The Laker/Lutz News

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Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Bishop McLaughlin advances to regionals

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By Eugenio Torrens

Three short years ago, Bishop McLaughlin’s volleyball team was the bottom dweller. The Hurricanes scraped by and won two matches in 2008.

Bishop McLaughlin stepped out of its own beleaguered shadow and into the volleyball spotlight with a monumental comeback win from two sets down against Carrollwood Day 16-25, 21-25, 25-18, 25-14, 15-13 on Oct. 25. The victory advanced the Hurricanes to the Class 3A-District 8 finals and clinched their trip to regionals.

But the victory was short lived after a straight-sets loss to Tampa Prep 25-10, 25-21, 25-4, on Oct. 27 for district crown.

“We were done after we beat Carrollwood,” said Bishop McLaughlin coach Douglas Chincha. “That was our championship game. … That was our game. If the season could have ended right there, it would have been perfect.”

Chinchar said he noticed his team was a bit off in warm-ups, which led to the lax play in the first set, when the Terrapins shot out to a 24-6 lead before the Hurricanes slimmed the margin of defeat.

“They were better than we were, that’s what went wrong,” said Chinchar about the No. 1 seed Tampa Prep, which reached the 2A final four last season.

Hurricane senior outside hitter Jess Johnson echoed her coach’s sentiments that her team played knowing there was no dire consequence with the loss.

Losing against Tampa Prep means Bishop McLaughlin will have to travel in the first round of regionals, but it’s a playoff appearance nonetheless.

“We kind of didn’t come out our hardest, I guess,” Johnson said. “It was really difficult going through that, to see everyone kind of give up.”

The Hurricanes put on a much closer showing in the second set and took their first lead of the match early, 2-1. The two squads traded points, and twice Bishop McLaughlin led by three points. But the Terrapins found their footing and rallied from 15-12 in the second set, to tie it up at 15 before taking the lead for good.

“I wish it was different standards to see maybe if we would have played a lot better,” Johnson said. “It was really frustrating, because I wanted to beat them so bad.”

Chinchar, who said he was able to turn his team’s volleyball tradition around after experiencing it in college and with the “best people in the country, in the world,” has laid the foundation for an up-and-coming powerhouse.

“We were probably the third-worst team in the country,” Chinchar said. “Now we can play volleyball with anybody.”

Bishop McLaughlin travels to play Lakeland McKeel Academy on Tuesday, Nov. 1 at 7 p.m.

 

Sunlake ‘seals’ first playoff berth

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By Eugenio Torrens

Coming off a program-defining win against Land O’ Lakes on Oct. 20, Sunlake football coach Bill Browning warned his team of letting up against River Ridge.

The Seahawks (7-1) overcame four turnovers and rode their defense — which made a goal line stand as the clock ran out — to hold on for a 20-13 victory on the road against the Knights (5-3) on Oct. 28.

“It wasn’t easy, we had to earn it,” Browning said. “We’ve come up with some goal line stands before in the season, so I figured we could do it again.

“But believe me, I’m going to get gray if we have any more like this.”

The win guaranteed Sunlake will play in the postseason for the first time in its five-year history.

“It’s a big deal,” said quarterback Cameron Stoltz. “It feels real good. The win last week (against Land O’ Lakes), that was a bigger win because that’s what really clinched it and this was just to seal it.”

The Seahawks got the ball to start, but on the fourth play of the drive Stoltz was intercepted by Joshua Kreshon.

But the Sunlake defense came to the rescue, which became the trend of the night.

Knight signal caller Joshua Maisel fumbled on his team’s first play from scrimmage and the Seahawks recovered.

Set up at midfield, Sunlake used a 27-yard run by Mike Lopez to get to the red zone. A 10-yard run by Stoltz and an 8-yard run by Rashaud Daniels got the Seahawks to the River Ridge 5-yard line. Stoltz found Eddie Burgos in the end zone for the game’s first points.

An offsides penalty prompted Sunlake to go for the two-point conversion, but Daniels was stopped, to keep it at 6-0.

A 6-minute drive by the Knights ended in a punt but pinned the Seahawks deep in their own territory.

Stoltz threw his second interception of the night, this one picked off by Brian Clinkscale to set up River Ridge in scoring range.

