In this Issue 14 Title Duval Charter Football Duval Charter High School
45 Success Goes Way Beyond the Score Jim Stomps Christ’s Church Academy
20 Northeast Florida Area Volleyball Players to Watch
49 Beyond the Game Rashad Jennings A Letter to My High School Self
25 Player Profile Joey Gatewood Bartram Trail High School 26 Mustang Enters Season Riding Wave of Momentum Brandon Mancheno Mandarin High School 29 Gilbert Aiming for Three-Peat Gilbert Middle School 32 Northeast Florida Area Cheerleaders to Watch
52 The Game of Golf a Perfect Fit for Ponte Vedra Senior Hannah Berman Ponte Vedra High School
9 Fast Breaks: Helmet Challenge Meet Busta In the Game Top Ten Ponte Vedra Girls Golf Apperal Brand vs. Team Success 18 Keeping Kids in Class & on Course Everbank & Take Stock in Children 44 Could the Weather Have Anything to do with My Pain? JOI Rehabilitation 46 2015 Boys Golf What You Need to Know
54 In the Stands Northeast Florida Area Student Sections
51 Putting Student-Athletes First Wolfson Children’s Hospital
56 The Life of a Coach’s Wife Alycia Kopp Providence High School
55 Sprains vs. Strains JOI 59 2015 Girls Golf What You Need to Know
In the Game | 5
October 2015
From the Publisher The rain can’t hold back the West Nassau student section! See more In the Stands pictures on page 54!
Tell us your thoughts! Email us at info@inthegamemagazine.com to let us know what you thought of the preseason edition of itg!
Contributors
During the time that I’ve been involved with In the Game, tremendous changes have altered the landscape of high school athletics. Technology has changed the way programs prepare and scout. Advanced athletic and weight training have created bigger, better, and stronger athletes. Once an afterthought in the world of sports, coaching at the high school level, particularly at perennial powerhouse programs, is now a goal that many coaches with college (and some with professional) experience seek. And the role of both sports and athletes themselves, on the field and off, has changed as well. One of the sports that has evolved the most – and for the better – is cheerleading. At one time, cheerleaders were on the sidelines simply to look pretty and wave pom-poms. Over the years, cheerleading coaches began asking for more and more out of their teams. These days, cheer-
leaders have to be as athletic and well trained as any student-athlete in any other sport. This month, we take a look at six of the most talented cheerleaders in the area. These young ladies are strong, in fantastic shape, and personify the new and improved image of high school cheerleaders. Brittany Sullo (Bishop Kenny), Elizabeth Longendelpher (Mandarin), Kayley Kline (First Coast), Kamryn Reimer (Fleming Island), Hannah Kaye Allen (University Christian), and Emma Weiskopf take their sport very seriously, and all six know how to find the delicate balance that cheering has become – make cheering a sport unto itself while maintaining the entertainment aspect sideline cheerleading. Northeast Florida has long been recognized as a hotbed of golf talent, and some of the best high school golfers in the nation are found right here. This month, we look at two of the area’s finest – Hannah Berman of Ponte Vedra High and Branden Mancheno of Mandarin. In particular, Hannah demonstrates the influence that elite-level high school athletes can have in their communities. She volunteers throughout the community; in particular, she is involved with helping those with cystic fibrosis. She even started an award-winning fund-raiser called “Hit It with Hannah” that has become a tremendous inspiration to countless people throughout Northeast Florida.
We are, of course, in the middle of the fall. And that means football. We have our fair share of gridiron coverage this month, including a list of the top 10 recruits from Northeast Florida who have committed to colleges; a look at the Duval Charter program; and a profile of Bartram Trail’s sophomore quarterback Joey Gatewood. We also take a look at Matthew Gilbert Middle School’s eight-year undefeated streak that dates back to 2006. Besides football and golf, we have a variety of other features in this month’s edition, not the least of which are a multi-player spotlight of volleyball in Northeast Florida and the life of a coach’s wife (Alycia Kopp, Providence High School). As we speed through the fall, the postseason will be upon us before long. It’s hard to believe, but we’ll be covering basketball, wrestling, baseball, soccer, golf, tennis, and the rest of the spring sports soon. But before we get to that point, we have championships to decide in our fall sports, and I hope several of our Northeast Florida teams will be among the last ones standing when the year comes an end.
Publisher Mark Dykes Editors Skyler Callender Joey Lopes Sarah Turner Graphics Sarah Turner Cover Photography Amanda Callender Feature Photography Amanda Callender Feature Writers Brent Beaird Skyler Callender Kim Hoy James Washington Copy Editor James Washington Advertising/Marketing Mark Dykes mark@inthegamemagazine.com Skyler Callender skyler@inthegamemagazine.com Steve Petitt steve@inthegamemagazine.com Website Manager Cole Parker
For advertising information call: 888-715-4263
Dykes Publishing Group, Inc. P.O. Box 812 Valdosta, GA 31603 In the Game is published bi-monthly (excluding July). The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in part or in full without written consent from the publisher. Dykes Media 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 2015 Dykes Publishing Group, Inc. All rights reserved. ISSN 19451458.
In the Game | 7
October/November 2015
Fast Breaks Know Your Mascot
Busta
Bartram Trail High School
(does not wish to have name revealed) Senior
What does school spirit mean to you? It is the force that brings all cliques together as one to support a bigger cause. What are the pros and cons of your uniform?
2015 In the Game Helmet Challenge In August, our staff selected 32 helmets throughout Northeast Florida to compete in our social media-exclusive helmet bracket. We had over 10,000 votes registered in the weeklong competition leading up to the kickoff of the 2015 football season. Our final four teams included Bishop Kenny, Fleming Island, Mandarin, and Fletcher. It came down
to a differential of only 16 votes in the finals, with Mandarin edging out Bishop Kenny 836 to 820. Congratulations to the Mandarin Mustangs! Your fan support is unparalleled and your school is truly In the Game!
Make sure to follow us on Twitter (@inthegamemagfl) for more contests, highlights, behind the scenes coverage and all of the best sports information on the First Coast.
Pros: The experience, people saying hi, all the pictures, and people joking/interacting with me. Cons: The heat! Who is your favorite mascot? Jaxon De Ville, because he is really funny and energetic. He doesn’t care what people think; he just goes crazy and has fun.
In the Game | 9
Fast Breaks October/November 2015 How did you become the mascot? Last year, I asked about it because I knew the senior that did it last year. Do you choreograph with the cheerleaders often or just do your own thing? Most of it is me just winging it. I haven’t gotten the chance to really choreograph much yet. Likes/dislikes about being the mascot? I really like the atmosphere that the football games bring. It makes it a lot better
when I can add on to it. When I go into the student section, I go crazy and jump around with everyone. They all love it and it definitely adds to the energy. It just makes the experience so much better for everyone. Who is your school’s biggest rival? Creekside and St. Augustine Any post-high school plans? Get into a good college and get my Doctorate in psychology.
FAVORITE ATHLETE Aaron Rodgers FAVORITE FOOD All food FAVORITE RESTAURANT Moe’s SUPERPOWER YOU WISH YOU HAD Flying IDEAL PLACE TO TRAVEL Mountains FAVORITE SUBJECT Math LEAST FAVORTIRE SUBJECT Science CELEBRITY CRUSH Ruby Rose
Top 10 Northeast Florida Commits 1. Shaquille Quarterman School: Oakleaf LB | Ht. 6’1” | Wt. 237 Committed to Miami The long-time and unwavering Miami commit tops our list of 2016 top talent. It only takes about 30 seconds of film to conclude that Shaq is primed and ready for the next level. As a four-year starter at Oakleaf, Shaq brings a ton of experience to the field, and his hits are simply lights out. 2. Jordan Johnson School: Ed White OL | Ht. 6’3” | Wt. 260 Committed to Georgia Tech Jordan’s run-blocking ability makes him a natural fit at Georgia Tech. If he doesn’t pancake, he can often be seen pushing his opponent well into the secondary. The best word to describe Jordan is “relentless”, and he is a big reason the Commanders had one of the top rushing attacks in 2014. 3. Jaylen Miller School: Providence OL | Ht. 6’4” | Wt. 300 Committed to Duke Almost everyone in the area knows about the Providence 10 | inthegamemagazine.com
rushing attack in 2014 that averaged over 250 yards per game on the legs of Jamauri Wakefield, but Jaylen can be credited for creating a lot of that opportunity. At 300 pounds, Jaylen is a sturdy lineman that is equally impressive at pass and run blocking. 4. Andrew Boselli School: Episcopal OL |Ht. 6’4” | Wt. 290 Committed to Florida State We have seen Andrew line up at all positions on the line and can say that Florida State will be getting an extremely versatile lineman that excels with any assignment. He finishes every play and has great run-blocking strength. 5. Michael Pinckney School: Raines LB | Ht. 6’1” | Wt. 210 Committed to Miami Michael has the ideal inside linebacker frame, but his ball pursuit and play-reading ability make him one of the best linebackers in the state of Florida. He led the Vikings in tackles, forced fumbles, and registered three sacks a year ago.
6. Dominique Ross School: Trinity Christian Ht. 6’3” | Wt. 210 Committed to North Carolina Dominique has offers from the West coast to the East coast (and everything in between), but since June, he has been a hard North Carolina commit. Dominique is a relentless pass rusher that registered nine sacks a year ago. He is a proven winner and has the speed needed at the outside linebacker position. 7. Phil Benker School: Sandalwood WR | Ht. 6’1” | Wt. 190 Committed to Indiana Phil led all of Duval County in receiving yards a year ago and has already started this season out with a bang. The 6’1” receiver is skilled in creating distance between himself and the defender. He is also very talented in space and has big play capability. 8. JaQuan Bailey School: Raines DE | Ht. 6’3” | Wt. 230 Committed to Florida You can find JaQuan lining up at tight end, playing special teams, or racking up sacks from
the defensive end position for the Raines Vikings. He has a very solid frame and is often the best athlete on the field. JaQuan is great at sticking to his assignment and specializes at pass rushing. 9. Rick Wells School: Raines WR | Ht. 6’0” | Wt. 185 Committed to Florida Rick is a speedy, big-play receiver, but his greatest attribute is his catch ability. The Gators have been a lifelong favorite team for Rick, so when he was offered, the commitment was made immediately. 10. Eli Peters School: Sandalwood QB | Ht. 6’3” | Wt. 210 Committed to Illinois Eli looks the part of a prototypical Pro-Style quarterback, but the senior is also very elusive. He ended last year with over 2,000 passing yards, but was also able to gain nearly 500 yards on the ground. He credits his commitment to the Illini to their coaching staff seeking him out early and feeling welcomed from day one.
