The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Michael Murillo

Zephyrhills buries Fivay, 69-25, in football clash

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It was over before halftime.

The Zephyrhills Bulldogs racked up 28 first-quarter points on their way to a 62-point half against the Fivay Falcons in the team’s home football match-up Sept. 28. They held a 44-point lead at the break, and the teams each added a meaningless touchdown in the second half to end the game 69-25.

Junior Antwione Sims led Zephyrhills with more than 260 yards on the ground and three scores. Quarterback Charles Harrison III didn’t get in much work, only throwing four passes the entire game and completing just two. But he made them count, with both going to senior Jackie Tucker for touchdowns.

The win pushed the Bulldogs’ record to 3-1, and a 2-0 mark in 5A District 8 play. They moved to 4-1 and 3-0 in the district after a 52-37 victory against Hudson Oct. 2. Zephyrhills is averaging nearly 46 points per game, and the team’s district schedule continues Oct. 9 with a road contest against Ridgewood High School.

Halloween happenings fill upcoming calendar

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Many people call it Halloween. For others, it’s a fall festival. Whatever you call it, it’s a time for special events and things to do in your area.

Some are a bit frightening and geared toward adults. Others are fun and feature activities for children. There might be games, treats and maybe a few scares, but there’s something for everyone.

And while Halloween is at the end of October, many events start much sooner. You have a whole month to find fun activities for the entire family.

Here’s a rundown of treats (no tricks) happening this month:

Fall Family Festival at Saint Leo University. The university, 33701 State Road 52, will host a number of activities Oct. 9 through Oct. 11. There are free and low-cost athletic events, like volleyball and soccer. But the real treats start Oct. 10 at 11 a.m., when Saint Leo will host a free fair at The Bowl area (behind the Student Community Center) with plenty of family-oriented things to do. Children can enjoy an animal show, petting zoo, water races, a swing ride and other activities. It runs until 3 p.m.

Another fun event takes place on campus Oct. 10 at 9:30 p.m. There will be a fireworks grand finale at The Bowl to cap off a weekend of events. And it’s free to attend.

Technically, the last event occurs Oct. 11 at 11 a.m., also at The Bowl. The university will host a 5K walk/run to benefit the Make-A-Wish foundation.

For more information about the race and a list of events for the Family Fall Festival, visit SaintLeo.edu/FallFamily.

Scarecrow Festival at Florida Pioneer Museum. The museum, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road, hosts this scarecrow-themed event on Oct. 10 for the third year in a row, after taking it over from Downtown Dade City Main Street. Thousands of people attend each October, and they expect this year’s event to be no different.

Pumpkins and scarecrows go together at the annual Scarecrow Festival at the Florida Pioneer Museum. (Richard Riley/Photo)
Pumpkins and scarecrows go together at the annual Scarecrow Festival at the Florida Pioneer Museum.
(Richard Riley/Photo)

Crafts, community booths and food vendors will be on hand, but there’s a lot more to the Scarecrow Festival than that. Like making scarecrows, for example. For $3, children can use hay and clothing, provided by the museum, to make a scarecrow to take home.

There will also be a Touch-a-Truck area, where children can climb on firetrucks and TECO trucks, and see police and sheriff’s cars, and ambulances. A petting zoo, train rides, face painting, obstacle course and games with prizes are all part of the event, too.

But since this is the Scarecrow Festival, do you need more scarecrows? How about a scarecrow costume contest? There will be categories for best dressed scarecrow, cutest scarecrow and scariest scarecrow. So you can make one and be one at this event.

The Scarecrow Festival runs from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Admission is $5 with children younger than five years old admitted free. For more information, call (352) 567-0262, or visit PioneerFloridaMuseum.org.

Mr. Tommy’s Halloween Special at The Shops At Wiregrass. The Shops at Wiregrass, at 28211 Paseo Drive in Wesley Chapel, has a Halloween theme for its regular Kids Club event. On Oct. 28, it will have a “Princess & Pirate Party” at its parking structure. There will be bounce houses, a photo booth, cookie decorating and a costume parade. It’s a quick event, but a good way to take in a family-oriented celebration on a weekday morning.

