Kevin Weiss

College cheerleading team preps for nationals

March 16, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

The Pasco-Hernando State College cheerleading team will compete at nationals for the second straight year.

The cheer squad will travel to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, on March 18 to square off in the Cheer Ltd. Collegiate Nationals at CANAM. The squad will compete in the Collegiate Small Coed Division, where it finished fourth runner-up out of 13 teams last year.

The Pasco-Hernando State College cheerleading team will compete in the Cheer Ltd. Collegiate Nationals on March 18 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The squad most recently won the state championship at the Florida State Fair on Feb. 6. (Photos courtesy of Pasco-Hernando State College) — The Pasco-Hernando State College cheerleading team will compete in the Cheer Ltd. Collegiate Nationals on March 18 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The squad most recently won the state championship at the Florida State Fair on Feb. 6.
(Photos courtesy of Pasco-Hernando State College)

The team enters the competition with positive momentum after it won the state championship title in the College Coed Level 6 division at the American Championships Official Florida Championships Cheer and Dance competition on Feb. 6.

At nationals, the team will perform a 2 ½-minute routine, which will feature running and standing tumbling, as well as jumps, stunts, a pyramid and a dance.

To prep for the advanced routine, the team practiced every day during the school’s spring break, which began March 7.

The routine is “flashier” than others the team has performed, according to junior flyer Amanda Kahn.

Freshman backspot Thad Anderton, one of the team’s two male cheerleaders, said the routine’s challenge lies in putting “it all together.”

“We upped it up a little bit for nationals,” the Zephyrhills High graduate said. “We have a little more difficult tumbling. We have a couple more layouts and tucks that are jumps, and a little more difficult stunting, too.

“You have to think — doing a single stunt is really hard, but when you throw 20 stunts in the same routine in two minutes and 30 seconds, it’s pretty crazy,” he said.

Since team tryouts last June, the cheer team has improved its skills tremendously, said Sophia Haddad, second-year head coach.

Sophia Haddad is in her second year as coach of the Pasco-Hernando State College cheer team. She was a former cheerleader at PHSC (2009-2011) and at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (2011-2013.)

“Just from the beginning of this season, or even just a couple of months ago, the routine we performed at state wasn’t a routine that we could do. It was something we were working toward,” said Haddad, a former cheerleader at both PHSC and the University of Alaska Fairbanks. “They have done a tremendous job of improving and really getting so much better all around. They came in with certain skills, and they’re going to be competing with skills that are so much higher than what they had when they started.”

Much of the team’s improvement over the past several months can also be attributed to Haddad’s coaching mechanisms, members of the team said.

“From tryouts, we basically had Level 2 skills and thanks to (Coach Haddad), we full out have Level 6 skills, which is way more advanced and difficult,” Kahn said. “The more Level 6 skills we put into our routine, the higher the chance that we will win, if…we execute it properly.”

Sophomore base Damari Sanchez pointed out Coach Haddad’s ability to motivate has benefitted the squad.

“I love how she pushes us to our limits, and that’s exactly what we need, because if we didn’t have somebody here to push us, then we wouldn’t try as hard,” Sanchez said. “She has love for us; it’s tough love sometimes, but that’s what we need.”

Anderton referred to Haddad as the “most caring” and “hardest” coach he’s ever had.

In building a roster each season, Haddad looks for cheerleaders that are good students and have an upbeat attitude.

“I liked all of the teams I was on, but this year I feel like everybody here has a great, positive energy,” said Kahn, who’s in her third-year with the program. “You don’t hear the stereotypical cheerleader ‘drama.’ They’re very friendly.”

Anderton added the team has a “very family feel.”

“I just feel like I’ve gained so many good friends out of this cheerleading team, and all the hard work…is going to pay off when we go to nationals,” he said. “I’m really excited to spend that time with them and have our fun time since we didn’t really have a spring break.”

Since Haddad was a cheerleader at PHSC from 2009-2011, the program has grown substantially in terms of resources—with partial scholarships and new equipment each year.

