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.”

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.”

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.

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

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

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.

“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

The Boss Cross poised to regain state form

By Kyle LoJacono

Two years ago the Steinbrenner boys cross team was the Class 2A state runner-up in the program’s second season.

Hopes ran high entering 2011, as the returning athletes expected to stay right at the top when the Warriors moved up to 3A.

It wasn’t that easy.

Steinbrenner slipped to 12th at states last season, and the average time in the 5-kilometer race increased by nearly 3.5 seconds from the year before.

“It basically was a shock to finish as state runner-up, and it made us think that we were better than we were,” said senior Chris Cerreta. “We just thought we’d win it all when we moved up in classification, but 3A was like a whole other world. There are some really good teams, and last year showed us we need to get serious if we want to get back.”

The Warriors did come away with a district title last season, their second straight, but were upstaged at regionals by a squad just to the north

Wiregrass Ranch captured the regional championship, the program’s fourth in a row, while Steinbrenner finished fourth.

“It was a humbling experience,” said senior Zach Lima. “It really gave us a dose of humility. There are a lot of good teams in this area. Last year we finished fourth in the region, and Wiregrass Ranch beat us. They also beat us at the Mitchell Invitation. They’re a very good team up there, and we’re just trying to get better to run with the best teams in the area.”

Fortunately for the fourth-year program, all of its runners return for 2012. The top five are all seniors and include Zach and his twin brother Tyler, Cerreta, Tanner Biles and Matt Magee.

“Hopefully that means that everything is lining up for this senior year,” Zach said. “We’ve been training all of our lives for this one year. You don’t have another senior year of high school, so this is our last chance with these five guys. It’s great because we’ve all come up together, and we’re like brothers now. We’re running for each other.”

Cerreta said the team has been meeting three times a week during the summer to run, followed by work in the weight room.

“We didn’t cancel summer vacations, but we shortened them so we can practice as much as possible,” Cerreta said. “There’s been so much dedication this summer, and it’s been something really amazing to see. We’ve been doing it for four years, and we know if we’re going to do anything we have to do everything right in the summer to be at top form in November.”

Cerreta added they’ve been doing things to become a closer group.

“We’ve also been engaging in team activities and going to places and running with other teams,” Cerreta said. “Last year, we attempted to do those things, but this year we really did it, and now we’re one whole team with the same vision. … We definitely have a more structured environment, and we have a better vision of how to win a state championship. That doesn’t mean it’s going to happen, but we’ve got that plan. Last year it was more about let’s train and see if we get back to where we were.”

Zach said they also have a new approach in competitions.

“We’re being smarter,” Zach said. “Last cross country season we weren’t really that smart during the state meet. We went out too fast. We’re going to let everyone else go out fast and be stronger for longer and smarter.”

Along with that focus, the team has come up with a new moniker to unite the program — The Boss Cross — which pays homage to the nickname of the late former owner of the New York Yankees, George Steinbrenner, for whom the school is named.

“We’ve used it for awhile, but we really started referring to the program as Boss Cross during the track season,” Cerreta said. “It’s on our T-shirts and our cross country and track uniforms. It’s kind of like a rallying cry you could say.”

Along with the new nickname, the track season also witnessed renewed success for the Warriors’ distance runners.

Tyler and Zach reached the 3A state meet in the 3,200-meters, or two-mile, where they finished seventh and 10th, respectively. Magee took 11th in the 800.

The trio, along with Biles, also set a school record in the 4×800 relay by finishing in 7 minutes 57.82 seconds to take fourth at states.

“(Track season) was a strong confidence boost that what we’re doing is right,” Zach said. “We are getting better. We got better all year in the two-mile and the 4×800, and that put us out there so people know about Steinbrenner.”

Track success and revived drive have lifted the Warriors’ spirits that were damaged last November at states, but one thing remains different about the 2012 squad.

“We’re just focused on making ourselves better this year,” Cerreta said. “Last year we were looking at what other teams were doing compared to us. We’re just worried about being as good as we can be. That’s all we can control, and that’s how we’re going to measure ourselves.”

The Boss Cross opens the season at the Lecanto Invitational at Lecanto High on Sept. 8 at 8 a.m.

—Results as recorded by the Florida High School Athletic Association

 

Steinbrenner schedule

Event Location Date Time

Lecanto Invitational Lecanto High Sept. 8 a.m.

West Hillsborough Meet Al Lopez Park Sept. 15 8 a.m.

