The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Kevin Weiss

PHSC baseball players receive accolades

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Trey Pearce, Pasco-Hernando State College’s men’s baseball first baseman and left-handed pitcher, was named NJCAA Region 8 Defensive Player of the Year. (Courtesy of Pasco-Hernando State College)

Pasco-Hernando State College baseball standout Trey Pearce has been named National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) DII Baseball Defensive Player of the Year in NJCAA Region 8 Men’s Baseball by the Florida College System Activities Association (FCSAA).

The 6-foot-1, 195-pound freshman first baseman and left-hand pitcher fielded .993 with only one error in 145 total chances.

Pearce, a native of Tallahassee, also was named to the NJCAA Men’s Baseball DII All-Gulf District Team.

Joining him from PHSC are: designated hitter Tyree Austin (Pasco High); infielders Zach Ghelfi (Wesley Chapel High) and Alex Reynolds (Land O’ Lakes High); catcher Bailey Partlow (Westfield, Indiana); and pitcher Korey Prince, (Jacksonville).

The baseball team went 25-20 in 2017, the 10th consecutive winning season for the program.

“I was really proud of our ball club this season,” head coach Steve Winterling said, in a release. “The team started 0-7 against some tough competition, but started gelling together in late February. One of my proudest moments was upsetting sixth-ranked St. Johns River State College (on) back-to-back days in April.”

Final softball rankings released

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Miracle Sports released their final 2017 state softball rankings; several high schools in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area were recognized across Classes 1A to 9A.

Miracle Sports State Softball Rankings

All Class Top 10
No. 7: Land O’Lakes (6A) 29-3

Class 8A
No. 8.:  Wharton 18-6
No. 9: Steinbrenner 17-6

Class 7A
Honorable mention: Sunlake 18-7.

Class 6A
No. 1: Land O’Lakes 29-3
No. 7: Wesley Chapel 19-7

Class 3A
Honorable mention: Carrollwood Day 11-7

Class 2A
No. 3: Academy at the Lakes 20-3

Area signings

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Land O’ Lakes High
Cross Country
Maddie Toth, Pasco-Hernando State College

 Swimming & Diving
Antonia Beason, California State University-Bakersfield

Football
Dylan Hohenthaner, Indiana State University

Baseball
Brayden Lyman, Pasco-Hernando State College
Jeff Hiner, Oglethorpe University (Atlanta, Georgia)

Sunlake High
Football
Tyler Peretti, Southeastern University (Lakeland, Florida)
Carson Reavis, Webber International University (Babson Park, Florida)
Chris Williams, Ohio Wesleyan University

Firm selected to manage planned Zephyrhills tennis center

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The Zephyrhills City Council has selected a firm to run the city’s proposed tennis complex, the latest step in guiding the ambitious project forward.

During a May 22 meeting, council members unanimously agreed to enter negotiations with Pennsylvania-based firm Tennis P.R.O. LLC, to operate and manage the proposed tennis facility.

Construction could begin by year’s end.

This rendering of the Zephyrhills Tennis Center shows 10 courts (eight clay, two hard surface), three mini-courts and one exhibition court. The tennis center is also expected to feature a pro shop, a multifunctional community room, and two office spaces. A second level, if added, will contain an observation deck, players lounge and concessions.
(File)

The council also considered Tennis Management Partners and Net Results, before making its choice.

Tennis P.R.O. is owned by Pascal Collard, the director of tennis at Saddlebrook Tennis Academy in Wesley Chapel from 2003 to 2006. He currently serves as the tennis director at The Merion Cricket Club, a private club in Haverford, Pennsylvania.

Once finalized, the public-private partnership agreement will first call for Tennis P.R.O. to offer input to the facility’s final engineered site design and architectural plans.

Elsewhere, the firm will be responsible for local tennis operations, and facilitating other elements such as membership and fundraising.

City Manager Steve Spina said the arrangement mirrors the one Zephyrhills has with the East Pasco Family YMCA, in which the city owns the building property, but outsources programming and facility management.

