#Florida High School Athletic Association

[dontmeantobepoliticalbut]

A Florida school district is seeking to change a state medical form that asks female student-athletes about their menstrual histories following criticism from some physicians and parents who say it's unnecessary for schools to collect and digitally store such information and that doing so puts students at risk in the post-Roe v. Wade era.

The Palm Beach County School District has asked the Florida High School Athletic Association to alter its physical evaluation form for student-athletes so it no longer includes five optional questions asking about menstrual history, a spokesperson for the school district said.

“Although the question regarding menstruation is optional, our district has recently inquired about having this question removed,” the spokesperson said.

The paper form has been used and stored by all state school districts for "several years," said the spokesperson, who added that the district keeps records for seven years before it destroys them.

The Palm Beach Post reported that the backlash started after the district announced it would offer student-athletes the option this school year to digitally submit the form to the sports management software company Aktivate, which could be required to turn data over to legal authorities and other officials, according to both its privacy policy and federal law.

The concerns also come on the heels of Florida’s 15-week abortion ban, as well as broader worries among abortion rights activists and experts about how digitally stored information about menstruation could be used in light of the increase in abortion restrictions nationwide.

'TO HAVE THIS DIGITIZED MAKES IT A BIGGER CONCERN'

The optional questions ask students when they had both their first periods and their most recent ones, as well as how long their cycles usually are, how long their longest cycle was and how many periods they had within the year.

The Aktivate website says “a valid subpoena would be required” for the company to share information with law enforcement. It also notes that because the company works directly with schools, it is required to comply with the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, which protects the privacy of students’ educational records — but includes disclosure exceptions for subpoenas, state and local authorities and “appropriate officials in cases of health and safety emergencies.”

An Aktivate spokesperson said the company "adheres to the data privacy standards set by each school district," in addition to "all state and federal laws relating to the confidentiality of student records."

The platform provides coaches with information that could be relevant in a student-athlete's health emergency, and Aktivate "can accommodate profile removal requests," the spokesperson said.

"Upon request and approval by the school district, the company is able to remove parent login information, as well as any associated athlete profiles," the spokesperson said.

Craig Damon, the executive director of the Florida High School Athletic Association, said state law requires it to mandate that prospective student-athletes complete evaluations incorporating their medical histories. Florida students and parents also must sign forms providing consent for to release medical histories "should treatment for illness or injury be necessary," he added.

A spokesperson for the association did not respond to specific inquiries about the Palm Beach County school district’s request to remove the information about menstrual history from the physical evaluation form.

Dr. Thresia Gambon, a pediatrician and the president of the Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, said a student-athlete's menstrual history can provide important insight for doctors, noting that irregular menstruation is one component — along with disordered eating and osteoporosis — of the female athlete triad, a disorder that can lead to reproductive, bone and cardiovascular issues. But she said she does not see why schools need that information.

"Having menstrual history is very important — whether it’s very important that it's included in that form is a different question," she said.

Gambon pointed to the American Academy of Pediatrics’ guidelines for physical evaluation forms for student-athletes, which explicitly state that forms related to medical histories and physical examinations should not be shared with schools.

And "to have this digitized makes it a bigger concern, because it is private medical information," she added.

The only form the academy recommends making available to schools is a medical eligibility form, which explains whether students are medically eligible to compete and provides space to list emergency contacts, allergies and medications.

Dr. Rebecca Carl, a sports medicine physician and a member of the executive committee of the American Academy of Pediatrics' Council on Sports Medicine and Fitness, said the academy's guidance "allows confidential, HIPAA-protected information to remain part of a child's medical record while providing schools with the information needed to determine whether the child is medically eligible for sports."

A representative for the Florida High School Athletic Association did not respond to an inquiry about the academy’s guidance.

'I'M WORRIED ABOUT HER FUTURE'

Yvette Avila, whose daughter attends a Palm Beach County middle school and plays softball, said she and her daughter prefer not to record the girl's menstrual data with the district.

“Nobody wants period information on any kind of document when you’re in middle school,” she said.

Avila is considering home-schooling her daughter.

“I’m worried about her future, of course, in regards to, like, what are they doing with that?” she added.

Aktivate, which launched last fall and was co-founded by former AOL CEO Jon Miller, signed a three-year licensing agreement with the Palm Beach County School District in June, according to a document obtained by The Palm Beach Post.

At an August school board meeting in Palm Beach County, Aktivate CEO Hesky Kutscher said: “We very much respect parents’ privacy rights, and in fact we provide high security and high privacy for all the information that is put into our system — far bigger security, by the way, than paper.”

In addition to inquiring about removing questions about students' menstrual histories, the Palm Beach County School District's spokesperson said officials “will continue to explore other options, such as lobbying for revisions to this form and/or limiting the information provided to schools to solely the physician’s approval or disapproval of the student-athlete’s medical clearance.”

[shewhoworshipscarlin]

Earlene Dennis Brown

Earlene Dennis Brown, a three-time Olympian, was the first African American woman to win a medal in the shot put. Throughout her life Brown excelled in a variety of sports, gaining attention, recognition, and honors. She is the only shot-putter to compete in three consecutive Olympics (1956, 1960, 1964). Brown won Olympic bronze for Women’s shot put in 1960; was Amateur Athletic Union Champion in shot put (1956-62, 1964); won Amateur Athletic Union Championship, discus (1958-59, 1961); won gold medal in shot put, silver medal in discus, USA-USSR dual meet (1958); was shot put and discus champion, Pan-American Games (1959); and placed 12th in shot put, Tokyo Olympics (1964).

