The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Land O’ Lakes pounds Zephyrhills after sloppy start

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By Jeff Odom

For the first time in two seasons, the Land O’ Lakes football team can add one to its win total.

The program had to forfeit 16 wins from the 2010 and 2011 seasons after an internal investigation found former quarterback Ryan Bird was ineligible when he played with the program.

Land O’ Lakes sophomore quarterback Ethan Weilant threw two touchdowns and ran for two more in his squad’s 38-27 victory over Zephyrhills. (File photo)

The Gators (1-0) shook off the sanctions imposed by the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) and a rocky start to score 31 unanswered points en route to a 38-27 home win over Zephyrhills.

“We really didn’t think about (the offseason),” said sophomore quarterback Ethan Weilant. “We just wanted to win, honestly. We didn’t care about the past. It doesn’t matter now, and we really didn’t care about it tonight.”

The Bulldogs (0-1) had Land O’ Lakes playing catch-up early in the first quarter, taking advantage of two Weilant interceptions.

Bulldogs quarterback Mikey Smith caught the Gators secondary napping with a deep pass on fourth down. The risk worked, as Smith found Jarret Kelly in the end zone for a 38-yard touchdown.

Kelly also halted the Gators’ 13-play drive on the home team’s next possession, stepping in front of a receiver for an interception. He returned the ball 60 yards to set up another long passing touchdown from Smith, this time to Jaylen Pickett.

The momentum turned late in the opening period as Weilant found his game.

On Land O’ Lakes’ third possession, the first-year starting quarterback avoided pressure and heaved the ball 43 yards into the end zone to Kyle Forchion.

Linebacker Colin Irwin recovered a fumble on the Bulldogs’ 25-yard line two possessions later to give the Gators another shot at a touchdown. This time, Weilant called his own number for the 8-yard rushing score.

Weilant also hit Seth Galbraith for a 29-yard touchdown in the first half. He completed 4-of-10 passes for 131 yards and two touchdowns while adding 50 yards on the ground with two more scores.

The signal caller said he felt pressure entering the game, but added it didn’t really sink in until he took the first snap.

“I mean, first quarter didn’t go so well, and then we got in the groove,” Weilant said. “We pulled it out, and that’s how we needed to start the season.”

Land O’ Lakes entered halftime leading 24-14 after Andrew Dowler hit a 32-yard field goal as time expired. The Gators went back to their original game plan coming out of the locker room — feed the running machine.

Senior running back Harrison Wood, who finished with 140 of his squad’s 228 rushing yards and a nine-yard touchdown, helped drive the ball down field while wearing out the Zephyrhills defense.

Land O’ Lakes took their opening drive of the second half 54 yards capped off by Weilant’s second rushing touchdown. Gators’ second-year coach Brian Wachtel was impressed with his young quarterback’s progression.

 

“He’s stepping up to the plate,” Wachtel said. “He’s still learning, there’s no doubt about that, but he hit some nice passes down there and he took off on those nice runs, and those were big plays for us tonight.”

Zephyrhills tried to come back in the fourth quarter, scoring a pair of late touchdowns, but the Bulldogs’ ineffectiveness to convert on two fourth downs in scoring position thwarted any hope.

Wachtel credited his defense for coming up big when it mattered.

“They worked hard,” Wachtel said. “They fought the entire time and they overcame the adverse situation, and I am very proud of them for that.”

Land O’ Lakes travels to Pasco on Aug. 7 at 7:30 p.m.

McCloud, Sickles pummel Steinbrenner

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By Jeff Odom

Other than winning the turnover battle, the Steinbrenner football team didn’t find many positives in a 34-10 drubbing at Sickles Sept. 1.

Offensively, the Warriors (0-1) were held to just four first downs — three in the first half — and -31 yards rushing, an unusual stat for a team that averaged 187.6 yards on the ground last season.

“It shows how much work we have to do,” said first-year Steinbrenner coach Andres Perez. “At this point, it’s a tough loss because we had high expectations for ourselves, but hopefully we’ll wake our kids up.”

Steinbrenner junior quarterback Curtis Fitch threw for 119 yards and a touchdown against Sickles. (File photo)

On the other side, the Gryphons (1-0) couldn’t have asked for a better way to kickoff their 2012 campaign. They used their rushing attack to perfection, wearing down the Steinbrenner defense, which couldn’t stop Ray Ray McCloud.

The Sickles running back had 125 yards on eight carries in the first half alone before being pulled for reserves in the third quarter.

