The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Kevin Weiss

Sizing up Saint Leo’s baseball prospects

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The Saint Leo baseball program just experienced its first losing season since 2012 — a mark newly named head coach Rick O’ Dette looks to quickly reverse.

Throughout the 2016-2017 season, the Lions fared well at the plate (.320 team batting average, 6.6 runs per game), but struggled mightily on the mound (6.56 team ERA, 73 home runs allowed).

The Lions’ 23-26 record (8-16 Sunshine State Conference), can partially be blamed on a rash of injuries and a lack of depth.

“Obviously, last year they had a lot of injuries on the mound, so we’re just trying to evaluate the health of each guy, and then our needs. So, getting the pitching staff healthy and adding some depth to it is our first priority,” O’ Dette said, analyzing last year’s team.

Saint Leo outfielder/third baseman Dylan Harris figures to be a key part of coach Rick O’ Dette’s first season at Saint Leo. Harris, a Land O’ Lakes High alumnus, paced the team last season in batting average (.448), on-base percentage (.472), hits (99) doubles (20) and stolen bases (15). (Courtesy of Saint Leo University)

Besides strengthening the pitching staff, creating positional stability — particularly at catcher— is another initial focus for O’ Dette and his new staff.

“There’s only one catcher on the roster, so our next thing is to find two catchers that can come in. Ideally, one older, transfer type guy and one high school type,” he explained.

Just a few reinforcements could make a drastic difference, considering the team lost five games by just one run.

Saint Leo appears to have a workable nucleus, led by outfielder/third baseman Dylan Harris, a Land O’ Lakes High School graduate who paced the team in batting average (.448), on-base percentage (.472), hits (99) doubles (20) and stolen bases (15).

Other expected key returnees on offense include rising juniors Brett Coffel (.297 average, seven home runs, 28 RBIs) and Derek Gibree (.323 average, 23 RBIs, nine steals), and seniors Lane Stancil (.317 average, eight doubles, 17 RBIs) and Chase Turner (.323 average, seven doubles, 23 RBIs).

Moreover, the pitching staff — if healthy — has a decent base, and figures to be anchored by a pair of seniors in lefty Tyler Bauman (4.75 ERA, 81 strikeouts in 85.1 innings) and righty Oscar Gordillo (4.26 ERA, 25 strikeouts in 31.2 innings).

An early signing recruiting class highlighted by former Land O’ Lakes High ace McCabe Sargent should help, too.

The 6-foot-2, 190-pound right-hander displayed one of the top arms in Pasco County last season, recording a 1.97 ERA and 84 strikeouts in 67. 2 innings; he also exhibited an elite bat, posting a .455 batting average with four home runs and 28 RBIs.

Meanwhile, O’ Dette will look to bolster Saint Leo’s roster by pursuing prospects from the high school and junior college ranks, as well as utilizing the Division I and Division II transfer market.

Though much of his recruiting ties span major cities such as Chicago and Indianapolis, and states including Ohio, Michigan and Wisconsin, O’ Dette will first strive to make inroads within the Tampa Bay region — a collective “hotbed” of baseball talent.

“Our goal is to try to get the best player we can out of that area at first, and then try to expand if we need to get the rest,” he explained. “There’s a lot of really good baseball in (Florida), and we’re excited to get with those guys.

“We’re going to use every resource we can, no matter where they’re from,“ he added. “The idea is we can sell the weather; the next step, obviously, is to sell the education and the baseball.”

Once on campus, the Lions’ new skipper will meet face-to-face with current players, and begin to lay the groundwork for his program, which emphasizes a team-based culture.

Perhaps more than ever that can be a challenge, especially with the proliferation of travel ball, baseball showcases, social media and other distractions.

“You’ve got to care about who else is on your team, before you can win,” O’ Dette explained. “I think if you put (players) in the right setting and they trust the coaching staff, you can get them to buy into what you’re trying to do from a team concept; I think kids will do anything you ask them to do, if you get them to trust you.”

He added: “If you put some structure up there and get them to work within some guidelines, usually you’ll have some success.”

Historically, O’ Dette’s rosters at Saint Joseph’s College of Indiana featured “an exciting style of play” predicated on pitching and being “middle strong” defensively — largely the catcher, second base, shortstop and center field positions.

“You’ve got to be able to pick the ball up, and you’ve got to be able to throw strikes,” he said.

“We like to run when we have the right team, and we’ll make adjustments as needed, to make sure that we’re not stuck in one system with the wrong type of player, especially in the first couple of years.”