Three Knight plays yielded 1 yard and Phil Molina trotted out to kick a 33-yard field goal, which was missed wide left.

Sunlake was held to a quick three and out, but a botched snap on the punt attempt left punter Joe Young scrambling and forced to attempt a pass that was ruled intentional grounding.

That set up the Knights at the Sunlake 3. This time, River Ridge would not be denied, although it took a 1-yard plunge on fourth and goal to score.

The Seahawks special teams blocked the ensuing extra point to prevent the Knights from taking the lead.

Both defenses limited the offenses in the first half.

Stoltz was held to 2-of-5 passing, including two interceptions. At halftime, he had more rushing yards, 19, than passing yards, 8.

Maisel didn’t even attempt a pass, but the Seahawks defense stifled the Knights’ running game, holding them to 58 yards in the first half.

During halftime, Stoltz apologized to his team for his play.

“I told all the guys, ‘I’m not making any more mistakes for you guys. I’m sorry,’” Stoltz said. “I’m going to turn it around and play better.”

He improved and the defense didn’t waver.

Sunlake made another trip to the red zone, thanks to a trick halfback pass. But the field goal attempt was blocked.

On their next series, the Seahawks came away with seven points when Stoltz found Jamal Jones on a 29-yard strike to go up 13-6.

River Ridge punted on its next drive. Burgos initially fair caught the punt, but he let it bounce right into his hands and returned it to the Knights’ 10-yard line.

Stoltz pitched it to Daniels for the Seahawks’ third score of the night.

The Knights hung around and answered with their own trick play, a 65-yard reverse touchdown pass from Clinkscale to Brandon Nazzario on third and 10, to make it a one-score game.

The Seahawks fumbled in the fourth quarter, giving the Knights one last chance.

River Ridge took over at its own 41-yard line with 3:08 remaining, and slowly drove down the field, converting on third and fourth downs.

With 13 seconds left, Maisel attempted a pass to Nazzario, but Sunlake was flagged for pass interference to set up the Knights with a first down at the Seahawks’ 5.

River Ridge failed to find the end zone as time expired, securing a playoff spot for Sunlake.

“It could have been a lot better,” Daniels said. “I expect so much from this team and they came through with the win, but I wish we could have done it in a harder way.”

Sunlake travels to Central on Friday, Nov. 4 at 7:30 p.m.

Seniors welcome Social Security increase

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By Kyle LoJacono

Each month Laura McKnight waits until the third Wednesday for her $668 Social Security check to arrive.

For the 74-year-old Zephyrhills resident, getting the monthly check doesn’t let her buy something special for herself or indulge in a nice meal out. For McKnight, it is what she uses to pay her electricity and water bills, buy food and make other ends meet.

“I’m a widow and my 401(k) went right down the tubes when the economy crashed,” said McKnight, who worked for about 20 years as a waitress and another 20 years in customer service. “That check is basically all I have to feed myself and stay in my house.”

McKnight and the 60 million recipients of Social Security will have a little more in those checks starting in January — 3.6 percent more to be exact.

The additional $24.05 a month in McKnight’s check may not seem like a lot, but she said it would make a “world of difference” in how she lives.

“Well for one thing I wouldn’t have to keep my lights off for the last couple days to make sure I can pay the electric bill when I’m waiting for (the check),” McKnight said. “I would be able to go to the Village Inn in town without a friend buying my dinner too.”

The average Social Security check would get a slightly larger boost of $39 each month, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. Recipients have not seen an enhancement in their payouts during the last two years to account for inflation or an increase in cost of living.

McKnight said she remembers the money from the checks going a lot farther with her bills just a couple of years ago.

“I only really started having to watch every penny for the last year, year and a half,” McKnight said. “Before that it was OK. I have neighbors who say the same thing.”

Betty and Paul Brown, McKnight’s neighbors, have a similar story.

“Oh we had to get rid of the cable a year ago and only take the car when we really need to so we save the gas,” said Betty, 69. “Anything we can do to save a little because Social Security doesn’t go as far for us anymore.”

Paul, who is a registered Republican, said he believes the government should watch what it spends, but not when it comes to Social Security.

“So many people rely on that money just to live,” said Paul, 71. “There is so much money wasted. They should give some back to the people who have worked for years.”

