The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Michael Murillo

PHSC’s Winterling is Regional Coach of the Year

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When Pasco-Hernando State College’s baseball coach Steve Winterling found out that he was named regional coach of the year, he kept it a secret from almost everybody.

“I laid low about it,” Winterling admitted. “I’m not an egomaniac-type person,” he said. Even some of his friends got mad at him because he didn’t tell them about it.

Steve Winterling, PHSC's athletic director and baseball coach, wears No. 1 on game days. He's also tops in the region after being named the National Junior College Athletic Association Division II Regional Coach of the Year. (Courtesy of Pasco-Hernando State College)
Steve Winterling, PHSC’s athletic director and baseball coach, wears No. 1 on game days. He’s also tops in the region after being named the National Junior College Athletic Association Division II Regional Coach of the Year.
(Courtesy of Pasco-Hernando State College)

Aside from informing his superiors at the college in September, Winterling didn’t really talk about it until he was officially given the award last month.

But winning the National Junior College Athletic Association Division II Regional Coach of the Year award caps a great 2014 for the coach, who is now in his 24th season at the school.

Last season, the team reached the NJCAA Division II College World Series for the first time in school history, finishing fourth in the country.

Besides earning the coach some recognition, Winterling said it also put the school on the map for recruits seeking a school with a successful track record.

As a World Series-caliber program, he had an easier time finding interested athletes and can field a stronger team than he could before.

While he’s not wild about talking about himself, Winterling — who also serves as PHSC’s athletic director — said he’s changed a bit over the decades.

He’s slightly mellower now than his earlier days, when he was a bit harder on the players. He said he maintains that competitive fire, but is also focused on building a strong foundation of expectations and then finding players who meet them.

“My philosophy is now basically I teach them what I can, and get the good, quality kids who like my principles: Being clean-cut, follow the rules and regulations, do the job academically and be good student-athletes,” he said.

Those are the types of athletes that got the Conquistadors to the World Series last year, and the type Winterling hopes will help them get back this year.

The team returns two pitchers, three infielders and an outfielder from last year’s roster, and he believes the World Series experience will help the 2015 team.

The recruiting class also helped add more depth than he typically has had at his disposal. Overall, the team is more confident now that they’re building on the school’s best-ever finish.

As a coach, Winterling, of course, doesn’t get to play in the games. But he enjoys the strategy in baseball, and the challenge that different scenarios provide as the games and the season unfold. He credits Florida State University baseball coach Mike Martin, where Winterling served as an assistant for six years, for encouraging him to maximize strategic advantages.

“When I was at Florida State I learned from coach Martin so much. The discipline, and always trying to be a step ahead of the thinking process of your opponent,” he said. “The one thing about baseball that I’ve always enjoyed is there’s a lot of thinking to it. You can’t be distracted. I leaned from him that I can focus on the aspects of what’s going to give us an edge.”

Apparently, since there’s no edge gained by focusing on his award, Winterling chooses not to think about it too much. He’s appreciative of the acknowledgement, but prefers to save the reminiscing for the future. Now, his focus is on getting his team, whose season started in late January, back to the World Series. The team won four of its first five games in the New Year.

“It’s definitely a nice honor, and it’s attributed, obviously, to the players last year and what they accomplished,” Winterling said of the award. “I think once I retire, then I’ll be able to look back and appreciate it more.”

Published February 18, 2015

On the Ball: Liberty Middle School Faces Wizards in Fundraiser

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When the Liberty Middle School Parent Teacher Student Association decided to raise money this year, they could have chosen to sell candy, or wrapping paper, or simply ask families for money.

Instead, they’re challenging a professional basketball team on the court.

The Harlem Wizards, a fun-loving exhibition basketball team, will play a game at Liberty Middle School to raise funds for the PTSA. (Courtesy of Harlem Wizards Facebook page)
The Harlem Wizards, a fun-loving exhibition basketball team, will play a game at Liberty Middle School to raise funds for the PTSA.
(Courtesy of Harlem Wizards Facebook page)

“This year we just wanted to try something new,” said PTSA president Melissa Auker. But they’re not suiting up to start new basketball careers. They’re facing the Harlem Wizards, a touring exhibition basketball team, for a game on Feb. 17. Like the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters, the Wizards spend as much time joking around as they do jump shots. Their games are designed to entertain the crowd, make the audience laugh and provide a unique fundraising opportunity at the same time.

