January 2014 Northeast Florida Edition by ITG Next Magazine

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

In This Issue:

NORTHEAST FLORIDA

CONTENTS

December 2014 January 2015

2014 FHSAA 5A State Champions

23 Academic Athlete

Brittany Bowald

Atlantic Coast High School

26 Player Spotlight Boys’ Basketball 33 Player Spotlight

Girls’ Basketball

40 Inspirational Story

Jacob Martin

Yulee High School

45 Coach’s Corner

Also Inside

08 On the Cover Bishop Kenny Volleyball

Kathy Brannan

Orange Park High School

50 Team Spotlight Lady Bears Weightlifting

Bartram Trail High School

52 Freshman Focus

One on One: Christian Laettner

What is an Athletic Trainer?

Stanton Senior Seeks Elusive State Title

Duke Commit Looks to Help Capture Fourth Consecutive State Title

A Buc’s Life: Oceanway Pop Warner

Father-Daughter Duo: Karri and Jacob Nantz

Wrestling Spotlight: Adam Breindel, Clay High School

Creekside High School Wrestling

Sports After Wisdom Teeth Removal

Corky Rogers: Greatness on the Gridiron

Gilbert Repeats as City Champions

Timeless Moments in Sports

Nutrition: Holiday Eating

In the Stands

Ashley Hargiss

Duval Charter School at Baymeadows

55 Rising Star

Peyton Hughes

Lake Asbury Middle School

45 52

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HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

NORTHEAST FLORIDA

December 2014 January 2015

Publisher Mark Dykes

Editor

Mark Dykes Sarah Turner

Graphics

Jennifer Alexander

Cover Photography Amanda Callender

Feature Photography Beverly Pye Amanda Callender Patrick Crawford Larry Heckel Joey Lopes

Feature Writer

Joey Lopes Brandon Ibarra Jessica Babcock James Washington Sarah Turner

Copy Editors

James Washington Sarah Turner

Advertising/Marketing

Mark Dykes mark@inthegamemagazine.com Skyler Callender skyler@inthegamemagazine.com

Website Manager Sarah Turner

From the Publisher Contributors Wrestling. Basketball. Cheerleading. Volleyball. And, of course, football. These are but a few of the sports we cover in this month’s edition of In the Game High School Sports Magazine. It is a sign that we are moving away from football and into the winter sports. The December edition features some truly amazing athletes and coaches. Of all the stories we have this month, none is more inspiring than that of Jacob Martin, now an assistant coach with Yulee High School. Jake was born with Down’s Syndrome. After being told that there wouldn’t be much he would accomplish, he defied the odds and made tremendous progress. One day, he decided to join the Yulee High football team. His teammates and coaches immediately accepted him, and Jake even saw the field several times that year. Now he has graduated and has joined the staff of his alma mater. His is truly an amazing story.

Mark Dykes Publisher

We also spent a few minutes with Christian Laettner, who now calls Ponte Vedra home. A native of Angola, New York (a suburb of Buffalo), Laettner has chosen to spend his post-basketball life in the warmer climate of Northeast Florida. Sports fans remember his heroics at Duke University and his 17-year NBA career. Though he has retired from basketball, Laettner has been far from inactive. We caught up with him, and he let us in on what he’s been up to lately. Christian Laettner may be the only celebrity in this month’s magazine, but we have several young men and women who very well could be famous athletes in their own right. Among them are 12-year-old Peyton Hughes, a student at Lake Asbury Middle School who is already a national wrestling champion, Clay High School’s Adam Breindel, a returning state champion, and University Christian’s Ja-Tavia Tarpley, a junior who was 2014’s First Coast Player of the Year.

Sarah Turner Editor

Our Coach’s Corner is Kathy Brannan, a cheerleading coach at Orange Park High School who is retiring after 43 years of teaching and coaching. She has certainly seen and done just about everything there is to see and do in a teaching and coaching career. I couldn’t end this letter without mentioning the state champions over at Bishop Kenny. The girls volleyball team took home the title against Merritt Island after a near-perfect season, and now, the squad is in the spotlight and on the cover of this issue. This part of the year is one of transition. We move away from a football-dominated period of the year into one that features a greater diversity of sports. Football and basketball overlap, and down here, tennis, golf, and soccer aren’t necessarily considered minor sports like they are in our other territories. So we have a number of headline-grabbing sports, athletes, and coaches all playing at the same time or nearly the same time. It’s an exciting time for high school sports, and we couldn’t be happier to be here with you, bringing you the very best in high school sports that North Florida has to offer. Thanks again for picking up a copy of In the Game. We hope you enjoy the newest issue! Also, don’t forget to tune in to our new TV show every Saturday afternoon at 3:30 on WJXT!

For distribution or subscription information contact: info@inthegamemagazine.com For advertising information call: 888-715-4263 M & S Media Group, Inc. 13245 Atlantic Blvd., Suite 4191 Jacksonville, FL 32225

In the Game High School Sports Magazine 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 Publishing Group, Inc. makes no representation or warranty of any kind for accuracy of content. All advertisements are assumed by the publisher to be correct. Copyright 2014 Dykes Publishing Group, Inc. All rights reserved. ISSN 1945-1458.

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Patience Pays Off

Bishop Kenny Girls Volleyball Takes State Title by Sarah Turner

he Bishop Kenny girls volleyball team has been thirsty for a state title, and that thirst was quenched in a battle against Merritt Island High School on November 14. Although the squad came into the game with a near perfect record and had beaten Merritt Island already back in October, the game wasn’t handed to them. “We came out fired up; the first 10 points were close, a battle back and forth, and then our serving really took off and enabled us to get a significant lead,” head coach Suzanne Winkler said. “Our offense helped us hold that lead along with

our blocking.” The second round started off similarly with a close start, but the Lady Crusaders eventually widened the score gap. In the final round, Bishop Kenny was losing significantly—at one point 9-3; however, they came back to win that round also. The final score of each round was: 25-10, 25-18, 25-17. Bishop Kenny started off the season as a Florida favorite. However, the road to success was all but smooth. In the squad’s very first week, a starter went down with an injury and was out for a month. From back injuries to concussions, the group was faced with an array

photography by Amanda Callender

of challenges, not including those they faced during game time. “Literally, every game there was a different starting six,” Winkler said. “These girls adjusted, and they really played through it. Once we got our original starting six back, which really wasn’t until the very end of the season, we were challenged all the time.” Getting to the top has been a work in progress for Bishop Kenny. While their last state championship was in 1999, they have had the title dangled right in front of them for nearly a decade. Their first shot came in 2005. The team made it to the final game and lost. Nearly

On the Cover

every year since then, they have made it to the final four, where they usually lost to the team who won it all. “Almost” is out of their vocabulary today, however. The Lady Crusaders are ranked number one in the state of Florida, and they are among the top 20 teams in the country. Throughout their battle to the top this year, they had the opportunity to defeat five other state champions in different classifications. “It was a great year led by eight tremendous seniors, and their leadership is what enabled us to be successful,” Winkler said. With eight seniors and a state title, you better believe some of these girls are going on to the next level. A few notable mentions are as followed: Molly Burkhardt (#13), a setter and outside hitter who played a solid match offensively and defensively in the championship, will play for the University of South

Florida. Denvyr Tyler-Palmer (#3), an outside hitter who led the squad offensively during the championship with 15 kills, is undecided but will definitely play in college. Leading the team defensively was Sophia Liguori (#7) who will head to Wofford College. Nadine Williams (#4), outside hitter, will go on to play at Santa Fe College. Even with the best talent around,

a team isn’t superior unless they have a dedicated coach behind them. Suzanne Winkler has a love for volleyball that has not only put her in a coaching position, but has also allowed her to play at the collegiate and professional level. She was inducted into the Merrimount University hall of fame in 2008. This season was only Winkler’s 12th season coaching volleyball. ITG

One on One: CHRISTIAN LAETTNER by Brandon Ibarra photography by Amanda Callender

ven the most casual of sports fans know who Christian Laettner is. He’s the guy from “The Shot”: the game-winning turnaround jumper off the full-court inbound pass from Grant Hill as the clock ran out in overtime that propelled Duke University to the National Championship Game in 1992. You may not have known that was him, but you’ve seen the play. Sports Illustrated called it the best college basketball game ever. Laettner went to four straight Final Fours during his career at Duke. He holds several NCAA Tournament records and was a career 48.5 percent 3-point shooter. He is arguably the greatest Blue Devil of all time. He was the only college player selected to the ’92 Olympic Dream Team, unequivocally the best basketball team ever assembled. He brought back a gold medal from Barcelona that summer and learned how to be a professional from Michael, Magic, and Bird before ever playing in an NBA game. “It made me see right away why those guys were so good: how hard they worked, their diet, and their strength and conditioning. Their skill level which was just off the charts,” Laettner said. “So, it really helped me to see what it takes to be a very good player and gave me things to strive for, because every single one of those guys on that team was just a once-in-a-lifetime player.” He was the third-overall pick by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the ’92 NBA Draft and spent 13 years in the league. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010. And yet all of that gets overshadowed by “The Shot.” To be known for one play instead of an entire career, well it could make a guy bitter, but Laettner denies the sentiment vehemently. “It doesn’t hurt or frustrate me or anything,” he said. “It’s just all love and fun and good times, good memories. Some people have long, distinguished careers, and they’re still not remembered. So for me to be lucky enough to have one single play that can at least be remembered for a while in a certain community or certain time of year like in March, it really seems to pick up my relevancy, and that’s fine. I’m lucky. I enjoy it.” 10

LAETTNER WORKS WITH THE KIDS ON HUSTLING TO THE WHISTLE WHEN IT’S BLOWN AND SPLITTING INTO GROUPS ON THE HOP. HIS GOAL ISN’T TO MOLD THEM IN TO FUTURE NBA ALL-STARS. HE’S TEACHING THEM TO BE COACHABLE.

Laettner has made North Florida his home for the past 10 years. He and his wife visited with some friends in the late ‘90s while he played for the Atlanta Hawks, and they fell in love with the area, minus the heat and humidity during the summer months. He started the Christian Laettner Basketball Academy (www.theclba.com) in June 2010. He realized his love of coaching during his time as an assistant in the NBA Developmental League and came home to start his own academy. Then he started connecting with other youth basketball programs in the area, with i9 being one of the first. He loves to coach and share his knowledge. He’s here at Bishop Snyder High School at 9:00 am on a Sunday morning teaching a group of 30 fiveyear-olds how to line up in single-file. It’s how he was raised; it’s in his genes. “People always wonder, ‘Why are you doing this?’ I think it’s in my DNA. My parents, both of them were teachers, coaches, so I love doing it.” Laettner works with the kids on hustling to the whistle when it’s blown and splitting into groups on the hop. His goal isn’t to mold them into future NBA AllStars. He’s teaching them to be coachable.

“I want the parents to realize that my heart’s into this, and my mind is into it and that I’m using brain power thinking of the important things to teach these kids. I also want to help the parents so their job at home is easier, and the kids are listening and following simple instructions. I can see the improvement in the kids, and it’s a lot of fun. It’s very rewarding for me.” He already has camps lined up for next summer in New York, Minnesota, and North Dakota. Laettner was a member of the ABA Jacksonville Giants for a short time in 2011. Even at age 39, the desire to compete remained strong. “I was still looking to run up and down the court a little bit,” he says.

