Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Girls soccer district of death

Four playoff teams vie for two postseason spots

 

By Kyle LoJacono

 

The Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) creates new district alignments every two years, and it made quite a doozy when it created Class 4A-District 8.

The alignment includes four playoff teams from last season, including the defending 4A state champion Steinbrenner. It also has regional finalists Gaither and Wiregrass Ranch, as well as Freedom, which has won back-to-back district titles.

All four plan on returning to the postseason this season, but only the district champion and runner-up will be in the playoffs.

Wiregrass Ranch, the only Pasco County squad in the district, has yet to play any of the other playoff teams from 4A-8, but the three Hillsborough County schools have played each other at least twice since Steinbrenner opened two seasons ago.

The Warriors tied Gaither and Freedom in all four of their matchups. The Patriots have gotten the better of the Cowboys the last two years with a 3-0-1 record.

Other teams in 4A-8 include Sickles and Chamberlain. The district tournament is at Freedom on Jan. 16-20.

Steinbrenner Warriors 

The Warriors won a state title in the program’s second season last year, quicker than any other soccer team in Florida history.

“It’s definitely the best thing that has happened to me ever,” said senior forward Cici Gonzalez. “It was like a dream.”

Gonzalez said the team is prepared to take everyone’s best shot this year.

“We won, so we know everyone is going to be coming for us,” Gonzalez said. “We have to backup our title. I think we’re just as good as last year.”

Steinbrenner had little trouble in its old district the last two seasons, winning all 17 games by a combined score of 141-1.

“The most remarkable thing about Steinbrenner winning last year was looking at the games, because so often if you have an easy district the team can become unfocused,” said first-year Warriors coach Robert Woodard. “You can tell kids to stay sharp in the games, but when they know what the outcome is going to be it’s tough to work as hard.”

Gonzalez looks forward to games that don’t end by mercy rule.

“I think it’s going to help us,” Gonzalez said. “Now we won’t have those 8-0 games when people said we weren’t playing anyone. Now we’re playing good competition in our district.”

Freedom Patriots 

Freedom won back-to-back district titles the last two years and the Patriots know it won’t be easy making it three in a row.

“It’s going to be tough,” said senior defender Suzanna Crochet. “Each night we’ll get better and learn from the mistakes we make. It’s going to be a lot of hard work, but we’re excited for it.”

Senior midfielder Alyssa Daniello is also eager because the district makes some of the squad’s rivalry games even more meaningful.

“We’ve tied Steinbrenner the two times we’ve played, so we know we can play with them,” Daniello said. “Gaither we’ve always had a little rivalry with. We beat them for the district title last year. Playing Wiregrass is exciting because we’ve never played them before.”

Freedom second-year coach Jenna Ball played on the Tampa Bay Tech soccer team while in high school. Having such a tough district makes her thrilled about the future of the sport.

“It shows how far girls soccer has come,” Ball said. “When I was in high school there were just a few club players on a team and just a few competitive teams. Now there are so many competitive teams. It shows girls soccer is moving up and the area is becoming one of the top in the nation for the sport.”

Wiregrass Ranch Bulls

Wiregrass Ranch is the big question mark in 4A-8 in more ways than one.

“These are all teams that we don’t know, and I don’t think we’ve played any of them before, but that also means they haven’t seen us either,” said second-year Bulls coach Erin Dodd. “That unknown is exciting.”

Wiregrass Ranch’s schedule is also very different from its district rivals to the south. The Wesley Chapel-based school will play a full slate of games within the Sunshine Athletic Conference (SAC), which includes the 13 public schools in Pasco.

Dodd said there is still very good competition in Pasco, which had five playoff teams last season. She said the squad’s SAC and district schedule, along with a few tournaments, should make the Bulls ready for a postseason run.

“One of the great things is you get better playing against teams that are of a high quality,” Dodd said. “All of these teams are high-quality teams. Every district game we’re playing a defending state champ, a region finalist, a playoff team from last year. It raises the level of play we have to come into every district game with.”

Gaither Cowboys 

Gaither third-year coach Trevor Scott admits the Cowboys are usually identified with boys soccer instead of girls, what with the 4A state championship title from 2000 in the school’s trophy case.

His squad’s playoff appearance last season was the program’s first in five years, but Scott said the current group can create a legacy at Gaither.

“I’m not going to say in 30 years we’re going to be the first place people think of for girls soccer, but with these players we can be very good,” Scott said. “The girls are talented and hungry to win.”

Scott said that drive to put up ‘Ws’ in a tougher district will prepare the Cowboys for another postseason.

“I think we lacked playing really tough games every night last year,” Scott said. “We only played Steinbrenner once and Freedom once in the regular season. Those were our really tough games. We weren’t ready for that kind of competition. Get through this district and we’ll be ready.”

