Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Kaleb Exume

Cardinal Mooney boys weightlifting coach Scott Ruane crossed paths with Kaleb Exume at a gym earlier this year. The junior introduced himself, sharing that he transferred from Parrish Community to Cardinal Mooney, and that he hoped to join weightlifting. On May 8 — months later — Exume placed second in the unlimited weight class for both Traditional and Olympic style at the FHSAA Class 1A state championship. He lifted 680 total pounds in Traditional and 545 in Olympic. Exume, also a defensive tackle committed to Louisville football, is the Sarasota Athlete of the Week.

How would you reflect on placing second at the state championship?

My coach warned me there was going to be a lot of guys like me. Obviously, with me winning districts and regionals, I was always the top dog. States was different. I met some guys who were just like me, and it was a humbling experience. 

When and why did you start weightlifting?

I saw a lot of Instagram reels of crazy high schoolers and influencers lifting. I saw national champions and Olympians and was like, "Wow, I could see myself doing that." Years and years ago, I didn't know how to clean (lift a barbell from the floor to shoulders in one motion) and then my coach at Parrish Community led me along, showed me how to clean. Then I got better at jerking (lifting a barbell from shoulders to overhead). Last year at Parrish Community, I didn't make it to states. I got third in regionals and fourth in districts. There was a lot of hard work and dedication.

What motivated your decision to transfer to Cardinal Mooney?

As I developed at Parrish Community, I just realized, "I have to play harder competition. I have to play guys who are also going (to the NCAA Division I level). That's going to determine if I go pro or not." I knew that, with Cardinal Mooney winning states, that they're doing it here. I believe in these coaches, believe in the staff and believe in the school that they can help me accomplish what I want to do in my future life. At Parrish Community, I accomplished what I accomplished there, but I'm ready to move on.

Why is Louisville the best fit for you in college football?

It's not too far of a plane ride — three hours, maybe two and a half. The coaching staff loves me. I love the coaching staff. They call me at least four times a week, and as soon as I'm posting something, they're on it. Kentucky is a nice place, the field is gorgeous (and) the campus is nice. Obviously, you want a great football player, but you want a better person. You want a great coach, but an even better person. It's hard to decline an offer from someone (coach Jeff Brohm) who's so whole. That's what you want.

What's a fun fact about you not many people know?

I'm a great bowler. I went on a trip to a college — either Tennessee or Georgia — and they had a bowling alley in the players' lounge. I was busting everyone's butt. They all thought I couldn't, but then they saw my technique. It was a strike every time.

Who is your favorite professional athlete and why?

I really like Jon Jones, the (former) UFC fighter. He's really inspirational. I was thinking about taking (mixed martial arts) lessons for conditioning and to learn how to protect myself — all because of him.

If you could go anywhere for a dream vacation, where would you go and why?

Japan, because it's such a pretty place. Thrift stores, really nice people, new culture, new foods, amazing views... It's just such a photogenic spot where you want to be everywhere you see online.

Finish this sentence. Kaleb Exume is...

Outgoing and courageous.