9-year-old knows how to hit Tiger's funny bone



Kevin O'Brien, Alex Cuadros and Michael Haynes



Funny moment at Blackburn Elementary School.

Kevin O’Brien, a Palmetto High offensive tackle, was working with fourth-grader Michael Haynes as part of a mentoring program Tiger head football coach Dave Marino instituted for his players.

A husky youth football player himself, Michael was asked if he thought he’d grow up to be as big as O’Brien, who goes about 6-foot-4, 300 pounds.

“I’ll be that big,” the 9-year-old said. “But with a lot less belly.”

Oh, no! Kiernan Wilkins is one year shy of the big 3-0!

If you’re up for a good steak for a good cause before a big game, check out Palmetto’s annual Rotary Steak Dinner 4-7 p.m. Oct. 28, at the Palmetto High cafeteria before the Tigers take on the Manatee Hurricanes at Harllee Stadium.
You get a 14-ounce ribeye with all the sides for $20 per plate.
Proceeds go to Tiger athletics.
Steakmeister Dave Bailey says Manatee folks are most welcome.

Speaking of Hurricane fans, do you remember Aaron Reese?
A former freshman, JV and varsity backup quarterback at Manatee several years ago, he graduated from Charles D. Owen High in Black Mountain, N.C., and is now the starting senior quarterback at Brevard College, Brevard, N.C.
Reese was the South Atlantic Conference Co-Offensive Player of the Week after rushing for a school record five TDs on Oct. 1, leading the Tornados to their first victory, 41-24 over Tusculum College of Greenville, Tenn.
He’s their leading rusher and also plays baseball for Brevard.

Oh, no! Shawna DeLoach Kerley is one year shy of the Big 4-0!

 Read more Friday in Vin's People on Bradenton.com.