Published June 28, 2017

Steinbrenner alumnus signs with Oakland Athletics

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Steinbrenner High School alumnus and former University of South Florida (USF) shortstop Kevin Merrell has signed with the Oakland Athletics, inking a $1.8 million signing bonus on June 20.

Steinbrenner High alumnus and former University of South Florida shortstop Kevin Merrell agreed to terms with the Oakland Athletics on June 20, signing for $1.8 million.
(Courtesy of University of South Florida)

Merrell, the No. 33 overall selection in the 2017 MLB Draft, graduated from Steinbrenner in 2014 and played three seasons at South Florida.

Merrell was viewed as one of the fastest players in all of college baseball last season.

He led the American Athletic Conference with a .384 batting average and became the only player in USF history to lead the team in hitting for three consecutive seasons; he scored 48 runs and stole 19 bases in 2017.

The 6-foot-1, 190-pound Merrell also displayed gap power last season, notching 11 doubles, three triples and seven home runs.

At Steinbrenner, Merrell was a four-year letter winner in baseball for coach John Crumbley; he also lettered in golf and track, where he recorded a 10.6-second, 100-meter dash.

Heavy haul!

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(Courtesy of John Medvid)

At the South Pasco Bassmasters’ June 17 tournament at Johns Lake in Clermont, Kevin Corcoran, left, and Mike Mathews teamed up to win first place, reeling in a total weight of 18.59 pounds. The winning weight was caught using topwater baits and plastic frogs on the offshore grass line. The next tournament is slated for July 15, at the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes. For information on joining the club, visit SouthPascoBassmasters.com.

Dog flu hits Florida — and it’s contagious

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It’s called the dog flu, and it has hit the Sunshine State.

The first confirmed case of the new H3N2 strain was reported in Deland over Memorial Day weekend.

According to the University of Florida, the strain entered the state from dogs and people who have attended a dog show.

The new dog flu virus is characterized by persistent coughing, along with sneezing and nasal discharge. Many infected dogs experience a fever, decreased appetite and lethargy during the first few days of illness. Unlike other forms of dog flu, whose symptoms and risk of contagion only last for about a week, the H3N2 strain is contagious for at least 26 days and can live on surfaces for up to 24 hours, health officials say. (Courtesy of American Kennel Club)

Now, more than 30 cases of canine influenza have been reported across the state, mainly in northeast and central Florida.

No cases have been reported in Hillsborough or Pasco counties, but it has reached Orlando.

The “highly contagious” H3N2 virus first infected about 1,000 dogs in Chicago in 2015, and since has spread to more than 30 states.

And, it’s more perilous than the H3N8 strain, first identified in Florida in 2004 in racing greyhounds.

The new virus is characterized by persistent coughing, along with sneezing and nasal discharge.

Many infected dogs experience a fever, decreased appetite and lethargy during the first few days of illness.

Unlike other forms of dog flu, which have symptoms and risk of contagion lasting only for about a week, the H3N2 strain is contagious for at least 26 days and can live on surfaces for up to 24 hours, health officials say.

That means it can spread through toys, leashes, kennel crates, dishes and floors, along with contaminated hands and clothing; frequent hand washing with soap and water, normal laundering of clothing and bedding, and washing food/water bowls and toys with soap is strongly advised.

Some local pharmacies and animal hospitals are offering vaccines to combat the H3N2 canine influenza virus, also known as dog flu. The first confirmed case of the new H3N2 strain was reported in Deland over Memorial Day weekend. More than 30 cases of canine influenza have been reported across the state, mainly in northeast and central Florida. No cases have been reported yet in Hillsborough or Pasco counties. (Kevin Weiss)

The University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine says there is no evidence the disease can infect humans, but it can spread to cats.

Dr. Cynda Crawford, of the University of Florida’s Maddie’s Shelter Medicine Program, said the virus is an “imminent threat” to dogs statewide.

“We’re probably just seeing the tip of the iceberg,” she said. “It is very important for both veterinarians and dog owners in the state of Florida to have very heightened awareness of the presence of this virus in the state.”

The flu can infect all canine dogs, regardless of breed, age or health status, according to Dr. Moses Kawalya, of Pet Point Animal Hospital in Lutz.

“All dogs are at risk; there’s no preferential breed,” he said.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the H3N2 disease is an avian flu virus that adapted and since spread to dogs. It was first detected in South Korea in 2007 before making its way to the United States in 2015.

No end appears in sight.

