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Helping On, Off The Court

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By CLIFF GILL

Tribune correspondent

Published: May 25, 2008

LAND O' LAKES - Historically, first-year high schools rarely have successful seasons, and Sunlake's basketball team was no exception. With the added disadvantage of having no seniors, Sunlake's varsity squad finished the season with a 3-24 record. One bright spot was the emergence of junior guard Eli Escobar as the team leader.

"I chose Eli as our team captain because he is the epitome of what a high school athlete should be: an outstanding student, possessing great character, and a pretty darn good basketball player as well," Coach Robert Marinak said.

On the court, the 6-footer led the Seahawks with a 13-point average and gathered six rebounds per game. His efforts earned him all-conference recognition. Off the court, Escobar worked hard to make certain that his teammates did not become discouraged.

"From the first practice, we knew we would struggle this season. I tried to help everyone play better and not let them get down during or after a game," he said.

Marinak agrees.

"Although Eli was not the most vocal player on our team, his work ethic set the tone for our practices and his intensity during our games was phenomenal. He is one of those players who chooses to lead by example rather than just telling people what they should be doing. His determination was contagious and there were many instances where he took the team on his shoulders and carried us."

Escobar patterns his play after NBA player Steve Nash.

"He hustles on every play, always has a positive attitude and is willing to do whatever it takes to help the team. Plus, people have told me that I look a little like him," said Escobar.

During the offseason, Escobar participates in AAU basketball in Land O' Lakes.

"We travel and go up against some of the best players in the country, which improves our skills. Plus, college scouts are often in the stands watching our games," he said.

Escobar is also a member of Sunlake's varsity football and tennis teams.

In the classroom, Escobar has a 3.96 GPA and is taking a college-level course in statistics.

"Math has always come easy to me and I hope to become either a financial analyst or an accountant," he said.

Escobar's other honors courses include history, pre-calculus and chemistry. This curriculum often requires him to stay up until midnight to finish his homework. Escobar hopes his efforts will gain him admission to the University of Florida.

On weekends, Escobar volunteers to feed the homeless at Metropolitan Ministries.

"It's important to help the less fortunate. It helps me to appreciate the blessings that I have been given," he said.

One of the blessings that Escobar enjoys is that he survived a life-threatening medical condition as an infant. At 7 months, he was diagnosed with Craniosynostosis, in which some of the sutures in his skull closed too early, causing problems with normal brain and skull growth. Surgery alleviated the problem, but he was required to wear a helmet for a year. He has a life-long headband scar as a reminder.

Earlier this month, Escobar flew to Utah for the filming of the movie "High School Musical III." In the film, due to be released in October, Escobar participates in a basketball game.

"I'm just an extra in the film, but the opportunity to have even a small part in a popular movie was something I'll always remember," he said.

Marinak summed up Escobar's contributions when he said, "Eli is the kind of kid that all coaches enjoy working with. He is very humble and modest - always diverting attention away from himself. If you had 12 Elis on your team, you would want to coach forever."

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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