By Rachel Galvin

When Ira Wechterman first proposed setting up a kayak ramp at Hillsboro Cove Condominiums in Deerfield Beach, a 55-year-old and over condo, he thought the response would be small. Boy, was he wrong. His project has taken on a life much bigger than he expected.

“I was pestering our dock master to see if we could get a system set up for kayaks. He said, ‘There are 10 empty boat slips. Pick one and see what you can do.’ I sent out a questionnaire, expecting three or four people interested. Instead, we got over 18,” said Wechterman.

That double digit interest increased more than three-fold, said Wechterman, who added, “People who were non-boaters now have the opportunity to get involved with boating at a minimal cost.”

Their condo maintenance staff built the racks – a total of 36 slots. Many residents, however, leave their kayaks in their condo units. Those interested in putting their kayaks in a slot pay an initial set-up fee to offset the cost of building the racks and a $10 monthly fee added to their Condo Area Maintenance (CAM). There is a dolly nearby to aide in transporting the kayak to the water.

In addition, he researched and found a local company to provide a dock and ramp with overhead bar for easier kayak entry and exit.

“My wife and I go out together paddling around Deerfield Island and up to Hillsboro Canal,” he added, saying they often see animals and marine life, including fish, manatees, birds and iguanas.

His wife, Helene, chimed in, “He had never kayaked before we moved here; but I had.”

When asked about the new dock ramp and racks, she said, “I love it. It is wonderful. We try to go out once a week.”

He hopes the city of Deerfield Beach will put in a kayak dock at Pioneer Park so that kayakers can more easily exit the water there and use restroom facilities, as well as explore nearby restaurants before getting back in the water.

The couple moved from Long Island and were snowbirds for 12 years before moving here full-time two years ago.

“My wife bought our condo without me ever seeing it,” said Wechterman. “It is one of the few places you can look out and see something green.”

Deerfield Island Park

That something green is Deerfield Island Park, a 53.3 acre nature-oriented park surrounded by the Intracoastal Waterway and the Hillsboro and Royal Palm canals, and accessible only by boat. For those without kayaks or boats of their own, there is a free boat that leaves from Sullivan Park to the island every hour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends. The last shuttle leaves at 4:30 p.m. The shuttle is dependent on weather conditions. If the weather looks bad, confirm first by calling Quiet Waters Park at 954-357-5100.

This island is an asset not only to those who live across from it at Hillsboro Cove, but all the residents of Deerfield Beach and beyond.

He said the upcoming Sullivan Park improvements will create a whole day experience. Kids can play in the fountain and then the family can go to Deerfield Island Park to explore the nature trails.

Friends of Deerfield Island Park

Wechterman, who is on the Marine Advisory Board, is the president of Friends of Deerfield Island Park (DIP), a group formed about six months ago to ensure that the island is protected by giving their voices and time to the cause. They not only volunteer, but also raise funds to help create improvements to the island and show others its value. The group is doing outreach to get more individuals and communities involved to increase membership and awareness of the park.

This month, Deerfield Island Park will build and install two kayak and paddleboard racks similar to the ones at Hillsboro Cove with the help of the Friends group and Lowe’s Home Improvement. Visitors will be able to rent kayaks and paddleboards through the Parks Dept.

Butterfly Garden

The Friends of DIP are also helping to create a butterfly garden on Oct. 17 from 9 a.m. to noon. They are seeking 20 volunteers to help plant shrubs and flowers that will attract butterflies. Tools will be provided by Broward County Parks and Recreation.

Those interested in being involved in their group can find out more information at www.friendsofdip.org.

By Rachel Galvin

At approximately 10 p.m. on Sept. 13,  there was a hit & run on Federal Highway in the southbound lane right south of 49 Street in Lighthouse Point. The victim was a local homeless man, Claude Michaud, 62. Firetrucks and police cars surrounded the scene.

A man was with his friend at McDonald’s and saw the scene unfold. He says a “green truck” hit the man, paused momentarily once he reached the corner and then drove off. BSO has expanded to look for all dark colored vehicles.

Another witness said, “I heard a noise, a screech, and I came around to get a parfait at McDonalds and that’s when I saw the body.”

They speculated over why the man might have driven away, saying he “could have had a case… look there are no lights here,” pointing to the street light above on the opposite side of the street. “But he drove off…”

They shared stories about the man they knew, speaking of him fondly, saying he never really bothered anyone; but he was arrested several times for trespassing. They said he would sleep behind the 7-11 or behind the wall just behind the nearby bus stop, but kept getting told he was not allowed to stay there.