In addition to a scholarship pool of $2,000 to split among team members, the program also receives new cheerleading mats each year, which can total up to $1,000, Haddad said.

“The school has allowed for increased mats for safety, and team equipment has grown tremendously,” the cheer coach said. “They get bags and practice uniforms, and bows and all those things they didn’t get before, and if they did get them, the team was paying out of pocket, whereas now the school takes care of those fees.

“We never traveled out of state for competitions until last year, so that’s a really big deal,” she said.

While a first-place finish in Myrtle Beach would be ideal, the team is hoping to wind up in the top three.

“Last year, our team was good, but not as good as we are now,” Kahn said. “The improvement every year — you can see it.”

“I’d say we have a lot more talent than we did last year. We have more tumbling skills,” Sanchez said. “If all of us try out next year, I wouldn’t even doubt it that we’d make first.”

Published March 16, 2016

Cycling for Autism set for March 19

March 16, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

The Tampa Interbay Rotary Club will host the seventh annual Cycling for Autism event on March 19 at 8 a.m., at the Pasco Rotary Pavilion, 15325 Alric Pottberg Road in Spring Hill. Those interested can be a sponsor, enter a cycling team, ride as an individual, volunteer, or support a rider. There will be a 3-mile, 6-mile, 12-mile, 25-mile and 50-mile track. For information, contact Ken Hopkins at (336) 471-5709 or .

Local track athlete breaks two meet records

March 16, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

Land O’ Lakes senior Tori Cannata set two meet records after winning both the high jump and the triple jump at the Kiwanis Invitational in Brooksville on March 8. Cannata cleared 5-foot-6-inches in the high jump, shattering the previous mark of 5-foot-2-inches. She went 35-feet-8.5-inches in the triple jump, setting a new meet record. Cannata also anchored the Land O’ Lakes’ winning 4×100-meter relay (51.83), which included Sydny Nasello, Lexi Fotopolous and Madison Lordsmith. Cannata has signed to play Division I soccer at the University of Arkansas.

Freedom student is going to West Point

March 9, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

A Freedom High student recently received an appointment to the U.S. Military Academy in West Point.

Dean LaGattuta received word that he’d been accepted into the prestigious service academy on Jan. 20. He accepted the appointment on Jan. 31.

Ironically, LaGattuta, 18, was visiting the West Point, New York campus when he received the good news.

Freedom High senior Dean LaGattuta received his appointment to the U.S. Military Academy on Jan. 20. He accepted his appointment on Jan. 31. (Courtesy of Dean LaGattuta) — Freedom High senior Dean LaGattuta received his appointment to the U.S. Military Academy on Jan. 20. He accepted his appointment on Jan. 31.
(Courtesy of Dean LaGattuta)

“It was just complete disbelief. I really couldn’t believe that I found out while at West Point,” the high school senior said. “It was just a dream come true that I was appointed.”

LaGattuta will report to West Point on June 27, shortly before his birthday.

“I’ll be spending my nineteenth birthday getting my head shaved,” he said, with a chuckle.

LaGattuta also applied to the U.S. Naval Academy, but has yet to hear back about his appointment status.

However, he has always viewed the U.S. Military Academy as his top choice for post-secondary education.

“Just hearing from West Point so early, and then speaking with my admissions major, he’s the one that really sold me on West Point—that they really wanted me—and that’s what really encouraged me to go there,” LaGattuta explained.

The ambience of the campus and its rich history were two aspects that stood out to LaGattuta, as he was weighing his college options, which also included the University of Central Florida, the University of Florida, George Washington University and Georgetown University.

“I love the seclusion of the area. I love being by the Hudson River. It’s just an incredibly beautiful campus, surrounded by rolling hills—something we don’t have here (in Tampa),” he said.

“I was always a history buff, and it’s all the same architecture as it was 200 years ago. Even the new buildings they’re constructing—they’re matching the architecture to the previous buildings. I just love that feel that you’re not just in history, but you’re also becoming part of history,” he said.

