Fred Taylor to speak at Rotary South All-Star Classic Banquet
Rotary Club of Fort Myers South is pleased to announce that University of Florida and NFL alum Fred Taylor will be the keynote speaker at the Rotary South All-Star Classic football banquet on Monday, December 5 at Broadway Palm Dinner Theater. Taylor will address the high school senior all star football players, cheerleaders, their parents, coaches, and other community supporters who will be at the event. Fred Taylor was born in Pahokee, Florida. He attended Glades Central High School where he was a standout high school football player for the Glades Central Raiders. Taylor played basketball also participated in Track-N-Field. Taylor initially played linebacker, but switched to running back as a junior where he excelled in his first season at the position. As a senior, he ran for 1,700 yards and 22 touchdowns, including a 301-yard, 5-touchdown outing. He received Florida “Super Senior”, all-state honors. Fred was also a Parade All-American selection which recognized him as a top prospect on the national level. Taylor accepted an academic-athletic scholarship to attend the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida, where he played for coach Steve Spurrier’s Florida Gators football team from 1994 to 1997. He started two games as a true freshman, leading the team’s ground attack by picking up 873 yards and eight touchdowns. In 1996 Fred played a huge part in the Gators success, running for 629 yards, five touchdowns, and helping the 12–1 Gators win the FIRST national championship IN SCHOOL HISTORY. As a senior team captain in 1997, Taylor was the team’s leading rusher with 1,292 yards on 214 carries and scoring 13 touchdowns, earning first-team All-Southeastern Conference (SEC) recognition and Associated Press third-team All-American honors, and was chosen by his teammates as the Gators’ most valuable player. He finished his college career ranked fourth in school history with 3,075 yards and 31 touchdowns. After a successful college career, Taylor went on to the NFL Combine, where he would run a blazing 4.25 forty for the NFL scouts. Taylor was drafted ninth overall in the 1998 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars. Taylor started 12 of 15 games for the Jaguars as a rookie in 1998, rushing for 1,223 and 14 touchdowns, while also catching 44 passes for 421 yards and three touchdowns. Taylor set 63 Jaguars team records as a rookie and was runner-up Rookie of the Year to Randy Moss. Taylor achieved many accolades during his 13 year NFL career, including an All-Pro and a Pro Bowl selection. In 2007, 13 years after he graduated from high school, the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) recognized Taylor as one of the “100 Greatest Players of the First 100 Years” of Florida high school football. The annually played Florida/Georgia game, Hall of Fame inducted Taylor as a member in 2008. In 2010, the University of Florida inducted Taylor as a member of the UF Athletic Hall of Fame. For this, he is known as a “Gator Great”. Taylor retired as a Jacksonville Jaguar on September 2nd, 2011. The following year, Taylor was honored by the team as he became a member of the Pride of the Jaguars (Ring of Honor). Fred Taylor’s name will hang in the Jacksonville Jaguars stadium forever. This honor is one held in high regards and exemplifies the integrity, dedication, and perseverance Taylor displayed as a person and professional athlete. Taylor received Hall of Fame induction honors from the Palm Beach County Sports Commission Hall of Fame in 2013. During the induction ceremony, Taylor’s son Kelvin (who is currently with the San Francisco 49ers practice squad) received recognition as the Palm Beach...