Councilman Lance Smith was enthusiastic about the concept.

“Having a professional firm that knows what they’re doing and can operate it properly is the way to go, in my mind,” Smith said.

The planned Zephyrhills Tennis Center will be located on 4.7 acres of donated land at The District at Abbott’s Square, a new real estate development situated north of Dean Dairy Road and west of Simons Road.

Renderings unveiled in November show the estimated $2.19 million project includes 10 courts — of which eight are clay and two are hard surface. Plans also show three mini-courts and one exhibition court, built to U.S Tennis Association (USTA) professional standards.

The planned tennis facility is expected to be named the Sarah Vande Berg Memorial Tennis Center, after the former Zephyrhills High School district champion who became a scholarship player on the University of South Carolina Upstate women’s tennis team. Vande Berg, the daughter of the Zephyrhills planning director Todd Vande Berg, tragically died in an automobile accident at the age of 21 in October 2015.

The complex also is expected to feature a pro shop, a multifunctional community room, and two office spaces.

Recreation impact fees from The District at Abbott’s Square and other developments will be used to finance most of the the facility’s construction costs, city officials say.
But, additional frills — such as a clubhouse and observation deck — would likely need to be financed by the city and other funding sources, including, USTA grants, Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program (FRDAP) grants, Penny for Pasco, and partnerships with Pasco County Parks and Recreation, and Pasco County Tourism.

Once operational, memberships will be required to access the facility.

However, Zephyrhills residents will get a price break.

Officials believe the tennis center could become a national draw for college and USTA-sanctioned events.

Meantime, the facility is expected to be named the Sarah Vande Berg Memorial Tennis Center, after the former Zephyrhills High School district champion who became a scholarship player on the University of South Carolina Upstate women’s tennis team.

Vande Berg, the daughter of the Zephyrhills planning director Todd Vande Berg, died in an automobile accident at the age of 21 in October 2015.

Earlier this month, the council voted unanimously to send the proposed tennis center name to a committee made up of city staffers who will vote on an official recommendation to the council, which is standard procedure under a city resolution that governs the naming of city facilities.

In other action, Zephyrhills City Hall will permanently close June 9, to make way for construction of a new city hall complex, at 5335 Eighth St. The temporary quarters will be housed at 5344 Ninth St.

Beginning June 12, city council meetings will be at the Zephyrhills Public Library, 5347 Eighth St., for approximately one year.

Board meetings, including airport authority and planning commission, will also be at the library, during that period.

Published May 31, 2017

Guv’na hopeful relishes ‘campaign’

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Jessica Sherman is off to quite a start in her first bid for the honorary title of Lutz Guv’na.

Sherman recently was voted the winner of the Guv’na Debate, held May 20 at the Old Lutz School.

There, she claimed victory in the event’s talent contest, and earned a $100 campaign donation for bringing the most guests — friends and family.

Now, the Guv’na hopeful has her eye on winning the race.

At the Guv’na debate, Sherman’s camp managed to sway ‘voters” with a wide assortment of goodies and prizes. All proceeds from the Guv’na of Lutz ‘campaign’ benefit about 20 local causes, including, scout troops, the Old Lutz School, the Friends of the Library, and the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Women’s Club.
(Kevin Weiss)

Although, she said, by the same token she’s simply enjoying the “campaign” trail.

“I am just so happy to be able to be a part of this — seriously,” said Sherman. “It’s so far been a blast, and I’m looking forward to every single event.”

Sherman decided to join the race to help the nonprofit organizations and beneficiaries that receive proceeds from the race support.

Those organizations include Girl Scout Troop 2714, where Sherman was a parent leader for a few years.

“The scout program is super near and dear to my heart,” Sherman said. “Those girls are amazing. They are just the best kids, ever.”

Currently the manager at Pinch A Penny in Lutz, Sherman has worked in the pool industry for about 15 years.

She’s also a longtime Lutz resident.

Her campaign slogan — “Keep Lutz Local”— reflects her passion for the tight-knit Hillsborough County community.

