The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Long awaited road constructions completed

By

By Kyle LoJacono

Projects to extend Collier Parkway and widen Bruce B. Downs Boulevard were each completed in the last few weeks.

“Both these projects have been in the works for years,” said Pasco County Chief Project Manager Robert Shepherd. “Each will help with the increased traffic from more people moving into the county.”

Collier Parkway extension

Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes was extended 1.8 miles north through Hale Road and connected with Parkway Boulevard to take drivers off both Parkway, which goes through neighborhoods, and US 41, which is highly congested.

The project will let residents in the surrounding neighborhoods reach SR 54 without leaving Collier.

The much delayed Collier extension was first scheduled for completion last April, but the original contractor, WDG Construction, was released from its contract with Pasco in part for falling behind schedule. Ripa & Associates took over the job last September.

The project cost the county $4.3 million and is the first two of three phases to take Collier north to connect with Ehren Cutoff. The last segment will not be built until 2015 or 2016, according to program administrator for Pasco Engineering Services Deborah Bolduc.

Left was Bruce B. Downs Boulevard a few months ago. The widened highway, seen right, is now six lanes from Hillsborough County to SR 54.

Bruce B. Downs widening

The widening project of Bruce B. Downs Boulevard in Wesley Chapel, also known as either CR 581 or SR 581 depending on the location, is completed and illustrates the growth of the community.

Bruce B. Downs Boulevard now

The road was widened from Hillsborough County north to just south of SR 54, a stretch of just more than four miles. Bruce B. Downs now is a six-lane divided highway throughout the stretch with multiple turning lanes where it intersects with SR 56.

Shepherd said the intersection with SR 56 is one of the busiest in the county.

“We don’t know exactly how many cars drive through there each day, but it’s a lot,” Shepherd said. “That area has seen an increase in traffic flow during the last few years because a lot of large neighborhoods have opened.”

With those neighborhoods along Bruce B. Downs is the site of the future Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel. The facility broke ground last December and will be completed in mid-2012.

Shepherd said the $17 million widening project was paid for by Crown Development, the development company that built several of the surrounding neighborhoods.

I-75/I-275 alignment shifts

The traffic pattern near the I-75, I-275 junction has shifted in preparation for the widening for I-275 and improvements to off ramps on I-75.

“The main thing for motorists to keep in mind is that the area in which they have to enter onto I-75 or exit to SR 56 is shorter than before the shift,” said John McShaffrey, Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) public information officer.

The shift means northbound drivers on I-275 traveling to I-75 have a shorter distance to merge left to reach the SR 56 exit. The same is true for northbound traffic on I-75, but instead, drivers have less time to merge right to get to SR 56.

“This shorter merge area for I-75 and I-275 traffic is temporary,” McShaffrey said. “It should last six to eight weeks, then return to the same alignment as before the traffic shift occurred.”

For more information on the project, visit myTBI.com.

//SR 52/Prospect Road improvements

The project to upgrade the intersection of SR 52 and Prospect Road in Saint Leo began March 14 when Pepper Contracting Services Inc. started moving utility lines and pipes.

The job will add turn lanes in all directions at the intersection, along with new pavement, signage and drainage improvements, according to program administrator for Pasco Engineering Services Deborah Bolduc. It is designed to make the area safer and improve traffic flow.

The project costs $2.9 million, which is being paid for with Penny for Pasco money. Bolduc said there will be lane shifts and potential lane closures during night road work. The job is set for completion on Dec. 8.

Bulldogs, Pirates earn $3,000 each from test drivers

By

By Tammy Sue Struble

In a family-friendly event bringing two rivals together for some constructive competition, Pasco High in Dade City and Zephyrhills High both benefited from the Drive One 4 UR School program sponsored by Ford and Lincoln car dealerships.

Jarrett Ford Lincoln auto dealership in Dade City provided the venue for the two rivals to come together April 1-2.

With the program, Ford donates $20 per test drive with a maximum of 150 test drives per school per event. Pasco High had more than 190 participants test drive for their school and Zephyrhills Bulldogs registered more than 180 test drivers.

Both schools, “exceeded the cutoff needed” to receive the maximum benefit from Ford, explained Zephyrhills principal Steve Van Gorden. At $20 times 150, that’s $3,000 earned for each school.

