The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Mike Camunas

Kings and queens dance the night away

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It was a night to remember.

The Zephyrhills Lions Club, in collaboration with Meals on Wheels, held the inaugural Senior Prom on Nov. 5.

Residents, age 50 and older, donned formal attire, enjoyed a lovely buffet and had some fun “gambling” before dancing “One Enchanted Evening” away — all in the name of raising money for charity.

Mary Gagmon holds her husband, Joe, tight during a romantic slow dance at the first-ever Senior Prom, held at the Zephyrhills Lions Club and presented by Meals on Wheels. (Mike Camunas)

“We were thrilled with the turnout,” said Beth Aker, the event organizer. “Who says raising money can’t just be a fun evening?”

Men in tuxedos and women in formals arrived at the Zephyrhills Lions Club, 5827 Dean Dairy Road, with nothing more on their minds than having fun.

At the same time, they were raising money for Meals on Wheels.

Aker said she would be “thrilled to raise $5,000” with proceeds coming from ticket and raffle sales, a cash bar, other donations, as well as “gambling,” with players using “funny money” on Blackjack, Roulette, Texas Hold ‘Em and more.

About 125 people attended the event, which featured lively music for dancing, a cake walk, giveaways and a crowning of a Prom King and Queen.

After a series of fun questions, the crowd cheered to signify whom they favored to be named the evening’s Prom King — which turned out to be Larry Wills, and Prom Queen, which turned out to be Joan Lawrence.

Aker was encouraged, and gratified, by the crowd’s enthusiasm.

“People were already asking about (prom) for next year,” Aker said. “I really hope we can make this a yearly thing because people are clearly having a great time and, maybe, we can get even more to come to prom next time!”

Published November 16, 2022

Randy Jones, left, rolls the dice as his wife, Paula Jones, left, and Sunny Gebhardt, middle, cheer him on in the hopes he rolls a hard seven and wins some “funny money” while “gambling” during the inaugural Senior Prom at Zephyrhills Lions Club.
Denny Mason dances happily with his date, Helen Druidi, for “One Enchanted Night,” at the inaugural Senior Prom held at the Zephyrhills Lions Club on Nov. 5. The fundraiser brought in money for Meal on Wheels.
Mary Gagmon, left, has a blast dancing with her husband, Joe Gagmon,during the inaugural Senior Prom on Nov. 5 held at the Zephyrhills Lions Club. “One Enchanted Evening” was hosted by the Lions Club and Meals on Wheels, with proceeds going to Meals on Wheels. The 50-and-older event included raffles, funny-money gambling and dealers from Seminole Hard Rock Casino.
Domenic Martucci holds his wife, Barbara, close during a slow dance at the inaugural Senior Prom, held at the Zephyrhills Lions club for “One Enchanted Evening” on Nov. 5.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Senior Prom Queen Joan Lawrence, middle, tries to decide whether to double down or hold during a game of Blackjack, as Marcie Baker, left, and Denise Oatley-Hall, wait to see if Lawrence will win more “funny money” during some “gambling” at the Senior Prom.
Diane Shelton, left, rolls her eyes to a Prom Court question posed by Senior Prom organizer, Beth Aker, that will help determine if she will be crowned Queen at the Nov. 5 fundraising event.
Mia Clark dances like nobody’s watching. She was accompanied by her husband, Bob, at the inaugural Senior Prom.
Amy and Terry Wilson are thrilled to have Blackjack while “gambling” at the first-ever Senior Prom held on Nov. 5. Proceeds from the event went to support Meals on Wheels.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Roxanne Haack, left, smiles at her husband, Joe Haack, during a lovely dance for “One Enchanted Evening” at Zephyrhills Lions Club.
Barbara Martucci gets down as funky music plays during the Senior Prom at Zephyrhills Lions club on Nov. 5.
Senior Prom attendees partake in a little “gambling” with “funny money” but with actual dealers from Seminole Hard Rock Casino, with Meals on Wheels being the real winner from the event.
Mia and Joe Clark are having fun on the dance floor at the Zephyrhills Lions Club during the Senior Prom’s “One Enchanted Evening” on Nov. 5.

