The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Kevin Weiss

McGough, other local athletes get NFL shots

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The 2018 NFL Draft has come and gone, and one athlete from The Laker/Lutz News Coverage area had the privilege of hearing his name called during the three-day event from April 26 to April 28 — Gaither High School product Alex McGough.

McGough was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the seventh round (220th overall) as a quarterback out of Florida International University.

Florida International University/Gaither High quarterback Alex McGough was selected in the seventh round (220th overall) by the Seattle Seahawks in the 2018 NFL Draft. (File)

A four-year starter, the 6-foot-3, 214-pound McGough cemented his legacy as FIU’s most decorated passer, completing 807-1335 passes (60.4 percent completion rate) for 9,091 yards, 65 touchdowns and 37 interceptions. He also rushed for 535 yards and 16 touchdowns.

Last season, he guided FIU to an 8-5 record — the program’s third-ever winning season and first since 2011 — a mark achieved in Butch Davis’ first season as FIU head coach.

“I couldn’t be happier for Alex,” Davis said, in a released statement on McGough’s draft selection. “His passion, leadership and performance last year was incredible. He played a huge role in our team’s success, and he has absolutely earned this opportunity to play in the NFL.”

In a post-draft media conference call, McGough said he’s “beyond grateful” to get chosen by the Seahawks, adding he’s “ready to get to work.”

Said McGough, “I wanted to come into the draft just kind of open-minded, and obviously, whatever happened, happened…The only thing I could control was the work I put in. I’m very happy with what I put in, and Seattle saw that and they took me.”

Though he didn’t earn an invite to the NFL Scouting Combine in March, many NFL draft analysts viewed McGough as a late-round sleeper, spotlighting his physical tools, poise, and red zone accuracy, while also spotlighting his limitations.

An ESPN.com draft analysis characterized McGough as “a good athlete with a good frame, though his hands (9 1/8 inches) are on the smaller side. His 30:19 touchdown-to-interception ratio over the past two seasons isn’t ideal.”

Seattle brought McGough in for a private workout a few weeks prior to last month’s draft. During his visit McGough said he developed a connection with quarterbacks’ coach Dave Canales and came away overall impressed with the organization.

“It’s an organization full of great people, and they want to win bad,” McGough said.

McGough was one of 13 quarterback prospects taken in this year’s draft and the

first by the Seahawks since Russell Wilson was selected in the third round of the 2012 draft.

Besides Wilson, Seattle’s starting quarterback and a four-time Pro Bowler, the roster includes two other quarterbacks — seven-year veteran Austin Davis and second-year player Stephen Morris.

McGough likely will have to beat out one of those backups in training camp and preseason to solidity a roster spot.

“I’m a competitor that wants to win and I’ll do everything to win,” McGough said. “I just want to play football and succeed.”

Though he’s facing a relative uphill battle, McGough is no stranger to perseverance, nor proving doubters wrong.

He most recently underwent a full recovery from a broken left collarbone he suffered in the Bad Boy Mowers Gasparilla Bowl in December.

And, despite a noteworthy high school career — amassing more than 5,100 career passing yards and 52 touchdown passes in four varsity seasons — McGough was rather under-looked. He earned just two football scholarship offers (FIU and Colgate University, in upstate New York). He went on to achieve instant success at FIU, setting numerous school passing records and then becoming the program’s eighth player to be drafted in its 14-year football history.

Meanwhile, McGough joins rare company as just the fifth player from a Hillsborough County high school to be drafted as a quarterback in the last 50 years. The others are Robinson’s John Reaves (1972), Leto’s Gary Huff (’73), Chamberlain’s Dean May (’84) and Plant’s Aaron Murray (2014). (McGough transferred from Wesley Chapel High School to Gaither following his freshman year.)

Besides McGough, a handful of other athletes with ties to The Laker/Lutz News coverage area have been given shots with various NFL teams, signing as either priority undrafted free agents or invited tryout players.

Each will have an opportunity to stick with their respective teams at rookie mini-camps, which run from May 11 through May 14.

Here’s a closer look at the others:

Janarion Grant, receiver — Baltimore Ravens (mini-camp tryout invitation)
College: Rutgers University (Piscataway, New Jersey)
High School: Pasco High School; graduated in 2013

(File)

When healthy, the 5-foot-9, 177-pound receiver was one of the most electrifying offensive playmakers in college football, chiefly in the return game. But, Grant struggled to stay on the field of late, playing in a combined 11 games the last two seasons, dealing with an ankle injury and other nagging ailments. Despite limited action in 2016 and 2017, Grant

became Rutgers’ all-time kickoff return-yardage leader (2,857 yards) and tied for the NCAA record for combined kick return touchdowns (eight). That skill on special teams perhaps gives him a leg up on other tryout players the Ravens signed.

Before college, Grant left a lasting legacy at Pasco High School, where he was a four-year starter and still holds the county record for most career touchdowns (77) by a skill player. He was also a two-time All-State selection.

Also notable, Grant is the grandnephew of Lacoochee native Jim “Mudcat” Grant, a 14-year MLB veteran and two-time All-Star, who, in 1965 became the first black pitcher to win 20 games in a season in the American League and the first black pitcher to win a World Series game for the American League.

Trey Johnson, defensive back—Pittsburgh Steelers (priority undrafted free agent)
College: Villanova University (Villanova, Pennsylvania)
High School: Steinbrenner High School; graduated in 2013

(Courtesy of Villanova University Athletics)

A standout defensive back at a small school in the FCS ranks — 45 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, one interception and 13 pass break-ups in 2017 — Johnson further landed on NFL scouts’ radars after showcasing elite athleticism at Villanova’s Pro Day in late March. At the sanctioned workout, the 5-foot-11, 177-pound Johnson touched 36 inches in the vertical jump, reached 10-foot-8 in the broad jump and posted a sizzling 4.37-second 40-yard dash.

