By Sylvester “Nunnie” Robinson
In 1991 Dillard High School track phenom Jonathan Carter completed one of the most successful, electric and captivating athletic careers in Broward County history. Not only was he the Class 4-A state champion in the 100 meters, he also led the team to a second place finish at the state meet which catapulted him to accept a scholarship to FSU where he became a six- time All-American in the 100 and 200 meters and four by one relay.
Well, our student/athlete of the week, Jonni Carter, a multi-talented athlete in his own right, just happens to be Jonathan’s son. The sophomore sensation stars in football as a starting cornerback for the Flanagan Falcons, and after putting his cleats away, dons the spikes associated with Olympic athletes: sprinters, long distance runners, high jumpers and hurdlers. The latter has become Jonni’s calling card, competing successfully as a freshman in both the 110 and 400 meter hurdle events. At 6’1”, 170 pounds he certainly has the physical tools to potentially become a state champion as he matures and gains experience. With the support and guidance of his parents, the ceiling athletically and academically is infinite. His answers to some rather poignant questions reveal the impact that his parents are having in shaping what promises to be a future steeped in unlimited success. In discussing his views on the importance of academics, Jonni states, “If I don’t do well in school, I won’t be able to play at the next level, and if I don’t compete to my full potential, especially academically, giving 100% effort, I wouldn’t be happy with my performance.” He also sees a direct correlation between attitude and performance, believing that a poor attitude leads directly to a poor performance. And whether it’s in the classroom, on the football field or the track, Jonni knows that it takes a very mentally tough individual to compete successfully, something that not everyone can do. He also likes the competitive nature of sports generally so that, combined with Drive and Determination, is a recipe for success. The precocious sophomore’s maturity is revealed emphatically in his favorite sports quote: “Sports is as much a workout of the mind as it is the body.” Author unknown. Jonni, in addition to his parents, relishes the presence of his grandfather who has greatly influenced his life. Growing up he revered Tayvon Austin, West Virginia University star wide receiver as a role model along Coach Darren Smith, an early mentor who taught him the fundamentals of playing football.
Since we’ve been covering local athletes, one noticeable competitive commonality is their ability to quickly and decisively put negative plays and thoughts behind them, and even as sophomore Jonni has demonstrated that same quality. He uses positive thinking to overcome adversity, always looking toward the future and striving to compete to the best of his ability no matter the circumstances, a standard of excellence second to none. Jonni finds great appeal in being apart of a team, believing that it builds strong bonds, takes a serious approach to athletic competition, sees Miramar and West Broward High Schools as natural rivals- proximity to Flanagan- prepares mentally by listening to a pre-recorded playlist of his favorite music, and utilizes mental visualization to effect positive outcomes. Simply based on his experiences and influences, Jonni applies certain human qualities to leadership, be it the sports arena or otherwise, namely in three areas: competitiveness, humility and open mindedness. As I learn more about Jonni, the young talented student/athlete with so much promise and potential, the qualities he ascribed to being a good leader are already in you. As always the Westside Gazette and our publisher Mr. Bobby Henry wish you Godspeed and the very best in your future endeavors.