Bully for USF Hockey

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It’s a sea of green. And gold.

It’s the fans for the University of South Florida (USF) Hockey team, as the team takes the ice at AdventHealth Center Ice in Wesley Chapel,

The USF Hockey Club, which has been playing since 1987, currently calls AdventHealth Center Ice in Wesley Chapel home and features a full schedule, including a whole slate of home matches that fans can attend, free of charge. (Mike Camunas)

The fans, decked out in the school colors, are coming out in force to support the Bulls, a club team that plays a full season of games and competes in the College Hockey South Conference, and for the Cup, at the season’s end.

“We have the best fans in the league, by far,” said Alden Spratt, a freshman forward, who is majoring in Political Science.

“We get the best crowds, and it’s a lot more fun than anything I’ve played in up North,” added freshman forward Charlie Rongo, who hails from New Jersey.

“We love playing in front of a packed crowd,” agreed junior forward Zach Parker, a Wesley Chapel native, “and all we want to do is put on a show for them.”

So far, on Fridays and Saturday evenings, the Bulls (8-5-1) have been putting on a hockey show. A show that anyone — student or just hockey fan — can attend for free.

Charlie Rongo, a freshman forward on USF Hockey, sits in front of the net looking to deflect in a shot in a contest rival Central Florida on Nov. 5.

It was evident during a recent game that fans are coming out in force for the Bulls.

They played in front of a sold-out crowd against rival Central Florida on Nov. 5. Before the game, longtime USF women’s basketball coach Jose Fernandez dropped the ceremonial puck.

“It’s a different type of hockey than what we’re used to — a fun and electric atmosphere,” Spratt, a Philadelphia native, said. “Up North, you play hockey, you try to get on a college team or go to the NHL (National Hockey League). It’s not as fun as this.”

The USF Hockey Team was founded in 1987 by two students — Eric Mattson and Chip McCarthy — who loved and missed hockey while attending USF, so they began looking into forming a hockey club. The team’s first season began in 1989, when the Bulls went 8-3.

Wesley Chapel native and Wiregrass Ranch High graduate Zach Parker stands on the bench during a game against rival Central Florida on Nov. 5. Parker is one of a handful of locals on the team and also works at Center Ice.

Since then, USF has appeared in 11 postseasons and has seen its fan base grow, which is especially impressive since Florida is always considered a “non-hockey state.”

“I blame the Tampa Bay Lightning for winning so much,” Rongo said, jokingly. “They made hockey fans out of everyone. I walk around campus, and everyone is wearing a hockey cap or sweatshirt, and I think our fans love seeing hockey, especially as a fun, college thing to do.

“I mean, we got a guy who brings a cone to every game and uses it as a megaphone!”

“Hockey is obviously a big (sport) up North,” Spratt added. “I came down here and expected (the big sport) to be baseball and football, and it is, to an extent, but the atmosphere here around hockey was not something I really expected.”

For Parker, the love of hockey in Florida is nothing new.

“I live five minutes from the rink,” said the 2017 Wiregrass Ranch graduate, who also works at Center Ice. “It would have been great to have it, like, 10 years ago, but people around here have loved hockey for a long time.

“I love Tampa, I love hockey, and it’s great to be able to stay home and do what I love.”

Rango loves playing hockey in Florida, too.

“You know, I played in Canada,” he said, “and there, I step outside, I’m frozen.  Down here, I play and then I step outside and I’m headed to the beach (laughs).”

While the crowds are lively and the games are exciting, in the end, the players know that they are not destined for the NHL spotlight. This is a recreational activity for them, a way to keep playing the sport they love, get some exercise and, as always, be hit with a shot of adrenaline playing in front of a raucous crowd.

USF Hockey, which plays its home games at AdventHealth Center Ice in Wesley Chapel, usually has large, loud crowds, all of which came to see some hockey action, free of charge.

