“It was an exciting three days,” said former St. Thomas Aquinas High School, University of Miami and Miami Dolphins linebacker Twan Russell, who is the director of the Miami Dolphins youth and community programs.

“From the symposium to the final minute of the championship game, there was nonstop action. However, the importance of developing student athletes as men off the field is most important. I hope this event has impacted these student athletes in a positive manner, and they will adapt these lessons they learned into their everyday lives.”

More football

The U.S. under-19 national team began defense of its International Federation of American Football Under-19 World Championship gold medal with a 27-6 win over American Samoa in Austin, Texas.

Jesus Wilson (Miami/Christopher Columbus High School) opened the scoring for Team USA with an electrifying 75-yard kickoff return to give the United States a 6-0 lead 13 seconds into the game.

Learn more about the IFAF Under-19 World Championship and the World Football Festival at www.u19championship.com.

Billiards

The Warriors won the American Pool Association Miami-Dade County Championship at Bird Bowl in Miami.

The Warriors overcame an 0-2 deficit to capture the billiards title and qualify for the National 8-Ball Championships at the Riviera Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

Charles Urra was named Most Valuable Player. The champs also feature Daniel Clarin, Jason Levine, David Stallings, Allison Perlman, Greg Maynes, Marisol Maldanado and Curtis Osceola.

Bird Bowl is an established bowling ally with a 20-table billiards room. The Warriors play their home games at Little Hoolie’s Sports Bar & Grill in Pinecrest.

Sunshine State Games

Miami’s Ashley Granada and Sean Vilar won gold medals in fencing during the Sunshine State Games at The Lakeland Center.

Since April, more than 9,000 of Florida’s finest amateur athletes have participated in the 33rd annual Sunshine State Games.

As the longest-running State Games competition in the United States, Florida’s Sunshine State Games is now in its fourth decade of providing amateur sports opportunities for Florida residents.

• Fencing at The Lakeland Center

Local results: Women’s Sabre: 1. Ashley Granada, Miami. Men’s Sabre: 1. Sean Vilar, Miami. Youth 14 Women’s Epee: 2. Tyler Granada, Miami. D and under Epee: 3. Jean Milien, Miami.

• Judo at The Lakeland Center

Local results: Senior Division: 17-29 Female (Fly, not over 56.4kg): 2. Vanessa Castellanos, Hialeah; 3. Jessica Rodriguez, Hialeah. 17-29 Male (Fin): 1. Alejandro Menendez, Miami. 17-29 Male (Bantam): 2. Tomas Perez, Hialeah Gardens. 17-29 Male (Fly): 1. Adonis Diaz, Hialeah; 2. Oscar Rosa, Miami; 3. Alejandro Menendez, Miami. 17-29 Male (Middle): 1. Juan Ruiz, Miami Beach.

•  Wrestling at the Polk State College Wellness Center in Winter Haven

Local results: Lower 90: 1. Zach Mickle, Miami Sharks. Greco Roman Wrestling : Lower 90-95: 2. Zach Mickle, Miami Sharks.

• For information on Florida’s Sunshine State Games and the 2012 Florida Senior Games State Championships, visit www.flasports.com.

Aquabike

Miami’s Carlos Dolabella and Key Biscayne’s Lois Leon won age group national titles during the first USA Triathlon Aquabike National Championship, in conjunction with the I Love the Tavern Triathlon, in Richmond, Va.