“Viruses generally have aggressive potential for mutation, so it’s possible that you can get one strain under control, and then another comes later on, which could be more contagious than the other ones before,” Kawalya explained.

Fortunately, most dogs recover from H3N2 without complications, health officials say.

But, some can develop “life-threatening” pneumonia, if the dog isn’t under the care of a veterinarian with proper treatments.

The best prevention is vaccination.

The Hillsborough County’s Pet Resource Center is taking steps to protect against the latest, highly contagious mutation of canine influenza. The facility, at 440 N. Falkenburg Road, is now closed to the public on Mondays to give veterinary staff more time to examine dogs and allow shelter staff to conduct weekly deep cleanings for added disease prevention. Beginning July 1, pet intake will end an hour earlier, at 6 p.m. (Courtesy of Hillsborough County)

“The more dogs that we can vaccinate and build up community immunity, the better chance we have of keeping this virus out of a community,” said Crawford.

“It is all about using vaccines to build a wall — an immune barrier to stop the virus from entry.”

Dogs are most at-risk when around other dogs that may be sick or in areas other dogs hang out at. Nose-to-nose contact with other dogs is one of the ways dogs can contract the virus.

Dog parks, pet stores, pet day care centers and grooming salons are also examples of places canines can contract the dog flu from, if a contagious dog has been there.

Besides public places, dog shows are particularly risky, Crawford said.

“This is a clear problem in the dog show population,” she said.

“I think it is a high risk to take dogs to dog shows at this time, because there could be dogs that are infected and contagious to other dogs,” Crawford added.

She also noted canines that mainly stay within the confines of their homes or yard are least at-risk.

Though she still recommends vaccination, in case an emergency arises.

“Most dogs are probably in a risk group for exposure,” Crawford said. “Their risk for exposure increases significantly, if the virus has been documented to be circulating in the community and state where they live.”

Despite the virus’ rise, some local residents don’t plan to vaccinate their dogs, yet.

Sharon Espinola, a Lutz resident who owns a 5-year-old border collie mix, said she doesn’t believe her dog, Leo, needs the flu vaccine.

Dr. Cynda Crawford, of the University of Florida’s Maddie’s Shelter Medicine Program, said the H3N2 virus is an ‘imminent threat’ to dogs statewide. (Courtesy of University of Florida)

“Given his age and health status, and the fact that we don’t go to dog parks, I feel like he’s not at risk,” she said. “Now, if it looked like it was more widespread and was something that was really going to impact his health negatively, I would certainly take a second look at it.”

Nevertheless, she’s still monitoring the disease to see if it reaches the Tampa Bay region.

“I think being aware is really important,” she said, “and, if you have a dog with a compromised immune system, I think it would definitely be something to look at.”

Terri Garey, a Lutz resident who owns two Yorkillons, hasn’t vaccinated, either.

“I haven’t had the dogs vaccinated because their contact with other dogs is very limited. We don’t board them or take them to the dog park,” Garey wrote in an email to The Laker/Lutz News.

For pet owners who think their dog has become infected, Kawalya suggests calling their veterinarian ahead so they can take precautionary measures.

“The vet has to make sure they minimize any exposure to any dog that may be at the vet’s office,” he said. “They may want to bring the dog through a separate door or entrance.”

Meanwhile, the Hillsborough County’s Pet Resource Center is taking steps to protect against the latest, highly contagious mutation of canine influenza.

The facility, at 440 N. Falkenburg Road, is now closed to the public on Mondays to give veterinary staff more time to examine dogs and allow shelter staff to conduct weekly deep cleanings for added disease prevention; the closure will give the dogs and cats a day of rest from constant human interaction.

Beginning July 1, pet intake will end an hour earlier, at 6 p.m., to allow more time for the veterinary staff to examine dogs that are received at the end of the day.

Also beginning July 1, owners who surrender dogs will be asked to make appointments so the facility can proactively combat outside contamination.

Additionally, county residents bringing in dogs or cats that are coughing or sneezing will be asked to keep the pet outside of the Pet Resource Center and contained in the resident’s vehicle to avoid possible contamination, whereby veterinary staff will provide an initial examination prior to the pet entering the building to ensure the safety of the pets inside the building.

Published June 21, 2017

Zephyrhills SummerFest offers fireworks, fun

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It’s the only fireworks show in Zephyrhills.

And, it promises to offer wholesome family fun.

The 2017 Zephyrhills SummerFest is slated for June 24 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., at Zephyr Park, 38116 Fifth Ave.

