Northeast Florida April/May 2019 Magazine

Motivated to Play, Determined to Heal Caneim Maxwell Bishop Kenny High School

Local Paralympic Athlete Making International Splash

Senior Aiming to Become Rare 2-Way Player in MLB

Morgan Ray Bartram Trail High School

IN THE

GAME NORTHEAST FLORIDA

APR/MAY 2019

Hunter Barco The Bolles School

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We are Jacksonville’s Orthopaedic Institute Sports medicine provider for:

Episcopal School of Jacksonville

Atlantic Coast High School

Bishop Kenny High School

Bishop John J. Snyder High School

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The Bolles School

Paxon School for Advanced Studies

Fernandina Beach High School

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In The Game | 5

Having a smart game plan can help you score success

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All About the Sports Ball

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Senior Aiming to Become Rare 2-Way Player in MLB Hunter Barco, The Bolles School

COWORKING SPACE

Motivated to Play, Determined to Heal Caneim Maxwell, Bishop Kenny High School

Williams YMCA to Update Tennis Center Local Paralympic Athlete Making International Splash Morgan Ray, Bartram Trail High School

Coaching for 3 Generations

Lewis James, Raines High School

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What to Choose?

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Enjoy Soccer Without Injuries JOI

Esports: A New Way to Compete

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Middle School Lacrosse Player Destined for Greatness Luke Lowery, Providence Middle School

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Elite Coach With No Home Field Advantage Ron Grigg, Jacksonville University

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In The Game | 7

FROM THE PUBLISHER As we hit April, I can feel springtime in Florida approaching.

The weather is beginning to warm, wild flowers are blooming, and winter sports are winding down.

In this issue of In the Game, we will highlight scholar athletes from spring sports including baseball, track and field, tennis, and boys weightlifting. All of these students are outstanding athletes who show their passion for sports but also for academics and their communities.

On our cover is Hunter Barco, a senior baseball phenomenon from Bolles who is committed to the University of Florida. Barco is one of the top left-handed pitchers in the state; however, success aside, he is a true champion because of the way he stays humble and true to himself.

We learn about Raines’ girls track and field coach Lewis James, who has been coaching the team for nearly 40 years. The coach has been with the program for so long that he has coached three generations of girls from the same family.

We meet Morgan Ray, a swimmer with Bolles who recently competed at the U.S. Paralympic Nationals meet in Arizona. Of Ray’s six events, he came in second place in four of them.

We highlight Bishop Kenny football player Caneim Maxwell. Maxwell sustained an ACL injury that many athletes do not come back from. With the help of trainers from the Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute, his school, and sheer determination, Maxwell is back playing football. He will be playing next fall at West Texas A&M in Amarillo, Texas.

This issue is filled with stories that really hone in on what living life In the Game means: pursuing your passions with hunger and purpose. We love highlighting those who drive home these qualities and inspire us along the way. It is why we do what we do.

If you know of any athlete, coach or program that embodies this spirit, head to our website to nominate a story idea.

As always, we thank you for your continued support of In the Game and your local athletic programs. To make sure you never miss a chance to stay In the Game, follow us on social media @ITGNext and check out our new website: itgnext.com.

If you’re in search of great stories, we have the answer. itgnext.com features apparel, stories from the magazine, and much more all at your finger tips. There is even a spot to submit your story ideas to us.

Tell us what you thought about the February/March issue of In the Game! info@itgnext.com

Contributors Publisher Mark Dykes Editors Anna Limoges Susannah Parmenter Graphics Mandy Douthit Cover Photography Marque Milla Reese Milla Creationz Photography Player Profile Photography Allen Allnoch Feature Photography Allen Allnoch Marque Milla Reese Milla Creationz Photography Jada Solomon Feature Writers Phil Jones Jeff Elliott Susannah Parmenter Mary Catherine Bell Jada Solomon Alfred Nairn Alex Dunn Dominic Ligon Copy Editor Anna Limoges Advertising/Marketing Mark Dykes mark@itgnext.com Website Manager Mandy Douthit

In the Game is published bi-monthly. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in part or in full without written consent from the publisher. M&S makes no representation or warranty of any kind for accuracy of content.

All advertisements are assumed by the publisher to be correct. Copyright 2019 M&S. All rights reserved.

ISSN 1945-1458

@ITGNext In The Game | 9

S WIM L E S SO N S • S WIM T E A M • M E M B ER SH I P

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Our Ys offer swim lessons for all ages, family swim, competitive swimming teams, and adaptive swim programs, so we can all safely enjoy the water.

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4 locations: 1 Main Hospital 800 Prudential Drive, Jacksonville, Florida 904.202.2000

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904.202.6905 In The Game | 11

Contributors

Kendra Ehrenberg Video Coordinator

aNNA Limoges

As a Pine Mountain, Georgia, native, Mandy’s move to Valdosta has brought enhanced artistry and intricacy to the ITG design team. The University of West Georgia alum graduated with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in art with a concentration in graphic design. Her artistic nature has allowed her to use graphic design to win national and international design competitions, all of which are meant to serve as diversions and coping mechanisms for Alabama’s loss in the National Championship.

A native of Tampa, Florida, Kendra is a recent graduate of the University of North Florida (Swoop!). Playing soccer most of her life, she is excited to work for a company that highlights student athletes. She is currently living her dream of combining her love of sports and journalism into one career. When Kendra's not busy crying over the Bolts' loss to the Caps last year, she is a dog mom to her sweet pup Sandy.

After four years as an interdisciplinary studies major at Valdosta State University and three semesters as an ITG intern, Anna has remained a member of the team as an editor. Since her start in early 2016, she has devoted her editorial eye and organizational prowess to the ITG team. More importantly, although she claims to be a fan of the New Orleans Saints, there is fortunately no other sign of such irrational fandom.

Drew Pipkin Account Executive

Jeff Elliott

Mary Catherine Bell

Contributing Writer

Contributing Writer

Susannah Parmenter is a Florida transplant originally from California. After graduating from California State University, Fullerton, with a broadcast journalism degree, she continued her education with a meteorology degree from Florida State. Now as part of In the Game, she combines her journalism and broadcast skills to highlight the athletes who inspire and motivate us to realize our inner champions.

Born and raised in South Georgia, Andrew attended Valdosta State University where he obtained a degree in marketing and business. He is passionate about sports, especially high school football (Go Cats!). Andrew’s focus is to develop and cultivate relationships with businesses all around South Georgia. Like so many other Georgia Bulldogs fans, his hopes of a national championship increase every year, but in the end they are just long lost dreams.

After graduating from Michigan State University, Jeff Elliott worked at the Big Ten Conference office for 20 years, the last 17 years as the director of public relations. He moved to Jacksonville in 1990 and became editor of Jacksonville Sport magazine for four years and then was a sports writer and TV columnist for the Times-Union for 14 years. He is currently a correspondent with the Associated Press covering all Jaguars and Florida Gators home football games.

A native of Charleston, South Carolina, and a student-athlete at Flagler College, Mary Catherine aspires to bring her passions for sports and journalism into one dream. After making leaps and bounds playing soccer at the collegiate level, she has used this unique background in her work as an ITG intern and now as a contributing writer.

Jessica May

Alfred Nairn

Jada Solomon

Videography Intern

Videography Intern

Videography Intern

Jessica is from New Smyrna Beach, Florida, and is a senior at the University of North Florida. When she graduates in April of this year, she will have a degree in multimedia journalism and political science. As a videography intern, Jessica films games, interviews coaches, and helps edit and produce the tv show. She is also still celebrating the Red Sox's 2018 world championship win.

Born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, Alfred is currently attending the University of North Florida. Graduating in 2019 with a degree in communications, he hopes to combine his knowledge of storytelling and sports to provide a unique perspective about athletes on and off the field.

Alfred’s two favorite sports are basketball and football. He hopes to see his hometown Jaguars win a Super Bowl before he becomes an old man.

Born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida (DUUUVAL), Jada is graduating in 2019 from the University of North Florida with a bachelor's in multimedia journalism. She played softball for most of her life and enjoys watching it. When she's not at school or working as a resident assistant, she's catching up on all the hottest celebrity gossip and reporting it on her podcast "Jada with the Tea."

