Florida Summer 2020 Edition

COVID-19 EDITION FHSAA Cancels High School Sports Touching Base With a Softball Star Maddie Latta | Episcopal

+ More Stories on How

West Nassau

Setting the Bar High Mahailya Reeves Union County

MAY/JUN/JUL 2020

THE HEART OF A CHAMPION

The Coronavirus Is Affecting Sports

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In an emergency, minutes count. That’s why it’s good to know there’s a Wolfson Children’s Emergency Center close to you.

Learn more at wolfsonchildrens.org/ER.

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

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Baptist/Wolfson Children’s Emergency at Town Center 4085 Town Center Parkway, Jacksonville, Florida 904.202.6800

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edition Governor Ron DeSantis closed all schools until the end of the year, effectively canceling all spring sports. We want to thank all of our spring athletes for their courage and passion put into every game and practice.

We hope everyone stays safe during these difficult times.

In this issue, we dive into how COVID-19 is changing the sports world.

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FHSAA Cancels High School Sports

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Touching Base With a Softball Star

41

Senior and Spring Athlete Spotlight

43

The Impact of COVID-19 on Football

44

Could the NBA Finish the Season in High School Gyms?

+ ITG Next Book Club: Top 5 Sports Books

Maddie Latta | Episcopal

+ Preseason Top 5 + Top 9 Tight Ends

+ This or That? With Logan West + Pick 2 Players

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When Sports Are No Longer a Salvation

More:

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15

Northeast Florida 2019-20 State Champions

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Top Florida Athletes of All Time

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Which Sport Produces the Best Athletes?

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Top Dog: Ranking the Top 5 NCAA Live Dog Mascots + Creatures of the Sea

The Heart of a Champion West Nassau | Cheer

Northeast Florida Athletes Honored at 5th Annual ITG Next Fall Sports Banquet

Don't Run in Pain

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Top 5 College Football Teams of All Time

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+ Top 5 Early Recruiting Class Rankings + This or That? With Tyree Saunders

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4 Drills to Improve your Combine Numbers

Player Profiles

Setting the Bar High Mahailya Reeves Union County

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36

64

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Katie Kistler | Oakleaf

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Reese Register | Sandalwood

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Alexis Frazier | Mandarin

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Evelyn Hanson | SJCD

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Tori Gambo | Bartram Trail

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Delaney Tauzel | Creekside

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Laci Watford | University Christian

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Reagan McCarthy | Ponte Vedra

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Cale Hoskinson | Clay

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Maurice Dawson | First Coast

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Jaeda McFarland | Oakleaf ITG Next | 9

Our Team

Mark Dykes

Mandy Douthit

aNNA Limoges

Kyle Grondin

Chief Executive Officer

Creative Director

director of operations

Sports Editor

Founder Mark Dykes is the entrepreneur and mastermind behind the ITG Next 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 ITG Next, despite his annual prediction that UGA will win the national championship.

As a Pine Mountain, Georgia, native, Mandy’s move to Valdosta has brought enhanced artistry and intricacy to the ITG Next design team. The University of West Georgia alum graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in art with a concentration in graphic design. She has won 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.

Anna became a member of the ITG Next team in 2016, serving as an intern for three semesters. After graduating from Valdosta State University in 2017, she remained with the team as an editor, devoting her editorial eye to the company for two years before becoming the Director of Operations. In her free time, Anna enjoys reading and writing. More importantly, although she claims to be a fan of the New Orleans Saints, there is fortunately no other sign of such irrational fandom.

Kyle is a senior at Valdosta State University working toward a Bachelor of Arts in English with a track in journalism. He transferred to Valdosta with his wife from UCF and hopes to become a world class sports journalist. Most days, Kyle is taking his dog Stella for walks or playing sports at the local gym. Kyle is a bigtime UCF Knight fan, so you know he’s willing to claim himself the national champion of everything with little evidence supporting his cause.

Contributors Publisher Mark Dykes

Tyrah Walker Broadcaster Born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, Tyrah Walker is excited to join the ITG Next family as one of the on-air hosts. A graduate of the preeminent University of South Florida, she received her bachelor's degree in mass communications with an emphasis in broadcast news (Go Bulls).

Tyrah is also an author. She is looking forward to sharing sports stories with the community. When she's not hosting or blogging, Tyrah enjoys reading, photography, and spending time with family.

Drew Pipkin Account Executive 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.

Max Steel

Allen Allnoch

Videographer

Contributing Photographer

Originally from Decatur, Georgia, Max attended Valdosta State University and graduated with a degree in mass media.

A former college cross country runner, Max now works at ITG Next as a videographer and currently resides in Thomasville, Georgia. When not at ITG Next, Max enjoys working out and creating short films.

Allen Allnoch has spent his career as a storyteller, first as a newspaper and magazine journalist, and later as a resort and real estate marketing specialist.

Now he tells stories through the camera lens, having moved to Jacksonville in 2018 to launch a small business, AHA! Photography, Inc. A native of Waycross, Georgia, Allen is a University of Georgia journalism graduate and a lifelong Bulldogs fan – and he’s confident this is the season the Dawgs finally return the national championship to Athens.

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Graphics Mandy Douthit Cover Photography Allen Allnoch Player Profile Photography Allen Allnoch Andy Varnes

Tell us what you thought about the Feb/Mar/Apr issue of ITG Next. Email us at info@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.

Feature Photography Allen Allnoch Andy Varnes Feature Writers Phil Jones Kyle Grondin Tyrah Walker Advertising/Marketing Mark Dykes mark@itgnext.com Website Manager Mandy Douthit

ITG Next 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 2020 M&S. All rights reserved. ISSN 1945-1458

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Oakleaf Softball Center Field What is the most memorable moment of your sports career so far?

It would have to be winning our first state championship as a freshman.

Who is your biggest sports inspiration?

My sister. She used to play softball and was great at it. Being the little sister, I always looked up to her and wanted to be as great as she was.

What makes you different from every other athlete?

I have a lot of passion for this game. I have a huge drive and always strive to get better and better every game.

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Nominate Male & Female Athlete of the Year

Submit your nominations to nefl@itgnext.com

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JUMP INTO YOUTH SPORTS AT THE Y! • Spring Volleyball & Flag Football • Elite Basketball Skills Training • AAU & All-Star Basketball Tryouts

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LEARN MORE

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Florida Fall 2019 State Champions Boys Bowling Individual John Watkinson Bayside

2A Boys Cross Country 5k Run Team Satellite

3A Boys Golf Individual Tyler Wilkes Gaither

Boys Bowling Team William T. Dwyer

2A Girls Cross Country 5k Run Individual Tsion Yared Pine Crest

3A Boys Golf Team Lawton Chile

Girls Bowling Individual Shauna Rodgers Oviedo Girls Bowling Team Oviedo 4A Boys Cross Country 5k Run Individual Rheinhar Harrison Nease 4A Boys Cross Country 5k Run Team Steinbrenner 4A Girls Cross Country 5k Run Individual Alyssa Hendrix Riverview 4A Girls Cross Country 5k Run Team Newsome 3A Boys Cross Country 5k Run Individual Ethan Geiger Robinson 3A Boys Cross Country 5k Run Team Jesuit 3A Girls Cross Country 5k Run Individual Valerie Lastra Mater Academy 3A Girls Cross Country 5k Run Team Winter Springs 2A Boys Cross Country 5k Run Individual Gabriel Montague Satellite

2A Girls Cross Country 5k Run Team Pine Crest 1A Boys Cross Country 5k Run Individual Austin Montini Oak Hall 1A Boys Cross Country 5k Run Team Seffner Christian 1A Girls Cross Country 5k Run Individual Sinkenesh Parker Circle Christian 1A Girls Cross Country 5k Run Team Oak Hall 8A Football Christopher Columbus 7A Football St. Thomas Aquinas

3A Girls Golf Individual Jacqueline Putrino Riverview 3A Girls Golf Team Jupiter Community 2A Boys Golf Individual Jason Duff Pedro Menendez 2A Boys Golf Team Ponte Vedra 2A Girls Golf Individual Ainsley Mann Bishop Moore 2A Girls Golf Team Archbishop McCarthy 1A Boys Golf Individual Robbie Higgins Cardinal Mooney 1A Boys Golf Team First Academy

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1A Girls Golf Individual Jieming Yang First Academy

5A Football Miami Northwestern

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4A Boys Swimming 400 Yd Freestyle Relay Lake Brantley

3A Football Chaminade-Madonna 2A Football Champagnat Catholic 1A Football Madison Co.

