jake Gibbons is committed to Yale University Isiah Jones is committed to Marymount University Grady Heath is committed to University of Florida Harrison Howerton is committed to Indian River State College Kadeem Larfague is committed to Allegany College Javier Barrena is committed to the University of Michigan Max Michaels is committed to Colgate University Christian Piniero is committed to Florida Atlantic University
PARTICIPATION
LACE UP! A Beginner’s Guide to Making Your High School Cross Country Team and Doing Well by Sarah Turner
So you’re not very tall, not very strong, and you throw like a baby, but you have the work ethic of Michael Jordan (with zero hope of a decent jump shot). That’s okay! While there are naturally born runners who continue to test the limits of the human body, most runners will tell you, anyone can become a solid long distance runner given his or her level of discipline and focus. You’ll need to start now. Cross country may be considered a fall sport, but if you want to be good, you should think of it as a year round effort. If you haven’t already, start training for the fall season now. Your first season should focus on getting your endurance up. You must set up
a mileage plan. It’s one of the best ways to stay on track. Start off easy (12-15 miles per week) and work your way up to around 30-40 miles per week. Increase your mileage about 10 percent each week. (Exp. 25 miles to 27.5 miles) Talk with a coach or other seasoned runner to work out a plan that’s right for you.
get plenty of encouragement. Look for a camp to attend. Running camps typically offer group runs for all levels, information sessions on injuries, hydration, form, etc., and sometimes sponsored
Running is Cheap! But You’ll Need a Few Things. You’ll need to invest in a pair of supportive shoes. Visit your nearest running specialized store
Staying Motivated is Key. Your high school will often have days throughout the week where anyone interested in running during the upcoming season can meet for a group run. Take advantage of these even if you are the slowest runner (yes, you are a runner now). Runners are some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet, and you can be sure to
runners come by to give some words of wisdom. Finally, find a running blog to follow on Tumblr, Pinterest, or any source you prefer. It helps to get you off the couch.
to get sized up for your foot and stride type. Secondly, you’ll need a stopwatch. Nothing fancy if you are a beginner. Walmart sells stopwatches for under 10 bucks, and they last for
years. You’ll need a watch to keep track of your improvement throughout the summer and on. Have reasonable expectations. Distance running isn’t something you get good at over night. Even some professional runners don’t hit their peak performance level until they are in their 30’s to 40’s. It’s better to set new goals for each season depending on your current fitness level. Your first big goal might be to run a 5K without walking. The next could be to qualify for state at around let’s say a 6:19 per mile pace. You never know the possibilities you can reach with running.
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KEEP Calm and Play High School Sports
Local athletes and coaches featured monthly, related articles from area professionals, all high school sports included, supported by direct mail, retail sales and subscriptions
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winning
FIFTH
Bulldogs add girls soccer title photography by Studio City
23-3-4 The Bulldog’s 5-0 victory over Delray Beach American Heritage in the class 2A championship was the programs fifth state title overall. The other banner years include ‘94, ‘95, ‘97 and ‘08.
No. Name
Position Grade
4 11 3 9 20 8 2 16 18 17 10 5 13 15 6 12 14
MF F MF D MF MF D MF F D MF D MF MF MF GK D
Abigail Anderson Leila Azari Stephanie Block Macy Crouch Cami Dade Rachel Dias Taya Edwards Rawan Farah Leah Ferlin Aunikah King Maddie Kulik Grace Mathis Ariana Munoz Natalie Pearson Jessica Pentel Carly Stevens Emily Turnbach
11 10 9 11 9 11 10 11 10 9 12 12 9 9 9 12 12
playing it safe
Managing SportsRelated Concussion in Student-Athletes
W
hen 16-year-old Ben Chaffin caught the football in a pass skeleton drill during spring practice at The Bolles School in early May, the sophomore wide receiver gripped the ball tightly in his gloves and hustled down the field in what is typically not a full-contact exercise. But moments later, the teenager was hit from the side, the force causing him to twist slightly in the air before hitting the ground. To his teammates and coaches, the impact seemed to be a relatively minor one, but when Ben didn’t get up, the mood on the field suddenly became more serious.