Earlene Dennis, born July 11, 1935, in Latexo, Texas to Espenola Tillis Dennis, a domestic servant, and Willie Dennis, a semipro baseball player with the Negro League in Texas. When her parents separated in 1938, Dennis remained with her mother and they moved to Los Angeles in 1945. Dennis’s mother married Julius Walker in 1946. Dennis attended Jordan High School in South Central Los Angeles, where she excelled in track and field. Her athletic ability was noticed by many, including Adeline Valdez, Dennis’s high school gym teacher, Josephine Spearman, and Coach Clarence Mackey, who tried to get her to compete in the Helsinki Olympics (in 1952 in Helsinki, Finland). Valdez is credited with putting the first discus in Dennis’ hands while her history teacher taught her to shot put. Before competing in shot put and discus, Dennis anchored the relay team.

In 1956, Brown finished in the top ten in the shot put and the discus. In 1958 Brown received the #1 world ranking and became the first American to break the 50-foot barrier. Brown won gold medals in the shot put as well as discus events at the Pan American Games in 1959. At the Tokyo Olympics in 1964 Brown placed 12th in the shot put.

Brown retired from the shot put competition in 1965. The same year she took up another sport, roller derby. Brown’s career in skating began as a blocker for the New York Bombers.

In 1975, Brown retired from all athletic ventures and worked as a beautician to provide for herself and family. On May 1, 1983, Earlene Dennis Brown passed away in Compton, California at the age of 47. On December 1, 2005, Earlene Brown was posthumously inducted in the National Track and Field Hall of Fame by the USA Track and Field (USATF) Association during the Jesse Owens Awards and the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Jacksonville, Florida.

[annieqattheperipheral]

NHLPA launches a new program to help players prepare for life outside of hockey

i.e. dad yelling at u to get a real job bc ur etsy shop aint be bumpin forever

the kids are getting a high school guidance counsellor and co-op term! what colour is ur parachute nursey

no wonder sabres on the rise oko's media hits so beautifully eloquent. they got smartypants mini gm at the helm

i just find this so interesting and wonderful ...and like if a big hockey butt wants to come hit me up for improv classes i'm not complaining🫠 imma make a union actor (nate. realistic) two time emmy winner (sid. dream on u don't have that ass) outta u

full article under cut:

Early in his time in the NHL, Darnell Nurse says he did not notice a lot of players talking about what to do after hockey. Going into his ninth season, the chatter is now normal.

“People are curious as to what there is outside the game and what you can do to prepare yourself,” Nurse said.

Plenty of players have taken it upon themselves to prepare for the future, like Zdeno Chara getting his real estate license and others finishing college degrees or exploring business opportunities. The NHL Players’ Association on Thursday launched a program that gives its members the chance to do a personality analysis and delve into real estate, business or other avenues while still in the league.

The hope is to help them develop interests outside of hockey while playing and ease the transition to life afterward.

“It’s something that’s been missing a little bit,” veteran center Lars Eller told The Associated Press. “It’s kind of well known that one of the struggles for a professional athlete is the transition on to the next thing once he’s done with his professional career. And this platform helps you with that transition, and it’s something you can start even while you’re still playing so you can sort of hit the ground running once you’re done.”

New union boss Marty Walsh made helping former players one of his top priorities. His arrival in March coincided with a process two years in the making, after player feedback indicated the desire for more assistance outside of hockey.

The result is the NHLPA UNLMT program. Retired defenseman-turned-psychologist Jay Harrison is available to do an assessment, and players can get involved with companies ranging from Money Management International to The Second City comedy and improv theater and institutions like the University of Florida and Stanford’s graduate school of business.

Former goaltender Rob Zepp, who’s spearheading the program as the union’s director of strategic initiatives, said an extensive survey provided the building blocks for something that was designed to be 1-on-1 and customized for players to figure out what might interest them.

“What we’ve seen so far it really runs the gamut: anything from enhancing one’s personal brand to starting a podcast to taking these certificate-level courses in real estate, in entrepreneurship, in business, in leadership, communication skills, networking skills,” Zepp said. “We have players that are interested in or are currently pursuing commercial real estate avenues or farming ventures or construction.”

Eller, Nurse and Buffalo captain Kyle Okposo are among the players who have tried UNLMT so far. Okposo has already graduated from Stanford’s business leadership program, while Eller has spoken with Harrison and taken some of the courses offered.

“They’re not waiting until people’s careers are over,” said Nurse, who is still in his prime at 28. “It’s something that you can dip your feet into and grab a hold of while you’re still playing and giving you resources and opportunities to kind of figure out what you want to do.”

Zepp got a degree from the University of Waterloo and an MBA from the University of Liverpool the old-school way — tapes and textbooks sent by mail and tests taken in front of a proctor — while playing mostly in the minors and Europe before before 10 games with Philadelphia in 2014-15. He felt like having something to study made him a better goalie and understood there was plenty of idle time on the road.

Eller, who is a silent partner involved with helping start-up businesses, thinks the same way.

“We, as players, we have — not a lot of freedom once the season is starting — but we do have a lot of free time,” said Eller, who scored the Stanley Cup-winning goal for Washington in 2018 and is a pending free agent at 34. “It’s a huge positive if you have something else that you can take your mind off of hockey and do something productive with that time.”

Walsh got to know several Bruins alumni when he was mayor of Boston and has since talked to other former players and come away with a mandate to protect guys beyond their time on the ice.

“When they played, they gave it their all, and a lot of them didn’t really have anything after that,” Walsh said. “They didn’t make big contracts. They really didn’t have a strong pension system. A lot of them, even going back further than that, lost stuff. We can’t let that happen again.”

[justinssportscorner]

Jacob Ogles at The Advocate:

When Jessica Norton became “team mom” for her daughter’s volleyball team, she never expected it might cost her job. She certainly didn’t anticipate becoming the face of a national controversy about transgender children’s place on the athletic field. But that changed when the Broward County School Board announced disciplinary action against administrators at Monarch High School and against Norton, who worked as an information management specialist at the school. District officials said the school and Norton personally had violated Florida’s Fairness in Women’s Sports Act.

