TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Work Ethic Results In Success

ADVERTISEMENT

By CLIFF GILL Tribune correspondent

The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 21, 2008

NEW PORT RICHEY - It's no secret that River Ridge's football team has struggled for the past few seasons. Double-digit losing streaks affect the existing players and discourage prospective players from trying out for the team. Despite the losses and low morale, however, someone who wants to make a difference is on the horizon for the Royal Knights.

Last year's middle school squad finished the season at 5-1, tying the school's all-time best record. Coach Corey Washington gives much of the credit to offensive lineman Taylor Dunphy.

"He played center and made all of our line calls. He served as a captain for us as well. The team respected Taylor for his leadership. His first year playing for us seventh grade, we were 0-6. But it was Taylor and the other returning eighth graders that really decided toturn things around the following year and make it a special season," said Washington.

This year, River Ridge's junior varsity team has started off 2-0. According to Coach Brian Hooker, Dunphy is one of the team's bright spots. "In our first game against Ridgewood, late in the fourth quarter, Taylor and the offensive line took over the game. They drove their opponents five yards off the line on every play on the go-ahead touchdown drive.Taylor's motivation is seen every day before practice when he is outside working on snapping the football while everyone else is still in the locker room getting dressed," said Hooker.

"Taylor is a versatile football player who can be used at either center or guard. He is self motivated and is always looking for ways he can improve on the football field. He often asks his coaches, 'What can I do to get better?'"

By today's standards, Dunphy's 5-foot-10 and 205-pound frame is small compared to most lineman. But what he lacks in size is more than made up by his work ethic and desire to improve the team.

"The primary job of an offensive lineman is to protect the quarterback on pass plays and block for the backs on running plays," said Dunphy. "The key to success for an offensive line to work together. We practice over and over to work as one unit."

According to Dunphy, an offensive lineman's objective is to minimize the mobility of the pass rushers.

"On each play, your goal is to get lower than the defensive lineman and make sure you stay with him," he said. Lunging forward against opposing linemen requires split-second timing and tremendous leg strength and conditioning. To prepare for the season, he and his teammates lift weights and do cardiovascular exercises throughout the year. As with most offensive linemen, Dunphy does not mind that the accolades for a team's success often go to the quarterback or running backs.

"When we score, some of the credit goes to the offensive line," he said.

In addition to football, Dunphy is a catcher and outfielder for the West Pasco baseball team and plays baritone saxophone for River Ridge's concert band.

Dunphy's work ethic carries over to the classroom. From sixth through eighth grades, he received straight A's, with the exception of one B in seventh grade. Currently, he has a 4.2 GPA and is taking honors courses in English, biology and algebra II.

"To keep my grades up, I give up TV and video games," he said. "I get home around 5 p.m., eat dinner, finish my homework and go to bed."

English teacher Scott Siebels considers Dunphy a top student.

"He is what a student-athlete should be. He excels at both functions but doesn't let one interfere with the other. Even after a late, away game last week, Taylor was in class the next morning, cheerful and prepared, earning a perfect score on a homework writing assignment. He is carrying a 100% grade in my class and has done everything he's been asked to do and more. Taylor is a quiet leader. I wish all of my students would follow his example," said Siebels.

Spanish teacher Nancy Sexauer agrees. "Taylor always comes to class focused and willing to learn. Earlier in the week, we learned greetings. Taylor and two classmates walked to the front and led the class in a song of Spanish greetings. His enthusiasm helped everyone learn in a fun way," said Sexauer.

On weekends, Dunphy volunteers by helping to set up and clean up after church events. He is also a reader at Sunday services.

Once a month, he and other teens visit local nursing homes.

"We play bingo with the residents and spend time with them," said Dunphy. "No one should be alone, so I don't mind giving up one Sunday afternoon a month to help people who need companionship and someone to talk to."

Dunphy also volunteers at the Salvation Army soup kitchen.

"Serving food to families who are struggling is heartwarming," he said. "It makes me feel so grateful for all the gifts and blessings I have received."

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.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT