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Gator Enjoys A Challenge

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By CLIFF GILL Tribune correspondent

The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 25, 2009

DADE CITY - Peter Hernandez loves a challenge.

The Land O' Lakes High junior started playing football at age 7 as a defensive tackle, but he soon shifted to the offensive line.

"It's more challenging because others are depending on you," Hernandez said. "So much of football is predicated on the success of the OL."

Last season, Hernandez captained the junior varsity team. He played center on offense, tackle on defense and participated on special teams, averaging 38 minutes of each 40-minute game.

"I've always been an aggressive athlete," Hernandez said. "I like the brute force of the challenge, both the physical and mental aspects of the game."

According to Hernandez, football is like a chess match.

"Each move must be strategically executed for the right outcome to happen," he said. "If the defensive lineman takes a step to the right, I must react to neutralize his action. The man across from me is my responsibility, and it's my job to prevent him from getting to the quarterback or running back. This requires teamwork, communication and leadership skills."

Hernandez is also a leader in the classroom. Enrolled in the International Baccalaureate Program, he must meet international standards in English, a foreign language, math, social studies, experimental sciences and required electives. Hernandez also must complete a 4,000-word essay and perform a minimum of 150 hours of community service. The IB diploma is widely accepted at universities and colleges throughout the world.

"Peter is the model student-athlete," said Gators football coach John Benedetto. "He combines a rigorous workload in the IB program with the demanding workload of competition and drills of an afternoon football practice. Time after time, as I prepared to leave school after my own long workday, this young man was putting on his tie as he prepared himself for an evening of community service."

Hernandez's determination is also noticed by his teachers.

"Peter was in my honors pre-calculus class last year," said mathematics department chair Linda Davies. "This year, he elected to take the IB pre-calculus course rather than go right into the AP calculus class. He made this decision because he wanted more background, a better understanding, and a solid foundation. This says a great deal about his character and what he strives for in his education. He wants to do more than receive A's. He wants to understand the 'whys' behind the material."

With a 4.3 GPA, Hernandez ranks in the top 2 percent in the Pasco County district.

"I chose Land O' Lakes High School because of the IB program," Hernandez said. "Both of my parents are Ivy League graduates and I aspire to study and play football at an Ivy League college."

Earlier this week, Hernandez captured first place in the category of researched persuasive speaking. The event was sponsored by the Health Occupations Students of America. Hernandez qualified for the state competition in April.

In addition to his commitments to sports and academics, Hernandez is also involved in his community. As the Dade City Youth Council chairman, he and other members of the council convinced an electronics store to donate a theater screen and audio equipment. On the third Saturday of each month, the council provides free family movies in the park.

"With the tough economy, families can now get out to watch wholesome movies at no cost," he said. Approximately 300 people attend.

Hernandez is also one of 42 students on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Student Advisory Board.

"We promote the Bucs at our respective schools," he said. "I also get to meet and learn from some fascinating people in the business and sports worlds."

For his participation on the advisory board, Hernandez receives Bucs souvenirs. He came up with a unique way to distribute them to his classmates.

"We have an activity for our math students called the Florida Mathematics League," Davies said. "We give prizes to students for their success, such as receiving an A on an exam. Peter asked if I could use some key rings and calculators as prizes. I thought this showed a great deal of thoughtfulness for others and for our program."

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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