St. Petersburg Pelicans
Talent will get you Recognized; Hard Work will make you a Champion
St. Petersburg Pelicans
Talent will get you Recognized; Hard Work will make you a Champion
We Fly Together
The St Pete Pelicans Youth Football Organization was founded in 2022. As a Non-profit 501c3 organization, we bring together youth from a variety of backgrounds to compete in 5v5 and 7v7 football tournaments. With an emphasis on Speed, Agility, and Advanced Fundamentals, we work to instill a positive yet relentless attitude toward achieving goals. Our competitive spirit drives the foundational building blocks of teamwork, accountability, sportsmanship, respect, and, most importantly, HARD WORK. The St Pete Pelicans can serve no greater good to our youth athletes other than developing them into leaders amongst their peers.
our mission
With a passion and love for football, we create an environment for advancing skill sets that most tackle football programs just don’t have enough time to do in pads. Flag Football has become a platform for young athletes to refine and focus on the necessary skill sets that allow them to separate themselves from their competition in skilled positions. On the field, our young athletes can showcase their talents nationally with many tournaments nationwide. This exposes them to an immense amount of competition at an early age, where potential college recruitment and even Olympic opportunities can also arise based on their age. Off the field, we help develop the leadership characteristics that, even when sports may end, will propel them to take extreme ownership of anything they do in life.
The Community
Being a non-profit organization means that the St. Petersburg Pelicans need their community's support. Unfortunately for many youth athletes and their families, the costs associated with these tournaments, both in-state and out-of-state, can create roadblocks to being able to experience these events. Therefore, we look towards strengthening our community through volunteering our time to better St Petersburg and, in turn, need external support to make these experiences possible for our teams. 100% of all funds received go directly back towards our teams to better our resources, enter more tournaments, and cover the costs associated with traveling in and out of state. You can donate right online down below.
MEET THE COACHES
Torri Zaniol
Steve Trowell
Torri Zaniol
A native Floridian, Torri Zaniol was born in Fort Lauderdale and grew up in Saint Petersburg. Coach Zaniol graduated from Seminole High School in 2003, where he played running back for the Warhawks. He was recruited by Denison University to play college football and moved to the defensive side of the ball. He started his collegiate career as a strong safety and ultimately was moved to outside linebacker, where he started for the Big Red. Coach Zaniol became the captain of the defense and an All-Conference linebacker in the state of Ohio. With a love and passion for the game, he came home to coach with his former High School offensive coordinator, Coach Joe Fabrizio, at St Petersburg High School. There he continued his career as the JV defensive coordinator and Varsity Linebacker coach from 2008 – 2010. Coach Zaniol’s unwavering work ethic has helped him build a successful company in Tampa and a beautiful family at home in Saint Petersburg.
Coach Tony
Steve Trowell
Torri Zaniol
A native Floridian, Coach Tony was born and raised in Tallahassee, Florida, only a few miles from both Florida A&M and Florida State University. Coach Tony grew up in athletics, having trained in Track and Field, Weightlifting, and Football since middle school, as well as Martial Arts since the age of 10. After graduating from Florida State University in 2000, he moved to St. Petersburg, Florida for employment, where he has remained for over two decades. Coach Tony is very entrenched in the St. Petersburg and Pinellas County communities as a civic leader and volunteer. He has served as a role model for several years and has mentored over 200 youths through various organizations for over a decade. Coach Tony has participated as either an assistant coach or a head coach in organized Flag Football since 2018. Coach Tony's passion for football and his drive to teach young people the values of respect, teamwork, and hard work, have amalgamated, which has resulted in his role within the St. Petersburg Pelicans organization.
Steve Trowell
Steve Trowell
Steve Trowell
Born and raised in Saint Petersburg, Florida, Steve Trowell has been in the city his entire life. Coach Steve loved growing up playing almost every sport as a youth athlete. The hard work, dedication, and practice it took to be a leader and winner helped define him into his adulthood. Now as a father of 2 and coach, he is helping to mold the next generation of athletes in the community, Coach Steve looks to instill those same characteristics that were so important in his youth to each athlete he meets. After coaching a couple of years of recreational football with Coach Zaniol he knew it was time to get competitive!
Kyle Maxson
George Batalis
Steve Trowell
Having called St. Petersburg home since 2007, Kyle Maxson has been coaching the St. Petersburg Pelicans since their founding, and youth sports locally for the past 10 years. He graduated from Tabb High School in Yorktown, Virginia, in 1999 where he was Middle Linebacker for the Tigers throughout high school. A two-time graduate of Florida State University with degrees in Finance and Law, Kyle works as a corporate attorney for Progressive Insurance. When not working or coaching, Kyle enjoys spending time with his family, barbequing, and traveling to Tallahassee to cheer on the Noles.
George Batalis
George Batalis
George Batalis
George Batalis (Coach George) moved to the Tampa Bay area in 2004. Prior to his move to Florida, he was born and raised in the State of Indiana. Coach George graduated high school from Noblesville where he was first-team all-state going both ways as a starting offensive and defensive tackle. He earned a full scholarship to play in the Big Ten at Indiana University where he played offensive guard for the Hoosiers from 1992 - 1996. Coach George platooned during his sophomore and junior years and started his senior year where he earned academic all-big ten honors as well as winning the "Hammer". The Hammer trophy went to the player who gave 110% during his career. After college, he took his passion for football and coached offensive line at Brebeuf High School and Warren Central High School in Indianapolis. Warren Central went on to win multiple state titles starting in 2003 with Coach George helping build and set a foundation for winning before moving to Florida. He has reignited his passion for coaching by joining the Pelican staff.
