Introduction - North Fort Myers High Schoolnfm.leeschools.net/_cache/files/1/9/192bab7b-7ac8-4acd-a762-e5a8ff... · Introduction Since it opened as a junior-senior high school in

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Introduction

Since it opened as a junior-senior high school in 1960, North Fort Myers High

School athletics has developed into one of the most storied programs of Southwest Florida.

North has had many notable alums that have gone on to excel on the highest of athletic stages.

The school boasts Deion Sanders (baseball, football), Mike Greenwell (baseball), and Jevon

Kearse (football) as just a few of its most recognized graduates. And while they may have gone

on to successful professional careers, they do not represent all the great athletes that have

accomplished much more at NFMHS.

As I took over the job as Athletic Director in 2008, one noticeable omission to the vast

history of North High was the lack of a collection of records. In no one place could there be

found the rich history of athletics, the written accomplishments of its athletes, or the

championships that have been won by such an amazing school. With every passing question

about “who holds the record for….” or, “is this the best team we’ve ever had…” the need for a

record book gained ever more importance. From the coaches to the athletes themselves, the men

and women who have been a part of this school are growing older and passing on, and with

them, the records of their achievements have been forgotten. This record book is intended to

recapture some of the accomplishments that have been forgotten in annals of history, and

celebrate the coaches and athletes that have succeeded as representatives of North Fort Myers

High School.

To develop a record book to be as accurate as possible, there were many strategies

implemented in order to obtain the information. Research began with a look into the school

yearbooks. The yearbooks would provide a foundation from which further research could be

gathered. It was an accessible resource where information about coaches, players, and sports

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could be found. For example, it laid out when individual sports first began. Knowing that girls’

soccer did not exist at North prior to 1993 gave me clues as to where to begin finding the

information I was looking for. There would be no need to look for statistics from seasons prior

to that year. It also gave a quick synopsis as to how long a coach’s tenure was for a sport and if

the seasons were successful. On rare occasions, the yearbook provided the season records for the

teams. In a short time span, a lot of knowledge could be gathered that may be useful. Yearbooks

were a tool by which I could begin the process of finding records.

The next step was to interview the coaches, both past and present. They were the ones

that have been through the games and the seasons. They would have first hand knowledge of the

best players, the best teams, and the interesting anecdotes to go along with it. This could help

narrow the search for the records I was trying to put together. In some cases, the coach had been

a part of the program for numerous years and had vital information to pass along to me. For

example, the track records had been passed down from coach to coach. Track would normally

be very hard to find by myself. The fact that the coach had those records brings validity to the

facts in this book.

A very important resource was also discovered during this process. The official website

for the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) had the state playoff history of each

sport. I was able to research exactly what each team sport did in the playoffs after districts, as

well as the score of each game. For individualized sports, the FHSAA website had all the state

champions and team finishes. I was able to retrieve how the school had done in the state

playoffs since it opened in 1960. Before this discovery, no one knew the number of state

champions the school has produced. Now we know the number is 12.

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Trophies were also used to find the long history of North Fort Myers athletics. While the

FHSAA website was helpful for finding those teams that were able to move on to the state

championship series, it did not help in finding conference championships or district runner-up

finishes. The trophy case, and storage closet, provided ample information as to the success of

the athletic programs at North.

Lastly, microfiche from the old editions of the News-Press were gathered and viewed to

fill in the holes where the other forms of research fell short. It was a painstaking process, but

rewarded with valuable information that helps validate this record book. First articles about the

athletic teams helped gain insight into the early struggles of the school to gain recognition and

prominence in Southwest Florida.

While the process of gathering facts for this project was well thought out, there are many

challenges that must be acknowledged. The first problem arose with the absence of several

yearbooks. From the first 11 years of existence, 5 year books were not accounted for in the

school’s collection. It was later discovered that the first year of existence for North Fort Myers

Junior-Senior High did not create a yearbook. With the absence of yearbooks comes the absence

of knowledge that could have been used in completing this project. It made for further work in

gathering when some sports programs, like wrestling, actually began. The information was not

always completely accurate as well. The wrong names of opponents in football were caught a

few times when information differed between the yearbooks and the newspaper. There was also

the complete omission of a game altogether. I decided to side with the newspaper on these

occasions. Misspelling of athletes’ names also occurred from the yearbooks. The most recent

editions of the yearbooks actually provided the smallest amount of information as most were

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picture collages as opposed to information about the team. Luckily, many coaches are still

around working at the school that could help fill in the blanks.

However, the lack of record keeping in the past posed a threat. While some coaches were

very beneficial in providing accurate statistics, many coaches had never kept track of individual

statistics of points, rebounds, runs, aces, and so forth. Where I thought I would get a plethora of

facts became some useful information but not as much as I had hoped. Most coaches had thrown

away their stats, never turned them into the athletic office, or just didn’t have them anymore.

This meant more research would need to be done using other sources. A frustrating occurrence

happened in the sport of football. The first coaches in the sport had kept meticulous stats, both

team and individual. Two years ago the field house had flooded numerous times, destroying

forever many years of statistics. If the record book had been done sooner, this information

would not have been lost. The most storied program in the school had lost some of its most

treasured history.

The FHSAA website also provided some challenges. While much of the information was

great and reliable, it was not as in depth as I would have preferred. For most team sports, the

state only kept track of the top ten place finishers. While this is understandable, North has sent

many teams and individuals to compete in the state meet, only not finishing in the top ten. For

individuals, we have had top 10 finishers individually, but those records are not kept. There is a

void of second through tenth. If we had a second place finisher, I would have liked to have

added this information into this record book. As it stands, only wrestling has runner up finishes

represented in the record book for individuals.

The trophies that were studied proved of great worth to this project, but several trophies,

especially conference, negated to have the year engraved on them. While it is great to know that

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basketball won a conference championship, it needs to have a year to add validity and relevance

in the record book. Also, it is not known how many trophies or plaques have been discarded

prior to my arrival as Athletic Director. The conference does not have a record on file of past

champions.

I realize that this is not a complete history of North Fort Myers Athletics. However, it is

a starting point from which further information may be added. It is by no means a finished

product as others may come forth with new information that should be added to the record book.

The intention is that this will serve the purpose of acknowledging the great history of the

program, teach those in the future about the proud tradition of the school, and provide motivation

for future athletes to achieve greatness. I hope that this will be passed down through the history

of North Fort Myers as the definitive source of North High records.

Ladies and Gentlemen, the History of North Fort Myers High Athletics….

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FALL SPORTS

Noel Devine (2004-2007) holds the most school records with 8.

He also holds the Lee County record for career rushing yards

and career touchdowns.

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BOYS’ CROSS COUNTRY

The first Boys’ Cross Country team in 1972, coached by future

principal of North, Steve DeShazo. The sport’s popularity has grown

since then.

