October/November 2014 North Florida Edition by ITG Next Magazine

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

In This Issue:

Northeast Florida

OCT-NOV 2014

08 Telvin Smith: History in the Making 18 Golf Feature

Nicolette Donovan

Max Foster

Fletcher High School

CONTENTS

23 Academic Athlete Jennings Jackson

Ridgeview High School

28 Mascots Confidential:

Behind the Disguise

34 Bolles Cross Country

Goes for Three-Peat at State

38 Coach’s Corner

Tim Callahan

Providence High School

44 Player Profiles Northeast Florida Area High Schools

Also Inside

50 Inspirational: Fifth Annual

McKenzie’s Run

Timeless Moments in Sports

Ponte Vedra Golfer Hopes to Repeat as State Champions, Attend West Point

Eat. Pray. Volleyball.

57 Rising Star

Pop Warner vs. No Weight Limit

Tahveon Nicholson

Temple Christian Academy

Northwest Classic’s History

Sandalwood’s Senior Swims Above the Competition

Patellar Tendon Pain Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute

Senior Sandalwood Bowling Star Eyes Championship Finish

SAPP Hosts First Annual Youth Speed Challenge

How Much Do You Sweat?

Sudden Cardiac Arrest and the Importance of AEDs

Ponte Vedra High School

Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute

Oakleaf Trio Ready to Shake Program’s Novice Persona

34 11

52 In the Stands

Read. Subscribe. Share.

www.inthegamemagazine.com

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

Northeast Florida OCT-NOV 2014

From the Publisher One of the aspects of covering the North Florida/Jacksonville area that I really enjoy is the rich diversity of sports and activities the schools here offer. Each month, I find myself pleasantly surprised with the athletes from different sports we are able to feature. We are in football season right now, and in our other areas, our magazines lean heavily toward football. We have a few other sports we feature, but it’s almost always softball, volleyball, or cross country. That’s mainly what the schools in the more rural areas we cover have going on in the fall.

Publisher Mark Dykes

Editor Mark Dykes Sarah Turner

Graphics Jennifer Alexander

Cover Photography Beverly Pye

Feature Photography Beverly Pye Jonathan Chick John Romig Joey Lopes Ronald Lott Mark Barnes Photography Amy Buxton

Feature Writer Joey Lopes Brandon Ibarra Jessica Babcock Robert Preston, Jr.

Copy Editors James Washington Sarah Turner

Advertising/Marketing Mark Dykes mark@inthegamemagazine.com Skyler Callender skyler@inthegamemagazine.com Hannah Mitchell hannah@inthegamemagazine.com

Website Manager Sarah Turner

Down here, however, it is a very different story. While we certainly don’t want to ignore football season by any stretch – and you will find a great deal of gridiron content in this month’s edition – we also have plenty of non-football content on the pages of this magazine.

Contributors

Mark Dykes, Publisher

For example, we have a bowling feature this month. Marisol Dodson of Sandalwood High School is the first bowler I can remember us spotlighting in any of our magazines. She is a talented young lady and is doing quite well for herself in a rather non-traditional sport. We also have a couple of golfers in Matt Plunkett, Nicolette Donovan, and Max Foster. Inside this edition you will also find a story on Alexis Dunham, a volleyball player from First Coast Christian, Sandalwood’s swimming/diving standout Fabian Lopez, and a host of other features highlighting the best and brightest in the North Florida area. Of course we would be remiss if we didn’t cover football. And do we ever cover it! We have no less than seven football features in the October edition. We even have a story on one of the Jaguars. Linebacker Telvin Smith attended Lowndes High School in Valdosta, Georgia, and after helping the Florida State Seminoles win a national championship, he was taken in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL draft. Thankfully, he didn’t have to go far from home, and he’s ready to make an immediate impact on the Jags’ defense. Though it seems hard to believe, we are nearing the end of football season, and the playoff pictures will start developing very soon. The players, the rivalries, the atmosphere, and maybe a little cooler weather – all are making this an exciting fall sports season, and we couldn’t be happier to be here with you. Each month brings a new surprise for us, and we love every minute of covering high school athletics in this area. We hope you are enjoying it as much as we are. Before we conclude, I must take a moment to correct a previous error. In our preseason magazine, we stated that Mark Brunell was no longer the head football coach at Episcopal High School. We apologize for our misprint; Brunell is still currently coaching the Eagles.

Robert Preston, Jr.

Features & Commentary

Sarah Turner Editor

Keep a sharp eye out for me in this issue, and be sure to check out the next issue of Northeast Florida’s In the Game High School Sports Magazine for details about me!

- Jaxson de Ville

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.

www.inthegamemagazine.com

Telvin Smith: History in the Making by Robert Preston, Jr.

photography by Jonathan Chick

Since In the Game High School Sports Magazine began publishing, our South Georgia athletes have won state titles, signed with major college football programs, and even won national championships. Some have even advanced to the next level. Telvin Smith, a former Lowndes High Viking, was selected in the fifth round (144th pick overall) by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2014 NFL Draft. Smith won a state title with Lowndes and played four years for the Florida State Seminoles. He saw significant playing time on special teams and at linebacker for his first three years but did not become a regular starter until his senior year. The 2013 Seminoles won the BCS Championship, and Smith was an integral part of that national championship team. Draft analysts pegged Smith as a mid-round pick. No one doubted his athletic ability or whether or not he could play at the professional level. What did concern teams was his size â&#x20AC;&#x201C; or lack thereof. He plays like a linebacker but at 220 pounds, has the frame of a defensive back. Scouts feared he couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take the punishment a linebacker faces at the NFL level. 8

To be effective on an NFL team, Smith really needed a strong defensive line up front to handle the big offensive linemen and free him up to make plays. Smith is also skilled at dropping back into coverage. Fortunately for him, the Jaguars had several holes they needed to fill at linebacker. They run a 4-3 defense and didn’t really have a linebacker last year who was effective at coverage. He had exactly what the Jaguars needed. Jacksonville waited until the fifth round to select Smith. He is expected to continue fighting for a spot on the team during the remainder of the preseason. Ideally, he needs to get bigger and stronger without losing any of his speed and quickness. He should have no problem making the team and ought to be a valuable addition to a Jaguars squad that was very weak at linebacker in 2013. ITG

n’t the , ‘Telvin Smith is ng ki in th be ht ig L. I know ‘But wait,’ you m afted into the N F dr e et hl at e uple am G only In the t depends on a co er ha T .’ rs he ot e ar athlete ev for a fact there first In the Game he T s. le ab ri va t Jarvis of differen lumbus and was Co rve ar C om s. fr drafted came ittsburgh Steeler P e th r fo s ay pl tly is year Jones, who curren ete was drafted th hl at ia rg eo G ho th One other Sou an from Coffee w em lin e iv ns fe of an ok Scott – Garrett Scott, ttle Seahawks to ea S he T l. al sh went to Mar

ed a doctors discover am te r te af e as le And but had to re m from playing. hi d te en ev pr at ed as free heart condition th ame players sign G e th In r he ot e ndes); at least thre Louis Rams (Low t. S d, ei R g re G : and Isaiah agents this year rk Jets (Coffee); Yo ew N , tt ne en But B Demario ver-Columbus). ar (C ns w ro B d e an Crowell, Clevel In the Game athlet ia rg eo G th ou S t Smith was the firs d on draft day who still has an calle to hear his name er. ake an N FL rost opportunity to m 9

For more information or to register online for this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s run, please www.mckenziesrun.org 11

McKenzie’s Run Just One of Foundation’s Many Great Causes by Brandon Ibarra

he Fifth-Annual McKenzie’s Run is set for Saturday, November 22nd at Everbank Field. It is the trademark event of The McKenzie Noelle Wilson Foundation, a non-profit organization started in McKenzie’s memory. McKenzie was a vibrant, caring 15-year-old student at The Bolles School. She split time between softball and cheerleading and wore the same bright smile to both activities. On August 17, 2010, McKenzie suddenly passed away from a rare disease that was never diagnosed. Nearly 2,000 people attended her funeral in response to the positive impact she made in her community. One month later, Bolles renamed the softball field after her, and retired her jersey number “as a lasting tribute to her kindness, spirit, talent, and faith.” “She was an incredible team player and a very uplifting person on the team,” said Mercede New, Programs Director for the Foundation. “That really carried over with the softball team at Bolles. Even to this day, once a year they have a ceremony recognizing her.” McKenzie’s Run is a 5K run/walk preceded by a one-mile fun run. Those who are intimidated by the distance need not worry. “It’s a youth-oriented event,” New said. “It’s a lot of fun. You don’t have to be an athlete to attend. Last year we had 3,600 participants, and we’re hoping for 4,000 this year.” The registration fee for groups of three or more people is only $15 each, and the youth team with the most people will win “a large prize,” according to New. The finish line will be located inside the stadium, and everyone who finishes will appear on the new, worldfamous video display boards. The 17th of each month is Teal Day. Friends and family honor McKenzie’s memory by wearing the color teal and committing random acts of kindness in the community. Everyone is encouraged to do the same, and a blog was created to share those stories (“The McKenzie Cares Blog”) In January, the Foundation pledged to donate $1 million over the next five years toward educating local youth. This includes funding for after school mentoring programs and re-

sources for teachers and tutors. It is a huge act of local philanthropy and is even more impressive considering McKenzie’s family started the Foundation just five years ago. In September 2011, McKenzie’s Academic Resource Center (MARC) opened in the Portside community. The foundation provides free academic programs to students in the area, including special teen development programs and English and family programs for adults. Since its inception, grade retention rates in area schools have decreased along with the number of disciplinary referrals issued. Just one year later, the second MARC was established in the Countryside community. Both locations currently serve over 250 students. The foundation’s vision reads as follows: “The foundation is dedicated to helping young people find their purpose in an in-

photography by Beverly Pye

creasingly complex and challenging world.” In Lugandan, Uganda, “Amaka ga McKenzie” (McKenzie’s Home) was built to provide living accommodations for 20 orphan girls. The foundation partnered with the Okoa Refuge, Inc. in this global endeavor to offer counseling, support and educational opportunities as well as food, shelter, and medical attention. A boys’ orphanage and an abandoned baby house were later added. Teen volunteers from the foundation worked for months to raise money at bake sales and other fundraising events. Donors matched their contributions to make the orphanage compound a reality. McKenzie’s passing was a tragedy, and she is sincerely missed, but her memory lives on in every child impacted by the McKenzie Noelle Wilson Foundation. The organization has created a positive change at home and abroad, and it has only just begun. ITG

Timeless Moments in Sports

October 10.1.1975

10.6.2009

Boxing greats Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier clashed for the third and final time, fighting for Ali’s WBC/ WBA Heavyweight Championship. Taking place in Quezon City (Metro Manila), Philippines, the third and final match between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier came down to a 14th-round TKO when Frazier’s corner threw in the towel. It is hailed by many as one of the greatest matches in boxing history.

