hallpassonthat.com

Florida, Texas, California … it’s no surprise which states have the most former high school players on the Baltimore and San Francisco rosters.

Texas has 17 players on the teams’ rosters, either on the active roster, injured reserve or the practice squad.

Here’s a list of Texans:

Ravens
Chykie Brown, Texas – Galena Park (Texas) North Shore
Adrian Hamilton, Prairie View A&M – Dallas Carter
Chris Johnson, Louisville – … [visit site to read more]

High School Sports Blog

The website PrepNation.com released its pre-season high school football poll and five Florida teams are ranked. One of the bigger surprises? That a Broward County team–St. Thomas Aquinas–is among them.

I say surprise only because in two earlier pre-season polls–USA Today’s Super 25 and MaxPrep’s XCellent 25, the Raiders were nowhere to be found. Neither were any other Broward teams. It just goes to show you how random pre-season national high school football polls can be. (Want another example? USA Today ranks Miami Central as its top team entering the season, while PrepNation puts the Rockets at No. 15, behind St. Thomas, ranked No. 14).

PrepNation’s top ranked team is Bradenton Manatee, which opens the season against Miramar. Also ranked are Miami’s Booker T. Washington (No. 5) and Tampa Plant (No. 11).

For a complete look at the PrepNation.com poll, follow this link.

To check out USA Today’s pre-season Super 25, click here.

Broward HS Sports

In early August, it’s not uncommon to see high school football teams taking to the practice fields before the sun comes up. Some squads are eager to get out there and start working. Others see 5 and 6 a.m. practices as practical. After all, it’s one way to avoid those almost-daily afternoon thunderstorms South Floridians know all too well.

But while making the rounds today and chatting with a few coaches, one topic came up more than once: Midnight Madness. And no, those coaches weren’t talking about that NCAA basketball tradition. They were talking about late-night practices for high school football teams.

According to the Tallahassee Democrat, at least two area schools–Lincoln and Chiles–began practice at 12:01 a.m. this morning. Do a quick search on Google or Twitter and you’ll discover Midnight Madness practices are pretty common across the country (Not surprisingly, they’re a fan favorite in Texas). And an Instagram photo I came across showed Miami’s Christopher Columbus was out in the rain after midnight.

So is it time to bring Midnight Madness practices to Broward and Palm Beach counties? Maybe. At least one coach thought the idea sounded like a fun way to get fans and players excited about the upcoming season. Will a midnight practice give teams any kind of competitive advantage? Not likely. After all, how many games are played at midnight? And whether you take the field at 12:01 a.m., 6 a.m., or 4 p.m., the FHSAA limits how long practices can be and how many hours are allowed per week.

But could Midnight Madness practices give fans reasons to cheer? Will they generate interest from the community? I think so. High school football fans are passionate here. They’d love the opportunity to come out, show their teams some support and be part of creating a new tradition.

I have a feeling this could be a concept that takes root and I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if come one Sunday night next August, I’ll be on campus somewhere, watching a new South Florida phenomenon.

So how ’bout it? If your high school had an open Midnight Madness practice, would you go? Or is the entire concept overkill? Share your thoughts…

Broward HS Sports

Every time a major story breaks–whether it’s in news, entertainment or sports–there usually seems to be a South Florida connection.

The biggest story in college baseball is no different.

A week after emerging as the winner of the Coral Gables regional and stunning the hometown Hurricanes in the process, Stony Brook traveled to Baton Rouge and upset LSU in a three-game Super Regional to earn a berth in the College World Series.

One of the players headed to Omaha? Pitcher and Coral Glades alum Evan Stecko-Haley. Stecko-Haley enters the CWS with a 7-3 record, a 3.47 ERA, and a staff-high 63 strikeouts for the Seawolves.

Monday, Stecko-Haley’s high school coach, Joe Giummule, talked about how exciting it’s been to watch his former player’s run to college baseball’s biggest stage.

“I was watching ESPN [Sunday] night and I saw him jumping around in the dugout with his teammates,” said Giummule, who now coaches at South Broward. “He was a decently-recruited player out of high school, and he chose a school that would give him the opportunity to play right away. It’s great to see him succeeding. He was a great kid, a hard worker and I thought he had talent even out of high school.”

While Stony Brook’s success has surprised college baseball fans across the country, Giummule said it’s something he expected after watching the Seawolves recruit in South Florida.

“I met the head recruiter when he came down here and they went outside the box,” Giummule said. “They came to South Florida and they did a great job of stealing a kid from Miami, FIU and FAU’s back yard. They took some kids from Miami, and those kids stepped right in and became four-year starters. They got program players, players that play the game the way it’s supposed to be played. Now they’re reaching their plan.”

