PAL boxing organization molding youth champs
The Police Athletic League of Deerfield Beach works to build character, self- esteem and self- awareness in youths who participate in the program.
The latest success story came when 14- year- old boxer Jordan Murphy won the recent National Silver Gloves championship in Independence, Mo.
Despite his age, Murphy is somewhat of a veteran with 40 sanctioned fights under his belt. The eighthgrade student at Lyons Creek Middle School followed his older brother’s footsteps and joined PAL at age 8.
“My brother wanted to train and box, so I usually followed him,” Murphy said. “We would watch the Rockymovie together, and I would train with him. My coach had me prepared for the nationals.”
Each year, Murphy needs to qualify at the state and regional level to advance to the national competition. Last year, the 80- pound fighter made it to the national final but came up short. This time around, his fast hands and quick footworkwere too much for the competition as Murphy won the title with back- toback victories in the weekend event.
Murphy’s national championship belt hangs proudly in Deerfield’s PAL hallway.
In his corner for the last six years has beenPALhead boxing coach Steve Collazo. The Brooklyn- born former fighter has been coaching for 25 years.
“Our programs give the kids all the tools they need to succeed in the ring and in life,” Collazo said. “If boxing works out, that’s just gravy. We’re here to pick them up when they fall.”
Broward Sheriff’s Office Deputy Butch Santy is the director of Deerfield’s PAL.
“We have 35 to 40 kids in our boxing program, and they buy into our educationfirst approach. If they want to be here, they abide by our rules,” Santy said. “We love Jordan, but every kid here is just as important as Jordan is. Heworks hard, and that’s what makes him a champion, but he follows the same rules.”
Links for Literacy Golf Classic benefits students
TwanRussell has not forgotten his local roots. The same dedication, talent and energy the former linebacker displayed on the football fields at St. Thomas Aquinas, the University of Miami and the Miami Dolphins is exhibited in his battle against illiteracy in South Florida.
Since 1998, the Russell Life Skills and Reading Foundation has helped inner- city youth at 10 centers throughout the area.
The13th annual Links for Literacy Celebrity Golf Classic, recently staged at the Orangebrook Golf and Country Club in Hollywood, hasbecomethe foundation’s major fundraiser. Russell and Joe Rose cohosted the tournament, which featured 60 foursomes and $ 50,000.
“People are not only giving money, but giving their time to help the kids in the centers,” Russell said. “I’m born and raised in LauderdaleLakes, and it’s an honor for me to give back to my community and to the peoplewhohave helpedmebecome who I amtoday.”
The foundation currently teaches more than 1,000 children in Broward and Miami- Dade counties. The program provides certified teachers to instruct the children.
Former Miami Dolphins linebacker John Offerdahl
raised
about was among the event’s participants.
“Twan has done so much to develop this reading program for the kids in Broward County and beyond,” Offerdahl said. “He has taken his platform from the field and done some incredible things to help the community.”
Former Dolphins All- Pro wide receiver Mark Duper, ofMargate, also took to the fairways.
“Everyone knowsthe importance of reading and writing ( and that it) will give you the best chance in life,” Duper said.
For more information, visit www. russellreadingroom. com.
Daniel’sDash focuses on sports concussions
Diana Brett hopes that the days of a young athlete “getting his bell rung” and jumping right back into the fray will be a thing of the past.
Her sonDaniel sustained a series of concussions playing high school football and took his life inMay 2011. Fromthat tragedywas born the Daniel’s Dash for Concussion Awareness 5K Run/ Walk.
The third annual event drew close to 400 participants at Markham Park in Sunrise and benefited the Daniel Brett Foundation, which helps athletes through concussion management and education.
In 2012, Florida passed a lawaimed at addressing the issue. Itprevents young athletes from practicing or playing until they are cleared by a physician. The Broward County School Board also implemented a resolution in 2012 to provide a concussion management program for all public schools.
In the men’s race, youth prevailed as 18- year- old Cory Moogerfeld took first place ( 18: 05) by holding off hard- charging 50- year- old race veteran Luiz Souza ( 18: 11). Laura Mucho took the women’s title and finished third overall at 19: 21. Kelly Browning was the runner- up ( 21: 15), followed byMariaRodriguez ( 23: 53).
Moogerfeld graduated from West Broward High School and bettered his secondplace finish last year.
“I’m coming off an injury, and the only reason I’m here today is because this is such a great cause,” Moogerfeld said. “This benefits the whole community, and everyone gets to be active. It’s a double win.”
Lisa McHale’s husband, Tom, was a nine- year National Football League veteran and played for the Miami Dolphins. During his career, he incurred multiple concussions and died at age 45 in 2008. Lisa is now the director of family relations for Sports Legacy Institute, which does research on brain injuries.
“Daniel Brett is the reason you should pay attention to concussion injuries,” McHale said. “Education is our biggest ally, and we’re determined to find a cure with a lot of great research going on. We’re so grateful to the Daniel Brett Foundation.”
For more information, visitwww. danielsdash. org.