There are many success stories surrounding South Florida athletes that have gone on to become stars at the professional level. Each one of them usually has someone who has guided them along his or her path to greatness.

Jon Beason of the Carolina Panthers is as accomplished an athlete that has come through this community as anyone. Immediately after a young Beason stepped on the Chaminade Madonna High School campus in Hollywood he was impacted by the football coach there.

Mark Guandolo was on the scene after several successful stops on the South Florida circuit.

"His goal as a coach was to make you a great football player, a better man, a better husband and a better father," is what coach preached recalled Beason.

From 1999-2003, the future NFL star excelled on both sides of the football helping the Lions shed the small school stigma that they could not compete with the bigger programs around town.

"We played with a chip on our shoulder, that was a lot of our motivation," said Beason. "Coach Guandolo inspired that in us each and every day we stepped on the field, don't talk about it do it."

Beason took that advice to heart and the bond between player and coach continued to grow, as did the accolades for Chaminade Madonna football.

During his senior season, Beason rushed for 811 yards and scored 12 touchdowns at the fullback position while compiling 75 tackles and numerous sacks and interceptions as a linebacker and safety. 

"I was always one of the last players picked in the sandlot, and there was so many talented players as I grew up, but I just worked and worked," said Beason.

It all paid off as Jon was being recruited by some of the top College football powerhouses in the country. He chose to stay close to his family and friends in Miramar, where he was born, and attend the University of Miami on a full football scholarship. A stellar collegiate career soon followed, as Jon and his high school coach stayed in constant touch.

"The attitude and advice coach instilled in me, I just took that and used it at the next level," cited Beason.

After 187 tackles for the Hurricanes, Jon was selected in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers. In just four seasons, Beason has become one of the most ferocious defensive players in the National Football League, earning three straight Pro Bowl selections. The All-Pro linebacker is proud of many things he has accomplished, but one sticks out particularly.

"I haven't missed a play in three and a half years. If your not going to do it who else will," is another piece of advice Coach Guandolo imbedded in Beason.

Cypress Bay High School is Coach G's latest stop during his three decades of affecting young football players positively. As Beason prepares for another season as the team captain for the Carolina Panthers he will never forget his high school coach, Mark Guandolo, who certainly left an indelible mark.