The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Steinbrenner’s record-setting signing

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By Jeff Odom

The Laker/Lutz News Correspondent

A school-record five Steinbrenner student-athletes signed to continue playing their sport in college.

Volleyball player Miranda Powell (Florida Atlantic University), softball player Anna Wilkins (Fisk University in Nashville) and football players Alex Vega (Lindenwood University in Illinois), Daniel Fernandez (Florida Institute of Technology), Brian Gainer (University of Mount Union in Ohio) all made their college plans official at a signing ceremony May 3.

“It’s a huge weight off the shoulders,” Vega said. “I can wake up every day smiling, knowing that I have a place to go next year.”

For Powell, signing on the dotted line was as sweet as it gets, because she is the first in program history to sign a Division I scholarship.

“I’m really excited just to start the new chapter of my life,” Powell said. “I’m hoping to bring the same enthusiasm and the same energy (to FAU) that I’ve always had. This is the icing on the cake.”

Wilkins spent two years playing club softball for the Lutz Lightning after one season on the Warriors squad her sophomore year. She said her experience at the club level propelled her to this opportunity.

“It’s kind of a relief, to be honest,” Wilkins said. “It’s kind of like all of that has come down to this. All of the hard work I’ve put in since I was really little and I never thought I’d actually play in college, but I am. It’s a really big relief more than anything.”

A Mother’s Day bouquet

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Sons and daughters share their favorite memories of Mom

 

Mr. Blue Eyes

 

Lynn Duriez, 42, a maintenance worker for Pasco public schools has many happy memories of his mom, Alycia Duriez, who lives in Zephyrhills.

But the Dade City man offered up this one, in particular: “When was I was in elementary school, I was overweight and had low-self esteem.

“I never had a lot of friends to talk to.

“One day, I went to school … I went to get my paper out to write notes for my class and there was this letter from my mother.

“She said the most amazing things about me, about having the most beautiful eyes and being the most handsome little boy.

“She said, ‘If I wasn’t your mother, I’d definitely be your girlfriend.’

“I think I still have the letter. It was so wonderful.”

 

Serving up sweets

 

Thirty-five-year-old Dawn Smith, an assistant manager at Dave’s Twistee Treat in Zephyrhills, can’t think a single favorite memory of her mom, Becky Mondello.

But that’s because Smith is so fond of her mom, there are too many good memories to choose from.

“I see my mom everyday,” she said. “We’re best friends. We do everything together. We go to the beach. We go to Busch Gardens.

“I can call my mom anytime, day or night, and she’s there.”

 

A fun-loving mom

 

Claudia Harris, 69, recalled the year that her mother, Lillian deJong, watched her twin children when she was away for a weekend in New York City.

“She dressed them up in diapers – you know, the New Year Baby. Her friends loved it. She showed me pictures later. She had them all dressed up. She got such a kick out of it. They had so much fun. They loved their grandma,” said Harris, who lives in Land O’ Lakes.

“It was a hoot. It really was. It’s a wonderful memory.”

Harris’ mother passed on at the age of 87.

 

Military mom

 

When Christy Vervisch thinks of her mom – Janet McAfee of Sarasota — she thinks of a woman of incredible strength.

“She is just so even-keeled. Rock solid. She never loses it,” said Vervisch, a 40-year-old stay-at-home mom with four kids.

“My dad was in the Air Force, so he was gone a lot,” Vervisch said.

And now, with her husband in the Army, the Lutz woman has an even clearer idea of the challenges her mom faced.

Fortunately, she’s not alone.

“With my husband being gone a lot, she’s always there to help. She and my dad will come up and we’ll be able to go to different soccer fields.”

 

“An incredible moment”

 

Seventy-year-old Nathan Pearlman has wonderful memories of his mother.

He chose this one to share: “When I retired about six years ago, there was a surprise party that my office had for me – all of the people at the office, and some friends.

“We all went the Chattanooga Lookouts’ baseball game.

“And my mother was there. I guess she was in her late 80s. To see the smile and the love on her face when she saw me walk through the door at the surprise party was phenomenal. She just glowed.

“It was an incredible moment. That was just an awesome memory of my mother. She was a great woman.”

Pearlman, who lives in Heritage Harbor, is a retired partner in a certified public accountant firm in Chattanooga. His mother, Sadye Pearlman, passed on a few years ago at 93.

 

Dialing for advice

 

As a stay-at-home mom of two children, Beth Stahl said she frequently finds herself needing a little guidance.