“For me,” Parker said, introspectively, “yeah, this is kind of it. I will finish out my senior year and go onto a career. Of course, I’ll always love hockey or try to find a way to play, but we play here, for USF, for the club, because we love it.

“We play for the love of the game.”

USF Hockey
When: Friday and Saturday evenings
Where: AdventHealth Center Ice, 3173 Cypress Ridge Blvd., Wesley Chapel
Cost: Admission to games is free
Details: The University of South Florida (USF) Hockey Club has been playing since 1987 and competes in the College Hockey South Conference, which features several other teams, such as Florida, Florida State, Miami, Central Florida and the University of Tampa. The season concludes with a three-day conference championship tournament. The top eight teams from that advance to the 2023 CHS Tournament, held in West Chester, Pennsylvania in March.
Next game: Dec. 3 against the University of Tampa, 7 p.m.

Published November 16, 2022

Local tennis player signs with college

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(Courtesy of Academy of the Lakes Athletics)

Academy at the Lakes senior girls tennis player Avery Isaac signed a letter of intent on Nov. 9 to play tennis at Colgate University. Colgate, in Hamilton, New York, is a Division I program that competes in the Patriot League.

Zephyrhills tennis center opens housing complex

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(Courtesy of Andy Taylor/Pasco County)

The Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center held a grand opening ribbon cutting on Nov. 3 for The Well, which is 34,000 square feet of multi-bedroom apartments that can house more than 90 students and families. The apartments are adjacent to the tennis facility and will be available for players and their families during training and tournaments. Commissioner Mike Moore emceed the event, with speakers including Florida Sen.  Danny Burgess; Florida Rep. Randy Maggard; SVB CEO Pascal Collard; Florida Sports Coast’s Adam Thomas; Bob Simons, who sold SVB the property; and Todd Lovinger, an investor. Florida Senate President Wilton Simpson was on hand for the ceremony, too.

Friday Night Lights Playoff Scoreboard (Nov. 11/12)

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West Orange 35, Steinbrenner 0
Gaither 27, Pinellas Park 6
Winter Haven 29, Land O’ Lakes 14
Lecanto 45, Pasco 14
Zephyrhills 56, Gulf 27
Wharton at Oviedo**

Regional Semifinals (Nov. 18)
Lecanto at Zephyrhills
Gaither at Jesuit
Carrollwood Day at Northside Christian*

All games begin at 7:30 p.m.
*7 p.m. start
**Played Nov. 14

Banded together, for the birds

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The birds are calling — and these kids are answering.

At Learning Gate Community School in Lutz, students have been participating in bird banding.

The work is led by environmental resource teacher Jim McGinity, who uses mist nets to capture birds and band them with tiny tracking nodules. For five days a month each fall and each spring, McGinity and some volunteers take students, of all grades, out into the 30 acres of woods on the campus, at 16215 Hanna Road, to look for birds in the nets.

Learning Gate Community School first-graders Jocelyn Stewart, left, and Sadie Kruz smile but also lean away from a common yellowthroat bird that teacher Jim McGinity holds out for them to observe after banding it. McGinity has set up safe nets for 11 years to catch birds on the school’s 30-acre wooded campus. He then bands them to track migratory patterns. He also brings out students from kindergarten through sixth grade to show them actual fieldwork. (Mike Camunas)

They’ll collect the birds, bring them back to a small learning center, band the birds and then safely release them.

Over a dozen years of doing this project, McGinity has banded more than 900 birds.

The exercise provides a unique opportunity for students to witness, first-hand, how real scientists conduct fieldwork.

“It is hard to measure the value of the students seeing science in action,” McGinity said. “They can read about science in a book, but to watch it live is something completely else and, usually, they learn more this way.

“The hands-on — to an extent — experience of seeing the entire process of actual fieldwork is perfect for them, and, as they get older, we’re recapturing some of the birds from a couple years ago or even four years ago, so tracking the migratory patterns — it’s working! It’s proving the fieldwork is working.”

McGinity emphasized the birds are not harmed in any way, nor do the students handle the birds out of the net or when they’re banded.