Johnson becomes the first Steinbrenner High graduate to sign an NFL contract. There, Johnson earned four varsity letters in football, as well as three in basketball and two in track. He was also inducted into the National Honor Society.

Jacob Pugh, linebacker — Seattle Seahawks (priority undrafted free agent)
College: Florida State University
Schools: Godby High School (Tallahassee); Jefferson County High School (Monticello, Florida); Pasco Middle School (Dade City native)

(Courtesy of Florida State University Athletics)

A decorated high school player and highly-touted blue chip prospect who won state championships at two different north Florida programs, the Dade City native never seemed to fully blossom at Florida State, where he posted a combined 108 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, seven sacks and two interceptions across four seasons.

Solid numbers, sure, but a bit anticlimactic considering Pugh was named an Under Armour High School All-American and widely viewed as one of the nation’s top five linebacker prospects in the 2014 recruiting class.

Blessed with length, agility and athleticism in a sturdy 6-foot-4, 246-pound frame, Pugh has moldable traits to stick on an NFL roster.

Pugh attended Pasco Middle School before his family moved to the Panhandle, where he began, and ended, his prep career.

His ties to east Pasco run deep. His uncles, Darren and Troy Hambrick, led Pasco High to the county’s only state championship (1992) before spending five years each in the NFL. He’s also related to Pasco High alums Janarion Grant (Rutgers) and Josh Johnson, a former NFL who now plays in the Canadian Football League. Pugh is also cousins with fellow Auburn wide receiver Nate Craig-Myers, a Dade City native who attended Tampa Catholic, where he was one of the most prized football recruits to come out of the Tampa Bay area in years.

Shaheed Salmon, linebacker—Tampa Bay Buccaneers (mini-camp tryout invitation)
College: Samford University (Homewood, Alabama)
High School: Land O’ Lakes High School; graduated in 2014

(File)

The 6-foot-2, 232-pound outside linebacker solidified himself as one of the most dominant tacklers in the FCS ranks the last two seasons, racking up a combined 202 tackles, 28.5 tackles for loss, and 5.5 sacks in 2016 and 2017. Though an undrafted player from a lower-level division of college football, a path to the NFL isn’t out of the question for Salmon, as more than 150 FCS players made NFL active rosters in 2017.

At Land O’ Lakes, Salmon was a four-year starter and an All-State selection as a senior. He also competed in basketball and track.

Published May 9, 2018

Saint Leo names assistant athletic director

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Erin Bean

Saint Leo University announced Erin Bean, a former school employee, to the position of assistant athletic director for external operations.

The former Saint Leo employee returns to the school by way of the University of South Florida, where she spent the past three years as the primary contact for its nationally ranked women’s basketball team, the men’s soccer team, and assisted with the football program.

In her new role at Saint Leo, Bean will oversee all aspects of external relations and oversee the athletic communications office.

Bean has seven years of experience in collegiate athletics, including experience in all three NCAA Divisions. That includes stints at Tennessee Technological University, the Northeast Conference, and Juniata College.

Corley discusses voting system reliability, security

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With primary and general elections on tap later this year — and the recent completion of the municipal election — Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley wants local residents to know their vote always counts.

His message: “Sleep well at night; we’ve got it covered.”

Corley was the featured speaker at the Republican Club of Central Pasco’s recent monthly meeting, where he spoke extensively about the reliability and security of the county’s voting system.

Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley spoke extensively about the reliability and security of the county’s voting system during the Republican Club of Central Pasco’s monthly meeting. (Kevin Weiss)

Corley, who’s served as the county’s elections supervisor since 2007, explained the elections office has been working closely with the FBI, Homeland Security, the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office and other agencies to vet any potential threats, particularly of the cyber variety.

Additional security precautions have been taken since the 2016 Presidential Election and measures are in place for “every possible scenario,” Corley said.

In a worst-case scenario — such as the PascoVotes website getting compromised — Corley explained the county’s elections office would have the ability to recreate the election. That’s because its headquarters has “multiple redundancies” to preserve the county’s voter registration database.

“If there was any kind of issue, there’s backups of the voter data,” the elections supervisor said.

Corley referenced a website called Norsecorp.com, which analyzes real-time cyber  attempts to hack networks. To underscore the reinforced security of the county elections office, Corley made an analogy of would-be election hackers to a car thief attempting to unlock cars in a parking lot: “In our office, our doors are locked — and you can’t get to the car.”

Corley explained the Dade City-based elections service center “couldn’t be any more secure” should someone attempt to hack its internal servers, steal electronic poll books or other data.

The Category-5 hardened building is equipped with security cameras and multiple levels of physical access control systems, Corley said.

Furthermore, to even activate those voting machines or poll books, Corley said the elections office has multiple sets of unique passwords.

“You’d have to physically drive a Mack truck through the wall, and I don’t think a Mack truck can even get through that wall, to be honest,” he said.

Corley also said his office always conducts a post-election audit — physically counting ballots from a randomly selected race and a certain percentage of precincts, to be sure of factual results.

“We reconcile everything that we do,” Corley said. “We always have 100 percent accuracy,” Corley said.

The elections supervisor also addressed other voting-related matters, including voter fraud.

He acknowledged the existence of voter fraud in Florida and elsewhere, but doesn’t feel it’s as widespread as some believe.

“Respectfully, I don’t really think it’s as bad as the president says it was,” he said.

Corley suggested many fraud cases occur through voters registered in multiple states, such as Florida and New York. “When you vote in two states, that’s when it becomes problematic,” he said.

The dilemma may soon be alleviated once Florida and its 14 million voters officially join the Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC), which is a nonpartisan, nonprofit consortium among 20 states and the District of Columbia. The consortium shares voter registration information to improve the accuracy and integrity of voter lists.

The consortium was designed to improve the integrity of voter rolls by matching millions of voter records from one state with those of other participating states. The data matches can identify voters that have registered in two states, voters that have moved between states, and those that have died.

