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Senior Unflagging In Support For East Bay

Tribune photo by JOHN CEBALLOS

Senior Lindsey Prall works through a conditioning drill in preparation for the upcoming East Bay High School varsity flag football team. Prall has been a member of the team each of her four years at East Bay, including last year when they won the district championship.

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By JOHN CEBALLOS

jceballos@tampatrib.com

Published: February 25, 2009

GIBSONTON - As she prepares for her fourth and final year on the East Bay Indians varsity flag football team, senior Lindsey Prall is determined to help her squad leave a mark at the school.

"We want to win this year, but we also want to make a difference at the school," Prall said. "East Bay doesn't really get too much recognition for its sports, and we'd like to help put East Bay sports on the map."

Hillsborough County began offering flag football in high schools during the 2005-06 school year - Prall's first year at East Bay.

"She's one of the few remaining girls on the team that have played all four years," said Michael Cooper, flag football coach. "She helps lead through her strong work ethic."

By Florida High School Athletic Association rules, flag football was available as a club sport in county high schools only during its first season.

The next year, flag football teams were divided into districts and allowed to compete in the state championship series. The Indians finished 5-6 and second in their district during the 2006-07 season.

Prall, a cornerback and tight end, helped the team to an 8-4 record and a District 9 championship last year. She also was a member of the school's varsity cheerleading squad for four years.

"A lot of people don't consider flag football a real sport, the same way some people don't think cheerleading is a real sport," Prall said. "We work just as hard as players in other sports, and we've got some great athletes."

Prall has been going through the team's conditioning drills during the first half of February. Their first practice was Monday, and they will kick off their season at home against Wharton High School.

Once Prall's senior season is done, she will begin preparing for college. She has been accepted to Florida Atlantic University, where she will study marine biology.

Prall, who has lived in Apollo Beach all her life, says her choice of career path was a no-brainer.

"I grew up in this area, and I love being close to the water," Prall said. "The ocean has always been my backyard."

MEET LINDSEY PRALL

AGE: 18

SCHOOL: East Bay High School

GRADE: 12th

SPORTS: Flag football and cheerleading

PLANS: Will attend Florida Atlantic University and study marine biology.

Reporter John Ceballos can be reached at (813) 865-1555.

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