February 2015 North Florida Edition

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

®

In This Issue:

Northeast Florida

08

February & March 2015

08 Swim Champion Kasey Schmidt

The Bolles School

12 Inspirational Nigeire Poyser

CONTENTS

14

North Florida Area Schools

14 Leaders League 2015 Baseball and Softball

12

32 Freshman Focus

William Levinson

The Bolles School

38 Player Spotlight

Anthony Teixeira

The Bolles School

42 Player Spotlight

38

Also Inside

Monica Byers

Bishop Kenny High School

48 Rising Star

Meg Hall

Eagle’s View Middle School

52 Academic Athlete

Morgan Lucey

JOI’s Dr. Frykberg

11

Making a Splash!

Julington Creek Loggerhead Aquatics

30

68 Coach’s Corner

Protein: The Most Bang for Your Bite

34

Paxon High School Track & Field

35

Trinity Christian Academy 2014 3A State Champs

44

Fitness: Pushing the Limits

47

Five Star Baseball: Building Tradition

54

Ponte Vedra Tennis Ace On His Way to UCONN

57

Superfan Mom Oakleaf High School

60

2014 Football by the Numbers

65

1 on One with James Pye Triple Crown Recruiting

67

Diabetes No Match for Oakleaf Lineman

73

32

42

Episcopal School

Sherri Anthony

Nease High School

48

52 4

Ribault High School

68

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HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

®

Northeast Florida

From the Publisher

Publisher

February. It’s not the most accommodating month of the year, but it is the beginning of the end of the winter doldrums. Down here in Florida, we get a few nice days mixed in with the remnants of winter, and those warm, sunny days are enough to let us know that we are about to turn a corner. The cold will be gone soon, the mercury will rise again, and those wonderful spring sports will be in full swing – no pun intended.

February & March 2015

Mark Dykes

Editors Mark Dykes Sarah Turner

Graphics Sarah Turner

Cover Photography Amanda Callender

Feature Photography Beverly Pye Joey Lopes Amanda Callender Skyler Callender

Feature Writers Joey Lopes Brandon Ibarra Jessica Babcock Robert Preston, Jr. James Washington Sarah Turner Raymond Bureau Brent Beaird

Copy Editor James Washington

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

Likewise, our February edition of In the Game High School Sports Magazine is a bit of a turning point. We have once and for all put the fall sports in our rearview mirror, and it’s time to focus on the spring activities. And down here, the excitement surrounding baseball, golf, tennis, soccer, and the like nearly equal that of football.

This month, we are releasing our baseball preview, which is something we don’t do in our other territories. But here in North Florida, teams are plentiful, the talent pool deep, and interest in the sport is tremendous. Elite college and pro level talent can be found throughout the region, and we want to recognize those players, coaches, and teams who excel at what may be one of the most difficult sports there is. Included with the baseball preview is a softball preview as well. While the two sports are similar, they are both unique in their own right. Some of the state’s best softball players can be found right here in the North Florida area.

We also have at least five Division I commits in this edition – Mandarin’s Kendall Reid (Central Florida), University Christian’s Christoper Gau (Jacksonville University), Bolles’ Kasey Schmidt (Virginia), Ponte Vedra’s Morgan Podany (Auburn), and Episcopal’s Morgan Lucey (Princeton) – as well as several studentathletes who have the talent to play at the pointy end of the next level in their chosen sports.

Contributors

Mark Dykes, Publisher

Robert Preston, Jr.

Features & Commentary

Sarah Turner Editor

The competition on the fields and in gyms across the region will heat up long before the weather will, and we’ll be right here with you along the way, bringing you the very best in high school athletics throughout the North Florida area.

Website Manager Sarah Turner

For distribution or subscription information contact: info@inthegamemagazine.com

Read. Subscribe. Share.

For advertising information call: 888-715-4263 M & S Media Group, Inc. 13245 Atlantic Blvd., Suite 4191 Jacksonville, FL 32225

6

In the Game High School Sports Magazine is published bi-monthly excluding July. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in part or in full without written consent from the publisher. Dykes Publishing Group, Inc. makes no representation or warranty of any kind for accuracy of content. All advertisements are assumed by the publisher to be correct. Copyright 2014 Dykes Publishing Group, Inc. All rights reserved. ISSN 1945-1458.

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University of Virginia Commit Aims to Make U.S. National Junior Team

by Jessica Babcock

K

asey Schmidt is a very talented swimmer. Schmidt’s parents started her out young and enrolled her in a swim class at the age of two. When Schmidt was four, she started swimming for the St. Augustine Cyclones. Even though she has attended The Bolles School since she was in pre-kindergarten, she did not start swimming for them until she was nine years old. Schmidt competes in the 50-meter freestyle, 100-meter freestyle, 200-meter freestyle, 100meter fly and, on rare occasions, the 200-meter individual medley.

In the summer between her freshman and sophomore year, Schmidt was the youngest person to make the U.S. Olympic Trial cuts. She won the State title in the 50-meter freestyle her sophomore and junior years. Schmidt also holds The Bolles School records for the 50-meter freestyle, the 200meter freestyle relay, and the 400meter freestyle relay. In addition to her individual successes, the Lady Bulldogs have won State for the past five years

8

in a row.

“Kasey and her teammates here at Bolles are dedicated to being the best swimmers and the best people they can be,” said head coach Jon Sakovich. “They are not just working to improve their swimming; they are working to improve themselves through swimming.”

Schmidt’s favorite things about being on the swim team are the people she’s met and the life lessons it has taught her. She feels that a lot of the things that she has learned in practice, meets, and competitions over the years will transfer over when she is an adult. Schmidt absolutely loves being a captain. Ever since she was in the eighth grade, Schmidt has had a speech prepared for the day that she might get the chance to fulfill this role.

“Kasey is a great leader,” Coach Sakovich said. “She is not afraid to help teammates in need, but is also not afraid to let them know when they are being a distraction and need to refocus.

Kasey encourages her teammates

photography by Beverly Pye and Steve Peacock

during practices, and seems to sense when a fellow swimmer really needs that extra push to get them through a tough set.”

This past October, Schmidt committed to swim at the University of Virginia. On the way home from her last recruiting trip, Schmidt called the coaches at UVA from the airport in Atlanta and committed right then and there; she could not wait until she got home.

Coach Sam Bush is one of the main reasons that Schmidt chose to attend UVA. Back in 2014 when Schmidt swam at the U.S. Olympic Trial Meet, a fellow swimmer introduced her to Coach Bush, who was then coaching at Auburn University. Coach Bush told Schmidt right away that he did not care what college he ended up at, he was going to recruit her. On September 1st of Schmidt’s junior year, the first email she found in her inbox was from Coach Bush.

In addition to Coach Bush’s persistence, Schmidt also clicked with the girls on the UVA swim team. She

described the whole team as being down to earth and seemed as though they are a rising program in the NCAA. Schmidt likes that the UVA girl’s team is really ambitious. She is planning on possibly majoring in biological science.

“As an elite athlete, Kasey contributes to the recognition of our swim program with her top-ranked swims,” Coach Sakovich said. “She scores points for us at all swim meets, she represents our program with the utmost respect and sense of pride, and she is a leader for our younger swimmers. She also leads by example through her work ethic and dedication to the sport of swimming and her ability to focus on improving her swimming each day.”

Schmidt really hopes that she can make the U.S. National Junior Team, a youth team which will represent the U.S. in an international meet. Schmidt has been really close to making the team the past couple of years, so she is really working hard to make that goal a reality.

“I am really grateful for everything that my parents, coaches, and The Bolles School have done for me,” Schmidt said. “I can’t wait to go to college!”

ITG

ans My Biggest F

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Don’t Know…

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9

W Dr. Frykberg “In the past, younger people with hip problems had to stop whatever activity it was that they enjoyed. Their only option was total hip replacement.

JOI has innovative technology that allows patients to continue running, doing triathlons, playing tennis, golf, or whatever other sport it is that they enjoy,” says Dr. Frykberg. The procedure, hip resurfacing, has given patients another, less invasive way to deal with chronic hip pain.

hen individuals think about those affected by chronic hip problems, the image of the typical patient is likely an older adult, ravaged by years of activity and arthritis. Likewise, the primary method of treating such issues has been a total hip replacement procedure. However, many younger, physically active adults suffer from hip problems, and for them, a total hip replacement may not be the best treatment. Until recently, however, there weren’t many options outside of hip replacement procedures.

Until now.

Dr. Brett Frykberg, a Jacksonville native who practices with the Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute (JOI), has brought a cutting-edge procedure to the Northeast Florida region that is changing the way younger patients who suffer from chronic hip problems deal with their injuries. “In the past, younger people with hip problems had to stop whatever activity it was that they enjoyed. Their only option was total hip replacement. JOI has innovative technology that allows patients to continue running, doing triathlons, playing tennis, golf, or whatever other sport it is that they enjoy,” says Dr. Frykberg. The procedure, hip resurfacing, has given patients another, less invasive way to deal with chronic hip pain.

Dr. Brett Frykberg graduated from Bishop Kenny High School.

He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of

Tennessee in biochemistry and molecular and cellular biology.

Dr. Frykberg then attended Virginia Commonwealth University’s Medical College of Virginia Campus where earned his medical degree. From there, Dr. Frykberg finished his residency at the University of Florida College of Medicine in the orthopaedics and rehabilitation department, where he was Orthopaedic Surgery Chief Resident. He returned to Jacksonville for five years before spending a year studying at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City, widely regarded as the premier hospital for joint replacement procedures in the world. It was here that he began performing hip resurfacing procedures. Dr. Frykberg has been back in the Jacksonville area since August.

Hip resurfacing involves removing arthritis in the affected hip while leaving native tissue in place. Dr. Frykberg and his team are also well versed in using robotic and image guiding technology to place the hip in the optimum position.

These procedures aren’t for everyone but they are ideal for many patients. Since returning to Jacksonville, the patients who have undergone hip resurfacing procedures have responded well; within three months, most patients are back competing in the sports they love. “There are many athletes who continue to want to play sports and struggle with continued pain. We are just trying to give them more options to help keep them in the sport they love,” says Dr. Frykberg.

11

12

Nigeire

Teen’s Switch from

Tuba to Football May Have

Saved His Life ibault High School 10thgrader Nigeire Poyser has always loved sports, especially football. He played Pop Warner football since he was eight years old and always planned to join the Ribault High team. When he found out the school’s football team had been selected over the summer before his freshmen year, he joined Ribault’s band playing tuba and waited until he could try out for the football team the following summer.

Nigeire, now 16, was selected for the junior varsity football team at Ribault High School. At 5’9”, the muscular teenager was the perfect choice for the defensive linebacker position on the team. What no one knew but Nigeire was that his heart raced during football practice and that he knew something was wrong. But he didn’t want to

Jacksonville Sports Medicine Program: Student Athlete Screening Revealed Ribault Sophmore’s Undiagnosed Heart Rhythm Disorder

diologist William Marvin, MD, at the screening because he reported his heart beating abnormally fast with exercise and that when he got hit during practice, his heart would race. “I had an EKG and afterwards, Dr. Marvin sat me down and told me I had WPW (Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome,” said Nigeire. “He told me I needed to be seen at the pediatric cardiology clinic.”

When she heard the news, Da’Sheika was in shock, and maybe even denial. But she researched Nigeire’s condition and immediately called to make an appointment with Randall Bryant, MD, a pediatric electrophysiologist with the UF Health Pediatric Cardiovascular Center affiliated with Wolfson Children’s Hospital.

Dr. Bryant explained that Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is a heart condition in which there is an abnormal extra electrical pathway of the heart. In a normal heart,

played football and got hit all the time because of his position on the team. I think he was relieved that it could be fixed.”

Nigeire was scheduled for his procedure on July 17. Dr. Bryant threaded the catheter through his groin into the main artery of the heart, where he performed a catheter ablation. “Dr. Bryant told me he had the option of freezing or cauterizing the nerves, but he wanted to ‘burn’ because the nerves can awaken again after freezing,” said Da’Sheika.

Nigeire remembers waking up from conscious sedation with one thing on his mind and it wasn’t his heart or football. “I wanted something to eat,” he said. “They brought me crackers, a bowl of soup and jello, but I kept asking for more.” His Mom knew then that her son would be OK. Nigeire returned to practice and played his first game with the Ribault High School

“My whole football team did our screening, but I was the only one who wasn’t cleared.” sit on the bench, not being allowed to practice or play, so he didn’t tell anyone, not his even his mother Da’Sheika Williams, about his symptoms.