In his first game against his former team, Brett Favre of the Minnesota Vikings became the first quarterback to defeat all 32 teams in the NFL. He passed for 271 yards and three touchdowns as the Vikings defeated the Green Bay Packers 30-23.

The Thrilla in Manila

They All Fall Down

October Birthdays Anquan Boldin – October 3, 1980 (Wide Receiver, San Francisco 49ers)

10.7.2012

It’s a “Brees” Connecting on a 40-yard score to wide receiver Devery Henderson, New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees set a new record by throwing at least one touchdown in 48 consecutive games, surpassing Johnny Unitas’s 52-year-old record. His streak would eventually end at 54 games against the Atlanta Falcons.

10.26.1984

The Debut NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan made his professional debut with the Chicago Bulls in a 109-93 win over the Washington Bullets. He would go on to become the first rookie to lead his team in four statistical categories over a season (points, rebounds, assists, and steals), a distinction that he solely owns to this day. 14

Derrick Rose – October 4, 1988 (Point Guard, Chicago Bulls)

Brittney Griner – October 10, 1990 (Center, Phoenix Mercury)

Bryce Harper – October 16, 1992 (Outfielder, Washington Nationals)

Nick Saban – October 31, 1951

(Head Coach, University of Alabama)

10.27.2004

Curse Reversed After coming back from an 0-3 deficit to defeat the New York Yankees in the ALCS, the Boston Red Sox captured their first World Series title since 1918, defeating the St. Louis Cardinals four games to none. The title lifted what had been referred to as the “Curse of the Bambino,” which Red Sox fans supposed was caused when Boston sold baseball legend Babe Ruth to the Yankees in 1919.

Ponte Vedra Golfer Hopes to Repeat as State Champions, Attend West Point

by Robert Preston, Jr.

or much of his life, Matt Plunkett, a senior at Ponte Vedra High School, has played golf. He started going to the practice range with his father not long after he could walk. By age six, he was playing in tournaments. By 10 or 11, he realized he might have a future on the links. “I was always finishing high in the tournaments I was playing. Even back then, I started thinking about playing in college,” he says. The path that leads one from exceptional youth golfer to the elite ranks as a teen is often a precarious one. The slightest loss of focus or tiniest of poor decisions can derail a career. Burnout is an ever-present danger. Plunkett, however, has navigated those obstacles quite well. Now he stands at the beginning of his senior year, already a state champion and AllCounty selection, with plans to repeat this year. A college scholarship is all but a given. Plunkett just has to finish strong. Golf is a frustrating game. It takes seemingly little athletic ability to excel but tremendous skill. The golf swing is complicated, temperamental, unforgiving. The mental side of the game is even trickier. Many a good golfer couldn’t climb that final hurdle and become great because he or she never mastered the mental aspect of golf. Plunkett seems to have a solid handle on both aspects of the game. He’s long off the tee, but he also wields an accurate and precise putter. From 10 feet in, it’s almost a given. While he has been working on his game – 20 or more hours per week for years, seldom taking more than two days in a row off – he has also been honing his focus, his poise, and his confidence. “You develop that over time,” he says. “It comes from being in a lot of big situations. You get used to it. When you do well, it builds confidence. You need to be confident without being cocky. You have to know your game better than you know yourself.” Plunkett already has an impressive golf resume to his credit. He and his Ponte Vedra teammates finished fourth in the state when he was a freshman, second in the state as a sophomore, and last year, they won the state championship by two strokes. The plan for this year is to repeat, daunting though it may be.

“We’re looking good. We’ve gotten stronger. And I want us to win,” he says. For Plunkett, team success is more important than individual placing. While he would like to finish at the pointy end of the field, he would rather play poorly but see his team win another title. “That’s what I think about when I’m on the course. That’s what keeps me focused. I think about my team. I think about winning a tournament, winning state. I know if I work hard now, it will pay off in the future,” says Plunkett. The future. It’s something that seems a long way off, yet it is much closer than Plunkett could ever imagine. He plans to follow his brother, Marcus, to West Point. Three years older than Matt, the two brothers played one year together at Ponte Vedra. Marcus was a senior, Matt a freshman. “I didn’t know about West Point until he decided to go. When I had the chance, I decided to as well. Marcus is my role model and I wanted to go because of him. When the coach called me, I immediately said yes. It’s a full scholarship and a great opportunity,” he says. With attending West Point comes a five-year active duty commitment to the Army, along with three years in the reserves. The sky is the limit for Plunkett, and at the moment, he doesn’t have any idea what he will study at West Point. “I’m not sure yet,” he says. “I’ve got some time to figure that out.” For the most part, the one constant in Matt Plunkett’s life has been golf. Since he was old enough to know which end of a club to hold, he has been on the golf course. The game has brought him notoriety, a championship, and opened up the world to him. So what is the most important lesson golf has taught him? “When bad stuff happens, you can’t get upset. You have to understand what happened, and why it happened, then get yourself together and move forward. You persevere through difficult stretches and you keep trying your hardest.”ITG

Eat. Pray. Volleyball.

by Jessica Babcock

photogrpahy by Mark Barnes Photography and Amy Buxton

n the first day colleges could legally contact players via e-mail, First Coast Christian’s Alexis Dunham, 16, was very excited to open her inbox to find that several schools were interested in recruiting her. Dunham has played for her school’s team for the past six years, five of which she has been a team captain. She was approached by several coaches who wanted her to play at different high schools, but Dunham wanted to play for the school that she has attended since Pre-Kindergarten. It is no wonder why several coaches were after her, Dunham is God’s gift to volleyball. Standing six feet tall, she has a 9’5” block jump and a 9’7” approach jump. She currently has a goal to reach 10 feet before her senior year starts. Oh, and one more thing, Dunham can currently squat 360 pounds! Last season as a sophomore, she was her school’s top offensive player, top defensive player, MVP, and she was the number one blocker in Divisions 2, 3 and 4 in the entire state of Florida. Coach Esther Williams loves mentoring the girls and watching them excel in life and in volleyball. She feels that Dunham is a great leader; someone that the other girls can definitely look up to. “Alexis is a very strong all-around player,” Coach Williams said. “Her positive attitude, hard work, and dedication are definitely seen on and off the court.” Dunham is also in her second season playing for the Jacksonville Juniors Volleyball Association (JJVA) team. According to their website, JJVA develops leadership skills, self-confidence, responsibility, self-discipline, and encourages a healthy lifestyle through volleyball training. “I love the family atmosphere of volleyball,” Dunham said. “But my favorite part is the competitiveness. Club volleyball is a whole other level to me.”

Gatorade or Powerade:

Favorite Movie:

In the past year alone, Dunham has competed in the Disney Showcase, the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Nationals, Winter Blast, and Daytona 100. “There is not anything about volleyball that I do not like,” she said. “Well…maybe the knee pads.” On top of her school and club volleyball commitments, Monday through Friday, Dunham comes home and completes an additional workout, usually with schoolmate and varsity basketball player Jose Dominguez. He is a big encouragement to Dunham and challenges her every day to do her best. Dunham is also on her school’s basketball team and is thinking about running track this year. “She is the most dedicated player I have had the privilege to coach,” Coach Williams said. “I admire all the work she puts into volleyball.” After all is said and done, Dunham still has found the time to maintain a 3.3 GPA while also dual enrolling at FSCJ Kent Campus. She is a member of her school’s National Honor Society and Beta Club, and last year, she volunteered 60 plus hours at local homeless and domestic battery shelters, the Ronald McDonald house, and the Salvation Army. Dunham has shown her heart and dedication throughout the whole year. She is very adamant about considering every college that makes her an offer, no matter the size or level of prestige. She wants to make sure that the volleyball and academic programs are a good fit for her. Dunham has helped motivate some of her teammates by getting them to focus on how they are going to get to the next level. This season, she hopes to lead The Lady Knights to the postseason by pushing her whole team to improve by working together. “Alexis definitely has a future playing volleyball,” Coach Williams said. “She has come so far in the last few years, and it’s exciting to see what doors God will open up for her.” ITG

Gatorade

Soul Surfer

Favorite Athlete: Bethany Hamilton Ideal Place to Travel:

North Carolina or Tennessee Android or iPhone: iPhone Favorite Subject: Literature 17

Future Hokie Poised for Strong School Finish

by Brandon Ibarra

photography by Beverly Pye

icolette Donovan had a great summer. It revolved mostly around golf. The reigning state champion traveled with her family all around the country, playing in tournaments and enjoying the scenery. The Grand Canyon highlighted a recent trip to Flagstaff, Arizona. “I love to travel,” said Donovan, a senior at Ponte Vedra High School. “The places golf has taken me has been really cool. It takes you to some really, really gorgeous places.” She was home for about two weeks total during vacation, but that’s no reason to complain. Golf is vacation. She was able to relax through it much better after deciding which Division I school she would play for in college. Donovan has been scouted heavily since her freshman year, with countless emails and phone calls from all the major programs as proof. No doubt the mailman dreaded her stop on his route due to the stacks of letters she was receiving. “It was a long process, and pretty stressful, but we went up and visited a bunch of schools, and when we went to Virginia Tech, it was just the right place for me, academically and athletically. It was just the right school.” Donovan committed to Hokie Nation in March and plans to sign her formal letter of intent in December. She received her first golf clubs, plastic ones, at three years old. They would occupy her in the backyard for hours at a time. She started her competitive career early, playing in her first tournament at age five. She also participated in soccer, softball, and basketball, but gave those sports up to focus on golf completely when she was eight. Even at such a young age, Donovan knew she had already found her calling. “I’ve never really been pushed or been told to go practice,” she said. “I take it upon myself, because I want to practice, and I’m driven to be the best I can be. It can be quite an isolating sport sometimes, but it’s really just about motivating yourself and focusing to get where you want to be.” Donovan follows a golf-specific workout regimen that balances cardio and stretching along with strength building and weightlifting. She also does exercise specifically to improve her range of motion. She drives the ball well, but excels most with a wedge

or putter. She is drawn to the mental aspect of the game more than its physicality. “It’s about patience,” she said. “[It’s about] being prepared, having a game plan, good course management along with the short game and the driving, all that stuff paired together.” Donovan continued to play in the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) until she began high school. She welcomes the different facets of team golf as much as she enjoys playing as an individual. “Playing on a team is awesome, because the high school team is like a family,” she said. “Obviously, we’re all playing against each other in a sense, but we’re all kind of in a community, and we’re all supporting

each other. When you get out on the golf course, it’s you against the course. It really isn’t a team sport anymore. But once you get back, the whole team supports you, so it’s nice to have those couple of months during the school season where you can have everyone come together.” She gives each of her teammates a short pep talk before an event. It’s part of her responsibility as a team leader and has become one of her pregame rituals. Then she says a prayer and gives her dad a fist bump. Donovan’s favorite pro golfers are Luke Donald and Beatriz Recari. She follows the PGA and volunteers at The Players Championship every year. Soon she won’t have to follow, though. She’ll already be there. ITG