The Boys’ Cross Country team began in 1972 and went several years as a small program. While

they had minor success for the first 10 years, the school was able to produce a state champion

with Thomas Tisell in 1984. Several different people took the opportunity to coach the harriers,

but none could produce the results that the last decade has brought. The most successful era of

the boys’ program began in 1997 when Yancey Palmer took over the team. After being a cross

country runner as a student at North, he returned with determination to bring it to greatness.

Through his coaching, the mid 2000s produced the greatest amount of success for boys’ cross

country, including two conference championships and two top ten placements at the state meet.

Although Palmer resigned after the 2007 season, the program still is one of the strongest that

North Fort Myers High has to offer. His impact on the running sports at North High has been

tremendous.

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BOYS’ CROSS COUNTRY RECORDS

Inaugural Season 1972

Individual Records

Category Record Athlete Year

3 Mile 14:50 Thomas Tisell 1984

5K 15:22 Thomas Tisell 1984

State Champions

Class, Event Person Time Year

3A- 3 Miles 15:08 Thomas Tisell 1984

Team Records

Championships

Year Conference/District Place Classification

1989 District Champion 3A-6

1998 District Runner Up 4A-7

2002 LCAC Champion

2004 LCAC Champion

District Runner Up 3A-6

Regional Runner Up 3A-3

Appearances at State Meet in the Top 10

Year Place Class Coach

1989 6th 3A Frank Drake

2004 8th 3A Yancey Palmer

2005 8th 3A Yancey Palmer

Yancey Palmer, 2007

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GIRLS’ CROSS COUNTRY

The first girls’ cross country runners were in 1977 but there were

not enough to form a complete team. The first team to be fielded

was in 1980 (picture above) and was coached by Melody (Mitchitell)

Madigan.

The Girls’ Cross Country team began with just two girls in 1977. The girls would train

with the boys but ran in the competitions against other girls since there was not enough interest

in forming a separate team. In the first conference meet for the girls, Page Dougherty placed 2nd.

It was in 1981 that proved to be the first year that North could field enough runners to qualify for

team competitions. Longtime coach Loretta Purish took the helm in 1986 and began to develop

the girls’ team into a consistent winner. Her name is now synonymous with running at North

Fort Myers High School as she has coached the girls cross country team for 23 years and

counting. As the program grew, so did the success. While the girls’ team consistently qualifies

for the state meet, the strongest era was in the late 1990s when Coach Purish led the Lady Red

Knights to two top ten finishes at the state meet. Recently, the school record for the 5K was

broken by multi-sport athlete Wally Rosario.

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GIRLS’ CROSS COUNTRY RECORDS


Individual Records


5K 19:38.4 Sarah Pederson 2013

Team Records

Championships





Appearances at State Meet in the Top 10

Year Place Class Coach

1997 9th 4A Loretta Purish

1998 8th 4A Loretta Purish

Coach Loretta Purish, 1988

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FOOTBALL

This is the first picture of the North High Football team in 1962. It was a Junior-Senior

High, thus explaining the small stature of some of the players. Bobby George scored the

first touchdown in school history against Alva.

The foundation of the history of the athletic department can be traced to the football

program. During the first few seasons, the team did not do very well. However, when Ron

Hoover took over in 1968, the fortunes of the program, and the school, changed. Soon, the “Big

Red Machine” began winning games and dominating the area. The star player of the 1970s was

Johnny Long. Long was the first athlete to have his number retired (35) at North High in 1974.

The 1972 and 1973 teams are two of best teams the school has ever had by making it to the state

semi-finals. The mid-1980s brought another run to the state semifinals. Also, three North High

Hall of Fame members played during this time period (Warren Williams, Deion Sanders,

Richard Fain). Coach Hoover retired in 1986 compiling an amazing 117 wins. The mid to late

1990s also had strong seasons by making it to the playoffs 4 times in 6 years. The Hall of Fame

member Jevon Kearse played as part of the best football team North Fort Myers has ever had in

1994. In the 2000s, the individual performances of Noel Devine took center stage. Devine

would shatter all of North High’s records, as well as Lee County’s records, for a running back.

With his running ability, he led the school into their deepest playoff quest in 12 years in 2006.