The Gryphons had the Warriors playing catch-up early, scoring the game’s first touchdown on their second possession.

Steinbrenner senior kicker Michael Ruggles got his team on the board with a 26-yard field goal, but Sickles answered with a 13-play, 54-yard drive capped off by quarterback Nate Mills sneaking into the end zone.

The lone bright spot on offense for Steinbrenner came after McCloud fumbled on a 30-yard run, which the Warriors recovered. On the next play, junior quarterback Curtis Fitch found senior Jon Marc Carrier for a 77-yard touchdown to cut the deficit to four.

That’s as close as it got. The Gryphons scored again before halftime and pulled away in the second half with two more touchdowns.

“You gotta credit that defensive line over there,” Perez said. “They brought it all day and our offensive line, we’ve gotta work a whole lot harder and our backs have gotta hit those open holes.”

The Warriors failed to muster anything on offense in the third and fourth quarters as Fitch, who finished 4-for-10 with 119 yards and one touchdown, was sacked four times. The team gained just three yards during the last 24 minutes, earning one first down thanks to a pass interference penalty.

Steinbrenner couldn’t run the football either, trying a carousel of Jake Carroll, Kendall Pearcey and Shaheem Barthell. The three backs combined for only nine yards on 16 carries.

The Warriors play at East Bay on Sept. 7 at 7:30 p.m.

Freedom stumbles in season opener

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By Cameron Valdez

The Laker/Lutz News Correspondent

It wasn’t the start to the 2012 season the Freedom football team was looking.

The Patriots (0-1) fell 57-7 at home against Durant on Sept. 1. First-year Freedom coach Todd Donohoe said everything has to improve for his squad to get on track.

Patriots junior quarterback Taylor King scrambles to avoid pressure from the Durant defense.

“All three phases went wrong,” Donohoe said. “We have a long way to go.”

The night started off promising for the Patriots as they forced the Cougars (1-0) to a three-and-out on their opening possession.

Freedom was able to drive the ball down the field with back-to-back big runs by sophomore Johnny Rodicio and appeared to be in control until Durant’s defense forced a fumble to stop the drive short.

On the ensuing drive, Cougars’ quarterback Tyler VanDeGrift threw a 60-yard touchdown to Reggie Gainer.

Durant entered the second quarter leading 12-0 and added eight to its total after executing a fake punt on fourth-and-two. The trick play gave permanent momentum to the Cougars, who scored two touchdowns and added a field goal during the next three minutes to go up 37-0.

The Patriots did score late in the second quarter when backup quarterback DJ Grant ran in from nine yards out, but trailed 44-7 entering the locker room. Both coaches went to second- and third-string players after halftime.

Freedom travels to Plant City on Sept. 7 at 7:30 p.m.

Heta Patel wins North American poetry contest

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By Meaghan O’Neal

The Laker/Lutz News Correspondent

New Tampa resident Heta Patel began writing poetry at age 9 or 10 as a way to create personalized presents for her family.

Heta Patel holds up her first place awards from the Kumon Earth Day poetry contest at the Land O’ Lakes Kumon Center. (Photos by Meaghan O’Neal)

When the Bartels Middle eighth-grader heard about a contest run by Kumon North America to find the best writers in the continent, the 12-year-old didn’t think she had a chance of winning.

“I was like, oh maybe let’s just try this contest out, see what happens,” said Patel, who attends the after-school enrichment program at Kumon’s Land O’ Lakes center.

What happened was a trip to New York City, a $500 prize and the title of top 10- to 18-year-old poet in North America.

The theme of the contest was celebrating Earth Day. Patel was one of 600 submissions.

“The Kumon Poetry Challenge encouraged children to use their creativity and imagination to celebrate the environment through poetry,” said Kumon University vice president Matthew Lupsha, who leads Kumon North America’s Green Initiative. “The contest was held during April, both National Poetry Month and Earth Day, a perfect time to pause and appreciate nature.”

Patel drew her inspiration from various articles and pictures from National Geographic Magazine that discussed the beginning of the earth. She was surprised to find out her entry was among the final seven in the contest, much less the overall winner.

She credits her parents for her motivation to succeed.

“My parents are my inspiration because they’ve always pushed me and told me ‘You can do this,’” Patel said. “You know, they’ve really encouraged me.”

Her success in the contest has motivated Patel to keep going further academically.

“It allowed me to really see the creative side of me,” Patel said. “I thought, oh if I can go and win this I can do so many other things that I haven’t even thought about.”

