The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Lutz tree officially declared champion

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By Jeff Odom

 

After further review, it’s a champion after all.

The gigantic Laurel oak tree, which sits in a drainage easement next to 18306 Swan Lake Drive inside the Windemere subdivision in Lutz, was nominated to be a Florida Champion Tree by Hillsborough County environmental code enforcement officer and certified arborist Lori Moreda.

Workers discovered the tree’s enormous size while clearing out heavy brush from its surrounding alleyway earlier this year, and Moreda decided to take a quick measurement to see if it could qualify.

This 80-year-old laurel oak tree in the Windemere subdivision was designated the largest of its species in the state.

However, Charlie Marcus of the state’s forestry service came out to establish the official measurements of the 80-year-old oak, and initial results concluded it was the largest in the county but just a few points shy of being a standalone champion tied between two others in Florida.

Moreda, a 28-year veteran of the county, was disappointed in the results, but wasn’t about to settle for second place.

On March 28, Moreda and her team went back to the location to see if they could do another independent measurement just to make sure there weren’t any flaws on the official measurements.

Marcus originally estimated the tree’s height at 75 feet through his clinometer, but that measurement was off by about seven feet.

Moreda wanted to be absolutely sure of the height, so she had Richard Cervi of Cervi and Associates climb the tree to measure it directly.

“(His) measurement was 82 feet,” Moreda said. “Then, Eric Hoyer, longtime certified arborist and forester, visually measured the tree at 84 feet tall with his clinometer. … (The tree) is now the certified new state champion tree.”

The champion tree program was created by the American Forests organization in 1940 to recognize the largest known tree of each species in the United States. Florida has the most national champion trees with 111.

Moreda said Davey, the company that first discovered the tree and was on hand to witness the second measurement, is considering assisting in the preservation of the oak by offering routine maintenance to the surrounding area, mulch and a possible fence to ensure protection.

In an interview with The Laker/Lutz News last month, Moreda said she had never seen a tree that could withstand the beatings of the state’s ever-changing climate and yearly threat of hurricanes and tropical storms.

“I was amazed at how big she was, because laurels don’t typically get that big,” Moreda said. “She’s a real beauty, and it’s unbelievable to see she’s survived all of the hurricanes and storms that we’ve had over the years.”

For more information on Florida Champion Trees or to nominate a candidate, call (850) 921-0300 or visit www.floridaforestservice.com.

Sunlake’s Smith earns state coaching honor

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By Don Trello

The Laker/Lutz News Correspondent

 

Sunlake weightlifting coach Matt Smith has developed the Seahawks into one of the premier boys lifting programs in Tampa Bay.

Smith’s squad, which has won four straight Sunshine Athletic Conference titles, finished in fifth-place in Class 2A state weightlifting competition last season.

This year, Sunlake has seniors Jack Holloway, Eddie Burgos and Raymond Busbee competing in states April 19 and 20 at the Kissimmee Civic Center.

Smith’s success was recognized earlier this season when he was named National Federation of State High School Associations (NFSHA) 2012 Florida Coach of the Year.

“Coach Smith is a blessing,” said Seahawks athletic director Russ Schenk. “He’s really turned some kids around. He has great rapport, and does a great job for the kids and Sunlake High School.”

Sunlake coach Matt Smith was recently named the National Federation of State High School Associations 2012 Florida Coach of the Year. (File photo)

Smith was Hernando’s football coach for three years and spent 11 seasons as the school’s wrestling coach before joining the staff at Sunlake when the school opened in 2007.

“It’s a great honor anytime you receive an award like that,” Smith said about the NFSHA recognition. “It shows the amount of work the kids put in. … A lot of things play a factor (in the program’s success). The entire football staff works out, and that sets an example.”

Weightlifting has been a part of Smith’s life going back to his days as a student at Springstead, where he lifted and played guard on the football team.

“I’ve been involved with weights for 25 years,” Smith said. “I think weightlifting teaches a lot of self-confidence and self-esteem.”

Self-confidence served Smith well after he was seriously injured in an accident in high school.

“I had a bad motorcycle accident my junior year right after football season,” Smith said. “I spent 56 days in the hospital with a broken arm and leg.”

