The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Kevin Weiss

Wesley Chapel all-stars

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Three all-star softball teams from the Wesley Chapel Athletic Association will be competing in the state championships in Okeechobee from July 8 to July 10. The Darlings (7-8 year olds), Angels (9-10 year olds) and Ponies (11-12 year olds) all-star teams each won district titles for their age groups to advance to states.

Darlings All Star PicThe Darlings All-Stars are: Chelsea Andersen, Kylie Glatfelter, Presley Brinkley, Alexis Gattuso, Abbygail Scranton, Elli Wease, Reagan Beagle, Sara Griffing, Jaila Mitchell, Elizabeth Stanley, Audrey Luce and Emily Bowling. (Photos courtesy of Julie Anna Marks0)

 
Angels All StarsThe Angels All-Stars are: Annamarie Ratican, Alyson Gehrmann, Jordan Ankers, Jaida Thomas, Aubrey Wallace, Allison Glatfelter, Courtney Marks, Alex Bowe-Wooton, Ahmari Arca, Julia Brocato, Mattea Cassale and Sophia Lipinski.

 

 

 

 

 

Ponies All StarsThe Ponies All-Stars are: Jordan Danielson, Chloe Danielson, Trae’Lynn Diaz, Olivia Hollifield, Kendall Jones, Madison Marotta, Martha Plazewski, Annissa Quinonez, Makenna Rice, Abbey Vyas, Alivia Zolman and Savannah Greenwood.

Wiregrass Ranch standout receives USF offer

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(Courtesy of Scout.com)
(Courtesy of Scout.com)

Wiregrass Ranch High football standout Jordan Miner received a football scholarship offer from the University of South Florida on June 27. Miner, a rising junior, also has offers from Bowling Green, Toledo and Tulane. The 6-foot-1, 180-pound defensive back totaled 35 tackles last season and served as the team’s kick returner, where he averaged 34 yards per return. Miner is also a member of the Wiregrass Ranch basketball team, where he was second on the team in points (10.5 points per game) and rebounds (4.5 rebounds per game) last season.

Saint Leo senior is an All-American

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Saint Leo University senior Valentin Lenz was named a 2015-2016 Second-Team Academic All-American in men’s cross-country and track and field.

(Courtesy of Saint Leo)
(Courtesy of Saint Leo)

Lenz, of Dusseldorf, Germany, is only the second Saint Leo men’s cross-country/track athlete to earn Academic All-America honors, following in the footsteps of Carl Dunne who won the honor a year ago. Lenz, the 2015 Sunshine State Conference (SSC) Men’s Cross Country Runner of the Year, was the 2015 SSC men’s cross-country individual champion and led Saint Leo to SSC cross-country titles for two consecutive years. He finished in ninth-place at the 2015 NCAA Cross-Country South Region Championships, which qualified him for the 2015 NCAA Cross-Country National Championships in Joplin, Missouri, where his 10K distance time of 31:08.30 set a new Saint Leo record.

Lenz is an accounting and economics major.

Saint Leo golfer makes All-Nicklaus team

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(Courtesy of Saint Leo)
(Courtesy of Saint Leo)

Saint Leo freshman golfer Hugo Bernard was recently named to the 2016 All-Nicklaus Team. Bernard is one of 24 honorees, and one of only four Division II golfers on the list. Bernard was crowned the 2016 NCAA Division II individual national champion after winning the individual title in Denver, Colorado, on May 19. The All-Nicklaus Team was created in 2008, and is named after Jack Nicklaus, one of the sport’s all-time greatest players.

Former Zephyrhills star now on staff

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Bryan Thomas, a former Zephyrhills High football star, has been added to the school’s football staff.

Thomas, a 2006 graduate of Zephyrhills High, will be an assistant on first-year head coach Nick Carroll’s staff for the 2016 season.

Thomas was widely regarded as one of the top high school safeties in the nation. (The recruiting service Rivals.com labeled him as a 4-star recruit and the 12th best safety in the 2006 recruiting class.) He started his college football career at the University of Florida before transferring to the University of North Alabama. The Zephyrhills Bulldogs went 8-3 last season under former coach Reginald Roberts.

Saint Leo tennis coach heads to Baylor

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Chris Frusci, Saint Leo’s head men’s and women’s tennis coach for the past two seasons, resigned his post last week to become a women’s assistant tennis coach at Baylor University.

“Saint Leo athletics wishes Chris Frusci all the best as he moves to the next stop along his coaching career,” Saint Leo athletic director Francis Reidy said in a release. “While disappointed he was with us just a few years, it is clear by the programs’ results, he is a fantastic coach and recruiter. Baylor is getting a talented and dedicated coach.”