“It’s an absolute no-brainer,” Corley said of the ERIC system. “We’re obviously very, very excited about that.”

Meanwhile, Corley shared some details about the upcoming Aug. 28 primary election.

He branded the one-page midterm ballot “very, very busy” with its Florida Constitution Revision Commission amendments, as well as several other state and county amendments.

“We’re going into a crazy midterm,” Corley said. “It’s like the election in 2016 never ended. It has that feel to it. It’s going to be a lengthy battle.”

He said the elections office is doing more to service absentee voters.

More voting days will be added to the schedule, and there will be three additional voting precincts — Pasco County Utilities building, in Land O’ Lakes; Alice Hall Community Center, in Zephyrhills; and Odessa Community Park, in Odessa.

With a population of nearly 500,000 and a voter registration roll of about 340,000, Pasco County is divided into 109 precincts.

Absentee or early voting accounted for about 60 percent of all votes cast in the 2016 election, Corley said.

“Early voting seems to kind of be the way to go,” he said. “We’re not expecting that to change.”

Published May 2, 2018

Crystal Lagoon debuts with a splash — from Michael Phelps

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The weather was warm, the sun shining, and the crowd deep for the grand debut of the Crystal Lagoon at Epperson.

The April 28 kickoff for the nation’s first lagoon was further buoyed with a special appearance from retired Olympic swimmer and gold medalist Michael Phelps.

Phelps, the most decorated athlete in Olympics history with 28 medals — 23 gold, three silver, two bronze — serves as global ambassador for Crystal Lagoons Inc.

Michael Phelps, a retired Olympic swimmer, spent part of the time during his visit talking about the importance of water safety. (Randy Underhill)

Following a short promotional video and introductions, Phelps’ entrance at the Wesley Chapel-based lagoon drew bursts of cheers and applause from the crowd, who nestled near a main stage to get an up-close look at the legendary swimmer.

Phelps engaged the crowd by highlighting the enjoyment his own family had at a similar lagoon in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

“You guys are going to enjoy it. It’s so much fun,” Phelps said in his opening remarks. “The water’s crystal clear, and there’s so many activities — and that’s something that’s so much fun for me now being a dad with two kids, so I’m excited you guys get to experience this.”

Phelps noted it was his first visit to Wesley Chapel and the Tampa Bay area, arriving on a flight from New York City.

“I wish I lived down here, so I could experience this with my family more often,” he said. “Maybe we’ll have to bring the family down sometime soon.”

Following brief remarks, Phelps met with scores of fans and spent the afternoon signing autographs.

He later held a formal question-and-answer session with media.

Phelps’ first impression of the 7.5-acre lagoon? Gorgeous.

Said Phelps, “This is such a great place to be, and the atmosphere is incredible, so it’s going to be cool to watch this place grow, and watch families come and enjoy this.”

Phelps also said he “would love one in Arizona,” half-jokingly egging lagoon developers within earshot to plan a similar lagoon near his Phoenix-area residence.

Besides the Epperson lagoon itself, Phelps said he’s impressed by the modern technology which maintains the waters’ vibrant blue hue — the brainchild of biochemist and real estate developer Fernando Fischmann.

Phelps said, “To be able to turn brackish water into the prettiest, crystal blue water you can possibly find — it’s pretty mind-blowing. It’s incredible to be able to see the technology that we’ve been able to use…and it’s so cool how you can literally clean 1 percent (of the water) if 1 percent needs cleaned.”

Meanwhile, Phelps used his platform to discuss the importance of water safety, particularly regarding young children.

He stressed the importance of lifeguard and parent supervision, as well as teaching children to swim properly and to avoid drains.

Drowning is the second-highest cause of death for children under the age of 14, Phelps said, noting that teaching children about water safety is one of his passions.

Other dignitaries at the event included Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Wells Jr.; Pasco County commissioners Mike Moore and Kathryn Starkey; state Reps. Danny Burgess and Amber Mariano; Kevin Morgan, executive vice president of Crystal Lagoons US Corp; Greg Singleton, president of Metro Development Group; and Christopher Souza, regional manager for Crystal Lagoon.

Hundreds of people turned out to see Michael Phelps at the grand debut of the Crystal Lagoon at Epperson.

In addition to Phelps’ appearance, the daylong tropical-themed celebration included water ski shows, flyboarding performances, and live music and dancing.

The perimeter of the lagoon was lined with food trucks, bounce houses and several other family-friendly activities.

Various real estate agents and homebuilder companies also had booths there.

While attendees weren’t allowed to swim in the lagoon, many walked along the perimeter, with some dipping their toes in the sand and shallow water.

The lagoon won’t be open for swimming until sometime this summer.

The lagoon spans over three-quarters of a mile, with its deepest point around 10 feet. It’s filled with approximately 16 million gallons of water.

It is the featured centerpiece of the Epperson community, which is eventually expected to have 2,000 homes.

Epperson residents will be able to enjoy aquatic activities, including swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding and sailing small boats, as well as Caribbean-style beaches and cabanas, a waterslide, an entertainment plaza, a yoga lawn and an area for special events.

The lagoon will have some limited guest opportunities, but will more or less function as a private club.

Though Epperson is the first, it’s one of 22 Crystal Lagoons planned throughout the U.S., by Metro Development Group. A majority of those are in Florida, with a handful in Texas, along with another on the Las Vegas Strip.

That includes a Crystal Lagoon planned for Mirada, a master-planned community next to Epperson. Another is planned in south Hillsborough County for the Southshore Bay community.

Both Epperson and Mirada are part of the Connected City corridor, which encompasses about 7,800 acres in northeast Pasco County.

At build-out, the entire Connected City will have about 37,000 homes and more than 12 million square feet of commercial space.

Published May 2, 2018

Academy at the Lakes savors first winning season

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After five seasons of varsity baseball, senior Eric Hutchison can finally say he was part of a winning team.

