Special to The Laker/Lutz News

By Jeff Odom

Laker/Lutz News Correspondent

The Steinbrenner baseball team knew it had to set the tone early if it wanted to get past Gaither in a key Class 7A-District 9 contest on March 30.

Mission accomplished.

It only took one pitch in the first inning for the Warriors (11-6) to get its offense rolling when shortstop Stone Ramsey led off the game with his fourth home run of the season. Steinbrenner had the Cowboys (10-7) playing catch up the rest of the way and won 6-4.

Warriors’ pitcher Chris Williams, who battled through the stomach flu leading up to the game, tossed six solid innings giving up just two earned runs while striking out four batters.

He said it felt like his best outing of the year despite the illness.

“I honestly have no clue how I did it,” Williams said.

Williams was nearly perfect through the first four innings and his offense helped out with big hits with runners in scoring position. After Ramsey walked on four pitches to lead off the third inning, center fielder Kevin Merrell put down a bunt to move the senior to second base and got aboard himself after Gaither pitcher Evan Gainey committed a throwing error.

Second baseman Christian Diaz advanced both runners on a sacrifice bunt before third baseman Gerald Bautista brought home a run with an infield single. Sophomore Cole Gordon drove in Merrell a single to right field.

Bautista, who finished with three RBI, said it felt good to finally get the hits when it counted.

“It feels great; I just tried to put the ball in play,” Bautista said. He then added, “I’ve been trying to do too much lately in the past, but it feels great to drive the guys in.”

In the fifth inning with his team trailing 5-0, Gaither senior outfielder Hayden Kelley doubled to the wall in center field to drive in Eddie Pestrana to cut the lead to four.

The Warriors snagged an insurance run from Bautista in the sixth inning to stretch the lead to 6-1, but Gaither began to rally in the bottom of the seventh.

With Williams’ night done, Bautista was brought in to close the game. He sat down Jacob Gowen on strikes and forced Cody Robinson to pop out to start the frame, but Gaither strung together three straight hits including a two-RBI double by Florida State University commit Oscar Mercado, and the Cowboys climbed within two runs.

The comeback came up short as first baseman Jose Gonzalez flew out near the warning track in center field to end the game.

Gainey took the loss for Gaither in a complete game performance which included four walks and seven strikeouts.

“I faced Evan Gainey and he’s 4-3, but he should be like 7-0,” said Williams, who improved his record to 4-0. “That guy is just a stud. He’s had some rough times with his defense and stuff, but he’s a great pitcher.”

The win gives the Warriors a shot to clinch the No. 1 seed going into the 7A-9 tournament April 23-26, something Williams said gives them momentum.

“It was a great team effort tonight,” Williams said. “We’re on a roll baby and it looks good.”

By Kyle LoJacono

The winning streak for Wiregrass Ranch boys tennis stands at 29.

It includes almost two perfect regular seasons and two wins in the playoffs last year. It stretches back to the regional finals in 2010 when the Bulls (14-0) dropped a 4-3 match at Daytona Beach Mainland. They haven’t lost in the regular season since falling to Land O’ Lakes 4-3 on March 2, 2009.

“We take a lot of pride in that,” said Bulls coach Dave Wilson. “You can lose when it comes to tournament format at districts and state, but we’ve got a pretty good run going.”

Wiregrass Ranch does everything possible to stay focused during matches even though it is close to its second straight perfect regular season.

“Regardless of the match, whether we think it’s going to be easy or not, you have to do your best,” said senior Jaime Feliciano. “That’s all you can really control, and that’s how you get beat by just thinking you’re going to win.”

That dominance forces the Bulls to compete with each other to stay at top form.

“There’s a lot of competition amongst each other, but that’s really great,” said junior Koustubh Ramesh. “Basically we’re all fighting for the No. 2 spot, and I have that right now and want to keep it. Competing for No. 2 helps the whole team be great.”

Ramesh went no farther than competition for No. 2 because the top spot is basically set in stone for Courage Okungbowa. The junior is 32-1 in singles play since his family moved to the area from Virginia last season, losing his first match at states last year.

In fact, the Class 3A tournament was unkind to Wiregrass Ranch a year ago. Only Daniel Helfrich won a match at the event, but the trip gave the Bulls insight into the level of tennis needed to win a state championship.

“We learned that we have to play more competitive matches,” Courage said. “I think we took everything too easy, and then when we got to states the competition was great. We played Jesuit and won this year, and they’re a really competitive school, so we’re hoping that’ll help us.”