He is still affiliated with the team, takes his family to a game every year, and is planning to host a collaborative camp in the near future. Now he’s 45, and he knows he’s done. But he still regrets retiring when and how he did. “I regret that I stopped after 13 years, but I was having back issues. The doctors said your back could go out one more time, and you’ll never be able to stand up straight for the rest of your life. So I quit after 13 years, but in hindsight, I should’ve pushed through two more years, because I miss it. I love it. I miss all that stuff. It’s a lot of fun playing in the NBA, so if I had to do it all over again, I would’ve played two more years, and if I get hurt, I get hurt.” His goals these days are to building his academy and spending time with his wife and three children. “Everything is growing. Everything is doing well. I think this could even grow more where there’s more kids at every workout. Every year, we seem to have about 100 to 120 kids. It would be fun to maybe get it up to 150 kids, but that’s what I’m focusing on now.” ITG

Stanton Senior Seeks Elusive State Title by Jessica Babcock

ndrew Murnin’s goal for his team this season is simple: to make a deep run in the state playoffs. Andrew is currently a senior at Stanton College Preparatory School, and he feels that with a great coach and nine returning starters, this year will make for one of the strongest teams the school has had in a long time. Head coach Steve Stone has been coaching both club and high school soccer for over 35 years, coaching the last 26 years at Stanton. Coach Stone’s favorite thing about coaching is trying to have a positive impact on his player’s lives by trying to teach them life lessons as well as soccer skills. Last season, the Blue Devils finished with 19 wins, two losses, and one tie. They captured the District Championship over rival Paxon, but lost to Nease by a penalty kick shootout in the Regional Semifinals. Andrew started playing soccer when he was just five years old. His parents initially put him in it to give him something to do, but then he ended up liking it on his own. Today, Andrew devotes five days a week to practices and games for both his club and school teams. “Andrew is a great leader,” said Coach Stone. “He has been team captain for the past two years as he leads by example on and off the field. Andrew is always offering praise and encouragement to his team mates. He is also very respectful of officials, coaches and opponents.” A striker, Andrew has racked up

Andrew Murnin Stanton College Preparatory School

Favorite Athlete:

Landon Donovan Ideal Place to Travel: Florida Keys

Favorite Actor:

Will Ferrell

Android or Apple: Android Favorite Subject: Science

Least Favorite Subject: Math 14

Superpower You Wish You Had: The Ability to Read Minds

photography by Larry Heckel

quite a few goals over his previous three seasons at Stanton. As a freshman, Andrew led the JV team with 21 goals and 14 assists. As a sophomore, Andrew was called up from the JV team mid-way through the season and scored seven goals and five assists. Last year as a junior, he led his team in scoring with 19 goals and seven assists. “I am really fast and I am a smart player,” Andrew said. “I make good runs on the ball.” “The team respects his play and sportsmanship,” Coach Stone said. “Andrew is a great model for the players to follow because of his passion for the game and his desire to succeed.” Andrew’s favorite part about playing soccer has been the opportunity to play with the same group of friends since he was 10 years old. They are on the same club team and luckily, all got into Stanton. “I have really enjoyed playing with them,” Andrew said. “It has been a really big part of why I love soccer.” Andrew has had a few schools from up north contact him, but he is still deciding what he wants to do with his soccer career. There is no doubt that Coach Stone believes Andrew could, and should, play college ball. “Andrew has a future playing soccer at the next level,” Coach Stone said. “He has all the necessary skills and tools, but also the intangibles that coaches look for in a player.” ITG

Duke Commit Looks to Help Capture Team’s Fourth Consecutive State Title by Jessica Babcock

C Chelsea Burns

St. Johns Country Day School

Favorite Athlete: Ali Krieger

Ideal Place to Travel: Africa

Celebrity Crush: Ryan Reynolds

Android or Apple: Apple Favorite Subject: Science Least Favorite Subject: Spanish Gatorade/Powerade: Gatorade Favorite Movie: End of Watch Superpower You Wish You Had: Telepathy

helsea Burns tried a lot of different sports as she was growing up. She earned her black belt in Tae Kwon Do, but soccer always remained the constant. Burns has been playing since she was about three or four years old. Today, in her second and final year at St. Johns Country Day School, Burns is looking to help her team attain their fourth consecutive state championship. Burns attended Episcopal School of Jacksonville from seventh to tenth grade. Prior to her junior year she transferred to St. Johns. “I like the small school environment of St. Johns where everyone is really close to each other,” Burns said. Burns is a captain and thinks it is important to be vocal and encouraging with teammates. She leads by example and feels that if she works really hard, her teammates might see that and get inspired to put in the same amount of effort. “She is a great leader, both verbally and by her actions,” head coach Mike Pickett said. “Our players all look up to her because of her strong work ethic. She also encourages her teammates to train hard.” Coach Pickett has been coaching for about 28 years. He loves the game and was influenced greatly by his high school and college coaches. Pickett’s favorite thing about coaching is being able to watch a player progress and pick things up that are being trained. Even though Burns and her team joke around and constantly share laughs, Coach Pickett runs a tight ship. Practices are business. Hard work yields high results. Practices are hard because Coach Pickett believes that is what it takes to win championships. Burns has always been a real physical player, so she felt at home playing defense. It was something that just fit her strengths well. In the beginning, Burns was a midfielder because she could attack the

photography by Larry Heckel

ball and run past people. Since that is no longer satisfying, Burns found a place where she can battle for 50/50 blows. “Chelsea is a great leader on and off the field,” Coach Pickett said. “She is a great competitor and wants to be the best at everything she does.” Burns feels that her best attribute would probably be her athleticism. Some is natural ability, but a lot of it is a product of all of the hard work she has put in. Burns has been a part of the Florida Youth Soccer Association’s, FYSA, Olympic Development Program since she was about 13 years old. The mission of the FYSA is to identify players for men’s and women’s Youth National Teams, according to their website. Through this program, Burns is able to train, play and compete against the best players in her age group. Her least favorite part about playing so much soccer would be the social aspect, or lack thereof. Burns has given up going to prom and homecoming dances, key parts of the high school experience. But even more than that, Burns has given up a lot of time with her family and her twin sister. “I think if I could go back I would do it the same way,” Burns said. “But not spending time with my family for many of my summers and many of my long breaks was definitely a sacrifice.” In the spring semester of Burns’ sophomore year, she verbally committed to play soccer at Duke University. Since then it has been a waiting game. Burns is now preparing for the end of her senior year and for signing her letter to Duke in the spring. It is all starting to feel more real now that Burns has received her acceptance letter. “I felt really inclined to use my soccer to get a great education, and I would love to play on the National team if that opportunity ever presented itself,” Burns said. But my main focus has always been to get a really great job and kind of continue on with my life after college soccer." ITG

A Buc’s Life Oceanway Pop Warner by Amanda Callender

outh sports have come a long way from the days of sandlots and backyard pick-up games. It may come as a shock to some, but the activities that used to be a fun way for boys and girls to pass their time have now become controversial. The most common concern for parents, including professional athletes, are the injury risks associated with sports, particularly football. At Sheffield Park in Jacksonville, the Oceanway Sports Association Buccaneers are proving that “safety first” doesn’t have to mean coming in second. The football players and cheerleaders have each earned their share of victories. Last year, the Junior Midget boys won a city championship and made it to the second round of regionals. The Junior Pee Wee cheerleaders made it all the way to Nationals and took home third place. The D3 Junior Pee Wee team won the city championship and the first round of playoffs this year, and they are heading to regionals.

D3 is one of the three divisions designed to group the young athletes by experience and ability. Separating the boys into teams that are well matched in size and skill helps reduce the risk of injury and keeps the competitive spirit alive. The D3 team heading to regionals is made up of mostly first- and second-year players who would not likely see that kind of success without the division breakdown. Pop Warner is also a Heads Up certified program, which means the coaches have been trained in proper blocking and tackling techniques. The coaches understand what a privilege and responsibility it is to be involved in shaping these young men and women, and you can tell they take pride in that. OSA and Pop Warner have really set themselves apart from other youth sports programs. They have shown that you don’t have to give up the desire to win to play safely. Coach Tony Herrera has been involved with Pop Warner football for the last 15 years, and is

photos provided by Oceanway Sports Association

currently coaching these young men, teaching them to strive for success on and off the field. The players learn football techniques, drills, and plays. According to Coach Herrera, however, all the technique and talent in the world would be nothing without the right mental attitude. In addition to designed plays, Coach also helps these kids tackle the obstacles that could be in their way in other areas of their lives. The players are expected to maintain good grades, a standard set forth by Pop Warner and overseen by each organization. Coach Herrera mentioned that each year, they may have a player who is in need of extra attention, whether it is because of an issue with missing a parental figure or just a problem understanding how to interact well with others. The coaches do whatever they can to ensure that each player gets what he deserves from them, and they go above and beyond to ensure they are not only the best football players they can be, but also the best young men. The young ladies are

not forgotten, either. They are as much a part of the organization as the football players. According to Coach Herrera, the football players and cheerleaders will also be joined in the near future by another program. OSA Soccer is coming soon to Sheffield Park. This exceptional facility was built by the City of Jacksonville, and OSA has contributed their own time, effort, and resources to bring security measures and a few extras, such as the PA system, to the football facility. The city has also secured funds to create additional fields, which will allow OSA to open the park up for future playoff and championship games. Success for the Bucs players has reached beyond the fields of Sheffield Park. Players have gone on to play in middle school and at the junior varsity level. Oceanway Middle School went undefeated last year, led by mostly former OSA boys. This year, First Coast High School junior varsity housed quite a few of the young men, as well. The 2015 season will be the first time during which former Bucs will be old enough to play at the varsity level. Next year

the former Saturday morning superstars will be playing under those bright Friday night lights for Coach Marty Lee’s varsity team. When asked if there was one main thing he wanted the readers to know about Oceanway Sports Association, Coach Herrera’s reply is just another way in which this organization is one I believe any parent would be proud to watch their child(ren) participate in. He said, “We want everyone, whether it’s our own parents or visiting teams’ parents, to leave our park at the end of the day and say to one another what a first-class organization we have and how courteous everyone was to them. This isn’t only about building

community within our local neighborhoods, but within the Pop Warner community as well.” If performance reflects leadership, it is easy to see why these young men and women are performing so well. If you are interested in becoming a part of this organization, the OSA Facebook page has all the information you may need. Beginning in the Spring, more information will be available about next season, including what you need to know to sign up. This not-for-profit program thrives on sponsorships and donations, and anyone who participates is truly making a difference in the lives of so many young men and women. ITG

Father-Daughter Basketball Duo

Brings Competitive Edge to Fernandina Beach by Jessica Babcock

enior shooting guard Karri Nantz and Head Coach Jacob Nantz have sprung new life into Fernandina Beach High School’s girls basketball team. Last season, Karri’s second with the team and Coach Nantz’s first, the Lady Pirates notched 13 victories, which was more wins than the team had over the previous four seasons combined. This father-daughter duo has played a huge role in the team’s dramatic turnaround. The Nantz family moved to Fernandina Beach about two and a half years ago to escape the cold winters of Kentucky. Due to an open enrollment, Karri was able to attend either Fernandina Beach or Yulee. It was the personalities of the staff at Fernandina that caused the Nantz’s to make their choice. The school definitely seemed to have the most family atmosphere, and everyone was encouraging and supportive. In Karri’s first season with the Lady Pirates, the team won only three games versus 19 losses. In comparison, her AAU team from Kentucky (coached by Jacob) went 67-17 in her last season there, winning seven out of 11 tournaments they participated in and the 18

photography by Amanda Callender

league championship. Coming from that highly competitive team to only wining three games in a season was pretty hard for Karri and her family to sit through. She hung in there though, and word got out about Jacob’s teaching and coaching background. When the previous coach left Fernandina before Karri’s junior year, her dad was asked to put in his resume. Since Karri had already played with the team and with Coach Nantz getting some of the girls from the team involved in AAU ball, most of Karri’s teammates already knew her dad and were pulling for him to get the job. Spending time doing the thing she loves with her dad is Karri’s favorite thing about him being her coach. Ever since she was little, Karri was eager to learn from him, so she listened to everything he said to try to become a better player. Karri really likes having her dad as her coach, because he can be brutally honest with her. “My mom and dad have been really supportive, and they have been able to be honest with me,” Karri said. “Some kids’ parents think their kids are amazing and do not mess up, so I ap-

preciate them being honest about my mistakes and things that I need to work on. And they definitely push me to be a better player. They encourage me and give me the motivation to do that.” For a lot of athletes, sports drag them away from their family, so being able to have her dad there is enjoyable for Karri. It is really no different for her though, because her dad has coached her AAU team for the past six years. Karri is treated like every other player; there is no favoritism at all. “I’ve found that you lose the respect of all the players if you show any type of favoritism what so ever,” Coach Nantz said. “It has actually made me kind of be more strict on her than on the others ones just to kind of even it out. Not one time, in AAU or high school, have I ever had one person say that I was showing her favoritism or giving her any special treatment.” Karri has definitely earned her spot on the team and has worked hard for everything that she has accomplished. She is on pace to score over 1,500 points in her varsity career (she has about 1,200 points right now). Karri has about 300 rebounds as well and has been number

one in the state of Florida for the past two years in taking charges. She also holds her school’s records for charges in a game, charges in a season, and charges in a career. Last season, she was the only player to be in the top 5 for every statistical category in the district. She earned Nassau County Player of Year and finished ranked ninth in the country. “My goal this season is to beat the scoring record for the school, which would be 47 points in a game,” Karri said. “My high right now is 39.” The current holder is Vicky Brown, who set the record in 1983; the record is for both boys and girls basketball. Karri is usually a shooting guard but she can also play point guard. She would like to work on blocking more shots. Karri is at a little bit of a height disadvantage in basketball standing at 5’7”. She occasionally has some good blocks, but making it more consistent is something she wants to work on. “Karri brings more than just pure talent to the game,” said Coach Nantz. “She is very verbal and vocal on the court. She is an upbeat kind of person, always encouraging her team and trying to smile and joke around to get them going. These are just some of the qualities that have earned her the role of cap-

tain.” “I really like being able to help out the freshmen that are on our team,” Karri said. “They are good, but it’s nice to have them respect you and your opinion. I like to help them learn and gain more knowledge about the game of basketball. There is not anything about basketball that I do not like, except for losing, but nobody likes that!” Coach Nantz played basketball in high school in Kentucky, but due to two ankle surgeries, college ball was not an option for him. A few years after college, a friend of Jacob’s asked him to help coach an elementary school boy’s team. Realizing how much he loved it, and not being able to play at a high level anymore, Coach Nantz felt that was his outlet to still be involved in the game. Early on, he coached mostly boys. It was not until Karri was in middle school that he started coaching girls. When asked who he prefers, Coach Nantz responded without missing a beat: absolutely the girls. “I am a big fundamentals person, and I just feel like the girls grasp the fundamentals a lot

better than the boys do,” Coach Nantz said. “The boys watch and try to imitate the NBA too much; their game is a lot faster paced, but I think the fundamentals seem to be a lot stronger in the girls’ game.” Coach Nantz followed Coach Rick Pitino’s coaching style when he was at the University of Kentucky, blended his style with Pitino’s style, and it grew from there. He has also learned a lot from watching countless live and recorded basketball games. “I am always trying to learn something from every game that I am watching because although I have a day job, I am really passionate about basketball,” Coach Nantz said. “I want to be the best coach I can be, not just for myself, but I want to do justice for the players that I am coaching as well.” Coach Nantz has high hopes for his team this season. Last year, Fernandina won 13 games without any seniors on the team. With a good crop of players coming up from middle school, Coach Nantz believes his team will have 20-plus wins this year. He hates saying it and knows how hard it is to accomplish, but Coach Nantz believes his team has enough talent to possibly go undefeated this year. Anything can go wrong, and anyone can have a bad night, he said, but that would be really

awesome to see. Karri’s favorite part about basketball is being able to share the love that she has for it with her team and, obviously, her dad. Also, Karri likes being around people who love the same exact thing as her and all have the same goals of winning and becoming better people and players. “This is my favorite team that I have ever played with, even the ones from Kentucky,” Karri said. “We are all like a big family. My dad is not just my dad; he is their dad, too. There has been no drama at all. Everything that I have accomplished here, I could not have done without my teammates. I am the one scoring, but they are the ones giving me the assists. It’s going to be a sobby senior night.” Karri plans on playing basketball in college, and she has had about 30 schools contact her so far. But she says she’s just trying to narrow that list down a little bit and see where God leads her. “We really love the school,” Coach Nantz said. “I plan on coaching here for the next 20 or 30 years; I am not going anywhere.” ITG

