Special to The Laker/Lutz News

 

 

By Kyle LoJacono

 

A school record, two district championships and a pair of state track and field medals.

That’s what Hallie Grimes has achieved in just two years running the 400 meters for the Land O’ Lakes track and field team.

“When I came here for my freshman year I didn’t know how good I’d be,” Grimes said. “When I started, people told me I was going to go to states, and I didn’t even know what that was. When I got there it was such a big thing, bigger than any other meet I’d been in.”

The two-time state medalist exploded onto the track scene as a freshman with a district title and a fifth-place showing at the Class 3A final (58.30 seconds).

She followed up last season by adding her first Sunshine Athletic Conference championship, claming another district crown and taking sixth (56.93) at states.

What the junior has already accomplished rivals most four-year seniors, but Grimes is out for even greater achievements this season.

“I’ve been working a lot more on strength — upper body, core and legs,” Grimes said. “Last year it was mostly just cardio. I’m feeling a lot stronger, so I think that’ll be a big help.”

Rock Ridgeway, who has been the Gators coach for 17 years, said Grimes will also be more prepared to run against the best in Florida after competing in AAU events during the summer.

“That gave her an idea of what the other girls in the state are like, and also people from different states coming in,” Ridgeway said. “It’s a little bit higher level of competition than she’s used to, so that helped push her more.”

Grimes said she does feel pressure to improve her times, but added that she’s ready for the challenge.

“My goal is to get 55 or sub 55,” Grimes said. “My freshman year I got 57, and then last year I got 56. I’ve been working really hard to fulfill that.”

Running a 55 would break the school record she set by running a 56.87 during the prelims at states last season.

Grimes established herself as one of the state’s elite 400 runners, which is something she didn’t anticipate when she picked up track as an seventh-grader at Ben Hill Middle in Carrollwood.

“I only ran the 400 once in middle school, but I got first place,” Grimes said. “I didn’t expect to be running the 400 in high school, but I think it’s perfect for me. … For the 100, I get out too slow. It takes me awhile to catch up. With the 400, I can kick things up in the last 200.”

Grimes grew up playing multiple sports, including softball, basketball and volleyball. She also became a cheerleader at age 5 and has been on the Gators’ varsity roster since her freshman year.

“Getting to states as a freshman and then again last year showed me that track is my best sport,” Grimes said. “I did so many different things, and I really didn’t think track would be my best one at first, but now I’m sure.”

Ridgeway said Grimes’ ability always stood out.

“From the first couple of days of practice her freshman year you could tell she was a special athlete and a special person,” Ridgeway said. “She’s always been very self-motivated. I’ve had to push her a little bit, but not much. I give her the workouts, and she does them.”

Grimes said she plans on running the 400 faster from the start this year instead of saving herself for the last 200 meters. Ridgeway is also planning to enter her in a new event.

“I really think she’s going to be moved up to the 800 in college,” Ridgeway said. “We’re going to have her do the 4×800 or the open 800 because she has the speed and the endurance.”

Ridgeway predicts the combination of events will help make her the first athlete he’s trained with four state appearances.

“She’s one of the best I’ve ever had,” Ridgeway said. “I’ve had some really good ones. Reta and Nicole Woodard got to states multiple times, and then Reta won a national championship in college. I’m really fortunate that Hallie decided to come here.”

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

—Follow Kyle LoJacono on Twitter: @Kyle_Laker

 

 

 

By Don Trello

The Laker/Lutz News Correspondent

 

Saint Leo University (SLU) men’s basketball coach Lance Randall knows how to rebuild a program from the ground up.

He took over the down-and-out Lions last season and brought them to their first Division II NCAA Tournament.

The progression has continued in Year 2, with SLU ending regular season play 20-6 and 12-4 in the Sunshine State Conference (SSC). The 12 conference victories represent the most for the program since joining the SSC in 1975.

Saint Leo finished in a tie for first place in the SSC with Florida Southern, the first time in the program has won or shared a conference title.