Mark Dykes

Mandy Douthit

Chief Executive Officer

Creative Director

Founder Mark Dykes is the entrepreneur and mastermind behind the In the Game vision. Back in 2007, Mark set out to create a company that captured the passion, intensity, and unrivaled commitment toward high school athletics in the South Georgia area. Today, that vision has become a reality, and he continues to be the leading influence in what lies ahead for In the Game, despite his annual prediction that UGA will win the National Championship.

Susannah Parmenter Area Coordinator

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editor

ITG Next Ambassadors 2018-19 During the 2017-18 school year, In the Game launched its inaugural ITG Next Ambassador Program.

Ideal candidates are high school students who have a strong social media presence and exhibit academic excellence, outstanding character, and a strong commitment to their schools and communities.

Ambassadors are given the opportunity to contribute to the vision of ITG Next and to play an important role in developing our brand through apparel, social media, and events. They will also represent the ITG Next brand within their respective schools and communities.

Be a part of ITG Next’s 2019-20 Ambassador Program!

For more information, email avery@itgnext.com.

Alana Lecointe Bishop Snyder High School

Brandon Carroll Creekside High School

An Tran

Taryn Peterson

Douglas Anderson

Episcopal School of Jacksonville

Tamara Barrs Mandarin High SchooL

Ashley Ricketts

Kofi Bame

Leah Pelham

Paxon School

Paxon School

Paxon School

Jalondra Jackson

Gannon Nolan

Brianna Toawicha

Kelsey Sparks

Sandalwood High School

Stanton High School

Atlantic Coast High School

Creekside High School

In The Game | 13

All about the sports ball Written by: Alex Dunn

One of the most important elements in playing sports is the equipment, and more specifically, sports balls and how to use them properly. To understand that, learning the composition of the ball and why it is shaped the way it is may determine the skill and focus it takes to stay in the game.

According to Wolverine Sports, the quality and construction of sports balls depends on the action the ball will be playing and how it will be used in the game.

Below are some examples of what a few sports balls are made out of and why they are the shape that they are.

Baseball

Football

Soccer ball

Basketball

This ball starts off with a cork or rubber center, which is then wrapped in wool yarn or cotton and stitched together with a cowhide cover. Each ball must weigh and measure between a certain number of ounces and inches in circumference to meet Major League standards, according to MadeHow.

Nowadays, this ball is not made of pigskin bladders, but rubber ones. It is then covered with grain-textured leather panels with laces that sew them together. The football has its distinctive shape because originally that was the shape of the pig’s bladder, but now of course it serves as a preferred shape for throwing and catching.

These consist of 32 padded panels that are full-grained leather, which makes the ball heavier and water absorbent.

The panels surround a latex bladder. These were also originally constructed from pig’s bladders, but now they are more round so that they are easier to kick.

These also begin with a butyl rubber bladder, which contains air at a higher level than other rubbers used for other types of balls. Textile materials are then wrapped around the bladder, which is then finished off with a sheet of pebbled and dyed rubber for the outer layer.

Taking the time to learn the composition and structure of an athletes’ specific sport ball may help them in learning to wield it with more efficiency and could be the determining factor in a game. Above are only a few sports balls, but there are many more out there with unique qualities and histories to their styles and shapes.

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In The Game | 15

Senior Aiming to Become Rare 2—Way Player in MLB Written by: Phil Jones Photography by: Milla Creationz Photography

Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighin in at 215 pounds, Hunter Barco may first strike you as a football player — perhaps a tight end or defensive end. But, this senior at The Bolles School isn’t running down opposing players on the gridiron; instead, Barco is putting fear in opposing batters from the pitching mound as a hard-throwing, left-handed pitcher.

He throws a fastball that is clocked in the low to mid-90s, along with a pretty darn good breaking ball.

As good as he is on the mound, Barco also possesses solid power as a left-handed batter. Those qualities are what have scouts from literally every Major League 16 | itgnext.com

Baseball team in the stands attending Bolles baseball games to see Barco pitch. Most scouting services have Barco as a potential first-round draft pick in the upcoming 2019 MLB draft. While most teams and their representatives see him as a pitcher, Barco is thinking of doing what very few baseball players have been able to accomplish: becoming a two-way player who can both pitch and play a position for an MLB team.

Barco will be finishing up his high school career this season at Bolles, where he has helped lead the Bulldogs to three consecutive FHSA Class 5A state championship appearances, winning two out of the three.

“The feeling of hitting a baseball out of a Major League ballpark is unreal.”

— Hunter Barco

This will actually be his fifth season on the varsity squad at Bolles. Barco began playing with the varsity team as a 14-year-old eighth-grader. Heading into his senior season, Barco’s pitching record is 30-4 overall with 270 strikeouts in 232 innings pitched. In 11 state playoff games, Barco is undefeated. His coach, Mike Boswell, who has coached at Bolles for 18 years, said he could tell early on that he had a pretty special player in Barco.

“Hunter joined our varsity team as an eighth-grader, and you could tell then he had a chance to be something really special," Boswell said. "Hunter is one of the most talented young players I have had the privilege of coaching.”

In The Game | 17

Barco comes from a family with an athletic background. His dad, Barry, attended Bolles before going to Florida State University, where he was a kicker for Bobby Bowden’s Seminoles from 1983-85. His mother, Robin, was a collegiate cheerleader at Florida Southern. Barco credited both parents for pushing him to do his best in school and on the baseball field.

“My dad did not coach me, but he has always been very involved with my baseball career,” Barco said. “He has taken me to all my games and always supports me in every decision I make. I cannot thank my parents enough for the love and support they have given me.”

Barco’s career started like many other talented baseball players'. He began playing travel baseball at the age of 11 and has played with North Florida and South Georgia area teams including the Jacksonville Warriors, coached by Palmer Knight, and the Valdosta BlackSox, coached by softball legend Carl Rose. Barco played in this area until he was 15 years old. Then, Barco said, he truly began growing as a player in the fall of 2015 once he joined the Atlanta area 16-Under East Cobb Astros, a team coached by father and son Guerry and Kevin Edwards.

While Atlanta and the Marietta-based East Cobb Astros are a long way from Jacksonville, the investment certainly paid off. Barco continued to develop his skills by competing with and against some of the top baseball talent from around the southeastern United States as a member of the Astros. He credited the Astros coaches for much of his development and the visibility he has received playing in front of scouts and other key baseball people.

“Guerry and his son Kevin have treated me like family for the four years I have played with them, and they have given me every opportunity to be seen, and I can never thank them enough for that,” Barco said.

In addition to playing for East Cobb, Barco has been chosen to play in several showcase events around the country, including two Perfect Game All-American Classic games: last August in San Diego’s Petco Park, home of the MLB Padres, and before that in the classic Wrigley Field in Chicago, home to the Cubs. This past June, Barco was chosen to compete in the High School Home Run Derby at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C.

“In Wrigley Field, I pitched the second inning and allowed no hits or runs," Barco said. "I then went and played first base in the fifth inning.”

Barco also had an opportunity to bat, going 0-2 with 2 walks. In his second game on the west coast, Barco saw limited time on the mound and at the plate.

“At Petco Park, I pitched the third inning and had a three-up, three down inning there," he said. "After I pitched, I plated first base in the seventh inning, and I went 0-0 at the plate with a walk.

“The experiences of playing at Major League ballparks is unlike anything else, and it only makes me want to be a Major League player even more.”

According to Barco, he started hearing from the professional clubs during his junior year of high school.

“It was very casual at first,” Barco said. “The teams just wanted to say hello and put a name to a face.”

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Since then, however, as Barco’s talent has grown, so has the attention. ”This fall, I met with all 30 (MLB) teams in my home and got to know each team and scout personally,” Barco said.

While Barco is committed to play for the Florida Gators after graduation, the upcoming MLB Amateur Draft may decide just how soon he will be playing in the Major Leagues. Barco is considered to be a top 10 pick, and some scouts have him as the No. 1 overall pick. If Barco is indeed chosen as a top 10 pick, it could mean a life-changing contract worth millions of dollars. If not, that could mean playing in Gainesville with the Gators, which is just fine with the high school senior.

“If I do not end up getting drafted where I feel appropriate, then I will go to college," he said. "Either way is a win-win situation.”