Karri has definitely earned her spot on the team and has worked hard for everything that she has accomplished. She is on pace to score over 1,500 points in her varsity career (she has about 1,200 points right now). Karri has about 300 rebounds as well and has been number one in the state of Florida for the past two years in taking charges. 19

Senior Wrestler Aims for Repeat Title Run by Brandon Ibarra

dam Breindel won the wrestling state championship last year at 145 pounds. He went 53-3 on his way to the title, finishing nearly half of those matches by pin. After placing third the year before as a sophomore at 138 pounds, the obvious goal for his senior year is to repeat. Breindel will move up in weight class again and compete at 152 pounds. Breindel started wrestling in seventh grade at Lake Asbury Junior High School. He was initially coaxed into joining the team but experienced immediate success. He says, “My oldest sister, she had a boyfriend who was on the wrestling team. I was never really too big on the idea, but he just talked me into trying out for the team. I ended up doing it and won a lot of matches my first year and ended up winning the county championship. So I liked it from then on.” Breindel played football before that, from fourth grade until the start of high school. Then he had to choose which sport he wanted to pursue further. He felt like wrestling gave him the better opportunity to succeed and dedicated himself to it completely once he got to Clay. He prefers wrestling’s team dynamic to football as well. “I like the idea of being an individual, not that it’s always an individual sport. There’s a lot of teamwork involved, but it’s pretty much you out there instead of being on the field with a bunch of other people…It teaches you a lot of character, and you really just have to test yourself; it’s a really good test without a team.”

photography by Randy Lefko

Breindel’s style is aggressive, and he likes to keep the pressure on his opponents. He admits pacing is important, especially against elite competition, but always pushes to advance his position and score points. He stays in shape year-round, so he doesn’t have to cut much weight to compete. To him, spending time on that takes away from making gains, like moving backward before stepping ahead. Instead of spending hours in a sauna or on a treadmill, he is able to focus on technique and recovery. His body feels better for it, but it takes discipline with his diet (although a cheat meal here or there is of no worry to him, either). Breindel’s wrestling coach at Lake Asbury Junior High, Jim Reape, is also the head coach at Clay. Breindel owes a great deal to his coaches for developing him into the athlete he is today. “[They] do a great job at getting everyone the training they need, making sure everyone gets attention. They do a good job coaching overall and show good technique. They work hard to go visit college guys and keep getting better as coaches, making us better wrestlers. We have a lot of [good] young guys coming in. They help them out, too.” Breindel is also thankful for his mother’s support and willingness to take him wherever the next competition is being held, out of state or otherwise. He’s talked to some college coaches and received some letters but is undecided on his future past graduation at the moment. He is open to the right program with the right offer, though. ITG

Adam Breindel Clay High school

Favorite Movie: The Ringer ber Favorite Athlete: Urijah Fa h Superpower: Super Strengt

Ideal Vacation Destinatio

Costa Rica

Sport You Wish You Could Baseball

Play:

Apple/Android: Apple

Favorite TV Show: Tosh.0 th Favorite School Subject: Ma glish Least Favorite Subject: En s Celebrity Crush: Mila Kuni

Creekside High School Wrestling

Knights Poised to Make Statement by Brandon Ibarra

he Creekside High wrestling team is deep with talent at several different weight classes this year; a strong crop of upperclassmen with postseason experience is joined by a freshman standout that just took second at Dixie Nationals. Seniors Austin Wynn, Cole Eubanks and Jared Langdo all qualified for State last year and aspire to win it all in their final seasons as Knights. Brandon Dickman enters his first year on the team with the same expectations. Head Coach Richard Marabell has built a program based on two basic goals: develop high character athletes and encourage each wrestler to strive to be his best with the tools he has. He’s taken players without any prior experience and helped them become champions. Wynn had no background in wrestling when a friend talked him into trying out for the team back in ninth grade. Two years later, he won districts and regionals at 106 pounds. “I’ve pretty much learned everything from [Coach Marabell],” says Wynn. He will wrestle at 113 pounds this year after having to cut a lot of weight as a junior and is excited to focus more on technique and conditioning instead. He says he needs to get better escaping back to his feet from

referee’s position. Wynn is physically strong for his weight class and uses that advantage to set the tempo for his matches. He likes to control the pace and wear his opponent down, as he works for the takedown. He sees Coach Marabell as an effective motivator who stays positive in the face of adversity. “Coach Marabell is a great coach,” says Wynn. “He’s always helping us get better, motivating us when we’re tired or we’re just not feeling it that day, because he knows it will be worth it at the end of the season. He’s always saying how all the matches are practice up until districts and regionals and state and that’s where it really counts, so pretty much just learn from your mistakes that you do in the season, learn from them and get better so that way when the matches that really count you’re not going to make those mistakes.” Coach Marabell caters his instruction to each individual’s strengths and tendencies. Wynn’s gameplan is different than Eubanks’, who wrestles at heavyweight. Eubanks says, “What I like about Coach Marabell a lot is that he realizes that in high school wrestling, you only need about three or four moves to win. You don’t need 100 different moves, which he has, but he

photography by Richard Marabell

doesn’t need to teach us that. He’ll teach us the three or four that work for us, and each person is different. But he accepts that. He doesn’t like to force certain moves upon you; he lets you pick. But then once you pick, you have to stay with those moves and get really good at them.” Eubanks has become notorious for one of his four moves, called the Fat Man Roll. From the bottom, he rolls his opponent straight to their back for the pin. They know it’s coming, and they still can’t stop it. “I have pinned a lot of people like that,” he says. “And that’s just technique; I work that every day. I don’t even know how many times I do it everyday.” He weighs 275 pounds and considers himself undersized against most of his challengers (the heavyweight limit is 285). He has to compensate with flawless technique; unlike Wynn, he slows the pace of his contests as he works for the dominant position. Eubanks lost all but one of his matches as a freshman. He wrestled on the varsity squad, because there weren’t any other heavyweights on the team. He was a backup his sophomore season but competed at districts when the starter left the team after a death in the family. The expectations on him now are based on his breakout performance from last year. 21

“Before that, I wasn’t even on the map,” Eubanks admits. “No one knew [me]; I was the backup heavyweight the year before that.” He is one of only a few returning State qualifiers from his weight class and does not see a favorite heading into the season. Langdo will be on the radar at 160 pounds. He won districts last year despite missing most of the season with an injured hand. His dad and older brother both wrestled in high school. They talked him into joining the middle school team when he got to seventh grade, and he’s been at it ever since. “My brother helps me all the time,” Langdo says. “I have a mat at my house, like a little 10’ x 10’ mat, so every once in a while, like three times a week, we’ll go out and wrestle.” They try to keep their grappling sessions light-hearted and fun, but sometimes sibling rivalry supersedes enjoyment. Langdo also wrestles for Team Jax, a club team based out of the Bolles School. He says he’s best on his feet and feels most confident in that position. He has strong takedowns and is always working to set up a shot but says he could work more on scoring points

or securing the pin from top position. He’s been in contact with a few college coaches but is keeping his options open for the time being. His dream school is Oklahoma State University.

Dickman is at least a year or two away from having to make recruiting decisions. His family moved to Florida from Wisconsin when he was in seventh grade. He won the State title in his age group both years since arriving, including an undefeated campaign last season. He will compete for the Knights at 152 pounds and looks forward to joining the Creekside program and Coach Marabell. “It’s a very good program, I believe,” Dickman says. “I’m excited to be working with

[the coaching staff], and I believe we’ll do great things this year. I’m more honored to be on this team than any other team in Florida.” He isn’t used to wrestling in team format. He’s more comfortable as an individual, because he says he can get in his zone and doesn’t have to worry about scoring points. He acknowledges this subtle adjustment but is adamant he will compete the same way he always has. Dickman takes pride in his endurance and welcomes his opponent into the third period with a smile. He’s never worried he’ll gas and can tell when the other guy is fading. He knows he has to get stronger and quicker, because he will be wrestling mostly upperclassmen. His margin for error is slim, but he welcomes the opportunity to learn from the coaches and seniors. The Knights as a collective have goals for the team, too. “As a team, we definitely want to win Districts and regionals.” Says Wynn. “Last year was our first time winning District as a team, so we definitely want to keep that streak going. We’ve never won regionals, so we want to be the first ones to do it.” ITG

A Leader on the Track, the Sideline, and in the Classroom

lot of people probably do not know how much time Brittany Bowald dedicates to balancing school and sports. People tend to think that it just comes easy for her, that she is just naturally really smart and athletic. Little do they know that Bowald dedicates almost all of her energy to studying and practicing day and night to be the best student, competition cheerleader and track runner she can be. Bowald, 17, participates in an AP and the Honors Program at Atlantic Coast High School. She has a weighted GPA of 4.58 and is currently ranked sixth in her class. Bowald is in the National Honor Society and is Vice President of Senior Women. She has accumulated over 120 community service hours helping with freshman orientation and coaching young athletes. Bowald has done both competitive and school cheer for about 12 years. She usually is a base or a back spot. She instantly fell in love with the sport when tried out. She really loves to tumble. Her competitive team, the Trinity All-Stars, got a partial paid bid to the World Cheerleading Championships last year; one of the most prestigious cheer competitions there is. Two years ago, the All-Stars won the first annual Summit competition in Orlando, Florida. “She finds a way to balance everything she is involved in and manages to keep it all together with so much going on,” Atlantic Coast Head Cheerleading Coach Tammie Braswell said. “Academics, cheer, track and field, NHS, Senior Women, the list goes on and on. She is able to do it all with a smile. The girls see it and want to be the same way.” Coach Braswell is in her second year of coaching at Atlantic Coast, but this is her first with the Varsity team. She loves working with her squad, as it is such a joy to interact with girls who have the same passion. “Bowald is a great leader. She is confident, strong, passionate and caring. She has great timing and knows when to be the

photos provided by the Bowald family

friend and when to be the captain,” Coach Braswell said. “She has everyone’s respect as the captain but she is just one of the girls when the team is not cheering. Bowald has done what a lot girls couldn’t and that is finding the balance of being their equal as well as their leader.” “My favorite thing about cheer is the performance factor,” Bowald said. “I love being there for everyone and cheering on the football team.” This year is Bowald’s first year not cheering with the All-Stars, as it just became too hard to balance due to the track schedule. Bowald still plans to support her former team as much as she can. “Our squad is better for having Brittany as the captain,” Coach Braswell said. “She is everything to this squad. She is my assistant and basically right hand woman. She helps me develop new material and run practices. She is also a friend and confidant to the girls.” Bowald had to make the tough choice this year of which sport she would maybe like to pursue in college. She asked herself, “What can I continue on?” She felt she could cheer in college, but probably had a better chance of getting a track scholarship, so that is what she has shifted her focus to. Bowald did not start running track until the eighth grade. She thought it would be a fun, social thing to do to hang out with friends. She soon realized though that she had some talent in the sport as she won first place in districts that year. Even after coming off such a high, Bowald felt that track was more of a middle school thing, and did not plan on competing for her high school’s team. After Head Coach Marcellus Holmes kept hounding her to try out, she finally did and was hooked for four more years. “Brittany leads by example,” Coach Holmes said. “She is outstanding in the classroom and on the track. Her drive to be the best goes far beyond expectations. Brittany has been the leading point track member on the team for the last three years.”