Even the entertainers and staff at The Shops at Wiregrass get into the Halloween spirit at Mr. Tommy's Halloween Special. From top, Tommy Girvin (Mr. Tommy), Sarah Rasheid, Debbie Detweiler, Cyndi Clausen, Dani Maree Stoughtenger and Emily Setz show off their costumes. (Courtesy of Cloud9 Studios)
Even the entertainers and staff at The Shops at Wiregrass get into the Halloween spirit at Mr. Tommy’s Halloween Special. From top, Tommy Girvin (Mr. Tommy), Sarah Rasheid, Debbie Detweiler, Cyndi Clausen, Dani Maree Stoughtenger and Emily Setz show off their costumes.
(Courtesy of Cloud9 Studios)

Mr. Tommy’s Halloween Special runs from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. For more information and to join the free Kids Club, call (813) 994-2242, or visit TheShopsAtWiregrass.com.

Family Friendly Fun Day at Cobb Theatres. If you want to celebrate on Halloween without making a late night of it, consider the event at Cobb Theatres Grove 16, at 6333 Wesley Grove Blvd. in Wesley Chapel. Cobb is hosting a Family Friendly Fun Day on Oct. 31 from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m.

Children are encouraged to wear costumes (no masks) and enjoy treats, prizes and games. And for those with a Halloween hunger, the CineBistro, located upstairs, will have a special holiday-themed menu.

For more information, call (813) 948-5444, or visit CobbTheatres.com.

Fall Festival at The Grove. The Grove, 6105 Wesley Grove Blvd. in Wesley Chapel, has a full weekend of activities scheduled for Oct. 10 and Oct. 11. Live music, arts and crafts and free outdoor movies make up just part of the schedule.

Children’s activities include face painting and bounce houses, as well as screenings of “Frozen” and “Cars.” There also will be a pumpkin patch, a pet parade and pet adoptions as well.

One of the highlights will occur Oct. 11 at noon, when the “Little Miss and Mr. Pumpkin Patch Pageant” will take place. Contestants will wear fall-inspired or pumpkin-themed costumes or outfits. Semifinalists will be chosen across three age groups, with one boy and one girl named Little Miss and Mr. Pumpkin Patch. The winners will receive $100, a sash and a trophy. Semifinalists will receive a trophy, and all participants will receive a goodie bag.

The Fall Festival runs Oct. 10 from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m., and Oct. 11 from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. The pageant is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel and costs $20 per entry. For a full Fall Festival schedule, visit the Wesley Chapel Fall Festival Facebook page. For information about the pageant or to sign up, call (813) 843-2354, or email Kelly Mothershead at .

Scream-A-Geddon. This one isn’t for the faint of heart. While many events have a little spookiness wrapped up in family fun, this is an all-out fright fest. Located at 27839 Saint Joe Road in Dade City, the attractions have names like “Cursed Hayride,” “Dead Woods” and “Infected.” The goal is to be as ghoulish and scary as possible.

Scream-A-Geddon runs through Nov. 1, and delivers serious scares with an assortment of attractions. It begins at 7:30 each night, and lasts until 11 p.m.-1 a.m. depending on the evening. (Courtesy of Scream-a-Geddon)
Scream-A-Geddon runs through Nov. 1, and delivers serious scares with an assortment of attractions. It begins at 7:30 each night, and lasts until 11 p.m.-1 a.m. depending on the evening.
(Courtesy of Scream-a-Geddon)

But wait; there’s more. Like most haunted attractions, the actors don’t actually touch you. But if you participate in “Pandemic” and choose the interactive portion, it’s a different story. You might actually be grabbed and sent into a cell. That option takes things beyond the level of established attractions like “Howl-O-Scream” at Busch Gardens or “Halloween Horror Nights” and Universal Studios in Orlando.

You don’t have to choose that route, of course. You can decide to simply observe, which means you’re hands-off to the monsters inside. But, it’s still a scary event with five separate haunted attractions.

And that doesn’t count the Monster Midway, which includes games, food, beer, fire pits and tarot card readings. This is Halloween fun for people who like to be scared. But just in case, each attraction has emergency exits if things get a little too intense.

This might be the scariest event in the area, so they’re expecting big crowds. Enter at your own risk.

Scream-A-Geddon is open Thursdays through Sundays until Nov. 1. The cost ranges from $34.95 to $51.95 if you purchase online, depending on when you go. Tickets cost an additional $5 at the gate. Parking is $10, and fast passes, which allow you to spend less time in line, are available at an extra cost.

For more information, call (813) 452-5412, or visit ScreamAGeddon.com.

