Kevin Weiss

Spring football preview: Pasco County

April 19, 2017 By Kevin Weiss

Spring football practices are one week away for high schools across the state. Though the first games of the 2017 season remain several months away, Florida high schools are allowed a maximum of 20 practice sessions from April 24 to May 31, according to Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) guidelines.

Here’s a look at what schools in our coverage area in Pasco are working with:

Cypress Creek Middle High School
Coach: Mike Johnson (1st year)
2016 Record: N/A

A brand-new program, Cypress Creek likely will face significant challenges in its first few seasons. The 2017 campaign, for instance, will feature no seniors, as current freshmen and sophomores zoned for the school will be pulled from both Wesley Chapel and Wiregrass Ranch high schools.

Meanwhile as spring ball approaches, Mike Johnson — entering his first year as a high school head football coach — is still finalizing his assistant staff. There are other logistical hurdles, too, as the weight room and athletic fields remain under construction at the school’s campus.
The Coyotes’ offensive and defensive schemes remain a mystery, though Johnson recently said he’ll gear the playbook toward the strengths of his eventual roster and coaching staff.
For comparison’s sake, other recent upstart programs in Pasco County have struggled in their early stages. Sunlake High, for example, went a combined 5-25 its first three years of existence, from 2007-2009. Wiregrass Ranch, likewise, went a combined 7-23 its first three seasons, also from 2007-2009.

Land O’ Lakes High School
Coach: Brian Wachtel (7th year)
2016 Record: 2-6

Put simply, the Land O’ Lakes Gators have endured a rough couple years on the gridiron. Since its last winning season in 2013 (8-2), the program went 4-6, 3-7 and 2-6.

The 2017 campaign won’t be easy either, as four of the team’s first five games are on the road, including slates against Wesley Chapel and Sunlake.
To generate a turnaround, the Gators must find some consistency on offense — a unit that scored just eight touchdowns all year. That won’t be easy, with the team losing three of its top four receivers (Justin Kren, Hunter Carlisle, Brayden Lyman) from 2016; leading rusher Kyle Leivas (308 yards) does return, however.

The departure of kicker/punter Dylan Hohenthaner (38.2 yards per punt) shouldn’t be overlooked, either. The Indiana State University signee was a valuable weapon, averaging 38.2 yards per punt.

On a positive note, the Gators return rising junior linebacker Myron Bloom, one of the region’s most productive defensive players. An SAC East First-Team All-Conference selection, Bloom racked up 119 tackles and six tackles for loss.

Pasco High School
Coach: Tom McHugh (10th year)
2016 Record: 1-9

The Pasco Pirates look to regroup from last year’s 1-9 debacle — the program’s worst record since 1978. While the season was troublesome all around, perhaps the toughest moment for Pirates fans to grasp was a 49-0 home loss to crosstown rival Zephyrhills.

In 2015, the Pirates also experienced another setback to their nine-mile rival, losing 50-16.

Lopsided defeats aside, a bounce-back season could be in store for 2017.
Consider that several of Pasco’s top contributors were just sophomores last season, meaning there’s room for development and progress.
Expect players like running back Jamar Hicks Jr. (386 yards rushing, three touchdowns) and receiver Jacquez Mobley (20 receptions, 200 yards) to make significant strides as juniors.

Other key cogs — including linebacker Cameron Smith, and linemen Camron Craig and Cody Mercer — also return. All three were named to the 2016 SAC East All-Conference team.

There’s an opportunity for early-season victories, as the Pirates play four of their first five games at home, including matchups against Ridgewood, Gulf and Cypress Creek.

Sunlake High School
Coach: Bill Browning (11th year)
2015 Record: 7-3

Entering his 11th season as head coach, Bill Browning has the Sunlake Seahawks running like a well-oiled machine, compiling seven consecutive winning seasons. However, the program could be in for a slight rebuilding year in 2017, as heavy reinforcements are needed on both sides of the ball.

First off, the Seahawks must replace one of the county’s top quarterbacks in Justin Hall (1,945 yards, 13 touchdowns, eight interceptions in 2016). Other skill players will need to be groomed on offense, since the Seahawks will be without its top four contributors in Tyler Peretti (40 catches, 866 receiving yards, six TDs) Cris Galdos (666 all-purpose yards, four TDs), Ryan Clark (23 receptions, 412 yards, five TDs) and Justin Metzger (562 yards rushing, four TDs).
Defensively, Sunlake will miss three of its top four tacklers, losing linebackers Izzy Aquino (67 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, five sacks) and Chris Williams (74 tackles, nine tackles for loss, three sacks), and safety Jabriri Davis (55 tackles).

But, if history is any indication, new standouts may quickly emerge for the Seahawks.
And, that could be sooner rather than later, considering the program’s junior varsity squad went 6-1 in 2016.

Wesley Chapel High School
Coach: Anthony Egan (2nd year)
2016 record: 7-2

In his first year as head coach, Anthony Egan oversaw a remarkable turnaround for Wesley Chapel football, a program that hadn’t experienced a winning season since 2011.