Smith came back from the injury and resumed lifting and playing football his senior year. He went on to Culver Stockton College in Canton, Mo. where he was a nose guard.

The Sunlake lifting program is filled with football players, but there is growing interest among all students.

“We had 51 lifters this year. That’s the most I’ve ever had, and all of them got at least one meet. I was happy to build a program when I came here. Other schools have a hard time getting a full lineup,” said Smith, who is also the defensive coordinator and offensive line coach for the Seahawks football team.

“There are a few things I try to do,” Smith added. “I have a good approach with my workout plan, and I jump in there and demonstrate to them. We pretty much do a full-body workout. Competing against the coaches is a big motivation. It’s a fun environment.”

Holloway, who competes in the 129-pound class, credits Smith for getting him involved with lifting as a freshman.

“I had a weightlifting class in P.E., and I liked it; it drew me in,” Holloway said. “Coach Smith pretty much will do anything for us. He definitely works us, but he’s a really good guy.”

Burgos was a running back and Busbee a linebacker on the football team. Burgos lifts in the 183-pound and Busbee in the 238-pound class.

“I got thrown into lifting competition last year, and I liked it,” Burgos said. “People think lifting is an individual sport, but everybody has to push each other to the max. … Coach Smith works on technique and pushes us from the bench. He’s a real good coach that doesn’t yell. He tells us calmly what to work on.”

Sunlake graduates 14 lifters, but Smith said his squad will be competitive as ever next season as his 22 freshmen develop.

“We graduated 15 kids off of last year’s team,” Smith said. “I try to get so many freshmen to come out. I have many of my lighter kids in class, and they have potential to be strong. … Jack weighed 106 pounds when he was a freshman, and I encouraged him to come out. He moved up in weight, and now has a good shot to be on the podium at the state finals this year.”

Smith credits football with creating much of the growth in weightlifting.

“I believe we got started because every football coach wants to prevent injuries and make their team stronger,” Smith said. “It’s a big part of the way we coach at Sunlake. I encourage the kids and try to keep them motivated. I’m proud of them and want them to improve as athletes and students.”

 

So-called ‘small project’ has big impact

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By B.C. Manion

 

Eighteen-year-old Justin Zloty knows a thing or two about websites.

The senior in Land O’ Lakes High School’s International Baccalaureate program designed his first one — with the help of his brother, Joshua — when he was in third or fourth grade.

And when he learned that the Pasco County Medical Mobile Unit needed a website, Zloty stepped right up to fill that need.

Zloty, who plans to be a surgeon, said he considered the project as a way he could combine two of his greatest interests: medicine and helping others.

He met with Pasco Commissioner Pat Mulieri, a huge backer of the mobile health unit, to find out what the website should include.

Then, he went to work.

About 50 hours and a few consultations later, the mobile medical unit website was born.

The medical unit travels throughout the county tending to the health needs of the homeless and the uninsured.

The website describes the medical unit’s mission, includes a schedule of its planned stops and offers information on how others can help. Notes about the unit’s staff and articles are also posted.

While the website provides practical information for those wanting to find out where it will be headed, it is also a place where potential supporters can learn more about it.

“One of the main reasons Commissioner Mulieri wanted me to do it is because they don’t get any government funding,” Zloty said. “They rely on donations and grants. A website gives them a greater presence, which allows them to look more official to the grant agencies and donors.”

Zloty maintains the website, posting calendar updates and fresh content. He also fixes problems, such as broken links.

For him, developing the website was fairly simple.

After all, this is the same young man who has created computer games and iPhone apps.

When he’s not tinkering on the computer, he’s playing classical piano, doing research for school, tutoring mathematics or volunteering in the community.

Zloty lives in Land O’ Lakes. His parents are Martin and Colleen Zloty and he has three brothers, Joshua, 20; Weston, 14; and, Daniel, 11.

He was honored on Feb. 19 by the Pasco County Commission for creating the website.

Commissioners adopted a resolution commending his efforts, which heaped high praise on the young man.

Zloty “implemented a website with more complexity and originality than was expected,” the resolution reads. “His diligence, hard work, innovative ideas and high-level skills resulted in a final product that was outstanding. … His professionalism sets him apart from other teenagers.”

