The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Lutz Senior Center brings the fair to area seniors

By

By B.C. Manion

They weren’t munching on corn dogs or funnel cakes, going for rides on a Ferris wheel or catching a show in the livestock tent — but the fair goers at the Lutz Senior Center were having a grand time, just the same.

Seniors enjoy socializing after lunch during the Lutz Senior Center’s Fair Day. (Photos by B.C. Manion)

They had a lunch of hot dogs, baked beans and coleslaw.

A little later, they sampled pies and had root beer floats.

They even played bingo, tossed horseshoes, square-danced and had a chance to win some prizes.

The whole idea was to give the seniors a chance to enjoy the fair, even if they’re no longer able to go to the Florida State Fair, said Janet Horton-Vines, the senior center manager.

“We were just hoping to bring some good memories back to them,” she said.

Besides planning a special lunch and activities, the center staff also decorated the center, to help create a festive day.

It’s just one of the special events the staff has at the center, and they’d like to offer even more, Horton-Vines said.

Center revives senior advisory council

To help make that happen, the center is reviving its Senior Advisory Council.

The council will help plan festivities and will have fundraisers to help pay for extras around the center and for special outings, said Joseph Alesnik, who has agreed to serve as chairman of the advisory board.

The board will also have several committees, said Ross Massey, who will be the bookkeeper and Juneirene Bonds, who will be the treasurer. There will be several committees, including one for fundraising that will be led by Rose Ryals.

The senior center has three primary functions, Horton-Vines said. It provides an elderly day care for people who need socialization, supervision and nutrition during the day.

It also provides a nutrition program, which serves lunch, for those who don’t need the other services. And, it’s a hangout for people who enjoy playing pool, pinochle and other card games and who get together for outings, she said. The center is for people who are 60 and older.

Horton-Vines hopes the advisory group will be able to raise money, so the center can do more activities that the seniors will enjoy, like the Fair Day.

“We gave them a fun day,” she said.

About Lutz Senior Center

The Lutz Senior Center is at 112 First Ave. N.W. (behind the Lutz public library).

It is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday

It provides senior day care, a lunch program for seniors and social activities for seniors.

The center is for people age 60 and older.

For more information call (813) 264-3803

Council honors Pickett, Scouts

By

But sparks fly on airport building

By Tammy Sue Struble

What started as an upbeat Zephyrhills City Council meeting on Monday evening, Feb. 28, ended in a bit of fireworks and tense moments between city council members.

Mayor Cliff McDuffie proclaims March 6 as Girl Scout Week during the Zephyrhills City Council meeting at City Hall Feb. 28. (Photo by Tammy Sue Struble)

The meeting was moving forward until the council arrived at Item 5: Progress Energy – Spec Building Update.

City Manager Steve Spina explained at the previous City Council meeting that members had agreed to work on a project in 2008 with Progress Energy to build a spec building at the Airport Industrial Park. No ground has been broken, yet. The private contractor hired at that time to construct and market the building was CLS Zephyrhills LLC.

Also, at the last Feb. 14 city council meeting, it was voted that the line of credit for $400,000 be extended for one year at a cost of $2,000 to the city and $2,000 to CLS. The motion passed with three in favor of the extension and one against, council member Manny Funes.

Council president Lance Smith is a part of that company, but was not on the city council at the time the company was hired. He recused himself and handed the gavel to council member Jodi Wilkeson.

During various discussions of the spec building on Monday, council member Manny Funes raised some questions about the project. It was clear Funes had an issue with Smith being a part of CLS.

Funes also questioned the contract with CLS and indicated the council had not been notified enough about the project; specifically, that the project was at a standstill.

Spina assured Funes that the issue had been on the calendar and budget. With more intense questioning Spina stated at one point, “Manny, do you want me to sit down and read the budget to you?”

Funes answered, “I don’t want you to do that.”

Added Spina: “It’s your responsibility to read the budget.”