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FOOTBALL RECORDS


Individual Records


Game

Rushing yards 398 vs. Bishop Verot Noel Devine 2005

Rushing TD's 6 vs. Riverdale Noel Devine 2004

Passing Yards 219 vs. Mariner Mike Nelson 2008

Passing TD's 5 vs. Bishop Verot Mike McKay 1979

Receptions 6 vs. Golden Gate, Mariner Tre Boston 2008

TD Receptions 3 vs. Riverdale Tre Boston 2008

Receiving Yards 142 vs. Island Coast Tre Boston 2009

Longest Field Goal 57 yds Senior All Star game Craig Coffin 2001

Longest Punt 57 yds vs. Lakewood Ranch Nathan O'Jibway 2005

Season

Rushing Yards 2148 Noel Devine 2006

Rushing TD's 32 Noel Devine 2006

Passing Yards 1686 Mike McKay 1979

Passing TD's 22 Mike McKay 1979

Receptions 43 Tre Boston 2008

TD Receptions 11 Pete Addison 1979

Receiving Yards 736 Tre Boston 2008

Punting Average 40.0 Monte Kirkland 1986

Most Field Goals 8 L.A. Dewey 1987

Most PATs 56 Nathan O'Jibway 2006

Most Sacks 10 Robert Jackson 1979

Most interceptions 12 Quenton Washington 2006

Solo Tackles 96 Chris Gatewood 1997

Career

Rushing Yards 6846 Noel Devine 2003-2006

Rushing TD's 88 Noel Devine 2003-2006

Passing Yards 3,183 Tate Higginbotham 1989-1991

Passing TD's 27 Mike McKay 1977-1979

Receptions 50 James Foote 1977-1978

TD Receptions 11 Pete Addison 1979

Scoring 552 points Noel Devine 2003-2006

Total TD's 92 Noel Devine 2003-2006

Most Field Goals 12 Ron Albert 1977-1979

Most PATs 113 Nathan O'Jibway 2003-2006

Solo Tackles 170 Nick Mayant 2004-2006

Sacks 10 Robert Jackson 1979

Interceptions 13 Quenton Washington 2004-2006

Most Wins by a Coach 117-70-2 Ron Hoover 1968-79,81-86

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Hall of Fame

Member Number Year Graduated Inducted

Johnny Long 35 1974 1974

Warren Williams 44 1983 1988

Deion Sanders 10 1985 1989

Richard Fain 84 1986 1991

Jevon Kearse 25 1995 1999

Noel Devine 7 2007 2015

Team Records

Championships


1972 Lee County Champion

South Florida Conference Champion

District Champion 3A-4

Regional Champion 3A-2

State Semifinalist





State Semifinalist




1976 Rotary Bowl Champion


South Florida Conference Runner Up

Sugar Bowl Champion


1985 South Florida Conference Champion






Sectional Champion 4A-3

State Semifinalist

1994 LCAC Champion



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2006 LCAC Champion



State Playoff History

Year, Class, Round Opponent W/L, Score Coach

1972- 3A

District Tarpon Springs W 41-22 Ron Hoover

Semifinal Glades Central L 3-6

1973- 3A

District East Bay Gibsonton W 26-14 Ron Hoover

Semifinal Atlantic L 0-6

1985- 4A

District Southeast (Bradenton) L 9-31 Ron Hoover

1986- 4A

District Southeast (Bradenton) W 20-9 Ron Hoover

Regional Fort Pierce Central W 35-14

Sectional Dillard L 6-25

1994- 5A

Semi-State First Round Jupiter W 20-13 Wade

Hummel

Semi-State Second Round Jefferson W 50-32

Semi-State Semifinal St. Thomas Aquinas L 12-24

1997- 4A

Regional First Round Booker (Sarasota) L 7-41 Gregg Wicktor

1998- 4A

Regional First Round Desoto County L 7-28 Brian Makar

1999- 3A

Regional Quarterfinal Fort Pierce Westwood L 15-34 Brian Makar

2000- 3A

Regional Quarterfinal Cardinal Gibbons L 21-28 Brian Makar

2006- 5A

Regional Quarterfinal Lakewood Ranch W 38-14 James Iandoli

Regional Semifinal Largo W 23-19

Regional Final Manatee L 14-20

Best Season 12-1 1994 Wade

Hummel

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BOYS’ GOLF

Boys’ Golf began in 1965 under the direction of Coach Richard

Fast. North no longer requires its players to wear ties.

The boys’ golf program began with a fast start. After two years at the varsity level, the

team brought home the first boys’ sport championship by winning the Coral Coast Conference

Championship in 1967. But postseason success has been few and far between. The best seasons

came in the early 1990s when the team was led by Captain George McNeill. McNeill was a

baseball player that eventually turned to golf. This turned into a great decision on his part as he

led the team to two conference championships. He also went on to earn his PGA tour card, and

in 2007 was inducted into the NFMHS Hall of Fame.

By far the biggest influence on the golf program was from the late Leroy Dewey. Coach

Dewey led the Red Knights for 30 years from 1974-2004. His constant presence gave stability to

the program. In his acceptance speech into the Hall of Fame, George McNeill accredited Coach

Dewey for inspiring him to pursue his dreams and for always being a great mentor.

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BOYS’ GOLF RECORDS


Individual Records


9 Hole Score 34 at Coral Oaks CC Joel Archer 2006

18 Hole Score 72 at Eastwood CC Joel Archer 2006

Hall of Fame

Member Year Graduated Inducted

George McNeill 1993 2007

Team Records

Category Record Year

Team 9 Hole 155 At Lochmoor 1989

Team 18 Hole 314 At Vineyards 1991

Championships


1967 Coral Coast Conference Champions

1991-1992 LCAC Champion

1992-1993 LCAC Champion

Hall of Fame Member George McNeill, 1993

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GIRLS’ GOLF

The Girls’ Golf team was first started back in 1974 under the

direction of future Athletic Director Bobbie Dewey.

The story of the girls’ golf team is unique in the history of North High. The inaugural

season was in 1974. It was created by Bobbie Dewey so that Lynda Brown would have an

opportunity to play other girls’ teams around the state. Coach Dewey recruited within the school

heavily to fill a squad. During this time period, the sport was recognized at the FHSAA level,

but there was only one classification for all the schools. After Brown graduated in 1976, the

team dissolved until 1994 when it became a full fledged varsity sport at the state level. Any girls

who wanted to play between the years of ’77-’93 was a member of the boy’s golf team including

practicing and playing matches against other schools. Since 1994, North has fielded a separate

girls’ golf team every year. Lynda Brown went on to earn her LPGA tour card and was able to

compete at the highest level of female golf. Because of this accomplishment, she was inducted

into the North High Hall of Fame in 1983.

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GIRLS’ GOLF RECORDS


Individual Records


9 Hole Score 37 at Lochmoor Cathy Sherron 2004

18 Hole Score 72 at Coral Oaks CC Susan Conger 1991

Hall of Fame


Lynda Brown 1976 1983

Team Records

Category Record Year

Team 9 Hole 181 2008

Team 18 Hole

Championships


1975 District Runner Up

Hall of Fame Member Lynda Brown, 1974

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BOYS’ SWIMMING AND DIVING

The Boys’ Swimming and Diving team began in 1966, 2 years after the

girls team was formed. Doug Johnson took the duties as first head

coach.

The boy’s swimming and diving varsity program began in 1966. It is the only sport at

North Fort Myers where the girls’ counterpart was actually in place before the boys started.

There have been several great swimmers as part of the program. The mid 1970s produced

several good swimmers, but unfortunately that did not translate to team success. Diving was also

a big part of the program during that time. In fact, the diving records set during this time period

are still the standard. The 1990s also produced a few record times as two of our relays were set

in 1995. Most impressively, 4 records have fallen within the last 3 years as the newest crop of

swimmers make their mark at the school. The man who made the biggest mark on the swimming

program was Coach James Repp. He took over the program in 1971, and coached hundreds of

students during his 23 years as head of the program. His long tenure provided stability that some

of the programs in the school lack. Since 1997, Frank Drake has been in control, making

swimming very fortunate to have 2 coaches with over 10 years tenure.

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BOYS’ SWIMMING AND DIVING RECORDS


Individual Records

Event Record Athlete Year

50 Free 21.89 Rafael Pena 2006

100 Free 49.27 Rafael Pena 2006

200 Free 1:44.80 Chad Senior 1992

100 Fly 53.19 Rafael Pena 2006

100 Back 53.27 Chad Senior 1992

100 Breast 1:04.83 Vladimir Pech 1995

200 IM 2:00.63 Chad Senior 1992

500 Free 4:35.45 Greg Bowser 2008

200 Medley Relay 1:49.15 Jason Alpen 1995

Vladimir Pech

Pat Levitre

Brandon Goebelt

200 Free Relay 1:35.52 Jason Alpen 1995

Vladimir Pech

Pat Levitre

Brandon Goebelt

400 Free Relay 3:32.90 Larry McComb 1975

Rick Uhde

Bruce Carver

Douglas England

6 Dives 248.2 Robert Gould 1974

11 Dives 383.7 Jeff Donham 1975

Coach James Repp, 1980

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GIRLS’ SWIMMING AND DIVING

The Girls’ Swimming and Diving team is the only sport where NFMHS

had a girls' team before a boys. They began in 1964 under the

direction of Carol Richards.