As for her writing, Patel plans to continue developing her skill. While she doesn’t foresee pursuing a career in writing, she does want to continue it as a hobby when she’s older.

 

Heta Patel’s winning poem

 

When earth was young still yawning

Its arms reaching to the Sun

And frozen cores were thawing

 

The world was silent, almost serene

Mother Earth spoke gently to the seas whispering life into them

For she was lonely, the quiet world worried her

 

Soon there was life, tiny but there it was, swarming

She poured love on them as she rained

Mother was patient

 

Soon creatures all roaming, rumbling, brought smiles on her face

Her smiles turned to frowns, slowly, as we slaughtered the trees

We poisoned her waters and ignored her screams in our

selfishness

 

Mother dithered to warn us with floods of tears

As she sweltered under our weight, trying to hold on, trying to

speak

Have we forgotten this mother, her love, her unselfishness

 

For us to bring back her smile and the serene silence

Some say “do this”

Some say “do that”

 

As we disagree to agree

Mother is patient

And waiting…

U.S. Geological Survey sets up shop in Lutz

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By B.C. Manion

The U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) Florida Water Science Center is preparing to open a new office in Lutz, moving from its current location in Tampa near the University of South Florida.

Rafael W. Rodriguez, director of the center, said the new facility will be in Compark 75 at 4450 Pet Lane in Lutz.

The center will house 60 employees, Rodriguez said, during an Aug. 23 meeting of the economic development committee of the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce. He expects that number will gradually grow, as the economy improves, to between 65 and 70.

Preparations are under way for the U.S. Geological Survey Water Science Center to open a new office this September in Lutz. Sixty employees will be moving into the 21,000-square-foot space. (Photo by B.C. Manion)

“We’re going to move in within the next couple of weeks,” Rodriguez said.

The staff will occupy a space of about 21,000 square feet, Rodriquez said. They are relocating to be in a more central location with easy access to I-75 and I-275.

“We need to be prepared to go out in the field and document the field,” Rodriquez said. “Where we are now, we’re stuck in traffic a lot.”

The Compark location is also more spacious, Rodriquez said. “The office that we’re in was getting too small for us.”

The USGS is the nation’s largest earth science agency. The Florida Water Science Center collects, analyzes and disseminates hydrologic data and information. Its hydrologic projects address a wide variety of water-resources issues, including aquifer characterizations, availability of water, climate change and hydrologic extreme events, ecosystems, hydrologic modeling, surface water, water quality conditions and wetlands.

The hydrologic modeling work aims to provide better understanding of the movement and condition of water in the state’s streams, lakes and estuaries.

The climate change work involves studying how water resources are affected by shifts in temperature patterns and the consequences of hydrologic extreme events including floods and droughts.

Rodriguez said his agency’s role is to provide impartial information.

“We tell it like it is,” Rodriquez said.

The reports released by the USGS are peer-reviewed and meet stringent research standards, Rodriquez said.

The USGS operates a network of monitoring stations throughout the state and across the nation to help forecast future floods, track rising water caused by rain or storm surge and monitor the availability and quality of water, Rodriguez said.

The USGS collects data that can be used to answer questions such as: “How much water can be extracted out of a river? How much water can be extracted out of a well?” Rodriguez said. He added, “In some places, we’re extracting more water than can be recharged.”

Rodriguez said the USGS’ role is to remain neutral, providing information based on science, not opinion.

For instance, on the topic of climate change, the USGS has a wealth of data, tracking changes that have occurred over time.

“I think the scientific community is 99.9 percent sure that climate change is happening,” Rodriguez said. The scientific data that has been collected makes a case for it, he added.

“It’s not science fiction. It’s real,” Rodriguez said. “Sea level is going to be rising.”

Reversing climate change would require a sustained global effort, Rodriguez said. It may not be possible to stop the effects of climate change at this point, but communities can take action to improve their ability to deal with its effects, Rodriquez said.

“We need to start addressing what to do with infrastructure,” Rodriguez said.

Seeing nature’s wonders through his camera lens

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By B.C. Manion

You might say that Jason Hahn’s love of nature began when he was just a boy.

He grew up on a small farm in Thurmont, Md. near the Appalachian Mountains.

Jason Hahn took this shot at a watering hole on a Texas ranch, when these two damselflies were facing each other for a split second while perched over the pond on a blade of grass.

“Nature was always a backdrop,” Jason said. “My brother and I were out in the fields all day long, sunup to sundown.”