Funes, upset at the stalled project and lack of notification, said “There was a time when you realized that that project was not going forward. And, Lance, along with his people, knew exactly what was taking place … after six months his schedule says that project was supposed to be complete. Nothing was said.”

Mr. Smith responded, “you’re complaining about us … not going ahead with the building, Manny; so you’re saying you’d rather have a building out there that’s unoccupied right now? After six months, the economy tanked.”

After the fireworks died down, it was decided there would be more discussion in the future for the spec/ shell building. The council is still waiting on Progress Energy’s answer regarding extending the agreement for construction.

Earlier on the agenda, Ryan Pickett’s family was recognized. Pickett, a Zephyrhills High graduate, is a member of the NFL’s Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers Although Ryan was not in attendance, father Rubin was at the meeting to accept a plaque and proclamation from the city.

Zephyrhills also honored the Girl Scouts, who are celebrating the organization’s 99th anniversary.

Volunteers seek to turn park into community gathering spot

By

Volunteers seek to turn park into community gathering spot

By B.C. Manion

Sandy Graves and Lee Cannon recall simpler times in Land O’ Lakes, when people gathered for old-fashioned fun at carnivals and dances.

As members of the Heritage Park Foundation, they hope to revive that sense of community by pitching in to organize more wholesome events that families can enjoy on the parkland next to the Land O’ Lakes Community Center, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

The board envisions a time when people will be able to gather for school concerts, performances and other events on an outdoor stage at the park.

They also imagine park visitors strolling down Heritage Park, a path lined with historical markers that help tell the story of the community’s history and families.

The county’s parks department is expected later this month to unveil a proposed plan for the stage and walking path.

Foundation members staged a car show last month to help raise money for an outdoor stage and Heritage Walk. They also want to raise money so they can offer more free or low-cost community events.

But one of the issues they encounter when they want to stage an event is the cost of insurance, said Graves, president of the foundation’s board. It is quite possible to have a fundraising event that raises barely enough to cover the cost of insurance, she said.

Cannon said he thinks people would be willing to make cash donations if they were aware that their contributions to the 501c3 organization are tax deductible.

The foundation is looking for volunteers willing to help with events, and for those who have ideas for future gatherings.

“Let’s all work together,” Graves said, noting that the community banded together to build the community center — it was not provided by the county.

“Everybody gave of their time and talents,” Graves said.

That’s what foundation members hope will happen again, so they can revive the park and make it a gathering spot for the community.

Help out

If you would like to help the Heritage Park Foundation by volunteering or contributing funds, call Sandy Graves at (813) 996-3011.

Merchants to mingle with patrons at Business Expo

By

About 100 businesses are expected at the Central Pasco Chamber event

By B.C. Manion

When times are tough, small businesses need to band together, said Mary Lynn Gorsline, the leasing agent for Copperstone Executive Suites and Office Space.

Oliver Simons and Mary Lynn Gorsline pose in a cardboard cutout that will be at Gorsline’s expo booth. She’s the leasing agent for Copperstone Executive Suites and Office Space.

That’s why she thinks it is important for business owners to meet and mingle with each other and with patrons — and that the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce’s 2011 Business Expo on March 4-5 provides an excellent venue to make that happen.

The event, now in its 21st year, also features Taste of Town on March 5, giving patrons a chance to sample foods from about a dozen local restaurants, said Kathy Dunkley, executive director of the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce.

This year’s expo has a Rock around the Clock theme, and exhibitors are encouraged to deck out their booths to help attract people to drop by and see what they have to offer, Dunkley said.

Dunkley expects about 100 businesses to have booths, representing everything from banks and real estate firms to fine jewelers and water conditioning companies.

Many of the exhibitors will be handing out freebies and door prizes, Dunkley said.

There’s also a contest, which gives participants a chance to win a $1,000 U.S. Savings Bond by touring the booths and finding the image of a clock in select booths and having the exhibitor sign a form. Completed forms will be eligible for the drawing to win the prize.

Exhibitors can also win prizes for being creative with their booths.

