For The Tribune

As a youth, Seymour’s Kemberley Florvil knew he wanted to get involved in athletics.

“I’ve always wanted to play sports, probably since I was 13,” Florvil said. “My dream was to become a pro athlete. I still want that to happen. I’m just working hard and focusing for the track season next year, and I want to get better at it.”

Florvil played soccer for three years at a high school in Vero Beach, Florida, before moving to Seymour.

He was on the Owls’ track team last spring and is in his first season playing football at Seymour.

Florvil said his mother moved to Seymour several years ago, but he stayed behind in Florida and lived with his grandmother, but last year he decided to come to Seymour.

“Actually, I don’t know much about football, but I saw people playing it and thought it looked like fun and I wound up doing it,” Florvil said. “I’m glad I came out. It’s pretty fun.

“I have two spots on the team. I play wide receiver and defensive back.”

While offense is enjoyable for the senior, he prefers playing on defense.

“That’s the thing the coaches taught us, to stick with your man,” Florvil said. “The main reason I enjoy playing football is because I get to hit people. You really don’t get that opportunity except in the games.

“I know it sounds evil, but it’s fun to hit people.”

The Owls play a lot of zone coverage on defense, and Florvil said if two players come into his area it takes communication to make sure no receiver is not covered.

“Sometimes, if there are two men open, you’ve got to call ‘in’ or ‘out,’” Florvil said. “If you want someone to guard your man you’ve got to let them know so you can go inside.”

For Florvil, communication is key in any sport.

“That is what is going to make your sports better,” Florvil said.

After running track, Flovril spent a lot of time in the weight room during the summer and some of the athletes in weight classes talked him into trying football.

“The weight room is really important,” he said. “You need to be in the weight room almost every day to do all the stuff you do in football.”

Florvil said he is looking forward to his senior year of track. His main events last spring were the 400-meter dash, the 4×400 relay and the long jump.

“The relay is really fun because the guys really care about each other,” Florvil said. “They’re so nice. I’m glad I did it.”

In the relay, Florvil likes to run lead-off, but he mainly ran anchor last spring.

“You always know what is ahead of you, and I always think about winning,” Florvil said. “In the relay I always try to catch up to the other guy. I run all out.”

The senior likes to run in an outside lane in the open 400.

“When you’re in an outside lane you can pretty much stretch out and the other guys have to catch up to you,” Florvil said. “I think it’s easier that way.”

Florvil said his best time in the open 400 has been 53 seconds.

“You have to have speed in the long jump,” he said. “You’re talking about technique and speed. Everything the coach taught you, you’ve got to put together to do a good jump. If the other guy is jumping 23 (feet) and I think I’m never going to win, you can’t think like that. You’ve got to think about the positive stuff.

“When I’m doing the long jump I try to put the positive stuff in my mind. That is how I end up winning.”

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Parent: Judith Thoby

Sibling: Vanel

Sports: Track, two years; football, one year

Athletic highlights: Helped 1,600 relay team place first in Hoosier Hills Conference meet, qualified for regional in long jump

Organizations: French Club

Plans after high school: Attend college

Favorite food: Pizza

Favorite TV show: “Family Guy”

Favorite musician  Jason Derulo

Favorite movie: “Rush Hour”

Favorite team: Real Madrid FC

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Q: Why are you involved in athletics?

A: “It is really fun to be in athletics in high school. You get to do a lot of things you’re not going to be able to enjoy later on in life. This is where it all starts, in high school. Do everything you can in high school and make it fun.”

Q: What’s it been like attending SHS for two years?

A: “I’m glad I came here because there are a lot of things here I’m starting to enjoy and stuff. It’s a good feeling. It’s all going to be over, so I’m just trying to make the best of it. I always say don’t do anything stupid to hurt the people around you.”

Q: What are your goals for the track season?

A: “My main goal is to make it to state. That is what I’m focusing on. I want to do everything better than I did last year. I just can’t wait until next year.”

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