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PREMIERE EDITION

April 6 - April 20 2015

O To ks an Th

Volume 1 • Issue 1

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WELCOME BACK TO THE

JUNGLE

NFL Alumni of Central Florida is a 501c3 non profit organization composed of former professional football players who have joined together to support local orlando youth charities. Our “Caring for Kids” mission is achieved with fundraising, community service and social events. Please visit NFLalumnicf.org and like us on facebook.com/nflalumnicf.

Page 2 Florida Sporting News • 4/6/15 - 4/20/15

Predator’s played with Heart!

By Mike Attardi

The AFL Orlando Predators played in Amway Center with a lot of heart and the 12,000 plus fans appreciated it. Although leading with 30 seconds left on the game clock, the Predators defense could not hold off the Philadelphia Soul and fell 70-63.

Then again, the score does not reflect what really happened during the Soul’s final drive.

Predator’s defensive back Paul Stephens caught an interception in back of the end zone, only to learn that it was negated by a defensive line holding penalty. Stephens catch could have given the Preds their opening win.

“What can I say, that’s AFL football. Some penalties go your way, some don’t. Stephens made a great pick.” Said Predator’s Quarterback Randy Hippeard, who was 20 for 25, throwing eight touchdowns.

The Predator’s Larry Brackins, caught a great touchdown from Hippeard with only 43 seconds to go in the game as the Preds took a 63-62 lead

with the clutch extra point kick by Mark Lewis.

Lewis had a perfect night splitting the uprights 8 consecutive times. He also displayed a strong leg on kickoffs.

Local Orlando players like Justin Hilton, a former Harmony High School standout, had five catches for 79 yards and two touchdowns. FSU star, Greg Carr had one touchdown and Kendal Tompkins also scored twice.

“I love this City (Orlando)! This is my city and to play in front of my family and friends is exciting” said Hilton. “We played hard tonight. We have a good team and things are working out.

We have an energetic coach who really wants to win. We’ll bounce back quickly.”

This was a fast moving and exciting game to watch, especially in the Amway center. Coming back to the Amway Center was a stipulation team owner, David Siegal, CEO of Westgate Resorts, made before purchasing the team last summer. “The Amway Center is home to us,”

Predator’s Head coach Rob Keefe said. “Look at these incredible fans, they want to be here and watch great football. We have the greatest fans!

Look at that guy!” he said, pointing to a fan dressed up in a full predator gear.

Another move by owner David Siegel, was bringing back long time Orlando Predator’s COO, Darrell Harbin. Mr. Harbin is well respected in the AFL and has helped the transition of the new ownership. He was very instrumental in getting the AFL Championship game here in Orlando.

Although I was on the playing field for most of the game, taking action photos, I was still able to see the excitement being back in the JUNGLE rekindled.

Mr. Siegal, the fans of Orlando thank you and your staff, for bringing back the Predator’s to their rightful home.

4/6/15 - 4/20/15 • Florida Sporting News

Page 3

Titan’s Baseball on Winning Streak

By Justin Tibbetts

The Olympia Titans baseball team is on a winning streak. The Titans are now 18-0-1 after a 2-0 shutout against Apopka, improving them to 5-0 in district play. What’s their motto? “It’s more than a game to us”. This phrase has been adopted and nurtured by a driven, well-motivated squad with ambitions of winning a state title. The Titans were recently ranked #1 in both USA Today and MaxPreps. This is the fourth consecutive week the Titans have been #1 in MaxPreps and prior to that they were ranked #1 in the nation. Who can blame the voters in the polls? If things continue on this path Olympia could be on its way for a deep playoff run to regional or even states. The team is led by recently named All-American and Florida All Region team member Juan Hillman along with Cameron Montgomery and Kirk Sidwell, who were also named to the Florida All Region First Team. The Titans also have an outstanding supporting cast to create one of the best teams in the nation.

When you take a group of talented players and form a team they need a common goal, a “glue” so to speak. Once you have those talent-filled players all hungry for one thing you end up with one of the best teams in the nation and that’s what Olympia high has done.

