A Sea Of Red

TBO.com wrote:Football, 'family' change Pasco teen's life


ANDY JONES/STAFF
"Michael changed over time, especially once he overcame all his obstacles," said James Irvin science teacher Angela Ingrassia, who became close to student Michael Larry.

By MIKE CAMUNAS | Special Correspondent
Published: March 04, 2012
Updated: March 04, 2012 - 12:50 PM

DADE CITY -- Michael Larry lived out of a duffle bag. His few possessions — mostly clothes — he took with him to high school every day so they wouldn't be stolen.

Larry grew up on the edge of the crime-infested neighborhood of Dade Oaks. When he attended Wesley Chapel High School, and there many days he didn't, he did so as a way to escape his home life.

"I rode my bike to (high school) — it would take forever, too, but I did it anyway. It was about playing football then, but I'd rather be in school than at home or in the streets.''

Larry saw football as a way out.