The idea is to give patrons a place to find out about a vast array of companies offering products and services in Central Pasco, and to give those businesses a chance to showcase themselves, Dunkley said.

It’s also a great place to sample the fare of area restaurants for a steal, she added. Tickets are a $1 each or six for $5, and each sample costs one ticket, Dunkley said.

Many restaurants serve up generous portions, Dunkley said.

“You can eat like a king,” Dunkley said, adding the Taste of Town benefits a scholarship fund.

One event highlight will be a cooking demonstration by Ben Pumo, executive chef and owner of Benedetto’s Ristorante Italiano. He’ll display his culinary skills in an 11 a.m. demonstration on March 5 at the expo hall.

Pumo will be preparing “Chicken Benedetto,” the first recipe he created as a new chef.

Gorsline said she’s happy to take part in the expo.

She thinks the event offers businesses a wonderful opportunity to get to know more about each other and to introduce themselves to consumers.

In this economy, it’s especially important for small merchants to band together, Gorsline said. “People are hurting,” she said. “The more we can help, the better. We’re all in this together.”

She hopes people will pop by her booth to have their photos taken in the ‘50s-style cutout.

Gorsline plans to get into the spirit of the expo’s theme by wearing a pink poodle skirt and a white blouse and putting her hair in a ponytail.

“It’ll be fun,” Gorsline said.

If You Go

What: Business Expo and Taste of the Town

When: 4-7 p.m. March 4 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on March 5 for Business Expo

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 5 for Taste of the Town

Where: Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, 3032 Collier Parkway

Who: Businesses that offer products and services and people who are interested in finding out about what’s available, or who want to sample foods from area restaurants.

Popular candy flavors find their way into smokeless tobacco

By

Increase in high school use may be related

By Kyle LoJacono

Wintergreen, apple, grape, peach, cherry, vanilla and berry. All are favorite flavors for children, but they are also some of the most common in new smokeless tobacco products.

In the last 10 years, the prevalence of Pasco County high school students who have used smokeless tobacco has more than doubled.

Those numbers, according to the 2010 Florida Youth Tobacco Survey, show that 3.3 percent of county high school students used the substances within 30 days of the survey in 2000. That numbered jumped to 7.3 percent in 2010, higher than the Florida average of 6.4.

“Nationally and in Pasco County there has been a rise in smokeless tobacco use,” said Pasco health officer Dr. David Johnson.

Lisa Sloan, the county’s tobacco prevention specialist, suspects the increase has something to do with the creation of more smokeless forms of the drug.

“It seems like candy-flavored tobacco, smokeless tobacco and new products like Snus are unfortunately having an impact,” Sloan said. She went on to say some new flavors can be very appealing products on the first try.

The Food and Drug Administration has banned the sale of fruit and candy-flavored cigarettes, but that did not affect smokeless products.

Johnson said many people wrongly believe that smokeless tobacco products are harmless, but said the substances have 28 cancer-causing agents that may lead to oral cancer and gum disease.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports oral cancer is the sixth-leading form of the disease in males and one of the most difficult types of cancer to diagnose, treat and cure. The reason is the substances are very addictive, but there are few symptoms associated with early stage problems.

This is the opposite of smoking, which can cause coughing, trouble breathing and discomfort of the heart.

The CDC said the first real signs are usually changes in the gums and tissue around them, which generally indicates cancer has already set in. Treatment for such cancers can result in the removal of the jaw.

The county health department created “Through with Chew Week,” which was Feb. 20-26, to help reverse that increase. To spread the word about the dangers of smokeless tobacco, the county health department worked with Students Working Against Tobacco clubs at the different schools.

Tobacco Free Florida also has a new website dedicated to smokeless tobacco prevention, www.SmokelessKills.com.

Additionally, the county’s department hosts a quit smoking support group each Monday from 1-2 p.m. at its education center, 10841 Little Road in New Port Richey. The group also helps smokeless tobacco users. For more information about quitting either smokeless or traditional tobacco products, call (727) 861-5250 ext. 279.