The trip to states was the first for the program in its six-year history. Jaime said the squad was a bit wide-eyed just winning a regional championship.

“It was insane,” Jaime said. “We knew we were a good team, but we could barely believe we won regionals to get there.”

The squad graduated only its No. 2 Spencer Ong, but the team is very different because of the additions of two freshmen. Jaime’s brother, Alejandro, is playing No. 3, while Courage’s brother, Foresight, is manning No. 5.

In addition, Ramesh went from playing only No. 2 doubles to second individually.

“We’re definitely above last year,” Wilson said. “I think our depth is much better. We have a lot of guys who can play. We didn’t really skip a beat, but the thing is they’re really focused this year. They come to practice for two hours and go with their other coach for another two. They know it’s going to take a lot to get through potentially Plant and Wharton just to get to state.”

Wharton and Plant are in Class 4A-District 6, the grouping Wiregrass Ranch would face if the program makes the playoffs. Wharton has made the playoffs each of the last four years, including three state championships from 2008-10, while Plant has made the postseason three of the last four seasons.

“The hardest thing is going to be just getting to states this year,” Wilson said. “Wharton and Plant are always in it for the state championship, so if you get through this region you may have a shot. Even then it comes down to your draw. At least this year they’ll know what to expect if we get to states.”

The squad relishes the opportunity to go through programs with established traditions so places outside Pasco County talk about the Bulls when thinking of high school tennis.

“In Pasco County I think if you asked anyone who’s the top tennis program the last four or five years our team comes up, but outside of here we really haven’t made a mark,” Wilson said. “If we can do that and get back to states then they’ll start to know about Wiregrass.”

The Bulls will play in the 4A-5 tournament hosted by Newsome at Riverhills Golf & Country Club, 3943 New River Hills Parkway in Valrico, April 2-3.

 

By Kyle LoJacono

The Sunlake boys weightlifting team has established itself as one of the most consistent program’s in Pasco County.

The Seahawks haven’t lost a meet since 2009, but the fifth-year program is still seeking its first state champion. Four seniors are vying to become Sunlake’s first: Dean Bui in the 129-pound weight class, Kyle Fraser in 154, Rashaud Daniels in 169 and Nate McCoole as a heavyweight.

All four have been on the team since their freshmen year and all relish the opportunity to expand the Seahawks’ reputation to state level.

DEAN BUI

Bui came closest to the ultimate goal last year, finishing as the Class 1A state runner-up by posting 435 total pounds, 50 off the championship lifts.

“I didn’t think that was possible going in last year,” Bui said. “I was ranked seventh and had a great day. … It made me work a lot harder and motivated me.”

The feat comes as even more of a surprise because it was Bui’s first time competing at states. He qualified as a freshman but didn’t make weight, and several injuries kept him sidelined most of his sophomore year.

Bui has increased his pause bench press and clean and jerk from 200 to 225 and 190 to 240, respectively, for a maxout total of 465, more than three times his weight.

“Dean weighs 129 pounds, and the weights he does it looks like he’s going to break in half,” Fraser said. “When I see him doing cleans I get a little scared for him, but I see what he can do at his size and it makes me want to do more at my size. I’m not a particularly big person, but I want to be able to clean 300 pounds because I see what Dean is doing.”

NATE MCCOOLE

McCoole hoisted 700 total last year in his second trip to states, 30 less than the champion.

“I was close last year,” McCoole said. “It showed me what I had to work on this offseason. Hopefully I’ve done what I need to win a state title. I got eighth my first trip and fourth last year, so if the ratios are correct I should be able to get it.”

McCoole, an offensive lineman on the Sunlake football team, would not take time off in his attempt to capture ultimate glory.

“I stuck with it all through football,” McCoole said. “In the past the training dipped a bit. This year there was no excuses.”

The approach has paid off. McCoole is lifting 455 in the bench and 305 in the jerk, up from 405 and 290 last year, respectively. His goal is 460 and 315 at the state qualifier. He said it’s easier to have that kind of gain when in the environment of the Seahawks’ gym.

“If you work out with guys who’re just messing around you can’t find the energy to push,” McCoole said. “Here we get in and put in our work and have a little fun while we’re doing it. It’s definitely a fun atmosphere. I’m here with my best friends getting strong.”

McCoole credits the program’s success to coach Matt Smith.