Fortunately, before the first game, Duval County Public Schools sent their boy and girl middle-school and high-school student-athletes to free health screenings, held each year by the Jacksonville Sports Medicine Program at two locations: Wolfson Children’s Hospital and Nemours Children’s Clinic, Jacksonville. The screenings, which have been offered for three decades by volunteer pediatric healthcare providers and support staff, include sports physicals and pediatric cardiology tests.

“My whole football team did our screening, but I was the only one who wasn’t cleared,” remembered Nigeire. He had been flagged to be examined by a pediatric car-

electrical signals travel through one bundle of nerves to help the heart beat regularly.

The wiring of the heart prevents extra beats from occurring and keeps the next beat from happening too soon.

Nigeire was born with an extra bundle of nerves on his heart that sent an electrical signal down an extra pathway, causing a very rapid heart rate called supraventricular tachycardia. “It’s like a dog chasing its tail,” said Dr. Bryant. “And it has to be repaired because this condition puts the child at much higher risk for sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) during exertion. A direct hit to the chest could’ve triggered SCA in Nigeire. ” Dr. Bryant added, “I told him, ‘I know what’s wrong with you, I can take care of it and you can be back on the field in a few days,’ Nigeire jumped up and hugged him.

He told me he was scared every time he

junior varsity team on Sept. 4. He had a checkup three months after surgery, where his EKG was completely normal. Nigeire will return to see Dr. Bryant at six months and 12 months post-operatively before he is considered “cured.”

Dr. Bryant joked, “I always provide my patients with a box of tissue when I am discharging them from my care.”

He said he has participated in the Jacksonville Sports Medicine Program’s free student-athlete screenings every year since he arrived in Jacksonville in 1996. “These screenings save kids’ lives by identifying kids at the highest risk due to an undiagnosed heart condition,” said Dr. Bryant.

“Our goal is not to restrict kids from playing sports, but to make sure they can play safely.” ITG 13

Leaders 14

Top Teams Baseball Clay Creekside Providence Ponte Vedra Bartram Trail Fleming Island Stanton Baker County Mandarin Sandalwood

Softball Ponte Vedra West Nassau Creekside Bolles Baker County University Christian St. Augustine Oakleaf Bartram Trail Yulee

s League

Baseball & Softball 2015

by Jessica Babcock (Softball) & Brandon Ibarra (Baseball)

photography by Amanda Callender

15

Players to Watch

North Florida

Softball IF, Morgan Podany, Ponte Vedra, Senior

P, KK Leddy, Fleming Island, Senior

Podany committed to Auburn over the summer, but has one last chance with the arealeading Sharks as they were ousted just shy of the 5A finals in 2014. Ending the season with .455 BA, 27 RBI from the leadoff spot and 6 HR, Podany will supply the offensive firepower for Ponte Vedra.

In 2014, nobody retired batters better than the junior Golden Eagle and North Dakota State commit. Leddy registered 176 strikeouts in 163 innings pitched.

IF, Kendall Reid, Mandarin, Senior

Baseball OF, Keenan Bell, Episcopal, Junior Bell, a University of Florida commit, recorded a .355 BA and 2 HR during his sophomore season with Stanton. His solid offensive performance was supplemented by his .935 fielding percentage.

OF, Chase Hahnemann, Ponte Vedra, Senior The lead-off hitter for the Sharks in 2014 was a major asset to the team’s 9-0 district record and regional playoff win over Stanton. The speedster Hahnemann netted 15 stolen bases and led the team in batting average.

IF/P, Eric Shine, Lee, Senior Shine boasted an area-leading .508 BA and 31 RBI in 2014 16

and is committed to Wabash Valley. Shine also recorded 61 K on the bump for the Generals.

IF, Mike Cassala, Bartram Trail, Senior Hit leader of the First Coast, Mike Cassala netted 40 hits in 92 at bats for the Bears.

Cassala contributed a 7-1 record from the mound with a 1.68 ERA through 58 innings.

IF, John Cassala, Bartram Trail, Senior Separated by only one hit from his brother Mike, John Cassala finished 2nd in the area with 39 recorded hits in 2014.

The Cassala brothers are poised to lead the Bears beyond their regional semifinal trip in 2014.

OF/P, Robert Girgis, Westside, Senior Girgis ended the season with a 9-1 record on the hill and contributed 29 hits at the plate. The senior will play an integral role in leading the Wolverines past their regional quarterfinal loss to Bartram Trail last year.

OF, Jacob Turner, Clay, Senior Clay, considered the area’s best team in 2014, was led by a phenomenal senior class, but right at the top was the junior Turner. Posting a .421 BA and 32 hits, Turner and the Blue Devils are ready to reach the 5A state finals again in 2015.

P/IF, Alec Wisely, Sandalwood, Senior Through 44 innings in 2014, Wisely limited

opposing offenses to just 0.8 earned runs.

Wisely is expected to play a major pitching role for the Saints in 2015 as they look to go undefeated in their 8A district again.

1B, Jeffrey Fripp II, Trinity Christian, Junior The transfer from Eagle’s View Academy led the Warriors’ offense in 2014, with a .422 BA and 35 hits as a sophomore. Fripp is a tremendous addition to the Conqueror’s roster, both offensively and defensively.

P-IF, Jordan Tylski, Mandarin, Senior The senior who contributes all over the field for the Mustangs finished last year with 2 HR and 30 hits. Tylski also earned 5 wins through 46 innings of pitching.

Tied for 2nd in area HR leaders with 12, Reid is considered the best offensive player on the First Coast with 50 hits and 51 RBI to add.

Reid will carry an impressive high school resume to the University of Central Florida next year.

OF, Sarah Green, Clay, Junior Striking out just twice last season, the then-sophomore Green was 4th in the area with 49 RBI. Adding 5 HR and a .468 batting average last year, 2015 looks to be remarkable season for Green and the Blue Devils.

OF/IF, Holly Weber, Bolles, Junior One of the area’s best contact hitters, Weber achieved a topranked batting average of .650 in 2014. Equally impressive was Weber’s 20 stolen bases for the Bulldogs.

P, Kelsey Sweatt, Oakleaf, Sophomore As a freshman, Sweatt emerged as a top-rated pitcher in the area in 2014.

Recording 138 strikeouts and 13 wins, Sweatt provides the defense needed for Oakleaf to continue success into the 2015 season.

P, Tracy Caccavale, University Christian, Junior Providing tremendous production at the plate and on the rubber, Caccavale is a well-rounded player for the Christians looking to gain momentum from their 2014 success in the playoffs.

Caccavale averaged more than a strikeout per inning by recording 181 strikeouts in 173 innings.

IF, Kacie Kelly, West Nassau, Junior With the Warriors 23-7 record in 2014, the then-sophomore registered 43 hits. Now a junior, Kelly is poised to lead the team and provide the offensive boost needed to make a playoff run to State in 2015.

P/UT, Fayth Davis, Bartram Trail, Junior Davis is committed to Florida Atlantic, but still has two more years to help develop the Bears into a contender in 6A. Davis ended last season with 31 RBI and a .437 BA. SS, Hannah Pipkin, Yulee, Senior Recording 41 hits and 35 RBI, Pipkin’s plate efficiency ranked 2nd on the Hornet’s roster, only behind area standout senior Karla Beasley.

Expect to see Pipkin rise as an area frontrunner while leading Yulee through the tough 4A district with West Nassau.

Sarah

Green

Clay High School

W

hen Sarah Green was seven years old and first started playing softball, she was given some negative feedback. She was told softball was not her sport.

It was that negative feedback that gave Green the motivation to do better and prove people wrong. Last season, Green was awarded Florida Player of the Year for Class 5A, Clay County

Player of the Year, Coaches’ Choice, Offensive MVP and Team MVP. Green was also selected as Player of the Year by the Florida Athletic Coaches Association (FACA) for Class 5A. This included votes by the coaches in Clay, St. John’s, Putnam, and Flagler County. She was also selected Most Outstanding Player in Clay County by the coaches and the writers of the

Clay Today Newspaper.

“Sarah is one of the most dynamic players I have coached,” said head coach Matt Lewis. “She hits for average as well as for power. She led the team in home runs, runs batted in, and batting average last season. She is a very consistent defender, as she mostly played outfield, but was also solid at second base.”

Green compensates for her lack of speed with aggressive base running. She likes to get big leads and, if nobody is paying attention, she will try to steal a base or two. Green will do whatever is necessary to be safe. Although, when she sets the school’s record for number of over the fence home runs, she need not worry about her speed around the bases.

Last year, while playing travel ball with the North Florida Tiger Sharks, Green was running to first base and had to come to a sudden stop when the first baseman stepped out in front of her. Green hyper extended her knee and was out for several months. Green still supported her team and went to nearly every game.

With being homeschooled, Green considers all of her

teammates her family. They are all like her sisters. Green feels that without softball she would not have many friends, so she wants to take the team as far as she can. She has two seasons left to attain her goal of making it to State before she graduates.

“Sarah is an awesome leader,” Coach Lewis said. “She carries herself on the field with confidence and determination.

Her ability demands respect.

People follow her because of her abilities. She is a quiet leader, not outspoken at all.

She leads by example and her teammates follow.”

Green wants to play at the college level. She is not looking at any schools in particular, but she would like to stay local. Green wants colleges to approach her, rather than her approaching them. She wants to be noticed.

“Sarah definitely can play at the next level,” Coach Lewis said. “Sarah is more than able to play at whatever level she chooses. She has Division-I talent and will be a great benefit to the lucky college who offers her.”

Like a boss: “We were on the road against Oakleaf last season and my travel ball pitcher was pitching. She pitched me a screwball, and I hit it over the fence for a grand slam! It was awesome,” Green said.

17

Bartram Trail Senior Dedicates Season To Grandfather Cassala’s grandfather, John, has been there to support him every step of the way, cheering him on from the bleachers. John was diagnosed with cancer last year, and Cassala is dedicating this season to him.

Family is very important to Cassala, which is part of the reason he’s committed to Jacksonville University. It’s close to home, his travel ball coach played there, and some of his old teammates are currently Dolphins.

“Of all the schools that showed interest in me, I felt like they showed the most interest,” Cassala said. “I felt that it’s the best coaching staff that showed interest in me. I like the direction the program is heading, I feel like they’re getting better every year.

They have a lot of [other] good players coming in.”

Cassala is a complete player

and had a great all-around season in 2014. He posted a .450 batting average and is proud of the improvement he’s made with the bat since his freshman year.

On the mound, he went 7-2 and played a major role in the Bears’ 11-game winning streak last season. There were a lot of sophomores on the team then. Now grisly veteran juniors, experience will be on their side this year.

“Our goal is to make it to the Final Four,” he said.

“We feel like we can, because of what we have coming back, be stronger than everyone else. We’re a better team than we were last year, and we’ve already started working harder in the fall.”

Cassala and the Bears look forward to their first opportunity against rival Creekside High. Overall, Bartram Trail lost all four meetings against the Knights last season, including the district championship and regional semifinal.

“That’s probably our biggest goal is to get past them this year,” he said.

Catcher is Cassala’s natural position, but he played shortstop for his first three seasons at Bartram Trail. Now he gets

his opportunity to impact the game from behind the plate.

When he’s on the mound, he’s aggressive.

“I try to throw a lot of strikes and get ahead in the count. I’m not trying to [fool] you, I come right after you, fastball-slider.”

Cassala is thankful for the guidance he’s received from Head Coach Tony Sowers. He says Coach Sowers is a great motivator and fun to play for, but that he’s also “really intense.”

“Coach Sowers holds me accountable. I’d say the biggest thing he’s helped me with is work ethic, like if I want to do something I have to work for it to get it.”

Their practices are tough, but they prepare the team for games. The other coaches are volunteers, and Cassala appreciates the time they dedicate to helping the Bears get better.

Cassala continues to work hard as the season approaches, and he has lofty ambitions for his last year at Bartram Trail. He will be inspired by his grandfather’s internal struggle throughout it all.

Sometimes baseball can be the best medicine.

Bartram Trail High School

18

Mike Cassala

Mike Cassala started playing baseball when he was six years old. His dad played in college and began working with him and his brother at a young age.