Fortunately, she said, her mom – Chris Esslinger of Ohio – is an excellent source of advice.

“I immediately pick up the phone and call her if I ever have any questions or concerns. “She’s always real level-headed and always knows the right thing to say. She’s very knowledgeable.

“That helps a lot.”

The 37-year-old Stahl, of Land O’ Lakes, was sporting a Wonder Woman shirt at a soccer field in Lutz. She said her mom’s the one who should be wearing a Wonder Woman shirt.

 

A second chance

 

Sonny Caliskan, 42, shared this memory about his mom, Mufide Caliskan, who has passed away.

“I was 22 years old. I went bankrupt from my first business. I really didn’t even have a penny to buy cigarettes.

“My mom – she came up with this money and she gave it to me. It was $1,100.

“I started a new business and became very successful.”

He now owns four vendor stands, including Lily and Max at The Shops at Wiregrass, and a warehouse business.

 

Willing to go the extra mile

 

Fifteen-year-old Martin Astigarraga of Wesley Chapel, said his mom, Peggy, is always looking after him.

“She gives me a ride to church every day, basically. She listens to me when I have problems, when I need help with something. She’s always there for me.”

 

A dispenser of comfort

 

Thirteen-year-old Alexsis Torres, of Wesley Chapel, said her mom Anna Sonnier, knows how to lift her spirits.

“When I have a bad day at school, she’ll buy me something comforting. She gives me cake or Gummy Bears. She either surprises me, or we go to the store and she’ll buy me stuff.

“She works at the hospital. Each time that I’m sick, she brings me home a teddy bear.”

 

Making accomplishments special

 

Kimberly Pita, 15, of Wesley Chapel, said her mom, Maria Pita, knows how to make her feel special.

“I got an honor roll certificate and she made my favorite meal. It was something called tingas. Those are like tortillas with pulled chicken and you put whatever you want on them, like sour cream, tomatoes,” said the girl, who was born in Puerto Rico.

Her mom grew up in Puerto Rico and the teenager lived there until she was 10, but then the family moved. “We moved here because they wanted to give us a better life.”

 

A spiritual adviser

 

Ruth Laguna, who is 40, said her mother, Orlet Saldarriaga, who lives in Colombia, South America, keeps her straight spiritually.

“Momma is always with me in my good times and my bad times. She is my support,” the New Tampa woman said.

“I live with my two kids here, and when I can’t handle them and they’re driving me crazy, I call my mom.

“She’s a really Christian person. She always had the right thing to say. She has the right verse – go read this. (Her mom tells her) ‘Wake up early in the morning and pray. Put everything in God’s hands.’ ”

 

A special delivery

 

Berenice Blanco recalls the difficulty of recovering from the delivery of her first baby, Joshua, who arrived by cesarean section nine years ago.

But another memory is even more vivid for the 36-year-old Wesley Chapel woman.

It was the loving care her mother, Lucinda Martinez who lives in Venezuela, displayed following the delivery.

“She came here to take care of me,” Blanco said. “She cooked for me, made me feel better. She made me everything that she knew that I liked,” the Wesley Chapel woman said.

 

 

 

 

Rate hearing set for Mad Hatter customers

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By B.C. Manion

 

A rate increase is in store for customers of Mad Hatter Utility, who can voice their opinions at a public hearing on May 15.

The Florida Governmental Utility Authority, or FGUA, is holding the rate hearing because it plans to buy Mad Hatter, which provides water and wastewater service to about 3,500 customers in areas of Lutz and Land O’ Lakes near SR54 in Pasco County.

Mad Hatter and FGUA have been negotiating the sale off and on since 2009, said Matthew Rihs, FGUA community service representative.

FGUA’s proposed rate would be $89.29 – compared to Mad Hatter’s $51.28 — for 6,000 gallons of water with a 5/8-inch meter. Mad Hatter, however, has asked the Public Service Commission for an increase of about 100 percent, which would cost its customers $103.95 per month.

The FGUA is a government entity created by Florida law and an agreement between several counties. It focuses solely on water and wastewater utility ownership, operation and management and is governed by a board appointed by local governments that are parties to the FGUA interlocal agreement. The FGUA serves about 80,000 customers.

Mad Hatter was organized as a private utility in 1978 by Larry De Lucenay. The FGUA became interested in Mad Hatter after the Pasco County Commission identified it in 2008 as one of the private utilities it would like to see FGUA acquire, Rihs said. The goal of such acquisitions is to reduce the potential for substantial rate increases and improve the reliability of services, he said.

