The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Sunlake High students don’t mind staying after school for these programs

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By B.C. Manion

 

They wave flags, spin rifles and keep in step as Betsy Koss, the color guard director at Sunlake High, shouts commands to the inaugural members of the winter guard team.

Meanwhile, percussionists bang on drums or tap on keyboards in band rooms — as part of Sunlake’s first indoor percussion team.

Both teams are part of the school’s band program.

While the programs are new to the school at 3023 Sunlake Blvd., some participants took part in the same programs at other schools, said Tonya O’Malley, Sunlake band director.

Twenty-one students are members of the indoor percussion ensemble and 14 students participate in winter guard.

Winter guard is “a lot like what they do in marching band, but it’s a competitive-style group. And, because it is just guard, there is more dance involved, more body movement. It’s very artistic,” O’Malley said. “It’s very similar to a dramatic type of production. They’re expected to design a show that is artistic, that reflects the music they select.”

Indoor percussion is competitive, too.

Both groups compete in the Florida Federation of Colorguards Circuit.

Sunlake hosted the first competition of the season for the winter guard in January and did so well its team was promoted from Class B to Class AAA, O’Malley said.

Sunlake students said having the programs at school makes it easier to take part.

Sixteen-year-old Jackie Ivancovich plays the marimba in the school’s indoor percussion ensemble. She’s pleased her school added the program because she used to travel to Land O’Lakes High for the program.

“It’s really convenient for us. I don’t have to find a ride,” she said.

She also thinks it’s great for students who normally play a different instrument to expand their repertoire.

She’s enthusiastic playing the marimba. “To be honest, I just fell in love with it. I love the sound.”

Fourteen-year-old Nonna Stutzman normally plays the flute. Now, she’s playing an instrument that has a set of metal bars that she strikes with a hammer.

“It’s new to learn and a different experience, but I like it,” she said.

Sara Lewis, also 14, said she enjoys being in the group, too. “It’s something to do after school and it’s really fun,” she said. “You learn a lot. You meet people.”

Sixteen-year-old Josh Vega and 17-year-old Madeline Varieur are both members of the drum line.

“I decided to take part in the program, mostly to improve as a musician and also learn a new instrument, which is the bass drum,” said Vega. He plays tuba in the school’s marching band and trombone in its jazz band.

He likes having another musical avenue to explore.

“It gives us a new outlet,” he said.

Varieur and Vega both expect their ensemble to do well in competitions.

“We have great clinicians that are world-class, so they’re leading us in the right direction,” said Varieur, who aspires to attend the University of Florida, where she wants to study to become a music director.

Sarah Mahan, 16, is the captain of the winter guard team.

“We’re such a new school, so it’s fantastic that we have it. It’s very rare that we have it,”

She thinks the group will fare well in competitions.

“We take pride in how competitive we are,” Mahan said.

Sixteen-year-old Sara Pickernell, the team’s co-captain, said she’s glad to have the chance to be active, make friends and have fun.

“It’s a break from school,” she said.

Adding both programs in one year would not have been possible without the school’s excellent staff, O’Malley said.

Koss, the color guard program’s director, and Valery Tyson, a color guard instructor, lead the winter guard. The indoor percussion ensemble is under the guidance of directors Joshua King and Michael Malgoza, O’Malley said. Parent volunteers also have been enormously helpful, the band director said.

At a time when some districts are cutting arts programs, O’Malley is delighted she can expand opportunities for her students.

Even though these programs are not part of the core curricula, they are vitally important to the students, O’Malley said.

“They’re maybe not going to pursue this in the future, but this is what excites them every day at school.

“I pull into the parking lot in the morning, and I’ve got like 20 or 30 kids waiting at my door, waiting to get in to the band room. During lunches, kids ask if they can have passes to come back to the band room, just to practice. They feel like that’s their home base.

“At the end of the school day, same thing. I’ve got to tell them to go home.

“It’s where they feel comfortable at our school. Without that, I think a lot of our kids would feel really lost. This is really their family at the school.”

Anyone interested in sponsoring a student, contributing funds for instruments or helping with transportation costs can contact O’Malley at .

Pasco schools construction needs top $1 billion

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By B.C. Manion

 

The Pasco County school district has identified more than $1 billion in construction and maintenance needs over the next 12 years with anticipated revenues about $200 million short of covering those costs.

Pasco County School Board members are not expected to take action on the list until this summer when they discuss their budget.

Unlike the years when the county’s growth forced the district to devote most of its construction dollars to building new schools, this plan calls primarily for upgrading and expanding existing sites.

The list includes redevelopment of school campuses, remodeling schools, adding technology for digital learning such as LED projectors and student computers, renovating cafeterias, traffic and safety improvements, improving facilities and making maintenance repairs, upgrading facilities for extracurricular activities, acquiring future school sites and three new elementary schools.

Here’s a quick look at the major projects on the 12-year priority list for Central and East Pasco schools.

