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Standing tall on the field and in the classroom

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By CLIFF GILL Tribune correspondent

The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 5, 2009

HOLIDAY In the 1982 song "Down Under," the group Men At Work sings about meeting a man who was "6-foot-4 and full of muscles."

Jeff Kruse closely matches that description.

Although he's a shade under 6-3, Kruse's size, respectful manner - "Yes, sir" replies - and articulate vocabulary make you immediately recognize that he is a true student-athlete.

In the fall, Kruse, 15, will be returning to Gulf High's varsity football team. He started playing football at age 9 and has been growing in strength and size.

Last season, as a freshman, Kruse was the strongest player on Gulf's junior varsity team, according to Coach Buck DeWitt.

"Jeff bench pressed 325 pounds and was our defensive captain," DeWitt said. "He lets his actions on the field do his talking. He is always respectful. If you had a son, you would want him to be like Jeff."

Gulf varsity coach Jay Fulmer agrees.

"Jeff is the type of player that no coach can have enough of," Fulmer said. "He has tremendous speed and is a very coachable young player. He has the potential to become the best lineman I have ever coached. He impresses me every time I see him on the field and has the intelligence to attend an Ivy League college."

In addition to football, Kruse excels in two other sports - weightlifting and track, where he competes in the shot put and discus.

He's as impressive in the classroom.

A member of the pre-International Baccalaureate program, his 4.25 GPA ranks near the top of his class.

Studying past midnight is normal for Kruse.

"My parents inspired me to do extra work beyond what was expected," he said. "My father had stomach cancer when I was 9 years old. That made me push even harder and become a better all-around person and widen my horizons."

Honors geometry teacher Debi Pitcock has high praise for Kruse.

"Jeff has been very impressive as an outstanding academic student and varsity level athlete," said Pitcock. "He has managed to learn how to get the massive amounts of homework and study accomplished for his rigorous course work in the IB program while he excelled in varsity sports. He also played in the school jazz band. This young man has it all, and he is just beginning. I can't wait to see what he accomplishes by the time he graduates."

At the Lake Tarpon Church of Christ, Kruse is a youth leader.

"I belong to a program called 'Lads to Leaders,' which allows me to read the Bible to children," he said. "It helps me teach them what I've learned and makes religion real for them."

He regularly volunteers to clean up the church property. Once a year, he travels to volunteer at an orphanage for a week.

"It's rewarding to help people," he said. "I have a servant mentality and try to put my faith into action."

He also volunteers as a counselor at the Holiday Recreational Center. Last summer, he worked from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, teaching, listening and discussing problems that children had at school and at home.

"Jeff is a gifted and talented student, both in academics and in the arts," said Sunray Elementary School teacher Maria Houmis. "His multiple intelligence encouraged others in doing their best as well. I feel honored and proud to have been part of his academic life."

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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