Broward HS Sports

Photo Courtesy: film.fsu.edu

Do you like the idea of working in the film industry?  Many people are quick to answer “yes,” but might not know exactly how to go about doing so.  It is important to remember that film is a multi-billion dollar industry and, as a result, that means there are many, many different aspects to the industry as a whole.  Whether it is producing, directing or a range of behind the scenes jobs the film industry has opportunities especially for those with the right skills.

There are many different programs that cater to helping students acquire a deeper understanding of the film industry.  Programs that can be particularly useful are ones like the BFA in Animation and Digital Arts at Florida State University.  While this program is clearly not for everyone, those with an interest in animation and the digital end of media will find this degree program worth looking into and exploring.

The BFA in Animation and Digital Arts focuses on helping students acquire the skill sets necessary to produce their own film films and even their own animations.  Of particular interest is the fact that the program at Florida State University boasts a low student to faculty ratio.  In fact, the program’s core is built around workshops led by accomplished professionals.  Much of the instruction takes place on a more personalized one-to-one level.

Those interested in a hands-on approach will certainly find this point worthy of note.  Further, this type of highly interactive instruction leads to an educational experience that is far different than what most undergraduate college students experience.

In terms of “hands on” experience, like many college programs in film and animation, students in the BFA in Animation and Digital Arts at Florida State University produce their own shorts, which are then potentially screened at film festivals.  Another aspect of this hands on approach including learning to operate a variety of different kinds of equipment and serve in a variety of different creative positions.

One plus side to completing such a program is that students will have concrete examples of their work and the skills that they have acquired during their degree program.  In this regard, the BFA in Animation and Digital Arts is different than many other programs.

Tuition as of 2012 is roughly ,000 for Florida residents and about ,000 for out-of-state residents.  Thus, those living outside of Florida who are thinking about this interesting and hands on program will of course want to check for local, similar types of programs.

Is such a degree right for you?  For those who already have proven artistic ability in this area or a strong interest, such a program could prove to be highly rewarding.  One great byproduct of a degree of this kind is the opportunity to meet and network with industry professionals before even completing a degree program, and this can, of course, lead to future opportunities across the spectrum.

Related posts:

1. Useful Degrees Series: Astronomy Degree Program at the University of Texas at Austin
2. Useful Degrees Series: Degree in Viticulture & Enology at Cornell University
3. The Best Online Degrees for Gamers

My College Guide

Just before the start of the high school baseball season, a number of teams from Broward and Palm Beach counties found themselves ranked in the pre-season ESPNHS Powerade Fab 50.

Six weeks into the season, just two remain.

Coming off a solid showing in the Titan Classic, Nova has moved into the top 10 of the most recent Powerade Fab 50. The Titans (12-0) are now ranked No. 7 in the country and are the highest ranked Florida team.

Palm Beach Central, which was unranked last week, is now No. 37.

For a complete look at the most recent ESPNHS Powerade Fab 50, follow this link.

Broward HS Sports

It’s been a big week for Auburn pitcher Lauren Schmalz, a former Everglades High standout.

Schmalz, who is the daughter of Cooper City softball coach Phil Schmalz, was named the SEC Pitcher of the Week after helping lead the Tigers to victories over No. 15 Oklahoma State and No. 23 Georgia Tech.

The senior is currently has a 4-0 record with a 0.36 ERA. In 19.1 innings, she has struck out 25 and allowed just five walks.

Just days after being honored by the SEC, Schmalz will be returning to South Florida as Auburn takes part in FAU’s Strike Out Cancer Tournament in Boca Raton this weekend.

The Tigers, ranked No. 19 in the ESPN/USA Softball top 25, will play five games in the tournament–two Friday, two Saturda and one on Sunday. Their opponents will include FAMU, FAU, Michigan State, FIU and Loyola Marymount.

Broward HS Sports

Rick Tucci, a wrestling official from Pembroke Pines, has been a tireless pioneer for the sport of wrestling for decades.

On Monday, the Florida High School Athletic Association announced that Tucci was in line to receive a very special honor: induction into the National High School Hall of Fame.

According to the FHSAA, Tucci has been officiating at the state, national and international level for more than 30 years. He has officiated 23 FHSAA Wrestling Finals events and has been the state’s rule interpreter 1976.

He has also served as president of the USA Wrestling Officials Association since 1986 and officiated at seven Olympics and more than 60 world championships. Tucci was inducted into the Florida High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2006.

This year’s National High School Hall of Fame induction is scheduled to take place in July in Philadelphia. Tucci is one of 12 national honorees–and is the only inductee in this class that hails from Florida.

Broward HS Sports

While in Lakeland last week for the FHSAA girls’ basketball state tournament, I noticed there was no announcement made for the annual All-Tournament team.

Guess they just needed a few days to collect and tabulate votes…

A few minutes ago, I received an email with the 2011 Florida Sportswriters Girls Basketball State Finals All-Tournament Team. Dillard and Hollywood Christian, which both won state titles, are both well represented.

