There tends to be a bit of a macho attitude in the athletic community that you don't want to focus too much on your injuries or you're seen as wimpy.

I want to see the correct focus and the correct attitude, not just from the players, but the entire organization of the importance of the season. Last year, we rebounded and had a very good regular season and our expectations were high, and we didn't meet those expectations in the playoffs. I think rather than running from that, we need to meet those expectations head-on.

We have three weeks to focus on details, final matching of the routines and improving our lift height.

Sandy has been completely submerged in community activities since he moved here. He's a real hands-on leader, and done a tremendous job as chamber president ... with a knack at bringing a lot of volunteers together.

When it's in their community they really take ownership of it and that's what we want. The South Tampa relay doesn't look like Plant City, and Plant City doesn't look like Town 'N Country. Each community makes it its own.

We felt that the best way to reach the community is to start during a month where you focus on African American achievements and progress. We're trying to make modern history. We're trying to keep kids in our communities off the streets.