Favorite Subject: Chemistry Favorite Song: “We Won’t Be Shaken,” by Building 429 Superpower: Fly Favorite Book: A Beautiful Disaster Favorite Color: Yellow Ideal Place to Travel: Italy Celebrity Crush: Ed Westwick 19

Fletcher Natural Hones Sweet Swing by Brandon Ibarra photography by Beverly Pye

ax Foster picked up a golf club for the first time in 10th grade. His father took him to the course on a whim two years ago. “My dad played a lot when I was younger,” Foster said. “I don’t know [what changed], one day he was just like, ‘Oh, let’s go.’” Foster was looking for something to fill the void left when he quit soccer after his freshman year. He played midfielder the previous 11 years for club teams. Foster began to enjoy the time he was spending with his dad on the links and missed the allure of team sports less and less. “I like golf so much, because it’s individual, so you don’t have to worry. If you have a good performance, no one else is going to hold you back, compared to the team sports, where you could have the game of your life and still lose.” Foster played in his first amateur tournament a mere eight months ago, relying on instincts and learning as he went. “I had some potential from the beginning,” he said. 20

He improved his scores each time out, which was enough to catch the attention of multiple Division-II scouts. He has experienced an impressive rise to notoriety in the short time after, and hasn’t even played a round for Fletcher yet. “I’m going to wait to see what happens after this high school season before committing,” he said. “Obviously, I’ll get a little more exposure that way than just playing in tournaments that aren’t school-related.” He drives the ball well but must learn to control his power off the tee. “I’m kind of a big guy, so the power thing is a little harder to control right off the bat,” he said. Surprisingly enough, though, it’s his short game that he takes most pride in. He has a good feel for the green and his putting stroke is like a beautiful singing voice—it’s something you’re just born

with. His goals are set high, but they have to be, considering his late start. He’s aiming to take Fletcher’s team to regionals, and he wants to qualify for state individually. In order to achieve these goals, he says he needs to work on driving the ball and hitting more greens in regulation. He also has to adjust to a new type of team. “Golf really is all by yourself, but as a team, you have people pushing you and helping you,” he said. “It adds comfort when you’re playing.” Foster may have found golf later than the average player of his skill level, but the best way to make up for lost time is simple: win. ITG

Favorite Movie: Scarface Favorite Food: Pizza Superpower: Read Minds Favorite subject: Math Least Favorite Subject: History Celebrity Crush: Scarlett Johannson

Pop Warner vs. No Weight Limit by Joey Lopes

f you grew up in Northeast Florida, as a youth football player, chances are you played Pop Warner Football before 1996. Pop Warner Little Scholars Inc. (PWLS) is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1929. Starting with only four teams in Philadelphia, PWLS now serves 42 different states and a few countries around the world. With approximately 325,000 young people ranging from five to 16 years old, PWLS is the largest youth football, cheer, and dance program in the world. Pop Warner’s commitment to academics is another asset that separates this program from other youth sports around the world. American Youth Football Inc. (AYF) was established in 1996 as an international youth football organization designed to promote the wholesome development of youth through their association with adult leaders in the sport of American Football. AYF also offers several different programs, from tutoring to essay contests and scholarship awards. Since 1996, AYF has donated over $15 million in grants and athletic products to communities that support youth football. Some fans and coaches will argue which league is better to play in. Pop Warner feels they provide a safe environment by matching player by age & weight levels. Studies have shown that Pop Warner football is safer than playing youth soccer. AYF was started because kids were being told they couldn’t play

Pop Warner football because of their size. AYF was the first, and still the only, national football organization that welcomes kids of all sizes. Encouraging kids to get off the couch and onto the field helps to fight against childhood obesity. Some coaches will argue that Pop Warner kids are faster because they’re lighter in weight. There are not as many big plays in Pop Warner; your star running back can also be your star nose tackle because of his quickness, speed, and ability to chase plays down. Some coaches believe that AYF prepares you for high school because you’re playing against true lineman that you’re going to see at the next level. Overall, what’s most important is the development of the child. Neither program requires tryouts, and neither organization cuts players from their rosters. I would agree that most kids in Pop Warner play out of position (because of the weight requirements), but does playing multiple positions make you smarter or a better athlete at the next level? Does playing only one position your whole youth career make you more productive in high school because you’ve been playing it so long? Once again, it goes back to the development of the player. It comes down to how well will they fit into the system they’re playing in at the next level, and how well the high school coaching continues to develop them. ITG

Ridgeview Scholar’s Work Ethic to Carry Him to Next Level

ennings Jackson is more than just your average high school student. Some might even say he has the best of both worlds. In addition to succeeding in academics at Ridgeview High School, the junior is also on the varsity weightlifting team and is a stud linebacker on the varsity football team. Jennings started playing football in the third grade. He was an aggressive kid and wanted to impress his dad, who played college football at the University of Central Florida and Liberty University. Jennings began his freshman year on the junior varsity team, but was called up to varsity later that season. The Panthers finished 9-2, their best record in school history. Last season, Jennings shined as a full-time starter. He was selected to be a team captain, recorded nearly 100 tackles, and was voted Most Valuable Defensive Player. His performance against Palatka stands out most in his mind. “I was on fire when we played Palatka last year,” he said. “I had about 12 to 15 tackles and two sacks.” Jennings was voted team captain

photos provided by the Jackson Family

again this year and feels his team will be one to watch out for. Their defense has been stout against the run, and the offense is playing cohesively. Ridgeview’s school spirit is rising, too; the student section is much thicker these days. Charlie J. Libretto IV has coached football at Ridgeview for the past six years; the first two were spent as the junior varsity head coach, and the last four as the varsity head coach. Libretto played quarterback for East Carolina University from 1986-89. “We are very young this year, but play with a lot of heart,” Coach Libretto said. “My favorite thing about coaching is the kids. I have four sons myself, and there is nothing better than adding another 80 boys to the family. We have a great group of kids here at Ridgeview.” Jennings loves the Ridgeview coaching staff. His freshman year, the coaches helped with his footwork and really taught him how to play linebacker. According to Jennings, Coach Libretto has turned everything around and says he is a happy medium between intense and laid back. All of the hard work and dedication is

Ridgeview High school

Academic Athlete

by Jessica Babcock

Jennings Jackson

starting to pay off. Jennings has already drawn interest from coaches at Florida Atlantic University and the University of Alabama-Birmingham. But athletics aren’t his only plan of attack on getting into a good college. In addition to having a weighted GPA of 4.2, Jennings is in the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, the Spanish Honor Society, the National Honor Society, the Beta Club, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). He is also Junior Class Co-Vice President. Jennings spends about three hours every night studying. His family helped him develop good time management skills at a young age. He is trying to get into college with either his academics or through sports. Clearly, his eggs aren’t all in one basket. Jennings was invited to attend the Florida Atlantic University and the South Florida Select Football Clinic (SFSFC). While there, he learned from

coaches from the nation’s leading academic institutions, including Ivy League and New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) schools. The football coach at Yale University contacted Jennings through e-mail, which was very exciting for him and his family. “Jennings Jackson comes from a tremendous family,” Coach Libretto said. “He has a great heart, work ethic, and a lot of good friends. He’s a leader because he will out work everyone in the room. He also hits like a Mack truck on the football field.” Jennings has been a long time member of First Baptist Church in Middleburg. He has volunteered at the Athens YMCA Camp in Tallulah Falls, Georgia, and last year he volunteered at an Elite Skills Academy Football Camp. The camp helped younger kids develop their football skills. “I definitely believe Jennings will play

football at the next level,” Coach Libretto said. “He has the body, strength, mind, and the spiritual side covered. He’s a very well-rounded young man.” ITG

Superpower: To fly Favorite Athlete: Tim Tebow Favorite Subject: Math Least Favorite Subject: English Ideal Place to Travel: Hawaii Gatorade or Powerade: Gatorade iPhone or Android: iPhone Favorite Movie Genre: Comedy 24

Northwest Classic’s History Goes Much Deeper Than Football by Brandon Ibarra

he Northwest Classic is one of the premier rivalry games in the Jacksonville area. Raines and Ribault always entertain their fans, who show up in huge numbers every time they meet. The unofficial attendance at last year’s matchup was 13,700. The game was formerly held at the Gator Bowl, now Everbank Field, before the Jaguars arrived and stadium costs increased. Raines leads the overall series, 32-12, and currently holds a threegame winning streak. The Vikings defeated the Trojans last year 4025. Their defense dominated, recording seven sacks while holding the Ribault rushing attack to -15 yards. Several players featured in the game over the years have made it to the NFL. Laveranues Coles, Travis Taylor, and Kelvin Martin were all Ribault Trojans in high school. Coles played college ball at Florida State University and spent 11 seasons with the New York Jets, Washington Redskins, and Cincinnati Bengals. Taylor was the tenth-overall selection in the 2000 NFL Draft by the Ravens, winning a Super Bowl his rookie season. Martin played 10 years as a pro, beginning and ending his career with the Cowboys. Notable Raines alumni include Brian Dawkins, Lito Sheppard, and

Jabar Gaffney. Dawkins was a nine-time Pro Bowl selection and was named to the NFL 2000’s All-Decade Team. He donated $100,000 to refurbish the weight room and other areas of the field house, which the school renamed after him. Sheppard was a first-round pick in 2002 and made the All-Pro Team two years later. He intercepted 19 passes in his career and took three of them back for touchdowns. Gaffney played 11 seasons for six teams. As a junior for Raines in 1997, he caught the game-winning touchdown pass in the fourth quarter of the state championship game. Their location in relation to each other adds a special layer to the game. The two schools are literally a mile away from each other and are part of the same community, but they are connected in more ways than just athletics and address. Raines opened in 1965 at the peak of the Civil Rights Movement. The Duval County School Board acted to relocate over 1,200 AfricanAmerican students from Northwest Junior-Senior High School to Ribault. The all-white student body and faculty swiftly rejected the decision, and instead, a new facility was constructed. Their histories are intertwined in a way that runs much deeper than just football. ITG

Sandalwood’s Senior Swims Above the Competition

by Jessica Babcock

abian Lopez started swimming at the end of his eighth-grade year. Initially, he did it for his family. He wanted to follow in the footsteps of his brother and sister, who have been swimming their entire lives. However, Lopez soon developed a love and a passion for the sport that was all his own. In preparation for his final year at Sandalwood High School, Lopez hopes to improve on his techniques and maybe break another record or two. Last season, Fabian played a role in breaking the school’s records for the 100-meter fly, the 200meter medley relay, and the 400-meter free relay. His team also came in fifth place in the conference tournament.

photography by Beverly Pye

“My favorite part about being on the swim team is all of the memories,” Lopez said. “Swimming is fun, but it is all of the in-between time that you spend with your teammates that you remember most.” Lopez’s best stroke is the fly. At first, he did it because it was something that everybody struggled with; he likes to challenge himself by doing the things that nobody else likes to do. Now, it just comes naturally to him. “Fabian motivates the other swimmers with his speed and skill in the pool, said Head Coach Joanne Taylor. “He is highly competitive but always maintains a positive attitude and a strong drive for success.”