“It’s always nice to be the first success in something. The fact that I’m a senior makes it much better,” said Hutchison, a team captain pitcher/infielder who’s played for Academy at the Lakes (AATL) since eighth grade.

The Wildcats just wrapped up its first winning season in program history, posting a 12-9 regular season mark, under third-year head coach John DiBenedetto.

Pitcher/infielder Eric Hutchison is one of just two seniors on Academy at the Lakes’ baseball roster. He finally got to celebrate a winning season after five seasons of varsity baseball. (Courtesy of Brian Teeter)

As several other of the school’s sports programs achieved notable success of late—namely football, basketball and softball— baseball often lagged behind.

The baseball team suffered five consecutive winless seasons from 2006 to 2010, and went a combined 17-45 from 2011 to 2015.

Hutchison remembers some of those trying years.

“When I played in eighth grade, it was rough,” he said. “We only won one or two games and that was due to forfeit…”

It hasn’t been the case the past three years under new leadership, however.

Since the 27-year-old DiBenedetto took over, the program has quietly been on an upward trajectory, going 8-11 in 2016, 9-12 in 2017 and then 12-9 this season.

A former standout at Blake and Newsome high schools, and later playing college baseball on scholarship in New Hampshire, DiBenedetto has brought an approach that prioritizes skill development and proper fundamentals, and mastering game situations via organized, purposeful practices and workouts.

A sign of the team’s previous struggles, DiBenedetto is already the program’s winningest coach with 29 career wins.

“He’s a really fun dude to play for,” said freshman middle infielder Jordan Oladokun, who’s played varsity baseball since seventh grade. “Honestly, I was thinking about quitting baseball, and he was the one that made me keep continuing my baseball career. …So, if it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be here playing baseball right now.”

DiBenedetto’s in-game strategy is best described as “overly aggressive” — taking extra bases, stealing often, and manufacturing runs via hit-and-run plays.

The Wildcats collectively have 93 stolen bases (out of 103 attempts).

It’s a style that puts added pressure on opposing pitchers and defenses in the 2A ranks, forcing them to “make a play.”

“Because they’re high school kids in the moment, it’s not easy to field a ground ball and make a throw,” DiBenedetto said of the strategy.

But, the Wildcats newfound success is more than just a byproduct of small ball.

A quick glance at the numbers and it becomes clear why the Wildcats have enjoyed a breakout campaign.

The team batted a collective .351 with a .456 on-base percentage, setting a program record in about every offensive statistical category, from home runs (nine) and doubles (34), to RBIs (142) and runs scored (169).

The lineup showcased four .400-plus hitters — Oladokun (.455), freshman Andrew Kilfoyl (.452), Hutchison (.424), and freshman Jack Teeter (.411) — and two others batting over .350—freshman newcomer Spencer Boynton (.359) and senior Joel Eason (.353).

The pitching staff, anchored by Hutchison and others, likewise held its own, posting a 3.62 team ERA and 174 strikeouts in 120 innings pitched.

Making the most of a young roster
It was all done with a thin roster of just 11 healthy players, composed mainly of freshman, sophomores and eighth-graders.

Though young, the team was battle-tested with many who’ve played varsity since seventh grade and eighth grade, under DiBenedetto, respectively.

Players suggest the prior seasons together yielded greater camaraderie and trust, and therefore more success.

Academy at the Lakes celebrated its first-ever winning season with the help of a roster chock-full of young players, including, from left, freshmen Jack Teeter, Andrew Kilfoyl and Spencer Boynton.

“We kept the same guys here the whole time, so we all got closer, all started getting to know each other. We really got to know each other better, so that was really good,” Oladokun said.

“We play for each other,” Kilfoyl added. “We’ve been playing together, not so much for ourselves, but as one whole team.”

Meanwhile, DiBenedetto had an inkling 2018 was time for a breakout, after building up the program the last couple years.

Entering the season, the coach saw “a much more well-rounded team” with a strong batting order top to bottom and a deep pitching staff — even following the graduation of Darin Kilfoyl, Andrew’s older brother, who was perhaps the most dominant pitcher/hitter in program history. He now plays at St. Johns River State College in Palatka.

“We kind of knew coming in that, if it wasn’t last year, it was going to be this year,” the Wildcats coach said of a winning season.

“You didn’t have the superstar (Darin Kilfoyl) anymore, and that was the only fear at first…but, they’ve all complemented each other in their own certain outright way,” he said.

Along with a roster chock-full of underclassmen, the Wildcats racked up victories despite losing two key players to injuries in the first week of the season.

Not having a true home field was another challenge they’ve overcome.

While the team practices at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, its handful of “home games” was at Northwest Little League near Leto High School in Hillsborough County, at least a 45-minute drive from the Academy at the Lakes campus. It’s a neutral site, at best, the coach said.

Moreover, several road games were in Citrus, Hernando, Pinellas and Polk counties.

“We’re traveling all over the place and to be where we are right now, it’s a credit to them,” DiBenedetto said.

Exceeding opponents’ expectations
Wherever they play and no matter the competition, DiBenedetto noted Wildcats players this year always came to the ballpark with a winning attitude and belief in themselves.

It resulted in winning several close games and coming from behind in others — each the makings of “a good baseball team.”

Third-year head coach John DiBenedetto, pictured with freshman middle infielder Jordan Oladokun, has helped turn around the Wildcats baseball program. A former college baseball player, DiBenedetto brings an aggressive coaching style combined with a focus on skill and player development.

Said DiBenedetto: “We have the conversation, ‘Prove everyone wrong because nobody expects you to do stuff. Continue to prove people wrong, and battle and chip, and fight and claw for what you deserve.’ That’s kind of been the motto we’ve adopted and hung onto all year, so we’ve embraced it; it’s been fun.”