Now, Egan looks to take the next step — a district title and a corresponding playoff appearance.

Though the Wildcats will be without two-year starting quarterback Jacob Thomas (806 yards, nine touchdowns, two interceptions), other offensive standouts return, including leading rushers Dexter Leverett (1,249 yards, 10 touchdowns) and Malik Melvin (358 yards, seven touchdowns).

The team’s top returning player, however, is cornerback Isaiah Bolden, a 6-foot-3, 170-pound Florida State commit.

A consensus four-star recruit, Bolden is ranked as the nation’s 22nd best cornerback for the 2017 class, according to ESPN.
The rangy athlete will once again be tasked with locking down the opposition’s top receiver and also contribute on special teams, where he averaged nearly 15 yards per punt return in 2016.
Another Wildcats player to watch is middle linebacker Austen Wittish, who led the team with 93 tackles last season.

Wiregrass Ranch High School
Coach: Mark Kantor (3rd year)
2016 record: 7-3

It appears Wiregrass Ranch football has finally turned a corner, following last season’s program-high seven wins — good enough for District 8-8A runner-up.
Don’t be surprised to see the Bulls have another fruitful season, considering the bevy of talent returning to the field.

While a new quarterback must be groomed, the Bulls return 1,000-yard tailback Dada McGee (1,063 yards, 11 touchdowns), along with its top five wide outs, including 5-foot-8 slot back Adrian Thomas (17 receptions, 207 yards).
Meanwhile, the Bulls again feature one of the most feared secondaries in the region, thanks to the return of uber-skilled cornerbacks Jordan Miner and Shamaur McDowell. Both heavily touted Division I prospects, Miner claims more than 20 scholarship offers, while McDowell has 10.

The Bulls’ X-factor, however, may be newcomer Raymond Woodie III, a 6-foot-2, 185-pound dual-threat quarterback transfer from Carrollwood Day School. The rising junior likewise is being courted by major Division I programs, holding offers from the likes of Southern California and Michigan State universities. (Woodie III is the son of Raymond Woodie Jr., former University of South Florida defensive coordinator and current inside linebackers coach/special teams coordinator at the University of Oregon.)
Early season matchups against Zephyrhills, Wesley Chapel and Sunlake should provide a good barometer of how the 2017 Bulls stack up.

Zephyrhills High School
Coach: Nick Carroll (2nd year)
2016 record: 8-3

Even with a first-time head coach, the Zephyrhills Bulldogs maintained their consistent level of success in 2016.
Last year marked the third consecutive eight-win season and sixth winning season overall for the program, leaving Bulldogs fans eager for the future.

The 2017 edition could prove equally generous to the Bulldogs, with the return of major pieces from a potent, balanced offense that averaged 341 yards per game and scored 50 touchdowns last season.
Some key returnees include quarterback Charles Harrison III (2,038 total yards, 26 touchdowns, five interceptions), leading rusher Elijah Thomas (649 yards, five touchdowns) and leading receiver Tre’Pavis Mobley (39 catches, 802 yards, 11 touchdowns).

Defensively, the Bulldogs return its top two pass rushers from last season — Sterlin Williams (8.5 sacks) and Ja’varrius Wilson (eight sacks)— along with middle linebacker Zac Masci (66 tackles, 2.5 sacks).

The Bulldogs, however, have some early tough tests, facing Wiregrass Ranch and Sunlake the first two weeks of the season.

Zephyrhills Christian Academy
Coach: Mike Smith (3rd year, 11-man)
2016 Record: 7-2

Though the Warriors lose three key playmakers in Serion Bellamy (Shorter University in Georgia), Mykh’ael Chavis (Minnesota State) and John Emmanuel (Minnesota State), the team still has enough pieces to remain competitive in District 2-2A, in 2017.

That starts with leading rusher Calvin Samuel, who racked up 695 yards and seven touchdowns on just 44 carries last season.
Other contributors, like leading receivers Kollin Eckel (133 yards, three touchdowns) and Eugene Davis (145 yards, two touchdowns), are also expected to return, marking the program’s third year of playing 11-man football.
Productive defensive players like lineman Jalen Spencer (24 tackles, 10 tackles for loss) and linebacker Alonzo Sampson (47 tackles, eight tackles for loss) should be back, too.

Next week The Laker/Lutz News will preview Hillsborough County teams in our coverage area.

Published April 19, 2017

Lineman signs with Keiser University

April 19, 2017 By Kevin Weiss

Evan Hogan
(Courtesy of Wiregrass Ranch)

Evan Hogan, a 6-foot-2, 300-pound senior lineman and long snapper at Wiregrass Ranch High School, has signed to play football at Keiser University, an NAIA school in West Palm Beach. Hogan, a three-year varsity starter for Wiregrass Ranch, will be part of Keiser’s inaugural football season in fall 2018. Last October, the university announced the addition of football to its slate of 21 varsity sports; the program will compete in the Sun Conference.