We’ll see where the Titans stand in a few weeks when they play West Orange in the district tournament. As things stand now they are a freight train that is driven by one, and only one thing: a state championship.

Olympia Vollyball

by Zaineb Saied

April 1, 2015: The Olympia Titans step up to the court against the West Orange Warriors in Boys Volleyball.

Olympia takes the win with 3-0 at home, completely dominating the Warriors.

The Titans have had a somewhat bumpy season but that didn’t stop them from coming home with wins against teams such as the Tampa Bay HEAT, Boone, Wekiva, Edgewater, and most recently, Mourning Senior High from North Miami, FL. They beat the Mourning Sharks 2-1 at home which made for a very proud Titan family.

The team is currently ranked #15 in Florida and #181 in the Nation. Despite some painful losses against teams like Timber Creek, Dr. Phillips, and Bishop Moore, the Olympia Titans continue to give it their all. Olympia will be playing their rival school, Dr. Phillips, once again in an away conference match on April 2nd with the hopes of gaining another win and boosting their current overall record of 7-6.

Kim Praniewicz CMO

Master Leonardo Nery Wesley Bonhagen Nancy Remming Justin Tibbetts Zainib Saied Noelle Clay

Page 4 Florida Sporting News • 4/6/15 - 4/20/15

Edgewater Eagles are on Track

By Wesley Bonhagen

Photos by Wesley Bonhagen

As the second smallest public high school in Orange Country, the Edgewater Eagles’ Track Team had the odds stacked against them when it comes to their ability to compete against the larger schools. Coach Ethan Hickey explains that, “Track is a numbers game.” Even with greater talent, it would be extremely difficult to beat a team that outweighs you in numbers. This however, was not the belief of the boys 4x800 track team. The team is comprised of three seniors, Joseph Thrailkill, Kasimar Jackson, Sean Trainor, and lone junior Malik Hancock. After an intense off-season training, the team was extremely confident they’d finish the track season with a state championship. “This is our last try

at a state championship, so we’ll run even harder to try and go out as champs,” Joseph said.

Sean Trainor, the most heralded runner of the group was ready to make the final push towards the postseason. He was one of the top runners in Florida, ranked second in the state in the 800 meters race with a time of 1:54.62. “We are closer now than last year so we push each other and hold each other accountable,” Sean said.

As the only non-senior on the team, Malik Hancock wanted desperately to make a run at the state championship for the sake of his teammates. He had to make sure he was holding his own, which wasn’t a difficult task for him due to his work ethic and athleticism, which he also

utilized on the football team. “As a junior I look up to them and want to make them proud,” Malik said.

Before entering the postseason, the team competed in the Pepsi Relays at the University of Florida. Coach Ethan Hickey stated, “The top fifteen teams in the state will be at the Pepsi Relays, which will be a great gauge on where we stand entering the postseason.”­. The team was third in the state with a time of 8:05.61, but was ranked first only weeks before. They knew they had to concentrate all their focus on their running, or else they would not achieve their goal.

“We may goof off and play around, but when it comes to track, we get down to business,”

I See Purple

4/6/15 - 4/20/15 • Florida Sporting News

Page 5

By Kim Praniewicz

Purple was worn by Roman Emperors. It’s the color most associated with royalty, passion and mystery. Well, there’s no mystery that purple in Orlando is worn by rulers of a different type, Orlando City Lions. They rule the soccer field and the hearts of their fans.

Although Orlando City Soccer has just begun their first MLS season, they began winning fans in Central Florida in 2010 when USL team owner Phil Rawlins announced moving the Austin Aztex to Orlando, Florida. The wins, announcements and celebrations along the way to MLS have been big, loud and very purple. However, there is another reason Orlando City Soccer has quickly become a fan favorite. It’s their passion and commitment for our community. “Kicking it Back to the Community” is a core value for the

team.