Auker thought the Wizards game would work well for the school since the children really enjoy an annual contest played by the school’s teachers.

In this match-up, the Wizards will play a collection of Liberty teachers and teachers from other schools, in addition to members of local churches, youth groups and other organizations.

While the game is all in good fun, they could raise some serious money.

The PSTA could see around $5,000 if the event is successful, Auker said.

The PSTA receives a portion of ticket revenue and merchandise sales at the game. They’re hoping for a crowd of about 600, but they can sell up to 1,000 tickets.

That money would go a long way toward providing necessary resources for the school. The PSTA provides technology items for some classrooms, as well as money for food and decorations at school dances. They also help provide clothing for some students as well.

“Our school requires children to wear uniforms, so we buy clothing for some of our underprivileged families,” Auker said. They also provide spirit wear, clothing for physical education classes and school supplies.

If the Wizards’ game is a success, the PSTA would like to try other unusual fundraising ideas, Auker said. The feedback has been good so far, and she’s anticipating a good turnout from families who want to see something different, have a good time and help the school’s cause.

Because attendees don’t have to be affiliated with the school, it’s something anybody can attend and enjoy.

“We thought, why don’t we put on an event, something that fathers can take their sons out to, moms can take the kids out to and just have a nice night of watching basketball,” she said.

Auker probably won’t be on the court that night, but she isn’t too concerned about the final score. The number that really matters is how much money is raised.

To drum up interest the school is having a pep rally at the school Feb. 16 at 2:30 p.m., with some Wizards players in attendance.

When it’s time to start shooting hoops, Auker hopes to see bleachers full of children and smiles on their faces.

“It will be a very fun time,” she said. “I’m just hoping the children enjoy it as much as I’m enjoying putting it on for them.”

Tip-off time is 7 p.m., on Feb. 17. Tickets are $8 for students and $10 for adults in advance, or $10 for students and $12 for adults at the door. Reserved seating is available for $15, and courtside seats are $40. For information and to buy tickets, visit HarlemWizards.com or email .

Published February 11, 2015

Save some cash at the county fair

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Ladies and gentlemen, it’s fair season.

That means good rides, good entertainment and good food — or bad food, if you’re a fitness expert. If they can deep-fry it, you can probably buy it at a fair.

There's nothing quite like fair food, and you'll find plenty to enjoy at the Pasco County Fair. (File Photo)
There’s nothing quite like fair food, and you’ll find plenty to enjoy at the Pasco County Fair.
(File Photo)

The Florida State Fair in Tampa is underway and the Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City kicks off at the end of the month.

But if you don’t catch the one in the middle, you’re really missing out.

The Pasco County Fair begins Feb. 16 at the Pasco County Fairgrounds, naturally, and there’s a lot to see and do. You can certainly purchase wristbands to ride the rides, and play carnival games until your wallet runs dry.

But this is “On the Cheap.” We’re looking to save you money.

And the truth is, there are so many fun things to experience at the fair that are already included in the admission price, you could go for the whole day and not spend a penny once you get inside. No matter what you like to do, there’s something that will catch your eye.

Let’s start with the show animals: Local fairs have always been places to see the very best in livestock, and this is no exception. Bulls, steers, heifers and other animals will be on display, shown and judged.

But there are also other animals, like alligators and seals — not together, of course.

They’re not looking for ribbons. They’re there to entertain. Kachunga & the Alligator Show and the Sea Lion Splash are two regular shows that perform daily at the fair. And if you like your entertainment on two legs, Ron Diamond’s magic and illusion show will offer sleight of hand, comedy and even some hypnosis.

Oh, did I mention the pigs yet?

Robinson’s Racing Pigs and Paddling Porkers have been a fair staple for years, and for good reason. It might be your only chance all year to see racing pigs: Little pigs, mid-size pigs and giant pigs racing around a track to the delight of sizeable crowds. It’s as weird as it sounds, and it’s a lot of fun, too.