Ask players their favorite game this season and it’s unanimous: A 6-5 win against Canterbury in early March — the Wildcats’ first-ever victory against the rival St. Petersburg-based private school.

Oladokun summed it up best: “Played them every single year, can’t beat ‘em. Played them twice a year, can’t beat ‘em. And, this year, everyone kind of was doubting us because we didn’t have Darin Kilfoyl, ‘the man.’ Everyone’s doubting us, and we went in there, beat ‘em 6-5, close game.”

The contest had extra meaning for Hutchison, the senior leader.

Two years ago, Hutchison allowed the winning run in the ninth inning of the district quarterfinals Canterbury, a 3-2 loss.

“It was super, super depressing because a bunch of seniors left that year, and we kind of sent them off on not the best note,” Hutchison recalled.

This time around, however, Hutchison made the last play to end the game.

“I got the ‘last say’ essentially. That was such a great feeling,” he said.

And, it’s likely not the last time Academy at the Lakes will get the best of Canterbury or other teams who previously dominated the once-floundering baseball program.

With a solid young corps to build around combined with coaching stability, the outlook seems promising for 2019 and beyond.

“It’s been a really fun year, and I’m looking forward to next year,” said Boynton, a shortstop/pitcher in his first year at Academy at the Lakes after attending Benito Middle School. “Hopefully we can get some more wins next year, too.”

DiBenedetto said the goal is to make modest improvements each season.

Still, he can’t help but think about the possibilities once his crop of talented freshman, like Boynton, become seniors.

“Just imagine three years from now when they’re going to be big and strong. It’s going to be crazy. It’s going to be exciting,” he said.

Published May 2, 2018

Saint Leo assistant honored

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Saint Leo University assistant women’s basketball coach Amber Moore has been named to the 2018 Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) Thirty under 30 list.

Amber Moore (Courtesy of Saint Leo University)

The list recognizes 30 up-and-coming women’s basketball coaches age 30 and under, at all levels of the game. Each honoree was selected based upon involvement in community service, mentorship, professional manner and professional association involvement.

Moore joined the Lions’ staff in October 2017, after a brief coaching stint at Urbana High School in Illinois.

She helped the Lions to the second-most Sunshine State Conference (SSC) wins in program history, finishing 13-16 overall, 8-12 in league play. The Lions’ 2017-2018 season was highlighted by a six-game winning streak.

Moore played collegiate at Division I University of Illinois, where she holds the school record for career three-pointers made (295) and career free-throw accuracy (84.7 percent). She also played professionally overseas for two years.

Fishing duo keeps reeling ’em in

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(Courtesy of John Medvid)

Dave Panno, left, and Ken Willis, teamed up for another first place win at the South Pasco Bassmasters (SPBM) April tournament, hauling in five bass for a total weight of 11.94 pounds at the Harris Chain of Lakes. It marks the fishing duo’s third tournament victory this year — also taking first at SPBM events in January and February. Panno and Willis caught their winning haul with Spinner Baits, Finesse Worms, and Lipless Crankbaits along residential canals. The next SPBM tournament is May 19 at Lake Hernando. For information, visit SouthPascoBassmasters.com.

Browning reports on school issues

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Practically no education-related topic was off limits during Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning’s recent visit with The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce.

At a recent breakfast meeting at the The Edwinola, Browning touched on everything from teacher pay and performance standards, to acceleration programs and school safety.

“We live in a crazy day and time in education,” said Browning, addressing dozens of chamber members.

Browning praised the district’s teachers as a whole, saying they’re “busting their tail ends trying to educate the kids.

Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning was the featured guest speaker at The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce’s breakfast meeting, at The Edwinola. (Courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

“Being a teacher today is tough, tough work, and it is patience, particularly when you look at the schools. Every district has schools that range on one end of the spectrum to the other — from the low socioeconomic to the very affluent schools,” Browning said.

The Pasco County school district encompasses about 73,000 students across 90 schools, making it the state’s 11th largest district. Its annual operational budget is about $1.2 billion.

A call for more state funding
Browning mentioned he’s been visiting schools throughout the county to gather input from educators on “what’s right, what’s not right, what needs to be fixed, what’s working.”

In the same breath, he said there won’t be salary increases for teachers and other school base staff next school year.

That’s because any additional state funding for education has already been earmarked for school safety, mental health services and classroom supplies, he said.

“Once you take those three things out of there, there’s not a lot of flexible spending. So, when you start talking about pay raises…I can’t do it. I can’t do that next year because there’s not the money there for us,” Browning said.

“You’ve seen the reports on the national news about teachers walking out of classrooms, demanding more money, and I can sympathize with them on what they’re doing. But…in Florida we can’t do that, and I will advocate that,” he said.

Related to teacher pay, Browning stressed the state legislature “has got to get serious about how we’re going to fund education to the levels that it needs, so that we can address all the issues that we’re having to face.”

Browning also blasted the Florida Standards Assessment, the state’s accountability system, and the idea of assigning grades to schools and districts.

Though Pasco is labeled a ‘B’ district, Browning acknowledged the school system “has a lot of ‘C’ schools, fewer ‘B’ schools and even fewer ‘A’ schools.

“I am not sold on the idea that we tag a school with an ‘A, B, C, D or F’ — and that is going to really set the course for that school,” Browning said.

“Realtors, they will sell property based on the grade that school is given. It’s grossly unfair. I’ve asked realtors, ‘Please do not sell homes to folks, No. 1, based upon a school grade; and secondly, they think that is the school they’re going to attend.’”

Browning also criticized the state’s evaluation system for teachers.

It doesn’t add up that approximately 98 percent of the district’s teachers are graded “effective or highly effective” yet the school district still has a ‘B’ grade, he said.

“A lot of it’s based on student outcomes, student data, which some of it should be. But, we’re still arguing about how we come up with a system that truly evaluates instructors, teachers and district staff for that matter,” Browning said.