Tournament Champs

April 19, 2017 By Kevin Weiss

The West Pasco Soccer Club’s U10 girls squad took first place in the 2017 Best of the Bay Tournament. The event ran from March 31 through April 2, in St. Petersburg. The team, based in Land O’ Lakes, also won the 10th annual Largo March Madness Tournament last month. For information about the club, visit WestPascoSoccer.com.

Local hooper competes in national 3-on-3 tournament

April 19, 2017 By Kevin Weiss

Land O’ Lakes High freshman Santy Dembele
(Courtesy of Sharron Dembele)

Santara “Santy” Dembele, a freshman at Land O’ Lakes High School, recently competed in the 2017 USA Basketball 3-by-3 U18 National Tournament for Women in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The 5-foot-8 forward teamed up with Kali Barber (Palm Harbor University High School), Nicole Nanos (Palm Harbor University High School) and Shayleese Vazquez (Weeki Wachee High School) to form Hard2Guard. The group went 1-4 in the 10-team tournament, April 8 and April 9.

Dembele was the lone freshman on the Land O’ Lakes High girls varsity team, during the 2016-2017 season.

Gaither High wind ensemble to perform at Carnegie Hall

April 12, 2017 By Kevin Weiss

A group of Gaither High School band students are gearing up this week to perform in a major music festival at one of the world’s most historic venues.

The Gaither High Wind Ensemble, which consists of 50 students, is one of a select group of school band programs invited to the National Band and Orchestra Festival on April 15, at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

The Gaither High Wind Ensemble will perform in the National Band and Orchestra Festival on April 15, at Carnegie Hall in New York City. The adjudicated festival brings together high school bands and orchestras from across the country, giving them the rare invitation into one of the most prestigious music venues in the world.
(Courtesy of Penny Brickson)

The adjudicated, unranked festival brings together high school bands and orchestras from across the country, giving them the rare invitation into one of the most prestigious music venues in the world. About 70 other Gaither band students will also be making the trip, but won’t perform, according to third-year band director Luis Alvarez.

The students, along with the band director and several parent chaperones, leave for the four-day New York trip on April 13.

The wind ensemble, the school’s top performing band, was selected for the festival, thanks to an audition tape submitted in 2015.

The tape featured the ensemble performing a couple of selections, including two movements of Howard Hanson’s “Romantic Symphony.”

“The kids are incredibly gifted,” Alvarez said.

At Carnegie, the ensemble is scheduled to play three scores on-stage: “The Crosley March” by Henry Fillmore and Robert Foster; “Irish Tune from County Derry” by Percy Grainger; and, “Fanfare and Allegro” by Clifton Williams.

Following the performance, the ensemble will receive written and recorded comments from a group of renowned adjudicators.

They include: Frank Battisti, conductor emeritus at the New England Conservatory of Music; Craig Kirchoff, conductor and band director at the University of Minnesota; Charles Peltz, director of wind ensembles at the New England Conservatory of Music; and, Robert Reynolds, principal conductor of the Wind Ensemble at University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music.

The ensemble, along with Alvarez, also will meet with each adjudicator individually, providing a valuable learning experience.

“These are some of the largest—or most important—names in wind bands,” Alvarez explained. “It’s like if you’re going to a basketball camp and you have (Michael) Jordan and Magic (Johnson) working with you.

“The advice they give us will 100 percent be clinic to practice, and used for the future,” he said.

Members of Gaither’s wind ensemble, such as junior Raina Sparks, are also thrilled for the unique opportunity to perform at Carnegie, and “grow musically.”

“I’m really excited to share that experience with so many musical greats,” said Sparks, who plays the French horn. “It’s really cool that we have the opportunity to do that as a high school group.”

Since March, Alvarez said ensemble practices “ramped up quite a bit,” in advance of the festival, including two after-school rehearsals per week.

“The kids are wonderful—and that’s the fun part,” Alvarez said. “It would be tough to do if I had to pull teeth, but they’re so self-motivated. It’s been a very fun process.”

Besides Carnegie Hall, Gaither band students will also explore various parts of New York City throughout the trip.

The group is planning to visit a pair of museums — American Museum of Natural History, National September 11 Memorial & Museum — and see a Broadway show.

“We’re going to go to a few sightseeing things. We’ll get a chance to experience New York, in general,” Alvarez said.

Over the next several years, Alvarez said he’d like to take the high school band to other music festivals across the country, such as Bands of America in Indianapolis, or the Midwest Clinic in Chicago.

For the time being, his sole focus is the looming visit to Carnegie.

“There are goals that we have for the program,” Alvarez said, “and this is just one other building block towards it.”

Published April 12, 2017

Zephyrhills’ police unveil city’s crime statistics

April 12, 2017 By Kevin Weiss

A report generated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation finds overall crime and arrests decreased in Zephyrhills last year, but violent crime and domestic offenses went up.

Zephyrhills police Capt. Derek Brewer presented the city’s 2016 uniform crime statistics, during a March 27 city council meeting.

The figures were generated through the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program (UCR), which the police department reports to semi-annually, to provide a useful barometer for addressing crimes citywide.