Projects proposed between 2012 and 2014:

–West Zephyrhills Elementary, redevelopment, $8.2 million

–Pasco Elementary, remodel, $5.6 million

–R.B. Stewart Middle School, remodel, $4.5 million

–Land O’ Lakes High, redevelopment, $20.6 million

–Moore Mickens Education Center, redevelopment, $5 million

Projects proposed between 2014 and 2016:

–R.B. Cox Elementary, redevelopment, $6.5 million

–Pasco Elementary, remodel, $5.6 million

–San Antonio Elementary, remodel, $4 million

–Sanders Memorial Elementary, redevelopment, $18.2 million

Projects proposed between 2016 and 2018:

–Dr. John Long Middle School, classroom addition, $4 million

–Wiregrass Ranch High, classroom addition, $4 million

–Zephyrhills High, redevelopment, $20.6 million

Projects proposed between 2018 and 2020:

No major projects at Central or East Pasco schools

Projects proposed between 2020 and 2022:

–Quail Hollow Elementary, remodel, $8.5 million

–Woodland Elementary, remodel, $4.5 million

–Pine View Middle, remodel, $15.9 million

 

 

Wesley Chapel principal wins top honor

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Focus on students is key, she says

By B.C. Manion

 

If you want to chat with Wesley Chapel High Principal Carin Nettles, chances are you won’t find her in her office.

She’s much more likely to be on the school’s grounds between class changes, or in the cafeteria while students eat lunch, or in a classroom observing a teacher at work.

On some days, she and her team of assistant principals plan special celebrations to show appreciation for the staff’s hard work. On Valentine’s Day, for instance, they hand-delivered valentines to every staff member and had a barbecue lunch for them.

Nettles, who has been at the helm at Wesley Chapel High for three years, is this year’s Secondary Principal of the Year in Pasco County Schools.

She said her most important jobs are listening and basing decisions on what’s best for students.

“I have to be able to hear what my teachers are saying and what my kids are saying,” Nettles said.

To make that happen, she manages her campus by paying attention not only to what people say, but also what they do.

“If the kids all sign up for this certain class, they’re telling you something,” Nettles said. By the same token, if registration in a particular class or program falls off, that’s telling, too.

Balancing needs is a huge part of a principal’s job, Nettles said. Lots of people turn to her with requests, so she has to keep her priorities straight.

“You have to keep your focus on what’s best for kids. If you do maintain that focus, you’ll make the best decisions for the school,” she said.

Kevin VanHelden, a senior, said Nettles’ leadership has transformed the school at 30651 Wells Road. When he arrived on campus four years ago, it was a drab, dull place, VanHelden said.

“Most of the classes were just gray,” he said. Now, the color scheme is white, Carolina blue and navy blue.

There have been other big changes, as well.

The school has gone from a “D” to an “A.” Its graduation rate has improved from 86.08 percent to 90.6 percent, and the dropout rate has declined 2.74 percent in 2009-10 to 1.43 percent.

VanHelden said Nettles has focused on academic achievement, has set high expectations and has boosted student spirit and teacher morale.

“Teachers feel more like they’re being appreciated, I think,” the 18-year-old said.

He described Nettles as diplomatic, but demanding, too.

“She lays the hammer down but she’s nice about it. She gets the job done, but she’s very polite.”

Nettles has tapped into an army of volunteers, especially parents.

When she arrived there were 90 members in the Parent Teacher Student Association. Now, there are nearly 200. The parents do all sorts of tasks. They change out locker combinations in the summer, help on painting crews, serve breakfast on testing days.

Heidi Bernaldo, president of the school’s PTSA, said Nettles has the energy and creativity to keep people engaged.

She applauds Nettles for being in touch with what’s happening on campus, enabling her to maintain tighter control.

“She’s not in her office, with the door shut. She is everywhere,” Bernaldo said.

Like VanHelden, the PTSA leader said the campus is more cheerful since Nettles arrived. “All of the hallways, all the interior walls were gray. It kind of looked like a hospital or a prison.”

Sandy Thompson, membership coordinator for PTSA, was delighted by Nettles’ honor.

“She’s very deserving. She’s really turned this school around. What’s she’s done is put the children first. As a parent, that’s what you want.”

Thompson said Nettles doesn’t just talk the talk, she walks the walk, too: The principal plays kickball with the kids and works the drive-through at a school fundraiser.

Economics teacher Matt Kirouac, at Wesley Chapel High since 2005, said Nettles has clear expectations and sets high standards.

“She is straightforward. I think that’s probably the quality I most admire in her – I know what I have. Everything is right there, it’s right on the table.”

She welcomes staff input.

“If you have something you want to approach her about, she’s more than willing to hear it. What’s she’s looking for, though, is for you to help her find the solution,” Kirouac said.

Nettles started her career in special education and moved into administration because she wanted a broader reach.

“I felt like I could give more to a school, by just being free to think of programs,” Nettles said.

She said she believes in setting the bar high because she’s confident students and staff can and will rise to the occasion. She has high expectations of herself, as well.

“I don’t like excuses. There’s no reason for excuses. I can sit here and make excuses all day. What am I doing to help these students and this community, from the moment they get here at 7:30 until 1:54? That’s what I can control.”

 

Business Digest for April 4

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Capo joins Florida Cancer Affiliates

 

Florida Cancer Affiliates, a newly formed community-based medical oncology and hematology practice, has appointed Mary Capo special projects coordinator. Capo comes to Florida Cancer Affiliates from Florida Cancer Institute-New Hope where she served as office manager of the Brooksville practice for 10 years. Before that, she worked at Oak Hill Hospital.