The Lions have locked up the No. 1 seed in the SSC tournament that runs March 6 through 10 at Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee. Saint Leo opens up play at 2:30 p.m. March 8.

Randall, who was associate head coach at Wisconsin-Stevens Point before coming to SLU, led the Lions to an 18-12 overall record and 10-6 conference mark last season.

It was the first winning record for the Lions in 14 years, and Randall was named SSC Coach of the Year following the season.

“Many years ago (former Michigan coach) Johnny Orr said we take the rebuilding jobs because they are the most rewarding,” Randall said. “I love the challenge of turning a program around.”

Much of the Lions’ success is built around a group of players from Wisconsin who transferred to Saint Leo.

The Northern contingent includes seniors Marcus Ruh (16.5 points), Trent Thomas (13.3 points) and Tom Neary (5.2 points) along with junior Jerrel Harris (14.6 points). Shaun Adams, of Missouri, (8.8 points) is the fifth starter.

“We have more Wisconsin natives on our team than both Wisconsin and Marquette,” Randall said. “You start with getting great talent and character.

“We wanted guys who fit our tough style of play, and Northern college students like the appeal of spending time in Florida,” Randall added. “The players believed we would immediately turn the program around.”

Ruh spent two seasons at Wisconsin-Eau Claire before transferring to SLU.

“I spent two years playing in Division III and I thought I could play D-II,” the 6-foot-4 Ruh said. “Coach did a good job bringing in the right kids. Our team has guys with mental and physical toughness.”

Ruh, who made the 2012 All-SSC first team, extended his accomplishments beyond the basketball court this season when he was recently named Division II 2012-13 Capital One Academic All-American of the Year.

“My parents emphasized academics over athletics,” said Ruh, who has a perfect 4.0 grade point average. “The fact I was recognized for both is awesome.”

Harris’ contributions include going 73-of-163 (44.8 percent) from 3-point range, and scoring 380 points.

“We really have two point guards, Ruh and Jerrel Harris,” Randall said. “Ruh can handle the ball and has size and strength. He’s a very efficient basketball player. … Harris is very explosive and shoots the ball exceptionally well with great range. He’s very good in transition and can find shots on the floor.”

Thomas had planned on attending Division I Eastern Illinois University, but those plans fell through and he landed at Saint Leo.

“Me and Jerrel have known each other since seventh grade, and we played on the same AAU team during the summer,” said Thomas, who stands 6-foot-4. “I pretty much came here on faith and hope without a visit. I felt it was a fit right away.”

Neary is the son of former Marquette forward Bill Neary, who was a member of the 1976-77 national championship team. Adams leads the team with 173 rebounds.

“Tom Neary is a talented player who exudes toughness and consistency behind the scorers,” Randall said. “Adams is one of the best athletes in the league. He has a lot of toughness, especially on the defensive side of the ball.

Randall and his players are getting ready for the SSC tournament with guarded optimism.

“I think the conference tournament is wide open; there are no bad teams,” said Randall, whose team beat the Miami Hurricanes 69-67 in an exhibition this season. “It will come down to who’s playing well. There are no teams that cannot win it.”

 

Visit lakerlutznews.com and click the sports link for a recap of the Lions conference matchup against Eckerd.

 

 

By Kyle LoJacono

 

Land O’ Lakes boys and girls track and field swept their home quad meet Feb. 27 in dominating fashion.

The victory is the boys third this year and 10th straight regular season meet stretching back to last season. They totaled 109 points, besting second-place Sunlake by 46 while taking first in 11 of 17 events.

“Our depth and our numbers have really been key to our success, as has our work ethic,” said Gators coach Bill Schmitz. “We have to improve our technique in our starts and handoffs, but overall I’m happy with where we’re at.”

One of Land O’ Lakes’ most dominating efforts came in the long jump, where the squad took all four scoring positions. Senior Harrison Wood led the way by posting a personal record 20-feet, 6.5-inches.

“I was sick early,” Wood said. “I had to leave school because of it. I went home, took a nap and I felt better, so I came out. I could only jump today. I usually do the 100 and 4×100 too.”

