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Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Hot summer gardening tips

August 16, 2012 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

By BJ Jarvis

Pasco Extension Horticulture Agent

Thankfully the Tampa Bay area has not been experiencing the brutal heat found in much of the country, but August still heralds the dog days of summer causing many gardens to wilt under the heat and humidity. There are several tasks to help the landscape beat the heat.

Lawns will develop a deeper, more resilient root system if mowed at their maximum preferred height. For most Pasco County grasses that is between 3 and 4 inches. Taller grasses actually shade out weeds and help cool the soil, reducing evaporation.

Also, check that the blades of your lawn mower are very sharp to minimize tearing of the grass. Torn grass allows more water loss and is an open invitation to disease.

Fertilizers should include a slow release component. Fertilizers containing 1/3 to 1/2 slowly available nitrogen may cost just a bit more but benefit by needing to be applied less often and protecting waterways from pollution. Contact the Extension office for additional guidance when applying fertilizers if you don’t know how much to use.

If your garden has an irrigation system, make sure its not overdosing plants unnecessarily. Too much water can cause disease or thatch development. Assure the automated shut-off device is working properly. If the system runs soon after a significant rain event, start here to remedy it.

Maintain a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch around trees, shrubs and in flower beds. Choose a mulch of something once living, such as pine, melaleuca, and eucalyptus, but avoid cypress. Mulch of rocks and rubber can actually make gardens hotter, defeating the purpose to a certain extent. Mulched beds also benefit from reduced weed competition and lower soil temperatures.

To help landscapes beat the heat, manage it in a way that will build resilience. Mow turf high enough to shade soil, assure irrigation system and shut off device are functioning properly, then mulch landscaped beds adequately with an organic material. These simple and cheap steps will pay off in a higher-performing and lower maintenance landscape.

Contact the Pasco Extension office with gardening questions at or by calling (352) 518-0474.

 

—BJ Jarvis is Director and Horticulturist for Pasco Extension, a partnership between the University of Florida, USDA and county government.

Academy at the Lakes’ progressive football steps

August 16, 2012 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

By Kyle LoJacono

The Academy at the Lakes football team has been on an upward track since veteran coach John Castelamare took over the program three seasons ago.

Wildcats junior center Isaac Klopotek and the squad’s other two starting offensive lineman have been together for two years.

The Wildcats made the playoffs in 2010 and finished 7-5. They improved to 10-2 a year ago with a trip to the six-man state quarterfinals.

Castelamare, who coached for 11 seasons at Wesley Chapel High before coming to the academy, has seen tremendous growth in the players following another offseason of intense workouts.

“They’re a lot stronger now,” Castelamare said. “They’d never done all the lifting like we do now before I got here. We had to just teach them how to do those things, and now you can see it’s paying off. It takes a little time, but now they know what they have to do all year round, not just in the fall.”

The players have also benefited from Castelamare’s 40-plus years of experience coaching football and his disciplined approached. The returning players have high expectations for what is possible in 2012.

“We can win states with this team,” said 6-foot-2, 215-pound junior lineman/inside linebacker Jack Fishman. “We have to keep working, but we have what it takes. … It’s been a culture change. We’re more organized with coach Cass. Nobody is running wild and we’re winning a lot more.”

A state title would be the program’s second following the six-man championship won in 2006. The Wildcats are moving up to seven-man football this year, but remain a part of the Florida Christian Association of Private and Parochial Schools (FCAPPS).

The seven-man league comes with traditional rules.

Apart from a field only 80-yards long and 40-yards wide, the new format uses the same rules used in 11-man football. The six-man division prevents quarterbacks from running the ball without a double handoff, but allows for all players, including lineman, to go out for passes.

The more familiar rules in place not only fit the Wildcats’ personnel, but also Castelamare’s beloved run-heavy wing-t offense.

“For me, I love it because those six-man rules were a little crazy,” Castelamare said. “Everyone goes out for a pass, not me. I like to run the ball and control the game. Now with 11-man rules we can do more things, and the quarterback can run with the ball. Our quarterback from last year, A.J. (Carlson), is going to be mad because he couldn’t run with it.”

The new guy under center is sophomore Max Stepanets, who is already 6-foot-5 and 195-pounds. He also doesn’t shy away from contact.

“I think I’ll be able to surprise some people because I’m a quarterback who loves to hit,” Stepanets said. “I love hitting.”