McGinity is a fully licensed and trained bander, which required substantial training and experience to become completely certified to run the program and handle birds.

Learning Gate Community School first-graders Norianna Marquez, left, and Ava DiPallo closely examine an indigo bunting that environmental resource teacher Jim McGinity just banded and soon will release.

“We are one of hundreds of banding projects in the country, but also one of the few, if maybe the only one that is a bird-banding project on a school campus,” McGinity added.

Once a bird is safely removed from a net, McGinity will identify its species, measure it, weigh it, determine the gender if possible, and band it.

The wooded area on campus is a stopping area for the birds during migration. During the fall, the birds are headed even farther down south and to other countries.

“We’re contributing to the greater knowledge of the migration of these birds,” he said.

The information is valuable, but the teacher said there’s a low percentage of birds that return. Of the thousands of birds he’s banded, only two of his have been found — at a different location where McGinity bands (Dunedin). One was found in Massachusetts and another in Minnesota.

However, at Learning Gate, it’s a well-received, extremely fun project for the students, especially when they hike out into the woods to search the nets.

Learning Gate Community School environmental resource teacher Jim McGinity holds up a common yellowthroat to show to students, after he banded the bird.

“I really like bird banding because you get to learn about new birds,” fourth-grader Yza Blanco said. “It’s just really fun, and we get to spend time with our nature teacher (Mr. Jim).”

“Sometimes,” added fellow fourth-grader Kealan Cooke, “the birds go to one place and then go back to the same place they were before, and they keep repeating that over and over again.”

In the end, the students are more than happy to release the birds back into the trees. In fact, it’s their favorite part, one meticulously supervised by McGinity who places the bird on students’ outstretched hands, allowing the birds to happily fly away.

They fly away — back and banded — to the call of nature.

“(I’ve learned) that when they migrate, they have to rest in order to keep going to Brazil or Mexico, and that you have to be a professional in order to touch a bird,” Blanco said.

“My favorite part is releasing the birds,” Cooke said, “and I got to release one back in kindergarten!”

Published November 09, 2022

Lincoln Maynard, left, and Jude Elliot prepare to release a common yellowthroat as environmental resource teacher Jim McGinity looks on. The teacher had just banded the bird after catching it in nets set up in the woods on Learning Gate Community School’s campus in Lutz.
First-graders Rae Oates, left, and Liam Graham take a close — but not too close — look at an indigo bunting as part of Learning Gate Community School’s bird-banding program that has been tracking migratory bird patterns for 11 years.
Jim McGinity has just placed a small band on a common yellowthroat, to track the bird’s migratory patterns.
Jim McGinity measures the length of the wing of a tufted titmouse. He also will try to determine the gender of the bird and to weigh it.

 

Zephyrhills addresses exponential growth needs

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As Pasco County’s largest municipality, the City of Zephyrhills has been experiencing rapid expansion. That’s why city officials already are working to try to stay ahead of area growth, which has doubled in the past 30 years.

During an Economic Summit at City Hall, City Planning Director Todd Vande Berg addressed previous, current and upcoming work in Zephyrhills.

This map shows the City of Zephyrhills, with a population topping 18,000 — making it Pasco County’s largest municipality. The dotted lines show the city limits in 1990, while the blue areas show how the city has expanded. (Courtesy of City of Zephyrhills)

The city planning director addressed how the city population more than doubled in a 30-year period, from 1990 to 2020.

The current population is estimated at slightly more than 18,000.

Zephyrhills also has expanded its city limits, especially in the north and to the west.

Abbot Square, the city’s largest new residential development, has more than 700 units. It’s just off Simons Road.

In total, the city has added 3,000 residential units, Vande Berg said, characterizing that as being “a lot for us, especially our community.”

The city’s residential growth is in keeping with a trend across both Pasco County and the state, the planning expert said.

Since 2010, Zephyrhills has seen a 61% increase in the total acreage of land of the city that is residential, with 2,995 acres dedicated to it.

To go along with the residential expansion, Vande Berg said 364,400 square feet has been added for industrial and commercial use.

