Michael Murillo

Fresh start for softball at Carrollwood Day School

December 30, 2015 By Michael Murillo

Frank Arcuri has nearly three decades of experience coaching softball. He was an assistant coach for Eckerd College last year, and spent many years in travel ball, where he won multiple championships. His daughters even played Division I college softball.

So what brings him to Carrollwood Day School, 1515 W. Bearss Ave., to head their softball program?

It’s the timing. Not for the coach; for the players.

“I feel like my niche is the 14-, 15-, 16-year-old athlete,” Arcuri explained. They’re right where you want them in the development stage, and it’s a real joy to take them to the next level of playing.”

Softball coach Frank Arcuri is the new head softball coach for the Carrollwood Day School Patriots. He is shown here wearing the shirt of his former team. (Courtesy of Frank Arcuri) — Softball coach Frank Arcuri is the new head softball coach for the Carrollwood Day School Patriots. He is shown here wearing the shirt of his former team.
(Courtesy of Frank Arcuri)

At the college level, coaches are doing more fine-tuning and strategizing with players, he said. But when they’re a few years younger, they can still learn new things to improve their game significantly, yet they’ve already established that they have the talent to compete.

Carrollwood Day School’s softball team has already demonstrated its abilities.

The Patriots have reached the regionals in state playoff competition in each of the past three seasons, including a trip to the state semifinals a couple of seasons ago.

Arcuri wants to build on that success, but there’s a lot of time between now and the start of the season. That’s why he wanted the team to participate in a Hillsborough County fall league, to give the players time to gain extra experience and additional time playing together.

It also enables Arcuri to have a chance to evaluate his team before the season starts, he said. By identifying its areas of strength, and what needs the most work, he can prepare efficiently, and get the most out of his team.

Arcuri believes he can get more out of the team by having the athletes play on other teams. He doesn’t want them to adopt a “softball all year” attitude, which is becoming more prominent in athletics today. Instead, he wants them to focus on school and encourages them to play other sports that might even help them with improved footwork when they return to the softball field.

“Track and basketball are very good. So is soccer,” Arcuri said.

That footwork will be important, because he wants speed to be a character trait of his team. He’s considering bringing a special trainer out to teach them different techniques, and to allow players to use their speed to cause problems for opposing defenses.

Arcuri also will focus on selling the program to the team and building trust, since he views himself as a players’ coach.

With so much experience teaching and coaching at different age levels, he has a good feel for how to handle athletes at different stages of development. And for female athletes in high school, the best method is to instruct without being too critical, he said. It’s better to use positive language to put them at ease, but keep them in a learning mindset.

“It’s pretty good, but let me show you where it might be even better to help you out,” Arcuri suggests as a method of teaching an athlete a new technique. “You have to keep a positive spin on everything.”

As he settles into his new job, Arcuri is already feeling positive about the talent he’s inheriting, the school’s commitment to a successful program, and the opportunity to teach young players and make a good athlete even better.

“There are some good players over there. I was impressed with the talent level at such a small school,” Arcuri said. “I can’t wait to get started.”

Published December 30, 2015

LOL girls soccer works hard, aims high and consistently wins

December 30, 2015 By Michael Murillo

When a team lets the opponent score 11 goals in soccer, it sounds like the defense is struggling.

But, when those goals occur over a 17-game span, it sounds like a championship defense.

The Land O’ Lakes Gators girls soccer team is seeking a championship, and the defending Class 3A-8 champions are off to a 15-2 start.

Earlier this year, the Gators closed out its previous season in a 2-1 loss in the title game against American Heritage from Plantation.

While some teams might stumble a bit after that kind of loss, Land O’ Lakes has raced to a strong start. Aside from a 3-0 loss to Academy of the Holy Names on Dec. 1 and a 2-3 loss to Mitchell High on Dec. 14, only a handful of their games have been particularly close. And, they have won several of their games by sizable margins.

Coach Vicky King doesn’t see any secret formula to the Gators’ success.

“We work hard. We do have a good bit of talent. They have high expectations,” she said. “We work for everything we get. We know that nothing is given to us.”

That work includes a preseason conditioning program, which ensures that the athletes are in good shape when the first whistle sounds. Many of them also play club soccer, which helps, King said.

Many of them also play on different club teams, which the coach sees as an advantage. The players come together after being exposed to a variety of philosophies and styles of play, and when they play for their high school team, they execute at a high level on the field.

Even bumps in the road can have positive benefits. The loss to the Academy (who was also undefeated) was a lesson that they still have areas that need improvement.

“It was a good game. It was very challenging for us and shows what we need to work on,” King said. “It makes us refocus. If we want to reach our goals and succeed, then we know we have work to do.”

“Work” is a common theme with King. It has built a strong program over her 29 years as the team’s soccer coach, and it’s something she discusses with her players regardless of their opponent or their record at the time. By maintaining that focus, it builds a level of expectation that freshmen and sophomores recognize immediately, and work to meet or exceed from the very beginning.

It also helps maintain impressive records from year to year. Including the two losses this year, the team has lost only six games since the beginning of the 2013-14 season.