Besides offering free admission and parking, the event is pet friendly, too.

However, alcohol sales will not be allowed.

The third annual Zephyrhills SummerFest features a 30-minute fireworks display over Zephyr Lake. It is the city’s only fireworks show. (Courtesy of Simply Events)

Entering its third year, Zephyrhills SummerFest is the only 4th of July celebration in the city, promoting “summer, families and our great country.”

Arguably, its biggest attraction is a 30-minute fireworks show, which is set to begin  sharply at 9 p.m.

The vibrant display — by Patriot Fireworks—is set over Zephyr Lake, the park’s centerpiece pond.

Besides nighttime fireworks, there are loads of daytime activities aimed at keeping families entertained on the last Saturday in June.

Alongside dozens of food and business vendors, there’s a watermelon-eating contest and dance contest, plus a water balloon toss, couples’ relay race and sack race.

For youngsters, there’s a designated Kid’s Area featuring multiple bounce houses, waterslides and face painting.

Zephyr Park’s full playground and wet zone also will be open for children.

Between the family friendly entertainment, DJ Express will be spinning upbeat tunes all afternoon, at the Zephyr Park gazebo.

Patrons are advised to bring lawn chairs or blankets, and arrive early for prime parking spots.

Sponsored by the City of Zephyrhills, the festival is organized by Clearwater-based Simply Events Inc.

The company organizes several events in the city, including the popular Zephyrhills Pie Festival, Zephyrhills Artsy Farmer’s Market and Snowbird Palooza.

Drew Cecere, co-owner of Simply Events, said the idea for Zephyrhills SummerFest stemmed from the city not having a fireworks show for “many, many years.”

Entering its third year, Zephyrhills SummerFest has drawn thousands of attendees for its daytime activities and nighttime fireworks display.

“There wasn’t a whole lot that went on in the area for families when we started doing events out here,” said Cecere, who has relatives living in Zephyrhills.

“We make a full event out of it.”

While the festival still lacks major corporate sponsors, Cecere said attendance increased substantially last year, with thousands of people turning out —especially for the 30-minute firework display.

“The first year was good, the second year…was really amazing,” he said.

“A lot of people on Facebook videotaped it, and were just shocked by how long the fireworks show was.”

The event also benefits the Samaritan Project of Zephyrhills, a nonprofit organization that assists the short-term financial needs of people and families.

The local organization will get a portion of the funds generated through the festival’s bounce houses, and auctions and raffles.

The 2017 Zephyrhills SummerFest will be take place at Zephyr Park June 24, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. (File)

“We love to give back,” Cecere said. “In every event that we do, we have a local nonprofit involved. This event, we have to do fundraising because there’s no entry (fees), there’s no parking (fees), there’s no alcohol sales, and that’s normally the stuff that would go to a nonprofit.”

Should inclement weather arise, deciding whether to reschedule the festival will “be played by ear” between city officials and event organizers, Cecere said.

“We’re going take every effort to make sure it goes on (June 24),” Cecere said.

“If it’s a downpour that just lasts thirty minutes, we’ll just wait and do the fireworks thirty minutes later. But, if it’s like a long couple hours’ storm where we just can’t hold it, then we would have to get with the city and figure out a new date.”

Considering the expenses for fireworks alone, Cecere added the show “definitely would be something that would be rescheduled” in case of thunderstorms or heavy rain.

Regardless, the festival doesn’t appear to be going away anytime soon, as its attendance increases and support from the city continues, Cecere said.

For information about Zephyrhills SummerFest, visit SimplyEventsFL.com.

Published June 21, 2017

Dade City Police gets a new K-9 team

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The Dade City Police Department has a new K-9 team — with Officer Kevin Burns and his new partner Tyke.

Burns is a 12-year veteran of the Dade City Police Department. He hit the streets with Tyke on June 5.

The city had operated nearly 15 months without a K-9 team.

The team was introduced to the public at the Dade City Commission meeting on June 13.

The tandem is fresh off a demanding 16-week training course in patrol procedures and tracking, sponsored by the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office.

Tyke is a 16-month-old German shepherd. Officer Kevin Burns, a 12-year veteran of the agency, is his partner. They hit the streets together on June 5, after a demanding 16-week training course.
(Courtesy of Dade City Police Department)

During the course, K-9s are trained to ascend obstacles, negotiate water bodies and follow their handler’s commands, among other tasks.

“It was a long 16 weeks of school — four months, 10-hour days, four days a week,” Burns said.