That expansion includes new industrial spaces, expansion of Zephyrhills Municipal Airport and the development of the historic downtown area.

Downtown changes include new businesses and buildings. There are a number of other projects, too.

Making it safer and easier for people to get around
As it grows, the city also has been and will continue to seek ways to improve traffic flow, and enhance pedestrian and bicycle safety.

Significant roadway improvements, include:

  • A roundabout at Wire and Pretty Pond roads
  • A traffic signal at Simons Road and Eiland Boulevard
  • An extended right-turn lane on Fort King Road and Eiland Boulevard
  • Improvements to the intersection at County Road 54 and 12th Street, next to Zephyrhills High
  • An extension of Dairy Road to Kossick Road
  • An extension of Kossick Road to Wire Road
  • An alignment of Simons Road

Vande Berg said other measures have been discussed, such as identifying traffic “hot spots,” an additional extension of State Road 56, and improvements to U.S. 301.

“We’re going to look at all the areas in the city that might be considered problematic and call them out, and address those with a solution, whatever that might be,” the planning director said.

The city also has allocated $1 million of the 2022-2023 budget to improve sidewalks. All new development and redevelopment projects are required to build sidewalks adjacent to their sites.

“This will provide a safer haven, a better environment for kids to get to school and onto better sidewalks,” Vande Berg said.

Meanwhile, the city continues to grow.

Its population is expected to exceed 22,600 by 2035.

To address that growth and its needs, the city is updating its Comprehensive Plan, which aims to chart a vision and set policies for future growth through 2035.

An artist’s rendition of The Back Yard, a $250,000 open-air park at the southwest corner of Eighth Street and Sixth Avenue that will feature covered seating, metal storage containers as vendor spaces, and food truck and event space.

The city continues to accept public input, as it works on that plan.

It also is looking to “encourage smart growth,” which will concentrate on building within the city “compact, walkable urban areas to avoid sprawl,” Vande Berg said.

In essence, the city wants to encourage new development and redevelopment in downtown, rather than at its outer limits, he said.

“We can expand and develop what we have downtown and into the residential areas that are there, and that just makes the most financial sense,” Vande Berg said.

Some plans already have been identified, including The Back Yard, an open-air park at the southwest corner of Eighth Street and Sixth Avenue. It will feature covered seating under teepee-like structures, repurposed metal storage containers as vendor spaces, a stage, lighting, an event screen, plus service from food trucks.

That $250,000 project is tentatively expected to begin construction in late February 2023.

Other developments include more tennis courts at the tennis center, plus The Well, a 34,000-square-foot apartment development that can provide long-term housing for up to 90 students and families.

Other projects include a $5.4 million enhancement of Hercules Park, next to Woodland Elementary; additional expansion to the airport; a distillery being planned at an old bank on Gall Boulevard; and, more residential developments, with a variety of housing types.

“Avoiding overuse for residential land has to be key, with a better balance between that and commercial use for a sustainable economy,” Vande Berg concluded. “There is no magical formula, but it’s important not to get too oversaturated with residential.”

Published November 09, 2022

Putting a round with the family

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Chris and Brandy Whitten’s first date was at a putt-putt course.

“At the Congo River in Clearwater,” Brandy said, giving a sly smile to her husband.

“We definitely like playing it,” Chris added, flashing a smile back.

The Whittens, led by father Chris and mother Brandy, are managing 7th Street Mini Golf & Game Parlour as a family operated business, with the kids either working or being home-schooled, or both, during operating hours. Pictured here at their indoor mini golf facility at 13841 Seventh St., in Dade City, back row, from left: Caleb, Brandy, Chris, Eliza and Isaac, and in the front row, from left: Levi, Audry and Micah. (Mike Camunas)

That much is obvious, especially since they’re the proud part-owners and managers of Dade City’s newest local attraction: 7th Street Mini Golf & Game Parlour.

Now, with six kids in tow, the Whittens have opened this family friendly destination that features an 18-hole, indoor putt-putt course and various games. All of which this Dade City family of eight operates.