Protecting Stepanets and opening holes for the backs is an offensive line that has been together for three years. The unit returns center Isaac Klopotek along with Alex Stark and Fishman.

“We’ve left them there and they’ve gotten bigger and stronger,” Castelamare said. “They’ve been working on their speed, and I expect this year if we need to go get a couple tough yards we should be able to run for it. Forget that flashy stuff the other guys do.”

The academy does lose its most prolific playmaker in fullback Jarrett Harvey, who had 62 touchdowns with 2,684 yards last year. His efforts earned him a scholarship with Webber International University in Babson Park, making him the first boy from the school to ever sign with a college.

Moving in at fullback is junior Evan Gordy, who used his 6-foot-3, 200-pound frame to run for 113 yards on 15 carries and three scores in 2011.

“Evan runs a different way,” Stepanets said. “He’s bigger than Jarrett, but he’s not as quick. He’s going to able to take it right up the middle. This kid is huge, and he runs about a 4.5 40(-yard dash). He can play just about any position, so he can do some things.”

The squad returns junior wingback Ahkil McGill (624 yards, eight touchdowns).

“It’s really exciting,” McGill said. “We’ve got a new quarterback stepping in, and he looks pretty good. We’ve got a new fullback who’s looking pretty buff.”

The speed from the 5-foot-10, 150-pound McGill and the power of Gordy and Stepanets give the Wildcats different options.

“We have a lot of combinations we can use now, especially with the new rules,” McGill said. “We’ve got speed, we can run with the quarterback to do those option plays, we’ve got power with Evan up the middle. We can do a lot of things.”

Castelamare said spreading the ball around will likely benefit the offense.

“Last year everyone was looking at Jarrett, but Ahkil was pretty good too,” Castelamare said. “I don’t know if we’ll have that breakaway guy all the time, but we’ll get down to the end zone.”

 

Academy schedule

Home games played at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, 3032 Collier Parkway

Aug. 24 vs. Lakeside Christian at 7:30 p.m.

Aug. 31 Bye

Sept. 6 vs. Town ‘N Country Christian at 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 14 at Elfers Christian at 4:30 p.m.

Sept. 21 TBA

Sept. 28 vs. Washburn at 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 4 vs. TBA

Oct. 12 at Citrus Park Christian at 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 19 vs. The Rock at 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 26 at Solid Rock at 7:30 p.m.

 

Bishop McLaughlin football ranks, expectations swell

August 16, 2012 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

By Kyle LoJacono

Passes and routes were crisp, running backs hit the right holes and confidence ran high during the first week of football practice at Bishop McLaughlin.

Back up 12 months and the story was completely different. At that time Derrick Alexander was entering his second month as the program’s coach, taking over for Matt Nardo who left to take over the program at Marietta College.

Bishop McLaughlin junior quarterback RJ Perciavalle is excited about the prospects of running the squad’s new spread offense. (Photo by Kyle LoJacono)

Alexander was defensive end at Florida State University, was drafted 11th overall by the Minnesota Vikings and played five years in the NFL. He brought in new schemes, more difficult training and scheduled the toughest teams.

The ‘Canes stumbled out to a 0-5 start, but rallied to win their final four regular season games to qualify for playoffs and finished with a 4-6 record.

“The first couple of weeks were a little shaky, but as the season went on we picked up speed,” said junior quarterback RJ Perciavalle. “By the end we were clicking.”

Senior wide receiver/strong safety Austin Meyers believes they’ve learned from those struggles.

“The first four or five games we were making mental mistakes and missing assignments,” said the 6-foot, 165-pound Meyers. “When we finally got together we started racking up the wins. This year we’re planning on playing big from the start and keeping that going by focusing on our assignments, eliminating mental mistakes and having no turnovers.”

Alexander said the slow start was partly due to changing the offensive and defensive systems while the kids adjusted to him.

“The kids had to get a feel for what I expect out there,” Alexander said. “I think as the season went on we started gaining confidence, and that’s why we were the first team to make the playoffs in school history. That’s quite an accomplishment, and we’re trying to build off that. We’ve shown we can get to that point, but now it’s time to move forward this year.”

The late-season success created a buzz around the program. Bishop has seen several transfers, including senior running back Sammy Sullivan from Sunlake, while drawing more of the school’s athletes to the gridiron. The squad has 35 players, more than any other year.