It’s also a message to support family-owned and operated businesses in the area.

“Lutz is special,” she said, “because of the entrepreneurs that we have in our community.”

The distinct “small-town” vibe isn’t lost on her, either.

“How many communities still have their original schoolhouse?” said Sherman, referring to the Historic Old Lutz School built in 1927.

Despite a notable debate showing, Sherman acknowledged her nervousness heading into the satirical-based event. “I was having a small panic attack,” she said.

But, Sherman ably stepped out of her comfort zone, thanks to witty one-liners and dance moves — comically resembling those popularized by “Seinfeld” TV series character Elaine Benes, portrayed by Julia Louis-Dreyfuss.

“She was my inspiration; my dance skills have been compared to hers quite a few times,” Sherman said, jokingly.

The chance to sway “voters” doesn’t end there.

Sherman has various “campaign” fundraising events in the works, including a spaghetti dinner on June 4 and a tea lunch on June 11.

She also plans to announce a “super secret” surprise event that coincides with the grand opening of a new Lutz business.

Additionally, Sherman is offering opportunities to win prizes in exchange for “campaign” donations, including Tampa Bay Buccaneers ticket packages, a Zodiac MX6 pool cleaner and Jazzercise membership discounts.

Besides raising money for “such great causes,” Sherman is eager to promote Lutz and meet new people, over the next few months.

“It’s just great a feeling to be able to embrace your community the way that this allows you to,” she said.

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

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

To receive the coveted “sash,” Sherman must outpace two other candidates — Kori Rankin, of Kori Rankin Photography, and incumbent Greg Gilbert, of Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Lutz.

The annual charity event started in 1991. More than $100,000 has been raised in the past decade alone.

The winner of the Guv’na race gets to earmark 10 percent of what he or she raises to the charitable organization of his or her choice.

Regardless of the outcome, Sherman’s 2017 bid for Lutz Guv’na probably won’t be her last.

“If the community would like me to run again, I would be all for it,” Sherman said. “I think it would be fun to do again, absolutely.”

If you’d like to contribute to Sherman’s campaign, call (813) 362-1085 or email .

Upcoming fundraisers
Those wishing to support Jessica Sherman’s bid to become the next Lutz Guv’na can attend these upcoming fundraisers:

  • Spaghetti Dinner: June 4 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at 504 Crystal Grove Blvd., in Lutz. Tickets are $5. Dinner includes a drink and garlic bread.
  • Tea Lunch: June 11, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., at the Tea Room at Deb’s Whistle Stop Depot, 100 Fourth St. W., in Lutz. Cost is $35. Lunch includes sandwiches and tea.

Published May 31, 2017

Wharton track standout leaves legacy of excellence

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Bryanna Rivers’ name won’t soon be forgotten at Wharton High School.

She lays claim to three school track records — one individual, two relays.

She’s amassed 11 state track medals — the most in program history.

Wharton High senior Bryanna Rivers has earned 11 state medals — the most in the school’s track program. She has earned a full-ride Division I athletic scholarship to the University of Massachusetts.
(Kevin Weiss)

And, she’s just the second track athlete at Wharton to earn a full-ride Division I athletic scholarship — to the University of Massachusetts; the other was hurdler/sprinter Teona Rodgers, who graduated Wharton in 2007 and attended Florida State University.

Rivers, a senior, placed second in the 800-meter run at the 2017 Florida High School Track & Field State Championships, held May 5 and May 6 at IMG Academy in Bradenton.

She ran a blistering time of 2:10.51 —narrowly behind Miami Southridge’s Kayla Johnson, a University of Miami signee, who clocked 2:10.39.

For Rivers, it was both a personal record and a school record.

”That was probably my biggest accomplishment,” she said about her prep track career.

The local track star shined in other state events, too.

She placed eighth in the mile (5:12.39) and was the anchor leg of Wharton’s 4×400-meter relay that placed third (3:50.21).

Reaching — and performing well — at the highest level is certainly not foreign to Rivers.