The 39-year-old Land O’ Lakes man said he’s always been interested in art, taking every class he could through his high school years, but he didn’t pair those interests until a little more than a decade ago.

That’s when he discovered a passion that changed his life path.

Jason, who has a degree in criminal justice, said he was working for a company as a trainer for security personnel when he and his wife, Nicole, moved to Florida. The couple was living in Palm Harbor while their house was being built.

During his downtime, he found himself taking his then 1-year-old son, Adam, on bike rides to John Chestnut Sr. Park in Palm Harbor, a place known for its wildlife.

“I’d bring a little point-and-shoot (camera) with me. … Everything was new,” Jason said, noting there were no storks or spoonbills where he grew up.

“About halfway into the ride he (Adam) would fall asleep and pretty soon the bike rides became an excuse to take pictures,” Jason continued. “I got hooked really fast.”

He soon purchased a better camera and became a serious photographer.

About six months later, he posted some of his images online. An editor saw a photo he wanted to use for his magazine’s cover.

“A lightbulb went off and it was, ‘Wait a minute, I can make money at this,’” Jason said. “I just jumped in with both feet.”

Over time, his photography business grew and now both he and his wife work full-time in their family businesses.

Hahn Nature Photography sells Jason’s images for various uses.

Jason Hahn was wading near a collection of spoil islands when he took this photograph of a roseate spoonbill launching into flight in Tampa Bay.

Jason also partners with a friend, Les Voorhis of Outdoor Photo Workshops, who offer group and individual training sessions for people of all ages and ability levels. The company strives to maximize the experience for its participants, Jason said.

“We want you to come away with full minds, full memory cards and dead tired,” Jason said.

The workshops cover both the technical and artistic aspects of photography, ranging from a few hours to several days.

Jason teaches at nearby places, such as Honeymoon Island and Fort De Soto, and farther locales including the Everglades, Alaska, Utah, North Dakota and South Dakota.

“We try to go to places that nobody else is going — the undiscovered gems,” Jason said.

The nature photographer loves immersing himself in the work

“My second home, almost, is the Everglades,” Jason said. One of his favorite moments in his workshops there happens when he wades into the swamp water and waits for his class to follow.

“I’ll step in and walk about 10 feet and not hear a sound behind me. I turn around, they’re all still standing there looking at me. Finally, they’ll come in,” Jason said.

Within 10 minutes, they’re having the time of their lives.

“They never realized just how beautiful this place is, how diverse, and the initial trepidation is just gone,” Jason said.

While Jason brings his background as a trainer to the company, Nicole brings her experience as an event planner.

To help Jason meet the needs of his students, Nicole surveys them before the workshops to find out how experienced they are, what kind of gear they have and what they’d like to learn.

Together they are able to organize workshops, and this year, they’ve been tapped to serve as the behind-the-scenes manager for the Black Hills Photo Shootout, an event that’s expected to draw 200 photographers to South Dakota in September.

At some point, they plan to have similar photo shootouts.

The couple relishes the lifestyle their work allows them to enjoy.

“We get to do more as a family,” Nicole said, noting the family can be whitewater rafting in the morning, and she can be answering emails in the afternoon.

The couple said part of the attraction of their work is its changing nature and new challenges.

“Every picture is a story,” Jason said. “Some days, it’s just pure luck.”

Other times, it can take weeks to capture the image Jason wants.

Going into the wild to capture photographs can be dangerous, if you don’t use care, Jason said. It is essential to know the environment and  be aware of what’s happening around you.

“The coolest opportunities are when a wild animal lets me see their world for awhile, lets me just travel along with them for awhile,” Jason said, recalling an instance when a family of sandhill cranes stopped in front of him for more than an hour while he captured images of their life in the wild.

“I don’t know what made them stay there. They were totally cool with me. I was trusted,” Jason said.

The couple is also delighted their son can enjoy a wide range of experiences.

Within a couple of months, Adam visited a wolf preserve where he bottle-fed puppies, he held baby foxes and he climbed to the highest point in North Carolina, Jason said.

Along with unusual experiences, Jason’s company sells images sometimes for unconventional purposes.

“We had a guy who wanted one of our eagle pictures tattooed on his arm,” Jason said. “We had a guy who was a Gator fan, so he wanted one of our alligator pictures reproduced on the wheel cover on the back of a truck.”

Another man loved ducks and poker. He had a custom poker table made with some pictures of ducks Jason took reproduced on it.