“Hopefully with another successful year that will draw more kids to come to Bishop, especially because next year we’re hoping to get into a district,” Alexander said. “That would give us the chance to win a state title while giving kids a quality education here.”

Senior right offensive tackle and defensive end Zack Lockhard said being able to learn from a former NFL player has also helped build the program.

“I think having his name with our program has gotten Bishop McLaughlin out there,” said the 6-foot-1.5, 255-pound Lockhard. “We’ve gotten some new kids coming here to play for him and learn from him. He’s helped our D-line with the new drills. We’re getting so much better.

“I would say he’s doubled my skill set,” Lockhard added. “I was actually planning on leaving the school, but when I heard a first-round draft pick who played my position was coming in, there was no way I’d go anywhere else.”

Alexander brought in former Blake coach Micheal Burns during the summer to be the offensive coordinator.

While the offense is a bit different from last year, Alexander said it builds off what they did in 2011.

“It’s a spread offense, so a quarterback is going to like that,” Perciavalle said. “There’s a lot of throwing and we’re having fun out there running it. I think it’s going to help us a lot.”

The 6-foot, 165-pound Perciavalle completed 124-of-220 passes for 1,820 yards and 17 touchdowns last year. Alexander said they will still run the ball with the new offense.

“We’re going to throw the ball, but we’re still going to be a power running team,” Alexander said. “We got a blessing with Sammy Sullivan coming from Sunlake. He’s probably the strongest kid on our team. Last year with Jordan Betancourt (642 yards, 11 scores) we had more of that speed rushing attack. Now we’re getting downhill and getting physical with teams.”

Alexander said the team will only go as far as its lines take it.

“It’s all about the offensive and defensive lines,” Alexander said. “Everyone has guys who can make plays, but you have to win the line of scrimmage, and I think we have the guys to do that.”

The ‘Canes kick off the regular season at home against Cambridge Christian on Aug. 31 at 7:30 p.m.

–Stats as recorded to Maxpreps.com by coaches

Wesley Chapel Bulls ‘back home’ in PPAL

August 16, 2012 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

By Jeff Odom

After spending a season away from the Pasco Police Athletic League (PPAL), the Wesley Chapel Bulls youth football and cheerleading program returns with the hope of continuing its run of success.

The Bulls left PPAL before last season to join the Mid-Florida Football and Cheerleading Conference, where the program had hoped to gain more exposure against teams from across the state.

Corneil McCrary, 9, participates in tackling drills on running backs during a recent Wesley Chapel Bulls practice. (Photo by Cameron Valdez)

But high travel costs mixed with new interest in PPAL from Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco, who was a Division-I Academic All-American lineman at the University of Delaware, made the decision to come back clear to Wesley Chapel program director Doug Johnson.

“It’s been really beneficial to the Wesley Chapel Bulls as a whole to come back, and to support our own community is a definite plus,” Johnson said. “There’s good things to say about Mid-Florida as a whole, but it was time to come back home and with the  appointment of Sheriff Nocco, who is getting so heavily involved in PPAL as a whole, just wanting this organization to grow.”

All five classifications — Junior Flyweight, Flyweight, Mighty Mite, Junior Varsity and Varsity — have started preseason conditioning four days a week at the Wesley Chapel District Park. Second-year Mighty Mites coach Kevin Barber is impressed with his roster so far and can’t wait to see how it stacks up against the rest of the league.

“This is my first time in PPAL after coming over last year, but we did play some PPAL teams in the Turkey Bowl and ended up going to the championship game, which was fun,” Barber said. “We have the same group of kids, so I’m happy to face some of those same teams and do good again.”

Tyler Richmond, a multiple position player on the Mighty Mites, said he’s looking forward to a new slate of opponents in his second season with the Bulls, but views each one the same way.

“There’s nothing much (difference) between them,” Richmond said. “They’re all just another team, and I’ve been working a lot to practice and go to conditioning, drinking water (to get ready for the season).”

Johnson said the PPAL community has been great in welcoming his program back. Still, he expects a lot of the area programs to target the Bulls as a team to beat this season. He added, each one of Wesley Chapel’s age groups has the talent on the field and the leadership from coaches to make a run toward a Super Bowl championship.

“The PPAL, I can’t say enough about it,” Johnson said. “It’s changed so dramatically in the five years that I’ve been here. It’s been an amazing transition, and we were eager to come back home and help support this community. The kids are ready to go, and if we don’t go to the Super Bowl at all levels, I’d be very, very surprised.”

