The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Startups will have a place to call home

By

 

 

By B.C. Manion

 

The Dade City Business Center and Dade City Office Plaza was once the site of one of the largest juice processing plants in the world, teeming with more than 2,000 employees.

It fell into disrepair through the decades, but, in recent years, it has been roaring back to life with myriad companies setting up shop.

Now, plans call for launching Pasco County’s first business incubator at the site.

Businesses taking part in a new business incubator at the Dade City Business Center and Dade City Office Plaza will be able to use this conference room, said Bobby Van Allen, the site’s general manager. (Photo by B.C. Manion)

The incubator will help small companies and startup businesses by providing expert assistance in tackling the various challenges that entrepreneurs face, said John Walsh, vice president of the Pasco Economic Development Council (PEDC), a key player in the initiative.

Locating the incubator at the Dade City industrial park and office plaza is ideal because of its proximity to expert help from Saint Leo University, the Small Business Development Center and to veteran business people who belong to the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce, Walsh said.

When companies are getting off the ground, they often need help on issues ranging from tax law to exports to personnel matters, Walsh said. A business incubator provides technical assistance and a way to connect businesses with people who can offer the kind of expertise they need.

In the long-run, the aim of a business incubator is to create jobs, encourage growth of innovative companies and help Pasco County and Dade City enhance their reputation as a place that can make these kinds of things happen, said John Moors, executive director of the chamber.

The owners of the business center and office plaza — JDR Properties of Pasco — offered attractive rates to help make the incubator affordable to small businesses, Walsh said.

The initiative fits in with the office and industrial park owners’ visionary thinking, said Bobby Van Allen, general manager of the 355-acre site.

The incubator is a combined effort of the PEDC, Saint Leo University, the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce, the Small Business Development Center, Pasco County and the Dade City Business Center. It is funded with $50,000 from the PEDC, $50,000 from the city of Dade City and $100,000 from the county.

“This is a great collaboration,” Moors said. Everyone involved in the effort wants the incubator to be successful, he said.

Walsh said the hope is the incubator becomes a model for a couple others in Pasco.

Moors said the industrial park and office plaza was selected to house the business incubator because it has available office space, a common lobby, a common boardroom and ample parking.

Having office and industrial space available is a plus because it allows the incubator to serve a mixture of companies, Walsh said.

It also offers an opportunity for synergy as new companies can benefit from the experience of other tenants at the office and industrial park, Moors added.

“It’s already a major employment center for the county,” Moors said.

The site has a diverse list of tenants, including specialty recyclers, fuel production, decorative and specialty concrete business, furniture refinishing, beverage production and distribution, heavy equipment repair, accounting professionals, financial consultants, freight brokerage, logistical companies, a screen printer and embroiderer, marketing firms and a wheel manufacturer among others.

The park has heavy industrial zoning, a CSX main rail line flowing through it and daily water rights of 3.5 million gallons, Van Allen said. It also has its own wastewater treatment plant and access to six-lane US 301, as well as a central location in relation to Tampa, Orlando and Lakeland, Van Allen said.

Other benefits of the site include easy access to Florida’s major highways, regional and international airports and deepwater ports.

A selection committee will choose the companies that will be allowed to participate in the incubator, Van Allen said. It will be looking at a number of factors, including the company’s business plan and its exit strategy, he said.

Van Allen, who grew up in Dade City, said the site he manages has undergone a systematic rehabilitation with its current ownership.

“This property was very blighted. To be nice, it needed a lot of renovation,” Van Allen said.

Details for the business incubator are still being worked out, but Walsh expects it to begin operating in April or May.

For more information call Walsh or Krista Hakes at the PEDC, (813) 926-0827.

Celebrating life and faith during Passover

By

 

 

By Jeff Odom

 

Kelsie Buller stood humbly in front of the group gathered for Shoresh David Messianic Synagogue’s annual community Passover Seder March 30.

As a hush fell over the crowd, Rabbi Larry A. Johnson motioned for Buller to open the Seder with the playing of the shofar, a large wind instrument shaped like a ram’s horn.

A group of women dance to the song Deliverance during the ceremony.

The long, loud hum of the horn echoed off the walls of Trinity Church’s Fellowship Hall in Wesley Chapel, which hosted the event and signaled the beginning to a celebration of life, family and faith.

The Passover Seder is a yearly Jewish ceremony and meal that features each of the 15 steps found in the Haggadah, a Jewish text that sets forth the order of the Seder. According to Johnson, it acts as an annual memorial to the period when God passed over the houses of the Jews to prevent the slaying of the first-born of Israel while they were slaves in Egypt.