Test drivers earmark what program in their school will receive the majority of their test drive funds.

“Of the $20 donation from Ford, $12 goes to the test driver’s designation; $8 goes to the general athletic account to purchase items such as official’s uniforms and student needs,” Van Gorden said, speaking for his campus.

There will be another test drive event the second weekend in May to receive funds from Lincoln automobile funds. The schools have the opportunity to get another $3,000 donation in that program.

Bangkok Sushi offers fresh flavors

By

By Samantha Taylor

One thing I love about writing these articles for you is that it challenges my daring side and urges me to try things I might never have done otherwise, like eating a frog leg. Yes, I am shocked myself, but I’ll talk about that in a minute.

I have also grown fond of searching for places that offer outdoor dining options, for times when the weather is great. I recently found this authentic Thai restaurant, which also serves very high quality sushi. It is called Bangkok Sushi and it’s near the Veterans Expressway and SR 54. You can choose to dine in or choose outside like I did, to enjoy the lush green plants and the soothing fountain.

Bangkok Sushi has a large array of dishes, from tasty soups and mouth-watering entrees to a few vegetarian options. I honestly never had Thai food before and the owner, John Chieopanich, was kind enough to take the time to explain what makes Thai food special. Apparently, Thai cuisine has become very popular in America because it is healthy and flavorful at the same time, with lots of herbs and spices that amp up the taste, but not the calories.

Everything on the menu is cooked to order, and uses only the highest quality fresh ingredients, something he takes great pride in. This is very important when serving sushi, so sushi lovers must check this place out. He shared that Thai food has similarities with Chinese cuisine, but employs different techniques, including the spices used.

All this discussion made me eager to try his specialty, so I asked him to whip me up a fantastic Thai dish.  He asked if I wanted frog legs, too. Oh my, I have never had one of those, but the adventurous me emerged, and I thought it would be awesome to share the experience with you so I said, “yes.” So, how was the frog leg? I’d have to say that it was actually pretty good, a lot like eating a chicken wing.

The main meal he whipped up for me was a Panang Curry dish with Jasmine rice, a kind of brown rice that he imported from Thailand. The dish included chicken and vegetables. I liked how it was so unique and delicious, an interesting way to eat chicken and veggies — because of the infusion of coconut milk and ground peanuts in the curry sauce.

It’s impressive that they offer brown rice, very rare in sushi places. Make sure to ask them to use brown rice when you try their sushi.

Tuna lovers should also visit Bangkok Sushi as their tuna is really fresh. John pointed out that tuna meat should be dark, not light. Light-colored tuna means it has been frozen, something they don’t do at his restaurant.

I am now a Thai food-loving convert because John is right — lots of flavor, low calories — my kind of food.  I will be back, soon.

Senior Sarah Bryant determined to contribute

By

By Kyle LoJacono

Sarah Bryant is realistic about her role on the Wiregrass Ranch girls tennis team.

The senior understands she isn’t the most talented member of the squad, but still she continues to push herself to get better. She has risen from the No. 10 player last year up to No. 6, one spot away from playing regularly in matches.

Sarah Bryant

Despite playing sparingly, Bryant has remained committed to the team.

“I’ve always wanted to play a sport and tennis felt like the perfect one,” Bryant said. “I fell in love with it. Everything just clicked.”

Bulls coach Jewell Fye is thankful to have someone like Bryant on the squad.

“Sarah is just a sweet and humble young lady,” Fye said. “She wants to do well and is a go getter. She’s not at the top, but she always strives. She practices hard and her improvement from last year to this year is amazing. She’s been determined to be a part of the team.”

Bryant said she worked hard to move up the rankings and her goal is to help her team make its second straight state tournament appearance this year.

“She’s taken lessons and worked hard to get better,” Fye said. “She’s very determined. She’s really moved up and has put in a lot of effort to do that. She’s had the opportunity to play twice as the No. 5 and is 1-1.”

Bryant is one of two seniors on the team with No. 1 player Hannah Still.

“I feel like I have a big role in leadership,” Bryant said. “Even though I’m not the best, I think they still look up to me as a senior.”