For more information on the program and to register, visit www.wesleychapelbulls.com. The deadline to sign-up for football and cheerleading is Aug. 31.

For additional information about PPAL and it’s other organizations, such as the Land O’ Lakes Gators, Zephyrhills Bulldogs or Dade City Pirates, visit www.pascopal.org.

Land O’ Lakes hoists Little League regional softball title

August 16, 2012 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

By Kyle LoJacono

The Land O’ Lakes 9- and 10-year-old softball team brought home something never seen before in Central Pasco County — a Little League regional championship.

Land O’ Lakes went 4-1 at the Southeastern Regional July 27 to 31, improving the squad’s all-star record to 15-1. It is the first time any team from Central Pasco, baseball or softball, has earned a regional Little League crown in the program’s 42-year history.

Jenna Garbielli scored the first run against Virginia in the regional title game July 31.

“It’s like nothing else,” said Land O’ Lakes left fielder Anna Rawls. “Oh my gosh, to win against all those teams in our region; it just so happens that Land O’ Lakes, Florida won the Southeastern Tournament.”

Land O’ Lakes coach Homer Kilfoyl said he knew the girls had the ability from the first practice in June. The squad outscored its opponents 131-41 in the all-star season.

“It was just a matter of how we put them together,” Homer said. “They played against each other during the regular year, but when they came together it was unbelievable. … Some of them had to play different positions from the regular season. They all played where I asked them to, and the way they played together was something to see.”

Homer said playing in a tough District 25 tournament helped prepare the squad to win the Section 4, state and regional titles.

“Some of our toughest competition was right here in the district,” Homer said. “New Tampa was really tough. We had to beat them 1-0 and 3-2 in extra innings. … In all honesty, I don’t think anyone outside of our team thought we’d get out of the districts and get by New Tampa. They had a really good team.”

Land O’ Lakes had less than two days after states before getting on a plane for Virginia. Homer said the girls didn’t have time to think about the magnitude of what was happening.

“They just wanted to go to Virginia,” Homer said. “It’s funny, because they didn’t seem to feel any pressure. It seemed like it was just a fun atmosphere for them. … Me and the other coaches, I felt a lot of pressure to put them in the right spots at the right times. I was trying to make it right for the girls so they all had fun too.”

Homer said the pitching and defense had been solid all year, but the squad’s bats came alive at regionals.

Land O’ Lakes started the final challenge of the season with wins against Alabama and Georgia 9-0 and 10-0, respectively. The victories assured the squad of a spot beyond pool play, but Central Pasco lost its third contest to Virginia 6-2.

The semifinals against West Virginia started sluggishly for Land O’ Lakes, falling behind 4-0 after three innings. The local girls had cut the score to 4-2 when Rawls stepped to the plate in the fifth with runners on first and second.

“I was just thinking this is a big moment,” Rawls said. “The whole team is counting on me. It was one of those do-or-die moments. I was really nervous. I just didn’t want to strike out.”

Facing a full count, Rawls came through with a two-RBI single over the head of the West Virginia shortstop.

Central Pasco had a 9-7 lead entering the bottom of the sixth inning. Pitcher Lexi Kilfoyl, Homer’s daughter, got the first two outs but walked the third batter. Two wild pitches later gave West Virginia a runner on third base.

Homer went to the mound and told Lexi to calm down and throw a strike. She delivered a fastball on the next pitch, which was grounder back to the mound for the game’s final out.

“I just wanted to put it over the plate to get that last out,” Lexi said. “When I saw it coming back to me I just took my time so I didn’t throw it away. … When I saw the umpire say she was out, I can’t even describe what that feeling was.”

The championship game pitted Land O’ Lakes against Virginia. The contest went into the second inning tied 0-0. Land O’ Lakes didn’t let it remain scoreless for long.

Lexi led off the inning with a walk, followed by a single by Jenna Gabrielli. Rawls stepped to the plate and smacked an RBI single to left field to bring home the game’s first run.

“We were confident,” Rawls said. “The game before we dropped out heads a little bit. In the final game we kept our heads in it. … After coming back from down four runs showed us we can win if we keep our heads up.”

Land O’ Lakes tacked on 10 more runs to win 11-1 in five innings, one short of a full regulation game. As in the semifinals, Lexi recorded the final out on a comebacker to the mound.