On special nights, the Pasco County Fair also has boxing matches and rodeos. Throw in plant sales and a baby pageant, and you have enough to keep you busy for a couple of visits.

Again, none of that costs extra. It’s all included in your fair admission.

So while you’re free to spend some money and have a good time, it’s not required. Just pay at the gate and enjoy all the different events.

Regular admission, by the way, is $8 for adults and $5 for children, ages 6 to 12. If they’re younger than that, it’s free. Parking is free, too. That’s a good deal, but it’s not the best deal. If you really want to go on the cheap — and why wouldn’t you — I suggest you go on Tuesday, Feb. 18. On that day, admission is just $3 per person.

That’s a great deal for all the things you can see and do.

You’ll save so much money, you might want to treat yourself to some deep-fried candy. Just don’t tell your dentist.

Pasco County Fair
Feb. 16 through Feb. 22. It begins at 3 p.m., and usually runs until 11 p.m., or midnight.

The fairgrounds are at 36722 State Road 52 in Dade City.

For more information, visit PascoCountyFair.org.

Published February 11, 2015

Sign Here: Local athletes commit to colleges

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High school seniors are used to writing.

On Feb. 4, though, a number of student-athletes did some writing that will change their lives.

Family members surround Mark Hutchinson, left, and Jaye Miner of Wiregrass Ranch High School as they sign their letters of intent to play college football. They're the first players in the school’s history to sign with NCAA Division I schools. (Michael Murillo/Staff Photo
Family members surround Mark Hutchinson, left, and Jaye Miner of Wiregrass Ranch High School as they sign their letters of intent to play college football. They’re the first players in the school’s history to sign with NCAA Division I schools.
(Michael Murillo/Staff Photo

“It feels good,” said Austin Yeloushan, a senior at Sunlake High School. “Finally, I’m committed and ready to go play somewhere.” Yeloushan was one of thousands of athletes around the country who participated in National Signing Day, the first day that a high school football player can sign a binding letter of intent with a member school of the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

Yeloushan accepted an offer to attend Jacksonville University, where he’ll also play on defense for the Dolphins. In addition to the football opportunity, he was impressed with the school’s academic offerings and its location. He plans to study business.

He’s also working out several times a day and adding in a lot of running in order to get ready to play football at the collegiate level. Although he had a stellar high school career, Yeloushan knows that the level of competition is tougher in college, and he wants to be prepared.

“I feel like everyone that’s really good from their high school goes to college. So it’s just going to be like a big all-star game,” he said.

Jaye Miner, a linebacker from Wiregrass Ranch High School, feels the same way.

“In college it’s like an all-star team every game,” he said. “I know I can’t take anything easy. Everyone’s going to be bigger, stronger, faster.” Miner received 14 offers to play football at the next level, and chose Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton on National Signing Day. He plans to study photography, sports medicine or marine biology in the classroom, and learn from his more experienced teammates on the football field.

He might be getting some early experience himself when the Owls’ season starts. Due to a lack of linebacker depth at FAU, Miner said he has a good chance of starting games early in his career.

If he’s in the starting lineup when the Owls play Florida International University on Oct. 31, he’ll face off against a former teammate’s new school. Mark Hutchinson, a Wiregrass Ranch wide receiver, sat next to Miner on Feb. 4 and signed his own papers to play at the next level. He chose FIU and will attend on a full scholarship.

Not bad for a kid who was cut from his seventh-grade football team.

“It was my first year. I was scrawny. I was a skinny little boy,” Hutchinson recalled. “So I had to put in a lot of work, a lot of effort and focus. Because I knew this was something I wanted. I wanted to be an athlete in high school.”

Now that he’s completed a standout athletic career in high school, Hutchinson knows he’ll have something to prove when he enters college as a freshman. But working his way up is nothing new for Hutchinson. He started his freshman year on the junior varsity team before earning a promotion to varsity. He’s focusing on adding strength in the off-season to be prepared when they call his number.

Miner and Hutchinson are good friends and have been playing together for years. And even before they were seriously thinking about Division I college football and making big life decisions, this is a moment they considered.

“In Mark’s room right now, he has a chalkboard wall. It says ‘D-1 bound.’ We wrote that when we were in seventh grade,” Miner said.