The service starts with what is known as Kadeish, or the blessing and first cup of wine. That leads into traditional Passover songs, eating of bitter herbs such as parsley and horseradish called maror to symbolize struggle and the consumption of charoseth, an apple and walnut mixture that denotes mortar for bricks.

Then, the maror and charoseth are put together in a mixture on a matza cracker for a Korech Hillel sandwich before the start of the traditional meal that includes a salad, matzo ball soup, green beans, lamb and sliced potatoes.

“Passover began in Exodus, and it was a very significant time because it’s when the most dynamic of the plagues was fulfilled, which was the death of the first-born children,” Johnson said. “After the 10 plagues, which we demonstrated here, were passed, it was probably the only time in history where God came into humanity and presented himself so miraculously and helped save these people from their oppression.”

Aside from the meal, the Seder is also a time for the group to sing traditional Jewish songs and participate in Maggid, which is recounting the story of the Exodus as well as reciting the 10 plagues, as a reminder that God does not tolerate sinful behavior.

Johnson said it is imperative to continue these customs to keep the Jewish faith alive.

“This is hugely important, and that’s actually why we have a community Seder,” Johnson said. “It might not be on the exact night that Passover would have been, but we want to invite the community, because once it’s out of sight and out of mind, we forget it. … Once we forget together, we forget there’s God, and it just gets lower down the line of our priorities and it becomes nothing.”

One of the main focuses during the middle of the Seder meal is the children in attendance.

As part of tradition, the rabbi takes a piece of a matza cracker known as the afikomen, or that which comes after, and tucks it into a piece of cloth and hides it somewhere in the room for a young child to find after finishing their meal. The child who finds it is rewarded with a special prize.

When the final glass of wine has been finished to signify praise for God, the Seder is completed and the afikomen is split for all in attendance to enjoy as they say together “L’shanah, habaha bi Y’rushalaiyim,” which means a new year in Jerusalem.

“For the generation that is coming up, it’s even more significant to keep these customs alive because every generation down the line is more responsible to the one after them,” Johnson said. “We have to make sure they understand not just their knowledge, but who they are and what they are and why they are here. And faith continues to proceed them and go after them, because once it’s dead, it’s dead.”

 

Business Digest

By

Pasco Regional names CEO

Pasco Regional Medical Center has appointed Shauna McKinnon as its chief executive officer.

McKinnon brings more than 17 years of hospital-based administrative and nursing experience to Dade City. She joined Health Management Associates in 2004 and in 2011 was named chief operating officer at Spring Hill Regional Hospital.

She received a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Saint Francis Xavier University in Antigonish Nova Scotia, Canada and a master’s degree in business and health care administration from Baker University in Flint, Mich.

 

Tips for lowering your tax bill

The National Society of Accountants (NSA) advises against stretching the truth, but does encourage taxpayers to ensure they are claiming all legitimate tax deductions they are entitled to.

Common expenditures that may be taken as deductions and credits on a personal tax return include:

—Owning a home. Interest paid on mortgages for primary and secondary residences is deductible, as are property taxes on a home if they’re based on the assessed value of a home and purchase points when securing a mortgage or refinancing.

—Mileage. Allowable deductions are 24 cents per mile for medical or moving purposes and 14 cents per mile for serving charitable organizations.

—Medical expenses. Deductions for medical expenses if the total qualifying medical costs exceed a certain percentage of adjusted gross income. The expenses can include bills or co-pays, ambulance rides, prescriptions, glasses, hearing aids, prosthetics and crutches.

—Charitable contributions. Be sure to have receipts for cash donations and written documentation from charities that describes noncash gifts, their market value and the date they were donated.

—Education costs. Taxpayers may qualify for the maximum annual credit of $2,500 per student. Full credit is available to individuals with a modified adjusted gross income of $80,000 or less, or $160,000 or less for married couples filing a joint return. For the tax year, you may be able to claim a Lifetime Learning Credit of up to $2,000 for qualified education expenses paid for all students enrolled in eligible educational institutions.

—The Child Tax Credit can cut your federal income tax by up to $1,000 for each qualifying child younger than 17.

—The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is designed to supplement wages for low-to-moderate income workers, but many individuals and families previously classified as middle class are also eligible.

To find a qualified tax preparer in your area, visit www.nsacct.org.

 

Free financial guidance

Hillsborough County residents can receive free, one-on-one financial guidance on basic personal financial management from the Florida Master Money Mentors.