With that much success, some coaches might see a return to the state championship game as a likely event, or at least one that has a good chance of happening. But, King lives by the “one game at a time” mentality she preaches to the athletes. Like her players, she takes nothing for granted and only allows that continued success is a possibility if they remain focused and work hard.

“A lot of things can happen. They’re teenagers. Injuries, illness — the cards have to fall just right,” she said.

Those cards tend to fall into place for Land O’ Lakes, but it doesn’t happen with animated yelling or aggressive coaching on game days. The real work is done in practice, King said. If a team is prepared and focused, that should show up on the field. And, with all the players understanding what’s expected of them, most of the pieces are already in place when they step onto the field.

At that point, it’s up to them to execute. With all her success (the team won a state title in 2003) King said it’s ultimately their team, and they understand what it takes to continue the winning legacy of Land O’ Lakes girls soccer.

“I coach the team, but the team belongs to the players,” she said. “It’s their team. They know what our expectations are as far as performance on the field, performance in the classroom and performance in the community.”

The team has two remaining games on its schedule. It plays Pasco High on Jan. 6 at 7:45 p.m., and it plays Tampa Catholic on Jan. 8 at 7 p.m.

Published December 30, 2015

Raising funds to strike out cancer

December 23, 2015 By Michael Murillo

On Jan. 10, the Saint Leo baseball team will have its first practice of the year.

Players will run drills, hit, catch and field the ball in anticipation of a new season.

They’ll also shave their heads. Just like last season.

It’s not a fashion statement.

Saint Leo baseball coach Sean O'Connor and most of his team got their heads shaved last year to close out the team's fundraising for cancer research. They'll do it again on Jan. 10. (Photos courtesy of Saint Leo University) — Saint Leo baseball coach Sean O’Connor and most of his team got their heads shaved last year to close out the team’s fundraising for cancer research. They’ll do it again on Jan. 10.
(Photos courtesy of Saint Leo University)

It’s a celebration of their off-season project, which is raising money for the Vs. Cancer Foundation, a nonprofit organization that raises funds to fight cancers that impact children.

Saint Leo is one of many college and high school baseball programs, as well as other sports teams from around the country, that donate to the cause.

The players solicit donations on social media, collecting money for several weeks before the start of their season.

Saint Leo coach Sean O’ Connor was contacted before last season by foundation CEO Chase Jones, a former college baseball player who was diagnosed with stage IV brain cancer at 18 years old.

Now cancer free, Jones founded the Vs. Cancer Foundation and reaches out to sports teams to help raise money for the cause.

O’ Connor was impressed with the story and wanted to help.

“I thought it was something we should do, and it was something we should be a part of,” he said.

But, he didn’t make it mandatory. If a player wanted to help, he was welcome to do so, but it wouldn’t be forced on anyone. And, he didn’t want them simply donating the money themselves, or hitting up their families for large contributions. Instead, they would reach out through their social media profiles and get the community to help.

While it wasn’t a team requirement, it became a popular cause. Around 90 percent of the team participated last year, raising $3,200 for the foundation. The success didn’t surprise O’ Connor, who played baseball at Saint Leo when he was a student athlete. Charitable giving and community support isn’t just a characteristic of O’ Connor or the baseball team. It’s part of the university culture.

“I think it’s a Saint Leo thing, to tell you the truth. I think a lot of our teams do the same thing,” he said. “I think it’s something we do here, and we do it pretty well.”

So well in fact, that the baseball team has upped its goal for the current campaign. It is looking at raising $5,000 this time around, and it is off to a good start. In the first week of fundraising, the team collected around $700. That puts the overall goal well within reach before Jan. 10.

Saint Leo baseball's offseason program includes cancer fundraising — Saint Leo baseball’s offseason program includes cancer fundraising

This season, the team will take a trip to visit a children’s hospital in St. Petersburg that benefits from the funds, and it is starting it fundraising efforts earlier than last year.

While raising money to fight cancer doesn’t log any runs or pitch any strikes, O’ Connor believes it’s good for the team as a whole. And, since the team won 36 games last season (their third straight season with at least 30 victories) it’s a positive for morale as well.

“I think the kids feel good about themselves. I think it’s certainly something that they come together and do,” he said. “It gives them a sense of purpose.”

It will also give them new haircuts at the first practice. Lesa Walley and the Regency Beauty Institute in Carrollwood donate their time to come out and perform the cuts, which also aren’t mandatory on the team.

Still, the vast majority of players participate, even if a shaved head isn’t their normal style.

The coach participates, too.

“I was freaked out last year about shaving my head,” O’ Connor admits.

That’s because he had never done it before.

But, he joined the athletes, and in addition to finding a cause the baseball team can get behind, he found a new style as well.

“I’ve shaved it numerous times since last year,” O’Connor said. “Now, I really like it.”

For more information or to make a donation, visit Team.Vs-Cancer.org/SaintLeo.

Published December 23, 2015

Academy at the Lakes athletics tops all 2A private schools

December 16, 2015 By Michael Murillo

When Tom Haslam took the athletic director position at Academy at the Lakes around seven years ago, the school had varsity teams. But, a lot of their games were against junior varsity opponents.