4A Girls Swimming 400 Yd Freestyle Relay Oviedo 4A Boys Swimming 200 Yd Freestyle Relay Seminole

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4A Girls Swimming 200 Yd Freestyle Relay Oviedo 4A Boys Swimming 200 Yd Medley Relay Seminole 4A Girls Swimming 200 Yd Medley Relay Oviedo 4A Boys Swimming 500 Yd Freestyle Wesley Hyde West Port 4A Girls Swimming 500 Yd Freestyle Emma Weyant Riverview 4A Boys Swimming 200 Yd Freestyle Cole A Parnell Lake Brantley 4A Girlss Swimming 200 Yd Freestyle Micayla Cronk Flagler Palm Coast 4A Boys Swimming 200 Yd IM Alexander Gusev Riverview 4A Girls Swimming 200 Yd IM Emma Weyant Riverview 4A Boys Swimming 100 Yd Butterfly Alexander Gusev Riverview 4A Girls Swimming 100 Yd Butterfly Olivia Peoples Nease 4A Boys Swimming 100 Yd Freestyle Dawson Joyce Seminole

4A Girls Swimming 100 Yd Freestyle Micayla Cronk Flagler Palm Coast 4A Boys Swimming 100 Yd Backstroke Noah Evans Seminole 4A Girls Swimming 100 Yd Backstroke Gabriela Donahue Oviedo 4A Boys Swimming 100 Yd Breaststroke Nathaniel Boccuzzo Lake Brantley 4A Girls Swimming 100 Yd Breaststroke Ella Bathurst Plant 4A Boys Swimming 50 Yd Freestyle Dawson Joyce Seminole 4A Girls Swimming 50 Yd Freestyle Lexie Mulvihill Steinbrenner 4A Boys Diving 1 Mtr Tyler Coffey Jupiter 4A Girls Diving 1 Mtr Emilie Moore Boca Raton 3A Boys Swimming 400 Yd Freestyle Relay Barron Collier 3A Girls Swimming 400 Yd Freestyle Relay Fort Myers 3A Boys Swimming 200 Yd Freestyle Relay Fletcher 3A Girls Swimming 200 Yd Freestyle Relay Lawton Chiles

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3A Boys Swimming 200 Yd Medley Relay Doral Academy 3A Girls Swimming 200 Yd Medley Relay Fleming Island 3A Boys Swimming 500 Yd Freestyle Chance Conde Fletcher 3A Girls Swimming 500 Yd Freestyle Olivia McMurray Fort Myers 3A Boys Swimming 200 Yd Freestyle Lukas Cotel St. Petersburg 3A Girls Swimming 200 Yd Freestyle Summer Cardwell Countryside 3A Boys Swimming 200 Yd IM Mason Laur Barron Collier 3A Girls Swimming 200 Yd IM Olivia McMurray Fort Myers 3A Boys Swimming 100 Yd Butterfly Andrew Billitto Seminole 3A Girls Swimming 100 Yd Butterfly Lydia Hanlon Lawton Chiles 3A Boys Swimming 100 Yd Freestyle Lukas Cotel St. Petersburg 3A Girls Swimming 100 Yd Freestyle Summer Cardwell Countryside

3A Boys Swimming 100 Yd Backstroke Hayden Kwan Lawton Chiles 3A Girls Swimming 100 Yd Backstroke Lydia Hanlon Lawton Chiles 3A Boys Swimming 100 Yd Breaststroke Carlos Nava Doral Academy 3A Girls Swimming 100 Yd Breaststroke Saige Kemeny Lincoln 3A Boys Swimming 50 Yd Freestyle Zuri Ramsey Land O’ Lakes 3A Girls Swimming 50 Yd Freestyle Madison Feehery Barron Collier 3A Boys Diving 1 Meter Brandon Sheperd South Fort Myers 3A Girls Diving 1 Meter Carina Lumia Osceola 2A Boys Swimming 400 Yd Freestyle Relay Pine Crest 2A Girls Swimming 400 Yd Freestyle Relay Pine Crest 2A Boys Swimming 200 Yd Freestyle Relay Montverde Academy 2A Girls Swimming 200 Yd Freestyle Relay Pine Crest 2A Boys Swimming 200 Yd Medley Relay Pine Crest

2A Girls Swimming 200 Yd Medley Relay Pine Crest 2A Boys Swimming 500 Yd Freestyle Zachary Brewer Bishop Moore 2A Girls Swimming 500 Yd Freestyle Cadence Fort Estero 2A Boys Swimming 200 Yd Freestyle Reese Branzell Alexander W. Dreyfoos 2A Girls Swimming 200 Yd Freestyle Blair Stoneburg Jensen Beach 2A Boys Swimming 200 Yd IM Joshua Hanks Pine Crest 2A Girls Swimming 200 Yd IM Julia Podkoscielny Pine Crest 2A Boys Swimming 100 Yd Backstroke Will Tanner Pine Crest 2A Girls Swimming 100 Yd Backstroke Julia Podkoscielny Pine Crest 2A Boys Swimming 100 Yd Breaststroke Joshua Hanks Pine Crest 2A Girls Swimming 100 Yd Breaststroke Michelle Fernandez Mater Academy Lakes 2A Boys Swimming 100 Yd Butterfly William Jones Stanton

2A Girls Swimming 100 Yd Butterfly Blair Stoneburg Jensen Beach 2A Boys Swimming 100 Yd Freestyle Reese Branzell Alexander W. Dreyfoos 2A Girls Swimming 100 Yd Freestyle Andrea Santander Pine Crest 2A Boys Swimming 50 Yd Freestyle Raphael Santos Pompano Beach 2A Girls Swimming 50 Yd Freestyle Rachael Botting Pine Crest 2A Boys Diving 1 Meter Kevin Mendez Pine Crest 2A Girls Diving 1 Meter Alexa Atherholt Dunedin Academy 1A Boys Swimming 400 Yd Freestyle Relay Episcopal 1A Girls Swimming 400 Yd Freestyle Relay Bolles 1A Boys Swimming 100 Yd Freestyle Relay P.K. Yonge 1A Girls Swimming 200 Yd Freestyle Relay Bolles 1A Boys Swimming 200 Yd Medley Relay King's Academy 1A Girls Swimming 200 Yd Medley Relay Bolles

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1A Boys Swimming 500 Yd Freestyle Conor Cranfield Bishop Verot

1A Boys Swimming 100 Yd Breaststroke Ansen Meyer Bolles

1A Boys Diving 1 Meter Blakeman Shaw Westminster

1A Girls Swimming 500 Yd Freestyle Michaela Mattes Cardinal Mooney

1A Girls Swimming 100 Yd Breaststroke Carly Schwab Bolles

1A Girls Diving 1 Meter Amy Wotovich Berkeley Prep

1A Boys Swimming 200 Yd Freestyle Jace Crawford Episcopal

1A Boys Swimming 100 Yd Butterfly Jace Crawford Episcopal

7A Volleyball Hagerty

1A Girls Swimming 200 Yd Freestyle Emily Trieschmann St. Andrew’s

1A Girls Swimming 100 Yd Butterfly Madeline Burt Saint John Neumann

1A Boys Swimming 200 Yd IM Joshua Zuchowski King’s Academy

1A Boys Swimming 100 Yd Freestyle Logan Tirheimer Tampa Prep

1A Girls Swimming 200 Yd IM Anna Freed Bradenton Christian

1A Girls Swimming 100 Yd Freestyle Erika Pelaez South Florida HEAT

1A Boys Swimming 100 Yd Backstroke Joshua Zuchowski King’s Academy

1A Boys Swimming 50 Yd Freestyle Logan Tirheimer Tampa Prep

1A Girls Swimming 100 Yd Backstroke Lain Shahboz P.K. Yonge

1A Girls Swimming 50 Yd Freestyle Erika Pelaez South Florida HEAT

6A Volleyball Leon 5A Volleyball Ponte Vedra 4A Volleyball Lake Highland Prep 3A Volleyball Cardinal Mooney 2A Volleyball Lake Worth Christian 1A Volleyball Sneads

Florida Winter 2019-20 State Champions 7A Boys Basketball Miramar

5A Girls Basketball American Heritage

2A Boys Basketball Orlando Christian Prep

7A Girls Basketball Miami

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6A Girls Basketball Blanche Ely

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3A Girls Basketball Carrollwood Day

2A Competitive Cheerleading Small Division Dr. Phillips

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2A Competitive Cheerleading Medium Division Jupiter 2A Competitive Cheerleading Large Division Bartram Trail 2A Competitive Cheerleading Extra Large Division Lake Mary