“I saw stars for sure, and I felt pain in my head, neck, jaw and arm,” said Ben. “When I was on the ground, I realized I couldn’t move my right arm. It was pretty scary.” Meghan Sink, MS, ATC, LAT, head athletic trainer for Bolles and a certified athletic trainer with Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute, was standing about 10 feet away when she heard the impact, turned and saw him hit the ground. Her initial assessment led her to believe right away that he had a concussion. “When I got to him, I could tell he just wasn’t right, and was very slow to answer my questions, so I immediately was concerned he had sustained a concussion,” said Sink. “He also complained that he couldn’t feel his right arm, he had decreased sensation and grip strength in that arm, and neck pain, so I called 911.” Paramedics with Jacksonville Fire and Rescue arrived on the scene and secured Ben on a spineboard with his helmet still on, but the facemask removed. Keeping his head and neck stabilized was a
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priority as they transported him to the Wolfson Children’s Hospital’s Emergency Center in Jacksonville, and into the capable hands of pediatric emergency medicine physician Shareen Ismail, MD. During her examination, Dr. Ismail noted that Ben had several of the classic signs of concussion: drowsiness, dizziness, headache, nausea and sensitivity to light. She was able to diagnose a concussion without the use of a CT scan, with the goal of sparing Ben’s brain from unnecessary radiation. But because of his other symptoms, she ordered an MRI of his neck to rule out a spinal injury. Thankfully, the diagnosis was a minor brachial plexus injury, otherwise known as a “stinger,” a common injury to the nerves to the upper arm that heals on its own. Dr. Ismail then discharged Ben from the ER, but referred him to concussion management specialist Joe Czerkawski, MD, a board-certified sports and internal medicine physician with Baptist Primary Care, who saw Ben the next day. Dr. Czerkawski looked for signs of post-concussion syndrome in Ben,
including headache, fogginess and dizziness, all of which the teen had. He told Ben to stay home for the next several days for “brain rest,” and asked Sink to administer a computer-based neurocognitive assessment once Ben’s symptoms were gone to assess his ability to ease back into sports. “Dr. Joe told me that spring ball was probably over for me,” said Ben, “and that I needed to focus on resting and healing. He said I could most likely begin some conditioning with my team this summer.” According to the Jacksonville Sports Medicine Program (JSMP), more than 140,000 high school athletes in the U.S. suffer concussions each year. Because of these statistics, the state of Florida passed the Youth Concussion Law in 2012, which requires an athlete who has received a concussion to obtain written medical clearance from a physician before being allowed to return to both practice and play. “Returning to sports before the brain has completely recovered from injury leaves the athlete vulnerable for ‘second
impact syndrome,’ which can cause longterm effects and even death,” said Robert Sefcik, ATC, LAT, executive director of the JSMP. “The Florida High School Athletic Association has very specific protocols for returning to sports after concussion, and these policies are in place for the safety of the athlete.” “I formulate a return-to-play decision based on a period of mental and physical rest,” said Dr. Czerkawski. “We also conduct a neurocognitive test and if there’s good indication that brain function is back to baseline, we begin a phased protocol that starts with light biking or walking followed by easy jogging, then sports-specific skills that test exertion level, and eventually return to play.” The neurocognitive testing, which also is used on athletes in the NFL, MLB, NHL and NCAA, is a 20-minute computerized test that measures a person’s cognitive function, including attention span, working memory, reaction time and non-verbal problem solving. Done at the beginning of the season to establish a baseline, the test is retaken after an injury, usually within 48 hours, to establish a post-injury score, and then repeated as symptoms subside. These subsequent tests are then compared to the preseason baseline. If the test shows
a deficit in cognitive ability, the physician knows the athlete isn’t ready to return to sports. Recovery time varies from person to person. Some kids may be back to normal in a week; others in three or more. “Many parents and athletes don’t completely understand the signs and symptoms of a concussion and therefore, they are under-reported,” said Sefcik. “It’s extremely important that all participants in sports, including athletes, parents and coaches, are familiar with them, and also understand that when an injury has occurred, the athlete must be removed from play and evaluated by a doctor.” In Ben’s case, his coaches and athletic trainer knew the signs and took measures to make sure he got the medical attention he needed right away. They also knew that it doesn’t take a massive hit to cause a concussion. “I think this was a good example of how an injury can occur even when it’s not during a full-contact drill, scrimmage or a game,” said Bolles defensive coach John Newman. “We always give a reminder talk to the team on the first day of practice with full pads – which this was – before any contact, and we encourage them to re-read the warning label on the back of their helmets.” While sitting on the bench for several
weeks is not particularly appealing to Ben, he understands the importance of taking the time to adequately heal. “I know this recovery time is important to my well-being,” said Ben. “I don’t want to risk losing the chance to play football again, but more importantly, I don’t want to take a chance of hurting myself permanently. I’m playing it safe.” oms:
Common Concussion Sympt
entrating
Difficulty thinking clearly and conc Headache Blurry vision Nausea or vomiting Dizziness Sensitivity to light Balance problems Irritability Sleepiness Source: CDC
You can get more information about neurocognitive testing and where it’s available from your school’s athletic trainer or the JSMP by calling 904-2024332.