Orlando City Soccer established the Orlando City Foundation with a mission to improve the lives of children in the underserved areas of our community using the sport of soccer to promote exercise and healthy lifestyle choices.

The Foundation endeavors to achieve success through supporting children’s initiatives that address child abuse prevention, hunger, education and homelessness; creating soccer facilities; developing new and enhancing existing soccer programs.

Orlando City Foundation has a vision of a community in which young people live healthy, fulfilling, successful lives, a community where they are encouraged and prepared to become

productive citizens, confident leaders and role models to their peers.

The impact of Orlando City Foundation’s efforts is significant. From providing freezers in a Parramore convenience store for healthy food choices to providing funding to certify soccer coaches, Central Florida’s children have healthy options that were not available in the past.

There’s more to do and the Foundation continues to raise awareness and funds to support our community’s youth through 50/50 drawings at each home game and unique fundraising events.

The next event is PlayBingo on June 6, 2015.

It’s not your Grandma’s Bingo and a great way to support youth programs. To learn more, go to www.orlandocitysc.com.

Edgewater High School Athletic Director Dr. Janet Rasmussen: A Class Act!

By Mike Attardi

I had the privilege of being introduced to the Edgewater High School Athletic Director, Dr. Rasmussen, at the monthly OCPS athletic directors meeting held at Colonial High School on March 10th. Mr. Matthew Fitzpatrick, the OCPS district Athletic Director gave several local businesses the opportunity to reach out to the local high schools that were interested in helping their athletic programs.

After my presentation, I was approached by several of the Athletic Directors who wanted to learn more about Florida Sporting News. One of them was Dr. Rasmussen who handed me an invite to a golf fundraiser for Edgewater High School. Being an avid golfer, I was interested in learning more about her mission.

Edgewater High School has such a legacy in local sports. In 2014-15, they were district champions in football, cross country, girls’ volleyball, and girls and boys basketball.

Not bad by anyone standards for a high school sports program. Not only does that say a lot

about Rasmussen’s involvement, but also about the close relationship Dr. Rasmussen has with

her coaches and student-athletes. When I learned about the fundraiser, I was moved to help. The funds that are raised during the April 24th golf scramble at Dubsdread Golf Course, in Orlando, will benefit the Edgewater High School students.

Even with the long history of stellar athletics at Edgewater, nowhere in that school can you find a banner recognizing the incredible athletic feats of past, powerful sports programs. One of Dr. Rasmussen’s goals is to immortalize these championship teams with banners, hanging them in the gym, to showcase these incredible accomplishments.

As a former athlete myself, I know the value and power that those banners have on the student-athletes, coaches, fans, and parents of the school. It validates the hard work and commitment that those teams and athletes make to their local community. There is nothing like the spirit and pride in the school to uplift the students who gave up their social lives to achieve a common goal through teamwork.

I highly encourage everyone who reads this article to make a donation, buy a foursome or sponsor a banner for this wonderful school and its sports program.

As for Dr. Rasmussen, great job! You’ve got my support!

Page 6 Florida Sporting News • 4/6/15 - 4/20/15

Local Tennis Player Ranked in Top 50

by Nancy Remming

Tennis isn’t easy. There’s no other players to back you up. It’s all you. It’s especially hard when you’re not even part of a team. This is the story of one tennis player, Patti Cohn. She took her tennis career into her own hands and broke off from the high school team of Windermere Prep to focus on what she wanted and how to succeed in preparing for college.

Patti is currently ranked 48th in the 16 year old division in the state of Florida. She is 16 years old and has been playing for 11 years with, on average, three tournaments every month.

Her brutal schedule takes a toll on her, but she keeps her grades up and never loses motivation for her goal. The young athlete hopes to attend Florida Gulf Coast College but right now she is working on building her national ranking. This sport takes full concentration, to be physically fit is essential when playing and practicing, not to mention the “tennis tan lines”. All her family and friends support her while she practices seven days a week with no exceptions. Tennis doesn’t have a season, it’s played all year round on indoor and outdoor courts with a variety of

surfaces from clay to asphalt.

