Special to The Laker/Lutz News

By Jeff Odom

The Wiregrass Ranch cheerleading squad is one of the youngest groups in Pasco County.

With only two seniors and five freshmen, most would expect the Bulls to be looking toward the future for success and take time to build the program. However, that isn’t the case according to coach Dawn Wetherby, who returned to the team this season after a two-year absence to help her daughter and Wiregrass Ranch girls soccer player, Dayton, go on college recruiting trips.

“I absolutely love it, because they just want to go forward,” Wetherby said. “They really just want to work, and from a coaching standpoint that’s icing on the cake.”

It wasn’t easy early on, though.

Just weeks after football season ended, the squad had to begin preparing for the upcoming basketball season and regional competition in early December.

In order to fill some positions on the roster, Wetherby had to bring freshmen up to the varsity level for the first time in her career.

Wetherby, along with assistant coach Brooke DelValle, worked with the girls and practiced three times a week to prepare for the grueling schedule.

The squad responded with the Best of Pasco championship and a third place finish in the Region 2 medium division competition, which Wetherby called amazing.

“It was a big adjustment for me,” Wetherby said. “Their energy level was amazing, and it’s amazing to see how just a couple years can make such a big difference in that. … With these young ladies, they want more.”

Freshman Alicia Rios, whose sister, Leah, signed the first cheerleading scholarship in the program’s seven-year history to Missouri Valley State last March, said the younger girls had to adjust quickly and knows she definitely has some shoes to fill.

“It’s helped us (freshmen) mature, and we’ve just learned from the seniors and the juniors and everyone else, and it’s helpful,” Rios said. “It’s hard because I want to be my own person, but I do look up to (Leah) and try and fill in what she did. She helps me a lot and tells me what’s good and how to do things.”

Ellen Lovelace, who is one of three squad captains along with senior Shannon Fisk and junior Bella LaFerriere, said it wasn’t too difficult getting adjusted to younger girls because of how experienced everyone is.

“We all have cheered before, and so we know that no matter what, we know how to stay focused and become a team,” Lovelace said. “It did take a little while at first because we didn’t mesh, but we were able to practice and we dedicated one practice to the football stuff and competition routine, and we just learned the basketball cheers whenever it was time.”

Aside from the Bulls’ success on the mat, Wetherby has made sure they stay focused in the community as well.

The team frequently performs at different events and has fundraisers to try and gain the attention of residents and business owners to get its name out, all of which is strictly on a volunteer basis.

“I don’t make any of what we call ‘special performances’ mandatory at all, and the attendance we have had has been amazing,” Wetherby said. “They want to come out, they want to be there and that just shows how much they love Wiregrass. Once they get to college and they do cheerleading or they cheer professionally, you have to do these performances and personal appearances. They’re required. So, as we rebuild, I’m trying to set up a system and a program so when they hit that college team they know exactly what to do.”

Even though the Bulls have enjoyed early success, Wetherby is excited for what could be coming down the road.

“Once they get into the groove of what to expect academicwise, practicewise and fatiguewise, then you’ll see in following years why I’m so excited for the future,” Wetherby said. “It’ll be been there, done that. Now, I can take more on, and that’s what’s going to be exciting.”

States are Jan. 31 to Feb. 2 at the Kissimmee Convention Center.

By Kyle LoJacono

Wiregrass Ranch girls tennis has done plenty of winning during its seven-year history.

The Bulls can boast four playoff berths, a regional title and a doubles state crown, and, for the first time, they can proudly proclaim themselves as defending district champions.

Wiregrass Ranch graduated three players from its top five after claiming the Class 4A-District 5 crown, but the Bulls have no intentions on lowering their expectations.

“We want to defend that title,” said Wiregrass Ranch sophomore Star Makarome. “We want to make it back to regionals and hopefully states as a team.”

Wiregrass Ranch has had to remake it’s top five, but returns a duo of talented sophomores in Tiffany Garner and Makarome, who reached states last year as a doubles team.

“Last year was so amazing; I don’t even know how to describe it,” Garner said. “The team was already so well off, so to be able to come in and help was a great experience. It was sad to lose those three seniors, but we’ve got some good players coming in, and I’m excited for what we can do.”

Makarome, who was named The Laker/Lutz News Girls Tennis Player of the Year, finished as the 4A state singles runner-up last season with a 12-1 record. She dropped only 21 games all season as a freshman while managing a schedule that included high-level junior events.

