Special to The Laker/Lutz News

 

 

By Jeff Odom

 

The Carrollwood Day School (CDS) girls tennis team faced its toughest competition of the year at the Class 1A state tournament April 15 and 16 in Casselberry.

The Patriots uncharacteristically struggled at the event, as all but No. 5 Casey Brynjolfsson were eliminated from singles play on Day 1.

No. 1 Jackie Fitz-Randolph won her opening match, but couldn’t hang with American Heritage-Delray’s Rasheeda McAdoo, falling 6-1, 6-0.

On Day 2, Jackie, along with her sister, Lauren Fitz-Randolph, didn’t fare much better in No. 1 doubles competition, falling 6-1, 6-2. Brynjolfsson also lost by the same score in her singles finals.

CDS totaled four points to finish sixth at the eight-team tournament.

“We’re proud of what we accomplished, and with our results and our experience we’ve got a great deal of optimism for the future,” said Patriots coach John Most. “We’ve got all our starters back next year, we’re getting physically stronger, and we have the type of experience playing at the state finals level brings.”

On the boys side, CDS ace Eric Fitz-Randolph lost in a three-set tiebreaker on Day 1 in Sanford to Fort Pierce Carroll’s Andrew Blair 3-6, 6-4, 10-6 in the No. 1 singles tournament.

The loss concludes the senior’s career, which included three straight individual district titles.

“The biggest asset in the growth of our program has been Eric,” Most said. “Because of the contributions he’s made, he’s laid a foundation for the team’s future. … He’s meant more to me than anything as a player and an individual.”

 

 

 

Makarome, Chaffin finish as semifinalists

 

By Kyle LoJacono

 

The Wiregrass Ranch boys tennis team tied for fourth at the Class 4A state tournament April 17 to 18 at Sanlando Park in Altamonte Springs.

The Bulls totaled four points, the same amount as Spanish River. Wiregrass Ranch coach Dave Wilson said his squad played much better than when they won just one match during the seven-year program’s first state appearance in 2011.

“Four of the guys lost to state champions, and they played them tougher than anyone else here, and Foresight (Okungbowa) and Alejandro (Feliciano) took it to three sets,” Wilson said. “We got a really tough draw and hit some roadblocks along the way, but we’re many steps ahead of when we were here two years ago. Our point total moved up. We finished tied for seventh last time, and we’ve got at least two more years with almost everyone.”

Wilson noted that all five of his players brought in at least a point for the team, either in singles or doubles play, and reached a semifinals match.

The lone graduating senior is ace Courage Okungbowa (20-1). The FAMU signee ends his three years with the program, 60-3, with all three losses coming in the state tournament.

Wilson said it’s hard to fully quantify what Courage has meant to the Bulls the last three years.

“He is our program,” Wilson said. “He’s the one who’s made everybody else’s life easier. He goes out there and always gets his point at No. 1, and that helps take the pressure off everyone else. I think the biggest thing is his calm demeanor on the court and how he carries himself off the court. He’s just so even keeled and so focused, and that changes the other players’ game because of it. They all aspire to get to his level, and he sets the tone for how everyone acts.”

Courage, a three-time state qualifier, lost his quarterfinals contest to Coral Gables’ Alfredo Perez 6-1 6-2. He said he didn’t feel any pressure coming into the match or the tournament despite it being his last as a high school player.

“It was a really tough draw,” Courage said. “I gave it my best, and I can’t be disappointed because I know it was my best.”

Courage reached the 4A singles championship match last year, but said it was a better experience having his whole team with him at states this season.

Wilson, who is also Wiregrass Ranch athletic director, said he is “pleased” with the program’s development.

“I don’t think that there’s any question that in our area we are the place to play if you want to be on a good tennis team,” Wilson said. “We’ve been fortunate with the good players coming in that seem to all have brothers, and that’s helped keep the program at the top. We’ll keep battling until we win a state title. … It used to be winning conference was the goal. Now it’s winning districts and regionals to get to the state tournament.”

The Bulls girls No. 1 player Star Makarome (11-1) reached the state singles semifinals before falling 6-4, 6-2 to Orlando Dr. Phillips’ Alizee Michaud.

“I’ve played her before, and I won in three sets, so I knew it was going to be a tough match going in,” Makarome said. “It was her day. She played really well.”

Makarome was the No. 1 seed in the event, but was battling a right calf strain suffered a few days before the event. She also had her serve, which is one of the sophomore’s biggest weapons, broken four times in the match.