Sports are an important aspect of life, and for Patti she wants that aspect to always be with her. “I’m going to play tennis until I’m old and wrinkly,” says Patti, “Eventually I would like to coach other young women who are trying to start their tennis career, and encourage them to keep working hard and find their personal goal.”

Patti Cohn is a dedicated young woman, who has made her family very proud and will continue making them proud for years to come.

Lady Warriors in a Class of their Own

by Nancy Remming

The West Orange High School varsity softball team had an easy victory against Evans High school. After Evans scored the first run in the game, West Orange came back and scored 16 runs in four innings, ending the game on the run-rule of 15 runs. However, Evans kept a great enthusiasm throughout the game and tried their hardest on the field. What happened after the game may shock some people, the West Orange girls asked the Evans team to stay after with them and practice together; to help them out and give them tips and pointers on how to improve.

These girls have been playing with each other for years, way before they started their high school careers, so they know how to work well together and act like a team. As Leslie McMillan, assistant varsity coach, told me,

“I try to keep the atmosphere relaxed so it’s fun to come out and try and be motivated and do what’s asked of you.” Every fan I talked to has told me the same thing, that this team works so well together and it’s amazing that they’ve been together so long. Another fan, mom of one of the players, pointed out that it’s not just about the team within themselves, but within the community as a whole. Bringing parents and families together to support their children and friends by keeping kids motivated to be involved in team sports.

Supporting the Lady Warriors is a way of the community; they pride themselves on being interactive in many aspects. They are a championship team on and off the field.

4/6/15 - 4/20/15 • Florida Sporting News

Page 7

Olympia Softball Program: Respectful

by Mike Attardi

Last Tuesday, I was on my way to catch a baseball game at West Orange High School when I saw a sea of cars, and noticed that a softball game was just getting started at Olympia. I made a U-turn and found a parking spot. Boy was I lucky! I approached the field, noticing the crowd was filled with dedicated softball fans. Most of them were parents and they were intrigued to who was holding the Nikon camera.

As I walked towards the field I was welcomed

by Athletic Director Lauren Bradley, who made me feel like an old friend. I introduced myself to Olympia head coach, Stephanie Manny, who was more than happy to welcome me on the field. The umpires were gracious and allowed

me to shoot photos near the first baseline. A few of the players were curious as to who I was and what publication I was with. When I told them I was with Florida Sporting News they all got excited that I was there to cover them. In fact, I heard one of the players say “Now I have to turn up my A game.” No doubt they did since they beat Freedom High 14-5.

The game started with a homerun blast by Olympia Junior Jessica Lien, who drove the ball deep over the left-center fence. This gave the Titians a 1-0 lead and set the tone of the game. Lien, who is a captain with senior Taylor Watson, had two walks and scored three times.

Senior Tate McClellan produced two power-

ful hits, got on base four times and drove in 3 RBI’s. Another standout of the game was sophomore Amanda Plasencia who went 2 for 3.

The Titians played great defense and kept Freedom High controlled at the plate. Junior pitcher Jill Chabot, pitched a strong game, only allowing six hits and striking out five batters.

I was only able to stay for a few innings, but I noticed that the players really supported one another with respect and encouragement. Olympia High, its Athletic Director, Head Coach and players really made this publisher a fan of Titian softball.

Page 8 Florida Sporting News • 4/6/15 - 4/20/15

They’re Back And Ready to Rock!

By Kim Praniewicz, Florida Sporting News CMO and Sports Fan

Last year was a long year for Orlando Predator Fans. Many “Predheads” missed games due to the team’s move to the University of Central Florida. Attendance was less than 4,000 for the first game at UCF. It’s not that fans didn’t want to see their hometown Arena Football team play well and win the South Division Championship, for many the logistics proved too difficult.