The resolution goes on to state, “Justin is an amazing young man who cares deeply about others and does not hesitate to be of service to the community. He had already surpassed the required community service hours needed for his IB Diploma, but still donated his time to work on this additional project.”

Zloty, who plans to attend Cornell University, said he was surprised by the recognition he received for creating the website: “For me, it was just a little project.”

 

To find out more information about the mobile medical unit, visit www.pascomobilehealth.org.

 

He’s willing to do more

If you are involved with a nonprofit organization that needs help developing its website, Justin Zloty said he’s willing to help. You can reach him at .

 

Academic plans take shape for Porter campus

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By B.C. Manion

 

Work is under way to develop academic programming for Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, the new Pasco-Hernando Community College (PHCC) site now under construction at SR 56 and Mansfield Boulevard in Wesley Chapel.

The $57 million campus is expected to begin offering classes next January, and plans call for the college to launch two new bachelor’s degree programs by the fall of 2014.

The college is already on the path to obtaining necessary approvals for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and a Bachelor of Applied Science, said Randy Stovall, provost at the college’s East Campus in Dade City.

There’s a need for both degree programs, Stovall told a meeting of the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce’s Economic Development committee.

“Most hospitals want to have BSNs,” Stovall said. “That’s what they want nationally. That’s what the demand is.”

There’s not enough access to BSN programs to produce the number of nurses that hospitals need, he said.

The college’s program will be a two-plus-two program, Stovall said. During the first two years, the student can become a registered nurse and can continue for another two in order to get a bachelor’s degree.

The plan is for the BSN to be an online degree so people can go to work and take classes at their convenience.

Stovall said the Bachelor of Applied Science degree, with a major in management supervision, is likely to appeal to people in the business arena or public service roles.

For instance, people working for fire departments and law enforcement agencies may be interested in promotions but may need to broaden their skill set beyond the technical abilities they use in the field.

They need to know about management, budgeting and supervision, Stovall said. So, they can add a Bachelor of Applied Science to help them round out their skills.

In addition to adding the bachelor’s degrees, the college also plans to add two new Associate of Science Degree programs, Stovall said. One will be in accounting services and the other in financial services.

When the Porter campus opens, it will be PHCC’s fifth location. There are currently two each in Pasco and Hernando counties.

As PHCC pursues the right to offer bachelor degree programs, it is also contemplating a name change, Stovall said. The words “community college” have the connotation that the institution does not confer bachelor’s degrees, he said.

The college’s board of trustees is expected to select a new name this summer with the change pending approval of the bachelor’s degree programs.

Business Digest

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May 2 Employment Fair

The Greater Dade City Chamber is partnering with Congressman Gus Bilirakis, Career Central and Pasco Hernando Community College to host an employment fair from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the East Campus gymnasium of Pasco-Hernando Community College, 36727 Blanton Road in Dade City.

Employers who would like a free booth should contact Steve Wilson at (352) 200-3027 or email .

 

Lutz attorney honored

Daniel N. Burton, of Lutz, is one of 221 Florida Bar members who earned legal board certification in civil trial or tax law in 1983. Burton has civil trial emeritus specialist status, meaning he no longer practices law but is recognized for his past and continuing contributions in the advancement of the specialty area through other career activities.

“Maintaining board certification for 30 continuous years is a significant professional accomplishment,” said Florida Bar president Gwynne A. Young of Carlton Fields in Tampa, in a release. “These individuals are leaders by example in Florida’s legal profession and we salute their commitment to excellence and professionalism in the practice of law.”

 

Realtor Nationwide Open House

Homebuyers in Hillsborough County will have the opportunity to jump start the buying season on April 20 and April 21 as real estate agents will have open houses all weekend as part of the Realtor Nationwide Open House Weekend.

During the event, open houses across the country will help bring attention to the benefits of home ownership.

“Forty-five percent of recent buyers used open houses as a way to find their dream home,” said Janet Swilley, president of the Greater Tampa Association of Realtors, in a release.

To find an open house in your area, visit www.MyFloridaHomesMLS.com and click on the open house area to the right.

 

Tampa leads state in job creation

Gov. Rick Scott recently announced the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) led all metro areas during the last year in job creation in the state, with a gain of more than 33,000 jobs.