The city’s total crime rate, which incorporates violent and property offenses, decreased 4.7 percent in 2016, the report shows.

Violent crimes rose 3 percent (a total of 51 offenses). Property crimes fell 5.2 percent (a total of 879 offenses).

Among property crimes, the city saw the largest decrease in burglaries and motor vehicle thefts. Burglaries were down 19.6 percent (86 actual offenses), and motor vehicle thefts were down 16 percent (21 actual offenses), in 2016.

Meanwhile, the uptick in violent crimes, Brewer said, is oftentimes attributed to narcotics offenses. (In the UCR Program, violent crime is composed of four offenses: murder and non-negligent manslaughter, forcible rape, robbery, and aggravated assault.)

To address the issue, Brewer noted the police department is taking a proactive approach toward narcotics arrests, using a special response team for surveillance and intelligence gathering “to attack the problem at a broader level.”

“We’re going to focus on getting search warrants, as opposed to just controlled, street-level offenses, hoping that we get the bigger fish as opposed to the small ones,” Brewer explained.

The most staggering figure from the crime report, perhaps, is the jump in citywide domestic-related offenses.

Those incidents, which include simple battery and assault, skyrocketed 27.6 percent, with 125 actual offenses in 2016.

To tackle that problem, the police department has begun collaborating with Sunrise Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Center, based in Dade City.

Both groups are working together to “break the cycle” of domestic incidents, via education and awareness efforts.

“We’re hoping to take a stronger approach to domestic violence cases,” Brewer said.

Besides crime rates, total arrests decreased 12 percent (832 total) in 2016.

Brewer pointed out the department, instead, placed a greater emphasis on reducing property crime and drug offenses, and working on code enforcement and the city’s homeless initiative.

Those arenas, Brewer said, “took away from some of the focus on the actual arrests.”

Following the presentation, councilman Charles Proctor expressed his support for the Zephyrhills police department, particularly for its ongoing initiative to combat narcotics-related offenses.

“I am excited…that we are getting into a more active, gathering intelligence about the drugs. That’s been a pet peeve of mine for a long time, and I believe that we’re making great strides in the area,” Proctor said. “I believe that will definitely help lower the crime rate, if we can get rid of (drug usage) going on in the community.”

Meantime, the city’s police force remains understaffed.

The department currently has three unfilled positions, including a detective vacancy.

In other business, City Manager Steve Spina suggested that regular city council meetings be held in the Zephyrhills Public Library’s conference room, once the current city hall is demolished and city staff takes up temporary quarters in the former police station.

Meetings were originally planned for the Alice Hall Community Center, 38116 Fifth Ave. But, Spina noted the library conference room is already wired for audio-visual capabilities and offers a more ideal sound system, Spina said.

Council members unanimously supported Spina’s suggestion.

Construction is slated to begin in June on a new City Hall complex, replacing the existing building, at 5335 Eighth St.

Council meetings will likely begin in the library this summer.

Published April 12, 2017

Wesley Chapel softball on the rise

April 12, 2017 By Kevin Weiss

The Wesley Chapel High varsity softball program has never experienced a winning season — until now.

Years of futility were dotted by coaching instability and a dearth of talent, since the program began in 2007.
In the program’s first five years, the Wildcats went 1-15, 2-20, 2-21, 1-22 and 2-21. Ensuing years were likewise taxing, as the team went 5-14, 0-24, 2-22 and 7-17.

This season, however, is unlike any other.
The Wildcats — 13-5 overall, 7-3 district — are in the midst of a complete 180, under new head coach Steve Mumaw, and an influx of young standouts.
Besides one senior, the varsity squad consists entirely of freshman and sophomores.
While chockfull of underclassman, the newfound group has proven it can compete — and defeat — any opponent in District 7-6A.
That includes Land O’ Lakes (19-3) and River Ridge (13-5), two of the toughest teams in the Tampa Bay area.
Now enjoying a four-game winning streak, the Wildcats are arguably playing their best softball yet.
“It’s all the girls. When you have talent, it’s tough to mess that up,” said Mumaw, a former baseball coach and athletic director at the school.

And, the roster — top to bottom — is loaded with it.
Seven hitters in the regular lineup are batting .333 or better.
That includes sophomore catcher Neely Peterson, who’s pacing the team with a .459 average and .630 on-base percentage.

The Wesley Chapel varsity softball team is experiencing its first winning season in program history.
(Courtesy of Gigante Productions)

“I think we’re looking pretty good right now,” said Peterson, a verbal commit to Colorado State. “It’s very different than what it was in the past.”
The pitching staff, led by freshman ace Jordan Almasy (2.62 ERA, 90 strikeouts in 77.1 innings), has also proven vital to the program’s budding success.
“We’re just going to keep making progress,” said Almasy, a verbal commit to the University of Central Florida.
“We all pick each other up — it’s a team effort,” added sophomore third baseman Ashley Nickisher.