Brittany Bowald Atlantic Coast High school

Academic Athlete

by Jessica Babcock

Bowald competes in triple jump, long jump, 4X100-meter relay and sprint. As a sophomore, Bowald placed third in triple jump and fifth in long jump. Last year though, Bowald won the State Championship in triple jump, earning her the title of the first State Champion in Atlantic Coasts’ five-year history. Last season, Bowald also took third place in long jump, and her 4x100-meter relay team placed third as well. Additionally, Bowald was named female MVP at the Flagler Palm Coast track conference. “My favorite thing about track is the competitiveness,” Bowald said. “It is more individual. You are out there proving yourself and working hard.” Bowald leads others by words as well as by actions. She contributes to her team by being the best that she can be in her own events. This helps inspire the other people on the team, as well as helps give them someone to look up to. Bowald credits JAC to where she has been able to gain the most knowledge and skills in jumping. Coach Sunquist has definitely helped push Bowald to get her to where she is today. Bowald feels that Sunquist is a major reason why she has been so successful in the jumping area. And without Coach Holmes’ persistance, Bowland probably would not have ever gotten into running track again.

Holmes has been extremely supportive. “My coaching staff is awesome,” Bowald said. “Every coach and every teacher has helped me and made me the athlete and competitor that I am. I feel like they have all helped me grow to be the person that I am today.” Bowald has goals of defending the title this year and also to try to win it in more than one event. “Brittany has been a pleasure to work with,” Coach Sunquist said. “She works very hard, always has a positive attitude and understands that great things can happen if you put in the work and stay positive. Brittany has a great future ahead of her in track and field. She will do great thing in her collegiate career.” Bowald wants to stay in Florida for college. She plans on going for both sports and academics as a means to get accepted. Bowald loves sports, and athletics are a huge part of her life, but she understands that after college, sports do not always continue; it is always better to have both than just one or the other. Bowald is thinking of majoring in business management. “She is just one of most wonderful young ladies I have ever had the pleasure of working with,” Coach Braswell said. “She is a very special individual on and off the field.” ITG

Superpower: Mind Reading or to fly Favorite Subject: Math Least Favorite Subject: History Ideal Place to Travel: Hawaii Gatorade or Powerade: Powerade iPhone or Android: iPhone Ideal Place to Travel: Italy or Hawaii

Ribault High School

Bobby McFadden Georgia Transplant Brings His Game to Ribault by Brandon Ibarra

B Favorite Movie: Bad Boys II

Favorite Food: Pizza

Superpower: Flight Ideal Vacation Destination:

Las Vegas

Sport You Wish You Could Play: Lacrosse Gatorade/Powerade: Gatorade Apple/Android: Apple Favorite TV Show: Anything on ESPN Favorite School Subject:

Math

Least Favorite Subject: Science Celebrity Crush: Candace Parker 26

obby McFadden tallied 15 points, eight rebounds, four assists, and four steals for Glynn Academy last season on their way to a Georgia state title berth. After moving to Jacksonville to live with his father, Michael Daniels, he wanted to make a good impression on his new audience in Florida. He wanted to show what he could do. “My biggest strength is my energy that I bring to the game,” says McFadden, who has found a new home at Jean Ribault High School. “People know me now, because this year, I played summer league and averaged 26 [points per game]. I played AAU and averaged 28, so people know who Bobby McFadden is. When they see me on the court, they know I bring a lot of energy and excitement and stuff you’ve never seen before.” McFadden leaves a team in Georgia that didn’t have any seniors. He assumed a leadership position amongst his fellow juniors last year but didn’t have a role model for himself. Now he feels as though he’s mentally ready to step up and be a captain, even if he is still learning how to share the court with his new teammates. He stands 6’4” and displays the versatility to play multiple spots on the floor. “I think we’re going to be good,” says McFadden. “We have a good starting five, and we have a good bench, too. We have people to lean on when we get tired.” He came close to winning State last year at Glynn and intends on making a repeat trip to a different location, though with more favorable results, of course. He plays aggressive offense and knows what he wants to do when the ball is in his hands.

photography by Beverly Pye

McFadden says, “I like to throw my defender off by just looking at people [to pass to] but then I’m just going with it [to the basket myself]. Also, I like to drive, but whenever my drive game stops, I can shoot. I can shoot a little bit off of the screen and roll, and if the man doesn’t pick up on me, I’m going to shoot it immediately, because I know I’m open. But if you pick up, I’m going to just drive right past you and go for the easy bucket.” Defense is critical for him. He likes to run the full-court press, staying in his guy’s face to force a takeaway. He admits he needs to raise his court awareness, though; he needs to understand game situations better, like holding on to the ball to run down the clock when his team is ahead. His interest in the game and motivation to be great comes from his mother. “My interest in basketball started when I was three, I went to one of my mom’s games. She used to play for the North Carolina Tar Heels until she had gotten pregnant again with my little brother. She told me she could’ve made it to the WNBA, so then I went to thinking, I could probably make it to the NBA as well if I keep pushing.” He’s being recruited by several programs but says his dream school is Virginia Commonwealth University. The Rams have experienced great success recently as a Cinderella team in the NCAA tournament, which has raised the national profile of their head coach, Shaka Smart. McFadden hopes his next move will be to meet up with Coach Smart in Richmond. ITG

Edward White High School

Tyrone Young

Senior Guard Hones Skills in New Setting by Brandon Ibarra

Favorite Movie:

Bad Boys II Favorite Food: Pizza Superpower: Super Speed Ideal Vacation Destination: Bahamas Sport You Wish You Could Play:

Baseball

Gatorade/Powerade: Gatorade Apple/Android: Apple Favorite TV Show: Family Guy Favorite School Subject: Math Least Favorite Subject: Science

Celebrity Crush: Cassie

yrone Young missed his sophomore basketball season at William Raines High School due to a wrist injury he sustained during football. The 6’2” combo guard bounced back last year by averaging 14 points per game, earning him the Most Improved Player Award. Young has transferred to Ed White High this year for his senior season, saying it was a better opportunity for him. As he gets accustomed to his new team under Head Coach Benjamin Jones, his initial impressions are all positive. “At first when I started off, I really didn’t think I was going to be a leader,” he says. “But the team actually likes to surround themselves around me, and I noticed that during the school day and during practice…[they] actually look up to me, so I guess that’s just part of my personality that the team likes.” Young can score from anywhere on the court; he isn’t looking for a particular spot on the floor to exploit. “I can create my own shots, so that’s a thing I really like about my game,” he says. “But I’m really not a selfish type of player. I love to drive and kick, and if I see the lane I’ll take it and any opportunities for shots, I shoot when the time is right. My defensive mentality is to lock up, make sure my defender doesn’t score. If we’re in man, I make my defender my assignment for the whole game.” He says his biggest strength is his ability to be coachable. He thinks that most athletes can show a tendency to be hardheaded or stubborn, and his capacity to block out distractions and take instruction in critical moments is an invaluable characteristic of his game. Young’s last game at Ribault was

photography by Beverly Pye

a loss to Andrew Jackson High in the playoffs. He laments not being able to avenge that loss or play against his old teammates and rivals. “I don’t think Ribault, Raines or Jackson is on the schedule, but I would love to have them on the schedule,” he says. His expectation for this year isn’t specific; it’s more of an ideal or mindset. “For my team, [expectations are] to go far and have fun doing it. As far as for myself, [I want] to be better than last year, way better than last year, and make improvements, because there’s always room to improve.” Young has caught the attention of college scouts but is waiting for that first offer. He’s been in contact with Cleveland State University and considers that the ideal destination for his post-high school basketball career. His early athletic endeavors were influenced by his brothers. One played basketball, the other football, which made him think, why not do both? The threat of injury ultimately factored into his choice to pursue basketball into the future, though. If Young stays on this same course, basketball will be the focus of his future for years to come. ITG

Bishop Snyder High School

Mike Undersander Bishop Snyder Senior Leads Program Turnaround by Brandon Ibarra

Favorite Book: The Harry Potter Series

Favorite Food: Burger and Fries Superpower:

Flight

Ideal Vacation Destination:

Alaska Gatorade/Powerade: Gatorade Apple/Android: Apple

Favorite TV Show: NCIS Favorite School Subject: Math Least Favorite Subject: English

he expectations surrounding the Bishop Snyder High School men’s basketball team this season are higher than they’ve been in recent years. The Cardinals have a new, enthusiastic head coach in Dakota Benson and a large crop of upperclassmen. One of their seniors, 6’8” forward/ center Mike Undersander, is ready to lead his team into the postseason. He averaged 13 points and 10 rebounds as a junior and is working tirelessly to improve his game. “My offensive game is mostly in the post,” says Undersander. “I can hit a jump shot from the elbow, too, but I think where I do the most damage is down low pounding in the post. My mentality on defense is that my guy is not allowed to score, so I do whatever I need to to keep him from [even] getting the ball.” He keeps defenders guessing and takes pride in his versatility. When they follow him to the post, he’ll step back and hit a few jumpers. He models his game after the Brooklyn Nets’ Mason Plumlee. Undersander has benefitted from Benson’s tutelage since his arrival over the summer and welcomes the energy he brings to the program. “Everyone on the team likes [Coach Benson] a lot,” he says. “It’s great that he can be out there on the court with us. He understands the game very well, and he’s a great coach for me being a big man himself.” Undersander knows his role on the team is an important one, and he is conscientious of his responsibilities as a role model for the younger players. “Basically, as a leader on the team, my biggest thing is I like to set a good

photography by Amanda Callender

example for all the other guys, especially the underclassmen and JV and stuff, as far as work ethic. I try to work harder than anyone else.” He has two main goals set for his last season at Snyder. “For the team, we would at least like to double our wins from last year. I think that’s very realistic. Personally, I just want to go out there and do the best I can and hopefully get noticed and go on to the next level.” Undersander has been in contact with coaches from Marietta College in Ohio and the Colorado School of Mines, a Division II engineering school. He is a Renaissance man in the true sense of the word. He is a member of National Honor Society. He plays the saxophone and the quints in the drumline. “I’ve always kind of been musically involved, just because my parents always wanted to make sure we were wellrounded, so ever since about the third grade, I guess, is when I got involved in music.” He started playing basketball around the same time, though it wasn’t until his seventh grade year that he discovered his passion for the game and the determination to get better at it. He played soccer and baseball as well but never went back to the diamond or pitch afterward. Undersander’s younger brother Carl is a sophomore and looks to make the team as well. It will be a special season for that reason alone and reflects the present and future of an up and coming program. ITG

Baker County High School

Charles Ruise Jr. Wildcats Senior Enjoys Final Season Playing for his Father by Brandon Ibarra

C Favorite Movie:

Friday

Favorite Food: Pizza Superpower: Super Speed Ideal Vacation Destination: Fiji Gatorade/Powerade: Gatorade Apple/Android: Apple Favorite TV Show:

Spongebob Squarepants Favorite School Subject:

Literature Least Favorite Subject: Math

Celebrity Crush: Skyler Diggins

harles Ruise Sr. has been coaching basketball at Baker County High School for 26 years. His son, Charles Jr., grew up around the team, participating in camps and practices with the older players and traveling with them to postseason sites. He was exposed to the game early on and saw how much fun it could be. His love for the game was instilled in him from an early age. Playing for his dad in high school was inevitable. Ruise Jr. doesn’t get any special treatment from his dad on the court. If anything, he feels like more is asked of him. Coach Ruise Sr. has taught him to work smarter, not harder. Before each drill or activity, he asks himself, “Why am I doing this? How is this making me better?” Ruise Jr. had an outstanding season last year. The combo guard averaged 20 points per game, six rebounds and three assists, earning him District 5A Player of the Year honors. He isn’t the type of player to get wrapped up in stats, though. His outlook on the season isn’t expressed in numbers, but rather how his teammates are able to play together as a cohesive unit. “My expectation for the team is for all of us to come together as one,” says Ruise Jr. “We just have to get everybody to buy in and come in as one and we should be pretty good.” Now a senior, he is ready to take his team on a deep run into the playoffs. There are eight other seniors on the squad, so the experience is there. As a leader on a team with so many upperclassmen, he is more focused on setting

photography by Beverly Pye

the tone by example. “I really don’t talk much. I just show the guys, and when I need to talk, I talk. I just show them with my game. They just buy in by that and follow my lead.” He excels at getting to the basket. He can penetrate down the lane toward the rim and take the foul or draw in the defense and find an open teammate on the outside. “I’m a scorer,” he says. “I get the ball to my teammates when I need to, but when I need to take over, I can take over.” Ruise Jr. is looking ahead to another meeting with Bishop Kenny. He says the two squads are evenly matched, and the game usually comes down to the final minutes. The Wildcats fell to the Crusaders by five points in the regional semifinal last year and want nothing more than to avenge that loss. He’s been in contact with a few coaches from FAMU, the Citadel, BethuneCookman and Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne. But before all of that, he has his last season with his dad to look forward to. ITG

Mandarin High School

Admir Radoncic Mustangs’ Twin Big Men Poised to Make an Impact by Brandon Ibarra

Favorite Movie: 2 Fast 2 Furious

Favorite Food: Chicken Alfredo

Superpower: Flight Ideal Vacation Destination: Hawaii

Gatorade/Powerade: Gatorade Favorite TV Show: Criminal Favorite School Subject: Math