Paul said he worked in steel manufacturing in Pittsburgh before he and Betty came to Zephyrhills about five years ago.

Those who rely on Social Security will have to account for a new cost early next year, as Medicare premiums will be going up by 1 or 2 percent, according to projections from Department of Health and Human Services.

“Well I guess as long as the Social Security is going up more than Medicare, then it will be better,” McKnight said, who spends about $50 every month on blood pressure medication.

For additional information on Social Security, visit www.ssa.gov. For information on Medicare, visit www.medicare.gov.

Pearcey leads Steinbrenner over Wiregrass Ranch 56-0

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By Jeff Odom

Laker/Lutz News correspondent

Rain wasn’t the only thing pouring on Wiregrass Ranch’s homecoming parade — Steinbrenner junior halfback Kendall Pearcey’s touchdown total was too.

Pearcey’s six total touchdowns set a program record for a game and also led the Warriors (5-3) to a 56-0 road victory over the Bulls (0-8) on Oct. 28. The 56 points is also the most ever for the third-year program, breaking the previous mark of 53 set against Riverview earlier this season.

The night started out well for Wiregrass Ranch, as the running combination of quarterback Jake Day and freshman fullback Eli Galvin gave the Bulls good field position. But Day’s key mistake came on an attempted shovel pass to Galvin. Steinbrenner senior defensive back Andrew Feldhaus broke through the line and intercepted the ball, taking it 57 yards for a touchdown.

Even with a steady rain falling, Steinbrenner avoided mistakes and controlled the pace of the game from there. Pearcey received the brunt of the carries because of season-ending injuries to running backs Shaheem Barthel (dislocated elbow) and Jake Carroll (torn ACL), but the losses didn’t slow things down for the Warriors against the Bulls.

After Steinbrenner’s Kyle Bade intercepted a pass late in the first quarter, Pearcey would lead the charge downfield. Following a pair of two 11-yard gains, Pearcey found a gap and went 12 yards untouched for his first touchdown of the night.

In the second quarter, Feldhaus recorded his second interception return for a touchdown in the game off of a bad pass from Wiregrass Ranch senior Jamal Nunéz.

“Those were my first two interception returns of my career, it felt good,” said Feldhaus.

Bade picked off another pass late in the first half to set up Pearcey’s second touchdown, stretching the Warrior lead to 27-0 at halftime.

Wiregrass Ranch finally completed its first pass of the game in the second half, but would falter into another three and out.

Steinbrenner showed no mercy, as senior Zack Jones’ pair of 15-yard gains set up Pearcey’s third end zone appearance on the ensuing drive.

Pearcey would go on to return punts of 61 and 63 yards to the house and added one more rushing touchdowns to give him six on the night.

“Coach said I was going to get the ball tonight and I just did what I had to do,” said Pearcey, who finished with 115 of Steinbrenner’s 162 rushing yards in the contest.

Wiregrass Ranch coach Jeremy Shobe gave credit to the Warriors’ size and ability on defense.

“We got worn down in the second half a little bit,” Shobe said. “Momentum and things like that made it tough to come back from. … They got a good team over there and they’re doing a good job. We’re young and just trying to stay positive.”

Steinbrenner will travel to Chamberlain (1-7) on Friday, Nov. 4 in its final district game of the season, while the Bulls will look to get into the win column for the first time this year when they travel to Freedom (1-8). Both games start at 7:30 p.m.

District swimming recap

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Area swimming and diving teams competed in district meets last week. The top-eight individuals or relay teams in each event move on to regionals.

The Land O’ Lakes boys and girls each claimed Class 2A-District 5 championships on Oct. 29, the only area squads to win team titles.

It is the third straight championship for the Gator girls, who finished with 459.5 points to best Mitchell by 98.5 and cross-town rival Sunlake by 106.

While the girls completed a trifecta of district crowns, the Land O’ Lakes boys had to settle for runner-up status a year ago, fueling them to win in 2011. They finished with 374 points this year, topping the Seahawks by 32.5. Wesley Chapel took seventh place.

Land O’ Lakes brought home two individual district titles, but the boys’ overall depth prevailed. Cam Hilgenberg claimed the 50-yard freestyle crown in 22.57, while Jordan Wheeler was victorious in the 500 freestyle in 4:59.58.