Published September 30, 2015

Lady Quistas dig in for challenging schedule

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The volleyball season has already started for Pasco-Hernando State College, but coach Kim Whitney hasn’t attended their games. She doesn’t go to practice, either.

She hasn’t abandoned her team. She’s just been a little busy.

Whitney gave birth to her son, Francis, on Aug. 26.

Nadine Mattmann is one of the many freshmen joining Pasco-Hernando State College this year. Only six players are back from last year's squad. (Photos courtesy of Pasco-Hernando State College)
Nadine Mattmann is one of the many freshmen joining Pasco-Hernando State College this year. Only six players are back from last year’s squad.
(Photos courtesy of Pasco-Hernando State College)

She hasn’t completely disappeared, though. That would be tough for Whitney, who’s built a perennial regional contender over the past decade. During her tenure, the Lady Quistas have consistency qualified for their regional tournament for District P, which requires a .500 record or better over the course of the regular season. During that time, they’ve also qualified for five NJCAA national tournaments, and took home the Division II national championship in 2010.

So while she’s caring for her son, she’s still keeping a close eye on her squad.

“I’ve been working from home and keeping in communication with the team, and with Brian,” Whitney said.

“Brian” is assistant coach Brian Kachurak, who’s been on the volleyball staff for several years. He knows Whitney’s coaching philosophy and is able to communicate her expectations to the team until she returns in early October.

Whitney has full confidence in Kachurak, and said she knows the team is in good hands.

They’ll need strong guidance as they navigate the early part of their schedule. The Lady Quistas were 8-6 after 14 matches, enough to qualify for their regional tournament by a small margin. But, Whitney isn’t concerned. She’s not even surprised, since she purposely scheduled difficult opponents to open the season.

The Lady Quistas have already faced nationally ranked opponents, had close losses against Division I competition, such as Hillsborough Community College, and defeated regular regional finalists Catawba Valley Community College.

Danielle Deterding and the rest of the Lady Quistas have faced some tough competition in the early part of their schedule.
Danielle Deterding and the rest of the Lady Quistas have faced some tough competition in the early part of their schedule.

The team has won some and lost some, but it is testing itself early and proving it can compete against elevated talent on the court, Whitney said.

That’s exactly what she wanted to see from her team.

“They’re all really good competition for us. It helps us to continue to grow, but it challenges us. We don’t want to be playing teams that are easy run-throughs, and then we get to qualifying (matches for the national tournament) and we’re shocked at the level of play,” she said. “It’s going to help us in the long run.”

It will also help the team learn how to work together while under adversity. Frequent turnover is expected at a two-year college, but Whitney’s team returns just six players, and only half of those were starters. They’re playing with nine incoming freshmen and a couple of transfers, and everyone is learning how to maximize their effectiveness in the system.

The coach is happy with what she’s seen, even if she’s seeing it from afar. She’s watching film, staying in touch with her assistant coach and captains, and monitoring the team’s progress. If it can limit mistakes, Whitney believes she’ll return to a team that can repeat the success of last year’s national tournament-qualifying squad.

“You’ve got to work through the processes and different things that challenge a team,” Whitney said. “I think they’re going to be great.”

Remaining 2015 volleyball schedule for The Lady Quistas
Oct. 6 vs Florida International University
Oct. 9 vs Owens Community College (at tournament in North Carolina)
Oct. 9 vs Monroe College (at tournament in North Carolina)
Oct. 10 vs Northern Virginia Community College (at tournament in North Carolina)
Oct. 10 vs Catawba Valley Community College (at tournament in North Carolina)
Oct. 13 at Hillsborough Community College
Oct. 20 at South Florida State College
Oct. 24 at State College of Florida-Manatee
Oct. 27 vs Florida National University
Oct. 28 at College of Central Florida
Oct. 31 vs Webber JV (tri-match in Bradenton)
Oct. 31 vs State College of Florida (tri-match in Bradenton)

Published September 30, 2015

Prep Sports Board

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Sept. 21
Volleyball
Wiregrass Ranch 3, Gulf 2

Sept. 22
Volleyball
Sunlake 3, Land O’ Lakes 1
Wiregrass Ranch 3, Fivay 0
Academy at the Lakes 3, Wesley Chapel 1

Sept. 23
Volleyball
Ridgewood 3, Sunlake 0
Mitchell 3, Pasco 0

Sept. 30
Volleyball
Wesley Chapel at Mitchell, 7:30 p.m.
Freedom at Wiregrass Ranch, 7 p.m.