“I know how everything works now,” Makarome said. “I can schedule things better than last year, like with the tournaments I play in, so that I’m ready for districts and regionals and states. … After the school year ended I had a long stretch of nationals, and I feel like I improved as a player. My court sense got better, and my dad has been working with me, so hopefully I get to show people what I’ve learned since last year.”

It’s not uncommon for a player of Makarome’s ability to forgo competing in high school to focus on national competitions, but the Bulls ace said that thought never entered her mind.

“I really like playing high school tennis,” Makarome said. “Everyone is nice, and it’s just a lot of fun to do. That’s why I came back this year. … I don’t have any sisters, so these girls are like my sisters.”

Garner said having a player like Makarome in the No. 1 slot takes the pressure off the rest of the squad.

“With Star, you know she’s just going to bring it every time,” Garner said. “She was amazing as a freshmen playing national tournaments and then being out here and winning every match and every game. The team couldn’t be in a better situation with her at No. 1.”

Senior Eve Morissette added, “Everyone on the other team is scared to play her. She just never loses.”

Wiregrass Ranch also received a boost to its top three with the transfer of sophomore Victoria Chavez from Academy at the Lakes.

“We definitely added a strong player in Victoria, and I think that will make up for losing three seniors,” Makarome said.

Chavez relishes the chance to play on the same team with Makarome.

“I knew about Star,” Chavez said. “We usually competed in some of the same tournaments, so I’m really excited to play on the same team as her and to play for Wiregrass this year.”

The Bulls’ top three positions are set, and there is a trio of seniors battling for the remaining two slots: Crystal Giokas, Isabella Rodriguez and Morissette.

Giokas missed most of last season after hurting her neck and back in a car accident, but said she plans to make up for lost time this year.

“I’m so ready to get to play and have a good season,” Giokas said. “I want to go to states my last season. … I’m ready to kick some butt this year.”

Morissette and Rodriguez also said they are excited about the chance of staying in the top five fulltime with a program known for success.

“Tennis has been really good, the boys too, so it’s really great to be a part of that,” Rodriguez said. “We’ve been consistent. The top five has been amazing the last four years. It’s great to be a part of.”

Garner said the competition for positions will make the team stronger, especially come playoff time.

Wiregrass Ranch lost to Wharton in the first round of the postseason last season, falling 4-1.

“It was definitely a step up playing (Wharton) in regionals,” Garner said. “We hadn’t had to face that before. … I think that has motivated us to stay strong. If we make it to regionals that’s the kind of competition we’ll face.”

The Bulls start the season at Ridgewood Feb. 7 at 3:15 p.m.

—Follow Kyle LoJacono on Twitter: @Kyle_Laker

By Kyle LoJacono

Chris Parra reached a milestone never before attained by a Wiregrass Ranch boys basketball player when he scored 21 against Tampa Catholic Jan. 22.

The 5-foot-9 senior guard put in his 1,500th career point, becoming the first in the program’s seven-year history to reach the milestone.

“I didn’t even know when it happened,” Parra said. “Coach told me I was getting close like maybe a month ago, but I wasn’t worried about it. I just wanted to win, so I just forgot about it. … I think down the road I’ll look back and say, ‘Wow, 1,500,’ but right now it doesn’t mean that much to me. I want to help the team get back to the playoffs and then get a chance to play in college.”

Parra, who is averaging 15.8 points, 3.8 assists and 2.7 steals this season, started playing basketball while in seventh grade at Weightman Middle in Wesley Chapel. Before that, he was focused on baseball.

He played his first two years of high school ball at Wesley Chapel before his family moved into Wiregrass Ranch’s boundary last season, giving him a unique perspective on one of Pasco County’s best cross-town rivalries.

“I’m still friends with those guys, so I have no hatred for them,” Parra said. “It’s not like I’m ready to go kill them. It’s always a really good game.”

Bulls coach Jeremy Calzone was happy to have Parra on his roster.

“I told Chris this when he first got here; we hated playing against him,” Calzone said. “He’s a tough player who’s tough to guard and kind of had an attitude. Now that I’ve gotten to know him, he’s just such a great kid with a great family. It’s really been a pleasure to have him. He’s a great leader. He’s great in the classroom. He’s improved his GPA by almost a point since he’s been here. I’m very pleased with Chris.”

Parra has shown his versatility in recent weeks.

He is primarily a shooting guard, but has been playing point because of an ankle injury to Dimarco Burgess.

“I have no problem handling the ball,” Parra said. “I do love to catch and shoot. I love that, and point takes away a lot of that. Sometimes you have to slow things down, and I like being able to recognize that and make it happen. If I want to go to the next level, that’s probably going to be my position.”