Sunlake won the 200 medley and freestyle relays in 1:45.97 and 1:36.47, respectively. Diver Austin Wachsman took home diving champion status with a score of 331.7.

The Gator girls also won a pair of event titles. Krystin Demsher claimed the 500 freestyle in 5:25.17, and is also part of the 400 freestyle relay team that took first in 3:58.85.

Sunlake’s Savannah Mattox bested all competitors in the 100 freestyle with a time of 1:00.04. Courtney Meyer captured a title by finishing the 100 backstroke in 1:06.76.

At the 3A-4 meet on Oct. 26, Wharton outpaced area competitors from Freedom and Steinbrenner. The Wildcats girls finished as the district runner-up with 277 points, 194 behind Newsome’s pace. Steinbrenner took sixth and Freedom was ninth.

Wharton’s Dee Sopapong won the 100 breaststroke in 1:10, and is also part of the 200 medley and 200 freestyle relay teams that placed first in 1:57.89 and 1:44.76, respectively.

Fellow Wildcat Danielle Albright is the 200 freestyle champion, finishing in 1:56.07. The senior’s time of 54.14 was also good enough for second place in the 100 freestyle.

The Wharton boys took third place with 264 points, 106 behind Newsome. Freedom captured fifth, while Steinbrenner claimed sixth.

Wharton’s Chad Ankers won the 100 butterfly and 200 freestyle in 55.08 and 1:49.55, respectively. He is also on the 200 freestyle relay team that tied for first with George Jenkins in 1:36.73.

Steinbrenner’s Giorgi Meyer claimed the diving championship, finishing with 508.9 points.

Freedom’s Jordan Shollenberger finished as the 200 individual medley runner-up in 2:11.51, while teammate Marc Berson took second in the 100 butterfly and 100 backstroke in 55.99 and 58.59, respectively.

In 3A-5 action, Wiregrass Ranch and Gaither found it difficult to match up in one of the toughest districts in the area on Oct. 27. The Bull girls finished in eighth place, while the Cowboy girls took ninth.

Athena Cimino is the only Wiregrass Ranch swimmer to win a title, taking first in the 50 freestyle in 24.42.

Academy at the Lakes competed in the 1A-7 meet on Oct. 27. Dillan Villavisanis finished as the boys 100 backstroke runner-up with a time of 1:05.91, less than half a second behind the championship pace of Tampa Prep’s Alex Blustein.

Bishop McLaughlin was at the 1A-3 meet on Oct. 25. Jenna Cropanese took home the girls 100 butterfly championship in 1:03.82, five seconds better than any competitor.

Weightman Middle celebrates its 20th anniversary

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By B.C. Manion

When Weightman Middle School opened two decades ago, there wasn’t a whole lot happening nearby.

There were a few cows and a couple of houses on Wells Road, and the road, which was dirt before the middle school opened, was only paved to the edge of the school’s parking lot, Freda Abercrombie.recalled.

In those days, the area now occupied by the Bridgewater subdivision was just pasture, Abertcrombie said.

Those were the days before the school’s enrollment peaked – at more than 2,000 students – because of Wesley Chapel’s building boom. During those days, before John Long Middle School opened, Weightman had 32 portables to accommodate the crowd.

Over the years, the middle school has had its share of accomplishments. The trophy case in the front office is filled with trophies, a championship basketball and other mementos of glory days.

The school, at 30649 Wells Road, has the distinction of being the first professional development school affiliated with the University of South Florida.

Weightman still enjoys the status of having the longest running relationship in this capacity with USF and is the only middle school currently operating in that role for USF, Abercrombie said.

The school, which bears the name of former Pasco County Schools Superintendent Thomas E. Weightman, resulted from collaboration between the public school district and educational leaders at USF.

The idea was to use the school as a training ground for future teachers and a place where experienced teachers could experience professional growth.

The school continues to serve those needs today, Abercrombie said. It has played a part in preparing thousands of classroom teachers, Abercrombie said.

Aspiring teachers have spent time at Weightman doing everything from observing classrooms to serving as intern teachers. There have been times when as many as 10 interns have been on the school’s campus at once, Abercrombie said.

The middle school provides an excellent venue for student teachers and university personnel to see what it takes to teach today’s student, Abercrombie said. They deal with “real kids, real issues,” she said.