Ashley Burke (9th) Theresa Irwin (12th) Hannah Berman (12th) Sophie Membrino (10th) Julie Snow (11th) Megan Burke (9th)
Ponte Vedra Girls Golf written by Anthony Richards | photography by Lynn Damm
The Ponte Vedra High girls’ golf team has established itself in recent years as one of the premier teams throughout the state of Florida, and it has done so with team unity and a community bond.
C
Clint Finlay enters his fourth season as head coach and has been at the forefront of Ponte Vedra’s rapid ascension over the last three years. “We’re brought up in a golf climate here in Ponte Vedra,” Finlay says. “It was only natural that at some point the golf mecca was going to filter in to some of the younger players and that they would eventually make their way to the high school team. We’re seeing the benefits of that.” It was not long after taking over as head coach that Finlay began to see the mindset of the team change. The Sharks won the district and regionals his first year and allowed that momentum to carry on. “I always knew that I wanted to be associated with the golf team whether it was the girls or the boys,” Finlay says. “We didn’t lose my first season until midway through. We began to get the idea that we’re not just good, but we’re ahead of everybody else.” Confidence is evident and flows throughout the entire program. Feeding this confidence is the chemistry and cohesion that is shared and felt from Finlay all the way down to the incoming freshmen.
“What amazes me about the team is that our more skilled players don’t mind taking time out from their own practice to help some of the beginners,” Finlay says. “The fact that I can trust the more experienced players is something that you don’t necessarily get with every team.” Senior captain Hannah Berman is in charge of making sure the team bond remains strong. She has embraced the role with her skills on the course and generosity within the community. “The idea that you can use the golf world to branch out and help in other areas inspires the other girls to be more active,” Finlay says. Berman has followed in the footsteps of other great Ponte Vedra players who have shined in leadership roles, most notably Nicolette Donovan who won the 2013 state championship and currently plays at Virginia Tech. “I remember Nicolette when she first came here, and you could see that her effort and work was not typical of a high school golfer,” Finlay says. “Hannah is very similar in that way.” One of the most crucial tools that helps develop a closely
knit squad is the lengthy van ride during road trips to various tournaments throughout the state. “Even though it’s a cramped environment, it breeds a lot of team chemistry because it’s where the girls interact,” Finlay says. “Some of the most memorable moments over the last three years have come from those trips.” Midway through his second season as head coach, Finlay realized that branching out was a necessary adjustment to the schedule if Ponte Vedra was to maintain its upward trend as a yearly contender within the state. “Every school goes to the district tournament which is where you start advancing,” Finlay says. “We have to go outside the box so that it’s not a shock once they get to the upper-level tournaments.” A major shakeup to the schedule this season is the absence of Bartram Trail from district play which the Sharks had finished second to in the last couple of years. The teams will still play in the regular season but will no longer resume its annual postseason battle. Potne Vedra has seen a steady growth in roster size over the past
several years and will open this season with 13 golfers including five freshmen. “If we’re not the best in the region, we’re certainly in the discussion,” Finlay says. “We’ve never finished out of the top two in the district or regional tournaments. Success breeds attraction, and this is the largest team that we’ve ever had.” Berman is the top scorer followed by Sophie Membrino who flourished during her freshman season. Junior Sara McKevitt ranks third on the team and has made a lot of strides while senior Theresa Irwin is on the cusp of becoming a member of the postseason team. “We’ve been fortunate enough to have a good feeder program from Landrum Middle School and have also had a few people move into the area that were talented,” Finlay says. “We have not lost the entire core at any one point.” The expectations have been set by the recent championship success, and the future players make it their mission to continue that winning tradition. This is the foundation that the Ponte Vedra girl’s golf program has been built upon. ITG
In the Game | 11
Fast Breaks October/November 2015
If you look good, you play good...right? With the recent news of the University of Michigan striking a deal with Nike and Jordan (the most lucrative apparel contract in NCAA history) we thought it would be interesting to look at the numbers behind the relationship between football success of the school and apparel brands. Does an apparel company translate to more wins? Does it attract better recruits? Is it all about having the most innovative designs? Or does it just equate to more merchandise sales? Lets take a look at the numbers! written by Skyler Callender
18/25 Four 128 Out of
The Michigan and Nike contract over 15 years
Russell
UA
$169,000,000
Nike has 68 FBS schools, Adidas has 31 FBS schools, UA has has 15 FBS schools, Russell has four schools
Adidas
All four teams in the first ever FBS playoff last year were Nike (Oregon, Alabama, FSU, Ohio St)
Nike
teams ranked in the 2015 preseason AP poll wear Nike. four Adidas, two Under Armour and one wears Russell.
2015 Preseason Rankings 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
Ohio State TCU Alabama Baylor Michigan State Auburn Oregon Southern California Georgia Florida State Notre Dame Clemson UCLA LSU Arizona State Georgia Tech Mississippi Arkansas Oklahoma Wisconsin Stanford Arizona Boise State Missouri Tennessee
Nike Nike Nike Nike Nike Under Armour Nike Nike Nike Nike Under Armour Nike Adidas Nike Adidas Russell Nike Nike Nike Adidas Nike Nike Nike Nike Adidas
BCS Champion History 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009
Ohio State Florida State Alabama Alabama Auburn Alabama
CFP (Nike) BCS (Nike) BCS (Nike) BCS (Nike) BCS (UA) BCS (Nike)
2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003
Florida LSU Florida Texas USC LSU, USC
BCS (Nike) BCS (Nike) BCS (Nike) BCS (Nike) BCS (Nike)
BCS, AP, FWAA(Nike)
2002 2001 2000 1999 1998
Ohio State Miami (Fla.) Oklahoma Florida State Tennessee
BCS (Nike) BCS (Nike) BCS (Nike) BCS (Nike) BCS (Adidas)
We want our readers to weigh in! Reach out to us on Twitter @inthegamemagfl or email us at info@inthegamemagazine.com with your thoughts. Tell us who your favorite team is and if you like the brand your school wears. Recruits, let us know how much your potential Saturday attire plays in to your decision. We will take some of the best responses and put them in the next issue of In the Game!
TRIVIA
For a chance to win an In the Game t-shirt, What brand did the Florida Gators wear in 1996? In the Game | 13
Against All Odds: Unity Fuels the Rise of the Duval Charter Panthers
The Original Panthers:
pher Brown,
l Booker, Christo Charter football program: Michae 4-year participants of the Duval first the are ers play wing follo The Dustin Williams uan Patterson, Dakota Williams, is Hoolahan, Benjamin James, Yu’J Chr ks, Hoo Jay d, war Hey ric Ked
14 | inthegamemagazine.com
DUVAL CHARTER FOOTBALL
written by James Washington | photography by Amanda Callender
I
n 2012, the Panthers of Duval Charter of the Baymeadows participated in their inaugural football season. And, as expected with a team seeing their first action in competition, the end results did not amount to the effort that went into preparing for the challenge.
Bernard Harrell was the quarterbacks coach for two seasons (2013-14) before taking over as the head coach prior to the 2015 campaign. While he was not with the team for that first year, he is very aware of what the team, as well as the community, had to endure. “Those boys could have, and, honestly, should have,
In the Game | 15
played a junior varsity schedule that year,” Coach Harrell says. “It was a team of mostly ninth-graders. But they played up; they played bigger schools on a weekly basis. And they played them, win or lose, with their heads held high.” Their first season, from the perspective of the record books, was a disaster. After finishing 1-9 (1-2 in district play), many chose to write the team off. One group of young men, however, refused to see the year the same way. It was only the beginning. “We had a group of guys that stood tall through it all,” Coach Harrell says. “They’re seniors now; at the time, we had players leave, transfer, and end up at different schools. But these guys stayed put. They knew that they had the ability to build something memorable. And they weren’t about to let one disappointing season change their minds.” Led by this unforgettable group of young men, the Panthers pushed forward. In their second year (2013), the end result was much easier on the eyes. The Panthers improved, ending the year
"
with a record of 7-3 (1-3 in district play). The success, however, did not come without other instances of adversity. Midway through the 2012 season, head coach Buster Davis was relieved of his duties and replaced by Michael Hunter. “We’ve made it through so much,” Coach Harrell says. “This team refuses to let anything old them back. Day in and day out, they push. They never quit. The boys are lacking many of the things that their bigger competitors make use of on a regular basis. There’s no state-ofthe-art gym or weight room. As of right now, there’s still no true ‘home field’.” (The Panthers use the field of University Christian School for their home contests.) In addition to missing valuable assets, over the course of the Panthers’ existence, the head coaching position has been somewhat of a carousel. Coach Hunter led the team to a winning record in 2013, and the following year, under his guidance, the team improved yet again. They compiled a 2014 record of 8-2 (4-1 in district play), and for the first time in program history, the Panthers were
No matter how this season turns out, these young men are winners. They dig deep, they fight, and no matter what the scoreboard says, they win. I couldn’t be more proud of this group. The lessons that they are learning through the game of football are going to leave them well prepared for life. And at the end of the day, that’s what this is all about. We’re on the gridiron to build men.” (Head coach Bernard Harrell)
16 | inthegamemagazine.com
bound for the postseason. “Nothing but progress with this group,” Coach Harrell says. “We fell in the first round (to North Florida Christian), but every game is a learning experience. And that playoff game worked wonders for the team’s morale. Now there’s an understanding; the Panthers have potential. The Panthers can go places.” The Duval Charter football program is in the midst of its fourth season. As of this writing, they were 0-3 on the year (overall; no district games had been played yet). Again, the record may seem indicative to the masses, but the Panther faithful know better. They know that this team, led by this exceptional unit of seniors, is leaving behind more than a record. They are leaving behind a legacy. They are leaving their names, their blood, their sweat, and their tears on four long years of hard work. “They go out of their way for one another,” Coach Harrell says. “They stick up for each other. They rise together, and they fall just the same. When Chris (Hoolahan) went down, the whole team felt it, most of all that collection of seniors. But
at the end of the day, nothing can shake them. They’ve been through so much together.” Earlier this season, the Panther’s offensive coordinator had to part ways with the team. Senior Christopher Brown (who spends time at wide receiver, running back, and defensive back) stepped up and voiced what every player already knew in his heart. “Chris is pretty much the unspoken leader of that senior core,” Coach Harrell says. “When we lost our OC, he stood up and told his teammates ‘We can do this. He was extremely valuable, and I know we’ll all miss him, but we’ve dealt with loss before. We’ve come through way too much adversity to give up now’. That’s just the kind of person he is. It’s all about the team in his eyes.” Regardless of the outcome of the 2015 season, Duval Charter will prepare to graduate a special group of student-athletes. These young men are more than teammates. They are fighters. They are more than friends. They’re a family. They’re brothers. And, most importantly… they are Panthers. And that title is something that a football game can never take away. ITG
JOI: Proud team physicians keeping the Sharks and you on your game.