“Serve was just a little off,” Makarome said. “Maybe I was putting a bit too much into it. She was able to pressure my serve the whole match, and I think that’s what caused it to happen.”

Makarome was joined at states with her doubles teammate Tiffany Garner for the second straight year. The duo lost their opening match 6-4, 6-0.

“The first year there were a lot of nervous, but that really calmed down,” Garner said. “It was a lot of fun getting back here. … This is our second time and we’ve got two more years, so that’s exciting because a lot of the kids here are juniors and seniors.”

Wharton ace Sam Chaffin (12-3) reached the boys 4A state semifinals before losing 6-2, 6-1 to Orlando Boone’s Sam Lampman, the No. 1 seed.

“He has a big serve, was relatively consistent and hits a heavy ball,” Chaffin said. “It was difficult to control. I didn’t play my best, which is a little disappointing. I had quite a few shots that I usually make that weren’t going in. … It was really close. Most of the games went 40-30 or deuce in every game throughout the whole match. Most games were relatively close. I just couldn’t close out as many games as him.”

First-year Wildcats coach Scott Ware said Chaffin has impressed him all season.

“I remember watching him playing his teammates, and I just remember thinking this is some good tennis,” Ware said. “He’s improved all year. He was struggling with some injuries, but it’s great to see him come here and get the experience of playing in the semifinals. He’ll be back next year as a senior, and hopefully he’ll keep improving and be even better.”

—Follow Kyle LoJacono on Twitter: @Kyle_Laker

 

 

 

By Kyle LoJacono

 

It seemed impossible for the Steinbrenner boys track and field team to claim the first district championship in the program’s four-year history.

The Warriors sat in fourth place and 47.5 points behind Hillsborough at the Class 3A-District 8 meet April 17 at Gaither following the 100 meters, the ninth of 17 events.

That’s when Steinbrenner’s distance program, The Boss Cross, took over.

The Warriors scored 71 points in the three individual distance events while claiming 10 of the 12 regional qualifying spots.

“We came out here to do exactly that and show what we’re about,” said Matt Magee, who won the 1,600 meters (4 minutes, 38.12 seconds) and 800 (1:57.27).

First-year Steinbrenner coach Mike Bosco added, “Those guys are second to none. I’d put our distance runners up against anyone in the state.”

One of the Warriors’ most impressive feats came in the 1,600 by taking all four regional berths.

“We really wanted to all qualify for next week and stay together,” said Zach Lima. “It’s just a blessing to be out here with these guys and showcase what we do each day in practice. … It sounds cliché to say that we’re more than a team, but we are. We’re best friends.”

Seniors Magee, Tanner Biles (4:38.15, second place), Tyler Lima (4:38.17, third) and Zach (4:38.19, fourth) ran out in a pack that led their next closest competitor by five seconds. They scored the maximum 29 points in the event.

Magee, Biles (2:00.95, third) and senior Derek Gebhard (2:01.29, fourth) followed up four events later in the 800. The trio scored 21 points, giving the Warriors 114.5 to tie Jefferson for second and trail Hillsborough by 0.5.

The Boss Cross struck the final blow in the 3,200, the second to last event, with another 21 points from Tyler (9:55.37, first), senior Chris Cerreta (10:02.47, third) and Zach (10:03.17, fourth). The performance put Steinbrenner ahead of Hillsborough by 10.5 points with only the 4×400 relay remaining to clinch the team title.

“Coach (Bobby) McConnell and coach (Bob) Ennis came to us before and told us we were down by about 10 and that we really had to step up,” Cerreta said. “I know we were all thinking about that during the race.”

Steinbrenner coaches had their alternates run the 4×800 relay (8:22.53, second), which gave Magee, Biles, Tyler and Zach a rest.

“We knew our B Team was strong enough to qualify, and that let us just focus on our individual events,” Tyler said. “Next week we’ll do the 4×800.”

Bosco said the distance program is their great strength, but pointed out that all his athletes fought to bring in points for the squad.

“From Day 1 you could tell this was a group of battlers and scrapers who weren’t ever going to give up,” Bosco said. “We told everyone to do it for the next man. Get every second and every point that you can for the team. If you can win the event and get us 10, do it. If you can just get us one point by finishing eighth, we need that too.”

Senior Logan McKnight joined the squad for the first time this season and advanced in both the shot put (45-feet, 3.75-inches, second) and discus throw (125-11, third).

“I’m actually really surprised,” McKnight said. “I know nothing’s impossible, so I was hoping this would happen.”