Mentors meet at a community location and time that fit an individual’s needs.  Individuals and families who meet with a mentor will receive guidance on how to develop a spending and savings plan, build a good credit history, and achieve financial goals. The mentor will provide continued guidance for as long as needed to help with the essentials of personal financial management.

To arrange an appointment, call (813) 744-5519.

 

North Tampa Chamber meetings

Upcoming North Tampa Chamber of Commerce gatherings:

—April 9, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., After Hours Mixer hosted by Bennett Chiropractic Northdale, 3903 Northdale Blvd. Suite 100 W. in Tampa, along with co-host Ameriprise Financial-Laura Rehbein. RSVP to Dr. Bennett at or call (813) 341-7227.

—April 11, 11:45 a.m., general meeting at the Clarion Hotel & Conference Center, 2701 E. Fowler Ave. The program is How to Use the Chamber’s Communication Tools: Yahoo! Groups, Facebook, LinkedIn, E-Blasts and Business & Community Guide. Bring your computer so you can see how to use the tools. Doors open at 11 a.m. Buffet lunch at 11:30 a.m. Early bird registration is $17 by contacting the chamber office by 5 p.m. April 9. Reservations after that are $22. The charge applies for lunch, whether you eat or not. Call (813) 971-4710 for more information.

 

East Pasco Networking Group

The East Pasco Networking Group has scheduled the following speakers for upcoming meetings. The group meets at the Village Inn in Zephyrhills. Networking begins at 8 a.m. with the meeting beginning at 8:30 a.m.

—April 9: Jerome Salatino, CEO of Pasco-Hernando Work Force Alliance

—April 23: Clestine Herbert, The Purpose Coach Speaker, Transformation Coach, author

Divine Discipline

—May 14: Dr. Eric Mitchell and registered nurse Carmen Hayford

 

Annual Zephyrhills Scramble

The eighth annual Zephyrhills Scramble is May 3 at the Silverado Golf & Country Club. The event has a 1 p.m. shotgun start.

The tournament is being presented by the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce and The Rotary Club of Zephyrhills Noon.

Proceeds from the event will benefit programs offered by both organizations including Z-Kids Scholarships and Student Citizen of the Month.

 

Florida Association for Women Lawyers

The Florida Association for Women Lawyers has launched a new student chapter in Florida. The new student chapter will serve the Thomas M. Cooley Law School Tampa Bay Campus (Cooley). Thomas M. Cooley Law School is a private, nonprofit, independent law school accredited by the American Bar Association and the Higher Learning Commission.

 

Congressman Bilirakis’ Employment Fair

Congressman Gus Bilirakis is hosting an employment fair from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. in the gymnasium at Pasco Hernando Community College’s East Campus, 36727 Blanton Road in Dade City.

All are welcome to attend this free employment fair. Those attending are advised to dress professionally and bring plenty of resumés.

Please preregister at bilirakisemploymentfair2013.eventbrite.com. For additional information, contact the Bilirakis district office at (866) 773-2871 or log on to www.bilirakis.house.gov.

 

Ryland Homes names VP

Ryland Homes has named Mike Finley as its vice president of sales and marketing for its Tampa division. He replaces Tony Crimi, who was recently promoted.

 

More bugs in the house

By

 

 

By BJ Jarvis

Pasco Extension Horticulturist

 

In the last article, we talked about pantry or drugstore beetles that may get into the house. This time, let’s focus on another common irritating garden critter that can make indoor life miserable.

Fungus gnats, sometimes called fruit flies, are common introductions and are usually found in the kitchen or bathroom, coming in on ornamentals or vegetables. Once indoors, populations can flourish in the house with insects living on the soil and occasionally a past-prime piece of produce.

Fungus gnats, sometimes called fruit flies, can take up residents in several places around the house. (Photo provided)

Let’s discuss how to eradicate these irritants.

If your first thought is bug spray, stop! Generally, pesticides are not recommended, as eliminating favorable conditions better controls these critters.

Start by looking for possible living quarters. Residents with houseplants may find that insects flourish in moist, organic soils. Once indoors they move to other moist houseplants, increasing their population.

The key to control is eliminating breeding locations. Allow overly moist houseplants to dry out more between watering and check saucers for standing water. Also, consider topping rich soils with a shallow layer of sand to discourage future generations.

Other favorable spots can include kitchen and an unused bathroom.

After double-checking the produce bin for fruit that needs to go to the compost pile, look in the drain pan under the refrigerator. It can hold water and organic matter that is appealing.