Tyke, a 16-month-old German shepherd, passed the state exam “with flying colors,” according to Dade City police chief Ray Velboom.

The new unit will become an integral part of the police department and the community, acting as a “force multiplier” capable of searching buildings and tracking suspects, missing children and vulnerable adults.

After a year on the beat, the K-9 unit will be sent to a narcotic detection school to receive dual-certification from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

“Overall, he’s going to be a good tracking dog. He’s going to be good for the city here,” Burns said.

The K-9 unit also offers protection and safety assurances for the police force, Velboom said.

“I had somebody ask me why we needed a dog, and we happened to be in a bank building, and I said, ‘Well, put yourself in an officer’s shoes when it comes to this bank building at 3 a.m., and that door is wide open and the alarm is going off. Do you want to go in by yourself, or do you want to send something in that’s got a better sense of smell?”

Tyke, imported from Slovakia, cost about $9,000. Supplies and equipment costs — kennel, vests and leashes, among other items — totaled another $1,500.

Since a police dog wasn’t included in last year’s budget, the agency sought outside assistance.

The department received several thousand dollars in donations from a number of local organizations and businesses, including the Kiwanis Club, the Rotary Club and many private donors. It also led to the formation of the Dade City Police Foundation, a private 501c3 nonprofit organization.

“Because this dog was purchased through the generosity of the community, I want him to be much more visible to everyday citizens than teams in the past. He will not only be used on patrol, but will be seen interacting downtown and in the schools,” the police chief said.

For Burns, joining the K-9 unit and handling Tyke has been “life-changing.”

“We still have a lot to go and a lot further to see and do, but just in the four months that we’ve had training, he’s not only my partner, he’s an officer of Dade City and he’s a family member, too,” Burns explained.

“When he comes to work, he works. When he comes home, he’s a house dog — he lies down, relaxes, plays, whatever he needs to do. But, when he comes to work, he knows what to do,” the police officer said.

Even in a decade-plus law enforcement career as a patrol officer, Burns didn’t realize the undertaking of a K-9 team — from intensive training to daily tasks.

“Mentally, it’s challenging,” he said, “because you have to be able to read him.

Tyke gets up close and personal with Dade City council members. Tyke and his handler, Officer Kevin Burns, were formally introduced to the public on June 13.
(Kevin Weiss)

“He’s the one doing the work, we just train him. Learning how to read him, (the job) is probably 80 percent mental and probably 20 percent physical.”

Choosing Burns as Tyke’s partner was likewise arduous.

The police chief received a handful of applicants inside the department, and collaborated with the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office to conduct interviews, along with background checks, performance reviews, physical assessments and home assessments.

“It was a long, exhausting process,” Velboom said. “We wanted to make sure we had the right fit.”

“We sent a team out to his house…to make sure the family’s okay with it and the house is okay,” he added.

For over a year, the Dade City Police Department operated without its own K-9 unit.

Chris Stone, a 14-year law enforcement officer, and his K-9 partner, Ryko, worked together for eight years before retiring as a team in March 2016; Stone now works for Pasco County Fire Rescue.

Meantime, the agency received K-9 assistance from both the Pasco Sheriff’s Office and the Zephyrhills Police Department.

“The county provided a K-9 service for us whenever we needed it, but it’s always nice to have your own dog,” Velboom said.

Velboom acknowledged a second police dog could be added at some point, dependent on budget and fundraising efforts.

Police dogs are typically retired after nine or 10 years, due to hip issues.

“It’s a tough job — riding in a car for 12 hours a day, jumping out and running,” Velboom said.

Published June 21, 2017

Locals fare well in 2017 MLB Draft

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Dreams of playing professional baseball are about to come true for several local athletes.

The 2017 Major League Baseball (MLB) Draft wrapped up on June 14, and several baseball players with ties to The Laker/Lutz News Coverage Area were selected.

The first-year player draft is Major League Baseball’s primary mechanism for assigning amateur baseball players, from high schools, colleges and other amateur baseball clubs, to its 30 teams — which offer up millions of dollars in signing bonuses to its top draftees.

There were 40 rounds and 1,205 picks in total, over the three-day draft.

Of those picks, 135 were from the state of Florida, second to only California, which produced 192 selections.

Remarkably, four former Steinbrenner High School players were selected — Kevin Merrell (first round), Patrick Morris (14th round), Josh Falk (17th round) and CJ Van Eyk (19th round).

The draft was also kind to Odessa natives — Bishop McLaughlin product Nate Pearson (first round) and Alonso High’s Jordan Butler (33rd round).

