By Gary Curreri

Deerfield Beach High senior Biko Lobban is looking to reach the state wrestling tournament for the first time.

Lobban, 18, of Margate, lost in his last match at regionals last year and narrowly missed qualifying for the state event. “Right now, I want to be state champion,” said Lobban, who will wrestle in the 152lb. division. “I was one match away from going to state last year and it is still with me. I still picture it in my head all of the time. It motivated me a lot for this year.”

“Whether I am at practice, in the gym or on the treadmill working out, I go to practice every day,” Lobban added. “If it is not practice, I am at home refining my skills doing whatever I can do.”

Lobban has been wrestling since his freshman year and knows that a slight mistake on the mat could cost him.

“All of the emotions start pouring in,” Lobban said. “You think, ‘how did I let that happen? I saw that coming, why couldn’t I stop it?’ When time is running out, it can go either way. If you get that pin, it is the best feeling in the world.” Lobban said he likes the challenge the sport presents. He knows that practice makes him better.

“I like that I can get on the mat and actually see my skills getting better and bettering myself,” Lobban said. “I like the one-on-one aspect that the sport provides. When I get on the mat, everything else is blocked out. It is just that person and me. I love wrestling people who are better than me because it helps me better myself. It’s a great feeling.” Being this is his senior year, Lobban said there is a lot of pressure.

“The younger wrestlers, the rookies, are looking up to me, and at the same time, I am refining my skills too.”

Lobban said. “I know I have a lot of competition this year. I have to keep wrestling and try my best.”

Lobban, who is also a member of the Deerfield Beach- BSO PAL wrestling team, said the best feeling is when the referee raises your arm after winning a match.

“It is the greatest feeling when the referee raises my hand,” Lobban said. “You are thinking, ‘wow I actually did it! I did what I had to do to win.’”

Simply soccer coming to town

One week after Santa Claus hit Pompano Beach, Simply Soccer returns to hold a soccer camp from Jan. 2-4, 2013.

Registration is being held at the Pompano Beach Civic Center. The soccer camp is for boys and girls, ages 5-14, of all skill levels, who are taught a variety of soccer skills from dribbling to shooting. There are three sessions each day ranging from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; extended hours are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; a Tiny Tot program for kids ages 5 and 6 is from 9 a.m. to noon.

Campers must bring a soccer ball, swimsuit, shin guards, water bottle and lunch. For more information, call the city of Pompano Parks and Recreation Dept. at 954-786-4119 or 954-786-4111.

Stuart wins President’s Cup

Janet Stuart was recently named the 2012 President’s Cup Champion for the Pompano Beach Women’s Golf Association.

Stuart finished with the best two out of three rounds as she carded a low net score of 138.