Oct. 1
Volleyball
Sunlake at Zephyrhills, 6 p.m.
Steinbrenner at Wharton, 7:30 p.m.
Freedom at Wiregrass Ranch, 7:30 p.m.
Ridgewood at Wesley Chapel, 8 p.m.
Pasco at Anclote, 7 p.m.

Oct. 2
Football
Sunlake at Springstead, 7:30 p.m.
Land O’ Lakes at Lakeland Christian, 7:30 p.m.
Pasco vs Montverde Academy (tournament)
Manatee at Steinbrenner, 7:30 p.m.
Wiregrass Ranch at Freedom, 7:30 p.m.
Fivay at Wesley Chapel, 7:30 p.m.
Plant at Wharton, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 5
Volleyball
River Ridge at Wiregrass Ranch, 7:30 p.m.
Wesley Chapel at Hudson, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 6
Volleyball
Mitchell at Sunlake, 6 p.m.
Wiregrass Ranch at Steinbrenner, 7:30 p.m.
Wesley Chapel at River Ridge, 7 p.m.
Springstead at Land O’ Lakes, 7:30 p.m.
Zephyrhills at Gulf, 7 p.m.
Hudson at Pasco, 7 p.m.
Plant at Freedom, 7:30 p.m.
Wharton at Leto, 7:30 p.m.

Sources: MaxPreps, various

Learning about baseball

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7 Tool Baseball, a baseball instruction organization for individuals ages 10 through 21, has moved from Tennessee to Pasco County. The organization provides classroom and field instruction, as well as weight room training.

7 Tool wants to start a 10U travel ball program this year, with an additional program each successive year. It currently has training sessions by appointment at Wesley Chapel District Park, 7727 Boyette Road, and at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, 3032 Collier Parkway.

For information, call 813-693-1830, or visit 7ToolBaseball.com.

5K RUN WITH THE QUISTAS OCT. 18

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Pasco-Hernando State College will host its 11th annual 5K Run with the Quistas on Oct. 18 at the school’s west campus, 10230 Ridge Road in New Port Richey. The event benefits the school’s women’s cross country team. The race starts at 8 a.m., with a fun run for children at 8:50 a.m. Awards, refreshments, goodie bags and photos will be part of the post-race activities. The registration fee is $25 until Oct. 15, and $30 on the day of the race, which will be available from 6:30 until 7:45 a.m. To register online, visit Active.com and use keyword PHSC.

USTA JUNIOR OPEN STARTS OCT. 2

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Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel and Sports Group International will host a United States Tennis Association Junior Open Oct. 2 and Oct. 3 at Lake Padgett Tennis Center, 4533 Savanah Way in Land O’ Lakes. The event will include singles and doubles competition. For information, call Mauricio Moreno at (813) 638-6306.

Sunlake blanks LOL in football clash

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The Sunlake Seahawks and Land O’ Lakes Gators both have talented football teams. But one is simply better right now.

That team is Sunlake, as evidenced by a 34-0 victory over Land O’ Lakes on Sept. 18. The game was tight in the first half, with just a 7-0 edge for Sunlake at halftime. But the game got away from the Gators, who fell to 2-2 and 0-1 in 6A-6 district play.

The home victory upped Sunlake’s record to 4-0, and gave the team its first win in district play.

Both teams have plenty of district games left to determine who moves on to the playoffs. Sunlake begins a three-game stretch of district play on Oct. 2, while Land O’ Lakes has three district games in a row starting Oct. 16.

Jewish community reflects, atones on Yom Kippur

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Congregation Mekor Shalom, 14005A N. Dale Mabry Highway, has grown to more than 100 households since it was founded a little more than two years ago.

Members come from Lutz, from Land O’ Lakes, from Wesley Chapel, from Zephyrhills, and many other parts of Tampa Bay.

And most of those households, if not all, will be stopping in on Wednesday, during the one time on the calendar where everyone comes together.

“I call it tax season for clergy,” said Hazzan Jodi Sered-Lever.

As Hazzan, she’s Mekor Shalom’s clergy who leads them in prayer. She’s also their founding spiritual leader.