With a high school enrollment of slightly more than 100, the talent pool was limited. In some sports, around half of the school’s schedule would be games against a rival school’s lesser squad.

“We were just trying to start somewhere, and get competitive games,” Haslam recalled.

They started small, but they didn’t stay there.

Audra Leipold and the rest of the girls’ basketball team have contributed to the award-winning athletic success at Academy at the Lakes. (Courtesy of Academy at the Lakes) — Audra Leipold and the rest of the girls’ basketball team have contributed to the award-winning athletic success at Academy at the Lakes.
(Courtesy of Academy at the Lakes)

Academy at the Lakes is now seen as a premier athletic program in class 2A competition, and it was recognized as such by winning the Carey E. McDonald Award, given to the state’s top 2A private school athletic program.

The award, presented by the Florida Athletic Coaches Association, recognizes the school’s accomplishments during the 2014-15 school year.

To turn things around, Haslam initially focused on a couple of key areas.

He wanted to upgrade the coaching staff, and was able to hire men and women with a strong track record at other schools. The change produced results for some teams rather quickly.

The second change seems a bit unorthodox. He upgraded the Wildcats’ uniforms.

“It may sound like a minute thing, but it’s not. Kids have to feel good about themselves, and they have to feel important. And, I thought that was one thing that was an easy fix that we could do right away and make an improvement,” Haslam said. “It doesn’t sound like much, but if you’re a 16- or 17-year-old kid, it’s important.”

Haslam switched the school over to Nike uniforms, giving them a sharper look.

That change yielded results, too.

The student athletes more-closely resembled their opponents, giving them a boost in confidence, and giving the program a more successful image that they soon would duplicate on the field and on the court.

To be recognized as a top 2A school, a school must be successful across a variety of sports.

While some schools have a good team or two, Academy at the Lakes has found success in several sports.

During the 2014-15 school year, eight of the school’s individuals or teams reached the regional or state level of competition.

The success isn’t limited to this year, either.

The girls’ basketball team has reached the final four in each of the past four seasons. The girls’ softball team has won four straight district championships, and also reached a final four. A swimmer at the school won a state championship, a boys’ doubles tennis team won a district title and a girls’ doubles tennis team won a state championship.

With that much success, all of the academy coaches want to continue their winning ways in their respective sport.

And that includes Haslam, who coaches boys’ basketball, in addition to being the school’s athletic director.

“You don’t want to be the coach that hasn’t got your program going yet,” Haslam said. “I feel some pressure, you bet. I like that. I think that’s the way it should be.”

Haslam’s team certainly is contributing to the school’s overall athletic success.

The boys’ basketball team has reached the regional finals three of the past four years, and made it to the final four last season.

Now that the academy is an elite program, staying that way presents its own challenges. Haslam is hiring new coaches to improve the sports that are lagging, and he also must retain the talented coaches on his staff.

With a track record of success, games in some sports frequently reaching capacity attendance and a high school student body that’s grown beyond 160, Haslam’s goal is to keep moving forward and continue improving.

That includes the uniforms.

No longer content with just one brand of apparel, their current agreement allows teams to choose between Nike, Adidas and Under Armour.

The school’s schedule also includes stiffer competition than teams have faced in the past. As the program has grown in strength, its opponents have become challenging, sometimes including schools such as Mitchell and Land O’ Lakes high schools.

In addition to winning the Carey E. McDonald Award, Academy at the Lakes also placed third overall for the FHSAA Floyd E. Lay Sunshine Cup All-Sports Award, which includes more than 100 eligible 2A public and private schools.

Haslam finds the recognition gratifying, since he has a hand in all of the sports at the academy.

But, the athletic director credits the men and women he’s hired to lead the Wildcats with shaping the school into a perennial athletic success.

“To me, it’s all about the coaches. We’ve got some great people leading our kids, and I’m smart enough that once I get a good coach, I stay out of their way,” Haslam said. “I’ll take a little bit of credit for getting them there. But once they’re there, they’re the ones winning these games and molding these kids.”

Published December 16, 2015

Pasco County debuts all-star football game Dec. 10

December 9, 2015 By Michael Murillo

Sunlake head football coach Bill Browning has one more game on the sidelines this year.

It’s not a playoff game.

It doesn’t count in the standings.

He’s not even coaching his Seahawks this time.

Still, it’s an important game.

Pasco's first all-star football game will feature teams made up of seniors representing the East and West sides of the county. (Image courtesy of Bob Durham and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes) — Mark Kantor of Wiregrass Ranch will lead the East team in the East-West Classic. (File Photo)

“It’s something that a lot of the coaches have wanted here for years. I’ve been pushing for it for a long time,” Browning said. “It will be the very first one. It’s kind of a big deal.”

The big deal is the Pasco County East-West Classic, the county’s first all-star football game. The best of the best will go head-to-head in a contest on Dec. 10 at 7 p.m., at Sunlake High School, 3023 Sunlake Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

The game, organized by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, will have players squaring off from opposite sides of the county.

Players on the East team will represent Land O’ Lakes, Wiregrass Ranch, Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills, Pasco, Bishop McLaughlin and Zephyrhills Christian Academy.

Players on the West team will represent from River Ridge, Ridgewood, Mitchell, Anclote, Hudson, Fivay, Gulf and Sunlake.