North Port Invitational North Port Sept. 22 8:10 a.m.

Seffner Christian Invitational Dover Trails Sept. 29 8 a.m.

FSU/Pre-State Appalachee Regional Park, Tallahassee Oct. 6 8 a.m.

Freshmen Sophomore Meet Al Lopez Park Oct. 9 5:30 p.m.

USF Armwood Invitational* USF Golf Course Oct. 12 5:30 p.m.

Bartram Trail Invitational Bartram Trail High, St. Augustine Oct. 13 8 a.m.

Hillsborough County Championship Lake Park Oct. 19 5:30 p.m.

Class 3A-Disrict 8 Meet Al Lopez Park Nov. 2 4:30 p.m.

Regional Meet Lecanto High Nov. 10 10:10 a.m.

State Meet Appalachee Regional Park, Tallahassee Nov. 17 TBA

*Junior varsity only

Max Stepanets’ journey to the football field

By Kyle LoJacono

Max Stepanets was born in a country that loves football, but it isn’t the same game played here on Sundays in the fall.

The Academy at the Lakes sophomore was born St. Petersburg, Russia and moved to the United States five years ago. Stepanets lives with his younger brother, Tiama, and returns to his native country each summer to visit the rest of his family.

The 6-foot-5, 195-pound quarterback is thousands of miles from his parents, but he said he never feels lonely thanks to football.

“To me it’s not difficult at all because I’ve got my team,” said Stepanets, who lives with guardian Eric Wilson. “They’re my family.”

Stepanets’ journey stateside happened by complete chance.

“It’s kind of a crazy story,” Stepanets said. “My brother liked toys, and he went in this toy store with my mother when he was 5 years old I think. There was this random lady in the store who asked if my mom had any older children. She said she had me. The lady was this person who gave IQ tests, and I took them all and I did really well.”

The results helped his mom decide to send Stepanets to the United States for better educational opportunities.

Stepanets only played soccer while in Russia, a sport where his aggressive nature often hurt his ability to stay on the field.

“I was always physical in soccer,” Stepanets said. “I was getting penalties all the time and cards.”

What was a hindrance on the soccer pitch has been a boost on the gridiron.

Stepanets tried out for a middle school football team while living in Miami.

“I didn’t know the rules, but I just loved hitting,” Stepanets said. “I was aggressive. I just see the guy with the ball, and I hit him. … If you love the game, you’ll learn the rules. I watch it on TV and play it. It’s easy to learn the rules when you live around it.”

Stepanets came to the academy three years ago, spending the last two seasons on the Wildcats’ kick-return and kickoff teams but is now tasked with running the offense.

“He’s growing up and he’s maturing,” said academy third-year coach John Castelamare. “He’s stronger and he can throw the ball very good. Now if we can get him to make the right decisions all the time we’ll really have something.”

Stepanets is impressing teammates with his development.

“He can really develop into a leader, and I think he has more of the intangibles as a quarterback,” said junior offensive lineman Jack Fishman. “He’s also going to surprise a lot of people when he runs at them.”

Stepanets, who also plays midfield/defense for the Wildcats’ soccer team, plans on becoming a doctor, which puts him in line with the rest of his family.

“I have a family full of scientists,” Stepanets said. “I have a sister (Maria) who’s a rocket engineer. Then my grandparents and great-grandparents were all scientists.”

Career decisions are years off. Right now Stepanets is mostly thinking about the football season, which is two weeks away.

“I can’t wait,” Stepanets said. “We’re going to do some things this year.”

 

By Kyle LoJacono

The Saint Leo University (SLU) men’s basketball team is still racking up victories following the most successful season in recent memory.

A trio of Lions was named to the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Honors Court in recognition of their academic success. The three, who all just completed their junior years, are guard Marcus Ruh and forwards Tom Neary and Shaun Adams.

“Marcus, Shaun and Tom exemplify the duality of academics and athletics that we hope to have in our men’s basketball program,” said SLU coach Lance Randle, who is entering his second year with the program. “Obviously they’re very good basketball players, and they are excellent students. They’re very bright young men and very hard working. They’re just the type of guys who are going to be successful in anything they do because of their talent, but more importantly because of their character and determination.”

The trio didn’t have to look far for encouragement to stay on top of their grades, as the three are roommates.

“We joke around that all we did at night was study and talk about what was going on at school with classes,” said Adams, who is majoring in history and secondary education.