Bryant manages tennis practice and matches every day after school, while taking three AP classes and holding down a part-time job on the weekends. She has a 4.6-weighted grade point average and has been accepted at the University of Florida.

Bryant said she wants to continue playing recreational tennis in college.

“It’s something I love to do,” Bryant said. “I wish I’d found it earlier, but I’m going to keep playing now.”

Pirates softball helped by volleyball

By

By Kyle LoJacono

Softball and volleyball aren’t sports most people would confuse for each other, but the Pasco squad’s success on the field can be attributed in part to chemistry built inside on the court.

Seven members of the Pirates (16-4) softball team were on the varsity or junior varsity (JV) volleyball squads this season.

“Just knowing how the other girls are and what they respond to helps,” said sophomore Kelli Parker. “It helps in softball when you know how people will react to things.”

Parker is an outfielder and pitcher in the spring and an outside and middle hitter in the fall. Senior Courtney Brandt is also a middle hitter in volleyball, but switches to the pitching mound, outfield and first base in softball.

“It’s really different, but I love competing,” Brandt said.

Pirates softball assistant and JV coach Amy Herndon is also a crossover talent, as she is the Pasco volleyball coach.

“It’s kind of interesting to have so many players on both teams,” Herndon said. “The sports are very different. I think it does make it easier as a coach because I already know the girls and they know me.”

Wiregrass Ranch girls tennis completes 10-1 season

By

Squad excels despite two key losses
By Kyle LoJacono
The Wiregrass Ranch girls tennis team completed a perfect 10-1 regular season despite playing without its top two players from last year.
Hannah Still

The Bulls reached the Class 3A state tournament, the first appearance in school history, last season, finishing in third place. On that squad were Sarah and Elizabeth Means, who went on to win the 3A doubles championship.

The sisters did not graduate, but decided to focus on more tournaments out of the Tampa Bay area, preventing them from being on the team. They would have missed the entire month of April while out of the country, the month the district, regional and state tournaments are.
“We were disappointed that they didn’t come back, but we understood,” said second-year Wiregrass Ranch coach Jewell Fye. “The schedules just didn’t work. We wanted to get to the top again and try and get to state. I’m so proud of the girls. They’ve really stepped up.”
Jordanyné Fye, Jewell’s daughter, said of the subtraction, “We played without them at times last year when they had tournaments, so we knew how to play without them. We knew how to win without them by giving it everything we had. We all had to pick up our game and we’re doing well.”
Senior and No. 1 player Hannah Still has helped fill that void this season.
“They (the Means) were a big part of our team, but I knew we would still have a lot of good players,” Still said. “I really like being the No. 1 this year and a senior because I feel like I can really help the younger girls. I like that leadership role.”
Another player who has stepped up her game is Leilani Cubero. She was the No.5/6 player in 2010, but has worked up to No. 2 this season.
“I knew there was going to be a lot of competition,” Cubero said. “I’ve worked on my serves a lot. I’m trying to get more power.”
No. 3 player Katie Bonti has been working to perfect her forehand while keeping everything in perspective.
“It’s just fun to be active and doing stuff each day,” Bonti said. “I know some people are out there and are very serious. I think the most important thing is trying your best. It’s high school and we’re supposed to have fun. We’ve been winning too, and I think that has to do with us having fun.”
The Bulls have also borrowed some chemistry from the Wiregrass Ranch girls soccer team. Three of the squad’s 11 players were on the soccer team that reached the 4A regional finals this year – Anne Cypriano, Dayton Wetherby and Jordanyné.
Anne Cypriano

“With Anne, Dayton and Jordanyné coming straight from soccer to tennis, they moved right on in,” Jewell said. “You’d think they’ve been playing with everyone else the whole time. I think they’re all just very gifted athletes. Anne and Dayton had never played.”