Sunlake was placed on the West team for competitive balance purposes, Browning said.

Each team features top athletes who were selected by the coaching staff.

Browning is coaching the West team, with the other school’s coaches serving as his assistants. On the East side, the head coach will be Wiregrass Ranch’s Mark Kantor. Each roster of players is made up entirely of seniors.

The teams will only have a few practices together before the contest, so the game plans probably won’t be too complex.

Pasco’s first all-star football game will feature teams made up of seniors representing the East and West sides of the county.
(Image courtesy of Bob Durham and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes)

The game is valuable to the players because if offers one more chance to impress teams at the next level, Browning said.

“It gives an opportunity for college coaches to see them in an all-star game against other very good players,” Browning said. “It’s just really a chance for the seniors to go out, have some fun and showcase their talent.”

For the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, there are additional benefits as well. The group has put in about $20,000 to make the game a reality, and wants area seniors to have another chance to show off their skills. But, they’ll also get a chance to play with teammates and coaches they wouldn’t have met previously, which allows them to foster new relationships and contacts throughout the county.

“They play on their individual teams all year. Now here’s a chance to play with the best from other schools. So there will be bonding, there will be friendships made for life, hopefully,” said Bob Durham, area director for the Fellowship of Christian athletes.

The game also allows coaches to work more closely together and to strengthen their bonds as well. Coaches are instrumental to the FCA, and having them work together is a positive experience for everyone involved, Durham said.

The plan is to make the game an annual event, with head coaching duties and game location possibly rotating from year to year.

Feedback has been positive from everyone involved, Durham said, which isn’t surprising, considering the popularity of football in Pasco County.

“Schools and people and fans love football here, and so this has just been a missing piece of the county in terms of football,” he said. “It fills a void. The community has been looking for this for years, and now it’s finally here.”

Tickets are $10, and parking is $5. Tickets are available at the gate, at the participating schools or at county Beef O’ Brady’s restaurants. For more information, contact Durham at (813) 784-4410, or email .

East All-Star Team 2015 Roster
Scott Edwards, QB Bishop McLaughlin

Matt Iovine, QB Zephyrhills Christian

Tommie Farmer, SS Land O’ Lakes

Jackie Tucker, FS Zephyrhills

Jakiah Fielder, RB Pasco

Brandon Mosley, CB Wiregrass Ranch

Issac Johnson, CB Zephyrhills Christian

Kevin Lee, LB Zephyrhills

Tre’un Everitt, RB Zephyrhills

Patrick Beatty, LB Bishop McLaughlin

Reggie Roberts Jr., CB Zephyrhills

Jacob Carden, FB Zephyrhills Christian

T.J. Lee, LB Zephyrhills

Ty DeCaire, LB Wiregrass Ranch

Blake Castillo, LB Pasco

Mike Mosley, LB Wesley Chapel

Greg Smalls, LB Land O’ Lakes

Cole Blevins, DL Pasco

Colin Hankin, OG Bishop McLaughlin

Tristan Pauwels, OG Wesley Chapel

Alex Ligocki, C Land O’ Lakes

Darryus Lowe, DL Land O’ Lakes

J’Won Pickett, DL Zephyrhills Christian

Naim Smith, OG Wesley Chapel

Kendall Graff, OT Land O’ Lakes

Jamal Mention, OT Pasco

Tyler Ichimura, OG Wiregrass Ranch

Jonah Thomas, OT Zephyrhills

Taylor Bleistein, WR Wiregrass Ranch

Brian Mena, WR Wesley Chapel

Rashawn Kindell, WR Land O’ Lakes

Kyle Kampsen, SS Bishop McLaughlin

Chase Oknefski, K Wesley Chapel

Marque Davis, DT Wiregrass Ranch

Published December 9, 2015

Prep Sports Board

December 9, 2015 By Michael Murillo

Nov. 30
Boys Soccer
Sunlake 8, Ridgewood 0
River Ridge 2, Land O’ Lakes 0
Wiregrass Ranch 3, Citrus 0
Pasco 5, Zephyrhills 1
Nature Coast Tech 5, Wesley Chapel 0
Girls Soccer
Wesley Chapel 3, Nature Coast Tech 0
Pasco 9, Zephyrhills 0
Land O’ Lakes 8, Anclote 0
Girls Basketball
Land O’ Lakes 49, Ridgewood 12

Dec. 1
Boys Soccer
Sunlake 8, Wesley Chapel 0
Steinbrenner 8, Robinson 0
Wiregrass Ranch 1, Jesuit 1
Wharton 2, Freedom 1
Girls Soccer
Academy of the Holy Names 3, Land O’ Lakes 0
Steinbrenner 4, Robinson 0
Wiregrass Ranch 8, Gulf 0
Wharton 4, Freedom 0
Boys Basketball
Wesley Chapel 63, Fivay 25
Zephyrhills 84, Hudson 63
Mitchell 63, Pasco 48
Wharton 47, Freedom 44
Girls Basketball
Plant 41, Steinbrenner 34
Fivay 53, Wesley Chapel 47
Zephyrhills 35, Hudson 28
Mitchell 40, Pasco 37
Wharton 70, Freedom 49