Steinbrenner totaled 139.5 points. Jefferson finished second (128.5), Hillsborough took third (128) and Gaither was fourth (89) at the nine-team event.

The Cowboys claimed two district titles, the first from pole vaulter Ryan Hagen (11-03). The senior had to beat Steinbrenner junior Greyson Van Osdal in a jump off after each got over 11.

“I’ve been watching for four years, and I’ve been waiting to see a jump off,” Hagen said. “Me and Greyson are good friends, and if I were to have it happen with anyone I’d want it to be him. Before we started I turned to him and said, ‘We should have one of those.’ I didn’t mean for it to happen, I promise.”

Gaither hurdler Matt Williams took third in the 110 (15.68) and won the 300 (40.42), his first district title.

“Season has been a little up and down,” Williams said. “I got a little bit in trouble with my grades, so my dad suspended me from the meet against Steinbrenner, and ever since then I’ve been focused on my grades and getting better.”

The junior took last year off from track and said his goal was to do something he’s never done before when he returned.

“I wanted to be standing on top of the medal stand with a district championship, and I’m so happy I did,” Williams said. “I know next week will be really hard to get to states, but that’s my goal.”

Sophomore Samson Moore finished last year as the state runner-up in the 110 hurdles, but he and his coaches have had him focus on sprints this season to build his speed for the future.

Moore advanced in the 200 (22.41, second), 100 (11.39, fourth) and with the 4×400 relay (3:21.61, second).

“I didn’t even run my PR and I just got second in districts in the 200,” Moore said. “I’m really happy and really excited for regionals.”

The regional meet is April 24 at Leto.

—Follow Kyle LoJacono on Twitter: @Kyle_Laker

 

 

 

By Kyle LoJacono

 

The Land O’ Lakes boys track and field team repeated as Class 3A-District 6 champs April 16 at Wiregrass Ranch, but the road to consecutive titles was anything put nicely paved.

The Gators’ adversity started a year ago when they lost eight graduates who scored 100 points at districts in 2012.

This season, Land O’ Lakes totaled 125.5 points, besting second-place Wiregrass Ranch by 14.5. Sunlake took seventh (41) at the 11-team event.

Second-year Gators coach Bill Schmitz said no one person made consecutive titles happen.

“People have asked how are we going to replace those points, well it’s been a group effort,” Schmitz said. “It wasn’t about one superstar. I mean John Pace was seeded 24th in the 1,600 (meters) and came in sixth. Shaheed Salmon was seeded 15th in the discus (throw) and came in fifth. … This is just an unbelievable team. They come to compete and win every meet, and that’s why we haven’t lost to anyone in Pasco County in two years.”

One of the biggest holes for Land O’ Lakes was in the hurdles, where Darin Patmon and Kyle McKee scored 27 points at districts last year.

“Jamel Clark, Austin McGuire and Cole McCreery have helped replace those hurdlers,” Schmitz said. “Austin had hurdled before, but we had to get him to join the team because he didn’t run last year, and then Cole and Jamel answered the ad I had in the first meeting when I said we need hurdlers. … Nathan Randall understood the techniques and ran the drills like another coach in practice.”

Clark took runner-up in the 110 hurdles (16.06 seconds).

“I was confident in my ability because of the training of our great coaches,” Clark said. “They helped in the whole process in learning the hurdles.”

The junior had never competed in the hurdles before this season, but said he knew it was where the team needed him.

“We go into every meet knowing that every point is crucial,” Clark said. “We want to compete and get every point we can for our team.”

The Gators totaled 18 points in the two hurdle events.

Land O’ Lakes also lost sprinter/jumper Stefan Zapata to an injured hamstring sustained the week before districts. The junior was projected to score in the long and triple jumps, but he was able to execute only one attempt in the long before scratching out of the meet.

“He was the No. 1 seed in the triple jump and No. 2 seed in the long jump,” Schmitz said. “That’s 18 points right there we gave up.”

Land O’ Lakes suffered another major loss when junior distance runner Travis Nichols was diagnosed with a fractured right foot near the start of the year. Nichols was a state qualifier in the 3,200 last year and hasn’t competed once this track season.

Juniors Tyler Stahl and Jake Poore helped offset losing Nichols.

Stahl was primarily a 3,200 runner in 2012 and Poore focused on the 1,600, but each has doubled up this season.

“Me and Jake have trained with each other a lot,” Stahl said. “It’s really helped to have him to compete against in practice. When Travis went down, Jake really stepped up to fill that hole and push everyone.”