Some type of measure is needed to truly delineate great teachers from subpar ones, Browning suggested.

“I want great teachers, and I want to keep great teachers in our schools.,” he said. “Our kids, our communities do not need mediocre teachers in our classrooms.”

Rigorous academies, technical programs
Meanwhile, Browning proudly discussed the district’s school acceleration and technical programs.

He highlighted the success of the “high rigor” Cambridge International Programme in place at five schools — Pasco Middle and Pasco High since 2014; and this year introduced at San Antonio Elementary, Paul R. Smith Middle and Anclote High.

Pasco County Schools was recently awarded the District of the Year — Medium Sized Cambridge District. The district was recognized for expanding access to Cambridge exams by more than 100 percent and achieving a pass rate of 76 percent. The district also had 31 students who received a Cambridge Learner Award.

The Cambridge curriculum can be compared to Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate curricula, whereby students in the high school program can earn college credits and an international diploma. Those who earn the diploma also qualify for a Florida Bright Futures College scholarship.

“If you set the bar high, those kids will achieve it,” Browning said, later adding he will continue to “press hard” for more rigorous academic programs district-wide.

Additionally, Browning was upbeat about the many career and technical academies the district currently offers, such as Zephyrhills High’s aviation academy and Wesley Chapel High’s automotive technology academy, along with academies at other schools ranging from health to finance to robotics engineering, and more.

Said Browning, “We’ve just opened up a lot of choices for kids — getting kids the opportunity to get a taste of what it is in the real world, and make those connections about what they’re learning in the classroom and how that applies to real life.”

He also observed: “When you can make that connection of what it is and how does this really impact you as an adult, then they start seeing.”

Many graduates of Wesley Chapel High’s auto academy are making as much as $75,000 to $80,000 working at local car dealerships, Browning said.

“We know that not all kids in our system are college bound. Does that mean they shouldn’t be successful? No. Does that mean they shouldn’t make good salary? No,” the superintendent said.

The school superintendent also talked about the possibility of a technical high school in east Pasco, noting it’s on the district’s five-year facilities work program.

The district’s only two technical offerings — Marchman Technical College and Wendell Krinn Technical High School (replacing Ridgewood High in 2018-2019) — are located in New Port Richey.

He said plans call for another such school to be built on a 125-acre, district-owned tract of land on Handcart Road in the Dade City area — to serve students living in Dade City, Zephyrhills and Wesley Chapel.

“We are trying our darnedest to find money to build that facility,” the school superintendent said.

Elsewhere, Browning spoke extensively about school safety measures, from the district’s active threat plan to beefing up school security.

He also noted that he’s staunchly opposed to arming teachers and other school personnel.

“There’s something inside me that tells me anytime I introduce a gun in a classroom, on a school campus, it’s just another opportunity for someone to get hurt or killed,” Browning said.

Published April 25, 2018

Sunlake High student named Foot Locker scholar-athlete

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Sunlake High School’s Andrea Wallace is more than just a star basketball player who can score and rebound at will, and dazzle in the post, with her 6-foot-1 frame.

She’s also a standout in the classroom, maintaining a 4.0 grade-point average all through high school.

Besides athletics and academics, Wallace, too, strives to make an impact in the community. It’s why she founded a school club her junior year called Pass It Forward, which focuses on empowering young girls in Land O’ Lakes to use their voice, display their strengths and encourage one another.

“She’s that kid that wants to be great,” said Reesa Hendrix-Pledge, Sunlake athletic director and girls head basketball coach.

Sunlake High’s Andrea Wallace was one of just 20 student-athletes nationwide honored this year in the Foot Locker Scholar-Athletes Program, selected from a competitive pool of over 13,000 applicants. Wallace was recognized for her academic and athletic excellence, along with her service to the community. She will play basketball next season at St. Petersburg College, with plans to transfer to a university in a year or two. (Courtesy of Sunlake High School)

In her seven-plus years at Sunlake, Hendrix-Pledge says no student-athlete better exemplifies “excellence” in all aspects of life than the senior forward.

“She’s kind of the model student,” the coach said.

Wallace’s leadership skills, too, “are like no other” — evidenced in being a three-time team captain on the girls varsity hoops team.

“A coach couldn’t ask for somebody else that can actually talk it then back it up at the same time,” Hendrix-Pledge said.

To other Sunlake teachers and administrators meanwhile, Wallace is simply “an awesome kid.”

To those who know her, it’s not far-fetched that Wallace recently became one of just 20 student-athletes nationwide honored this year in the Foot Locker Scholar-Athletes Program. She was selected from a competitive pool of over 13,000 applicants.

As a Foot Locker Scholar Athlete, Wallace was awarded a $20,000 scholarship in a surprise lunchtime ceremony on April 18 at the high school.

Wallace was told she’d be giving a presentation to district board members on her school club, Pass It Forward. However, while giving her speech in an administration room, Wallace was abruptly overcome with emotion when a pair of Foot Locker representatives entered the room and diverted her attention with a large check — literally — that read “Twenty Thousand (dollars.)”

Wallace recalled the eventful moment afterwards: “It was actually pretty funny, because when I walked in everybody had their cameras out. I was like, ‘I’m not anybody. I’m not that special.’ But, because I thought it was for the district board — that’s what I was told — so I came in and gave the speech, but when they brought the check I almost started crying. …It’s amazing. I didn’t even think that I’d be able to get that.”

Wallace’s mother, Anne-Marie, was also in attendance at the ceremony and was likewise shocked by the scholarship reveal. She used her lunch break to visit the school even though she wasn’t given the reason.

“I was completely caught off guard,” Wallace’s mother said. “This is going to be so much of a big help for her, because with (college) loans, at least it’ll be less on her.  I am very grateful; very grateful. I was not expecting this…”

Though remaining humble about her daughter’s accomplishments, Anne-Marie noted her academically and athletically gifted daughter has always displayed strong work ethic and leadership qualities.