R. Stephen Lucie, MD - Team Physician
Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute and Baptist Health are pleased to offer area athletes and weekend warriors unmatched sports medicine expertise and complete orthopaedic care. As team physicians for the Armada, 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
EVERBANK & TAKE STOCK IN CHILDREN
KEEPING KIDS IN CLASS & ON COURSE
You hear the phrase “Our children are our future” tossed around so much these days that it’s almost a cliché. But, at Take Stock in Children, Inc., a non-profit organization that provides mentoring and scholarship programs to help low-income youth and students in Northeast Florida get an education, it’s a guiding principle that’s taken very seriously. The same goes for the many associates at EverBank who give their time to the program today. EverBank actively encourages its associates to get involved in programs like Take Stock in Children throughout the year, and makes it a point to give them access to the necessary training and time off to do it. The mission of Take Stock in Children aligns directly with one of EverBank’s key initiatives in our community: Empowering Youth. And, everyone would agree that a good education is one of the main pillars for success. In fact, one of our own associates was a product of their mentoring program and he is a highly productive member of our team today.
ONCE A MENTEE, NOW A MENTOR
Donald dela Torre is a graphic designer in EverBank’s corporate marketing department and he knows all about the benefit of Take Stock in Children, having experienced it himself firsthand. Donald came to the U.S. from the
Philippines when he was 11 years old. Being new to this country, his family didn’t have financial resources for him to go to college. Fortunately for Donald, he became involved with Take Stock in Children’s mentoring program as an 8th grader, and his mentor showed him that the path to college wasn’t as difficult as he originally thought. He went on to graduate from the University of North Florida with a degree in fine arts and is now an important member of our marketing team.
Like all of EverBank’s associates who choose to give their time and effort to Take Stock in Children, Donald takes particularly strong pride in giving back to the program that helped him so much when he was a student. But, he didn’t stop there. Today, things have come full circle for Donald and, not surprisingly, he’s now a mentor with Take Stock in Children. He meets weekly with his mentee, a student at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, to help him with schoolwork, make sure he’s keeping up with his studies and to just “hang out” together and do things like attend a Jaguars game or other activities.
FOCUSED ON COMMUNITY EverBank’s more than a bank; it’s a diverse collection of individuals who take social responsibility seriously and concentrate on relevant community issues. KEY INITIATIVES Empowering youth Housing & economic development Financial literacy It’s in these areas where EverBank feels it can make the most significant impact in support of the charitable organizations that are active across our region.
“Our involvement with Take Stock in Children is a great community partnership that demonstrates there is, indeed, strength in numbers, while at the same time proving that just one person can have a powerful, positive impact on a young person’s life.” Blake Wilson, President & Chief Operating Officer — EverBank
BEING A DIFFERENCE MAKER Donald’s experience is just one of many positive outcomes that are a direct result of the Take Stock in Children’s mentoring and scholarship programs. EverBank is a proud supporter of this important organization and its work, and our associates look forward to continuing to help it make a difference in the lives of North Florida’s youth for many years to come. Leah Lynch, Director of Take Stock in Children in Jacksonville, adds, “The partnership with EverBank provides Take Stock in Children with the necessary resources to change the lives of deserving students through scholarships, mentors and hope.” To learn more, visit takestockjax.org. The enthusiasm that EverBank associates have for all of the Take Stock in Children programs is contagious. After participating in the non-profit’s programs, they consistently share with their colleagues the incredible experiences they’ve had and the sense of empowerment that mentoring and helping young students brings to their own lives and careers.
In the Game | 19
Volleyball
Alie Smith SCHOOL: Creekside GRADE: 11th POSITION: Outside Hitter
STATS (2014) Attach Kills: 220 Assists: 7 Serving Aces: 40 Blocks: 36 Digs: 295
Favorites: Athlete: Jordan Speith, Kerri Walsh, Steph Curry Food: Mashed potatoes
Coach’s Comments: “Alie’s energy and competitiveness separates her from other players. She is the first to cheer on her team and will be the player running over chairs or tables to keep a ball in play. She is passionate, aggressive, energetic, loud, and fun; you can see her love for the game when she is playing.”
Restaurant: Moe’s Superpower: Flying or invisibility Ideal place to travel: Europe and Australia
Player Commentary: “I love how fast the game is and being able to hear the crowd cheering you on. Also, I love the atmosphere of the court when your team makes a big play. I love getting wrapped up in the volleys and each point.”
Subject: History Least favorite subject: Math
Accomplishments
Celeb crush: Theo James
Led the team in kills and digs as a sophomore
Song: “Clarity” Movie: Just Go With It, Sound of Music, School of Rock, Les Miserables
AlLy Smith SCHOOL: Fleming Island GRADE: 11th POSITION: Outside Hitter Committed to: Palm Beach Atlantic University
20 | inthegamemagazine.com
STATS (2014) Attach Kills: 194 Serving Aces: 58 Digs: 233
Favorites: Athlete: Rory McIlroy Food: Steak Quesadilla
Riley Coonan
STATS (2014) Attach Kills: 217 Assists: Serving Aces: 20 Blocks: 56 Digs: 35
SCHOOL: Bolles GRADE: 11th POSITION: Middle Blocker Coach’s Comments:
Restaurant: Palm Valley Fish Camp
“Riley has an outstanding work ethic and a deep love for the game. As a middle, she has great quickness and can move laterally extremely well. She wants to be the best player she can be. She works hard, is open to coaching, and is committed to getting better each day.”
Superpower: Invisibility Ideal place to travel: Amalfi, Italy
Player Commentary:
Subject: Math
“The presence of a team is my favorite thing about volleyball. Your teammates are the people you put your faith in, and they are what makes the game what it is. They are there to support you, but they also rely on you to support them. It is great having people by your side when doing the thing you love.”
Least favorite subject: History Celeb crush: Miles Teller Song: “Dead Sea” by The Lumineers
Accomplishments: Bolles Invitational All-tournament team, Times Union All First Coast Team 2014 and 2015. Florida USAV High Performance Youth International Team 2014 and 2015.
Movie: Dinner for Schmucks
Coach’s Comments: “Ally is an impeccable volleyball player, but an even better person. Ally represents what every student athlete should aspire to be. What separates her from others is her work ethic, attitude, and passion for the game.”
Player Commentary: “My favorite thing about volleyball is the competition. Nothing is better than playing in a match against an opponent that challenges my team. I love to be pushed to the limits. Also, after my teammate makes a momentum-changing play, I love to watch and take part in their reaction. To see the same fire and passion and passion that I have come out in one of my teammates makes the game even more enjoyable.”
Favorites:
Greece
Athlete: Tim Tebow
Subject: Science
Food: Mom’s Meatloaf and Tapioca
Least favorite subject: History or English
Restauraunt: Skyline Chili
Celeb Crush: Hunter Hayes
Superpower: To be able to summon chocolate instantly Ideal place to travel:
Song: “Nothing Like You” by Dan and Shay Movie: Cool Runnings
In the Game | 21
Madison Dill SCHOOL: St. Johns Country Day GRADE: 12th
STATS (2014) Attack Kills: 325 Assists: 16 Aces: 67 Blocks: 29 Digs: 150
Amy Benton SCHOOL: Ponte Vedra GRADE: 12th POSITION: Outside Hitter/ Libero Coach’s Comments: “Her competitiveness and not settling for second place are what separates her from other players. Amy is truly ‘old school’ in that she wants only to strive to be a winner. In her mind, I truly believe she does not want a second-place trophy, or for just participating; that is not good enough in her mind.” Player Commentary: “My favorite thing about volleyball is all of the completely different positions and skills that are required. Everyone has their own special skill, and you need a good balance of all of them. I love taking my skills and strengths to the court, no matter which position I play.”
STATS (2014) Attach Kills: 334 Serving Aces: 80 Blocks: 8 Digs: 385
Favorites: Athlete: Derek Jeter Food: Thin crust pizza Restauraunt: Caps on the Water Superpower: Invisibility Ideal place to travel: Bora Bora Subject: History Least favorite subject: English Celeb Crush: James Franco Song: “All at Once” by Jack Johnson Movie: How to Train Your Dragon
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Volleyball Coach’s Comments:
Favorites:
Subject: Algebra
“Madison is 6’3”, very strong, and uses her body on the front row. She reads the game better than any player I have ever coached. Madison’s style of play can best be described as aggressive and hardcore. She is smart on the court and can see the defense trying to defend her has a weak spot or a hole she will place the ball in that spot.”
Athlete: Misty MayTreanor
Least favorite subject: History
Food: My mom’s homemade macaroni and cheese
Celeb Crush: Kevin Kiermaier (center fielder for the Tampa Bay Rays)
Superpower: Read people’s minds
Song: “Anything Goes” by Florida Georgia Line
Ideal place to travel: Bora Bora
Movie: The Blind Side
Player Commentary: “My favorite volleyball memory is getting offered by the University of Miami and committing soon after. My goal since I first started volleyball was to play Division I volleyball, and when I committed I knew I would be able to fulfill my dream.” Accomplishments Recorded her 1000th kill as a junior
Favorites: Athlete: Micah Christenson (Setter, USA Men’s National Volleyball Team) Food: French Fries Restauraunt: Moe’s Superpower: See the future Ideal place to travel: Europe Song: “Who You Are” by Jessie J Movie: The Maze Runner
STATS (2014) Attach Kills: 31 Assists: 579 Serving Aces: 63 Digs: 136
Angela Chan SCHOOL: Bishop Kenny GRADE: 11th POSITION: Setter Coach’s Comments: “Angela’s strengths are that she utilizes every aspect of her physique to be the most competitive setter she can be. She is great defender and makes smart choices on offense. She is a hard-working player who completes tasks with an infectious smile. ” Angela’s Motivation: 1) Winning. 2) The desire to play at the highest level possible. 3) Playing in a team setting and taking on different levels of competition together while sharing a common goal of being victorious on the court. 4) My teammates and my coaches. They inspire me to do my best at all times and get better every day.
