9/11/08
The two junior varsity teams warmed up, the national anthem was played, the coin flip ceremony was performed at center field, Marianna lined up and kicked off to Chipley, the ball flew to the 25 yard line where it was fielded by a Chipley back, he broke through the center of the oncoming pack, moved left to avoid a tackle, and raced 75 yards for a touchdown. That was followed by a perfect extra point kick. From that point the crowd might as well have packed up and gone home…the game was over.
For the ensuing four quarters of play it was a defensive battle, with neither team able to muster a meaningful offensive attack. The entire game was played between the thirty yard lines as both defensive units effectively shut down the opposing offense.
The Marianna squad under the coaching expertise of Adam Gray was sorely missing the presence of star running back Chris Bowers, who was pulled up to the varsity squad a few days before this JV contest.
The offensive half of the team appeared to be unprepared to play a game, as was demonstrated by numerous off side incursions, alignment problems, and backfield motion penalties which effectively shut down the effort when any offensive momentum was begun. There were several fumbles which appeared to be caused by lack of the practiced timing required for effective play execution. Additionally, it appeared that the offensive unit had a very limited play library, as the same plays were run over and over with little result.
This was a bitter loss for this group of upcoming Marianna players, since this same group of youngsters had experienced two years of undefeated middle school play, under the coaching of Hunter Nolen. They are not familiar with the emotion of losing.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Lady Tigers and Lady Bulldogs Split in JV Volleyball
9/11/08
By Clint Cox
The Graceville Lady Tigers JV volleyball squads came to Marianna on Monday night and left with a split. The Lady Tigers 9th grade squad posted a 25-10 win in game one while posting a 25-18 win in game two. In other JV action the Lady Tigers forced Marianna to three games but the Lady Bulldogs hung on to claim a victory for the match.
In game one Marianna won by a score of 25-17. The second game saw the two squads battle back and forth. Graceville began to pull away when they went up 13-10. The Lady Tigers maintained a led throughout the remainder of the game and finished with a 6 point victory, 25-19. In the tie breaker it was Marianna jumping out to an early lead and then going on to win 15-9.
The wins for Graceville were their first wins since 1982, which was the last year in which the school fielded a volleyball team.
By Clint Cox
The Graceville Lady Tigers JV volleyball squads came to Marianna on Monday night and left with a split. The Lady Tigers 9th grade squad posted a 25-10 win in game one while posting a 25-18 win in game two. In other JV action the Lady Tigers forced Marianna to three games but the Lady Bulldogs hung on to claim a victory for the match.
In game one Marianna won by a score of 25-17. The second game saw the two squads battle back and forth. Graceville began to pull away when they went up 13-10. The Lady Tigers maintained a led throughout the remainder of the game and finished with a 6 point victory, 25-19. In the tie breaker it was Marianna jumping out to an early lead and then going on to win 15-9.
The wins for Graceville were their first wins since 1982, which was the last year in which the school fielded a volleyball team.
Hornets Win Wild One
9/11/08
By: Clint Cox
Rivalries are suppose to be crazy affairs and this past Friday night’s version of the annual kickoff rivalry between Cottondale and Sneads was all that and more. The Hornets pulled out a thrilling 32-24 victory over the visiting Pirates.
The game started out with the Pirate’s Michael Kinard recording an early safety on the Hornets. Taylor Edge then ran for a touchdown and the Pirates took an 8-0 lead. Late in the first half the Hornets countered as Nick Jackson hauled in a 26 yard pass reception from Jesse Freeman for a score. Dominique Webb ran in the two point conversion play and the Hornets had tied the game at 8-8. But the Pirates quickly reclaimed the momentum in the final minute of the half as Mark Lawson bolted 58 yards on the ensuing kickoff for a score. Sneads held a 14-8 lead at the half.
Cottondale came out and took the opening possession of the second half right down the field. Noreese Williams scored on a 1 yard run and then Freeman hit Jacob Herring on a two point pass play to give the Hornets a 16-14 lead. The Pirates reclaimed the lead in a most unusual way. They got back to back safeties as the Pirate’s Billy Knight tackled Herring in the endzone to tie the game up. On the Hornet’s next possession a snap on a punt attempt went over the head of Herring and through the end zone. That gave Sneads a 18-16 lead as the game had now moved into the fourth quarter. The Pirates Jeff Davis
The Pirates drove down the field and appeared poised to expand their lead but coughed up the ball at the Hornet’s five yard line. Cottondale recovered and Jackson ripped off a 69 yard run for a score. Williams added the two point run to tie the game at 24-18. Sneads fired right back as Jeff Davis scored on a 42 yard run to tie the game at 24-24 with less than two minutes to play. But the Hornets would not die and they marched down the field and with less than 10 seconds remaining in the game, Freeman hit Jackson on a 21 yard scoring strike. Webb added the two point run to make the final score 32-24 in the Hornets favor.