Coach Taylor has been at Sandalwood for five years. She loves watching the athletes grow stronger and faster as they perfect their technique in the pool. “Our coaching staff is great, and they work hard,” Lopez said. “When it is time to work, we work; but we have fun at the same time throwing smiles around and cracking jokes.” Lopez’s most memorable moment of last season happened during regionals. There was a lot of hype and excitement leading up to this particular race because it was the last event of the day. Sandalwood went all out for it and, in a team effort, not only did they win the 400meter free relay; they broke that school record as well.

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

“Fabian is a good leader,” Coach Taylor said. “I believe the other swimmers look up to him because they see the results of the hard work that he puts into every practice.” Lopez also competes at Planet Swim School in Ponte Vedra. He has been there for about a year and likes the level of competition and how the coaches are very interactive with the swimmers. Lopez feels lucky to have a great support system of numerous friends and family members. If there are

ever any moments when he feels like quitting, Lopez just thinks back and remembers why he started doing it in the first place: to make his family proud. He plans on swimming in college, with his sights set on the University of Florida, Florida State University, or Auburn University. “Fabian is a pleasure to coach,” Coach Taylor said. “He is a very polite, intelligent, and responsible young man. We are very proud of Fabian and his many successes.” ITG

Favorite Athlete: Lionel Messi Ideal Place to Travel: Rome Android or iPhone: Android Favorite Food: My Mom’s Spaghetti Last Song Played: “State of Mind” by Dizzy Wright Sport You Wish You Could Play: Soccer

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

Celebrity Crush: Emma Watson 27

Mascot Confidential: Behind the Disguise by Brandon Ibarra

photography by Beverly Pye

No matter the occasion, moods and hearts are lightened at the sight of a school mascot. They are ambassadors of good will, bringing smiles to the faces of players and fans alike. There is an unspoken bond that lies between a mascot and their school. The mascot feeds off of the success of their team, while also doing their best to keep the crowd pumped to motivate the players. Perhaps the biggest draw of the mascot, however, is the anonymity. We see the big costumes, running up and down the field and we never stop to think of the person underneath the disguise. In the Game has done just that. We were able to sit down with three individuals whose sole purpose is to bring cheers to the events that they attend in uniform. 28

John Yardley The Bolles School In the Game Magazine: Define school spirit. John Yardley: Emotional support for one’s educational institution. ITG: How did you get involved as the mascot initially? JY: My family and girlfriend urged me to do so. They said that it matched my “personality.: ITG: What about your personality made your girlfriend think you would be a match? JY: My girlfriend is a cheerleader, so she’s obviously already involved with school events and thought I was outgoing enough to play the part. ITG: Describe your costume. Any pros/cons? JY: A gray bulldog with a long-sleeved jersey. I can’t see anything in front of me, only tall people’s head and feet. You can also see my neck, but it provides a nice occasional breeze.

ITG: What is it like to live there on campus? JY: This is my third year living on campus, and I feel like I’ve been rewarded with new brothers who I have to watch my back. ITG: What do you miss most about home? Where does your family live? JY: My parents live in Cocoa Beach, FL, so the drive isn’t too far. What I miss the most is being so close to the beach and being able to walk to the beach and go surf after school. ITG: Do you have a favorite college or pro mascot? JY: Albert the Florida Gator was my hero watching games as a kid. I could’ve cared less about the actual football team. ITG: How do you handle hecklers or rude fans? JY: I’ll point at their shirt like there’s a stain, and when they look down, I hit them with my finger. Kids think it’s funny.

ITG: What is your favorite part of the job? Least favorite? JY: Favorite is the high fives by far; the least would be walking up stairs. If you think the players are prone to injury, try my job. ITG: How much of your routine is choreographed, and how much is spontaneous? JY: Completely spontaneous; pictures are asked for but I do my own thing. ITG: Do you work with the cheerleaders? Do you practice with them? JY: No, I will point to them if a girl does a flip trick, etc. ITG: How many people know it’s you? JY: Maybe five. ITG: How long have you been the mascot? Are you involved in any other school activities? JY: This is my first year. I also board at Bolles and play soccer there. ITG: How do you split time between soccer and being the mascot? Do you do any special training or exercises? JY: Soccer season hasn’t started yet, so I haven’t found out how to manage that yet. But I only have commitments on Fridays for games, which is easy to work around.

Favorite Athlete: Secretariat Favorite Food: Sushi Favorite Sport: Polo Superpower: Invisibility Celebrity Crush: Oprah

Ideal Place to Travel: Bed

Favorite Subject: Art

Least Favorite Subject: Math 29

Justin Barksdale Clay High Blue Devils In the Game Magazine: What does school spirit mean to you? Austin Barksdale: School spirit is much more than putting on your school colors and going out there and screaming your head off for your favorite team. School spirit is pouring your heart and soul into your school, really participating in everything, and being there to support your team no matter what happens… it’s really wanting to be a part of your school no matter what. You’re always with your team…you stand strong with your team, whether they win or lose, if they’re really good or really bad. ITG: How much of your actions, if at all, are choreographed or rehearsed? AB: It’s a lot of spontaneous things when I go out there. Normally, the crowd will kind of tell you what they want to see. They’ll laugh at the stuff they like or that they think is funny, and if they don’t laugh, then it’s obviously not that entertaining. I add new moves and new routines every time I go out on the field. Whatever works for the crowd works for me. That’s usually what I do. ITG: Describe the costume and what it’s like to be in it as much as you are. AB: It’s very challenging to work in a big, inflatable costume like that. You have to carry a ginormous bag on your back filled with this very heavy machine powered by a battery, which basically sucks air in and shoots it into the costume. It’s very hard to maneuver…and it does wear you out. But there are perks to being able to be in an inflatable costume instead of having clothes or one of those big furry suits. One thing I like about the Blue Devil costume is no one can really see you, no one can really know you, so you can be shaking it off and having a fun time, and even though you’re sweating like a dog on the inside, it’s still fun to see people laugh at everything on the outside. You can do all sorts of things in that costume. ITG: How do you approach fan interaction? Opposing mascot interaction?

AB: There are definitely some mean, mean fans. I’ve actually had different mascots from other teams, every once in a while, that want to come over to my side. They’re in these tight suits or something, and they can move freely, and me being in this giant inflatable suit and everything; I’m always trying to tell them to go back over to their side because I can’t really move as well as they can in their suits. As far as the fans go, most of them love seeing the suit. However, some of the fans are actually a little bit scared of it and back away when I get too close. The best thing to do is just interact with the people that want to interact with you. As for the people that don’t, it’s best to stand back and wave or something and not to get too close, because you never know what they’ll do.

Favorite Athlete: LeBron James Favorite Food: Cookie Dough

Superpower: Flying

Ideal Place to Travel: Neverland, to see Peter Pan Gatorade or Powerade: Gatorade Favorite Subject: Lunch

Least Favorite Subject: English Celebrity Crush: Selena Gomez

James Doman Orange Park Raiders In the Game Magazine: What does school spirit mean to you? James Doman: School spirit to me would mean giving it your all, win or lose. Being the mascot, you kind of have to be put in a position of, whether or not you win or lose…the whole school is looking up to you as a word of encouragement to be that guy that says, “Yeah we may have lost this game, but we’ve got more games to come that we can win.” ITG: Why were you initially drawn to the mascot position? JD: How it all began was, I had a friend who was the mascot. I actually had to talk the principal and the athletic director into letting me and a group of friends go, and we all bought Mork suits (from the TV sitcom Mork & Mindy), and for the Homecoming football game, we all ran out with the team. That kind of like, cemented it for me that this is what I want to do for my entire high school career is be the mascot. ITG: How much do you interact with the cheerleading squad? JD: We learn their chants, we do some of the stunts and stuff, and we help out with certain stunts if they need someone to be a brace or to lift somebody up. But for the most part we just chant with them. ITG: Do you choreograph any material?

Favorite Athlete: Jameis Winston Favorite Movie: 21 Jump Street Ideal Place to Travel: The United Kingdom Android or iPhone: iPhone

JD: To be honest, no. I tried last year to plan stuff with the cheerleaders and with the band, and we’ll all do chants together and stuff, but for the most part, you have to just wing it, because each game is different. You never know when you run out with the team how many people are going to be cheering, how many people are going to be there, or anything like that.

Favorite Subject: History

ITG: What is your favorite part of the job?

Superpower: Flying

JD: My favorite part of the job is just interacting with the crowd and pumping them up, and I mean just going all out. This year, I’m kind of trying to go even bigger. I’ve been more extreme over the past couple of years. We’ve had bright orange mohawks and the eccentric posing. This year, I’m just going to try to amp it up even higher and go all-out for senior year.

or Art

Least Favorite Subject: Math Favorite Song: “You’re Not Alone,”

by Of Mice & Men Celebrity Crush: Hayley Williams,

lead singer of Paramore

Senior Sandalwood Bowling Star Eyes Championship Finish by Jessica Babcock

arisol Dodson has been bowling since she was just four years old. It is a tradition that her family has passed down from one generation to the next. Fourteen years later, Marisol is a senior at Sandalwood High School and is showing great potential in the sport. In addition to being a team captain and MVP, Marisol finished in the top ten in the state last year. She’s won the Gateway Conference Championship and District Championship for the past two years, and is the odds-on favorite to repeat this year. She has also been named All-Conference the past three years, and is a virtual lock for her fourth. “My favorite thing about bowling is all of the competition and getting to meet so many friends,” Dodson said. “It is a very communicative sport. I like bowling for Sandalwood because our team is very close.” According to Head Coach Tom Caggiano, Dodson is the anchor of the team, and she really holds up under pressure. She is very helpful to the other bowlers, providing them with tips and feedback to help them. “Marisol is a good leader,” Coach Caggiano said. “When the game is on the line, she shows great poise, focus, and determination.” Dodson has bowled a perfect 300, and her highest series (three-game set) is 801. Unfortunately for her, both have been

ites r o v a F s ’ Marisol

owerade: P r o e d a r to Ga Powerade vie: If I Stay gan o M e it r o v a F : Michael Fa te le th A e it r ia Favo vel: Californ a r T to e c la Ideal P

photography by Beverly Pye

during practice so they do not officially count. With such a gem like Dodson, it is no surprise that the Lady Saints have been undefeated for the past two years. Still, she strives to improve her game every day. “My brother Rico knows me best, because we practice together all of the time,” Dodson said. “I want to improve on my spare game and bowling on oil patterns.” According to the Professional Bowling Association (PBA), in the early days of bowling, oil conditioner was applied to the lane as a barrier to protect the surface from damage over years of use. As lacquer, polyurethane and synthetic surfaces became more popular, thus oil became part of the sport. Different oil patterns yield different spins and speeds down the lane, like the slope or cut on a golf putting green. It is imperative to be knowledgeable and experienced

in the various patterns and their effects, especially for college events and beyond. Unfortunately for Dodson, high school competition does not use oil patterns; and although she is a member of the Jax Jammers League at Jax Lanes Grove Park, like every other league in the city, they do not offer oil patterns for their bowlers to practice on either. “I am just trying hard to get my name out there somehow,” Dodson said. “Colleges are going to be tough to get into because I do not have a lot of practice on oil patterns. I travel and compete in as many tournaments outside of Jacksonville as I can.” Dodson has been researching colleges with good bowling programs and is interested in attending Union College in Kentucky, Pikeville College in Kentucky ,or Emmanuel College in Georgia. Last year, Sandalwood’s undefeated streak was almost broken by Fletcher High School during the last match of the season. The Lady Saints rallied around each other and ended up beating Fletcher by one pin. “Every pin counts,” Marisol said. “I have lost a tournament by two pins before, too.” She feels the Senators were the best competition they’ve faced and is looking forward to seeing what talent they have on their team this year. “We are going to miss her and the other two seniors, all who have been on the team since their freshman year,” Coach Caggiano said. “Hopefully they will go out with a bang by qualifying for the State tournament for their third consecutive year.” ITG