Read More28th Annual All-Star Classic to be held December 5-7 in Fort Myers
Save the date for the 28th annual All-Star Classic Dec. 5 & 7 Rotary Club of Fort Myers South showcases the best in Lee County football Mark your calendars for a proud Southwest Florida tradition when the Rotary South All-Star Classic returns in its 28th year on Dec. 5 and 7. Rotary Club of Fort Myers South kicks off the two-day event at 7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 5 at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre with an awards banquet honoring Lee County’s top senior football players and coaches. On Wednesday, Dec. 7, the popular football game between North and South high school all-star players will take place under the lights at Fort Myers High School’s Sam Sirianni Field in Edison Stadium. About 300 players, coaches, families, Rotarians and community leaders are expected to attend the awards banquet. In addition to recognizing players’ and coaches’ talent and dedication, the banquet sets the tone for the game ahead, with inspiration and motivation from a keynote speaker to make a lasting impact on all attendees. NFL All-Pro running back and University of Florida great Fred Taylor will deliver this year’s memorable keynote address. The annual All-Star Classic football game showcases the best senior players from across Lee County’s public and private high school football teams. Participating players and cheerleaders are nominated by their head coaches, and become eligible to receive recognition as an MVP or scholar-athlete. The players come together on teams, competing against each other as North vs. South, representing one of the final challenges these players will face in their high school football careers. Each of the football players and cheerleaders is presented with a customized commemorative ring or charm. Sanibel resident and football enthusiast John Carrigan founded the Rotary South All-Star Classic in 1989. This event was the first countywide organized football game in the state of Florida. Carrigan’s vision of football paired with fundraising has continued since then under the continued leadership of Rotary Club of Fort Myers South. Proceeds from the event are used to support college scholarships, as well as grants for local community organizations. Rotary South All-Star Classic Chair Greg Blurton said, “While showcasing the best of the best in Lee County Football, the Classic raises funds to support various programs and scholarships that would otherwise not be available to our community. The wait is almost over for one of Southwest Florida’s most-anticipating sporting events of the year!” The Rotary Club of Fort Myers South is currently seeking donations and sponsors to help cover the cost of this annual event. Area businesses or individuals can sponsor the event, a team, player or cheerleader. There are also opportunities to advertise in the event program featuring the student athletes that are being honored. For more information on sponsorship or ticket sales, please contact event chair Greg Blurton at (239) 405-9890 or gregblurton@gmail.com. Rotary Club of Fort Myers South Rotary Club of Fort Myers South has more than 140 members who are among the 1.3 million Rotarians worldwide. Service Above Self is the motto of Rotary International, which has contributed more than $1.2 billion and tens of thousands of volunteer hours toward polio eradication in addition to projects such as water quality, world peace and literacy. Rotary Club of Fort Myers South meetings are held each Monday at noon at the Crowne Plaza, 13051 Bell Tower Drive. For more information, visit...
Read More2015 Fort Myers Rotary South All-Stars Announced
The Rotary Club of Fort Myers South is pleased to announce the 2015 football players and cheerleaders who have been selected to represent their schools in the 27th Annual Rotary South All-Star Classic this December. North Roster South Roster These outstanding seniors are chosen by a committee made up of coaches and athletic directors from participating high schools. This year’s All-Star game which is an annual tradition going back 27 years – is set for 7:00 pm on Wednesday, December 9th at Fort Myers High School. Tickets are $5 per person at the gate, and parking is $5 per car (includes a game program). The Miami Dolphins will once again be supporting this event by decorating the stadium and being represented at the event by Dolphins’ alum and staff. The All-Stars will receive additional recognition at a banquet to be held at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre on Monday, December 7th where NFL celebrity, former Miami Dolphin Kim Bokamper will be the keynote speaker. In addition, the All-Stars will volunteer at a youth football clinic presented by the Miami Dolphins at Fort Myers High School the evening of Tuesday, December 8th. The clinic is free and open to boys and girls, ages 6-14. Pre-registration is required and space is limited. Proceeds from each year’s All-Star Classic go to fund charitable giving to worthy causes in our local community by the Rotary Club of Fort Myers South. These events would not be possible without our sponsors, who include MVP sponsor Telebrands, and many other fine...
Read MoreMiami Dolphins Free Youth Football Clinic Dec. 8 in Fort Myers
Miami Dolphins offer free youth clinic for boys and girls ages 6 to 14 as part of the 27th Rotary South All-Star Classic UPDATE!!!!! Sign-ups have reached maximum capacity and registration is now closed. Only pre-registered children will be admitted to this event. On behalf of the Miami Dolphins, Rotary Club of Fort Myers South invites area boys and girls ages six to 14 to attend a free youth football clinic 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, December 8 at Fort Myers High School. Young athletes will be inspired by these generous NFL heroes and learn leadership and teamwork, while they work out like the pros. This exciting event is offered as part of the 27th Annual Rotary South All-Star Classic. The action-packed three-day schedule includes an award banquet honoring Lee County’s top football players and cheerleaders on Dec. 7 and the highly anticipated All-Star Football Game on Dec. 9. The clinic is a grassroots Miami Dolphins program emphasizing education, physical fitness and positive choices for youth in a safe and fun environment. Former Dolphins players will encourage the children to become “DolFit” kids. The boys and girls will participate in real Dolphin drills featuring obstacle courses, hurdles, knock-away dummies, ladders and halfback pads. Every participant in the clinic will receive a complimentary ticket to the Rotary South All-Star Classic football game on Wednesday, December 9 at 7:00 p.m. at Fort Myers High School. The All-Star Classic football game showcases the best senior players from across Lee County’s public and private high school football teams in a north vs. south competition. Dolphins’ alumni will attend the game and serve as honorary coaches. Sanibel resident and football enthusiast John Carrigan founded the Rotary South All-Star Classic in 1989. This event was the first countywide organized football game in the state of Florida. Carrigan’s vision of football paired with fundraising has continued since then under the continued leadership of Rotary South. Proceeds from the event are used to support college scholarships, as well as grants for local community organizations. Rotary Fort Myers South is grateful for the support of Bell Tower Shops, which has signed on as Title Sponsor of this year’s All-Star Classic. The Rotary Club of Fort Myers South is currently seeking donations and sponsors to help cover the cost of this annual event. Area businesses or individuals can sponsor the event, a team, player or cheerleader. There are also opportunities to advertise in the event program featuring the student athletes that are being honored. For more information on sponsorship or ticket sales, please contact Gerry Poppe at...