 

Regional championship roster

Vanessa Alexander

Morgan Boudreau

Emily Bowling

Prestine Carter

Kimmie Cheung

Gianna De Grace

Jenna Gabrielli

Lexi Kilfoyl

Bionca Potts

Anna Rawls

Asia Thomas

Callie Turner

Homer Kilfoyl, coach

Dan De Grace, assistant

Darin Kilfoyl, assistant

 

Iron Man: tradition in teamwork

August 16, 2012 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

By Jeff Odom

Academy at the Lakes coach John Castelamare has a secret weapon when it comes to preparing his team for the rigors of the high school football season.

Every season since 1985 the first week of spring practice includes a special workout session — the Iron Man challenge.

In the test, Castelamare groups his players in different categories to see who is the best of the best before the pads go on.

“It takes a lot of time to do it, but I just feel it’s good to do,” Castelamare said. “You can have a big kid, but that doesn’t mean he’s going to be a good football player or a fast guy, but that doesn’t mean he likes to hit. (The Iron Man) gives us the idea.”

Academy at the Lakes football coach John Castelamare watches as his players prepare for the annual Iron Man competition Aug. 7.

The competition begins with four separate groups, two in the weight room and two outside.

Inside, players compete on the bench press to see how much they can lift. Outside they are timed in the 10- and 40-yard dashes, shuttle runs, an over-under jump and an 880 run.

Castelamare, who coached at Ridgewood before starting Wesley Chapel’s program in 1999, said the competitive nature of his players at the academy has risen with each Iron Man. The competition, which also runs before spring workouts, has come a long way at the academy since Castelamare’s first season in 2010.

“I can remember when I first got here there was only eight players here and they didn’t know what weights were like or anything like that,” Castelamare said. “The weight room had never been used. Now with this, they’re starting to get nicely involved with the weights and they’re always in there.”

While the Iron Man is best known for its various workout levels, Castelamare said many players have learned different routines to help them better prepare for game day. Results are also posted on a board in the weight room for all to see.

“(At first,) they didn’t know how to jump, so we put jump rope records up on the board and they learned how to,” Castelamare said. “Once they break a record we put a new one up there. So, now when we do this Iron Man, a lot of guys will do better to break what they have up there because other kids will go in there … they say ‘That’s all you can do?’”

Castelamare has used the same techniques in the Iron Man each season. While the names atop the board have shuffled around, one thing has remained true to this day — no one wants to lose.

“They know they’ll be up on that wall for a long time,” Castelamare said. “They don’t want to be last.”

Tampa Tribe U11 posts perfect summer

August 16, 2012 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

The Tampa Tribe U11 boys lacrosse team went undefeated during the summer season, racking up a 12-0 record.

The Tribe accomplished the perfect season after going winless in 2011. The boys also claimed the Sunshine State Games Citrus Bowl tournament championship in Orlando, winning all five games.

Jacob Schwarz looks to find a space between defenders during the Citrus Bowl.

Tampa coach Eric Rosario was pleased with how the team performed against some of the best programs in South Florida at the Citrus Bowl.

“Boys lacrosse is very fast paced and requires players to play with speed and discipline,” Rosario said. “The players were very excited to travel to Orlando and participate in such an impressive tournament.”

Jacob Schwarz, who has been playing lacrosse since age 7, scored several goals during the tournament. The attacker/midfielder said the way the Tribe performed at the Citrus Bowl was something special.

“It felt like we were unstoppable and no one could beat us,” Schwarz said.

Along with the tournament, the Tribe played in the Shooters League located at Skyway Park in Tampa against other teams from around the region.

Rosario said the players had to step up to both the physical demands of the summer season and the increasingly talented competition in Florida.

“Lacrosse is the fastest game on two feet,” Rosario said. “It requires a lot of substituting of players on the fly because of the speed of the game.”

Midfielder Kollin Eckel led the squad with 32 goals this summer. While he has played many youth sports, he has found lacrosse to be his favorite.

“The difference with lacrosse and other sports is you need to have great eye contact,” Eckel said. “You have to be able to look around and know what’s going on around you.”

Tribe is gearing up for the fall season and is registering players. Many Tampa members will be returning, but the program is also looking for more players.

“Lacrosse is the fastest growing sport in the United States; we want to bring this game to more people,” Rosario said. “We have players from Land O’ Lakes to Wesley Chapel to Zephyrhills.”