All three crossover athletes made the All-Laker/All-Lutz News girls soccer second team this year, Cypriano and Jordanyné as midfielders and Wetherby as a goalkeeper.
Those three players were very familiar with each other, but there are major differences between soccer and tennis.
“It helps with chemistry and communication,” Jordanyné said. “They’re different games, but you need to stay focused in both. Soccer is more of a team and you’re actually working with each other. In tennis it’s individual, but in the end it’s for the team too.”
Cypriano is the No. 5, while Jordanyné is the No. 4. Both come together to make up the Bulls second doubles team.
“Jordanyne’ is very positive,” Cypriano said. “During the soccer season I had really emotional times when I felt I was letting the team down. Jordanyné would always talk me through it. Ever since then, I’ve trusted her. She always makes me laugh too.”
While most coaches play only the top-five players in matches, Jewell has a different strategy for her lineups.
“Once we get our four points, I move them around so everyone has the opportunity to play,” Jewell said. “I think that’s fair to give everyone a chance and it gets more players ready for districts. You never know when someone will need to step in.”
High school teams play five signals and two doubles matches, each worth one point. The first team to four takes the team match.
The Bulls now play in the 3A-5 district tournament at River Ridge April 6-7. Only the district champion and runner-up will continue into regionals.
“I’m just hoping the girls will continue to work and get better,” Jewell said. “They’ve done really well and I’m confident they will.”

Ashley Seal’s dream season gets better

By

PHCC sophomore takes home state academic honor

By Kyle LoJacono

Pasco-Hernando Community College (PHCC) sophomore volleyball player Ashley Seal thought her final year with the program could not get any better.

Ashley Seal

The Conquistadors went 36-7 en route to winning the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II championship. Seal, a setter, was named the tournament MVP and made NJCAA All-American second team.

The awards and accolades keep coming for Seal, as she just received the Roberta Stokes Scholar-Athlete Award, given each year by the Florida Community College Activities Association (FCCAA).

“I was shocked,” Seal said. “I wasn’t expecting anything like this. I thought the season was over and this is an amazing way to end my time playing here.”

PHCC seven-year coach Kim Whitney said she knew Seal had a good chance because of her work ethic in all parts of her life.

“She’s the first player I’ve coached to win the award,” Whitney said. “It’s really a great thing for her and great for our program. There are some very smart athletes in Florida community colleges and she beat out everyone.”

Seal, an education major, has a 3.75 grade point average, but academics were only part of the criteria for the award. The FCCAA also factored in Seal’s athletic ability and community service.

Seal is active in Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and also volunteers with a local volleyball club to teach children the game she loves.

“I like helping kids,” Seal said. “With Big Brothers/Big Sisters I get to make a positive impact on them. It’s something I want to be a part of for a long time.”

Seal added she wants to be an elementary school teacher so she can change children’s lives.

Seal’s grades will also earn her the honor of being an Academic All-American after the spring term. She is a two-time Academic All-Conference and All-State member, and is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society.

“My parents taught me how important grades are,” Seal said. “They taught me the work I put in now in school will last me the rest of my life.”

Seal has made as much an impact on PHCC’s team as she has in the community and classroom. She was the Conquistadors team captain this season while putting up a team-high 1,471 assists, 9.8 per set.

Seal also had 375 digs, 105 kills, 83 aces and 59 blocks in 2010.

“Her first year she came in not knowing what to expect and had some struggles,” Whitney said. “She always got good grades, but had to really work to become a better player. She put forth the effort in the classroom and on the court and was a huge part of our team. We’ll miss her.”

Seal will continue playing at Armstrong Athletic State University in Georgia. She received a volleyball scholarship with the Pirates.

Ates heads to New Hampshire

Pasco-Hernando Community College sophomore volleyball player Desiree Ates will continue her playing career next year at the University of New Hampshire, a Division I program in the American East Conference.

Ates, an outside hitter, had a team-high 508 kills last season, helping the Conquistadors to the National Junior College Athletic Association Division II championship. She also added 605 digs, 47 aces and 27 blocks. Ates is studying nursing.

Sunlake boys weightlifting has ready-made chemistry

By

Program ready for states

By Kyle LoJacono

It isn’t uncommon for a few high school athletes to compete on several teams together, but rarely would team photos be as similar as the Sunlake football and boys weightlifting teams.

“I’d say 90 percent of the boys come from the football team,” said Sunlake coach Matt Smith, who is the offensive line coach and defensive coordinator for the Seahawks football team. “That gives us an instant bond and team nature when we get going each season.”

Dean Bui

Junior Dean Bui thinks that also helps the lifters push each other.

“We’ve created a little brotherly competition,” Bui said. “It all helps us out to get stronger and know everyone has your back.”