Parra is the first to reach 1,500 for the program, but it appears he will have company very soon as senior forward Rico Kereny is just 14 points from the mark.

“The question is, has this ever happened before at any school to have two 1,500 point kids together and getting it about a week apart,” Calzone said. He added, “I don’t know if I’ll ever have that again in my career. It’s just an unbelievable stat. … I just have to say thank you for me getting these kinds of players at the same time.”

Wiregrass Ranch played at Mitchell Jan. 28, but results were not available by press time. The Bulls travel to Hudson Jan. 29 and host Wesley Chapel Feb. 1. Games start at 7:30 p.m.

—Follow Kyle LoJacono on Twitter: @Kyle_Laker

By Don Trello

The Laker/Lutz News Correspondent

Sunlake wrestler John Ortiz finished his junior year with a 47-7 record, won a district title and advanced to the Class 2A state meet in the 120-pound weight class.

The senior recently added to his list of honors when he was named the Floridawrestles.com 2012 High School Wrestler of the Year.

“I was really surprised because of all the people who were nominated that competed around the nation,” Ortiz said about his award. “It’s recognition of hard work.”

Despite his success on the mat, Ortiz was left with a bad taste in his mouth after failing to place in the state meet last season, finishing sixth at 112 pounds his sophomore year.

Sunlake athletic director Russ Schenk coached Ortiz prior to stepping down as wrestling coach at the end of last season.

“John is a great kid and very talented wrestler who could wrestle at the next level,” Schenk said. “Prior to his first match at state he was warming up, and a heavyweight guy near him got thrown and landed on his knee. … He sucked it up and wrestled hard, but lost to a kid who got second in the state.”

Ortiz suffered a torn meniscus and had surgery to repair the injury.

“I had surgery in March or April and missed two months,” Ortiz said. “I started rehabbing and everything is great now.”

Ortiz has bounced back from his injury in a big way. His record this year is 34-1 wrestling at 126 and 132 pounds.

“John’s an upper-body guy,” said Eric Rapp, who is in his first season as Sunlake’s coach. “He’s running better and moving faster. I see definite improvement in him. He’s one of the best wrestlers I have, and I’d say he is favored to win a (126-pound) state title.”

Schenk, who is now an assistant, added his thoughts to Rapp’s assessment of Ortiz.

“His work ethic has improved since his freshman year; he’s set to be a state champion,” Schenk said. “He really has turned into a team leader because of coach Rapp.”

Senior Kendrich Portorreal feels Ortiz is a valuable teammate.

“Ortiz can take it,” Portorreal said. “He’s a great teammate and you can rely on him.”

Ortiz also competes in Greco Roman wrestling after the high school season ends and finished seventh in the Cadet Greco Roman National Championships two years ago.

“Coach Schenk helped me with Greco a lot,” said Ortiz, who sat out of Greco competition last year while recovering from his torn meniscus. “I like Greco the best because it’s high intensity with a lot of throws, and I’m a crowd pleaser. (High school) wrestling is a whole new game. There’s a lot more technique.”

Ortiz started wrestling when he was 8 years old and views this high school season as the last chance to reach his ultimate goal.

“Experience is a big-time help,” Ortiz said. “The main thing about wrestling is adjusting to things and working hard. I had minor setbacks last year, but I’m hoping to be a state champ. That’s been my goal since I started wrestling.”

By Don Trello

The Laker/Lutz News Correspondent

At first glance it appeared the Sunlake wrestling program underwent a significant change when Seahawks athletic director Russ Schenk stepped down as head coach and assistant Eric Rapp took over this season.

Schenk has 300-plus dual meet wins in a coaching career that began in 1986 and is set to receive the Lifetime Service to Wrestling Award from the National Wrestling Hall of Fame later this year.

“I was under tremendous pressure to keep up with high expectations,” said Rapp, who is in his first season leading a program. “It sets very high standards when your boss gets honored by the hall of fame. I can’t imagine higher standards.”

Rapp has responded well to the challenge. The Seahawks are 16-5 in dual meets and have a legitimate state title contender in senior John Ortiz at 126 pounds.

“I try not to make myself unbelievable (to his wrestlers),” Rapp said. “I push them hard, but I’m not unrealistic. I motivate them to want it for themselves. I want to unlock potential.”

Rapp’s background includes serving in the U.S. Army after graduating in 1996 from Land O’ Lakes.