Detectives are searching for the driver. Investigators urge anyone with information to contact BSO Detective Michael Kelliher at 954-321-4840. Anonymous tips can be made to Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-8477 or www.browardcrimestoppers.org.

By Karen Newcombe

New England Patriots vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers, baby! Tonight at 8:30 p.m. football season officially opens at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, MA. This year’s Super Bowl winning Patriots – complete with QB Tom Brady back on board – will come up against the Steelers, who seek to make a statement and beat the best on their own field. Sports bars in every corner of the country have stocked up on wings and beer, and many have had shiny new HDTV screens installed for the season opener.

We all know that most residents of Florida came from somewhere else, so while we may support the Miami Dolphins, many of us also have a first football love that still rules our hometown hearts. Here’s a rundown of where in and around our neighborhoods that you can find your fellow fans, and what specials to expect at that location:

• The Cabin Sports Bar — 154 N. Federal Hwy., Deerfield – Patriots fans, this is your home away from home. The Cabin is in its 15th season this year and has installed new, big-screen TVs just in time for tonight’s game. While all fans of any team are welcome here, the Cabin will be hosting a very Patriotic evening tonight! Bucket Specials throughout football season. 954-428- 6438.

• Bonefish Mac’s — 2002 Sample Rd., Pompano – Steelers fans are rumored to gather at Bonefish, so it should be jam-packed with excited fans tonight! 954- 781-6227.

• Two Georges — 1754 SE 3 Ct., Deerfield Beach – The jumbo screen. What more do you need to hear? Two Georges offers their 10’ X 12’ television for the big game, plus 19 other TVs, and a special football menu available in the bar on Saturdays and Sundays. All fans are welcome. 954-421-9272.

• City Pub — 956 S. Federal Hwy., Deerfield – The City Pub reboot with new owners is going strong, and we’ve heard that they have some special treats lined up for football fans this year. Buffalo Bills fans have found a home at City Pub, but everyone is always welcome. 954-427-8213

• Bru’s Room Deerfield — 120 NE 20 Ave., Deerfield – Dolphins fans, we know you’re welcome everywhere in South Florida, but former Dolphin Bob Brudzinski has made Bru’s Room into a special home for you. You know they’ll have plenty of specials on food and drinks throughout football season. With enough TVs to show every game at the same time, you can stop by early in the week and check the labels on each TV to find out which one will show your game this weekend. 954-420-5959. [Their Coral Springs location (1000 N. University Dr.) caters to Cleveland Browns fans — 954-656-8041].

• Slackers Bar & Grill — 995 W. State Rd. 84, Ft. Lauderdale – Our research indicates that Green Bay Packers fans congregate at Slackers. So do Florida State fans. 954-530-4758.

• Hott Leggz — 3128 N. Federal Hwy., Lighthouse Point – Chicago Bears (and Cubs) fans make their Florida home at Hott Leggz, where they can get traditional Chicago Beef sandwich of roast beef on Italian bread smothered in giardiniera (sautéed Italian peppers). There’s also a TV on every table. 754-307-2444.

• Legends Tavern & Grill — 1391 S. Military Tr., Deerfield Beach – Legends is new and this will be their first football season in Deerfield Beach. They’re offering specials on game weekends including $13 Bud Lite buckets and $2.50 pints on selected beers, as well as All Day Happy Hour on Sundays. Fans from all teams come here. 754-212-2655.

• Packy’s Sports Pub — 4480 N. Federal Hwy., Lighthouse Point – Packy’s has now been under new ownership for a year, and is a gathering spot for Buffalo Bills fans. Packy’s is offering $13 domestic buckets and $18 craft/import buckets.

Enjoy the game tonight, everyone! This is just a sampling of some local football hangouts. Send your gameday fun pictures to observereditor@comcast.net.

By Dave Montalbano

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

There is a saying that national politics begin after Labor Day. While we are still a year away from when the national media begins to dissect the potential presidency of Joe Biden or Donald Trump, etc. this is a great time to review American history and ask the question “How did we get here?”

Best of Enemies is an 87-minute documentary about an experiment that third place ABC New Broadcast attempted, circa 1968. It was the time when President Johnson’s administration went up in flames and he announced that he would not seek a second term. Robert F. Kennedy was supposed to be a shoe-in for the Democratic nomination, but he was assassinated by Sirhan Sirhan earlier in the year. As home television transitioned from black-andwhite to color, the nuclear family unit witnessed the United States losing the Vietnam War on CBS News with Walter Cronkite and NBC News with Chet Huntley and David Brinkley.