“I’ve been through the wringer as far as this investigation,” Norton said in an exclusive interview with The Advocate. “That day, I was told that the investigation was going to be 100 percent confidential and that nobody would know what was going on unless I told them. I left [my daughter] at school because they promised me she would be safe. Within two or three hours of me being home, it was on the news, along with my name and the other people involved. The school board did a press conference with the superintendent, and you know, it was on every news outlet in South Florida and apparently everywhere else.” Norton went on to fight punishment from her employer. As things stand now, she has been removed from her current position and was suspended for 10 days but will keep her long-term employment with the school district.

But her daughter, whose name is being withheld out of respect for the child’s privacy, transferred from Monarch and is now enrolled with Florida Virtual School, taking all classes remotely.

While Norton shielded her daughter from the media spotlight and tried to avoid much of it herself, the girl’s gender identity was never a secret to teammates or coaches. In fact, the family filed a federal lawsuit challenging Florida’s sports ban, a law Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed in 2021 (on the first day of Pride Month). The state remains at odds legally with President Joe Biden’s administration, which announced federal rules protecting transgender students from discrimination. A federal appellate court last week said Florida could enforce its trans sports ban other anti-LGBTQ+ policies for the time being. But the manner in which Florida’s law has been enforced against Norton’s family and school alarms Norton’s attorney Jason Starr, director of litigation for the Human Rights Campaign. “This investigation was placed on a track that's normally reserved for criminal conduct or very serious alleged violations of harm to students,” Starr said. “Essentially, these are police officers. They call Ms. Norton into the office. They have guns. They have badges. It had the imprimatur of a criminal investigation.”

It wasn’t until early August, more than seven months after the investigation’s launch, that the district identified a specific policy Norton had violated. The superintendent’s office alleged Norton submitted paperwork to the Florida High School Athletic Association listing her daughter’s sex as female, as it appears on her legal birth certificate and all school forms. Relevant to Norton’s legal challenge to retribution at work, she submitted those documents as the child’s parent, not through her administrative position at Monarch High.

Happy to see Jessica Norton stand up to unjust bans on trans girls’ participation in girls’ sports.

[lboogie1906]

Earlene Dennis Brown (July 11, 1935 - May 1, 1983) a three-time Olympian, was the first African American woman to win a medal in the shot put. She excelled in a variety of sports, gaining attention, recognition, and honors. She is the only shot-putter to compete in three consecutive Olympics (1956, 1960, 1964). She won Olympic bronze for Women’s shot put in 1960; was Amateur Athletic Union Champion in shot put (1956-62, 1964); won Amateur Athletic Union Championship, discus (1958-59, 1961); won gold medal in shot put, silver medal in discus, USA-USSR dual meet (1958); was shot put and discus champion, Pan-American Games (1959); and placed 12th in shot put, Tokyo Olympics (1964).

She was born in Latexo, Texas to Espenola Tillis Dennis, a domestic servant, and Willie Dennis, a semipro baseball player with the Negro League. When her parents separated in 1938, she remained with her mother and they moved to Los Angeles. She attended Jordan High School in South Central, where she excelled in track and field. Before competing in shot put and discus, she anchored the relay team.

She attended Compton Junior College and completed a machinist training program. She joined the Amateur Athletic Union. She married Henry Brown, a brick mason. The couple had a son.

In 1956, she finished in the top ten in the shot put and the discus. In 1958 she received the #1 world ranking and became the first American to break the 50-foot barrier. She won gold medals in the shot put as well as discus events at the Pan American Games in 1959. At the Tokyo Olympics in 1964, she placed 12th in the shot put.

She retired from the shot put competition in 1965. he took up roller derby. her career in skating began as a blocker for the New York Bombers.

In 1975, she retired from all athletic ventures and worked as a beautician to provide for herself and her family. She was posthumously inducted into the National Track and Field Hall of Fame by the USA Track and Field Association during the Jesse Owens Awards and the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Jacksonville, Florida. #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence

[nerdygaymormon]

I'm really distressed at all the anti-trans laws being passed

I also am distressed about this.

It was just a few years ago that the public & business backlash against North Carolina's bathroom bill caused the state to reverse it in 2017. Now laws are passing and many support them.

Fortunately, in most states on the Pacific Coast and in the Northeast, protections for trans people have been codified into law.

Unfortunately, in much of the rest of the nation lawmakers are using discrimination against trans people as a way to please their voters and bolster their chances for reelection.

The laws of 2020 & 2021 that banned trans athletes from competing against cis women seem very tame compared to what's happening now.

Some states ban the changing of gender markers on birth certificates. Some ban gender-affirming care, which is endorsed by every major medical association.

I live in Florida and it has gone so far as to ban mentioning gay & trans people exist to school children, bans books about queer topics & people in the libraries, banned K-12 schools from having trans anti-discrimination policies, and is requiring state universities to turn over the medical records of all students who reported having gender dysphoria. They even attacked the largest employer in the state for saying it supported queer people and opposed the discriminatory laws.

It is an attack on trans people!

The thing is, studies show gender transitioning benefits those who are transgender. This includes improved quality of life, greater relationship satisfaction, higher self-esteem & confidence, and reductions in anxiety, depression, suicidality, and substance abuse.

Studies show very high satisfaction rates for those who transition, whether it's social, whether it's hormone treatments, or whether it involves surgical procedures. Studies also suggest most who have regrets do so primarily as a result of a lack of social support after transitioning.

What reasons are lawmakers using to justify the anti-trans legislation?

It seems the arguments used are based on anecdotes and misinformation.

They claim that even acknowledging gay & trans people exist is somehow "grooming" children. There's no evidence this is the case, it make no logical sense to make this claim.

Some mention people who transitioned and later regretted this choice. Imagine if all medical treatments were outlawed if a few people wound up unhappy with them.