2A Competitive Cheerleading Small Non Tumbling Ocoee

1A Competitive Cheerleading Medium Non Tumbling West Nassau

2A Competitive Cheerleading Medium Non Tumbling George Jenkins

1A Competitive Cheerleading Large Non Tumbling Baldwin

2A Competitive Cheerleading Large Non Tumbling West Broward

1A Competitive Cheerleading Extra Large Non Tumbling Immaculata-LaSalle

2A Competitive Cheerleading Extra Large Non Tumbling Lakeland

1A Competitive Cheerleading Small Co Ed Lake Minneola

2A Competitive Cheerleading Small Co Ed Strawberry Crest

1A Competitive Cheerleading Medium Co Ed Lake Minneola

2A Competitive Cheerleading Medium Co Ed Park Vista

7A Boys Soccer Boca Raton

2A Competitive Cheerleading Large Co Ed Bartow 1A Competitive Cheerleading Small Division Masters Academy 1A Competitive Cheerleading Medium Division Bishop Moore 1A Competitive Cheerleading Large Division Niceville 1A Competitive Cheerleading Extra Large Division St. Brendan 1A Competitive Cheerleading Small Non Tumbling Bishop Snyder

7A Girls Soccer Bartram Trail 6A Boys Soccer Niceville 6A Girls Soccer Lourdes Academy 5A Boys Soccer Jesuit 5A Girls Soccer Archbishop McCarthy 4A Boys Soccer Gulliver Prep 4A Girls Soccer Bishop Kenny 3A Boys Soccer University 3A Girls Soccer Bolles 2A Boys Soccer Shorecrest Prep

2A Girls Soccer St. John's Country Day 2A Girls Weightlifting 101 lbs Chloe Stumpf Winter Springs 2A Girls Weightlifting 110 lbs Kaylin White St. Cloud 2A Girls Weightlifting 119 lbs Jillian Malphurs New Symrna 2A Girls Weightlifting 129 lbs Annabelle Anderson Charlotte 2A Girls Weightlifting 139 lbs Gianna Levy Sunlake 2A Girls Weightlifting 154 lbs Nadley Pierre Archbishop McCarthy 2A Girls Weightlifting 169 lbs Juliette Pacheco Sunlake 2A Girls Weightlifting 183 lbs Hannah Wagner St. Cloud 2A Girls Weightlifting 199 lbs Melaina Bryant Niceville 2A Girls Weightlifting Unlimited Alexis Jones Oviedo 1A Girls Weightlifting 101 lbs Deilyanne Cruz Leesburg

1A Girls Weightlifting 110 lbs Mattilyn Marsee Suwanee 1A Girls Weightlifting 119 lbs Nikki Richards Altha 1A Girls Weightlifting 129 lbs Emily Bennett Arnold 1A Girls Weightlifting 139 lbs Kennedi Blevins Citrus 1A Girls Weightlifting 154 lbs Amerie Daniels Arnold 1A Girls Weightlifting 169 lbs Jenna McClain LaBelle 1A Girls Weightlifting 183 lbs Lakisia Thomas Zephyrhills 1A Girls Weightlifting 199 lbs Lindsey Brooks Clay 1A Girls Weightlifting Unlimited Mahailya Reeves Union County 3A Wrestling South Dade 3A Wrestling 106 lbs Cooper Haase Osceola 3A Wrestling 113 lbs Danny Martinez Southwest Miami

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3A Wrestling 120 lbs Alex Couto South Dade 3A Wrestling 126 lbs Sebastian Melguizo Southwest Miami 3A Wrestling 132 lbs Jaekus Hines Osceola 3A Wrestling 138 lbs Jared Dinh Riverdale 3A Wrestling 145 lbs Bretli Reyna South Dade 3A Wrestling 152 lbs Joshua Swan South Dade 3A Wrestling 160 lbs Kohl Drak Newsome 3A Wrestling 170 lbs Thlynn Lukens Manatee 3A Wrestling 182 lbs Jesse Martinez Riverdale 3A Wrestling 195 lbs Bryan Canedo Palm Beach Gardens 3A Wrestling 220 lbs Chad Nix Fleming Island 3A Wrestling 285 lbs Curtis Ruff Seminole 20 | itgnext.com

2A Wrestling Lake Gibson 2A Wrestling 106 lbs Kai Owen Jesuit 2A Wrestling 113 lbs Andrew Austin Charlotte 2A Wrestling 120 lbs Braden Basile Jesuit 2A Wrestling 126 lbs Tom Crook Jesuit 2A Wrestling 132 lbs Donovan Cataldi Charlotte 2A Wrestling 138 lbs Brendon Abdon Lake Gibson 2A Wrestling 145 lbs Ethan Basile Jesuit 2A Wrestling 152 lbs Lucas Willis Charlotte 2A Wrestling 160 lbs Andy Martinez Golden Gate 2A Wrestling 170 lbs Onid Olavarria Brandon 2A Wrestling 182 lbs Ashton Habeil Lake Gibson

2A Wrestling 195 lbs Gabe Jacobs Pace

1A Wrestling 160 lbs Johnathan Conrad Cardinal Gibbons

2A Wrestling 220 lbs Trillyon Fils-Aime Palmetto Ridge

1A Wrestling 170 lbs Bailey Flanagan Lake Highland Prep

2A Wrestling 285 lbs Willie Lampkin Lakeland

1A Wrestling 182 lbs Sean Concepcion Somerset Academy

1A Wrestling Lake Highland Prep 1A Wrestling 106 lbs Ethan Rivera Lake Highland Prep 1A Wrestling 113 lbs Elijah Lusk Merritt Island 1A Wrestling 120 lbs Ethan Mojena Tarpon Springs 1A Wrestling 126 lbs Danny Nini Lake Highland Prep 1A Wrestling 132 lbs Bas Diaz Somerset Academy 1A Wrestling 138 lbs Chris Rivera Lake Highland Prep 1A Wrestling 145 lbs Justin Rivera Lake Highland Prep 1A Wrestling 152 lbs Noah Castillo Lake Highland Prep

1A Wrestling 195 lbs Easton Tobia Lake Highland Prep 1A Wrestling 220 lbs Matt Kaplan Lake Highland Prep 1A Wrestling 285 lbs Malik Jones Zephyrhills Christian Academy

Reese Register Sandalwood Soccer Who has helped you the most in your sports career?

My club soccer coach when I was in middle school had a great impact on inspiring me to keep playing and take it to the next level.

Who is your biggest sports inspiration?

My biggest sports inspiration is Sydney Leroux. When I was younger, I really saw her as an inspiration and wanted to be just like her.

What is your pregame ritual?

Going to Chik-fil-A and sometimes going to Pet Land to see puppies.

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Alexis Frazier Mandarin Golf What is the most memorable moment of your sports career so far?

My most memorable moment was playing in the pouring rain and then coming together afterwards with all of us having a new personal record. We all laughed and enjoyed each other’s company.

Who has helped you the most in your sports career?

My mom has helped me the most in my sports career. She always pushes me to do my best, and she is always there for me on the course.

Who is your biggest sports inspiration?

Lexi Thompson is my biggest sports inspiration because she is a female role model who works hard every day.

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ITG Next | 23

Top Florida Athletes of All Time Written by: Kyle Grondin

Florida continues to produce some of the greatest athletes in all sports.

From football to swimming, it doesn’t get better than the Sunshine State.

Here are the top five greatest Florida athletes of all time.

Deion Sanders North Fort Myers High School “Prime Time” lived up to the nickname, as he was one of the best and most influential athletes of the 1990s. He was first a three-sport superstar at North Fort Myers High School, where he was a standout baseball, football, and basketball player.

He then took his talents to Florida State, where he was a unanimous All-American two years in a row and a Jim Thorpe winner for the best defensive back in college football. He did this while being a star on the baseball diamond again.

He went on to have successful NFL and MLB careers. He was a star for the Atlanta Falcons and later won Super Bowls with the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers. He also put in great seasons with the Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds.

While no player was more vocal than Sanders, he backed up his talk with results.

Image courtesy of nbcsports.com

Emmitt Smith Escambia High School The NFL’s all-time leading rusher was a legend of the game before he ever stepped foot on an NFL field.

Smith held the Florida High School career rushing record for 23 years before it was broken by Derrick Henry.

Smith is also regarded as one of the best athletes to ever come out of the University of Florida.

As a Gator, Smith was a three-time All-SEC performer and a unanimous All-American in 1989. Like most of his career, he was a record holder when all was said and done. He finished his Gator career in three seasons with 58 Gator records. He went on to the Dallas Cowboys, and his career didn’t stop from there.

In the end, Smith ended with over 18,000 career yards, one MVP award, and three Super Bowls wins, and he is regarded as one of the best running backs of all time. This true model of consistency deserves his spot on this list.

Image courtesy of britannica.com

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Alex Rodriguez Westminster Christian School A-Rod is perhaps the greatest high school baseball player in Florida history. He finished his high school career a national champion and hit over .500 batting average his senior year. He did all that along with being the star quarterback at Westminster.

Rodriguez went to the Seattle Mariners with the first overall pick and went on to have one of the most successful, and lucrative, careers in MLB history. This was capped with a World Series win in 2009 with the New York Yankees. He finished with a career .295 batting average; 3,115 hits; and 669 home runs.