Friends and family were in attendance at National Signing Day to congratulate the athletes, coaches praised their abilities, and the schools served cake to help celebrate the event. And while they’re proud of their athletes and have confidence in them at the next level, those athletes are leaving big shoes to fill on their football teams. When the new season comes around, the coaches will have to replace their talented athletes who have moved on from Friday night games to playing on Saturdays.

“You miss all your seniors. You really do,” said Sunlake coach Bill Browning at Yeloushan’s signing event. “And he’s been really successful here, so we’ll miss him.”

Published February 11, 2015

Freedom High shocks district with playoff berth

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When a soccer team finishes the regular season with a 2-8-3 record and a seven-game winless streak, most people wouldn’t expect them to advance past their district tournament and into the regional playoffs.

Not even their coach.

Senior Ruben Gutierrez fights to maintain control on the field. In the district tournament, Freedom fought past a tough season to earn a spot in the regional playoffs. (Courtesy of Freedom High School)
Senior Ruben Gutierrez fights to maintain control on the field. In the district tournament, Freedom fought past a tough season to earn a spot in the regional playoffs.
(Courtesy of Freedom High School)

“Realistically, no,” said Freedom High School boys’ soccer coach Charlie Haueter. The team finished a tough early part of their schedule 2-2-2, and he felt like they had a good chance to finish strong with their remaining opponents. But when that didn’t happen and the losses piled up, he thought it just wasn’t their year.

But, the Patriots proved a lot of people wrong.

In the first round of their district tournament, they knocked off Mitchell High School, who had a 17-5-1 record at the time. In the second round, they scored a season-high five goals and defeated Chamberlain High School. That doubled their season win total, put them in the district finals and earned them a berth in the regional tournament.

“I think my seniors realized it was about to end, and they didn’t want it to (end),” Haueter said. Their good play didn’t end there, either: Although they lost in the finals to Wiregrass Ranch, who was 23-1-1 at the time, they took a 1-0 lead in that game and were tied at the half.

Even though the Bulls won the district title by a 3-1 score, Freedom’s effort wasn’t lost on Wiregrass Ranch coach David Wilson.

“They’re one of those teams that put all the pieces together at the right time,” he said. “The coach did a really nice job with them, too.”

Haueter’s job was pretty tough this year, overcoming a number of obstacles on the team’s way to the playoffs. First, their star player, Mohammed Saad, missed most of the season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury. He had scored five goals in the first six games, and they missed his skills on the pitch.

He also had disciplinary problems during the season. The better high school players tend to play club level soccer in addition to high school soccer, Haueter explained. With the majority of his players also participating in club soccer, many of them weren’t giving enough attention to their high school team.

So he had them sign a contract, agreeing to give their full effort and participation. And when they failed to live up to that promise, there were consequences.

“We had to bench guys,” Haueter said. “I don’t think they believed that we were going to stick to the rules.” That means benching seniors, playing freshmen, and suffering losses. Throw in more injuries and the negative attitudes that can stem from losing, and a district run seemed out of the question at the end of the year.

But when they bought in to the system, and started being accountable for their participation, they pulled together and earned a berth in the regional tournament. Seeing the players overcome their early struggles was rewarding for the coach, who also teaches Advanced Placement classes at Freedom.

“Anytime you see kids maturing in high school, it is a great and wonderful thing,” he said.

Unfortunately, the regional playoffs didn’t have a great or wonderful ending for the team. They lost to Kathleen on Jan. 29 by a 3-1 score that included several disciplinary cards issued and Haueter being ejected toward the end of the game. The coach said the ejection was unwarranted, there were many complaints about the officiating that day, and he’s writing a letter to the Florida High School Athletic Association.

But regardless of the final outcome, Freedom went from a two-win team in the regular season to playing in the regional tournament. And playing younger players while others were being disciplined means, they’ll have more experience when next season rolls around.

And, since the team knows that full effort is required to participate in Freedom soccer, Haueter thinks next year’s team will be more dedicated and able to focus on winning.

“I’m a pretty firm believer that we’re not going to have any of the same issues,” he said.

Published February 4, 2015

 

Big competition: Students prep livestock for fair judging

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Land O’ Lakes High School has nice football and baseball fields. But if you go past them, you might see something unusual.