Wood took second in the triple jump (39) behind Sunlake’s Joe Jean-Baptiste’s 40-08.

The Gators also got first-place field event finishes from Kyle Forchoin’s high jump (6) and Colin Defant’s pole vault (12-06).

Land O’ Lakes controlled the distance events, winning the 3,200, 1,600 and 800 meters, along with the 4×800 relay.

Jake Poore took first in the 1,600 (4 minutes, 42 seconds) and the 3,200 (10:10). The junior generally doesn’t do the 3,200, but filled in for injured teammates Travis Nichols and Tyler Stahl.

“I’m trying to help the team with the points because Travis and Tyler are out,” Poore said. “I feel like I have a little bit of a weight on my shoulders, but I can handle it.”

Steven Barnabei took third in the 3,200 (11:13) and fourth in the 1,600 (5:07) despite being less than two months removed from cancer treatment to remove a brain tumor.

Ethan Weilant captured the 800 (2:11) and was part of the winning 4×800 (9:02) and 4×400 (3:46) relays.

The sophomore tore the labrum in his right shoulder while playing quarterback in football, which prevented him from running without a sling until about a month ago.

“When I started running again I felt awful,” Weilant said. “I tried running the 800 and got maybe a 2:30, and I was dead because I couldn’t do anything. … I could not wait to compete again.”

Jamel Clark gave the Gators victories in the 400 (54.93) and 110 hurdles (16.67). The junior was last in his heat coming around the last turn of the 400, but kicked in for the final 150 meters for the W.

“That’s how I try to run my race,” Clark said. “Coach has us put an emphasis on the last half of the 400, and it’s been working for me.”

Sunlake’s biggest scorer was sprinter Eddie Burgos, who captured gold in the 100 (11.04), 200 (23.3) and with the 4×100 (45.07) relay.

“My senior year, I’m coming out stronger and harder,” Burgos said. “Last year I missed states by 0.1 seconds in the 100. I’m making it this year.”

Burgos is the only returner from the relay squad. He said they’re still working on the handoff but has no question about the speed.

“I’m actually impressed because I think we’re faster than last year,” Burgos said.

Burgos scratched on his three attempts at the long jump, his first event of the day.

“I haven’t scratched out in a long time,” Burgos said. “I’ve been working a lot on where I start, and I haven’t found a spot where I’m comfortable yet.”

Seahawks thrower Travis Manecke took first in the shot put (43-01) and discus (140-02). The senior made the Class 3A state meet in both events last year.

“I’ve been throwing the college ball, and then after that it’s about form, especially with trying to keep the disc flat,” Manecke said. “I’m trying to get back to where I was throwing before, like around 50 in the shot and 150 in the disc before districts.”

 

The win is the first in about a year for the Land O’ Lakes girls who racked up 97 points, 49 better than the Seahawks. The Gators took third at East Lake’s Early Bird Invitational in their season opener and second at Gulf’s Chasco Invitational the week before.

Land O’ Lakes won 14 of the 17 events, which coach Rock Ridgeway credits to getting young talent and renewed excitement.

“We’ve got some new girls who are really making a difference,” Ridgeway said. “I’m covering more events than I have in the past years. … Last year the girls team was decently successful. Seeing the boys do what they did probably added some excitement.”

Hallie Grimes placed first for the Gators in the 100 (12:07) and 200 (26:74) and ran the final leg of the victorious 4×400 (4:27). The junior has qualified for states the last two years in the 400, but she and Ridgeway kept her out of the event.

“My coaches wanted to switch things up to see how I’d do in the 100 and 200 because it’s the first time I’ve run them this year,” Grimes said. “I felt pretty good. I felt kind of slow coming out of the blocks in the 100. I guess I’m not used to it yet. I thought I had a good start in the 200.”

Hannah Stigleman swept the hurdles by finishing the 100 in 18.85 and 300 in 54:21. The sophomore last competed in track while in eighth grade and is a newcomer to the hurdles.

“These are my first wins of the year, so that’s really exciting for me” Stigleman said. “I know I need to work on my technique, but I’m really liking it.”