Both NBC and CBS provided gavel-to-gavel coverage with multiple camera angles at the Republican Convention in Miami and the Democratic Convention in Chicago during the summer of 1968.

Lacking the financial resources of NBC and CBS, the ABC National News bureau decided to use fewer cameras, cover the major speeches and provide political commentary from political experts representing Democratic and Republican perspectives. Given their public sophistication and that both men were writers, Gore Vidal was chosen to represent political left and William F. Buckley was chosen to represent the political right for a series of 10 debates at both conventions.

As we learn from this documentary, both Buckley and Vidal had a deep-seated hatred for each other that was masked by their media training, poise and education. Through the series of debates, we see two master debaters spar with each other with minor tweaks and taunts. When in the sunshine of the Miami convention, the first five debates seem as jovial as a checkers match on Collins Avenue.

Yet, as the location transfers to the notorious convention in Chicago, the oppressive atmosphere outside the convention hall permeates the political discourse between Gore Vidal and William F. Buckley. Directors Robert Gordon and Morgan Neville wisely let Buckley and Vidal speak for themselves. The 10 debates grow in intensity and by the final debate, the sophisticated faÇades melt into raw anger.

Given the manufactured controversy of today’s news cycle with broadcast news, cable news, websites and personal blogs, Best of Enemies is an important historical documentary that explains the rise of modern journalism. With fewer resources and celebrity news readers, and working in a broken down studio, ABC News set into motion the way the news media today covers political conventions each leap year.

Best of Enemies features some intriguing behind the scenes outtakes. It is an entertaining documentary with much humor. Yet, it is the intellectual showdown between Gore Vidal and William F. Buckley that you will remember long after viewing it.

For more information on the film, including theaters where it is playing, visit www.magpictures.com/bestofenemies.

Remember, if you see anything suspicious, call 911 immediately.

August 10: Three lottery tickets and $10 in loose change were stolen from an unlocked vehicle parked in the driveway at 4410 block of NE 28 Ave.

August 11: Someone stole a briefcase valued at $300 and wallet valued at $70 from an unlocked vehicle during the night at 4231 NE 23 Ave. A credit card was used the following day.

August 15: Someone broke into a vehicle at 2211 NE 29 St. by smashing out a window. A MacBook Pro computer and case valued at $2,050 were stolen. Two subjects were seen looking into vehicles earlier in the day.

August 24: A woman reported her car stolen at 551 SW 12 Ct.

August 24: Family Dollar store at 924 S. Federal Hwy. reported that one woman and two men working together stole $53.50 worth of merchandise.

August 24: A victim of a robbery returned home at 3901 NW 9 Ave. and found that a television had been stolen.

August 26: A woman was observed stealing food from Publix at 3740 W. Hillsboro Blvd.

Proposed Blue Water Hotel

Dear Editor:

Over-development can be detrimental to an area and no amount of tax revenue to a city or increased profit margin for the landowner can justify the negative impact it has on an area.

The 3-dimensional concrete high-rise hotel/garage [proposed Blue Water hotel in The Cove] will tower over the Hillsboro Bridge by over 20 feet, higher yet with its A/C units, etc. on the roof, and change the skyline forever. Not a pretty view for the gateway to our award-winning beach, a sight that will be bare of landscaping at that height.

It will set a precedent for other landowners in The Cove to follow suit and ask for code deviations and special consideration for the plans they may have. Parking is already a community nightmare.

There were many public workshops regarding the “look” the residents wanted for the Cove Shopping Center and overwhelmingly the consensus did not include high rise construction.

Other concerns are traffic pattern changes with only one egress and ingress on Hillsboro Blvd. that is already bottle-necked on weekends, holidays, and every 30 minutes when the bridge opens. One egress and ingress onto 15 Avenue, a residential street, will result in cut-through traffic in The Cove Residential Home Development. Fourth Ct., 7 Court, 10 Street, 12 Avenue, 13 Court (any street with access to Federal) will become avenues for people headed south or west. Some streets have no sidewalks and speed humps already installed to slow traffic. Tenth Street that leads to Federal Hwy, I-95, and the Sawgrass Expressway is a residential street (two lanes) and residents are now asking the city for more speed humps.