All three were starters for the Lions last year, which was their first with the program after transferring from other schools. Both Adams and Neary came from the University of Loyola-Chicago, while Ruh last attended University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

Ruh, a business major, led the way academically, achieving a perfect 4.0 grade point average (GPA) for the 2011-12 school year while also earning Saint Leo Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year honors in April. He averaged 13.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and a team-high 2.7 assists last season.

Neary, who also studies business administration, posted 7.7 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.4 blocks a year ago, while Adams racked up 9.2 points, 1.3 blocks and team-high 5.3 rebounds.

Adams said he had only one B last year, which came in integrated arts during the first semester. He added that the coaches make grades a top priority.

“If you don’t have a 3.0 or better, than you have to go to the study tables and work on your grades,” Adams said. “They’re always keeping track and asking us what we’ve got going on in class. If we need any help, they’re always there for us.”

Randle added, “We expect more than the average Saint Leo student. We want them to sit in the first two rows in class and focus on school, but with those three guys it’s already ingrained in them. They’re from great families and academics means an awful lot. It’s why they’re here; it’s why they came to Saint Leo, to get the most of a great education.”

The entire squad shined in the classroom last year, as the 14 players had a combined GPA of just more than 3.1.

“Getting that team GPA over a 3.1 for the year is excellent,” Randle said. “At any level, to have an entire team over 3.1, that’s not par for the course with big-time basketball. I’m probably as proud of that as much of anything they’ve accomplished this year.”

The national academic honors come on the heels of Lions banner year. SLU made the NCAA Division II tournament for the first time in program history. The squad also reached the Sunshine State Conference tournament finals and picked up its first winning season in 14 years after compiling an 18-12 record.

“It’s easier to play together with smart players,” Adams said. “There isn’t anything that’s too hard to understand and everyone picks up on how the other team is trying to beat us pretty quickly. Of course you need to have talent, but being smart definitely helps.”

To be eligible for the Honors Court, a player must be academically a junior or senior with a 3.2 GPA or better. Students must also have advanced at least one year at their current school, and be a member of a Division I, II, III or NAIA program.

It is the second straight year the Lions have been represented on the national court following Matt Salay’s selection for the 2010-11 season.

The Lions start individual workouts the first week of September to prepare for the 2012-13 season. Full-team practice starts the second week of October.

Steinbrenner senior baseball player Chase Turner has committed to Florida Gulf Coast University, Warriors coach John Crumbley announced June 30. Crumbley said Turner made the decision after attending a camp at the Division I program in Fort Myers.

Turner, a first baseman/outfielder, hit .354 last season, the second-highest on the squad, while scoring 17 runs, driving in nine and smacking five doubles. He played in all 24 of Steinbrenner’s games last season. The Warriors went 17-7 in those contests.

Florida Gulf Coast competes in the Atlantic Sun Conference (ASC). The Eagles were 26-31 overall last year, but went 15-12 in ASC play and finished fourth in the conference.

—Jeff Odom

The Wesley Chapel Athletic Association (WCAA) has merged its competitive and youth soccer leagues into one program.

The new program is called the Wesley Chapel Soccer Club, which is run out of Wesley Chapel District Park.

Paul Batson, director of recreational soccer at the WCAA, said the merger was done to help the kids develop into better players.

“Recreational soccer has always been the feeder program to competitive, and with the help of Robert Bogus, who is our A-licensed head trainer for competitive, we discussed how we could better the quality of talent coming from recreational soccer to make our competitive teams local and state level champion quality teams,” Batson said.

Bogus is designing a skills program for the recreational league, which will focus on the European style of soccer to enhance ball control and teamwork.

Recreational coaches, who are primarily parents volunteering, will also learn from the more experienced trainers.

“Ultimately, this program will enhance the skills of each recreational player before they move into the competitive league if they so wish and create a better quality competitive program that we feel will be able to challenge any other program around the state,” Batson said.

Batson said the cost for the recreational league will remain $90 for U5, $135 for U6 to U12 and $190 for the oldest groups.

Practice for the recreational league begins the first week of November with games on Saturdays starting in December and running through Feb. 2. A postseason tournament follows the season.

Registration for players ages 12 and younger continues until Sept. 29, while the league for older kids ends Sept. 18. There will be a mandatory, 15-minute player evaluation in October in order to make the most balanced teams possible. To sign up, visit www.wesleychapelsoccerclub.com/.

—Kyle LoJacono