SEBASTIAN — Two seniors who have spent four years in the Sebastian River High School football program are drawing this week’s spotlight for the same reason coaches keep coming back to: they put the team first.
Defensive back Antonio Flemming and tight end/linebacker Gregory Staufenberg have logged the quiet work in the locker room, the classroom, and on special teams. Head Coach Tyrone Perry said that kind of player is harder to replace than a stat line.
Antonio Flemming #19
Flemming is a 6-foot-3, 170-pound senior free safety in his fourth season with the Sharks. Head Coach Perry said Flemming’s value does not show up in yards or sacks.
“Antonio epitomizes what it means to be a selfless high school football player,” Coach Perry told Sebastian Daily. “Rather than focusing on stats like yards, touchdowns or sacks, he prioritizes character and team-first leadership.”
Perry said Flemming keeps one of the team’s highest grade-point averages, leads by example in the locker room, and is the first to step up for community projects and fundraisers.
“With his continued development, we look forward to Antonio becoming a cornerstone player we can lean on across our special teams,” Perry added.
Flemming said, “The daily push from the staff is what stuck.”
“The coaches have meant a lot to me because they have encouraged me to get better every day,” he said. “Football has taught me that teamwork is essential to success.”
After graduation, Flemming plans to attend the University of Central Florida for a degree in mechanical engineering or Florida A&M University for a degree in pharmacy.
“I would like to thank all my coaches and my family for encouraging and supporting me and being there for all four years,” Flemming said.
Gregory Staufenberg #42
Staufenberg is a 6-foot, 190-pound senior who plays tight end and middle linebacker. He carries a 3.4 GPA and has been in pads for 10 years, including all four seasons at Sebastian River.
He said the coaching staff filled a role that went past the playbook.
“They acted like another family and helped me through many things through all four years,” Staufenberg told Sebastian Daily. “Football taught me to be patient and work through hard times.”
After high school, he plans to attend trade school. He singled out Ms. Williams for staying in his corner and Perry for keeping him in the program.
“Ms. Williams, she was always there for me and showed that she cared,” Staufenberg said. “And I want to say thank you to Coach Perry for giving me chances and teaching me and helping me get better for all four years of my high school career.”
Perry said Staufenberg’s next step on offense is the dirty work that opens the run game.
“As a traditional tight end, we hope Greg’s continued development will allow him to put his hand in the dirt, reset the line of scrimmage, and seal off defensive ends or linebackers to set up our running game,” Coach Perry said. “We also look forward to seeing him pull, trap, and climb cleanly to the second level to block safeties.”
The larger point, Perry said, is how Staufenberg treats the job.
“Throughout his time in our program, Greg has been the ultimate team player, consistently putting the team’s goals and success ahead of personal glory — a rare trait these days,” Perry said. “He shows up to practice on time, works hard every day, and knows his role on the field inside and out. We are confident that these real-world skills will help him succeed in school, his future career and everyday life.”
Assistant coach Jeremiah Pierce has known Staufenberg since recreation ball.
“What impresses me most about Greg is his willingness to put the team first, often placing the team’s needs ahead of his own aspirations,” Pierce said. “His humble attitude and selflessness are qualities that make him a tremendous asset to our program.”
Pierce said Staufenberg can move around the formation and does not complain about the assignment.
“Greg is confident in his abilities and has the versatility to play multiple positions on the field,” Pierce said. “He understands the importance of doing whatever is needed to help his team succeed, and he consistently demonstrates a willingness to contribute in any way he can.”
“It has been a pleasure knowing and coaching Greg since his recreation days. Watching him grow as both a player and a young man has been incredibly rewarding. I’m proud of the person he has become and hope he continues to work hard, strive for greatness, and reach his full potential.”
Sharks Upcoming Football Schedule
- Friday, Sept. 18 – at South Fork, 7:00 p.m. (Non-district)
- Friday, Oct. 2 – vs. Heritage (Palm Bay), 7:00 p.m. (District)
- Friday, Oct. 9 – at Legacy, 7:00 p.m. (District)
- Friday, Oct. 16 – at Westwood (Fort Pierce), 7:00 p.m. (District)
- Friday, Oct. 23 – at Port St. Lucie, 7:00 p.m. (District)
- Friday, Oct. 30 – vs. Harmony, 7:00 p.m. (Non-district)
Tickets can be purchased here or at the gate entrance.