Image courtesy of heraldnet.com

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

Roy Jones Jr. Booker T. Washington High School Jones Jr.’s accolades aren’t tied to his time at Booker T. Washington, but when he was in high school he was already hyped as one of the best young boxers in the world. In 1984, at 15 years old, he won the U.S. Junior Olympics, then later the Golden Gloves at age 17. This set him up to win an Olympic silver medal at age 19. Overall, Jones finished with an amateur record of 121-13.

His professional career wasn’t too shabby either. He finished with a pro record of 66-9, and he became one of the only fighters ever to win a title in the middleweight and heavyweight divisions. In all, he finished with titles in five different weight classes and is regarded as one of the best boxers of his era.

Image courtesy of thesun.co.uk

Wade Boggs Plant High School Boggs is one of the best hitters in the history of Major League Baseball. He ranks 33rd in career batting averages at .328 and finished his career with over 3,000 hits. Boggs was an eight-time silver slugger award winner and five-time AL Batting Title winner in his 16-year career.

Before that illustrious career, Boggs dominated at Plant High School, where he was a star baseball and football player. He was a star quarterback until his senior year, when he switched to punter and kicker to avoid injury, and was an AllState kicker. He even was a part of the WWE and wrestled for a time. He’s a natural athlete who will always be one of the greats.

Image courtesy of sportingnews.com

Kevin M. Kaplan, MD - Head Team Physician

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

As team physicians for the 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

Which Sport Produces the Best Athletes?

Written by: Kyle Grondin

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The question always comes up: Who is the most athletic?

Since the time of the Ancient Greeks (and probably even before that), we’ve tried to put the best of the best against one another in competitions such as fighting, racing, and even throwing things like the javelin and discus.

Not only was it for entertainment, but it was also a point of pride to be considered the best athlete. This was the birth of sports, and it evolved into what we consume today. Not much has changed, other than the millions of dollars exchanging hands.

There’s always been the debate about which sport produces the best athletes. It’s a difficult debate because many sports require a different range of athletic skill sets that aren’t used in other sports. The best athletes of all time, Deion Sanders and Bo Jackson, are regarded

as the best because of their ability to succeed in multiple sports at the highest levels.

So, which sports produce the best athletes? To tackle that question, we need to find the definition of an

Dictionary.com says an athlete is “a person who is trained or skilled in exercises, sports, or games requiring physical strength, agility, or stamina.” I athlete.

would add that sports require an immense amount of flexibility, critical thinking, and hand-eye coordination.

Being able to think and react instantly is essential to an athlete’s success.

With those parameters, I feel like I can break down the best athletes coming from three different sports: football, hockey, and combat sports.

Football requires an immense amount of strength and stamina. Watching the game through a television

doesn’t do it justice, as the players are required to break down a play and what the opposition is doing while reacting in an instant.

It may not require as much hand-eye coordination as baseball, but the amount of strength and stamina required to take a hit on nearly every play makes it one of the most athletic sports.

Hockey being mentioned may be a surprise to many, but it requires the most balance, flexibility, and hand-eye coordination. Balancing and moving on ice skates is incredibly difficult; it requires years of practice and training of muscles to accomplish. It takes an insane amount of core strength to stand tall and constantly take checks to keep the puck.

Some might say that basketball players are bigger, faster, and stronger, which is fair. LeBron James may be the greatest athlete in the world.

But hockey moves much

faster than basketball, requiring a lot of agility to move up and down the ice.

Finally, you have combat sports, such as boxing and mixed martial arts. The ability to take hits to your body and head constantly and remain standing requires strength and stamina.

In just three-minute rounds, the amount of movement, focus, and strength needed is higher than almost any other sport. There’s a reason a typical boxer or fighter only fights two or three times a year. The amount of athleticism demanded from these athletes is greater than in any other sport.

What do you think, sports fans? Which sport do you think creates the most athletic players?

Evelyn Hanson St. Johns Country Day Cross Country Track & Field

What is the most memorable moment of your sports career so far?

It’s going to state in 2016 because it was the first time and I never expected it.

Who is your biggest sports inspiration?

Jay Birmingham because he so genuinely loves to run and wants to help others succeed too.

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

I’d really love to go into the health and fitness industry.

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TOP DOG: Ranking the Top 5 NCAA Live Dog Mascots Written by: Kyle Grondin

From bulldogs to huskies, man’s best friend is one of the most popular mascots in the country for high school and college teams.

Occasionally, you’ll see our furriest of friends on the sidelines of your favorite team’s event. Whether football, basketball, or baseball, the dog is the biggest supporter and is often loved and adored by the school’s student body. After weeks of scientific study and analysis, ITG Next has broken down the top five dogs on college campuses, starting with Georgia’s finest at No. 5.

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Goldie

University of Tulsa

Smokey X

University of Tennessee Smokey, the 10th of his name, is a bluetick coonhound and part of a long line who have become a staple at Volunteers games since the 1950s. The popularity of Smokey has even turned the state dog of Tennessee to the bluetick coonhound, and he has become the symbol of the Volunteers.

Smokey was first chosen in a halftime contest in 1953. As the announcer said the names of each dog, the crowd cheered for which dog they liked the most. When Smokey was announced, he answered the cheers of the crowd with a thunderous howl, and he’s been the mascot since.

On weekends with a home game, Smokey X is seen with his fraternity brothers of the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity. He’s a bit of a show boat on game days, as he is seen prancing through the end zone after a Tennessee score. His ear’s flap in the wind as he really sticks it to the opposition, but he’s a good boy who knows how to put on a good show. Smokey is at the heart of the Tennessee Volunteer tradition, and he is the heart of Knoxville.

Goldie is the majestic golden retriever who supports the Golden Hurricanes of Tulsa. She was brought on for Tulsa’s Canine Ambassador Program and attends sporting events to promote and recruit for the program. She is also quite the athlete herself.

Goldie keeps a busy schedule, attending meetings across campus and also visiting local hospitals to meet the patients.

With all of that, she still finds time for agility training, where she qualified for the North America Diving Dogs/AKC Eukanuba National Championship. She finished eighth out of the top 18 dogs, but remains one of the cutest on our list.

Goldie also retrieves the tee after kickoff.

So along with meetings, comforting, studying, and training, she works hard on the weekends. Definitely a gold star for Goldie.

CREATURES OF THE SEA Florida is the only state to have SHARKS in its top 15 of high school mascots, and the popularity of oceanthemed mascots is huge.

Pint

Mission

Uga X

UC Davis

Northern Illinois University

University of Georgia

Pint is a Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever, and he is a hard-working doggo for the Aggies. He supports UC Davis and has the very important job of retrieving the tee after each UC Davis kickoff. The very good boy races out to the 35-yard line with extreme precision as he pounces on the tee. The collective gasps in the crowd as Pint streaks onto the field is a tradition at UC Davis games.

Pint is quite the celebrity, as his job has seen him featured on ESPN. He continues to prove himself as one of the best in the business.

The huskies were the most competitive group of the dog rankings, with Dubs II at the University of Washington, Jonathan at UCONN, and Tuffy II at NC State, the Tamaskan dog. But Mission stands out, and not just because of his bright, blue eyes, but also his heart.

Mission has been the mascot at NIU since 2013 and is a staple for game days. Mission receives bonus good boy points for his work off the field on non-game days. Mission is a certified therapy dog and is known to venture out to the local hospital, offering support to patients. In addition to comfort, his intellect is seen in the library, as he helps his fellow Huskies cram for their exams, offering any support he can.

Uga, the 10th of his name, is the English bulldog of the University of Georgia. This Uga earned his mascot collar in the year 2015 and has seen a remarkable amount of success with his Bulldog colleagues. He’s witnessed an SEC championship and Rose Bowl victory and still has the hunger for the elusive national championship.

If you don’t believe Uga is part of the team, he receives a custom-made jersey from the same material of the players’ jerseys each season. You can see him patrolling the sideline in his air-conditioned dog house as he cheers on his favorite team.

SHARKS

PIRATES

BUCCANEERS

VIKINGS

SEAHAWKS

DOLPHINS

BARRACUDAS

STING RAYS

BLUE WAVES

CONCHS

DREADNAUGHTS

FIGHTIN' TARPONS

GREEN WAVE

GRENADIERS

HI-TIDES

MAKOS

MANTA RAYS

MARLINS

SAILORS

SANDCRABS

STINGAREES

TRITONS ITG Next | 29

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Tori Grambo Bartram Trail University of Florida Soccer Outside Back/Forward What is the most memorable moment of your sports career so far?

Playing overseas in Costa Rica, London, Prague, Germany, and Switzerland with my OPD team.

How do you Live In the Game?

I live in the game through my desire to be the best player I can be.

I play for myself, not for others.

ITG Next | 31

of a

Written: by Kyle Grondin Photography by: Allen Allnoch and Andy Varnes

A champion is defined as a person who has defeated or surpassed all rivals in a competition, especially in sports.