“Yeah, (putt-putt golf) is just a fun thing to do,” Brandy said. “Like, you know, (the ball is) not going to go in (the hole), it’s not going to go in there and then it happens and, you’re like, ‘YES!’ and you’re so excited — that roller coaster of emotion!”

“At the same time,” Chris added, “having six kids and living in Dade City, what else is there to do around here? So, for ourselves, mini golf popped in our minds because there isn’t really one around here in the area.

“So we were thinking of family entertainment as something we could do as a business and have it centered around that.”

The Whittens relocated to Dade City about three years ago and began discussing a business that could involve the whole family. The parents home-school the six kids, so they wanted to come up with an idea that could not only give them a space to do schoolwork, but also job responsibilities as being part of a workforce.

While Chris was continuing his job at a marketing firm, Brandy was working part-time at the nearby American Pizza Oven. There, she started having conversations with the owners, Robert and Jessica Borras, who wanted to branch out with a new business.

Well, it turns out, both the Whittens and the Borrases were having the same conversations. Both couples were talking about a family friendly place, perhaps an arcade or a putt-putt course or both.

“It was just all the same thoughts and words,” Brandy said. “We all thought the same thing — something close, down the street — and it all lined up just perfect.”

The Whittens and the Borrases started having these conversations together and started to hatch plans.

The four formed an LLC, then decided on the old brick building at 13841 Seventh St., that was built in the 1940s. It is a former Social Security building and antique store, and is at just the right location.

It took about eight months of prep, with Chris using YouTube videos to help him build the holes. He also put his marketing background to use, to create the logo, build the website and set up the social media pages.

The families opened the doors Oct. 16.

“This is a very close community that has just been wonderful and very supportive during every part,” Brandy said. “We have been welcomed from the start.”

“It’s been really great,” Chris added. “When, on a Friday or Saturday, you have groups in here and you just hear them go ‘awww’ or ‘ohhh’ (from their shots) and yelling and stuff, it just feels good to see other people have a good time.”

7th Street Mini Golf & Game Parlour is an 18-hole, black-lit, indoor mini golf course in downtown Dade City, 13841 Seventh St., which also features card and board games, light snacks, monthly subscriptions and family fun.

They’re already thinking of expansion, including adding those arcade games.

In the end, they want each of their kids to have responsibility over a certain aspect at the course.

And the Whittens — including Issac, 15; Caleb, 13; Micah, 11; Levi, 9; Audrey, 6; and Eliza, 5 — will be at 7th Street Mini Golf & Game Parlour five days a week.

“It’s been a leap of faith, doing what we felt God has called us to do, as a family,” Brandy said. “And it’s been a leap, it’s been hard, but it’s been a lot of fun, too.”

Chris added, “Maybe He does love putt-putt, too (laughs), but it’s also the family connection and that’s what’s always been important to us.”

7th Street Mini Golf & Game Parlour
Where: 13841 Seventh St., Dade City
When: Tuesdays and Thursdays, noon to 9 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sundays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Details: A family friendly, 18-hole, black-lit, indoor mini golf course featuring card and board games, light snacks and drinks
Cost: $10.95 for adults, children under 13 are $6.95, free for children under 3. Monthly subscriptions starting at $15 are available.
Info: Visit 7thStreetMiniGolf.com, or call 352-437-4715.

Published November 09, 2022

Swamp Fest brings carnival atmosphere to town

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The 13th annual Swamp Fest was held from Nov. 4 through Nov. 6 at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park. It was hosted by the Land O’ Lakes High School Booster Club to raise money for its athletic programs. (Mike Camunas)

Just as it does every year — minus one COVID hiatus year — the Swamp Fest rolled into town from Nov. 4 through Nov. 6, bringing in rides, games, food and entertainment.

Now in its 13th year, the three-day event once again was hosted by the Land O’ Lakes High School Booster Club to raise money for its athletic programs and school.

Organizers say the event, which was held at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., should bring in more than $25,000.

There were two dozen rides — all of the thrill, family and kiddie variety — plus plenty of carnival food stands and food trucks, a small midway of games, and entertainment featuring local performers.