Minds

Least Favorite Subject: English

he Mandarin High men’s basketball team had a rough start to the season last year. Their previous coach was let go, and his replacement, Brian Roseberry, had little time to get to know his new squad. He had to figure out each individual’s strengths and weaknesses as the season progressed, when to go to his bench, who to use in what spot. It was a disadvantage, to put it mildly. After starting from the ground floor, Coach Roseberry has built the program in his image and established relationships with his players. Two of his guys, twin seniors Admir and Armin Radoncic, are on the national recruiting radar as they head into their final season as Mustangs. Admir is one minute older than his brother and 1¼ inches taller (6’8 ¾” to Armin’s 6’7 ½”). Both play power forward and center and are most effective when they’re on the floor together. “Putting us together on the court at the same time with our team just gets us hyped,” says Admir. “We have the ability to score, rebound; we make the intensity plays, and our team feeds off that. It builds the hype in the game, and that gets us going.” Their father played professionally in Europe. They were born in Germany after their parents fled there from Montenegro during political unrest in the early ‘90s. Their family moved to the States when they were three

photography by Beverly Pye

years old; they picked up a ball for the first time a year later and joined an organized church league in 5th grade. As brothers go, they’re pretty nice to each other. They fought all the time growing up but only get into it about once a month now, they say. Both Radoncics place a premium on defense. To them, defense stays the same; it is a part of the game that stays constant. They find their offensive rhythm as the game develops but play defense the same way all the time. “If you play defense, your offense will eventually come,” says Armin. “When you play defense and you shut your man down, he probably gets frustrated and doesn’t run back [when he’s] on defense, and that’s when you take advantage of him.” As leaders on the Mandarin team, they want their work ethic and positive attitudes to set the example for the underclassmen. Admir says, “We just try to help out our teammates. We try to keep them confident. First, we always tell them you have to stay eligible in the classroom before you can actually do anything out on the court; and second, we just push them on the court. Make sure that if we’re lifting weights, everybody does what they’re supposed to and does every rep. And then on the court you go as hard as you can, no matter what. So we just push everybody to do what they can

to reach their capability.” Admir averaged 13.4 points and 12.4 rebounds per game last year. He says he and his Mustangs are capable of a strong 2014-2015 campaign. “For the team, we should at least win Gateway and then district. We should have a very good season, win most of our games…Individual goals are probably to lead the team in scoring, be top five in scoring in the city, and then last year, I led the city in rebounding, so probably average a little bit more rebounds to stay at the top.” Armin classifies himself as a post player but displays the versatility to hit the jumper when he’s open and spread the floor to get his teammates open when he’s guarded on the outside. He’s working on reacting better with the ball when the defense is pressing and to keep his emotions in check after a bad call. Admir says they have seven D-1 schools scouting them right now and have offers from other smaller colleges as well. They expect more attention at workouts and games as the season gets underway. As recruits, they are a packaged deal and want to stay together in college. If they decided their first choices were different, they say they’d flip a coin before splitting up.

Favorite Movie: 2 Fast 2

Furious Favorite Food:

Chicken (Any way)

The twins appreciate Coach Roseberry’s efforts to get them offers and know that he’s done everything possible to get them to the next level. “He’s probably the top coach who’s ever coached us,” says Admir. “Since day one, we walked into the gym not knowing who this guy was, not knowing what he was capable of. Ever since then, the first day he saw us, he was like, ‘You guys are definitely D-1 athletes; you guys are going to go to college.’ And he’s kept his word. He’s helped us. He’s called as many coaches as he can. He’s ran so many plays toward us, he’s gotten our names out. He’s just done a lot.” Coach Roseberry’s efforts matched with their own work ethic and enthusiasm have the Radoncic brothers on their way to scholarship-paid educations. The humble yet dynamic duo has bright futures ahead of them on the court, starting with their last season for the Mustangs. ITG

Armin Radoncic

Mandarin High School

Superpower:

Teleportation Ideal Vacation Destination:

Germany Gatorade/Powerade:

Gatorade

Apple/Android: Apple

Favorite TV Show: SportsCenter

Favorite School Subject: Science Least Favorite Subject:

Math

Sports After Wisdom Teeth Removal

isdom teeth removal is a common surgical procedure for teenagers to undergo. Over 10 million wisdom teeth are extracted each year in the United States. For most patients, it is the first experience with surgery of any kind and is a fairly routine procedure. While it is ideal to have wisdom teeth extraction performed during the offseason, many patients canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait until they are out of training or for the season to end for surgery. Therefore, the most common question is just how long it will take them to get back to normal after their wisdom teeth are extracted. The recovery time after wisdom teeth extraction varies depending upon the number of teeth extracted, the age and health of the patient, how complicated the surgery was, and whether they are upper or lower teeth. While every case will be different, we can offer general information regarding the length of recovery and how to fit wisdom teeth surgery into your schedule. The surgery itself is an outpatient procedure usually performed in the office of your chosen oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Most patients elect to have IV sedation to allow for a comfortable experience during the procedure. For this reason, most patients will spend the day of surgery resting at home on the couch or in bed while the anesthetic effects wear off. Patients are encouraged to spend at least 48 hours without any physical activity. During this initial healing time the discomfort will be the most acute, which will decrease over the week after surgery. This is also the timeframe when any swelling or bruising will peak, which will also then resolve over the first five to seven days. Patients are encouraged to slowly return to regular cardiovascular exercise from days three to five after surgery.

Often patients are able to return to running laps, sprints, or basic conditioning during this time. However, patients should not try to push themselves past their comfort level. Any increased pain or throbbing is a sign that the activity is too vigorous and should be toned down or stopped for the day. When performing exercise, your blood pressure and pulse will increase, which can lead to increased bleeding, another sign that the activity should be stopped. Within the first week of surgery, all contact sports where you may get hit in the face should be avoided. This includes any tackling drills for football, scrimmaging in soccer or basketball, or aggressive lacrosse playing, for example. This also includes activities such as the balance beam for gymnasts or pole-vaulting for track athletes, where a fall from height may cause increased discomfort. Weight lifting often can be restarted by around the fifth day. You must be aware of the clenching and grinding that occurs when performing heavy exertion during lifting. The muscles of the mouth and face may still be sore, and this may cause pain if trying to return too early to weightlifting. As early as one week after surgery, most patients are able to return to full physical activity. Occasionally the use of mouth guards or splints may cause some discomfort, and you should never return to full participation until all protective gear is comfortable and fitting well for the entire game. Your oral surgeon will give a written list of instructions to follow during your recovery and should be followed closely to ensure a quick and minimally painful postoperative course. Trying to return too early to help your team or not miss a meet will hinder your recovery in the long term, and should be avoided. While we all strive to return to athletics as quickly as possible after surgery, please ensure that you are recovered adequately before restarting sports activities. ITG

The oral surgeons at North Florida Oral and Facial Surgery wish all North Florida athletes the best of luck in the upcoming year!

Rennia Davis

Ribault High School

Sophomore Sensation Key to Trojans’ Three-Peat Chances by Brandon Ibarra

Favorites: Movie: Frozen Food: Tacos Superpower: Super Strength Ideal Vacation Destination: The Caribbean Apple/Android: Apple Favorite TV Show:

Spongebob Squarepants School Subject: Math Least Favorite Subject: History Famous Person to Meet: Tiana Taylor

ennia Davis joined the Ribault High School girls’ basketball team as they prepared to defend their 4A State Championship from 2013. The Lady Trojans had completed an undefeated 31-0 season prior to her arrival; it didn’t look like their starting five would include a freshman. Davis made the team, earned a starting role and led the team in scoring en route to another state title. The expectation surrounding the team this year is obvious: a third-straight state title. Nothing less. The Lady Trojans lost five seniors from last year’s squad, and the majority of girls on this year’s team are juniors. The experience gained in the postseason will prove invaluable as they embark on another deep run into February. In spite of her standing as a underclassman, Davis was thrust into a leadership position. She’s earned her role on the team based on her outstanding play on the court. She says, “I have to be the role model on my team, because last year as a freshman leading the team in scoring, I feel like I wouldn’t say I have more to put on me, but I feel like I have the most responsibility on the team. Even though I’m not the captain, I’m on my way to be a captain.” Davis plays shooting guard and the stretch-three. She has a lethal jump shot but doesn’t look for a particular spot on the floor to exploit. She can drive to the basket or post up a smaller defender and score in the lane, but looks for her teammates when she pushes the ball up the court in transition. She is strong with the ball in her hand but admits she has plenty to work on, including maintaining the same level of intensity on defense.

photography by Beverly Pye

“Last year, I didn’t consider myself the best free throw shooter on the team, so I’m working up to that. I think I was in the 60 or 70 (percent) range, and I’m working to get that up. And my defense, I have to be more aggressive on defense. I don’t play defense to the best of my ability all the time, so I’m working on that.” Davis enjoys playing for Head Coach Sheila Pennick, who has been a role model for her since her arrival at Ribault. “She is such a good coach, not only on the court but outside the court,” says Davis. “If at lunch, if we need something, go to Coach Sheila. She’ll give us her lunch before she eats lunch herself. If we need clothes if it’s cold outside, she’d give us her jacket. Basically, she’s just showing our whole team how to be young ladies, like how to conduct ourselves outside of the basketball court and how to make it if basketball doesn’t work out.” Basketball seems to be working out for Davis so far. She’s garnered plenty of interest from Division I programs, but isn’t rushing her decision by any means. “I’m too young to stress about colleges and stuff,” she says. Davis’s accomplishments are even more impressive when you consider that she started organized competition in seventh grade. “I started playing basketball late, actually,” she says. “I always told my mom I wanted to play, but she thought basketball was a boys’ sport. But she signed me up for P.A.L. (Police Athletic League) one day, and I started playing basketball. Then I started playing for my neighborhood middle school, Northwestern, and I just went from there.” Davis led the Trojans in scoring in just her freshman year. Think of what the next three will hold. ITG

Sydney Searcy Nease High School

Panthers Junior Adjusting to Leadership Role by Brandon Ibarra

Favorites: Movie: The Little Rascals Food: Macaroni Superpower: Get Money at the Snap of My Fingers

Ideal Vacation Destination: California Gatorade/Powerade: Gatorade

Favorite TV Show: Martin

School Subject: Lunch Apple/Android: Apple Favorite Athlete: LeBron James and Kevin Durant

ydney Searcy was the only freshman selected to the Nease girls’ varsity basketball team for the 2012-2013 season. She immediately caught the attention of Division I coaches with her athleticism and scoring ability. She committed early to the University of Florida, because it has always been her dream school. Searcy says, “When I went to campus for my first visit, the coaching staff was so welcoming, and I got along with the players really well. They really care about you, and they show they want you there. As many schools that were after me, they were the ones who were constantly calling me and my coaches saying, ‘We want Sydney.’” She suffered an ankle sprain early in the season last year against Mandarin, forcing her to miss five games. But she came back strong, averaging 22 points per game on the year. She plays both guard positions and prefers whichever allows her to shoot the most in the moment. Now a junior, she is ready to lead the Lady Panthers deep into the playoffs. “I started becoming more of a leader during my sophomore year,” she says. “This year, I am planning on taking my team a lot further than I have in the past. I have a lot more experience, and I feel like I can take them further if I really dedicate myself to it.” Searcy still has two years left at Nease but understands the possibility of leaving a lasting legacy at the school. She has the coaches and teammates around her

photography by Beverly Pye

to achieve a new level of success for the program. “I want to be able to make history at Nease. I want to go further than I did last year. As a person, I want to score more, rebound more, do things that I didn’t do last year, and just bring up everything. I have faith in my team that we can make it to State as long as everyone contributes to it.” She says she loves the coaching staff at Nease. They are just as focused on building up the players’ mental toughness as they are with developing their skills and basketball IQ. “My head coach (Sherri Anthony) will push you until you can’t go anymore. She is always about winning, and she never wants to hear you say ‘I can’t.’ It’s always, ‘I can.’ She is so positive with everything. Whenever you get into the gym, there is no time to play around; it is straight to business. My coaches have always told me to be strong. Whenever you are driving to the basket, you have to look to score, not to just get fouled. It is always about being strong.” When asked if she was looking forward to a particular game on the schedule, Searcy says she approaches each contest the same way, regardless of the opponent. “I treat every game like it is a rivalry game. Every team I am ready to play. I don’t care if I’ve heard they are good or bad, I am ready to just play and win. It does not matter, as long as we win.” ITG

Megan Piggot

Ponte Vedra High School

Senior’s Final Season Under Father as Head Coach

by Brandon Ibarra

Favorites: Pro Team: Oklahoma City Thunder Food: Spaghetti or Tacos Superpower: Teleportation Ideal Vacation Destination: Europe Apple/Android: Apple Favorite TV Show:

The Bachelor School Subject: Math Least Favorite Subject: English Favorite Athlete: Kevin Durant

he relationship between a father and his daughter during her teenage years can be a tumultuous one at times. Even the closest of duos find themselves at odds with each other at some point, especially when they also share a basketball team as coach and player. Such is life for Ponte Vedra High senior shooting guard Megan Piggot and her dad, Jim. Megan says, “My coach is my dad. It is an interesting dynamic. It has progressed; he has learned how to separate the daughter from the player throughout the years.” Megan started her athletic career in gymnastics when she was three years old. She devoted ten years to the mat before knee injuries forced her to pursue other competitive endeavors. Her sister had always played basketball, with Jim coaching her through AAU ball. It seemed like a natural transition for Megan, and she joined her first team when she was in 8th grade. Coach Piggot was hired as Ponte Vedra’s head coach the next year, when Megan was a freshman. Since her arrival, she has been an integral member of the Lady Sharks “I have been a leader since the beginning,” says Megan. “Our school is only six years old, so when I came on as a freshman our team was not really anything. I have grown into the role and learned how to lead the team. I have learned what to do and what not to do.” Coach Piggot has gone through a learning process as well in regards to interaction with Megan on the court.

photography by Beverly Pye

“My dad has learned that he can’t just say anything to me because I am his daughter. He has to treat me like a player and not yell at me or say different things just because I am his daughter. That has changed.” Megan’s unique perspective on her head coach has allowed her to fully comprehend the amount of time and effort Jim devotes to the team. “I have been able to see all of the background stuff that come with being a coach. I see everything he does, all of the planning and scheduling and just everything he does at home so I definitely respect everything that he puts into it.” She is about 600 points away from breaking the St. John’s County career scoring record and had more than that last season. She hopes she can couple that individual accomplishment with a District title for her team, which has yet to be accomplished in the program’s brief existence. Megan is keeping her options open when it comes to her recruitment process. She is scheduled to visit Rollins College and Nova Southeastern University in the coming months. She received an offer from the University of Pennsylvania but declined. She is a member of the Future Business Leaders of America at Ponte Vedra High and is thinking of majoring in business. But she still has this season left to share the court with her father. Regardless of wins and scores and stats, it will be a very special one for the Piggots. ITG

Ja-Tavia Tapley

University Christian School

Ribault Transfer Brings Rings, Experience to U.C. by Brandon Ibarra

Favorites: Movie: The Loser Food: Collard Greens Superpower: Super Strength Ideal Vacation Destination: Jamaica Gatorade/Powerade: Gatorade Favorite TV Show:

Martin School Subject: English Least Favorite Subject: History Celebrity Crush: Tyga

a-Tavia Tapley started her high school basketball career about as well as one can imagine: two state titles in her first two seasons, including an undefeated 31-0 campaign as a freshman and First Coast Player of the Year honors as a sophomore last year. To say things were going well for her on the court at Ribault High School would be quite an understatement. Then Tapley and her family moved across town, and she transferred to University Christian School. “Me and my family made the decision, and we felt like it was a good decision,” says Tapley. “It’s a change, and we just went for it. It was a positive change. I love U.C.” She appreciates the way her coaches and teammates have helped her acclimate to her new surroundings. She has been weight training with the team since the second week of school, running agility and conditioning drills while spending time with the other girls developing relationships and chemistry. Tapley’s jersey may have changed, but her winning mentality certainly hasn’t. She feels the Christians can go all the way this year and knows how it’s done. Her initial impressions of the coaching staff have been positive. “[Coach Keith Stroud] is a great coach. From what I know working with him [so far], weight training and conditioning…he’s a pusher. He pushes you to your limit, which is a good thing. It’s going to do nothing but make us better.” Tapley has never played for a male head coach before. That’s not a bad thing to her; it’s just different. It’s another change brought on by the move she’s taken in

photography by Beverly Pye

stride. She plays both forward positions and excels in her ability to push the ball toward the basket off the dribble. If the defender leaves too much room, she can drive past them and finish off the glass or draw the contact. “I can work in and out. Defense wins games, so I go hard on defense. I’m just starting to get the down low game.” She’s also working to improve her ball-handling skills. “My dribbling has to get stronger. Basically I want to improve in all of my positions, as in the way I play. I’m never satisfied in one spot. I always keep my mind on getting better any chance I can get.” She aspires to be a complete player and models her game after former University of Delaware star Elena Delle Donne, who now plays for the WNBA’s Chicago Sky. As for her own college aspirations, Tapley admits she has drawn attention from some programs, but pleads the fifth about anything more. “There are a lot of [colleges] that have been calling and coming to the school. [My mother and I] are taking everything slow, taking our time with everything. We’re very open.” Tapley still has plenty of time to decide. She’s bound to succeed wherever she chooses to go because of her strong support system and love for the game. “My basketball philosophy is to always stay humble and to always give more than 100 percent during the game and off the court, as in practice, because you practice the way you play. I never take anything for granted, because I am blessed to be where I’m at now.” ITG

Delicia Washington Baker County High School

No Offseason for Future Lady Gator by Brandon Ibarra

D Favorites: Movie: Love & Basketball Food: Pizza Superpower: Super Strength Ideal Vacation Destination: New York Gatorade/Powerade: Gatorade Favorite TV Show:

Spongebob Squarepants School Subject: Math Least Favorite Subject: Science Celebrity Crush: LeBron James

elicia Washington doesn’t have a lot of free time lately. She’s in basketball mode right now. She was busy with volleyball before that and will jump right into softball afterward. She letters in all three sports, but basketball is special to her. She began playing against her cousin in the street and was drawn to the game because her father, Michael, had played during his youth. “I wanted to follow in my daddy’s footsteps,” she says. Washington joined the sixth-grade team at Baker County Middle School and was bumped up to the eighth-grade team when she was in seventh. Now a 17-year-old junior at Baker County High, Washington has established herself as one of the top point guards in the area. She immediately impressed college scouts and received offers from several Division I schools, but her mind was already made up. “I always told myself, if I ever got an offer from [the University of] Florida, I’m pretty sure I was going to take it, because that’s always been my dream school,” says Washington. “Of course, I had to get to know the school and get to know the coaching staff and stuff like that, so I went down there and met them all, and I just loved it when I got down there.” Gainesville is still two years away for Washington, though, who still has plenty to accomplish as a Wildcat. She has goals set for her team and for herself as an individual. “This year for one, I want to push myself even harder than last year. My goal this year is to average 30 points per game. Last year, I averaged 27, so this year, I want to bump up my goal. I also want to make it farther than just the first round of regionals.” She’s looking forward to playing Bishop Kenny after falling to them in the district championship game last season and hopes the two teams meet again in the same spot

photography by Amanda Callender

this year. She has her eye on Palatka High from afar as well, because they beat the Wildcats in the second round of the regional tournament last season. Washington describes herself as an aggressive player on the court. “I drive to the hole a lot. Most of my points come from driving to the hole, and I steal the ball a lot [on defense].” She is a strong free-throw shooter and does not shy away from contact. Neither does she hesitate to draw defenders in and dish the ball back out to one of her open teammates on the perimeter. She says her biggest strength is ball handling, though she needs to improve finishing with her left hand. Her leadership on the court during games and in practice is another valuable facet of her game. “There’s a time to stay focused and a time to have fun,” Washington says. “Everyone looks up to me. When people struggle and stuff, they always come up to me and ask me, ‘What can I do to get better?’ So, I feel like I’m a big leader even though I’m not a senior.” She was voted team MVP last season as a sophomore. Washington credits the coaching staff for balancing the hard work they put in with a light, fun atmosphere. “The coaching staff does everything they’re supposed to do. They’re not rude with us, and they tell us the truth about everything. They take care of us like we’re their kids. They basically spoil us. They never make practice boring. It’s never a waste of our time. Everybody wants to be there.” Interest and morale is high. This will be the first year Baker County will field a junior varsity girls’ basketball team since Washington arrived. That coupled with a relatively young team (two seniors) make the Wildcats a team to watch for years to come. ITG 37

Corky Rogers: Greatness on the Gridiron by James Washington

he state of Florida has produced some very well known football players over the years. Among them are Edgar Bennett, Leroy Butler, Jason Spitz, and Dez White. Between them are four Super Bowl rings, four All-Pro Selections, and four Pro Bowl appearances. Two of them (Bennett and Butler) are also members of the Green Bay Packers’ Hall of Fame. While all have gone on to achieve success on a professional level, it can’t be forgotten that every great journey must begin somewhere. Each of these men took their own roads to fame and fortune, but one common thread unites them all. His name is Corky Rogers. In his illustrious career (which includes coaching each of the aforementioned athletes in high school), Corky has reached quite a few milestones. Since his arrival at Bolles School in Jacksonville, he has sat at the helm of 10 state championship football teams. Four times, his teams have finished as the state runner-up. During the 2005 season, a poll completed by Sports Illustrated ranked the Bulldogs ninth in the nation out of more than 38,000 schools based on their success over the previous decade. The recognition was largely based on state titles won and college athletes produced. Perhaps the most impressive statistic of his career: Over a span of more than forty years at three different schools (beginning as an assistant with Ribault High School in 1969), his teams have averaged 10 wins per season (including playoffs). He also led his players to 10 straight district titles from 1977-86 while at Lee High School. “It’s all about hard work,” Corky said. “Some years we’ve won more; some years we’ve won less. The fact of the matter is there was a consistency in effort. Our boys always give 100 percent. They remain competitive, and that’s a testament to them as well as the coaches I’ve worked with. I’ve been blessed to work with some tremendous coaches in my career.” As of publication, his coaching record stands at an astonishing 441 wins against only 79 losses and one tie. This places him easily at the top of the list of most career wins in Florida high school history. The accolades don’t stop there. In 2002, he was

photography by Robin Clark

inducted to the Florida Athletics Coaches Association Hall of Fame. This was followed by spots in the Florida Athletic Association Hall of Fame (2005), the Gator Bowl Hall of Fame (2012), and the Florida Sports Hall of Fame (2013). He was named the National High School Coach of the Year in 2004-05, and in 2007 he was named the coach of the FHSAA All-Century Team. His credentials are of legendary accord. Through everything that he has achieved, however, the one quality that makes him a true gridiron legend is his humility. “At the end of the day, it’s not about titles,” he said. “Of course, winning is great. But I’m here for these young men. I’m here for these students. Seeing them develop and utilize their strengths means the world. Our coaches work hard to make these guys bigger, faster, and stronger. My true success comes from seeing the players succeed beyond high school.” Charles Buxton Rogers IV was born in Bay City, Michigan on December 19, 1943. At a young age, he received the nickname of “Corky” from his father, who had recently read about Colin Kelly, a World War II hero from Madison, Florida that affectionately called his own son the same. Sports have been a major part of Corky’s life since he was a child. His father, Chuck, spent time as a team captain while attending the University of Florida, and he later served as the head of a city recreation department for nearly 40 years. With all of the exposure to sports, Corky had the chance to try them all. In the long run, however, it was the gridiron that would grab hold of his passion and desire for success. “ I grew up in a sports-oriented family,” Corky said. “My father was always trying to ensure that, no matter the sport, every kid had a chance to play somewhere. I enjoyed seeing what was going on, and eventually coaching became a perfect fit for me to continue that trend.” His start as an athlete came in those recreational leagues, and his hard work and determination has carried him quite a long way. After graduating from Robert E. Lee High School in 1961 (coincidentally, his father was a member of the school’s inaugural

graduating class), he went on to accept a scholarship to Georgia Tech. There, he was a quarterback on the freshman team, a varsity defensive back for two years, and he finished his college career as a wide receiver before graduating with a degree in industrial management in 1965. After graduating college (during which he spent a year of military duty in the Army Reserve), Corky was drafted by the Baltimore Colts in 1966, and he later played semi-pro football in Atlanta. In a trend similar to his father, Corky believes that every player should have an equal chance. This philosophy extends to the well-known notion that he does not cut players that come out to play for the Bolles Bulldogs. “From the day you step on this campus, if you want to play football, you’re a varsity player,” he said. “We’re all one unit. If there’s no junior varsity game one week, then they suit up and man the sidelines during the varsity game. We’re all in this together.” At the end of the day, Corky Rogers is all about his students. Success is nothing without special people to share it with. “It ‘s never been about the accomplishments themselves,” he said. “I’ve always had the mentality that if you focus on what you’ve done instead of thinking about the next game, the next season, the future…then life’s over. I believe that my philosophy has rubbed off on my players and coaching staff as well. I have worked with some quality men, and I can truly say that this entire experience has been a pleasure.” ITG 39

Standing at 5’4” and just a shade over 140 pounds, Jacob Martin doesn’t come off as your typical football player. None of that matters. His heart and mind are of the caliber of a champion.