Rihs said FGUA and Mad Hatter have agreed on a $14 million price, including a $9 million payment at closing and $5 million note, at 4 percent interest with the balance due after 12 years. The closing is scheduled for June 7.

The rate hearing is set for May 15 at 6 p.m. at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 20735 Leonard Road in Lutz. Afterward, the rate proposal will go to the FGUA board of directors on May 17 at 1 p.m. for final approval. That meeting will be at the Microtel Inn & Suites, 1320 Business Way, Lehigh Acres.

The majority of Mad Hatter’s customers are residential but there are pockets of commercial customers, too.

Those with questions or comments can attend the public hearing or call FGUA’s customer service office at (727) 372-0115.

Wesley Chapel senior attracts major art scholarships

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By B.C. Manion

 

She’s just heading to college and already Elizabeth Fox, who is graduating from Wesley Chapel High, has made an agonizing choice.

She had to choose between attending Pratt Institute in New York, a prestigious art and design school, or a respected regional school  – much closer to home – that offered her a better package.

After discussing her options with her parents, she chose The Ringling School of Art and Design in Sarasota.

It was a decision that meant letting go of the dream of living in a big city and attending a world-renowned school, the 18-year-old said.

“Ultimately, it came down to money,” Fox said. “Pratt was almost double what Ringling was,” she said, estimating a degree from Pratt would have cost about $300,000.

Like thousands of graduating seniors making college choices, Fox had to consider these questions: “How successful are you going be in your career and can you really see yourself paying off those debts? Is it going to be worth it?

“You have to go with what’s smart,” she said.
While disappointed that Pratt was beyond her financial reach, she is pleased she was admitted. The school had about 6,000 applicants for 680 available slots and offered her a $15,000 scholarship, renewable for four years.

She’s also grateful for Ringing’s support in awarding her the Presidential Scholarship, which goes to the strongest applicant within each major. The award is worth $20,000 a year, Fox said.

“Since they gave me their No. 1 scholarship for interior design, they obviously have faith in me. It’s a lot to live up to, but it’s also a compliment,” said Fox, who intends to be an interior designer.

“Even before I could put a name to interior design, I was just really into it.

“Whenever I walk down an aisle in Home Depot, or something, with tiles and finishes – there’s just like a little spark in me. I’m just so happy. I don’t think this is normal, but it shows that I’m really passionate about it,” Fox said.

Being accepted to Ringling and Pratt was an enormous boost for her confidence.

“When I got the first acceptance to Ringling, I was just blown away. I couldn’t believe it.

“And then, they sent me their scholarship – their top presidential scholarship and I actually cried. I was just so shocked.

“And then I got my letter from Pratt. That was just a double shocker. I really did feel special that they wanted me,” said Fox, who lives with her parents, Kathy and Jim, in Wesley Chapel. She also has a brother, Jeff, 28, and a sister, Sarah, 26.

Fox credits her mom for fostering her creativity and appreciates her support. The young woman has been taking art classes since preschool and has taken just about every class available in high school. She also has attended a three-hour evening class at Ringling, with her mom driving her to Sarasota and waiting patiently in the parking lot.

The art student’s portfolio includes works in oil, pencil and watercolor. She also has worked on interior designs. Last summer, through her church, she helped design rooms for a pregnancy center called Life Choices Women’s Care in Lutz, said Fox, who attends Our Lady of the Rosary in Land O’ Lakes.

“I spent the majority of my summer putting together a bunch of paint colors and fabrics. I did the labor, too. I got like 300 hours of community service,” she said.

The experience was instructive. For instance, she learned that paint may appear one way on a paint chip and another way on a wall.

“Definitely, always buy paint samples,” she advised.

Lighting matters, too, she said.

“You might have fluorescent lights in one room and natural lights in another – and it changes everything.”

Perhaps her biggest lesson was learning how to deal with “everyone from teen volunteers to board members to people that had very, very strong opinions and were not afraid to share them.

“I’m a little sensitive,” she acknowledged, noting she’s going to have to develop a thicker skin.

Her high school art teacher, Kathleen Taylor, said Fox “produces excellent artwork.

When she’s creating a piece, she goes into a zone,” Taylor said.

“Elizabeth has got the whole package. She’s bright and she’s talented. She stands out.”

Chalk Talk for May 9

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Seeking healthy student recipes

The Hillsborough County public school district and student nutrition services are sponsoring the Cook It Up! K-12 Student Recipe Challenge.