To be considered for the service academy, LaGattuta underwent an application process that seeks to identify candidates who demonstrate leadership skills, have strong moral character, excel in academics and can surpass the required physical fitness standards.

In December, he was one of 14 students nominated for appointment to a United States service academy from the 15th Congressional District by U.S. Rep. Dennis A. Ross.

Eight Tampa area students were nominated, along with four from Valrico and two from Lakeland.

Appointments by service academies are usually made between January and April, and sometimes as late as May, according to Gary Clark, chairman of the District 15 Nomination Board.

Clark said a U.S. service academy (Military, Naval, Coast Guard, Merchant Marine and Air Force) typically accepts only between 1,000 to 1,200 applicants out of the 17,000-plus that are sent in from across the country.

Last year, the District 15 Nomination Board nominated 12 students. Seven received appointments.

A 2014 study by the U.S. News and World Report found the U.S. Military Academy to have a 9.5 percent acceptance rate — the fifteenth most selective among all colleges and universities in the United States.

Knowing that his college years will be spent at the U.S. Military Academy is a weight off of LaGattuta’s shoulders.

“I still have to focus on my (high school) grades, but having that uncertainty of where I’m going to be in the coming months gone, I’m so relieved. It’s just really a blessing,” he said.

The appointment means LaGattuta is obligated to spend at least 10 years in the military, including four years at the Academy and six years on active duty.

“This is really going to be the start of a long journey, and I hope for a long career,” he said. “I definitely see myself surpassing the required amount of years of service, and I’m really looking forward to the years ahead.”

While keeping his career options open, LaGattuta is intrigued by some professions within the military.

“Right now, I’m interested in doing…Army Intelligence or something with cybersecurity, because it’s such a growing necessity, especially in an increasingly technological world in warfare,” the high school senior said.

For now, LaGattuta will be busy for the rest of the school year and over the summer.

He’s currently on the Freedom High varsity tennis team, and is serving as chairman of Tampa mayor Bob Buckhorn’s Youth Leadership Council.

Over the summer, he’ll teach leadership classes at the council, serve meals to the homeless at the Trinity Café and work with underprivileged children at A Brighter Community, the oldest nonprofit preschool in Hillsborough County,

He’s also aware that he needs to take advantage of the time he can now spend with family and friends.

“For the next four years, there’s going to be a limited amount of time that I can see my family and friends once I go up (to West Point),” he said.

Published March 9, 2016

Rays manager recalls north Tampa roots

March 9, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

Kevin Cash tries not to dwell on the fact that he’s in the second year of managing his hometown Major League Baseball team.

Instead, he separates his duties of being the skipper of the Tampa Bay Rays with the nostalgia of growing up in Lutz, playing in Northside Little League, attending Gaither High School and being a one-time catcher for the Rays in 2005.

Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash embarks on his second season leading the ball club. The North Tampa native played in Northside Little League and graduated from Gaither High School, before attending Florida State University and playing eight years in Major League Baseball. (Courtesy of Tampa Bay Rays) — Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash embarks on his second season leading the ball club. The North Tampa native played in Northside Little League and graduated from Gaither High School, before attending Florida State University and playing eight years in Major League Baseball.
(Courtesy of Tampa Bay Rays)

While he admitted “there’s a lot of excitement” in having the opportunity to return home a year ago, he noted that it’s more important to have an MLB managerial job, regardless of where it’s located.

“Whether you’re in the town or not, there’s 30 of those jobs that are pretty prestigious positions, and it’s an honor to be there,” said Cash, 38. “But, it does make it a little bit sweeter, and you can’t deny the fact it gets you back home.

“You factor in that it brought my family back to my hometown, and back to a bunch of family and friends. That just adds to everything,” he said.

Over the years, Cash, the youngest manager in the MLB, has proven he’s willing to move anywhere to work in professional baseball.

After an eight-year MLB career as a journeyman catcher that sent him to Toronto, Boston, New York and Houston, Cash became a bullpen coach for the Cleveland Indians, working under manager Terry Francona in 2013 and 2014.

