Parkland Little Leaguer to be honored in Williamsport
Alex Illes soon will receive the Little League Baseball Good Sport of the Year Award.
The Parkland Little League ballplayer and his parents have been invited to Williamsport, Pa., for an all-expense-paid trip to the Little League World Series next month.
The 11-year-old overcame a lifethreatening accident in the summer of 2013 to make it back to the baseball diamond. As a 9-year-old, Illes was struck by a car and sustained traumatic brain injuries and a broken pelvis. He required a ventilator while he lay in a coma.
A long and painful rehabilitative process ensued, but his memories of baseball served as motivation and inspiration.
Two months prior to the accident, Illes tripled off the fence in the last inning to help his Tigers baseball team clinch the Parkland Little League Minor Division championship at Terramar Park.
Earlier this year, Illes told his parents that he wanted to play baseball again. Countless hours of rehab permitted Illes to play his favorite sport at a safe level, even though he still showed some physical limitations.
His old baseball coach, Kevin Little, was quick to draft Illes onto his Athletics team.
“Before his injury, Alex was one of the top players of his age, and his parents and I didn’t know what to expect or what Alex’s endurance level would be,” Little said. “Alex drives himself to be the best player he can be, whether in practice or a game. He always brings a great attitude and a smile to the field and cheers on and encourages his teammates.”
In the third game of the season, Illes laced a line drive to right field for his first hit since the 2013 triple on the same Terramar Park field. The game was stopped to deliver the ball to Illes’ parents. It would be the first of many hits to follow.
“Baseball has been such a huge part of Alex’s life, so to see him starting to progress within the sport pulls at the heart strings,” said Illes’ dad, Mike. “All I could think about when he was in the hospital is for him and I to get back down to the park to play ball. Well, we made it and life couldn’t be better.”
Kreul Classic bolsters its scholarship awards program
For 25 years, the Kreul Classic in Coral Springs has presented great high school basketball action in mid-December. The national tournament’s success has allowed the Kreul college scholarship program to flourish.
Florida Atlantic University, AF Best Securities Foundation and Publix have formed a partnership with the Kreul Classic to provide financial assistance to students based on classroom performance, community involvement and financial need. The recipients were presented with the awards during the recent Broward County Athletic Association awards ceremony.
This marks the 70th financial scholarship reward that has been given to Broward high school students since the Kreul Classic began in 1989. This year’s recipients are: Dilano Taylor (Stranahan High), Fasheba Funeus (South Plantation), Nicole Compres (Cooper City), Justin Pryce (Northeast), Stephanie Altidort (Blanche Ely) and Alisa Haewan (Deerfield Beach).
Compres is a four-year member of the Cowboys’ basketball and lacrosse teams and a member of the National Honor Society. The 17-year-old plans to attend Florida Gulf Coast University.
“Sports has been very beneficial for me because it has helped me meet new friends and become
competitive,” Compres said. “I learned to persevere and never give up, and this (scholarship) will help me in the future.”
Funeus will continue her studies at FAU. The president of her senior class was a member of the basketball, volleyball and track and field teams.
“I’m looking to pursue [a degree in] exercise science for sports medicine, and a financial award is very helpful,” Funeus said. “Sports is very important and a healthy balance in my life. I learned all about teamwork and time management.”
Former UM/NFL players among donors to HANDY youth
Former University of Miami standout and 12-year National Football League veteran lineback- er D.J. Williams, San Francisco 49ers defensive end Tony JerodEddie and former All-Pro offensive lineman and UM star Bryant McKinnie recently visited HANDY (Helping Abused Neglected Disadvantaged Youth) in Fort Lauderdale to speak about life, education and goals.
Williams’ charity, Home Team Closet, donates clothing, shoes and sports-related gear to those in need.
During the recent visit, Williams and his fellow NFL players spoke to about 70 at-risk boys and girls and treated them to a free “shopping spree” at the end of the session.
“You must have the right work ethic and have future goals thought out,” Williams said. “Surround yourself with people who have similar goals and are motivated like you. It’s important to keep moving forward and to continue working hard.”
HANDY serves more than 1,300 at-risk youths annually in Fort Lauderdale, Lauderdale Lakes and Pompano Beach.
Plantation resident Ravian Pierce has been with HANDY for four years.
The 20-year-old wide receiver and tight end is attending Southwest Mississippi Community College and was encouraged by Williams and the others.
“This has been a great experience to have somebody motivate you and let you know everything will be all right if you continue to work hard and stay focused,” Pierce said. “Everybody struggles and goes through different stages. HANDY has been a positive influence on me and has taught me to be a responsible adult.”
For more information, visit HANDYinc.org.