The city has already tried to slow traffic and discourage cut-through traffic with roundabouts and islands (narrowing the roads more). How effective? Perhaps a little now, but with added traffic, [results are] very questionable.

The 15 Avenue bridge also narrows and has no sidewalks. It is not what this one hotel will bring; it is what will be brought by future development as codes are changed and variances awarded.

Impact will escalate safety problems for the families in this development. At any given time you see parents and grandparents walking their children by hand or in strollers, their dogs on leashes, walking and jogging on the narrow streets with too few sidewalks and curbs.

As codes change and some proposed uses are permitted uses or conditional uses, the city will face many dilemmas and perhaps legal challenges by all landowners in this area desiring to increase their profit margins by use of high rise development and other deviations from the building codes.

I ask our Commission to please be very cautious with permitted/ conditional use changes and in approving variances in this small shopping center.

I live in the Cove Residential Home Development and want it to remain as quiet, safe, and traffic free as possible. Our quality of life and that of future generations depends on decisions made now.

Marti McGeary

Deerfield Beach, FL

The Cove meters

Dear Editor:

It’s Sunday afternoon and we’re heading to The Cove shopping center for happy hour and it made me start thinking about the parking meters again. Will I go somewhere else because of them? Probably not, but it just boils my blood.

If this is just a maintenance issue that only costs about $80,000 a year, so I’m told, what are they going to do with other $1.2 million of the projected income of $1.3 million? Is it going to be like the utility tax and supposed to lower our taxes? Because we all know how well that worked for us. It sounds like just another revenue [stream] for [the] city to me.

Steven J. Fabrizio

Deerfield Beach, FL

Friends of the Arboretum Educational Meeting

Thursday, Sept. 10, 7 p.m.

Deerfield Beach Arboretum at Constitution Park

2341 W. Hillsboro Blvd. Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Harold Hoyte, City of Deerfield Beach Landscape Architect, will discuss Florida Friendly Landscapes and answer questions about plants and planting. Free. Refreshments served. Drawing for a free plant. Call 954-480-4495 or visit www.treezoo.com.

Yard Sale and Fundraiser

Friday, Sept. 11, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 12, 8 a.m. to noon

First Christian Church and Day School

1860 NE 39 St. Pompano Beach, FL 33064

Funds raised support the Youth Ministry and children at the licensed pre-school. Items: Furniture, motorized scooters, housewares, clothes, shoes, toys.

Fundraiser for Maddie – Car Wash and BBQ

Saturday, Sept. 12, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Cabin Sports Bar 154 N. Federal Hwy. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Funds to benefit baby Maddie Boudreau who suffers from a pediatric brain tumor. Car wash, BBQ, raffle, DJ, face painting, animal rescue and more. Call 954-428-6438 for information or to sponsor.

About Boating Safely

Saturday, Sept. 12, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Spanish River Park HQ Bldg.

3939 N. Ocean Blvd. Boca Raton, FL 33441

Class covers boat handling, navigation rules, federal and Florida regulations, safety and more. Certification may reduce your insurance premiums. $35. Bring your own lunch. RSVP at 561-391-3600.

Pet CPR Course

Saturday, Sept. 12, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Florida Humane Society 3870 N. Powerline Rd. Pompano Beach, FL 33073

Four-hour PetTech Pet CPR & First Aid program. Space limited. Bring an item to donate to Florida Humane Society. They always need paper towels, bleach, cat litter and similar items. Register in advance at www.PetTech.net. For information on Florida Humane Society, call 954-974-6152. For information about the Pet CPR or other CPR classes, call CPR Training 2 Go, LLC at 954-461-8203.

Hillsboro Lighthouse tour

Saturday, Sept. 12, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Sands Harbor Resort and Dock

125 N. Riverside Dr. Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Transportation is only by boat. Shuttle boats sail hourly. Use the public parking lot on the east side of the Intracoastal across from the Sands Harbor Resort. Look for HLPS Lighthouse tour table at dock. $25, free to HLPS members. Must wear fl at shoes with rubber soles and closed toes. No sandals, flip-flops or shoes with heels allowed inside light house. Children must be accompanied by an adult and must be a minimum of 4 ft. tall to climb the tower. No pets. For more information, visit www.hillsborolighthouse.org/tours.

Conversion of Tam O’Shanter Golf Course to Fairway Memorial Gardens

Tuesday, Sept. 15, 7 p.m.