Freeman was 14-30 for 181 yards and two TDs on the night while Jackson caught two TD passes and ran for another. Sneads was led by Davis with 170 yards rushing and Lawson with 152 yards rushing. Edge also had a fine night punting as had 5 punts for 164 yards and continually kept the Hornets backed up deep in their own territory.
Cottondale will host Liberty County on Friday night while Sneads will have this week off and play host to Franklin County next Friday night in their district opener.
By: Clint Cox
Rivalries are suppose to be crazy affairs and this past Friday night’s version of the annual kickoff rivalry between Cottondale and Sneads was all that and more. The Hornets pulled out a thrilling 32-24 victory over the visiting Pirates.
The game started out with the Pirate’s Michael Kinard recording an early safety on the Hornets. Taylor Edge then ran for a touchdown and the Pirates took an 8-0 lead. Late in the first half the Hornets countered as Nick Jackson hauled in a 26 yard pass reception from Jesse Freeman for a score. Dominique Webb ran in the two point conversion play and the Hornets had tied the game at 8-8. But the Pirates quickly reclaimed the momentum in the final minute of the half as Mark Lawson bolted 58 yards on the ensuing kickoff for a score. Sneads held a 14-8 lead at the half.
Cottondale came out and took the opening possession of the second half right down the field. Noreese Williams scored on a 1 yard run and then Freeman hit Jacob Herring on a two point pass play to give the Hornets a 16-14 lead. The Pirates reclaimed the lead in a most unusual way. They got back to back safeties as the Pirate’s Billy Knight tackled Herring in the endzone to tie the game up. On the Hornet’s next possession a snap on a punt attempt went over the head of Herring and through the end zone. That gave Sneads a 18-16 lead as the game had now moved into the fourth quarter. The Pirates Jeff Davis
The Pirates drove down the field and appeared poised to expand their lead but coughed up the ball at the Hornet’s five yard line. Cottondale recovered and Jackson ripped off a 69 yard run for a score. Williams added the two point run to tie the game at 24-18. Sneads fired right back as Jeff Davis scored on a 42 yard run to tie the game at 24-24 with less than two minutes to play. But the Hornets would not die and they marched down the field and with less than 10 seconds remaining in the game, Freeman hit Jackson on a 21 yard scoring strike. Webb added the two point run to make the final score 32-24 in the Hornets favor.
Freeman was 14-30 for 181 yards and two TDs on the night while Jackson caught two TD passes and ran for another. Sneads was led by Davis with 170 yards rushing and Lawson with 152 yards rushing. Edge also had a fine night punting as had 5 punts for 164 yards and continually kept the Hornets backed up deep in their own territory.
Cottondale will host Liberty County on Friday night while Sneads will have this week off and play host to Franklin County next Friday night in their district opener.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Jaguars Down ‘Dogs
9/4/08
By: Clint Cox
The Marianna Bulldogs traveled to Quincy to take on East Gadsden in a Kickoff Classic and fell 24-13 to the Jaguars. The night started on a good note for the ‘Dogs as Tre’ Long took the opening kickoff and raced 90 yards for a touchdown. Troy Clemmons added the point after kick and Marianna led 7-0 before the fans were barely in their seats. But from that point on the speed and athletism of the Jaguars took over as East Gadsden reeled off 24 unanswered points during the first two quarters and led 24-7 at the half. The second half saw little scoring until late in the game when Marianna QB Fidel Montgomery rambled 20 yards down the sidelines for a score. A two point pass failed and the Bulldogs left Quincy with the 11 point defeat.
Marianna certainly didn’t overload their workhorse, senior running back Bradley Battles, in this preseason game. Battles had 43 yards on 6 carries. Instead Head Coach Rob Armstrong made sure that the other less experienced backs got plenty of carries. Jacorian Borders had 47 yards on 11 carries, R.J. Bowers had 12 carries for 40 yards, Kevin Lockhart had 30 yards on 9 carries and Montgomery had 5 carries for 41 yards. "I feel good about the number of guys that we were able to get some carries," said Armstrong. The Bulldogs will also count on running back Quan Boykin who sat out this game due to injury.
Armstrong was not concerned with the final tally on the scoreboard. "We got to play a lot of folks and now we can take the film from this game and start preparing for our opening game," said Armstrong. He also talked about the opening kickoff return by Long. "Boy it was good to see Tre do that, I was proud for him. He’s been working real hard," said Armstrong.
The Bulldogs open the 2008 campaign at home on Friday when they play host to Blountstown at 7 pm.