Jason has won a number of awards for his photos, but said even more gratifying is getting to see intimate details of nature.

“You’re not going to get that experience from a cubicle.”

 

For more information visit:

www.HahnNaturePhotography.com

www.AllCreaturesArt.com

www.OutdoorPhotoWorkshops.com

Business Digest

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New leadership of Sunrise Rotary Club of Dade City

The Sunrise Rotary Club of Dade City has named Kerry Westbrook as its new president, succeeding Camille Hernandez.

The club also presented a number of other awards, including special recognition for  “Aunt” Winnifred Taylor, the club’s youngest at heart member who is 99, the Business of the Year Award to Gail and Glen Greenfelder/Kokopelli’s and a special Service Award to Susan Dowling for her dedication and service to the organization.

Mike Wooten, assistant governor for District 6950, Area 5, performed the installation of Westbrook as president for 2012-13. Jean Nathe, Randy Bush and John Levitt were given the duties as president-elect, secretary and treasurer, respectively.

Sunrise Rotary is a Breakfast Club and meets every Thursday at 7 a.m., except for the first Thursday of the month when they meet at 4:45 p.m. at the Kokopelli Restaurant in Dade City. Visitors are welcome.

 

Meritage Homes’ Bella Casa grand opening

Meritage Homes hosted scores of potential homebuyers at the grand opening of Bella Casa, a new housing development located off Lake Magdalene Boulevard and Indian Head Drive in Lutz.

Brian Kittle, vice president of sales for Meritage Homes, said the homebuilder is constructing 16 single-family homes at Bella Casa that range from 3,200 square feet of living space to 5,100 square feet priced from the mid-$300s. Bella Casa is the first new home community in the Tampa Bay area for Meritage Homes.

 

Gulfside Regional Hospice photo contest

Gulfside Regional Hospice is having a photo contest open to the public, with all winners featured in Gulfside’s 2013 calendar.

At least 13 pictures will be selected for the calendar, one for each month in 2013 and a picture for the remaining months of 2012. All entries are due by 5 p.m. on Aug. 31.

For consideration, photos must be shot in Pasco County and be sizeable for printing at 12 inches wide by 9 inches high. Each photographer can submit as many pictures as they want, but in the final calendar, there will not be more than two winning entries per person. A committee made up of hospice staff and volunteers will choose the winners, who will be notified by Sept. 10.

All winners receive five calendars, as well as a gift certificate for Gulfside’s Thrift Shoppes.

For specific requirements about the contest, contact Ashley Juno, director of community relations, at (727) 845-5707 or .

 

MOSI seeks vendors for first Idea Faire

Vendors who want to take part in the Museum of Science and Industry’s first Idea Faire have until Aug. 31 to sign up.

The Idea Faire is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 17 and 18. Vendors who wish to participate must pay $50; exhibitors may display their exhibits for free.

The Idea Faire is a two-day celebration of human creativity and innovation, featuring a convergence of robotics, video gaming, science, engineering and makers.

Participants at the Idea Faire will enjoy electronic music shows, performance art, high-tech fashion, robot races and presentations by experts and innovators.

Students will demonstrate science and engineering projects in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) area, while participants learn how to create new technologies to improve the way we live, learn, work and play.

Admission is included in MOSI’s regular attendance price.

Vendor applications are available online at mosi.org. Vendors can call Kim Chavez at (813) 987-6030 for more information. The museum is at 4801 E. Fowler Ave. in Tampa.

 

Protecting seniors from scams

To help senior citizens avoid potential scams, the nonprofit National Association of Triads and Home Instead Senior Care in Pasco County have launched a public program to help seniors be more informed.

The Protect Seniors from FraudSM program — developed with the assistance of the Triads — provides family caregivers with a number of important tools at ProtectSeniorsFromFraud.com.

Included in the website’s various resources is a Criminal Target Scale, which can help family caregivers assess how likely their senior is to be the potential target of a scam. A Senior Fraud Protection Kit is also available from the local franchise office.

According to experts, the top three crimes targeting seniors are identity theft, Medicaid/Medicare and medication fraud and financial exploitation.

To obtain a free protection kit, call the Home Instead Senior Care office serving Pasco at (813) 991-7524.

 

Oak Hill Hospital announces promotion

Oak Hills Hospital has promoted Dr. Duane Ashe to its clinical coordinator. Ashe received his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University in 2003. He has been working at the hospital since 2009 and has been active in its clinical farming initiatives.