Even though it’s his pitching that has drawn the most attention, Barco can hit, too. His career batting average while at Bolles is .283, with an on-base percentage of .401 and a slugging percentage of .561. The Home Run Derby at Nationals Park certainly inspired Barco.

“The feeling of hitting a baseball out of a Major League ballpark is unreal,” he said.

Because Barco can hit, along with his abilities as a pitcher, he is striving to be a true two-way player, even if history and the odds are stacked against him.

“I would love to be a two-way player in the MLB, and I have discussed that with each team I have talked to," he said. "Some teams are more open to the idea than others, but no team has said no.”

The man that has spent perhaps more time watching him than anyone else offers his opinion.

“Hunter is definitely a two-way player right now,” Boswell said. “But, with a left arm like that, it will be difficult to find someone to give him a chance to do both.”

The 2019 MLB draft will take place in June. Stay tuned — chances are you’ll hear the name Hunter Barco called early. In case you’re wondering, the first selection goes to the Baltimore Orioles.

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Gianna Forte Bishop Snyder High School Cross Country, Track

What is the most memorable moment of your sports career to date?

My most memorable moment was my first regular season cross country meet my senior year. I won the meet and broke 19 minutes for the first time.

What makes you different from everyone else?

My faith makes me different because I work hard using the gift God gave me and I rely on God by putting my trust in him.

If you could play any other sport, what would it be and why?

I would play soccer again because I played for 10 years before stopping to pursue my passion for running.

In The Game | 21

Motivated to Play, Determined to Heal Written by: Jeff Elliott | Photography by: Allen Allnoch

Bishop Kenny wide receiver Caneim Maxwell caught a pass in the middle of the field and was struggling for more yardage as he was being tackled by a Fletcher defender. Maxwell suddenly felt his knee buckle, and he collapsed to the ground. He tried to get up but fell back down.

Greg Heeter, athletic trainer, and Carlos Tandron, team physician, rushed to the fallen player and knew immediately this was no ordinary injury. The twisted knee was protruding at a ghastly angle, and Maxwell was stabilized for transport to the hospital.

“I realized very quickly that this was an emergency situation,” Heeter said.

“I observed that Caneim had dislocated his knee (tibiofemoral joint). We needed to go straight to the hospital to determine if there was any vascular damage (popliteal artery).

“We placed Caneim in a long leg splint to maintain normal alignment of the joint and protect the joint from further damage as well.”

As Maxwell lay on the ground, a thousand thoughts racing through his head, he overheard long-time Crusaders team physician and former 12-year Jaguars team physician Tandron tell Maxwell’s dad, Dale, that it didn’t look good.

Moments later, Tandron 22 | itgnext.com

put Maxwell’s knee back in place right there on the field. He was then placed on a stretcher and into a waiting ambulance where he was carted off to a nearby hospital.

And thus began a remarkable recovery process that still has people shaking their heads in disbelief.

The treatment plan was to have Tandron reconstruct the posterior and lateral sides of the knee to be followed by ACL reconstruction. In all, it took three operations from when the injury happened in late August. The surgeries were in mid-September, early January, and late March. In between each one, Maxwell was already rehabbing the knee. It was needed so that the knee would be strong enough for the ACL surgery that was done in March, an operation that almost always requires a nine- to 12-month rehabilitation period.

Maxwell was determined to shave months off that time frame. He had to if he was to have any chance of playing his senior season at Bishop Kenny and securing tape for colleges to view his talents. The 6-2,

180-pound receiver who recovery from that time. doubles as a 200-meter But I felt if I rehabbed real dash and 400 specialist hard, I could come back on the track team wanted sooner. Physical therapy to show colleges he could was really tough. I wanted play at the next level. Losing to be with my team, with all but the my friends first game after school.

Instead, of his junior season when “I love the sport three days the injury a week for of football, and I at least two happened, he couldn’t was determined hours a sesafford to sion, I went that I would miss a secto JOI (Jackond straight sonville Ordo whatever season. thopaedic was needed in I n s t i t u t e ) “I love the sport rehab. order to play my for of football, There were senior season.” a lot of dark and I was determined days where — Caneim Maxwell I would sit that I would do whatever in my room was needed in order to and I would break down play my senior season,” into tears and think that Maxwell said. “The ACL this was over.” surgery was in March, and Andrew “Drew” HeideI knew it was usually a year man, physical therapist and

performance enhancement specialist at JOI, oversaw much of Maxwell’s rehab.

He and Heeter were among several who advised Maxwell that it would be a nine- to 12-month recovery process.

“We were super accelerated with this particular rehab,” Heideman said.

“Caneim and his parents wanted him to be ready to go for fall football.

Typically that’s a nine- to 12-month rehab, but in this case we didn’t have nine to 12 months in order to have him ready to go for the start of the season.

We had to sort of speed it up and do it a little faster than all of us were comfortable with.

“We definitely had concern about Caneim coming back too soon.

We had extensive discussions with him and the parents, but they

were adamant about getting him back out there for fall football with the goal in mind of getting him some playing time.

They were willing and able to take that risk, if you will, in order for him to play again. Given the nature of the injury and all the surgery that he had, I was definitely surprised (that he was able to come back that soon).

The re-injury risk is high to return that early.”

Bishop Kenny football coach Bobby Raulerson was also skeptical about Maxwell’s return to action in 2018. Raulerson, who announced his retirement as head coach this past spring, marveled at his receiver’s grit and determination to make it back for his senior season.

“Even during his rehab, I wasn’t convinced

that he was going to rejoin us for his senior year," Raulerson said. "He had to rehab hard following the first surgery in order to be ready for the surgery in January. I kept thinking that football was taken away from this guy way too soon.

“It’s nothing but a testimony to the healing power and faith of that young man, his work ethic, and the attributes that his parents instilled in him to never give up on anything. He fought through a lot of people, including me, that probably thought he’d never play again.”

Through his diligence to sticking with his rehab and through his faith – “It

played a big part of this as a lot of prayer has gone into the recovery,” Maxwell said – he received Tandron’s approval to play football the opening week of the Crusaders' schedule. Raulerson wasn’t convinced that his top receiver was in football shape, however, and held him back for several weeks. But in Week 3, less than six months after the ACL surgery, Maxwell was back on the field, catching passes for the Crusaders in a game against Nease.

He finished out the season, and while not fully playing at the high level that he had shown at the start of his junior season, it was good enough that he was offered a scholarship to play football next fall at West Texas A&M in Amarillo, Texas. It was actually one of three schools that Maxwell had focused on during his rehabilitation.

“I was looking for a school that would still take a chance on me after the injury,” he said. “I was blessed that they decided to take a chance with me.

I’m hoping it’s going to be a good fit for me.

“This has all been a tough process, and I couldn’t have done it without the support I had from my mom and dad and sister, Tayani, along with all the good people at JOI who worked with me so much and our trainer here at BK, Greg Heeter. I thank everyone who believed in me and helped me through the rehab.”

First and foremost on the list should be Maxwell himself, who believed in himself and then proved it to everyone else.

24 | itgnext.com

SATURDAY | 3:30 P.M. | WJXT BROUGHT TO YOU BY

In The Game | 25

Dylan Simmons Trinity Christian Academy Baseball What is the most memorable moment of your sports career to date?

Making it to states and playing the No. 1 team in the nation.

If you could play any other sport, what would it be?

Hockey because I’d be able to use my size and let out every frustration I had.

Who is your biggest sports inspiration?

Randy Johnson because he would scare people in the batter’s box and make them not want to play anymore.

26 | itgnext.com

Nominate Male & Female Athlete of the Year

Submit your nominations to nefl@itgnext.com

In The Game | 27

Williams YMCA to Update Tennis Center Written by: Susannah Parmenter Photography by: Williams Family YMCA

The Williams Family YMCA in Mandarin is revamping its tennis center.

After years of heavy use, the update will include resurfacing of nine of the center’s 13 courts and a new viewing gazebo.

The Williams branch is one of three Y’s in the state that offers tennis. Seen as a traditionally elite sport, the Y’s goal is to make tennis accessible to everyone.

Charlie Chacos, Williams YMCA executive director, also hopes to bring the community together.

“It's a phenomenal game, not only for your health and wellbeing, but it's also strategy game," Chacos said. "It keeps the mind sharp.