Read MorePlans announced for 27th Annual Rotary South All Star Classic
Mark your calendars! Rotary Club of Fort Myers South is pleased to announce the 27th Annual Rotary South All-Star Classic taking place at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, December 9 at Fort Myers High School’s Sam Sirianni Field at Edison Stadium. Prior to the football game between north and south high school all-star players, a recognition banquet will be held on Monday, December 7, and a Miami Dolphins youth football clinic will take place on Tuesday, December 8. The annual All-Star Classic football game showcases the best senior players from across Lee County’s public and private high school teams. Participating players and cheerleaders are nominated by their head coaches, and become eligible to receive recognition as an MVP or scholar-athlete. The players come together on teams, competing against each other as North vs. South. This game is one of the final challenges that these players will face in their high school football careers, and college scouts regularly attend the event. Sanibel resident and football enthusiast, John Carrigan, founded the Rotary South All-Star Classic in 1989. This event was the first countywide organized football game in the state of Florida. Carrigan’s vision of football paired with fundraising has continued since then under the continued leadership of Rotary South. Proceeds from the event are used to support college scholarships, as well as grants for local community organizations. On Monday, December 7 at 6 p.m., a recognition banquet will take place at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre in Fort Myers, featuring Miami Dolphins alum Kim Bokamper. On Tuesday, December 9, there will be a Miami Dolphins Youth Football Clinic. This free clinic will take place at Fort Myers High School and is open to all area youth, ages 6-14. More information on the banquet and the Miami Dolphins football clinic will be released on a later date. “The Rotary Club of Fort Myers South is very much looking forward to the 27th anniversary of the All-Star Classic. Every year this fun event is well attended by the Southwest Florida community, helping to raise funds for scholarships and give talented local players a chance to shine,” says John Doramus, President of Rotary Club of Fort Myers South. About the Rotary Club of Fort Myers South The Rotary Club of Fort Myers South is part of the Fort Myers community located in tropical southwest Florida on the shore of the Gulf of Mexico. Rotarians of the club invite guests to visit their weekly lunch meetings, or visit them online to learn more about their club and activities. Meetings are held each Monday at 12:00 PM at the Crowne Plaza located at 13051 Bell Tower Drive. Visit them online at www.RotarySouth.org for more...
Read MoreThe Voice’s Ricky Manning to sing at All-Star Game
Top 20 contestant from the current season of NBC’s The Voice, Ricky Manning will be the featured soloist at the Rotary South All Star Classic football game on Wednesday, December 10th. Manning will sing the national anthem at the beginning of the game, and will be available to interact with fans. Manning, 19, is from Cape Coral and is a graduate of North Fort Myers High School. During his time on the show, he said he moved to New Jersey and gave himself two years to make it in the music business. On Twitter (@TheRickyManning), he’s grown a large fan base of followers, which he’s nicknamed “fannings”. He will be promoting his upcoming homecoming/celebratory show at Dixie Roadhouse on Saturday, December 28 (his 20th birthday!). The Rotary South All Star Classic features some of the best Lee County senior football players in an annual north vs. south matchup, complete with cheerleaders from each school. The event is now in its 26th year. The football game kickoff is scheduled for 7:30pm on Wednesday, December 10, 2014 at Fort Myers High School’s Edison Stadium/Sam Sirianni Field. Admission is $5 per person, and parking is $5 per vehicle including an event...
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