Finally, move on to the bathroom. An underutilized drain in the guest/pool bath should be used occasionally to avoid creating a favorable habitat.

When small but persistent fliers make indoor life miserable, start eliminating moist breeding grounds to help make your home pest-free.

For more information about this topic, visit the University of Florida’s website, edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ig125.

 

—BJ Jarvis is Director and Horticulturist for Pasco Cooperative Extension, a partnership between the University of Florida, USDA and Pasco County government. Gardening questions can be answered at or by phone at (352) 518-0156.

 

University of Tampa baseball builds with local talent

By

 

 

By Kyle LoJacono

 

University of Tampa (UT) baseball has established itself as a national power.

The No. 2 ranked Spartans (26-5, 9-3) have won 14 Sunshine State Conference (SSC) championships, 14 South Region titles and five Division II national crowns.

UT is known from coast to coast and time zone to time zone, but the Spartans haven’t had to look nearly as far and wide to stock their lineup.

Gaither graduate Drew Doty attended two colleges before finding his way into the University of Tampa’s outfield. (Photo by Andy Meng)

“There’s just so much talent in this area, and we’ve tried to keep that going,” said 13-year UT coach Joe Urso. “That’s the way this program was built.”

The 2013 squad fits that mold, with 16 of its 36 players from high schools in Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas or Polk counties. Even the coaching staff is from the area with firsthand knowledge of how local talent has brought the program greatness.

“I played here for four years and coach (Sam) Militello player here three years, and we’re proud of continuing the tradition of UT baseball,” said Urso, a second baseman for the 1992 Spartans national championship squad. “I went to Plant, and coach Militello went to Jefferson.”

Wharton graduate Zach Gawrych and Bishop McLaughlin product David Heintz are examples of starters who came right to UT from high school.

Gawrych, a starting outfielder, had interest from Air Force and the University of South Florida before picking the Spartans for baseball and academics.

“I knew being from Tampa this was a great program that would help me succeed not only in my baseball career, but also in my life in general when I’m done with baseball,” said Gawrych (.298, 26 RBI, five home runs). “The academics here are so great. It helps you pursue your career either in baseball or in anything else.”

Heintz, a right-handed pitcher, missed last season while recovering from Tommy John surgery in his throwing elbow, but has worked his way into the starting rotation as a redshirt freshman. He was thrilled UT offered him a scholarship despite the injury.

“When a school like this asks you to come, it’s kind of an easy decision,” said Heintz (4-0, 1.99 ERA). “The program itself is pretty incredible. They run their practices and games like it’s a professional team.”

True freshman left-handed pitcher Brad Hencke (2-0, 2.45 ERA) had a similar reaction when the Spartans gave him a chance to play on scholarship after graduating from Land O’ Lakes.

“I was really excited when they offered me,” said Hencke, who has worked mainly out of the bullpen. “I think I jumped around and wanted to sign right there. … It had everything I wanted.”

Urso said the rest of the country has caught on to the area’s talent.

“It’s been harder to keep everyone we want, but we’ve done a good job of tracking players, even when they go to junior colleges, to bring them back to Tampa,” Urso said.

A couple of those they’ve brought back are juniors Mike Danner and Drew Doty, both Gaither graduates.

Danner, UT’s starting first baseman, attended Polk State College for two years before joining the Spartans.

“You come to a place where you know the area, and it helps you be more relaxed,” said Danner. “You don’t have to find your way around somewhere new.”

Danner said that comfort playing at home has helped him hit .362 with 24 RBI and 23 runs.

Doty, a starting outfielder, had two stops before finding his way to UT. He attended Saint Petersburg College for the first semester of his freshman year and then went to Santa Fe College before joining the Spartans.

“UT was a place I was looking at, but I wanted to get out of Hillsborough County when I first graduated from high school,” said Doty (.232, 17 runs, 16 RBI). “After two years I realized I was kind of homesick and wanted to come back here. … The main reason was I wanted to come back and play at home, and my parents can come watch me.”

Having so many recruits from one area has the side benefit of the players already knowing each other from playing with and against each other growing up.

“A lot of teams have problem with chemistry, but with us it came naturally,” Gawrych said. “It think with a lot of us being from around here and growing up playing together really helped with that. We had that bond right off the bat.”

Urso said personality and character are looked at closely when going after recruits.

“I think those things are as important, if not more important, when we look at if a kid is the right fit for us,” Urso said. “All these kids are talented. They wouldn’t be putting on a University of Tampa uniform if they weren’t talented. When we’re out recruiting we ask a lot of questions of their coaches, and we try to sit down with each of them at dinner to get a good read what they’re about and what their family life is about.”