And then there are the social aspects. The relationships that people have built go back decades here. And the relationships I've been able to build with people in a short amount of time has been incredible.”

John Dister, tennis director, feels the new courts will help share the game of tennis with a new generation.

“You really are giving a kid a sport for life," Dister said. "It's the only sport that I can think of that you actually have to make your own calls and be your own umpire to get along with your opponents. It really teaches you a lot. It's more than just the sport.”

The tennis center offers many options for anyone who picks up a racket, whether they are a novice or a seasoned player. There are beginner classes and group lessons as well as private lessons for those wanting one-on-one training.

28 | itgnext.com

This revamp has been on members' minds for quite some time.

Chacos joined the YMCA a year-and-a-half ago and decided it was time to update the facilities.

“People were waiting for an opportunity to get somebody to pull everybody together to put some resources back into the center," Chacos said. "It's a diamond in the rough. It's a great property. This is what our members wanted. It is what our community wanted.”

With the new facilities, the Williams Y will now be able to offer USTA Net Generation, a new youth tennis program from the United States Tennis Association. Dister is excited at the opportunity to work with this new program.

“We use a different ball for the little kids," Dister said. "There's oversized balls and stepping, and we get them introduced to the sport.”

As for Chacos, he hopes the revamped courts will continue the legacy of the Williams Y as a place for all to come and enjoy the sport of tennis.

“We don't turn anybody away for the inability to play," Chacos said.

"We offer something for everyone from a 4-year-old to the most competitive people that played college tennis and everybody in between.

My hope is that this is an injection of resources that will help us get to a place that we'll able to maintain this point for generations to come.”

The new tennis facilities will be completed by summer 2019.

For more information on the Williams Family YMCA, please visit

fcymca.org/locations/williams-family-ymca.

Jaguars Prep Mini Camps Jaguars PREP one-day football camps coming to Southeast Georgia and Northeast Florida!

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CAMP DATES: June 8 - St. Johns County - St. Augustine High School June 15 - Alachua County - Citizens Field June 16 - Duval County - Dream Finders Homes Flex Field at Daily's Place July 13 - Glynn County, GA - Brunswick High School July 20 - Marion County - Vanguard High School

Registration opens April 15th at www.jaguars.com/prep In The Game | 29

Xavier Green Raines High School Track & Field What is the most memorable moment of your sports career to date?

When I won at the Bob Hayes invitational track meet.

After your sports career is over, what do you see yourself doing?

I see myself as the public relations specialist for a professional sports team or USA Track & Field.

Who is your biggest sports inspiration?

Kobe Bryant because of how he carries himself both on and off the court. He has a killer mentality and an impressive work ethic to go along with it.

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itgnext.com In The Game | 31

Local Paralympic Athlete Making International Splash Written by: Mary Catherine Bell Photography courtesy of Morgan Ray

If you see Morgan Ray in the water, get out.

Ray is a sophomore swimmer from Bartram Trail High School and competes with The Bolles School Sharks.

Ray competed in the Paralympic Nationals this past January, finishing second in four of the six races he participated in.

His time in the 100-meter breaststroke would have made finals at the Rio Paralympic Games.

Ray was shocked but humbled by the experience.

“I had no idea how close that was really," he said. "It was more just a big awe moment. You're not always going to win. And we went there like we didn't expect to win everything.”

Ray believes that the little things matter and that there is always something to improve on.

“I remember the 100 back(stroke) specifically," he said. "I was out in front at the beginning of the race, and it just cut to right at the finish. The other guy got me by a little bit, and it's just one of those little things that can make a huge difference in a race. But when it comes down to it, there's always something to improve on, like we just figured out in that race that I need to work on my finish. Then through other races, I realized what I need to work on in my underwater is my turns or breathing too much.

There's always room for improvement, and you can always get better at different things, and even if you do win, there's always going to be something to get better in.”

Ray has been in the water swimming since he was an infant and continued to swim because of his brother.

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“I got into summer league swimming when I was about 6 years old and then year-round swimming at Bolles when I was in fifth grade," Ray said.

"I was about 12, and it really had a big impact on how I started. My older brother, I followed him through everything. He started year-round the year before I did, and I just wanted to keep up with him."

There are many ways Ray prepares himself for a race. One way is through visualization.

“You set your mind in the place of where your competition is going to be when you get there," he said. "It's pretty much a second nature, but I want nerves because my coach has told me that nerves is a great thing to have. It really gets your adrenaline pumping right before a race, which is a really huge advantage.”

Swimming is not just a workout for Ray; it’s his escape from life’s ups and downs.

“Swimming is one of those sports where for me as an individual with Achondroplasia, the pressure that I get on all my joints and everything, it's a lot better for my bones and everything,” he said. “When I dive into the pool, everything going through my day just, it goes away. If I'm having the worst day, I can just jump in and then forget about it.

And then just swim. Swimming is an individual sport, so it's mostly just on you.

And having that responsibility for me is really nice to know that I'm in control of what I do. I'm in control of what work I put in. And at the end of the day, it's all I want to do.”

While devoted to the sport, Ray works to make swimming one part of his life, not all of it.

“Swimming is part of my life, not my whole life,” he said. “I'm very involved in my church, and I sing in the choir there. I'm involved with youth group and everything. And that's just another family I have. I have my swim family, then my real family, and then my church family. It's nice to have a bunch of different people to fall back on when times are down or something like that.”

Ray will be competing in the next Paralympic Swimming Nationals this May in Singapore.

AMERICAN RECORDS FOR PARALYMPIC SWIMMERS 100-METER BREASTSTROKE Men

Curtis Lovejoy Matt Christian Julian Chryssavgis Aaron Paulson Roderick Sewell Rudy Garcia-Tolson Matthew Torres Jamie Sclater Tharon Drake Jacob Basani

Location

Dixie Games Warm Springs New London Oregon City Colo. Spgs.

SC Worlds Fairfield, CT Mission Viejo Hobbs, NM Orlando, FL

Year

2004 2000 2005 2004 2017 2009 2019 2015 2011 2018

Time

3:32.12 2:06.31 2:33.61 1:39.38 1:33.08 1:25.86 1:35.43 1:15.20 1:17.74 1:18.94

Information courtesy of teamusa.org/US-Paralympics

In The Game | 33

Coach of the Year

Who Will Be this Year's?

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Top 10 Fastest Women’s 100-Meter Dash Sprinters

Coaching for 3 Generations

Florence Griffith-Joyner United States 10.49 seconds

Written by: Jeff Elliott Photography courtesy of Steve Bellamy

From the athlete to Raines under James' their mother to their guidance? Be prepared grandmother. to run the 200-meter That’s the coaching dash, the 400, or the 800 span that Raines girls track or a combination of the coach Lewis James has three distances. If you endured during his nearly compete in the jumping 40 years at the school lo- events, you’ll have a decated just off of Moncrief cided edge over others.

Avenue. He’s coached Those who can help out athletes, later coached with winning efforts in their daughters, and now the shot put and discus can claim having coached are also welcome.

“From the first day that granddaughters of some I started coaching here in of his early athletes.

“I’m now coaching 1980, I have built my track third generations of girls teams around girls who track performers; maybe could run the 200-meter, I’ve done this too long,” the 400-meter, and the he said with a laugh. “But 800-meter events,” said I’m still having fun, and I James, who was inducted really enjoy coaching the into the Florida Athletic girls. And if they can meet Coaches Association Hall the goals we set each year, of Fame in 2015. “If you then I’m going to continue can be successful in those coaching as long as the three events, you can go on administration allows me to college on a scholarship. “ I ’ v e to do so.” been blessChances “I’m now are that will so mightcoaching third ed ily to have a be for the lot of girls unforeseegenerations come out able future. of girls track and run Why not?

James is track for me performers. and excel at producing Maybe I’ve done those disquality aththat letes on the this too long.” tances I’ve been field and more times able to help — Lewis James them later than not meets his goal of helping on get a scholarship to his graduating athletes find go to college. That’s a great feeling for me. It’s a college of their liking.

To make it through indescribable.”