Other local talent selected included Sunlake High right-hander Tommy Mace (14th round) and Bishop McLaughlin outfielder Paul Coumoulos (40th round).

Just two players with local ties were selected in last year’s draft: Saint Leo’s Troy Sieber was picked in the 24th round by the Houston Astros, while Gaither High’s Camryn Williams was picked in the 39th round by the Seattle Mariners. Sieber, a first baseman, is currently assigned to the Greeneville Astros, a rookie-level affiliate in Tennessee. Williams, a shortstop, opted to hold off a pro career to attend Dallas Baptist University, in Texas. He’ll again be draft-eligible in 2019.

Pitcher Nate Pearson (Toronto Blue Jays-first round, 28th pick)

Nate Pearson, an Odessa native, was drafted 28th overall by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 2017 MLB Draft. Pearson graduated from Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School in 2015. (Courtesy of College of Central Florida)

The Odessa native graduated from Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School in 2015, where he was one of the top pitchers in the state (1.24 career ERA). He attended Florida International University as a freshman, then transferred to College of Central Florida in Ocala. In his lone season there, he posted a 1.56 ERA and 118 strikeouts in 81 innings, and was named JUCO Pitcher of the Year by Perfect Game.

An imposing 6-foot-6, 245-pound right-hander, Pearson is lauded for a blistering fastball, which touches 101 miles per hour.

Baseball America ranked him as the state’s second best draft prospect, just behind University of Florida ace Alex Faedo.

Based on his draft position, Pearson could receive a signing bonus upwards of $2.3 million.

Kevin Merrell (Oakland Athletics-first round, 33rd pick)

University of South Florida shortstop and Steinbrenner High alum Kevin Merrell was selected 33rd overall by the Oakland Athletics in the 2017 MLB Draft. Merrell graduated from Steinbrenner in 2014, where he was a four-year letter winner for head baseball coach John Crumbley; he also lettered in golf and track. (Courtesy of University of South Florida)

The Steinbrenner High product and University of South Florida shortstop is widely viewed as the fastest college player in the 2017 draft class. On his high school track team, the 6-foot-1, 189-pound Merrell ran a 10.6-second, 100-yard dash. Those wheels translated well to the baseball diamond, where he stole 56 bases in his three-year college career, eighth-most in program history. Besides pure speed, the left-handed hitter boasts an elite bat, posting a career .353 average, and becoming the only player in South Florida history to lead the team in hitting three-straight seasons.

He also showed power in 2017, slugging seven home runs and 15 extra-base hits.

Merrell’s on-field performance earned him several end-of-year accolades, including 2017 American Athletic Conference First Team and 2017 Baseball America Second Team All-American.

Meanwhile, he was ranked as the state’s seventh best draft prospect and 51st overall, according to Baseball America.

Based on his draft position, Merrell is slotted to receive a signing bonus upwards of $2 million.

Tommy Mace (Cincinnati Reds—12th round, 347th pick)
One of the most effective prep arms in the Tampa Bay area, Mace tallied a 1.29 ERA and 92 strikeouts in 70.2 innings, with an 8-2 record in 11 appearances — and helped guide Sunlake High to the Class 7A regional finals.

A lanky 6-foot-7, 200-pound right-hander, Mace has developed a consistent 90 mph fastball, along with a tight curveball and usable changeup. Previously a University of Kentucky commit, Mace has since elected to play baseball at the University of Florida. If he temporarily forgoes a pro career, he’ll be draft-eligible again in three years, likely improving his draft stock.

Should he sign with Toronto, it could mark solid draft value at pick No. 347 for the pro club, as Baseball America ranked Mace the state’s 12th best draft prospect and 88th overall.

Patrick Morris (Toronto Blue Jays—14th round, 429th pick)
A power-hitting, left-handed first baseman, Morris possessed extra-base and home run power the past two seasons at Steinbrenner High, racking up eight home runs, 17 doubles and 43 RBIs cumulatively. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound Morris also was a solid pitcher, posting a career 2.71 ERA, with 82 strikeouts in 95.2 innings.

Baseball America ranked Morris as the state’s 89th best draft prospect. He is a Florida Atlantic University commit.

