At Bayshore High School, something big is happening—and it’s not just about football. It’s about belief.
With former NFL wide receiver Ace Sanders leading the way, the Bruins' are 4-1 and gaining more than just wins. They are building confidence, discipline, and a culture of excellence that’s spreading far beyond the field.
Sanders, a Manatee County native who starred at South Carolina before playing for the Jacksonville Jaguars, is now building something lasting at Bayshore. He has brought structure, accountability, and a new level of intensity. Most importantly, he has brought hope.
“You’re not a product of your environment,” he tells his players. “You’re a product of the work you put in.”
That message is resonating. Friday nights on Bayshore’s new turf field have become more than games—they are celebrations of unity, pride, and progress.
But Sanders is not doing it alone.
Across campus, Bayshore is winning in every direction.
The Paw Print Earns International Recognition
The Paw Print student newspaper recently earned an International Second Place Award from the Quill and Scroll International Honor Society. Judges praised the publication for its commitment to quality reporting, strong visuals, and its unique bilingual content.
“The diversity in the school and staff shows in your coverage, writing, and practices,” one judge wrote. “Great job representing all and providing a space for all voices.”
Judges also applauded the use of English and Spanish articles, high-quality student illustrations, and the variety of student perspectives featured throughout.
“You can tell they care about the final product. Great job,” another judge concluded.
Student Editor Finds Her Voice
For senior and executive editor Autumn, journalism has become a defining part of her high school experience.
What started as an elective quickly became a passion for storytelling. With the support of journalism teacher Jean Faulk, Autumn found her voice—and her confidence. “Without her,” Autumn said, “I would still be too scared to talk to people.”
She now leads The Paw Print with purpose, highlighting key issues on campus, including a shift in school spirit.
“The more we do great things, the more the school starts to see that incline in school spirit,” she said. “It’s amazing to know that I’m not only reporting on it, but experiencing one of the peaks of Bayshore.”
Autumn plans to become a veterinarian and hopes to attend the University of Florida, Cornell, or Harvard.
Educators Fuel the Momentum
Autumn credits much of her success to educators like math teacher Marc Boyer, who she describes as understanding, reliable, and incredibly helpful.
Another pillar of the Bayshore community is Robert Wilson, better known as the "Voice of the Bruins." Now in his 25th year at the school, Wilson serves as a student support specialist, AVID co-lead, and senior class sponsor.
“I am most excited because it shows all of the hard work and effort of the people who work here every day,” Wilson said. “We’re finally seeing the results of that effort.”
Wrestling Program Builds Champions and Character
Coach Anthony Slack, an ESE teacher aide and Bayshore alum, is leading the wrestling team to new heights. After returning to help in 2018, he quickly moved into a coaching role, inspired by a group of dedicated student-athletes and his own former coach, Coach Stubbs.
Now with Stubbs as his assistant, Slack runs a high-level, year-round program that balances hard work with strong values.
Last year, Slack made headlines when he suspended practice after Hurricanes Helene and Milton—not to rest, but to organize community cleanup efforts. “Being a good citizen is more important than wrestling,” he said.
His top wrestler, Broc Dahlin, is currently ranked #1 in the state at 132 pounds and has ambitions of becoming a UFC fighter.
“Wrestling is a tough sport,” Broc said, “but it’s teaching me about resiliency and determination.”
Jessica Schaefer Champions Every Bruin
If Bayshore had a spirit leader, it would be Jessica Schaefer. A northern transplant and former cheerleader, Schaefer is now the school’s college and career advisor, AICE coordinator, CTE (Career & Technical Education) department head, and student government sponsor.
Her energy is unmatched, and her impact is clear. “I want our kids at Bayshore to know they deserve everything that every other kid has,” Schaefer said. “That message needs to be heard here more than a lot of other schools.”
She brings visibility, enthusiasm, and heart to every hallway, from Honor Avenue to Success Street, greeting students and colleagues with joy and reminding them of their worth.
Built by Belief, Led by Heart
Coach Sean Mackey is helping lead a new era at Bayshore. As both a coach and athletic director, his steady leadership, school pride, and student-first mindset are shaping a culture where dreams feel possible and wins come with purpose.
From mentoring athletes to designing fields, Coach Mackey’s impact is everywhere — and it’s setting the standard for what Bruins can achieve.
“Why Not Us?” isn’t just a slogan. At Bayshore, it’s a movement.
A New Standard at Bayshore
Coach Sanders says every game is "Week Zero"—a new opportunity and a fresh start. But the momentum at Bayshore shows no signs of resetting.
From the field to the newsroom, from the wrestling mat to the classroom, Bruins are winning in every way.
This isn’t just a strong season. It’s a new standard.
And we feel like it’s just the beginning.