In the Game | 23
Volleyball
Kayla Duggan SCHOOL: Fernandina Beach GRADE: 11th POSITION: Outside Hitter Coach’s Comments: “Kayla’s biggest strengths are her athleticism, court sense, determination, and jumping ability. She has natural court instincts and always wants to win badly.” Player Commentary: “I am loud and intense, because I can’t stand to lose. My favorite thing about the sport is the energy and intensity that player brings to the court. It makes the game better to not only watch but play.” ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Member of the JJVA National 17U team
STATS (2014) Attach Kills: 258 Assists: 30 Serving Aces: 26 Blocks: 24 Digs: 116
Favorites: Athlete: Gabby Mall Food: Mashed potatoes Restauraunt: Pasta Superpower: Olive Garden Ideal place to travel: Europe Celeb Crush: Matt
Anderson
Song: “Drive” by Miley Cyrus
Movie: High School
Musical
ITG Player Profile
Joey Gatewood
School: Bartram Trail
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Year: Sophomore
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Position: Quarterback
Status: Uncommitted Style: Dual Threat 2014 Stats: 33 completions for 362 yards, 90 carries for 659 yards, 8 total touchdowns Favorite Athlete: Cam Newton Expectation for 2015: Undefeated ITG Moment: “In 2014, my breakout game was against Buchholz; I passed for two touchdowns and ran for another three.” Life Goal: Play in the NFL
Favorite Food: Chicken Place to travel: Vegas Favorite Car: Bugatti Favorite Movie: The Spongebob Squarepants Movie Theme Song: “I Made It (Cash Money Heroes)” by Kevin Rudolf featuring Birdman, Jay Sean and Lil Wayne
In the Game | 25
Best round: 63 (shot at The Golf Club at Fleming Island) | Longest drive: 360 yards | Average dri
Brandon Mancheno written by Anthony Richards | photography by Amanda Callender
For as long that Brandon Mancheno can remember, golf has been an integral part of his life; so much so that the Mandarin High School junior is widely considered as an up-and-comer within the world of golf. When he was 4 years old, he picked up a club for the first time, and the game instantly took hold. To this day, aspects of his game continue to reflect that early influence. 26 | inthegamemagazine.com
Mandarin High School
“My dad took me out when I was really young,” Mancheno says. “He would face me right across from him, and that’s how I learned to play left handed.” Mancheno enters this season riding a wave of momentum after becoming a medalist at the 2015 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship held on the Pete Dye Course at Colleton River Plantation Club in Bluffton, S.C. In doing so, he became the first left-handed golfer to win that honor
since 2004. “Everyone in that field is really good, and they are there for a reason,” Mancheno says. “It was ridiculous to be there playing that course.” However, the course proved early on to be no match for Mancheno as he sat atop the leaderboard following a 6-under at the end of the 36-hole event. By leading after stroke play, he secured the top seed entering the match play portion of the
ive: 290 yards | Favorite Course: Olympia Fields Country Club in Chicago | Favorite Club: Driver
Mancheno has played in his share of pressure-packed tournaments throughout his young career, which include several Future Masters appearances and a win in his age group at the 2014 Tour Championship hosted by TPC Sawgrass. He took advantage of his busy summer and is currently ranked 35th in the latest Golfweek Junior Rankings. As his potential begins to skyrocket, his future takes even more shape.
championship. “Everyone guns for you when you have the number-one seed, and it definitely felt like that was happening,” Mancheno says. Match play posed a unique experience for Mancheno, and he successfully advanced to the round of 32 before coming up short in the final hole of an extremely close match. The entire championship acted as a measuring stick, allowing a glimpse into the current state of his game. “I didn’t go in thinking differently, and
I just wanted to play my own game,” Mancheno says. “I learned that you have to worry about what they’re doing as well. I’ve put in a lot of hard work this summer, and it’s beginning to pay off.” Competition is something that he has embraced over the years. Every event that passes continues to fuel his passion for the game. “It was always fun to shoot low scores, and that feeling just keeps getting better as you get older,” Mancheno says. “Any-
one can win on any certain day, and it’s just fun having to compete out there.” Dale Claussen, the owner and director of instruction at The Golf Academy of North Florida, has taken on the responsibility of coaching Mancheno. Their partnership has been instrumental in heightening and bringing pure talent to the forefront. As a result of the success, Mancheno has verbally committed to play golf at Auburn University, a choice that was made prior to his junior year of high school. In the Game | 27
“I didn’t think that I was going to commit to a college this early, but I just loved everything about Auburn as soon as I walked on campus,” Mancheno said. “It’s nice to get it out of the way.” He is fairly long off the tee, with an average drive around 295 yards, and prides himself on his aggressive style. Mancheno’s iron game is a consistent strength that helps to define him as the player that he has become. With every year that passes, he has adapted to playing within a team environment and was a major cog during Mandarin’s run to the state playoffs last season. The Mustangs finished 15th as a team, while Mancheno led the way in a tie for ninth as an individual. “When I came in as a freshman, it was a lot different from playing tournaments by myself,” Mancheno says. “As an individual, if you have a bad round, you’re kind of alone. Playing as a team, you’ve got to support the other guys, and hopefully they can back you up as well.” He’s played in his share of pressurepacked tournaments throughout his young career, which include several Future Masters appearances and a win in his age group at the 2014 Tour Championship hosted by TPC Sawgrass.
Mancheno took advantage of his busy summer and is currently knocking on the door of the top 50 in the latest Golfweek junior rankings. As his potential begins to skyrocket, his future takes even more
shape. “I’m really happy with that ranking, but I feel that I can get even lower as I continue to play more golf,” Mancheno says. ITG
Gilbert Aiming for Three-Peat | By Corey Davis
From the time sixth-graders put on their pads and helmets and head out to their first day of practice, they are fully aware of one thing at Matthew Gilbert: protecting the streak.
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Since a 2006 loss to Northwestern, Gilbert has reeled off eight straight undefeated seasons; 64 wins in a row. Gilbert head coach Charon Dorsey, former Bolles and Dallas Cowboys standout, prepares his team each season for continuing the winning tradition like he does every season. Dorsey keeps them informed of the streak when he has to but doesn’t make a big habit to keep mentioning it. “It’s almost the same kind of speech every year, these kids understand the streak and our tradition, and they hear it from the guys before to keep it going,” Dorsey says. “It’s important to the eighth-graders to keep it going, as they don’t want to be the class that ends it.” Success didn’t come easy right away for Dorsey, but through building a program his way, along with a great support system within the school from the principal to the athletic director, he has been able to keep it going. “My first year, it didn’t look good, we truly started from the bottom, but quickly went to the top,” Dorsey says. “We’ve been able to maintain our winning tradition because of the kids working hard and the great talent we have had.” Among the notable alumni to play for Dorsey or Gilbert recently includes Marquis Haynes (University Christian/Ole Miss), Richard Montgomery (Atlantic Coast/Idaho), Kavaris Harkless (Trinity Christian/Florida), Sherrod Pittman (First Coast/South Carolina), Tristan Payton (First Coast/UCF), Mytreal Denson (Ed White/Idaho) and Michael Morris (Jackson/FAMU); as well as current high school players Anthony Mitchell (Trinity Christian), Derrick Smith (Trinity Christian), Jessie Urbina (Trinity Christian), Jaalen Ford (Ribault), Tre’shawn Harris (Ribault), Ivory Durham (Cedar Creek) and Terrell Wright (Cedar Creek). Keeping the streak going isn’t easy; the Panthers have had their share of close calls over the years. Gilbert had a pair of one-score games last season including a 14-18 win over Northwestern and a 24-16 win over Stilwell in the county semifinals.
However, the one game people still talk about to this day is the game against nemesis Northwestern three years ago. Gilbert found itself in a 20-0 hole to the Yellow Jackets, yet rallied for 28 unanswered points to stun Northwestern 28-20 and keep the streak going at 45 in a row. The streak has also potentially brought out more kids wanting to play football more than ever. “A lot of kids want to play football here, but only 35 can dress out. I have 58-60 kids who come out for football,” Dorsey says. “With the school board allowing sixth-graders to play now, there are not enough jerseys.” A solid core of kids who were together for three years recently graduated in May and moved on to high school, meaning this year’s Panthers team will be quite young, but still talented. “Here we go again, a new group that wants to keep it going,” Dorsey says. “It’s going to be a good year; the kids strive on keeping the streak going more than we do, and getting rings for winning championships.” Former Gilbert standout and current Tennessee Titans tailback Leon Washington bought the team rings for winning back-toback county championships the last two years. Two years ago, Duval County brought back a playoff system for the first time since 1991, and the Panthers have claimed both football titles with wins over Twin Lakes and Fletcher. Now the pressure begins again, can Gilbert win its third-straight county championship and keep its long streak going? If Gilbert can get through North Division rivals Northwestern, Ribault, Kirby Smith, Highlands, Oceanway, and Butler again, the Panthers could be back in the playoffs with a chance at a threepeat and pushing the streak to over 70 straight. “We coaches have lost before, but the biggest part is how will they handle it if we do lose,” Dorsey says. “However, we don’t want to lose, and they don’t want to spoil the streak.”
In the Game | 29
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Brittany Sullo SCHOOL: Bishop Kenny High School | GRADE: 12th | POSITION: Back Spot
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She was a part of the first BK competitive cheer team in eight years and helped the team reach the FHSAA State Championship Semifinals.
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She has received an academic letter all four years and has been on either the President’s or Principal’s list every quarter for her grades.
Favorites:
We all have something that we do now, but as children, said we would never do. For Brittany, that was cheerleading. As a young girl, Brittany played t-ball and says that she used to poke fun at the cheerleaders. At ten years old, that all changed. She started cheer, and now, seven years later, is an integral member of the Bishop Kenny cheer squad. “Brittany is a leader for the team, and a go-to girl for me,” says Coach Galloway. “She is a true rock. In the past three years, she has never come to me not knowing how to handle a situation, or thinking she ‘can’t’ do something. She always finds a way to make our stunts hit, make our cheers better, and involve the crowd.” For Brittany, it is always about the team. “My teammates; together, have a common goal: success. Every time I go on the mat, I perform for the girls to left and right of me.”
Whether it is cheering for the Crusaders, competing on the Kenny competition team or traveling to Nationals at Dallas with the Infinity All-Stars, Brittany stays committed to cheerleading all year. “Cheerleading is a year-round sport at Bishop Kenny! Don’t forget to add in AP labs and work!” says Brittany. As for sideline cheer, Bishop Kenny home football games are second-to-none according to Brittany. “Game day is the best day! Everyone is so hyped for the game, from the beginning of the day all the way till kick off. We have a huge break away banner the football team runs through, and it always starts us off on the right foot.” Brittany hopes to be able to continue cheer next year as she moves on to college. Her words of advice for any aspiring cheerleaders: “The work is worth it! It takes a lot of time and effort to be the best.”