Senior midfielder Kaycee McGuire said there is another reason she wants to beat their closest rivals.

“A lot of the girls know players on those other teams, so that also puts a fire under us to win,” McGuire said. “You want to work harder and beat them so they can’t talk trash about you.”

 

Area Class 4A-District 8 teams

Freedom* 11-2-3, 5A region quarterfinalist

Gaither 12-6-2, 5A region finalist

Steinbrenner* 21-2-2, 4A state champs

Wiregrass Ranch* 23-3-2, 4A region finalist

*Won a district title

 

Area 4A-8 head-to-head games this year

–Steinbrenner at Freedom Nov. 17, 8 p.m.

–Steinbrenner at Wiregrass Ranch Nov. 29, 8 p.m.

–Steinbrenner at Gaither Dec. 6, 6 p.m.

–Freedom at Wiregrass Ranch Dec. 6, 8 p.m.

–Wiregrass Ranch at Gaither Dec. 13, 6 p.m.

–Freedom at Gaither Jan. 4, 6 p.m.

Freedom hosts the district tournament, which will be played Jan. 16-20.

 

Area 4A-8 teams past matchups

–Gaither ties Steinbrenner 1-1 Nov. 3, 2009

–Steinbrenner ties Freedom 0-0 Dec. 11, 2009

–Gaither loss Freedom 3-1 Jan. 8, 2010

–Freedom def. Gaither 3-0 Jan. 20, 2010

–Gaither ties Freedom 1-1 Nov. 10, 2010

–Steinbrenner ties Gaither 0-0 Dec. 9, 2010

–Steinbrenner ties Freedom 0-0 Jan. 14, 2011

–Freedom def. Gaither 1-0 Jan. 21, 2011

By Jeff Odom

Laker/Lutz News Correspondent

It took a last minute touchdown and overtime, but the Steinbrenner football team defeated Chamberlain 34-27 on Nov. 4 to secure the first winning season in the program’s three-year history.

Curtis Fitch completed a 42-yard pass to Jon Marc Carrier with 45 seconds left in regulation to set up the game-tying score for the Warriors (6-3). The two connected again for a 14-yard strike in overtime to claim the road victory.

“Our offensive coordinator, Andres Perez, made a couple of great calls,” said Warriors coach Floyd Graham. “The winning play we just put in this week and it worked just like it’s designed to.”

Steinbrenner drove down the field into Chamberlain (1-8) territory thanks to a handful of rushes from Cody Cazin and Kendall Pearcey. After Cazin set up a first down, Pearcey found a hole and turned on the burners for a 42-yard touchdown to get the Warriors on the scoreboard.

The Chiefs struck back with a weapon of their own — halfback Xavier Johnson. The junior, who finished with 262 yards on 32 carries and two touchdowns, slipped through a hole on the outside and tied the game with a 32-yard scamper.

Steinbrenner’s Zack Jones answered with a 99-yard kickoff return for a score, tying a 2010 return by Jake Carroll for longest in school history.

Johnson continued to show his speed, breaking through a host of defenders en route to a 27-yard gain to set up Nick McNeal for a 32-yard touchdown to tie the game at 14.

Pearcey, who finished with 212 total yards, took the ensuing kickoff back 57 yards to set the Warriors up with good field position. He scored on a 1-yard rush to give Steinbrenner a 21-14 halftime lead.

Johnson wasted no time tying the game after halftime with a 51-yard touchdown. Josh Bennett found McNeal in the back of the end zone to give Chamberlain a 27-21 fourth-quarter lead after a blocked extra point.

The Warriors took over on their own 28 for what turned out as their last possession of regulation. Penalties threatened to derail the 18-play, 72-yard drive.

“The penalties killed us all night,” Graham said. “We have to eliminate that because those things will turn a win into a loss faster than just about anything.”

Facing a fourth and 20, Fitch made a 26-yard completion to Carrier to give Steinbrenner first down. The sophomore signal caller wasn’t done there. Facing fourth and 7, he found Carrier for a 42-yard reception with less than 45 seconds to play.

Pearcey fought through the line for the game-tying score on fourth and goal with the win hinging on the extra point, which sailed wide left to send the game to overtime.

The Warriors got the ball on the Chiefs’ 10-yard line with four chances to score, but a penalty pushed them back. Steinbrenner would not be deterred, as Fitch found Carrier in end zone for a 14-yard strike on the second play.

“Coach said ‘go make a play’ and Fitch put it out there,” said Carrier, who finished with three catches for 76 yards. “It was a great pass and I just caught the ball.”

Chamberlain could not answer on its possession, giving Steinbrenner the victory.

