Tag: football
Categories
Shaquem Griffin: A Football Role Model
What do you see when a man with one hand or one leg passes by. Do you think that he isn’t capable of doing much? Or do you think that maybe he’s stronger than he looks. Shaquem Griffin is an American football outside linebacker who was born with Amniotic Band Constriction. He had to get his hand cut off, but that did not stop him from growing up like any other kid. His father made him specialized equipment so that he could train just like everybody else as he was growing up. He didn’t give up on football, or his dream, just because he had one hand. Instead, he worked harder to achieve his goal. Later in life, he ended up being named The American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the year and a first-team all-conference choice in 2017. This year, he attended the NFL Combine where he had the chance of demonstrating his skills to different coaches that could potentially draft him.
The NFL Combine is the place every college football player wants to go. It’s a place where you can show NFL coaches and veteran players that you have what it takes to be a pro-athlete. Players from every position are invited to participate in a variety of drills and exercises that demonstrate their strengths and weaknesses. Some of the drill include the 40-yard dash, the vertical jump, the bench press, the 3-cone drill, and the shuttle drill.
Shaquem was given a “Blue Star” which meant he received top performer in 3 categories during the Combine. He He ran a 4.38 40-yard dash, jumped 117 inches for the broad jump, and did 20 reps with a 225lb bar.
Shaquem could be an inspirational figure for all athletes here at McClatchy. He could inspire those who want to do better, to work harder than they ever have before. A lot of the times, people sell themselves short and say that they just can’t do it. However, Shaquem could, and he only has one hand.
Screaming, shouting, clipboards smashing against white boards—the sounds of a typical high school football locker room.
It’s no secret that football coaches are “passionate” about football. “Varsity Blues,” a classic American high school football movie, is a perfect demonstration of how disgruntled coaches can react when things don’t go their way. However, not all coaches emulate the “indignant, discontent coach” that most people picture.
Malcolm Floyd, McClatchy’s head football coach, former Fresno State and Houston Oilers wide receiver, was born in San Francisco, in 1972, and moved to Sacramento in 1974. He had a difficult childhood, as he grew up poor in Oak Park, but what he did always have was a supportive family. “My family always taught love,” Malcolm Floyd said. Unconditional love and respect, something his family had taught him, is something he tries to teach not only his football players, but also his students.
Of the football players interviewed, they all think he’s a great coach, and that he boosts morale and helps them improve in their day to day lives. Malcolm Floyd uses a different method of coaching than what you’d expect. Instead of being a hot headed, malicious coach that rules with an iron fist, he tries to have fun with his player because at the end of the day, “football is just a game.”
Mr. Floyd said that “teaching is better than being in the NFL,” as, “being in the NFL is all for me, all for making the money because you don’t make a change.” For those who don’t know, Malcolm Floyd attended C.K. McClatchy, and his experience at this school wasn’t so great. The reason he came back here to teach and coach was to make a difference in the lives of the students he has the privilege to work with. Being at this school and teaching not just academics and football, but also important morales like respect, love, discipline, and dedication, helps him influence the future generation into a better one.
Malcolm Floyd teaches his students and football players the importance of respect and love every day, and that’s what makes him such a loved coach, teacher, and person.
Categories
CKM takes over Holy Bowl?
On September 9th, at Hughes stadium, a very important football game took place. They call it Holy Bowl, which is Jesuit High School vs Christian Brothers High School. Even though McClatchy wasn’t playing, a lot of them came to the game. Students at CKM wanted to show support for their friends that attend private schools.
There was a strong favor toward CB among McClatchy kids, as many kids interviewed were rooting for CB. Others just came for the football. These are some of the best football schools in Sac, and there is nothing like catching a football game on a Saturday night.
For many years now, Jesuit has taken the dub. This year was no different. McClatchy Sophomore George Wiley hung out with his friends and watched the football game, “The game was really bad, because Jesuit just crushed them, but hanging out with friends was fun.”
Some of the most fun parts of the game was not even football related.
“I wasn’t there but I heard Josh Peck was.” said Luke Mitchell, a student at CKM. This was true. Many kids from CKM, CB, and Jesuit where excited to see that celebrity Josh Peck was at Holy Bowl.
Another exciting part of the game was a streaker that ran out onto the field.He was eventually arrested but it made some people’s night. There are a lot of things at Holy Bowl that CKM kids have control over. Which side is louder, has more spirit and more support. Even if the McClatchy football team doesn’t play at Holy Bowl, McClatchy kids can still enjoy the game, and they may even have some impact on who wins.
Categories
The Importance of Hydration in Football
Water is the key to being a winner. Lately in Sacramento the weather has had a dramatic increase in temperature, causing it to be in the high 90’s low 100’s. Most people go home or hang out in a nice shady spot. Imagine, instead of going out and drinking an ice cold soda or a refreshing glass of water, you’re wearing shoulder pads, football pants, and more pads that cover your thighs, knees, and tailbone. Football players wear pads and practice in immense heat with easy access to water but is that truly enough? And is it enough not only to survive, but also to win?
According to a study made by the Gatorade Sports Science Institute the average American Football player can sweat around 1.6-2.3 liters an hour. McClatchy’s Head Coach Malcolm Floyd (a former NFL football player) hydration is an important aspect to succeeding in not just football but in any other sport you may be losing a lot of fluid in. Coach Floyd said, “Hydrating is important not just during practice but also after practice.”
Everyday during practice he makes sure water in easily accessible during practice so that his players can stay in a constant state of cognition and possess a stronger will to keep on pushing. Some symptoms of dehydration include; a dry mouth, headache, cramping of the muscles, dry skin, dizziness, being tired or sleepy, and a lack of cognition.
The consequences of not staying hydrated presented themselves at a recent game against Rio Americano. During the JV game that started at 5, about 7 of Rio Americano’s players fell down on the field with painful cramps. These painful cramps result from dehydration. It’s important to remember to hydrate, especially when you are exercising.