Some of the Gators’ other victories came from Sotiria Tsilionis in the 1,600 (6:10), Presley Plummer in the 800 (2:47) and Lacy Nasello in the long jump (15-10). Plummer and Nasello also helped take first in the 4×800 (11:26).

Land O’ Lakes competes in the Anclote Relays Feb. 8 at 3 p.m.

—Follow Kyle LoJacono on Twitter: @Kyle_Laker

 

 

By Kyle LoJacono

 

Wiregrass Ranch girls track and field has established itself as the class of Pasco County, winning Sunshine Athletic Conference and district titles the last four years.

The Bulls bring back most of their top scorers, including distance runner Nikita Shah, jumper/sprinter Hannah Eder, pole vaulter Alisha Henry and hurdler Marissa Ginn-Davis, all of whom are seniors.

Fourth-year Wiregrass Ranch track coach Don Howard said those athletes should compete for conference and district titles again this year, but added that there are a lot of questions after that.

“Teamwise, it’s so hard to tell,” Howard said. “I’m pessimistic because I look at the events where we don’t have anything or don’t have much. I’ve got nothing in the throws and nothing in the high jump yet. I see the three holes, but if I’m realistic with myself, we should be able to score in all events if things work out.”

The Bulls lost all three of their throwers from last year, including the reigning conference and districts champion in the shot put in Patricia Magwood.

Howard said it’s too early to tell if any of the new throwers can replace some of what his squad lost. He also isn’t sure if they will be able to add any points in the high jump, an event they left vacant all last season.

“Last year was the first year when I had a track team and didn’t enter someone in an event,” Howard said. “I just decided if they don’t have a chance to score then I’m not going to waste my time and their time. This year I’ve got some who are going to try it. Taysha (Kuhn) is the only one who’s done it before. The rest of them are raw at it, but if I can get one or two of them to score one or two points, that’s more than we had last year.”

Howard, who is also Wiregrass Ranch’s girls cross country coach, is far more confident in his distance athletes.

“I think Nikita and Chelsea (Ginn-Davis) and Addie (Cornwell) are all girls who can score at the conference and district meet in the mile (1,600 meters) and two mile (3,200),” Howard said. “Then Elise (Cedre) is the returning 800 meter champion in the conference, so having her and Savannah Goode is a big help.”

Howard has also added senior Berlin Waters, a Saint Leo University signee for cross country and soccer.

Waters placed 24th at the Class 3A cross country state final in November. Howard said she will likely run the 800 for track.

The leader of the distance runners is Shah, a Harvard University signee.

Shah won conference titles in the 1,600 and 3,200 meters last year and placed third in the latter at the 2012 Class 3A state meet by completing the two-mile race in 10 minutes 49.62 seconds. She also won conference, district and regional crowns during the cross country season and was named The Laker/Lutz News Girls Runner of the Year following the season.

Shah had what she called a “disappointing” end to her cross country year when she took 15th at states after entering the race as one with a legitimate chance of winning the individual title.

“I’m ready to get back and show what I can do,” Shah said. “I had several factors that made me run the time I did that day, but that doesn’t bring me down. I’m just looking to work as hard as I can so I can do as well as I can.”

Eder returns after claiming district championships in both the long and triple jumps while helping the 4×100 relay squad win titles at conference and districts. The relay brings back senior A.J. Blount, who will also run the 100 this year after sitting out of the event during the postseason last year while working back from a torn ACL in her right knee.

Add in Wesley Chapel transfer Alyssa Woodard and freshmen like Gelisa Jenkins, Camille King and Kuhn, and Howard sees a lot of potential points from the speed athletes.

“We might be deeper in sprints than we’ve ever been,” Howard said. “A.J. and Hannah have senior leadership, and then these freshmen and Alyssa is a sophomore, those are four young girls who are going to be terrific for our sprint program.”

Hurdles appear to be equally loaded.

The Bulls have the reigning district champion in the 300 hurdles and runner-up in the 100 hurdles in Marissa, but the depth doesn’t stop there.