Urso has led UT to a pair of national titles and sees the championship qualities in the current squad.

“The health of a No. 1 pitcher is so important,” Urso said. “Jon Keller is coming off an (elbow) injury and is progressing very well. Keeping him healthy is key, and we’re going to need to get better defensively in the infield to make that championship run. The personalities are in place. I could not be happier with what I’m seeing from these guys on and off the field. We had our highest GPA (3.15) of any semester since I’ve been here this fall. I think it’s all going to equate to great things if we stay healthy and get better defensively.”

Doty said they have confidence in their skipper’s methods: “Coach Urso is a good coach, and I know he’ll lead us to the championship.”

The Spartans next home game is April 9 at 4 p.m. against Embry-Riddle University.

—Follow Kyle LoJacono on Twitter: @Kyle_Laker

Jefferson nips Steinbrenner for conference crown

By

 

 

By Kyle LoJacono

 

Steinbrenner boys track and field took runner-up honors at the Western Conference American Division meet March 26 at Jefferson, the fourth-year program’s best finish at the event.

The Warriors led by as many as 14, but the host took a late lead to win 129 to 121. Gaither finished fifth with 67 points at the nine-team event.

Seniors Tyler Lima and Chris Cerreta gave Steinbrenner a late push by placing first and sixth in the 3,200 meters, respectively, to close the deficit to five going into the 4×400-meter relay, the last event of the day.

The Dragons dashed any hopes of a conference crown by taking second in the 4×400.

First-year Warriors coach Mike Bosco said he was pleased with his athletes.

“All of our guys have bought into our program and what we’re trying to do,” Bosco said. “Our distance program with coach (Bobby) McConnell and coach (Bob) Ennis is phenomenal, and coach (Cedric) Roberts, coach (Dean) Robertson and myself have been working to get our sprinters and our hurdlers to that level. Our field events have improved. We’ve tried to build that toughness in our kids, and they showed it today.”

Cowboys junior Matt Williams won the 300 hurdles and took second in the 110 hurdles at Jefferson March 26. (Photo by Kyle LoJacono)

Lima battled through the flu to claim his first individual conference title (10 minutes, 6.42 seconds). He generally competes in the 1,600 and 4×800, but limited himself to the 3,200 with the hopes of qualifying for the Hillsborough County championships.

“I couldn’t go all out,” Tyler said. “I took the first mile slow, and when I saw I could win I just went for it.”

Fellow Warrior Matt Magee won the 1,600 (4:41.76). The senior was followed by teammates Tanner Biles and Zach Lima, Tyler’s twin, in second and third place, respectively.

“We really wanted all of us to advance, so to get one, two, three is great,” Magee said. “We really try to push each other, and I think that helps us on the track.”

The trio ran behind the leaders before exploding together on the final lap, which helped block a strong wind that was steady all day.

“We did not want to be the ones running into that the whole time,” Magee said.

Logan McKnight captured gold in the shot put with a toss of 46-feet, 5-inches, breaking his own program record. The senior is in his first season with the squad after previously playing baseball during the spring.

“I had hopes and dreams that I could do this after I quit the baseball team,” McKnight said. “I’ve practiced hard every day, and I think I’m still getting better every week. … Hopefully next week I’ll get 50.”

Gaither’s Matt Williams and Samson Moore each captured a conference track title.

Williams claimed the 300 hurdles (42.10) while placing second in the 110 hurdles (15.65).

“I thought I could win the 300, but I never thought I’d take second in the 110s,” said Williams with a laugh. “I hate the 110s. I hate it, so I’m surprised.”

Moore, a sophomore, won the 200 (22.26).

“I’m really happy to win this,” Moore said. “I looked at the times coming in, and I thought if I ran a good race I could come up with a win.”

Cowboys pole vaulter Ryan Hagen also won a championship (11-06).

The Steinbrenner girls took third place by earning 85 points, 94 behind champion Plant. Gaither was fourth (66).

Cowboys senior Kiana Bryant claimed a pair of championships, taking first in the 100 (12.39) in consecutive years and winning the 200 (25.41). Her goal was to win the 100, but was surprised to beat out Sickles’ Dominique Williams in the 200.

“I thought I could stay with her,” Bryant said. “I’ve never beaten her before, and that made me really happy. … I just stayed with her until the final 100, and then I kicked it in.”

Jennifer Kingsley added to Gaither’s title count by winning the 100 hurdles (16.41) while taking second in the 300 hurdles (51.51).