Dec. 2
Boys Soccer
Sunlake 7, Land O’ Lakes 0
Wiregrass Ranch 2, Mitchell 1
Pasco 8, Hernando 0
Girls Soccer
Pasco 8, Hernando 0
Boys Basketball
Land O’ Lakes 55, Anclote 33
Pasco 80, Sunlake 55
Girls Basketball
Wiregrass Ranch 57, Gaither 25

Dec. 3
Boys Soccer
Steinbrenner at Plant, 8 p.m.
Girls Soccer
Steinbrenner at Plant, 6 p.m.
Wiregrass Ranch at Fivay, 7:30 p.m.
Boys Basketball
Land O’ Lakes at Gulf, 7:30 p.m.
Wiregrass Ranch at Plant, 6:30 p.m.
Wharton at Brandon, 6:30 p.m.
Girls Basketball
River Ridge at Land O’ Lakes, 7:30 p.m.
Wiregrass Ranch at Plant, 8 p.m.
Zephyrhills at Wesley Chapel, 7:30 p.m.
Pasco at Anclote, 7:30 p.m.
Wharton at Brandon, 8 p.m.

Dec. 4
Boys Soccer
Hudson at Sunlake, 7:30 p.m.
Land O’ Lakes at Anclote, 7:45 p.m.
Wharton at Wiregrass Ranch, 6 p.m.
Zephyrhills at Wesley Chapel, 8 p.m.
Weeki Wachee at Pasco, 7:30 p.m.
Freedom at Chamberlain, 8 p.m.
Girls Soccer
Wesley Chapel at Zephyrhills, 8 p.m.
Pasco at Weeki Wachee, 7:30 p.m.
Boys Basketball
Leto at Steinbrenner, 6:30 p.m.
Wesley Chapel at Ridgewood, 7:30 p.m.
Pasco at Zephyrhills, 7:30 p.m.
Gaither at Freedom, 6:30 p.m.
Sickles at Wharton, 6:30 p.m.
Girls Basketball
Sunlake at Springstead, 7:30 p.m.
Leto at Steinbrenner, 8 p.m.
Ridgewood at Wesley Chapel, 7:30 p.m.
Zephyrhills at Pasco, 7:30 p.m.
Gaither at Freedom, 8 p.m.
Sickles at Wharton, 8 p.m.

Dec. 5
Boys Basketball
Sunlake at Tampa Prep, 3:30 p.m.
Girls Basketball
Land O’ Lakes at Academy of the Holy Names, 2:30 p.m.

Dec. 9
Boys Soccer
Ridgewood at Sunlake, 7:30 p.m.
Land O’ Lakes at River Ridge, 7:45 p.m.
Springstead at Wesley Chapel, 8 p.m.
Weeki Wachee at Zephyrhills, 7:30 p.m.
Nature Coast Tech at Pasco, 7:30 p.m.
Sickles at Freedom, 8 p.m.
Wharton at Alonso, 8 p.m.
Girls Soccer
River Ridge at Land O’ Lakes, 7:45 p.m.
Sunlake at Ridgewood, 6 p.m.
Wesley Chapel at Springstead, 7:30 p.m.
Pasco at Nature Coast Tech, 6 p.m.
Zephyrhills at Weeki Wachee, 8 p.m.
Sickles at Freedom, 6 p.m.
Wharton at Alonso, 6 p.m.
Boys Basketball
Wiregrass Ranch at Steinbrenner, 6:30 p.m.
Plant at Freedom, 6:30 p.m.
Wharton at Leto, 6:30 p.m.
Girls Basketball
Wiregrass Ranch at Steinbrenner, 8 p.m.
Pasco at Wesley Chapel, 7:30 p.m.
Plant at Freedom, 8 p.m.
Wharton at Leto, 8 p.m.

Dec. 10
Boys Soccer
Sunlake at Mitchell, 7:45 p.m.
Girls Soccer
Wiregrass Ranch at Hudson, 7:30 p.m.
Boys Basketball
Wesley Chapel at Pasco, 7:30 p.m.
Gulf at Zephyrhills, 7:30 p.m.
Girls Basketball
Land O’ Lakes at Anclote, 7:30 p.m.
Zephyrhills at Gulf, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 11
Boys Soccer
Sunlake at Fivay, 7:30 p.m.
Land O’ Lakes at Gulf, 7:45 p.m.
Steinbrenner at Palm Harbor University, 8 p.m.
Wiregrass Ranch at Pasco, 7:30 p.m.
Hernando at Wesley Chapel, 7:30 p.m.
Plant City at Freedom, 8 p.m.
Wharton at Sickles, 8 p.m.
Girls Soccer
Land O’ Lakes at Berkeley Prep, 6 p.m.
Wesley Chapel at Hernando, 8 p.m.
Pasco at Sunlake, 7:45 p.m.
Steinbrenner at Palm Harbor University, 6 p.m.
Zephyrhills at Nature Coast Tech, 8 p.m.
Plant City at Freedom, 6 p.m.
Wharton at Sickles, 6 p.m.
Boys Basketball
Land O’ Lakes at Sunlake, 7:30 p.m.
Steinbrenner at Freedom, 6:30 p.m.
Wiregrass Ranch at Sickles, 6:30 p.m.
River Ridge at Wesley Chapel, 7:30 p.m.
Citrus at Zephyrhills, 7 p.m.
Pasco at Ridgewood, 7:30 p.m.
Gaither at Wharton, 6:30 p.m.
Girls Basketball
Sunlake at Land O’ Lakes, 7:30 p.m.
Steinbrenner at Freedom, 8 p.m.
Wiregrass Ranch at Sickles, 8 p.m.
Gaither at Wharton, 8 p.m.