“We do have a lot of surprisingly fast new girls,” Marissa said. “I think we’re going to be pretty stacked up in the hurdles. We’ve got four in the 100, and then I think we’ll have four in the 300 too. It’s pretty scary.”

There are questions, but the athletes have confidence in Howard to find the right answers.

“Coach Howard really knows everything about running and track,” Marissa said. “He’s the god of track.”

Wiregrass Ranch has opened its season with victories in its first three meets. The Bulls host the Class 3A-District 6 meet April 16, followed by regionals at Leto April 24 and states May 3 at the University of North Florida.

—Follow Kyle LoJacono on Twitter: @Kyle_Laker

 

Bulls boys out to regain championship form

 

By Kyle LoJacono

 

The Wiregrass Ranch boys track and field team was unable to win consecutive Sunshine Athletic Conference and district titles last year by placing second to Land O’ Lakes at both meets.

The Bulls will have to replace several big scorers, including 200 meters conference and district champion Jamel Nuñez, while getting used to a new coach.

Mike Lawrence took over the program, replacing Phil Kerr, who moved with his wife to Michigan to be closer to the rest of their family, after leading the squad for two seasons.

Lawrence said he has coached track for several years and also competed in the long jump and sprint events while at Kansas State University.

“This is my first year out here, and everything is a little bit different for me and for them,” Lawrence said. “I’m learning the kids and what they can actually do.”

Lawrence was also named Wiregrass Ranch’s football coach in December and has gotten many of his gridiron athletes to join the spring sport.

“One of the big thing is we have a lot of our football players out here, our skill athletes, and that’s going to make a big difference,” Lawrence said. “That gives us a lot of depth, but we lost some good seniors. We’re trying to boost those guys up, because we’ve got a lot of talent. If we develop that talent we’ll be a good team.”

Lawrence said he hasn’t placed most of the sprint and field athletes in their events yet, but said the distance runners will be led by seniors Ermias Bireda, Ben Hall and Thor Alastre.

Bireda won district and regional titles last year in the 1,600 and appeared to be on track for the third- or fourth-place finish at the Class 3A final before being tripped on the final turn. The fall robbed him of his first state medal, which has motivated him in his preparation.

“I want to redeem myself,” Bireda said. He added, “On those hard workouts when I don’t want to push myself, I think of that and it helps me get through. … I want to keep my district and regional titles and finish top five at states.”

Bireda is also excited about what he sees from athletes in the other disciplines.

“We’ve got a bunch of new guys, so we’ve got to see what the first couple of meets are like,” Bireda said. “Land O’ Lakes is going to be tough to beat, but I think we can compete with them.”

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

—Follow Kyle LoJacono on Twitter: @Kyle_Laker

 

 

By Kyle LoJacono

 

The University of Tampa (UT) women’s soccer team isn’t taking it easy this spring season.

The Spartans scheduled five exhibitions, all of which are against Division I programs.

“That’s really going to help us,” said sophomore midfielder and Gaither High graduate Lauren Moore. “We have to play faster and quicker to be up to their level. We can play at that level, so it’s good to push ourselves to play against teams like that.”

UT demonstrated its ability in the spring opener by winning 1-0 at home against the University of Central Florida, which finished last season ranked No. 18 in the nation.

“That was big, and we were definitely excited for that game,” Moore said. “We came out and showed what we could do. We kept the play high the whole game, and got that shot off to take the lead.”

Moore scored the game’s only goal in the second half off an assist from freshman forward and Steinbrenner High graduate Cici Gonzalez.

The duo was a force for the Spartans’ offense last year.

Moore led the squad with 18 goals and 41 points, while Gonzalez had 12 tallies, including a team-high five game-winners.

Moore was named the Sunshine State Conference (SSC) Player of the Year and a first-team All-American following her sophomore season. She said she’s been working on becoming more of a leader while improving her game.

“I’m trying to do that by talking on the field, with the way I play and practice, working extra — just everything,” Moore said.