Probably the best an entire season with his program, girls will need mother-daughter combito excel both on the track nation that James has had and in the classroom. He at Raines is Letitia Silas insists on quality efforts in and her daughter, Brianboth areas and generally na Frazier. Both excelled receives it from those who at the 400, and both went stick with the program for on to have distinguished the entire season. track careers at the UniWant to run track for versity of North Flori-

Carmelita Jeter United States 10.64 seconds Marion Jones United States 10.65 seconds Shelly-Ann Fraser Jamaica 10.73 seconds

“But I’m still having fun, and I really enjoy coaching the girls.

And if they can meet the goals we set each year, then I’m going to continue coaching as long as the administration allows me to do so.”

— Lewis James da. Silas was nationally ranked in the 400 when she graduated from UNF in 2000. Frazier set five school indoor records as well as three individual and three relay school outdoor records during her time at UNF. Silas won several state titles while at Raines in the early to mid-90s. She became pregnant with her daughter, Brianna, early in her high school career and later would often bring her to school when she had no one to care for her daughter during the day. After school personnel watched her during the school day, James would often take over such duties during team practices.

“I can still recall that," he said. "I would hold Brianna in my arms with her bottle, and I was yelling

instructions to her mom as to what to do. I was yelling to her, ‘Go, go, go,’ while holding her daughter. That wasn’t the only case. There were others as well. When you’re coaching girls, you have to prepare for those kinds of things.

“I’ve had girls who knew they had made a mistake, but who still wanted to compete in track. We wanted to help them in any way we could.

It’s just some sacrifices a coach has to make.”

Years later, Frazier repaid her coach by winning four straight state titles in the 400 and leading the Vikings to back-toback state championships in 2008 and 2009.

Christine Arron France 10.73 seconds Merlene Ottey Jamaica 10.74 seconds Kerron Stewart Jamaica 10.75 seconds Evelyn Ashford United States 10.76 seconds Irina Privalova Russia 10.77 seconds Ivet Lalova Bulgaria 10.77 seconds

Top 3 Fastest Men’s 100-Meter Dash Sprinters Usain Bolt Jamaica 9.58 seconds Tyson Gay United States 9.69 seconds Asafa Powell Jamaica 9.72 seconds

Marlon Brooks Raines High School Track & Field What is the most memorable moment of your sports career to date?

My eighth-grade city championship.

Who has helped you the most in your sports career?

My mother and grandparents.

They have supported (me in) every track meet that I’ve ever raced in and (in) life.

Who is your biggest sports inspiration?

Coach Bellamy because he’s always fighting for me even when I mess up.

Also my dad because he ran track and I want to beat all of his records.

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In The Game | 37

What to Choose?

Written by: Jeff Elliott Photography courtesy of Carson Frier and Paul Buchanan

Imagine how good Carson Frier would be in soccer if she understood the sport or if she played it for more than just fun.

As it is, Frier just completed her sophomore soccer season at Suwannee High School in record fashion. She scored 39 goals in the regular season and added a 40th goal in the playoffs. That total exceeded the previous school mark of 36 goals set by Ashley Harris in 2004. Frier recorded seven hat tricks and tallied five or more goals in four games, including a season-best of six goals against Ed White.

She averaged better than two goals a game, despite missing several games due to injuries and starting the first two games of the season as the goal keeper before moving to a forward spot midway through both contests. It all adds up to the makings of a stellar soccer career at Suwannee, that is until you consider where

soccer ranks on Frier’s priority list.

Frier has already participated in five varsity sports in less than two years at Suwannee. She competed in volleyball, soccer, softball, and weightlifting as a freshman. This past fall she dropped volleyball and added golf where she was consistently one of the top Bulldog golfers.

So just where does soccer fit into her mix of sports?

Likely in the middle, ahead of volleyball and golf but behind softball and weightlifting.

“I like playing soccer, but I don’t really understand the sport,” she said. “Softball I really like, and I understand it totally. I get it. Golf is just something to do. I consider soccer as something fun to do as well. Weightlifting I like because it helps with conditioning and strength for all sports.”

Truth be told, softball is lining up as Frier’s future. She verbally com-

“I love having a busy lifestyle.

I hate not doing something.”

— Carson Frier

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mitted to attend Central Florida University on a softball scholarship, committing to the Knights a year ago in February — before she had played a single inning of the sport in high school.

Of course, verbal agreements are non-binding for both the athlete and the university. In addition, the UCF head coach that made the offer has since taken a job at the University of Iowa. And with the NCAA’s new rule of schools not allowed to talk to or recruit athletes prior to Sept. 1 of their junior year of high school, Frier will have to wait until this fall to revisit with the school to see if the offer is still there and if she still wants to attend.

“The offer was pretty much based on my softball travel team participation and the camp that I attended at the school a year ago,” Frier said. “My travel team, the Gold Coast Hurricanes, is a really good team, one that consists of a lot of girls from Jacksonville.

Last year we traveled all over, going to Atlanta, Tennessee, St. Louis, Fort Lauderdale, and Orlando among some of our trips.

The staff at UCF saw me

play with that team, and then we talked about me attending school there when I went to one of their camps.”

Frier has a strong, athletic family background.

Her dad and uncle were both members of Florida State national championship football teams of 1999 and 1993, respectively. Her cousin, Steve Pearce, is a first baseman for the Boston Red Sox and was named MVP in his team’s World Series win over the Los Angeles Dodgers last fall. And a good bet to keep the family athletic prowess going is younger brother Koy, 10, who is already a gifted athlete. “(Frier is) a phenomenal athlete who always wants to do well in everything, whether it’s on the field or in the classroom," Sarah Grillo, Suwannee soccer coach, said. "Sure, she could

compete in soccer at the next level. She just has to make a decision as to what direction she wants to go with her sports.”

Frier said she’ll likely decide this summer whether to concentrate on one sport or stay active with several.

“I love having a busy lifestyle," Frier said. "I hate not doing something. I’m just not sure what I’m going to do in the future.

Soccer seems to be an injury-prone sport, with a lot of knee injuries. I’m a catcher in softball, so it’s important I have good knees. That’s why weightlifting is important and is something I’ll do for sure in addition to playing a sport… or two or more.”

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You’ll receive full college credit for completed courses while enjoying a fun-filled summer at SGSC. We’re confident this program will ease your transition from high school to college, and it will help you build a strong academic foundation for success.

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Complete your 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) FAFSA ID 001592 by April 15 using the IRS Data-Retrieval Tool Free Application for Student Aid www.fafsa.gov Verify lawful presence sgsc.edu/verify Submit Out-of-State Tuition Waiver sgsc.edu/waiver if applicable Complete your housing application sgsc.edu/housing

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Enjoy Soccer Without Injuries For an athlete, whether you train daily or you’re just a weekend warrior, there is always the risk of injury. This is especially true for soccer players. Soccer is one of the most common sports in the world, played by nearly a billion people across the world. Due to the physical nature of the sport, chances of injury are high. Common injuries suffered by soccer players include concussions, ankle sprains, and ACL sprains.

Concussions A concussion is an injury to the brain that disrupts the way the brain normally works.

In soccer this can be caused by a collision with a goal post or another player or by improperly heading the ball. Symptoms of a concussion include, but are not limited to, headache, pressure in your head, sensitivity to light or sound, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, ringing in the ears, blurred vision, memory loss, slurred speech, trouble focusing, excessive drowsiness, trouble falling asleep, behavioral changes, mood changes, or just “not feeling right.” If you suspect you have a concussion, contact your doctor immediately.

Playing through concussion symptoms can result in irreparable damage to the brain and life long concussion symptoms.

Ankle Sprains Ankle sprains are not just common for soccer players but for all athletes. An ankle sprain occurs when one or more ligaments get stretched or torn. In soccer these injuries occur from playing on uneven ground, playing in poorly fitted cleats, or changing direction suddenly when one foot in planted on the ground. Treatment for a sprained ankle typically involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation.

ACL Sprains The anterior cruciate ligament is located inside the knee joint. This ligament provides significant stability in the knee joint where bony stability is lacking. The ACL can be sprained or torn completely. A sprain occurs when some of the ligament is damaged, but some of the ligament remains intact. Soccer players can sprain their ACL by taking a direct blow to the knee while their foot is plated or by changing directions with one foot planted on the ground. Some sprains can be rehabilitated without surgery. However, a complete tear of the ACL requires surgical reconstruction followed by nine to twelve months of rehabilitation.