The girls’ swimming and diving program was the first women’s varsity program at North

High in 1964 and produced immediately. The program came through in 1966 winning the

schools first ever championship when it won the Class A-4 district title. Not only did they win

the district title, the girls went on to place 4th place in the entire state. No other swim team in

school history, male or female, has placed at the state meet. Three girls dominate the swimming

records books. Sue Piercy dismantled the record book when she swam for the Lady Red Knights

during the late 1970s. She still holds three individual records, and is a part of two record holding

relays that still stand over 30 years later. In the mid 1990s Katie Decker came along and broke

numerous records as well. She also still holds three individual records and was a part of one

relay record. Andrea Vanderplaats ended the 1990s by swimming her way to the Red Knight,

and FHSAA record books. She currently holds five individual school records (and with Decker

on a relay), but is also the only state champion in swimming for NFMHS.

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GIRLS’ SWIMMING AND DIVING RECORDS


Individual Records


50 Free 24.94 Andrea Vanderplaats 1996

100 Free 55.83 Andrea Vanderplaats 1998

200 Free 1:56.87 Andrea Vanderplaats 1996

100 Fly 1:00.23 Andrea Vanderplaats 1999

100 Back 1:02.77 Sue Piercy 1978

100 Breast 1:06.77 Katie Decker 1995

200 IM 2:12.41 Katie Decker 1996

500 Free 4:59.00 Andrea Vanderplaats 1999

200 Medley Relay 2:01.00 Beth Branson 1977

Kathy Peschel

Melinda Edmonds

Sue Piercy

200 Free Relay 1:49.59 Rebecca Hays 2014

Gina Meehan

Natalie Buechl

Anna Brooks

400 Free Relay 4:01.01 Melinda Edmonds 1978

Fran Interbartolo

Dianne Piercy

Sue Piercy

6 Dives 216 Christine Haefele 1990

11 Dives 350.12 Christine Haefele 1989

State Champions

Class, Event Time Athlete Year

2A- 500 Freestyle 04:59.0 Andrea Vanderplaats 1999

Team Records

Championships


1966 District Champion A- 4


Appearances in State Series Top 10

Year Place Class

1966 4th Place A

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VOLLEYBALL

The first varsity Volleyball team to take the court for North was in 1977.

Before then, it was a GAA sport. During the first few seasons the team was

coached by Vera Mitchell.

The first year GAA sports gained varsity status in the state of Florida was the inaugural

season for volleyball. Since then, the program has struggled to gain in prominence. One of the

main reasons for the lack of success has been the inconsistency at the coaching helm. Where

many of the sports have had long tenured careers that can reach 20 or 30 years leading the team,

volleyball has never had a coach stay on board for more than 3 years at a time. With the lack of

stability, it has been hard to develop the team chemistry. A highlight in the program came in the

20th varsity season of volleyball at North High. In 1997, they won districts for the first time in

school history. They then went on to win their first playoff game and reach the regional

semifinal. However, things are looking up for the Lady Red Knights. Under the direction of

Jeremy Ridgeo, the team has improved greatly in just the last two years.

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VOLLEYBALL RECORDS


Individual Records Category Record Athlete Year

Season

Most Kills 366 Jessica Wagner 2012

Most Assists 670 Susie McKeever 2012

Most Aces 101 Heather Getman 2012

Most Blocks 123 Jessica Wagner 2012

Most Digs 298 Breanna Anderson 2006

Career

Most Kills 812 Jessica Wagner 2009-2012

Most Assists 1,693 Susie McKeever 2008-2012

Most Aces 164 Kayla Ramey 2006-2008

Most Blocks 310 Jessica Wagner 2009-2012

Most Digs 462 Miranda Ashby 2008-2012

Most Wins by a Coach 62-56 Jeremy Ridgeo 2007-2012

Team Records

Championships





Year, Class, Round

1997- 4A Opponent W/L, Score Coach

Regional Quarterfinal Sebring W 15-3, 15-11 Alexandra Konstanti

Regional Semifinal Cardinal Gibbons L 10-15, 3-15

2012 - 5A

Regional Quarterfinal

Regional Semifinal

Regional Final

Best Season

Estero

Lely

Jensen Beach

21-5

W 25-17, 25-9, 25-14

W 25-10, 25-17, 25-18

L 20-25, 25-22, 13-25, 18-25

2012

Jeremy Ridgeo, 2008

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WINTER SPORTS

Ramico Blackmon (1988-1991) holds the school record with

47 wins in a season. He went 47-1, with his only loss coming

in the state finals. He went onto become the 2001 US National

Champion at 152 lbs.

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BOYS’ BASKETBALL

Boys’ Basketball first varsity season was 1962-63 (coached my Max

Carroll), but they played a split schedule against some other junior-

senior high schools. This picture, of the 1964 team, was the first of

a complete varsity team (coached by Robert Bruce).

The boys’ basketball team began in 1962 on the outdoor courts at North Fort Myers High

School. The first few years brought about decent success because in 1965 the team placed 3rd in

the White Sands Conference. This is the first known accomplishment (and trophy) for North as

it had a budding athletic program. There have been two great coaches for North, Joe Jackson in

the 1970s and Levon Simms for the 1980s and most of the 1990s. Jackson led the cagers to their

first conference championship. Led by all time leading scorer Larry Mansfield, and future

school Hall of Fame member Brad Branson, the squad earned a mark of 21-5, best in school

history. Jackson was named conference coach of the year for his efforts as well. Simms coached

from 1982-1997 and his teams were known for their scoring. Led by Deion Sanders, who set a

school records for points in a season, the team brought home the school’s only district

championship, boys or girls, for basketball in 1985. This season began the best string of seasons

in boys’ team history as the late 1980s brought about 1 district title and 3 runner up finishes.

Simms finished his career as the all-time leader in wins for any sport at North High (153).

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BOYS’ BASKETBALL RECORDS


Individual Records


Game

Most Points 41 vs. Riverdale Deion Sanders 1985

Most Rebounds 21 vs. Naples Dustin Farr 2006

Most 3 PT Shots made 6 vs. ECS David Devereaux 2006

Most Assists 9 vs. East Lee County Tre Boston 2009

Most Steals 7 vs. Cape Coral Earnest Brown 2007

Blocked Shots 4 vs. Mariner Michael Malaise 2007

4 vs. Labelle Brent Shuman 2007

Season

Most Points 606 Deion Sanders 1984-1985

Most Rebounds 273 Dustin Farr 2006-2007

Most 3 PT Shots made 47 David Devereaux 2006-2007

Most Assists 94 Quenton

Washington 2005-2006

Most Steals 44 Tre Boston 2008-2009

Blocked Shots 18 Michael Malaise 2008-2009

Career

Most Points 753 Larry Mansfield 1974-76

Most Rebounds 579 Dustin Farr 2005-2008

Most 3 PT Shots made 126 David Devereaux 2005-2007

Most Assists 124 Quenton

Washington 2004-2006

Most Steals 85 Dustin Farr 2005-2008

Blocked Shots 34 Michael Malaise 2006-2009

Most Wins by a Coach 153-139 Levon Simms 1982-97

Hall Of Fame


Brad Branson 50 1976 1981

Team Records

Championships


1965 White Sands Conference 3rd Place




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1985- 3A

Regional Lakewood (St. Petersburg) L 71-85 Levon Simms

Best Season 21-5 1976 Joe Jackson

Coach Levon Simms, 1990

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GIRLS’ BASKETBALL

The former GAA sport, Girls’ Basketball, finally reached varsity status in

Florida, and at North, for the 1976-77 season. The inaugural season was

coached by Vera Mitchell.