By: Clint Cox
The Marianna Bulldogs traveled to Quincy to take on East Gadsden in a Kickoff Classic and fell 24-13 to the Jaguars. The night started on a good note for the ‘Dogs as Tre’ Long took the opening kickoff and raced 90 yards for a touchdown. Troy Clemmons added the point after kick and Marianna led 7-0 before the fans were barely in their seats. But from that point on the speed and athletism of the Jaguars took over as East Gadsden reeled off 24 unanswered points during the first two quarters and led 24-7 at the half. The second half saw little scoring until late in the game when Marianna QB Fidel Montgomery rambled 20 yards down the sidelines for a score. A two point pass failed and the Bulldogs left Quincy with the 11 point defeat.
Marianna certainly didn’t overload their workhorse, senior running back Bradley Battles, in this preseason game. Battles had 43 yards on 6 carries. Instead Head Coach Rob Armstrong made sure that the other less experienced backs got plenty of carries. Jacorian Borders had 47 yards on 11 carries, R.J. Bowers had 12 carries for 40 yards, Kevin Lockhart had 30 yards on 9 carries and Montgomery had 5 carries for 41 yards. "I feel good about the number of guys that we were able to get some carries," said Armstrong. The Bulldogs will also count on running back Quan Boykin who sat out this game due to injury.
Armstrong was not concerned with the final tally on the scoreboard. "We got to play a lot of folks and now we can take the film from this game and start preparing for our opening game," said Armstrong. He also talked about the opening kickoff return by Long. "Boy it was good to see Tre do that, I was proud for him. He’s been working real hard," said Armstrong.
The Bulldogs open the 2008 campaign at home on Friday when they play host to Blountstown at 7 pm.
Tigers Upend Pirates
9/4/08
By: Clint Cox
The Graceville Tigers play host to the Sneads Pirates in a preseason kickoff classic and posted a 42-14 win over the visitors. Both squads came out battling and played to a scoreless first quarter. But beginning early in the second quarter the Tigers got cranked up while the Pirates got tired, a point noted by new Sneads Head Coach Don Dowling. "I thought we ran out of gas toward the end of the first quarter and give credit to Graceville they took advantage of that," said Dowling. The heat and humidity had taken a toll on the Pirates. "We’ve got to get into better shape. "It was breathing through a mop out there," Dowling added when asked about the humid August night.
Graceville’s Antrell Wright scored early in the second quarter on a 12 yard run. Treyshaun White ran the two point conversion in to make it a 8-0 game. After a Sneads fumble on the next possession, the Tigers got a 2 yard scoring run from White. Justin Miles hit Darrell Olds for the two point conversion pass to make it 16-0. The Pirates showed some fight on the ensuing kickoff as Mark Lawson return the kick 78 yards for a score. Taylor Edge booted the extra point to pull the Pirates to 16-7. But Graceville seized the momentum right back as Wright bolted 43 yards for a scoring run. Jamie Simmons added the two point play to give Graceville a 24-7 lead. The Pirates looked to be moving the ball and made it into Tiger territory. But Florian Litim picked off a Pirate pass inside the Tiger’s 20 yard line to kill the Pirate’s drive. With less than a minute to play in the half Wright scampered 18 yards for another score to make it 30-7 at the half.
In the second half the Tigers took the opening possession drive right down the field with a textbook drive. After a long drive Miles scored on a 4 yard run to make it a 36-7 game. Miles added the final score for Graceville and gave the Tigers a 42-7 lead. The Pirates managed a late score on a run by Lawson.
Graceville was led by Wright with 156 yards on 10 carries with 3 touchdowns. Miles and Leron Hoover each added 89 yards. Lawson was the lone offense spark for the Pirates as he rushed for 99 yards and scored two touchdowns.
By: Clint Cox
The Graceville Tigers play host to the Sneads Pirates in a preseason kickoff classic and posted a 42-14 win over the visitors. Both squads came out battling and played to a scoreless first quarter. But beginning early in the second quarter the Tigers got cranked up while the Pirates got tired, a point noted by new Sneads Head Coach Don Dowling. "I thought we ran out of gas toward the end of the first quarter and give credit to Graceville they took advantage of that," said Dowling. The heat and humidity had taken a toll on the Pirates. "We’ve got to get into better shape. "It was breathing through a mop out there," Dowling added when asked about the humid August night.
Graceville’s Antrell Wright scored early in the second quarter on a 12 yard run. Treyshaun White ran the two point conversion in to make it a 8-0 game. After a Sneads fumble on the next possession, the Tigers got a 2 yard scoring run from White. Justin Miles hit Darrell Olds for the two point conversion pass to make it 16-0. The Pirates showed some fight on the ensuing kickoff as Mark Lawson return the kick 78 yards for a score. Taylor Edge booted the extra point to pull the Pirates to 16-7. But Graceville seized the momentum right back as Wright bolted 43 yards for a scoring run. Jamie Simmons added the two point play to give Graceville a 24-7 lead. The Pirates looked to be moving the ball and made it into Tiger territory. But Florian Litim picked off a Pirate pass inside the Tiger’s 20 yard line to kill the Pirate’s drive. With less than a minute to play in the half Wright scampered 18 yards for another score to make it 30-7 at the half.