District students are invited to show off their cooking skills by submitting a healthy dessert recipe for a treat they don’t feel guilty eating. Entry deadline is May 18. Recipes should be submitted at www.sdhc.k12.fl.us/sns. Judges will review all submissions and choose one winner at the elementary, middle and high school level. Winners will be notified by May 31.

Prizes include:

–Annual Florida residents’ passes to Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park (family of 4)

–Winning recipes will be featured on school menus

–Winners will be invited to appear on Radio Disney’s “Kid’s Concern Show” to discuss their recipe and the importance of healthy eating habits

–Winners’ names will be announced on Radio Disney

 

Saint Leo celebrates graduates

Saint Leo University celebrated 1,000 new graduates in three commencement ceremonies on April 27 and April 28.

The degrees awarded were both graduate and undergraduate, and included the fields of business, humanities, science, education, criminal justice, and social work.

Guest speakers included Florida Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll, who graduated from Saint Leo University’s Master of Business Administration degree program in 2008; educator an author Peter B. Smith; and former ambassador Edward S. “Ned” Walker Jr. Walker’s son, Christopher, studied sport business at Saint Leo and participated in the undergraduate commencement at which his father spoke.

 

Poppleton scholarship winner

Megan Forde, a senior at Steinbrenner High, has been awarded the Josephine Poppleton Scholarship by the International Association of Administrative Professionals. She received the $1,000 scholarship on April 19 at the Tampa Club.

 

/Moore Mickens student winners

Students of the month for April at Moore Mickens Education Center in Dade City are: Cassondra Rickett, Wanice Matthews, Cassie Greene and Nimia Morales. Rickett also was selected as Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Month.

Students named to the Principal’s 4.0 honor roll were: Dustin Chancey, Mackenzie McAnallen and Kelly Butterfield.

Students named to the A-B Honor Roll were: Richard Costner, Victoria Dickens, Patrick Gray, Jaonsha Hayes,             Joevanny Lorenzo, Katrina Martin, Wanice Matthews, Brittany Parrish, Sabrina Remick, Cassondra Rickett, Dannielle Shaw, Sofia Torres, Jessica Velasquez, Kimberly Williams, Jeremiah Wright, Cassie Greene, Jon Reed, Khaalid Sewell, Jason Patten, Stephanie Swartz, Wesley Rivera, Willie Echols, Josh Brown, Josh Coleman, Dustin Chauncey, Kelly Butterfield, Derrick Bliss, David Graves, Matt Harrigan, Phillip Olson, John Algood, Sharon McNeal, Richard Stafford and Dylan Hodock.

Good citizen awards went to Jake Johnson and Joseph Long.

 

Hillsborough schools seek comment

The Hillsborough County School District is seeking public comment on a waiver from the United States Department of Education regarding the No Child Left Behind Act.

The waiver will provide the district with flexibility for recruiting and retaining teachers to high-needs schools. The public can access the waiver request and submit comments through May 11 at the following link: http://www.sdhc.k12.fl.us/title1/waiver.asp

 

Traffic light to help visually impaired

A new traffic light has been installed to assist people with visual impairments. The light was install neared Double Branch Elementary, at the intersection of Chancey Road and Meadow Pointe Boulevard. The project was a joint effort between the Pasco County School Board and Pasco County, with assistance from state Sen. Mike Fasano.

 

PHCC receives Plein endowment

The Pasco-Hernando Community College Foundation recently received a $20,000 endowment from the Thomas A. Plein Foundation. An additional $2,000 gift provides a $1,000 annual scholarship for each of the 2012–2013 and 2013–2014 academic years.

Thomas A. Plein of Oshkosh, Wis., established the Thomas A. Plein Foundation in the 1980s to advance his family’s philanthropic interests. The family owned 7-Up bottling plants in Oshkosh, Wis., and in other Midwest cities. Plein, a Marquette University Law School graduate, hoped his foundation would help provide educational opportunities to those in need. His nephew, Steve Plein of New Port Richey, was instrumental in facilitating the gift to support students of PHCC.

Students interested in being considered for fall PHCC Foundation scholarships can submit applications at http://scholarships.phcc.edu.

For more information or to make a contribution, call (727) 816-3410 or visit www.phcc.edu/foundation.

 

Denham Oaks musical

The music teachers at Denham Oaks Elementary School in Lutz are presenting “Annie! Jr.” at 7 p.m. on May 15 at the Center for the Arts in Wesley Chapel, at 30651Wells Road. The musical is free and all are welcome.

