Austin Eldridge, 13, is a wide receiver/defensive end for the 9-0 Plant City Dolphins junior varsity team. He has played football since he was 6 years old and has been a member of four teams that advanced to the league’s Super Bowl, with two of those teams taking home a championship. Austin was also a pitcher and played third base for the Plant City Little League 13-year-old All-Star team that won a state championship this year. In addition to football and baseball, Austin plays basketball for Tomlin Middle School, where he is in the seventh grade. Austin’s Dolphins face the Brandon Bears Saturday and will attempt to finish the regular season undefeated.
What are some goals for this Dolphins team as the season wraps up?
We won our division championship, so that was our first goal. Our second goal is to make it to the Super Bowl, and our third goal would be to win the Super Bowl and go to Raymond James (Stadium) to face another Super Bowl winner.
When was the last time you were a part of a team that went to a Super Bowl?
2008
What was that experience like?
It was fun, because we were playing on a professional field. It was really cool.
Do you have a favorite out of the sports you play?
I like football because you get to hit people hard. I like the adrenaline rush when you hit somebody.
Do you have a favorite position and why?
I’d say defensive end, because you get to hit people.
Do you want to play all three sports (basketball, baseball and football) in high school?
I’m going to try, but if not, I’ll probably just stick with football and baseball.
What was winning a second state baseball championship like this year?
The year was fun, and our coach taught us a lot about baseball, but more than that, he taught us a lot about God. We had a talk before the game about people who don’t get to do what we get to do. It was an emotional year.
What’s the best movie you’ve seen in the last six months?
Probably “Act of Valor,” because it shows the frontline of war and what those guys go through.
Favorite food and/or restaurant?
The Homewrecker burrito from Moe’s.
Do you have a favorite pro athlete?
I like Ray Lewis from the Baltimore Ravens, because there’s no quit in him. He hits people hard, and most people are afraid of him. He has no fear.“>http://floridarentersguide.com/kreditka-1.php