In two years at Saint Leo, Frusci posted an overall record of 43-8 and 11-1 SSC (Sunshine State Conference) on the men’s side and a 42-9, 14-2 SSC record on the women’s side. He also led both programs to their first-ever Sunshine State Conference regular season titles.

A national search is underway for a new head coach.

This long-distance run continues to inspire

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When Terry Hitchcock decided to run from his hometown of Minneapolis, Minnesota to Atlanta, Georgia, in the span of 75 days before 1996 Olympics — he did so with a singular goal.

He wanted to shine a spotlight on the hardships of single parenting.

Hitchcock knew all too well about the challenges because he had lost his wife, Sue, to breast cancer, and he was forced to provide for his three children by himself.

Terry Hitchcock ran more than a marathon a day for 75 days back in 1996. A marathon is 26.2 miles. (Courtesy of Terry Hitchcock)
Terry Hitchcock ran more than a marathon a day for 75 days back in 1996. A marathon is 26.2 miles.
(Courtesy of Terry Hitchcock)

And, he was inspired to raise awareness about the millions of single parents and children who were facing the same challenges as him.

“No one knows what they go through every day, so I thought, ‘I want to do something for them,’” Hitchcock said, now 77, during a luncheon meeting of the North Tampa Chamber of Commerce at Brunchies in Carrollwood.

“I’m kind of a dreamer and I thought, ‘Well the Olympics are coming to Atlanta — maybe I could run to Atlanta.’”

And, he did just that, completing the equivalent of more than a marathon a day, for 75 days in a row.

While helping to raise awareness about single-parent families, Hitchcock said the experience also taught him unexpected lessons, as he ran through cities and towns across several states.

The Clearwater resident now shares his story and offers encouragement to others through motivational speaking engagements.

His motto is “nothing is impossible.”

And, he urged members of the audience to embrace that attitude: “If you have a dream, don’t let anybody take it away from you.”

He reminded those gathered of the numerous icons that experienced failures and discouragement before going on to achieve great success.

Examples he cited included:

  • Michael Jordan, who was cut from his varsity high school team as a sophomore
  • Seuss, whose first book was rejected by 27 publishers
  • Elvis Presley, who was fired by management at the Grand Ole Opry in 1954 following a lackluster performance

“It’s really all up here, in your mind.  You can do a lot of things, but you have to convince (yourself) you can do it,” Hitchcock said.

When he decided to take to the road 20 years ago, it seemed like a far-fetched plan, particularly because, at 57, he was a slightly overweight “couch potato,” he said.

“No one gave me a chance,” Hitchcock said. “Runners said it was humanly impossible.”

To prepare for the grueling trek, Hitchcock trained for 17 months, suffering a heart attack halfway through his regimen.

Despite strict orders to stop from his primary care physician, Hitchcock kept at it.

“I didn’t care — I was going to do this,” Hitchcock said.

Throughout his 75-day excursion, Hitchcock actually logged an average of about 31 miles per day. The distance of a marathon is 26.2 miles.

“Every day there was pain,” Hitchcock said.

He fractured both ankles and cracked his patella (kneecap) tendon during his running tour, he said.

He also witnessed what he described as the “heartbeat of America.”

“I was in people’s homes, I was in schools, I was in churches,” Hitchcock said. “I could tell you 100 stories about what I saw; you don’t realize what’s out there.”

Perhaps Hitchcock’s most unforgettable moment came on ‘Day 39’ when he ran through East St. Louis (Illinois), labeled as one of the nation’s most dangerous and crime-ridden cities.

“This place looked like a bomb went off, and a bomb went off after that,” Hitchcock said. He recalled seeing burned out cars and dilapidated buildings on the East St. Louis streets.

Despite the city’s notorious reputation, Hitchcock said he was greeted with hugs and handshakes from residents in a show of support for his cause.

“Somewhere around 200 people gathered in a big circle around me with no exit, and in the middle of this circle we had a town meeting for a half an hour,” Hitchcock said. “We didn’t talk about the run, we talked about all the issues (facing America).

“It was the most unbelievable half hour ever spent in my life.”

Hitchcock was the subject of the 2009 documentary “My Run.” He also wrote a book, “A Father’s Odyssey: 75 Marathons in 75 Days.”

He now works as a professional speaker and as a business consultant.

Published July 6, 2016

Dade City Police seeks new K-9 team

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The Dade City Police Department is still searching for a new K-9 team after a recent departure.

Chris Stone, a 14-year law enforcement officer, and his K-9 partner, Ryko, worked together for eight years before retiring as a team about three months ago.

Stone now works for the Pasco County Fire Department.

“We knew (Ryko’s retirement) was coming, but we didn’t know it was coming this fast,” Dade City Police Chief Ray Velboom said.