Athlete: Monica Byers (All-Girl at USF, BK Alum 15’) Sports team: Florida State Seminoles Food: Mashed Potatoes Restauraunt: Taverna Superpower you wish you had: Super Strength Ideal place to travel: Paris Subject: Chemistry Least favorite subject: English Celeb crush: Brad Pitt Song: Uh, changes every day! Movie: The Blind Side In the Game | 33
Elizabeth Longendelpher SCHOOL: Mandarin High School | GRADE: 12th | POSITION: Base & Flyer
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Regional and State qualifier for MHS diving, 2012
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Member of National Honors Society, 2014-present
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Miss Mandarin 2nd Runner-Up (High School Pageant), 2015
Favorites: Athlete: Mattie Rogers Sports team: Top Gun Large Coed Food: Anything Pasta Restauraunt: Panera Superpower you wish you had: The ability to fly Ideal place to travel: Bahamas Subject: History Least favorite subject: Math Celeb crush: Dylan O’Brien Song: “Loving You Easy” (Zac Brown Band) Movie: Sleeping Beauty 34 | inthegamemagazine.com
As with a lot of talented athletes, they begin their craft at a very young age. When Elizabeth was just four years old, she began dance classes, but it became very difficult for her to focus when she would see other groups tumbling and flipping on the other side of the gym. Those tumblers and flippers were cheerleaders. Dance was quickly replaced by cheerleading, and the rest is history. You can find Elizabeth every Friday night on the sidelines at Mustang Stadium. “The Mustang atmosphere during game day is so enthusiastic! Every Friday means orange and green, and my classmates go all out,” says Elizabeth. “Our school does a great job at promoting a healthy and fun game day atmosphere.” Beyond cheering on the sidelines, Elizabeth is a captain on the Mandarin competition cheer team and also a member of the Premier Athletics Hurricanes, an area all-star cheerleading program. The commitment it requires to participate in year-round cheer is tremendous, but Coach Kester insists that Elizabeth’s work
ethic is second-to-none. “Lizzie is consistent,” says Coach Kester. “She is reliable and unwavering in her attempts to be the best version of herself.” Elizabeth’s favorite part of cheerleading is the bond she has created over the years with her teammates and coaches. “We unite as one when we hit the mat, both at practices and competitions, and we are a family through thick and thin,” says Elizabeth. Above all else, Elizabeth exemplifies great character in everything she does. “Elizabeth has so much integrity, especially for someone of her age,” says Coach Kester. “She seems to always make the right decision, even when no one is looking. She is extremely honest, caring, and very hard-working.” For Elizabeth, cheerleading has had a huge impact on her life. Her words of advice for anyone aspiring to become a cheerleader: just go for it. “No matter what, do what you think will make you happy!” says Elizabeth. “You will definitely surprise yourself. You can do it!”
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Kayley Kline
SCHOOL: First Coast | GRADE: 12th | POSITION: Backspot/Tumbler/Squad Leader
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This summer, Kayley tried out for the All-American cheer team while at a UCA cheer camp. She was chosen and could go to London in December. Favorites: Athlete: Tim Tebow Sports team: Florida Gators Food: Chicken Nuggets Restauraunt: Wasabi Superpower you wish you had: Mind reading Ideal place to travel: Anywhere with a beach! Subject: English Least favorite subject: History Celeb crush:Luke Bryan Song: “Kick the Dust Up” by Luke Bryan
Kayley is a second generation Buccaneer. Her father was a starting quarterback at First Coast, and her mother cheered on the same sidelines that she does now. Perhaps her lineage has a little something to do with her coach describing her as a natural leader. “It is refreshing to see her in action,” says Coach Turner. “ She is never rude or bossy. She leads by encouraging others, offering creative ideas, and by example.” Kayley’s involvement with cheer goes way beyond Friday nights. She can be found every Saturday during the fall, leading young Bucs cheerleaders at Oceanway Pop Warner Association, where she has coached the past two years. “One of my main motivations to excel at cheerleading besides my family, is the young girls at Oceanway who aspire to cheer for the high school someday,” says Kayley. “Most of them come to watch the games and are a constant reminder that I have to be positive and set a good example.” When Kayley was 6 years old, she started out in the
same program as the girls she leads today. The passion and support for the Buccaneers in North Jacksonville is something that Kayley is very proud to be a part of. She tells In the Game, “Being that our football team has been district and Gateway Conference Champions for several years, I think the game day atmosphere is more exciting than ever.” As a member of National Honor Society, the yearbook committee, assisting a team at the Special Olympics, or competing on an area all-star team, Kayley is wholeheartedly dedicated to being the best she can possibly be. Next year, Kayley will be attending Florida International, where she plans to obtain her degree in nursing. Coach Turner is very excited for Kayley’s future. “It has been an honor to coach Kayley on both a high school and an allstar level. I am really excited to see where her cheer future takes her. Wherever it is, those that receive her should feel honored because she is truly one of the greatest!”
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Kamryn Reimer
SCHOOL: Fleming Island | GRADE: 11th | POSITION: Flyer
Kamryn has only been cheering for five years, but you would never know that she got a late start, according to her coach. “Kamryn is one of the best and most natural sideline cheerleaders that I have seen on any high school sideline,” says Coach Andrews. “She loves leading the crowd to help our team on the field to victory! We are very lucky that Kamryn is part of this program.” Trying out for cheer for the first time during junior high, Kamryn was told she would never make it by the girls that had been cheering since grade school. “That whole week, I dedicated all of my free time to practicing the tryout material,” says Kamryn. “I was extremely proud to be a part of the team and of the work I put in to make it. I would definitely tell any aspiring cheerleaders that it is important to work for what you want.” It took a lot of motivation to go out and try out for something she had never done before. Kamryn continues to pursue perfection in her cheering by reminding herself that she has a whole team behind her and trusting that she will do her part to the best of her ability each and every time.
Although a standout on the sideline cheer team, Kamryn’s favorite part of cheer is competition season. “ I love challenging myself and watching my teammates do the same. It is so much fun to travel and bond even more with my team. By competition season, we really do feel like a family,” says Kamryn. The junior flyer says that game days are a really big deal at Fleming Island. The cheerleaders, football players, dance team, band, and color guard dress up, and the school is always buzzing with energy. As president of the Red Cross Club, assistant president of the Girl Up Club, and member of the Beta Club and National Honor Society, Kamryn is certainly well prepared to achieve her next goal of attending college in the state of Florida. “Kamryn embodies all of the positive characteristics of a true leader and human being. She is kind, respectful, dependable, inspiring, completely trustworthy, and genuinely cares about everyone around her,” said Coach Andrews.
In the Game | 39
Hannah Kaye Allen SCHOOL: University Christian | GRADE: 10th | POSITION: Flyer
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In third grade, Hannah filled in on varsity for an injured athlete so the team could still compete at the CCA Nationals.
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In fifth grade, Hannah learned the varsity routine in only one day and was able to compete flawlessly the next day.
Favorites: Athlete: Tim Tebow Sports team: Florida Gators Food: Ramen Noodles Restauraunt: Wasabi Superpower you wish you had: Power to heal Ideal place to travel: Hawaii Subject: Math Least favorite subject: English Celeb crush: Luke Bryan Song: Speakers by Sam Hunt Movie: Bring it On: In It to Win It (my coach is in it!) 40 | inthegamemagazine.com
At only 2 years old, Hannah began her first cheer/tumble class, and she has been hooked on cheerleading ever since. She has worked tirelessly throughout the years to become the best she can be and truly has a love for the sport of cheerleading. Hannah is constantly motivated by her unparalleled passion for the sport and is highly competitive against herself. “Once I achieve one goal, I constantly reach for higher, more challenging goals,” says Hannah. Coach Del Valle affirms that Hannah is a natural born leader who shines no matter what situation she is in. “She is the definition of perseverance,” says Coach Del Valle. “ Hannah has reached a level of talent that most girls only dream of, but is willing to do whatever is needed to ensure the team’s success. Hannah truly has the Lord’s blessing upon her.” According to Hannah, game days at University Christian are always electric, and she is proud to help add to the excitement. When not on the sidelines supporting the Fightin’ Christians, Hannah dances competitively on the
senior hip hop team, coaches special needs athletes, instructs the lower school cheer team, and is a member of a local competition cheer team, First Class Athletic. Another activity that Hannah is involved in that many people might not know is performing at the Jacksonville Sharks games. Hannah credits much of her success to having two incredible influences for not just cheerleading, but as life mentors. “My coaches, Jeleen De’Valle and Summer Hancock, have the strongest Christian character and promote the same in each of us,” says Hannah. “ I love that they totally believe in me and support me to push for higher and broader goals.” After high school, Hannah will be going to college and hopes to continue cheer and dance at the next level. She says that growing up in the south, supporting SEC football has always been a favorite family activity. With the Florida Gators being her favorite team, we might just be able to see Hannah wearing blue and orange next fall. With her drive, passion, and leadership, we believe she can accomplish anything she sets her mind to.
In the Game | 41
Emma Weiskopf
SCHOOL: Middleburg High School | GRADE: 11th | POSITION: Base
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2x UCA jump champion FHSAA Cheer State Title
Favorites: Athlete: Mattie Rogers Sports team: St. Louis Cardinals Food: Cookie Dough Restauraunt: Mellow Mushroom Superpower you wish you had: Super Stretch (Think of the jumps I could make!) Ideal place to travel: Rome Subject: Math Least favorite subject: Science Celeb crush: Zach Efron Song: Anything Broadway Movie: Annie (Original)
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Not many cheerleaders can say they also play football. Although it is not on the same team that she cheers for on Friday nights, Emma competes on the Middleburg flag football team every spring. She also stays in top shape during the winter as a member on the girl’s weightlifting team. We would be remiss if we failed to mention that she is also on the school competition cheer team and a member of the Premier Athletics All-Star Team. Simply put, this girl is tough! “Emma is a standout allaround athlete,” says Coach Austin. “Her work ethic is what separates her from others. She is always motivated, helps others, and never grimaces or complains when ‘one more time’ turns into 20.” Emma’s unwavering support from her parents is what she
says motivates her to excel in everything she does. “They encourage me to do my best, but support me when something goes wrong.” Emma is also driven by the principle of serving others. “Seven years ago, I lost my sister. I feel that I was left here for a reason; to make life better for other people, and I try to do that every day.” This sentiment is reflected in her goal to become a special needs teacher and volunteer at the Special Olympics after she graduates from the University of South Carolina. Coach Austin, who is praised highly by Emma for also having compassion towards others, says that Emma is a rare breed. “Emma can take a negative situation, work through it, and turn it into a positive. It is rare to find someone as genuine and sincere as she is!”