Dec. 14
Boys Soccer
Gulf at Sunlake, 7:30 p.m.
Land O’ Lakes at Hudson, 7:45 p.m.
Weeki Wachee at Wesley Chapel, 7:30 p.m.
Pasco at Springstead, 8 p.m.
Girls Soccer
Mitchell at Land O’ Lakes, 7:45 p.m.
Wesley Chapel at Weeki Wachee, 7:45 p.m.
Springstead at Pasco, 7:30 p.m.
Zephyrhills at Hernando, 8 p.m.
Boys Basketball
Wesley Chapel at Gulf, 7:30 p.m.
Leto at Freedom, 8 p.m.
Girls Basketball
Leto at Freedom, 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 15
Boys Soccer
Brandon at Steinbrenner, 8 p.m.
Wiregrass Ranch at Alonso, 8 p.m.
Hillsborough at Freedom, 8 p.m.
Plant at Wharton, 8 p.m.
Girls Soccer
Brandon at Steinbrenner, 6 p.m.
Wiregrass Ranch at Alonso, 6 p.m.
Hillsborough at Freedom, 6 p.m.
Plant at Wharton, 6 p.m.
Boys Basketball
Land O’ Lakes at Mitchell, 7:30 p.m.
Steinbrenner at Sickles, 8 p.m.
Wiregrass Ranch at Wharton, 8 p.m.
Anclote at Wesley Chapel, 7:30 p.m.
Fivay at Zephyrhills, 7:30 p.m.
Gulf at Pasco, 7:30 p.m.
Girls Basketball
Mitchell at Land O’ Lakes, 7:30 p.m.
Steinbrenner at Sickles, 6:30 p.m.
Wiregrass Ranch at Wharton, 6:30 p.m.
Wesley Chapel at Anclote, 7:30 p.m.
Zephyrhills at Fivay, 7:30 p.m.
Pasco at Gulf, 7:30 p.m.

Sources: MaxPreps, various

Check This Out 12/09/2015

December 9, 2015 By Michael Murillo

Saint Leo basketball off to strong start
The Saint Leo Lions pushed their record to 6-2 after a come-from-behind 91-89 victory over Florida Southern on Dec. 2. The win follows a 76-63 loss to Clayton on Nov. 29 and means the Lions still haven’t lost two games in row this season.

Their success is showing up in the rankings as well. In the Division II Sports Information Directors of America South Region poll (released before the victory over Florida Southern), Saint Leo was ranked seventh. At the time, Florida Southern was ranked fifth.

Bulldogs win first four in prep basketball
Starting the season with a four-game winning streak is good. Taking all four games against district opponents is even better.

The Zephyrhills Bulldogs boys basketball team ran its record to 4-0 after an 84-63 victory over Hudson on Dec. 1. Because all four games were against district opponents, they now sit atop Class 5A-8 with the same record.

Most of the contests haven’t been close. Aside from a 38-37 victory over Wesley Chapel on Nov. 24, Zephyrhills has won all of its games by more than 20 points.

Sunlake perfect after first 10 matches in boys soccer
The Sunlake Seahawks have reached the state final four in each of the past three seasons. If they want to make it four in a row, they’re going about it the right way.

With a 7-0 victory over Land O’ Lakes Dec. 2, Sunlake made it a perfect 10-for-10 to start the season. And aside from a 5-2 win at River Ridge on Nov. 11, no team has even scored on them. They hold a 62-2 goals advantage through their first 10 games, as well as an 8-0 record in Class 3A-8 play.

Hanukkah combines history and Jewish holiday spirit

December 2, 2015 By Michael Murillo

Most people don’t know a lot about Hanukkah. They know it’s a Jewish holiday. They know that there are candles, and that it goes on for several days. They know it involves presents and usually occurs around Christmas.

But, it’s a lot more than that, said Mitchell Weiss, executive director for Congregation Kol Ami.

“It’s a story of miracle. It’s a story of survival,” he said.

It’s a story that dates back many centuries, when the Maccabees reclaimed a temple that had been defiled by the Syrian Greeks in Jerusalem. There was only one jar of oil, enough to keep the lamps lit for one day. Instead, the oil lasted for eight days, which was enough time to replenish the oil.

This event was hailed as a miracle, and Hanukkah, which can be spelled different ways, is celebrated as the “Festival of Lights.”

Jews acknowledge the holiday by lighting a menorah (a candelabrum, also called a Hanukkiah) for eight nights, adding a candle each day until all eight, plus a head candle, are lit together.

There are other traditions as well.