Like a barn with livestock, and students training them.

Stephanie Dahm, a junior at Land O’ Lakes High School, works with Dixie, a 700-pound heifer at the school’s barn. Dahm and Dixie will compete at the Florida State Fair and Pasco County Fair. (Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)
Stephanie Dahm, a junior at Land O’ Lakes High School, works with Dixie, a 700-pound heifer at the school’s barn. Dahm and Dixie will compete at the Florida State Fair and Pasco County Fair.
(Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)

“People think we’re crazy,” said sophomore Augusta Browder. “They think we’re just out there rolling around with them (the animals). They don’t think we’re being serious about it.”

But they’re not being crazy; they’re being competitive. The school’s members of Future Farmers of America, now known as the National FFA Organization, are prepping their livestock to be judged along with other animals at the Florida State Fair and Pasco County Fair next month and other competitions throughout the year.

Some of the animals stay on school property. Other students own their animals and have homes that can maintain them, so they live on their land.

But wherever they stay, caring for them is hard work.

Browder gets up around 5:30 a.m., every morning, to feed her animals at her home, and does it again at the end of the evening. She can’t take extended time off, and she also has to practice with them so they’ll perform well when the time comes to be judged in categories such as appearance and showmanship. She’ll show a heifer and a steer this year, and she has a bull named Buster that she’s already planning to show next year.

Actually showing them only comes after getting the animals, caring for them and learning their behaviors and traits. The students often are showing large animals that are several times their weight, so developing a strong relationship is important.

“It’s spending time with them. If you don’t spend time with them, they’re not going to do what you want,” said Stephanie Dahm, who’s showing a 700-pound heifer named Dixie at the Florida State Fair and Pasco County Fair.

While Dahm said that Dixie is a calm heifer with a good demeanor, she still has to spend a lot of time with her. That means at least an hour or two each day during the week and then more time on the weekend.

Dahm has shown animals before, and had a Florida White rabbit that won Best of Breed at the Florida State Fair and the Pasco County Fair last year.

The jump to livestock is good practice for her; she plans to study livestock management and ranch management when she goes to college.

Browder, who wants to be a large animal veterinarian, also has a lot of experience raising and showing animals. And while she wants to win when she competes, it’s the experience and the friendships that make it worthwhile.

“I actually met one of my best friends at the Pasco County Fair two years ago,” she said. “We all realize that we’re doing this for responsibility, for leadership, to do something,” she added.

In order to do something special with their four-legged partners, they have to practice quite a bit. On many afternoons, FFA members will be out with their livestock, going through movements and practicing techniques. Even if some people at the school don’t even know they’re out there.

A lot of people at our school, when I say we have a barn, they’re like ‘We have a barn?’ Not many people know about this,” Browder said.

But for around 30 members of the school’s FFA program, it’s an important part of their high school experience. They learn how to handle different animals, they learn time management skills, and they get to spend time with both schoolmates and show partners.

“I love being out there with my friends, and I love being out there in the ring. Some people do sports, and I do cows,” Browder said. “I love it.”

Dahm agrees.

“There’s something about cows,” she said.

Published January 28, 2015

The pies have it: new festival draws thousands in Zephyrhills

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Chocolate cream, coconut cream, banana cream, apple, cherry, pumpkin, pecan, raspberry and key lime. If that sounds like a roll call of popular pies, that’s exactly what it is.

Those pies and more were on display Jan. 24 at the inaugural Zephyrhills Pie Festival & Community Bake Off at Zephyr Park, 38116 5th Ave., in Zephyrhills.

Orma Moon of Zephyrhills, right, took first place at the baking contest with her cranberry-apple pie. Wendy Orbeck and John Cadwell took second and third. (Fred Bellet/Photo)
Orma Moon of Zephyrhills, right, took first place at the baking contest with her cranberry-apple pie. Wendy Orbeck and John Cadwell took second and third.
(Fred Bellet/Photo)

If an entire day celebrating one specific dessert seems over the top, event coordinator Sonya Bradley said it’s actually an overdue tribute to a family favorite.