“I went to Ranger School and spent four years in Special Operations,” Rapp said. “I was a weapons squad leader, a big gun and demolitions guy. It’s a big reason I’m hard of hearing.”

Rapp wrestled in high school, and participated in the program at the World Class Wrestling Club (WCWC) operated by Schenk in the high school off-season.

“I walked through Ranger School when I was 18 because wrestling gave me mental toughness and desire to succeed in life,” Rapp said. “It’s my desire to pass that on to as many young men as possible.”

Schenk, who stayed on as Sunlake assistant coach, was instrumental in bringing Rapp into the program.

“Eric is hardworking and a great guy,” Schenk said. “His approach is very similar to mine. We kind of play good cop, bad cop. He’s taken over the spot of being the disciplinarian, and I’m the good cop. It’s working well.”

Rapp’s passion for wrestling resulted in opening his own gym two years ago.

“I wanted to combine academics and sports, but the economy changed and I couldn’t keep up with it,” Rapp said. “High school wrestlers came to my gym and asked me to talk to coach Schenk when he became athletic director. … I called and stopped by to see him, and he recommended me to the principal, and I was hired.”

Rapp indicated coaching has become more challenging due to outside influences on high school athletes today.

“It’s hard to get their attention because of outside distractions,” Rapp said. “Parents are under more distractions than we had. They have a lot to deal with.

“I want mental and physical toughness, but I want to develop outstanding adults,” Rapp added. “That takes you further than anything else if you do it the right way.”

Ortiz seems to have bought into Rapp’s philosophy and coaching style.

“Coach Rapp is a great coach, and I’m learning from him,” Ortiz said. “He focuses on being tougher and stronger. It’s good to have a different perspective.”

Rapp’s enthusiasm for wrestling extends beyond Sunlake, working at WCWC during the summer.

“We want to build a program by getting more people involved at a younger age,” Rapp said. “Wrestling is situational awareness and having a planned course of action. All the glory is being a coach of a great program, but there is more pride in developing a program.”

The Seahawks host the Class 2A-District 8 tournament Jan. 31 starting at 4:30 p.m.

By Jeff Odom

The Wharton boys basketball team defeated its cross-town rival Freedom for the sixth straight time Jan. 23, winning the home matchup between the New Tampa programs 71-47.

Wildcats (20-3) coach Tommy Tonelli was pleased with his team’s performance — especially the seven seniors, each of whom scored in the victory.

“I’m just glad we were able to come out on this side of the scoreboard, because (Freedom’s) really improving a lot,” Tonelli said. “It’s tough enough to play a rivalry game like this, but to do it on senior night with all those emotions makes it tougher. … I’m just glad it worked out the way it did for our seniors.”

Not much went right for the Patriots (13-4) after Marcus Butler opened the game with a crowd-pleasing dunk in the first quarter.

Wharton stayed glued to Freedom’s top shooters, forcing 6-foot-7 senior center Brandon Patchan to pick up the offensive slack with a game-high 26 points.

Patriots coach Cedric Smith said his players committed too many errors and missed too many easy baskets, which cost them a chance at grabbing early momentum.

“We didn’t make easy shots that would have kept us in the game,” Smith said. “We missed too many chippy shots, and I knew we’d have to have our best game to beat them here, but I enjoyed the atmosphere. Just not the shellacking we got.”

The Wildcats were up by eight going into the second quarter and continued pounding away with a pair of 3-pointers by seniors CJ McGill (18 points) and Jaken Grier (11 points) to take a 35-18 lead at halftime.

“Coming into the game we knew they were going to be well-prepared, and they’re a good team,” McGill said. “We knew we had to come in here and fight because they are a lot better, and we just fought and fought.”

McGill went to work on defense in the second half, opening the third by blocking Butler.

That momentum set up baskets from Chase Litton (six points) and Sir Patrick Reynolds (nine points) as the Wildcats pulled away on runs of 14-4 and 10-2 to finish off Freedom in the fourth.

“That’s the best starting five I’ve ever played with in my life,” Reynolds said. “We executed our game plan and on offense, and I’m just very proud that I’ve got those guys.”

On the girls’ side, Freedom handed Wharton its fourth straight loss in dominating fashion.

The Patriots (20-2) defeated the Wildcats (9-12) 63-31 behind Georgetown-bound senior forward Faith Woodard’s game-high 19 points.

Freedom did not trail once after opening the game on a 15-0 run en route to burying its opponent with a 23-point lead at the break.

“Our offense really came out strong, especially in the first half,” said Freedom coach Laurie Pacholke.