 

Christian Business Connections helps worthy causes

 

Christian Business Connections, Central Pasco made two contributions of $250 each to worthy causes. One contribution went to Feed Our Children Ministries Inc., an organization that supports orphans, the elderly and the poor in the Greater Tampa community. Christian Business Connections, Central Pasco meets every Thursday at Heritage Church on 1854 Oak Grove Blvd. in Lutz, from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.. For more information contact Rene Van Hout at (813) 300-7511 or .

The second recipient was The Gathering, a new church in Wesley Chapel.

The church conducts a service at10 a.m. on Sundays at Wesley Chapel Elementary, 30243 Wells Road. Information is available at www.TheGatheringWC.com.

 

Hair stylists move to new shop

Hair stylists Arlene Andrews and Ginny Fleming, formerly of Bangs and Blondes LLC, have moved to The Salon at ULTA in The Grove at Wesley Chapel. Andrews, a hairdresser since 1979, joins the staff as salon manager. Fleming has been a stylist for 13 years. ULTA is a full-service salon and retailer that markets prestige skin care and cosmetics, fragrance, personal care appliances, and professional hair care products. For a salon appointment call (813) 991-7220 or visit ulta.com

 

Copperstone open house

Copperstone Executive Suites, 3632 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., had a ribbon-cutting and grand opening of its final phase on March 27. The office complex has 17 new offices, two conference rooms and a 1,200-square-foot meeting room facility. The Laker/Lutz News is located within the office building. For more information call (813) 298-7363 or email

 

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Help for small businesses

Local business owners have the opportunity to help shape Hillsborough County’s small and minority business program, while finding out how to boost their businesses at an April 5 workshop. The session, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., will be at the University Area Community Development Center, 14013 N. 22nd St., Room 139, in Tampa.

The program’s purpose is to provide incentives for the participation of these kinds of businesses in the county’s procurement and contracting activities.

On April 10, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Hillsborough County contractors and minority/women and small businesses are invited to learn about upcoming Hillsborough County projects, new good-faith efforts documentation, and a chance to build sustainable business relationships. The networking session will be at Hillsborough County’s Small Business Information Center, 7402 N. 56th St., Building 400, Suite 425, in Tampa.

For more information, call Hillsborough County’s Small, Minority Business Development Office at (813) 914-4028.

 

Christian Brothers Auto grand opening

Christian Brothers Automotive is holding its grand opening celebration at 3 p.m. April 14. The repair shop is located at 23650 Venezia Drive in Land O’ Lakes.

 

Saint Leo University president inducted into hall of fame

Arthur F. Kirk Jr., president of Saint Leo University, has been inducted into the 2012 Tampa Bay Hall of Fame.

Kirk was among four business leaders in a six-county area selected for the distinction.

The Florida Council on Economic Education created the Hall of Fame 25 years ago to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the community through business and civic achievements, and by serving as lifelong role models of integrity and high ideals.

 

North Tampa Chamber meetings

The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce is planning a number of events in April, including:

–General Meeting, 11:45a.m. April 12 at the Clarion Hotel, 2701 E. Fowler Ave. Earl C. Meyer, of MeyerTeam Business Coaching and Certified Guerrilla Marketing Coach, will present “Low Cost, No Cost High Impact Guerrilla Marketing.” Call the chamber office by 5 p.m. April 10 for a discounted rate of $17. After that, the fee is $22, which can be paid online or at the door. For directions, call (813) 971-4710.

–Chamber Chatter Connections, “Coffee Connection” from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. April 18, hosted by the Clarion Hotel, 2701 E. Fowler Ave. Refreshments are available. There is no charge and public is invited. To attend, contact Tracey Leary at or call (813) 971-4710.

–Chamber Chatter Connections, “After Hours Mixer,” 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. April 25, hosted by AAA South-Carrollwood (Travel/Insurance), 14755 N. Dale Mabry Highway, along with co-host Always Best Care of Tampa. Refreshments are available. The event is free and the public is invited. To attend, contact Marion Dowling at or call (813) 963-2121 Ext. 2255.

–Chamber Networking Luncheon, Relationship Building with Business Neighbors, 11:30 a.m. April 26, at Jerk Hut, 926 E. Fowler Ave. Order from select menu. The cost is $12 per person, whether you dine or not. Reserve a spot by April 24 by contacting Nicole Fielder at or call PNC Bank at (813) 931-8855. For directions, call (813) 977-5777.

 

Seeking nominees for Industry of the Year

The Pasco Economic Development Council Inc. is seeking nominations for its 2012 Industry of the Year Awards.

Each year the economic development council recognizes companies that have made outstanding contributions to the local economy. Companies are recognized for job creation, increased capital investment and contributions to the community through civic involvement. Awards are presented in these categories:

–Manufacturing, which includes manufacturing and processing companies

–Service/Distribution Industry, which represents business-to-business companies, such as back office, financial, and distributors

–Technology Industry, represents businesses involved in the computer software industry, technology development, and research and design

–Entrepreneurship and/or Exporting

To obtain nomination forms, contact the economic development council by calling (813) 926-0827, Ext. 227. The deadline for nominations is April 30.