The Warriors host Middleton on Thursday, Nov. 10 at 7:30 p.m. to end the season.

By Eugenio Torrens

During his college career, center Jeff Deremer snapped the ball to such Super Bowl-winning signal callers as Brett Favre and Brad Johnson, but he formed some of his longest-lasting memories in high school.

He said as much when he visited his old coach John Castelemare, who is in his second season at Academy at the Lakes.

“The stuff you’re going through right now, you’ll remember the rest of your life,” Deremer, who played college ball at the University of Southern Mississippi and Florida State University, told the Wildcats who gathered in the school gym’s weight room.

Castelemare coached Deremer at Ridgewood his sophomore through senior season, 1985-88. Any time the Wildcats coach beckons his former player to speak to the team, Deremer obliges.

“Sometimes when you’re a player, you kind of let what coaches say and teachers say go in one ear and out the other, but this stuff really means something, and you don’t figure that out until later in life,” Deremer said.

Deremer stressed academics and taking care of responsibilities more important than athletics, though he said sports teaches life lessons, including one that has stuck with him more than any other since high school.

“Never quit,” Deremer said.

Castelemare’s Wildcats welcomed Deremer last year, when the team went 5-5. This season he spoke in front of a 9-1 squad, and the several players said they hoped he noticed their improvement.

“I think he’ll be impressed,” said junior lineman Alex Stark.

That’s saying something for someone who played at a college football powerhouse.

“We’re not even an 11-man team, but to have somebody who played on the highest level of collegiate football to come talk to us is pretty cool,” said sophomore lineman Jack Fishman.

He remembered some of the lessons from Deremer last year, such as working hard and never giving up. He joked how Deremer made it known that Castelemare had gotten softer since the 1980s.

But even as the hard-nosed, rough-and-tumble, whistle-blowing coach, Castelemare served as a role model for his athletes, including Deremer whose father was bedridden during his playing days.

“Kids need these role models in their lives,” Deremer said.

Every year he speaks to Castelemare’s new group of players, Deremer was overcome with nostalgia.

“You come back and you see the same stuff and you see kids working that hard and all the opportunities that they’re gonna have, it’s incredible,” Deremer said. “I’ll do anything to hand back what I was taught.”

By Kyle LoJacono

The University of Tampa (UT) Equestrian Team, which practices at Far Reach Farm in Lutz, brought home seven state ribbons from the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA).

The event, which included 230 competitors from 14 colleges, was at Florida State University on Oct. 15. Not only was it the first contest of the season for the Spartans, it was also the first time the UT squad has participated at the IHSA.

“We are the team to do it,” said team captain Kendra New. “In the previous years, no one has been able to pull off what we have accomplished. Not only did we make it there, every single one of our riders came home with a ribbon. It was the best feeling in the world to be there and have our presence known. I am very proud of all of our riders. We did not go there with any high expectations, but came home with a great feeling of pride.”

All seven members of the UT team claimed a ribbon, given to the top-six participants in each event. Michenzi Marzano claimed a first-place ribbon, while New and Jessica Booth brought home a third.

Rounding out the ribbons, Allie Heinrichs took home a fourth, Brigitte Werleman was awarded a fifth and Rami Younes and Molly McGill each claimed a sixth.

Sherri O’Connor is the Spartan coach and said she was very pleased the squad’s hard work paid off at the event.

The classes of competition included both jumping and flat events. Other in-state colleges that participated at the IHSA included Florida Atlantic University, Florida International University, Florida State, the University of Central Florida and the University of Florida.

By Kyle LoJacono

Lutz resident Michael McNamara wants to someday design the world’s next great golf course, and he just received some help to make that dream come true.

McNamara, who is currently attending Penn State University, was awarded the Mendenhall and MacCurrach scholarship, given by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA). The honor comes with $6,000.

“Knowing the competition, I was humbled and proud to have won the Mendenhall Award,” McNamara said. “I would like to thank the selection committee and my boss John D. Scott for allowing me to finish my education while holding a full-time position. I will work hard to justify their selection.”

The GCSAA Scholars Program was developed to recognize outstanding students planning careers in golf course management. Winners were selected based on academic achievement, potential to become a leading professional, employment history, extracurricular activities and recommendations.

McNamara was named the first-place winner, but 12 others received honors from GCSAA and received a total of $25,000 this year. No other winner was from either Hillsborough or Pasco counties, according the GCSAA.

A pair of area student-athletes competed in last week’s state golf tournaments, and both finished in the top third of their respected events.

Saddlebrook Prep senior Lauren Riehle shot a 13-over 157 at the girls Class 1A tournament on Nov. 1-2, good enough for 19th place. She was 13 shots off the championship pace of Windermere Prep’s Shannon Aubert.

