Andy Siegal Continues To Elevate Athletes

Just because veteran football Coach Andy Siegal is doing his thing in Florida’s Panhandle, don’t think for a minute that he isn’t always thinking out of the box. Siegal is old school – coaching and living in some “different” locations across the country, and fitting in like he was made for the position. He is spontaneous and has a passion for everything he does – including wrestling, where getting in the car and driving two days for an event is nothing really big. He doesn’t have to think twice about piling seven football players in a van for 14 hours to get them exposure. He grew up with pay phones and gas below a $1, but that’s what makes him so genuine. Siegal is what every coach should be like. He uses his decades and decades of experience – coaching and teaching at some of the highest levels to continue to bring everyone football the way it is supposed to be. His college coaching at Savannah State, Southern Mississippi, East Mississippi, Sequoias and Dodge City gives his players such a huge edge, having a coach with so much experience. His latest stop in North Bay Haven. Located in Panama City, he has learned to make the best of what you have – and with the players on his football team – he is teaching them things that many of the younger and less experienced coaches could never bring them. What Andy Siegal is to so many is a trail-blazer, never heading for the glamour positions, but always coming away satisfied by what he brings to the table – at his many stops. This past Saturday, the Coach Siegal that generations have admired and respected was on full display for a much-anticipated One Day Camp that was designed to teach and instruct. Forced to hold the event inside the gym at the high school, Coach Siegal paid attention to a waterspout that turned into a small tornado and rolled into town – leading the way for a tough weather day. With the kids’ safety in mind, the event didn’t start until the all clear was given, but still, these young man who came from Panhandle communities to learn and pick up some pointers with spring getting under way later this month, were excited to just get some recognition. They came from Pensacola, Chipley, Pensacola Christian, Navarre, Lighthouse Christian and North Bay Haven to gain an edge – with former LSU and NFL line coach Donovan Jackson on hand. “Here’s the thing about what we do,” Siegal explained. “We are going to host a number of these types of things, if you want to come, learn a few things and get better, you are more than welcome to join us.” What Coach Siegal represents is someone you need to have in your area. As long as he stays in that region of Florida, he will continue to elevate the exposure – because his vast knowledge of coaching, promoting and networking anything and everything he is involved with. SOME HEAD-TURNERS ON SATURDAY Even though they worked inside – it was all about technique as Coach Jackson and assistants from Lighthouse Christian helped make this a day of learning. The One Day Camp did attract a few athletes to keep an eye on. Here are some who the coaches were talking about: 2023 – [player_tooltip player_id="128552" first="Caleb" last="Akers"], OT/DT, 6-3, 235, Navarre. While he has a long way to go to be where he wants to be, having an opportunity to spend time learning on Saturday will only open up several avenues for this young man moving forward. Navarre will always be competitive, and he adds to that. TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/3870356/Caleb-Akers 2022 – Ayden Leon, OT/DE, 6-5, 255, Panama City North Bay Haven. One of Coach Siegal’s versatile football prospects who has size, is very agile for a big man and will give you everything until that whistle blows. Solid young man. TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/12970926/Ayden-Leon. 2022 – Damircle Lewis, DT, 6-0, 294, Pensacola Lighthouse Christian Academy. The first thing you notice about this young man is the way he gets off the ball and looks to initiate plays. While there is plenty to work on, you can see someone with passion and love for getting better. TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/11727520/Damiracle-Lewis 2023 – [player_tooltip player_id="128604" first="Ethan" last="Newman"], OG, 6-2, 260, Navarre. You talk about a tough young man who gets after it right away. The Raiders have a solid guard who has shown that he will open holes for the running game – and provide protection for the passing game. This is someone who will do what it takes! TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/12692385/Ethan-Newman 2022 - [player_tooltip player_id="226754" first="Landen" last="Pettis"], DT, 6-3, 290, Chipley. When this event ended, every coach was talking about this young man. Has the size, strength and athletic ability to special – on either side of the ball. College coaches will also want to see him perform on the offensive side of the ball as well. Has a 3.75 GPA in the classroom as well. TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/11458664/Landen-Pettis THE FUTURE LOOKS BRIGHT In addition to those in 2022 and 2023, the camp also brought out some promising prospects for the future. Here are athletes you will need to keep an eye out for: 2024 Jeremiah Coleman, OL, 6-2, 270, Pensacola Catholic Admaldo D’Olivera, DT, 6-2, 305, North Bay Haven Austin Gainey, OL, 6-2, 246, Chipley AJ Pratt, DT, 6-0, 260, Pensacola Lighthouse Christian Academy 2025 Quinton Baker, OL, 6-0, 301, North Bay Haven Kam D’Niroux, OL,5-11, 248, North Bay Haven Tommy Robideau, DL, 6-2, 207, North Bay Haven You Can Contact [player_tooltip player_id="111610" first="Larry" last="Blustein"] with prospect or team information at: Floridakids1@aol.com. We are also on Social Media on @PrepRedzonefl.