The first practice is Aug. 22 at 6:30 p.m. at Wesley Chapel District Park, 7727 Boyette Road. Rosario encourages anyone interested to come by, watch the practice and learn more about the program.

The Tribe is part of the Wesley Chapel Athletic Association (WCAA). For more information about the program and to learn how to sign up for the fall season, call (813) 994-6633 or visit WCLacrosse.org.

—Kyle LoJacono

 

Tampa Tribe roster

Josiah Barsness, attacker/midfielder

Marc Ciccone, attacker/midfielder

Hunter Dechent, attacker/midfielder

Zachary Devalle, defender

Kollin Eckel, attacker/midfielder

Ryan Farquahar, attacker/midfielder

Ashton Folk, attacker/midfielder

Chase Gambrell, attacker/midfielder

Miles Garrett, attacker/midfielder

Joshua Geraty, attacker/midfielder

Jojo Kanowitz, attacker/midfielder

Ryan Kinney, attacker/midfielder

Ryan Lepper, attacker/midfielder

Spencer Lozano, defender

Jonah Mahmood, attacker/midfielder

Garrett Maroncelli, attacker/midfielder

Sean O’Brien, attacker/midfielder

Alex Perugini, defender

Christian Rosario, attacker/midfielder

Corbin Schwenkne, attacker/midfielder

Jacob Schwarz, attacker/midfielder

RJ Sonderman, attacker/midfielder

AJ Tallagsen, goalie

Braden Venger, attacker/midfielder

Darlings’ trip to nationals

August 16, 2012 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

The Wesley Chapel Darlings all-star team participated in the Dixie softball World Series July 29 to Aug. 1 in South Carolina.

The squad, which is part of the Wesley Chapel Athletic Association (WCAA), went 1-2 at the double elimination event. The 7- to 9-year-olds end the all-star season 9-2.

The Darlings defeated event host South Carolina 23-2 on June 29, but lost to Louisiana 14-4 and to Alabama 9-3 in a doubleheader the following day.

“In both games we started off behind and were having to play catch-up,” said coach Mike Garrison. “This is something that the girls were not familiar with. In almost all of our previous games, we were able to jump on our opponents and continue to score throughout the entire game.”

Wesley Chapel did claim district and state championships en route to qualifying for nationals. The girls outscored their opponents 96-42 in postseason play.

“Overall, it was a great experience for the girls to be able to travel out of state for a shot at the World Series title,” Garrison said. “Although we didn’t win, all of the coaches and parents were very proud of the girls. Being the best team in the state is quite an accomplishment.”

—Kyle LoJacono

Paul Barrett’s power of persistence

August 9, 2012 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

By Kyle LoJacono

Recent Gaither High graduate Paul Barrett illustrates how important determination and perseverance is, even through tumultuous times and uncertain futures.

The 6-foot-1.5, 180-pound Barrett signed a full-ride scholarship on June 19 to run track at the University of South Florida (USF). It was one of several offers he had to compete in college.

Gaither boys track coach Jeff Ditman examines Paul Barrett’s state championship medal won this May in the 300-meter hurdles. (File photo)

Rewind about two months and the freshly inked Bull had zero offers. That was at the Class 3A state track meet, where Barrett ran away with the 300-meter hurdles championship by posting a time of 37.29 seconds, breaking his own school record.

It didn’t take long for USF to take notice.

“It was maybe a week or two after when they called my coach at Gaither (Jeff Ditman),” Barrett said. He added, “He told me USF was really interested. That’s actually one of the first colleges I saw when I came here and I really wanted to go there from the start.”

Division I men’s track programs like USF can only give 12.69 full scholarships, so coaches tend to split them up to attract more athletes. In comparison, football teams have 85.

“We kept telling him it’ll happen because he’s too good of a runner to not get signed,” Ditman said. “He kept working every day at practice and kept his grades up.”

Barrett, who also played football and soccer, said he never got down because of the lack of scholarship offers.

“I was just doing what my coaches were telling me to do,” Barrett said. “I thought whatever happened would happen, so I just kept working hard because that’s what I could control. … Sports kept me working hard, really. I’m still just a little kid who wants to play. The way I grew up, being able to play organized sports was always the best part of the day.”