Hunter Hays t: s ti r A e it r Favo ant or Luke Bry ject: Math Favorite Sub ject: History b u S e it r o v a Least F Had: To Fly u o Y h is W You Superpower

Bolles Cross Country

Goes for Three-Peat at State by Jessica Babcock

he girl’s varsity cross country team at The Bolles School has really hit their stride. Under Head Coach Tony Ryan, the Lady Bulldogs have taken either first or second place at state over the past six years. According to Coach Ryan, Bolles has built up a great tradition over the years. He feels fortunate enough to have some great assistant coaches by his side that have been a part of the program for years. The coaches all have the best interests of the girls at heart and share the same philosophy about keeping everything in perspective; establishing a balance between athletics and academics, as well as other community, family, and social activities is imperative. Coming to Bolles in 1997, Coach Ryan put a lot of emphasis into developing the younger, junior varsity runners and on the importance of nutrition. He believes there are three things a runner can do to get an edge against the competition: eat properly, hydrate regularly, and sleep as much as possible. Even though Ryan works his team hard, he tries to keep it fun and not overly demanding or stressful. “My coaching style is definitely not abrasive,” he said. “I would like to think that I have a good balance about knowing when to give someone a pat on the back and when to give them a kick in the rear. Mostly, I try to always be positive.” The coaching staff encourages the girls to be tough, stay positive, and give their best effort every day. Coach Ryan values the physical training aspect of the sport more than the mental part. People who say cross country is 90 percent mental have it completely wrong, he said. “If you do not do the hard physical training, it does not matter how mentally tough you are,” Coach Ryan said. “You will never make it through a 5K race on mental strength alone.” The practices are tough on a lot of girls, but Coach Ryan makes it so that everyone always has a running partner there to help each other along with encouragement. The team tries to run a little bit more than 5K, or 3.1 miles, every practice. The girls meet five days a week, alternating between mornings and afternoons. School meets are held on Saturdays.

photography by Beverly Pye

Ashley De Hechavarria has been running cross country for six years. Currently a senior at Bolles, Ashley has been a team captain for the past two years and has been a part of the

last two state championship teams. Last season, Ashley developed a breathing problem while running. She was able to run in a few races but, unfortunately, she did not

MacKenzie Wilson pictured here with teammate, Suzanne Dannheim

Coach Ryan believes there are three things a runner can do to get an edge against the competition: eat properly, hydrate regularly, and sleep as much as possible. Even though Ryan works his team hard, he tries to keep it fun and not overly demanding or stressful. 35

get to compete at State. She still showed her dedication and was there at every meet on the sidelines cheering everyone on. “It was one of the most difficult things for me to go out there and see everyone running and not be able to,” she said. “I was so happy for my teammates, though, because they all worked really hard.” Not only has the work that Ashley has put into cross country made her a better runner, she also feels like it has shaped her to be a better person in general. Cross country has taught her to have responsibility, persistence, to be a hard worker and to always think positive. Ashley’s goals for her team this season would be, of course, to win another state title, but also for everyone to work really hard together as a team. She feels that one of the most important things about her team is that everyone is so encouraging and so nice. “Ashley is a great leader,” Coach Ryan said. “She is very hard working and very positive. She has come a long way from a very slow middle school runner to a top runner in Jacksonville who is now being recruited by colleges. She is a great inspiration to the other girls who do not start out as great runners in their early years.” Fellow teammate and captain MacKenzie Wilson also loves the team aspect at Bolles. Before joining the team, MacKenzie already had a love for cross country. But something about

this particular group of girls really brought out MacKenzie’s love for the team aspect of the sport. “We are a really cohesive group,” MacKenzie said. “Our team is so close; no matter what, everyone just wants the best for each other. I love the team: and I love everything about the sport. It is just something that has really taken off from a hobby to being a 24/7 commitment.” MacKenzie is in her junior year, and has been a two-time Florida Times-Union Runner of the Year and state champion in track. Coach Ryan said MacKenzie has been the team’s numberone runner over the past two years and is one of the top athletes in the state. “MacKenzie is one of the hardest working runners I have coached,” Coach Ryan said. “She is really a top class runner and is determined to be one of the best high school runners in Jacksonville. She is a great example of someone who has achieved what she has through hard work, desire and dedication.” Ashley and MacKenzie agree that they are lucky to have so many great coaches who all bring something different to the table. They believe that Coach Ryan is incredibly knowledgeable and that Coach Sharon Pentelari really knows how to connect with the girls. There are so many people making sure that their team gets to State happy and healthy. “The team has been fortunate in that they

have almost always managed to step it up a notch and peak in the postseason during tournaments,” Coach Ryan said. They embrace the pressure and meet it head up rather than running from it or trying to avoid it. They have a lot of self-belief that they will perform their best when they really need to in the big races. To Ryan, there are not too many challenges that come along with coaching players of the opposite gender, although he admits that coaching high school girls does have some interesting moments. One of the team’s traditions is to sing the 1968 hit “Build Me Up Buttercup” by The Foundations when the team is close to arriving back to school after an away meet. Everyone sings along to the entire song, including Coach Ryan. Every summer, Coach Pentelari takes most of the team to Brevard Distance Running Camp in Brevard, North Carolina, where they run for a week in the mountains. It is a great team bonding experience that has helped the girls grow even closer as friends and as a team. “We have almost 60 girls on the cross country team and it’s very important to the coaching staff that they all have a good experience with the sport,” Ryan said. “Not every girl can be a state champion or be on a state championship team, but every girl can work hard, do her best, be a great teammate, and be a positive contributor to the team and the program.” ITG

MacKenzie’s Fav

Gatorade or Powe rade: Gatorade

Favorite Movie: The Little Merm aid

Ideal Place To Tr avel: Australia or So uth Africa Android or iPho ne: iPhone Favorite Subjec t: Anatomy Leas t Favorite Su bjec t: Histor y

Ashley’s Favorit Bridesm Favorite Movie:

aids

Favorite Athlete: r re de Roger Fe avel: Spain Ideal Place To Tr ne: iPhone Android or iPho Spanish Favorite Subjec t: bjec t: Science Leas t Favorite Su Wish Superpower You ze Time ee You Had: To Fr

orites

Superpower You Wish You Had: To read minds

Favorite Food: Gr

een Apples Spor t Wish You Could Play: Gymnastics

Favorite Book: Gone With Th e Wind Celebrity Crush: Zac Efron

Meet: Ideal Person to dmother an Gr My Great Could Play: Spor t Wish You Soccer Favorite Book: tsby The Great Ga Celebrity Crush: s Enrique Iglesia

Coach’s Corner

Local Coach Inspires Community After Tragic Accident by Jessica Babcock photography by Beverly Pye

Tim Callahan Providence High School 38

e put our faith in many things. Putting one’s complete trust or confidence in someone or something sometimes means the difference between life and death. For Tim Callahan, putting his faith in God helped him get through the toughest time of his life. On July 3, 2010, during a routine play in a flag football game, an opposing player fell on top of Tim, instantly paralyzing him from the neck down. Tim’s prognosis was bleak. Doctors informed his family he had suffered a severe spinal cord injury; he had broken the C3 and C4 vertebrae in his neck. There are eight cervical nerves (C1-C8) that branch off of the spinal cord. These cervical nerves are responsible for relaying messages and ensuring the function of different body parts. Tim broke the vertebrae that help control the diaphragm, the muscle that helps keep a person breathing. The doctors felt that Tim would, at best, be a functional quadriplegic. This basically meant he would be able to talk, but he wouldn’t be able to move any part of his body, except for his head. “This was when my faith in God took over the entire situation,” Tim said. “Even after hearing the doctors say that I would probably never walk again, I never lost faith in God.” Tim spent two weeks in Shands’ Intensive Care Unit basically on life support. The doctors had him hooked up to a ventilator, screwed a halo into his skull, and placed a feeding tube in his nose. Tim needed two surgeries, along with a piece of bone from his hip, to repair the damage done to his neck. After his first surgery, he started to regain sensation in his toes. Before he knew it, he was gradually getting feeling further and further up his legs. “I had a crazy amount of support from friends, but my wife, brothers, and parents were the ones who got me through a lot of the tough times,” Tim said. “Being paralyzed, you quickly have to rely on others for help.” Tim spent the next four and a half weeks at Brooks Rehabilitation Center, re-learning how to do everyday activities. Regardless of the outlook, Tim’s wife, Jamie, never lost faith in God, either. She stood strong because she knew God had bigger plans for their lives. Through his faith, dedication and an unlimited amount of support from his friends and family, Tim was able to

Favorite Movie: Forrest Gump

Favorite Athlete: Derek Jeter

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”

Ideal Place to Travel: New York Super Power You Wish You Had: To Fly Favorite Food: BBQ Favorite Person to Meet: Tom Hanks Sport You Wish You Played: Tackle Football

– Hebrews 11:1

Favorite TV Show: Seinfield persevere. After two years of therapy and rehabilitation, Tim did the unthinkable; he stepped back on the flag football field to play in a national tournament. He was not able to do the same things he did before, but his team rallied around him and found a way to win the tournament. “After being paralyzed, winning another national tournament was a monumental step for me,” Tim said. After winning the tournament, news had spread around about Tim playing. He started getting Facebook messages and e-mails from people telling him how he had inspired them to overcome their fears. After that, Tim wanted to start sharing his story with others, and he got an idea of hosting free sports camps for kids. Thus, the Tim Callahan Inspiration Foundation was born. The sole purpose of the foundation is to inspire kids through the founder’s story of faith and determination, according to the Tim Callahan Inspiration Foundation’s Web site. The foundation looks to benefit young children through the development of a winning attitude in athletics. It hosts a variety of free sports camps for boys and girls ages 5 to 15, including softball, soccer, football, basketball, baseball, wrestling, and volleyball.