“It’s just fun,” she said. “Old school, traditional festivals are fun.” Bradley has fond memories of holidays when older family members would bake and bring pies to dinner, and she wanted to create a fun atmosphere for adults and children to sample a variety of pies.

And people were eager to do just that, with more than 2,000 in attendance to participate in different interactive events. There was a pie-baking contest, with winner Orma Moon taking home some money and a trophy thanks to her victorious cranberry-apple creation. There was also a pie buffet, where visitors could enjoy all the pie and ice cream they could eat for one set price. Those who didn’t want all pie all the time were able to sample more traditional carnival food at various stations.

The pie festival also included a live band and more than 50 vendors promoting crafts, jewelry, candles and even animal conservation. While the vendors offered a variety of products and information, Bradley said it was important for the festival, which featured free admission and parking, to be more than visiting booths and hearing music. The contest and buffet were important aspects in bringing people together.

“It forces interaction, which makes the festival so much fun,” she said. In a way, it was too much fun: A scheduled pie-eating contest had to be scrapped when the buffet proved to be so popular that they didn’t have enough pies.

Bradley’s Simply Events put the festival together, which is just one event the company has planned for Zephyr Park. They’ll also oversee the Snowbird Palooza event, geared toward residents who migrate downs to Zephyrhills for part of the year, at the same location next month.

According to Bradley, the turnout was so good that residents can probably expect another one next year, with more pies on hand to meet the large demand.

“It’s been crazy. It’s great,” she said as she was shuttling pies to eager judges. “We didn’t expect all this.”

Court presence: Land O’ Lakes basketball preps another playoff run

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When the Land O’ Lakes girls’ basketball team bowed out of the Class 5A playoffs last year, they had many reasons to be proud. The Gators were beaten in the state semifinals by eventual-champion Southeast High School from Bradenton, and they completed their third-straight winning season under coach Phyllis Crain. Since they had gone farther than any girls’ basketball team in school history, students and fans might wonder if they could repeat that success and possibly claim a state title this year.

Land O' Lakes coach Phyllis Crain has guided the girls’ basketball team to another season with more than 20 wins. Now she'll try to guide them back to the state tournament, where they reached the semifinals last season. (Fred Bellet/Photo)
Land O’ Lakes coach Phyllis Crain has guided the girls’ basketball team to another season with more than 20 wins. Now she’ll try to guide them back to the state tournament, where they reached the semifinals last season.
(Fred Bellet/Photo)

But with the playoffs starting, the coach isn’t focused on anything but the next opponent.

“We don’t look any further than we have to. We look at one game at a time, and we take it from there,” Crain said. “If you overlook an opponent, they can sneak up behind you.”

Very few teams have snuck up on Land O’ Lakes this season. They finished their regular season campaign with just three losses, fewer than last year. They ran the table in Class 5A-8 with a perfect 14-0 record. And according to Crain, they enter the postseason with even more confidence after last season’s accomplishments.

While senior Jhade Hayes has paced the team as both leading scorer and rebounder, the coach believes it’s the other players doing their jobs and playing important roles that allow skilled players like Hayes to shine, and the team to succeed in each game.

“It’s teamwork, not an individual that’s going to win the championship. They really believe in each other,” she said.

The school has good reason to believe in Crain, who has built a strong program in her four seasons at the helm. After nine seasons as an assistant at the University of Tampa, she came to Land O’ Lakes High School wanting to create a team that consistently has both experienced players and younger talent who can contribute and take on leadership roles later in their careers. This season’s team has a good mix of returning starters and reserves (the starting five consists of three seniors and two juniors), as well as newer players who are looking to help continue the team’s forward progress.

As a result, Crain believes the team is at least as good as the one that was one step away from the state championship game.

“I would say as good, and maybe a little bit better,” Crain said. “We have a little bit more rebounding presence inside.” A lot of that increased presence can be attributed to junior Gabby Mills, which makes the team more dangerous when she’s on the court. But as they head to the playoffs, the coach wants to see better team rebounding and tighter defensive play from the Gators.

While Crain has created a perennial contender in just a few short years, it’s not her only goal when it comes to coaching. She’s aware that many of her players might not continue their basketball careers in college, so she wants them to get the most out of their high school experience.