Josh Falk (Oakland Athletics—17th round, 501st pick)

Josh Falk, a University of Pittsburgh pitching standout, attended Steinbrenner and Bishop McLaughlin Catholic high schools. He was selected by the Oakland Athletics in the 17th round of the 2017 MLB Draft. (Courtesy of University of Pittsburgh)

Falk began his prep career at Steinbrenner High, and then transferred to Bishop McLaughlin, where he graduated in 2013. He started his college career at Hillsborough Community College, before winding up at the University of Pittsburgh, where he developed into the pitching staff’s ace. The 6-foot-1, 205-pound right-hander finished the season with a 3.92 ERA, with a record of 3-7 in 14 appearances. He also ranked among ACC (Atlantic Coast Conference) leaders in innings (85), strikeouts (75) and batting average against (.228). Falk, who faced elite competition at Pitt, can locate all three of his pitches for strikes, which includes an effective breaking ball.

CJ Van Eyk (New York Mets—19th round, 577th pick)

Steinbrenner High’s CJ Van Eyk was selected by the New York Mets in the 19th round of the 2017 MLB Draft. (File)

A highly touted prospect, Van Eyk possibly dropped in the draft due to medical and signability concerns as a firm Florida State University commit. This past season at Steinbrenner, Van Eyk threw just 38.1 innings and was shut down in April with arm soreness. In his limited action, however, the 6-foot-2, 195-pound righty was virtually unhittable, posting a 0.73 ERA and 56 strikeouts. Besides a blazing 95-mph fastball, Van Eyk possesses a devastating curveball and effective changeup.

Last summer, the Steinbrenner star jumped onto the national radar, as a member of the USA Baseball 18 and under team’s pitching staff, helping the squad win gold at the Pan American Championships.

Also in 2016, he led Steinbrenner to its first state baseball title and was crowned the Florida Dairy Farmers’ Class 8A Player of the Year.

Baseball America ranked Van Eyk as the state’s 18th best draft prospect and 109th overall.

Some believe he could develop into a future first-round selection after seasoning at Florida State.

Jordan Butler (New York Yankees—34th round, 1,022nd pick)
The Odessa native starred at Alonso High for three years, morphing into one of the state’s top two-way high school players. On the mound this past season, the 6-foot-2, 195-pound southpaw registered a miniscule 0.85 ERA and 122 strikeouts in 82 innings, with a record of 9-2. At the plate, he hit .451, with eight home runs and 35 RBIs.

Butler will likely forgo a pro contract to attend the University of Florida, where he can raise his draft stock.

Baseball America ranked Butler as the state’s 41st best prospect and 251st overall.

Also of note: he was a teammate of Van Eyk on the USA Baseball 18 and under squad last summer.

Paul Coumoulos (Philadelphia Phillies—40th round, 1,193rd pick)
A four-year varsity player at Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School, Coumoulos proved one of the best pure hitters in Pasco County each season. In 104 career games, the 6-foot, 205-pound outfielder posted a career .378 batting average, .471 on-base percentage, 21 doubles and 62 RBIs. Also a capable runner, Coumoulos racked up 31 steals on 33 attempts in his career.

He is a College of Central Florida commit.

Published June 21, 2017

Land O’ Lakes High’s Sargent selected to FACA all-star team

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McCabe Sargent
(Courtesy of Lorraine Sargent)

Land O’ Lakes High School’s baseball standout McCabe Sargent was selected to the FACA (Florida Athletic Coaches Association) West Senior All-Star Baseball Team. Sargent, a Saint Leo University signee, was one of the region’s top two-way players last season. On the mound, Sargent, a right-handed pitcher, won seven games, compiling a 1.97 ERA and 84 strikeouts in 67.2 innings pitched. Also a third baseman, Sargent posted a .455 batting average with four home runs, nine doubles and 28 RBIs. Other players from The Laker/Lutz News coverage area selected to the senior all-star team were Gaither High outfielder Jose Cadenas and Sunlake High pitcher Tommy Mace.

Land O’ Lakes High leads area on softball All-State teams

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With the high school softball season complete, the 2017 Miracle Sports All-State teams were released June 9, honoring the top players in the state of Florida.

The Land O’ Lakes High varsity softball team was recognized at the Pasco County Commissioners June 6 meeting. Last month, the Gators won the 2017 Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) 6A State Championship.
(Courtesy of Pasco County)

The Land O’ Lakes High Gators had the most representatives from The Laker/Lutz News Coverage area in all classifications, with a total of five selections in Class 6A — four first-team, one second-team. Moreover, Gators head coach Mitch Wilkins and sophomore pitcher Callie Turner were named Class 6A Coach of the Year and Pitcher of the Year, respectively.