Over the years, Weightman’s students have come from as far away as Dade City, but now they come primarily from Wesley Chapel.

The school has about 1,100 students made up of a variety of cultural and economic backgrounds.

It also has had the distinction of winning athletic championships over the years, in sports such as basketball, football and volleyball, Abercrombie said.

Abercrombie isn’t the only school employee with long-time ties to Weightman.

Cinthia Holton Wolden, a secretary in the front office, attended seventh-grade at the school in 1991, its inaugural year.

Sharon Morris, one of the school’s guidance counselors, interned as a language arts teacher at the school.

When Morris graduated, there weren’t any language arts openings, but she had some experience in marketing and landed a job teaching that.

She later became a language arts teacher and while doing that, she encountered students writing about some very dark themes. “I didn’t know what to do,” she said, so she decided to pursue a master’s degree to learn more. She later became the school’s behavior specialist before assuming her current position.

Morris, who is helping to organize the school’s 20th anniversary celebrations, said the first event was a football game held two weeks ago. School alumni were encouraged to attend, she said.

Next, the school will be inviting USF staff, former principals and administrators and the school’s charter staff members and current staff members to an event on Thursday, Nov. 10.

Displays will be set up around the perimeter of the cafeteria to showcase the school’s history and refreshments will be served.

Rob Aguis, director of the school district’s Community, Career and Technical Education department, is one of Weightman’s former principals.

He has fond memories of his tenure there.

“It was one of my very favorite stops along my professional development. There was a lot going on at the school. It was very much the hub of the community,” Aguis said. “The community did nothing but support the school.”

In addition to its other celebrations, the school will have an event on Thursday, Nov. 17 for students achieving the school honor roll and their parents. Former superintendent Weightman will be on hand to offer a few remarks.

The sixth-graders and their parents will assemble at 6 p.m., followed by the seventh- and eighth-graders and their parents at 7 p.m.

The school also is initiating a new award at the end of the school year. The award will be called “The Spirit of Weightman Award” in honor of the man who had the vision for creating a school where educators and students labor together in a quest to deepen their knowledge.

Whitney creates volleyball powerhouse in Pasco

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By Kyle LoJacono

Most college athletic departments have one program that sets the mark for all others to follow. For many that tradition is created on the football gridiron, on the basketball court of on the baseball diamond.

For Pasco-Hernando Community College, the bar is set by the volleyball program inside the fitness gym with coach Kim Whitney leading the way.

“From what I’ve seen from her this year I’m very impressed,” said first-year PHCC athletic director James Johnson. “She definitely knows what she’s doing and how to get the most out of her players. She has set the standard every other one of our programs are striving for.”

Whitney became the Conquistador leader eight years ago and has compiled a 226-79 record, including 22-6 through the first 28 matches of this season.

Volleyball has been a big part of Whitney’s life since she first started playing in sixth grade.

“My older sister (Kristen) played and I wanted to give it a try too,” Whitney said. “Certainly glad I tried out.”

Whitney was primarily an outside hitter, but also played right side and middle hitter as well as libero. She attended Kansas State University, where she still holds the program record for most digs, double-doubles and sets played.

Her collegiate playing career earned Whitney a spot on the U.S. Women’s National Team in 2001. After college, she played professionally in various leagues in this country and in Spain. She also coached club volleyball and ran summer camps across Florida before taking her first college head coaching job at PHCC.

Whitney may have been a standout individually, but she concentrates more on getting a team to come together as a coach.

“That is always a big thing I focus on is how can every one of my players work to make the team better,” Whitney said. “I think it’s a good lesson for life because the people who succeed are the ones who don’t try to be the superstar all the time. You want to be the contributor to the winning team. You might get the recognition, but the goals need to be how do I make the team better?”

Whitney is also very direct in her methods.

“She is very down to business,” said sophomore right side hitter and team captain Jessica Imbimbo. “She’s all about this is what we need to do and this is how we do it. She’s never mean. She’s never once been the over-aggressive coach yelling at people. She makes you want to be better for the team and for her because of the kind of person she is. You want to win for her.”

Sophomore outside hitter Torii Koester said Whitney’s methods of coaching were a big reason why she chose PHCC.

