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Dr. Joaquin Garcia Leads Inlet Grove Invitational Back to the Field After Pandemic

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Wednesday, November 12th 2025 at 5:34 GMT by Palm Beach Post

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Dr. Joaquin Garcia’s Inlet Grove Invitational: A Florida High‑School Football Showcase

On a bright November afternoon the town of Inlet Grove, Florida, became the stage for one of the state’s most eagerly awaited high‑school football events: the FHSAA‑sanctioned Invitational Tournament that this year was spearheaded by none other than Dr. Joaquin Garcia. Garcia, who has spent the past decade as a respected athletics director and former coach in Palm Beach County, brought his signature blend of organizational savvy and passion for the game to the event, which drew dozens of teams from across the state and a growing crowd of families, alumni, and local media.

A Return to the Field After a Pandemic‑Hit Year

The tournament’s return is especially meaningful. The previous season had been cut short in March when the COVID‑19 pandemic forced a suspension of all high‑school sports. Garcia, who had been working with the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) to develop a safe, streamlined return to play, saw this Invitational as a way to demonstrate the league’s commitment to the student‑athletes’ well‑being. In his opening remarks, Garcia emphasized the importance of “community, resilience, and the joy that football brings to young people.” He also highlighted the FHSAA’s new health protocols – a comprehensive testing regimen, staggered practices, and strict contact‑limiting measures – all of which were in place at the Inlet Grove venue.

The Tournament’s Structure and Participants

The Invitational featured 16 high‑school teams, ranging from powerhouse programs like Jupiter High and Palm Beach Lakes to smaller, historically under‑funded schools such as Inlet Grove High and Riviera High. Each team was divided into four pools, with each team playing three pool‑stage games. The top two teams from each pool advanced to the quarter‑finals, culminating in the championship game held at the newly renovated Inlet Grove Stadium, which now boasts a state‑of‑the‑art turf and a seating capacity of 12,000 – a significant upgrade from its modest 5,000‑seat capacity in the 1990s.

The schedule ran from Thursday, November 13, to Sunday, November 16. Garcia coordinated the logistics to ensure that each venue was equipped with adequate medical staffing and that all teams adhered to the FHSAA’s “Zero‑Tolerance” policy for COVID‑19 protocols.

Notable Games and Storylines

The most talked‑about matchup of the tournament came on Friday night when Inlet Grove High’s underdog squad faced off against the seasoned Jupiter High Bears. Despite being a 10‑point underdog, Inlet Grove’s dynamic running back, Isaiah “Storm” Carter, rushed for 168 yards and two touchdowns, leading his team to a 27‑21 victory. Garcia praised Carter’s performance, noting that it “embodied the spirit of this tournament – grit, determination, and community pride.” The win also gave Inlet Grove its first tournament victory in 15 years, sparking a roar from the local crowd and earning the team a permanent trophy that will be displayed in the school’s gym.

Another headline‑making moment was the Saturday night clash between Palm Beach Lakes and Riviera High. Riviera’s freshman quarterback, Mateo Morales, completed 18 of 22 passes for 312 yards and three touchdowns, leading his team to a 34‑28 win over the more experienced Palm Beach Lakes squad. Garcia cited Morales’ composure under pressure as a sign of the program’s rising quality, remarking that “Riviera’s future looks bright.”

Leadership and Community Impact

Dr. Joaquin Garcia’s involvement was pivotal not only in terms of logistics but also in fostering a sense of community. Throughout the tournament, he met with coaches, athletic trainers, and parents to discuss the importance of player welfare. He also launched a “Sportsmanship Award” – a new recognition that will be given to the team that demonstrates the highest level of respect on and off the field. In a touching moment during the award ceremony, Inlet Grove High’s entire coaching staff received the Sportsmanship Award, acknowledging their emphasis on character and teamwork.

The tournament also brought economic benefits to the local community. Small businesses such as the Inlet Grove Coffee House, local pizza parlors, and the newly opened “Victory Sports Store” saw a surge in foot traffic. In an interview with the Palm Beach Post, the owner of Victory Sports Store, Maria Sanchez, said, “The influx of families and fans really boosted our sales. It’s great to see the community rally around our schools and support local businesses.”

Future Outlook

While the tournament concluded with a thrilling championship game, its legacy will be felt for years to come. Garcia announced that the FHSAA is considering making the Invitational a permanent fixture in the state’s football calendar. He also highlighted the need for continued investment in sports facilities, coaching development, and student‑athlete mental health resources. According to Garcia, “High‑school sports aren’t just about winning games; they’re about building life skills, fostering community, and creating opportunities for young people.”

The Inlet Grove Invitational, under Dr. Joaquin Garcia’s guidance, proved that a carefully planned, community‑focused event can bring together diverse teams, deliver exciting football action, and leave a lasting positive impact on the town’s residents and the student athletes. The tournament stands as a testament to the resilience of Florida’s high‑school sports community, a celebration of the athletes’ hard work, and a forward‑looking vision that promises to shape the future of high‑school football in the state.