The team’s lone senior is Dana Mumaw, the daughter of Steve Mumaw.
She’s witnessed firsthand the program’s struggles in prior years. “It was tough,” she said, bluntly.
Yet seeing the team “come together” this season has been a memorable experience, in what has otherwise been a turbulent softball career at Wesley Chapel.
“I think from the first day on, we’ve developed and gotten better, especially with a bunch of new players,” Dana Mumaw explained. “I knew we were going to be pretty good, but I didn’t know if we were going to be this good.”
Being coached by her father has proven rewarding, too.
“I love having my dad as the coach,” she said. “It’s really great…and I learn so much from him.”
With four regular season games remaining, the attention soon will focus squarely on the district tournament, beginning the week of April 24. Should the Wildcats win or finish runner-up, they’d be making their first-ever appearance at regionals.
It would be a significant feat, considering the program had never even won a district tournament game until 2016, when they upset Pasco High.
“Our goal is to advance out of districts,” Steve Mumaw said, “and see what happens.”
“We’ve got something pretty special going on here,” he added.

Published April 12, 2017

Sunshine Athletic Conference East awards announced

April 12, 2017 By Kevin Weiss

On March 6, high school coaches from the Pasco County School District announced SAC (Sunshine Athletic Conference) All-Conference Teams, Athletes of the Year, and Coaches of the Year, for the 2016-2017 winter sports season.

Selections were made for both the East and West Division.

The following high schools from our coverage area were represented in the East: Land O’ Lakes, Pasco, Sunlake, Wesley Chapel, Wiregrass Ranch and Zephyrhills.

Longtime Land O’ Lakes High boys basketball coach Dave Puhalski guided the Gators to a 15-8 record, including a 6-1 mark in district play, during the 2016-2017 season. (File)

Winter Sports (Boys)
2016-2017 SAC EAST All-Conference Boys’ Basketball
Coach of the Year: Dave Puhalski, Land O’ Lakes High
Player of the Year: Devin Wilson, Wiregrass Ranch High

First-Team All-Conference
Devin Wilson, Wiregrass Ranch High, senior
Sam Schneidmiller, Wesley Chapel High, senior
Trivone Hill, Land O’ Lakes High, senior
Dre’ wan Clarke, Zephyrhills High, senior
Alizea Quiles, Zephyrhills High, senior

Second-Team All-Conference
Elijah Howell, Wiregrass Ranch High, sophomore
Isaiah Ramsey, Wesley Chapel High, freshman
Roney Webster, Pasco High, junior
Mekhi Perry, Land O’ Lakes High, freshman
Conner Lloyd, Sunlake High, junior

Wiregrass Ranch boys soccer coach David Wilson guided the Bulls to a 15-4-5 mark, during the 2016-2017 season. (File)

2016-2017 SAC EAST All-Conference Boys’ Soccer
Coach of the Year: David Wilson, Wiregrass Ranch High
Player of the Year: Sabi Restrepo, Sunlake High

First-Team All-Conference
Jackson Trudell, Wiregrass Ranch High, junior
Michael Tarig, Sunlake High, senior
Jake Baker, Pasco High, senior
Royce Ludde, Wiregrass Ranch High, junior
Ian Flores, Wiregrass Ranch High, junior
Perez Estaban, Pasco High, senior
John Pase, Wiregrass Ranch High, senior

Second-Team All-Conference
Jake Nolting, Wiregrass Ranch High, junior
Jason Nicolette, Pasco High, sophomore
Grant Presson, Sunlake High, junior
Edwardo Ordaz, Pasco High, senior
Parker Ludwick, Land O’ Lakes High, senior
Will Lovelace, Wiregrass Ranch High, senior
Alex Nyguen, Sunlake High, junior
David Hillner, Pasco High, senior
JP Torres, Wiregrass Ranch High, junior
Cory Mills, Pasco High, senior
Payton Wilson, Wiregrass Ranch High, senior

Honorable Mentions
Marco Suolinsky, Wesley Chapel High, freshman
Armando Hernandez, Zephyrhills High, senior

2016-2017 SAC EAST All-Conference Wrestling
Coach of the Year: Jeff Beson, Wesley Chapel High
Player of the Year: Jacob Conrad, Land O’ Lakes High

First-Team All-Conference
106-pound: Chase Ayers, Pasco High, sophomore
113-pound: Jeremiah Beck, Pasco High, sophomore
120-pound: Jarrett Kinney, Land O’ Lakes High, sophomore
126-pound: John DeAugustino, Pasco High, junior
132-pound: Troy Nation, Land O’ Lakes High, junior
138-pound: Jacob Conrad, Land O’ Lakes High, sophomore
145-pound: Emmanuel Torres, Wesley Chapel High, senior
152-pound: Josh Spears, Land O’ Lakes High, senior
160-pound: Angel Hernando, Pasco High, sophomore
170-pound: Marcus Gillott, Wesley Chapel High, senior
182-pound: Jack Faysash, Wesley Chapel High, senior
195-pound: Jack Ward, Wesley Chapel High, senior
220-pound: Donovan Willingham, Wesley Chapel High, senior
Heavyweight: James Perez, Sunlake High, senior