“I tried out for another school, but it just didn’t click like the way it did when I tried out for coach Whitney,” Koester said. She then added, “When we came in for the first practice last year I was already learning things. From Day 1 I was getting better because of her. She has such a love for the sport and she pushes you to get the best out of you.”

During her tenure, Whitney has helped the Conquistadors win three Suncoast Conference titles and the National Junior College Athletics Association (NJCAA) Division II national champion in 2010.

Whitney was named the Suncoast Conference Coach of the Year in 2005 and 2007. She was also voted the Two-Year College Northeast-Southeast region Coach of the Year by American Volleyball Coaches Association twice for the 2005-06 and 2009-10 seasons.

She has tasted conference and national championships and received numerous coaching honors, but Whitney is ready to bring even more success to PHCC.

“I’m a very motivated person,” Whitney said. “I can always create new things to motivate me. With what we did last year it makes it harder to get back to that point again. Finding the weaknesses and making the players better. How do we use our strengths, and that’s fun for me. It’s like a puzzle and you have to figure out how it’s all going to work.”

PHCC will play in the regional finals in North Carolina starting on Nov. 5.

Pasco exempt from publishing bilingual voting materials

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By Eugenio Torrens

Within the last decade, Pasco County has noticed its Hispanic population surge.

Currently, 11 percent — or one in every nine people — of the county is Hispanic. Section 203 of the federal Voting Rights Act stipulates that if 5 percent of the voting age population is of a certain ethnicity, then voting material must be published in the native language of that demographic.

The U.S. Department of Justice exempted Pasco from that requirement since the county’s Hispanic population met or exceeded the minimum literacy rate. Thus, voting materials only have to be published in English.

Pasco Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley said this shouldn’t change anything drastically, and that it will save the county money.

“The only real concern that we had would be from a financial standpoint,” Corley said. “We’ve had to cut our budget 28 percent in the last four years, and it’s been quite a challenge as you might imagine.

“By implementing this, this would have in essence, would have been an unfunded mandate from the federal government to the tune of $75,000 in additional outlay, plus tens of thousands of dollars each election,” Corley said. “It’s easier on the wallets of the taxpayers.”

“We have an obligation, and a legal one at that, to assist all voters,” Corley added. “We have a long tradition of accommodating all voters, and that won’t change.”

If Pasco did have to publish Spanish voting materials, the only obvious change would have been in amendments, where the Spanish text would have been underneath the English text.

“The concern would have been that it would have caused our ballot, at an absolute minimum, to go to two pages and that’s where really the cost comes into play,” Corley said.

With two-plus page ballots, Corley said reconciling all the material that is sent out on absentee ballots could be problematic — people may send only the part of the ballot that corresponds to them, i.e. the English part of the ballot or Spanish part of the ballot.

The U.S. Department of Justice ruling affects only voting materials published at the county level.

“However, things that affect statewide, for example (amendments), albeit they will not be bilingual on the ballot, but the division of elections at the state level will be required to provide to the counties, i.e. my office, translated materials for things like voter application, or those proposed amendments, which we will have at a polling place,” Corley said.

Hillsborough County was not ruled exempt from Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act, which means it will continue to publish voting materials bilingually.

Hillsborough Supervisor of Elections Earl Lennard said there are Spanish-speaking poll workers at voting sites where there is a larger percentage of Hispanic voters. He said ballots for the 2010 primary, published in English and Spanish, cost 23 cents apiece.

The county uses Spanish speakers to write the Spanish interpretation of English ballots.

“Sometimes that can get pretty tricky because various dialects are different,” Lennard said. But he added, “It’s always a concern, but thankfully it has not been an issue.”

One other big difference between the two counties is that Hillsborough is a preclearance county, meaning Hillsborough has to take certain steps Pasco doesn’t.

Hillsborough is required to notify the Department of Justice when a polling site may no longer be available in order to switch to a new site. But before Hillsborough can switch to that new site, the county has to be cleared by the Department of Justice.

For both counties, voting procedures should stay almost unnoticeably different.

“It’s one word: education,” Corley said. “What you have is, you have an increase in population — those folks are educated individuals, which is obviously always a good thing.”

For more information on voting in Pasco, visit pascovotes.com. For more information on voting in Hillsborough, visit www.votehillsborough.org.