The metropolitan area also experienced a 2 percent decline in the unemployment rate during the same time period, down to 7.4 percent.

Additionally, since December 2010 the metro area’s unemployment rate has declined 4 percent, dropping from 11.4 percent to 7.4 percent. Pasco County’s rate dropped 2.6 percent, from 10.8 percent down to 8.2 percent. Hillsborough County’s rate decreased 1.8 percent, from 9 percent to 7.2 percent, and Pinellas County’s declined 1.8 percent, from 9.1 percent to 7.3 percent.

 

Ashton Woods nears closeout in New Tampa

Ashton Woods Homes is approaching closeout of its home sites at Grand Hampton on Dunham Station Drive off County Line Road just west of Bruce B. Downs Boulevard in New Tampa.

Grand Hampton features a community clubhouse with multi-use aquatic center, tennis and basketball courts, excessive conservation areas, a park and lakes.

 

Oak Hill imaging receives ACR accreditation

The American College of Radiology (ACR) has accredited the Imaging Department at Oak Hill Hospital. The ACR, headquartered in Reston, Va., awards accreditation to facilities for the achievement of high practice standards after a peer-review evaluation of the practice.

 

Nicola’s Donuts has new home

Nicola’s Donuts, a 30-year-old bakery serving donuts, cupcakes and other pastries, has recently opened at 15006 N. Dale Mabry Highway, about a mile from its previous location.

The new Nicola’s Donuts shares the space with The Yogurt Spot currently operating at that location, allowing the popular yogurt shop to sell all of Nicola’s goodies.

 

Department of Labor launches Business Center

The U.S. Department of Labor has launched the Business Center, a suite of online resources for employers looking to recruit, train and retain a skilled work force through the department’s CareerOneStop website.

The site offers access to local training and educational institutions, a catalog of occupational certifications and a tool to help employers translate the military training and skills of returning service members into specific civilian occupations. The CareerOneStop Business Center is available online at www.careeronestop.org/business.

 

New startups wanted

The Pasco County Economic Development Council (PEDC) is looking for companies that want to start up in the Tampa Bay area.

A new business incubator will be starting up soon at the Dade City Business Center, 1500 Citrus Country Drive Suite 103 in Dade City.

The business center has office, light manufacturing and warehouse space.

The PEDC is also seeking a manager for the incubator. For more information, contact John Walsh at or (813) 926-0827 ext. 223.

 

Leadership Pasco ‘Taste of Pasco’

Leadership Pasco will have the third annual Taste of Pasco fundraiser from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on May 11 at the Rotary Pavilion at the Concourse, 15323 SR 52 in Land O’ Lakes.

The event will help NAMI Pasco, a local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, furnish its new base of operations in Land O’ Lakes.

Attendees at the Taste of Pasco will get to sample food and beverages from local restaurants while enjoying entertainment and police K9 unit demonstrations. There will also be a silent auction.

Tickets are available online through tasteofpasco.eventbrite.com and by calling (866) 783-1122.

 

Industry of the Year nominations

The Pasco Economic Development Council recognizes outstanding companies each year for their contributions to the local economy. Businesses are recognized on their job creation, increased capital investment and contributions to the community through civic involvement.

Industry awards are presented in these categories: manufacturing and processing companies, service and distribution companies, technology and research companies and entrepreneurs and exporting companies.

For more information, contact Krista Hakes at (813) 926-0827 ext. 227.

 

Oak Hill associates of the month

Oak Hill Hospital in Spring Hill has announced that Jessica Kekovich and Judith Radke were its Star Associates of the Month for March.

 

The Pampered Chef adds consultant

Jennifer Thomas, of Central Pasco County, has joined The Pampered Chef as an independent consultant. The Pampered Chef is a direct seller of items for cooking and entertaining at home.

If you would like to host a cooking show or purchase products, contact Thomas at (813) 469-2227 or visit www.pamperedchef.biz/cookwithjen.

Water conservation month

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By BJ Jarvis

Pasco Extension Horticulture Agent

 

In many parts of the country, April showers may bring May flowers, but in Florida spring is usually warm and dry. April is a good month to think about cultivating a water-conserving, yet fabulous, garden.