 

Paul Barrett: King of the hurdles

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By Kyle LoJacono

Last year, Paul Barrett’s track season ended with a ninth-place finish in the 300-meter hurdles prelims, one spot from making the finals.

Gaither boys track coach Jeff Ditman examines Paul Barrett’s 300 hurdles championship

The Gaither senior’s goal was to make the finals. He didn’t expect to be standing on top of the medal stand with the Class 3A state championship around his neck.

“It wasn’t my smoothest race, but it was my fastest,” Barrett said.

He broke his own school record by finishing in 37.29 seconds May 4 at the University of North Florida. He is the second state champion in the program’s 27-year history following Scott Lavell’s 3,200 5A title in 1995.

“Paul had unfinished business from last year,” said second-year Cowboys coach Jeff Ditman. “He’s been on a mission.”

Barrett was seeded first following a regional championship the week before but said he didn’t feel like the favorite. His track season started several weeks late because he was on Gaither’s soccer team that reached the state semifinals. The 6-foot-1.5, 175-pounder was also a wide receiver on the Cowboys football team that made the regional finals in November.

Cowboys freshman Samson Moore broke his own school record by running a 14.29 to place second in the 110 hurdles at states.

“It just goes to show you that you don’t have to specialize in one sport to shine,” Ditman said. “He shines in all three. For him to be able to do this on the track in his last high school event is amazing. It shows what a complete athlete and individual Paul Barrett is. He’s going out on top, and that’s exactly where he deserves to be.”

Barrett’s journey toward a state crown started at Alonso as a freshman. He started doing the hurdles because the Ravens were loaded with talent.

“I went to hurdles so I’d get to compete,” Barrett said.

Barrett didn’t run hurdles when he came to Gaither as a sophomore, but returned to it last season. He said the big difference this year was he was pushed by freshman Samson Moore.

“If I didn’t have someone like Samson I don’t think I would have gotten this far,” Barrett said. “I’d always try to get a better time than him because I’m a senior and he’s a freshman.”

Moore placed second in the 110 hurdles by breaking his own school record of 14.29, 0.58 off the championship pace set by Miami Northwestern junior Artie Burns. He echoed Barrett’s sentiments.

“It’s great having Paul to help me,” Samson said. “I can’t put into words what it’s been like this year.”

Ditman was pleased both athletes showed maturity and composure on the biggest stage.

“It’s this type of thing that gets a program jump started,” Ditman said. “It really shows that track is such a unique sport because you get out exactly what you put in. These two have a lot of natural ability yes, but they have the work ethic to capitalize on that ability that allows them to do things like this. Hopefully it opens people’s eyes to track and field at Gaither, and the potential and possibilities it has for them.”

Warriors claim four state medals

Steinbrenner track and field athletes left the Class 3A state meet May 4 in Jacksonville with four medals.

The Steinbrenner boys 4x800 relay team took fourth at states by running a school-record 7:57.82.

The boys 4×800-meter relay team set a new school record by finishing in 7 minutes 57.82 seconds, good enough for fourth place.

“I was happy we ran a new school record,” said Zach Lima, who ran the second leg. “We wanted to medal; we wanted to place on the medal stand, but it’s bittersweet because of course we were hoping to win.”

Tyler Lima, Zach’s twin, said they had a plan for the race.

“It’s all about pace,” said Tyler, who ran leadoff. “We’re all cross country guys, so we’re used to running on pace. If you get off pace in the first 200, you’re going to be off the whole race. We did that and then went all out on our last laps.”

Tanner Biles, who ran the third leg, transferred from Freedom this season. It was his first trip to states.

“I love these guys,” Biles said. “It’s great to go his far with them, and it’s great that the school is becoming known for its distance runners.”

Matt Magee closed the race, passing Miami Central on the final lap. All the runners are juniors, giving them another year to improve.

“We’re going to train hard to get back here next year,” Magee said. “We want that state championship.”

Three of the four competed again more than six hours later. Magee ran the 800 (11th place, 1:57.87) and the twins competed in the 3,200, where Tyler medaled (seventh place, 9:35.71) and Zach took 10th (9:42.64).

Senior Alexis Wright earned the other two medals, finishing fifth in the girls triple jump (38 feet 4 inches) and the 100 hurdles (14.75). Each performance is better than what she did last year when she placed second in the 2A triple (36-11.75) and won 100 hurdles (15.05).