In the second half the Tigers took the opening possession drive right down the field with a textbook drive. After a long drive Miles scored on a 4 yard run to make it a 36-7 game. Miles added the final score for Graceville and gave the Tigers a 42-7 lead. The Pirates managed a late score on a run by Lawson.
Graceville was led by Wright with 156 yards on 10 carries with 3 touchdowns. Miles and Leron Hoover each added 89 yards. Lawson was the lone offense spark for the Pirates as he rushed for 99 yards and scored two touchdowns.
Friday Night Preview
9/4/08
Sneads (0-0) at Cottondale (0-0) 7 pm
There is no better way to open up the season than with a big rivalry like this annual matchup. Last year saw Sneads hang on for a 37-30 thriller in Sneads. Both squads have great skilled position players. Sneads has a veteran QB and line, while Cottondale is very young in the trenches. Both squads fell in their preseason kickoff classics so they hope to bounce back with a win in the regular season opener. In a rivalry like this, anything can happen, so it’s too close to call.
Blountstown (0-0) at Marianna (0-0) 7 pm
Rob Armstrong’s first victory as the Bulldog’s Head Coach came in Blountstown last year. The Tigers lost several players to Division I colleges but downed Liberty Co. 20-0 in their preseason kickoff classic. Marianna fell to East Gadsden last week in their preseason game but Bradley Battles only carried the ball six times. He’ll get plenty of carries and the Bulldogs should get a win.
Liberty Co. (0-0) at Graceville (0-0) 7 pm
Graceville looked impressive in their kickoff classic against Sneads. Liberty Co. fell to Blountstown 20-0 but expect the Bulldogs to have more bite this week. The Tigers hope their veteran offensive line can open up some holes for Antrell White (156 yards rushing / 3 TDs against Sneads), Trey White and Leron Hoover. With the game being played in G’ville, the Tigers will keep it close and then pull off the upset over the Bulldogs.
Sneads (0-0) at Cottondale (0-0) 7 pm
There is no better way to open up the season than with a big rivalry like this annual matchup. Last year saw Sneads hang on for a 37-30 thriller in Sneads. Both squads have great skilled position players. Sneads has a veteran QB and line, while Cottondale is very young in the trenches. Both squads fell in their preseason kickoff classics so they hope to bounce back with a win in the regular season opener. In a rivalry like this, anything can happen, so it’s too close to call.
Blountstown (0-0) at Marianna (0-0) 7 pm
Rob Armstrong’s first victory as the Bulldog’s Head Coach came in Blountstown last year. The Tigers lost several players to Division I colleges but downed Liberty Co. 20-0 in their preseason kickoff classic. Marianna fell to East Gadsden last week in their preseason game but Bradley Battles only carried the ball six times. He’ll get plenty of carries and the Bulldogs should get a win.
Liberty Co. (0-0) at Graceville (0-0) 7 pm
Graceville looked impressive in their kickoff classic against Sneads. Liberty Co. fell to Blountstown 20-0 but expect the Bulldogs to have more bite this week. The Tigers hope their veteran offensive line can open up some holes for Antrell White (156 yards rushing / 3 TDs against Sneads), Trey White and Leron Hoover. With the game being played in G’ville, the Tigers will keep it close and then pull off the upset over the Bulldogs.
Freeport Edges Hornets
9/4/08
By: Clint Cox
There was plenty of orange and blue on the field as Freeport came to Cottondale last Thursday night and went home with a 37-32 win over the Hornets in a pre-season kickoff classic. Both squads sport orange and blue on the school colors and the orange and blue clad Bulldogs struck first in this contest. They returned the opening kickoff to the Hornet’s 15 yard line. The Hornet defense held for 3 downs but on a 4th and short play, Freeport struck with a 17 yard scoring strike.
Cottondale gave up an interception during their first possession on a 4th down play. The Bulldogs took that interception and returned it to the Hornet 23 yard line. Again the Hornet defense held for 3 downs and again the Bulldogs came up with a big play on 4th down to score. They then converted on a 2 point play to make it 15-0 midway through the first quarter. On the Hornet’s next possession halfback Jacob Herring connected with wide receiver Terry Benbow on a halfback pass. Benbow then raced 74 yards for the Hornets first score. Dominique Webb added the two point conversion run to make it 15-8 at the close of the quarter. The Hornets then held Freeport on their next possession and forced a punt. The Hornets drove down the field and scored on a 29 yard pass from Jesse Freeman to Benbow. Noreese Williams gave the Hornets a 16-15 lead with a two point conversion run.