Information/help for tobacco users

–The Florida Quitline:(877) 822-6669 or floridaquitline.com

–Pasco’s Health Department: (727) 861-5250 ext. 279

–Tobacco Free Florida: www.SmokelessKills.com

Cowboys focus on building team unity in 2011

By

By Kyle LoJacono

Last season, the Gaither baseball team entered the district tournament as the No. 1 seed and favorite to win the championship, but was upset in the finals to King.

In that upset, the Cowboys (3-1) learned a team that works together is always better than a collection of talented players.

“Last year we were very talented, but I don’t think we were really a team,” said 26-year Gaither coach Frank Permuy. “I think there were times when guys were more worried about getting a scholarship then helping the team win. That team mindset was missing for us. When you’re in a close game or down by a couple runs late, it’s the team that stays together that can pull it out.”

Oscar Mercado

Gaither went 21-5 in 2010 and was eliminated in the Class 5A regional quarterfinals. The Cowboys lost 12 seniors, including five who signed scholarships.

“Most people aren’t expecting much from us, but no one expected anything from King last year either,” said senior outfielder Zach Jackson. “We need to take what we learned from last year and understand that we have to play everyone as hard as we can. If we do that, we’ll be just fine.”

Permuy said the team only returns three starters, one of which is sophomore shortstop Oscar Mercado.

“Last year, it was great to start as a freshman, but it made me kind of nervous too,” Mercado said. “The shortstop is right in the middle of the field, so it feels like everyone is watching you. I don’t feel any of that now and I’m taking charge of the infield so we all know what we’re doing on every play.”

Mercado is stepping up as leader on the infield, but there is little question who is the captain of the Gaither pitching staff. Junior Alex Milne has been a starter on varsity since his freshman year and claimed No. 1 status last season, when he had an 8-0 record with a 3.13 earned run average (ERA) and 33 strikeouts.

“He’s been doing it for so long, I sometimes forget he’s only a junior,” Permuy said. “He’s a great type of leader because he knows when to be funny, when to be serious and doesn’t say too much in between.”

Alex Milne

Milne, who committed to the University of Central Florida during last summer, throws a fastball, curveball and changeup. The lefty said his main goal is to be as effective late in the game as he is in the early innings.

“You want to be able to go the distance,” Milne said. “It makes it easier on the bullpen when they don’t have to come in for three or four innings. When they do come in, I know I can trust them because we’ve got a great pen.”

Dylan Hathcock was the Cowboys closer last year, posting five saves, a 1.71 ERA and a team-high 50 strikeouts, but he has graduated. Permuy said junior Eric Collier will be the closer this season.

“He has an arm that lets him pitch every day and has a good mentality for it,” Permuy said.

The outfield lost one of its most talented players to graduation from last year — centerfielder Drew Doty who posted a .361 batting average, 30 hits, 29 runs scored, 16 RBI and two home runs in 2010.

Cambridge Christian High junior transfer Hayden Kelley will fill the centerfield spot, while

Jackson, who is also a pitcher, will play right field for much of the season. Jackson posted a .404 batting average, 21 hits, 12 runs scored, 11 RBI and six steals last year.

It originally appeared junior Matt Frey would be the starting left fielder, but he had shoulder surgery in the offseason and will not be able to throw for several months. Frey, who hits left handed, will instead be the designated hitter, especially against right-handed starting pitchers.

Frey had the highest batting average at .490 for any Cowboy with at least five plate appearances in 2010, while adding 24 hits, 20 runs scored, 14 RBI and nine steals.

“I just try to put the bat on the ball and get on base,” said Frey of his approach at the plate. “Make contact and get on. Can’t score if you’re not on base.”

Permuy said Frey’s style will be a big help this year when the squad moves to more of a small-ball mentality.

“We waited for the homerun a lot last year because we had guys with power,” Permuy said. “I like manufacturing runs with bunts, hit and runs and steals. I think that’s exciting.”

