We have success stories in a variety of ways for example:

NaDerris Ward 17yrs old at McClymonds High school in Oakland CA. Was told by Colleges he could not play football because he was obese (290lbs). He joined the club and lost 37lbs and received his scholarship to the University of Georgia.

Kiera Brock 16 yrs old at Dorsey high school in Los Angeles CA wants to enter the Police Academy but was told she exceeded the weight requirements she joined the club and lost 28lbs.

Emile Pascale 15yrs old at Wilson high school in Washington DC was told due to breathing issues related due her obesity she could not play any sports she joined the club and lost 30lbs

"Too big," Warriors coach Alonzo Carter said.

With approximately 200 people in attendance in the gymnasium, eight players from the Silver Bowl champion Warriors — the largest group in the 11-year history of the event and one of the biggest classes in the state along with Dorsey of Los Angeles and Long Beach Poly — signed their letter-of-intent on Wednesday, the first day athletes can do so.

All-Americans Derrick Hill (Cal), Joshua Tatum (USC) and Na Derris Ward (Georgia) were joined by Antoine Howard (UNLV), Terrance McCoy (Idaho) and Rico Thomas (San Diego State), who all made their previous verbal commitments official.

Also honored were Roy Holmes III (Portland State) and Slone Willingham (Missouri State), who finalized their decision earlier this week.

Laney College standouts Dante Floyd (New Mexico State) and Darryl Williams (Arkansas-Pine Bluff), who each graduated from Mack, were also in attendance. In addition, Warriors offensive lineman Gavin Butler inked to play at Arizona Western Community College.

The 90-minute presentation, with its usual mix of tears and humor, featured guest speakers Courtney Anderson, tight end with the Oakland Raiders, and Greg Raleigh of International Fitness Diplomats.

"They're all good kids, and they're all academically qualified, and we're happy to show they're good student-athletes," Carter said. "The kids really worked hard and wanted to prove to themselves and everybody else they were worthy of the preseason hype."

Holmes, a 5-foot-11, 180-pound defensive back, was a first-team All-East Bay selection after making 75 tackles and five interceptions. The transfer from De Anza chose the Division I-AA Vikings over Ohio University.

"It's a lot like home," said Holmes, who is good friends with current Portland State wide receiver Stanley Jackson. "I have a lot of people there I trust. They have cool coaches and a good football program that I'd like to be a part of."

Willingham, also a first-team All-East Bay selection, will play defensive end for the Division I-AA Bears of Missouri State (formerly Southwest Missouri State). Carter called the 6-3, 245-pound Willingham the sleeper of the group and said he could contribute as a freshman after recording 85 tackles and 101/2 sacks.

"This was my dream," said Willingham, who will join Laney receiver Tamarkus McElvane, another Mack grad, in Springfield, Mo. "The campus is great, the people are great, and the coaching staff made me feel like I was home."
Carter expects two more players, Stephen Blackwell and Stephen Roseman, to sign a letter-of-intent in the near future as well.

By Rita Long

CORE-CA has teamed with the International Fitness Diplomats (IFD) in order to bring about healthier youth among minorities. “The program is to help our young people,” said CORE-CA Chairman Adrian Dove. “Minorities are susceptible to a lot of diseases if their nutrition is not proper.”

When you travel to Dorsey High School in Los Angeles you'll find the IFD club o­n campus. The purpose essentially is to assist high school kids in making sure that they are aware of what they intake nutritionally into their bodies. With diabetes, obesity, and hypertension as a major factor among blacks, hispanics, and other minorities; the club is designed to be educational - assisting in prevention before many youths acquire these unwanted diseases.

"Students go through a curriculum created by Food for Fuel (F3)," said Greg Raleigh. "It covers such things as reading labels, food economics, and scientific information relating to medical illness that comes from improper food choices."

At Dorsey, the head man is Doug Brown who is the Director at Celes King swimming pool. The program reaches out to both male and female students who meet o­nce a week to discuss nutritional needs and fitness. "It helps us be healthy and be in shape," said Ramon Rodriguez a ninth grade IFD club member who also runs track. "It makes me feel good."

Dorsey is having a recruitment drive and has 20 newly committed students. Every Wednesday they have a school wide 'Fit tip of the day'. Senior and club president, De'Borah Dunbar wrote the constitution for the club. "This is something I want to carry o­n not just for now but, for the rest of my life," said Dunbar. "I want to be a healthy woman."

The program currently is involved in four major cities in the country, Los Angeles, Oakland, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. It also has help from many pro athletes including Courtney Anderson and Nnamdi Asomugha both of the Oakland Raiders. A frequent visitor to the Dorsey campus is Sam Cunningham, former USC running back and an NFL veteran.

This article comes from The Black Voice News http://www.blackvoicenews.com/
For more information visit: http://www.internationalfitnessdiplomats.com/.