Here’s the official list for all six classifications:

2011 Florida Sportswriters Girls Basketball State Finals All-Tournament Team

Class 1A
Danielle McCray (Trinity Christian), Sr., PF, 40 points, 14 points
Rebecca Lyttle (Hollywood Christian), Jr., G, 28 points, 14 points
Kaley Howard (Hollywood Christian), Sr., F, 17 points, 9 points
LaKaris Salter (FAMU), 16 points, 16 rebounds
Jaitesha Hanson (Seffner Christian), So. G, 29 points, 10 rebounds

Honorable Mention: Sarah Kelton (Hollywood), Jr., G, Rickae Jinks (Hollywood), So., F, Ariah Osceola (Hollywood), Jr., G, Sabrina Whiting (Seffner), Fr., G, Crystal Connors (Trinity) Sr., F

Class 2A
Cartaesha Macklin (Lafayette), Sr., PG, 33 points, 13 points
Eva Myers (Sagemont), So., G, 15 points, 25 points
Michelle Woods (Naples Community), Sr., G, 22 points, 11 points
Jamie Kaplan (Florida Air), Sr., PG, 21 points
Cailtin Schwartz (Naples Community), Jr. G, 21 points, 24 points

Honorable Mention: Alexis Pester (Sagemont), So., G, Haley Nadeau (Naples Community), Fr., G, Makai’la McCloud (Sagemont), Fr., G, Rhoda Reid (Lafayette), Jr., G, Erica Correa (Sagemont), Fr., F

Class 3A
Monique Maximilien (North Broward), Jr., F/C, 18 points, 15 rebounds
Meghan Keough (Tampa Catholic), Sr., PG, 23 points, 30 points
Kai Jones (Tampa Catholic), Jr., F, 25 points, 16 rebounds
Ronni Williams (Atlantic), So., G/F/C, 23 points, 19 rebounds
Micah Kroll (Tampa Catholic), Jr. G, 20 points, 6 points

Honorable Mention: Jessica Tibbets (Atlantic), Jr., G, Tyeshia Guinnie (Rickards), Jr., G, Symone Bullard (North Broward), Jr., G, Victoria Keise (North Broward), Sr., G/F, Shannon Owens (Rickards), Fr., C

Class 4A
Taye‘ Lor Trotter (Lakewood), Sr., G, 23 points, 6 points
Tianah Alvarado (Lakewood), So., G/F, 22 points, 14 points
Courtney Singleton (Titusville), Sr., F, 6 points, 6 rebounds
Chelsey Gibson (Pensacola), So., C, 34 points, 16 rebounds
Kyla Muhammad (Pensacola), Jr., F, 15 points, 16 points

Honorable Mention: Schineice Beamon (Lakewood), Jr., G, Brianna Wright (Titusville), Sr., C, LaDeyah Forte (Pensacola), Sr., G, Akiah Davis (Titusville) Sr., G, Jaleesa Blue (Leesburg), Sr., F

Class 5A
T’Keyah Williams (Dillard), Sr., F, 20 points, 8 points
Kayla Wright (Dillard), So., F, 9 points, 19 points
Zeneka Willix (Winter Haven), So. F, 12 points, 10 rebounds
Erica Lanier (Winter Haven), Sr., G, 16 points, 13 points
Amber Henson (Sickles), Sr., F, 20 points, 18 rebounds

Honorable Mention: Kimberly Sinisterra (Buchholz), Jr., C, Jessica Goble (Buchholz), Sr., G/F, Jessica Thomas (Buchholz), So., G, Bre Crum (Sickles), Jr., G, Charla Nelson (Winter Haven), Sr., C

Class 6A
Sarah Taylor (Lake Mary), Sr., F, 20 points, 18 points
Morgan Jones (Lake Mary), Sr., G/F, 15 points, 20 points
Sydnei McCaskill (Dr. Phillips), So., G, 15 points, 8 points
Tayrn Griffey (Dr. Phillips), Fr., G, 19 points, 10 rebounds
Jasmine Walker (So. Broward), Sr., F, 10 points, 10 rebounds

Honorable Mention: Ieshia Small (Dr. Krop), So, G/F, Annessa DeLaCruz (Dr. Krop), Sr., G/F, Kiara Shoats (So. Broward), Sr., G, Danielle Robinson (So. Broward), Sr., G, Arianna Cumbie (Dr., Phillips), So., C

Broward HS Sports

High school football players across South Florida will have the opportunity to test and measure their skills this weekend as the Nike SPARQ combine comes to North Miami Stadium on Saturday.

According to the information from ESPN, the combine is open to football players in the class of 2012 and top underclassmen. Registration is free and athletes who attend will be measured by height and weight. They’ll also be tested in the 40-yard dash and the vertical leap among other skills.

The combine is scheduled to run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and more information, including registration details, is available HERE.

Broward HS Sports