Ever since then, he’s wanted to play. He’s never missed a season.

Ponte Vedra High School

Morgan

Podany

M

organ Podany has dedicated the past 12 years to playing softball. She even flies to Birmingham, Alabama just about every weekend to play travel ball for the Birmingham Thunderbolts. Last season, she made the Florida Times Union All-First Coast First Team, the All-St. Johns County First Team, and she was Ponte Vedra High School’s best offensive and defensive player.

Even though Podany plays shortstop for her school’s team, last April she committed to play outfield for Auburn University.

Podany feels her best attribute is her speed. This is one reason she feels she is a better outfielder than infielder; she can utilize her speed more. Podany is more confident on defense than on offense, yet she can still be found on the top of the lineup because she can usually get on base with how fast she is.

“I worked really hard for my batting average last year,” Podany said. “I finished last season with a .500. My onbase percentage was over .500, and I hit six home runs. My goal going into this season is to have fewer than five strikeouts.

A strikeout in my book is way worse than not getting a hit or not making contact. Last year, I finished with only three.”

Podany will be a captain this year. She feels it is up to the upperclassman to help out the younger ones; to let them know what they can do better in certain situations. She welcomes the responsibilities that come along with being captain. Podany

has been very blessed to have a great travel team and school team where everyone is really close. A win or a loss is always better when you have people to share it with. As hard as it is, Podany has been trying to make time for her friends outside of her softball family.

“I have definitely been trying

Podany also dedicates a lot of her time to serving her school and community. She was class president last year and vice president this year. She is also vice president of the Best Buddies Club, an organization which helps special needs children.

Podany is in Mu Alpha Theta, the National Honor Society, the Hispanic Honor Society, Future Business Leaders of America, and Senior Women.

Podany has completed over 300 hours of community service across various organizations over the past four years. Some include the McKenzie Wilson Club, Vacation Bible School, Sports Camps, Medical Trainer Assistant, and Relay for Life.

to have more fun with my friends this year,” Podany said. “I have missed out on a lot in previous years because I was so enveloped with the sport. I don’t regret it, I just wish I did not miss out on certain things; but I am happy where I am now.”

My In the Game Moment

My Biggest Fans

“One of the things that I have had on my bucket list was to hit a grand slam. Our Regional finals game was at Baker County.

That was probably the best game I have ever played. We mercy-ruled them. I had two home runs that game, one being a grand slam. That was probably the highlight of my season, and it was on the road; it is always fun to beat someone in their own house.”

“I am very blessed to have the family that I do. Unless it was an emergency, one of my parents has been to every single game I have played; I am very lucky to have the support system. They have never said ‘no’ to anything that I have wanted to accomplish in softball. For everything I have wanted to accomplish they have been right behind me so I am very lucky.”

19

Destinee Lizzmore

Destinee Lizzmore’s dream has always been to play softball at the collegiate level.

It seemed as though everything was on track until, one day, life intervened and Lizzmore’s dream came screeching to a halt. While playing second base during a travel ball game, Lizzmore was preparing to relay a throw from the outfield. When she went to turn, her spikes grabbed into the ground and everything in her knee snapped so loud the first base coach heard it. Lizzmore had torn her ACL, MCL, and meniscus.

This would prove to be a huge set back.

Lizzmore had to sit out for almost two years while she worked to recover from her injury. She questioned her future as scouts came and went without being able to watch her play. Lizzmore would not give up, and eventually all of her hard work paid off. She was able to return halfway through her junior year, and today she is committed to the College of Central Florida, a junior

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college in Ocala.

“My dream was to always play in college, and then this happened and I didn’t know what to expect anymore,” Lizzmore said. “I thought it was gone. But I looked at the best because it could have been worse.

I was so driven by my injury and softball is such a passion of mine that I was not going to quit. I was going to keep going.”

Lizzmore has a great support system at home. Her family has always been there for her, especially when she tore her knee apart. Lizzmore’s parents motivated her every day in her recovery with words of encouragement to help get her through it.

She still hears them in her head today: “You got it! Don’t keep your head down!

Keep pushing it! You will get there!”

“Destinee is one of our team leaders,” said Head Coach Steve Brown. “She is always upbeat and wanting to work at softball and get better. She understands that the little things matter in the big picture to

being a good player and teammate.”

Lizzmore feels she is best at hitting. She loves to hit and dedicates herself to it 24/7.

It is her favorite part of the game, and she is just waiting for that day that she hits a grand slam. Lizzmore has a goal to hit above .500 for the entire season, and she wants a minimum of six home runs. The Lady Golden Eagles’ goal this year is being the first Paxon team to advance past the regional semi-finals.

“She is very versatile and can play any position on the field,” Coach Brown said.

“Her hitting just keeps improving. The other girls look up to her in the way that she leads vocally and by example. She is very supportive of her teammates.”

Lizzmore feels that, last season, Coach Brown came in and revamped the program, giving the team their best season collectively by far. Coach Brown knows what is best for the girls and pushes them to their max. Everyone gets along well, and Lizzmore considers the team her family, considering she sees them more than her own family half of the time.

Lizzmore also dedicates herself to serving her school and community. She is a Golden Eagle Ambassador, a member of the 12th Man Club, and a member of the National Honors Society. In addition to being a publicist for the senior class, she is also involved with Angels for Allison, an organization helping raise money for families who have had children pass away.

She has also been in the St. Vincent’s Teen Volunteer program for the past two years.

Lizzmore was awarded the Spirit Eagle Award last season for having enthusiasm, leading the team, and working hard.

“It’s been great coaching Destinee these past two years and I am really looking forward to seeing her future in softball.”

Paxon High School

21

Kendall Reid

K

endall Reid was given a choice when she was a little girl: she could either play the game or cheer for the people playing the game. Even at the young age of five, it was an easy decision for her to make: She definitely wanted to play.

Thirteen years later, Reid is a 6’2” senior at Mandarin High School and has committed to playing college softball at the University of Central Florida.

Reid contributes to her team in many ways.

“She is mostly known for being a powerful hitter, but she has shown success in every aspect of the game,” head coach Natalia Gonzalez said.

Reid plays first, third, and catcher, but if needed, she can play just about anywhere.

In 2012, during the Daytona Beach Softball Slam Championship, Reid made the All-Tournament Team and set a tournament record for batting average. Last season, Reid made the All-State First Team, was selected as a Class 8A State Elite Eight, made the AllGateway Conference Softball Team.

Not only is she athletically gifted, but Reid is extremely disciplined. She spends countless hours during the offseason working to perfect her game.

While many kids her age are out having fun or partying, Reid is in the weight room or at the batting cage. Reid is also on the volleyball and weightlift22

Mandarin High School ing teams, and she is in her second season playing travel ball for the Florida Force.

“Kendall is always willing to do what is best for the team without complaint; whether it’s taking a walk or sacrificing herself to put a runner in scoring position,” Coach Gonzalez said. “Her unselfishness makes her a total team player. While Kendall is one of our top players, she is very humble and never puts herself above the team. I think her teammates really respect her for that.”

Coach Gonzalez has been coaching for fourteen years.

Her favorite thing about coaching is working together as a team for a common goal.

“Nothing is better than seeing your players develop over time, both on and off the field,” Coach Gonzalez said. “It is rewarding as a coach to see players achieve their goals and their dreams.”

Reid loves the coaching staff

at Mandarin. One piece of advice Reid took away from her coaches is to not let the past affect you. You know you are a good player and you know you can hit the ball. If you strike out once don’t let it affect your next at bat. Reid has a goal of hitting at least 15 home runs this season.

“I like helping people and growing together,” Reid said.

“Even if we’re not physically the best team, if we have the best heart then we will come out to win.”

Reid is lucky to have a great support system at home. Her family supports her in everything that she does. Reid has three older brothers, Bradley, John and Matt. They are all best friends, and Reid credits them for making her tough.

“They still think they can beat me up, but I can take them any day of the week,” Reid said. “Meet me in the living room.”

Like a boss: “My most memorable game was during my sophomore year. We were playing in Regionals against Hagerty High School, who was the number one team in the state. We were predicted to get blown out. It was raining, and I was playing third base. UCF scouts were coming to watch me play. I played amazing at third. I dove to catch a line drive, made a double play and I hit a home run. It was my best game ever,” Reid said.

Most people don’t know...

“A lot of people don’t know that I have never tried any condiments; this includes ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise and pickles. My parents never made me try them so I always just ate plain chicken nuggets and macaroni and cheese,” Reid said.

Ponte Vedra High School

Chase Hahnemann The Ponte Vedra Sharks baseball team won the Class 5A State Championship in 2013 and had their sights set on a repeat trip last year. After getting past Stanton Prep in the regional quarterfinal, they fell to Clay High in the semis by one run, despite winning the previous two contests against them earlier in the season.

The Sharks lost several starters from their 2014 squad, including shortstop Max Miller, now at Duke University. Chase Hahnemann is the only returning outfielder, and the pitching staff will be overhauled, too. It’s Hahnemann’s job to mentor the underclassmen the same way Miller did for him.

Hahnemann said, “It’s always just been the way we do things: we don’t make mental errors and we play aggressive. We don’t tighten up, we play loose; just play the game the way you always played it, without fear.”

Hahnemann plays centerfield and bats in the leadoff spot. As a Red Sox fan, it pains him to admit that his style of play most resembles that of former Red Sox center fielder (and current New York Yankee) Jacoby Ellsbury: athletic, fast, great range in the field; they both hit for contact and have the power to drive the ball out, but never try to do too much, either.

He is patient at the plate. He sees a lot of pitches and gets deep in the count. He’ll watch

the perfect belt-high firstpitch fastball fly right down the middle while his teammates stare at him from the dugout with their jaws on the floor. It’s important to him that he give his fellow Sharks plenty of looks at the opposing pitcher’s stuff so they are prepared when they step in the box after him. The more swings he takes, the more balls he fouls off, the higher the chances the pitcher will make a mistake and give him something even better than that first one.

Hahnemann is comfortable with two strikes, as nearly half of his hits last year came in that situation. He hit .450, and his

My In th

e Game M

oment

“Honestly, we alway sh and B-Tea m, and gro ad when we were y ounger, A wing up I always on ll-Stars, A would nev the B-Tea -Team er make th m, but I a baseball. e A-Team lways jus And then . t s I was tu fr ck with it e who just , because developed shman year came a I love nd I start later, I gu good. Bu ed ess. Every t it wasn’t one was li being that guy until last I can take ke, “Oh y year that this some eah, he’s I really ju where. T ing, it wa st though his is som s in the n t, “Oh wow, e th e w in s 21-conse g I can do paper, I th cutive atbats where ink I finished 21-f . I ended up gobeing out or-21. Th I reached or any err ere were base on a ors made walks. So hit or walk on the ba after that, ll without , ju I was thin st consiste king, “We nt hits an ll that’ s s d omething on.”

base percentage was over .500. He added two homeruns, scored 41 runs, and was a perfect 16-for-16 in stolen base opportunities. He is quick to defer any praise to his teammates.

“Frankly that was all my teammates, because the guys hitting behind me last year were very good hitters, and every time I got on they just hit me in every single time,” he said.

Hahnemann was injured last year hustling down the first base line. He had a partial tear in his hamstring that required several months of physical

therapy afterward. He’s since been cleared but doesn’t consider himself back at 100 percent.

Hahnemann is verbally committed to Tallahassee Community College. His recruiting prospects could have taken a blow from the injury, but TCC supported him throughout his recovery process and exhibited loyalty that ultimately won him over into accepting a scholarship.

“Two months after I hurt my hamstring, [head coach Mike McLeod] was like, ‘Hey, why don’t you come up and just hit with us if you can? If not, look at the campus, we’ll show you around.’ And I got there, hit with the team before a game, and he just asked me after that and gave me a scholarship to go play there. And [they] just kind of drew me in, because they’ve been known for sending guys off in a year or two to other great programs, and they’ve always had a great coaching staff.

Coach McLeod is a very wellrespected coach and I trust he knows what he’s doing,” he said.

Hahnemann enters his senior season as one of the few remaining players from that 2013 team. He will set the tone for his team on offense and in the clubhouse, and the Sharks could not be in better hands.