Sometimes that competition is your opponent, and sometimes it is from within.

West Nassau High School has developed one of the most dominant sporting programs in the modern history of high school sports. That would be their world-famous cheerleading squad. In the last 10 seasons, the Warriors have won nine state championships. Along with their state titles, they’ve also won three national and two world champion titles. 2020 was one of those seasons, as they swept through and won state, national, and world titles all in one season. And it was one of their hardest seasons to date.

The Warriors had high expectations heading into competition.

Fresh off their world championship from the year before, they knew they would be facing pressure to win again.

“Sure, there was a lot of pressure,” Samantha Beazley, West Nassau head cheer coach, said.

“Pressure is a privilege to have that level of expectation. But winning one championship is hard enough, never mind winning two back-toback. So winning at that level is hard enough, and we knew that was our goal and expectations set.”

In addition to the pressure, West Nassau had to overcome a major complication just before the national championships: The injury of key cheerleaders forced them to change their plans.

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“We had to change our game plan completely,” Beazley said.

“We originally had a routine set for 15 people, but due to the injuries we had to rework the routine down to 11. The best way I could kind of explain it is that everything is calculated by the number of people you have on the floor.

We lost two people from one stunt group, so we ended up losing from

our score by dropping people down from three to two stunt groups.”

Beazley credited the leadership of the team for being able to stick together and overcome everything for the betterment of the group. Not only did they lose two cheerleaders to injury, but the Warriors then had to find a way to cut their roster on stage from 15 to 11, which required the ultimate sacrifice.

“Sadly, it did come down to having to make last-second roster cuts,” Beazley said. “We made the decision as a team that dropping to 11 on stage gave us the best chance still to win given the circumstances, so that meant two more seniors, who had dedicated so much time and effort to being a champion, had to sacrifice their spot on stage in order for the team to win.”

But the heart of a champion is willing to lay it all on the line for the sake of victory. Anyone can go out, work hard, and become a great cheerleader. But it takes a special team to understand how to help your team win, no matter the cost. Sometimes that cost hurts, but gives your team the best chance at success.

“These girls had tears in their eyes when I told them the news, and I don’t blame them one bit,” Beazley said. “But they are without a doubt true leaders. To be able to put yourself to the back and step up is something incredible to see.”

top once again, champions of the world. With three national championships in five years and two world championships under her belt, Beazley said the Warriors will always be motivated for more.

“I’m so proud of the program we’ve helped build here,” Beazley said. “I’ve been here five years now, and the expectation is always success.

The athletes understand (that) you may not be the best when you arrive, but we are going to work harder than any other team, and it produces the results where we can come out on top.”

Despite all the changes, the Warriors stood on

"My most memorable moment has been winning the first national title and being the first Florida school to hit the triple crown."

— Josi Connors ITG Next | 33

Delaney Tauzel Creekside Soccer What is the most memorable moment of your sports career so far?

Getting to travel internationally with the Olympic Develop Team to Germany, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic.

Who has helped you the most in your sports career?

My club coach, Mike Pickett.

I have been with him for about seven or eight years, and he’s helped to shape me as a player and person.

What is your pregame ritual?

We have to reach 2 in our juggling circle every time, and we have to go around in a circle and say our goals for the game.

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ITG Nextsponsored | 35

Don't Run in Pain What Is Runner’s Knee?

How to Treat Runner’s Knee

How to Prevent Runner’s Knee

Runner’s knee is the broad term that sums up any pain around the kneecap or patella area. Like the name suggests, daily running is the most common culprit, although any sport that puts pressure on the knee joint, such as hiking, biking, or playing soccer, can lead to developing the condition.

Pain is caused by strained tendons or the irritation of soft tissues or the lining of the knee.

Symptoms include feeling pain when walking, climbing stairs, squatting, kneeling, sitting down, and running. Runner’s knee may be caused by overuse, trauma to the kneecap, flat feet, weak thigh muscles, inadequate stretching, or arthritis.

It is more common in women than men, and overweight individuals are especially prone to the disorder. Typically, your doctor will perform a physical exam and may order X-rays to confirm the diagnosis.

Most runner’s knee conditions can be treated without surgery. One method is to practice RICE: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. You should avoid repetitive stress to the area and apply an ice pack for up to 15 minutes once every one to two hours. You can wrap your leg to add support to the knee and elevate your leg to reduce swelling. Taking anti-inflammatory medications is also recommended.

To help prevent runner’s knee, modify your training schedule and activities. Try to run on softer surfaces and avoid running on stairs. Don’t increase weekly mileage by more than 10% each week.

Incorporate certain stretches before running to further prevent runner’s knee.

Stretch out your hamstring by placing your left heel on the front leg of a chair, leaning forward from the hips, and holding for 30 seconds. Repeat on the other leg.

For strengthening, you can also try straight-leg lifts: Lie on your back, place your left foot on the ground with the knee bent at a 90-degree angle, slowly raise your right leg about 6 inches off the floor, hold for three seconds, and slowly lower back down. Repeat with the opposite leg.

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ITG Next | 37

Coach of the Year

Who Will Be this Year's?

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FHSAA Cancels High School Sports

Written by: Kyle Grondin

After much deliberation, the FHSAA has finally made the ruling to cancel spring sports for the rest of the season. They also announced that there will be no additional eligibility for the spring sports athletes into the next year.

“We are deeply saddened for our student-athletes who have seen their seasons and/or high school careers end so abruptly,” the FHSAA said. “Our Association knows the impact and role high school athletics play in the lives of so many and will continue to work towards the betterment of high school sports. We know this is a trying time, but the health and safety of all is of utmost importance to this Association.“ This came shortly after Governor Ron DeSantis made the decision to keep schools closed. On Saturday, he said that all schools will remain at distance learning for the remainder of the school year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

DeSantis had continued to hold out hope that students would still be able to return to school this year, but the safety of the students, parents, and coaches remains the most important thing to the FHSAA. There was also the hope that students would be able to get an extra year to earn a college scholarship if they are held back a year. That will not be the case for student-athletes.

“To all our senior student-athletes, we thank you for dedicating your time and efforts to your school, your coaches, and your teammates,” the FHSAA said. “Cherish the memories you have made and embrace all that the future holds for you. While we are saddened that you are unable to compete this season, we could not be prouder to have been represented by such hard-working individuals.”

ITG Next Book Club: Top 5 Sports Books The Boys of Summer

Open

Must Win

Friday Night Lights

The Book of Basketball

The best baseball book of all time is a love letter to America’s favorite pastime. Roger Kahn was the beat writer for the Brooklyn Dodgers during their run of success to the 1955 World Series. The lifelong fan then followed some of the great Dodgers on the team to see how they’ve aged and how the game and world around them have changed.

There’s no need to be a tennis fan to enjoy this book.

Open is not a story of just tennis or a glorifying autobiography by Agassi himself, but rather a book that is described by the title perfectly. Agassi is honest with himself and open about his life. If you want to be a professional athlete, read this book to understand the sacrifices that have to be made to be one of the greatest in your sport.

With a little bit of a local feel, get a piece of South Georgia in your reading as Drew Jubera comes to Valdosta High School in a difficult time. Long gone are the days of Wright Bazemore and Nick Hyder, and the Wildcats find themselves in a town divided. They’re a team stuck in the past looking toward an uncertain future with a desire to be successful once again. It is a great read for your South Georgia football fix.

Similar to Must Win, Friday Night Lights is a staple in any sports book reading, but read the book over watching the movie. Bissinger goes to Odessa, Texas, to experience what small town Texas football is really all about. He leaves the team of Permian High School on their path to a state championship and is critical of a town that prioritizes winning state over the behavior of their children and a faltering education system.

One of the greatest modern sports writers, Bill Simmons dives into anything and everything basketball. Simmons uses his encyclopedic sports knowledge to tackle topics such as the greatest players of all time, fixing the Basketball Hall of Fame, and even finding out the secret to success in team sports.

It’s a great read for basketball fans at any level.

by Roger Kahn

by Drew Jubera

by Roger Kahn

by Buzz Bissinger

by Bill Simmons

ITG Next | 39

Touching Base With a Softball Star Written by: Cameron Jones Photography by: Andy Varnes

A promising softball season, which saw Episcopal School of Jacksonville's Maddie Latta lead her division in strikeouts, came to a screeching stop with the arrival of the coronavirus.

The Eagles were 7-2, coming off a three-game winning streak, when the season was shut down due to the pandemic.

"The first reaction for sure was extreme sadness because this was our best season yet," Latta said. "We had high hopes of going far in this postseason."

Still just a junior in high school, Latta has already committed to Yale University. One of the top ivy league schools in the nation, she's put herself in a great position to pursue her passion by committing to the prestigious institution. Her dream job is to become a photographer for National Geographic, traveling the world and learning new languages.