The girls’ basketball team has had a series of setbacks similar to the volleyball program.

No one person has remained coach for a long period of time. However, the Lady Red Knights

have recently been the most consistent winners that the school has produced. In the mid 1980s,

the Lady Red Knights had the most prolific scorer in school history when Shannon Graham

scored almost 1500 points during her career. The best all around player was Ashley Kelty who

played for North during the early 2000s. She currently holds many season and career records.

Taking over the program in 2005, Coach Kathy Padilla has brought much needed stability to the

program. The 2007-2008 campaign brought the most successful season in school history when

the team went 19-7. The 2008-2009 version finally got over the hump when it made it to the

district final after knocking off the defending state champ, Barron Collier. It marked the first

time in 24 years that any North basketball team made the state playoffs.

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GIRLS’ BASKETBALL RECORDS

Inaugural Season 1976-1977

Individual Records


Game

Most Points 51 vs. Barron Collier Shannon Graham 1992

Most Rebounds 18 vs. Mariner Ashley Kelty 2003

18 vs. Cape Sasha Ruiz-Lopez 2012

18 vs. Desoto Garielle Edwards 2010

Most 3-PT Shots Made 6 vs. Cypress Lake Tynequia Roberts 2006

Most Assists 10 vs. Cape Machera Calhoun 2010

10. vs. Island Coast Machera Calhoun 2010

Most Steals 15 vs. Cape Coral Ashley Kelty 2002

Most Blocked Shots 7 vs. Estero Jessica Wagner 2011

7 vs. Fort Myers Jessica Wagner 2011

Season

Most Points 593 Ashley Kelty 2001-2002

Most Rebounds 286 Ashley Kelty 2001-2002

Most 3 Pt Shots made 29 Ashley Kelty 200-2003

Most Assists 106 Machera Calhoun 2009-2010

Most Steals 129 Ashley Kelty 2002-2003

Blocked Shots 61 Jessica Wagner 2010-2011

Career

Most Points 1486 Shannon Graham 1990-1993

Most Rebounds 548 Ashley Kelty 2001-2003

Most 3 PT Shots made 71 Tynequia Roberts 2005-2008

Most Assists 283 Machera Calhoun 2006-2010

Most Steals 262 Machera Calhoun 2006-2010

Blocked Shots 97 Jessica Wagner 2009-2012

Most Wins by a Coach 106-64 Kathy Padilla 2005-2012

Milestone 100th Win Kathy Padilla 1/20/2012

Team Records

Championships

Year Conference/ District Place Classification




31



2009- 5A

Regional Quarterfinal Dillard L 38-70 Kathy Padilla

2012 - 5A

Regional Quarterfinal Golden Gate W 43-34 Kathy Padilla

Regional Semifinal Estero L 40-46

Best Season 21-5 Most Wins 2009-2010

32

BOYS’ SOCCER

Boys Soccer is the 10th, and latest, male varsity sport to be added. Coached

in its inaugural season by Lee Werst, the team played their first game

during the 1984-85 school year.

The addition of boys’ soccer has proved to be a place of great pride and excellence for

North Fort Myers High. Since its inception into the athletic department during the 1984-85

school year, it has been the most successful program. With 5 district championships and 6

runner up finishes, it has made the state playoffs more in the past 25 years than any other team.

There have been two outstanding coaches that have been the backbone of the squad. Calvin

Hamilton was the first coach to lead the Red Knights into the state playoffs in the late 1990s on a

consistent basis. His overall winning record proves his success as a head coach. Doug Palow

took over as the 21st century began and he has continued the winning tradition at North in boys’

soccer. During his tenure, the team has 2 district titles and has been runner up three times. He

became only the fourth coach to surpass the 100 wins total at North (Hoover, Simms, and

Ferreira) when the team beat East Lee County in 2009. The best team North has produced was

in 2005-2006 when the team amassed 19 wins and made it to the regional final.

33

BOYS’ SOCCER RECORDS


Individual Records


Season

Goals 46 Doug Clark 1999-2000

Saves 166 Brock Ferguson 2006-2007

Assists 17 JJ Bishop 2001-2002

Shut Outs 14 Brock Ferguson 2006-2007

Shots 84 Doug McKeever 2003-2004

Career

Goals ?? Doug Clark 1998-2000

Saves 530 Brock Ferguson 2003-2007

Assists 29 Max Pavy 2002-2006

Shut Outs 45 Brock Ferguson 2003-2007

Games Started 97 Troy Zellman 2003-2007

Shots 170 Max Pavy 2002-2006

Coach with the Most Wins 101-60-25 Doug Palow 2001-2009

Team Records

Championships











2005 District District 5A-12

2006 LCAC Champion



34



1996- 5A

Regional Quarterfinal Barron Collier W 1-0 Calvin Hamilton

Regional Semifinal Dunedin W 3-1

Regional Final Martin County L 3-4

1997- 5A

Regional Quarterfinal Naples L 4-5 Calvin Hamilton

1998- 4A

Regional Quarterfinal Key West W 1-0 Calvin Hamilton

Regional Semifinal Rockledge W 3-2

Regional Final Jesuit (Tampa) L 0-3

1999- 4A

Regional Quarterfinal Monsignor Pace W 2-1 Calvin Hamilton

Regional Semifinal Rockledge L 2-3

2002- 3A

Regional Quarterfinal Fort Myers L 2-3 (OT) Doug Palow

2003- 3A

Regional Quarterfinal Lely L 2-5 Doug Palow

2005- 3A

Regional Quarterfinal Lakewood Ranch L 1-2 Doug Palow

2006- 5A

Regional Quarterfinal St. Thomas Aquinas W 1-0 (PK 3-1) Doug Palow

Regional Semifinal Bayside W 2-1

Regional Final Fort Myers L 0-1

2007- 5A

Regional Quarterfinal Nova (Davie) W 2-1 Doug Palow

Regional Semifinal West Boca Raton L 1-2

Best Season 19-6-3 Regional Finalist 2005-2006

Coach Doug Palow, 2007

35

GIRLS’ SOCCER

The 19th, and final, varsity sport to be added at North High was Girls’

Soccer back in 1993. Richard Weatherwax led the girls as they

competed for the school for the first time.