In all four years, she’s advanced to the state finals in multiple events, earning corresponding medals.

Besides claiming school records in the 800-meter run and 4×400 (3:48.23) and 4×800 (9:22.04) relays, Rivers is second all-time in the school’s 400 meter (56.32) and 1,500 meter (5:00.95) races, and third in the 1,600 meter (5:04.80).

Wharton’s Bryanna Rivers, left, edges Riverview’s Bailey Hertenstein in the girls 800-meter run, during the Class 4A Region 2 track meet on April 29. A week later at states, Rivers finished second in the 800-meter run (2:10.51), breaking personal and school records.
(Courtesy of Tyler Copeland)

That versatility to excel in short and long distances makes Rivers unique, said Kyle LoJacono, her personal track coach.

“She’s so phenomenally athletic and gifted,” said LoJacono, who also coaches the Wharton boys track team. “She has that natural fast-twitch muscle fiber; she can pretty much be entered anywhere from six to maybe 10 events, and really help a college program.”

Her success didn’t come without some growing pains, however.

Rivers almost quit the sport entirely between her sophomore and junior years.

Though still a standout runner, she wasn’t seeing improvement dating back to her middle school years.

“I wasn’t really getting the results I needed to,” Rivers said. “I came in as an eighth- grader as a 2:14 (800 meter), and at the meets I couldn’t get under a 2:16, so I was just like really disappointed in myself.

“I was so frustrated; there’s definitely a moment where I was doubting myself and thought about stopping.”

All she needed was an altered workout regimen.

“She needed something different,” said her father, Neil Rivers. “She was basically going through three-quarters of her junior year and ran faster as a seventh-grader than she had in three years of high school.

“We had to make some tweaks and had to make some changes.”

That’s when LoJacono agreed to become her trainer, beginning April 1 of last year.

He repurposed Bryanna’s training, placing additional focus on volume running —upping mileage and pace.

He also reduced the number of races Bryanna entered.

“Even though her volume came up on her workouts, we cut her race volume — just to get her much fresher,” LoJacono explained.

Her passion for running was soon rediscovered.

The race numbers — beginning with the AAU club circuit — reflected it, too.

Last June, Bryanna finished sixth in the 800-meter run (2:12.52) in the Emerging Elite division at New Balance High School Outdoor Nationals, in Greensboro North Carolina.

Interest from college track programs ensued.

“That all of a sudden really set her recruiting world on fire; it was a very busy summer for her on the recruiting side,” Neil Rivers said.

She settled on the University of Massachusetts, located about 1,300 miles north of Tampa.

“It ended up being my favorite visit,” Bryanna Rivers said. “They really took the time to get to know me.

“Looking at my options, that was the place that would be most comfortable,” she added.

Besides track, Bryanna will run cross-country for UMass; she plans to study biology and intends to become a postpartum nurse.

One thing she’ll miss back home is the chance to run with her two siblings, sophomore Tre Rivers and freshman Nia Rivers.
“This year was the first year that all three of us ran high school at the same time; it was just so much fun,” Bryanna said.
But, she hopes her success can motivate them to earn athletic scholarships one day.

“Hopefully, I can influence them, like, ‘You can do it, if you just work hard,’” Bryanna Rivers. “I just see them have such a passion for it, and they’re just really determined.”

Meanwhile, Bryanna’s high school career isn’t totally finished.

She will again compete on the club circuit this summer, running for the Trailblazers Youth Athletic Ministry; her last prep competition is the New Balance Nationals Outdoor, on June 18.

Published May 31, 2017

 

Heavy hauls

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The South Pasco Bassmasters May 20 tournament took place at Lake Tarpon in Tarpon Springs. From left: Joe Felice, Ken Willis, Dave Panno and Jim Felice.
(Courtesy of John Medvid)

During the South Pasco Bassmasters (SPBM) May 20 tournament at Lake Tarpon, Ken Willis and Dave Panno teamed up to win first place after reeling in five bass, totaling 14.07 pounds.