Latta's 2020 season was on track to be her best one yet. Despite the season getting cut short, she still finds time to stay in shape. She regularly goes on jogs, often accompanied by family members. As to her family's support during this pandemic, Latta didn't hold back when expressing how important her parents are to her.

"My parents are my number ones," she said. "I really owe them everything. They've definitely helped me the most during this time.

They always push me to be better when I practice."

If Latta had been a senior this year, her high school softball career would be over and she'd have no graduation ceremony. This is the situation over 3 million high school seniors are facing around the country. Thousands of these students are athletes who could have counted on their last season for scholarship offers.

Despite the current state of the world, Latta remains optimistic and shares a message for seniors who are going through these tough times.

"As sad and unfair as it is, this coronavirus gives you the chance to show how creative you are, what leaders the class of 2020 can be when faced with extreme adversity," she said.

This pandemic has taken its toll on everyone. It will be in our memories the rest of our lives and influence who we become. As Latta points out, this pandemic could help many people bring out their creativity. The personal and economic losses we are faced with now could be used as fuel for new ideas.

Latta, despite expressing her initial sadness when learning the virus was affecting her season, is still taking steps forward. She's exercising, practicing, and spending more time with her family.

It's important we all have a positive mindset moving forward and find the time to improve ourselves as individuals and as a society.

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We want to thank all of our seniors and spring athletes for their courage and passion put into every game and practice.

Caleb Pendleton

Jensen Beach High School Baseball FAU commit

“COVID-19 cut my season in half, and it was a big disappointment.

I’m able to keep my head up just because I know that I gave the 12 games that I played with everything I had and that my future will hold many more exciting moments.”

Lexi Drumm

St. Johns Country Day School Soccer

Jimiyah Fields

First Coast High School Cheer

“COVID-19 has caused all of our senior events to be cancelled, and it has really taken a toll on us. Not being able to enjoy your last year in high school really sucks.”

Taryn Hagins

Atlantic Coast High School Cheer

“It has affected my senior year in many ways! They canceled prom and grad bash, and our end of the season cheer banquet was canceled. I hope they don’t cancel graduation because it is a very special moment not only for us but for our parents too!”

“I am so grateful that I was able to play my high school season, and it's upsetting that other athletes aren’t able to after all the time and effort already put in. Although, having online school now for junior year, I have more time to go out and train and focus on what I need to improve on. It is definitely hard not being able to see teammates every day.

Not being able to have prom or see my friends have their graduation is hard because I know it has been something they have been looking forward to since the beginning of high school.”

ITG Next | 41

Logan West

Andrew Jackson High School Basketball “Thankfully, COVID-19 did not affect my last high school season, but it did delay my progression for next fall. Due to the terms and restrictions set by our mayor, I am not able to work out with my strength trainer as I usually do or simply go to the park and run a few pickup games. Being in quarantine has limited me to certain exercises I can do on my own, which diminishes my development during this important time.”

Pehris Fennell

First Coast High School Cheer and Bowling

Tyree Saunders

First Coast High School Track/Football/Basketball

“COVID-19 affected track season a lot.

Not being able to run completely hurts, all the training and working out to get faster, to just not be able to show it. So just training without knowing if you’ll be able to run and compete again can make it very stressful."

Delaney Tauzel

Creekside High School Soccer

“Thankfully, I got my whole soccer season in, so my only struggle is having to have all of my classes online. Also, I was supposed to attend the University of Florida for summer B, and those classes have now been put online, sadly.”

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“I have been practicing social distancing by staying home and out of contact with people other than my family. It is important to me because as a senior all of the activities and memories that I was looking forward to are gone. This makes the next best thing surviving and lowering the curve of COVID-19 so I can go to college.

This has affected my senior year in numerous ways. The class of 2020 at First Coast High School increased the school grade, graduation rate, and test scores. We worked hard to receive the traditional rewards of a senior: grad bash, prom, and graduation. Now that all of them are gone, it truly breaks my heart.”

The Impact of COVID-19 on

PRESEASON TOP 5 1

Written by: Kyle Grondin

IMG Academy

2 Northwestern (Miami)

3

St. Thomas Aquinas

4

American Heritage

5 Edgewater

Sports are still shut down, and here is what every fan is trying to figure out: When will they be back? Some fans may not like the answer as it pertains to high school football next season.

The COVID-19 outbreak has had a significant impact on the spring sports season, and it could potentially impact the fall. We’re now four months away from the beginning of the regular football season, and we may still be feeling the effects of the coronavirus pandemic by then.

Many high school sports organizations, including the GHSA and FHSAA, are working to find solutions that don’t upset the fall sports season. But, especially in terms of football, many schools have already cancelled their spring practices, and realistically they may only get a limited amount of time in the preseason for practices. There’s a major im-

pact on players, teams, and schools.

This could affect all teams and players in the first weeks of the season. Many coaches have been concerned about the potential conditioning of players when they miss months of organized practices and weightlifting routines.

August in the South is not exactly the most forgiving in terms of weather and humidity; athletes not conditioned to that environment could perform poorly, affecting their health and the game.

To start the season on time, players will need at least a month of practice to be well conditioned and play safely in the hot month of August.

The impact on teams with new coaches and young rosters could also be serious. With coaching changes come new schemes, instituting game plans, and teaching kids a whole new playbook. If they don’t

get the opportunity to do that, those teams are at a significant disadvantage with only a minimal amount of time to prepare for the season.

That doesn’t even include teams that are featuring new quarterbacks or offensive lines, that take time, repetition, and chemistry to work cohesively. Those teams will have a huge disadvantage and will have to play further catchup from where they already are. New coaches will really have to prove their worth, and it may be difficult to judge them right out the gate.

Finally, we have the school impacts. Kirk Herbstreit has said he doesn’t believe the NFL and college football seasons will start on time, and they have multi-million-dollar television deals to fall back on if they can’t put fans in the stands. The NFL season also starts a month after the high school football season,

and there’s concern about the outlook to the start of their season.

High school football doesn’t bring in the television money of college football or the NFL. If it’s deemed unsafe for high school football teams to have fans in the stands, will schools find it financially feasible for fall sports to continue with no revenue while putting coaches and school personnel at risk of exposure?

There are a lot of questions that still need answering. But fans should be prepared for the chance that football is delayed, cancelled, or played with nobody in the stands for next season.

TOP 9 TIGHT ENDS MICHAEL TRIGG

DE’CARLO DONALDSON

WESTON WOLFF

GAGE WILCOX

KAHLIL BRANTLEY

ROCCO UNDERWOOD

Seffner Christian Jefferson

NICK ELKSNIS Episcopal

Gulliver Prep

Northwestern

GUNNAR GREENWALD

Satellite Senior

Venice Lake Mary

TONY RICHARDSON Seffner Christian

ITG Next | 43

Could the NBA Finish the Season in High School Gyms?

Written by: Kyle Grondin

Many professional leagues are still looking for a solution to finish their respective seasons, with or without fans in stands. Could the solution be the use of high school gymnasiums?

The National Basketball Association has been searching for a way to finish their basketball season.

Wednesday was scheduled to be the last day of the regular season, and reports have said that the league is assuming there will be no chance to figure the regular season or allow fans in the arenas this season. The ideas being pitched include using a central location where all 16 playoff teams play, like Las Vegas.

Many view Las Vegas as a good solution due to the tourism industry being shut down and allowing complete isolation of the players from the rest of the world.

But Las Vegas is still a major metropolitan area, and playing in a big arena with no fans could make for an awkward viewing experience.

But, with the world looking for new content and basketball looking to finish their season, the solution seems like it could be simple. It involves using facilities on empty school campuses, allowing for seclusion and safety (as much as possible, anyway) while also allowing competition to flourish.

The NBA could conduct the entire playoffs at high school gyms. Many high schools offer smaller sized gymnasiums that could enhance the television viewing experience and allow for an awesome experience of playing for an NBA championship in a small-town school.

Could the NBA finish their season in high school? Don’t discount the idea just yet!

Pick 2 Players You and your team will have to play the other three in 3 on 3.

Mark Williams

Cade Cunningham

Jaden Springer

This or That?

With Logan West

Like Mike or Space Jam? Smoothies or Milkshakes?

Scottie Barnes

Michael Jordan or Lebron James?

Future or Drake?

Seafood or Chinese Food?

Love and Basketball or Just Wright?

44 | itgnext.com

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When Sports Are No Longer a Salvation Written by: Kyle Grondin

With the widespread shut down of sports at all levels, including high school, due to the coronavirus pandemic, we’re left reeling as a society with no level of salvation. So, what’s next?