The senior was second in the 100 hurdles prelims after coming in seeded first.

“I got a little thrown off by this wind,” Kingsley said. “When I heard I was second after prelims I knew I had to dig in and make it happen.”

Warriors senior Jessica Brewer, a state qualifier and district champion in the long jump last year, was limited by a right Achilles tendon injury suffered in the Charles Johnson Invitational early this season.

Brewer pulled out of the triple jump after the injury limited her in the long jump to ninth place and 14-01.25, which is about two feet less than her seed, but she fought through to run leadoff of the 4×100.

“It doesn’t hurt when I run, just when I push off to jump,” Brewer said. She added, “I didn’t want to let my team down and not run.”

The relay advanced by placing fourth (52.59).

The top four in every event at the three conference meets, plus four wildcards, advance to the county championships April 2 at Jefferson.

—Follow Kyle LoJacono on Twitter: @Kyle_Laker

Wharton, Freedom dominate National Division meet

By

 

 

By Andy Warrener

The Laker/Lutz News Correspondent

 

Wharton girls track and field team sneaked by rival Freedom 155.5 to 129 to claim the Western Conference National Division championship March 26 at Armwood.

The Patriots entered the meet as the favorite based on virtual scoring, but the Wildcats were able to claim seven conference titles to Freedom’s two.

“When we ran the virtual meet it had us losing to Freedom by eight points,” said Wildcats coach Wes Newton. “This was a 20-point swing.”

Wharton hurdlers Mikayla Barber, left, and Tyler Watson helped lead their squad to a conference championship. (Photo by Andy Warrener)

Wharton also scored with multiple athletes in several events, principle among them capturing 28 points in the pole vault by taking fifth, third, second and a first-place performance by senior Britaney Smith (11-feet).

Wharton’s seniors Mikayla Barber and Tyler Watson finished first and second and first and third in the 300- and 100-meter hurdles, respectively.

Barber broke her personal record in winning the 100 hurdlers by completing the event in 14.70 seconds. She also put up her best time of the year in the 300 hurdles (45.00).

Then the Wildcats delivered the final blow in the 3,200 with junior Kallie Gollicher winning the conference title in 12:16.20. She was followed by teammates, junior Mariah Henderson in second and sophomore Mollie Gollicher in fourth.

Henderson also won the 1,600 (5:24.90), Watson captured the triple jump (34-08.75) and Wharton’s 4×800 relay also placed first (10:33.78).

The Patriots titles were won by senior Sandra Akuchukwu, who earned gold in the long jump (17-03.25) and the high jump (5-02). The Western Kentucky signee also placed second in the 100 (12.20) and third in the 200 (25.00).

Senior Faith Woodard took second in the high jump (5-02) and 400 (1:00.60) while scoring in the 200 for Freedom. Fellow senior Jasmyn Perry finished as runner-up in the 100 hurdles (15.10) while helping 4x400m relay take third (4:18.90).

On the boys side, Freedom had a late surge that lifted the squad to second place with 95 points, 25 behind the championship pace of Hillsborough.

The Patriots got a boost early by winning the 4×800 relay (8:43.81), the meet’s opening event. Derik Harvey took second in both the boys 1,600 (4:53.40) and the 3,200 (10:31.60).

The top four in every event at the three conference meets, plus four wildcards, advance to Hillsborough County championships April 2 at 1 p.m.

 

Sunlake’s Burgos, Manecke set for state run

By

 

 

By Kyle LoJacono

 

Sunlake boys track and field’s two top scorers are on the same mission.

Senior sprinter Eddie Burgos and thrower Travis Manecke have set the goal to have their final high school competition come in the Class 3A state meet at the University of North Florida May 3.

For Manecke, it would be his third straight trip; for Burgos, it would be the first of his career.

Eddie Burgos winning his second straight conference title in the 100. The Sunlake senior has been on a mission to make states in his final season. (File photo)

“Getting to states would mean a lot,” Burgos said. “I’ve been hitting all my goals this year, and getting to states sounds like a good way to go out. I don’t even care if I place or anything. Just if I can make it would be a great ending.”

Nick Carroll, the only coach in program history, said Burgos has a unique goal to go along with making states.

“Last year when we took Travis we asked for a Sleep Number bed,” Carroll said. “We told that to Eddie, and he said his goal is to get a Sleep Number too.”

Burgos started competing in track while in eighth grade at Rushe Middle. His father convinced him the sport would make him faster for football, his primary sport.