Stahl won district titles in the 1,600 (4:27.25) and 3,200 (10:07.92), while Poore took third (4:35.14) and fourth (10:34.66), respectively.

Stahl was the only member of the squad to win an event at districts, but the Gators will be well represented at regionals with athletes advancing in 13 of the 17 events.

Sophomore Ethan Weilant earned his first regional berth by placing third in the 800 (2:01.32) just a few months after right shoulder surgery that has prevented him from throwing the discus all season. He also qualified with the 4×800 relay (8:33.60, third place).

“When I had the injury I didn’t think this was going to happen; I didn’t even think I’d be able to run track,” Weilant said. “Last week I was working really hard, and that really helped. … The times coming in was really good, so I didn’t know if I could do it, but I ran 2:01 in the 4×800, and that was my best time ever.”

Senior Kyle Forchion took second in the high jump (5-feet, 10-inches), while senior pole vaulter Colin Defant placed third (12).

The Gators also took second in the 4×100 relay (43.95), finishing 0.27 seconds behind Sunlake.

Land O’ Lakes defeated the Seahawks at districts last year, and senior Eddie Burgos, the relay’s anchor, said he wasn’t going to let that happen again.

“Coach made a record board for me against Land O’ Lakes in the 4×100, and I was just 3-3 coming in,” Burgos said. “We had to come out and win it this time and get the championship.”

Burgos also won the 100 (10.92) by besting the defending district champion Jordan Roberts, a Zephyrhills junior, by 0.03 seconds.

“He beat me last year, and I didn’t want that to happen my senior year,” Burgos said. “I beat him at conference, so I knew he was coming for me. Just had to do it.”

The regional meet is April 24 at Leto.

 

//Gators’ trio of district titles

Land O’ Lakes girls track and field athletes claimed three district titles during the 3A-6 meet April 16 at Wiregrass Ranch.

Junior Hallie Grimes captured her third straight district crown in the 400 by running a 57.25, her best time of the season, and did so while battling a sore left hamstring.

“I felt a lot of pressure on me because I’ve won it the last two years,” Grimes said. “I felt comfortable here because this is where districts was my freshman year. I know the track; we’ve run here a lot, so I felt like I could do it.”

The two-time state qualifier also set a new personal record (PR) in the long jump (17-01.75, fifth).

Grimes ran anchor for the 4×400 relay that also won districts in (4:11.14). She started her leg about three strides behind Springstead, but exploded forward to win by more than three seconds.

Gators coach Rock Ridgway is pleased with the relay’s progress and sees more room to grow.

“I actually see about another three seconds out of them,” Ridgeway said. “Next week with competition at regionals, I think they can cut three to five seconds.”

Kassidy Wallace was the first from Land O’ Lakes to win a title, setting a new program record in the triple jump (35-07) and also broke her PR by more than two feet.

“Something has just been happening the last couple weeks,” Wallace said. “Not sure why, but I’ve felt great. … I’ve been getting more confident with the triple jump because it’s kind of awkward when you start. I feel like the steps are more natural now.”

The junior had the added pressure of doing all three of her finals attempts after the other competitors were finished.

“They were waiting on her; she had just come back from the 100 hurdles, and I think the adrenaline was running really big,” Ridgeway said.

Ridgeway said Wallace jumped six to eight inches behind the line on her winning attempt.

“I thought it was a really bad jump,” Wallace said. “I couldn’t believe when they said 35-07.”

The Gators finished third at the event with 67.5 points. Wiregrass Ranch won its fifth straight district title (143), while Belleview took second (118.5).

The regional meet is April 24 at Leto.

—Follow Kyle LoJacono on Twitter: @Kyle_Laker

 

 

 

By Kyle LoJacono

 

The Wiregrass Ranch girls track and field team maintained its area dominance by claiming its fifth straight district championship at home April 16.

The Bulls totaled 143 points, besting Belleview by 24.5. Land O’ Lakes took third (67.5) at the 11-team meet.

Fourth-year Wiregrass Ranch coach Don Howard thought his team was the favorite entering the meet, but expected the margin to be much closer with the Rattlers.

“We picked up some points in the sprints and actually outperformed what we thought we’d score in the field events, so we had a little more of a cushion going into the finals,” Howard said. “(Sprinter) Alyssa Woodard scored in two events after being ranked out of the top eight in both of them. Joie Feathersten scored in both hurdles after being out of the top eight. That’s where those cushion points were. Those kids stepped up and got those points that we weren’t expecting.”

The Bulls entered the finals leading Belleview 50 to 46.5.