Gonzalez was named SSC Freshman of the Year and an All-American honorable mention after her first college season, but said she isn’t resting on what she’s already done.

“What I did last year is over and done with, so I’m looking to improve every day,” Gonzalez said. “I know I can still get a lot better in a lot of areas. My spot isn’t guaranteed. I don’t think anyone’s spot is safe on this team. I know I have to keep working hard.”

Gonzalez said she’s seen the same commitment to winning with the rest of the squad.

“We’re improving every day in practice,” Gonzalez said. “We know what’s expected of us, so now it’s just about going out and perfecting things.”

The Spartans went 15-4-4 last season and reached the third round of the Division II NCAA Tournament, falling to eventual national champion West Florida 2-0.

“We played with them the whole time,” Gonzalez said. “They got a really early goal that kind of changed the game, but I think we definitely could have beaten them. That gave us more confidence because if they won the national championship, we know we’re on the same level if not higher.”

UT graduates one senior, Courtney Peffley (seven goals, 12 assists).

“She’s a big loss for our team, but we have lot of good freshmen coming in,” Gonzalez said. “It’s one of the top recruiting classes I would say, so we’re really excited for next season.”

The Spartans next exhibition is at Stetson March 22.

—Follow Kyle LoJacono on Twitter: @Kyle_Laker

 

 

By Jeff Odom

 

The Sunlake softball team exploded offensively at home Feb. 25, dispatching Academy at the Lakes 15-1 at home in five innings.

Senior third baseman Stephanie Frances led the Seahawks (4-4) at the plate, going 3-of-4 with a double and three RBI to mercy rule a Wildcats (2-1) squad that reached the Class 2A regional finals last year.

It was a complete turnaround at the plate from the team’s first six games in which the lineup mustered only a .216 average.

“It’s a huge confidence booster after our first few games,” Frances said. “We were in a bit of an offensive slump coming in, but we were also facing a lot of really good pitchers. It was good for us to come out here and win offensively like that, and it’s going to help us later on.”

The academy got on the scoreboard in the first inning when pitcher Sidney Boynton brought home Katherine Smith on a sacrifice fly to left field. That, however, would be the only blemish for Sunlake pitcher Cassidy Kallenborn as the sophomore mowed through the Wildcats lineup, retiring 11 in a row at one point.

“I knew they had a few good hitters on their team, but we have batting on our team also to back me up,” said Kallenborn, who gave up two hits and struck out six en route to her second win of the season.

The Seahawks responded to the 1-0 deficit with eight runs in the bottom of the frame.

After Cassidy Roberts singled with one out and Frances reached on an error, Mikayla Cochran stroked a double to give Sunlake a one-run lead.

The Seahawks brought 13 batters to the plate in the inning and led 8-1 thanks to two more errors by the Wildcats’ infield, which had six on the night.

“They’ve been working hard to get our hitting on track,” said Sunlake coach Nelson Garcia. “We still going slow right now and we’re not where we should be, but they’re working hard on their swings and it’s coming along.”

A double to the right field fence by Frances in the third scored two more runs. She would continue to pile it on against Boynton (14 hits, 11 earned runs, three walks and two strikeouts) with another RBI as part of a four-run fourth.

“I got off to a pretty slow start after having a big season last year, so it was nice to kind of get back into the swing of things,” Frances said. “It’s a boost of confidence for me and it’s definitely helpful.”

The lone bright spot for the Wildcats was shortstop and University of South Florida commit Lauren Evans, whose six defensive assists kept the gap from growing even wider.

Academy coach Jerry English said it was definitely a loss to learn from.

“We did mechanical things wrong tonight, and Sunlake had the best hitting game I’ve seen against these girls in two years,” English said. “They hit an awfully good pitcher, and they earned it. We have several young kids playing for us this year and it’s a growing experience, and now we know what we need to do.”

The academy hosted Seven Rivers Christian March 4, but results were not available by press time.

The Wildcats travel to Cambridge Christian March 5 at 4 p.m., while the Seahawks will be at River Ridge the same night at 7 p.m.