That’s now history and the Orlando Predators are back in updated uniforms at Amway Center. The season opener was attended by over 12,000 dedicated and colorful fans, while many watched on ESPN. He’s back! The team’s new owner, David Siegel brought long time Orlando Predator’s Chief Operating Officer, Darrell Harbin back to the team this season. Mr. Harbin is well respected in the Arena Football League and was instrumental in attracting the Arena Bowl to Orlando

in 2013. Mr. Siegel, founder and CEO of Westgate Resorts, also donated 3,000 Orlando Predator tickets for the game opener to active military personnel and veterans. A move that earned a nod from Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer during the proclamation of Orlando Predator’s Week (March 23-29). In fact, the entire game was dedicated to the military. There was special recognition for two World War II veterans and Grammy Award-winning Lee Greenwood was the featured entertainment, bringing the crowd to their feet while performing his patriotic hits.

The return to the Amway Center wasn’t without some hiccups. Will Call lines were long and wait times were challenging. An apology was issued by Orlando Predators President, Jared Saft stating that the team has taken “corrective measures to ensure this doesn’t happen again”.

Along with the Predators staff, fans hope issues

are resolved for the next home game on April 18th at 7:00 PM. Opening night snafus aside, the Orlando Predators started their season playing well. Playing his first game with the Orlando Predators, Quarterback Randi Hippeard completed 20 of 25 passes, had 8 touchdowns and 1 interception. Wide Receiver Kendal Thompkins had 6 catches for 78 yards and 2 touchdowns. Other notable performances included Justin Hilton with 2 scores and 67 yards, Larry Brackus with 3 touchdowns and 41 yards and Greg Carr with 4 catches for 24 yards and 1 touchdown.

Although the final score of 70-63 was in Philadelphia’s favor, Orlando Predators fans and Florida Sporting News are counting this one as a win. Welcome Back to the JUNGLE!

4/6/15 - 4/20/15 • Florida Sporting News

Victory Martial Arts

Page 9

In a League of their Own

We All Need Structure to be Successful!

By Master Leonardo Nery

First of all, I would like to thank Florida Sporting News (FSN) for the opportunity to write in this first edition. It is my goal to share with the readers our years of knowledge in training and the influence that martial arts has in today’s society.

In this article, I will be writing about the importance of STRUCTURE in our lives. Structure is the first pillar of Victory Martial Arts philosophy. Think of structure as the brick foundation of your house. We all have the ability to build structure but the secret is to learn how to do it correctly.

In today’s society more than ever, our children

Master Zamboni, Sr. Master Casco, Chief Master Von Schmeling, Master Nery and Master Nominee H. Von Schmeling.

need to have STRUCTURE in their lives. Social media has taken over our children and it is up to us as parents to help balance their time. When they don’t have Structure they will feel like the ground has moved and most children get overwhelmed. Structure gives children discipline and care. Structure gives children assurance and confidence. Imagine having a schedule to everything. From the moment you wake up, to when you go to sleep. This is an example in how to develop Discipline, which in exchange, will teach our future generation how to be on time

for many activities or simply paying their bill on time during adulthood.

At Victory Martial Arts, you will notice that Structure right on the first day. Remember this, BAD HABITS DON’T NEED TEACHERS AND YOU WILL LEARN FAST. GOOD HABITS, TAKE TIME AND EFFORT, AND MOST OF THE TIMES IT TAKES A COACH, INSTRUCTOR OR MENTORS. In the next edition, I will share the next step for personal success, Emotion and Passion towards life!

Page 10 Florida Sporting News • 4/6/15 - 4/20/15

Play, Fight and Conquer: The Katie Karp Story

By Zaineb Saied

Katie Karp, a 16 year old student-athlete at West Orange High School, has a love for the sport of lacrosse. She’s loved the game for a long time. In 2010, she had to give up the sport that meant so much to her because she was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma. As Katie puts it, osteosarcoma “is a fancy way of saying bone cancer,” but the ending, “sarcoma,” indicates that it is a highly aggressive form of Cancer. By the time Katie was diagnosed, the tumor had spread over about 10-11 inches of her thigh bone. She received a radical limb salvage surgery which required months of physical therapy to help with her recovery. Along with this, Katie had to go through a year of chemotherapy and basically had to learn how to walk again.