Some mention the idea of a ‘social contagion’ that convinces a cis person to transition, or they do so because they will receive some sort of ‘special treatment’ if they transition. That is easy to debunk. Those lawmakers should crossdress. Spend one day in public trying their very best to look as good as possible as opposite of the gender they identify as. Then let’s hear how it goes. Did they have overwhelmingly positive interactions and receive ‘special treatment’?

Some talk about the loss that family members experience that the trans individual will no longer follow the gendered expectations they had for their loved one. Nevermind the feelings of the transgender person who may feel rejected by their relatives.

These laws are based on bigotry and they put an already vulnerable group in more danger.

What I hope is this is the last fitful resistance by people who are uncomfortable with the world changing in ways that don't support their biases and bigotry. Acceptance of queer people has been growing year by year. As I mentioned, a number of states include trans people in their anti-discrimination laws. All major medical organizations support gender-affirming care and medical professionals testify against these laws.

Hopefully courts will disallow these laws, and in the future I hope that when this moral panic over trans people calms down that we can put protections in place.

[lkeke35]

Subject: Stop Florida's high school menstrual period reporting rule

Hi friend,

I just signed a petition from the gender justice organization UltraViolet calling on the Florida High School Athletic Association to reject the proposal to require female student athletes to report information about their menstrual periods to the school in order to play.

Will you sign the petition as well?

You can click this link to add your name to the petition addressed to the FHSAA: https://act.weareultraviolet.org/sign/florida_period_sign_vote?referring_akid=52413.1017270.KmF4nM&source=taf

Thank you for taking action with me!

[beardedmrbean]

Three University of Virginia star football players have been identified as the victims allegedly killed by a fellow student and former college football player in a mass shooting on the campus.

Linebacker D’Sean Perry, 22; Lavel Davis Jr, and Devin Chandler died on Sunday night when suspected gunman Christopher Darnell Jones allegedly opened fire around a parking garage on the university’s main campus along Culbreth Road in Charlottesville.

On Monday, Davis’s father Lavel Davis Sr wrote, “Lord please help me,” on Facebook, the Richmond Times-Dispatch reported. Davis, who was 6’7” tall, ranked No 2 in the nation and No 1 in the Atlantic Coast Conference for average yards per reception after the 2020 football season, the Associated Press reported.

He had returned to the field this year after suffering an injury in 2021. He was on a watch list for 2022 Comeback Player of the Year, per the AP.

Perry’s grieving father Sean Perry also confirmed his son’s death to the Richmond Times-Dispatch and said that he and the victim’s mother Happy were flying from their hometown of Miami to Virginia.

Perry, who was 6’3��� tall and weighed 230 pounds, was a linebacker and defensive end for the Virginia Cavaliers football team – the same University of Virginia team that Mr Jones made the roster for back in 2018.

The 22-year-old football star played just hours before his death, when his team took on Pittsburgh on Saturday.

According to a profile on the Virginia Cavalliers website, Perry previously played linebacker, defensive line and tight end at Gulliver Prep and was named the South Florida Conference’s 2018 Defensive Player of the Year.

He also made the Team USA under-19s team and appeared in the International Bowl in Dallas, Texas.

After graduating high school, he majored in studio art at the University of Virginia.

Head football coach Tony Elliott said early Monday afternoon that the victims “were all good kids” and he would speak about them when the time is right.

Sean Lampkin, an assistant football coach at Newberry College, confirmed that his cousin Davis was also killed in the shooting.

He paid tribute to the wide receiver as “one of his most kind, humble, loving soldiers” and said that his family is “devastated” by the news.

“Saddening, saddening news this morning. God took one of his most kind, humble, loving soldiers off of the battlefield last night. Please pray for my family as we are devastated by the passing my cousin Lavel Davis Jr. Love and already miss you, kid,” he tweeted.

As a talented wide receiver, Davis was added to the 2022 Comeback Player of the Year Watch List just last month.

Jack Hamilton, a professor at UVA, said on Twitter that both Chandler and Davis were in his class and remembered the students as “wonderful people.”

“[D]evin was new to UVA last spring (he was a transfer student) and I had him in a large lecture class. he nevertheless made a point to come to my office hours repeatedly, often just to ask questions about how things worked around uva,” Mr Hamilton tweeted about Chandler.

“Later I helped him declare his American studies major, which he was really excited about. he was an unbelievably nice person, always a huge smile, really gregarious and funny. one of those people who’s just impossible not to like. It is so sad and enraging that he is gone.”

Mr Hamilton also said about Davis: “One thing that struck me about vel was how much his classmates liked him and vice versa. in my experience star athletes often tend to hang out with other athletes (understandable, given the time commitment) but vel seemed to go out of his way to make friends with non-athletes

Originally from Dorchester, South Carolina, Davis played wide receiver and safety at Woodland High School before he was selected to play in South Carolina’s North-South all-star game.

The two victims wounded in the mass shooting are yet to be publicly identified.

It is not clear if the victims knew their alleged killer or if the shooting rampage was targeted or carried out at random.

UVA Police Chief Timothy Longo revealed on Monday that a UVA multidisciplinary threat assessment team launched an investigation after receiving reports that Mr Jones made comments about owning a gun to an individual unaffiliated with the university.

Mr Longo said that Mr Jones had not made threats at the time, but simply mentioned he had a firearm.

“Because I want to be transparent with you, I want you to know … Mr Jones came to the attention of the University of Virginia’s threat assessment team in the fall of 2022,” Mr Longo said. “They received information that Mr Jones had made a comment about possessing a gun to a person that was unaffiliated with the university.”

It is unclear how the investigation unfolded, but Mr Longo said that the individual in question and Mr Jones’ roommate, who did not see the gun, were questioned. Mr Longo also mentioned that Mr Jones had been investigated in connection to an alleged hazing incident but the inquiry fell apart after witnesses did not come forward with information.

