The Ocala area is set to be represented at the Florida High School Athletic Association’s (FHSAA) Florida Leadership & Athletic Sports Honors Yearly Awards (FLASHY’s) as three representatives from Marion County schools were nominated for awards.
The FLASHY’s are the FHSAA’s premier annual awards show celebrating excellence in Florida high school athletics. The FLASHYs honor standout student-athletes, coaches, officials, administrators, athletic trainers, schools and media members who exemplify leadership, integrity and service.
Finalists for each award will be announced on April 20, with the award ceremony being held on June 7 at the Tracy Performing Arts Center in The Villages.
Here’s who was nominated from the Ocala area:
Ben DiBlasi, Redeemer Christian: Student Leader of the Year
Ben DiBlasi, a junior, multi-sport athlete from Redeemer Christian School, has been nominated for the Student Leader of the Year award, which recognizes student-athletes who exemplify leadership on and off the field.
To be qualified for the award, one must be at least a sophomore and have demonstrated leadership through team captaincy, mentorship or community involvement. Evaluation criteria includes leadership influence on teammates, community or school involvement, character and integrity.
Sabrina Engelhardt, Belleview: Athletic Trainer of the Year
Belleview athletic trainer Sabrina Engelhardt has been named a nominee for Athletic Trainer of the Year, which recognizes outstanding service in athlete health, safety and wellness.
To qualify for the honor, one must be a certified athletic trainer at an FHSAA member school and be active throughout the year. Evaluation criteria includes commitment to athlete safety, emergency preparedness and care and professional leadership and education.
Jason Pfriender, Belleview: Male Coach of the Year
Belleview cross country coach Jason Pfriender was nominated for Male Coach of the Year — an award sponsored by Nike.
The award sets out to honor a coach who demonstrates excellence in coaching, leadership and sportsmanship. Head coaches and assistant coaches in any sport at an FHSAA member school are qualified for the award. Evaluation criteria includes competitive success (which isn’t solely record-based), athlete development and ethical leadership.
This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Ocala-area athlete, coach, athletic trainer nominated for FHSAA awards
Reporting by Ainslie Lee, Gainesville Sun / Ocala Star-Banner
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