This was a lot for a young girl to go through. She said “I had to quit playing due to treatment. It was extremely difficult to watch my friends play the game I loved while I was on the sidelines fighting for my life.” Katie was sure that she would make it back on the field one way or another. Then, on February 3rd, 2011, Katie officially won the battle with cancer.

This past summer, Katie made the choice to get back into the sport that stole her heart. After working with a trainer and pushing past the limits of doctor’s expectations, Katie was ready for spring tryouts. Believe it or not, the girl that beat cancer, made the varsity team at West Orange on her first try since being diagnosed.

She didn’t make it out of sympathy, or for any reason regarding her past illness, but due to the hard work and dedication she put into the sport. To Katie, lacrosse wasn’t just the sport she loved in middle school, this sport was, as she described, “...a symbol of triumph in my battle against cancer and the perfect picture that with God, anything is possible.”

Katie continues to dominate and inspire on and off the field, whether it’s playing lacrosse or supporting the fight against Cancer with Katie’s Krause. Katie Karp is a symbol of courage and strength who continues to inspire everyone around her.

This is not the last time you will hear about Katie Karp.

She is an inspiration to her teammates and community.

4/6/15 - 4/20/15 • Florida Sporting News

Page 11

Meet the Athelete:

Eddie McDoom

By Justin Tibbitts

A stand out wide receiver from West Orange Henderson High, Eddie McDoom is a six-foot playmaker with interest from some of the nation’s top collegiate football programs growing rapidly. Over twenty division-1 schools have offered a scholarship and his senior season hasn’t even begun. Of those twenty, a few of the schools that stand out include: The University of Florida, Ohio State University, University of Oklahoma, and the University of Alabama.

It’s easy to see why this top recruit is so coveted when you take a look at his stats. McDoom put up impressive numbers this past season, finishing with 47 receptions for 854 yards and 15

touchdowns. With a forty time of 4.48 and a vertical of 32.8, he clearly shows he is capable of putting up outstanding numbers.

The top wide out has the full support of the coaching staff.

McDoom will be the primary receiver this upcoming year and the coaches have already developed schemes to help improve his performance. What makes McDoom so dangerous is his well-rounded playing style.

He can beat you on a fly route straight to the end zone, catch a jump ball over a defender, or take a kick-off return to the house. The skill set he possesses has given him the nickname “McDoomsday” around the locker room for his ability to be

a “Doomsday” to opponents.

McDoom has shown he can impact the game in a big way and

with his senior season around the corner, audiences can expect a big year from number eleven.

Page 12 Florida Sporting News • 4/6/15 - 4/20/15

Windermere Boy Scout Receives National Award Mayor Gary Bruhn, Don Tooley, Colleen Attardi, Michael Attardi, Sr. and (center) Michael Attardi, Jr.

The National Council of the Boy Scouts of America presented Michael “Mikey” Attardi, and his brother Nate, awards for outstanding

scouts who have rendered special service to others. The National Award of Merit Medal was presented to Mikey for his performance of

service well above that which is expected of all Scouts in their daily lives. His actions impacted others victims of Super Storm Sandy.

This is the transcript from that night.

Speaker- Mr. Don Tooley- Central Florida Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

Presentation on March 16, 2015 Hello and Good evening Boy Scouts, parents and friends of scouting. At this time, on behalf of the National Council, Boy Scouts of America, I hereby convene this special Court of Honor for the purpose of awarding the National Award of Merit Medal to Michael Attardi Jr. The National Council of the Boy Scouts of America presents four awards to outstanding Scouts or Scouters who have rendered special service to others. The National Award of Heroism Honor Medal is awarded to Scouts or Scouters for saving life with great risk to themselves.