23

Eric Shine igh School Lee H

E

ric Shine had a breakout season last year for the Lee High baseball team. He posted a .500 batting average while splitting time at shortstop and pitcher. The team exceeded preseason expectations as well, eventually losing to Englewood in the second round of Districts. As he prepares for his final campaign for the Generals, Shine is focused on putting a full season together from start to finish.

He said, “I started off the season last year aggressive, and then I slacked off a little bit. I don’t know what happened after that (laughs); I just strayed off. Even though I did have a good season, I just did some crazy stuff that I need to improve on this year.”

The Generals were a predominantly young team during Shine’s previous three years but now has the experience to take the next step deep into the postseason. It starts with Shine, who will be expected to take on a leadership role on the field and in the clubhouse.

“My role as a leader is basically to lead by example, to be honest, because I’m not

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much of a vocal person,” Shine said. “I’ll play around and joke around and all that extra stuff, but as far as getting on to players about what to do and stuff like that, I’m not really good at that. So they’ll just learn from me and what I do and how I go about my ways and playing.”

Shine’s foot speed and athleticism on the diamond are hard to emulate. They are invaluable tools in a sport that’s had its share of soft bodies throughout history (see: Ruth, George Herman). He is always a threat to steal when he’s on base, and opposing pitchers and catchers know it.

“Anytime I’m on the bases I’m stealing,” he said. “I don’t care what catcher it is. My home-to-first speed is 3.8, and my 60-time is 6.6. I have pretty good speed.”

Shine is looking to carry over his aggressiveness from the basepaths to the batter’s box, specifically early in the count. Before, he would take the first-pitch fastball right down the middle. Then after falling behind in the count he would have to battle back against something off-speed or in the dirt.

He isn’t waiting around for that scenario to play out anymore.

“That’s always the best pitch,” he said.

“Most of the time, I’ll let those pitches go, and I’ll wait until I get a good pitch that I really like, when that first pitch is really what I should’ve been hitting. Now I’m looking for first-pitch fastballs. I’m swinging for the fences that first pitch.”

Shine credits Head Coach Stephen Barnes for preparing him to excel at the next level of competition. “[Coach Barnes] has made a lot of calls and stuff for me,” he said. “He’s made me focus on the game and he’s actually one of the reasons I wanted to improve in the game and become a college athlete.”

Shine is committed to Wabash Valley College, a junior college in Illinois. He had other offers from Division-I schools but eventually decided W.V.C. was the best fit for him.

He says, “They’re ranked eighth in the country. They’re actually a good team and I want to get drafted, so that’s another option, too. I need time to build my muscles and stuff like that. I feel like I do have the potential to play Division I, but I don’t know if I would be able to start right off the bat, so I felt like junior college was the best option for me.” And he’s going for free, so that doesn’t hurt either.

Shine is primed to lead his fellow Generals further into April and May than in his previous three seasons. He plans for his future beyond high school with guidance from the memory of his late mother, who passed away in 2008. He uses his play on the field to honor her.

“That’s changed me as a whole entire person and if you came up to me you wouldn’t know, because I’m always laughing. I’m humble, and I do everything for her, but you would never know unless I actually told you.

It’s a life-changing situation,” he said.

Lee High Senior Honors Mother With Stellar Play

My In the Game Moment “I actually did not notice that I was as good as I was until two years ago. I actually started taking baseball seriously, and that’s when I started playing travel baseball and actually started getting in contact with scouts and stuff like that. I hit my first high school home run then, and I just started getting better and better and started taking it more seriously. As I started taking it more seriously, I got better and then I started loving the game more than I did before,� Shine said.

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Holly Weber

S

Like a boss!

a double header and d ha e w ar ye st la e m ga ay “One Saturd a ground ball up the as w e er Th p. to ts or sh g in I was play able to get up as w I it. d pe op st d an it r fo middle and I dove ball to first base to e th w ro th en th d an se ba and tag second and it was so quick.” ol co ly al re as w It . ay pl le make a doub

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hortstop and center fielder Holly Weber loves the game of softball. Since she was about five years old, Weber has taken pride in her speed. Growing up, she regularly upset the boys when she beat them running around the bases. Today, Weber is a junior at The Bolles School and plays travel ball for the Santé Fe Inferno.

“Holly is one of the best centerfielders I have seen,” said Shelby Hill, head coach of the Santé Fe Inferno. “She is also a very good shortstop.

For us, she splits time at both positions. On a number of occasions Holly has made defensive plays that have had an impact on the outcome of the game.”

Weber enjoys playing both school and travel ball. School ball is convenient for her, and she likes playing with classmates. Travel ball is very competitive and equally as fun to play with friends. Winning together or losing together, everyone on both teams is like one big family to Weber.

“Holly is a very special player,” Coach Hill said. “I can honestly say I have never had another athlete like her.

She always has a smile on her face, and she is the first to pick up a player that is down.

That is her leadership quality.

No matter what is going on in the game, Holly is always positive. The way Holly carries herself on and off the field is one of the first things

The Bolles School our players notice.”

Weber would like to improve at the plate with her varying slapping, bunting and hitting.

She has had a tiny setback though. In October, she broke her thumb, which is currently healing. Luckily it’s not a major injury and it happened during offseason. Weber is just thankful that it was her thumb instead of anything in her feet so she was still able to work out.

The Bolles School Head Coach Tom Collins is serious when it comes to game time. After a loss, Coach Collins will discuss with his team some possible improvements they could make, and he will share with them the reasons they were not successful. But like any good coach he also praises his team with the positives. He is very optimistic as he weighs the good with the bad.

“My favorite thing about coaching is watching the kids mature into young adults who are happy with who they are and what they have accomplished through commitment and hard work,” Coach Collins said.

Weber is definitely planning on playing college ball. She is keeping her options open, as she would like to attend a college that is very challenging academically; West Point, Stetson or Kennesaw State to name a new. Weber has goals to go to law school after she graduates college, and then she would like to join the FBI. “Holly brings to the team a level of energy that is unsurpassed,” Coach Collins said.

“Holly leads by example through her hard work, her will to win, and her drive to excel in athletics. She definitely has a future in collegiate softball.”

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University Christian Senior Focused on Postseason Redemption

Christopher

T

he University Christian baseball team was expected to play better than they did last year.

Their younger varsity guys had been with the program for a couple of seasons and looked primed to make a run at a State title. Senior pitcher-outfielder Christopher Gau will be the first to admit the Christians’ 2014 campaign fell short of that initial vision.

“Last year we were supposed to be a lot better than we were,” Gau said. “The last three years, we’ve had the same four of five guys, so we were really young my freshman and sophomore years. Last year was supposed to be one of our standout years, but it didn’t really go as planned,

Gau

because we made a bunch of errors and we couldn’t hit for like the first half of the season. But I feel like this year we’ll be a lot better; it’ll be our best year because we’re all seniors.”

Zack Miller, Dylan Pate, and Hunter Brown will join Gau in his attempt to leave behind a lasting legacy at UC. His junior season ended abruptly after he injured his ankle during the team’s final practice before the start of Districts.

Gau said, “I stepped on a ball and rolled my ankle. It was just embarrassing. I mean, I thought it was just one of those little ones where you just get up and walk it off, but I couldn’t even put weight on my left foot. I kind of felt bad, like I let the team down.”

He started playing very early on. Most kids play their first year of organized sports when they’re five, which is usually when they start kindergarten.

Gau was three the first time he wore a jersey with his own name on the back of it.

“My neighbor was coaching a T-Ball team,” Gau said, “and he needed an extra player. He asked my dad if I wanted just to play, and I ended up starting on that T-Ball team from what I remember as a three-year-old. I was the smallest one out there, but I guess I pulled my weight.”

He throws right-handed and bats left-handed. If he’s slumping, it probably means he’s pressing, swinging at pitches out of the zone. He posted an average around .350 in 2014 and runs the outfield from center when he’s not on the mound.

His reputation precedes him in the District, and he doesn’t see a lot of fastballs hitting from the three-spot. Patience is a virtue for him in the box; he sits on the breaking ball and waits for a hanger.

Gau will play college ball at Jacksonville University. He made visits to Florida Atlantic Univer-

sity and the University of North Florida, but ultimately decided on becoming a Dolphin.

“They’re the team I felt most wanted by; JU was more of a family environment,” he said.

“Everything at JU is surrounding the baseball field, and they built a new river house that’s directly by the field. Staying in Jacksonville was also a big thing, because all of my family can come watch me play. The coaching staff is great, and all my recruiters have always been nothing but nice to me.”

Gau still has one more season left at UC, though. Expectations for the program have only gotten higher since his class arrived on campus, and he wants to make sure they stay that way after he’s gone.

“UC hasn’t been a baseball school for a while. Everyone was expecting us to be big last year, but things happened. So this year hopefully we can turn that around,” he said.

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MAKING A S Julington Creek Loggerhead Aquatics Center

by James Washington

Many sports have to deal with the limitations of weather. Football players are often seen competing in the freezing temperatures, while rain delays can postpone baseball games for hours and sometimes days.

One sport that does not have to deal with the rigors of a weather restriction is competitive swimming. Whether it’s hot, cold, rainy, or dry outside, you can bet that swimmers are active somewhere. This is surely evident at the Julington Creek Loggerhead Aquatics facility in Saint John’s, Florida.

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The JCLA opened in 2008 with a powerful vision that resonates to this day. The facility’s staff is “committed to excellence and dedicated to developing world class citizens and world class athletes.” What stands out about their mission statement is that there is a mention of “citizens” before “athletes.” The focus is on creating exceptional people, not just swimmers.

The JCLA employs six coaches that are all certified by USA Swimming and the American Swimming Coaches Association, and each coach is determined to bring out the best in their students, in the

pool and in life. Leading the way is Mark Corley, Head Coach and Team Director (ASCA Level V). He has been a professional coach since 1984 and has been involved with the facility since its inception.

Being a Level V coach, he is in the highest attainable coaching rank and the top five percent of competitive swimming coaches in the country. In 2007, he was named Iowa’s Swimming Coach of the Year.

“Our staff is top notch,” said Mark Corley, Head Coach and Team Director of ASCA Level V. “They have proven that fact through education and swimmer per-

SPLASH formance.”

As of this writing, six of the swimmers that have trained at the facility are competing at the collegiate level. While that accomplishment is impressive in its own right, the success doesn’t stop there.

Ranging in age from 6 years old through college-aged students, the coaches work with over 200 swimmers. About 40 of their high school-age talent attend five local high schools.

“Most of the Creekside High girls and boys swim in our club,” Corley said. “This past fall, the boys won State, and the girls placed third.”

While the JCLA helps to turn many students into outstanding swimmers, the pool is just the beginning of what is a long list of options provided at the facility.

“The rec center here offers an amazing variety,” Corley said. “We offer swim lessons, several types of aerobics (both in and out of water), spin classes, karate,

tennis, weight lifting, personal trainers, and much more.”

The facility usually hosts about four swim meets each year. They are typically open to all USA Swimming teams; most often, they attract teams from Metro-Jacksonville area. Help is normally needed during the meets, but the community support has been tremendous.

“Parent volunteers are essential for a team of this size and magnitude,” Corley said. “The coaching staff needs help with social events and swim meets. Parents often volunteer when we host the meets.”

Throughout the program, the philosophy is a well-known one: “Be the best you can be.” Since 2008, the coaching staff has instilled this determination in their swimmers. And if their currents levels of success are any foreshadowing, the best is yet to come. ITG 31

Freshman Focus 32

WILLIAM

LEVINSON

Great Potential, Great Expectations for Bolles Golfer

by Brandon Ibarra

William Levinson played his first golf tournament in the summer before his seventh-grade school year. He started in North Florida Junior Golf events and developed an aggressive approach to the gentleman’s game.

“I take pride in hitting it off the tee, and my length and distance,” he said.

His average drive is around 265 yards.

Levinson’s focus on the course is to get the ball on the green and in the hole as fast as possible. He isn’t necessarily trying to set up shots to work around hazards or lay up for a chipin. He’s not a two-putt type of guy, either.

He sunk a hole-in-one during a Future Collegians World Tour event in Lake Buena Vista, which gave him confidence and poise moving forward.

He said he was playing “extremely bad” up until that point in the day and was able to regain his composure afterward. It’s a high-risk, high-reward style of play.

Levinson joined The Bolles School this season and has altered his mentality a bit. He has had to make decisions on the course for the good of

the team, instead of taking the risky shots like he was used to doing.