The most recent sport to be added to the varsity ranks at North was girls’ soccer. The

Lady Red Knights began their first season playing on Moody Field in 1993-1994. The team

experienced growing pains during the first few seasons as the program became established,

similar to all the team sports at North. By their fifth campaign, things had turned around for the

squad. Under the direction of Coach Alan Coffin, the team won its first of two consecutive

district championships in 1998. The team dominated through district play in 1999 helping secure

the last championship in girl’s soccer in 1999. The team would once again make the playoffs in

2002. The greatest period of success happened under the tenure of Coach Coffin. He had helped

turn the girls’ program into respectability and into champions. New Coach Donna Agostinelli

has taken the helm recently and has begun the rebuilding process again. The greatest goal scorer

North has produced is Mariah Fernandez. She was a 4 year varsity letter winner and scored a

school record 64 goals during her career.

36

GIRLS’ SOCCER RECORDS


Individual Records


Season

Goals 32 Melinda Lukas 2010-2011

Saves 146 Alexis Schlotter 2006-2007

Assists 6 Darian Leschewski 2013-2014

Shut Outs 12 Amy Pavy 2012-2013

Shots 101 Melinda Lukas 2010-2011

Career

Goals 103 Melinda Lukas &

Darian Leschewski 2009-2013 2010-2014

Saves 227 Brianna Abatisti 2007-2009

Assists 21 Melinda Lukas 2009-2013

Shut Outs 12 Amy Pavy 2012-2013

Shots 214 Melinda Lukas 2009-2013

Most Wins by a Coach 68-46-12 Donna Agostinelli 2007-2013

Team Records

Championships







1998- 4A

Regional Quarterfinal Key West L 0-1 Alan Coffin

1999- 4A

Regional Quarterfinal Cardinal Gibbons W 3-0 Alan Coffin

Regional Semifinal Astronaut L 3-4 (OT)

2002- 3A

Regional Quarterfinal Fort Myers L 0-10 Alan Coffin

Best Season 16-5-1 Regional

Semifinalist 2012-2013

37

WRESTLING

Wrestling took hold at North in 1972. This is the first team photo in

1972, as they were coached by Mike Gorton.

The sports program with the most state championships at North High is wrestling. They

have produced 5 titles, as well as 4 finalist finishes during their time as a varsity program.

Heading the program for the past 29 years has been Frank Drake. Coach Drake has been a part

of every wrestling state championship the school has ever won. Arguably the best wrestler North

has ever produced did not even win a state title. In 1991, Ramico Blackmon won every match

except for the state final. He ended the year 47-1. The wrestler with the most career victories is

Chris Harrington with 124. He was also a piece of the greatest era for wrestling at North: the

early to mind 1990s. During this time period, the school won three district championships, three

conference championships, and placed third at the state meet in 1995. They also had 4 individual

state champions. At the height of the program, North was known as the premier wrestling school

in SW Florida.

38

WRESTLING RECORDS


Individual Records


Weight Class

103 51-18 Shawn Earhart 1984-1986

112 60-29 Paul Hill 1991-1994

119 30-5 Jack Long 1982-1983

125 87-28 Jason Phillips 1992-1995

130 94-17 Raymond Worsham 1988-1991

135 52-33 Corey Snow 1991-1994

140 90-32 Brett Rudland 1992-1995

145 103-12 Ramico Blackmon 1988-1991

152 67-36 Matt Seneca 1991-1994

160 63-30 Matt Turner 1993-1996

171 124-13 Chris Harrington 1993-1996

189 67-36 Matt Sposato 1999-2002

215 43-21 Levi Mooney 1981-1982

275 32-9 Damian Davis 1998-1999

Wins in a Season 47 Ramico Blackmon 1991

Pins in a Season 36 Chris Harrington 1995

Fastest Pin 9 Seconds Shane Gray 1992

Career Wins 124 Chris Harrington 1993-1996

Takedowns in a season 165 Ramico Blackmon 1991

Most Times A State Qualifier 3 Chris Harrington 1994-1996

State Champions

Weight Class Classification Athlete Year

105 3A Shawn Earhart 1986

125 5A Jason Phillips 1995

130 3A Raymond Worsham 1991

140 5A Brett Rudland 1995

171 5A Chris Harrington 1995

State Runner's Up

Weight Class Classification Athlete Year

119 3A Jack Long 1983

145 3A Ramico Blackman 1991

160 5A Matt Turner 1996

5A Chris Kelly 1997

39

National Champion

152 USA Ramico Blackmon 2001

Team Records

Championships


1991 LCAC Champion


1993 LCAC Champion


1994 LCAC Champion


Appearances in State Series Top 10

Year Place Class

1995 3rd 5A

Best Season 1995 3rd Place in State 3 State

Champions

Coach Frank Drake, 1981

40

SPRING SPORTS

Thomas Tisell (1982-85) is the most decorated high

school athlete to roam the North Fort Myers campus.

He was a four-time state champion, representing 36%

of all the state championships North has won in its 50

year history.

41

BASEBALL

Baseball has grown into one of the most prestigious programs at North. This

picture, taken in 1962, is the first varsity edition of the squad. They were

coached by Max Carroll.

Along with football, the North High baseball program is the most well known from the

school. There have been four Red Knights that have gone on to play for teams in the Major

Leagues and there are five members in the Hall of Fame. (One of North’s best young prospects,

Joey Cross, was tragically killed in a boating accident in 1982. His number has been retired

along with the 4 others who have made MLB.) Yet interestingly enough, these Hall of Fame

members are not the players with the best seasons in the history of North (according to batting

average, home runs, strikeouts, and ERA). While the baseball team has been filled with great

players, it not always has led to the most success on the field as a team. Surprisingly, there was a

17 year gap between district championships. With all of their wins, they could not quite get

through one of the toughest districts in the state to make the state playoffs. Ted Ferreira was the

coach with the longest tenure, and has the most wins as he coached the Red Knights from 1974-

1988.

