VSN Stops In West Palm Beach
WEST PALM BEACH – Stop No. 13 in the Varsity Sports Network Football Media Tour made its way to Keiser University for the Palm Beach area event that was once again met with enthusiasm and near perfect attendance.
Over 30 schools had the opportunity to showcase their teams for the upcoming season – live on a stream as well as with photos and personal interviews from the media that gathered as part of a 16-stop media event that Bobby Lattmore, Dan LaForest and several others who continue to make this a signature media gathering.
For Lantana Santaluces first year head coach Hector Clavijo, who was part of the successful run at Hialeah Champagnat Catholic – a 2A power, brought his new team to Media Day and came away impressed as his players had the chance to jump in the spotlight.
For the Chiefs who spent the entire summer traveling to every event possible, Wednesday was another step in turning a 1-8 team around.
“Coming from south Florida where they do things in a big way, I have to say that this was one first class outing for everyone who attended,” he explained. “Our kids that we brought had the chance to talk about the season and get their photos taken, which was great.”
While Santaluces took in the Media Day, schools such as Boca Raton Spanish River, Belle Glade Glades Central, West Boca Raton, Lake Worth, Palm Beach Gardens Dwyer and West Palm Beach Forest Hill also had the chance to take in the experience.
Palm Beach Gardens, after a solid spring and summer, brought out five players to answer questions from the media. So did head coach Eric Kresser and Palm Beach Gardens Benjamin School, Delray Beach Atlantic and head coach Jamael Stewart, Jupiter Christian and Royal Palm Beach.
Greenacres John I. Leonard came out. So did Lake Worth Park Vista, Riviera Beach Inlet Grove and West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman with veteran head coach Jack Daniels.
Daniels and his Crusaders enjoyed a tremendous spring and summer – and has high expectations going into the 2022 season. Daniels’ success at Palm Beach Gardens Dwyer has long been admired by fellow coaches and fans alike.
“We have had numerous media events during my years as a coach, but this was well run, planned out and great for our young men,” he explained. “Coming out here to showcase our players and look ahead to this season made for a really nice day.”
Another of the programs that grabbed plenty of attention was Wellington’s Palm Beach Central, who are coming off a one-loss season.
The Broncos enjoyed a tremendous off-season that included camps and combines as well as championships in 7-on-7 tournaments.
Among the other schools to come to Keiser University included Jupiter, Palm Beach Lakes, Boynton Beach Somerset Canyons, Boca Raton Saint Andrew’s, Wellington, West Palm Beach The King’s Academy and Pahokee, which seemed to be the most popular team in attendance.
The Blue Devils were a team that several schools were looking forward to lining up against this season, which speaks volumes for the success they have achieved through the years.
“It’s flattering for everyone is looking forward to playing us,” head coach Manny Hendrix said with a smile. “Because our program has long achieved and turned out talent, we have become that program you want to play against.”
Among the other programs coming out were Martin County programs Stuart Martin County and Stuart South Fork, which made the hour drive. Seminole Ridge, Palm Beach Christian Prep, Belle Glade Glades Day, West Palm Beach Berean Christian and Delray American Heritage were also in attendance.
For American Heritage and veteran head coach Brian VanGorder, the chance to showcase his new team was a perfect way to end his first off-season with the Stallions. With 40 plus years of high school college and NFL coaching, his vast experience has already rubbed off on his new team.
“I have been down this road before, obviously,” he pointed out. “But this is new to a number of our players and it was indeed a first class media day.”
After yet another quality Media Day, the south Florida tour ends up at 8 a.m. on Friday in Miami-Dade County at St. Thomas University – where 60 plus schools are expected to attend and get swept off their feet.
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Tracking Florida’s Football Teams For 2022 – https://prepredzone.com/2022/04/tracking-florida-football-teams/
You Can Contact Larry Blustein with prospect or team information at: Floridakids1@aol.com.