Riehle, who won individual district and regional titles this year, finished with a 16-over 160 to take 37th at the same event last year. The Wesley Chapel resident has committed to play at the University of Miami next season.

Gaither junior Jimmy Stanger, who claimed an individual district championship this season, carded a 15-over 159 to finish in a five-way tie for 28th at the boys 2A finals on Nov. 1-2. Okeechobee’s Richard Donegan took the championship with an even-par 144.

It is the first time Stanger has played in the state event.

 

 

Freedom advances as runner-up

By Kyle LoJacono

It was a different district, different opponents, but in the end the Steinbrenner volleyball team was still the squad holding a championship trophy on Oct. 27.

The Warriors (23-4) claimed their third consecutive district crown by defeating Freedom 25-13, 25-19, 25-19 in the Class 7A-District 9 finals. Steinbrenner coach Jennifer Graham said this squad is different from the previous two years.

“I think we’re calm,” Graham said. “Last year we were still so new, same with the year before. This year we know we belong in the final four. We just have to play well to get there.”

Warrior senior libero Cary Anne Bame added, “Our confidence level is 10 times higher. Even last year when we were very confident — this is a different level.”

The win not only gives the third-year program a home match in the regional quarterfinals, but also extends Steinbrenner’s record against district opponents to 26-0.

The Warriors jumped out to a 12-2 lead in the first set thanks to serving that made it difficult for the Patriots (19-8) to pass the ball.

“That’s something we focus on in practice is effective serving and serving to certain spots,” Bame said. “That’s what we did tonight and that’s how we win.”

Freedom began to control the serves late in the first set and managed to take a two-point lead five times in the second set. Patriot coach Kerry Short said the goal was to slow down Steinbrenner’s serving game to give her hitters a chance at the net.

“If the kids could just somewhat control their serves to keep it where another player can get their hands on it then we’re in the ball game,” Short said.

The Warriors took a 15-14 lead in the second set off a kill by Rachel Mathison. They would not trail again in the match.

Graham said she knew it wasn’t going to be easy playing Freedom (19-8). The Patriots were the only 7A-9 team to force four sets against Steinbrenner this season and only the second district opponent that has ever taken a set from the Warriors.

“When they won that one from us early in the year it was just like that,” Graham said. “I said to them do you remember this because it’s déjà vu right here. They took it in the regular season, but we said it’s not happening tonight.”

Graham said she was pleased with the way her players put full effort into going after every ball regardless of the score.

“We only had two or three free balls all night and that is huge for us,” Graham said. “We’ve worked on that from Day 1. Attack every ball no matter where it’s at.”

Steinbrenner’s frontline was led by junior middle hitter Madison Seuzeneau, who had a career-high 15 kills against Freedom.

“I didn’t realize I had 15, but to have that many in a very important match for us is really special,” Seuzeneau said. “I knew I had to play my best. They put up a good block for me, but I was able to hit around their wall and find the open spots.”

Senior Miranda Powell recorded nine kills and four aces, while freshman Lauren Heldt and junior Baylee Hooker added four kills. Sophomore setter Casey McLean had 32 assists.

Hooker also posted four blocks against Freedom, including two on back-to-back kill attempts in the first set.

“All of us are stepping up in the frontline,” Hooker said. “We’ve been getting good blocks against good hitters, especially against their No. 2 (Jasmyn Perry).”

Perry, a junior transfer from Tampa Bay Tech, did post a team-high nine kills, while sophomore Hannah Kaczmarek added seven to the Patriot attack. Sophomore setter Kelly Schaller contributed 20 assists and two kills.

Freedom wanted to win its first district title but was not too disappointed with making the postseason in back-to-back years — only the second playoff appearance in program history.

“We had a great season and we thought from the start we would be able to advance,” Short said. “We have to look at it like it’s experience for the future. We’re just excited about what the program can be.”

Steinbrenner defeated tournament host Gaither 25-20, 25-15, 25-10 in the semifinals on Oct. 25. The Warrior frontline attack was led by a trio of players with at least 10 kills. Powell and Seuzeneau each had 11 kills, while Mathison added 10. McLean posted 41 assists, and Bame recorded 11 digs.

Freedom defeated Wiregrass Ranch 25-13, 22-25, 25-15, 25-20 in the other semifinal.

Kaczmarek led the way with 20 kills, while Perry added 14 kills and 13 digs. Freedom also got six kills and 38 assists from Schaller and 17 digs from Kayla Ireland.

Grace Olsen had nine kills and 18 digs for the Bulls.

Next up for Freedom is a trip to play Clearwater in the regional quarterfinals, while Steinbrenner hosts Seminole. Both matches are on Tuesday, Nov. 1 at 7 p.m.