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What soccer players can do to avoid these common injuries:

• Observe the rules of the game.

• Make sure cleats fit well and broken in before game time.

• Ankle stability exercises, including calf raises, strengthening in all directions, single leg balancing, and calf stretching.

• Strengthen hip muscles to help reduce the risk ACL injuries.

• Practice proper cutting techniques and postural control.

• Stay hydrated to improve athletic performance. A general recommendation is to drink 24 ounces of fluid two hours before exercise.

• Wear proper equipment including shin guards and proper footwear.

April Sanchez Nease High School Tennis

What is the most memorable moment of your sports career to date?

In 10th grade, I went to states and reached the finals for both singles and doubles, becoming the first Duval County public school athlete to reach both.

Who is your biggest sports inspiration?

My dad. His family came from nothing leaving Cuba, and he has worked hard for everything.

After your sports career is over, what do you see yourself doing?

Going into pre-med and medical school, becoming a pediatric oncologist.

In The Game | 41

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#LiveInTheGame

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

Running With Kindness for All

Photo courtesy of thedodo.com

Seven miles into a 26-mile marathon in Bangkok, Thailand, Khemjira Klongsanun found an abandoned puppy with no owner or mother nearby. She picked the puppy up and carried him to the race’s end. The puppy now lives with her and her family.

Information and photo courtesy of cnn.com

Hitting Records

Working Out to Help Others

Kevin M. Kaplan, MD - Head Team Physician

For some with disabilities, staying fit and active can present a challenge. Mark Fleming, a personal trainer, opened a gym that caters to individuals on the autism spectrum like him.

According to Fleming, many individuals with autism and related disorders become sedentary after participation in the Special Olympics ends. He found a void and decided to offer his personal training services to fill it.

Hitting a single, a double, a triple, and a home run in a single game is known as a home run cycle. No MLB player has ever done this. Arkansas sophomore Danielle Gibson is the second person in NCAA history to do so at a Division I school. She did so in just four innings. Gibson also hit 4 home runs in the same game, something done only 18 times in MLB history.

Photo courtesy of arkansasrazorbacks.com

Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute and Baptist Health are pleased to offer area athletes and weekend warriors unmatched sports medicine expertise and complete orthopaedic care.

As team physicians for the Jaguars, area high schools, colleges, and universities, you’ll find us on the field and at convenient office locations across Northeast Florida. That’s good for the team — and good for you.

To learn more or to set an appointment, call JOI-2000 or visit joi.net

Battling PTSD With Yoga According to a Ruderman Foundation study, in 2017 more first responders committed suicide than were killed in the line of duty. Olivia Kvitne Mead founded Yoga For First Responders in an effort to help first responders better manage the stresses of their jobs through yoga, which can help them avoid burnout and perform more efficiently in emergency situations.

Mead believes yoga can help lower rates of depression, anxiety, and alcoholism among first responders as well. Mead wants to help first responders while they actively serve, not just after they’ve finished. YFFR now works with 35 police and fire departments across the United States.

Information and photo courtesy of goodnewsnetwork.org

In The Game | 43

ESPORTS:

A New Way to Compete Written by: Jada Solomon | Photography by: Jada Solomon

The phenomenon known as esports is changing what it means to be an athlete.

Also known as competitive gaming, esports pits video gamers against each other during live streamed events, which are watched by millions of fans around the world. Popular esports games include "Fortnight," "League of Legends," "Counter-Strike," "Call of Duty," "Overwatch," and "Madden NFL." Jonathan McRae, the president of the University of North Florida Esports Club, said he’s been a gamer since he was 5 years old. But he really became more interested in competitive gaming when the game "Halo" came out.

“There was a convention in Orlando that had a 'Halo' tournament," McRae said.

"There were people from everywhere just coming to play this one game, and I thought, ‘Wow, this is really cool.’”

McRae also admired the competitive aspect of esports.

“It brings out that competitive nature for those people who like to compete," he said. "Some people play for fun, but others play to win.”

There is also a lucrative side to this new sports venture. Some tournaments offer millions of dollars in prize money, which is typically split between the players on the winning teams. Top gamers can easily earn seven figures in a year.

“You can make a living off of just being a professional video gamer,” McRae said. “They make about $200,000 a month if they're top streamers, millions of dollars a year. It's insane that they play video games for a living.”

Despite the competitive side and financial aspect of esports, gamers have formed a tight knit community. For many, gaming is a way to escape and have fun.

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Courtney Morano, a member of UNF’s club, said she joined to make friends and to be a part of something.

“Esports has given me a community and friends I thought I would never have," Morano said.

"Last year, before this club was created, I was very anxious to leave my dorm unless I had like an actual reason to leave like for classes. But this club gave me a reason to branch out and give people a chance and find a community that suits me.”

Over the last year, this local community was tested. In August 2018, a mass shooting took place at the GLHF Game Bar in Downtown Jacksonville. Two people were killed, and 11 others were wounded after a competitor went on a shooting rampage before turning the gun on himself. For many, it solidified a long held view that video games promote violence, but McRae saw it as an opportunity to bring the gaming community together.

“It did put a tainted view on the esports scene," McRae said. "People have a jaded view of gamers taking video games too seriously, but I think that was just an isolated incident. But I do think the community as a whole is supportive enough that something like this can bring the community closer together and strengthen it.”

McRae’s goal for the esports club is to expand it and to start holding tournaments at UNF. “We just want to build a community," he said. "Right now we have 250-plus students involved, and we want to eventually start holding events and tournaments here at UNF to bring outside people into our campus. We want to spread the love of UNF and the love of esports.”

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In The Game | 45

Basic Hanging Yoga Poses Layback in the Cross

Shoulder Stretch in Wrist Wrap

Low Lunge in Wrist Wrap

Chair in the Cross

Plank With Feet in Hammock

Pike and Pull With Foot in Hammock

itgnext.com

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Middle School Lacrosse Player Destined for Greatness Written by: Alfred Nairn | Photography by: Allen Allnoch

Boys lacrosse varsity head coach Brian Theiss has seen a lot of players come through the program during his five-year tenure at Providence.

So when Theiss first saw then sixth-grader Luke Lowery during a preseason game, he knew immediately he was watching a special player.

“We first saw him in preseason and said, 'Wow, this kid can really play,' and we thought we were crazy for even considering putting him on varsity.”

It wasn’t long after that Lowery was placed on the varsity team, where he has been thriving ever since. However, for Lowery, lacrosse wasn't his first love when it came to sports.

“I like to play football, and that’s what I was playing before my friends suggested I try out lacrosse,” he said.

It also took him some time to realize his greatness. It took him leaving his home field to realize he actually had the goods to be a major force.

“I don’t know when I got good," he said. "It was probably when I

started playing traveling when I realize I was actually good.”

Currently in the eighth grade and standing 5-foot-11, Lowery’s length and unique skill set has separated himself from the pack. Lowery is a long stick middie for the team, which is a midfielder used for tactical defense. This makes his height an asset on the team. However, it's Lowery’s mentality that makes his coach believe he can go far.

“Luke is a student of the game, always asking questions, and it's no doubt in my mind he can go Division I, II, or III if he desires

to do so,” Theiss said.

And while Lowery didn’t originally plan on playing Lacrosse longterm, he eventually fell in love with the game.

“My proudest sport moment was definitely scoring my very first goal in the sixth grade,” Lowery said.

Since he has joined varsity, his role has only gotten bigger. However, even with all of his personal success, he believes the most important thing is being a team player.

“Winning our district is our goal and expectation for the season,” he said.

In The Game | 47

Corliss Holland Raines High School Track & Field What is the most memorable moment of your sports career to date?

Qualifying for states in four events last year. I also PR’d in the 100-meter that day too.

Who is your biggest sports inspiration?

My teammate Kendall Kirkland because she works so hard and never gives up no matter how tired or in pain she is. She makes me want to be a better athlete.

What volunteer or community involvement do you participate in?

I help work the middle school Bob Hayes Meet every year, and I help kids who want to learn how to do hurdles.

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When Your Dream Is on the Line, Stay Commited Written by: Mary Catherine Bell | Photography courtesy of Joshua Hughes

A multi-sport athlete from Keystone Heights is making a name for himself in not one, not two, but three sports.