 

 

Wiregrass Ranch girls, Land O’ Lakes boys win SAC titles

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By Kyle LoJacono

Wiregrass Ranch girls and Land O’ Lakes boys have dominated the area track and field scene this year and both kept winning at the Sunshine Athletic Conference (SAC) meet on March 29.

Wiregrass Ranch junior Nikita Shah won conference championships in the 1,600 and 3,200.

It is the fourth straight title for the Bulls in their six-year history, while the Gators picked up their first SAC crown ever.

“We have great athletes,” said first-year Land O’ Lakes boys track coach Bill Schmitz. “All year we had strength across the board. Most of the time we were able to score in all 17 events, and we did that again today.”

The Gators ran away with the team title with 159.5 points, besting second place Anclote by 52.5. The defending SAC champs Wiregrass Ranch finished third and Sunlake took fifth.

Schmitz, an assistant on the Land O’ Lakes football team, talked several athletes into joining track this year including Shadow Williams, Jackson Cannon and Nico Watts from football and Josh Davis from soccer.

Cannon won the discus with a throw of 141 feet 10.50 inches. The Gators also got conference titles from pole vaulter Ian McKenzie, the 4×400-meter relay and a pair of titles from senior Darin Patmon in the 110 (15.49 seconds) and 300 (41.94) hurdles.

Patmon has run track since his freshman year, but these are his first conference titles.

“In the 100 the kid was right with me the whole way, so I knew I had to keep pushing,” Patmon said. “I wanted this.”

There was tough competition in the sprint events between Sunlake’s Eddie Burgos and Wiregrass Ranch’s Jamel Nuñez.

Burgos beat Nuñez in the 100. The two rematched as the anchors of their squads’ 4×100 relays, where Burgos crossed in 44.34; one hundredth of a second faster than Nuñez.

Wiregrass Ranch junior Hannah Eder took first in the triple jump before finishing as the SAC runner up in the long jump.

“I seen Jamel right behind, and he’s been up there with me this whole year,” Burgos said. “I’ve just been hoping to get him one time.”

Nuñez came back and bested Burgos in the 200 by posting a 23.07.

“I felt like I had to give it my all,” Nuñez said. “Eddie Burgos beat me in the 100 and the 4×100, so I had to get my revenge.”

Sunlake’s Travis Manecke won his second straight shot put conference title (45-09.50). The junior, who attended Wiregrass Ranch last year, scratched on his first and third attempts, but his one good throw was enough.

“During practice I was throwing really bad, so I tried to just put that out of my mind,” Manecke said. “I didn’t throw very well today. I want to throw in the 50s.”

The Bulls girls also had a comfortable winning margin, scoring 137 to beat Mitchell by 39.5. Wesley Chapel placed fourth, while Land O’ Lakes and Sunlake finished ninth and 10th, respectively.

Don Howard has been Wiregrass Ranch’s girls coach the last three years. His squads have known nothing but conference gold, but Howard didn’t sleep easy the night before.

“I woke up this morning at 5 with a nervous stomach,” Howard said.

The Bulls lost six seniors from last year’s team. Howard said it meant a lot to win a conference crown after losing a number of top athletes.

Land O’ Lakes senior Darin Patmon claimed conference crowns in the 110 and 300 hurdles.

“I think we’ve created a program that good athletes want to be a part of,” Howard said. “Then it becomes easy as a coach.”

Wiregrass Ranch’s first individual title came from Hannah Eder, who set a personal best with a triple jump of 34-10.75.

“Last year at conference I didn’t do very well,” Eder said. “I think the nerves got to me, but this year I just felt really positive. … In practice I’d hit 34, so that’s what I was expecting but I was able to completely shatter that.”

Eder gave credit to first-year jumping coach Adorius Payne for getting her into top form.

The Bulls also got field championships from Patricia Magwood (36-00) in the shot put and Alisha Henry (10-06) in the pole vault.

Wiregrass Ranch scored big in the distance events thanks in large part to Nikita Shah wining the 1,600 (5:15.80) and 3,200 (11:17.06). Shah said her goal is to medal at states in both.

“I’m really grateful for the success this season I’m having,” Shah said. “I’m happy to be staying healthy. All I can do is try my hardest. I’m confident in my training, and this just backs that up.”

Elise Cedre won the 800 for the Bulls in 2:29.07. The squad also won the 4×400 and 4×100 in 4:16.92 and 50.90, respectively.

Wesley Chapel senior Ravin Gilbert won the 100 and 200 at the SAC meet on March 29.

A.J. Blount ran the final leg of the 4×100 less than eight months after suffering a torn ACL in her right knee while playing soccer.

“I’m pretty tired working to get back in shape,” Blount said. “Coming here and winning this race with my teammates feels pretty good, but I’m exhausted.

“The fact that I got my speed back is a plus because I was really scared that it wasn’t going to happen,” Blount continued. “I give all my props to our athletic trainer Jen Stollery. Without her I wouldn’t have gotten back.”

Wesley Chapel won three conference titles, one from high jumper Courtney Prengaman (5-06) and two from Ravin Gilbert in the 100 (12.22) and 200 (25.90).

“Now I can say I’m conference champ in the 100 for the first time,” Gilbert said. “This is something I’ve never experienced before. Finally I got this title.”