 

Medical Center of Trinity names marketing coordinator

Medical Center of Trinity has announced the appointment of Robin Schneider as its marketing coordinator.

Schneider comes to the hospital with more than 12 years experience in health care marketing. Her responsibilities include managing social media and web initiatives, as well as hospital special events and programs.

She is a graduate of Leadership Hernando class of 2003 and Leadership Pasco class of 2001, serving as president of Leadership Pasco in 2006.

 

Save the date for BizGrow2.0

A one-day conference at the Pasco-Hernando Community College Conference Center in New Port Richey will feature guest speakers and an entrepreneur exchange. The conference will be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The fee is $35. For more information, go to www.pascoedc.com.

 

National Parenting Center seal of approval report

The National Parenting Center has released its 22nd annual Fall Seal of Approval report, which follows consumer testing by parents and children at The National Parenting Center’s test centers.

The center’s evaluative process gauges consumer reaction to products currently being marketed to both parents and their children such as toys, games, books, videos, websites, educational products and so on.

Each is reviewed on a variety of levels including, but not limited to, price, packaging, design, stimulation, desirability, age appropriateness, instructions and more.

To find out more, visit www.tnpc.com.

Healthy treats for steamy weather

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By Samantha Taylor

Pure Health Studios

There is nothing that cools you off better than a delicious and fresh frozen yogurt. I love family-owned restaurants, so I was happy to find You Say When located at 18845 SR 54 in Lutz.

The owners are a husband and wife team. Dan Sefair told me how his wife, Courtney Crow, had always wanted to be an ice cream store owner but decided to go the healthier route with yogurt. “I love this place because it’s a family place,” Crow said. “People come in happy and they leave happy. I like that my customers can eat something they crave, and it’s good for them. We even have a guy that comes in here two times a day because it has lowered his cholesterol by eating here, and his doctor told him to keep doing whatever he is doing. He enjoys the no-sugar added yogurt that is also great for diabetics.”

You Say When in Lutz offers 80 different flavors of frozen yogurt with 45 toppings. (Photo provided)

That opens up a couple of good topics. It has been proven that excess carbs and sugar raises cholesterol and triglycerides, not saturated fat contrary to popular belief. It is a definite health benefit to consume yogurt that has live, active cultures and no added sugar like what is served at You Say When.
The yogurt Sefair and Crow offer is all gluten free for those who need to pay attention to such.  In addition, their yogurt delivers lower calories and lower fat with about 80 flavors that are rotated on a regular basis. Try some of their 45 toppings, including fresh fruit that is not from a can with syrup.
Of course, if you are being conscious about your health and your weight, be cautious on the toppings you choose and how much you put on because ‘You Say When.’ I chose slivered almonds because adding fat and protein helps slow sugar from flooding into the body so quickly, therefore, storing less of what I eat as fat. I also added some delicious fresh strawberries and a few chocolate chips, which are OK if enjoyed in moderation.
One other great thing about this yogurt shop is they make all of their fruit smoothies with fresh fruit and offer yogurt milkshakes and protein shakes too. If you are in a rush or just want something refreshing, this is a much better option than choosing fast food. Dash in and get one of their delicious shakes and you will feel so much better about your choice.
Looking for a fundraiser for your school? This store also supports our local schools with what are known as Spirit Nights. Plan your next fundraiser at You Say When and 20 percent of the proceeds are donated to your mission.  So, go have some yogurt!

Sunlake football’s great wall

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Seahawks look to continue top-flight offensive line tradition

By Kyle LoJacono

From its inception in 2007, Sunlake football coach Bill Browning wanted an offensive line that was the envy of anyone his Seahawks played.

Last year’s line was one of the program’s best. Sunlake racked up 30.1 points and 296.2 yards per contest in 2012.

Browning has been coaching football for more than 30 years and always puts a focus on the big boys up front.

When Aaron Protch isn’t putting in time on the Sunlake offensive line, he’s helping coach the junior varsity squad’s boys up front.

“Without an offensive line there is no throwing, there is no catching, there is no running the football,” Browning said. “The offensive line is where it’s at.”

The Seahawks return only one starter from last year’s offensive line after the graduation of center Nate McCoole, tackles Canon Clark and Brandon Franklin and guard Brain Walders, but the expectation to dominate remains.

“Most of these guys were backups last year, so they’ve worked together and understand the blocking schemes,” said fourth-year offensive line coach Matt Smith. “They know what’s expected of them. Last year’s offensive line set the bar pretty high, so these guys are working really hard to keep that up.”