Gaither next plays at home March 1 at 7 p.m. against Alonso.

-All stats as recorded to Maxpreps.com by coaches.

McCaffrey’s versatility puts her atop Bulls record books

By

By Kyle LoJacono

Top girls basketball players usually celebrate scoring 1,000 career points sometime in their senior season, but Kelly McCaffrey is not one to waste time.

The Wiregrass Ranch junior put up her 1,000th in her junior season this year, the second ever in program history to reach that mark. The point that pushed her into quadruple digits was in a win against First Baptist Christian, when she scored 25 points.

Kelly McCaffrey

“It was an awesome feeling,” McCaffrey said. “My goal from the start of the season was to get to 1,000.”

McCaffrey, who plays both forward and guard, currently sits at 1,016 career points, behind only Regan Knapik’s 1,098 in program history. She poured in a team-high 386 points, 15.4 per game, to help the Bulls go 16-10.

“It was a really special thing to see,” said Wiregrass Ranch coach Greg Finkel, the only coach in program history. “She’s been a really good scorer since she started with the team as a freshman.”

“Kelly has matured every year and this was her first as a team captain,” Finkel continued. “It was the first year we asked her to do a lot more than score. She has been very valuable to our team. The thing about her is she’s very quiet and slick about what she does out there. She has a big heart.

“Attacking the basket is all about the defense in front of you,” McCaffrey continued. “If it’s man-to-man, you have a good chance of getting past the defender. If it’s zone, I look more to pass or for a screen to get me clear. If I’m double-teamed then I’ll always dish it because I’ll have a teammate open.”

McCaffrey was already one of the top scorers for the Bulls last season, but she wanted to take her game to the next level. She worked to get stronger during the offseason to become a better rebounder.

“All my coaches said I need to go to the basket more, and I needed to get stronger to do that,” McCaffrey said. “I worked with a personal trainer and just put more of a focus on going for rebounds.”

The work seems to have paid off. McCaffrey pulled down 186 rebounds this season, more than twice the 70 she had last year. That was the second most for the Bulls. This offseason she plans to focus on her footwork to get quicker.

“She’s put in a lot of work to get better, but her parents should get some credit too,” Finkel said. “You can tell she’s had very good upbringing.”

McCaffrey’s passion for basketball started in the second grade. She grew up in Chicago, one of the nation’s hotbeds for the sport. She moved to Pasco County before her freshman year.

“In Chicago there is a lot more pressure because basketball is more popular there,” McCaffrey said. “It was great to play travel ball there with all the hype, but it’s also nice here where you can be a little more relaxed.”

Wiregrass Ranch had zero winning seasons in its first two, but has not known one below .500 since McCaffrey joined the squad for the 2008-09 school year. The Bulls have gone 59-24, winning 71 percent of their contests, the last three years.

Wiregrass Ranch has also made two regional tournament appearances as the Class 4A-District 8 runner-up in McCaffrey’s freshman and sophomore years, but has yet to win a playoff game.

McCaffrey played softball growing up as well and was a third baseman for the Bulls her freshman and sophomore years, but gave up the sport to focus on basketball this year.

“I want to play in college, so I decided it was best to focus on one and get as good as I can in basketball,” McCaffrey said.

McCaffrey said she is not sure what career she wants to go into yet, but is very interested in film. Right now she is just focusing on getting the Bulls back to regionals and beyond in her senior campaign next year.

“We want to win districts for the first time next year and get some wins in regions,” McCaffrey said. “I also want to get to 1,500 points, but I’d take a district championship over that.”

-All stats as recorded to Maxpreps.com by coaches.

Bulls drop regional semifinals contest to Nature Coast

By

Wiregrass Ranch still accomplishes program firsts

By Kyle LoJacono

The Nature Coast boys basketball team had been waiting for a rematch with Wiregrass Ranch since the Bulls won the Class 4A-District 8 championship two weeks ago on the Sharks home court.