The Rattlers scored 28 in the 100-meter hurdles to Wiregrass Ranch’s five, but the seventh-year program chipped away throughout the finals and regained the lead 93 to 90.5 after sophomore Kayla Thornton’s fifth-place finish in the 400 (1 minute, 4.41 seconds).

The Bulls stretched their lead in the 300 hurdles, the meet’s next event, thanks to first-, fourth- and sixth-place finishes from Blake Cornwell (49.24), Marissa Ginn-Davis (50.65) and Feathersten (52.85), respectively. The trio scored 18 points, while Belleview mustered nine.

“We felt some pressure coming in,” said senior distance runner Nikita Shah. “Coach told us that we all had to go out there and race our hardest. I’m very proud of my team. They really showed up.”

Shah captured a pair of individual district titles in the 1,600 (5:05.31) and 3,200 (10:59.82). The University of Harvard signee reached states in both events last season and placed third in the 3,200.

“I’m feeling good about my (1,600) and (3,200),” Shah said. “I’m definitely going to do both at regionals, and then I’ll see what happens at states.”

Shah started the day by running the anchor leg of 4×800 relay (9:40.99), which not only captured a district title, but also broke the program record. The time was also nine seconds better than the groups’ personal record (PR) set just a week earlier.

“It was just amazing to drop 25 seconds in the last two weeks in the 4×800,” Shah said. “We’ve looked at virtual meets, and we can be up there at states. When we started we didn’t know if we’d even match up at regionals, so it’s a big confidence boost.”

Junior Elise Cedre moved the Bulls from second to first as the relay’s third runner.

“I heard people yelling out that she was going to catch me, and every time I heard that I just thought no,” Cedre said. “I knew I needed to give Nikita the space to go on her leg. … When Nikita has the lead I didn’t think they could catch her. That’s not going to happen.”

Howard said he was even surprised to see the relay cut another nine seconds in a week.

“I don’t want to overstate it, but I think they can run under 9:30 now,” Howard said. “I really think they have that in them.”

Freshman Maddie Conway, who ran the second leg of the relay, earned a regional berth by placing fourth in the 1,600 (5:33.82).

“I didn’t think this was going to happen,” Conway said. “I came in seeded fifth, and I knew I had some really tough girls I was racing against. I just tried my best, and got a spot in regionals.”

Senior pole vaulter Alisha Henry earned her first district championship by clearing 9-feet, 6-inches, while sophomore Casey Chitty took second (9).

The Bulls girls long jump record was broken twice at the meet, first by freshman Gelisa Jenkins with a 18-00.75 and then about two minutes later by senior Hannah Eder with an 18-03.75. The duo finished second and third in the event. Eder also took third in the triple jump (35-03).

Jenkins scored in three other events and advanced to regionals in the 100 (12.87, fourth place) and with the 4×100 relay (51.65, second) to go along with her berth in the long jump.

The Wiregrass Ranch boys scored 111 points to finish as district runner-up for the second straight year to Land O’ Lakes (125.5).

The Bulls lone district title was claimed by senior discus thrower Elijah Boston (146-09).

“That wasn’t really what I was looking for,” Boston said. “I want to get to states, but my real goal is to break the school record (149).”

It is Boston’s second straight regional berth.

“Last year I was scared and nervous at districts and regionals because it was my first time,” Boston said. “This year I’m calmed down. … I feel good about my form and everything. Been trying to stand tall. Sometimes I slump over too much, but I’ve been staying tall, and that’s helped.”

Boston’s teammate John Coyne, a senior, also advanced by finishing third (137-08.5) in the discus.

“We really wanted to finish up there and get some points for our team,” Boston said.

Junior Devin Duckette took second in the 300 hurdles (41.96), as did the 4×800 relay (8:20.15).

The distance program scored big for Wiregrass Ranch.

Senior Ermias Bireda was the district runner-up in the 1,600 (4:31.65) and 800 (2:00.97). Seniors Thor Alastre (10:16.64, second) and Patrick Hill (10:23.00, third) also advanced in the 3,200.

Wiregrass Ranch sophomore Jaye Miner earned a regional berth in high jump (5-08, fourth) in just his second time competing in the event.

The regional meet is April 24 at Leto.

—Follow Kyle LoJacono on Twitter: @Kyle_Laker

 

 

By Kyle LoJacono

 

Three years, three district championships.

The Steinbrenner girls track and field team has made claiming league crowns look easy, as the fourth-year program hoisted the Class 3A-District 8 championship April 17 at Gaither.