“He built this program from the ground up,” McCoole said. “I think our first maxout my freshman year we had one kid lift over 200 in the bench. Over the years we’ve got 12 people over 300 and the numbers on the team are through the roof, and it’s all because of coach Smith.”

KYLE FRASER

Fraser finished sixth at states last year. He said it was an honor to place during his first trip to the meet, but it also gave him fuel.

“Getting sixth as a junior meant I had another year to get better,” Fraser said.

Fraser said he has also been motivated to keep Sunlake at the top.

“I like to be able to say we’re the strongest in Pasco, and no one can say anything about it until they beat us,” Fraser said. “It gives you some bragging rights.”

Fraser stands a chiseled 154 pounds today, but four years ago he was unsure of his ability.

“I remember those first workouts watching how strong the seniors were and how not strong I was as a freshman,” Fraser said. “I was just like how am I going to get as strong as them. Now I’d say we’re one of the strongest senior classes to come through here.”

Fraser’s max is 75 better than last year up to 295 in the bench and 275 in the jerk.

“I’ve just stuck to the workouts on the board,” Fraser said. “Coach Smith knows what he’s talking about. I’ve had nothing but success following his workouts.”

RASHAUD DANIELS

Daniels has the most motivation to have a good showing this year. He qualified for states last year, his first trip, but scratched out of jerk after lifting 285 in the bench.

“When I was jerking I didn’t have my arms extended as far as I was supposed to,” Daniels said. “I thought I had it, but I didn’t.”

Daniels almost didn’t come back to the team after hurting his wrist while playing football.

“I didn’t want to go out there and not do my best,” Daniels said. “Then the guys made me remember about states and scratching out. It’s pushed me to have a better showing.”

Daniels added the team’s atmosphere also brought him back.

“It’s a good feeling here because I’m part of a team that’s really grown into this strength,” Daniels said. “I remember ninth-grade we weren’t that strong, but since sophomore year we’re undefeated.”

Daniels said the wrist is now fine and he is lifting 300 in the bench and 230 in the clean.

–Sunlake will compete at the Class 2A-District 4 meet, the state qualifier, on Wednesday, April 4 at Springstead High starting at noon. The event includes Land O’ Lakes and Wiregrass Ranch.

By Jeff Odom

Laker/Lutz News Correspondent

Two seasons removed from its first district title, the Steinbrenner softball team is proving once again to be a player for the championship.

Third-year coach Colleen Sanders said the Warriors (9-5) have embraced the team mentality and are hungry for another shot at a title after finishing third in the district last season.

“We’ve had a lot of talented incoming players, and we’ve been able to really put together a very strong lineup,” Sanders said.

One pivotal part of the team’s success has been pitcher Kellee Ramsey (6-3, 3.39 ERA). The sophomore said claiming the district crown is a big goal that everyone has been working toward, but she doesn’t want to stop there.

“I think we all really wanted it last year and we were all really upset when we didn’t get to go on to regionals,” Ramsey said. “I think that this year we all really want to pull together, especially for Kaylee (Ferrell) who is a senior. … It’s a big deal to all of us and we really want it this year.”

Sanders added that the team’s desire to get back on top has made an impact across the board.

“We’ve got a lot of girls who have really great work ethic, and they really want to be here for all the right reasons,” Sanders said. “They want to come out, and they want to work hard and win and they want to get better. We have a lot of girls who really want to be here.”

In order for the Warriors to clinch the No. 1 seed in Class 7A-District 9, they will have to get past Chamberlain. It’s a game that has been circled on the calendar since Day 1.

The team nearly got the better of the Chiefs last month, but fell on the road 4-2. Sanders said while the game went down in the loss column, plenty of good came out of it.

“We knew coming into the season that Chamberlain was going to be our best competition in our district,” Sanders said. “They’re always a tough team, so we’ve got them again in a couple (days), and I think in that first one we really gave them a run for their money. … We’ve got the bats, and we’ve got the good pitching to do it again.”

Ramsey echoed her coach and added the chemistry between herself and junior catcher Alia Serafini has been the reason behind her success on the mound.

“I’ve played with Alia ever since I was like 8, so before going into high school me and her knew each other and I think that’s helped,” Ramsey said. “She really does boost my confidence when I’m on the mound.”

The Warriors host Chamberlain on Tuesday, March 27, before traveling to Gaither on Friday, March 30. Both district games start at 7 p.m.

Steinbrenner hosts the 7A-9 tournament, with the championship game on Thursday, April 19 at 7 p.m.