Gilbert also placed second in the 400 behind Land O’ Lakes’ Hallie Grimes (59.60).

“I just pushed as hard as I could on the last 100 because I could hear footsteps right behind me,” Grimes said. She then added, “I had to get prepared mentally before the race because I know who I’m going up against.”

Freshman Jhade Hayes captured the only title for Sunlake in the discus throw (105-08.75).

“I was just trying to throw at least 100,” Hayes said. “I have a bad blister. I thought that would hurt me more, but I got through it.”

The next challenges for area track and field athletes are the district meets.

The Bulls girls will attempt to claim their fourth straight district championship at the Class 3A-District 6 meet on April 20 starting at noon. The Gators boys are looking for their first district title since 2007 and third overall at the same meet.

Women’s lacrosse comes to Saint Leo

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By Kyle LoJacono

Lesley Graham scans the field one afternoon watching her team warm up before practice, and in her head is a vision of what the program may some day become.

Graham is the coach of the inaugural Saint Leo University women’s lacrosse team. She spends much of her time watching the Lions (4-7) work on passes, take faceoffs and fight for ground balls.

Wesley Chapel High graduates Kasey Tanner, left, and Haley Skipper are part of the inaugural Saint Leo University women’s lacrosse team.

Many of Graham’s players grew up with the sport, while others are new to the game, but all are in search of the same goal — making SLU into a perennial powerhouse.

“To be a part of the growth of the sport that I love; that’s a great opportunity,” Graham said. “It’s traditionally a Northeast/Mid-Atlantic game. When you think of lacrosse those are the areas you think of, but it’s really great to explore the talent in nontraditional areas. It’s nice to give the Florida kids a chance to stay instate and show we do know how to play lacrosse.”

Two of those locals on the squad are sophomore defender Haley Skipper and freshman midfielder Kasey Tanner, who went to Wesley Chapel High.

Tanner played many sports growing up, such as softball, swimming and cheerleading, but nothing stuck until she found lacrosse with the Wesley Chapel Athletic Association in ninth grade.

“It’s a different kind of sport from anything I’ve seen besides maybe hockey,” Tanner said. “It just uses a whole different set of skills, and it’s really fast paced. … I feel really lucky that I get to play so close to home.”

Lions sophomore midfielder Stephanie Marran fires a pass during a recent practice.

Skipper tried lacrosse in eighth grade, but put her gear away in favor of high school soccer. She didn’t touch the sticks again until college.

“I thought it was a good idea to help start something new here,” Skipper said.

Graham is one of the few who grew up focusing on lacrosse. She picked up the game in seventh grade, playing four years as a defender at Ithaca College. Her first coaching stint was with the U19 junior national team in Scotland.

“I found that I really loved coaching,” Graham said. “I got my masters in sports administration and was a graduate assistant at Canisius College.”

Graham coached one season at Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia, but when she learned SLU was adding women’s lacrosse she jumped at the chance to lead the program. She spent last year recruiting while scouring the university for anyone with athleticism and the drive to learn something new.

“That was really hard to recruit players to a team that doesn’t exist,” Graham said. “I was lucky because our senior captain (Kelsey Cunningham) hosted recruits and showed them around to tell them what it’s like to be a student here.”

One of the biggest additions was Stephanie Marran. The sophomore midfielder scored 52 goals and was fourth in Division II nationally in draw controls with 6.2 per contest last year while at Post University in Waterbury, Conn. She was named to the USA College Lacrosse All-American Rookie Team.

“I transferred here and I see it as an opportunity to help a new program,” said Marran, who leads the team with 33 goals.

Marran plays forward for the Lions soccer team, which went 15-3-1 and finished the year ranked No. 23 nationally. She believes the lacrosse program can be as successful.

“There’re a lot of talented girls on this team,” Marran said. “I think it’ll take a couple years because we don’t have very many people yet, but once we get more we’ll be good.”

The journey to the top won’t be easy largely because it includes many trips. The Lions are one of three Division II programs in Florida. The squad will play the first few years as an independent, giving Graham the opportunity to schedule tough opponents.

“This year we’ve played No. 3 (Limestone College) in the country and No. 5 (Rollins College) in the country,” Graham said. “People were asking me ‘why would you do that,’ but it’s good. You want to be challenged.”

Tanner sees the squad uniting.

“We trust each other on the field,” Tanner said. “Also the jitters are gone. The first games we were scared. When we lost to Limestone we played horribly in the first half, but in the second half we came back and tied their score 7-7 through the half. We’re capable of so much.”

SLU secured its first victory on Feb. 24 19-2 at Catawba College in North Carolina.

“What was nice is we got to play another first-year program,” Graham said. “It showed us a comparable opponent because they’re in the same position we are. We were able to go out and execute our gameplan and play as a team for the full 60 minutes.”

Marran had three goals and two assists in the win, while Tanner scored her first of the season.

“I’m a low shooter, and it was probably the first high shot I’ve ever made,” Tanner said. “That in itself was pretty exciting, but it also made me hungry for more.”

The Lions lost their next four games after their first win, but rolled off a three-game winning streak after that.

SLU hosted Converse College on April 2, but results were not available by press time. The Lions play Newberry College on April 13 before hosting Florida Southern College on April 18 in their regular season finale. Both contests start at 7 p.m.

