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Anderson Leads By Example

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By CLIFF GILL Tribune correspondent

Published: January 29, 2008

LAND O' LAKES - Sunlake High School opened in August 2007. With its outstanding coaches and facilities and with a growing enrollment, it has the chance to be an outstanding football program in a short time.

To get there, the team will again be without seniors and must overcome an opening season of no wins and 10 losses.

In sophomore lineman Kyle Anderson, Coach Bill Browning found one of the building blocks on which his team can grow.

"Kyle leads by example. He has an outstanding work ethic," said Browning.

Although he's undersized for a lineman (5-feet-10 and 155 pounds), Anderson's philosophy is that hard work pays off.

"I try to give 100 percent, even when it's at practice or in the weight room," he said.

His teammates agree.

"Kyle has a no-quit attitude. He's always there to offer help and support. Because of him, the linemen have become a close unit," said freshman tackle Alex Curry.

Being part of a new school and a winless program would discourage many players, but not Anderson.

"I just keep thinking forward. Hard work overcomes many obstacles," he said.

His extraordinary efforts earned him all-Sunshine Athletic Conference honorable-mention recognition.

Watching Anderson during a game, one notices another admirable trait: sportsmanship.

"Good sportsmanship is important. I'll knock you down, but afterwards, I'll offer a hand to pick you back up," said Anderson.

In the classroom, Anderson is an honor student with a 3.9 GPA. His course load includes honors courses in English, world history and biology. He hopes to become an engineer or an architect. Presently, he is undecided on his college choice, but is leaning toward Florida State University.

After school, Anderson volunteers as a coach in a Pop Warner football league. Working with 9, 10 and 11-year-olds allows Anderson the opportunity to share his values with eager listeners.

During a recent practice, a running back fumbled and lost the ball. He remained on the ground, visibly upset. Rather than berate him for his error, Anderson called the entire team over and said:

"It's OK to make a mistake. Remember, it's how fast you get back up that counts," he said.

A frown was quickly turned into a smile as the player sprang to his feet.
Kyle Anderson now has two teams to lead and motivate.

Teachers, coaches: If you would like to nominate an outstanding student-athlete to be featured in an upcoming In The Community article, contact Cliff Gill at reportercliffgill@yahoo.com or (727) 860-4903.

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