Bui was a cornerback and wide receiver his first two years, but broke his arm before this season. He could not play in 2010, but plans to return to football in 2011.

Three Seahawk lifters are Canon Clark, Nate McCoole and Mathew Sanders, part of the Seahawks offensive line that made the All-Laker/All-Lutz News football first team this year.

“I started because I needed to get stronger for football,” said Sanders, who competes in the 238-pound weight class. “Then I started competing in the events and I liked it. I wanted to get better to get a chance to go to states.”

Sanders’ best bench press is 295 pounds and 255 in clean and jerk. He has yet to qualify for states, which has pushed him to get better for his senior season.

Heavyweight lifter McCoole said the mindset needed in football and weightlifting are very similar

Nate McCoole

“There’s the mind over matter you have to use,” McCoole said. “It’s a big mental game like with football.”

Junior 154-pound lifter Kyle Fraser even works himself into a mini frenzy before each lift.

“In the weight room you want to put yourself in a state of mind where you can get your adrenaline pumping,” Fraser said. “You’re body only has so much it can produce at one time, so you have to put yourself in that state of mind and get the blood pumping. I try and get myself upset and angry. When I do that my heart starts to race and I feel like I’m stronger than when I’m mellow. I still have to focus on what I’m doing, so I have to stay in control.”

Fraser was introduced to weight lifting while in at Rushe Middle and has been hooked since.

“My eighth-grade year I was introduced to the weight room by my football coach,” Fraser said. “Obviously I wasn’t very strong then. I only weighed 130 pounds. I was a little stick. I came in here and fell in love with the weight room. It grew on me.”

Fraser, who is an outside linebacker and safety in football, now maxes out at 275 in the bench and with a 240-pound clean and jerk.

Senior John Michael, a 169-pound lifter, played football is first three years at Sunlake, but not focuses on weightlifting. Like Fraser, Michael plays mental games with himself while lifting.

“You always have to focus,” Michael said. “Coaches have always stressed you have to focus to do your best. If you go into a lift and think you might not do it you probably won’t. If you think you can you have a much better chance.”

Michael went to states last year in the 154-pound division, coming in eighth. His best lift is 310 in the bench and with a 240 clean and jerk.

Bui’s best lift is 220 and 200 in the bench and clean and jerk respectively. He reached the state event as a freshman in the 119-pound class and is now a 129-pound competitor.

All five lifters have plans on getting to states this season, something Smith would love to see. Seven Seahawks qualified for states last season, the most ever for the program.

“I’d like to continue from what we did last year,” Smith said. “Four of those boys who qualified last year have graduated. We’re going to try and take as many as we can. It’s hard to tell from year to year how strong the other guys in the area are going to be when you get to state qualifiers. I think we have quite a few kids who have a good chance.”

The Seahawks won their second straight Sunshine Athletic Conference championship March 26 by beating out Pasco 61-50. They followed that up with four individual champions at the Class 1A-District 6 meet, which includes Rashaud Daniels, Bui, Michael and McCoole.

To advance to states, a lifter has to either win a weight class at sectionals, or be in the top nine in the entire state. They will also host the third annual Sunlake Invitational at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, April 8.


Pirates spurred by last year’s early exit

By

By Kyle LoJacono
The Pasco softball team has made the regional tournament the last seven seasons and a loss in the first round last year may be what gets the program to its eighth in a row.
Courtney Brandt

The Pirates (13-4) were ousted by east Pasco County rival Zephyrhills in the Class 4A regional quarterfinals 12-2 in 2010. The loss gave the squad extra motivation to improve during the offseason.