 

Sorrow spurs Freedom baseball to new heights

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By Kyle LoJacono

The Freedom baseball team suffered a major loss on March 18, but it wasn’t in a game.

Patriots sophomore pitcher Taylor King lost his 50-year-old father, David, on that date; the final day of spring break. His teammates learned of his devastating loss the next day at school.

Freedom senior Kyle Schindler spray paints DK behind home plate in memory of his teammate Taylor King’s father dying this year. The Patriots also put the initials on the pitcher’s mound and it is stitched onto their hats.

“That was a rough week for us,” said third-year Freedom coach A.J. Leppla. “We had a big tragedy losing somebody in the family, but we’re looking to build together through that adversity. … Before the year I told the team about a friend from college whose 2-year-old daughter past away from cancer, and our guys have kept her on their mind. Then this hit a little closer to home for them. They’ve talked about playing for something bigger than themselves.”

The Patriots (12-4) are wearing David’s initials DK stitched onto their hats and also spray paint those letters behind home plate and on the pitcher’s mound for home games. Leppla said they want to make the playoffs for the first time in the program’s nine-year history to honor David’s memory.

Freedom had difficulty playing its first game after learning of the death, falling 11-1 against Class 7A-District 9 rival Steinbrenner on March 20.

“There was a lot going on with the team when we played that game,” said senior catcher Eric Schindler. “We played about as bad as we have all year.”

Patriots junior third baseman/pitcher Johnny Keigher has a team-high .465 batting average with 15 RBI this year.

The Patriots pulled together quickly and responded with a 9-5 win against district opponent Gaither on March 24.

“We came together nicely and played like we can,” Leppla said. “Mr. King would have been proud.”

Junior second baseman/pitcher Chandler Chapman, who was recently named to the Perfect Game USA All-American team as an honorable mention, said the win over Gaither shows how far the squad has come

“We would have never done that last year,” Chapman said.

Freedom, which is still looking for its first winning season, is off to the best start in program history and has added reason to finally make the postseason, but nothing will come easy in 7A-9. Four of the five teams in the district have a winning record.

“We’re excited, but we’re keeping a level head about it,” said pitcher/shortstop Kyle Schindler, Eric’s twin brother. “We don’t want to get too excited because we haven’t done anything yet. It doesn’t matter what we do now. It matters what we do in districts.”

Patriots senior catcher Eric Schindler has a team-high .610 on-base percentage with 10 steals and nine RBI.

Junior third baseman/pitcher Johnny Keigher said the tough district is making the team play its best every night.

“Having a very difficult league makes us have to step up our game,” Keigher said. “We know we have to play really well to make it. It makes our game that much better.”

Keigher transferred this season from Jesuit, which finished as the 4A state runner-up last year. He said the postseason is a constant topic of discussion.

“We talk about it all the time,” Keigher said. “It’s basically our main goal to make the playoffs. We want to make sure we get there.”

Leppla, who came to the Patriots three years ago from Wiregrass Ranch, said he knew the team would have strong pitching and solid defense, which gave him confidence they could compete.

“Pitching and defense wins championships,” Leppla said. “Look at what the Rays did last year. I mean they just found a way to win with pitching and defense, and that’s what we do. I knew we wouldn’t be great offensively, but it’s been the timely hitting that’s helped us.”

Leppla said the hitting has started to come around lately.

“But it’s going to have to keep getting better,” Leppla said. “We need to make sure we’re getting timely hits to support our pitchers.”

Freedom travels to district-leading Steinbrenner on April 5 at 7 p.m. The 7A-9 tournament is at Gaither, with the finals on April 26 at 7 p.m.

–All stats as recorded to Maxpreps.com by coaches

 

Surprising Bulls contending for district crown

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By Kyle LoJacono

The Wiregrass Ranch baseball team had several major holes to fill entering this season.

The Bulls lost four seniors, including first-team all-Sunshine Athletic Conference selections in catcher Chris Kluender and pitcher John Michael Gant. The latter went 6-0 with a 1.90 ERA and 107 strikeouts and is currently in the New York Mets farm system after being drafted.

Wiregrass Ranch senior pitcher Ryan Kopenski’s work on the mound has helped the squad replace two graduates from last year’s rotation.

Wiregrass Ranch, which is seeking the first playoff berth in the program’s six-year history, has found ample replacements and has rushed out to a 13-4 record while sitting in third place in Class 7A-District 9.

“I’m surprised with how the pitching has done,” said third-year Bulls coach Jeff Swymer. “The young guys have walked a bit too many people, but they’ve been able to pitch out of it.”

Stepping into that No. 1 pitching spot has been senior lefty Ryan Kopenski, while sophomore right-hander Zach Drury has slotted in at No. 2.

“Gant was a key for us last year, and we heard people wondering if our pitching was going to hold up,” Kopenski said. “I told Zach Drury before the season we’d need him to step up, and the whole pitching staff has.”

The team ERA is 1.56 while holding opponents to a .174 batting average. Kopenski said the pitchers have tried to work in combination to replace what Gant did.

“Last year we had that one guy, and now we don’t,” Kopenski said. “Everybody has to put in their innings, and things have been split up nicely. We don’t have that one guy, but we’ve got a couple guys who can get the job done.”