Joe and Jim Felice, of Team Felice, followed close behind with a 13.71-pound haul.

Elsewhere, the team of Greg Vickers and Kyle Matthew finished third (12.73 pound) and won the tournament’s Big Bass Award, with a 5.77-pound catch.

According to SPBM director John Medvid, a majority of the bass was caught using rattletraps near the edges of the lake’s peppergrass.

The next tournament is slated for June 17 on John’s Lake in Clermont.

Wharton baseball star earns county honor

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Wharton High senior shortstop Drew Ehrhard was honored with the 2017 Wade Boggs Athletic Achievement Award, by the Hillsborough County Commission at its May 17 meeting.

The Wade Boggs Athletic Achievement Award honors a high school baseball player or a team in Hillsborough County on the basis of outstanding athletic, scholastic and community achievements.

Erhard, a four-year letterman and team captain, has been a starter since his first game as a freshman. He has been named All-Western Conference multiple times, and has more than 100 career hits along with a .383 career batting average.

Off the field, Ehrhard, a University of Tampa baseball signee, has a cumulative grade point average of 6.1 and is involved with several community causes, including Relay for Life and Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful.

Meanwhile, Jonah Scolaro of Durant High School and Robby Martin of Jefferson High School received Wade Boggs Athletic Achievement Award Honorable Mentions.

The County Commission established the award in 2005 in honor of first-ballot National Baseball Hall of Fame member Wade Boggs. A resident of the Tampa Bay area since he was a boy, Boggs is a 12-time All Star who ended his 18-year Major League Baseball career as a member of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

Pasco students showcase their talents

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The talent was endless.

The applause was, too.

Special needs students from seven Pasco County schools displayed their unique skills on May 17 before more than 100 parents, peers and school faculty.

David Dixon, of Wesley Chapel High School, sings the national anthem during the eighth annual Showcase for Exceptional Talent on May 17, where special needs students from seven Pasco County schools displayed their unique skills.
(Kevin Weiss)

The eighth annual Showcase for Exceptional Talent was held at the Wesley Chapel High School Center for the Arts auditorium.

From dancing and singing/duets, to lip-syncing and comedy skits, there was no shortage of fun and entertainment.

The two-hour show featured more than 30 routines from dozens of exceptional student education (ESE) students.

Performers hailed from Wesley Chapel, Ridgewood, Wiregrass Ranch and Zephyrhills high schools; Seven Springs and Weightman middle schools; and, Watergrass Elementary.

On the main stage, students exhibited passion and confidence with each act.

The crowd responded with roaring applause and enthusiastic cheers.

Everyone seemed to be sharing an enjoyable time.

Wiregrass Ranch’s Nicholas Jones enlivened the audience as he jammed away at his guitar during a solo performance of “Wherever I May Roam” by Metallica.

Wesley Chapel High’s Regan Black left observers awestruck when she belted out the catchy sing-along tune of “Don’t Worry About a Thing” by Tori Kelly.

Acts such as a SpongeBob SquarePants reenactment and roaming “Comedy Chickens” generated hearty laughs.

During breaks, Wesley Chapel High’s Anthony Minnick and Shawn Zupnick served as emcees. They kept things moving with their dialogue and introductions, erasing any chance of a dull moment during the show.

Heather Farnsworth, a behavioral specialist at Wesley Chapel High, has coordinated the event for the past five years.

From her perspective, the talent show provides an “amazing” experience for special needs students countywide.

“It gives them a huge sense of community to come out and spend this time together,” Farnsworth said. “I don’t think they get the recognition that most of the other kids get; it’s something fun and exciting for them to do to showcase their amazing talents.”

Parent Dale Kimball expressed his appreciation for the annual event.

Kimball’s 15-year son, Paul, has autism.

His son was part of a Wesley Chapel High group ensemble that performed a remixed version of Randy Newman’s “You Got a Friend in Me.”

“This is the closest to a stage that most of these kids will ever get to,” Kimball said. “To me, it’s beautiful.