Chris Stone, a 14-year law enforcement officer, and his K-9 partner, Ryko, worked together for eight years before retiring as a team about three months ago. (Courtesy of Dade City Police Department)
Chris Stone, a 14-year law enforcement officer, and his K-9 partner, Ryko, worked together for eight years before retiring as a team about three months ago.
(Courtesy of Dade City Police Department)

“The dog was of the age that you really couldn’t have assigned it to another handler being nine years old, and it was starting to have some hip issues,” the police chief added.

“It’s a tough job—riding in a car for 12 hours a day, jumping out and running, so you tend to retire them around nine or 10 years; he was due to retire pretty soon anyway, whether Stone left or not,” Velboom continued.

A new K-9 costs about $10,000, including new supplies and equipment.

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

The department already has received several thousand dollars in donations from a number of local organizations and businesses, including the Kiwanis Club, the Rotary Club and the San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union.

“The community has just been phenomenal,” Velboom said about the support for a new K-9. “I can’t say enough about how people were sending me checks anywhere from $25 to a $1,000. It’s really been a rallying point.”

As it searches for a new K-9 unit, the police department has been receiving K-9 assistance from both the Pasco Sheriff’s Office and the Zephyrhills Police Department.

Despite the logistical obstacles of not having its own K-9 unit, Velboom said the arrangement has been beneficial, for the time being.

“It’s working really excellent,” Velboom said. “Pasco is here whenever we need them, especially now since we’re on their same radio channel; they hear when we need a dog, and a dog just shows up.”

Velboom noted the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office also has agreed to help his department select a new German Shepherd from a police K-9 vendor once $10,000 is raised.

“They have a lot of experience in buying dogs, so we’re going to work with some of the experts,” he said.

Meanwhile, the police chief is looking to appoint a new handler from within his department.

“We’ve had three officers apply to be considered, and we’re working on the process to figure out which one is best suited for the job,” he said.

Ideally, Velboom would like to have a new K-9 unit in place “sometime in August,” so the dog and its handler can undergo a 16-week, state-mandated K-9 training course, which begins in September.

Once complete, Velboom said the K-9 unit will be sent to a narcotic detection school to receive dual-certification from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

Throughout both patrol and narcotics work, the unit’s duties will include tracking wanted or missing persons, conducting building searches, and conducting drug searches in structures and vehicles.

Published June 29, 2016

New style of pizza coming to Lutz

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A new pizza joint is set to open this summer at Northgate Square in Lutz.

Uncle Maddio’s, located at 3949 Van Dyke Road in Lutz, plans to open its doors in late August; it replaces the now-vacant Johnston’s Hallmark store next to the Publix Super Market.

It will be the first of five Tampa area locations for the create-your-own, fast-casual pizza franchise.

Mike Mateo and his wife, Ada, are the owners of the Uncle Maddio’s, 3949 Van Dyke Road in Lutz. They signed a five-unit agreement with the franchise last year, and have plans of opening the other restaurants throughout North Tampa and Pasco County. (Courtesy of Uncle Maddio's)
Mike Mateo and his wife, Ada, are the owners of the Uncle Maddio’s, 3949 Van Dyke Road in Lutz. They signed a five-unit agreement with the franchise last year, and have plans of opening the other restaurants throughout North Tampa and Pasco County.
(Courtesy of Uncle Maddio’s)

The 3,500-square-foot dine-in restaurant will also feature a 300-square-foot built-in recessed patio.

Franchisee Mike Mateo, a first-time restaurant owner, said construction on the leasing area will begin within the next week.

“We’re waiting for some permits, but it’s a process,” Mateo said. “We’re turning what used to be a ‘dry’ retail location into a ‘wet’ retail location with it being restaurant space.”

The restaurant will be open every day from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., but Mateo said he may alter the hours depending on customer feedback.

Uncle Maddio’s is labeled as a “next generation” pizza restaurant, allowing customers to build their own pizza exactly to their liking. Individual-sized pizzas are cooked in fast-baked ovens and typically served in about six minutes. Patrons can choose from one of three crusts, and 48 different toppings including 27 vegetables, 15 meats and six different sauces. Create-your-own salads and toasted “Foldwich” sandwiches are available, too.

Mateo said he “fell in love with the concept” after visiting a Tallahassee location, and believed the pizza chain would find success in the Tampa area.

“They have a great product, and they’re very consistent on the product and the service,” said Mateo, a retired division vice president for ATM technology company Diebold. “What drew me to the concept was that we were wowed from beginning to end.