A spinning top called a dreidel is used to play a game, often with gelt, which are coin-shaped chocolates. Serving latkes, which are potato pancakes, is another tradition.

There are songs and melodies, prayers and a recounting of the miracle, as well.

The sharing of those activities is what makes Hanukkah special, Weiss explained.

“It’s all about the story, it’s all about remembering,” he said.

Hanukkah makes use of a menorah to light candles in observance of the ‘Festival of Lights.’ According to Mitchell Weiss from Congregation Kol Ami, they can be simple, elaborate, decorative or even homemade. (Michael Murillo/Staff Photo) — Hanukkah makes use of a menorah to light candles in observance of the ‘Festival of Lights.’ According to Mitchell Weiss from Congregation Kol Ami, they can be simple, elaborate, decorative or even homemade.
(Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)

Weiss, now 58 and living in Wesley Chapel, has his own memories of Hanukkah. He grew up in Edison, New Jersey, in an area with a large Jewish community. So large, in fact, it was nicknamed “Hanukkah Hill.” Some of his fondest memories include when his grandmother (who was a Holocaust survivor) would make latkes. Hers were a bit different, being made with squash instead of potatoes. He also remembers using a special menorah that he made with his father and brother when he was 10.

Even though those celebrations occurred decades ago, the traditions survive in his family. He still has his grandmother’s recipe, and the Weiss’ enjoy squash latkes each year. And, the menorah he used as a child still resides in his parents’ home. Seeing it brings back special memories, he said.

It’s not unusual for adults to rekindle fond memories of Hanukkah from their own youth, Weiss said.

Kol Ami has a special Hanukkah celebration each year that’s open to the public, on the third night of the holiday. While it’s a time for celebration, it also conjures up a bit of nostalgia.

“We have a lot of seniors here that, in their past when they had their holidays, they remember the good times with their parents,” Weiss explained. “When we have the candle-lighting ceremony, sometimes there are tears, because they remember how good it was when they had Hanukkah.”

Today, children still have it pretty good, with presents usually opened on each of the eight nights. But, like Christmas, the holiday goes beyond material gifts. It’s about fond memories, continuing traditions and spending time with loved ones.

“All Jewish holidays are always about family. No matter what holiday it is, it’s all about family,” Weiss said.

Hanukkah events

Where: Congregation Kol Ami, 3919 Moran Road, Tampa
What: Hanukkah Celebration, including a musical program, a pasta dinner, lighting of the Hanukkiah and games.
When: Dec. 9 at 6 p.m.
How much: The event is free and open to the public.
For more information or to RSVP, call (813) 962-6338, or email .

Where: Congregation Mekor Shalom, 14005A N. Dale Mabry Highway
What: Third Annual 4th Night, 3rd Light Hanukkah. The celebration will include latkes and lighting of menorahs. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own Hanukkiah to join in the celebration.
When: Dec. 9 at 6:30 p.m.
For more information, call (813) 963-1818, or visit MekorShalom.org.

Where: The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive, in front of Dillard’s.
What: Chabad at Wiregrass will host its Chanukah Street Fair, which includes hot potato latkes, doughnuts and gelt, as well as live entertainment, face-painting, magic, games and a photo booth. They will also light the menorah.
When: Dec. 13 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Who: It’s free and open to the public. For more information, call (813) 642-3244, or visit ChabadatWiregrass.com.

Where: Chabad at Wiregrass, 2124 Ashley Oaks Circle
What: Chanukah bash and teen heritage night, which includes a limousine ride to Amalie Arena to see the Tampa Bay Lightning and a menorah lighting at Thunder Alley.
When: Dec. 10 at 5:30 p.m.
For more information, call (813) 642-3244, or visit ChabadatWiregrass.com.

Published December 2, 2015

PHSC volleyball reaches national tournament, again

December 2, 2015 By Michael Murillo

The Pasco-Hernando State College Lady Quistas always participate in their regional tournament under head coach Kim Whitney. In her 12 years at the helm, they’ve never failed to qualify with a .500 or better record.

But, they don’t always win their region and qualify for the NJCAA Division II national tournament. Whitney’s teams had done it five times. And after a 1-3 start, and eventually a 5-4 mark, this year’s team didn’t look like the kind of squad that would make it six national appearances.

But, Whitney knew better.

Danielle Christian and the Lady Quistas flew past their regional tournament competition without dropping a set to earn another berth in the NJCAA Division II national tournament. They would go 1-2 at the tournament to finish 11th. (Courtesy of Pasco-Hernando State College) — Danielle Christian and the Lady Quistas flew past their regional tournament competition without dropping a set to earn another berth in the NJCAA Division II national tournament. They would go 1-2 at the tournament to finish 11th.
(Courtesy of Pasco-Hernando State College)

“If they don’t see that tough competition, then it’s not going to really help them understand where they need to be,” she said about the early part of the season.

The coach deliberately scheduled challenging opponents right off the bat, in order to provide good tests and get a feel for where they stood against skilled teams. Taking some early losses can drive a team to work as a group and improve, Whitney said.

And, that’s what happened with the Lady Quistas.