Although this area typically receives about 52 inches of rainfall per year, the majority falls during just a few short months. During the summer rainy season, we may think water resources are plentiful, yet we still can’t take this precious resource for granted.

In many area homes, as much as 50 percent of all water is used outdoors. What can we do in the garden to assure that we use our water wisely?

Thankfully, no great sacrifices are required. Here are seven simple tips to save water outdoors:

—Before summer weeds get a good stronghold, mulch with a 2- to 3-inch layer of woodchips, leaves or needles.

—Choose plants that fit the site’s conditions. Pushing plants in unfavorable conditions often increases water use. Choose drought-tolerant whenever possible.

—A $3 rain gauge helps determine how much rain has actually fallen in your garden.

—Catch rainwater in a rain barrel or cistern for even larger quantities.

—For those with an automatic sprinkler system, check times to make sure system runs within the restrictions.

—Also check each irrigation zone to assure good coverage and operation and calibrate sprinkler zones to apply 0.75 inches of water per run time.

—If a sprinkler zone covers just plantings such as shrubs and flowers, consider retrofitting with low volume micro-irrigation heads that deliver water right to the root zone to save up to half of all water used outdoors.

For more information on how to save water in the garden year-round, visit the University of Florida’s website at bit.ly/OutdoorWaterConservation.

 

—BJ Jarvis is horticulture agent and director of the Pasco Cooperative Extension Service, a part of the University of Florida, USDA and Pasco County government. She can be reached at .

Wiregrass Ranch tennis secures state berth

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By Kyle LoJacono

 

The Wiregrass Ranch boys tennis team earned its second state berth in three years by defeating Wharton 4-0 at home April 11 in the Class 4A regional finals.

The Bulls (18-0) had their season ended by the Wildcats (12-2) last year in the regional semifinals. Wiregrass Ranch coach Dave Wilson expected a tough rematch.

“They’ve won three state titles in the last few years and have really good players,” Wilson said. “They have the tradition of winning, so we knew it was going to be difficult going in.”

Bulls sophomores Alejandro Feliciano (6-1, 6-2) and Foresight Okungbowa (6-2, 6-0) won at Nos. 4 and 5 singles, respectively, in less than an hour.

Wiregrass Ranch ace Courage Okungbowa fought back to beat Wharton’s Sam Chaffin 2-6, 6-2, 6-3 in the regional finals. (Photo by Kyle LoJacono)

Agie Moreno also had a straight-set win by defeating Alek Crnogorac at No. 2, 6-2, 6-4. The freshman trailed 4-3 in the second set before winning the next three games, which included breaking Crnogorac’s serve twice, to put Wiregrass Ranch ahead 3-0.

“He was serving, and I knew I had to break him,” Moreno said. “Probably the most pressure when it was 4-4 and I was serving, and when I won it I felt no pressure in the last game.”

The drama was much higher in the No. 1 singles match between Bulls ace Courage Okungbowa (20-0) and Wharton’s top player Sam Chaffin (12-2).

Chaffin took the opening set, the first Courage has dropped since last year’s state singles title match, but the FAMU signee roared back to take the last two to win 2-6, 6-2, 6-3.

“He’s got a really big serve, and I had some trouble getting it back,” said Courage, a senior. “Then my serve was failing me. I could barely hold any serve. I think I only held my serve five times the entire match. That made me have to break his serve, which was really hard because he has a big serve. I knew to win the match I’d have to stay focused, hope he misses his first serve and try to take advantage of his second serve.”

Courage faced two break points while leading 4-3 in the third set, but fought both off with 15-plus shot rallies. He then broke Chaffin by taking four straight points to send his squad to states.

“He just knows how to win and finds ways to win,” Wilson said. “It’s a consistency thing with him, and I think because he doesn’t let his emotions get to him, that helps keep himself gathered no matter what. … Sam was fantastic. He’s a good player with a big serve. Too bad he’s a junior because we’ll probably have to play him again next year.”

The skies opened up seconds after Courage scored the winning point, which produced so much water on the courts that play would have likely had to have been suspended for a day if the match hadn’t been decided.