In the Game | 43
Could the Weather Have Anything to Do with My Pain? Presented by:
ecently it seems we have had a weather front coming through Jacksonville every other week. For some of our patients, this causes their pain levels to change rapidly and drastically. But does the weather really have anything to do with changes in pain levels? While there is not widespread agreement amongst scientists about the relationship between changing weather and pain, there are some theories about the potential relationship. A Significant drop in barometric pressure is the leading theory on this topic. Although many people say that their pain worsens with damp, rainy
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weather, research has shown that it’s not the cold, wind, rain, or snow. It is more likely the drop in barometric pressure associated with bad weather is the cause for increased pain. Barometric pressure refers to the weight applied to your body by the atmosphere. Imagine the capsules surrounding the joints are similar to a balloon. High barometric pressure, typically associated with good weather, regardless of the temperature, pushes against the body from the outside keeping these tissues from expanding. When a front comes through and the barometric pressure drops, the pressure applied to the “balloon� is less, allowing
the tissues to expand. Research has come to mixed conclusions. There are some people who say that the barometric pressure does not affect their pain. While this remains just a theory, barometric pressure seems a likely explanation because barometric pressure does affect our bodies. Some patients have thought that moving to a place with a warmer climate will help their pain levels. However, as mammals, humans adjust to their environment. This means that the body would adjust to the climate after living in the climate for some time. Here are some tips for dealing with fluctuating pain levels during weather changes.
TIPS: Stay warm: Dress in layers. Keep your house warm. Warm up the car before you have to get in it for work or errands. Sleep under and electric blanket. Try to prevent swelling: If you have joint pain in your hands, try wearing spandex gloves at night to keep swelling out of the joints. Wear compression stockings for joint pain in your legs. Keep moving: before going out into the elements, try moving around the house. Remember the pain is temporary: when inclement weather approaches, the barometric pressure drops are only temporary. The body will adjust to the barometric pressure changes.
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“He makes every team better because he’s a magnet for growth and positive outlooks. He played a key role on our teams at JU, and I know he’ll do super things at CCA.” - Alan Verlander, executive director at JAXSPORTS Council and Taxslayer Bowl
Success Goes Way Beyond the Score Coach Jim Stomps is a great fit for from the Christ’s Church Academy football program because of his faith and football belief system. written by Brent Beaird | photography by Catherine Neyhart Coach Jim Stomps is a great fit for from the Christ’s Church Academy football program because of his faith and football belief system. Stomps, in his first season, was hired in January after serving on the Birmingham Southern College football staff for a year as an assistant coach. He is no stranger to the Jacksonville area; Stomps spent two seasons as an assistant coach (1995-96) at Wolfson High and three seasons (1997-99) at Mandarin High School with his mentor, coach Craig Howard, who coached Tim Tebow at Nease High. “I’m a Craig Howard guy,” Stomps says. “We throw it around a bunch. We talk a couple of times per month. I wear a shirt and tie like Craig does.” Howard says Stomps was the first coach to get to school in the morning and the last to leave. He said Stomps ran the strength and conditioning program, mowed and lined the field, and even cleaned the stadium after the game. He said Stomps will do a great job at CCA. “The players will love him,” Howard says. “The parents will love him, because he will teach character values and teach having your priorities in order. The quicker his players buy in, the quicker the wins will come. Regardless of the wins on the scoreboard, his guys will leave the program as men of faith and character and know the value of hard work.” Howard’s motto is “Character, Strength and Honor”. Stomps adopted a variation of Howard’s motto of Character, Strength and Honor, instead using “Christ, Character and Class”. “I wanted to put emphasis on what God has done, how we can use football to show life lessons, and how we can use God’s leadership,” Stomps says. Stomps praised the CCA administration, including Head of School Dr. Madison Nichols, for offering students and faculty a strong combination of Christian values, athletics, and academics. “She (Dr. Nichols) supports football,” Stomps says. “My kids (Hannah and Brock) go there. My wife (Emily) teaches science there. The church and school strengthens the whole family atmosphere. The academics and athletics are put in a place that is Christ centered.” Nichols praised the work that Stomps has done with the football program. “CCA is an amazing school with amazing people, but Coach Stomps is one of those very special finds,” Nichols says. “He loves his players, loves football, and expects nothing but the best from our students. He is a role model and a true picture of the ‘Three C’s’ he expects his players to live by: Christ, Character, and Class.” Even though the football program has been in existence since 2007, it is still a young program, evidenced by the fact that the roster has around 35 players. “We are growing the program and honoring God as we grow,” Stomps says. Stomps says he was coaching in Oregon as a head coach and athletic director at Salem Academy Christian School (2010 – 2013) when he sensed a call to return to Jacksonville. “My grandmother and my wife’s grandmother died in same year,” Stomps says. “It was almost like (former Alabama head football coach) Paul ‘Bear’ Bryant said when momma (the University of Alabama-his alma mater) called him back to Tuscaloosa.” Stomps, who is the son of a Southern Baptist preacher, was born in Birmingham, Ala-
bama, and raised an hour away in Tuscaloosa. His wife, Emily, went to Ed White High School and the University of North Florida. Her family lives in the Jacksonville area, while his family lives in Alabama. “I look at this as my ministry,” Stomps says. “They honored me with the opportunity to be the head coach here.” Alan Verlander, who is the executive director at JAXSPORTS Council and Taxslayer Bowl, knew Stomps when both of them were at Jacksonville University. Verlander was the JU athletic director, and Stomps was an assistant with the Dolphins. Verlander says Stomps is a wonderful coach and even better man. Colin Litchfield, the teams’ assistant coach, says it’s a blessing to work with Stomps. “It’s a joy to be around coach and our kids,” Litchfield says. “At the end of the day, it’s all about God.” Stomps says CCA is a great place to have a school and play athletics. “We want to give a great product academically and athletically, and we want a good product to draw kids to come and to Christ’s Church,” Stomps says. “Our kids have bought in. Our stadium is right around the corner from our school. We’re going to play hard- nosed football and honor God. We’re an option to public schools. We don’t pull kids away. We don’t recruit. We already have academics second-to-none. It’s a great package for parents to bring kids to CCA.” As a teen, Stomps played high school football at Hillcrest High school in Tuscaloosa. His defensive coordinator was former Alabama defensive back Tommy Wilcox. “I learned a lot from him,” Stomps says. “He would tell us Coach Bryant stories. He was on 1978 team that stopped Penn State on the goal line (to win the national championship in the Sugar Bowl). Coach Bryant tipped his hat to the defense after goal-line stand. I have a picture of CCoach Bryant behind my desk.” Stomps says he respects Bryant’s influence to this day. “He started taking men and making them men of character,” Stomps says. “Coach Howard does same. I try to mimic men like (Georgia’s) Mark Richt, (former NFL coach) Tony Dungy, and (Clemson’s) Tommy Bowden.” Stomps is having a similar influence everywhere he goes.
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Northeast Florida's
2015 Boys Golf What You Should Know
Top 5 high school male golfers in Northeast Florida of 2015 1. Brandon Mancheno, Mandarin, Junior 2. Logan Membrino, Ponte Vedra, Senior 3. Michael Mattiace, Bolles, Senior 4. Graydon Kent, Ponte Vedra, Junior 5. William Levinson, Bolles, Sophomore Championship Golf History of Northeast Florida Schools: Individual Titles ANDREW JACKSON (1) Martin, Elliot – 1928 BARTRAM TRAIL (3) Ragland, Toby - 2003 Suri, Julian - 2007, 2008 CLAY (1) Waters, Charles - 1974 FLETCHER (2) Landrum, Vasco - 1940, 1941 NEASE (5) Brown, Preston - 2003 Covello, Vince - 2000 Mattiace, Leonard - 1984 Taylor, Benjamin - 1992 Wallace, Adam - 2001 PONTE VEDRA (1) Funk, Taylor – 2013 WOLFSON (1) Fox, John – 1968 Team Titles Most Team Championships Nease 1995, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2007 Bolles 1939, 2011 Bartram Trail 2008 Ponte Vedra 2013
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2015 Tournament Info (Locations listed are relevant to Northeast Florida) 3A District Locations Eagle Landing Oct. 13th, 2015 2A Districts Locations
Fernandina Beach Country Club
Oct. 13th, 2015
Palatka Golf Club Oct. 12th, 2015 1A Districts Locations Bent Creek Oct. 13th, 2015 Cimarron Oct. 13th 2015 2A Regionals Locations Palencia Club Oct. 19th, 2015 1A Regionals Locations The Golf Club at South Hampton Oct. 19th, 2015 1A State Finals Mission Inn and Resort Oct. 27th-28th, 2015 2A State Finals Mission Inn and Resort Oct. 30th- 31st, 2015 3A State Finals Mission Inn and Resort Nov. 3rd – 4th, 2015
October 2015
The 40-Yard Dash
NFL-Record 40-Yard Dash times (in seconds) Chris Johnson (RB) – 4.24 (2008) Dri Archer (RB) – 4.26 (2014) Marquise Goodwin (WR) – 4.27 (2013) Marcus Van Dyke (CB) – 4.28 (2011) Jacoby Ford (WR) – 4.28 (2010) Tye Hill (CB) – 4.30 (2006) Darrius Heyward-Bey (WR) – 4.30 (2009) Yamon Figurs (WR) – 4.30 (2007) Justin King (CB) – 4.31 (2008) Johnathan Joseph (CB) – 4.31 (2006) Tyvon Branch (CB) – 4.31 (2008)
Breaking it down
The dash was originally used as a telling sign of ability in what is commonly referred to as the “skill” positions (which include running back, wide receiver, and defensive back); these positions are usually expected to be the fastest, and, in the use of special teams, they can come in handy when it comes to field position after a punt. On the receiving end, having a faster player catching the punt can improve the chances that the ball will be advanced after the catch. On the other side, if faster players are trying to stop the individual catching the ball, there is a better chance of preventing any advancement. On average, the hang time, or the amount of time that a football spends in the air from kick to catch, is about four and a half seconds. Therefore, if a coach sees that a player can clear 40 yards in four and a half seconds (or less), that typically increases the player’s chance of becoming a high selection in the draft. ITG
nwod ti gnikaerB
Though there may be slight variants in distance, the average punt in the National Football League measures around 40 yards from the point that it is kicked to the point at which it is caught.
