No. 1-ranked Olympia continues state championship pursuit

The Titans are 26-2 this season and poised to make school history.

The Olympia High School boys varsity team continues its pursuit of a state championship title after it defeated Lake Nona High School 68-41 Thursday, Feb. 16, during the Class 7A, District 5 Region 2 quarterfinal.

“What really went well for us was our system is good and eventually we just wore the other team down and started being a little more patient against the zone tonight,” head basketball coach Rob Gordon said. “Early on, I thought we were impatient and we didn’t let our system work for us. So, I think as the game moved on we were much better within our system.”

The Titans now reached their point of exit from last season — the regional semifinals — after losing to Dr. Phillips 81-49. However, the boys were scheduled to host the No. 4 Windermere Wolverines (20-7) at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21, during the regional semifinals, after press time.

Offensively, the boys are led by point guard Jizzle James, who is averaging 23 points per game, an 87 free-throw percentage, a total of 643 points and 62 steals this season. Defensively, center Charles Outlaw takes the lead with 6.3 rebounds per game and 28 blocks this season.

“Expectations are for us to really perform better as we move further on in the playoffs, Gordon said. “We are going to have to perform better, (be) more connected and have a better urgency in some areas for us to move forward in the playoffs. … Everything has to be better, because everybody is good enough to beat us, so we have to improve on everything, every facet — from what’s in the game to what’s in the locker room — everything has to be better and on more consistent points.”

Russell Hunt is the athletic director at Legacy High School. He has served in the position for the last two years but has worked since 2012 at the school in a number of roles, including teacher assistant, front desk attendant, basketball coach and physical education teacher. Day to day, he is in charge of scheduling officials for home games, creating and managing practice schedules, running all social media accounts related to athletics, creating and ordering gear/jerseys for athletic teams, marketing and organizing the school’s athletic sponsorship program, and cleaning and maintaining the athletic facilities on site. In addition to this, he teaches two weightlifting classes and helps in the PE department with seventh-graders.

What brought you to your school?

I came to Legacy in 2006 as a freshman and graduated in 2010 from here.

What do you love most about your school?

Personally, I have enjoyed the relationships that I have built with current and past coaches over the years.

What is your motivation?

My motivation when I wake up in the morning is knowing that I have a supportive family I get to see at the end of each day and that I am a part of something bigger than myself. I am also motivated by the fact that I get to impact the younger generation of student-athletes on a daily basis.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

To know that I get to have a longterm impact on the lives of athletes around me is the reason I love my job. My philosophy is life is a lot more than just sports and having high character matters more than how skilled you are. Taking the high road — even when you don’t want to — and facing adversity with a positive and professional attitude are two key components I try to impress upon the athletes here.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I like to spend time with my wife, Elizabeth, and daughter, Hazel. I

Report Card

POSITION: Athletic director TIME AT SCHOOL: Since 2012 also like to lift weights, eat food, play video games and watch the Philadelphia Eagles. Go, Birds!

Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why?

My 11th-grade anatomy teacher, Mrs. Quain. She has always been very sweet, caring and kind. She was always someone who would put in the extra time with her students and is the definition of what it means to be a hard-working teacher. When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Why? I always wanted to be an athletic trainer throughout middle school and high school. I thought it would be fun to be on the sidelines with athletes as well as get a chance to have more of a hands-on career rather than a desk job.

What is your favorite children’s book and why?

Growing up I liked the book “Holes.” The movie is a classic, and the book was just as good — if not better!

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

Teleportation. Have you seen the price of gas?

If you could only listen to three bands or artists for the rest of your life, what would they be and why?

I have a unique interest in music, but in general, most of the songs I listen to are between 20002010. If I had to pick three artists, I would go with Lecrae, Future and Linkin Park.

What was your go-to lunch as an elementary student? Any favorite snacks or special treats you remember?

Anything my mom cooked the night before was always a go-to meal for me for lunch the next day, and Dunkaroos for a snack.

What is your favorite holiday and why?

Christmas, hands-down. I love getting to celebrate the birth of my savior, Jesus Christ, and spend time with extended family and friends.

Who was your best friend when you were in school and why? Are you still in touch?

My best friend in high school was Dejuan Wright, and we still hang out from time to time and make sure to stay connected. I am very thankful for him!

What were your extracurricular activities as a student? Did you win any accolades or honors?

I grew up playing tennis until I was 14 and then played recreational and AAU basketball all throughout high school.

ANNABELLE SIKES