 

Cost of mailing to rise another cent

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By Kyle LoJacono

In an attempt to help reduce its $15 billion debt, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) will increase postage costs beginning Jan. 22.

The new rate to mail standard first-class, 1-ounce letters will jump by one penny, up to 45 cents per item. The cost to send a postcard will swell by 3 cents to a total of 32.

The biggest increase comes to those who send 1-ounce letters internationally. Such mail bound to Mexico or Canada will cost an extra nickel, up to 85 cents. The same item sent to other countries will be 7 cents more expensive to a total of $1.05.

“The overall average price increase is small and is needed to help address our current financial crisis,” U.S. Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe wrote in an email.

Donahoe pointed out that the rates for sending such items have not been increased in 2 1/2 years. He added more people using email versus mail has reduced the revenue generated by USPS. Forever stamps will continue al that is needed to mail a 1-ounce letter within the United States even if purchased at a lower rate.

“The stark reality is that the USPS’ business model is broken,” Donahoe wrote. He added the postal service needs a “more flexible business model,” such as cutting service to five days a week, closing post office locations and reducing its workforce.

USPS is looking for ways to stay economically viable, but many local people say raising postage rates is not the answer.

“It used to be 20 cents to send a letter when I was a kid,” said Land O’ Lakes resident Thomas Rodriguez. “I would send letters to my grandparents who lived in New York and aunts and uncles in other states every week or every other week. Now it would cost a small fortune to do that.”

Lutz resident Mark Brown said the price of postage also has turned him away from the postal service.

“I’ve already stopped mailing basically anything because of how much it costs,” Brown said. “Sending something just downtown costs way more than it should. I’d rather drive and drop off a letter if I can’t email it.”

Brown suggested USPS could come up with a tiered system, where mailing locally would require less postage than sending items to the opposite coast.

New Tampa resident Christy Smith-Rodgers said Brown’s idea did have some merit.

“It’s got to take less money for them to take a letter to Tampa than to Oregon,” Smith-Rodgers said. “That’s only 20-30 minutes from here . … I’m sure it’s not as simple as that or they would do it, but I think it’s worth looking at.”

Smith-Rodgers said she also does not mail many items anymore because of the cost. She cannot remember the last time she sent someone a letter.

“If I have to send a package I send it with FedEx because it gets there faster,” Smith-Rodgers said. “If I’m going to pay to send a box I want it to get there fast.”

All three said they would rather have the USPS end Saturday delivery instead of increasing rates.

“I’d be fine with that,” Rodriguez said. “Most businesses work Monday through Friday, so if they are having problems with money than they should cut a day off. That’s better than making us pay more for mail.”

None favored closing post offices.

“I think that would also make more people use the post office less,” Brown said. “I mean if the post office near you closes, then I don’t think you’d mail things more often.”

For more information on USPS, visit www.usps.com.

Gaither’s Stanger advances to states

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By Kyle LoJacono

Jimmy Stanger wasn’t able to sleep much in the days leading up to regionals, but the Gaither junior golfer said that all changed the night before the tournament.

“I’d been staying up all night thinking about regionals,” Stanger said. “Just thinking about what I was going to do and then the night before I was asleep by about 8:30. I don’t know if that helped, but it couldn’t have hurt.”

Stanger went out and carded a 1-under 71 with five birdies to finish in third place, giving him a berth in the 2A state meet for the first time in his high school career. He was two strokes off the pace of Ridge Community’s Sam Horsfield, who shot the low round of the tournament.

Stanger, who won the Class 2A-District 9 individual championship the week before, said it was nice to have a good round in regionals considering how close he was to advancing last year. He shot a 75 to finish fifth last year, two strokes away from a state berth.

“And my team was two shots away from making states, so it was kind of like if I’d been two strokes better we would have still been playing,” Stanger said. “I’ve thought a lot about how close we were last year.”

Gaither advanced as a team to regionals, but did not qualify for states.

“That was disappointing because I love playing with my teammates,” Stanger said. “I’m home schooled, so playing with my team is really something I look forward too. I wish they were coming with me to states.”

Only the top-two teams and top-two golfers not on an advancing team move on to states. No other area player or team in Hillsborough County qualified for the final.

The 2A boys state tournament is at Mission Inn Resort and Club near Orlando on Nov. 1-2.