The team learned that Mr Jones had violated protocol by not informing the university about a criminal incident in February 2021 in which he had been involved. The criminal investigation took place outside of Charlottesville and was in relation to a concealed weapon violation, NBC reported.

An hours-long manhunt took place for Mr Jones, a 22-year-old student and former football player for the college, before his arrest was announced just before 11am on Monday.

He was last seen wearing a burgundy jacket, blue jeans and red shoes and was thought to have been driving a black SUV with the licence plate TWX3580, police said.

A campus-wide lockdown was lifted on Monday morning after students had been told to shelter in place and warned not to approach the “armed and dangerous” suspect.

Multiple law enforcement agencies were drafted in for the search, with a Virginia State Police helicopter circling the area and classes cancelled for Monday across the university.

University of Virginia Police tweeted on Monday morning that law enforcement teams were carrying out a “complete search on and around UVA grounds”.

The shooting unfolded at around 10.30pm on Sunday at the parking garage before Mr Jones allegedly went on the run.

Three victims were killed while another two were wounded and taken to hospital for treatment, with their conditions unclear at this time.

Sophomore student Em Gunter told the Times-Dispatch that she was watching a lecture in her dorm room when she heard six gunshots ring out at around 10.15pm.

The 19-year-old lives in the International Residential College, located across from Culbreth Road where the shooting took place.

She quickly messaged the other 350 students in her dorm building warning them to stay inside and hunkered down with her friends in her room.

“I just have no words. This is insane,” she said.

Ms Gunter told the paper that she used to live in Southwest Virginia which was the site of the 2007 Virginia Tech mass shooting.

According to a profile for Mr Jones on the Virginia Cavaliers website – the University of Virginia’s football team – he was on the team roster in 2018 but did not appear in any games that year.

The bio lists the 22-year-old’s numerous accolades and honours during high school.

He was described as a played linebacker and running back at Petersburg High School who “earned honorable mention all-conference honors as a senior”.

He spent his first three years of high school at Varina High School “where he earned honorable mention all-conference as a freshman and second-team accolades as a sophomore and junior”, the bio says.

Mr Jones was a “member of the National Honor Society … National Technical Honor Society … president of Key Club … president of Jobs for Virginia Grads Program … named Student of the Year as a freshman and sophomore at Varina … son of Margo Ellis and Christopher Jones, Sr. … has three siblings, Eliza, Darrius and Varian,” the bio reads.

The 22-year-old was previously hailed as something of a success story after overcoming something of a troubled childhood to become a model student.

One of four siblings, he grew up in housing complexes in Richmond, according to a 2018 Times-Dispatch story.

Mr Jones’ father abandoned the family when he was a boy and he reportedly got into trouble at school for fighting.

But, the “smart and quiet” student appeared to turn things around, playing football and graduating from Petersburg in 2018.

As news spread of the campus shooting, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin released a statement saying he was “praying” for the university community.

“Suzanne and I are praying for the UVA community. Virginia State Police is fully coordinating with UVA police department and local authorities,” he tweeted on Monday.

“Please shelter in place while the authorities work to locate the suspect.

[jigzsaw]

sorry but as someone living in central fl while we have nazis walking down the streets holding up signs saying that 'all drag queen are pedophiles who have aids', are being the testing ground for extremely invasive anti trans legislation, we have the Florida Highschool Athletic Association fighting for all high school girls to submit their menstrual info to their schools, are the home of the Don't Say Gay bill, and are having our gay clubs vandalized by nazis, you guys sound so fucking stupid arguing about slur discourse. Maybe you guys live in places where no one cares if youre gay or trans but here we are all pedophiles and queers. they do not care what flavor of lgbt you are. they're not gonna ask how you identify before they call you a slur. they're gonna call you whatever comes to mind first. we're not lesbians, gays, bisexuals, or trans, to them we are d*kes, f*gs, tr*nnies, and queers. deciding who gets to say what is ultimately useless especially when queerphobes will call you a fag regardless if you're a gay man or not. like i said, they don't ask how you identify before calling you a slur, they see you and pick whatever comes to mind first. but thank you all for fighting the Good Fight by harassing queer people online for using words that they've probably been called irl because you learned via twitter that only lesbians can use dyke, so instead of directing time and energy towards fighting for your trans siblings, you're spending all your energy online harassing bi women for saying dyke. Really useful stuff when, like i said, nazis are trying to eradicate trans people and are vandalizing our queer spaces.

[the-pithy-aaaaah]

I know Tumblr doesn't really have a sports culture but Ron DeSantis has consolidated yet another body into the governor's office. This time it's the Florida High School Athletics Association.

[unitedstatesofworld]

The Rising Star of Golf: Charlie Woods’ Journey to Greatness

When we think of the future of golf, one name that’s quickly becoming synonymous with greatness is Charlie Woods. At just 15 years old, Charlie is already making waves in the junior golfing world, and it’s no wonder why! With Tiger Woods as his father, the apple hasn’t fallen far from the tree. But don’t be mistaken—Charlie Woods is more than just Tiger’s son. He’s a budding star in his own right, with a passion for golf that's undeniable.

The Legacy Begins

Born into the spotlight, Charlie Woods has had some pretty big shoes to fill. But rather than shying away from the challenge, he’s embraced it. From a young age, Charlie has shown a natural affinity for the game, displaying skills that even seasoned players envy. He’s not just riding on his father’s coattails; Charlie is blazing his own trail.

The Early Days of Charlie Woods

Charlie Woods’ journey into the world of golf began almost as soon as he could walk. Tiger Woods, recognizing his son’s potential, started training him early. By the age of 10, Charlie was already participating in junior tournaments and showing promise. He wasn’t just playing the game—he was mastering it.

Tiger Woods’ Influence

It’s impossible to talk about Charlie without mentioning Tiger. Tiger Woods has been more than just a father to Charlie; he’s been a mentor, a coach, and an inspiration. The bond they share is evident every time they step onto the golf course together. But Tiger hasn’t just taught Charlie the technical aspects of the game; he’s instilled in him the mental toughness and dedication needed to succeed.