Joshua Hughes is a senior who is part of Keystone Heights’ football, basketball, and weightlifting teams. He is dual enrolled and will graduate this May with an associates degree. He will be attending Stetson University on a football scholarship.

Hughes believes that in order to be successful, you must also stay committed.

“I think it's just being focused and being committed to it, committed to it all,” he said. “It’s always been my dream to play college football, and I knew being active and involved in all those sports would allow me to accomplish my dream.”

Although staying committed to three

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sports is worth it when your dream is on the line, the lifestyle is no easy task.

“It's hard," he said. "I mean, I go from one season, from one sport, to the next, and it's just a handful. I've been doing it since I was a freshman.”

One of the many reasons Hughes continues to play three sports is for the strong friendships he has created over the years.

“Just the relationships with all the boys that I played with,” he said. “It's just a oncein-a-lifetime experience, and I'll never get another opportunity to play and have those relationships with all my friends.”

One of his favorite memories playing sports happened this past basketball season when he hit a game-winning buzzer beater against Middleburg High School.

“We were down by I think 2 points, and they were shooting free throws, and they

missed it," he said. "Someone got the rebound. We drove it down. I went down and shot the 3 (pointer), and it went in as the buzzer ran out of time. It was awesome. I couldn't explain the feeling.”

Hughes looks up to his parents, who have supported him from the beginning.

“My parents, they just have always been there for me and sacrificed everything for me and just allowed me to pursue my dreams, so I look up to them as much as I can,” he said.

Hughes said one of the strongest skills a student-athlete can possess is one’s attitude.

“I think just the commitment," he said. "I believe anyone can do it. And if you're committed to something, you can do anything you set your mind to.”

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匀倀伀刀吀匀 ☀ 吀伀唀刀䤀匀䴀

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䴀䔀䴀䈀䔀刀匀䠀䤀倀 䤀匀 䘀刀䔀䔀 眀眀眀⸀樀愀砀猀瀀漀爀琀猀⸀挀漀洀

䤀一䐀䤀嘀䤀䐀唀䄀䰀 䴀䔀䴀䈀䔀刀匀䠀䤀倀 䤀匀 䘀刀䔀䔀⸀ 䄀䐀䐀䤀吀䤀伀一䄀䰀 䴀䔀䴀䈀䔀刀匀䠀䤀倀 䈀䔀一䔀䘀䤀吀匀 䄀嘀䄀䤀䰀䄀䈀䰀䔀 䄀吀 倀䄀䤀䐀 䰀䔀嘀䔀䰀⸀

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Ian Ali Fleming Island High School Weightlifting

What is the most memorable moment of your sports career to date?

My most memorable moment is placing first place in conference, district, and regionals. And making it to states as a junior.

Who has helped you the most in your sports career?

Coach Nosse has helped me the most in my sports career at Fleming Island High School. He continues to show me my full potential and has taught me the value of team work. My family has also supported my goals and ambition in the sport.

Who is your biggest sports inspiration?

My biggest sports inspiration is Olympic weightlifter Lu Xiaojun. He won gold in London in 2012 and silver in Rio 2016 and has set nine world records throughout his career.

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Elite Coach With No Home Field Advantage Written by: Jeff Elliott | Photography courtesy of Maura Parks, Jacksonville University Athletics

Imagine a college track coach not having a single home meet for “Putting on a track meet is a massive undertaking; you may need 18 seasons, yet winning 11 consecutive conference championships in as many as 100 people to put on a meet,” Grigg said. “Plus, we don’t both indoor and outdoor competition. have a pole vault mat, and when we went from Meet Ron Grigg, head coach of the Jackgrass field to artificial turf, we had to move “We do the best we can when re- aour sonville University women’s track team that has throws (shot put, discus, javelin, and hamconsistently been among the best programs cruiting athletes, to make sure we go mer) to the other side of campus. in the Atlantic Sun Conference since the mid- after girls who qualify for academic “UNF has an excellent facility just 15 minutes 2000s. During that span, JU has won 12 of 14 away, and the difference between paying the aid as well as athletic support. We entry fee for a meet there and transporting our conference indoor titles and 11 of 13 outdoor crowns. For 11 successive seasons, 2006-16, have certain standards where you athletes to that site is significantly less expensive Jacksonville captured both the indoor and have to run a certain time, jump than us footing the bill to put on a meet.” outdoor ASUN titles. The Dolphins will go after Not having a home meet hasn’t deterred a certain distance, throw a certain standout another outdoor championship May 10-11 at athletes from coming to Jacksonville the league’s outdoor meet held on the North distance. If you’re not relatively close to learn under Grigg. He has groomed a numFlorida campus. to that walking in the door, then we ber of individual conference champions and During all those award-winning years had a handful who have been national wouldn’t be putting any athletic aid has and ever since Grigg took over the head winners or who have contended for top honcoaching reigns in 2002, JU has not had into the package." ors at NCAA meets, including Monique Tubbs a single home track meet. The Dolphins Natasha Harvey, two of the school’s most —Ron Grigg and have an excellent nine-lane track encomprominent former track performers. passing the football field to practice on, “We do the best we can when recruiting but school officials, with Grigg’s endorsement, have elected athletes, to make sure we go after girls who qualify for academic aid to pass on hosting any meets on the JU campus. as well as athletic support,” Grigg said. “We have certain standards 54 | itgnext.com

where you have to run a certain time, jump a certain distance, throw a certain distance. If you’re not relatively close to that walking in the door, then we wouldn’t be putting any athletic aid into the package.

“Probably 80 percent of the girls who make up the women’s track team are getting some athletic aid. It’s a pretty easy process: Go find the smartest, fastest kids you can, and it benefits everybody — us, the university, and the athletes.”

But still, wouldn’t you want your friends, family, and classmates to have the opportunity to watch you compete in a home meet? For some, yes. For others, it’s not all that important.

“The simple answer is, yes, I’d like to have some home meets,” said Emily Myslinski, a senior decathlon performer who attended Bishop Kenny High School.

“My professors, my classmates, friends, others are always asking me about having a home meet.”

“It’s not necessarily frustrating,” said Brittany Bowald, former Atlantic Coast standout. “We’re lucky UNF is right around the corner and it’s easy for our friends and classmates to get to.”

Myslinski and Bowald helped lead the Dolphins to a second-place finish at the Atlantic Sun Conference Indoor Meet in late February. Myslinski finished third in the rugged pentathlon competition with 3,406 points, less than 800 points behind the eventual winner. Bowald was fourth in the triple jump and seventh in the long jump.

JU’s top performer was sophomore Savyon Toombs, who was a double winner. She captured the 200-meter dash title with a conference meet record time of 23.90 seconds and won the 400 in 53.98 seconds, two-tenths of a second off another league record. She also anchored JU’s 4x400-meter relay team to a second-place finish. Senior Jacquely Baldwin won her fourth consecutive 60-meter hurdles title to lead a 1-2-3 finish by the Dolphins. Baldwin was also third in the 200 where JU once again dominated all others with a 1-2-3-4 finish.

Jacksonville totaled 149 points, just 38 behind league champion Liberty. The same two teams are expected to battle for the ASUN Outdoor League Championship to be contested May 10-11 at the University of North Florida’s Hodges Stadium.

In his 18 seasons with the Dolphins, Grigg has served under eight different JU athletic directors along with a number of different presidents. It’s been the campus-wide support he’s received from the administration that has persuaded him to spurn offers from bigger schools and stay within the JU family.

“I hope we’ve represented the university well so that they want to put resources into the program,” Grigg said. “I’m really proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish and thankful for the appreciation from not only the athletic administration, but the university administration as well. I feel I have the greatest job in the world. I don’t know if JU is perfect, but it’s perfect for me.”

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Layne Rivera The Bolles School Track & Field What is the most memorable moment of your sports career to date?

When my 4x4 team and I broke our school record at the preliminaries in the state meet.

What makes you different from everyone else?

My brothers and I all have running related names (Chase, Layne, Miles). What also makes me different is that I don’t just run. I also play basketball and softball at Bolles.

Who is your biggest sports inspiration?

My Aunt Julie because she ran in high school and college. She was able to work through the times when running became difficult.

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5 Tips For Finding Your Perfect Personal Trainer

1.

Enquire about personal trainers at your local gym.