Freeport countered with a long return on the ensuing kickoff and then struck paydirt on their first play with a touchdown pass. They converted the two point play to take a 23-16 lead. Cottondale had one more shot in the half after Ronnie Dixon recovered a Bulldog fumble. But the Hornets could not cash in and trailed by 7 at the half.
After a scoreless third quarter Freeport expanded their lead early in the final quarter with a 40 yard screen pass. After kicking the extra point they led 30-16. Cottondale kept battling and took their next possession down to the Bulldog’s 30 yard line. On a 4th and 1 play Webb bolted through the line and raced to the end zone. Williams added the two point run to make it a 30-24 ball game with 8 minutes to play. The Hornets could not cash in on two more possessions and then the Bulldogs put up one final score with less than two minutes to play. The Hornets again proved they would not roll over and moved the ball downfield on a 35 yard pass play from Freeman to James Johns. Freeman then hooked up with Drew Bellamy for a 15 yard score with 6 seconds to play. Freeman added a two point conversion run to make the final 37-32.
Cottondale opens up the 2008 regular season when they host Sneads on Friday night at 7 pm.
By: Clint Cox
There was plenty of orange and blue on the field as Freeport came to Cottondale last Thursday night and went home with a 37-32 win over the Hornets in a pre-season kickoff classic. Both squads sport orange and blue on the school colors and the orange and blue clad Bulldogs struck first in this contest. They returned the opening kickoff to the Hornet’s 15 yard line. The Hornet defense held for 3 downs but on a 4th and short play, Freeport struck with a 17 yard scoring strike.
Cottondale gave up an interception during their first possession on a 4th down play. The Bulldogs took that interception and returned it to the Hornet 23 yard line. Again the Hornet defense held for 3 downs and again the Bulldogs came up with a big play on 4th down to score. They then converted on a 2 point play to make it 15-0 midway through the first quarter. On the Hornet’s next possession halfback Jacob Herring connected with wide receiver Terry Benbow on a halfback pass. Benbow then raced 74 yards for the Hornets first score. Dominique Webb added the two point conversion run to make it 15-8 at the close of the quarter. The Hornets then held Freeport on their next possession and forced a punt. The Hornets drove down the field and scored on a 29 yard pass from Jesse Freeman to Benbow. Noreese Williams gave the Hornets a 16-15 lead with a two point conversion run.
Freeport countered with a long return on the ensuing kickoff and then struck paydirt on their first play with a touchdown pass. They converted the two point play to take a 23-16 lead. Cottondale had one more shot in the half after Ronnie Dixon recovered a Bulldog fumble. But the Hornets could not cash in and trailed by 7 at the half.
After a scoreless third quarter Freeport expanded their lead early in the final quarter with a 40 yard screen pass. After kicking the extra point they led 30-16. Cottondale kept battling and took their next possession down to the Bulldog’s 30 yard line. On a 4th and 1 play Webb bolted through the line and raced to the end zone. Williams added the two point run to make it a 30-24 ball game with 8 minutes to play. The Hornets could not cash in on two more possessions and then the Bulldogs put up one final score with less than two minutes to play. The Hornets again proved they would not roll over and moved the ball downfield on a 35 yard pass play from Freeman to James Johns. Freeman then hooked up with Drew Bellamy for a 15 yard score with 6 seconds to play. Freeman added a two point conversion run to make the final 37-32.
Cottondale opens up the 2008 regular season when they host Sneads on Friday night at 7 pm.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Martial Arts Comes To Marianna
8/21/08
By: Sid Riley
"Ready on the right! ..Ready on the left! …OK – GET IT ON!"
It isn’t quite at the UFC level as seen in the popular martial arts combat television events, but it is the initial training required for development of the disciplines and multiple martial arts skills that lead to becoming a UFC combatant.
The passion of two local young men, the training center is now open and already teaching over forty students a variety of new skills. David Iturrino and Horacio Rodriguez opened the new school in July, fulfilling a goal they have been separately working towards for many years. The name of their marshal arts training school is "Supreme Combat".
A significant, yet unique aspect of their new training program is that it is Christian based. A centerpiece of their logo is a closed fist with the numbers 7-7-7 across the knuckles. "This signifies The Father, The Son, and the Holy Spirit, they explain". They stress this aspect of their training because both men feel that the disciplines of their sports have led them to having strong Christian beliefs after being tested earlier in their lives. They include a Christian base with their intensive training programs.
They also feel that it was divine intervention that led them to meet here in Jackson County and become friends when they both previously lived far apart. However, they both share a common lifetime interest in martial arts training.