Second-Team All-Conference
106-pound: David Cifuentes, Wesley Chapel High, senior
113-pound: Krystian Maldonado, Sunlake High, sophomore
120-pound: Alex Alvarez, Wiregrass Ranch High, sophomore
126-pound: Connor O’ Malley, Wiregrass Ranch High, sophomore
132-pound: Skot Dakin, Wesley Chapel High, senior
138-pound: Rudy Hajaistron, Wesley Chapel High, senior
145-pound: Torben Moses, Land O’ Lakes High, senior
152-pound: Jared Ladd, Pasco High, senior
160-pound: Devin Praesel, Wiregrass Ranch High, senior
170-pound: Cameron Lee, Pasco High, junior
182-pound: Tyler Estep, Sunlake High, junior
195-pound: Elijah Capshaw, Land O’ Lakes High, junior
220-pound: Zach Masci, Zephyrhills High, junior
Heavyweight: James Perez, Sunlake High, senior

Winter Sports (Girls)
2016-2017 SAC EAST All-Conference Girls’ Soccer
Coach of the Year: Michelle Clark, Wesley Chapel High
Players of the Year: Samantha Epifanio, Land O’ Lakes High
Haley Eckel, Land O’ Lakes High

First-Team All-Conference
Rachel Hillner, Pasco High, junior
Haley Eckel, Land O’ Lakes High, senior
Carissa Dixon, Land O’ Lakes High, senior
Jennifer Luna, Pasco High, junior
Morgan Craven, Land O’ Lakes High, junior
Samantha Epifanio, Land O’ Lakes High, senior
Bailey Hern, Wesley Chapel High
Sydny Nasello, Land O’ Lakes High, junior
Jordyn Kadlub, Pasco High, sophomore
Hannah Young, Land O’ Lakes High, senior
Ysa Novak, Wiregrass Ranch, sophomore

Second-Team All-Conference
Emma Hanyok, Sunlake High, senior
Abigail Murphy, Wesley Chapel High, freshman
Sydney Chase, Wiregrass Ranch High, senior
Riley Morrison, Sunlake High, senior
Kelly Vester, Wesley Chapel High, senior
Lauren Campoe, Wesley Chapel High, senior
Jeanine Sullivan, Sunlake High, sophomore
Victoria Mitchell, Wesley Chapel High, junior
Landon Carter, Sunlake High, senior
Brooke Blommel, Pasco High, senior
Avery Wild, Zephyrhills High, sophomore

Honorable Mention
Sara Madagan, Zephyrhills High, sophomore

2016-2017 SAC EAST All-Conference Girls Basketball
Coach of the Year: Reesa Hendrix Pledge, Sunlake High
Player of the Year: Stephanie Brower, Wiregrass Ranch High

First-Team All-Conference
Stephanie Brower, Wiregrass Ranch High, senior
Andrea Wallace, Sunlake High, junior
Char Niya Darby, Land O’ Lakes High, junior
Dana Mumaw, Wesley Chapel High, senior
Mary Moran, Sunlake High, junior

Second-Team All-Conference
Melissa Gordon, Wiregrass Ranch High, senior
Nicole Carey, Wiregrass Ranch High, senior
Kiara Broner, Pasco High, junior
Micaiah Young, Pasco High, senior
Kayla Grant, Wesley Chapel High, freshman High

Honorable Mention
Chelsea Junes, Zephyrhills High, sophomore

Sunlake High’s cheerleading varsity team featured eight SAC East All-Conference honorees for the 2016-2017 season. The team won the ‘Best of Pasco’ cheerleading title in January. (File)

2016-2017 SAC EAST All-Conference Competitive Cheerleading
Coach of the Year: Pennye Garcia, Sunlake High
Cheerleader of the Year: Mallory Mock, Sunlake High

First-Team All-Conference
Meghan Edkins, Sunlake High, sophomore
Lauren Gobea, Sunlake High, junior
Brooke Hodge, Sunlake High, sophomore
Mallory Mock, Sunlake High, senior
Caitlin Bobo, Land O’ Lakes High, senior
Alexis Watts, Land O’ Lakes High, senior
Sophie Davidson, Wiregrass Ranch High, sophomore
Sierra Perez, Wiregrass Ranch High, senior
Alyssa Loo, Wiregrass Ranch High, junior
Samantha Flannery, Pasco High, senior

Second-Team All-Conference
Jillian Seaton, Sunlake High, sophomore
Taylor Broderick, Sunlake High, junior
Claire Goltermann, Land O’ Lakes High, junior
Abby Runkel, Land O’ Lakes High, sophomore
Mackenzie Heinzman, Sunlake High, freshman
Savannah Bobik, Sunlake High, junior
Natalie McFadden Land O’ Lakes High, junior
Amber Kennison, Land O’ Lakes High, sophomore
Abbi Laferriere, Wiregrass Ranch High, senior
Alyssa Moore, Wiregrass Ranch High, senior