With his playing days finished and his coaching career in full swing, Cash wasn’t sure how long it would take before he’d be able to permanently return to Florida— where the bulk of his family and his wife’s family live.

Cash still recalls his younger days growing up in the Valley Ranch Drive neighborhood, situated across from Lake Park.

“I remember when my parents moved to the neighborhood in Lutz, it was like a one street cul-de-sac, and there were boys everywhere,” Cash said. “We had pickup football games, pickup basketball, baseball games every day. It was just a pretty cool neighborhood to grow up in, because there were so many kids our age that we could go out there, and have a complete game with.”

Even back in the late ’80s and early ’90s, the Tampa youth baseball scene was rife with talent.

As a 12-year-old, Kevin Cash played on the 1989 Northside Little League team that reached the 43rd Little League World Series. His team fell in the quarterfinals to Eastview (California) Little League 12-5. (Courtesy of Little League Baseball) — As a 12-year-old, Kevin Cash played on the 1989 Northside Little League team that reached the 43rd Little League World Series. His team fell in the quarterfinals to Eastview (California) Little League 12-5.
(Courtesy of Little League Baseball)

In 1989, 12-year-old Cash played second base for the Northside Little League team that reached the 43rd Little League World Series, which then consisted of the top four little league teams from both the United States and the rest of the world.

From the time Cash attended (and graduated) Gaither High from 1993 to 1997, 31 players from Tampa were drafted to pro ball clubs directly from the high school ranks.

“It was a youth hotbed,” said Cash, who played college baseball at Florida State. “There were just a lot of good players coming out of that area…and the competition was always very healthy. When you look at when that age group got to high school baseball, you started to see that there were really good high school players that were either getting pro contracts or opportunities to go play college baseball.

“We’re biased, because we think Florida baseball is great, but we get to play year-round where some other states obviously don’t,” Cash said.

Despite having a father, Mike, who played minor league baseball, Cash never felt pressure to participate in the sport growing up, often playing with his brother, Justin, as much as possible.

“Playing as a little leaguer was the highlight of (our) day—going to practice, playing those weekend or weekday night games. We just really enjoyed it,” Cash said.

“We just always wanted to play. We lived at the Northside Little League Park.”

Published March 9, 2016

Zephyrhills projects on the way

March 9, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

The Zephyrhills CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) has several projects on tap for its 30-year master plan.

Gail Hamilton, in her first year as CRA director for the city of Zephyrhills, gave an overview of what’s expected during the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce’s monthly meeting on March 3.

The CRA oversees a 520-acre defined district that essentially encompasses the center spine of the city, generally between Hercules Park to C Avenue, and from Zephyr Park to 17th Street.

Zephyrhills CRA director Gail Hamilton spoke to the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce on March 3. She outlined several projects for the CRA’s 30-year master plan. (Kevin Weiss/Staff Photos) — Zephyrhills CRA director Gail Hamilton spoke to the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce on March 3. She outlined several projects for the CRA’s 30-year master plan.
(Kevin Weiss/Staff Photos)

Hamilton talked about the agency’s impending priorities—neighborhood cleanup, restoration of dilapidated homes and the development of Zephyr Park.

“The idea behind the CRA is that the city looks at the city limits and they look at…slum and blight conditions. …You look at different aspects of the community and you decide that the private sector, the market, is not going to bring up the conditions within that defined district,” Hamilton explained.

“One of the things the CRA does is look at the conditions, and try to come up with incentives…for people to invest and make the conditions better within the district, and therefore, increase the property values.”

Hamilton cited the Silver Oaks community as an example for the type of area the CRA is working to clean up.

“There’s no sidewalks, there’s no streetlights, there’s no driveways,” she said.

“People are parking on the grass, and the grass has died, and it’s just sand…blowing into the street. They haven’t painted the houses. The roofs are bad. There are appliances in the yards. Trash is blowing.

“Would you invest there? Would you buy a home? The answer is no,” she said.

The first step in improving the appearance of residential areas within the district was taken at the CRA’s last board meeting on Feb. 22, with the passage of a $10,000 Residential Paint Grant Program.