“She’s a pretty good girl,” Anne-Marie said. “Andrea, she just works very hard, and she’s disciplined, and she has such a good attitude.”

Wallace applied for the scholarship in mid-November at the behest of Hendrix-Pledge. Her coach received a call from Foot Locker on a random Friday evening, five months later.

“It was kind of out of sight, out of mind, and then she had been chosen,” said Hendrix-Pledge, who noted she wasn’t totally taken aback, as her star pupil met all the qualifications to win the prestigious scholarship.

Wallace will play basketball next season at St. Petersburg College, with intentions to transfer to a university in a year or two. She plans to study pre-law with hopes of becoming a lawyer and a judge someday.

It all follows what’s been a momentous four-year varsity career, including her senior campaign, where she averaged a double-double (13.3 points, 10.6 rebounds) en route to Sunlake’s first 20-win season and the 7A regional finals. After the season, Wallace was awarded the Sunshine Athletic Conference East Girls Basketball Player of the Year, along with first team All-Conference honors.

Wallace made major strides on the court after her freshman season, motivated to improve after the team lost in the first round of the district playoffs.

“I was upset that we lost…so I was like, ‘I really like playing basketball, and I like being on the team, so what is a good way for me to get better?’ So, I just kind of worked that whole summer just to get better and be in a position to play.”

That she did — developing into one of the Bay Area’s top post players, and leading the Seahawks to three straight winning seasons and regional appearances.

Of her 81 career games played, one she’ll never forget is defeating Land O’ Lakes High her sophomore year in the district semifinals, 54-20. (Sunlake later defeated Springstead to capture the Class 6A district title). Said Wallace, “That was like a moment that I’ll always remember forever because we’d never, ever won anything like that. …To win our district championship and beat Land O’ Lakes High School was like really, really big.”

Meanwhile, Wallace said balancing all her commitments and responsibilities—academically, athletically, socially — at times “gets really, really difficult.”

But, she doesn’t let the pressure rattle her.

“It’s really easy to just say, ‘You know what, I’m not going to do that today.’ Like, it’s super easy to give up, so you just have to stay focused on the bigger goal,” she said.

It’s a message she often bestows on others, including her fellow teammates on achieving their dreams: “If you want to be the best, then you have to do something about it. …What can you do to push yourself to a bigger level?”

The Foot Locker Scholar Athletes program began in 2011, which has resulted in

140 total scholarship recipients over that time.

Published April 25, 2018

Spring football preview for area teams

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Spring football practices are underway at high schools across the state — though the first games of the 2018 season remain several months away.

Florida high schools are allowed a maximum of 20 practice sessions from April 23 to May 31, according to Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) guidelines.

Here are five points to consider as spring practices ramp up:

How does Academy at the Lakes follow last year’s championship season?
The Academy at the Lakes Wildcats capped off a remarkable 11-1 season by winning the school’s first-ever eight-man state football championship.

Academy at the Lakes won the FCAPPS (Florida Christian Association of Private and Parochial Schools) eight-man state title en route to an 11-1 season in 2017. (File)

What will they do for an encore?
For starters, the Wildcats will need to manage without running back/linebacker Daniel Gonzalez, one of the most dominant two-way players in the Florida 8-man ranks. Besides rushing for more than 1,000 yards and scoring 25 total touchdowns, the team captain was equally dominant on defense with138 total tackles and 7.5 sacks. Gonzalez isn’t the only significant departure. The Wildcats also must find reinforcements for other All-State players including wideout Isaiah Smith, kicker Zachary Moore and All-Conference center Evan Lutz.

But, the cupboard isn’t totally bare on either side of the ball.

Key returnees include sophomore quarterback Jalen Brown (684 passing yards, 19 total touchdowns, one interception); senior tailback Jamaal Johnson (725 scrimmage yards, nine total touchdowns); and a pair of All-State honorees in senior defensive lineman Dylan Price (98 total tackles, 15.5 sacks) and sophomore offensive lineman Andrew Kilfoyl.

Also working in the Academy’s favor is the return of head coach Shawn Brown, who was recently named Florida Christian Association of Private and Parochial Schools (FCAPPS) Football Coach of the Year. Many of his assistants are expected to return, too.

Chad Walker, a former college coach, is Land O’ Lakes High’s new varsity football coach.
(File)

Can Land O’ Lakes turn the corner with its new coaching staff?
With new head coach Chad Walker in place, Land O’ Lakes hopes to reverse its streak of four consecutive losing seasons. Even at just 34, Walker brings a wealth of experience as a former college coach and professional player in Europe — knowledge he’ll use to try to inject excitement to one of the county’s most historic programs.

The Gators — coming off a 4-5 mark last year under former coach Brian Wachtel — won’t require a complete rebuild; they likely will feature some different schemes and wrinkles under the new coaching staff. Working in the program’s favor is a sizable senior class that includes 1,000-yard running back Kyle Leivas, leading pass catcher Nate Howard (14 receptions, 202 yards, one touchdown), and top defender Myron Bloom (76 total tacklers, five tackles for loss, two sacks). The role of quarterback, however, remains a question because of Ethan Forrester’s transfer to Wharton High School. Forrester, a rising junior, threw for nearly 800 yards along with five touchdowns and seven interceptions.

Will Cypress Creek show improvements in the program’s second year?
First-year sports programs typically struggle.

Cypress Creek High went 0-10 in their inaugural football season in 2017. (Courtesy of Cypress Creek Football)

Such was the case with newer Pasco County programs like both Sunlake and Wiregrass Ranch high schools back in 2007, when those programs went 0-10 and 1-9, respectively.

The same was true, more recently, for Cypress Creek, which completed its inaugural slate of 10 games without a single win. A new, young coaching staff combined with a senior-free roster and a mix of challenging opponents made Year One a long one, in which the Coyotes failed to score in seven games.