“At times I was hoping that that rain would come in the second set so that we could continue on another day,” Courage said. “Then I started playing better, and I wanted to get it done so that the rain wouldn’t stop it and kill the momentum. Fortunately the rain held off, and we got done just in time.”

Foresight, Courage’s brother, said his heart was racing while watching the last few points.

“The rain was right over us, and I was just thinking please Courage finish this,” Foresight said. “Don’t let the rain come; just finish and take him out.”

The win means Courage finishes his time with the squad undefeated in regular season, district and regional play. His all-time record while at Wiregrass Ranch is 60-2 with both losses coming at states.

“Three years I’ve been here and haven’t lost a match, and I didn’t want the last match before going to state to be the one I’d lose, so I had to dig deep,” Courage said. “I wasn’t sure it was going to happen in that last match, honestly. It was looking tough for awhile there.”

Bulls freshman Niels van Dam had match point on Wharton’s Thomas Hwang when the rain suspended the match at 6-2, 6-7 (6-4), 5-4.

Wiregrass Ranch defeated Plant (8-5) 4-1 in the semifinals April 9.

Foresight and Feliciano again breezed through their singles matches, both winning 6-0, 6-0.

Feliciano was the first to win, taking less than 35 minutes to defeat Max Kramer. The win was in stark contrast to his first regional match last year when he dropped a three-hour, three-set marathon against Wharton.

“I didn’t want to have the same trouble as last year,” Feliciano said. “I didn’t want to let up and just wanted to finish it as fast as possible and not do anything dumb to lose the match. I was concentrating on every game.”

Moreno also won in straight sets 6-2, 6-0.

Courage defeated Alex Josepher 6-1, 6-2. He mixed in drop shots, forehand smashes and volleys to take the opening set in about 25 minutes.

“The last time I played him it was 6-4, 7-6, so I wanted to come out strong because I know he’s a really good player,” Courage said.

Josepher answered with a break to go ahead 2-1 in the second set, but Courage responded by taking the last five games.

“I feel like I dropped my level a little bit,” Courage said. “I have this superstition about not liking to start a set serving, so I got a little tentative. Even though I won that first service game, I was still tentative the second service game when he broke me. I just had to focus a little bit.”

Thomas Harmon was able to beat van Dam 7-5, 6-0, the first match the Bulls have lost all season.

“I knew Niels would have a tough match because those guys are training partners, and that always makes for tough matches,” Wilson said. “They know each other and how to get under each other’s skin.”

Wiregrass Ranch will look for the first team state championship in the school’s seven-year history April 17 to 18 at Sanlando Park in Altamonte Springs.

“I’m so excited,” Foresight said. “I wanted to do this last year, but unfortunately (Wharton) stopped us. We really wanted this.”

The Bulls lost six of their seven first-round matches when they made states in 2011 and scored only one team point at the tournament.

“We’re definitely more prepared,” Wilson said. “The big thing two years ago was that we got there. Getting there was a big enough prize back then. Now they want to win state titles. I don’t expect to win state titles at 1 through 5 singles and both doubles, but I think they expect to win a state title at whatever they’re playing at.”

—Follow Kyle LoJacono on Twitter: @Kyle_Laker

Team effort leads CDS back to states

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By Jeff Odom

 

The Carrollwood Day School (CDS) girls tennis team won consecutive regional championships by defeating Tampa Prep 4-1 at home April 11, which comes with a spot in the Class 1A state meet.

Patriots coach Susan Most said her team was well-prepared coming into the regional finals because they knew what to expect from the Terrapins after facing them in districts.

“I feel that this win was a concerted effort by the entire team working together,” Most said. “Throughout the season, that has been one of the major reasons that these girls are so successful, because they pull together and work together throughout the entire season and have made a commitment to (win).”

The afternoon at Hillsborough Community College was not without drama, as CDS No. 1 Jackie Fitz-Randolph was dealt the difficult task of facing rival Paige Leavy for the second time in less than a week. The two battled in a three-set marathon for the singles district title April 5.

“At first I was kind of confused, because I figured that I just played her for over three hours (in districts), why do I have to play her again?” Jackie said. “I was more excited than nervous, because it was such a great match last time. It was going to be great again.”

