Marve takes top honor

The accomplished Plant quarterback receives the Guy Toph award as the county's best player.

By SCOTT PURKS
Published January 19, 2007

TAMPA - When the football season ended Dec. 9 with a Class 4A state title victory, Plant quarterback Robert Marve thought things might slow down a bit.

He couldn't have been more wrong.

Since championship day, Marve has, among other things, received commendation in a ceremony with the mayor, led Plant and the Tampa Bay Bucs onto the field for the final regular-season Bucs game, traveled to Miami to receive a state award, traveled to Alabama for a recruiting visit, and, Thursday morning, accepted perhaps his biggest honor to date: the Guy Toph award.

As always, while holding the trophy given each year to Hillsborough County's top prep football player, Marve said his accomplishments were a reflection of how well his team and coaches supported him.

"I couldn't have done any of this without those guys blocking for me and all those guys catching my passes," Marve said. "I look at this as a team award and I am very honored to accept it on their behalf.

"I really see this as a great, great honor."

Humility aside, Marve appeared a shoo-in for the award after Dec. 9 when with three minutes, two seconds left, he drove the Panthers 78 yards for the winning touchdown, a four-yard pass to Derek Winter with 17 seconds remaining. It all but sealed Plant's 25-21 victory over Ponte Vedra Beach Nease and finished off perhaps the greatest single season by a prep quarterback in state history.

In the end, Marve finished with single-season state records for yardage (4,343), touchdowns (48) and completions (278) while leading Plant to a 15-0 record.

Meantime his stock raised in the eyes of college coaches across the country, from Miami, which he is visiting this weekend, to Hawaii, which he is visiting Jan. 27. A visit to LSU may happen the weekend after that.

For now Alabama appears to be the front runner, but he said no one will know his firm commitment until national signing day Feb. 6.

"It has been very busy but this has been a great experience and I have enjoyed it," Marve said. "Today (winning the Guy Toph award) is one of the best highlights of them all."

Other awards: 

Jorge Ospina-Casas, Leto

A state champion in the 100 butterfly, Ospina-Casas also helped lead Leto's medley relay team to a district championship. Ospina-Casas also helped coach many of teammates.

Chelsea Nauta, Tampa Prep

After winning state titles in the 100 and 200 freestyle, Nauta was named the 2006 Florida Dairy Farmers and Pinch-A-Penny state swimmer of the year. Nauta, holder of 10 Tampa Prep school records, has a strong shot to make the 2008 U.S. Olympic team.

Jennifer Chamblee, Plant

What Chamblee lacked in height at 5-foot-6, she made up for with exceptional leaping ability. Chamblee helped lead Plant to the Class 5A state title with 152 kills, 238 digs and 61 aces.

Matt Cooney, Gaither

Won individual titles at the district and region tournaments and averaged 36 strokes for nine holes throughout the regular season. Placed 13th at the Class 2A state tournament with 1-over 72-73-145, best among Hillsborough County participants.

Cody Hill, Robinson

A three-year soccer player, this was Hill's first season of cross country, which he completed with top-10 finishes at most meets and a top-20 finish at state. With Hill in the lineup, Robinson achieved a rare team appearance at the state meet.

Mike Williams, Jefferson

For three years Williams anchored a Jefferson offensive line that helped quarterback Stephen Garcia become the Tampa Bay area's career passing leader with 8,018 yards and 83 touchdowns.

Sarah Fisher, Chamberlain

Making steady improvement over four years, Fisher took medalist honors at her past two district tournaments. Fisher finished the 2006 season with a 38.6 stroke average for nine holes.

Katie Quick, Gaither; Brigithe Moreno, Plant

Moreno, a junior, capped a sparkling season by winning the Class 3A state title. She preceded that triumph with victories at the district and region meets, and won every major local competition in which she competed. Quick, a senior leader and four-year runner for the Cowboys, finished fourth at the Class 3A state meet

[Last modified January 18, 2007, 21:52:01]