Jacob Martin: The Heart of the Hornets by James Washington

inning is often seen as a cureall. No matter the situation, success can take away any pain, struggle, or memory of adversity that led someone to a point of glory. In the small town of Yulee, Florida, winning carries a much more special meaning. On September 23, 2011, the Yulee Hornets were charging their way to a 40-26 win over the Tigers of Jackson High School ( Jacksonville); then the play call came down from head coach Bobby Ramsay. When the crowd saw number 30 put on his helmet and run onto the field, they stood. When he lined up on the near sideline and patiently awaited the snap, they applauded. And when the quarterback took the ball, dropped to one knee, and the final buzzer sounded, they screamed with pride and jubilation. Victory was theirs once again. And it had nothing to do with the final score. Jacob Martin, known affectionately as “Jake,” was told that football would never be within his reach.

photo credit: Yulee yearbook

The second of four children of Jack and Kelley Martin, Jake was born with Down syndrome, a genetic disorder that typically occurs in about one out of 1,000 babies each year. Many developmental milestones, such as crawling or walking, are delayed. Speech is often affected, and hearing and vision disorders tend to occur in more than half of people that live with the syndrome. In a world of doubters and pessimists, Jake would be missing out. He was told he would never be able to participate in most physical activities that other children made a daily necessity. Perhaps the biggest limitation that was thrown in Jake’s path: he would never be able to play a sport, especially football. However, he didn’t see football as impossible. He saw football as something that his older brother, Zach, played and enjoyed. Therefore, it was something that he wanted to do as well. Standing at 5’4” and just a shade over 140 pounds, Jacob Martin doesn’t come off as your

typical football player. None of that matters. His heart and mind are of the caliber of a champion. With all the odds stacked against him, it’s only appropriate that the play that the town of Yulee has come to associate with Jake be the “victory formation.” He’s a winner. And everybody knows it. ”The boys haven’t just accepted him; they’ve embraced him,” Coach Ramsay said. “I was afraid some of the boys may be a little reluctant to open up to him, but it’s been the complete opposite. Players would help Jake suit up for games, they give him little pep talks on the sideline, everything. It’s really heartwarming.” When away from the field, Jake is still very active, both at school and in the community. His father is the wrestling and cross country coach, and it is not uncommon to see Jake giving tips to the wrestlers or running fields and roads alongside him. “We live in such a small community; occasionally Jake will ask to go running on 41

People often motivate others by telling them the sky is the limit. But, as each day passes, Jake Martin shows us that the sky may just be a starting point.

his own,” Mr. Martin said. “He knows his way around really well and the community knows him. He’s my reason to stay healthy and in good shape.” Adversity has been expected to plague Jake’s life. Outsiders immediately place barriers on what he would and wouldn’t be able to do. Those barriers have been proven to be irrelevant. “I remember when he learned to ride a bike,” Mrs. Martin said. “He had us in tears. It was such a proud moment for us. Jake is just like everyone else. He has his ups, his downs. He plays video games with his best friend; he even has his own cell phone and loves to text.” According to Jake’s father, he has one special friend in particular that he enjoys texting. Former Yulee graduate Derrick Henry set the high school football career rushing record as a member of the Hornets. He is now a sophomore member of the University of Alabama Crimson Tide; he is also a regular texting buddy of Jake. “Jake texts Derrick all the time,” Mr. Martin said. “What I love the most about it is that Derrick always replies; usually almost immediately. He’s a perfect example

of how the community has embraced Jake. I tell people all the time that Derrick has the potential to make it to the NFL. We joke around and tell people that if he does, maybe then he’ll be a bigger star than Jake (laughs).” Not only did Jake suit up at wide receiver during high school, he is now an assistant coach for the Hornets, standing alongside one of his best friends, Coach Ramsay. “He’s great to have around,” Coach Ramsay said. “After he graduated, we hoped he would still be a part of the team. He gives our players a pep talk before every game. He does a terrific job loosening them up and lightening the mood. He also tests the coaches’ headsets before each game; occasionally he doesn’t want to give them up (laughs).” As an assistant, Jake is there to pump the team up every chance he gets. “Jake is very observant to everything that goes on around him,” Coach Ramsay said. “After a loss earlier this season, he came up to me, put his arm on my shoulder, and told me, ‘It’s okay, we’ll get ‘em next week.’ It’s moments like those that create so much love for him. You can’t put into words.” To sum it up, Jacob Martin is Yulee. From bagging groceries at Publix (where he works two days a week) to impromptu photo ops after being identified by strangers at the Nassau County Fair, Jake is everywhere. “He’s no different than everyone else,” Mr. Martin said. “He’s a hard worker, he’s very determined, and he always gives his all. He even has his own sibling rivalries at home like the rest of us. He shares a room with his younger brother, Ezra, and they constantly go at it. Jake can be a real pain in the butt (laughs). ”The residents love him. They embrace him. His smile and perseverance live within the heart of everyone that has ever had the pleasure of being around him. His selfconfidence and infectious charisma have motivated the Hornets to greater heights since his arrival. “At the end of the day, we are so thankful to have Jake in our lives,” Mr. Martin

said. “He has such a kind heart; he loves everybody. And, although people can see that he’s different, he also serves as a reminder to just be kind to everyone. You never know someone’s story or what they’ve been through.” And he’s not going anywhere anytime soon. “Jake’s popularity is huge,” Mr. Martin said. “One night, the family went out to eat, and when we got to the restaurant, Jake saw a group of people he knew. Next thing you know, he’s eating dinner with another family. It was hilarious.” People often motivate others by telling them the sky is the limit. But, as each day passes, Jake Martin shows us that the sky may just be a starting point. The dictionary lists a limitation as “a restricting flaw; a disadvantage or weakness in somebody or something.” In the eyes of Jacob Martin, a limitation is something that gives him another opportunity to win. itG

Kathy Brannan by Jessica Babcock photography by Beverly Pye

Orange Park High School

Orange Park Cheer Coach Celebrates Final Year of Illustrious Career by Jessica Babcock

athy Brannan has been a household name for generations at Orange Park High School. She has had the unique opportunity to grow with the school and watch all of its changes throughout the years. Brannan doubles as an English teacher and head cheer coach and has for most of her career. After 43 years of dedication, she is retiring from her first and only job. Growing up an Army brat, Brannan ended up in the panhandle where she attended Florida State University. It was pure happenstance as to how she ended up in Jacksonville. During her last quarter at FSU, Brannan met Nancy Mitchem, and the two ended up rooming together during their teaching internships. Mitchem was from Jacksonville and had later come across a job opportunity at OPHS for her former roommate; the rest is history. Brannan always knew she wanted to be a teacher, but the coaching part just fell into place. After about three years of teaching, Brannan was approached by Nancy Willis, the school’s Dean and Assistant Principal at the time. Willis asked Brannan if she would like to sponsor the jun-

photography by Patrick Crawford

ior varsity cheerleaders. Brannan did not cheer when she was in school, so she was a little apprehensive. No matter what, Brannan will never forget what Willis said to her: ‘All you have to do is sit there and watch.’ In the beginning, Brannan felt that she did not know what she was doing, but luckily her good friend Nancy Heiskell was the varsity cheerleading coach at the time. After a while Heiskell had to leave, so Brannan took over the varsity squad. Eventually, Heiskell returned and her and Brannan coached varsity together for years. “The best advice that I always give any new coach coming in is, ‘Never say never,’” Brannan said. “Don’t ever say, ‘That will never happen to me,’ or, ‘My girls will never do that.’ You have to leave yourself open and prepared for whatever can happen.” One of Brannan’s most memorable moments was when her squad won their first national title in December of 1989. But every squad is different, Brannan said. Sometimes it is not a win. You may have a squad that has gone through some trials and tribulations and you see them go out there and nail it. They may not win, but they did

everything they were capable of doing plus a little bit more. That is more important sometimes. “I have never been, at least I hope I have never been, that coach where it is all about competition,” Brannan said. “To me, I want my squad to be the squad that people say they supported others, they had good sportsmanship. You want them to just become better people. Trophies are wonderful, but after a while they just end up sitting on a shelf. Who you are as a person is forever.” Former student and captain Nikki Graham had the pleasure of cheering under Brannan for the four years she attended OPHS. Graham will always remember how Brannan taught her to always be mindful of others and never to judge someone based on their outside appearance. “My favorite thing about Coach Brannan was how much she loved her job, her school, and most of all her cheerleaders,” Graham said. “I have never met someone with more school spirit.” Every year Brannan thought of throwing in the towel, certain students would pop up in her head. She would think about mistakes that she didn’t want to make again and things she wanted to

improve on. “You always find something to shoot for,” Brannan said. As long as you have that, and you still care about your students, you will be surprised how long you can keep going.” “I’ve felt like I’ve had a long run,“ Brannan said. “As much as I’ll know I’ll miss it, I’d rather go out missing it, than go out resenting it. I think that is the best thing you can do in any job. I would not want to go out bitter and unhappy, I’d much rather go out still loving it.” Co-worker Betzy Nelson has worked alongside Brannan since 1979 and will always remember what a great friend and co-worker Brannan has been. Also retiring this year, Nelson will miss seeing Brannan every day first thing in the morning to share her thoughts and what is going on in life. Brannan always been so proud to be an educator, Nelson said. You can tell she does a great job because her students always come back to see her and let her know their accomplishments; their success is her success. “Orange Park High School is a great school with great students, awesome administration and staff and outstanding teachers,” Nelson said.

“Teachers like Kathy Brannon are a rarity and the school will miss her tremendously. I have always said that the walls will fall down once she leaves because she is one of the bricks that hold OPHS together.” Brannan can breathe a sigh of relief as she is handing her squad over to two of her own; Kim Veczko and Tyler Sason. Veczko cheered for Brannan a number of years ago and ended up getting a teaching job at OPHS. She was thrilled to take on JV, and now even more so for varsity. Sason also cheered for Brannan and cheered at FSU. He has also returned to teach at OPHS. Current student Megan Waugh has been a part of the cheer program at OPHS for three years, this past year being her first on the varsity squad. To Waugh, the one word that would best describe Brannan is ‘inspirational.’ If she ever wanted to be a cheer coach, Waugh would want to follow in Brannan’s footsteps because she is the definition of an amazing leader; her smile and her loving personality will be missed. “Coach Brannan has taught me that if I want something, I need to go for it,” Waugh said. “No

matter what, in cheer or in life, I will always have Coach Brannon in the back of my head pushing me.” Brannan’s biggest goal right now is to go turn off her alarm clock. She just wants to chill for a while and let the squad become Veczko and Sason’s. Brannan will, of course, still show her support and come visit her former squad; but only as an observer. Brannan wants to get involved in some community service work tutoring younger children. She also plans to do a little traveling to see some of her extended family. But, as an English major, Brannan has goals of visiting England and Scotland to see the places that she has been having her students read about for a really long period of time. “No one will ever be able to fill Coach Brannon’s shoes,” Waugh said. “It doesn’t matter if you were one of her students or cheerleaders, she left an imprint on everyone that will never go away. We will never forget her, and she will be in our hearts forever." ITG

JOI: Proud team physicians keeping the Sharks and you on your game

Gilbert Repeats as City Champions by Joey Lopes

T Kevin M. Kaplan, MD – Head Team Physician

Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute and Baptist Health are pleased to offer area athletes, and weekend warriors alike, unmatched sports medicine expertise and complete orthopaedic care. As team physicians for the Sharks, 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.

he Gilbert Panthers continue their stronghold on middle school football in Duval County, defeating the Fletcher Senators, 18-6. The Panthers, headed by Charron Dorsey, a former offensive lineman for the Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans, extended the program’s winning streak to 63 games and their second city championship in a tournament that started two years ago by the Duval County School Board. On the field, the Panthers were lead by Javon Bonsell, who accounted for two of the Panthers’ touchdowns. Both of them were over 60 yards on a night with temperatures below 30 degrees. Bonsell’s performance, on the night of his birthday, won him the MVP award presented by Tammy Talley, Athletic Director and Mr. Roziers, Assistant Superintendent of the Duval County School Board. Fletcher, headed by Marty McCauslin, started the season slow but fought their way into the championship with a double-overtime victory over Mandarin. The Senators are no strangers to ending streaks, as they crushed Landmark’s 50-plus game winning streak last year. Coach McCauslin knew they were going to have their hands full with the boys from out east. The Senators controlled the ball and the clock through the first quarter until a fumble was returned for a touchdown by the Panthers’ defense. The Senators defense seemed to have slowed the Panthers offense until a minute and a half before halftime when Bonsell broke out his first long run of the night to put the Panthers up 12-0. The Senators came started the second half with an onside kick they recovered that lead to a touchdown, making the score 12-6. The game was capped off with another long run by Bonsell late in the 4th quarter with under two minutes remaining to give the Panthers an 18-6 lead and another championship for the school. ITG

To learn more or to set an appointment, please visit JOI.NET

“Bear”-ing the Load: Bartram Trail Lady Weightlifting by James Washington

t Bartram Trail High School in St. Johns, Florida, athletics are not far behind the stellar education that students receive. As with any school, student-athletes are expected to carry a load that vastly outweighs that of other students. They are subjected to the rigors of the classroom, as well as daily practices, competitions, and tournaments. They are the face of the school in more ways than one; they represent the intellectual component of a strong educational background, while at the same time bearing the load that comes along with being the motivators and competitors on their respective field, court, or other arena. The women of the weightlifting team 50

photo credit: Bartram Trail Lady Weightlifting

are definitely no exception. Under the direction of Marc Nadeau and led by seniors Bailey Garland, Madison Horner, Akira Rivera, and Erin Murphy, the Lady Bears are strong competitors in the state, and are poised to make their presence felt for another year. “Our school is one of the top teams in the state,” Garland said. “Once tournament time comes around, it’s always like ‘you wanna beat (Bartram Trail)’. And I think we’re ready to handle that competition.” Garland heads a senior class that competed at the state level last season. Individually, she placed third, and currently boasts a bench max of 230 pounds.