…

Barrett was born in Montego Bay, Jamaica and moved to the United States at age 11 because his parents, Aedinne McNeil and Paul Barrett Sr., thought it would be a better opportunity for him. He bounced around to different residences, living first with his aunt through his freshman year.

Barrett transferred from Alonso to Gaither as a sophomore when he moved in with his grandmother, Pernel McFarlan. He lived with her for two years before she died.

Besides the blow of losing his grandmother, Barrett also worried about what school he would attend his senior year. He wanted to remain at Gaither, so he moved in with his football teammate Mikhail Reece.

“He actually offered for me to stay with him when he heard I’d have to go back to Alonso,” Barrett said. “I was always over at his house anyway.”

Reece appears more excited about the signing than the laid-back Barrett.

“If anyone deserved this, it’s Paul,” Reece said. “He never wavered. A blow would come his way, and he’d just let it roll off his shoulder. I’m happy for him, but in the back of my head I knew it was going to happen for him. I saw what he was doing and how fast he was. It was just a matter of time.”

The new residence benefitted both young men.

“It was pretty interesting because he really pushed me to get stronger in the weight room,” Barrett said. “I think that really helped me my senior year. I tried to be as strong as him, and he told me he tried to be as fast as me.”

Reece, who signed to play football at Yale University, said he’d given up trying to run faster than Barrett. Instead, he’s settled for winning in a less physical activity.

“I know I can always beat him in Super Smash Brothers video game,” Reece said. “I got him in that.”

The competition, both physical and electronic, helped prepare Barrett to have one of the most successful senior seasons in the history of Gaither athletics

…

Barrett only knew the postseason as a senior.

He caught five passes for 92 yards and two touchdowns for a Gaither football team that went 9-4 and made the regional finals for the second time in the program’s 27-year history. As a midfielder/forward in soccer, Barrett had six goals and seven assists to help the Cowboys (20-5-1) make consecutive state final fours.

Barrett also earned district and regional track titles in the 300 hurdles before claiming the state championship. He was not only named All-Laker/All-Lutz News Track Athlete of the Year, but also the overall Boys Athlete of the Year.

“I had a great senior year,” Barrett said. “Most kids don’t get to do what I did, and I don’t take it for granted. Sports wise, it was great to make it to the football regional finals, soccer made it back to the final four and then ended it all with a state title. It could have been better, but I think that’s good.”

Barrett said remaining at Gaither was important for his success because of the support system from people like Reece and his coaches, which are Jason Stokes in football, Eric Sims in soccer and Ditman and assistant Ed Moore in track.

“All they had to do was just be here for me, honestly,” Barrett said. “All I really needed was someone telling me to be at practice and to want me on the team, and they all did that for me.”

Ditman, who is also an assistant for the football team and a teacher at Gaither, said Barrett’s nature benefits any group he’s a part of.

“He just always has a smile on his face and takes things with the right perspective,” Ditman said. “Whenever I’d see him in the hall he’d look so happy. He would say ‘What do I have to be unhappy about?’ That’s the right attitude, and he brought that to the field every day.”

Barrett said watching his parents gave him an appreciation for what he has.

“Growing up, my mom would have three jobs to feed the family, and so did my dad,” Barrett said. “It was really easy just going to school and doing sports. I had it easy.”

…

Barrett’s parents sacrificed getting to see him grow up to give him a better life. They were understandably pumped about the scholarship.

“They were psyched,” Barrett said. “They knew I could do it, but they were still pretty excited.”

Barrett will have to change track events as the 300 hurdles isn’t a recognized NCAA race. He expects to run the 400 hurdles and in the relays.

As for the classroom, Barrett has already made the most of his education, graduating with a 4.5 weighted grade point average. He plans to study architecture while pursuing a master’s degree at USF.

“Architecture is something I’ve just started looking at,” Barrett said. “Officially I’m undecided, but looking at it over the summer it seems like what I want to do. I’m better at math, and I can draw pretty well.”

Another long-term goal is qualifying for the Olympics in four years.

“It’s going to take a lot to get there, but it’s something I’ll be going after,” Barrett said.

Ditman has no question Barrett will be great in whatever he does.

“He’s such a great role model,” Ditman said. “People can see what he’s been able to do and understand it doesn’t matter what your socio-economic background is. If you work hard you can succeed.”

Rushing toward history

August 9, 2012 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

CDS running back Robert Davis prepares for senior campaign

By Kyle LoJacono

Robert Davis is chasing history.