But, don’t be surprised to see the tide to shift a little in 2018 under second-year head coach Mike Johnson. He’ll finally have a large group of seniors at his disposal, including a talented pair of offensive playmakers in Devin Santana (10 receptions, 134 yards) and 6-foot-4 target Trevor Maxwell (10 receptions, 75 yards). Of course, development at the quarterback spot will be key. Rising junior Jehlani Warren completed just 37 percent of his passes and threw seven interceptions last season.

Can Zephyrhills continue winning without Charles Harrison III?
Whoever is named Zephyrhills High’s next starting quarterback no doubt has big shoes to fill.

The Zephyrhills High Bulldogs must replace graduating quarterback and three-year starter Charles Harrison III. (File)

For the past three years, the Bulldogs were fortunate to have one the county’s most prolific athletes under center in Charles Harrison III. He guided the Bulldogs to three consecutive playoffs appearances, including its first 10-win season in more than 20 years. Along with his on-field leadership, Bulldogs fans won’t soon forget the left-handed quarterback’s flashy playmaking ability with his arm and legs. That was most evident in last season, when Harrison III tallied 47 total touchdowns and more than 3,100 yards — numbers good enough to earn him Sunshine Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year.

He won’t be the only major departure from the defending District 8-5A champions, however. The Bulldogs also lose 1,000-yard rusher Elijah Thomas and several key defenders, including Zac Masci, Myles Carter and Sterlin Williams.

Even so, don’t be surprised if Zephyrhills finds a way to notch an eighth-straight winning season. Besides a steadying coaching presence in third-year head coach Nick Carroll, the Bulldogs have arguably the county’s most talented and explosive receiving corps in Ja’Quan Sheppard, Tre’Pavis Mobley, Cartrell Strong and Tyrese Wigfall. Both Sheppard and Strong hold Division I FBS offers.

Is Pasco in store for a winning season?
The Pasco High Pirates are looking to avoid a fourth-consecutive losing season. They were on track early in 2017 winning their first two contests. But, they ended the season on a six-game losing streak — including a 42-13 sour defeat to crosstown rival Zephyrhills in the season finale.

Pasco High is looking to avoid a fourth-straight losing season in 2018.
(Courtesy of Pasco High Football)

On the surface, the Pirates have the offensive talent to find more success this time around. Experienced senior quarterback Dylan Wood should have ample help with senior running backs Early Knight (778 yards, six touchdowns) and Jacquez Mobley (551 scrimmage yards, four touchdowns), along with one of the county’s most lethal receiving threats in junior wideout Darrion Robinson (25 receptions, 577 yards, eight touchdowns) — who’s also a threat in the defensive secondary (four interceptions, three passes defensed).

Defense as a whole, however, could once again pose issues as the Pirates graduate its top 11 tacklers from last season, including All-Conference linebacker Cameron Smith. The Pirates allowed nearly 30 points per game last season.

A challenging 2018 schedule won’t help matters, either. Just three if its 10 opponents (Gulf, Cypress Creek, Sunlake) had losing campaigns a year ago.

Five players to watch:

  • Chris Butash, quarterback, Carrollwood Day School, senior
  • Dylan Ridolph, linebacker, Wiregrass Ranch, junior
  • Jeromy Reid, running back, Gaither, senior
  • Deon Silas, running back, Steinbrenner, sophomore
  • Javion Hanner, running back/cornerback, Zephyrhills Christian Academy, senior

Schools in Laker/Lutz News Coverage Area (and their 2017 records)
Hillsborough County:

  • Carrollwood Day School Patriots (Class 2A-Region 3): (2-7 overall, 1-2 district)
  • Freedom High School Patriots (Class 7A-Region 8): (3-6 overall, 2-4 district)
  • Gaither High School Cowboys (Class 7A-Region 8): (7-4 overall, 5-1 district)
  • Steinbrenner High School Warriors (Class 8A-Region 6): (2-7 overall, 1-5 district)

Pasco County:

  • Academy at the Lakes Wildcats (8-man-Florida Christian Region 2): (11-1 overall, 7-0 district)
  • Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School Hurricanes (Independent-Sunshine State Athletic Conference (SSAC): (3-7 overall, 2-2 district)
  • Cypress Creek Middle High School Coyotes (Class 4A-Region 3): (0-11 overall, 0-0 district)
  • Land O’ Lakes High School Gators (Class 6A-Region 6): (4-5 overall, 1-3 district)
  • Pasco High School Pirates (Class 6A-Region 6): (4-7 overall, 0-4 district)
  • Sunlake High School Seahawks (Class 6A-Region 6): (4-6 overall, 2-2 district)
  • Wesley Chapel High School Wildcats (Class 5A-Region 8): (6-4 overall, 4-3 district)
  • Wiregrass Ranch High School Bulls (Class 7A-Region 8): (9-3 overall, 4-2 district)
  • Zephyrhills High School Bulldogs (Class 5A-Region 8): (10-2 overall, 7-0 district)
  • Zephyrhills Christian Academy Warriors (Class 2A-Region 2): (8-3 overall, 0-1 district)

Spring game schedule
May 17
Zephyrhills Christian Academy at Cypress Creek, 7 p.m.
Lecanto at Land O’ Lakes, 7 p.m.
Mitchell at Wesley Chapel 7 p.m.
Zephyrhills at East Ridge, 7 p.m.
Jamboree: Alonso, Gaither, Steinbrenner at Sickles, 6 p.m.
Jamboree: Freedom, Hillsborough, King at Wharton, 6 p.m.

May 18
Hernando at Sunlake, 7 p.m.
Wiregrass Ranch at Tampa Catholic, 7p.m.
Pasco at Fivay, 7 p.m.

May 19
Carrollwood Day at Bishop McLaughlin, 1 p.m.

May 24
Jamboree: Lakeside Christian, Solid Rock, Academy at the Lakes at Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, 6 p.m.

Published April 25, 2018