Coach JayR
George Batalis
George Batalis
Coach JayR was born and raised in Clearwater, Florida. He grew up in athletics playing competitive football and basketball. After graduating from Clearwater High School, he started working in St. Petersburg and moved shortly thereafter. Coach JayR has served as an assistant coach or head coach in organized Flag Football and Basketball. He has a strong passion for football and a desire to teach the youth of today that hard work, teamwork, and respect for others will impact all aspects of their lives. There is nothing better than a kid turning around and giving you a thumbs-up after helping a teammate score!
Jason Winters
Kristopher Potter
Kristopher Potter
Jason Winters aka Coach Jay was born in Buffalo NY and raised in Lockport NY. Coach Jay graduated from Lockport High School in 2009 where he was awarded the Call of Courage football award from the Buffalo Bills presented by former backup quarterback Frank Reich. After high school Coach Jay was recruited by the Mansfield University football team. Coach Jay ended up graduating from Mansfield University in 2013 while attaining his bachelor's degree in criminal justice. He played all four years for the Mansfield Mounties where he played running back and transitioned into becoming a starting linebacker. In 2013 he finished tied for 1st in the CSFL in total tackles with 62 for the year. After college Coach Jay started his career with Baxter Healthcare in Medina NY and was able to transfer to Largo Florida in 2019 to follow his dreams of coaching football. While in Florida coach Jay has become a mentor and head coach for both tackle and flag football and really believes in teaching core life skills. Coach Jay is excited about what the future may bring and is happy to be a part of the Pelicans family.
Kristopher Potter
Kristopher Potter
Kristopher Potter
Kristopher Potter Aka Coach Potter born in Texas and after stops in Georgia, Tennessee, St. Louis, and then finally settling in St. Petersburg Florida. A graduate of Northeast High School he’s always loved sports. The Bond and Discipline you learn early while playing sports, sticks with you for your lifetime. Coach Potter is passionate about youth sports and being a positive figure in the lives of every child, parent, and coach he comes in contact with. Coach Potter is excited about joining the Saint Petersburg Pelicans and the future of the organization.
Coach Peter
Kristopher Potter
Carlos Pinto
Coach Peter is a 6th generation Floridian and was born and raised in Central Florida where he grew up playing competitive sports. He attended Florida State University for his undergraduate and graduate degrees before moving to St. Petersburg in 2007. He has coached competitive flag football for over 5 years and enjoys teaching both the practical and strategic aspects of the game. When he’s away from the football fields he enjoys fishing, home improvement projects, spending time with friends and family, and cheering on the Noles.
Carlos Pinto
Carlos Pinto
Carlos Pinto
Coach Carlos Pinto went to and played football at SPC. After high school, he decided to go into coaching at SPC and help rebuild the team while helping kids improve themselves in academics and athletics. SPC went from a 2-8 team to having many runs deep in the playoffs. Coach Carlos is blessed to have been a part of many great teams there and helped place many kids into college, and some went on to play in the Canadian league and the NFL. Coach Carlos is married and has 3 boys who are all sports-minded kids and constantly work to get better. His only goal as a coach isn't fame or money (there is none) but to help kids get better and believe in themselves so that, hopefully, they can take what we teach them and use it in their everyday lives.
Coach Gee
Carlos Pinto
Coach Gee
Coach Gee is a proud St. Petersburg native and former semi-pro tackle football player who turned her love for the game into a passion for coaching. She first stepped onto the field in 2010 and has been in love with football ever since.
The game has taught her valuable lessons about discipline, teamwork, and perseverance—and now she is dedicated to passing those lessons on. Her goal is to help young athletes grow both on and off the field by building their confidence, character, and love for the game.
Coach L
Aaron Jenkins
Aaron Jenkins
Coach L played cornerback at perennial powerhouse Miami Central High School where he was heavily recruited and ultimately chose The University of Miami over many schools. Life circumstances caused him to transfer to Miami, Ohio University, where he made an immediate impact as a true freshman. After suffering a devastating knee injury, he returned to his hometown in Miami where he learned valuable coaching lessons under his former High School Coach. He has worked with many Miami area athletes early in their careers to help develop their skills to play on the college level. He’s excited for the opportunity to be a part of the Pelicans family as well as to help the development of these young athletes into the next generation of impactful High School players.
Aaron Jenkins
Aaron Jenkins
Aaron Jenkins
Aaron Jenkins is a former standout football player who made an indelible mark on the field during his collegiate career. After playing for both Alfred State College and Adrian College, Aaron’s talent caught the attention of the Albany Empire, who signed him to play professionally. However, Aaron chose to prioritize family, deciding to take a position with Jenkins Elite and relocate to Tampa. Throughout his college career, Aaron broke and continues to hold multiple records, showcasing his exceptional skill and dedication. His accomplishments on the field earned him numerous accolades, including Offensive Player of the Year, Conference Player of the Year, and a prestigious spot as a 1st Team All-American. Aaron’s journey reflects not only his athletic prowess but also his strong commitment to family and mentorship in the world of football.
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