“It’s the state meet,” Wright said. “You can either wake up or just slouch over, and at least I can say I didn’t slouch over today. I gave my best in everything I did, and if this is what I receive I’m totally grateful.”

The University of Miami bound Wright wanted a second state crown but is happy to have five medals in her high school career.

“It’s been great to have some time to reflect back on where I was when I started with the hurdles and the triple to where I’m at now,” Wright said. “I never thought I’d be here. Being able to say I made it here to represent not only Steinbrenner High School, but even Hillsborough County is an honor.

“I’m blessed and grateful for coach (Bob) Ennis,” Wright continued. “He’s my hurdles and triple jump coach, and he helped get me here. Coach (Ladd) Baldwin, our head coach, helped us find the right spots. … I’m proud, but a little depressed because it’s my senior year; my last event.”

Four medals for Akachukwu

Freedom junior Sandra Akachukwu earned medals in all four of her events at the Class 4A track and field state meet May 5 at the University of North Florida.

The King transfer took third in the high jump (5 feet six inches), fifth in the long jump (18-3.75), seventh in the 200-meter (25.06 seconds) and eighth in the 100 (12.33). It is Akachukwu’s second trip to states after making it in the high last year where she placed sixth (5).

 

Wiregrass Ranch’s Shah, Henry medal at states

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By Kyle LoJacono

Wiregrass Ranch juniors Nikita Shah and Alisha Henry each left the Class 3A state track and field meet May 4 at the University of North Florida with their first medal.

Bulls junior Nikita Shah took third in the 3,200 at states by running a 10:49.62. (Photos by Kyle

Shah took third in the 3,200-meter (two miles) by finishing in 10 minutes 49.62 seconds, while Henry placed sixth in the pole vault by clearing 10 feet six inches.

Shah was ninth at states a year ago, one spot away from medaling. She said her main goal was to stand on the podium this season.

“I’m really happy,” Shah said. “It’s one place better than what I did in cross country at states.”

Shah had to make up some distance to finish third. She was 10th after 600, but moved into second by the start of the third lap.

“I ran my race,” Shah said. “I ran as hard as I could.”

Shah also qualified in the 1,600 but decided to focus on the 3,200 to improve her time and placing. The run to a top-three finish has given her more motivation to work during the next 12 months.

“I want to get a state title next year,” Shah said. “That’s what I’m looking for. I’ll train as hard as I can for cross country the next half a year, and then back to the two mile. I’m hoping to win it. I want to win a state title before I graduate.”

Wiregrass Ranch junior Alisha Henry claimed the third pole vault medal in as many years for the sixth-year school by clearing 10-6 at states.

Henry managed to earn a medal in her first trip to states. She only started pole vaulting a little more than a year ago and said she will use the experience to get better.

“I think I can get over 12, maybe 12-6,” Henry said. “I’m going to train through the whole summer and do everything the right way so I can. … I’ve really got to work on my nerves. I definitely did not do the vaults the way I’m capable of. My form was not good.”

Despite being her own biggest critic, Henry was able to smile about how far she’s come in the event. She is also happy to bring her school a pole vault medal for the third straight year following the pair earned by Wiregrass Ranch graduate Alex Kazanzki.

“Alex drew my attention to pole vault in the first place, so if it wasn’t for him I probably wouldn’t have ever done it,” Henry said. “I didn’t know what it was before. I’m definitely going to recruit kids from Wiregrass to do it too so that when I graduate we have others doing it.”

It appeared like the Bulls boys would earn a medal from Ermias Bireda in the 1,600. The junior, who won regionals the week before, was last on the first straightaway, but moved forward into third place on the final turn.

Disaster struck with less than 100 remaining as Bireda tripped and fell. He did recover enough to finish 12th in 4:34.05 in his first appearance at states.

Wharton hurdles claim two medals

Wharton juniors Mikayla Barber and Tyler Watson each earned a medal at Class 4A state track and field May 5 at the University of North Florida.

Barber placed fourth in the girls 300-meter hurdles (44.5 seconds) while Watson took eighth (45.79). The week before it was Watson who won a regional title with Barber finishing second.

Wharton girls also picked up a medal in the 4×800 (fifth place, 9:31.27), which includes Erin Kocher, Mariah Henderson, Taylor Griffith and Watson.

Land O’ Lakes’ McKenzie, Grimes medal at states

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By Kyle LoJacono

Two Land O’ Lakes track and field athletes capped off their seasons on the medal stands at the Class 3A state meet at the University of North Florida May 4.