1st Place Sports Supports Aspiring Runners by James Washington
E
ach summer, local area schools attend running camps to receive teambuilding skills, tips, and other knowledge that can help further their craft. While the benefits are endless, the camps come at a price, and unfortunately, not all students are able to front the cost of attendance. However, for the last 15 years, JTC Running (founded in 1975 as the Jacksonville Track Club) has given out the JTC Running Awards Summer Scholarship, which covers the costs necessary for runners to
attend camps throughout the southeastern United States. While full funding of the scholarship is handled by JTC, helping with the administration of the program is 1st Place Sports. Founded by Doug Alred in September 1978, 1st Place Sports is a running supply store specializes in everything that a runner would need to be successful in their skill. Around 20 to 30 scholarships are given out each year. In 2014, 33 students from ten schools received scholarships, totaling $13,200 (according to
“All runners need summer camps. They are a team. We want everyone to be able to go, but it’s not free. That’s where we try to help.”
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jtcrunning.com). “Last year, everyone that applied was awarded a scholarship,” Alred says. “We won’t be able to do that this year due to the amount of applicants.” Scholarships are awarded based on a point system. Student-athletes are selected based on their class, financial need, academic records, and athletic achievements, as well as other factors. “We try to help seniors first,” Alred says. “This is their last chance to have this bonding opportunity with their high school
teammates.” It is not unusual for teams to leave the state for camps; Jacksonville-area schools will be attending camps in North Carolina (Brevard Running Camp, Smoky Mountain Running Camp) and Georgia (Warrior Running Camp at Berry College). “All runners need summer camps,” Alred says. “They are a team. We want everyone to be able to go, but it’s not free. That’s where we try to help.”