–All stats as recorded to Maxpreps.com by coaches

 

By Kyle LoJacono

Wiregrass Ranch dominated the track and field scene a year ago.

In 2011 the girls captured their third straight Sunshine Athletic Conference (SAC) and district championship, while the boys won both for the first time.

The tradition of excellence has been set by the six-year programs, but to stay on top the Bulls will need a new group to step in.

The girls lost five athletes from last year, while the boys are missing 13 athletes to graduation or transfers. Those 13 scored 112 points at conference.

“This year is totally different, but they’re young, excited and have great work ethic,” said second-year boys coach Phil Kerr. “I love coaching them here because they come out every day ready to work hard.”

Kerr said they have gotten fresh talent because of the banner year in 2011.

“The rise in our credibility in the area helped us get those kids,” Kerr said.

Kerr said the distance events remain strong thanks to the Bulls cross country program winning conference, district and regional championships while finishing sixth at the Class 3A state meet.

Senior Sam Hippely, the reigning All-Laker/All-Lutz News boys cross country Runner of the Year, is an anchor of the distance program. He runs the 3,200-meter, or 2-mile, finishing as district runner-up last year in 10:05.42.

“I feel like we’re about where we were last year as a team,” Hippely said. “I think we can get another district title and conference.”

Hippely, a University of West Florida signee, is coming off a knee injury that kept him from running for almost two months. His goal is to make states for the first time.

The sprinters benefit from the return of Jamel Nunez. The senior, who runs the 100, 200 and 4×100, captured the 200 district title last year by finishing in 22.98 seconds.

Third-year girls coach Don Howard has also used the program’s clout to attract new talent.

“It does put pressure on the team,” Howard said. “They have a tradition to uphold even when we lose kids, but there’re kids who want to step in to those spots. It’s a great place to coach at because you’ve got kids who have built-in motivation.”

Howard said his distance runners are also strong especially with junior Nikita Shah recovered from a bout of anemia that struck last year.

Shah, the two-time reigning All-Laker/All-Lutz News girls cross country Runner of the Year, ran a blazing 10:42 in the 3,200 at the FSU Relays on March 24, the fastest of any girl in Pasco County history.

A repeat of her time at FSU would put her in the mix for a state title. Last year’s 3A champion, Tallahassee Chiles’ Lilly Williams, finished in 11:00.56. Shah has also recorded a 5:11 in the 1,600.

“I’m feeling a lot better than I did at this time last year when I had the anemia,” Shah said. “I’m feeling faster than I’ve ever felt.”

Wiregrass Ranch has three top-ranked fielders, including Alisha Henry. The junior is rated No. 1 in 3A in the pole vault. Her best performance is clearing 11 feet-3 inches.

“We also have the No. 7 shot putter in Patricia Magwood and the No. 9 or 10 triple jumper in Hannah Eder. Then we have Nikita who’s ranked in the top-10 in both the 1,600 and 3,200.”

Shah is confident the team will perform at its peak thanks to Howard’s coaching

“Coach Howard is a really good coach,” Shah said. “He knows how to train us in a way that will make us better.”

Howard said Belleview will be tough to beat at districts, as will Steinbrenner for those who make regionals.

“We have six events that we should win, but that’s only 60 points,” Howard said. “What we have to do is have those kids who should be finishing second and fifth and eighth perform at that level. The kids underneath have to perform if we’re going to get the 115/120 points we’re going to need to win districts. Of course those No. 1 kids have to do what they’re capable of.”

Kerr is relishing the opportunity to surprise people.

“It’s kind of fun to be the underdogs this year because we’re definitely not the favorites like we were last year,” Kerr said. “We still have a chance and we’re coming on strong.”

The Bulls will compete at the Sunshine Athletic Conference (SAC) meet at Anclote on March 29. The Class 3A-District 6 meet, which includes Land O’ Lakes and Sunlake, is at Central on Friday, April 20 at noon.

By Kyle LoJacono

Freedom has yet to make a dent in area girls track and field, but the 2012 squad is out to change the program’s perception.

“Freedom is here to show up and show out,” said junior Jasmyn Perry.

Part of that excitement comes from the greater numbers. The Patriots had about 25 athletes last season, which has swelled to 45.

“We’ve got more kids this year, so we told some of them they wouldn’t be competing in a lot of the events that limit entries,” said Freedom coach Dwight Smith. “We let them know, the younger ones, they would only get into about four meets, but they’re still out here. That shows real commitment.”