Uncle Maddio’s will be opening in Lutz this August. It will be the first of five stores that will eventually open in Tampa. (Kevin Weiss/Staff Photo)
Uncle Maddio’s will be opening in Lutz this August. It will be the first of five stores that will eventually open in Tampa.
(Kevin Weiss/Staff Photo)

“We love the freshness of the ingredients; the fact that you can create your own (pizza), the ambiance and the energy of the Uncle Maddio’s restaurants is just unique.”

Mateo already has named Rich Richeson as the Lutz restaurant’s general manager, and Anna Stevenson as the assistant general manager.

“Those are the two key employees, and once they get trained…we should start recruiting the staff,” he said, adding he plans to have a total of 30 to 40 mostly part-time employees.

Unlike other well-known pizza chains, Uncle Maddio’s has no drive-thru or delivery.

“It’s just going to be a comfortable environment for you to sit in and be relaxed, and just enjoy a meal with family or friends,” Mateo said, noting alcohol options will be available. “The core dealing of it is that you’re comfortable and you’re not in a hurry to leave.”

Mateo and his wife, Ada, signed a five-unit agreement with the chain last year. He has targeted Carrollwood, New Tampa, Trinity, Westchase and Wesley Chapel as possible locations for the other Uncle Maddio’s sites.

“We’re not sure in terms of which one comes first, but we are looking at those locations and seeing what’s available,” Mateo said. “Our plan is to have a second one open next year; we are working with a realtor to look at locations for 2017 and 2018.”

Uncle Maddio’s currently has restaurants spread throughout North Florida, and recently opened stores in both Sarasota and Orlando.

Since its launching in 2008, Uncle Maddio’s has signed franchise agreements with 65 different entities in 19 states.

Published June 29, 2016

First annual Swing for Scouting set for July 9

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An amateur long drive competition will be to raise money for area Boy Scouts.

The first annual Swing for Scouting contest takes place on July 9 at The Abbey Course in St. Leo from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.

The longest drive competition will have three divisions: Youth (under 18), Adults (18-50) and Senior (over 50).

The first annual Swing for Scouting long drive contest will take place at the Abbey Course in St. Leo on July 9. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)
The first annual Swing for Scouting long drive contest will take place at the Abbey Course in St. Leo on July 9.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

The contest is for amateurs only. Those competing must supply their own clubs and all club heads must conform to the standards of the United States Golf Association. Golf clubs cannot be longer than 50 inches long. And, all contestants will be provided three balls to hit. Those competing will not be allowed to bring their own balls to the competition.

Proceeds from the event will go into the general fund of the Greater Tampa Bay Area Council, which is chartered by the Boy Scouts of America.

Funds raised by the event will be used for camp upkeep, scholarships and administrative purposes.

Jason McCombs, vice chairman for the Allohak District, came up with the fundraising concept after he recently passed by the golf course for a different scouting event. The Allohak District serves eastern and central Pasco County, including the communities of Land O’ Lakes, Wesley Chapel, Dade City, Zephyrhills and Lacoochee.

McCombs is looking to have at least 200 long drive participants, and hopes to raise about $4,000.

“Being the first year that we’ve ever done this, we’re shooting for the moon, but we’re hoping to just hit the target,” the district vice chairman said. “We’re very close to making our (fundraising) goal for the year, so this is just going to put us over the top.”

In addition to the longest drive contest, there will be other golf skill challenges, including a putting contest and a closest to the pin game.

“The main one that we’re doing is the longest drive competition,” McCombs said. “If we have other people interested, there are things there like the practice putting green and a pin that’s off to the side that you can practice pitching (wedge shots) with. It’s just a little small thing to keep people interested waiting for their turn or waiting for their results.”

McCombs has interest in organizing a Swing for Scouting event each year, with plans to rotate to various golf courses or driving ranges throughout Pasco County.

“I would like to see it move around; maybe next year we can do it in Land O’ Lakes someplace or Wesley Chapel. We’ll have to see how it goes,” he said.

In March, the Gulf Ridge Council and West Central Florida merged to form the Greater Tampa Bay Area Council. The council now encompasses nine counties and serves more than 26,000 youth in 200 Cub Scout packs, 212 Boy Scout and Varsity Scout troops, 46 Venturing Crews and nearly 17,000 Learning for Life participants. It also maintains six camp properties, including Camp Owen J. Brorein in Odessa.

McCombs noted the importance of the Boy Scouts of America, which he says creates “fun with a purpose” for youth.

“We give them life skills,” he said. “With our merit badges, we can teach them and expose them to things they may be interested in doing a career in. Plus, we give them the ability to become leaders in their own community…and just basically give them a chance to grow up.”

Advance ticket prices for youth are $12; adult prices are $22. To preregister, visit http://tinyurl.com/SwingForScouting.

For more information, call Jason McCombs at (813) 368-7282.

Published June 29, 2016