The Warriors scored 161 points, besting Hillsborough by 17. King was third (98.5) and Gaither took fourth (64) at the nine-team meet.

Steinbrenner captured only one district title at the meet but scored in 16 of the 17 events.

The Warriors also qualified athletes in 11 events for regionals April 24 at Leto.

“My philosophy has always been the same: cover all the events, score in every single event and treat every event as important as the next,” said Ladd Baldwin, the only coach in program history. “We’re not a hurdle factory or a triple jump factory or a sprint factory. You try to be good in every event.”

Junior pole vaulter Jazmin Sabotker claimed district gold by clearing 9-feet to match the program and her own personal record (PR).

“I was a little nervous because I was seeded first, and that scares me a little bit,” said Sabotker, a first-year pole vaulter.

Fellow Warriors junior Loren Scherschel also cleared 9, but lost in a tiebreaker.

“She’s actually the one who taught me about pole vaulting, so it’s cool to finish first and second with her,” Sabotker said.

Scherschel PRed twice at the event.

“I was actually kind of skeptical coming in because I didn’t do so well in our last meet,” Scherschel said. “I only got 7-feet, so I didn’t have high hopes.”

Senior Jess Weatherman took second in the discus throw (105-08) with her best performance this season.

“I was really nervous and anxious,” Weatherman said. “My hands were all clammy. I just didn’t want this to make my last meet.”

Weatherman said she was angry after the shot put where she came in fifth (33-10.5), one spot from a regional berth.

“I had my chance to show what I could do in the shot, and I didn’t, so I had to come back in the disc,” Weatherman said. “It was my last chance to make it back to regionals.”

Steinbrenner scored 19 points in the long jump led by senior Jessica Brewer’s runner-up performance (16-09). Freshman Taylor Hotchkiss took third (16-06) and junior Nicole Dorsey was fourth (16-04).

“We all feed off each other’s energy, and it was really nice for all of us to make regionals,” Brewer said. “When we’re all doing well we really push each other to do our best.”

Hotchkiss PRed in both the long and triple (33-08.50, sixth place) jumps. She was the only Warriors athlete to score in four events and also advance to regionals in three, including the 100-meter hurdles (17.06 seconds, second) and 300 hurdles (50.16, third).

“I didn’t think I’d make regions in any event because it’s my first year,” Hotchkiss said. “Didn’t really expect a lot.”

Baldwin said Hotchkiss has impressed as a freshman.

“She’s been in practice and worked hard every day,” Baldwin said. “She’s also very coachable. I’ve thrown a bunch of different events at her, and she’s tried whatever we asked.”

Steinbrenner led 78 to 59 over Hillsborough after the six field events and the 4×800 relay and never trailed for the rest of the meet.

Senior distance runner Lauren Garris clinched the team title by finishing third in the 3,200 (13:00.02) to put her squad ahead of Hillsborough 160 to 137 with only the 4×400 remaining. She said she didn’t know she could lock up the championship until after the event.

“Coach said he needed me to score for the team, but I didn’t know it was that serious,” said Garris, who also took second in the 1,600 (5:36.16).

“Lauren had her best time of the year in the 1,600, the 3,200 and her time in the 4×800 was her best time this year too,” Baldwin said. “She had her three best races of the year on the day that we needed her to be able to beat Hillsborough.”

Gaither senior hurdler Jennifer Kingsley captured program history in claiming the 100 hurdles. She ran a 15.40 to set a new school record and was overcome with emotion when she heard her time while standing on the podium.

“I really didn’t think I had that in me,” Kingsley said. “I started off with a good race, really steady, but then I hit a hurdle near the end and thought it wouldn’t be a PR.”

Kingsley also placed second in the 300 hurdles in 47.47, a PR, just 0.03 seconds behind Hillsborough’s Tijah Ray.

“I’m just keeping my mind on states,” Kingsley said. “Before this year I didn’t really have the drive to work. This year I really want it.”

Cowboys 800-meter runner Rachel Cazares won her second district title in three years by running a 2:18.26 to win by 2.63 seconds.

“I was a little nervous,” Cazares said. “Rachel Favors from King really made it too close for comfort.”

The junior had a simple plan going into the event.

“I just was not going to slow down the whole way,” Cazares said. “I know if I keep up the pace that I want to run then I’m going to be OK.”

—Follow Kyle LoJacono on Twitter: @Kyle_Laker

 

 

By Andy Warrener

The Laker/Lutz News Correspondent

 

The Freedom track and field team showed it has emerged as a power in Hillsborough County April 17, cruising to the Class 4A-District 6 title at Leto.