The program is open to residents of owner-occupied homes on a first-come, first-served basis. The grant provides up to $500 in matching funds. For example, if an owner spends $1,000 on paint, the CRA will provide $500. If an owner spends $400 on paint, the CRA will reimburse $200.

The Zephyrhills CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) oversees a 520-acre defined district that essentially encompasses the center spine of the city, generally between Hercules Park to C Avenue, and from Zephyr Park to 17th Street.

“We want to encourage people to paint their homes,” Hamilton said. “Nothing makes a house look better than a good coat of paint.”

In addition to residential properties, the CRA is looking to spruce up commercial property, and make the city more attractive for future business.

At the CRA’s next board meeting on March 28, the CRA is expected to pass a Commercial Sign Grant Program.

“Looking at the businesses around town, the signs really do need help,” the CRA director said. “The CRA is working to come up with designs for the different commercial districts, because if you’re on Fifth Avenue, the sign you put up is a whole lot different than the sign you would put up if you were on Gall Boulevard.

“We want to make sure you have an opportunity to put a sign up that is interesting, reflects your business, and really matches the district and the area that your business is in,” she said.

The CRA is making it a priority to incorporate better branding for “The City of Pure Water.”

“You go anywhere in the world and you say, ‘Zephyrhills,’ the first thing people say is, ‘water.’ Why is it that we have no water anywhere in downtown? There’s not a water fountain or even a picture of water,” Hamilton explained.

“When we finish this (30-year master) plan, at no time will you be in Zephyrhills that you don’t see, touch or hear water.”

Additionally, the CRA is embarking on a yearlong design plan for upgrading Zephyr Park.

Hamilton pointed out that a “great park” should make the city more attractive for visitors.

“It’s a great asset. It’s going to be a great investment for the city of Zephyrhills,” she said. “We will increase the redevelopment value of all the surrounding properties in that area.”

The agency is also in the midst of restoring the historic Jeffries House — leveling, replacing window frames and rehabbing the entire building.

“When you look at Zephyrhills, there’s not a tremendous amount of economic resources, so the historic resources we have, we want to honor them,” Hamilton said.

Published March 9, 2016

Standout catcher paces Wiregrass Ranch softball

March 9, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

From her powerful bat to her leadership behind the plate, Kameron Aitken’s talent is evident the moment she steps on the Wiregrass Ranch softball field.

So evident, in fact, that several major in-state universities—South Florida, Central Florida, Florida Gulf Coast and North Florida — showed interest in the junior catcher last season.

Aitken opted to verbally commit to Florida International University (FIU) in Miami on Dec. 1, 2015 — after visiting the campus on an unofficial visit and quickly realizing the school “just felt like home.”

Wiregrass Ranch junior catcher Kameron Aitken is one of the top players in Pasco County. She has a verbal commit to play softball at Florida International University (FIU) in Miami after she graduates in 2017. (Courtesy of Wiregrass Ranch Softball) — Wiregrass Ranch junior catcher Kameron Aitken is one of the top players in Pasco County. She has a verbal commit to play softball at Florida International University (FIU) in Miami after she graduates in 2017.
(Photos courtesy of Wiregrass Ranch Softball)

“I felt like I could go to the team and be welcomed right away,” Aitken said about choosing FIU, a Division I school. “I had been looking at it for two years. The coaches made me feel like that’s where I wanted to be.”

A varsity softball player at Wiregrass Ranch since her freshman year, Aitken broke out as a sophomore, batting .379 with 17 doubles and 39 RBIs.

“I’m a lot stronger player now than I was my freshman year,” Aitken said about her development. “I’ve learned to recognize pitches better.”

Through 10 games this year, the slugger is picking up right where she left off, batting .379 with a team-leading two home runs and 13 RBIs.

“She’s a big, strong girl. A very intelligent player,” said Tyler Finn, assistant coach for Wiregrass Ranch. “Thank God we’re going to get her for another year.”

Teammates describe Aitken, who bats cleanup, as a player that provides vocal leadership and contributes in critical moments of games.