“I just fell in love with it,” Burgos said. “I still see it as a building block for football because it keeps me in shape and makes me faster. It makes me one step ahead of everyone when the season starts, but at the same time, yeah, I do love it.”

Burgos said the event he first liked was the long jump, but he has since grown fonder of sprint events like the 100 meters, 200 meters and 4×100-meter relay. The 100 is his favorite.

Burgos won the Sunshine Athletic Conference championship in the 100 the last two years.

He also set his personal record of 10.93 seconds to finish second at districts as a junior, but came up just short of qualifying for states the next week at regionals where Burgos finished in fifth (10.97), one place and 0.09 seconds from a spot in the 3A final.

“It was actually so close they had to go back and look at the camera a couple times because third, fourth and fifth was that close,” Burgos said. “I guess I just didn’t make the cut, and boy I was mad.  … It really has fueled me, and coach Carroll has been on me about that, and every time I feel tired and don’t want to keep pushing that gets me going again.”

Manecke became the first in the program’s six-year history to make states last year when he qualified in the discus and shot put. He also made it in the discus while attending Wiregrass Ranch as a sophomore.

Manecke won district titles in the shot and discus events and claimed first in the shot at districts in 2012, but had to settle for runner-up in both at conference this season.

“I’ve been trying to get back to where I was last year and the year before,” Manecke said. “I’m a little behind, but I’ve got a couple more weeks to get better.”

Carroll said Manecke has worked as hard to get stronger this year.

“His shot isn’t as long as it was last year. He’s throwing 44(-feet), when last year he threw 48 at districts, but his disc is better this year than it was last year at 147-10, so we’re working on his form and working to find some techniques to help him,” Carroll said.

Carroll added that both have done a lot to bring attention to Sunlake’s program.

“We score a lot of points with those guys,” Carroll said. “The younger guys coming in from Rushe seeing Eddie run as fast as he does and seeing Travis throw as far as he does gives them some motivation. I remind Eddie he ran as slow as molasses the first time he came out, so those younger guys can look and see what their hard work has done for them.”

The Seahawks will compete in the Class 3A-District 6 meet at Wiregrass Ranch April 16, followed by regionals at Leto April 24 and states at the University of North Florida May 3.

—Follow Kyle LoJacono on Twitter: @Kyle_Laker

 

 

Ingram continues Wesley Chapel’s pitching prowess

By

 

 

By Kyle LoJacono

 

Wesley Chapel baseball has been known for its pitching in recent years, and the squad’s current ace fits right in line with that trend of strength on the mound.

Senior Chase Ingram has led the Wildcats’ (11-5) rotation the last two years. The 6-foot-3 righty said his time working out of the bullpen as a freshman and sophomore allowed him to learn from former teammates like Brandon Mumaw, Marcus Crescentini and Matt Wynne, all who are currently pitching on scholarship in college.

“My first two years we were stacked with older pitchers, so I was just relieving a few times,” Ingram said. “I learned a lot from those guys, and last year I had to use that because I was starting a lot. This year seems a little bit easier with that experience.”

Wesley Chapel senior pitcher Chase Ingram threw the program’s first perfect game March 8 in a win over Gulf. (File photo)

Wesley Chapel coach Chuck Yingling said he always saw a special quality in Ingram.

“We were pretty fortunate with Chase because he’s always had the mental side of the game,” Yingling said. “He just had to begin to develop more pitches. … He feels he can win every time no matter who he plays, and you have to have that.”

The feeling with his teammates is mutual.

“With Chase we always know we’ve got a really good chance to win,” said junior first baseman Turner Imhoff. “We just have to get him a run and that’s all he needs. He gives us so much confidence.”

Ingram said a big focus for him this offseason was developing his knuckle curveball to go with his fastball and change-up. The combination has him posting a 6-0 record with a 1.19 ERA and 74 strikeouts in 47 innings.

The Wildcats ace also captured a bit of program history March 8 when he threw Wesley Chapel’s first perfect game in a 4-0 win versus Gulf. Ingram needed only 68 pitches to toss the gem while striking out 13 batters.

“I was a little tight in warm-ups because it was kind of cold,” Ingram said. “Sometimes you feel great and you pitch bad, and some games you feel all right and pitch good, and that’s what happened. All three of my pitches were working that night.”

Ingram, who struck out 16 batters the week before against Fivay, didn’t realize he was close to a perfect game until it had almost happened.

“With two outs left in the seven inning I threw a strikeout, and the catcher threw it down the first base, and I started thinking that nobody has been on base,” Ingram said. “I was like I really wish I hadn’t realized this right now. … After that we got two groundouts, so it was just a few pitches after that.”