The National Award of Merit Medal is presented to Scouts and Scouters for the performance of service well above which is expected of all Scouts and Scouters in their daily lives and which impacts others to a high degree. The Heroism Medal is presented to Scouts and Scouters for saving life at a minimal or less risk than that of the Honor Medal. Certificates of Merit are authorized to be presented when the Scout or Scouter performs a single or multiple acts of heroism or service but of a lesser degree than those required for the other three awards.

All of these awards are presented in the name of the Boy Scouts of America. In order for a Scout or Scouter to be honored with such an award, application must be made and approved by the BSA’s National Court of Honor. It is in their behalf that I call this portion of the ceremony this evening to make this award.

On behalf of the Boy Scouts of America, it gives me great honor to present the National Award of Merit Medal to Michael Attardi Jr. of Troop 6 Orlando, Florida.

“I am extremely honored and humbled by the recognition that the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America presented to me. I want to thank my brother Nate, my father and all the local people who helped me gather the supplies needed for those victims of Super Storm Sandy.”

Said honoree Michael “Mikey” Attardi Jr.

4/6/15 - 4/20/15 • Florida Sporting News

Page 13

West Orange High School Needs Our HELP!

By Matt Cohn

In 2006, West Orange High School became the first high school in Central Florida to install a synthetic turf field. The turf was a success, saving the school an estimated $38,000 a year on field maintenance costs compared to that of a grass field, and coercing other local area schools with the likes of Lake Highland Prep, Lake Brantley, and Oviedo amongst them, to convert their fields to synthetic turf.

Nine years after West Orange’s groundbreaking new turf was installed, it has been completely shut down. On March 19th, the turf of Raymond Screws Field was inspected and deemed unplayable. The school’s turf failed to meet ATSM (American Society for Testing and Materials) standards. After the inspection, the school was forced to ban all activities on the turf and sur-

rounding the field with gates and “keep off” caution tape. The turf’s condemnation came as a shock to the sports teams currently in season.

Boys and girls lacrosse and flag football have been forced to cancel the remainder of their home games.

issue it has caused for his team. “It’s a big distraction. We practice out there all the time, use it for agility drills and 7 on 7. It’s a major inconvenience.” Head reiterated the resiliency of his team amongst the turf uncertainty. “We’re trying to stay focused and stay positive.”

With spring football looming, and a surging football program coming off an 11-1 season in Coach Bob Head’s second season, the future of the turf for next year’s athletic seasons remains in limbo. “Given the tradition of West Orange and this program, it would be disheartening to see it not resolved by fall. I expect us to find a solution before then.”

Efforts to raise the funds necessary to replace the turf have begun. West Orange is currently reaching out to the community for the funds necessary to install new turf, seeking sponsors and donations to fund the replacement. Donations to the cause can be made at

While Head expects the community to come together to save the turf, he acknowledges the

www.mypaynetapps.com/pay.php?it em=10539814180675083636897540130

Page 14 Florida Sporting News • 4/6/15 - 4/20/15

Edgewater High School Golf Scramble to benefit Stellar Athletic Program

By Noelle Clay

The Edgewater High School Athletic Program is hosting a golf fundraiser at Dubsdread Golf course on Friday, April 24th. This event will kick off at 7.45 am with a helicopter drop, where 500 golf balls will be dropped on to the green and the closest ball to the hole or in the hole will win its lucky owner a choice of a great prize such as hotel stays, golf clubs and more. Each golfer will receive breakfast, range balls, a helicopter drop entry, lunch at the Tap Room, as well as alcoholic beverages during the event.

Fantastic prizes will be won during the drawing at lunch.

Please help support our Edgewater Athletics program. All proceeds will go towards the

state championship and metro championship banners to be displayed in the gym. Edgewater has a rich history since it opened its doors in 1952.

The Eagles have won two boys basketball champion-

ships, four girls basketball championships, one cross country team championship, one boys golf team championship, as well as countless individual state championships and state runner-ups.

This 2014-15 school year, Edgewater has captured five district championships so far.

