Besides being well-known as the “Marine Science” teacher, Mr. Upperco has also been the golf coach at Miami High for 31 out of the 90 years of the team’s existence. Recently, after applying two years ago, Mr. Upperco received a grant of $50,000 from the Orange Bowl Committee to teach golf to freshman and sophomore girls and improve their lives.

Mr. Upperco gave the money to International Links Miami- Melreese golf course’s “First Tee” organization <http://www.thefirsttee.org/Club/Scripts/Home/home.asp>, which helps improve girls’ lives through golf. This organization teaches golf, but it also teaches about honesty, respect, courtesy, manners, integrity, sportsmanship, etc. The organization also offers free after school tutoring three days a week.

One way golf can improve your life, says Mr. Upperco, is that in today’s business world, golf is very important. “Therefore, knowing how to golf could improve your job opportunities,” he said.

This year is a rebuilding year for Miami High’s golf team. Since last year’s team was all seniors, he is planning on teaching this year’s new players how to golf.

This year’s team consists of Jonathan Ramos, Livan Gonzalez, Rose McDonald, Angel Espinoza, and Dianna Castro.

“Livan Gonzalez, a junior at Miami High, might be the top player in Miami-Dade County,” said Mr. Upperco. “He works extremely hard and is very dedicated.” The team’s current record is 0-2 with a disappointing opening season loss against Coral Gables High School on September 8.

If you’re not on the team, it’s never too late to play golf, but you can’t play for Miami High’s team until next year. You can still play for the Orange Bowl Committee on September 17 and no experience is needed. Mr. Upperco also suggests that, although no experience is necessary to join the school golf team, you should see him in room 3213 before the school year ends if you plan on joining next year, so he can show you some techniques for playing the game.