Crystal Lakes Golf Villa Club House

3800 Crystal Lake Dr. Pompano Beach, FL 33064

Tam O’Shanter Golf Course is now Fairway Memorial Gardens, the first perpetual care cemetery to open in 45 years in South Florida. Homeowners and the public are invited to attend to learn about development plans that will increase home values. For information, call Perry Caudill at 954-830-5279.

History at High Noon

Wednesday, Sept. 16, Noon to 1 p.m.

Commission Chambers 150 NE 2 Ave. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

The Deerfield Beach Historical Society presents local historian Mae Silver, who will share stories from her many books focused on the accomplishments of women. Light refreshments are served; free entrance, donations accepted. For information, visit www.deerfield-history.org or call 561-429-0378.

Pompano Chamber Fine Food & Wine Event

Wednesday, Sept. 16, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Hillsboro Club 901 Hillsboro Mile Hillsboro Beach, FL 33062

Food prepared on-site by over 30 local chefs. $85 each or four tickets for $300 (save $60!). Call the Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce at 954-941-2940 or visit www.pompanobeachchamber.com.

Save the Date Two Georges at The Cove Golf Tournament

Monday, Sept. 28, 1:15 – 6 p.m.

Deer Creek Golf Club

2801 DC Country Club Blvd. Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

A fun day of golf with a 1:15 p.m. shotgun start. Corporate sponsorships available from $350. Individual golfers $125 per player. Contact Denise Buzzelli at 954-427-0353.

Kiwanis Club of Deerfield Beach 5th Annual FUNd-Raiser Golf Tournament

Saturday, Sept. 19, 8 a.m. shotgun start

Crystal Lakes Golf Club 3800 Crystal Lake Dr. Pompano Beach, FL 33064

Register now. $125/ individual; $500 foursome (includes Continental breakfast and awards luncheon). Contests for Hole in One, Closest to Pin, Longest Drive. Raffles, silent auction, ball drop, free drinks on the course. See more info. pg. 2. or call 954-242-6083 or email hgouldrealtor@comcast.net.

Zion Lutheran All Years Reunion

Thursday, Oct 22 to Sunday, Oct. 25

For more information, e-mail drewshimkus66@gmail.com or visit their Facebook site: #zionpalooza2015.

When you’ve predominately operated two- and four-seat single engine training aircraft, the opportunity to get your teenaged hands on an eight-seater twin-prop plane boosts the feeling of being a “real” pilot. I say “real” because this particular flight I was about to fl y was not a training flight, but for actual passenger transport. (Nothing like pretending to be in the big leagues.) I was crushed when my father informed me that my long-awaited trip was most likely canceled —something about all flights being grounded. Impossible. The date was Sept. 11, 2001.

We turned on the television moments before the second tower was struck by a plane. Weeks would pass airing stories of incomprehensible loss contrasted by unimaginable courage. Never before had I seen America, or even our allies for that matter, become so unified. Why does it take an immense tragedy for this level of cooperation to exist?

The nation tabled their political views and rallied behind President George W. Bush as he and Mayor Rudy Giuliani led the country through a time of mourning and rebuilding. Because of their leadership and resolve, as a teenager, I gained a new perspective on what it meant to be one — one nation under God, that is.

Fourteen years later and the unity has seemingly dissolved. Our America has become my America where we define patriotism in the same way Burger King takes our order: have it your way. This is a far cry from where we were when a packed stadium of fans, in unison, began chanting over and over “U-S-A!” following a ceremonial first pitch by Bush during game three of the 2001 World Series.

So what happened? When did our nation begin to divide like cells? When we made sin a thing to be tolerated, not eradicated. That’s right. We took things like anger, hate, lust, idolatry, greed, jealousy, selfishness and drunkenness and hid them behind a cause, not realizing they are all tools in the devil’s arsenal of division — perfect if you’re trying to keep the body from becoming one.

It’s time for a revival. Now, I’m not talking about pitching a big tent, getting the local hipster musicians together and preaching with extra syllables when you say “Jesus.” I’m talking about a revival of the heart — your heart, my heart.

The change we pray for in our nation isn’t going to come solely through a worship music rock concert or some fancy social media hashtag campaign. True change and restoration will occur when each of us clears our heart like Jesus cleared the Temple area of merchants. In John 2:15-16, Jesus says, “Get these things out of here. Stop turning my Father’s house into a marketplace!” He knew the Temple area was a sacred spot reserved for God. Don’t believe me? Go check out the moment in Genesis when God asks Abraham to sacrifice his only son — one he had waited his whole life to see born. Though God was not actually going to have Abraham take his son’s life, He did want to test Abraham’s heart, see if he was willing to clear the “Temple” space.