The Patriots have also benefited from two junior transfers, Perry from Tampa Bay Tech and Sandra Akachukwu from King.

“I feel very comfortable at this school; way more comfortable than I did at Tampa Bay Tech,” Perry said. “I love the team.”

Akachukwu said that growing togetherness will pay dividends when it matters most.

“We’re trying to work together and bonding to get closer,” Akachukwu said. “I think that’ll help us. Our goal is to be district champs.”

Akachukwu competes in the 100- and 200-meter races, the 4×100 and 4×400 relays and the high jump, an event she finished tied for 6th at the Class 3A state meet last year.

Perry runs the 100 and 300 hurdles along with the 400. She also has experience at states, making it for the 400 as a freshman.

“They had to tell me to stop shaking because I was so scared,” Perry said of her first states trip. “I was regional champion as a freshman in the 400-meter and district champion in the 400 and triple jump.”

Dwight said the new talent complements what the team already did well.

“I think we’re much more athletic this year,” Dwight said. “We have new freshmen and sophomores plus the transfers who have made a difference in the sprinting events. As for the distance runners, the cross country team did very well this year getting to states for the first time for the school, and they’ve carried that over.”

Senior Ashley Smith, Dwight’s daughter, said having more sprinters like Akachukwu and Perry lets everyone focus on their strengths.

“Last year we didn’t have a lot of sprinters, but now we have some new kids and the younger girls are stepping up,” Ashley said. “Now the distance runners don’t have to do the sprinting events.”

Ashley does the 4×800 and 4×400 relays plus the 800 and 1,600. Her favorite event is the 4×800.

“We’ve gotten to states my first three years in it,” Ashley said of the relay. She then added, “If one person slips the other has to pick it up. In the end you all have to work together to do well, but you can pick each other up too.”

The Patriots will compete in the Class 4A-District 6 meet at Leto on Wednesday, April 18 starting at 1 p.m.

By Kyle LoJacono

Freedom has yet to make a dent in area girls track and field, but the 2012 squad is out to change the program’s perception.

“Freedom is here to show up and show out,” said junior Jasmyn Perry.

Part of that excitement comes from the greater numbers. The Patriots had about 25 athletes last season, which has swelled to 45.

“We’ve got more kids this year, so we told some of them they wouldn’t be competing in a lot of the events that limit entries,” said Freedom coach Dwight Smith. “We let them know, the younger ones, they would only get into about four meets, but they’re still out here. That shows real commitment.”

The Patriots have also benefited from two junior transfers, Perry from Tampa Bay Tech and Sandra Akachukwu from King.

“I feel very comfortable at this school; way more comfortable than I did at Tampa Bay Tech,” Perry said. “I love the team.”

Akachukwu said that growing togetherness will pay dividends when it matters most.

“We’re trying to work together and bonding to get closer,” Akachukwu said. “I think that’ll help us. Our goal is to be district champs.”

Akachukwu competes in the 100- and 200-meter races, the 4×100 and 4×400 relays and the high jump, an event she finished tied for 6th at the Class 3A state meet last year.

Perry runs the 100 and 300 hurdles along with the 400. She also has experience at states, making it for the 400 as a freshman.

“They had to tell me to stop shaking because I was so scared,” Perry said of her first states trip. “I was regional champion as a freshman in the 400-meter and district champion in the 400 and triple jump.”

Dwight said the new talent complements what the team already did well.

“I think we’re much more athletic this year,” Dwight said. “We have new freshmen and sophomores plus the transfers who have made a difference in the sprinting events. As for the distance runners, the cross country team did very well this year getting to states for the first time for the school, and they’ve carried that over.”

Senior Ashley Smith, Dwight’s daughter, said having more sprinters like Akachukwu and Perry lets everyone focus on their strengths.

“Last year we didn’t have a lot of sprinters, but now we have some new kids and the younger girls are stepping up,” Ashley said. “Now the distance runners don’t have to do the sprinting events.”

Ashley does the 4×800 and 4×400 relays plus the 800 and 1,600. Her favorite event is the 4×800.

“We’ve gotten to states my first three years in it,” Ashley said of the relay. She then added, “If one person slips the other has to pick it up. In the end you all have to work together to do well, but you can pick each other up too.”

The Patriots will compete in the Class 4A-District 6 meet at Leto on Wednesday, April 18 starting at 1 p.m.