Wiregrass Ranch sophomore pitcher Zach Drury throws a bullpen session during a recent practice.

Kopenski is 5-2 with two saves and a 1.14 ERA. He tossed his first career no-hitter at Chamberlain in a 5-0 win on Feb. 24.

The rotation is helped by Ryan Girard (3-0), who hasn’t given up an earned run in 19.2 innings. Drury is 3-1 with a 2.90 ERA and a team-high 33 strikeouts after starting two games last year.

“They didn’t really need me that much last year,” Drury said. “I knew I had to pick up my pitching because when I did pitch I wasn’t that good. I knew I had to step my game up and be better with my command. I can’t walk batters.”

Swymer said the pitching has been the key to the fast start.

“We’re going to set up an at bat with first pitch fastball,” Swymer said. “We want to get quick outs. We want to keep pitch counts down by getting ahead early and challenging them. Kopenski does that the best. He’s not a highly recruited guy because he doesn’t light up radar guns, but he can pitch as well as anybody in the county.”

The most consistent hitters have been senior outfielder Michael Barrone and sophomore second baseman Mike Campoamor.

Wiregrass Ranch senior outfielder Michael Barrone takes batting practice.

“I’m our leadoff hitter, so I just try to get on base as much as possible for the guys behind me,” said Barrone, a .347 hitter with 14 RBI. “The bottom of the order has been getting on, so I’ve had some RBI chances to take advantage of.”

Campoamor, who is batting .333 with 11 RBI, started most of his freshman year. He said he is very comfortable in the field but felt a need to step up his game.

“I felt more pressure this year because of the guys we lost,” Campoamor said. “I knew a lot of us were going to have to improve.”

Moving behind the plate is freshman Alex Goebel, who is hitting .310 with 15 RBI while batting third. Fellow freshman Shane Bucenell has also added to the lineup mainly as a designated hitter.

Swymer said they’ve had at least two guys hot at the plate all year.

“I hope we all get hot at the same time soon,” Swymer said. “That’s what it’ll take to compete in the district.”

Wiregrass Ranch is the only Pasco County team in 7A-9, which includes Freedom, Gaither, Steinbrenner and Chamberlain.

“We took it as we can prove to everyone that a Pasco school can hang with those kinds of teams,” Barrone said. “Honestly switching to a Hillsborough district I thought we’d be able to win a district title. We’ve got all the tools. We’ve got good pitchers on the mound; we’ve got seniors.”

Swymer, who was the pitching coach at Riverview for eight years, agrees.

“I take it to heart because I know how hard we work, and we have a year-round program,” Swymer said. “It bothers me because these kids work hard. I coached in Hillsborough. The drop off isn’t what people make it out to be. I think there’s as much top-end talent per capita in Pasco as there is in Hillsborough.

“It is going to be tough because Steinbrenner, Gaither and Freedom have a pitcher with overpowering stuff,” Swymer continued. “We’re going to have to eliminate walks, play great defense and put pressure on teams on the bases.”

Gaither hosts the 7A-9 tournament. The final is on April 26 at 7 p.m.

Wiregrass Ranch is playing in the RBI Spring Break Tournament this week. The Bulls’ next scheduled game is at Gaither on April 10 at 7 p.m.

–All stats as recorded to Maxpreps.com by coaches

Steinbrenner puts focus on earning first postseason trip

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By Jeff Odom

Laker/Lutz News Correspondent

The Steinbrenner baseball team may have gotten off to a shaky start this season, but its players are intent on making sure it doesn’t end that way.

Senior pitcher Chris Williams is 4-0 with a 1.93 ERA for the No. 1 seeded Steinbrenner baseball team.

The Warriors (11-6) lost three of their first four games, but under the direction of third-year coach John Crumbley things brightened quickly.

Senior pitcher Chris Williams (4-0, 1.93 ERA) said the squad quickly realized it needed to play as a team.

“It was tough at first because we weren’t really used to losing; it’s not how we’re built,” said Williams, a St. Leo University signee. “We just came together and were just like ‘Hey, maybe we’re not as good as we think we are, and we need to start playing as a team instead of a bunch of individuals.’ I think we’ve done that.”

Crumbley said his focus at the start of the season was to get his players experience, which contributed to the early struggles.

“I just think we were playing people early and trying to give people opportunities to succeed, and it just took us a little while to get to the flow of what we’re going to stick with,” Crumbley said. “I think now we’re doing the little things better, and people have settled into their roles.”

Steinbrenner lost a few of its playmakers last year including three who signed to play in college. However, a new crop of players have filled the void such as first-year varsity pitcher Cole Gordon (5-1, 0.72 ERA) and senior left fielder Sammy May, who hadn’t made a start until this season.

Warriors senior outfielder Sammy May is hitting .346 in his first season starting.

“It’s been fun finally getting an opportunity to play,” said May, who is hitting .346. “Every day at practice I’ve been working on my swing and hitting off the tee. I’m just staying focused and not goofing around.”

The Warriors are currently seeded No. 1 in Class 7A-District 9, scoring district wins over Freedom (12-4), Wiregrass Ranch (13-4) and Gaither (10-7). Crumbley said his team has to play consistently to stay on top.