Taylor Emery (14 points), Ashle Thompson (six points) and Woodard continued to overwhelm Wharton in the second half, outscoring the Wildcats 16-6 in the third to force a running clock for the final eight minutes.

“Games like this will really help us big time, especially as we head into the district tournament,” Pacholke said.

By Kyle LoJacono

The Wiregrass Ranch boys basketball team defended its home court against Land O’ Lakes with a 51-45 victory Jan. 25.

The Bulls (17-5) were playing their third game in a week, which included an overtime loss to Tampa Catholic, and were also without leading scorer Rico Kerney (22.7 points), who had to leave town for a wedding.

The combination left Wiregrass Ranch’s high-tempo offense, which entered the contest averaging 76.8 points, lacking energy.

“I don’t want to talk too badly because we were bound to have one of these games,” said Wiregrass Ranch coach Jeremy Calzone. “We were playing so good offensively that one night was going to be bad. I think we shot like 25 percent. That’s not normal for us. We’re usually in the 35 to 40 range. When we shoot as many shots as we do and shoot 25 percent, you’re in trouble.”

Senior guard Chris Parra said things were off from the start.

“We didn’t have much energy,” Parra said. “It seemed like we lacked energy in our warm up, and that carried over to game time. We missed a lot of easy layups, and we were just off on offense.”

The Bulls turned to its defense to defeat the Gators (8-10), forcing 26 turnovers and recording 13 defensive rebounds.

“Our defense was much better tonight, however Land O’ Lakes didn’t run the ball like Tampa Catholic did,” Calzone said. “It was one of those things where they slowed down, so we were able to set our defense. Tampa Catholic sped us up, so we had trouble getting in position. Our half-court defense was much better tonight.”

Marcus Guzman gave the defense a boost by picking up a team-high seven steals while rushing Land O’ Lakes into numerous turnovers.

Rickey Ramirez pulled down a team-high seven rebounds, while Elijah Blackman and Guzman each had five.

The offense was led by Larrentz Manora, who scored 18 points and was 7-of-16 from the field with two 3-pointers. The senior guard was welcomed back after missing the last four games while on a trip to Washington D.C. to see Barak Obama’s inauguration.

“He was the freshest guy, and you could tell tonight,” Calzone said. “He’s one of those wildcards for us. If he plays like that, and makes his free throws, he can really help us down the stretch.”

Parra added 14 points while playing point guard for the injured Dimarco Burgess.

“I feel bad because the last three games he’s had to put his scoring to the side to run the offense and hasn’t gotten the same kind of shots he normally does,” Calzone said. “He’s still doing a great job, and that says a lot about him to do whatever we need.”

Guard Mike Obi led the Gators with 18 points, while his brother, center Victor Obi, added 10 and a team-high 10 rebounds.

Wiregrass Ranch played at Mitchell Jan. 28, but results were not available by press time. The Bulls travel to Hudson Jan. 29 and host cross-town rival Wesley Chapel Feb. 1 to close the regular season. Games start at 7:30 p.m.

—Follow Kyle LoJacono on Twitter: @Kyle_Laker

By Jeff Odom

Steinbrenner football player Kendall Pearcey verbally committed to Fordham University, a Division I program in New York City, after an official visit Jan. 20.

The senior running back/kick returner was a first-team The Laker/Lutz News selection the last two years and was named the Offensive Player of the Year in 2011 as a junior.

Pearcey ran for 756 rushing yards on 118 carries and 14 total touchdowns last season for a Steinbrenner squad that finished 5-5 overall. He said he knew he could call Fordham home after seeing what the school had to offer him.

“Fordham had that homely feel for me and right outside the campus is busy city life, so there’s plenty of things to do,” Pearcey said. “What stood out was the campus and how beautiful it was, and I fit right in with the team.”

Pearcey is the second Warrior to commit this season after defensive back Trey Johnson picked the University of Villanova last month.

Pearcey said signing with his teammates will be a blessing, especially being a part of Steinbrenner’s first four-year graduating class.

“I always knew I could make it this far, and that confidence and dedication is what got me here,” Pearcey said. “I’m a little nervous about the distance, but my parents were the ones who convinced me to go through with the commitment. It’s going to take some time getting used to it, but it’s going to be a great experience, and I can’t wait to go back and get to work.”

Fordham is in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) as a member of the Patriot League. The school’s other athletic programs compete in the Atlantic 10 conference.

— Follow Jeff Odom on Twitter: @JOdomLaker