Jackie battled through the back-and-forth match and the heat, hardly showing any signs of frustration. She prevailed 7-5, 6-3 in the three-hour bout, which included a 10-minute rain delay midway through the second set.

“I don’t know if it really helped or hurt me, that rain delay,” Jackie said. She added, “I didn’t want to go three sets, and I knew (staying calm) was definitely one of the keys you have to do if you want to win. Obviously, you can let out a few shouts if you’re mad, but I’ve learned to keep calm in any situation, and if you believe in yourself you’ll be able to get through anything.”

One of the most pivotal matches of the day was the No. 5 singles contest between CDS’ Casey Brynjolfsson and Tampa Prep’s Yasmin Hamzah.

Brynjolfsson said she knew going in it was up to her to help pad the lead and keep the match from going into doubles.

The freshman didn’t disappoint.

Despite a 4-0 deficit in the first set, Brynjolfsson pulled herself together and defeated Hamzah 6-4, 6-1.

“I was making unforced errors and I had to kind of cleanse myself and keep going,” Brynjolfsson said. She added, “Since I’m a freshman, this will be my first year going to states, so that was my job to (get the win), and it’s awesome.”

Other victories for CDS included No. 2 Lauren Fitz-Randolph, Jackie’s sister, 6-1, 6-1 over Izabella Basket and No. 3 Sarah Yaffe 6-1, 6-3 against Megan DaSilva.

No. 4 McKenzie List was the lone Patriot in the loss column, falling 6-3, 7-6 (8-6) against Alexandra Benbadis.

Most said she is happy for her team, and that its experience of reaching the state tournament last season will pay big dividends the second time around.

“It’s so exciting,” Most said. “It was so much fun last year, and the girls really loved the experience, and I think that’s one of the elements that made them work harder is that they had been there before and they saw that it does take a lot of hard work and commitment as a team, and that was definitely a huge motivator for them.”

The 1A state tournament is at Red Bug Lake Park in Casselberry April 15 to 17.

 

Gators topped by Forest

The Land O’ Lakes girls tennis team had its season ended at Ocala Forest for the second straight year April 9, falling 5-0.

The Gators did manage to make the playoffs for the third straight season, and its No. 1 duo of Kavya Avancha and Cori Arndt become the first doubles squad in program history to earn a state berth.

The Class 2A state tournament is at Sanlando Park in Altamonte Springs April 14 to 17.

Makarome tops Martin to stay perfect

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By Kyle LoJacono

 

Wiregrass Ranch girls tennis player Star Makarome kept her perfect season intact at Plant during the Class 4A regional semifinals April 9.

The Bulls ace took down Panthers’ top player Blair Martin 6-1, 6-2, moving her record to 10-0 for the year. Makarome said she was nervous entering the match against Martin, a senior who led Plant to a state championship in 2011 and tied for the top honor last season.

“I knew she was really famous around Tampa,” Makarome said. “A few days before I was constantly thinking about the match. I knew I had a big task in front of me. Right before the match I didn’t feel nervous anymore, so it’s a good thing I calmed myself down.”

Makarome, who finished as the Class 4A state singles runner-up last season, had never played Martin in singles before.

Star Makarome improved her record to 10-0 this season in singles play by beating Plant’s Blair Martin 6-1, 6-2. (File photo)

“I don’t know what I did honestly,” Makarome said with a laugh and a smile. “I just tried to hit everything as hard as I could.”

Makarome said the score doesn’t indicate how difficult it was to win.

“It was 6-1, 6-2, but that match was like an hour and 45 minutes,” Makarome said. “This time I wasn’t the first one done. … Every game went to duce. She had a few chances. I didn’t lose serve the whole match, so that really helped me.”

Makarome secured the win by breaking Martin, who double faulted on match point. The win moves the sophomore’s all-time record to 22-1, with the only loss coming in last year’s state singles championship match.

Plant, which also defeated Wharton 5-0 in the regional finals April 11, beat the Bulls 4-1, but Makarome still advances to the state singles tournament April 17 to 18 at Sanlando Park in Altamonte Springs.

“I hope to replicate what I did last year and get one step better,” Makarome said. “Last year was a really great experience. I played some really good players, and I think I have a better feel for who’s there and who’s not. … I’m just going in to play like it’s another Florida tournament.”