“We’ve set ourselves up pretty well,” Crumbley said. “As far as district seeding goes, the destiny is in our court. Getting the No. 1 seed is what we’re striving toward. We’ve never had that in our existence in three years, so basically we’re looking at trying to secure that.”

Williams added playing tough district games has made the squad stronger.

“We’re facing a little bit better pitching (in the new district),” Williams said. “So in the beginning it was a little struggle, but now since we’ve gotten used to it we’re doing our jobs and that’s why we’re continuing to keep winning.”

If Steinbrenner makes it out of the district tournament, it will be the first trip to the playoffs for the third-year program. Crumbley said that’s the collective goal.

“We want to get to those postseasons and try and see how far you can go,” Crumbley said. “And as a coach that’s how you’re measured, so we’re looking for hopefully an opportunity to do that this year.”

The Warriors played a makeup game against Brandon on April 2, but results were not available by press time.

Steinbrenner hosts Freedom on April 5 at 7 p.m. Gaither hosts the 7A-9 tournament, with the championship on Thursday, April 26 at 7 p.m.

–All stats as recorded to Maxpreps.com by coaches

 

 

Land O’ Lakes baseball hungry for two in a row

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Pitching leads the way in early going

By Kyle LoJacono

The 2011 Land O’ Lakes baseball team went 20-9 and made the playoffs as a district runner-up, but was one and done.

The current group of Gators (12-4) is out to make back-to-back postseasons but this time plan on sticking around for a while.

“States,” said senior pitcher Ryan Wall about what is possible this season. “We want to win districts this year and go deep. We need to work to get better, but I think we have the talent to get there.”

Land O’ Lakes senior pitcher Brad Hencke has allowed only one run in 28 innings this season, an ERA of 0.25, while striking out 33 batters.

Land O’ Lakes has to go against recent trends to make a deep run into May. The Gators last advanced past the regional quarterfinals in 2000 and have never made it to the final eight in the school’s 36-year history.

Land O’ Lakes was close to winning a playoff game last year when they took a 7-0 lead at Mitchell, but lost 11-10.

“It was a tough loss, but it was fun getting there,” said junior second baseman Dylan Harris. “Now we’ve been there and know what it’s like, and we have to take advantage of that experience.”

The Gators have started fast despite losing nine seniors, including four who signed college baseball scholarships.

“I am a little surprised we’ve done as well as we have so far,” said 28-year Land O’ Lakes coach Calvin Baisley. “The pitching was big question mark, but they’ve been better than advertised.”

Gators junior second baseman Dylan Harris has a team-high .400 batting average this season.

Wall is one of the guys who has stepped up to replace five graduating pitchers who combined to throw 133 innings with 15 wins and seven saves a year ago.

“The senior pitchers did a good job setting the example last year,” Wall said. “I didn’t really play last year, I only threw one inning, so I watched and learned as much as I could to get ready for my senior season.”

Something must have rubbed off, as the righty Wall has a 4-2 record with a 2.26 ERA.

Land O’ Lakes returns last year’s No. 1 pitcher Brad Hencke. The 6-foot-1 lefty has posted a 3-1 record while fanning 38 batters. He has allowed two earned runs all year for an ERA of 0.40 with an opponent batting average of .122.

Also adding to the rotation is Jake Rawls, who is 1-0 with a 1.94 ERA. The pitching success has created a friendly competition to one-up each other.

“It’s great having other guys on the team who can throw strikes and get outs,” Hencke said. “They don’t give up very many runs. Coach Baisley preaches get the first pitch strike, get the first out and make the inning short. Our defense has really been helping us too.”

The hitting has been the weak spot. The Gators are batting .255 with a .354 on-base percentage while slugging a slim .321. Land O’ Lakes has only lost one game when scoring at least two runs.

“That tells me we have to score two runs more often,” Baisley said with a laugh. “Part of it is the pitching we’ve faced has been good and the hitters are younger than last year.”

Harris said the best solution is to think small.

“I’d like to see us play more small ball to get things going,” Harris said. “Last year we had a couple kids who could really stroke. We don’t have as much power this year, but we still have some really good pitchers, and it’s helping make up for that.”

Harris leads all regular starters with a .400 batting average with seven steals.

“I just look for one pitch and try to hit it hard when it comes,” Harris said. “I look for something I can get good contact on so it doesn’t get past me. … I’m just trying to find a way on so the guys behind me can drive me in.”

Harris has also taken on the vociferous leadership role.

“He’s a very smart player and is very vocal,” Baisley said. “The other players respect that.”

Land O’ Lakes is tied with Mitchell for second in Class 6A-District 10, but are the only district squad to defeat current frontrunner Tarpon Springs. That victory gives the Gators confidence they can be a factor come tournament time.

“We played Tarpon, who I think is the best team in the district, and we beat them 1-0 here and lost there 1-0,” Baisley said. “We just have to keep getting better, but we’ve played with them twice.”

Land O’ Lakes is playing in the RBI Spring Break Tournament this week. The Gators’  next scheduled game is at Wiregrass Ranch on April 11 at 7 p.m. The 6A-10 championship is at River Ridge on April 26 at 7:30 p.m.

–All states as recorded to Maxpreps.con by coaches.