It was one of the most bizarre moments I’ve ever seen transpire on TV. My nightly routine typically involves dinner, some homework, and the NBA action of that night. March 11 we had the Utah Jazz on the road at the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Jazz had been reeling of late and were missing all-star center Rudy Gobert due to an “illness,” while the Thunder had been exceeding expectations all season with the aging Chris Paul at the helm. It was a setup for a great battle.

Then, it wasn’t. Five minutes into the ESPN telecast, all we saw were referees talking. To each other. To the coaches. Not much else was happening, and you could see confusion on the faces of players and fans alike. Suddenly, everyone went back to the locker room, and the announcement was made: “Tonight’s game has been postponed,” the Oklahoma City announcer said. “You’re all safe, and take your time leaving the arena and do so in an orderly fashion.”

Like I said, it was a bizarre experience, and I was waiting for Ashton Kutcher to come out like they were bringing back Punk’d. I immediately opened Twitter and saw what was going on. Gobert’s illness was that he tested positive for COVID-19, the virus that has spread throughout the world. Up until that night, much of the talk of the virus was that it wouldn’t affect us. That is, until the NBA stopped.

Soon, all other leagues followed suit. The NHL, Premier League, and MLB are on suspension. The NCAA Tournament is cancelled.

The Masters is postponed. NASCAR is postponed. All sports have come to a halt. Even in Georgia, the high schools have come to a stop, and spring sports have been suspended indefinitely. Immediately, almost selfishly, I thought to myself, “What are we going to do without sports?”

Sports have often been a salvation for communities and even the country as a whole. I remember when the Atlanta Braves played the New York Mets on September 21, 2001, and we began to feel a sense of normalcy after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. I remember going to an Orlando City soccer game after the Pulse Nightclub shooting that took 50 lives, and it was a chilling experience. Sporting events become a place for communities to grieve and to rally together.

Now, that's simply gone until further notice.

In my line of work, I’m asked often, “Why do people care so much about high school sports?”

I answer them matter of factly: It’s about the community. It’s your family, your friends, your neighbors, and your city banded together and proving your fighting spirit. Few things are infused with the same amount of passion as high school sports, and taking that away is hard to swallow.

There’s real world problems in every town in the country. But for just a couple of hours, none of that matters. All that matters is your team's colors and the importance that brings to everyone around you. It’s a salvation that we took for granted and now feel empty without.

Obviously, the grand scheme of things puts safety first. No one should risk getting seriously sick over sports, but just four days without it shows how much I miss it every day. How so many players are battling for college scholarships and not getting the chance to prove themselves out on the field. How players were bracing for spring practice, potentially preparing for life with a new coach. This is what I think about as sports shut down.

Soon, we’ll have our sports back. But for now, continue to pray for the health and safety of others. Continue to help however you can. And most importantly, continue to stay safe during this scary, unsure time.

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Laci Watford University Christian Cross Country & Track What is the most memorable moment of your sports career so far?

One of my most memorable moments three years ago was when I was at one of my first cross country races. We were unsure whether I would run at the varsity race. It’s just really cool to see how far I’ve come from being unsure to going to state each year.

What is your pregame ritual?

The night before my meet, I always eat pasta. Before a race, I stretch and get warmed up.

Who is your biggest sports inspiration?

Kaitlyn Tuoey because she holds a lot of national records, and she did them in bad conditions.

That shows you should never give up even when things aren’t how you want them to be.

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TOP 5 COLLEGE FOOTBALL TEAMS OF ALL TIME

Society is obsessed with being number one. It’s like in the movie “Fight Club” when Tyler Durden says you never really know who you are until you’ve been in a fight. The debates about being the best are endless because we will never have an opportunity to see the best face off.

The conversation keeps us going, and this week we saw the debate around college football rage on. ESPN replayed the 2006 Rose Bowl between Texas and USC, and that once again sparked the question: WHICH COLLEGE FOOTBALL TEAM IS THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME? Both of those teams have an argument. The 2005 Texas Longhorns averaged 50 points a game and had nearly every player make the NFL. But they’re not the greatest football team of all time. They make it close, but the top five college football teams goes as follows.

Written by: Kyle Grondin

5. 2005 Texas Longhorns The Longhorns needed no introduction, but this team was unstoppable in that season. They ran the table by averaging 50 points a game and had the best quarterback of the season in Vince Young. He was paired with a talented group with Michael Huff, Jamaal Charles, and Brian Orakpo.

It was hard not to like this team. With the high-flying offense, big bull mascot, star power, and Matthew McConaughey roaming the sidelines like it was a Lincoln car commercial, this team had it all.

In fact, in the Rose Bowl game against USC, 34 of the 44 starters went on to start in the NFL, making it one of the most star-studded games in the history of the game. It was a fun team that became one of the most memorable of the modern college football era.

4. 1971 Nebraska Cornhuskers Call it recency bias, but this is the only team before 2000 on the list. Nebraska was just so impressive in 1971. If Johnny Rodgers played in the era of Twitter, we’d be talking about him as the greatest running back of all time. “The Jet” won the Heisman Trophy in 1972, but was just as dominant running, catching, and returning in 1971.

One of the most dominant teams in college football, the Cornhuskers were a defensive juggernaut in 1971. They went on to win all 13 games and held 10 teams to 7 points or fewer on the season. Nebraska only gave up more than 17 points in one game the entire season when they beat the Oklahoma Sooners 35-31 on Thanksgiving Day. It cannot be stated enough how impressive Nebraska’s season was. They beat Oklahoma, Colorado, and Alabama, who all finished the season ranked two, three, and four, respectively. So not only did they beat everyone, they proved themselves by beating the biggest contenders in their path.

Top 5 Early Recruiting Class Rankings

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Top 9 Offensive Linemen JC LATHAM

TYLER BOOKER

IMG Academy

IMG Academy

MARCUS TATE

LAURENCE SEYMORE

University

Miami Central

GREG CRIPPEN

MICHAEL MCLAUGHLIN

IMG Academy

Marjory Stoneman Douglas

TRENT RAMSEY

East Lake

JAVONTE GARDNER

Jones

JULIAN ARMELLA

Gulliver Prep

3. 2019 LSU Tigers Quarterback Joe Burrow put together what is likely the most impressive season in the history of college football. The Heisman Trophy winning quarterback had 5,671 yards passing and 60 touchdowns. His ability is not questioned, and the offense was legendarily good.

LSU also beat the best of the best. They ended the season beating seven top 10 ranked teams and did so mostly in convincing fashion. I’ll never forget how the Tigers made the Georgia defense look like a JV team, and the Bulldogs were the top rated defense in the country. They had one of the most impressive seasons ever, but not impressive enough to crack the top two.

2. 2004 USC Trojans Vacating wins is like deleting pictures of your ex-girlfriend after the breakup: Just because you want to erase the record doesn’t mean it erases the memories.

The undefeated USC Trojans went on to win their second straight National Championship in 2004 with a team that was filled with stars. The Trojans had two Heisman Trophy players on the roster, Matt Leinart at quarterback and Reggie Bush, who won it the next season.

This team was so loaded that Bush was the backup running back in 2004, as Lendale White got the majority of the carries. USC had such an aura about them that many teams lost before they even stepped on the field. Just seeing that cardinal and gold jersey would strike fear in their opponents.

The Trojans saved their best for last that season, with a 55-19 shellacking of the Oklahoma Sooners, who had a former Heisman winner in Jason White at quarterback and star running back Adrian Peterson, who was essentially shut out in this one. The final two wins were vacated due to recruiting violations, but this team withstands the test of time as one of the best ever.

This or that?

With Tyree Saunders

Hamburgers or Hotdogs?

Macaroni or Potato Salad?

Russell Wilson or Patrick Mahomes?

Nicki Minaj or Megan Thee Stallion?

McDonald’s or Wendy’s?

Patriots or Steelers?

Leg Day or Arm Day?

Day or Night?

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1. 2001 Miami Hurricanes The greatest roster ever accumulated was the 2001 Canes, who steamrolled everyone on the way to a championship. Miami had one game finish in the single digits, their regular season finale win over Virginia Tech. Then they went on to the Rose Bowl and delivered a dominating performance over Nebraska for the title. They led 34-0 at halftime before letting their foot off the gas and winning 37-14.

Everywhere you looked, this team was loaded. Ken Dorsey was the best quarterback in the country. Clinton Portis the best running back.

Andre Johnson the best wide receiver. Jeremy Shockey the best tight end. Jonathan Vilma the best linebacker. Ed Reed the best safety. Vince Wilfork, Willis McGahee, Phillip Buchanon – the list goes on. This team was so good that future Hall of Fame running back Frank Gore was the third string running back on the depth chart. He played mostly in garbage time and was one of the best running backs in the NFL later.

The Miami Hurricane schedule won’t compare to Nebraska, USC, or LSU, but there’s no doubt that there will never be a collection of talent like the 2001 Miami Hurricanes again.

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Ponte Vedra Cheer What is the most memorable moment of your sports career so far?