Senior pole vaulter Ian McKenzie earned his first spot on the podium by tying for fourth place after clearing 13 feet 6 inches.

Gators sophomore Hallie Grimes claimed her second medal in the 400 at states by running a 56.93.

Sophomore Hallie Grimes earned her second medal with a sixth-place performance in the 400-meter by finishing in 56.93 seconds, 2.67 off the championship pace set by Hallandale senior Kyri Tabor. She also set a new personal record (PR) in the prelims by running a 56.87, beating her previous best time of 57.43 set in the state prelims a year ago.

“I was so excited to see 56 in the prelims, but I think it kind of tired me out,” Grimes said.

Grimes placed one spot lower than she did as a freshman, but her time in the finals was 1.37 faster than a year ago. She said she felt pressure all year to live up to the standards she set in her first high school season, and that stress mounted in the hours leading up to states.

“I’ve been so nervous all day,” Grimes said. “I was probably more nervous than ever before. All of the times were so close. It was anybody’s race.”

Grimes had held back until the final 200 of races all season. She planned to turn on the speed earlier at states but couldn’t break from her normal routine.

“I tried going out faster, but my nerves always get me,” Grimes said. “I just can’t come out fast because I’m thinking I’ll tire out. For next year I’ll work on doing that.”

She also plans to run in AAU meets for the first time this summer to build her speed and endurance.

“I’m excited to see how far I can go,” Grimes said. “My time is 56 as a sophomore. Hopefully by senior year it’ll be a lot better than that.”

Land O’ Lakes senior Ian McKenzie tied for fourth in the pole vault by clearing 13-6 at states.

As for McKenzie, the journey to a state medal started four years ago when he failed to perform as a sprinter.

“It just wasn’t going to happen,” McKenzie said with a laugh. He added, “I was too slow for the 100, but I wanted to compete and get points for the team. I thought I could do it, and I just kept at it.”

A former coach suggested the pole vault, but things didn’t take off until he got a vaulting instructor this year. He began this season clearing 12-6 and now has the school record of 13-7.

“It’s been an incredible year,” McKenzie said. “I’ve been hoping to get to states. It’s my first year with coach Bob Leidel of the Florida Pole Vault Academy, and I added a foot to my PR. I got the school record, got to states; it’s just been a wild ride.

“It’s what I was hoping for,” McKenzie continued. “I could say I expected it, but in my wildest dreams I never thought I’d be on the medal stands, much less at states. There’s a lot of good vaulters in our class. This is easily the toughest class in all of Florida.”

McKenzie will continue vaulting in college after accepting a preferred walk-on spot with the United States Naval Academy

“I know I can get 14 or 14-6 with just another few months of work before I go up there,” McKenzie said. He added, “It’s so fun. You put in so much work, and to know that I get to continue to do it in college and get better is great. One day I want to get in the 16-foot club.”

McKenzie couldn’t stop smiling when talking about competing in college or about what this season has been like. The Gators boys have dominated the local track season, claiming eight meet Ws after going winless a year ago. They also won a Sunshine Athletic Conference championship for the first time and also earned only the third district title in program history.

“It’s been something to really be proud of,” McKenzie said. “We got a new coach this year (Bill Schmitz), and it’s the first year we’ve ever won districts and conference championship in the same season. We’ve had a lot of great athletes. We brought a lot of kids to regionals. We had a lot of sophomores really step up and have good showings. They’re going to be people to watch. Land O’ Lakes track is going to dominate for the next couple of years.”

 

 

 

Wildcats bow out in elite eight

By

By Kyle LoJacono

The Academy at the Lakes softball team’s playoff run ended May 1 at home, losing 3-1 in the Class 2A regional finals to Quincy Munroe.

Academy sophomore shortstop Lauren Evans had two hits and an RBI during a 3-1 loss in the regional finals.

The Wildcats (14-5) were able to get runners on against the Bobcats (15-6), recording 10 hits, but stranded 11 including six in scoring position. The academy loaded the bases twice, but failed to capitalize on either chance.

Munroe had only six hits but managed to score three times in the third without one. The first run came off a double steal and two more crossed home after errors were committed during a rundown created after a fielder’s choice.

“Errors killed us in this game,” said sophomore shortstop Lauren Evans. “We just could not get the bat on the ball when we needed it.”

Those three runs were all Bobcats pitcher Haleigh Corbally would need. The senior used 134 pitches to strike out 13 batters with one walk in her seven innings of work.