“Her offense is a big key. She really comes through in big situations,” said senior third baseman Tylah Remaley.

“She is a clutch hitter, and gets those hits that you need that help you out in the end of games,” said junior second baseman Alexis Ridolph.

“She pushes others. If you’re struggling, she’ll say, ‘Hey, keep your head up, and just keep going,’” junior Samantha Hiley said.

In addition to her hitting ability, Aitken provides a calming influence as a catcher, where she works closely with a young pitching staff that includes three freshmen.

“She has great leadership and is always communicating with her teammates,” said Wiregrass Ranach head coach Yamani Vazquez. “She’s a catcher, so she’s the brains of the operation. She’s what you would expect from a catcher, basically.”

Coach Finn echoes Vazquez’s sentiment, calling Aitken a “tremendous, tremendous catcher.”

Kameron Aitken’s production at the plate skyrocketed as a sophomore, when she batted .379 with 17 doubles and 39 RBIs. Aitken is picking up right where she left off this season with a .379 batting average through 10 games.

“She’s been a catcher her whole life. She’s a leader behind the plate. She’s got a rocket arm that’s accurate,” the Wiregrass assistant explained. “She’s going to play Division I (softball) for a reason.”

While Aitken is a natural playing softball, she is always trying to improve — even during the course of a ballgame.

According to Vazquez, in a recent game, Aitken struggled in her first at-bat, and had her mother record the plate appearance so she could analyze her swing mechanics for her next time up to hit.

As it turned out, Aitken figured out the problem. She had “dropped her shoulder” during her swing path.

“I’ve never seen that — just trying to better yourself in the same game,” her head coach said.

Aitken’s willingness to correct mistakes on her own—and handle it with a positive attitude—is what makes her special, Vazquez added.

“She has that drive. She has that intrinsic drive that you can’t really teach,” he explained. “It comes from just knowing what you want and knowing your goals. And that’s what she has going on. She has that intrinsic drive to get better more than anyone else on this team, I would say.”

Published March 9, 2016

Cash is becoming accustomed to leading role

March 9, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

After taking over for highly regarded manager Joe Maddon in 2015, Kevin Cash feels more comfortable as he enters his second season as manager of the Tampa Bay Rays.

He’s established relationships with the roster and front office. He’s been battle-tested on in-game decision-making.

He’s also learned from rookie managerial mistakes after the club ended last season with an 80-82 record, missing the playoffs, and finishing fourth in the five-team American League East division.

Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash returns for his second season. The youngest manager in baseball led the team to an 80-82 record in 2015. (Courtesy of Tampa Bay Rays) — Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash returns for his second season. The youngest manager in baseball led the team to an 80-82 record in 2015.
(Courtesy of Tampa Bay Rays)

The 38-year-old Cash, the youngest manager in baseball, often found himself relying on his coaching staff for help in critical moments of ballgames.

“That first year, you really lean on your coaching staff, and kind of take their opinions because the bulk of our coaching staff had years of experience working for Joe (Maddon),” Cash said. “You try to listen to their opinions, and get their thoughts on specific players and specific things on how they were done, and formulate your own ideas a little bit.

“It’s no secret that first month, there was some stuff that popped up where I really had to rely on my coaching staff,” the manager said. “As the year went on, I was able to learn from experiences that happened a week before or a month before, and make some better decisions.”

With 162 regular season games under his belt, Cash has more of an appreciation of how important communication is in the job description of being an MLB skipper.

“You have to communicate on a daily basis, on a weekly basis, and that’s with everybody,” the second-year manager said.

If that happens, relationships will build and evolve, Cash added.

In reflecting on his first season, he said the “most challenging aspect” was developing those relationships with “everybody you’re going to see on a daily basis.”

With just a few new players set to don a Rays uniform, Cash already has laid the groundwork.

That familiarity will definitely have its benefits, Cash said.

“Already having the relationships with the guys, and knowing (third baseman) Evan Longoria and (starting pitcher) Chris Archer, and what those guys stand for and how they go about their business, that helps. It also helps to get the new players acclimated,” he said.