They should have a list of personal trainers with their information for hire.

2.

Audition the trainer. If you have the chance to watch them train someone else, see how they treat other clients and what their training style is.

Personal Trainers Can Give You a Leg Up Written by: Alex Dunn

If you are looking for the next leg up in exercise, want to redefine your fitness journey, or need the extra push to meet fitness goals, then a personal trainer may be the answer. This is not a fly-by-theseat-of-your-pants decision though. Employing a personal trainer means allowing someone in on your routine. Choosing a trainer should be treated with a lot of consideration.

If you are not familiar with personal trainers and therefore do not know where to start, it helps to do a little research. There are a plethora of different types of trainers out there, which means you can afford to be a little picky to ensure you find the kind who fits your needs and lifestyle.

To understand the significance of a personal trainer, especially if you are on the fence about the expense of hiring one, it helps to know what exactly their certification entails.

According to Jonathan Goodman, CSCS on BodyBuilding, most clients don’t care what kind of certifications a trainer has. They care more about the results. This is because in most cases they don’t have anything to base their opinion on, unless they are the type of client who is looking for a specific type of training like yoga or CrossFit. Goodman also said that a piece of paper isn’t going to guarantee results for a trainer or the client.

The amount of passion and knowledge the trainer has of the subject will. So, a trainer can be good at

talking themselves up, but it won’t make a difference if they do not produce results.

If you are wondering how you would even find the right personal trainer and check their credentials, there are quite a few ways. First, Jeff Crosswell, a NASM Elite trainer, suggests making sure they are certified through a legitimate, nationally recognized organization. Then, look to see what other kind of schooling they have alongside the certification; a college degree is a big one, Crosswell said. Another good thing to look into is if they have any client reviews of their work.

The best way to find all this information is if the trainer you have in mind has a website. If they are serious about their marketing, they should have all the information listed above and more at your research disposal. But, if they do not have their own advertising platform, they can simply send you a copy of their certificate, according to the staff at Exercise.com.

Now this all simmers down to the real question: Do I need a personal trainer? If you are serious about your fitness journey and want to do it right, then ,yes, you do. A personal trainer offers the expertise and guidance to achieve your personal goals. Just make sure that if you do decide to take the step to employ one, do the research first.

3.

Find someone who markets effectively. A personal trainer who knows how to make themselves well known in the gym community and has a good presence online is a good quality to have in your personal trainer.

4.

Make sure they share the same goals as you.

5.

Ensure that they have good communication skills, have a passion for fitness, and remain professional. That way they can build a good workout program just for you.

Courtesy of Holisoa Vahinison on totalcoaching.com

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Shaniya Berry Paxon School for Advanced Studies Track & Field What is the most memorable moment of your sports career to date?

When I ran at Florida Relays at Florida College. I have many that I will never forget.

What makes you different from everyone else?

I’m short, and people tend to underestimate me, but I am humble and bring my A game.

Who has helped you the most in your sports career?

My father and my coach, Jeremy Hall. My father was the one who discovered that I could run. My coach ran for the Florida Gators.

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Tyson Tucker Trinity Christian Academy Baseball What is the most memorable moment of your sports career to date?

Going to National High School Invitational where the top 16 teams in the nation play in Cary, North Carolina.

After your sports career is over, what do you see yourself doing?

After earning a degree in criminal justice, I hope to become an Army Ranger.

Who has helped you the most in your sports career?

Tim Brown by introducing me to true pitching mechanics and by continuing to be a support following labrum surgery and rehab.

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Functional Fitness Written by: Dominic Ligon

Movements such as standing up, picking up low objects, and opening doors seem to be simple and a part of our everyday activities. It is easy to take for granted these basic but essential motions that allow us to live a productive life. When we recognize how important it is to maintain healthy and fluid mobility, we can start appreciating the exercises used to strengthen our joints and muscles.

Functional fitness is a perfect method of exercise that trains our muscles to help us accomplish everyday activities safely and efficiently.

By incorporating common movements that you might do on a regular basis, functional fitness trains your joints, tendons, and muscles. It concentrates on core stability by simultaneously using muscles in the upper and lower body.

For example, a lunge is a functional exercise because it works the muscles used when you sit down and stand up. By specifically building muscle memory in ways that reflect our everyday motions, we prepare our bodies for daily tasks. Another great functional exercise is a squat. It’s a great way to add another basic movement into your arsenal.

Ordinary routines such as yardwork, sports, and vacuuming will benefit from this tremendously. Older adults normally practice functional fitness more frequently than others, but it is a great method for anyone looking for a simple but effective workout.

Functional fitness is convenient because it can be practiced at the gym or in the comfort of your home. It is great with or without weights for resistance and is beneficial toward building flexibility. If you have any health problems or haven’t worked out in a while, it is important to ask your doctor before starting, but if you’re ever looking for a quick and practical workout, functional fitness may be for you!

Yoga Squat

The most important rule for yoga squats is to focus on your breathing. Deep and slow inhales will not only serve as key points of when to move within the exercise but will also improve mental relaxation by providing oxygen to the brain.

The squatting motions are great for building stamina, lower body strength, and overall mobility. This functional training exercise is broken down into four different parts: 1. With your hands elevated or extended for balance, squat down into a parallel squat; breathe out while doing so. Try to prevent bending your back as much as possible.

2. Return to an elevated stance while lowering your arms and breathing in.

3. Squat down again while raising your arms and breathing out.

4. Return to a standing posture while lowering your arms and breathing in.

Repeat this cycle for as many reps as possible. Remember that it is important to know your limits. Pace yourself.

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Patrick Coyle Bishop Kenny High School Track & Field — Pole Vault What is the most memorable moment of your sports career to date?

Traveling as a sophomore to the state meet.

What makes you different from everyone else?

Throughout my fours years, I have had to overcome several medical issues, but with the support of my coaches and parents, I have been able to keep jumping.

Who is your biggest sports inspiration?

The jumper before me, David Bell. He set the school PR, and now I want to beat it.

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#LiveInTheGame

TIPS ON IMPLEMENTING HEALTHY HABITS Schedule or Plan Out For us to keep our healthy habits consistent, a well thought out strategy must first be implemented. A thought that doesn’t have a plan is obsolete. Using a vision board or weekly planner will help organize your healthy habits.

Create Reliable Incentives Competition is in our human nature. Next time you struggle with accomplishing a goal, create a friendly competition with an accountability partner: Whoever doesn’t achieve the set goal owes the other a dollar.

No one wants to lose money, and this will create more of an incentive to push yourself to the next level.

Passion for Dancing Many ballerinas stop dancing only 15-20 years into their careers. Madame Poole has been dancing for over 70 years and plans to keep at it as long as she can. She once traveled the world performing and now teaches younger dancers.

Information and photo courtesy of aleteia.org

Never Too Old to Learn a New Skill Gary Marquardt took up playing the trumpet when he was 66 years old so that he could play “Taps” for fallen soldiers. He enlisted in the military when he was younger, but was deemed unfit to serve due to medical reasons. Now 70, Marquardt doesn’t intend to quite anytime soon.

Information courtesy of goodnewsnetwork.org

Change Your Surroundings and Habits You are who you hang around. If your environment doesn’t match your new habits, then something is wrong. Try to align your thoughts and your company accordingly.

Take Photos of Your Meals Let’s say your goal is to eat healthier this year. A creative method is to take a picture on your phone of every meal you consume. This will not only document your eating habits, but also keep you self-aware of each meal that you intake.

6 Empowering Personal Development Self Beliefs “Profits are better than wages.”

“For things to change, you have to change.”

“Don’t wish it were easier. Wish you were better.”

A Fairy Tale Closet Local residents and retail outlets in Dallas, Texas, have donated hundreds of prom dresses to the Dallas Public Library. The library gives the dresses to high school seniors for free so that they can save money for college and are still be able to wear a beautiful dress to prom.

Information and photo courtesy of goodnewsnetwork.org

“Don’t wish for fewer problems.

Wish for more skills.”

“Don’t wish for less challenge. Wish for more wisdom.”

“You can do the most remarkable things, no matter what happens.”

Quotes courtesy of Jim Rohn, The Day That Turned Your Life Around

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Northeast Florida Spring Banquet Hyatt Regency Jacksonville 5.18.19

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