- May 1, 2024
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Mike Astrologo
Philip Moultrie
Justin Pacifico
Matanzas girls weightlifting
Amanda Raleigh
Gunner Parson
Miracle Porter
Jeff Dawsey
What a year for Flagler County student-athletes! They accomplished so many great feats that pushed them further than they expected. I know a lot goes on in 365 days, but let’s take a trip down memory lane to reminisce on some of 2016’s biggest moments in sports.
Remember Flagler Palm Coast weightlifter Mike Astrologo’s state championship run, which I deemed the greatest clutch performance ever? Astrologo was down to his last lift, needing to clean and jerk 350 pounds to win the state title. His personal best was 330 at the time, which he had only completed at practice.
Once he attempted to get the weight over his shoulders, Astrologo dropped the weight and fell back until he laid on the ground unconscious. Nevertheless, he recovered, got back up, and pulled off the historic lift.
Did you foresee Philip Moultrie setting a new Matanzas rushing records? Me either. He went for 1,383 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns, leading the Pirates into the playoffs for the first time in program history.
Before this past season, Moultrie lined up primarily as a receiver. He said he never believed he would’ve run over 100 yards. Yet, he broke 300 total yards and six touchdowns in a single game.
FPC’s Justin Pacifico was devastated by the way his 2015 ended. With less than 20 yards remaining in the 800-meter state championship race, another runner came from behind to beat him. Pacifico worked tirelessly throughout both cross country and track seasons, and, in the 2016 state championship 800-meter, Pacifico left nothing to chance. He easily avenged his loss by winning his only state gold medallion of his high school career.
The Matanzas girls weightlifting team made history, placing fifth at states — its highest finish ever. Kayla Walker-White became the first female lifter at the school to ever place and medal in state competition. Her teammates, Danielle Thompson, Sarah Dillion and Samantha Brown and Kaylee Mandt all placed in the Top 15. They’ve changed Flagler County’s girls weightlifting culture.
FPC girls soccer team winning its district title has become a broken record. Earlier this season, the Lady Bulldogs beat district rival Spruce Creek to capture their fourth straight. Amanda Raleigh played on each of those teams, becoming FPC’s only player to win four district titles.
Matanzas’ Gunner Parson was selected as a lacrosse All-American — one of the most prestigious high school honors. He helped the Pirates win back-to-back district championships this season — the only two in the program’s history.
And last but certainly not least, Matanzas star soccer player Miracle Porter has come within a few goals to break the state’s all-time career goal-scoring record (229). After a nine-goal performance against Ed White, Porter trails the record by only four goals. She’s already in the Top 15 all time. When you think about how many girls have played high school soccer, Porter sitting at the top is completely insane!
Even I accomplished my own personal achievement. After 29 years, I learned how to swim!
I think it’s fair to say that 2016 was a good year Flagler County sports.