42

BASEBALL RECORDS


Individual Records


Season- Hitting

Batting Average .548 Johnny Long 1974

.547 Garry Kamphouse 1992

Hits 43 Mike Greenwell 1981

41 Garry Kamphouse 1992

Doubles 12 Matt Stanford 1993

12 Jeremy Rockow 1995

Triples 5 Rolando Carillo 1980

5 Mike Greenwell 1981

Home Runs 10 Vic Ferrara 1996

9 Jeremy Rockow 1996

Stolen Bases 25 Jay Noel 1989

24 Donald Lindsey 1990

Runs Batted In 26 Tommy Bohanon 2008

25 Casey Yarborough 1989

Walks 30 Cory Hockinson 1999

28 Rusty Brown 1999

Season- Pitching

Wins 10 Cliff Garlick 1990

Strikeouts 145 David Dickens 1976

130 David Dickens 1975

E.R.A. (min Inning/game played) .79 Cliff Garlick 1990

.88 David Dickens 1976

Career- Hitting

Batting Average

Hits 82 Mike Greenwell 1980-81

Doubles 18 Garry Kamphouse 1991-1992

Triples 9 Rolando Carillo 1980-81

Home Runs 15 David Kenna 1992-96

13 Vic Ferrara 1992-1996

Stolen Bases 33 Donald Lindsey 1989-1990

Runs Batted In

Walks

Career- Pitching

Wins 19 Cliff Garlick 1990-1991

Strikeouts 275 David Dickens 1975-1976

E.R.A. (min Inning/game played) 1.43 David Dickens 1975-1976

Most Wins by a Coach Ted Ferreira 1974-1988

43

Hall Of Fame


Joey Cross 11 XX 1982

Mike Greenwell 02 1982 1985

Deion Sanders 10 1985 1989

Jon Huber 22 2000 2008

Jim Miller 25 2000 2008

Team Records

Team Championships


1966 District Champion A-7

1967 Coral Coast Conference Champion

1968 District Champion A-7

1970 District Runner Up A-6

1972 Coral Coast Conference Champion






Sectional Champion 3A-6

State Semifinalist





1990 LCAC Champion


1991 LCAC Champion

1994 LCAC Champion





44



1966- A

Regional Boca Raton L 0-6 Robert Bruce

1968- A

Regional Martin County L 2-4 Robert Bruce

1980- 3A

Regional Jesuit (Tampa) W 4-3 Ted Ferreira

Sectional Auburndale W 8-4

Semifinal Bishop Kenny L 0-6

1981- 3A

Regional Tampa Catholic L 4-10 Ted Ferreira

1998- 4A

Regional Quarterfinal Booker (Sarasota) W 4-1 Thomas Pacl

Regional Semifinal Monsignor Pace L 4-14

1999- 4A

Regional Quarterfinal Palmetto W 6-4 Thomas Pacl

Regional Semifinal Monsignor Pace L 0-7

2000- 4A

Regional Quarterfinal Bayshore (Bradenton) W 6-2 Garry

Kamphouse

Regional Semifinal Armwood (Seffner) L 3-4

2002- 5A

Regional Quarterfinal Fort Myers L 2-3 (11inn.) Garry

Kamphouse

Best Season 25-4 1999 Tom Pacl

Coach Ted Ferreira, 1984

45

SOFTBALL

The softball program began in the GAA, but first became a varsity

sport in 1977 (team seen in this picture) and was coached by

Carolyn Whitehurst. The modern fast pitch game substituted for

slow pitch in 1994.

The softball program is the only sport at North that has had two dramatic transformations

in its history. The first transition came in 1977 when softball became an official varsity sport.

Prior to varsity status, it was competed within the county at the GAA level, but did not have a

state championship to play for. The second transition to the game came in 1994 when the state

changed the rules about pitching. Softball was no longer a slow pitch game, similar to older

recreational leagues. It became a fast pitch league and changed the dynamic of the competition.

The early 1990s proved to be the first great time period for softball, and North was the best

school in the county at adapting to the new pitching rules as it won the conference championship

in 1994. While the team has not experienced post season success, the program has grown great

strides over the last five years with Coach Jeff Miner taking over the head coaching duties. Joe

Clark, currently an assistant coach, is the man most associated with Lady Red Knight softball.

He has been a coach in some capacity with team since 1986.

46

SOFTBALL RECORDS


Records based upon the introduction of Fast Pitch 1994

Individual Records Category Record Athlete Year

Season- Hitting

Batting Average .493 Allie Kennedy 2011

Hits 36 Katrissa Rowell 2012

Sarah Waitekus 2012

Doubles 10 Jaime Pritchard 2004

Triples 5 Norma Luna 2007

Mariah Fernandez 2008

Katrissa Rowell 2012

Home Runs 6 Allie Kennedy 2011

Stolen Bases 18 Lora Helton 2007

18 Mariah Fernandez 2009

Runs Batted In 30 Katrissa Rowell 2012

Walks 23 Casey McIntosh 2008

Season- Pitching

Wins 23 Jackie Owen 2009

Strikeouts 281 Jackie Owen 2010

E.R.A. (min 75 Innings) .38 Jackie Owen 2010

Shutouts 12 Jackie Owen 2010

Consecutive Scoreless Innings 36 2/3 Jackie Owen 2009

Career- Hitting

Batting Average .374 Mariah Fernandez 2006-2009

Hits 113 Katrissa Rowell 2009-2012

Doubles 18 Mariah Fernandez 2006-2009

Triples 8 Katrissa Rowell 2009-2012

Home Runs 9 Katrissa Rowell 2009-2012

Stolen Bases 39 Mariah Fernandez 2006-2009

Runs Batted In 92 Katrissa Rowell 2009-2012

Walks

Career- Pitching

Wins 65 Jackie Owen 2007-2010

Strikeouts 735 Jackie Owen 2007-2010

E.R.A. 0.84 Jackie Owen 2007-2010

Shutouts 25 Jackie Owen 2007-2010

Most Wins by a Coach 170-64-1 Jeff Miner 2003-2010

47

Championships Year

Conference/District Place Classification

(Slow Pitch)



(Fast Pitch)

1994 LCAC Champion


2003

2004

2009

2010

LCAC

LCAC

LCAC

District

District

Champion

Champion

Champion

Champion

Champion

4A-11

4A-11



1998- 4A

Regional Quarterfinal Sebring L 0-2 Richard

Weatherwax

2009 - 5A-15

District Champs Fort Myers W 1-0 Jeff Miner

Regional Quarterfinal Davie Nova W 12-0 Jeff Miner

Regional Semifinal St. Thomas Aquinas W 4-2 Jeff Miner

Regional Final Palm Beach Dwyer W 9-1 Jeff Miner

State Semi-final

(State Final Four)

Venice

L 0-3

Jeff Miner

2010 - 4A District Champs Riverdale W 6-3 Jeff Miner

Regional Quarterfinal Barron Collier W 5-4 (10 inn) Jeff Miner

Regional Semifinal Naples L 0-2 Jeff Miner (ESPN USA #1)

Best Season 27-4 2009 Jeff Miner

(First and ONLY Lee County

Public School SB team to

advance to the Final Four)

Long-time Coach Joe Clark, 2007

48

TENNIS

Led by Don Massey, Boys’ Tennis began in 1967. This is the first team photo

recorded, in its second season of competition in 1968.

Girls’ Tennis began a few years after the boys in 1974. This is their

first team picture coached by Nick Rockwell.