The Carrollwood Day School (CDS) running back stands within striking distance of the Hillsborough County record for career rushing yards. He is 1,966 yards from the all-time mark, which is owned by Riverview’s Avious Steadman and stands at 5,320.

The 5-foot-7, 174-pound senior knows what is in his reach, but Davis isn’t concerned with individual achievements.

CDS senior running back Robert Davis is 1,966 yards away from breaking the Hillsborough County record for career rushing yards. (File photo)

“I’m just focusing on helping my team get better,” Davis said. “If we go to a more passing offense, I’m down for that if it helps us win.”

He racked up 1,832 yards on 138 carries last year, 13.28 per attempt, to help CDS go 6-4. He also scored 30 total touchdowns. Add in the 1,523 rushing yards on 124 carries and 15 scores as a sophomore, and Davis is at the doorstep of the county record.

Davis said no one would believe he’d be in this position while a freshman at Freedom High, including himself.

He started playing football at age 7 while with the Tampa Bay Youth Football League (TBYFL) Packers. Davis played cornerback because he was one of the smallest players.

“In my final two years of little league football, they decided to give me some carries because I was always working hard,” Davis said. “The second year they found out I was a running back and not a defensive player, and they kept giving me the ball. … I always wanted to run the ball. Coming into my last two years of youth football, I really wanted that big man role carrying the ball.”

Davis stayed in TBYFL during his freshman year.

“I weighed only about 150 pounds, if that,” Davis said. “Probably closer to 140 pounds really, so I wanted to play in little league that one more year as I got bigger and stronger before playing in high school.”

Davis had low expectations when trying out for the Patriots entering his sophomore year.

“When I first came here, I didn’t think I’d get much playing time,” Davis said. “We had some good players, and I came here expecting to play mostly defense. Playing running back has been a privilege.”

Sixth-year CDS coach Lane McLaughlin said it didn’t take long to identify Davis’ talent.

“His speed is on another level,” McLaughlin said. “He averages more than 13 yards when he runs the ball. If he gets a first down every time he touches the ball, you’re not looking at too many second and longs.”

McLaughlin said Davis is also a huge weapon as a decoy.

“There was one play last year where we faked it to Robert and pitched to Andy (Embody),” McLaughlin said. “There were 10 guys running after Robert, and Andy was going into the end zone. When you have a guy like that, it opens things up.”

McLaughlin said Davis puts the squad in good situations even when he doesn’t touch the ball.

“On kick returns, no one kicks to him anymore,” McLaughlin said. “They either squib it and we get good field position, or they kick it to Andy (Embody), who’s as good as anybody returning kicks. He forces them to do things to give us good field position because nobody in their right mind would kick to Robert Davis.”

Davis isn’t one to rest on his laurels. He is working like never before this summer to ensure his senior year is his best.

“Right now I’m doing a lot of squats to get my legs huge,” Davis said.

Davis can squat 475 pounds, which has added to his speed. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.28 seconds while at the University of Georgia and was also clocked at 4.38 at another camp.

He is also working to improve his catching ability.

“That’s something I’ve always wanted to do, is be part of the running and passing game,” said Davis, who caught four balls for 78 yards and a touchdown last year. “I feel as if I can line up out wide or go in the slot, then that opens up things for us.”

Davis is mostly thought of as an offensive force, but he also makes big contributions to the Patriots as a free safety. Last season, he picked off two passes and totaled 72 tackles.

Davis has become synonymous with CDS football, but he moved from Freedom to take part in the private school’s International Baccalaureate (IB) program.

“The classes are harder than (Advanced Placement) classes, and I think it’s getting me prepared for college,” Davis said.

And speaking of college, Davis has eight official football scholarship offers.

Davis had offers to play on scholarship at Florida International, Florida Atlantic, Bowling Green, Ball State, Middle Tennessee, Holy Cross and Presbyterian, but committed to Cincinnati, a Division I program in the Big East Conference, on July 30.

He isn’t focusing on the rushing record, but Davis said the possibility helps bring attention to the Patriots, which is worth the microscope he finds himself under.

“I wanted to be one of those people who create a foundation at a place that can become a powerhouse in the coming years,” Davis said. “If I’m able to put a stamp on this place to help kids want to come to Carrollwood Day for the football and the educational aspect, then I feel I’ve done a lot.”

—Stats as recorded to Maxpreps.com by coaches

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