“You’re not playing for yourself,” he said. “You have the expectations of your team on you.”

The Bulldogs had a trio of promising freshmen this year. Dragon Theam and Mills Acosta-Rua, along with Levinson, are all rising stars. They knew each other from the local junior circuit and were already close friends before arriving together at Bolles. They will be the foundation for the program over the next few years.

Head coach Rick Root has established a winning culture at Bolles since being promoted in 2005. Levinson describes him as “relaxed” and “very motivating”, and that his positive attitude builds team spirit.

The upperclassmen are eager to help the young guys become acclimated. They want the team to continue thriving long after they have graduated. 2014 All-First Coast Player of the Year Jack Comstock is one of those senior leaders. With the help of Fernando Acosta-Rua (Mills’ older brother) and Michael Mattiace (whose

photography by Beverly Pye

uncle, Len, finished second at the 2002 Masters Tournament), Comstock taught Levinson and the others what it means to play at Bolles and how to be a sportsman. During Comstock’s five years on the team since his eighth grade season, the Bulldogs won a State title and were runners-up twice.

They never finished the season lower than fifth.

Comstock is committed to the University of North Florida and will play his first season for the Ospreys in the fall. Levinson has at least another two years ahead of him before he’ll be expected to make those types of decisions. But Division-I college golf is definitely on his radar. He doesn’t have any schools in mind yet but welcomes the process when the time comes.

For now, Levinson is focused on getting better for next season. He says his short game could use some work; around the green, working out of the rough. His goal is another State tournament berth, and to eventually become the number-one player on the team. ITG

The most bang for your bite It’s no secret. Athletes need more of any macronutrient than the average Joe. Protein is a macronutrient that must not be overlooked—especially for athletes looking to gain muscle or maintain their current physique. Your body uses protein to build and repair tissues, hence the reason you should consume a substantial amount of protein in your post-workout meal or snack.

If you find it difficult to reach your grams per day of protein, In the Game has provided a list of some of the most protein concentrated foods available.

Food Turkey Breast Fish Non-fat Mozzarella Egg Whites Pork Loin Lean Beaf Whey Protin Powder Beans

Calories per 1 gram 4.5 kcal 4.5 kcal 4.7 kcal 5 kcal 5.2 kcal 5.3 kcal 6.1 kcal 10.4 kcal

Your daily gram intake should correlate with whatever sports you play. Athletes should consume 1-2 grams per kilogram of body weight per day. Cross country runners should keep to around 1 gram, while football players and weightlifters can move on up the spectrum. Non-athletes are advised to consume 0.8 grams per kilogram.

Let’s say you are a 100-kilogram basketball player. You should probably shoot for around 1.6 grams per kilogram. Therefore, you should consume 160 grams of protein per day.

Don’t know how much you weigh in kilograms? Simply divide your weight in pounds by 2.2.

220 pounds / 2.2 = 100 kilograms

34

Nutrition Fitness

Protein

by Sarah Turner

Senior Sprinter Aims To Run Through Opposition

by Jessica Babcock

Cedrina Singletary never thought she would be the athletic one. Ever since she was younger, her heart was always set on dance. She always hoped to be a professional hip-hop dancer, but over the years that thought has completely changed. In seventh grade, Singletary decided to switch her focus from dancing to running track.

Singletary started off being really competitive, as her older brother and sister both ran track.

Her dad put her into the Young Achievers Sprint Club, and from then on she has always been very explosive. Singletary has been a State track and field finalist for the past three years. She has been awarded Paxon’s MVP for the past three years as well.

Singletary won the Gateway Conference Champion in for the 200-meter in her sophomore year and in her junior year she was the Gateway Conference Champion in the 100-meter and 400meter. She also holds her school’s records for the 100-meter, with a time of 11.84 seconds, and in the 200-meter, with a time of 24.00 seconds. Singletary’s successes grabbed the attention of some college coaches, and she has received a full scholarship to East Carolina University.

“Cedrina is an excellent leader,” head coach Kenny Anderson said. “Other than a few other seniors are team, this year will be made up of a lot of underclassmen. She will be looked upon for her leadership. Cedrina will be vital in helping us compete for a District Championship. She works very hard.”

Singletary is an all around sprinter. She competes in the 100-meter, 200-meter, 400-meter, 4x1 and 4x4; basically every sprint. Every season, she progresses and does something better than

photogrpahy by Amanda Callender

the year before. She trains extremely hard and has built up an incredibly high endurance. Singletary has no problem with running preliminaries, semifinals, and finals all in the same day.

“I have been a leader ever since I started,” Singletary said. “I hope to run an 11.5 or 11.6 in the 100-meter; that will be a good jump for me. I also want to run the 200-meter in 23 seconds and the 400-meter in 54 seconds. I know with those times it will help me win State this year.”

Singletary’s teammates definitely look up to her and come to her for advice, especially since she is so experienced. Singletary admits that it gets hard sometimes, but she likes the feeling of people thinking they can lean on her.

“The friendships have been the best thing about running track,” Singletary said. “You make friends with people all over. Running together creates a bond, and you carry these people along with you.

Even though we know we are competing against each other, we all have a common goal.”

Singletary met Coach Anderson for the first time over the summer. She has found that her new coach is very supportive and encouraging. He even came to some of Singletary’s summer meets to show his support. He has been a huge help in her process of getting ready for college.

“I started coaching a YMCA basketball team my junior year in college and just fell in love with it,” said Coach Anderson. “It has become my passion. My favorite thing about coaching is helping my athletes become better people. It’s not always about the particular sport, it’s about how to deal with and manage the race of life. I enjoy being the guy that the kids know has their back no matter what.” ITG

My Biggest Fans “My family is my number one supporter. They never miss a meet or any type of event I have. They are always there for me, and they have made so many sacrifices. I really do love them. When I need a pickme-up they are right there. Last year, I was qualifying for Nationals in the 100-meter and I dislocated my thumb. I cried so hard. My dad had nothing but encouraging words for me. It really helped me get through it, and I came back and qualified to go to Nationals in the same meet.”

35

Two-Sport Standout Leads Program On the Rise

by Brandon Ibarra

photogrpahy by Amanda Callender

Tyson Wright runs in the open 400-meter, the 110-meter hurdles, the 300-meter hurdles and the 4x400 relay. He had a good freshman year for the Paxon Golden Eagles track team and was not short on confidence heading into tenth grade.

“From my sophomore season, I was a shoe-in to get to regionals in the 300m hurdles, and I came out there, got the big head, and didn’t make it,” Wright said. “I didn’t make it in the 110 hurdles.

The only thing I made it in was the 4x4, so I just took that and realized you can’t take anything, any meet or any athlete, for granted. Just come out there and give it your all every chance you get.”

Wright returned refocused and rebounded from his disappointing 2013 campaign as a junior. He won Districts in the 300-meter hurdles, bronze at Regionals, and 4th at State. His time of 38.64 at State was his best of the three. He says he ran a 37-second race last year and is trying to lower that to 36.

“I think if I do that, I should be in a good position to win the Bob Hayes, and if not the Bob Hayes, then just go out there and do better than 4th place at State,” he said.

He needs to improve on his start. His reaction time could use work, and he needs to come out of his stance quicker. But he gets stronger as the race unfolds. He has the mental toughness to push forward and close the gap if he’s behind down the stretch. He doesn’t look fast when he runs, which makes competitors think he’s already beat.

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400 m hurdles and I had to go day if you think til the next race minutes un able to warm up um, so I wasn’t t the award podi t I still came ou enough rest, bu ouldn’t w I properly or get if k in th I it my all. t there and gave uld’ve come ou 0 hurdles, I co 11 e th n time, e m sa have ru e th at t ampion. Bu as a national ch perience.” ex t ea it was a gr

Wright looks forward to working with new head coach Kenny Anderson this year. It is Anderson’s first year with the Golden Eagles, and the atmosphere around the club is already different.

“As much as he’s doing for this team in one year, we haven’t had that since I’ve been at Paxon,” he said.

They have new uniforms, for one. They have more meets scheduled, too, and they will travel more in 2015. Coach Anderson’s passion and enthusiasm is contagious. He traveled all the way to North Carolina to watch Wright compete in a New Balance Nationals event last season. He is the right man for the job.

The majority of Wright’s competition from last year came from seniors. He plans to take advantage of what he sees as a wide-open field, but also concedes that track is a sport where newcomers can thrive unexpectedly.

“Someone always comes up each year, someone you don’t know about before the season, and they just come out there and shock the city,” he said.

Wright has shown flashes of his potential so far but has yet to put together a full season at his best. A breakout 2015 would not be a shock to anyone.

His first sport was football. He actually started track to get better for football. He played tailback, receiver, and return man for the Golden Eagles football team, scoring 16 touchdowns five different ways this season. His outstanding work on the gridiron earned him an invitation to the St. Vincent’s Mobile Outreach All-Star Bowl. ITG

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38

Player Spotlight

All-American Leads Bolles Lacrosse Attack

by Brandon Ibarra

A

nthony Teixeira tried out for The Bolles School’s soccer team as a senior this year and made the varsity squad, which is quite impressive when considering his complete lack of experience. He had never played on an organized team before.

Soccer may be Teixeira’s new squeeze, but lacrosse has always been his true love. Last season was his first at Bolles; he spent the two previous years attending Creekside High. His impact for the Bulldogs was immediate: he scored 42 goals and added 29 assists in 20 games played, leading the team in both statistical categories. His stellar numbers earned him AllAmerican honors; it is a feat he intends to repeat this year.

Teixeira was named team captain as a junior. The team won Districts against Fleming Island by two goals before falling 11-6 to Ponte Vedra the next week in the regional semifinal. To say he and the Bulldogs are eager to avenge that loss would be a drastic understatement.

“Ponte Vedra is a huge rival for us; just because the schools don’t like each other,” Teixeira said. “Obviously that’s our biggest goal this season is to beat Ponte Vedra. We don’t even care about our District that much. Ponte Vedra is the biggest game for us. That’s going to be the goal this year.”

Bolles only had a handful of seniors depart from last year’s squad,

photography by Amanda Callender

but they were all starters. Teixeira admits the guys they lost played key roles, but he is hopeful the underclassmen will transition smoothly into those positions.

“That’s going to be a big deal for me being a captain, helping the younger guys get situated on the team and understanding how the team works,” he said.

Teixeira will have to find a new copilot for his pregame car ride. He used to cruise around with goalie Chris Ware before the team meal; it was his favorite ritual. Ware graduated last spring, opening two distinct positions on Teixeira’s team.

He will surely persevere.

The Bulldogs have a new coach this season, as Brian Silcott replaces Brian Duncan. Silcott is well known within the local lacrosse community, because he runs the LB3 Program, which is a lacrosse club that operates in multiple cities.

Teixeira met him earlier this year and calls him “a player’s coach” and “a pretty cool guy.” He takes a hands-on approach to instruction and technique, and Teixeira looks forward to learning from a new perspective.

When asked of his interests and hobbies, he said he is serious about his studies and continuing to earn high grades. His favorite subject is calculus.

Teixeira is committed to Cornell University. He always wanted to attend an Ivy League school and thinks the Big Red are the best of the bunch.

Interim head coach Matt Kerwick was promoted in June to become the 11th head coach in the program’s 122-year history. Before he arrived in Ithaca, Coach Kerwick led Jacksonville University through their inaugural season at the Division-I level. He met Teixeira during his time as a Dolphin, gave him some pointers and even attended a few of Teixiera’s practices. Their familiarity with each other made Teixeira’s decision easier, even if the process itself proved arduous for him.

He has one season left before he leaves for New York, but he can’t be in that big of a hurry. There’s still Ponte Vedra. ITG

39

Kenny Athlete Puts the “Leader” in Cheerleader

by Brent Beaird

M

onica Byers has proven to be one of the most accomplished cheerleaders in the Jacksonville area. Byers, a 17-year-old senior, is co-captain of the Bishop Kenny High cheerleading squad and a member of Senior Black of the Infinity All-Stars in competitive cheerleading.

After she graduates from Bishop Kenny, she is going to move on to collegiate cheerleading, possibly at the University of South Florida or Georgia Southern.

“It’s scary right now because it’s coming so fast,” Byers said. “What do I want to do with rest of my life? What school am I going to next? I’m so excited. I’m ready for the next big step. I want to put my skills to test and see just how good I am.”