Honorable Mention
Madison Wertovich, Wesley Chapel High, senior

2016-2017 SAC East All-Conference Girls’ Weightlifting
Coach of the Year: Denise Garcia, Sunlake High
Athlete of the Year: Jessica Guadarrama, Zephyrhills High, junior

First-Team All-Conference
101-pound: Shelby Lewis, Sunlake High, senior
110-pound: Savannah Sutton, Zephyrhills High, sophomore
119-pound: Lizbeth Estrada, Zephyrhills High, senior
129-pound: Loah Castro, Sunlake High, sophomore
139-pound: Caroline Winstead, Sunlake High, sophomore
154-pound: Tricia Clifton, Wiregrass Ranch High, senior
169-pound: Alysa Kremer, Land O’ Lakes High, freshman
183-pound: Jessica Guadarrama, Zephyrhills High, junior
199-pound: Yarixa Casasnovas, Sunlake High, junior
Unlimited: Micaiah Long, Sunlake High, senior

Second-Team All-Conference
101-pound: Sara First, Zephyrhills High, senior
110-pound: Maria Espinal, Sunlake High, sophomore
119-pound: Caitlyn Elling, Pasco High, sophomore
129-pound: Mariah Melendez, Sunlake High, sophomore
139-pound: Isabella Garcia, Sunlake High, freshman
154-pound: Katelyn Ortiz, Sunlake High, senior
169-pound: Veronica Salazar, Land O’ Lakes High, sophomore
183-pound: Hailey Parks, Sunlake High, senior
199-pound: Tatyana Cole, Zephyrhills High, junior
Unlimited: Abby Shaffer, Zephyrhills High School, sophomore

Honorable Mention: Abigail Monticco, Wesley Chapel, junior

Passover begins April 10

April 5, 2017 By Kevin Weiss

The holiday of Pesach, or Passover, is an eight-day festival celebrated in the early spring, from the 15th through the 22nd of the Hebrew month of Nissan. This year, it runs from April 10 to April 18. It commemorates the emancipation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. Following the rituals of Passover allows the Jewish community to relive and experience the freedom of their ancestors.

Observances: Passover is divided into two parts. The first two days, April 10 and April 11, and the last two days, April 17 and April 18, are full-fledged holidays. Candles are lit at night and feasts (Seders) are enjoyed the first two days. The middle four days are referred to as chol hamoed, or semi-festive “intermediate days.”

Seders: The highlight of Passover is the Seder, which is observed on each of the first two nights of the holiday. The Seder is a 15-step, family-oriented tradition and ritual-packed feast.

The eight-day festival of Passover runs from April 10 through April 18 this year. The highlight of Passover is the Seder, observed on each of the first two nights of the holiday. Symbolic foods of a Passover Seder include maror, saltwater, charoset, zeroah, beitzah and karpas.
(File)

The focal points of the Seder include:
Eating matzah, or unleavened bread
Eating bitter herbs to commemorate the bitter slavery endured by the Israelites
Drinking four cups of wine or grape juice to celebrate the newfound freedom
The recitation of the Haggadah, a liturgy that describes the story of the Exodus from Egypt. The Haggadah is the fulfillment of the biblical obligation to recount the story of the Exodus on the night of Passover.

Symbolic Seder foods:
Maror—bitter herbs, usually horseradish, to serve as a reminder of the bitterness of slavery
Saltwater—symbolizing the tears of the slaves
Charoset—sweet paste made of fruit and nuts, symbolizing the mortar the slaves used to build the Egyptian pyramids
Zeroah—shank bone, representing the Passover sacrifice
Beitzah—hard-boiled egg, symbolic of life and birth associated with the spring season
Karpas — a leafy green vegetable, usually a piece of lettuce, symbolizing hope and redemption

Some traditional Ashkenazi Passover dishes include gefilte fish, matzah ball soup, brisket, tzimmis (sweet carrot and fruit dish), and macaroons and sponge cake (made from matzah meal) for dessert.

Expanded Menu for Passover: In November 2015, the Conservative Jewish movement’s Committee on Jewish Law and Standards issued a ruling allowing the consumption of kitniyot (legumes) during Passover. For thousands of years, Ashkenazi Jews have followed the tradition of not eating kitniyot on Passover. (The custom was not adopted by most Sephardi Jews.) Kitniyot includes beans, corn, rice, millet, peas, soybeans, peanuts, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, mustard and sometimes garlic.

Passover events
Where: Chabad at Wiregrass, 2124 Ashley Oaks Circle in Wesley Chapel
What: Community Passover Seder, complete with a gourmet Passover dinner and holiday rituals.
When: April 10 at 8:15 p.m.
Cost: Suggested donation of $30 per person and $100 per family.
For information, call (813) 642-3244, or visit ChabadatWiregrass.com.

Where: Congregation Kol Ami, 3919 Moran Road, Tampa
What: Passover 2nd Night Seder
When: April 11 at 7 p.m.
Cost: $45 for adults, $32 for children (kids under 3 years old eat free)
For information, call (813) 962-6338, or visit KolAmi.org.