This most memorable moment of my career was getting second place at state this year. It is only our second year of having a competitive cheer program, and to share the results with my best friends was an amazing feeling.

How do you Live In the Game?

I make sure I cherish it. All of the girls and I on the team are very close, and we’re constantly laughing and making memories at games and competitions. This team is making high school the best years of my life.

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Cale Hoskinson Clay Wrestling What is the most memorable moment of your sports career so far?

The most memorable moment would have to be winning the Super 32 qualifiers to go to the Super 32, which is held in Greensboro, North Carolina.

How do you Live In the Game?

What motivates me is to never quit, and what makes me work hard is all the matches I’ve lost in the past.

Who is your biggest sports inspiration?

Probably Yianni Diakomihalis, who is a wrestler at Cornell University. He puts it all on the line.

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NORTHEAST FLORIDA NEWSLETTER SIGN UP TODAY! ITGNEXT.COM/NEWSLETTER INTERVIEWS • GAME HIGHLIGHTS • RANKINGS • INSPIRATIONAL STORIES ITG Next | 55

Northeast Florida Athletes Honored at 5th Annual ITG Next Fall Sports Banquet Written by: Tyrah Walker | Photography by: Eli Elmore

On Feb. 2, 2020, we held our 5th annual ITG Next Fall Sports Banquet, honoring high school athletes of volleyball, golf, football, bowling, swimming and diving, and cross country. The Omni Hotel in Jacksonville was filled with the athletes, their families, guests, and our amazing sponsors. Nearly 200 guests were in attendance, and over 50 athletes were recognized.

Guest speaker Dr. Lance Synder from the Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute spoke on perseverance and how having a back-up plan is necessary in case being a professional athlete doesn’t work out. He shared his story of growing up as an athlete and the advice his parents gave to him as he went through life in college.

Along with presenting medals to athletes for their athletic achievements, ITG Next and sponsored partners provided plaques for the following awards: Youth Athlete, Excellence in Character, Male and Female Scholar Athlete, Adaptive Athlete, and Coach of the Year.

Before the end of the program, ITG Next provided prizes for those who participated in our social media contest. The first-place winner received Apple AirPods, the second-place winner received a Visa gift card; and the third-place winner received apparel from our store.

ITG Next is thankful for all sponsors, the Omni Hotel, athletes, and their families for coming.

Thanks to our sponsors:

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Boys Swim/Dive

Girls Swim/Dive

Bowling

Boys Cross Country

Girls Cross Country

Boys Golf

Girls Golf

Volleyball ITG Next | 57

Football

Congratulations

Matt Toblin

Baker's Sporting Goods Fall Coach of the Year

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ITG Next Fall Banquet

Congratulations

Garrett Davis First Coast YMCA

Fall Excellence in Character Award

ITG Next Fall Banquet

Congratulations

Corey Lane ITG Next

Fall Adaptive Athlete

ITG Next Fall Banquet

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Congratulations

Olivia Peoples

ITG Next Fall Female Scholar Athlete

ITG Next Fall Banquet

Congratulations

Ben Anderson ITG Next Fall Male Scholar Athlete

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ITG Next Fall Banquet

Congratulations

Karizma Jackson-Jordan Wolfson Children's Hospital Fall Youth Athlete

ITG Next Fall Banquet

Congratulations

Laurel Coppedge Wolfson Children's Hospital Fall Youth Athlete

ITG Next Fall Banquet

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First Coast Track & Field What is the most memorable moment of your sports career so far?

Hands down winning the 4x100meter state championship.

What makes you different from every other athlete?

I feel like when people think of track stars, they think of short and skinny or tall and lanky athletes. As a bigger sprinter, I feel like I have to work three times harder to move at the same speed or even faster than them.

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Setting the Bar High Written by: Nathan Dean Photography by: Allen Allnoch

At the FHSAA Class “She started out 1A Weightlifting State very young, and she Championship, Union County High School’s was really strong,” Mahailya Reeves Griffis said. “The first set a state record bench press of 375 day in the gym, she was pounds. Along with squatting about 135. her 225-pound clean She’s a phenomenal and jerk, Reeves won the 2020 FHSAA Girls athlete, and she has a Weightlifting State big heart.”

Championship.

Reeves, also known “Over the years, as “Big Ru,” now it took a lot of dedi- squats 500 pounds. cation, a lot of hard She is strivwork, a lot ing to be the of crying, “Over the years, s t r o n g e s t and it took a it took a lot of woman in lot of mental dedication, a lot the world. toughness Her coach of hard work, a is confident to get to the point that lot of crying, and that she can I’m at now,” it took a lot of accomplish Reeves said. that goal.

U n i o n mental toughness “In two C o u n t y m o nths, to get to the point High School she’s going weightlift- that I’m at now.” to be the ing coach strongest — Mahailya Reeves Bryan Griffis woman in coached her the world,” Griffis said. older sisters as well. “She’s going to bench He says from the mo- 400. Maybe more.” ment he met Reeves In two months, when she was in the she is traveling to fifth grade, he knew Pilsen, Czech Repubshe was something lic, to compete at the special.

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Powerlifting Federation Championship.

This time, she plans on benching even more than what she did for the state title.

“I’ve worked hard for it; I really did,” Reeves said. “In the Czech Republic, I know I’m going to get 400.”

The large social media following she has gained has led to thousands of supporters, as

well as doubters. But she says that hasn’t impacted her character or her mentality.

“I’m a nice and genuine person,” Reeves said. “It was pretty crazy when my videos went viral when I benched 360. We’re just going through the same thing now, just have to deal with haters. But there’s a lot of kind people I’ve met during my journey, so it’s pretty normal now.”

With the bar already set extremely high, Griffis believes that this is just the beginning for Big Ru.

“She’s pretty intimidating,” Griffis said. “I think before her senior year, we’ll break every record.”

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

SATURDAY | CW SUNDAY | 4 P.M. | WJXT ITG Next | 65

Jaeda McFarland

Oakleaf Softball Outfielder

What is the most memorable moment of your sports career so far?

The day that Oakleaf won districts in 2019.

The hard work we did had paid off. I was a transfer that year, and I felt like I had been with them an entire year.

How do you Live In the Game?

I am constantly thinking about the game and how to get better.

I love to play, so anytime I’m at the field it’s my favorite time of day. Working in the gym or taking extra reps is how I spend a lot of my time. I love to work with my teammates so they can learn from me and I can learn from them.

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4 Drills to Improve your Combine Numbers Written by: Kyle Grondin

Even if you perform well on the field, many scouts still want to see how you perform athletically. Here’s how you can make sure your combine numbers keep up with your on-field numbers.

The NFL Scouting Combine came and went, and the top players all went head-to-head to see who is the most athletic in their draft class. If your numbers fall short of your peers’, here are some drills to improve your combine numbers to compete with the best of the best.

40-Yard Dash

Three-Cone Drill

The proven method to improve your 40 time is resistance running and improving your start. Many runners will tell you short distance sprints are all dependent on the first three steps.

Before you start the drill, wrap a resistance band around your chest. The goal of this drill is to create the drive with your legs, so start in your three point stance and begin by taking three steps. Focus on keeping your body over your toes and driving through to build more power in your legs. The start can make or break a good 40 time.

The three-cone drill is all about having quick feet and reflexes, as all of your movement is happening within 10 yards for this drill. The dot drill comes in handy, as it spreads five cones in an “X” formation, and jumping quickly in different formations allows you to improve your quickness and jumping ability.

One important aspect of the dot drill is to focus on your movement. In a drill with quick feet, extra movement will only slow you down. Leap, be precise, and focus on body control as you go from cone to cone.

Vertical Jump

20-Yard Shuttle

Athletes often focus on building strength in their calves to jump higher, focusing on the leg press as the way to improve their vertical. But what goes overlooked is how important flexibility – the motion of your joints – is to leaping.

To improve a vertical jump, you must improve your flexibility in your calves, Achilles, hips, and hamstrings, as all of these muscles and joints work together when you leap.

Two simple exercises open up these muscles. Start by doing simple calf raises against a step. Place the balls of your feet on the step and raise your calves. You’ll feel them and your Achilles opening up as you do it.

The next is the glute bridge. Simply lay on your back with your knees at a 90 degree angle and lift your glutes up until they’re in line with your knees. Do this until you feel your hip muscles begin to open up. Building muscle is important, but maintaining flexibility is just as important for a successful combine.

Lateral quickness is essential to football at any level. Whether you’re a running back or linebacker, being able to cover sideline to sideline separates the good from the great. The perfect drill to improve your speed laterally is to work together on it in the mirror drill.

Find a partner and take turns initiating each time as one is the starter with the other mirroring his movements. This drill forces you to react quickly and instinctively, but requires you to do it constantly to show improvement. Challenge yourself and your teammate to be better and work on moving laterally.

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