Her daily and weekly schedule is rather daunting. In a normal week, she’s in class before going to Bishop Kenny cheer practice, and then she has an hour or so to get schoolwork done before going to competitive cheer practice until 10 p.m.

Her weekly schedule during competition season includes practice, for both school and competitive cheer, Monday through Thursday, then usually a BK game on Friday night before leaving Saturday morning for competitions. She has competitions 1015 weekends per year.

Byers has been involved in competitive cheer since she was eight years old. She said competitive cheer is a life commitment.

“We have two weeks off and that’s it,” Byers said. “Our practice season is from June until December. Our competition is from December to April. We start tryouts in the second week of May.” “The training is tough, but the rewards

42

photography by Amanda Callender

are worthwhile,” Byers said. “We won a competition at NCA Dallas which is the biggest national competition. We got a leather jacket that says ‘National Champions’. We also won a competition called ‘Summit’ which is also a National championship and I have a ring for that. At Worlds (the highest level of competition) last year we got 22nd place; this year we are going for the top 10.”

Conditioning is vital for cheerleading.

Byers said virtually the entire summer from June to August consists of three hours of conditioning per day.

“We do a lot of endurance training and cardio,” Byers said. “In the summer, we do a lot of stunt conditioning, which means we lift girls over our head for five minutes at a time. Our challenge is to get through the summer.”

Amazingly, Byers said she has never lifted a weight in her life. She has always lifted her teammates to gain strength.

“I’m very strong for a girl,” Byers said.

“I’m able to lift a lot of girls up using my strength to help out.”

Flexibility is also crucial in her sport. Byers said her coaches never let her or her teammates perform stunts without stretching. Byers is one of the lucky cheerleaders because she has rarely been hurt.

“I’ve been very fortunate,” Byers said.

“Two months ago, I broke my arm. Some girls have some real serious injuries. Competitive cheer is real risky. There are more injuries in competitive cheer than in football.”

Even after breaking her arm, Byers sat out only two weeks. She was still able to do some stunts.

“I was able to dance and do jumps,” By-

ers said. “I also did a one-arm cartwheel. I was one of the leaders so I didn’t want them to be on floor without me.”

Byers said her one of her strengths is leadership.

“My coach on the Infinity team calls me one of the leaders,” Byers said. “My teammates look up to me. “ In the future, Byers said she wants to work with children. She has a younger brother that she adores. She mentioned pediatric medicine as a possibility. She also suggested that she might work on the side coaching competitive cheer to help some of the kids who look up to her.

Byers said she got into cheerleading because she was a “complete tomboy” who got interested because her sister enjoyed the sport. She also played soccer.

Her mother, Nancy, said her ability to focus has helped Byers in cheerleading and academics.

Byers said the mental aspect of cheerleading is 80 percent compared to 20 percent physical. She said her teammates and coaches do what they can to keep the morale of the team up on a daily basis.

Outside of cheerleading Byers enjoys working for Yobi frozen yogurt on weekends. Byers said her job is the “lead” which means she focuses on customers and deals with details such as making yogurt and cleaning dishes.

“My sister did the same job and I find it lot of fun,” Byers said.

Team chemistry is important for both her high school and competitive cheer squad.

“One of biggest things as a team is knowing everyone is there for each other, but we also give each other space,” Byers said. ITG

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43

Player Spotlight

On December 6, the Trinity Christian Academy Conquerors varsity football team won the 2014 Class 3A Florida State Championship for the second consecutive year. The Conquerors defeated the American Heritage Stallions, 27-7, in front of 1,752 fans at the Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Florida.

by Raymond Bureau

44

photography by Skyler Callender & Joey Lopes

The game remained scoreless until the 1:43 mark in the second quarter, when Trinity’s senior Kevin Toliver took the first play of a 15-yard drive in for the game’s first score. A fumbled punt set up the short drive after Trinity failed to make a first down. Conqueror freshman Tyreke Johnson picked up the loose ball and brought it into end zone, but rules state that the punting team cannot advance a dropped kick. Therefore, Toliver had his chance, and he took advantage.

The Conquerors then took a commanding 14-0 lead on senior Chris Barr’s 82-yard touchdown run with 5:57 left in the third quarter. The Conquerors put the game away with two fourth-quarter scores; one from sophomore Rasheed Martin on a 1-yd TD run with 7:55 left in the game, and the other from senior Malik Marshall, who recovered a fumble in the end zone with 3:16 left to play. A bobbled snap led to a failed two-point rush, but the Conquerors still led 27-0. Sophomore Frankie Onate converted the first three extra point attempts successfully.

American Heritage scored its lone touchdown with one second left on the clock, but at that point, the Conquerors had already begun their celebration.

The Conquerors’ defense held American Heritage to just 169 total yards. It also forced two fumbles (Johnson and Marshall recoveries) and made two interceptions (Ben Edwards, Johnson) to cap off a season as one of the top-rated defenses in

all of Florida.

For the Conquerors, the championship is not only their second straight, but it is also the fifth in school history. Moreover, it is the fifth champi-

onship for head coach Verlon Dorminey, whose teams also won state titles while in Class A in 2002, 2003, and 2010. In addition, the Conquerors were Class A runners-up in both 1999 and 2009.

ors r e u q n o C d n u Division 1 BDeoon Eakins T.J. Jackson t Andre Smith a North Carolin

der

Florida International

Victor Alexan UCLA

Javon Hagan Ohio

Kevin Toliver LSU

Chris Barr Utah

West Poin

ams Deontai Willi Georgia

, Ben Edwards Stanford ton, Kendrick Nor Uncommitted

nd Jeffery Holla Uncommitted 45

Coach Dorminey Q & A Provide your reflections on the season. How tough of a schedule did you have, and how hard did the team work?

Our schedule was probably the toughest we have had in the 24 years I have been head coach. We started with a tough loss to Buford (who went on to win a state championship in Class 4A in Georgia). They are also ranked in the Top 10 in the nation.

University Christian went two rounds into the playoffs. Madison County also went two rounds in 4A before losing to Bolles, who played for the Florida state championship. Tallahassee’s Godby is playing for 5A state championship. IMG Academy (the Conquerors second and final loss) finished top 10 in all classifications in the state of Florida, and Vanguard made the playoffs in Class 6A. What was the turning point of the season?

I believe there was a refocus after the IMG loss on ESPN for the second time in the same season. That loss was both humbling and embarrassing.

What were the biggest victories as far as importance?

Beating Madison County soundly was a great win. Beating Godby, who beat us soundly last year, was also a great win.

Which role players had the most impact?

Kevin Toliver, Andre Smith, and Victor Alexander, all seniors, especially on defense.

Holland, though uncommitted as of the season’s end, has offers from many colleges, including Florida and South Carolina.

The future looks just as bright with current junior Jalin Buie, sophomore Rasheed Martin, and freshman Tyreke Johnson all moving up a grade next year and carrying their experience with them. Johnson was a major force, even in eighth grade in 2013. All three already have major colleges recruiting them.

Dorminey has won over 220 games in his 24-year career. He began coaching in 1981 as an assistant Trinity junior varsity coach and eventually worked his way to varsity in 1983. He then pursued business interests in 1985 but returned as the Conquerors’ head coach in 1991. He won his first game as head coach with a 16-14 victory over Lake Highland Preparatory School. He reached the 100-win milestone in 2001, his team’s final win of that season.

Dorminey also serves as Trinity’s athletic director. He has seen four of his football players make it to the NFL. Gus Scott had a brief career with the New England Patriots in 2005-2006, Gerard Ross played for the Seattle Seahawks in 2006, and Levi Newton briefly wore a Detroit Lions uniform. Jamie

Harper played two years with the Tennessee Titans. Current Virginia Tech freshman wide receiver Isaiah Ford may very well become the fifth.

As with most jobs, Dorminey has his favorite and least-liked aspects. He recently explained what he considered the best part and most difficult parts of his job. He said “The kids and the fun I have with the staff I now coach with” were the best and “Having to deal with the parents that will not let their kids enjoy their high school experiences” as the most difficult aspects.

Coach Dorminey is a devout Christian, cares deeply about every kid he has coached, and wants each one to enjoy the experience.

Dorminey offers the following advice to all new coaches: “Do it for the right reason.

Work to teach young men about Christ. Teach character, integrity, and work ethic. All the rest will fall into place.”

Congratulations to Coach Verlon Dorminey for his second consecutive state championship and fifth overall. He, his staff, and his players all share in the achievement. ITG

For many of us, the routine remains the same. After Thanksgiving, we feel out of shape due to stuffing ourselves with turkey (no pun intended). As we near the end of the year the trend continues as we reunite with family, fun, and more food for the Christmas holidays. Then, just before New Year’s hits, we all make the decision: “Next year” will be the year that I take control of my health. “Next year” will be the year that I start working out. “Next year” will be the year that I finally get in shape.

The problem? Aside from those of us that are engaged in some sort of sport, we tend to ignore this resolution within the first few weeks of the year, sometimes even sooner. While the excuses are plentiful, one of the biggest tends to be the difficulty in staying motivated. Everyone has that desire to succeed initially, but it often doesn’t last long. If you’re one of those that have already strayed away from your exercise plans, don’t feel bad; you’re not alone! Below are a few ideas of how to get back on track:

Fitness

An Extra Push

by James Washington

Hire a personal trainer.

Many people that are motivated to work out often lose enthusiasm because they don’t always know what they are doing. They don’t see results as quickly as they would like, and this makes them lose interest. A personal trainer can keep you on the right track to ensure that you are doing what needs to be done.

Join a fitness group.

Another reason that people lose interest is that working out alone can be rather tedious.

Also, people may feel insecure around people that appear to be in better shape. Contact your local gym or exercise facility and find a class that fits you.

Everyone will be there for the same reason, so there is no need to feel isolated or out of place.

Find something you enjoy doing.

It may sound cliché, but you can find an exercise in just about any daily activity in which you engage. Try to find something that you enjoy. It can be as simple as a daily swim, a walk around the block, or even walking up and down your stairs in your house a few extra times a day.

Be patient.

Results won’t come overnight. The most important thing that you must understand is that getting in shape takes time. Getting your mind prepared for the process is half the battle.

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Meg Hall 48

Seventh Grader On Track For Varsity Role Next Year

by Brandon Ibarra photography by Susan Dixon

L

ast year was Meg Hall’s first playing organized volleyball. She was a sixth-grader at Eagle’s View Academy. This season, Hall showed the Lady Warriors’ coaching staff she was ready for a step up in competition, even though she barely had a year of experience.

She played in every junior varsity contest this season as a seventh-grader and even pulled double duty at times on the middle school team as well. She learned a lot about the game in a very short period of time.

By the end of the JV season, Hall had impressed the coaching staff even more, including head coach Mike Graham, who also serves as Eagle’s View’s athletic director.

They asked her to come up and practice with the varsity squad for the rest of their games. Rather suddenly, Hall went from seventh-grade standout to sharing the floor with seniors. She was allowed to dress with the team and sat on the bench with them during their final game.

It was a surreal experience and a huge boost for Hall.

She admits to feeling a little anxious but had the team’s full support throughout. The coaching staff clearly notices her potential; she will have an opportunity to play full-time

49

with the varsity team next season, her third year of organized volleyball.

Hall plays on a club team too, and they made it to regionals in her first year. She devotes much of her weekend to them on top of playing with the various school teams. She has a busy schedule and admits it can be tiring.

But she’s always wanted to play, and she always has fun.

When she does have time to relax, she enjoys hanging out with her parents and three older brothers. She likes going to the movie theater and playing board games. Quelf is currently her favorite.

Her mom and dad come to all of her games and are always supportive and encouraging. Her brothers work with her as well, bumping the ball back and forth in the yard.

Hall says Coach Graham is another big reason why she has been able to improve so quickly. They work on her serve: where to put her hand on the ball on jump serves and overhand.

50

“Coach Graham has helped me with basically everything in my sport. I probably wouldn’t be on JV if it weren’t for him coaching me, because he made me work harder and get better. I’m a pretty good receiver in the back row, but I really want to work on hitting.

I’m a main hitter already, but I want to work more on it to be stronger.”

Hall took up basketball this year, too. Again, she had never played on an organized team before, and she excelled with natural talent and athleticism. She likes racing up and down the court and enjoys the physicality absent from volleyball. It may have something to do with the dynamic of having three older brothers.