Smith, who has served as the Seahawks defensive coordinator since the school opened, has been on Browning’s staff since 1996 at Hernando and played for the veteran coach at Springstead. Browning said Smith’s commitment is a big reason for the line’s success.

“No. 1, and this is true about all my staff, Matt cares about the kids,” Browning said. “That goes beyond football. He cares for the kids, and he wants them to be not only a better football player, but a better young man. He’s knowledgeable, very dedicated.”

Smith is also the Seahawks’ boys weightlifting coach. He said being a strong O-line is important, but pointed out that strength is nothing without unity.

“I would say the biggest thing is getting all five of them to work together to achieve one goal,” Smith said. “As long as they continue to do that and want to do that they’ll be successful. It’s a team sport. They have to work together as a unit, and once we decide who’s going to start we try to keep them together as much as possible. They get a lot of good reps. Our defense is solid, and that helps them stay sharp.”

The lone returning player is 5-foot-11, 270-pound senior Aaron Protch, who is moving from guard to center to better use his experience. He takes great pride in being part of the squad’s O-line.

“When I say I’m a Sunlake lineman and started here, in this county that says something,” Protch said. He added, “It doesn’t matter about the size. You’re going to be strong. It’s Sunlake, and they really stress the weight room. That’s not the big issue. It’s if you’re mean enough and willing to do it. If you’re willing to throw yourself at someone and move them every play. If you go your hardest, then you’re perfect for this line.”

Smith said Protch’s ability, experience and leadership are critical in rebuilding the line.

“He’s an extremely smart kid and very strong,” Smith said. “He’s got a 350-pound bench press and works really hard. … He’s the one who makes all the calls on the line, and he’s a good leader. He leads by example, and that’s the best kind of leader in my opinion.”

Along with Protch at center, Browning has picked the starting guards — She’ron Wilkins on the right and Zach Kweller at left. The seniors got playing time last year and relish the chance to start despite the hours of grueling work it takes.

“Last year, I had a chance to start, but I didn’t make it,” said the 5-foot-10, 220-pound Kweller. “I really drived myself to get better for this year, and when I drive myself and the rest of the line does the same there’s no stopping us. … You have to be one sick man in the head to be a part of it. We work so hard each practice.”

The 5-foot-10, 235-pound Wilkins said that mentality shows.

“We’re a little bit small, but we’re hungry,” Wilkins said. “We’ll hit you every play.”

The tackle positions are still up for competition. One of those looking to grab the left tackle spot is 6-foot-1, 253-pound senior Travis Manecke

“There’s a lot of talent,” Manecke said. “Everybody just has to work because there’s spots out there for guys to take. Everyone is working hard and fighting for it.”

Manecke was at Wiregrass Ranch as a freshman and sophomore and said the focus on offensive line is greater with the Seahawks.

“Offensive line is a big part here,” Manecke said. “We’re one of the strongest schools around. We got the fastest line out there right now.”

Protch thinks the new additions will give the line more speed than in the past.

“We’re stronger than last year, and the thing that’s different is we’re faster,” Protch said. “Last year we had trouble getting to the second level and to the linebackers. That’s really what kind of killed us during plays. Nowadays we get there. We can get to linebackers before they take their first step.”

Sunlake’s new offensive line will face its first challenge of the regular season at Hudson on Aug. 31 before hosting Wiregrass Ranch on Sept. 7. Both contests start at 7:30 p.m.

—Stats as recorded to Maxpreps.com by coaches

New coach, same expectations for Steinbrenner volleyball

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By Kyle LoJacono

Winning has been synonymous with Steinbrenner volleyball since the school opened in 2009.

The Warriors have collected three district championships in as many years without a single loss to a league opponent. In fact, they’ve only dropped one set in district play.

Steinbrenner junior setter Casey McLean started for the squad last season, posting 832 assists, 79 digs and 26 aces.

Steinbrenner has averaged more than 21 victories per season while dropping only 20 contests. Last year was one of the most successful, winning a program-record 24 matches to five losses while claiming the Fivay Volleyball Classic tournament and making consecutive regional semifinals.

All but four players return, but the face guiding the squad is new.

Laura Stegenga was named the squad’s coach this summer following the resignation of Jennifer Graham, who moved to Alabama with her husband, Floyd, to take care of sick family members. Graham was an assistant for two years before becoming the Warriors’ coach.