In the Game | 47
October November 2015
Beyond the Game with
Rashad Jennings F
or this issue’s column, I’ve decided to do something a little differently. I’m going to write this column primarily for the football players. At this time of the year, you’ve probably been grinding all summer in the weight room and on the field – highly anticipating your high school football season. I’ve been there. You’re craving to play under the Friday night lights again, and you’re doing what it takes to motivate yourself to continue to perform well in the sport you love. Actually, as I sit here and think of those days of high
school – trying to balance sports, school and life – I started to think about what I advice I would give to my high school self. I want to share that advice with you, in hopes that you’ll find some encouragement and realize that you may just be more on the right track than you think or give yourself credit for. In other ways, I hope it challenges you to push harder, be more disciplined, take discipline as an opportunity to grow, and learn from someone who has been in your shoes.
Dear Rashad, even In spite of all who said that you would never ly bemake it to the collegiate level; despite continual ing a 0.6 ing picked last, being overweight, and even hav ngs: GPA, you will be a conqueror if you do these thi ative Refuse to allow the opinions of others and the neg ires and life circumstances you face to overcome your des rn to love rob you of your dreams. Remind yourself to lea d whatthe process instead of the ultimate outcome. An rself ever you do, make sure that you never allow you , entitleto get caught up in this microwave, easy-access rth havment-driven society. Anything that is truly wo s a great ing is worth working hard for. I believe it wa when coach that once said, “Hard work beats talent and you talent doesn’t work hard.” So always work hard, talent! will either BE the best talent or BEAT the best Rashad -
A letter to my high school self
In the Game | 49
October November 2015
After reading this, some of you are probably thinking, “It’s easy for you to say all of that – you’re in the NFL now.” Yes. You’re right. My passions and my profession have collided, and for that I am very grateful and blessed. But that doesn’t change the preparation. I’ve always said, and continue to say today, “When opportunity presents itself, it’s too late to prepare.” I’ll always live by those words in everything I do. Regardless if I played in the
Rashad Andre Jennings is an American football running back for the New York Giants of the National Football League. Drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the seventh round of the 2009 NFL Draft, Jennings played for the Oakland Raiders in 2013 before signing with the Giants. Jennings played college football at Liberty. Born: Mar 26, 1985 (age 30) · Forest, VA 40-yard dash time: 4.59 seconds Height: 6’ 1” (1.85 m) Team: New York Giants · Running back · 23 Education: Liberty University Parents: Deborah Jennings · Albert Jennings
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NFL today or not, I’d still give myself and any current high school student-athlete the same advice, because I know that the preparation and habits of discipline that I instilled in myself then, would reap the benefits to where wherever life were to take me today. Stay encouraged, and prepare yourself for where you want to be, and more importantly, where you’re supposed to be. ITG
presented by
Photo caption: (l-r) Kevin Kaplan, MD, with Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute and head team physician for the Jaguars; Mark Lamping, Jaguars team president; the Honorable Lenny Curry, Mayor, City of Jacksonville; Robert Sefcik, executive director of the Jacksonville Sports Medicine Program; Dr. Nikolai Vitti, Superintendent, Duval County Public Schools; Amy Jorgenson with the NFL; Tim Cost, Jacksonville University president; and Peter Racine, president of the Jacksonville Jaguars Foundation.
Putting Student-Athletes First
Collaborative Partnership Places Certified Athletic Trainers in Duval County Public High Schools
W
hen you watch 16-year-old Nazah Reddick compete on her Raines High School track and field team, you may see her sprint by in the 200- or 400-meter dash, clear the pole in the high jump or take off in the air in the long jump. Also a member of the girls’ basketball team, Reddick is an allaround athlete whose versatility and talent are assets to the Raines Vikings’ athletics program. But Reddick had a scare two years ago when she did the high jump and fell off the mat, hitting her head on the ground. The resulting concussion earned her a trip to Wolfson Children’s Hospital where she was admitted for observation. Even though there were several coaches present when the accident occurred, no one with medical expertise was there to assist her. That’s why she and her father, Orain, made sure to be present at a press conference in July at EverBank Field to show their support for the announcement of Project 17, a collaborative effort between the Jacksonville Jaguars Foundation, National Football League (NFL), the City of Jacksonville, Jacksonville University (JU) and the Jacksonville Sports Medicine Program (JSMP) to place full-time certified athletic trainers in 17 Duval County public high schools by 2020. Until now, the schools only had access to part-time community-based athletic trainers who provided on-call services, mostly for football programs, which left other sports – like Reddick’s – without medical supervision. “We want our kids to participate in sports and do well, but as parents, we worry,” said Orain Reddick. “It certainly helps to know that someone who is qualified to handle an injury and even to prevent one is always going to be present at Nazah’s sporting events.” National statistics indicate the rate of sports-related injury among youth athletes can exceed 50 percent, and that certified athletic trainers specifically trained in preventing, recognizing and caring for these injuries are generally unavailable to high school student-athletes. Seeing this as a huge deficit in our community that required attention, the Jaguars Foundation, NFL, JU and JSMP came together to provide the funding and training needed to adequately support youth sports injury prevention and care. “This project is possible because of multiple agencies working together for the common goal of increasing safety in our public school athletic programs,” said Robert Sefcik, ATC, LAT, executive director of the JSMP, which organizes the finances, medical direction and development of the policies, procedures and best practices to be followed by the school athletic trainers and dedicated volunteer team physicians. The NFL kicked off the creation of the program with a $50,000 grant that was
matched by other community support. JU then pledged to develop the academic curriculum for certified athletic trainers, and is in the process of creating a fellowship pathway program that will allow students access to a newly created Master of Kinesiological Science program with an emphasis in movement sciences, starting in the fall of 2016. The total funding needed for the five-year program will come primarily from public and private funding, and the grants. Once up and running, the school district will take over the program’s costs. Certified athletic trainers are essential health care professionals who provide a safe playing environment, evaluate injuries, implement rehabilitation programs for the return of activity following injury, and provide expertise in outlining sports programs that focus on safe participation. According to Kevin Kaplan, MD, an orthopedic surgeon with Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute and head team physician for the Jacksonville Jaguars, the risks of injury have increased as student-athletes are getting bigger, faster and stronger. Participation in athletics teaches young athletes valuable life lessons about teamwork, leadership, motivation, commitment and selfconfidence. These benefits, he said, should always outweigh the risks. “Having certified athletic trainers on site can help reduce injuries, and they are trained in properly managing injuries when they do occur. It’s time to move away from the thought that these professional health care providers are a luxury, and embrace them as a necessity,” said Dr. Kaplan. “Professional athletes have certified athletic trainers 100 percent of the time. Student athletes should have that same advantage.” The first five certified athletic trainers to receive full-time placement beginning this school year are: Chris Green, ATC, at Andrew Jackson; Tatiana Burrough, ATC, at Baldwin; Blake Germann, ATC, at Englewood; Melissa Angel, ATC, at Ribault; and Phillip Fain, ATC, at Raines. “From the principal to the coaches at Raines High School, everyone is eager to learn about certified athletic trainers and the services I’ve come to provide, and that has been very rewarding,” said Fain. “The Project 17 initiative is phenomenal, and to be one of the first five is an opportunity of a lifetime. I have the chance to establish athletic training in a secondary school, and make Raines safe!” Placed at Reddick’s school, Fain will be there for her, her teammates and all students participating in sports at Raines – something for which she and her father are grateful. “I’m really happy about that,” said Nazah. “It makes me feel better knowing that someone’s there looking out for me.” You can get more information about Project 17 from the JSMP by calling 904.202.4332. In the Game | 51
Ponte Vedra High School
Hannah Berman
Ponte Vedra has made its name as a golf community throughout the years. One player who exemplifies this is Ponte Vedra High senior Hannah Berman, who continues to search for new ways to make a difference both on and off the course. written by Anthony Richards | photography by Lynn Damm
h
Berman could tell early on that the game of golf was a perfect fit. As an 8-year-old, she partnered with her first coach and continued to climb to higher level tournaments and coaches from there, while never feeling as comfortable with any other sport. “When I was 12, I began to realize that I could do this professionally, and certainly in high school,” Berman says. Family has been a major influence from the time that she first swung a golf club and continues to be the main source of encouragement to this day. “My grandpa got me started,” Berman says. “They are always in my corner trying to help, and I really don’t know if I would have continued without their support.” The key to her success is accuracy off the tee; she has developed a reputation for rarely missing fairways, the first step to playing a good hole. At the same time that she realized that golf had a future in her life, she also started a fundraiser for cystic fibrosis called “Hitting it with Hannah.” Her relentless community initiative took center stage over the summer; she was chosen as the female recipient of the 2015 USGA-AJGA Presidents’ Leadership Award, which takes into account attributes of character and leadership. “It’s the most important award that I could have ever won,” Berman says. “I always did it because there are just so many people that need help. It means the world to them just to know that somebody cares.” Berman enters her second season as captain and seventh season playing golf at the varsity level after spending sixth grade to her freshman year of high school at Bolles before transitioning to Ponte Vedra. “The captains that I had at Bolles were so influential in my life,” Berman says. “It’s been fun to look over these [Ponte Vedra] girls for the past two years.” The work that Berman has continued to do for her community throughout the years is something that she can rely upon when tough circumstances arise in the middle of a round. “You can get frustrated on the course very eas-
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ily, but knowing that my problems will never be as big as the people I need to help, keeps it all in perspective,” Berman says. The mindset required for golf is unique from various team sports; the individual pressure is almost unavoidable, and the only way to relieve it is to make the necessary shot. “You’re kind of on your own out there on the course, and I have control of everything,” Berman says. “The quiet nature appeals to me, and it is different from what I normally like, which is being in a crowd of people.” She had a busy and competitive summer, with an array of events that included qualifying for the U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship in Portland, Ore. “It was probably the coolest experience of my life,” Berman says. “There’s a higher level of play, and you see how they interact with the caddies and how they handle themselves. It was a really big learning opportunity.” The qualifying process came down to eight girls in a playoff to claim the final spot in Florida. Berman finished in the first alternate spot, and a week later, she received a call that someone had dropped out and that she had the lowest qualifying score of any state. “I definitely played much better than I did last summer,” Berman says. “My game really came together toward the end.” Playing and experiencing higher quality tournaments has helped fine-tune her game for what she hopes is an unforgettable senior season. As for most golfers, repetition is important and a key tool toward improvement. Berman is no different; she practices an average of four hours a day (with an occasional Monday off) and tournaments usually taking place on weekends. “It’s nice not to be an individual all the time, because as a team, you’ve got more people that can help,” Berman says. “I’ve seen how hard they’ve worked, and every year you learn so much more.” She is currently committed to play golf at the University of West Florida, and after that her sights will shift to a possible career on the LPGA or Symetra Tour.