Making His Mark

Charlie Woods’ recent achievements have catapulted him into the limelight. His performance in the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour and his victory at the Florida High School Athletic Association Class A state championship have solidified his status as a rising star. But perhaps his most significant accomplishment to date is qualifying for the U.S. Junior Amateur Championship, held from July 22-27, 2024.

The U.S. Junior Amateur Championship

The U.S. Junior Amateur Championship is no small feat. It’s a tournament where the best of the best in junior golf come to compete. For Charlie to have qualified at just 15 years old is a testament to his talent and dedication. As he prepares to take on some of the toughest competitors in the sport, all eyes will be on him to see if he can continue his winning streak.

The Training Regimen

One might wonder—how does Charlie Woods prepare for such high-stakes tournaments? Well, it’s no walk in the park. Charlie’s training regimen is intense, reflecting the discipline and focus required to succeed at the highest level. His routine includes early morning practice sessions, rigorous drills, and a focus on both physical and mental fitness. But Charlie isn’t all work and no play; he balances his training with a love for the game that keeps him motivated.

Mental Toughness

Golf is as much a mental game as it is physical. Charlie Woods has learned from the best how to stay focused under pressure. Whether it’s a crucial putt or a challenging course, Charlie approaches every situation with a calm and collected mindset. This mental toughness is one of the key factors that sets him apart from his peers.

A Bright Future Ahead

Looking ahead, it’s clear that Charlie Woods is destined for greatness. With each tournament, he’s gaining more experience and confidence, setting the stage for what promises to be an illustrious career in golf. The question isn’t whether Charlie will succeed, but how far he will go.

The Next Steps

So, what’s next for Charlie Woods? As he continues to climb the ranks in junior golf, the possibilities are endless. College golf, professional tournaments, perhaps even the PGA Tour—Charlie has the potential to achieve it all. And with Tiger Woods guiding him every step of the way, the future looks incredibly bright.

Conclusion

Charlie Woods is more than just a young golfer with a famous last name; he’s a force to be reckoned with in the world of golf. His journey from a budding talent to a rising star has been nothing short of inspiring. As he continues to hone his skills and achieve new milestones, there’s no doubt that Charlie Woods is on his way to becoming a golfing legend in his own right. The world is watching, and Charlie is ready to shine.

[fyfquarter]

Mandarin Mustangs & Florida NIL

The 2024 football season for the Mandarin Mustangs of Jacksonville, Florida is roughly 33 days away. Last season ended in a state championship runner up result, as the Mustangs fell to Columbus 38-19. This was the second time in school history that a Mandarin High School football team made it to a state championship game. The result of the game was less than desirable but the team is motivated more than ever to avenge their loss from last season.

Led by 3 national recruits in quarterback Tramell Jones, wide receiver Jaime Ffrench, and safety Drake Stubbs, the Mustangs are primed for another state title game appearance. Tramell Jones just recently committed to Florida State University and Drake Stubbs a recent University of Miami commit. Jaime Ffrench is scheduled to make his college commitment in August with Texas, LSU, OSU, and UM as the contenders in his recruitment. All three are national recruits who are looking to lead their team to a championship before moving onto their new college careers.

This season will be unlike any of the other seasons of the past as the state of Florida recently passed Name, Image, and Likeness legislation that will allow high school athletes to benefit financially from potential sponsors. NIL has become a huge factor in college sports and it will now be of some significance in Florida high school sports. Unlike in college, the Florida High School Athletic Association prohibits schools from setting up collectives. "The FHSAA rules also prohibit schools from setting up college-style NIL collectives, defined as "groups, organizations, or cooperative enterprises that exist to collect funds from donors and help facilitate NIL deals for student-athletes and/or create ways for athletes to monetize from their NIL (APNews.com)." The spirit of this rule was to prevent Florida high school football from becoming a battle of institutions with the most money getting the best players. With restrictions in place, FHSAA is aiming to keep sports in Florida from becoming the wild wild west.

The Mandarin Mustangs will gain significant experience in this new NIL world due to the fact of having 3 national recruits. Jaime Ffrench is already at the front of the line to benefit from the rule change. He is slated to officially ink a deal with GLD Shop once the NIL policy is ratified by the Florida Department of Education (Jacksonville.com). Jaime is also in line to ink an official NIL deal with American Eagle as well (msn.com). I suspect that Tramell Jones and Drake Stubbs will find themselves with NIL opportunities as well once it becomes official with Florida DOE. Times are changing in the state of Florida with this new legislation. Our "Big 3" at Mandarin will have the opportunity to make money from all of the hard work and time that they have put into their crafts to become Nationally ranked football prospects. They will be chasing a championship to cap off their high school careers, and potential sponsors will be chasing them to further promote their brands.

References

Associated Press. (2023, March 13). Florida adjusts NIL rules to attract top athletes. Retrieved July 13, 2024, from https://apnews.com/article/florida-nil-rules-ca17cb71f73e025fd36073b46144888d

Freeman, C. (2024, June 4). Mandarin football receiver Jaime Ffrench signs high school NIL deal. The Florida Times-Union. Retrieved July 13, 2024, from https://www.jacksonville.com/story/sports/high-school/football/2024/06/04/jaime-ffrench-mandarin-football-receiver-signs-high-school-nil-deal/73976321007/

MSN Sports. (2023, May 10). Top 2025 Florida wide receivers Jaime Ffrench, Vernell Brown ink NIL deals with American Eagle. Retrieved July 13, 2024, from https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/top-2025-florida-wide-receivers-jaime-ffrench-vernell-brown-ink-nil-deals-with-american-eagle/ar-BB1nCqBt

[lakelandg]

FHSAA Approves Athlete-Pay Rules

By Ryan Dailey The News Service of Florida The Florida High School Athletic Association on Tuesday opened the door for student-athletes to earn money from business agreements such as endorsement deals, with the organization’s president calling the move a “good starting point.” The FHSAA’s Board of Directors voted unanimously to approve a seismic change in the organization’s bylaws to allow…

[lboogie1906]

Kendall Ellis (born March 8, 1996) is a sprinter. She won gold in the 4x400 m relay and bronze in the Mixed 4x400 meters at the Tokyo Olympics. She competed in the 400 meters at the 2017 and 2019 World Championships, winning gold medals as a part of prelim 4×400 m relays. As a junior, she took gold in the 4×400 m relay and bronze in the 400 meters at the 2015 Pan American Junior Championships.