Thank you for helping us display our pride for our former athletes’ achievements, as well as assisting our current students in learning about our Edgewater Eagles’ athletic accomplishments.

If interested in signing up for the golf fundraiser, please register at www. ehsathletics.com or stop by the front office at Edgewater High School at 3100 Edgewater Drive Orlando, FL 32804. You can also contact Dr. Janet M. Rasmussen, Athletic Director at 407.835.4900.

The Helmet Debate: Safe or Overprotective?

By Zaineb Saied

Very few places in the country require helmets to be worn in girl’s lacrosse. Florida is an exception.

In June of 2014, the Florida High School Athletic Association’s (FHSAA) Board of Directors voted in favor of the requirement to wear helmets in girls’ lacrosse.

This decision quickly stirred debate. Those in favor of the ruling are greatly outnumbered by those who don’t.

Michelle Virgilio, a 17 year old defender for the Dr. Phillips varsity team said, “...the helmets do little to nothing due to the fact that the chances of getting hit in the head hard enough for a concussion are slim.” Her team mate, Syera Ballmes, 16, agreed with her saying that “They are really annoying and honestly don’t do anything if you get hit.”

The helmets that the FHSAA has made a requirement have caused a lot of annoyance to many of the girls playing who find them completely unnecessary. But, the FHSAA isn’t completely alone. There are those out there who are all for extra safety precautions. Sarah Yousef, 17, plays alongside Virgilio and Ballmes at Dr. Phillips High School. Yousef said, “I know many of my teammates who don’t agree, but it’s better to play it safe than sorry.”

A petition had gone around to change the ruling but so far, no change. US Lacrosse, the national organization for the game, released a statement strongly urging Florida coaches and athletic directors to contact FHSAA board members requesting them to overturn the ruling. So far, the ruling is still in order and many are afraid that it will create a domino effect in that other states will follow in Florida’s footsteps.

4/6/15 - 4/20/15 • Florida Sporting News

Page 15

Edgewater Boys Lacrosse is experiencing a renaissance on the field: Nick George

By Noelle Clay

Nick George

Under the direction of new head coach, Rabon Smith, the boys have won 8 games so far this season, the first winning season in 6 years.

Coach Smith started the Dr. Phillips Boys Lacrosse program in 2006 and coached the Panthers for three years. He has also previously coached at Bishop Moore, the Christ School in North Carolina, Rollins College and Lycoming College in Pennsylvania. His passion is helping our student athletes not only have an opportunity to play at the college level, but more importantly to become mature young men with the opportunity to succeed in the future.

The Eagles Boys Lacrosse team is full of talented players with Matt Goin in goal and a plethora of defensive, midfield and offensive stars. Most notably, two offensive lacrosse players have

broken records this year already -Junior Nick George and Senior Connor Fields.

The first game of the season at Ocoee, Nick scored 7 goals and had 2 assists. The 7 goals, set the record for goals scored in a single game.

Nick also set the record that night for points in a game (9). On 3/30, the Eagles took on Colonial at home, where Nick scored 4 goals and had 6 assists for a total of 10 points. This broke Edgewater’s Boys Lacrosse record for assists and points in a single game.

Nick is currently tied for most goals in a season at 38. (Which he should break on Wednesday night in our game against Freedom). Additionally, Nick has set the record for assists in a single season, 22, with two games remaining in the season. Finally, Nick also has the record for

points in a season currently at 60 and is in 2nd place for All-time scoring with 96 points. We look forward to Nick’s senior year and his continued dominance on the field as well as in the classroom. Nick wishes to study law and play lacrosse at university upon graduating.

Senior Connor Fields will graduate this season as the Career All-time scoring leader (currently 112 points) for the Eagles. Connor started with the Eagles in Midfield and Attack in 2012, when we only had a varsity team. With his ground balls, goals and assists, Conner has set the new record for the Eagles as All-time scoring leader.

Good luck to Conner as he attends university to study agriculture or medicine.

Page 16 Florida Sporting News • 4/6/15 - 4/20/15