>> Driving average: 220 yards What’s in her bag? Ping 125 irons, Titleist Vokey wedges, TaylorMade R15 driver, TaylorMade woods and hybrids and a TaylorMade Spider Mallet putter Favorite course: Tie between Sawgrass CC and Ponte Vedra Lagoon course Best Score: Lowest high school round was a four-under 67, winning the Regional Championship in 2014 Shot a one-under 71 at Vero Beach CC in July to qualify for the 2015 US Women’s Amateur Championship Favorite thing about junior golf: The opportunity golf has given her to contribute to the community and the friends she has made from around the world. Favorite golf moment:
“You can get frustrated on the course very easily, but knowing that my problems will never be as big as the people I need to help, keeps it all in perspective.”
Playing the US Women’s Amateur Championship was by far my most incredible tournament experience. Off the course, receiving the USGAAJGA Presidents’ Leadership Award was the top honor
In the Game | 53
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Bucky the Buc is always ready for a photo!
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1. Bishop Kenny student section showing support for their reigning state champion volleyball team. 2. Fleming Island bringing the thunder! 3. Purple Pride! 4. Packed house at Mandarin for their first pep rally of the year! 5. The Mustang faithful! 6. The SHS Saint Squad decked out in highlighter colors! 7. Haley, Kirsten, and Rachel taking
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a photo opportunity during the weather delay while supporting their Sharks! 8. Yellow Jackets getting ready to take on cross-town rival Menendez 9. The Knightmares of Oakleaf know how to bring it! 10. Terry Parkerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cheer squad is always ready for the camera! 11. New design for the Creekside Knights in 2015
Sprains vs. Strains Greg Heeter MS, ATC, LAT
T
he two most common injuries seen in athletics are strains and sprains. Understanding the differences between these is important during the healing process. A strain is a tear of the muscle fibers or tendon. This can happen when someone overstretches the muscle during activity or an excessive muscle contraction. Persons with a muscle strain may present signs and symptoms such as muscle weakness, sharp pain, swelling, inflammation, and spasm. Immediate treatment for a muscle strain is rest and ice. No activity or stretching for the athlete for about 3-4 days is crucial in order to prevent further damage to the muscle. A sprain is a tear or rupture of a ligament. Ligaments are located in joints and are primary stabilizers. So Sports Medicine Provider for:
when someone tears or ruptures a ligament, the joint is considered unstable. Signs and symptoms of a joint sprain are pain, swelling, bruising, and the feeling of â&#x20AC;&#x153;instabilityâ&#x20AC;?. Each ligament serves a purpose, so treatments may vary depending on the severity and which ligament is affected. Ice and compression should be utilized immediately to reduce the amount of swelling in the joint. Taking advantage of gravity by keeping the compromised joint elevated above the heart will assist in decreasing swelling. Once swelling has reduced, strengthening the musculature around the joint is necessary in order to protect and stabilize the joint. The prevention of these injuries will save you time and pain. In order to do that, regular exercise and strengthening will be beneficial.
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Life of a Coach’s Wife
Alycia Kopp Q: What is your role with the team? Do you let your husband do his thing, or are you handson with the team? A: My most important role is supporting him. I do whatever I can to support him and whatever he needs, and yes, I’m very involved, but in an ‘on the sidelines’ kind of way. He is the leader, and I help out in whatever way he wants me to help out, or I’m just the cheerleader on the side. Q: What’s a typical Friday night routine for you? A: Well, last year I kind of took over concessions. So I would get there early to set up everything that needed to be set up for concessions. And then I had volunteers that worked shifts, so once everything was all set up and my volunteers would show up, I would just plant myself in my seat, because once the game starts, I don’t like to get up too much; I don’t want to be distracted. I enjoy football: I always have, and that’s been our life, so basically my Friday night is sitting there in those bleachers screaming with all the other fans. Q: Are you the loudest one out there? A: No, not by far.
Q: Do you go to a lot of away games? A: Oh yeah, oh yeah. I have a daughter who’s going to be a senior in high school and a son who’s going to be an eighth grader, so yeah, we turn it into a road trip. We don’t have to go far, the farthest we probably go is Tallahassee or maybe close to Daytona, but we absolutely go. We don’t ride the bus, we drive ourselves, but yeah, I’m at every game. And I’m close to a lot of the player’s parents, all the parents at Providence. Since my kids go there, I’ve gotten to know a lot of the parents and I’ve gotten to be good friends with quite a few of them. Q: What about the players? Are you close with any of them? A: Yeah, my daughter is a senior, so she’s friends with half those guys. So it’s like “oh there’s McKenzie’s mom”, or “there’s Coach Kopp’s wife”; but yeah, I know them all. Matter of fact, the other day, after their workouts on Friday, I was doing my own little workout, and when we were all done, we all hopped in our cars and went to Smoothie King together. They’re great boys, they really are. Q: I know your husband used to play in the NFL, and for a time for the Jaguars. Tell us a little about that; was the transition from player to coach an easy one? A: Well, the transition lasted for many, many years because after football, he did a lot of other things before he came back to coaching. So the transition was more of a transition from football to real life. And then the coaching just kind of came, eventually, very easily. Q: Did he always want to coach football? A: No; maybe in the back of his mind he thought that might be
kind of cool someday, but when he finished playing in the NFL I don’t think he knew what he wanted to do, which is probably a normal thing for most players. But, with the kind of guy he is, the transition for him was very easy because he lived in the real world. He wasn’t a starter or a bigtime player thinking he was going to do this forever; he was realistic. So when it was over, he said “well that was a great ride, that was fun, but this is life, and let’s move on”, and I think he did it very well.
Q: How did the two of you meet? A: We both went to USC, I had already graduated and was working for the athletic department. I did corporate sponsorships for Nike and Pepsi and Gatorade and I would take the sponsors on the football field for practices and stuff, and I guess that’s how we met eyes and connected. So, we’re both Trojans but we’re as far away from Trojan-land as possible, so we’ve kind of adopted an SEC school since we’ve lived here, because that’s what you’ve gotta do, so we’re now Georgia Bulldog fans because that’s where our daughter wants to go. We’ve been married 19 years, we just celebrated in May. Q: Tell me about your kids. Is it difficult to balance a team and a family at the same time? A: Yes, my daughter runs track so she’s got the athlete mindset. My son is all about football; as a matter of fact in another year, my husband will be coaching him. Sometimes Jeff will bring him along to some of the offseason workouts to let him work out with the varsity players. And all the guys know my son, Cody. I mean, they love him. So, since both my kids play sports, and my husband is actually the coach at their school, we’re just all in. And life at school and life at home kind of blend.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like people to know about you or about your husband? A: He is all about leading those young men. Sure, he cares about wins. But it’s not all about the wins and losses. What he’s there for and what he’s passionate about and why he chose high school football- he had the opportunity to go to higher levels- but he wanted to make a difference. He really feels passionate about leading those boys and changing their hearts, and hopefully winning some games along the way! Also, it’s manageable hours and he’s able to balance family, whereas with college coaching, we would never see him. And that suits some people, but it wouldn’t suit him because family is super important to him, and we’re lucky for that, that family is so important. We’re just lucky to be at Providence because it’s just a place we feel like he was meant to be- coaching these boys and doing what he’s doing. I mean, his passion has never been higher, and he’s done a lot of things in his life where he’s had a lot of passion. This is it, I don’t think he’s going anywhere for a long time. My role is to raise our kids and to support him, and we’re a team.
Every Saturday, because I couldn’t carry tw enty pallets of Gatora de and water on my ow n, Jeff and I would go to Sam’s Club, head coac h and his wife going to Sa m’s Club, stocking up the concession stand for ne xt week’s game! And he jus t would chuckle pushing the cart, saying “look at th is, we’re doing all the wo rk!” But he loves it. He’s all about being a servant leader, not taking credit for anything, and leading by ex ample.
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Q: Some coaches have rituals or superstitions on game days; do you or your husband have any? A: None that I know of, but he may have a few that he keeps to himself. I think last year, or the year before, he liked to wear the same color shirt or hat no matter what the rest of the team or coaches wore. He’s not the traditional coach, and by that I mean he doesn’t give in to the outside pressures of the wins and losses. Not to say that he doesn’t care about the wins, but he doesn’t give in to the pressures of the media, parents, other coaches, other schools. It’s kind of a process for him, one day at a time, and I think he takes a little bit of a different approach than a traditional coach; whereas a traditional
coach would have superstitions, I don’t think he does. I don’t think he buys into that sort of thing.
In the Game | 57
KEEP Calm and Play High School Sports
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Northeast Florida's
2015 Girls Golf What You Should Know
Top 5 high school FEmale golfers in Northeast Florida of 2015 Hannah Berman, Ponte Vedra, Senior Lauren Waidner, Fleming Island, Junior Abby Burditt, Bartram Trail, Senior Emily Uhland, Providence, Senior Sophie Membrino, Ponte Vedra, Sophomore Championship Golf History of Northeast Florida Schools: Individual Titles
2015 Tournament Info (Locations listed are relevant to Northeast Florida) 2A Districts Locations
PONTE VEDRA (1) Donovan, Nicolette – 2013
Fernandina Beach Country Club Oct. 13th, 2015
TERRY PARKER (1) Bowman, Tamera - 1968
Palatka Golf Club Oct. 12th, 2015
WESTSIDE (FORREST) (1) Trent, Kelly - 1978
1A Districts Locations Bent Creek Oct. 13th, 2015
Most Team Championships Terry Parker 1966, 1967, 1968, 1970
Cimarron Oct. 13th 2015
Bolles 1939, 2011 Bartram Trail 2008 Ponte Vedra 2013
3A Regionals Locations Golf Club at Fleming Island Oct. 20th, 2015 1A State Finals Mission Inn and Resort Oct. 27th-28th, 2015 2A State Finals Mission Inn and Resort Oct. 30th- 31st, 2015 3A State Finals Mission Inn and Resort Nov. 3rd – 4th, 2015