“I’ve never done anything like this, but it was something that I was really passionate about,” Tim said. “I wanted to share my story with kids and pull them from the streets. It is a great way for me to give back since I’ve been blessed in so many ways.” Tim decided to quit his job of seven years at an insurance company to work full-time at his foundation. Until the foundation gets to a point where Tim can make an income off of it, his wife Jamie is keeping them a float. Currently, Tim is substitute teaching, and he also works part-time as the girls’ basketball and softball coach at Providence School. Tim loves the strategy involved with coaching. His favorite part is always trying to find the best play or situation to help his team win. The middle school’s softball team has done quite well since Tim took the job three years ago. His girls won the championship his first year and for the past two years they have come in second place. Tim also took the girls’ high school junior varsity basketball team to a 17-1 record last season. Even though he lost eight players to varsity last year, he still expects his team to have a winning record. Tim has also had the opportunity to participate

at a number of speaking engagements since his accident. He has spoken to the Team Focus Foundation, a group for boys who do not have fathers in their lives, to a few private schools’ chapel services, and to several high school football teams. His favorite speaking engagement, however, was to the swimmers competing in the Special Olympics. “The children were very involved and had a lot of questions,” Tim said. “They even wanted me to stay and watch their swim practice. It was a great experience.” Today, Tim has several lingering problems due to the accident. He has nerve damage form the neck down and he is no longer ticklish. He lost a severe amount of sensation on the left side of his body. Tim is always in pain but says it is what it is; he literally just deals with it. Tim has decided to write a book about everything that he has been through because there is so much to his accident and recovery that people do not know. “It is hard for me to look at myself as a hero,” Tim said. “I have never thought of myself like that because it is me, I was just doing it because it is what I had to do.” ITG

Hosts First Annual Youth Speed Challenge by Brandon Ibarra

The Student Athletic Preparedness Program (SAPP) hosted the first-annual Youth Speed Challenge at the High Intensity Training Centers over the summer. The HIT Center’s sprawling complex houses various types of exercise equipment, including a batting cage, half-court basketball, treadmills, elliptical machines, free weights, and medicine balls. The event was offered to athletes ages 9-14 and included 40-yard dash and vertical jump drills. The training staff placed laser monitors at 10 and 40 yards from the start, ensuring an accurate benchmark time in order to gauge future improvements. Campers were also video recorded to breakdown their technique afterward. The HIT Center training staff led the participants through stretches and warm-ups first. Trinity Christian Academy senior linebacker Victor Alexander was there to help the younger guys crouch in the correct stance at the starting line. Nicholas Esteep registered the fastest 40-time (5.76 seconds) and highest vertical jump (22”) in the age 9-11 division. Esteep plays football at Lakeshore Athletic Association and attends Westview K-8 School. Jai Williams is entering his freshman year at Terry Parker High School after four years between Arlington Pop Warner and AYF Unlimited Weight teams. The wide receiver has already shown his commitment at the Braves’ offseason conditioning program, and his gains there have translated into the highest vertical jump (30”) posted in the age 12-14 division. Temple Christian Academy’s Tahveon Nicholson ran the fastest time of the entire camp at 4.95 seconds. He also reached 30” in the vertical jump. Tahveon plays at Sweetwater Athletic Association, which was the best-represented youth program at the camp. The SAPP Program was established to mold today’s youth into the professionals of tomorrow. Their goal is to showcase their athletes’ talents, both in the game and in the classroom. They provide tutoring and test prep along with sport-specific physical training, thus positioning their athletes for success in the immediate future and beyond.

A wise man once said to “be like water,” a great philosophy practiced by Bruce Lee. One interpretation to be like water is to be able to go with the flow. The leading performance aide is very accessible and is essential, but often neglected. Why do we do this? Is it convenience, taste, or just our laziness? Some important practices that lead to healthy habits and increase state of performance have to be done, even in the face of adversity. As mentioned before in “Prepared Tough,” being consistent with healthy habits is half the battle. So, being able to adapt along the way to any situation is the significance behind this mental state.

As an athlete, you’re going to come across adversity, and you need to be able to adapt quickly. One very important factor to keeping a level head and focused during practice or a game is hydration. To be “like water” in this approach is being consistent in staying hydrated so that you can handle adversity with great integrity. If you forgot your water bottle, I’m sure a water fountain is near by help you hydrate and remain persistent in your goal, helping you to optimize your performance. Staying hydrated is a very simple, but easily overlooked. It is the biggest performance aide known; even better than protein supplements and pre workouts. The need for you, as an athlete, to stay hydrated is pertinent to regulate core temperature of the body, helping in cooling the body and maintaining healthy function of internal organs. Did you know that drinking eight ounces of water first thing in the morning entices your metabolism to kick-start for the day? Repeat this often enough throughout the day, and you maintain a wellhydrated body. Especially during the changing of seasons, it’s important to recognize how much water you need. During hot seasons, it’s very important to practice hydration regularly to prevent heat ailments like heat strokes.

Fitness

How Much Do You Sweat?

Signs of Heat Ailments:

• Confusion • Dark-colored urine (a sign of dehydration) • Dizziness • Fainting • Fatigue • Headache • Muscle cramps • Nausea

So when do we know that we are adequately hydrated? There are a few methods to check for dehydration. First, you can make use of what is known as the sweat rate formula in order to calculate water weight during your training. Another is checking your urine’s color; dark yellow is always a sign of dehydration. Lastly, an old practice of pinching your skin can be used. If the pinched area unfolds slowly, then you are on the path to dehydration. Most importantly, and perhaps the easiest to abide by, is to simply drink water anytime you feel thirsty. So what exactly is a sweat rate? A sweat rate is how much water weight you lose between bouts of physical exertion. The best way to calculate your sweat rate is to weigh yourself before and after your workout. Make sure that you weigh-ins are done in minimal attire so that your weight is not shifted due to sweat in your clothing. The pounds lost are multiplied by 16, which will give you the amount of weight in ounces. Finally, multiply the ounce total by 1.5, giving you the amount of ounces of water that you need to drink to regain your hydration.

by Henry Nowell

Example:

• Pre-work out: Body Weight 233 lbs • Post-Work out: Body Weight 230 lbs • 3lbs = 16 ounces x 3= 48 ounces lost in water weight • 1.5 multiplied by 48 ounces = 72 ounces of water needed to replenish hydration It is very important for athletes to maintain a healthy hydration level. Cutting back on hydration practices in concern of weight loss is a very dangerous practice and is not recommended for athletes. 41

Sudden and the You’ve heard the stories about the high school football player whose heart stopped during practice or the teenage girl on the basketball team who collapsed on the court. But what you may not realize is that students like these are not suffering from heart attacks, but from sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). SCA is a condition that causes the heart to stop beating due to an abnormality in the heart’s electrical system. Usually caused by underlying, undiagnosed heart conditions such as long QT syndrome, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, Brugada syndrome or arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia, most their parents of studentathletes don’t have a clue that their child has a heart problem until it stops working. Also at risk are athletes who participate in sports such as lacrosse

and baseball where a direct hit to the chest from a fast-moving ball can cause commotio cordis, a condition that throws off the heart’s rhythm. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), 25 percent of SCA cases in young people occur during a sports-related activity, which averages out to about one in every 200,000 students. While that doesn’t seem like a lot, experts say SCA is a serious issue that warrants attention. “We spend a lot of time talking about concussions because they are more common, but the truth is, sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of sportsrelated death, and hundreds of young athletes die every year because of it,” says Robert Sefcik, ATC, executive director of the Jacksonville Sports Medicine Program (JSMP), and chair of the Sports Medicine Advisory Committee for the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA). When SCA occurs, the heart stops pumping oxygenated blood to the brain and the rest of the body, immediately rendering the victim clinically dead. If treatment isn’t provided within the first 3-4 minutes, the chance of surviving with no residual effects – or surviving at all – drops dramatically. The NIH says that early cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the on-field availability of automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) would most

Warning Signs of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) • • • • • 42

Fainting Shortness of breath Racing heartbeat that doesn’t diminish after strenuous activity Dizziness or lightheadedness Chest pain

Cardiac Arrest Importance of AEDs likely prevent at least a quarter of these deaths In 2006, the state of Florida passed a law requiring that all public high schools with athletics programs have AEDs available. In 2010, JSMP donated a dozen AEDs to community recreation groups such as youth soccer leagues and Pop Warner programs to make the devices more accessible. This month, the JSMP will unveil an AEDborrowing program in coordination with local partnering rehabilitation service providers in Duval, Baker, Clay and Nassau counties. This will enable church groups and other organizations that are holding special sporting events to have access to an AED on a temporary basis. AEDs are about the size of a large laptop and designed to be used by anyone, regardless of training. The device uses both visual and verbal commands to instruct the user how to hook it up and, by analyzing the victim’s heartbeat, whether or not to administer a shock. “To effectively treat a cardiac arrest, CPR and/or defibrillation should be initiated as soon as possible,” says Randall M. Bryant, MD, director of Interventional Electrophysiology and Pacing for the University of Florida College of Medicine – Jacksonville and a pediatric electrophysiologist at Wolfson Children’s Hospital. “Early, effective CPR can restore blood flow to vital organs, and bystander defibrillation through the use of an AED can then quickly restore the heart to its normal rhythm, preventing any irreversible organ damage.” Since the combination of both is usually required to save a life, both the JSMP and FHSAA recommend that anyone in a coaching role of young athletes of any age should have CPR training and know how to operate an AED.

• The average response time for first responders to arrive once 911 is called: 13-15 minutes. • For each minute defibrillation is delayed, the chance of survival is reduced approximately 10%. Source: American Red Cross “Studies show that 70 percent of people feel helpless in an emergency situation and are afraid to help, which is why it’s so important for these coaches to not only know the warning signs of SCA, but to have the proper training,” Sefcik says. The American Heart Association reports that 54 percent of sudden deaths in athletes from SCA occur among high school student athletes. Raising awareness about SCA, what AEDs are, and making sure the devices are easily seen and available in places where students play sports can mean the difference between life and death.