Rodriguez began his martial arts training in judo at the age of nine. At the age of ten he won the national championship in his age bracket. He was the Greco Roman Wrestling Champion for the state of Florida on four occasions. He was the state runner-up in free style wrestling. Another part of his training regimen resulted in his breaking the Florida High School bench press record for his weight class. He bench pressed 255 pounds at a weight of 119 pounds.
It was his father, Dr. Rodriguez, who began encouraging his son to enter judo training at an early age. Today they both hold a black belt in the discipline. His father is assisting him in the new business venture and in his continuing training.
After graduation from South Miami High School in 2000, he lost interest in wrestling for a few years. During this period he went to work for the Department of Corrections in Marianna, transferred to Orlando and later returned to Marianna. He eventually became part of the staff at Marianna FCI.
He had been inactive for two or three years when one evening he was watching the NCAA National Wrestling Finals on television, and was surprised to see the winner in his weight division was a boy he had beaten badly in high school on four occasions. This inspired him to return to the sport.
He resumed training and entered the Law Enforcement Olympics and won the State Championship in 2002. In 2004 he won his way to the world finals in Las Vegas, and won the national titles in free style wrestling and Greco Roman.
His business partner in the new training center is David Iturrino, who was raised and attended high school in Brooklyn, New York. His uncle operated a martial arts academy there, and David has been immersed in the sport since he was five years old. His specialty is Brazilian Style Jiujutsu, in which after fifteen years of work he earned his black belt. He currently has black belts in three martial arts disciplines. He has a 41-3 overall record in combat competition.
After retirement his uncle moved to Orlando, and David moved there with him in order to continue his training. He later won the title of "Most Complete Fighter" in Puerto Rico. He has held several championships, including being kickboxing champion in his weight class. He is a born again Christian, and has always dreamed of opening a Christian based fight training school.
Their new academy offer programs for men, women, and children. These include:
- Rape prevention
- Body Sculpting
- Kids Martial Arts
- Adults Martial Arts
o Brazilian Jiujutsu
o Judo
o Kick Boxing
o Greco Roman Wrestling
o Boxing
o Free Style Wrestling
o General health and fitness
They are conducting classes daily with the programs beginning at 9:00 A.M. for mixed open classes, at 4:00 Kids Classes, at 5:30 Classes for Women, and at 6:30, Classes for Men. They are also developing special programs for law enforcement and corrections personnel.
They are located at 4215 Kelson Avenue in Marianna (The previous downtown Russell Athletics sewing plant facility.) They lease a portion of the building from Kerry Eaton who operates Mega Gym Gymnastics in the facility.
So, if you want to learn some new skills, and REALLY want to get into shape, contact David or Horacio at 209-5288 or 557-6410, or just stop by their gym on Kelson Avenue in Marianna.
By: Sid Riley
"Ready on the right! ..Ready on the left! …OK – GET IT ON!"
It isn’t quite at the UFC level as seen in the popular martial arts combat television events, but it is the initial training required for development of the disciplines and multiple martial arts skills that lead to becoming a UFC combatant.
The passion of two local young men, the training center is now open and already teaching over forty students a variety of new skills. David Iturrino and Horacio Rodriguez opened the new school in July, fulfilling a goal they have been separately working towards for many years. The name of their marshal arts training school is "Supreme Combat".
A significant, yet unique aspect of their new training program is that it is Christian based. A centerpiece of their logo is a closed fist with the numbers 7-7-7 across the knuckles. "This signifies The Father, The Son, and the Holy Spirit, they explain". They stress this aspect of their training because both men feel that the disciplines of their sports have led them to having strong Christian beliefs after being tested earlier in their lives. They include a Christian base with their intensive training programs.
They also feel that it was divine intervention that led them to meet here in Jackson County and become friends when they both previously lived far apart. However, they both share a common lifetime interest in martial arts training.
Rodriguez began his martial arts training in judo at the age of nine. At the age of ten he won the national championship in his age bracket. He was the Greco Roman Wrestling Champion for the state of Florida on four occasions. He was the state runner-up in free style wrestling. Another part of his training regimen resulted in his breaking the Florida High School bench press record for his weight class. He bench pressed 255 pounds at a weight of 119 pounds.
It was his father, Dr. Rodriguez, who began encouraging his son to enter judo training at an early age. Today they both hold a black belt in the discipline. His father is assisting him in the new business venture and in his continuing training.
After graduation from South Miami High School in 2000, he lost interest in wrestling for a few years. During this period he went to work for the Department of Corrections in Marianna, transferred to Orlando and later returned to Marianna. He eventually became part of the staff at Marianna FCI.
He had been inactive for two or three years when one evening he was watching the NCAA National Wrestling Finals on television, and was surprised to see the winner in his weight division was a boy he had beaten badly in high school on four occasions. This inspired him to return to the sport.
