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Letter to the editor

Baseball remains passion for coach

By NANCY MORGAN, Times Sports Correspondent
Published December 30, 2007

Adam Moravick Indian Rocks Christian has had a passion for baseball since he participated in tee ball.

From a Little League player in the Cross Bayou and Largo organizations to high school and then to St. Francis University in Indiana, the pitcher/outfielder thrived in the game.

After graduating from Florida State in 2003, Moravick began transitioning from player to coach, something he always thought he would pursue. A significant coaching highlight for Moravick, 30, was his selection last month as one of six assistant coaches for the 14-and-under boys baseball team in USA Baseball, the national governing body of amateur baseball in the United States.

"I've always loved sports and knew I wanted to be a coach someday and stay involved in baseball," Moravick said. "It was a huge honor for me to represent USA Baseball. I've never done anything as honorable as that."

Moravick credits fellow high school coach Daryl Don for recommending him to help in the summers with the USA Baseball 16-and-under tournaments. After doing so for several years, Moravick was asked to be an assistant coach with the 14 division in its first year of international competition this year.

"We have four national staff members for our international teams, and this year we brought in three extra coaches, including Adam, to select the players to represent the United States," said Rick Riccobono, three-year USA Baseball team director. "It's also an opportunity for us to look at future coaches for the national level, and I feel that Adam is on that path.

"Adam does a great job of relating to the players, as well as his experience coaching at the high school level helps him bring a lot to the table. He's well-rounded in his knowledge and can therefore fit into different roles, from doing grunt work to taking on a leadership role."

Moravick was especially impressed with the talent of the 14-year-old team members that represented the most talented players nationwide, including two from South Florida. The squad of 18 was narrowed from 30 to travel to Puerto Rico this month. The team won a gold medal in the Pan American Championships, their second this year.

"It was just incredible seeing their natural talent and high level of ability. Plus, to see the team have one common goal - to win the gold for the United States - was exciting," Moravick said.

Moravick was an assistant coach at Largo High for a year, followed by the head coach position at Northside Christian the past three years until he became an assistant coach at Seminole High this fall. Moravick teaches physical education at Lakewood Elementary School.

Football: Marcus Santini (Seminole) led Bethany in yards gained per game with 67.6 and had five touchdowns. The freshman running back was third on the team in points scored with 38.

- Eric Terrell (Northeast) was a freshman wide receiver for Bethany. In three games, Terrell averaged 9.7 yards receiving.

Basketball: Josh Neri (Pinellas Park/St. Petersburg College) is the starting point guard for Warren Wilson College. The senior is averaging 14 points per game with four assists and two steals.

Swimming: Jordan Weber (Northeast) is a freshman diver for Marshall's Thundering Herd.

News for this column may be faxed to Nancy Morgan, 445-4119; e-mailed to namorgan@tampabay.rr.com or sent to 710 Court St., Clearwater, FL 33756. Please include phone number.

[Last modified December 29, 2007, 22:35:10]