Hall says she had more fun playing basketball than she thought she would but considers volleyball her primary sport. With the promise she’s displayed over the last two years, it would be outrageous not to play both, or even take up a third sport, for that matter. ITG

51

Episcopal Cross Country Standout Commits to Princeton

by Jessica Babcock

M

organ Lucey is no stranger to hard work.

A senior at Episcopal School of Jacksonville, Lucey has managed to master the fine art of juggling a rigorous academic schedule with running track and cross country. Lucey’s hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed, as she has been accepted to, and will run cross country, at the prestigious Princeton University.

Lucey has always been an exceptional student. She has never taken a regular class in high school, as Episcopal offers a lot of honors and

52

Advanced Placement courses. Her senior year schedule, for example, consists of AP Chemistry, AP Physics, AP Literature, AP Calculus, AP Statistics and Theology. Her current GPA is 4.42.

President of the National Honors Society, Lucey is also a member of the Cum Laude Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and the Pre-Med Club. She is also the President of Daniel Club, which helps raise funds for the Daniel Kids Foundation, Inc. Lucey has also volunteered for Daniel Kids Foundation, Inc. for the past five years, helping to organize summer camps for kids who otherwise would not be able to have that experience.

In addition to such a hectic school schedule, Lucy also finds time to compete on her school’s track and cross country teams. She has been running track and playing volleyball since middle school, but last year she finally had to make the decision which she had continually debated over: whether to continue with volleyball or to give cross country a shot.

“Last spring I really fell in love with running,” Lucey said. “My time started dropping a lot and I realized that I just didn’t want to be playing volleyball anymore. They are in the same season, and throughout high school it has always been a dilemma of which one to choose. But after last year, there was really no question that I was going to run cross country.”

Lucey made the right decision, and it would seem that she has just scratched the surface of her talents.

photography by Eric Rousseau

In her first season ever running cross country, she advanced to the State finals and ended up placing third.

She also finished third place in the 3200, or two mile, event in track and field. Lucey was on the All-First Coast track and field team and the All-First Coast cross country team for 2014.

“Morgan leads by example,” head coach Stacy Brunell said. “Her teammates respect her and admire all of her achievements. She is a tremendous athlete, student and leader.

Her teammates see her natural ability but also that she works extremely hard on and off the track.”

Lucey’s strength in track has been her ability to stay mentally tough. The transition into cross country proved to be difficult; it is definitely a different sport. Being on the course instead of on the track was one of the challenges Lucey had to overcome.

On the course, a runner does not have the advantage of having their coach nearby to give instructions or advice. It is very difficult; Lucey had to get tougher in order to start doing well.

“It is my job to pull greatness out of each athlete,” Coach Brunell said.

“This isn’t always measured by wins, but by effort and personal bests.

My favorite moment is when I see a young lady dare to dream and push herself. It isn’t if she achieves the goal, it is when she dares to try.

Morgan is special young lady. She has had to fight through fears and doubts to achieve her running success. We are getting a glimpse of what her future will be.” ITG

53

Academic Athlete

Five Star Baseball: Building Tradition

by James Washington

I

n 1986, Ben Stevens brought forth a traveling baseball organization geared toward the improvement of young boys throughout Northeast Florida. The organization, known as the Jacksonville Warriors, built themselves up on a solid foundation of moral values: ethics, discipline, and class. You win some, you lose some. But you never, for any reason, lose respect for the game or your opponent.

Acting as a “farm system” for the Warriors, the Jacksonville BlueClaws were created to prepare young players for the rigors that come along with higher levels of play and competition.

Another goal was to help facilitate and develop the young players’ overall love and appreciation of the game. As of the end of the 2013 season, the BlueClaws have dropped their former name and adopted a new identity: the Five Star Tigers.

Sadly, Stevens passed away in September of 2009 after a six-year battle with cancer. However, his legacy and his

54

photography courtesy of Five Star

ideals continue to push the members of the Five Star Tigers to thresholds of prominence, in Northeast Florida and beyond.

“On the field our coaches teach respecting the game,” said Josh Baker, head coach of the 9U Tigers Easton team. “Our players play the game with respect for their opponents, respect for each other, and respect for baseball traditions. Off the field, our players are very active in charities, churches, and school sports.

We will not turn down a kid that cannot afford the fees of our program. We have sponsors that donate yearly in order to assist those who need help financially.”

Baker has experienced his own triumphs on the diamond. His experiences in high school are valuable when it comes to teaching his players the finer points of the game.

“At the Warriors level, the coaching experience we have basically gives our players a jump start into college or pro baseball,” he said. “Our coaches structure practices more

like a college practice than a travel ball practice. For the players to be able to talk to coaches that have been through the recruiting process or major league draft is invaluable.”

The boys don’t have to look far to see where hard work and determination can take them. Several of their coaches have experienced success in their own right. Current director Eric Hurley is a former first-round draft pick of the Texas Rangers. He would be named the Minor League Nolan Ryan Pitcher of the Year in 2006, and also spent time as a member of the Minnesota Twins and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

Hitting instructor Jon Shave was initially drafted by the Angels before opting for college instead. After playing at Mississippi State University, he was taken again in the MLB draft, this time by the Texas Rangers. He was a member of the Minnesota Twins and Boston Red Sox before coming to the Five Star Tigers.

The list doesn’t stop there. 12U head coach Jeff Gidcumb (Baltimore Orioles, San Francisco Giants) and 9U pitching coach Justin Barnes (Milwaukee Brewers, Kansas City Royals) have had their share of professional success as well.

“We pride ourselves on being able to coach advanced baseball at all ages,” Baker said. “Where as some younger teams are working on catching and throwing basics, we are advancing to bunt defenses & first and third situations. With the experience our coaches have they are able to take the advanced concepts and simplify them enough for younger kids.”

The boys have responded well to their terrific coaches. On November 15, 2014,

the 11U Five Star Tigers (Easton) finished first in the FCA One Day Tournament, and the 12U Five Star Tigers (Orange) finished second. Also, the 9U team is currently ranked third in the USSSA national rankings. In the last two seasons, the 9U team (then competing at the 8U and 7U levels) won back-to-back state titles.

“We separate ourselves by the level of competition we play,” Baker said. “The Tigers’ top-level teams compete nationally

in National Invitational tournaments (Atlanta, Charlotte, Auburn, Tampa, Miami) and traditionally play in the Elite World Series at Disney.”

During his time with the program, Stevens would always remark that the best reward of his hard work to build the program was the satisfaction that he felt when he would hear about former Warriors taking the life lessons and values that they receive through the program and “passing it on” to future generations. Coach Baker and his staff pride themselves on living up to that standard, both on and off the field.

“Seeing the boys grow and mature may be more satisfying than the on the field accomplishments,” Baker said. “Last week our 9U Easton team went to an assisted living facility and passed out Christmas presents and served ice cream.

I can’t explain how excited I was to see one of our players in particular talking to and helping the residents. Six months ago, he was so shy he would barely speak to me.”

One thing is for certain. With the valuable lessons that the are being taught to the young boys of the Five Star Baseball, you can rest assured that greatness will certainly be passed on. iTG

55

Ponte Vedra Tennis Ace On His Way to UCONN

by Brandon Ibarra photography by Amanda Callender

H

ank Hill picked up a tennis racket for the first time when he was three years old. His father played collegiately at Long Island University and shared the basics with him early on. He says his dad never pressured him to play, and he tried other sports growing up.

Around age ten, he decided on his own to pursue tennis exclusively.

The Hills moved to Jacksonville from Pennsylvania before the start of his freshman year. It wasn’t long before he realized that playing tennis down south is a little different from what he was accustomed to.

“Coming from Pennsylvania, on Lake Erie which is snowy and everything; moving to Florida, and it was in the summer, too [when we arrived],” Hill said. “For the first couple months, I was dying. I would play kids that were at my level, and I would be losing to them because of the heat.”

His energy would be zapped after the first long volley, and it took some

HANK HILL

time for him to adjust to the humidity.

But now he’s settled in as a Floridian, and his cardio is one of his strengths.

He has excelled as Ponte

Vedra High’s number-one player and intends to resume his role on the team during his senior year.

“Last season was solid,” he said. “We had pretty

much a brand new team.

My sophomore year, I was the only one in the Top 5 that wasn’t a senior, so we lost our whole Top 5 other than me. We got to the 57

Regional final; I lost in the Regional final to a really good player from Palm Coast. I thought we did well, and this season we should be just as good, if not better.”

Hill plays in USTA and ITA singles tournaments all over the southeast, but says he enjoys the camaraderie and fellowship school matches provide.

“Even though tennis is an individual sport, the team helps a lot with who watches the matches,” Hill said.

“Of course, in every sport you have guys who are on the team that don’t really play, so it’s just the chemistry you have with the guys, the whole team, even the guys that don’t start that are on the bench watching your matches, cheering you on and everything.”

He’s been working with his personal coach, Ryan Khan, for the last three years. Khan has helped him become a more consistent player,

encouraging him to take higherpercentage shots. He wants to be smarter on the court and more conscious of where he places the ball in any situation.

“I try to use my serve to my advantage a lot, because I have a pretty big serve,” he said. “I serve with my forehand a lot to open up points. I call myself an all-around player, but I use the baseline a lot. My speed helps a lot. Of course in any sport, speed helps.”

Hill has already committed to the University of Connecticut and is anxious to start his career as a Husky.

He was impressed with their campus and facilities during his visit, and made a good first impression with the guys on their team. He plans to study International Business, and says he could not have set himself up to this point without the love and support from his parents, Hank and Vickie, and his sister, DJ. ITG

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Superfan Mom A Valuable Member To Her Kids’ Teams

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“If I could describe my mom in one word, it would be supportive.

I know she would do whatever is needed to help us succeed.”

by Jessica Babcock

A

llison Lewis remembers when her mother and father would come out to her games and performances.

They never missed a chance to see their daughter shine. The support and love Lewis’ parents showed her then left an impression on her. Lewis learned the value of being an involved parent from her mother. Now as an adult, Lewis watches her own children, Exavier, 16, and AsiaSimone, 9, grow up and participate in their own interests.

Lewis started getting involved with Exavier’s sports during his Pop Warner years. Today he is a sophomore on the Oakleaf High football team. Lewis is the Knights’ sponsorship liaison. This means she helps secure sponsorships for the program, and on game days, Lewis is responsible for sponsor location and setup.

She also helps coordinate team meals and pretty much helps with any other random task that needs to be done.

Lewis’ most memorable moment as a team mom for Exavier was the first time he lined up as a freshman to do the opening kickoff. She could not believe how grown up he looked, and she remembers crying like a baby.

“It’s cool having my mom be so involved with my sport,” Exavier said. “I don’t ever really know she’s there; she’s very unobtrusive. She yells and screams from the stands but never interferes with the team or how I play. If I could describe my mom in one word, it would be supportive. I know she would do whatever is needed to help us succeed.”

Lewis loves supporting head coach Derek Chipoletti in his program at Oakleaf. She loves his drive and commitment to not only the team but to the community. When Coach Chipoletti took over the team, Lewis says he instilled a new philosophy that wasn’t easy. The team uses the hash tag, #OakleafStrong and #OakleafBuilt. It is not just a hash tag to the team, Lewis says, but it’s their way of life.

Coach Chipoletti has taught these young men that it’s not always about football, but about a sense of family and community.

“Allison is a ‘go getter’ that helps out where ever I need her,” Coach Chipoletti said. “The most important thing she does

for me in the off season is contacts businesses and closes on potential sponsorship deals. A lot of the money that comes into our program she is directly or indirectly responsible for.”

As a coach, Chipoletti wants to concentrate on the X’s and O’s of his sport. Each year it seems more and more responsibilities and paperwork are getting added the coach’s job description. Having a person like Lewis that can be trusted to delegate tasks too is terrific, Chipoletti says. It allows the coaching staff to just focus on coaching and preparing their players for the next game.

Lewis began to get involved with AsiaSimone when she was three with ballet and cheer. Today Lewis is the booster club president for First Coast Fusion, the only all-star competition opportunity for cheerleaders and dancers in Clay County.

She is also team mom of Fusion Fire and Fusion Fly Girls. Lewis communicates with the parents about competition information, escorts the teams from place to place during competitions and generally, again, just does whatever needs to be done.