Hazzan Jodi Sered-Lever prepares Zachary Marlow for his Bar Mitzvah at Congregation Mekor Shalom. Like all Jewish synagogues, the congregation is also preparing for Yom Kippur services Sept. 23. (Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)
Hazzan Jodi Sered-Lever prepares Zachary Marlow for his Bar Mitzvah at Congregation Mekor Shalom. Like all Jewish synagogues, the congregation is also preparing for Yom Kippur services Sept. 23.
(Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)

The occasion is Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement, which is Sept. 23 this year. Part of the High Holy Days, along with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, it’s considered by many to be the most significant date on the Jewish calendar.

While it’s a time for reflection and forgiveness, it’s definitely not a time for judging the congregation at Mekor Shalom.

Sered-Lever knows the seats will be filled more than during the weekly Sabbath services on Friday nights and Saturday mornings. Whether it’s a treasured family tradition or a sense of obligation to participate in the High Holidays, many members who don’t attend services regularly are looking for a seat at Yom Kippur.

And that’s fine for Sered-Lever. Whether someone attends every weekend, or hasn’t been there since the last Yom Kippur service, she wants everyone to feel welcomed and valued.

“I don’t use guilt in any of my religious practices. I meet people where they’re at,” she said. “I’m glad to see you when you’re here. I’m glad to have your involvement; I’m glad to have your gifts. Because each person’s gifts are appreciated, and they’re not just monetary, and they’re not just numbers showing up.”

Those who do attend will arrive in a different state than usual. Yom Kippur observers fast from the previous sundown until that day’s sundown (with medical exceptions), refrain from working or wearing leather shoes, do not bathe and do not anoint themselves in perfume or cologne. They forego many daily comforts and rituals in order to focus more on asking for forgiveness, not only to God, but to other people their actions may have affected over the past year. Much of the day is spent in prayer and reflection.

And they’ll not only pray, but hear the Hazzan speak on a special topic. She didn’t reveal this year’s subject, but previously she’s focused on the concept of a proper apology. Instead of a half-hearted “I’m sorry you feel that way” statement, she encouraged her congregation to take ownership in their apologies, and to deliver them with authenticity.

Whether they come to pray on Yom Kippur out of a sense of tradition once a year, or always attend weekly services, Sered-Lever wants every member to get the most out of the experience. She believes that true reflection on actions and behaviors, and an earnest desire to improve oneself, can have great benefits for an individual even after Yom Kippur ends.

“You get out of it what you put into it,” Sered-Lever said. “If you take this time and really use it for this purpose, you have the greatest chance of being able to evolve as a person, and develop your relationships and connections, and be the best person you can be.”

While it might be the one time of year that every seat is filled (during some busy times, events might also be held at the nearby Carrollwood Country Club), Sered-Lever doesn’t approach her job differently because there might be more of the congregation listening. She’s still grateful for the attendees, appreciates their participation, and strives to give them a welcoming experience from the moment they walk in the door.

Her schedule doesn’t change much, either. In the days leading up to Yom Kippur, the Hazzan spent time instructing Zachary Marlow, 13, as he prepared for his Bar Mitzvah, the ceremony that celebrates a Jewish boy taking on the religious obligations and observances of a man. A Jewish girl taking part in the same ceremony is known as a Bat Mitzvah.

Zachary’s mother, Susan, serves on the congregation’s board of trustees. She believes that even in Jewish households where they don’t attend regular services, the need to connect with the community during the High Holidays is strong.

“Even if you weren’t in a religious household, you always went on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. You always do. That’s just what Jews do, for the most part. It’s a very cultural thing. It’s a way of life for us, and we take that into adulthood,” she said.

Both adults and children attend Mekor Shalom, ranging in ages from infants to those in their 90s. And whatever their reasons for attending Yom Kippur or any other service, Sered-Lever will keep working to make it a positive experience each time they step into the synagogue.

“It’s all about creating a safe and nurturing environment for people to be. This is a sanctuary,” she said. “It’s a safe community and people should feel comfortable, and people should feel that there is a message with which they can connect.”

The Yom Kippur service will begin at 9 a.m. The final service will begin at 6 p.m. For information, call (813) 963-1818 or visit MekorShalom.org.

Chabad at Wiregrass, 2124 Ashley Oaks Circle in Wesley Chapel, will also have Yom Kippur services. They begin with a morning service at 10 a.m., with the final service beginning at 6 p.m. For information, call (813) 642-3244 or visit ChabadAtWiregrass.com.