He resumed training and entered the Law Enforcement Olympics and won the State Championship in 2002. In 2004 he won his way to the world finals in Las Vegas, and won the national titles in free style wrestling and Greco Roman.
His business partner in the new training center is David Iturrino, who was raised and attended high school in Brooklyn, New York. His uncle operated a martial arts academy there, and David has been immersed in the sport since he was five years old. His specialty is Brazilian Style Jiujutsu, in which after fifteen years of work he earned his black belt. He currently has black belts in three martial arts disciplines. He has a 41-3 overall record in combat competition.
After retirement his uncle moved to Orlando, and David moved there with him in order to continue his training. He later won the title of "Most Complete Fighter" in Puerto Rico. He has held several championships, including being kickboxing champion in his weight class. He is a born again Christian, and has always dreamed of opening a Christian based fight training school.
Their new academy offer programs for men, women, and children. These include:
- Rape prevention
- Body Sculpting
- Kids Martial Arts
- Adults Martial Arts
o Brazilian Jiujutsu
o Judo
o Kick Boxing
o Greco Roman Wrestling
o Boxing
o Free Style Wrestling
o General health and fitness
They are conducting classes daily with the programs beginning at 9:00 A.M. for mixed open classes, at 4:00 Kids Classes, at 5:30 Classes for Women, and at 6:30, Classes for Men. They are also developing special programs for law enforcement and corrections personnel.
They are located at 4215 Kelson Avenue in Marianna (The previous downtown Russell Athletics sewing plant facility.) They lease a portion of the building from Kerry Eaton who operates Mega Gym Gymnastics in the facility.
So, if you want to learn some new skills, and REALLY want to get into shape, contact David or Horacio at 209-5288 or 557-6410, or just stop by their gym on Kelson Avenue in Marianna.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like…Football
8/14/08
By Clint Cox
If you drive by the old Marianna High School football practice field (formerly known as Baltzell Field) you’ll see a flurry of activity in the afternoons. The Marianna Area Youth Football Association (MAYFA) has kicked off the 2008 football season with practices for the football players and cheerleaders. Brandt Spooner, one of the coordinators for MAYFA, said that approximately 90 players take to the field each afternoon. There are three teams grouped by ages. The A Team is made up of 11 and 12 year olds and is coached by Eddie Klotz and Greg Weston. The B Team is made up of 9 & 10 year olds and is coached by Scott Phelps, Steve Crumpler and Vernon Spencer. The C Team is comprised of 7 and 8 year olds and is coached by Marcus Kelly, C.J. Toal and Jimmy Spooner. The 2008 season will open with a Jamboree on September 6th at 10:00 am in Bonifay. The regular season starts the following Saturday (September 13th) with a road trip to take on Bainbridge.
The MAYFA Cheerleaders are also busy preparing for the upcoming season. Cheerleading coordinator Latisha Opfermann said that they have approximately 31 young girls that have come out for this season. The cheerleaders are grouped in similar age groups to that of the football teams. The cheerleaders are in the process of conducting a fundraiser and will be selling cookie dough, candles and coffee. They will be out selling these products through September 1st. Anyone interested in purchasing any of the items to help with this fundraiser can contact Latisha Opfermann at (850) 272-7389 or (850) 592-2426.
By Clint Cox
If you drive by the old Marianna High School football practice field (formerly known as Baltzell Field) you’ll see a flurry of activity in the afternoons. The Marianna Area Youth Football Association (MAYFA) has kicked off the 2008 football season with practices for the football players and cheerleaders. Brandt Spooner, one of the coordinators for MAYFA, said that approximately 90 players take to the field each afternoon. There are three teams grouped by ages. The A Team is made up of 11 and 12 year olds and is coached by Eddie Klotz and Greg Weston. The B Team is made up of 9 & 10 year olds and is coached by Scott Phelps, Steve Crumpler and Vernon Spencer. The C Team is comprised of 7 and 8 year olds and is coached by Marcus Kelly, C.J. Toal and Jimmy Spooner. The 2008 season will open with a Jamboree on September 6th at 10:00 am in Bonifay. The regular season starts the following Saturday (September 13th) with a road trip to take on Bainbridge.