Makarome will be joined by teammate Tiffany Garner, a sophomore, in the state doubles tournament for the second straight season. The duo was knocked out in the first round last season.

“I think this year we’ll be more prepared,” Makarome said. “We played really great together during districts. I couldn’t ask for anyone better going into the state doubles tournament.”

—Follow Kyle LoJacono on Twitter: @Kyle_Laker

Warriors inspired to leave their mark on the track

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By Kyle LoJacono

 

Steinbrenner senior Jon Marc Carrier sensed something different about the track and field team early this season.

Carrier, who joined the squad as a sophomore, said it was more than just the improvements of the returning athletes and the new additions.

From left are Jake Carroll, Jon Marc Carrier, Derek Gebhard and Ryan Schettino during a recent Steinbrenner track practice. (Photo by Kyle LoJacono)

“We got a couple new guys, but the mindset has just changed,” said Carrier, a sprinter/jumper. “We got older and wanted to compete and be the best. … We want to put our footprint down, Steinbrenner High School, in the county before we go off to college.”

The Warriors have benefitted from several additions, many of which are seniors like thrower Logan McKnight, distance runner Derek Gebhard and sprinter Trey Johnson.

First-year coach Mike Bosco, who spent the last two seasons as an assistant, said getting those new athletes to compete was one of his first goals.

“That’s half the battle, and then coach (Cedric) Roberts is so good with the technical side of the sprint events, all the little nuances of block starts and hand movements,” Bosco said. “It’s been really fun to see everyone improve so much. … Kids at our school just want to compete and put their names up on the banner we have in our gym and make a name for themselves.”

McKnight had always played baseball during the spring, but decided to give the shot put and discus throw a try.

“My dad threw in high school, and I remembered watching the Olympics and thinking I could do that,” McKnight said.

McKnight, who won a conference championship in the shot with a program record 46-feet, 5-inches, said the importance of form versus strength needed for a good throw surprised him.

“You see bigger, stronger guys out here who don’t throw as far as me, so it’s been a lot of work on the technique,” McKnight said.

Gebhard, who has signed to play soccer at Florida Gulf Coast University, said he found technique to be as important in his events.

“After my first 400 I felt stiff, and I just thought this has never happened to me with soccer,” Gebhard said. “I had to figure out the strategy, and there are definitely strategies that you have to figure out to help you with it, and it makes a big difference with your time.”

Steinbrenner has also been boosted by the healthy return of junior Jake Carroll and senior Kendall Pearcey. The sprinters missed last season with a torn ACL and a broken ankle, respectively, suffered playing football.

Bosco said the improvements to the sprint, hurdle and field athletes was something he wanted to build because he was confident in what his distance program, known as The Boss Cross, would deliver.

“Day 1 of practice we told them, ‘Guys, we know what we have distancewise with Boss Cross,’” Bosco said. “‘We know what those guys are going to give us, but if we want this to be a track team everybody has to buy into their roles and work hard.’ We think this can be a district championship team. From Day 1 they’ve bought in and stepped up so the distance group doesn’t have to carry us.”

Carroll added, “We knew the long distance kids were going to keep doing what they always do. We wanted to get to that level.”

The combination has given the Warriors the points need to win their four dual/tri meets this year while also taking the Nash Higgins Relay. Gebhard said the victories have provided a reason to keep pushing.

“There’re guys who are really good, and whenever you have a talented team it pushes everyone to get better, and it really helps the team build during the year,” Gebhard said. “Then the success as a team gives us motivation to keep working hard.”

The mentality shift has been welcome by Carrier. He joined the squad just to get faster at football, a sport he signed to play at Dartmouth College.

Now, he’s been bitten by the track bug.

“It’s been crazy how far it’s come,” Carrier said. “First off, it was mostly football guys just doing track to stay in shape. We were just kind of in the middle of the pack trying to compete. This year we’re winning events with our athletes and as a team, and we think we have a chance to win districts. We’ve grown so much so fast.”

The Warriors will look to win their first district championship at the 3A-8 meet at Gaither April 17, followed by regionals at Leto April 24 and states at the University of North Florida May 3.

—Follow Kyle LoJacono on Twitter: @Kyle_Laker