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Plant High School Students Awarded ‘Athlete of the Week’ Honors by Florida Orthopaedic Institute

By February 26, 2019April 22nd, 2019Athlete of the Week
Florida Orthopaedic Institute

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February 26, 2019
BY: Florida Orthopaedic Institute

Plant High School Students Awarded ‘Athlete of the Week’ Honors by Florida Orthopaedic Institute

Tampa, FL – Feb. 26, 2019 – Florida Orthopaedic Institute (FOI) is excited to announce Meghan Gramling and Jason Szwejkowski from Plant High School as the ‘Athletes of the Week’ for the week ending February 22, 2019.

Pam Gassler, Girls’ Varsity Tennis Coach, nominated Gramling to be an Athlete of the Week for her commitment and selflessness towards her teammates.

“Meghan has started a program that allows all of the girls to communicate and encourages camaraderie,” Gassler said. “During the season, she organized dinners for the team and included entertaining ‘Get to Know You’ games. Meghan has maintained a high GPA while participating in Tennis as well as other extracurricular activities. She has never earned less than an A.”

Amongst all the obstacles that face her, Gramling continues to make leaps and bounds in pursuit of her goals.

“In an effort to be placed on the Varsity Tennis team at Plant and continue to be a leader,” Gramling said. “I continue to work on my tennis skills in the off season and work with my coach on my co-captain leadership responsibilities. These include coordination of events and communications with my team. Academically, I have completed eight advanced placement classes and am currently taking five to stay competitive. I am also president of the National Honor Society and serve in other leadership roles.”

Szwejkowski was nominated by the Wrestling Head Coach, Jeremy Carter, for his relentless effort and passion for improvement of not only himself, but of those around him.

“Jason, a junior, has worked every day all year round since joining the wrestling team his freshman year,” said Carter. “Jason is always positive, punctual and pushes himself past his limits daily. He is always willing to teach a younger student athlete as well. He is constantly attacking his goals, crushing them and making new ones. During a team tournament at East Bay, he won seven out of eight matches. He is an all-around great kid and a complete example of a team player.”

Szwejkowski knows exactly what is required to give it his all, despite any setbacks.

“Goals involve a lot of work and discipline, especially in the off season,” Szwejkowski said. “I feel I have put in a good amount. Of course, I could always do more and I strive to do so. I know I will train harder in the off season to maintain my strength and stamina. During the season, I have to build from each match, win or lose, by knowing my strengths and weaknesses. It is one match at a time until March when I hope to still be wrestling at States.”

Gramling and Szwejkowski both boast throwing yourself in, getting involved and listening as keys to future success.

“Push yourself academically and get involved in sports, volunteer activities and clubs,” Gramling said. “Do not be afraid of leadership positions and speaking publicly.”

Szwejkowski finished, “Listen to people: your coaches, teachers and parents. They all have good advice that can help on the mats or in life. Listening is hard, but it is worth it.”

Florida Orthopaedic Institute’s Athlete of the Week campaign is designed to focus on student-athletes, recognizing them for their hard work and dedication both on and off the field. The Athlete of the Week award can be earned by displaying one of the following characteristics:

Team Player: Athletes who are nominated for excellence in team play are chosen by a coach who feels the athlete does his or her best to put direction into action, makes a significant contribution to the team and continuously works to improve his or her skills, attitude and training.

Leadership: Athletes who earn the award in recognition of excellent leadership must exemplify strong relationship building skills, show excellent initiative and serve as role models for his or her peers.

To view last week’s award winners, please follow this link.

Florida Orthopaedic Institute

Founded in 1989, Florida Orthopaedic Institute is Florida’s largest orthopedic group and provides expertise and treatment of orthopedic-related injuries and conditions, including adult reconstruction and arthritis, chiropractic services, foot and ankle, general orthopedics, hand and wrist, interventional spine, musculoskeletal oncology, orthopedic trauma, physical medicine and rehabilitation, physical and occupational therapy, sports medicine, shoulder and elbow, spine and chiropractic services, among others. The organization treats patients throughout its surgery centers in North Tampa and Citrus Park, two orthopaedic urgent care centers in South Tampa and Brandon, and 9 office locations in Bloomingdale, Brandon, Citrus Park, North Tampa, Northdale, Palm Harbor, South Tampa, Sun City Center and Wesley Chapel. For more information, please visit: FloridaOrtho.com and ‘like’ us on Facebook: facebook.com/Florida.Orthopaedic.Institute.

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