“Seeing ‘exceptional student’ and ‘talent’ in the same title puts a tear in my eye,” he added.

Kimball also credited Wesley Chapel High’s Exceptional Student Education department for encouraging reluctant students, like Paul, to participate in the event.

“They have a way of kind of building them up,” Kimball said, “even if it’s a very, very small thing.”

The ninth annual Showcase for Exceptional Talent is slated for sometime in mid-October.

Published May 24, 2017

Lutz Guv’na candidates face off in lively debate

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It was a landslide for one first-time Lutz Guv’na hopeful.

Jessica Sherman of Pinch A Penny was voted the winner of the Lutz Guv’na Debate, at the Old Lutz School on May 20.

She also claimed the debate’s talent contest, appealing to “voters” with her dancing skills (and baked goods).

The annual Lutz Guv’na Debate was held on May 20, at the Old Lutz School. It featured three candidates, Jessica Sherman, left, Kori Rankin and Greg Gilbert.
(Kevin Weiss)

And,  she earned a $100 campaign donation for bringing the most guests — by far— to the fun-filled shindig.

The other candidates — incumbent Greg Gilbert of Beef O’ Brady’s and Kori Rankin of Kori Rankin Photography — had their moments, too.

Gilbert created arguably the best slogan: “Hang up your boots in Lutz.”

Rankin, meanwhile, displayed her superior athleticism, dominating a cow chip-throwing contest.

The annual affair isn’t your typical “political” debate.

Besides answering satirical questions from the crowd, the trio squared off in several entertaining competitions, ranging from a costume contest to alligator watermelon-carving.

There also was a makeshift field sobriety test — blowing and tying a “breathalyzer” balloon while traversing along a zigzagged line.

Sherman and Rankin passed with relative ease.

Gilbert failed.

“Apparently happy hour at Beef O’ Brady’s is before 2 o’ clock,” emcee Paul Vahue quipped.

The amusement didn’t stop there.

Incumbent Guv’na Greg Gilbert readies for a cow chip-throwing contest. It was just one of the many challenges during the Lutz Guv’na Debate.

As usual, the question-and-answer portion of the debate elicited the most reaction, thanks to candidates’ exorbitant promises and guarantees.

To appeal to the women vote, Gilbert proposed free massages for women “at least once a week.”

Approval ensued.

So did Rankin’s suggestion to offer “unlimited wine.”

Candidates also tackled several pressing issues, including: what new law should be passed for Lutz?

Without hesitation, Rankin said, “No more construction.”

Gilbert advocated for a motorcycle ban “at least once a week” to keep Lutz peaceful.

Sherman instead focused her attention on the area’s economy — ensure 90 percent of Lutz businesses are locally owned.

Another hot-button topic was addressed: Canadian snowbirds sneaking into Lutz.

“Build a wall,” Rankin answered, assuredly.

“Laser beams,” Sherman said.

Gilbert, however, seemed more welcoming of northern migrants.

“Why not invest in a hockey team in Lutz?” he asked.

Other questions— “Why did the chicken cross the road?” and “Who’s the biggest liar?” also generated plenty of laughs throughout the debate.

The afternoon’s silliness was all done in an effort for candidates to drum up as much support as they could, hoping to raise as much money as possible for their “campaigns,” which ultimately go to benefitting several nonprofits and local organizations.

The annual Guv’na Race fundraiser continues through the Fourth of July weekend, where the winner is announced, and earns the coveted “sash” and honorary title from the prior year’s winner.

The race, which started in 1991, is sponsored by the Lutz Civic Association.
It typically raises several thousand dollars for about 20 beneficiaries.

Dignitaries at Saturday’s event included volunteers from Steinbrenner High School, the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club, and representatives from the Old Lutz School and the Lutz Civic Association.

For more information on getting involved or participating in Guv’na fundraising events, contact Greg Gilbert at (248) 444-7320 or , Jessica Sherman at (813) 362-1085 or , or Kori Rankin at (813) 476-3718 or .

Published May 24, 2017