2015 Summer Camp Scholarship Recipients Girls
Boys
Kayley Delay Fletcher
Matthew Taylor Baldwin
Nidhi Shashidhara Stanton
Dominic Williams Lee
Carissa Young Baldwin
Buay Deng Lee
Brandy Bunker Stanton
Christian Kocsis Creekside
Alexus Forshee Bishop Kenny
Spencer Dennis Baldwin Mason Gerry Bishop Kenny Manuel Vilaro Stanton Justin Bachansignh Mandarin
Zachary Fuchs Mandarin Chase Rivera Bolles Garth Dunderson Mandarin Nicholas Butts Sandalwood Christian Bunker Stanton Sean Doherty Stanton Jesse Evans Stanton Jacob Standard Creekside
Beau Butler Bishop Kenny Christopher Curry Lee
June 2015
In the Game
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Menendez Captures First Cheer Title
winning Competing in the 1A large non-tumbling division, the Falcon cheer team edged out Stranahan High with a score of 72 to claim the school’s first-ever cheer championship and third total school title. Coach Kiara Williams encouraged her team to get commit to the program and credits their success to two-a-day practices and strength training in the offseason. ITG
Roster Bryanna Beauford Sydney Cholmondeley Chyna Furr Maci Furr Jasmine Harvey Emma Keegan Julia Keegan
photos courtesy of Menendez Cheer Program
Mackenzie Kenton Vivian Lovett Hailey Malota Allyson Matthews Brittany Nixon Chasity Northway Nina Pierce Zoe Plappert Jordan Riggs Courtney Rubright
Mary Rubright Maria Ruggeri Pricsilla Sloan Kristen Tinnerman Taylor Turner Anna Ward Shelby White Yasmine Williams
Nutrition What You Should Know to Keep Your Hype Healthy
Energy drinks boost with caution by James Washington
Anybody with a hectic schedule can agree that, from time to time, your body can feel burnt out. Your energy drops; it could be due to lack of proper nutrition, lack of sleep, or simply overworking yourself. In just about every convenient store, you find what is often perceived as a quick alternative to that fatigue: energy drinks. Most energy drinks include three key ingredients: caffeine (which serves as a stay-awake, physical booster), taurine (which helps improve brain function), and vitamin b (which enhances muscular, nervous, and metabolic function). But if you’ve ever been curious as to what exactly these drinks do (or don’t do) for you, here are a few pointers before you make your next purchase:
Energy drink tips Pros
Cons
Energy Boost: Though only temporary, most energy drinks will provide you with a quick spark, sharpening your alertness and focus.
Cardiovascular Issues: Studies have shown that people who drink excessive amounts of energy boosters are at a higher risk of developing problems such as irregular, rapid heartbeat or increased blood pressure. Extreme situations can result in heart failure.
Convenience: While there may be other foods or drinks that provide necessary boosts of energy, it is a sure bet that grabbing an energy drink is much more convenient than waiting for a cup of coffee to brew. Also, since many come in resealable containers, they can be stored if desired.
Weight Gain: Most energy drinks are extremely high in sugar. High amounts of sugar intake can lead to obesity, which, in turn, can lead to many other health issues.
1. Drink plenty of water with your energy drinks. Energy drinks are intended to be used as a supplement, not a hydration replacement. 2. Don’t overindulge. If you’re going to use energy drinks, don’t overdo it. Try to limit your intake to about 16 ounces per day. 3. Be wary of your health. If you already have any sort of preexisting health condition, it is best that you check with a doctor before resorting to energy drinks. You can never be too careful with your health!
and let’s not forget...
Claiming the 3A football championship in back-to-back years, the Conquerors were the only football team on the First Coast to win a football title in the 2014 season. Their roster boasted 15 collegiate players, with 12 of those moving on to the FBS level. Season notables include a 12-2 record, winners of the FHSAA 3A title and a win in the Burger King Bowl over Eastside Catholic (Seattle, WA). The Crusaders, who were 31-1 in the regular season, dominated at the state finals in Kissimmee with a clean sweep of Merritt Island 3-0. After a decade of near misses and Coach Winkler having to watch her team fall in the semi-finals for five consecutive years, 2014 was finally the year that the Kenny volleyball team would become champions since ‘99. The Crusaders finished the season as the top team in Florida and ranked sixth in the nation.
With only one blemish on the season (33-1), the 2015 Providence basketball claimed their third 2A basketball championship all under head coach Jim Martin. The Stallions edged out Sagemont 66-57 in Lakeland and added yet another title to their prestigious program on Hodges Blvd.
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winning
Clay Swimmers Among Florida’s Elite photography by Ralph Bonna
Clay Girls 100 Yard Butterfly, Girls 100 Yard Backstroke Sherridon Dressel
Clay Boys 100 Yard Backstroke Dakota Mahaffey
Being the youngest sibling is not always the easiest growing up, especially when your three older siblings have all had exceptional swimming careers at Clay High School and collegiately. Sherridon Dressel solidified her own story this year. 2014 was a special year for the youngest Dressel, who claimed the 100 yard Butterfly title by more than two seconds and 100 yard Backstroke title at the FHSAA finals.
Posting the nations best time in the 100 yard backstroke, Dakota Mahaffey took home the 2014 2A gold medal with a score of 48.82.