Featured acts included Nicole’s Dance Academy, Nunes at Night, Kenneth Blakenship and Big Bong Theory.

Published November 09, 2022

Ali Toller, of Land O’ Lakes, enthusiastically enjoys a ride at Swamp Fest at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park as her dad, Brian Ramirez, looks on in amusement on the evening of Nov. 4. Swamp Fest, a three-day carnival in its 13th year, is hosted by the Land O’ Lakes High School Booster Club to raise money for its athletic programs and school, and organizers say the event should raise more than $25,000.
Dre Williams, left, and Lauren Williams watch as their kids D.J., left, and Kash pick out their winning toys. The Land O’ Lakes family enjoyed the evening of Nov. 4, during the three-day carnival, the 13th annual Swamp Fest, at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park.
Twelve-year-old Land O’ Lakes residents Karynn Edouard, left, and Gianna Gygnard laugh and scream during a ride at Swamp Fest at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thirteen-year-old Land O’ Lakes residents Alanna Talvera, left, and Julia Sankowski pose for a fun selfie in front of the Ferris wheel at the 13th annual Swamp Fest at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park on the evening of Nov. 4.
Land O’ Lakes sisters Sophee, left, and Rylee Tomeo take one wild ride down the slide at the 13th annual Swamp Fest on Nov. 4.
Land O’ Lakes 16-year-old Tristan Marty, left, watches as fellow 16-year-old Abigail Encabo films their ride on the Ferris wheel during Swamp Fest.

Wildcats dream season comes to an end

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They did it.

It took the program nearly 20 years to do it again and the current players nearly two years, but the Wesley Chapel Volleyball Team accomplished the goal the players set well before this season started.

The Wildcats (23-6) made the Class 5A state tournament.

The Wesley Chapel Volleyball Team reached its main goal this season, which was a state tournament appearance, the program’s first since 2003. (Courtesy of Wesley Chapel High Athletics)

“We’ve had these players that have poured their hearts out for this team for the past two, three, even four years,” sixth-year-coach Brittany Collison said. “In the end, they accomplished our goal and it’s amazing to see how far some of them have come.”

Unfortunately, the season did come to an end for the Wildcats after a 3-0 (27-25, 25-13, 25-21) loss to Naples Barron Collier on Nov. 5 in a state semifinal match. It ended a season that saw Wesley Chapel win its first conference title (undefeated in regular season matches), its second-straight district championship and its first regional championship for these players.

“We spoke to them after the game and told them they should be proud,” Collison said. “To do all the things they set out to do, accomplished them, to get to the state tournament for the first time since 2003, that’s pretty huge. In no way does (losing in the state tournament) diminish what they accomplished this season.”

The Wildcats also will say goodbye to Chloe Danielson, arguably one of the best players in program history. Danielson finishes her career with 1,031 kills, including a team-high 241 this season and a school-record 375 in her junior season.

“It’s, obviously, so sad to lose her,” Collison said. “To see how far she’s come for her whole high school career and just see her for four years, it was incredible.”

While losing seniors Danielson and Jenna Ly (a team-high 451 assists), a number of skilled players are returning.

Those include the next top three team leaders in kills: juniors Lizzie Ekechi (195), Grace Korta (184) and Emma Letourneau (164). Also entering her senior year next season will be Brooke Ashkenase, who led the team with 337 digs.

“Just two core seniors, who will be missed, but all those juniors are a core part of the team,” Collison added. “Our million juniors — Lizzie, Brooke, Grace, Emma — it was incredible to see how hard they worked, even in the offseason, so it’ll be great to have them all back next year.”

And the Wildcats will need those players, as they look to continue their winning ways and secure the program’s third state tournament berth.

That’s just another goal already set forth to be accomplished.

“I mean, it wasn’t the outcome we hoped for, but it was still an incredible season with an incredible team that looks to do it again next year,” Collison said. “This season, we got to where we wanted to be and we just want to do it again already.”

Published November 09, 2022