 

The Patriots claimed the first district crown in the program’s 11-year history by scoring 166 points, besting second-place Plant by 22.

 

Freedom seniors Sandra Akuchukwu and Faith Woodard brought in 66 points in their seven individual events, which would have been good enough fifth place as a team.

 

Akuchukwu claimed district championships in the long jump (19-feet, 3-inches), 100 meters (12.27 seconds) and 200 (25.35). The Western Kentucky University signee also took second in the high jump (5-8), finishing behind Woodard who broke her own school record by clearing 5-10.

 

Woodard, a Georgetown University signee for basketball, also won the 400 (58.40) and finished runner-up in the 200 (26.31) to Akuchukwu.

 

“I just hope to complement her first (in the 200),” said the 6-foot-2 Woodard. “In the 400, most people have much shorter strides, so especially at the end I try to focus and pick up my strides. It gets me through it.”

 

The Patriots got a lift when senior Alex Mitchell won the 800 in 2:23.76.

 

“All year she’s been worried about her time,” said Freedom coach Dwight Smith. “I told her be patient, and now her times are dropping.”

 

Junior Anell Smith qualified in the long jump (16-4, third place) and 300 hurdles (47.49, fourth) while leading off the 4×400 relay that took second (4:07.33). Sophomores Destanie Bush and Biance Igwe finished as district runners-up in discus throw (93-4) and shot put (34), respectively. Freshman Nari Garner qualified with a high jump (5, fourth).

 

The Freedom boys finished fourth with 101 points thanks in large part to winning the 4×400 relay (3:28.80) while sophomore Elga Davis (51.18) and junior Rashod Monts (51.98) took second and third in the 400.

 

Senior Derik Harvey (2:07.23) won the 800 and took second in the 1,600 (4:36.53).

 

The regional meet is April 24 at Leto.

 

 

//Wharton Girls grab third

 

The Wharton girls track and field team scored 123 points to place third at the Class 4A-District 6 meet at Leto April 17, 43.5 off the championship pace of Freedom and 11 behind Plant.

 

The Wildcats success had much to do with senior hurdlers Mikayla Barber and Tyler Watson, who finished first and second, respectively, in both the 100 and 300.

 

Barber finished in 15.05 in the 100 and in 43.70 in the 300, which is her best time in the event for the season.

 

“I didn’t hit 43 until my prelims at state last year,” Barber said. “I’m pretty excited with where I’m at right now.”

 

Watson also took district runner-up honors in the triple jump (35-02).

 

Senior pole vaulter Brittany Smith cleared 10 feet and won a tiebreaker based on the number of attempts at the height to claim her third straight district championship.

 

Wharton also picked up a title in the 4×400 relay (4:02.28).

 

The Wildcats boys took sixth at the meet with 68 points, 77.5 behind first-place Plant.

 

Wharton’s lone district title was won by senior Chris Myers with a shot put of 44-10. Junior Aerion Caldwell got second in discus throw (126-04).

 

Senior Jaken Grier, in his first year competing in track, finished as the runner-up in the 800 (2:04.36).

 

The regional meet is April 24 at Leto.

 

 

 

By Kyle LoJacono

 

Blake Cornwell is a hurdler through and through.

The Wiregrass Ranch senior competes in hurdle events with the Bulls girls track and field team, spending countless hours each week perfecting her form to not only win, but also to not trip and fall flat on her face while leaping over the obstacles in her path.

The irony is Blake has done exactly the same thing just to be a part of the squad during her four years at the Wesley Chapel school.

Blake started running track in seventh grade while living in North Carolina. She was given the coach’s award following that season and said she loved the sport from the moment she started.

Her family moved to the area during March of Blake’s eighth-grade year. Her mother Kim said the change in address put her daughter in a “dark place.”

“She went from a happy, easy-going, great student, to a moody, depressed, miserable child,” Kim said.

To further complicate matters, the move came about a week after tryouts for the team at John Long Middle, which prevented her from competing that season.

Blake was also unable to run track as a freshman at Wiregrass Ranch. Coach Don Howard, who also leads the Bulls cross country team, said he mistakenly cut her from the squad.

“I cut the wrong redhead her first year,” Howard said.

Howard and Blake both laugh about the mistake now, but it wasn’t even close to the end of the trials she would go through just to compete for the Bulls.

Blake tried out for the cross country team as a sophomore with the thought that the conditioning would help her develop as a runner. It did, but she came down with mono just before the track season, which, again, kept her from competing.