On June 10, 2018, she gained widespread distinction after her come-from-behind victory in the 1600-meter relay at the NCAA Track and Field Championships. She is a 3-time NCAA champion, 14-time NCAA Division IAll-American, 7-time Pac-12 Conference champion, and 5-time Mountain Pacific Sports Federation champion. She set 2 NCAA indoor track and field records, a North American, Central American, and Caribbean Athletic Association indoor 400-meter record, and US collegiate records in 400 m and 4 x 400 m relay.

She placed 4th in the 400 m at the 2020 U.S. Olympic Trials with a time of 50.10 secs.

She competed in the women’s 400 meters and won gold in the 4x400 m relay (participating in the prelim) at the 2019 World Athletics Championships.

In January 2019, she was announced to sign with New Balance and won her professional debut that week at New Balance Indoor Grand Prix.

She is the 2015 USA U20 Outdoor Track and Field 400 m women's Champion.

She grew up volunteering at the West Pembroke Pines Optimist Track Club. She works with children as a volunteer for Coaching Corps.

She graduated from St. Thomas Aquinas High School (Florida) c/o 2014 as a 7-time FHSAA state champion with high school personal best times of 24.18 (200 meters) and 52.95 (400 meters). #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence #womenshistorymonth

[vaughnsportsacademy]

The Ultimate Beginners’ Guide To Travel Baseball

Travel baseball opens the door to a world of opportunities for young athletes serious about the sport. It’s a step up from the Little League, which is seen by many as more recreational than competitive. But is it worth it to make the switch from rec ball to travel ball? In this blog, we tell you everything you need to know about travel baseball. Read on!

What is travel baseball?

As the name suggests, the travel ball format involves teams traveling out of their home turf to different cities and states to participate in tournaments. It gives young baseball players a taste of the competitive nature of the game. Most professional baseball coaches look at travel ball as an intermediate step between rec ball and high school or collegiate baseball leagues, and thus, the perfect platform for young athletes to hone their skills.

The popularity of travel baseball has exploded in the last few decades, with several teams coming up nationwide. Organizations like the United States Speciality Sports Association (USSSA) and Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) are at the forefront of travel tournament hosting. Independent promoters like Perfect Game are doing their part in popularizing travel baseball with activities like collaborating with MLB, fan engagement, hosting events for youth baseball players, and fostering talent.

Travel baseball teams are established by eager parents as well as professional institutions like Vaughn Sports Academy Florida(VSA). For instance, the VSA Lions, VSA’s homegrown travel ball team, is known for being one of the most competitive teams in the country, with many feathers to their cap.

Travel Baseball vs. Little League: what's the difference

Travel ball and Little League (LL) are similar in many ways. Both instill qualities such as sportsmanship, athleticism, and teamwork in young ball players from a very early age. The Little League gives a great platform to kids as young as 4 to get a taste of the sport. But nothing beats travel baseball when it comes to teaching important life skills such as leadership, initiative, a strong work ethic, a positive mental attitude, and the ability to bounce back from failure. Thus, the travel ball functions as the perfect learning platform for kids, 11 years or older.

Travel baseball tournaments involve many more games than LL. This means young baseball players must perform consistently over extended periods in new environments. This regime prepares them for unexpected and long-term challenges they might face as adults.

Now, let’s look at the pros and cons of travel ball.

Travel Baseball Pros

• Competitive environment: As we said, travel ball is essential for kids in their formative years because it tests them in a competitive environment. The world they would step into as adults is riddled with challenges. And what's better than competitive baseball to teach them how to survive in a challenging environment?

• Professional coaching: While rec ball tends to be more amateur in baseball coaching, travel baseball leaves no room for error in the coaching department. You can find some of the best baseball coaches operating in the travel ball circuits. VSA Lions, for instance, has baseball legends such as Mo Vaughn, Mike Easler, and Omar Moreno mentoring young athletes on the path to MLB glory.

• More exposure: Travel baseball team players play many more games than LL players. This means they get more exposure in the sport and in front of college baseball scouts looking for new talent to replenish their team ranks.

• Positive mindset building: Like MLB legend Mo Vaughn says baseball is all about mindset. Young players serious about making a name for themselves in the game must work on building a positive mindset. Travel baseball, with its long and grueling schedule and competitive environment, prepares kids for challenges on and off the field. It forges a strong bond among teammates and teaches values such as integrity, passion, and commitment. Since travel ball involves playing matches in ballparks other than the home turf, players get to experience new environments and overcome unexpected challenges.

It goes without saying that travel baseball helps build a young ball player’s character.

Travel Baseball Cons

• Cost: Travel baseball can be expensive. The cost of travel, professional coaching, and better accessories can prove to be challenging for the parents of young ball players. Thankfully, premier institutions like Vaughn Sports Academy have programs designed keeping young athletes and their parents in mind. Players also have the advantage of playing for the institution's baseball teams, leading to better exposure and skill development.

• Time commitment: As we said, travel ball tournaments feature many more games than Little League baseball. While these games are mostly played on weekends, the schedule can be tough on the kids and their parents. But there’s a positive side to it too. Young athletes participating in the travel baseball tournaments learn essential life skills like time management and discipline. And life skills learned on the diamond make well-rounded individuals out of kids.