Wilkins guided the Gators (29-3) to its first fastpitch title last month — a first for a Pasco County program since Ridgewood High won in 1992.

Turner, meanwhile, was an integral part of the Gators’ success, proving to be one of the state’s most dominant aces. The University of Tennessee commit won 17 games, tallying a 0.21 ERA and 249 strikeouts in 132.2 innings pitched.

In her 20 starts, Turner tallied 18 complete games, 10 shutouts and four no-hitters.

Also a standout hitter, Turner posted a .319 batting average with 14 RBIs.

Besides Turner, Gators outfielder Jessie McCallister, utility player Ashley Smith and designated player Tia Williams were first-teamers, while sophomore infielder Shelby Westbrook was a second-team selection.

Other schools in our coverage area also were well represented on the All-State list.

Academy at the Lakes, Steinbrenner, Sunlake and Wharton high schools each had three representatives — as either first or second team selections or honorable mentions.

Carrollwood Day School, Pasco High and Wesley Chapel High each had one representative in their respective classifications.

There were no All-State representatives in our coverage area from Classes 9A, 5A, 4A or 1A.

 

Guv’na incumbent looks to defend ‘sash’

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With three weeks remaining in the Lutz Guv’na race, incumbent candidate Greg Gilbert is looking to defend the ‘sash.’

Gilbert, the managing owner of Beef O’ Brady’s in Lutz, became last year’s honorary mayor of Lutz, raising more than $1,500.

But, with two formidable challengers this year — Jessica Sherman, of Pinch A Penny, and Kori Rankin, of Kori Rankin Photography — winning again won’t likely come easy, he admits.

Gilbert readies to toss a cow patty, during last month’s Lutz Guv’na Debate, at the Old Lutz School. (Kevin Weiss)

“Those girls seem very impressive with being involved with the community, so I don’t feel like I have any advantage over anybody,” Gilbert said. “I think it’s all going to be work, work, work to stay in the race.”

Gilbert and his family moved to Spring Hill in 2013.

Before moving to Florida, he spent 20-plus years in Michigan working as a general manager for both T.G.I. Fridays and Ruby Tuesday.

Though he doesn’t live in Lutz, Gilbert has tried to ingrain himself within the area, since taking over the local restaurant in December 2015.

“I know most of the regulars now; I’ve been out in the community a little bit more,” he said.

Gilbert decided to re-enter the Guv’na race to provide “a challenge” to the other contenders.

“It’s all for fun, so I thought it’d be a fun thing to do,” Gilbert said. “Last year I was afraid to do it, because I am not the public speaker kind of guy, and I had enough fun last year that I thought I’d try again.”

He’s stayed busy on the campaign trail, organizing various donations and raffles.

He also plans to host a classic car show July 1, and designate a percent of restaurant sales to the Guv’na campaign.

While he didn’t win the May 20 Guv’na debate, Gilbert arguably had the top slogan: “Hang up your boots in Lutz.”

Last year’s slogan — “Beef it up at Brady’s” — was equally catchy.

Additionally, many of Gilbert’s platform answers during the tongue-in-cheek event still resonate.

The Guv’na hopeful advocated for a motorcycle ban in Lutz, to make roads safer and less noisy. He, too, endeared himself to the women of Lutz by proposing free massages “at least once a week.”

“The first year I spent a couple days thinking about the things I wanted to say, and then this year it seemed to have come a little bit faster and easier,” Gilbert said of his debate answers.

Greg Gilbert is the incumbent candidate for the annual Lutz Guv’na race. Gilbert is the managing owner of Beef O’ Brady’s, 18421 N. U.S. 41 in Lutz.

When he’s not working or dedicating time to fundraising efforts, the Guv’na incumbent has a passion for brainteasers — he previously described himself as a “crossword and Sudoku junkie.”

No matter the outcome of this year’s Guv’na race, Gilbert is just content to raise money for a good cause.

“I’ll be happy with whoever wins, I really will,” he said.

The Guv’na race continues through the Fourth of July weekend.

The winner will be announced after the community’s traditional parade.

The annual charity event— which started in 1991— is sponsored by the Lutz Civic Association, and benefits about 20 local causes, including the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, the Old Lutz School and the Friends of the Library.

More than $100,000 has been raised in the past decade alone.

The winner of the Guv’na race may also earmark 10 percent of what they raise to the organization of their choice.

If you’d like to contribute to Gilbert’s campaign, visit Beef ’O’ Brady’s Lutz, or call (813) 909-2300.

Published June 14, 2017