She finally got the chance to show her ability as a junior when she made the squad, but life wasn’t done sending her obstacles to overcome.

Blake was just getting used to running the 300-meter hurdles a few weeks into the season when she fell and broke her elbow during practice. The injury kept her out for several weeks.

She returned just in time to compete at districts, where Blake took fifth, which is one spot away from earning a regional berth.

Howard said through everything, Blake never gave up.

“She’s a girl who never misses practice, and all the work that she’s put in is starting to pay off,” Howard said. “She really wants it. She’s a testament to someone who puts hard work in and benefits from her.”

Her persistence, determination and fight finally paid off April 16 when Blake captured the 300 hurdles title at the Class 3A-District 6 meet by finishing in 49.24 seconds, a new personal record (PR). The championship also comes with her first regional berth in an individual event.

“My entire purpose coming into today was I didn’t want to be done hurdling,” Blake said. “It’s my last year, and I wanted to keep hurdling. … At the start when I went to the line I just had to get in the right zone. I felt like my form was bad, but on that last straightaway I just kept telling myself I’m going to get first today. On that last straightaway I made sure no one was passing me.”

Blake’s new PR is 1.22 seconds from the program record owned by Melanie Dean. Howard said her goal for regionals is to break that mark.

“Blake really has a chance to get to states,” Howard said. “She can take some time off her 300 hurdles. She had two or three bad stutter steps between hurdles today. She runs really fast between them. We’re working to get her over them without slowing down because she can definitely run 48 or under.”

Blake will have to finish in the top four at regionals April 24 at Leto to earn a berth in the state meet May 3 at the University of North Florida.

“I know it’s going to be one of the scariest races I’ve ever run,” Blake said. “There’s going to be fast girls. I don’t care if I get last place because it’s a huge step getting to regionals. I’m going to give it my all.”

—Follow Kyle LoJacono on Twitter: @Kyle_Laker

 

 

 

 

By Don Trello

The Laker/Lutz News Correspondent

 

Sydney Boynton and Lauren Evans led the way as Academy at the Lakes softball team beat Lecanto Seven Rivers Christian 9-2 April 18 to repeat as the Class 2A-District 4 champions.

“I’ve been there before, but it still has the same thrill,” said second-year Wildcats coach Jerry English, who coached at Land O’ Lakes for 27 years. “The second (district title) is always harder. We kind of sneaked up on people last year.”

The win advances the Wildcats (9-5) to the regional semifinals April 30, where they will host the winner of the quarterfinals contest between Seven Rivers (11-9) and Deltona Trinity Christian at 4 p.m.

Sydney (9-5) dominated from the pitcher’s circle. The senior allowed just one hit, two unearned runs, struck out six and walked two.

“The change-up is my best pitch,” Sydney said. “I like it because it keeps the batters off-balance. Everything is on when it’s on.

“I’m very proud of my team,” she added. “It’s exciting. I hope we can go as far as possible.”

English said Sydney is one of the best pitchers he’s coached.

“She has one of the best change-ups, and it’s the hardest pitch to hit in fast-pitch softball,” English said. “She will throw it on 3-2 and 3-0 (counts). She has a lot of confidence.”

Milena Kacer had an infield single leading off the seventh inning for Seven Rivers’ only hit.

English said he was not aware Sydney was pitching a no-hitter.

“I didn’t know she had a no-hitter going,” English said. “I’d take a 20-hitter if we win the game.”

Evans provided all the offense the Wildcats needed in a five-run first inning. The junior shortstop socked a two-run triple off Tessa Kacer that gave Academy a lead it never lost. She also hit a sacrifice fly, walked twice and scored two runs.

“I just knew I wouldn’t get many pitches to hit after they pitched to me in the first inning,” said Evans, a University of South Florida commit. “I expected us to win, and this definitely feels good. I’m pretty confident and have high hopes of going to state.”

Evans has a team-high .611 batting average and 22 RBI.

“I’ve told people I’d like to see the shortstop who could take her place,” English said. “She knows softball and has the intelligence and skills of an old veteran. … She is spectacular. Her nickname would be ‘Slick’ if she had one. She will do well in college.”

Skyler Boynton, Makenzie Holler and Maria Aumaitre each had base hits for the Wildcats. Skyler and Sydney each scored two runs while Catherine Smith, Janice Cassenello and Aumaitre each crossed home once.

“We have a pretty set lineup,” English said. “We adapt very well and put kids where they feel confident.”