“We went to school with a lot of those girls, so we’ve had to hear crap talk from them for a year now,” said junior first baseman Sarah Burchfield. “I think that’s pushed us. Coaches have reminded us of who beat us last year too.”
Pasco coach Lisa Herndon has noticed something different in this year’s team.
“That was one of our team goals coming into the season,” Lisa said. “We wanted to go further than last year and because of who knocked us out. It’s like they’re on a mission.”
A large part of that mission is being accomplished by senior pitcher Courtney Brandt (8-2). Her 0.21 ERA is the lowest on the squad, giving up She has given up eight earned run all year while striking out a team-high 107 batters and holding opposing hitters to a .119 batting average.
“I think the team has come a long way from last year,” said Brandt, who is also an outfielder and first baseman. “Everyone has really matured and improved. Everyone came in ready to play and their heads are in the game.”
Joining Brandt on the Pirates pitching staff is junior Emily Pennington.
“This is probably our best year since I’ve been here,” said Pennington, who is also an outfielder and second baseman. “We work together a lot. There’s no drama. We’re like sisters.”
Pennington (2-1) has four saves this season with 35 Ks. While she is a pitcher, Pennington said she is very different than Brandt.
“I’m more laid back and quiet,” Pennington said. “I’m the complete opposite of Courtney.
“I’m kind of lucky to be on her team because I get to watch her, see how she does things and try to mimic her,” Pennington continued. “She helps me. She’s not afraid to tell me how to do something or say I should work a little harder on something.”
Jordan Lane

Pasco is at the top of Class 4A-District 7 standings; it is also one of the younger squads in the county. Brandt, Erika Valdes and Camryn Ritter are the only seniors on the 13-member roster.

The Pirates are young and seem poised to have more young contributors in the future. Their junior varsity (JV) squad has started the season 11-2.
“Our JV team is really good,” said Pasco assistant and JV coach Amy Herndon, Lisa’s daughter. “It’s one of the best teams we’ve had here.”
Sarah is one of the more veteran members of the squad, having played the last three years. She said she has been focusing on improving her hitting this year. Her batting average sits at .309 with 15 runs scored and 10 RBI. Her younger sister Lizzy, a sophomore infielder, is batting .333 with 20 runs scored.
Sophomore outfielder and pitcher Kelli Parker has been working on her hitting like Sarah, but more on building her power. She hit her first career home run in a 9-0 win against Mitchell on March 11. The left-handed batter pulled an inside curveball well over the right field wall.
“It hit the sign out there,” Parker said. “I’ve been waiting for that and it finally happened.”
Parker’s .333 batting average is the second highest on the squad and has 18 runs scored.
Brandt is also one of the Pirates’ top hitters, leading the squad with .491 batting average, 19 RBI, six steals and four home runs.
“We’ve got a couple games left and we want to keep getting better every day,” Lisa said. “Hopefully our batting keeps getting better and our pitching stays solid.”
Pasco plays at home against Wiregrass Ranch on Thursday, April 6 at 7:30 p.m.

Gaither’s Zack Massey a Mercer Bear

By

By Kyle LoJacono

It wasn’t a surprise to four-year Gaither wrestling coach Michel Santos that Zack Massey was his first pupil to sign with a college.

Zack Massey puts on his Mercer hat during his signing with the university March 23 as his parents, Mike and Carreen Massey, look on.

“I’ve seen him get faster and stronger, but it’s more than that with him,” Santos said. “He’s very smart and always knows what’s going on. He doesn’t have to be the leader, but knows when he has to show leadership.”

Massey, a heavyweight, signed his letter of intent March 23 with Mercer University in Georgia.

“It was really shock and awe to sign,” said Massey, who started wrestling three years ago. “My mom (Carreen) told me that only 1 percent of all wrestlers in the nation actually get a wrestling scholarship. That made me realize how big this is.”

Massey also does the discus and shot put events in track, but says there is nothing like wrestling.

“Really it’s being able to beat the other guy,” Massey said. “When I hit a good move on someone it makes me feel awesome. Overall it’s been a confidence booster to me.”

He decided on Mercer because it offered him a place to continue the sport he loves.

“It’s not too far away from home and has a good family feel to it,” said Massey, who will study mechanical engineering. “I feel like I can fit in perfect there.”

Massey posted a 27-9 record this season. He placed fourth in the district meet, sending him to regionals for the first time. Unfortunately for him, he suffered a sprained ankle at districts.

“I went 0-2 at regionals,” Massey said. “I was in a soft boot with crutches the whole week before.”

Massey compiled a 60-48 record during his time at Gaither. He said a lot of the credit for his signing goes to Santos, including helping him go from 305 pounds to 250.

“He tells me that whatever you put in, you’re going to get that much out,” Massey said. “So it’s all on you to go far. Coach also says the way you deal with things on the mat has a lot to do with what you’re going to do later in life.”