“I joined the team after Coach Nadeau came to me,” Garland said. “My sister was already a member of the team, and he believed the ‘other Garland’ would be a good fit. My sister eventually convinced me and I’ve been here ever since.” Madison Horner began weightlifting as a freshman and has been a part of the team ever since. The approach was a familiar one; some random day, four years ago, Coach Nadeau spotted her on campus. She possessed a natural build that he believed would allow her to excel as a member of the team. So he took a chance. It wasn’t the type of chance that a coach takes without a particular aura of confidence

surrounding him. Coach Nadeau knew potential when he saw it, and he wasn’t about to let it get away. “Coach saw me one day on campus,” Horner said. “He came up to me and said, ‘you’re gonna be a weightlifter’. I figured I could give it a shot. I’m naturally strong, so I didn’t think it would be too hard to get adjusted.” Coach Nadeau is highly respected and revered for his expectations. While he doesn’t expect any young woman that comes through his weight room to be perfect, he does expect them come prepared with the mentality that they can get as close as they want to perfection. “(Coach) really pushes us,” said senior Erin Murphy. “Missing one day of his practices feels like missing a month. He has really high expectations for us, and it’s because of him that we’re so good.” Murphy, also a veteran of the group, joined as a sophomore and is entering her third year with the team. Current teammate Akira Rivera joined the same year. “I didn’t really know anybody coming in, but I knew I wanted to get involved,” Murphy said. “I went from barely lifting the bar sophomore year to placing seventh individually in the state last season.”

Rivera echoes the same sentiment. “The bar is about 45 pounds, and it was a struggle lifting that when I started,” she said. “Now, I can split jerk 155. I’ve improved a lot, and I feel like I’m getting better every day.” All four started with little to no experience. And all four are determined to reach their full potential. One thing is for certain: when individuals are eager to reach a common goal, alliances and friendships can be formed anywhere. These seniors came to the team alone; they had no friends join with them. But over the last few years, their determination and willingness to be successful has driven them to chase greatness. They’ve also realized that it’s a little easier with a push from your teammates. “I love to cheer people on,” Rivera said. “Later in the season, everything becomes more individually-based. But, even then, we’re a team, and I like to see my teammates do well.” Coach Nadeau, a former collegiate athlete, joined the girls’ weightlifting program in 2008, which was only the team’s second season in existence. Since then, numbers have soared. On average, between six and eight girls have gone on

to compete at the state level every year, bringing home about three individual medals a year. The team has also won numerous district titles and finished in the top six in the state the last two years. His background in strength training and conditioning has helped propel the weightlifting program to new heights. “We’ve come a long way,” Coach Nadeau said. “Our girls understand that if anything is going to get done here, it’s going to get done right. It’s not just a sport; it’s a lifestyle.” These talented young ladies are ready for everything that this season will throw their way. Four years ago, nobody was sure exactly where their talents and natural abilities would take them. At this point, however, it is apparent that they are ready to take over and lead their team. Upperclassmen of years past were responsible for making them feel comfortable and welcome, and now it is their job to keep the trend going strong. The weight of the Bartram Trail High School girls’ weightlifting team rests on the shoulders of these four seniors. And they’re just fine with that. ITG

Freshman Focus

Freshman Volleyball Player Aces the Competition by Jessica Babcock

Ashley Hargiss Duval Charter School at Baymeadows

photography by Ted Hargiss

shley Hargiss, 14, is no stranger to sports. As a child, she bounced from one sport to the next to see what was a good fit for her. When Ashley was in fifth grade, her friend asked her to play volleyball at the YMCA. Ashley fell in love with the sport in that first season; a love that today has developed into a passion. In the beginning, Ashley started out as a hitter, but she quickly transitioned into the setter position due to a lack of them on her JJVA team. “I thought I would give it a try, and I ended up loving setting,” Ashley said. “It is fun for me, I get to touch the ball every play. I like to be involved in the game.” A lot of people do not know that Ashley spent about 90 percent of her first season at JJVA on the bench. She did not like it, but always had a good attitude and continued to encourage her team. It was that year spent on the bench that really challenged Ashley and encouraged her to work harder and to push herself to be the best she could be. Although Ashley was not a captain for Duval Charter School at Baymeadows this year, she has been a captain on her JJVA team for the past three years. Not having the title did not stop her from wanting to encourage and support her teammates. “Ashley is a very good leader,” Head Coach Jessica Converse said. “Ashley was not a captain this year, but if you came to a game you would have thought she was. She brings the team together when they are down and between sets. She always tries to let the team know what they can do as a whole to better improve themselves for the next set.” Coach Converse has been coaching off and on for the past five years, this being her first high school team. This past season was Ashley and Coach Converse’s first year at Duval Charter. Even though she is normally a setter for JJVA, Coach Converse wanted to try Ashley out at middle hitter since she stands at about 5’9”. “Ashley is a great player,” Coach Converse said. “She did a fantastic job adapting to a hitting position. She is the type of player any coach would dream to have. You can put her anywhere on the court and know she will get the job done.” Coach Converse believes that the other players on the team look up to Ashley. She comes from a very competitive background, and she is the strongest hitter on the team, Coach Converse said. She is very strategic and loves to challenge herself and her team. “We all work together,” Ashley said. “My teammates have said that this is the first year that every girl is playing as a team. We are all friends. We listen to each other, there are no clicks, and no one holds any grudges. There are not six individuals out on a court, we are one team; we are one family.”

Ashley wants to start thinking about personal goals she would like to reach for each match that she plays. Ashley is aiming for at least three blocks, five aces and 10 kills every match. She also aims to get her vertical jump between 9’10” and 10 feet by the end of the season. Currently she is at 9’6”. “Ashley is an outgoing player who is friendly and coachable,” Coach Converse said. “She expects the best from herself and her team and she is willing to work hard to reach her goals.” Ashley’s favorite part about playing volleyball is the rush that she gets from the competition and from every team that she plays. Ashley loves spending time with her teammates and getting to know them, but her favorite part is definitely the competition because every player and every team brings something different to the table. Between school and JJVA, Ashley plays volleyball five days a week with a tournament every other weekend. She will travel to Orlando three times this year, Atlanta, Denver and, if her team gets a bid to nationals, Minneapolis. “My family has been the best,” Ashley said. “My dad has been really encouraging to me; he always pushes me to do my best. My mom is always there; she is willing to do what other people may not want to do. They are both my biggest cheerleaders and my number one fans. My little brother is always cheering me on, too. Win or lose you can always count on there to be a smile on his face.” Coach Converse said that the past season

ended exactly how she expected it to. The team grew and improved each game. The team had their ups and downs and lost a couple games they should have won, Coach Converse said. A few teams were shocked at how well we improved. Ashley started and ended the season strong. She was named MVP in a pre-season tournament, leading her team in blocks, digs and kills. Ashley finished up this past season with 129 digs, 113 kills, 54 aces, 53 solo blocks and 36 assists. Not too shabby for a freshman. Currently, Ashley maintains a 4.0 GPA. She is a member of the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) and, as a ninth grader, she entered the Cambridge AICE Program. She has also earned over 100 community service hours as a junior volleyball coach at a JJVA volleyball camp. Ever since Ashley started volleyball she has wanted to play at the collegiate level. Ashley watches college matches and just loves how well they play together as a team and individually. Ashley would love to play for the University of Florida one day, but she is always open and willing to talk to many different colleges. She is excited to see how many different offers she can get. “Ashley most definitely has a future in playing volleyball,” Coach Converse said. “Ashley has the talent, the drive, the strategic mind set and the passion. You can just see it from one game to the next, the way she improves and learns from her herself and other players.” ITG

Ashley's Favorites Favorite Movie: The Hunger Games Series Favorite Athlete: Misty May-Treanor Ideal Place to Travel: Italy Favorite Food: Fruit Favorite Subject: Math Least Favorite Subject: Biology Sport You Wish You Could Play: Soccer 53

by Jessica Babcock

ey ton Hughes has cer t ain ly m ade a name for himself. A lt hough he is only in t he eight h gr ade , Pey ton has al re ady competed at st ate , regional and national wrest ling event s wit h gre at success. From 20 0 8 -2013, Pe y ton w as t he A AU St ate Champion , and from 20 0 9 -2012 , he w as t he U SA Florid a St ate Champion. L ast ye ar wit h Te am Cl ay, Pey ton took t he championship at t he B rute N ationals held in K ans as Cit y, Missouri. He went a per fec t 4 - 0 , and he e arned t he tournament ’s Most Outst anding Wrest ler aw ard for not hav-

Rising Star

Lake Asbury Wrestler Prepares for High School with Elite Resume

photography by the Hughes family

ing a single point scored ag ainst him. “ Pey ton is a dominant per former,” Coach Jim Re ape s aid . “ He has been wrest ling for ne arly a dec ade and e ach ye ar he improves and ste ps up his level of competition.” Coach Re ape has been coaching for 2 2 ye ar s. He is t he wrest ling coach at L ake A sbur y Junior High and Cl ay High S chool. L ast se ason , L ake A sbur y won t he Nor t h Florid a Champi onship for Junior High Wrest ling for t he f ir st time . Coach Re ape expec t s a re pe at t his ye ar as he w atches his at hletes improve and g ain in conf i dence .

In addition to t he multiple cham pionships he has won , Pey ton is also a t wo -time S out he ast Triple Crown winner by pl acing f ir st in Free St yle , Folk St yle and Greco Roman tournament s all in t he s ame se ason. Pey ton also wrest led wit h Cl ay High S chool l ast ye ar at t he Disney Du als. He c ap tured t he gold med al as he went a per fec t 7- 0. “ My f avorite t hing about wrest ling is you have no one but your self to rely on ,” Pey ton s aid . “ You c annot bl ame anyone for a loss exce pt yourself, so it w as re ally cool when I won nationals . A ll of t he hard work and 55

s acrif ices t hat I m ade paid of f as soon as I won it .” Pey ton f ir st got into wrest ling when he w as just six ye ar s old . His d ad and uncles all wrest led , so he just de cided to follow in t heir foot ste ps . Current ly, Pey ton wrest les at 10 6 pounds . Pey ton’s d ad , Mike Hughes , has coached him in foot ball and in wrest ling since t he beginning. This ye ar, Coach Hughes is ste pping back and put ting Pe y ton in t he hands of t he middle and high school coaches . “ Pey ton is a natur al for t he spor t ,” Coach Hughes s aid . “ B ut now it is time for me to be t he d ad and let him do his t hing. It w as gre at coaching him.” In addition to wrest ling for L AJ H and Te am Cl ay, Pey ton is on t he Florid a A ll St ar te am. They alre ady have tournament s lined up in Virgini a , New Jer sey, Nebr ask a and Tennessee . A ll cost s are out of pocket . Luck ily for Pey ton , his f amily has al w ays been ver y suppor tive . It get s expensive , but if Pey ton put s in t he work and he w ant s to do it , t hen his parent s feel t hat he has e arned it . It is no surprise t hat Pey ton is a te am c apt ain. The ot her me mber s of t he te am look at t he loc al and national champi-

onships Pey ton has won. His te amm ates under st and t he dif f icult y of t he spor t and w ant to le arn from him. “ Pey ton likes to share what he’s le arned t hrough his seven ye ar s of wrest ling ,” Coach Hughes s aid . “ He underst ands t hat to be a good te amm ate , you need to share what you have le arned to help ot her s re ach t heir goals.” Win or lose , Pey ton likes to w atch f ilm to tr y to see t he mist akes t hat he m ade to tr y to bet ter pre pare for his next m atch. Pey ton has goals of not only going undefe ated ag ain , but also to not to allow a single t ake down ag ainst him. “ My coaches have t aught me t hat you work for what you e arn and to be t he best you have to wrest le t he best ,” Pe y ton s aid . “ I am best at my technique and my at titude . I do not get too happy or too s ad about a loss . I just move on and st ar t work ing harder for next time .” Pey ton had hopes of at tending Cl ay High S chool , but his f amily lived in St . Johns Count y. B ut not to worr y, l ast ye ar his f amily moved across town to get him in t he distric t bec ause t hat is were he w anted to be . Pey ton hopes t hat wrest ling will help get him into a good college in t he future . “ Pey ton has accomplished a gre at de al

and he re ally see ms to love t he Coach Hughes s aid . “ Wit h his ence and sk ills , if he commit s spor t t here is not hing he c an’t plish.” ITG

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The Bolles Bulldogs take the field for their pregame warm-ups.

Providence fans support their winning Stallions as they head into the playoffs.

Westside Wildcats Pee Wee wins the

Arlington Junior Pee Wee

Cheer Squad prepares for

Bollesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; mascot high-fives young fans

regionals.

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city championship

Doug and Nicolette Donovan spend time on the golf course Mandarin High School Student Section

Pablo Creek Saints Cheer

Squad to repeat the road

to Nationals.

North Florida’s top recruit

Atlantic Coast High School

Cece Jefferson intervies

for “In the Game TV.”

student section

The young Lady Bucs of Oceanway represent at the city championship.

Northeast Florida Pop Warner Cheerleading Squads gather at UNF for city competition

Chick-Fil -A pregame slingshots t-sh ir .

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Bishop Kenny High School Student Sect

Creeks Outlaws prepare to take the field at Everbank Field. 59