“There’re no cupcakes at the regionals,” said Wildcats coach Jerry English. “These are some of the eight best 2A teams in the state. You can’t have an off day, and we didn’t have an off day. They had a good day.”

Evans drove in the academy’s only run in the fifth inning. She finished 2-for-4, as did freshman first baseman Talia Pardo. Freshman center fielder and leadoff hitter Skyler Boynton had four hits and two doubles.

Skyler’s sister, junior Sydney Boynton, pitched seven innings of six-hit ball for the academy, posting eight strikeouts and two walks.

The Wildcats did get deeper in the postseason than any other team in program history while also winning their first district championship. The academy will likely have most of its players back as only one player, Amelia Oliver, is a senior.

“We had a good season,” Evans said. “We fought hard all year. We’re a young team and most of us will be back next year. I think we’ll use this to come back and get even farther next year.”

 

Bulls football looks to rebound from nightmarish 2011

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By Kyle LoJacono

The Wiregrass Ranch football team reached new heights two years ago, winning a district championship and finishing better than .500 for the first time.

Bulls junior quarterback Jake Day said the team has been working to put last year in the past.

Then 2011 happened.

The Bulls suffered through a 0-10 campaign last season and were outscored 410-46. The players are out to show the sixth-year program is more like what was on the field in 2010.

“We all have that internal drive to go out and prove what we’re all about,” said sophomore wide receiver Tyre Creary.

Junior quarterback Jake Day added, “Not that we wanted to go 0-10 at all, but it’s something that motivates every one of us. The guys who will be seniors want to get us back on top.”

The falloff was great, but not completely unexpected. Wiregrass Ranch lost 49 combined seniors after the 2009 and 2010 seasons, but bring back most of the core this year.

The Bulls return leading rusher Eli Galvan, a freshman, who had 317 yards on 59 carries and a touchdown.

Wiregrass Ranch also brings back its leading receiver in junior Ryan Shea, who snagged 15 catches for 191 yards and a score. Also adding to the receiving corps are towering 6-foot-9 sophomore James Jackson (three catches, 40 yards) and the speedy Creary (14 catches, 182 yards).

Day began last year as the Bulls starting quarterback, but a concussion in Week 1 against Wesley Chapel and another against Gaither in Week 4 derailed any chance for him to get settled under center. He completed 14-of-58 passes for 226 yards and two scores, and said he is completely healed.

Wiregrass Ranch sophomore wide receiver Tyre Creary brings in a catch during a recent practice.

“I feel so much more comfortable now,” Day said. “I’ve been going to football camps and doing everything to get better as a quarterback and player.”

Wiregrass Ranch also has three players competing for the quarterback spot in freshmen Zach Davidson and Shane Bucenell and sophomore Zack Drury.

The defense graduated its top four tacklers and top two sackers, but get a talent infusion from inside linebacker Xavier Wilson. The 6-foot-2, 190-pound junior moved from Virginia last December; too late to play but soon enough to be a part of winter workouts.

“I’ve already seen a lot of improvement,” Wilson said.

He said the defense is working to win games on its own.

“I’ll put it the way coach says it: ‘We’re going to try and outscore the offense,’” Wilson said. “We’re not just making turnovers. We want to score.”

All the players want to get their first win since Nov. 5, 2010, a 35-7 victory against Hudson, but fourth-year coach Jeremy Shobe said the focus is on smaller goals this spring.

Wiregrass Ranch junior inside linebacker Xavier Wilson said the defense’s goal is to outscore the offense this fall.

“We’ve talked about eliminating mistakes and focusing on the here and now,” Shobe said. “We want them to look at every rep and every drill. We talked about the process before this spring. We’re not talking about winning and losing. We talk about what we are doing in the process to get better. If you worry about those small things the wins will take care of themselves.”

Creary added, “Our receivers coach says look the ball all the way into your hands. Sometimes last year we’d just try and catch it, and we had a lot of drops. You forget to do everything to make the catch before you start running. We’re trying to get all those things down perfect.”

Shobe has seen improvements with the simplified approach and drive to redeem the program.

“We’re probably already ahead of where we were at the end of spring last year,” Shobe said. “If we play to our potential it does not matter who we’re playing.”

It won’t be easy competing in Class 7A-District 7. The grouping includes reigning district champion Tampa Bay Tech (8-4) and runner-up Gaither (9-4), which made the regional semifinals and finals last season, respectively. Steinbrenner (7-3) is also in 7A-7, along with Freedom (2-8) and Chamberlain (1-9).

–Stats/results as recorded to Maxpreps.com by coaches