“I went into it thinking that I really want to teach these girls the game of basketball, and I really want to teach them some life lessons, too,” Crain said. “Don’t get me wrong. We all want to win. But I really think it’s an experience.” The coach follows their academic progress and believes that learning lessons like not being late to practice, working hard and believing in yourself will help them off the court.

But the team is performing well on the court, too. Another season with more than 20 wins is already secured, and another playoff berth is looming. And while Crain believes the team has the ability to make another deep run, she doesn’t want players to think about anything but the hard work that got them this far, and about the next opponent they face.

“We want to win the district championship. We want to get back to Lakeland (where the state championships will be held). That’s our main focus,” she said “But to do that, we need to focus on the little things and take it game by game,” she said.

Published January 28, 2015

Cycle of Life: Seniors stay fit on two wheels

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If you see Charlie Griffiths riding his bicycle in Zephyrhills, the 70-year-old might be on a little ride just to keep the blood pumping.

Or he just might be training for a 40K race.

Charlie Griffiths has won a number of medals and trophies for his cycling skills. But the awards are piling up even faster now that his wife Mary is competing as well. Both of them won medals at the recent Florida International Senior Games and State Championships. (Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)
Charlie Griffiths has won a number of medals and trophies for his cycling skills. But the awards are piling up even faster now that his wife Mary is competing as well. Both of them won medals at the recent Florida International Senior Games and State Championships.
(Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)

“Charlie’s always been a cyclist,” said his wife, Mary Griffiths. The couple actually met online a few years ago on a special website for fitness-conscious singles. Now Mary, 63, does a bit of riding herself: Both of them won cycling medals at the recent Florida International Senior Games and State Championships in their respective age groups.

But while Mary has been more of a swimmer and even did some scuba diving, Charlie is the one who’s always preferred cycling. He joined a racing club at 16 in his native Liverpool, England, but had to give it up when family demands came first.

Later in life he got back into riding, and when he retired and moved to Florida 10 years ago, he saw an advertisement for local races. Being in good shape, he decided to join the 55-and-over age group and signed up for a race.

He finished last.

“They just killed me. I couldn’t believe what level these people were at in that age group,” Charlie recalled.

Not being one to back down from a challenge, he kept at it and eventually worked his way into the top half of the competitors. He began training regularly and improved his strength and skills. In addition to doing 20K and 40K road races at the Senior Games, Charlie also tackles other races, including 100-mile cycling events.

As a result, their living room is now filled with medals and trophies documenting his successful return to the sport he loved as a boy. But it’s the other rewards that motivate him to keep riding.

“Really, what keeps me going with this, is it’s keeping me from getting old,” Charlie said. Seventy was old 40 years ago, but I don’t feel any different.”

While they’ve both found success cycling, Mary is quick to point out that it’s not any one activity that holds a secret to feeling younger. It’s more about finding something you like to do and sticking with it.

“It’s activity,” she said. “Find something that you’re passionate about and you do it.” Some activities lend themselves to group participation, she said. Runners, for example, often go out together and keep each other motivated.

Even physical disabilities don’t have to keep seniors from staying active. The Senior Games also has competitions for activities like bean bag tossing and table tennis. Mary believes that even participating in non-strenuous games, which still challenge them mentally, can be good for seniors.

“They’ve got 40 different sports,” she said of the Senior Games. “What if you aren’t really physically able? That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be active.”

And Charlie agrees. He’d love to see more people out walking around, even in a casual setting. It’s become too common for seniors, and people in general, to settle into a sedentary lifestyle and miss out on the health, social and mental benefits of being more active.

“You look around these (communities) where we are here and it’s just incredible how people waste away. And some of them are younger than me,” he said. “It’s just a way of extending you’re life. That’s the way I see it. Stay active as long as you can.”

Charlie is encouraged by people who call him an inspiration, and he enjoys riding and keeping up with riders many years his junior. Neither has any plans to slow down or abandon their active lifestyle, and they hope people of all ages will find the motivation to begin improving their own lives with a little bit of activity.

“Find a friend, and set an appointment time and commit to meeting at that time every day and start walking,” Mary advises. “That’s the easiest thing, it doesn’t cost anything and if you did it, you don’t know what the next step will be.”