Robert Sefcik, ATC

Executive Director Jacksonville Sports Medicine Program

Randall M. Bryant, MD

Director of Interventional Electrophysiology and Pacing for the University of Florida College of Medicine – Jacksonville

Bishop Kenny Offensive Tackle Commits to His Dream School by Jessica Babcock

Tyler Jordan Bishop Kenny High School

Favorite Subject: Marine

Biology

Favorite Movie: Anchorman

Favorite Athlete: Jadeveon Clowney Superpower You With You Had:

To Fly Famous Person You Wish You Could Meet: Steve Jobs

Sport You Wish You Could Play:

Basketball

Celebrity Crush: Kate Upton 44

photography by Beverly Pye

Tyler Jordan wants to play football as long as possible. Even though it has been his main goal ever since he could remember, he almost could not believe it when in the span of eight days, he received 12 college scholarship offers. Tyler was waiting for one school in particular, though, and after all hope seemed to be lost, his dream school finally contacted him. Before Tyler knew it, he was sitting face-to-face with University of Florida Head Coach Will Muschamp; he was going to be a Gator. “Football is very important to me,” Tyler said. “It is what is getting me a free education, and it could possibly be my future career.” Tyler played a few years of Pop Warner in the Mandarin Football League, but in his freshman year at Bishop Kenny High School is when he really started taking the game seriously. Tyler was moved up to the varsity team at the end of his first season, and since then he has started every game. Head Coach Mark Thorson has been coaching for 13 years. He loves developing young men into better people, helping them become better players and, of course, those Friday night lights. Last season the Crusaders finished 10-1. Tyler is always looking to improve his game. This season, the 6’4”, 285-pound offensive tackle has made goals to improve on his blocking, his hand punch, his footwork, and his conditioning. Coach Thorson believes that other players on the team look up to Tyler because of his work ethic and commitment. “He is a model student-athlete as he excels on the field and in the classroom,” Coach Thorson said. “He has tremendous character.” Tyler currently has a 3.8 GPA. He is in the Letterman Club and helps work the morning mass before school starts as a part of the Eucharistic Minister’s. His favorite Bible verse is Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Tyler plans on majoring in strength or athletic training. “Tyler is a great kid and a great player,” Coach Thorson said. “He is a very hard worker and one of our best leaders.” ITG

Dallas Parker Ponte Vedra High School

Ponte Vedra Senior DE Integral To Sharks’ Culture Change by Brandon Ibarra

allas Parker started racing dirt bikes when he was three years old. He had over 25 sponsors by the time he was six and looked like the next Kevin Windham. “That was where I thought my life was going, riding dirt bikes or Supercross,” Parker said. “And then my dad got injured, [so] that slowed down.” In 2006, Parker’s father, Wes, was seriously hurt in a car accident. He had broken the C1 vertebra in his neck, an injury that usually results in paralysis at best. Fortunately, Mr. Parker’s case would be different. “If you saw my dad, you would never even think that he got in a car accident,” Parker said. “It was a miracle, but it was kind of a wake-up call.” Parker turned to football in racing’s absence. He remembers his eighth-grade season at Alice B. Landrum Middle School fondly. It was the first year the Lions had a team, and Parker would be their running back. “I was bigger than everyone else, just mowing kids down,” Parker said. “I didn’t really know what I was doing; just carry the ball and lower my shoulder.” Parker met Casey Barker in sixth grade. The two became fast friends as twelveyear-olds, and not much has changed between them since. Well, they’re both considerably taller. Parker stands 6’5” and claims he hasn’t stopped growing yet. Barker is listed at 6’3” on his HUDL page; both weigh around 230 pounds. When they arrived at Ponte Vedra High School, the coaching staff noticed both

of them for their size and immediately began factoring them into their plans for the next four years. “Our defensive line coach (Gordie Rollison) pretty much picked me out as a freshman in the campus, brought me into his room and told me I was going to be a defensive end,” Parker said. He credits Rollison for the player he is today. He and Barker bookend the Sharks’ defensive line on either side, just as Rollison envisioned three years ago. “He’s not just a coach, he cares so much about you that he would do anything to make sure that you get to play at the next level if that’s what you want to do,” Parker said. “He pretty much turned us into exactly what we are now.” Parker has received interest from colleges but pleads the fifth when asked about his plans for next year. He is focused on his senior year and is confident the rest will fall into place in due time. But he will say he is open to all offers and has already been contacted by a few schools that are known more for their exemplary academic standards than their football programs, which was unexpected and exciting for him. The Sharks are coming off a disappointing 2-8 campaign in 2013; they were a combined 20-4 in the two years prior. Mike Loyd, the only head coach in program history, resigned at the end of the season and was replaced by defensive coordinator Matthew Toblin. Toblin has reshaped the program in his image and is determined to create a winning tradition at Ponte Vedra.

photography by Beverly Pye

Parker calls him a “football maniac.” He keeps a timer at practice to ensure they’re being run efficiently. Every drill and every detail is planned out in advance and scripted to improve communication amongst the staff. The importance of tempo cannot be overstated. Toblin’s changes were necessary after the down year. Parker hears the critics, but is unaffected. “A lot of people are against us right now,” he said. “They’re like, ‘Oh, they lost Dillon Bates (now at the University of Tennessee). They lost elite players.’ But it really doesn’t matter. I think we’re stronger this year than we were last year; the work ethic and the effort we’re putting in, practice, workouts—the whole deal.” Parker and his senior class have a different attitude toward the younger players now than his predecessors had for him. There is a sense of equality throughout the locker room. He may have been treated like a freshman in a stereotypical teen comedy from the ‘80s, but he refuses to follow that example. “The juniors and sophomores, too, they see what we’re doing, they know exactly the direction we’re going. We are mentoring them our last year rather than being like, ‘we’re seniors, we don’t need to worry about you guys.’ We’re already planning ahead for years to come, and the whole team is just so unselfish; it’s really cool. We’re helping them out, just kind of creating the path for the future, because the program really is just starting up.” ITG

Fleming Island Sophomore Flashes Playmaking Ability on Both Sides of the Ball

by Brandon Ibarra

Derrick Smith Fleming Island High School

Favorite Athlete:

Calvin Johnson Favorite Movie: Friday Night Lights Favorite Food:

Chicken Alfredo Superpower: Super Speed Last Song Played: “No Flex Zone,”

by Rae Sremmurd Gatorade or Powerade: Gatorade

Favorite TV Show: ESPN

errick Smith is a team player. He’s willing to do whatever the coaching staff asks of him, even if it’s learning a brand new position and immediately becoming the starter. That’s how Smith’s career at safety began. His natural position is wide receiver, and he admits he was less than thrilled at the idea initially. “I came into high school wanting to be a receiver,” Smith said. “Receiver is my main position. At first, I really didn’t like playing safety like that.” Smith’s attitude changed when he started making plays; he recorded double-digit tackles and an interception for the Golden Eagles over the first two games this season. He has approached his role on defense as another way to impact games for his team and has thrived in the additional role so far. Smith has already caught the attention of college scouts with his size (6’2,” 188 pounds) and athleticism. He has a formal offer from the University of Utah to play defensive back but would rather be known as an athlete as the recruiting process moves forward. He visited the University of Southern California over the summer and says he could definitely see himself wearing cardinal and gold in a few years. Ohio State

photography by Beverly Pye

University also tops his wish list. Smith started playing Pop Warner football at Lakeshore Athletic Association when he was five years old. ˙He plays for the Golden Eagle baseball team as well, but is not confused about where his priorities lie. “Baseball is my secondary sport,” he said. “It’s just for fun. I still take it serious, but I love football.” Smith has moved into more of a leadership role on the football team this year, despite being an underclassman. “I had to step up early and be a leader,” he said. “The coaches know that I’m a sophomore, but I can’t act like one. I have to act like a senior, because of the position I’m in [as a two-way starter].” Smith played quarterback from fifth grade until his freshman year and knows what his responsibilities entail. “I lead by example,” he says. “I’m humble. I don’t talk too much. But when we get on the field and it’s gametime, I get loud.” Smith’s favorite NFL player is Calvin Johnson. “That’s my role model,” he said. He is working hard to improve his quickness, footwork, and vertical jumping ability. Soon enough, Fleming Island will have their very own Megatron. ITG

Bishop Snyder Juggernaut Lets His Play Do the Talking by Brandon Ibarra

M Matthew Tanner Bishop John J. Snyder High School

Favorite Athlete: Joe Thomas (OT, Cleveland Browns) Favorite Movie: 22 Jump Street Favorite Food: Buffalo Wings Superpower: Super Speed

Ideal Place to Travel:

Fiji Islands

Favorite Song: “No Flex Zone,” by

Rae Sremmurd Gatorade or Powerade: Gatorade

Celebrity Crush: Mila Kunis Favorite Subject: History Least Favorite Subject: Math

atthew Tanner is usually the first person you see on the football field. He stands 6’7’’ and weighs 320 pounds; to miss him is to ignore him. Tanner has prototypical size for an offensive lineman, but is quick to tell you it takes much more than that to succeed in the trenches. “It’s not all about the weight,” said Tanner, a senior left tackle at Bishop John J. Snyder High School. “I’ve been told I’m pretty agile for my size, and I always have to make sure I’m working on my footwork. I did that a lot over the summer.” His possesses the prototypical lineman attitude as well. “My mentality as an offensive lineman is you have to destroy everyone,” he said, though in the nicest way possible. “You’re going hard until the whistle blows, and no one really recognizes you individually. You’re kind of the unsung hero, but the whole game, you have to be tough and nasty.” Bishop Snyder went 10-1 last year, by far their highest win total over the last decade. Tanner and his fellow upperclassmen gained valuable experience in developing a winning culture for the Cardinals’ program and are eager to impart that mindset to the younger players on the team. “My expectation for this year is to do better than what we did last year,” Tanner said. We had a pretty good team [then]; we only lost one game. This year, we just really want to work with what we have and build the team up for next year, because when my class leaves, we’re losing a lot of talent.” He accepts his role as a team leader, but would probably be one

photography by Beverly Pye

anyway based solely on his stature. When some of the more inexperienced guys don’t know what to do, they just watch what Tanner does. “To be honest, I’m not a very vocal leader,” he said. “I think I lead the younger guys just by showing up to practice, working hard, and making sure I’m putting everything into what I’m doing. I hope that transfers to them and they say, ‘Hey, I have to work hard, too.’” Tanner hits the weights Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and works on his conditioning in between. He runs a mile before school starts on those days and mixes in sprints and agility drills. His regimen during the season is focused mostly on maintaining the strength he built over the summer. His diet is also an area of emphasis. “I try to eat as healthy as I can,” Tanner said. “Sometimes during lunch, I’ll usually have a salad or a wrap. I usually eat a big breakfast in the morning. I try to eliminate all the junk food, but you know, sometimes I might sneak a fry or two (laughs).” Tanner does not have any official college offers at the time of publication, but as the season got underway, he had drawn interest from about 20 schools. His ambition is to play at the next level, and he’s had the support of Head Coach Jake McCrae since they both arrived at Snyder. “Coach McCrae is a great coach,” Tanner said. “He’s really inspired me since my freshman year. It’s actually pretty cool, his first year at Snyder, I was a freshman. So we’ve been together all these four years. He’s really inspired me to work hard and to chase what I really want to do in life.” If you somehow find yourself in the way of Tanner’s chase, well, good luck. ITG 47

Beacon of Hope Senior Excited to Make Team History by Brandon Ibarra

A Arthur Young

Beacon of Hope Christian School

Favorite Athlete:

LeBron James

Favorite Movie: Remember the Titans Favorite Food:

Pizza

Gatorade or Powerade: Gatorade Favorite TV Show:

ESPN’s First Take Favorite Subject: Spanish Least Favorite Subject: Math

photography by Beverly Pye

rthur Young considered himself a basketball player up until two years ago. He played Pop Warner football growing up in Palatka, but the court was where he thought he belonged. And before that, it was the baseball diamond. Football was merely his offseason sport. Then, something changed for him. “After my first practice sophomore year, it just came to me,” said Young, who splits time at linebacker and defensive end for the Beacon of Hope Christian School Eagles. “I just felt like, this is a man’s sport. I feel at home almost here. I feel like I don’t worry about anything else, any problems in my life. I just worry about the game and my teammates.” Young transferred to Beacon of Hope last year. His first season as an Eagle was the second 11-on-11 campaign in the history of the program. He saw it as an opportunity to make history and to create a legacy for future classes to duplicate and surpass. It is an honor and a responsibility that he does not take lightly. Young is empowered by his faith on and off the field. His favorite Bible verse is Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” He plays fast, because he is fearless, like his favorite player, Arizona Cardinals free safety Tyrann Mathieu. His belief stays constant in an otherwise changing world. Head Coach Bobby Hamilton and the rest of the coaching staff at Beacon of Hope employ a mixture of calm instruction and intense screaming on the field. Young doesn’t mind the latter, though. In fact, he enjoys it. “If Coach yells at you, it means he sees something in you,” Young said. He spent his summer vacation working out in his home gym and volunteering at a day camp hosted at the school. He enjoyed the time he spent interacting with the campers, especially on field trips to the swimming pool. He knows how valuable it is for the kids “to just have someone to talk to,” he said. Young is focused on helping his team get better. His goal for the season is to lay the foundation for future success. He is part of a building process that will be talked about at Beacon of Hope for years to come. ITG

Oakleaf Trio Ready to Shake Program’s Novice Persona by Brandon Ibarra

akleaf High School is still very new to the First Coast football party. The Knights won just two games during their inaugural season in 2010 and lost all ten the year after. This year’s seniors were freshmen on that winless team, which feels longer than three years ago to them considering the progress they’ve made. “Being a young program, we don’t have a lot of tradition,” said junior Shaquille Quarterman. “But as we’re growing, having a young team, we are making traditions and making big steps toward being an elite program.” The 6’1,” 230-pound middle linebacker was thrust into the starting role early on and embraced the challenge despite his age and inexperience. 50 50

photography by John Romig

“I grew up a lot faster than a regular freshman would,” he said. “I’m not going to say I was forced, but I was put in a position where I had to learn to lead quickly. Since then, I’ve grown tremendously. My teammates respect me, and I respect them, so we all fight together.” The main reason for Oakleaf’s current ascension is Head Coach Derek Chipoletti, according to his players. He has cultivated an impressive crop of talent on both sides of the ball, and is ready to make an impact in the ultra-competitive District 3-7A. Senior offensive tackle Nelson Santiago credits Chipoletti’s coaching philosophy specifically for the team’s rise. “He wants to make men out of boys coming out of high school,” Santiago said. “That’s his

main thing, that’s why practices are so tough. If you look at our practices and then you look at college practices, they’re very similar. That’s another big thing for guys like us who want to go on to the next level, it really prepares us for that toughness and things like that. I will honestly say that we’re probably the toughest-coached team in Clay County and maybe even northeast Florida.” Santiago stands 6’3” and weighs 270 pounds. He’s committed to the University of South Alabama, even though bigger schools like the University of Cincinnati had also showed interest. “They were my first offer, and I liked their hospitality and things like that,” he said. “I think they’re up-and-coming; I think they’re going to be great in the years to come. I think I’m going to be able to

s e t i r o v a F ’s e l l i S h aqu ob’s Burgers s TV Show: B er te: Deion Sand Favorite Athle : Blankman Favorite Movie Soul food Favorite Food: eleportation Superpower: T owerade: Gatorade or P Gatorade

earn some early playing time there, and I formed a great relationship with the coaches there. I just felt like it was the best move for me.” Quarterman additionally credits Chipoletti for the personal gains he’s made at his position. “Coach Chip was actually a middle linebacker himself,” he said. “When I came in my freshman year, he really took me underneath his wing. He showed me a lot of technique, and now I’m able to exhibit it more efficiently. He’s a great coach; he’s the man that makes the hard decisions behind closed doors. He doesn’t take any foolishness.” Last year as a sophomore, Quarterman recorded 94 tackles, two interceptions, and two fumble recoveries, which earned him Third Team

t: English Favorite Subjec Subject: Math Least Favorite : Meagan Good Celebrity Crush

All-First Coast honors. Several scouting websites designated him as a four-star recruit, and the offers really began to flood his mailbox. Ultimately, though, his mind was already made up on The University of Miami. “Since I was young, I’ve always been a fan of Miami,” he said. “Miami has been in my household growing up, from the time I moved in with my aunt and uncle until now, so that made it easier for me to choose Miami. I love the defensive coordinator and their whole staff, and I feel like I fit their defensive scheme perfect.” Quarterman played Pop Warner football at Orange Park Athletic Association with Marcus Johnson when they were eight years old. The former teammates are now reunited at Oakleaf

after Johnson transferred from Orange Park High before his sophomore year. He sat out last season, a “dumb decision” as he calls it, and is eager to make up for lost time. The 6’0,” 185pound wide receiver had 10 catches over the first two games of the season for 144 yards and three touchdowns, while averaging 16.8 yards per reception. He’s already received an offer from the University of Alabama-Birmingham but has this year and the next to raise his national profile. “I’m waiting on the Miami offer,” Johnson said. As for the present, Quarterman has a message for the remaining teams on the Knights’ schedule that don’t already know: “We might need to warn all the teams we play this year that the ‘Jokeleaf’ term will never be used again.” ITG

Nelson’s Favor ites Favorite Athlete: Walter Payton Favorite Movie: Scar face Favorite Food: Burg ers Superpower: Super Speed

Gatorade or Powera de: Powerade TV Show: South Park Favorite Subject: Al gebra Least Favorite Subj ect: Science Celebrity Crush: Je nnifer Lopez

t es i r o v a F ’ s u c r a M owerade: Gatorade or P

te: Favorite Athle Powerade as m ho T ny h Park De’Antho TV Show: Sout g an G n ro di ri istory :G rite Subject: H Favorite Movie vo Fa p m ri Sh Pizza and Subject: Math Favorite Food: Least Favorite ying : Skylar Diggins Superpower: Fl Celebrity Crush 51

Good form tackle by Westside Midget player during preseason jamboree

Young fans sit on the rooftop for this hard hitting game at SOS Academy

Sweetwater’s #4 makes a

few Rebels miss in the ope

n field

Northeast Florida youth warm up for the area speed challenge combine

e Midgets to open the season

Coach McCray prepares his Lakeshor

This coach knows how to maximize his plate usage Clay’s es mak on ards Rich Cornelius a big time interception over Fleming Island’s receiver

Clutch kicking is nothing for Clay’s Lane Delapp in the victory ove r Fleming Island

Chris Porter settles down the crowd during the ulti mate tailgate preseason kickof f

section Fleming Islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s student opener son sea ir the arrives early for The beautiful 2014 Bartram Trail varsity cheerleading squad

One bear is tired or extremely fired up

2014 Greater Jax Pop Warner Jamboree in full action on both sides.

Got to love dedicated Bolles Bulldog fans

Canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t lose your head when playing against Grandpark 53

Fans represents theme USA at Bolles

Who’s the better golfer?

School board superintendent Nikolai Vitti and family showing support for high school sports.

There is always a Lakers fan in every crowd.

Fleming Island’s band shows discipline on a hot Friday night

Mayor Brown supports his local high school football programs on Saturday nights

Raines and Northwestern cheerleaders get together after the game for group photo

Photos provided by Joey Lopes, Ronald Lott, and Beverly Pye

Fletcher’s captains for week two vs First Coast 55

by Jessica Babcock

ahveon Nicholson has always wanted to play football. Luckily for him, he only had to wait the first six years of his life before his first dream became a reality. Itasha Lurry, Nicholson’s mother, was apprehensive about letting him play at first. Like any mother, she was afraid that her son would get hurt playing such a rough sport. After listening to constant groveling from her son and some assurances from one of the coaches of the Sweetwater Athletic Association, she finally agreed.

Rising Star

Sweetwater Captain Prepares for His Final Pop Warner Campaign

photography by Beverly Pye

“He was born to be an athlete,” Lurry said. “He was very successful in his first season. He started out at running back and caught on very quickly.” Early on, Nicholson was given the nickname “Taz”, because he played with the same speed and tenacity as the popular Looney Tunes character. The nickname stuck, and even though today he stands 5’7” tall and weighs 135 pounds, he still races down the football field like a tornado. Over the summer, Nicholson participated in the Student Athletic Prepared57

ness Program (SAPP) Youth Speed Challenge, hosted at the HIT Center. The camp was offered to youth ages 9-14 and measured each participant’s 40-yard dash and vertical jump. Nicholson tied for first place in the entire camp with a vertical jump of 30,” and he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.95 seconds, which earned him the distinction of fastest kid at camp. “My favorite thing about football is getting my hands on the ball and running it down the field,” he said. “I like playing

Favorite Football Player: Percy Harvin Favorite Subject: Science Least Favorite Subject: Math

for the Sweetwater Eagles. Football has taught me teamwork, and my coaches have helped me become a better person.” Two years ago, the Eagles won the Pop Warner National Championship in the Midget Division, with Nicholson running in the final touchdown to seal the 30-0 shutout win over the Northwest Raiders from Pennsylvania. Last season, the Eagles advanced to the Regional Championship game, but fell short, 12-6. Nicholson is a team captain and enjoys

the responsibilities that come along with it. His family motivates him to play hard and encourages him to lead by example. He has one goal this season: to take his team all the way to the Nationals again. Head Coach Dale “Doc” Wilcox has been coaching for 14 years. His favorite part about coaching is interacting with the kids and helping them on and off the field. “Tahveon is an energetic and charismatic leader,” Coach Doc said. “Not only is he an excellent athlete, but he is a motivator. His teammates look to him for encouragement and support.” Currently in his last year at Temple Christian Academy, Nicholson has his sights set on getting into Trinity Christian Academy. Keeping God first in everything she does, Itasha is praying for her son’s next dream to come true. “It’s been a pleasure thus far coaching this young man,” Coach Doc said. “He is very respectable and humble. He is the face of the Sweetwater Midget football team. I think Tahveon has a bright future in high school sports and beyond. I see great things happening for him.” ITG

Superpower: Super Speed Favorite Movie: Friday Night Lights Favorite Artist: Drake Favorite TV Show: SportsCenter