Stegenga, 24, has been coaching since age 18 and spent last year leading the junior varsity program at Gaither.

“The girls are great; I enjoy every second with them,” Stegenga said. “It was exactly what I thought it was going to be. It’s high level. With my coaching background I think I have a lot to offer them, and I think they have a lot to offer me.”

Junior setter Casey McLean (832 assists, 79 digs) said Stegenga is very motivating.

“Although coach Graham and I are really close, I think she’s one of the best coaches I’ve had in my life, I think Laura’s personality is really suited for our girls,” McLean said. She added, “Coach Graham was more like a mother coach, and (Stegenga) is more like sister coach.”

Senior outside hitter Madison Seuzeneau (341 kills) added, “I think she’s doing a great job. She has big shoes to fill. It’s a little bit different right now coming in with a brand new coach, but I think we’re adjusting well.”

Stegenga is having the players keep journals to help learn their personalities.

“You can talk to her about anything in your journal,” McLean said. “She reads them and responds. You can draw pictures and just silly stuff, but it’s also a good way to vent.”

Stegenga said the squad is “very strong offensively” despite losing two big frontliners from last year. Outside hitter Miranda Powell (309 kills, 162 digs, 90 aces) signed a scholarship to play at Florida Atlantic University, while middle hitter Bailey Hooker (60 blocks, 55 kills) is focusing on basketball.

Sophomore middle hitter Lauren Heldt (62 kills, 54 aces, 50 blocks) returns after splitting time with Hooker last year. Junior Rachel Mathison (145 kills, 137 digs, 24 blocks) moves from rightside hitter to bolster the outside spot with Seuzeneau.

“Rachel is hitting the ball hard and finds the right spots,” McLean said. “She’s a natural born outside.”

Playing rightside is harder for right-handed players like Mathison because the ball has to travel across their body before they can strike it.

“It’s easy because I played outside the year before, so actually last year was kind of weird on the rightside,” Mathison said. “I’ll play anywhere, so it’s OK.”

Stegenga said the defense has been a focus early on.

“I have to get them out of their individual mode of I can do this,” Stegenga said. “It needs to be we can do this. … Serve, serve receive and defense is how you start the game. They’re going to get sick of hearing that from me, but that’s the next level for them. All my hitters hit very successfully, and they’re really smart hitters. Now we have to get the ball to the setter. The offense will be slow if the ball isn’t getting where it needs to.”

A big factor in that defense is senior libero Natalia Campos (149 digs). She replaces three-year starter Cary Anne Bame (262 digs), who was named the All-Laker/All-Lutz News Volleyball Player of the Year in 2011 as a senior.

“As a libero you have to own the court, and (Bame) owned the court,” Campos said. “I’m ready to take on that responsibility this year. It’s hard shoes to fill, but I think I can do it.”

Campos has been putting in countless hours this summer to get ready.

“No social life at all, which I’m fine with because I love it,” Campos said with a smile.

Stegenga sees the qualities in Campos that are needed to be a libero.

“She has a strong personality, but that personality is what doesn’t break, and you need your libero to not break,” Stegenga said. “She is a very strong-willed person on and off the court.”

The Warriors are especially ready to start the season because of how last year ended. They took the first set in the regional semis and were up 6-0 in the second against Clearwater at home, but ended up dropping a five-set marathon.

“I think this year we’re not going to let it get to that point,” Mathison said. “We’re going to work even harder to powerhouse through and win the first three so we don’t feel like that again.”

McLean said the opportunity to add to the program’s resume is also motivating.

“You see those years under the district on our banner up there?” McLean said. “We’re hoping to get something in that regionals area this year.”

Steinbrenner opens the regular season at home against Sickles on Sept. 6 at 7:30 p.m. The Class 7A-District 9 tournament is at Gaither Oct. 22 to 25, with the championship match on Oct. 25 at 7 p.m.

—Stats as recorded to Maxpreps.com by coaches

 

Steinbrenner roster

No. Player Pos. Yr. Ht.

2 Madison Powell RS/DS Jr. 5-10

3 Casey McLean S Jr. 5-6

4 Natalia Campos L Sr. 5-5

5 Avery Bradshaw OH/RS So. 5-9

6 Rachel Mathison OH/RS Jr. 6-0

8 Kayla Shaw DS/OH Sr. 5-8

9 Ryann Martin MH/RS So. 5-10

12 Lauren Heldt MH So. 6-1

13 Brooke Royals S So. 5-7

15 Madison Seuzeneau OH Sr. 5-10