Where: Congregation Mekor Shalom, 14005A N. Dale Mabry Highway
What: Passover Services, with joyous songs and macaroons
When: April 11 at 9:30 a.m.
For information, call (813) 963-1818, or visit MekorShalom.org.

Where: Congregation Beth Am, 2030 W. Fletcher Ave.
What: Second Night Passover Seder
When: April 11 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
For information, call (813) 968-8511, or email .

Published April 5, 2017

Super Saturday offers a swingin’ good time

April 5, 2017 By Kevin Weiss

It might’ve been April Fool’s Day, but this softball event was no joke.

This dog belongs to Mackenzie Pavloff, of Lutz. The service dog, named Koda Bear, is a 5-year-old Pitbull-mix, who seems to like the sounds of the softball games at Oscar Cooler Youth Sports Complex. The pet’s owner said she played softball at the complex years ago.
(Fred Bellet)

It’s called Super Saturday, and it’s an annual fundraiser for Lutz Softball, a recreational fast-pitch league for girls ages 5 through 18.

On April 1, several hundred softball families gathered to cheer on more than 20 teams, soaking in the daylong festivities at the Oscar Cooler Youth Sports Complex.

Besides a full slate of softball matchups, there was plenty to keep attendees amused, from family friendly games and activities, to numerous vendors and countless raffles.

“This is probably the biggest Super Saturday we’ve ever held,” said Mike Cook, president of Lutz Softball Inc.

“Every year, it’s gotten bigger and bigger and bigger,” added event coordinator Jennifer Bommarito. “This is quite a bit bigger than it started out to be.”

Ten-year-old Sicily Jordan, of the visiting Wesley Chapel Pink Rockets, gets a hit against the Renegades during game action last Saturday at Oscar Cooler Youth Sports Complex.

Held each spring, Super Saturday is one of the league’s two major fundraisers. The other is Fall Festival, in October.

Amid softball rivalries and competition, Super Saturday gives young athletes a chance to unwind.

“This is actually like a fun day for them,” Bommarito said, “where they actually get to goof all a little bit…and not have to be so serious.”

Mike Bosworth, who has coached in the league since 2013, said the annual shindig also helps foster positive interactions among families.

“People are…competitive with one another, and when you do an event like this, it gets you to know other people, and it softens those relationships on the field,” he explained.

Other parents agreed.

After playing his Little League game, 5-year-old Wyatt Gingras, of Lutz, totes his favorite bat and backpack to watch Leaguerette softball and cool off with an icy beverage. Wyatt was with his grandfather, Scott Knoeppel, of Lutz, and spent the day enjoying the family fun event at Oscar Cooler Youth Sports Complex.

“I think it brings us closer,” said parent-coach Rainey Rosenberger.

“It’s just fun to get families together from the community,” parent Natalie Brown added.

Another parent, Maggie Mixon, believes the event has nearly become a Lutz tradition.

“It’s phenomenal — just to see the community come together, in the spirit of collaboration,” she said. “It’s just a good, old-fashioned, small-town gathering.”

Among the afternoon’s top highlights was the parents’ tournament — and it’s unlike any other.

A 16-inch blooper ball was used, bases were run in reverse, fathers batted with their non-dominant hand, and kids served as coaches.

“It’s fun and confusing — everything’s backwards,” Rosenberger said, smiling.
The sports complex’s ballyhooed concession stand was another draw.

From biscuits and gravy during early morning games, to mushroom Swiss burgers and buffalo chicken wraps, there’s never a shortage of tasty grub offerings.

Bosworth, whose wife, Alissa, is the concessions manager, said parents from other youth leagues — Brandon, Carrollwood, Wesley Chapel —can’t say enough about the ballpark’s spreads.

Bryan Bounds, of Gainesville, watches softball action with friend, Charlene Ierna, of Lutz. Ierna’s 15-year-old daughter, Emma Ierna, plays on the softball team called the Rebels. Ierna is also the team’s sponsor.

“The parents are always like, ‘You guys have got the best concession stand we’ve ever seen, anywhere,’” Bosworth said.

Super Saturday, meanwhile, couldn’t have come at a better time for the softball organization.

On March 8, two suspects burglarized the Oscar Cooler Sports Complex during early morning hours, causing losses in excess of $5,000.

“That (robbery) threw us for a loop tremendously,” Mike Cook said.

In wake of the incident, the league has received “overwhelming” community support, with donations from the likes of Home Depot, Walgreens, Lowe’s and Ford.

Over $1,920 has also been raised, via a GoFundMe page.

Lutz Softball, formerly known as the Lutz Leaguerettes, also has seen quite a transition since January 2016, when the organization announced it was offering a recreational fast-pitch league for the first time in its 37-year history.

Just six months later, its slow-pitch leagues were discontinued because of dwindling registration and an overwhelming preference for fast-pitch. The fast-pitch league now claims to have about 200 participants, the highest figure in several years.

Lutz Softball Inc., is a PONY (Protect Our Nation’s Youth) Softball affiliate.

Published April 5, 2017