While some coaches or managers would feel pressure taking the reigns from a wildly successful predecessor, Cash is grateful he had the opportunity to follow in Maddon’s footsteps.

The former Rays’ manager guided the team to the playoffs four times in eight years before accepting the Chicago Cubs’ managerial job in 2015.

“He’s a huge part of this organization, and a reason why they’ve been so successful, along with (former general manager) Andrew Friedman,” said Cash, who played for Maddon in 2005. “Matt Silverman (Rays’ chief of baseball operations) and I came into a situation that had great culture, really good players, and there was a great foundation. I’m just extremely appreciative and thankful that I got to follow him.”

In fact, Cash views Maddon as an influence in his own managerial style, along with other successful skippers including Terry Francona, of the Cleveland Indians and Buck Showalter, of the Baltimore Orioles.

“You try to take something from a lot of different managers. You have a lot of respect and admiration for anybody that fills this role,” Cash explained. “You try to take little bits of information and form your own style, but to get your own style, you’ve got to look and see what some other people are doing sometimes.”

With the offseason additions of hitters Corey Dickerson, Logan Morrison, Hank Conger, Steve Pearce and Brad Miller, the Rays figure to enter the season with a more versatile and balanced lineup.

“The front office has done a tremendous job of adding to our lineup,” Cash said. “We brought in some guys that we feel can really help us out and lengthen us out a little on a daily basis.”

After battling injuries nearly all of last season, he’s looking forward to having a roster of healthy players entering.

“Every team has injuries, but (staying healthy) definitely helps. It’s not realistic to say we’re going to be healthy for 162 games,” he said.

As for improving in the win-loss column and possibly clinching a playoff berth, Cash acknowledges the responsibility to show progress falls square on his shoulders.

That starts with properly handling tight situations late in games.

“We’ve got to find a way to win close ball games. We play a lot of close ball games, and as a manager, it goes back to putting your players in a position to succeed in the eighth and ninth innings, and extra-inning games,” he explained. “That’s going to be a focal point for me personally—to have some questions and try to get a read on the guys, and how they feel in those situations better.”

Making History
The Tampa Bay Rays will play an exhibition game against the Cuban National Team in Havana, Cuba on March 22. It will mark the first time since 1999 that an MLB club has visited the country. The Rays will fly to Cuba on March 20. The following day, they will stage a clinic before they finish their trip by playing the exhibition at the Estadio Latinoamericano in Havana. President Barack Obama expects to be in attendance.

2016 Tampa Bay Rays
New additions:

Leftfielder Corey Dickerson
First baseman Logan Morrison
Outfielder/Infielder Steve Pearce
Catcher Hank Conger
Shortstop Brad Miller
Reliever Ryan Webb

Key Returnees:

Starting pitcher Chris Archer
Starting pitcher Jake Odorizzi
Starting pitcher Drew Smyly
Third baseman Evan Longoria
Second baseman Logan Forsythe
Centerfielder Kevin Kiermaier

Published March 9, 2016

Special Olympics Athletes Shine

March 9, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

Jeffrey Powell carries the Olympic torch flame during the opening ceremonies of the 2016 Special Olympics Summer Games, at Wesley Chapel High School on Feb. 26. Powell is accompanied by Bonnie Norman, left, and Lori Jaros. Athletes from schools throughout Pasco County competed in several events, including bocce, cycling, running, soccer and tennis ball throwing.

PHSC cheer squad wins championship

March 9, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

The Pasco-Hernando State College cheer team won a state championship title in the College Co-Ed Level 6 division at the American Championships’ Official Florida Championships Cheer and Dance competition at the Florida State Fair on Feb. 6.

The team received a score of 87.7 out of 100.

This marks the sixth consecutive year the PHSC cheer team has competed at the American Championships and their second consecutive championship title.

The state college will compete for a national title at the Cheer Ltd. Collegiate Nationals at CANAM in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina on March 18. They will contend in the Collegiate Small Coed Division.