So there it is. To take from the Tim Timmons song Starts with Me, the change we seek begins when we Christians hit our knees.

We must clear our hearts as Jesus cleared the Temple so that, when we stand, we are ready (and filled with courage) to be the light in a country plagued with brokenness dividing us from being what we’re called to be: one nation under God.

C.J. Wetzler is the Next-Gen pastor at First Baptist Church of Deerfield Beach. Before transitioning into full-time ministry, CJ was a commercial airline captain and high school leadership and science teacher. For questions or comments he can be reached at cj@deerfieldfirst.com.

All city facilities, with exception to the Deerfield Beach Aquatic Center and the International Fishing Pier, will be closed on Monday, Sept. 7, 2015, in observance of Labor Day.

The Deerfield Beach Aquatic Center will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The International Fishing Pier and Ocean Rescue will maintain normal operating hours. Recycling and Solid Waste pick-up will also maintain the same operating schedule for the holiday.

To receive the latest news for Deerfield Beach, sign up for E-subscriptions at www.Deerfield-Beach.com/subscribe.

By Gary Curreri

When Melvin Randall first began coaching high school basketball some 23 years ago, he never thought he would be where he is today.

The 52-year-old Randall, the head coach at Blanche Ely High School, is just 18 wins short of 500 career victories and recently became the first boys basketball coach from Broward to win six state championships.

In defeating Kissimmee Osceola 72-60 in the state final in early March, Randall also became the second coach in Broward County history to finish the season as an undefeated state champion, as the Tigers finished the 2014-15 campaign at 28-0.

His efforts earned his selection as the National High School Coaches Association Boys Basketball Coach of the Year.

“This is pretty awesome to be acknowledged by the coaches across the country for the job I have been doing at Blanche Ely over the years,” said Randall, who earlier this year also was named the All-USA Boys Basketball Coach of the Year by USA Today. “It is a great honor and I’m very humbled by this award.”

Randall is the third coach from Broward County to be honored as National Coach of the Year. George Smith of St. Thomas Aquinas won it for football in 2008 and Rich Bielski of Archbishop McCarthy for baseball in 2011.

“It lets me know that what I am doing here at Blanche Ely is very noticeable,” Randall said. “It is a passion for me and I enjoy what I am doing. I am just putting in what I got out of it as far as coaching on the other side. I was once an athlete and putting all of the passion and skills in becoming that athlete I am now doing that as a coach.”

Randall said he has taken bits and pieces from his previous mentors and coaching colleagues, such as the late Butch Ingram, John Keister, Greg Samuel and Wade Edmonds.

He said other influences are former Cardinal Gibbons High School volleyball coach and Athletic Director Louise Crocco, and the late Dillard football coach Otis Gray. Randall takes being a role model very seriously.

“It is a great honor to be a role model,” Randall said. “I know that some of my colleagues say they are not role models, but you are whether you want it or not. You have to be able to point these student athletes in the right direction and let them know it is not really about me, it is about them. It is a great feeling.”

Randall has coached 23 years in Broward and has compiled a 482-141 career record. A graduate of South Plantation High, he went on to play in the NCAA tournament at Mercer University. He is hopeful of winning another state title this season despite graduating seven players, including four starters.

“Winning a state title is my plan every year,” Randall said. “I am always going to play with the cards that I am dealt and every year it gets harder and harder because of the expectations. We are going to be young and a little inexperienced, so we will have to grow up quick.”

Randall added, “I am just in awe what these kids have accomplished every year and I am glad to have been a part of it.”

Pop Tennis Clinic

If you are looking for an alternative to tennis, paddleball and badminton, you can check out a free clinic on Sept. 19 at Pompano Community Park, 100 W. Atlantic Blvd., Pompano Beach.

Pop Tennis is a combination of the three sports and is played on a court 1/4 the size of a tennis court with a paddle and a deflated tennis ball. The demonstration and clinic is free to the public and will be held from 8 to 10 a.m.

“The Pop tennis court is smaller than a tennis court, the racquet or paddle is shorter than a tennis racquet, and the ball is less lively,” said organizer Mitchell Ball. “Additionally, the net is lower, and the players serve underhand – not overhand, as in tennis. All of these things make Pop Tennis easy to play.”

For more information, call Ball at 754-201-9047.