The MAYFA Cheerleaders are also busy preparing for the upcoming season. Cheerleading coordinator Latisha Opfermann said that they have approximately 31 young girls that have come out for this season. The cheerleaders are grouped in similar age groups to that of the football teams. The cheerleaders are in the process of conducting a fundraiser and will be selling cookie dough, candles and coffee. They will be out selling these products through September 1st. Anyone interested in purchasing any of the items to help with this fundraiser can contact Latisha Opfermann at (850) 272-7389 or (850) 592-2426.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Loewen Retires From the Mound
8/8/08
By: Clint Cox
It’s been a long and tough road for former Chipola Indian Adam Loewen. After re-fracturing his elbow for the second time recently while pitching for the Baltimore Orioles, Loewen has announced that he plans to retire from pitching and become a position player again. The decision was made after consulting with the Orioles Team Physician Jon Wilckens and noted Orthopedic specialist James Andrews. "They believe that the only reason that my arm feels the way it does is strictly from throwing off the mound at a high intensity," Loewen said. "So if I was playing first base or outfield or just having time in between throws, not throwing 90-93 off a mound, then my arm’s going to be fine. It’s not going to bother me swinging the bat, and I won’t have to have surgery.
Loewen, the fourth overall pick in the 2002 First-Year Player Draft, was a member of the 2003 Chipola Indians baseball squad. In addition to his pitching duties while at Chipola, Loewen was also played first base and outfield. He showed that not only could he pitch well but he swung a pretty good bat. During that season he batted .353 for the Indians. He knows however that was five years ago and that it will be hard to overcome that long of time spent without swinging the bat. But he also knows that it’s virtually his only choice.
"The good news," added Andy MacPhail, the team’s president of baseball operations, "is that we have a player here that, as an amateur, [was] very much a hitting prospect as well, and he has assured me that he can still hit and wants to hit. So the club is prepared to embark on that path with him, and once this season is over, we will start career No. 2 for Adam Loewen, which will be in the outfield somewhere in the Baltimore Orioles system, provided we can sort through a number of obstacles and technicalities that we have to agree upon to sort of get this career re-started."
"We talked about starting in the Instructional League," he said, "the decisions after that become self-evident after he plays. Maybe he’s ready for something very fast and maybe he does something on a slower track and maybe he needs more time. Those things become more evident as we approach them, but there is no sense in speculating now other than that we think the Instructional League is probably the right first step."
Loewen’s coach at Chipola, Jeff Johnson, said if anyone can pull off the career switch it is Loewen. "He is probably one of the few players that I know that has the ability and talent to be a big league pitcher or hitter. During his senior year before coming to Chipola he played for Team Canada and hit .700. But his size (6’5") and the fact that he is a left hander made the pitching route the most attractive to the scouts. He is a very good hitter and hopefully this will work out for him," said Johnson. Johnson also hinted that Loewen may come to Chipola later in August to work on his hitting before heading off to the Instructional League.
By: Clint Cox
It’s been a long and tough road for former Chipola Indian Adam Loewen. After re-fracturing his elbow for the second time recently while pitching for the Baltimore Orioles, Loewen has announced that he plans to retire from pitching and become a position player again. The decision was made after consulting with the Orioles Team Physician Jon Wilckens and noted Orthopedic specialist James Andrews. "They believe that the only reason that my arm feels the way it does is strictly from throwing off the mound at a high intensity," Loewen said. "So if I was playing first base or outfield or just having time in between throws, not throwing 90-93 off a mound, then my arm’s going to be fine. It’s not going to bother me swinging the bat, and I won’t have to have surgery.
Loewen, the fourth overall pick in the 2002 First-Year Player Draft, was a member of the 2003 Chipola Indians baseball squad. In addition to his pitching duties while at Chipola, Loewen was also played first base and outfield. He showed that not only could he pitch well but he swung a pretty good bat. During that season he batted .353 for the Indians. He knows however that was five years ago and that it will be hard to overcome that long of time spent without swinging the bat. But he also knows that it’s virtually his only choice.
"The good news," added Andy MacPhail, the team’s president of baseball operations, "is that we have a player here that, as an amateur, [was] very much a hitting prospect as well, and he has assured me that he can still hit and wants to hit. So the club is prepared to embark on that path with him, and once this season is over, we will start career No. 2 for Adam Loewen, which will be in the outfield somewhere in the Baltimore Orioles system, provided we can sort through a number of obstacles and technicalities that we have to agree upon to sort of get this career re-started."
"We talked about starting in the Instructional League," he said, "the decisions after that become self-evident after he plays. Maybe he’s ready for something very fast and maybe he does something on a slower track and maybe he needs more time. Those things become more evident as we approach them, but there is no sense in speculating now other than that we think the Instructional League is probably the right first step."
Loewen’s coach at Chipola, Jeff Johnson, said if anyone can pull off the career switch it is Loewen. "He is probably one of the few players that I know that has the ability and talent to be a big league pitcher or hitter. During his senior year before coming to Chipola he played for Team Canada and hit .700. But his size (6’5") and the fact that he is a left hander made the pitching route the most attractive to the scouts. He is a very good hitter and hopefully this will work out for him," said Johnson. Johnson also hinted that Loewen may come to Chipola later in August to work on his hitting before heading off to the Instructional League.
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