After coming out of those early contests with a few wins and plenty of determination, they ramped things up as the season wore on. The squad went on a five-match winning streak. It won 11 of their final 16 regular-season matches and easily qualified for its tournament.

The early season challenges paid off for the team in North Carolina, site of their regional tournament for District P. They knocked off Brunswick, Cape Fear and Catawba Valley without dropping a single set, and breezed into the national tournament for the second straight year.

“We were really at the moment in our season where we were peaking,” Whitney said.

Then, it was on to Arizona for the national tournament. The Lady Quistas played well, but ran into a tough Lincoln Land team in their opening match and fell in four sets, eliminating them from the championship bracket.

The team had its chances in the match, Whitney said, but a few errors at inopportune times prevented it from gaining momentum. After an opening-set victory, the squad dropped the next three and was relegated to the consolation bracket.

At that point, many disappointed teams would simply pack it in and bow out with another loss. But, the Lady Quistas bounced back with a five-set victory over Muskegon Community College before losing to Northeastern Oklahoma A&M and finishing at 11th place in the tournament.

Winning a consolation game might not seem like a big deal, but Whitney has been there enough times to know it matters. It demonstrates perseverance and determination and it gives younger players more experience, which is important as they take on leadership roles next season.

Players also showed their coach that they weren’t going down without a fight.

“They still fought through, and they pushed themselves to win that next match,” Whitney said.

Next season’s matches will feature new players, as they do every year. As a two-year college, athlete turnover is a regular part of the game. But, with some talented players returning next season, the Lady Quistas will build around a nucleus of experienced athletes. Whitney mentioned Nadine Mattmann and Danielle Christian as a pair of defensive standouts who will be part of the school’s run for a third-straight national tournament appearance.

She also credited her assistant, Brian Kachurak, for running things in the early part of the season while she was on maternity leave. The coaching staff and the players did their jobs, allowing Whitney to make a smooth transition back to the sideline, and eventual tournament victories.

As a competitive coach who brought the school a national title back in 2010, Whitney never likes to lose. But, she’s proud of her players and what they were able to accomplish on the court, and is glad to have reached the national tournament in back-to-back seasons.

“In coaching and in sports, in general, you always want to win. You want to get to the point where you’re at the end,” Whitney said. “But, I think that looking back, looking at our team and looking at what we went through, an 11th place finish is pretty good for us.”

Published December 2, 2015

Prep Sports Board

December 2, 2015 By Michael Murillo

Nov. 21
Boys Basketball
Trinity Prep 54, Freedom 46
Newsome 48, Wharton 43

Nov. 24
Boys Basketball
Zephyrhills 38, Wesley Chapel 37

Nov. 27
Girls Basketball
Southeast 68, Wharton 22

Dec. 2
Boys Soccer
Land O’ Lakes at Sunlake, 7:45 p.m.
Mitchell at Wiregrass Ranch, 7:45 p.m.
Leto at Steinbrenner, 6 p.m.
Pasco at Hernando, 7:30 p.m.
Girls Soccer
Sunlake at Wesley Chapel, 7:45 p.m.
Hernando at Pasco, 7:30 p.m.
Springstead at Zephyrhills, 8 p.m.
Boys Basketball
Anclote at Land O’ Lakes, 7:30 p.m.
Gaither at Wiregrass Ranch, 7:30 p.m.
Boys Basketball
Sunlake at Pasco, 7:30 p.m.
Girls Basketball
Gaither at Wiregrass Ranch, 6 p.m.

Dec. 5
Boys Basketball
Sunlake at Tampa Prep, 3:30 p.m.
Girls Basketball
Land O’ Lakes at Academy of the Holy Names, 2:30 p.m.

Dec. 7
Boys Soccer
River Ridge at Sunlake, 7:30 p.m.
Ridgewood at Land O’ Lakes, 7:45 p.m.
Pasco at Wesley Chapel, 7:30 p.m.
Zephyrhills at Mitchell, 7:30 p.m.
Girls Soccer
Sunlake at Hudson, 7:45 p.m.
Wesley Chapel at Pasco, 7:30 p.m.
Mitchell at Zephyrhills, 8 p.m.
Boys Basketball
Steinbrenner at Wharton, 6:30 p.m.
Freedom at Wiregrass Ranch, 7:30 p.m.
Girls Basketball
Steinbrenner at Wharton, 8 p.m.
Freedom at Wiregrass Ranch, 6 p.m.

Dec. 8
Boys Soccer
Wiregrass Ranch at Steinbrenner, 8 p.m.
Girls Soccer
Wiregrass Ranch at Steinbrenner, 6 p.m.
Boys Basketball
Springstead at Land O’ Lakes, 7:30 p.m.
Sunlake at Mitchell, 7:30 p.m.
Hudson at Wesley Chapel, 7:30 p.m.
Zephyrhills at Anclote, 7:30 p.m.
Pasco at Fivay, 7:30 p.m.
Girls Basketball
Land O’ Lakes at Springstead, 7:30 p.m.
Mitchell at Sunlake, 7:30 p.m.
Wesley Chapel at Hudson, 7:30 p.m.
Anclote at Zephyrhills, 7:30 p.m.
Fivay at Pasco, 7:30 p.m.

Sources: MaxPreps, various