Why you should choose travel baseball for your kid

If your kid is serious about baseball, you need to give them a platform to hone their skills and get noticed. And what’s a better platform to achieve all that than travel baseball? No one said baseball was easy. Remember, tough environments breed strong individuals. And you want your kid to grow into a strong and motivated individual.

Vaughn Sports Academy has some of the best travel baseball, hitting, pitching, and fielding coaches in the country. What’s more? Young athletes get to learn from some of the biggest names ever to grace the diamond. Keep your kid’s baseball dreams alive by signing up for a session at Vaughn Sports Academy.

[aboutskyking]

Sky King Death? Learn all about Sky King Death!

Alaska Airlines Flight 261 took off at Seattle Tacoma International Airport early on August 10, 2018. Richard Russell is a 29-year-old baggage tutor with Horizon Air who flies the plane for an unknown reason.

Richard Russell had no piloting experience but still managed to steal and take a Horizon Air Bombardier Q400 for a spin.

He flew his airplane over an hour before it crashed into Ketron Island near Puget. Russell died in the crash. FBI later cleared the discourse due to a lack of substantiation and proposition.

What is the purpose of this footage?

The new Videotape was recorded by a security camera on the field. Russell gets into the plane and drags the aircraft to the runway. The footage captures Russell's final moments as he flies over the water minutes before the crash.

Why is it released now

The FBI has released the Videotape in response to an official request for public records. The reason why the video wasn't released earlier is unclear.

What are people saying about the Videotape of Richard Russell?

The release of the Videotape has generated new interest, and some have questioned why it took this long to make the footage public.

One person commented on Twitter: "It's insane that the videotape took so long to be released." Why did the FBI wait three times before releasing this Videotape? "

The other person replied, "This is insane. Why did the FBI release this video three times? "

In another Tweet, Stoner wrote: "I'm not certain why the FBI waited so long before releasing this videotape, but I'm glad they did." It's crucial to have the whole story to understand what happened entirely. "

Richard Russell's Last Words Are For His Family And Loved Ones

According to a report by KOIN, Richard Russell stated, "I have a lot of people who watch me. They'll be disappointed to learn that I did it. "

Many people wonder what kind of person could commit such a crime. It is important to remember that while the discourse has slumbered, we are all disturbed during difficult times. However, no one should ever be judged based on something they cannot help.

Please don't hesitate to get help if you or someone else you know is struggling with internal health problems Sky King Death.

From the cockpit, Russel said: "I wasn't planning to land it. "I just wanted to do a few pushes, see what she could do before I set her down. "

SeaTac Palace spotted Russell taxiing and radioed to air-business control in a mechanical monotone, "Aircraft on Charlie aligning runway 1-6 Center, say your calling sign. " When Russell did not reply, the regulator almost cried, " Who is the gusto 8 on runway 1-6 Center?! "

Alaska Airlines' airman said on the radio, "That aircraft is rolling off," he warned. Did the thickets come on? The airman replied, "His bus is smoking right and left, just rolling down the runway." "

The regulator said, "I'm not talking to him." According to the FBI, at 733pm, the Q400 took off and flew south towards Mount Rainier. This was the 500-bottom, glacier-outgunned powder keg brewing above the Puget Sound. The Alaska Airlines pilot said to summon military bursts. "You need to scramble and call now. " "The voice from the palace responded flatly: " We are. "

Richard Russell loves Jesus, Craft Beer, and Weight Films.

He was not the man you'd associate with a grand-theft aircraft. He was described by those who loved him as compassionate and God-simmering.

He was raised by a military family that valued fair play. His family cited the Bible 2 Timothy 25: "Whoever enters an athletic competition will win the prize only if they play by the rules." "

Russell, born in the Florida Keys, and named Beebo by his parents, grew up in Wasilla in Alaska, just outside Anchorage. He graduated from the same high school as Sarah Palin in 2008 when Palin was chosen for the Republican ticket.

Russell was a star athlete for the Wasilla troops, a three-sport athlete who placed fifth in the state at discus and fourth at wrestling in the 215-pound weight class. He was a quiet but effective leader who recorded academy athletes' best performances on their weight belts. His is still kept in the spa.

Richard Russell had a mishap with a young man. He was square-shouldered, stout, and had long, essential arms. He scored six touchdowns and ran for 327 yards as an elderly fullback.

According to his family and musketeers, he was a fan of contact. The concern over football brain injuries was not widespread at the time. Alaska did not implement a concussion policy for academy sports until 2011.

Richard Russell's voice crackled out on an Air-Business recording about 10 twinkles into his flight.

He was robust, jocular, and transparent. There was a sudden change of mood. A mixture of adrenaline and fear. Russell was talking to an air-business regulator, who the FBI identified as Andrew Drury, at the Seattle Terminal Radar Approach Control ( FAA ), an FAA facility near SeaTac.

Russell shook his head and laughed. "Man, I'm a Ground-Service Agent! I don't even know what it is. "

Russell told the regulator that his ideal scenario with the Q400 would be to "start it up (and) get it going -- I'd guess a couple of hours. He confessed to a disturbing lack of a final goal. " Yeah, I wouldn't know where to land it.

He said, "I wasn't planning to land it." I was curious to see how it would react before I put her down. "

NORAD tracked Russell's flight. The Western Air Defense Sector entered updates via a 24-7 phone line called the Domestic Events Network, or DEN. Seven twinkles after Russell's departure, SeaTac made the first call. After four flashes, there was a message. The airman seemed suicidal.

The conclusion of the article is:

Russell's heritage is a good check in the end. He had previously projected a demotivational bill fromDespair.com on a Pinterest Board called " boom. The print features a snowboarder crashing off a rocky precipice with a large capital letter spelling out "remorse."