While the benefits can be realized by anyone, Charlie believes a lack of activity can especially hurt seniors who can’t afford to sit around and watch their golden years go by.

“If you’re used to a lethargic lifestyle, you need to change. When you’re younger, maybe people don’t feel it as badly. But life flashes by, and suddenly you are a potato,” he said. “Just get out and do something, whether it be walking, running; make the attempt. Make the effort and you’ll enjoy it. You’ll meet so many interesting people.”

Published January 21, 2015

Wiregrass Ranch is ready to defend state tennis title

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The Wiregrass Ranch boys’ tennis team earned a share of the Class 3A state championship last season. As a result, they knew expectations would be high headed into 2015. For his part, coach David Wilson has already admitted he doesn’t think the team will be as good as last year.

He thinks it will be better.

Alejandro Feliciano is a nationally ranked player by the United States Tennis Association, and he’s just one of many threats that opponents will face when they challenge Wiregrass Ranch on the court. (Courtesy of Alejandro Feliciano)
Alejandro Feliciano is a nationally ranked player by the United States Tennis Association, and he’s just one of many threats that opponents will face when they challenge Wiregrass Ranch on the court.
(Courtesy of Alejandro Feliciano)

“This will be the deepest team we’ve had,” Wilson said of the current lineup. “We actually added depth and strength to our team.”

Part of that depth and strength will come from a familiar last name.

Augie Moreno, defending state champion and a top player on the team, will welcome his little brother, Daniel, to the squad as a freshman. And with the championship team mostly intact from last year, the Bulls look to be stronger than ever.

That’s a significant statement, since Wiregrass Ranch has had successful tennis teams almost from its inception. Wilson has built a strong program since he took the job for the school’s opening athletic season in 2006-07. While the tennis title was the first state championship in school history, it was their third trip to the state tournament. And the district title was nothing new, either. Wilson said it was the team’s fifth-straight district championship.

Part of the team’s success stems from the excellent competition they face in practice. Wilson said the top players are all very competitive, and are capable of beating each other on any given day. So, honing their skills against each other makes the team stronger.

“If you’re always playing against competitive players within your own team, then you’re just going to keep getting better,” Wilson said.

Senior Alejandro Feliciano, who was ranked fourth on the team last season, agrees that the team has taken steps forward as it tries to defend its title.

“We actually have better players this year,” he said.

Feliciano is one of those great players, with a United States Tennis Association ranking inside the top 100 and a national ranking around 306 for players 18 and under.

While sheer talent gives Wiregrass Ranch a clear advantage over most schools, Feliciano said that their coach plays a big role as well. Instead of trying to force them to adapt to his strategies, he gives them the leeway to simply put their talent on display while he provides support however he can.

“I think it’s the fact that he bonds with us as if he were somebody our own age,” he said. “It’s like he’s one of us.”

Wilson is part of the tennis program because he had a characteristic nobody else had when the school began athletic play: He was willing to do it.

“When I took the job, nobody else wanted it,” he said. A recreational player, he knows that many of his players can beat him on the court. But his job is to provide support, let them have fun and create a positive experience that keeps them wanting to participate in high school sports.

Creating that desire is no easy accomplishment, since many players have their own personal coaches, a bright future in tennis and don’t really need the high school team to further their careers.

“I think that’s the one thing that makes me the proudest, is that kids want to play in my program,” Wilson said. “My saying for all my sports (Wilson is also the school’s boys’ soccer coach and athletic director) is the experience outweighs the outcome. If it’s not a great experience for them, what’s the sense of doing it?”

Part of that experience includes hitting the road to face elevated competition. Wiregrass Ranch will travel to Florida State University in Tallahassee next month to face Pensacola Catholic High School, one of the state’s top tennis teams. In March, they’ll travel to Chattanooga, Tennessee for the national high school tournament.

Wilson isn’t concerned about a letdown after achieving a state title. The team is full of skilled players with plenty of experience and a good working relationship together. But they also know that they had to share their state title with Barron Collier High School in Naples, since they finished with the same amount of points in the competition.

Being “co-champion” helps to motivate them to claim the title for themselves in 2015, Wilson said.

“The fact that we weren’t outright champions by ourselves, we still have something to prove,” he said.

Published January 21, 2015