Yingling said Ingram has the personality to maintain his composure in such pressure situations.

“The thing with him is when he doesn’t do a solid job, which isn’t often, he puts it on his shoulders,” Yingling said. “Other kids his age sometimes don’t do that. Some blame it on the umpire or someone for not making the play. Chase doesn’t do that. He has a commodity, and when people in college begin to realize that they’ll jump on him.”

That is if the pro ranks don’t come calling first.

“To me, he’s a draft choice this year,” Yingling said. “Probably in the late rounds, and he might not get drafted because we’re Pasco County and they don’t realize who he is. He’s throwing consistently 86 to 88 miles per hour right now, and I think he’ll be hitting 90 before the end of the season. Hopefully with the perfect game and striking out 16 the week before will help get him some more attention.”

Ingram is projected to start the Wildcats’ home game against district rival Anclote April 5 at 7 p.m.

—Follow Kyle LoJacono on Twitter: @Kyle_Laker

 

Steinbrenner tops Gaither to clinch No. 1 seed

By

 

 

By Kyle LoJacono

 

The Steinbrenner baseball team locked up the top seed in the Class 7A-District 9 tournament by beating cross-town rival Gaither 1-0 at home March 28.

The Warriors (14-1, 6-0) had beaten the Cowboys (9-7, 5-2) 11-0 earlier this year, but fourth-year Steinbrenner coach John Crumbley said they anticipated a tougher meeting in the rematch.

Cole Gordon is greeted at home by his teammates after his fourth-inning homer.

“It wasn’t our best offensive game, but the defense was special,” Crumbley said. “Gideon (Dunn) and Logan (Lapace) threw what we expected from them. Jesse Haney was solid behind the plate throwing out guys, and we got that one big hit from Cole (Gordon).”

Gordon delivered the decisive blow in the bottom of the fourth inning when he took the first pitch thrown by Gaither senior Hunter Henderson over the right-center field fence for his fifth home run of the year.

“I was looking for a mistake,” Gordon said. He added, “I usually try to think fastball and adjust to anything else.”

Dunn made the solo shot hold up by throwing five innings of shutout ball while allowing two hits.

“Gideon is always great,” Gordon said. “He works hard in practice and pitches big for us in games. We know we can count on him. He’s been consistent all year.”

Dunn (6-0, 1.34 ERA) has slotted as the Warriors’ No. 1 pitcher because Gordon has had an arm injury all season, which has limited him to being a designated hitter.

“We told him in the fall we expected him to compete for time, and he’s done nothing but take it by the horns and go,” Crumbley said. “We expect greatness out of him every time he goes out. I just hope he expects it out of himself.”

Dunn found himself in a jam early. Gaither leadoff hitter Tyler Tyson worked a walk to start the first inning followed by a Cory Chandler single. A passed ball sent the Cowboys to third and second with nobody out.

That’s when Dunn locked in.

The junior forced Florida State University signee Oscar Mercado to pop out to second, followed by a weak grounder to third by Chris Minor and another infield fly by Randy Oliva to end the threat

“At that point I just thought they’re not scoring,” Dunn said. “I’ve already given them enough, and I had to put my foot on their throat and end it right there.”

Lapace closed the contest for his second save this season.

Henderson, a senior knuckleball pitcher, gave up five hits over six innings.

“That’s a heartbreaker; it’s hard for a pitcher to lose a ball game like that,” said 29-year Cowboys coach Frank Permuy. “He kept his composure for most of the game and did a good job for us. Coach Crumbley said that’s the best game someone has thrown against them this year. We just didn’t hit the ball. We couldn’t do anything. We squandered some opportunities, especially in the first inning.”

Permuy gave credit to Steinbrenner’s defense, which recorded three outs on the bases including left fielder Alex Hanson gunning down Mitchell Martinez trying to stretch a single into a double in the fourth.

“They made some great defensive plays,” Permuy said. “We had a couple guys thrown out running the bases and stuff. Probably could have gone either way a couple of times.”

Now that his squad has locked up the top 7A-9 seed for the second straight year, Crumbley said the goal is to advance out of districts for the first time in the program’s four-year history.

“That’s been the focus from Day 1 since last year,” Crumbley said.

Steinbrenner plays at 7A-9 rivals Chamberlain and Freedom April 2 and 4, respectively, at 7 p.m. Gaither can clinch the No. 2 district seed with a win at Wiregrass Ranch April 2 at 7 p.m.

—Follow Kyle LoJacono on Twitter: @Kyle_Laker