49

The boys’ and girls’ tennis programs have represented North Fort Myers High well. The coach

that has been a part of the tradition the longest is John Swaiko. He has coached the boys’ and the

girls’ tennis teams during his tenure as a tennis coach. Beginning in 1986 until his retirement in

2009, Swaiko has an active part of building the tennis program up to compete with the schools in

the area. The best era for tennis was in the late 1990s when both the boys’ and girls’ teams did

very well and made it to regional play. Overall the girls’ team has gone onto greater success,

capped in 1998 and 1999 when they were the regional champions.

BOYS’ TENNIS RECORDS


Individual Records


Best Season 7-2 Justin Touchstone 1993

Team Records

Best Season 10-5 2003

Championships



GIRLS’ TENNIS RECORDS


Individual Records


Best Season 15-1 Lena Stiehl 2004

50

Team Records

Best Season 16-1 2004

Championships







Coach John Swaiko, 2006

51

BOYS’ TRACK AND FIELD

Boys’ Track and Field first competed at the varsity level in 1964. They

were coached by Curtis Motzner.

The boys’ track and field team has been a staple at North since its inception in 1964.

There has been a history of speed, as can be seen in the fact there are still two records that stand

from the mid 1960s. The mid 1980s also proved to be a good breeding ground in the sport as

there are several records from that era as well. Thomas Tisell has proven to be the greatest high

school athlete in school history. He won 4 state titles total, 3 in track and field. No other person

has more than one. He almost single handily helped North Fort Myers High place at the state

meet. Hall of Fame member Chad Senior competed for North in the early 1990s. A tremendous

athlete, Senior went on to represent the United States in the 2000 and 2004 Olympic games.

Note: he also holds swimming records as well). But for all the previous success that has come

individually, the most consistent success has come most recently in the mid to late 2000s. Under

the direction of Coach Yancey Palmer, the Running Red Knights have captured 3 conference

titles in 4 years.

52

BOYS’ TRACK AND FIELD RECORDS


Individual Records


Field Events

Shot Put 54' 6 1/2" Johnny Ash 1999

Discus 155' 10" Mike Magee 1999

Triple Jump 43' 0" Mike Jackson 2006

Pole Vault

High Jump 6' 2" Jay Wade 1970

6' 2" Noe Pena 2006

Long Jump 23' 4 1/4" Quenton Washington 2007

Track Events

100 meter :10.81 Shundell Hicks 1990

Noel Devine 2006

110 High Hurdles :14.88 James Fields 1990

200 Meter :22.3 Richard Metcalf 1965

Roscoe Thurman 1985

300 Low Hurdles :39.37 Glenroy Huggins 2008

400 Meter :49.7 Richard Metcalf 1966

800 Meter 01:56.8 Noe Pena 2006

1600 Meter 4:20 Thomas Tisell 1985

3200 Meter 09:35.5 Thomas Tisell 1985

Relays

4x100 Meter Relay :43.70 Ralph Black 1985

Monty Kirkland

Albert Knighten

Roscoe Thurman

4x400 Meter Relay 03:28.2 Ricardo Johnson 2004

Alex Moore

Rod Strong

Santron Van Rivers

4x800 Meter Relay 08:18.7 Kendricks Baldwin 2002

Matt Hoerner

Mike Harney

Eddie Bressman

Sprint Medley 2:08 Francis Stanford 1966

(no longer exists) Roger Griffin

Tom Helgendorf

Thomas Foster

Mile Medley 3:36 Roscoe Thurman 1985

Albert Knighten

Ralph Black

Kenny Davidson

53

State Champions

Class, Event Time/ Distance Athlete Year

3A- 1 Mile 04:27.8 Thomas Tisell 1984



Hall of Fame


Chad Senior 1993 2001

Olympian

Pentathlon USA Chad Senior 2000, 2004

Team Records

Championships


1990 LCAC Champion

1991 LCAC Champion


2004 LCAC Champion

2005 LCAC Champion

2007 LCAC Champion


Appearances at State Meet Top 10

Year Place Class

1984 10th 3A

1985 8th 3A

Two time record holder Noe Pena, 2006

54

GIRLS’ TRACK AND FIELD

Over a decade later than the boys, the Girls’ Track and Field team was

formed in 1976. They were coached by Mike Gorton.

Twelve years after the boys’ track and field team was able to participate in varsity

competition, it was finally time for the girls. They experienced immediate success (a rarity at

North) by being conference runner up for the first season in 1976. In the early 1980s, the sports

greatest athlete was a part of the team. Dania “Dee” Henry competed for North and went on to

excel in everything she did. She not only dominated her competitors, she conquered the North

record book. She currently still holds the records for 100 meters, 200 meters, 400 meters, long

jump, and was a member of a record setting relay team as well. She is the only female track and

field state champion in the 33 years of competition, and one of two female state champions the

school has earned (Vanderplaats, swimming). In 1987, Loretta Purish took over the program and

has been the coach for the past 22 years. The greatest team success came in the late 1990s when

the girls’ track and field team won two district titles and two more runner up finishes.

55

GIRLS’ TRACK AND FIELD RECORDS


Individual Records


Field Events

Shot Put 37' 7" Helynn Young 2012

Discus 116' Leslie Jones 1989

Triple Jump 36' 1/4" Tynequia Roberts 2008

Pole Vault

High Jump 5'4" Jessica Wagner 2012

Long Jump 19' 5 3/4" Dandria Henry 1983

Track Events

100 meter :12:00 Dandria Henry 1983

110 High Hurdles :15.01 Stacy Kersey 1995

200 Meter :24.62 Dandria Henry 1983

300 Low Hurdles :47.8 Stacy Kersey 1995

400 Meter :58.78 Dandria Henry 1982

800 Meter 02:22.1 Sharoyn Harris 1984

1600 Meter 5:19 Megan Rodell 1996

3200 Meter 11:35 Megan Rodell 1996

Relays

4x100 Meter Relay :47.97 Jessica Dasher 2008

Jasmine Roberts

Tynequia Roberts

Machera Calhoun

4x400 Meter Relay 04:01.1 Cynthia Bellamy 1983

Sharoyn Harris

Shelly Lewis

Dandria Henry

4x800 Meter Relay 10:10:22 Wally Rosario 2008

Tina Agostinelli

Ashley Williams

Stephanie

Nevadunsky

Mile Medley 4:24 Melody Addison 1983

(Discontinued in 1986) Debra Riggins

Sharoyn Harris

Shelly Lewis

State Champions

Class, Event Distance Athlete Year

3A- Long Jump 19' 1 1/4" Dandria Henry 1983

Adaptive Track & Field

Arielle Rausin

2010,2011,2012

56

Team Records

Championships


1976 South Florida Conference Runner Up










Appearances at State Meet Top 10

Year Place Class

1983 9th 3A

Dandria Henry preparing for the long jump, 1983.

Documents

Introduction - North Fort Myers High Schoolnfm.leeschools.net/_cache/files/1/9/192bab7b-7ac8-4acd-a762-e5a8ff... · Introduction Since it opened as a junior-senior high school in