Published September 23, 2015

Carrollwood Day School may soon have home-field advantage

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Phase II of Carrollwood Day School’s Patriot Pride campaign includes a multipurpose sports complex on the private school’s campus at 1515 W. Bearss Ave., in Tampa.

It includes space for football, baseball and soccer games, and will allow the school’s athletic teams to finally play home games at home.

It will also cost a couple million dollars.

The school has raised about 25 percent of that cost.

And while $500,000 is a significant number, it still leaves a lot of ground to cover.

This rendering depicts a view of the proposed $2 million multipurpose sports complex at Carrollwood Day School. It will include space for football, baseball and soccer. (Image courtesy of Carrollwood Day School)
This rendering depicts a view of the proposed $2 million multipurpose sports complex at Carrollwood Day School. It will include space for football, baseball and soccer.
(Image courtesy of Carrollwood Day School)

Thanks to a $1 million matching pledge by Todd and Kari Wagner — who have children attending the school — the home fields are very close to becoming a reality.

“It’s a game-changer for Carrollwood Day School,” said Head of School Ryan Kelly. “It’s the largest donation that we have ever received. And it just is going to allow us to do something that I’ve dreamt of doing, and that is having our own sports complex.”

Kelly made the announcement about the donation at the football team’s home game on Aug. 28 against Admiral Farragut.

Like other sports at Carrollwood Day School, the home football games aren’t actually played at home. They play football at Skyway in Tampa, baseball at Citrus Park and soccer on a leased parcel of land.

That’s all going to change by next season, according to Kelly. That $500,000 now puts Carrollwood Day School halfway to accessing the $1 million match and funding the complex.

When it’s finished, the complex will include turf fields that will be used for outdoor sports, dugouts and batting cages for baseball, a press box, bleachers that will seat 600 to 1,000 fans and a concession area.

High school football, baseball and soccer are the primary beneficiaries, but the complex also will be used by the middle-schoolers, physical education activities and possibly lacrosse, at some point.

That accessibility will be a dramatic change from what the school deals with today, and Kelly is well aware of the challenges and hard work that goes into making it work.

“The athletic director, Baker Mabry, does an outstanding job. But it is a nightmare,” Kelly said, describing the scheduling and logistics of constantly going off-site for games and practices.

“We cannot wait until we don’t have to do that any longer,” Kelly added.

Head of School Ryan Kelly announced the $1 million matching donation at halftime of the school's Aug. 28 football game. (Courtesy of Carrollwood Day School)
Head of School Ryan Kelly announced the $1 million matching donation at halftime of the school’s Aug. 28 football game.
(Courtesy of Carrollwood Day School)

They won’t have to wait long. With current cash on hand and the pledge secured, Kelly expects to see the project started in December and to be completed as early as late spring of 2016.

If that timetable holds, next year’s home games will be at the new complex.

Todd Wagner, along with fellow entrepreneur Mark Cuban, founded Broadcast.com, a pioneer Internet radio company that was purchased by Yahoo! in 1999. He and Cuban also co-own the media group 2929 Entertainment.

Kelly said he laid out his vision for the school to the Wagners, and being down-to-earth people, they were receptive and eager to help. For him, the hard part was making the public announcement once the deal was done.

“To be honest, I was probably more nervous about that than meeting with the Wagners,” Kelly explained. “Just because I knew it was such a big announcement for the school, and I really wanted to make sure people were excited.”

When he took the field at halftime with a row of cheerleaders behind him, his words were met with plenty of excitement and loud applause from fans. And, in perhaps another good sign, Kelly’s Patriots won the game, 22-18. They’re currently 3-0 on the season.

The Phase II field project will get underway while Phase I is still under construction. The first project, a $3.5 gymnasium and facility, is currently on schedule and should be completed by early March of next year. It will include space for the athletic director, a weight room, three volleyball courts, two basketball courts and seating for 500 fans.

There’s also the business of raising the final $500,000 for Phase II, and Kelly is very confident about the school’s prospects in that area.

Kelly said the Wagners’ gift will encourage other families to be involved, and he expects to see increased interest in others being part of the project.

For now, entering his eighth year at Carrollwood Day School and third in the role of head of school, Kelly can finally look forward to a true home-field advantage for his teams next year.

“It’s outstanding. It’s even hard to put into words how exciting it is,” he said.

Published September 23, 2015