Lewis’ most memorable moment of AsiaSimone, was her first ballet recital.

She was a bunny and when she hopped out onto stage, Lewis almost lost it. She cries because she is proud.

“I like my mom being so involved in my sport because she’s always there to help me,” AsiaSimone said. “She watches my routines, learns them and then helps me practice at home. She’s at most practices to help the coaches. She brings snacks, plans parties, helps clean the gym and takes care of everybody’s medicines. If I could describe my mom in one word it would be amazing, because she’s the best mommy ever, period.”

AsiaSimone is currently in the fourth grade. Her favorite thing that her mom does for her team is planning the team building activities. Lewis has a knack of always picking the best places.

“I love watching my children just enjoy themselves,” Lewis said. “It’s hard work for them too and I think just knowing they have our support makes it all the more fun for them. Once I learned to let the coach’s coach, it became a lot less stressful. Just

photography by Amanda Callender

know that I am always floating around somewhere watching!”

Lewis has nothing but great things to say about First Coast Fusion. The owners, Theresa Funk and Amanda Austin, are absolutely fabulous. They aren’t just the owners, Lewis said, they are coaches, mediators, friends, counselors and sometimes substitute parents. They are always there to guide the athletes, answer parent questions and do whatever is asked of them.

At Fusion, you aren’t just a name on a check; you’re part of a family. Staci Padgett, First Coast Fusion gym manager, is just a gem; they would be lost without her, Lewis said. AsiaSimone’s coaches, Kristin Buchanan and Paul Esdale, are the absolute best. They are tough but fair and all the athletes just love them.

Lewis admits it can be challenging managing her time with all of my commitments. In addition to everything else, Lewis is also a Girl Scout Leader! She credits exact time management, making lists upon lists and relying on her inner circle to assist her. Lewis works for Levy Restaurants at EverBank Field during the NFL season, which calls for 55-60-hour work weeks from August until December.

For all that she does, Lewis would first and foremost like to thank her husband, Les. He is the reason that she is able to do any of the things that she does. Les helps with anything that is asked of him; whether it is washing cheer uniforms, hanging sponsorship banners, fixing stadium seats or selling Girl Scout cookies.

Lewis also wants to thank Mrs. Felisha Wade and Mrs. Annette Forbes. These ladies have bought into Lewis’ crazy “let’s volunteer” mentality and has kept Lewis afloat for many years. They affectionately call themselves “#TeamTooMuch” because they are always on the go with their families.

“I always encourage other parents to become involved with their children’s activities,” Lewis said. “One day you look around and their grown and you regret not being there when you could. If there are things you would like to be done, jump in there and help out. Believe me; coaches need all the help they can get!” ITG 61

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66

In the Game Magazine goes one on one with Northeast Florida baseball recruiting specialist James Pye of Triple Crown Recruiting.

James is a native of Jacksonville, a graduate of University Christian and Troy State University. For the past three years, Coach Pye has helped acquire 35 scholarships at six different institutions and scouts for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Through his player development program, Coach Pye possesses a 100 percent student-athlete placement towards the next level of competition.

In the Game: What is Triple Crown Recruiting?

Coach Pye: We assist high school baseball athletes in getting to the next level by gaining exposure through scouting and specific workout programs.

ITG: Who benefits from Triple Crown Recruiting?

Coach Pye: Any high school baseball player with the grades and the desire to play at the collegiate level.

ITG: When should a high school baseball athlete join a service like this?

Coach Pye: Sophomore year is the best because it gives us a chance to evaluate the talent, find out where the ACT/SAT scores need to be, and what the colleges have in scholarship money for their graduation year. We do it this way because colleges don’t give full baseball scholarships at any level, regardless of level.

ITG: Why should an athlete join a recruiting service?

ON

With

James Pye

by Joey Lopes

Coach Pye: Because the head coach can’t help every student-athlete. Some players don’t get the benefits that others get that find it easier to get into school. We help the underdogs that get it done in the classroom and have the desire to play college ball.

ITG: Where can a baseball athlete register to be evaluated by Triple Crown Recruiting?

Coach Pye: They can register online at triplecrownrecruiting.com. We are familiar with all baseball outlets from travel ball to high school baseball.

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Coach’s Corner Sherri Anthony Nease High School 68

Faith &

Fundamentals

by Brent Beaird photography by Amanda Callender

Sherri Anthony, who has coached basketball at Nease High School for 30 years, has a unique perspective on how the game should be played and how to build relationships with her players beyond the court.

She has many visionary ideas that would change the game for the better.

Anthony, like many high school coaches, does not like playing district games before January.

“I want it to be in the same realm as colleges,” Anthony said.

“In college, conference play is not until after Christmas. We need to simulate high school more similar to colleges. I want to see post-Christmas district play.”

She added that her team had to play a district game the first week of the season due to scheduling issues for both teams.

Another challenge for high school coaches is dealing with the impact holidays have on teams. Anthony pointed out that high school basketball is one of the only sports where coaches have to plan around several major holidays. She said tryouts are before Halloween; then there is Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, Valentine’s Day, and MLK Day. There are also regular exams like the and ACT and SAT. “We have every major distraction that any sport could have,” Anthony said.

Anthony is also an innovator. She would like to see a shot clock in high school similar to college.

“There are two things to consider,” Anthony said. “It would bring continuity in every game. No one can freeze you out like it used to happen in the college game. Number two is when you have a running clock it does not allow all the kids to get in the game. A regular shot clock simulates what colleges play. I’ve had teams try to hold the ball after they get up by two in the first half.”

Anthony and many of her peers are also concerned about the influence of AAU basketball that leads to a lack of fundamentals.

“Our whole thing is in individual practices we stress fundamentals in a two-hour practice,” Anthony said. “Coming off AAU games where there is a running clock and you can’t foul out, it a lot of undisciplined play. AAU kids try to make college coaches see them. They are looking for points or who can shoot the three.

Coaches need to retrain the brain as to what is most important and what are coaches looking for. Teams have a hard time when they don’t weather the course of fundamentals.”

One of the biggest changes in sports and society over the past decade is social media. Anthony said kids are more distracted than ever.

“The most major change is not the rules of the game, but the rules of life,” Anthony said. “Kids are walking in the gym on the phone. They are texting constantly. There is a lack of discipline in home and the classroom. When kids walk in the gym, we have to retrain the brain. We have them for two hours, and for 22 hours

they are somewhere else.”

One way the Nease staff deals with social media is by taking players’ phones away on the bus before road trips. On overnight trips the players have a curfew for phones.

Drilling down deeper into society issues, Anthony said a coach wears many different hats. As dean of students for Landrum Middle School, Anthony said she sees too many students across the nation being raised by grandparents or single parents. She said coaches in general try to be a parent, mentor, counselor, and a bridge that reconnects with students.

Anthony also realizes that some student-athletes nationwide don’t have a strong foundation of two loving and disciplining parents as she did when she was growing up.

“One was a disciplinarian, and the other was a praying, faith-filled mother who got me through some hard times,” Anthony said. “These kids don’t have that. As a coach, and a staff, we start it all with prayer and faith, parenting, coaching, ‘good cop’ and ‘bad cop’ and mom and dad mentality. We’re not going to win every game.

Life is much more than a game. We make it more like a life lesson; not just basketball.”

During her three-decade career, Anthony has seen 17 players go on to play at a higher level. She has won one state title (1999). She also realizes that more often

than not, most of her players are not going to play in college and the majority of her teams will not win a state title.

In an age when many coaches are reluctant, Anthony does not shy away from expressing her faith to her team.

“My mom used to say to me that you might be the only Bible, church, or Christian that these kids hear about,” Anthony said. “What if they don’t hear this from anyone else? When we have games, when we are rushed to get to the court my kids will say, ‘Coach, we didn’t pray yet”.

That tells me something.”

The loyalty her former players show to the program is admirable. Anthony said every year she gains new family members, meaning after they graduate, former players are a part of a revolving family.

“I had a kid call me on Christmas Eve that I had not coached since 1986 and she asked me how I was doing,” Anthony said. “I was there when one of my kids had a baby, and her husband couldn’t be at the hospital; I had not coached her for six years.”

In a day where coaches constantly jump to various jobs, Anthony has been very loyal to Nease.

“I was at Keystone Heights, and then I went to Flagler College,” Anthony said. “I’ve just been loyal to a school that was loyal to me. Flagler recruited me. We won a state title at Flagler. When I got to Nease, we were

grades 7-10 and playing a varsity level schedule. We took it on the chin at first. I thought once I get my varsity level team that I will stay here. We won a state title in 1999. New schools have popped up, and others asked me about going there, but I have my picture hanging on the wall. I knew in the beginning I would never leave Nease.”

When she does leave Nease, Anthony said she wants to be a consultant or part of a program. “I love the cerebral part of it,” Anthony said. “I don’t know when I will retire, but when I feel the Nease family has gotten big enough; then, I will stop coaching and do something else.”

Anthony said she could not have achieved her success without her coaching staff; especially assistant coach, Bernie Blue, who has been a loyal friend and professional over the years.

“He’s my dearest friend and most trusted colleague.”

Anthony said. “He’s been at my side, and I’ve been at his, since the beginning. We’ve been there for one another through the good times – wins, championships, birth of his grandchildren; and through the bad times; losses and the death of our beloved parents. I certainly would like him to get recognition for his love and loyalty to me and the program.” ITG

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TCA fans hit the road again for another

state title run

Cece looks on as Tyler performs a selfie

William Sweet, Jerad Washington, and De’Andre Johnson from First Coast will enroll in college early, before signing day.

Trinity’s Chris Barr puts on the breaks to shake defenders in the title game.

Jaguar fans rally in the tunnel for the final home game.

Jarvis Davis & Taylor Thomas represent Ed White at the Super 24 ceremony.

Why linemen don’t jump in the stands...

Photos provided by Joey Lopes and Skyler Callender Lambo leap gone wrong 71

Inspiration

Diabetes No Match for Oakleaf Lineman

by Jessica Babcock

C

lay Brooks, 16, has been playing football for the last 10 years. Early on, when Brooks was seven years old, he hit a little speed bump as he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

Brooks felt he took the news really well, and he always has tried to just make the best of the situation.

In type 1 diabetes, the body’s immune system destroys the insulinproducing cells of the pancreas.

Insulin helps move sugar into the body’s tissue cells to be used as

photography by Amanda Callender

a source of energy. Normally, the body’s immune system fights off foreign invaders, such as bacteria or viruses. In type 1 diabetes, the immune system attacks different cells within the body, resulting in a total loss of the insulin hormone.

Brooks is not the type of person to let something like this stop him from doing what he loves. If anything, it motivates him. Last season as a junior and defensive tackle for the Oakleaf Knights, Brooks made the All-County Second Team. He

had 40 tackles, including 12 tackles for loss, and four sacks. The Knights finished the regular season 10-0 and made it to the third round of the playoffs before falling to Niceville.

“Clay is an excellent player,” head coach Derek Chipoletti said. “He dominated on the defensive line this year and was a big reason our defense was so stout.”

Brooks got an insulin pump a year and a half after he was diagnosed.

He admits that playing football is definitely a lot easier with it. The 73

insulin pump is constantly giving him insulin, so instead of having to come off of the field to take a shot to regulate his sugar, Brooks can just come off of the field, hook up his pump and take a correction.

During games and practice, Brooks does not wear his insulin pump. He brings it on the field with him and keeps it on the sideline. During halftime he will check his sugar, unless he starts feeling weird during the game; then he will run off of the field and take a check. Brooks always keeps juice boxes or something similar to raise his sugar just in case.

“I have good communication with my coaches,” Brooks said. “I also have friends on the football team that know a lot about my situation, because I have been friends with them for years now, so they know if I am acting weird.”

Brooks had a little incident, somewhat of a seizure before a game last year. Apparently, he left the locker room to start his pregame warm-ups. As he was doing drills, Brooks just took a knee and would not respond to anyone or anything. Luckily there was an ambulance at the field and paramedics who were able to stabilize his blood sugar.

Brooks enjoys the competition the game brings and would like to play football in college. He has a goal of getting at least 60 tackles next year.

“Clay is a good football player but an even better kid,” said Coach Chipoletti. “I am so proud of how he and his teammates played this year. They are a great group to be around.” ITG

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