Nature Coast (29-3) avenged that loss Feb. 22 at Wiregrass Ranch (22-8) to take the 4A regional semifinals contest 70-56.

“I knew that was going to happen,” said Wiregrass Ranch coach Jeremy Calzone. “They were mad. We celebrated on their home court a couple weeks ago and unfortunately we didn’t respond.”

Bulls senior Josiah Jones gets a block in the regional semifinals.

The Sharks jumped out to an 11-point lead to start the game and did not let it get closer than seven all night.

“Them beating us on our home floor in the district championship, it struck a cord for us,” said Nature Coast coach David Pisarcik. “We knew how important this game was if we saw them again. We were focused all week. Bringing the intensity in practice and we brought that out to the game tonight. We were ready to go.”

“All week we were ready to play,” Pisarcik continued. “I mean we wanted to play yesterday. When they got off the bus and onto the floor, they were ready. You could see the aggressiveness, the intensity coming out. We had a great game plan to come out and neutralize their players and the kids executed.”

The Bulls came up two games shy of the final four, but they did things never before done in program history this year. They won the first district championship and the first regional tournament game in the quarterfinals Feb. 17 by beating cross-town rival Wesley Chapel.

Wiregrass Ranch, which has seven seniors on the roster, also beat Nature Coast for the first time for the program in that district title game, but could not make it two in a row.

“The kids are unbelievable,” Calzone said. “Those seven kids, I’ll never forget them. I told them in 20 years, 30 years I’ll tell my grandkids about these players. Not only are they good basketball players, they’re great kids. Great in the classroom, great around the community here. They don’t get into trouble and I don’t have to worry about bad grades.”

Wiregrass Ranch used a high-tempo offense this year to make up for lack of size, but it ran into a big obstacle in Sharks 6-foot-9 senior center Tyler Bergantino, who is three inches taller than any of the Bulls.

Bergantino put up 20 points, and his size made it difficult for Wiregrass Ranch 6-foot-6 senior center Michael Chase to work the inside, forcing the squad to take more outside shots.

“We didn’t want to do that,” Calzone said of shooting so many outside shots. “I think they did a better job on Michael (Chase) tonight. We had a hard time getting it into him. …We’ve told them all year if you’re open, shoot. I’m not going to tell them to stop shooting. It’s not my style.”

The Bulls had a small victory when they forced Bergantino to the bench in the second quarter.

“We got three fouls on Bergantino,” Calzone said. “We felt pretty good about it and as soon as he came out of the game, I think we relaxed for a second and that hurt us. Instead of pushing forward we said he’s not in the game. Now we can relax.”

Nature Coast went on a 6-2 run with their center on the bench to push the lead to 13 near the end of the second quarter.

“That little stretch in the second quarter hurt us,” Calzone said. “If we had limited that, we could have gotten it down to five or six at halftime. I was a little upset about that, but the game was won and lost in the first five minutes.”

The Sharks took a 13-2 lead to start the game. Senior guard Antwan Prince, who normally starts and averages 11.3 points and 4.4 rebounds per game, had to sit out the first quarter for missing a practice.

“He decided to miss a practice without calling somebody,” Calzone said. “I live by my rules. Unfortunately it happened in a regional semifinal game. Like I told the kids, I’ll take the blame if you want, but I’m going to stay by my rules no matter what the game is. That’s just who I am.”

The Bulls seemed to be lacking the spark that Prince usually adds.

“He’s an energy guy for us,” Calzone said.

Chase finished with a team-high 16 points in the semifinals, followed by sophomore Rico Kerney’s 14. Senior and team captain Tanner Carey put up 11 and senior Kingsley Boateng had seven.

Senior James Tringali had a team-high 14 assists. Kerney led the Bulls with nine rebounds, while Carey pulled down eight.

Land O’ Lakes soccer talent an all star

By

Carly Clark earns honor in New England

By Kyle LoJacono

Most central Pasco County soccer players spend four years on the pitch at Sunlake, Land O’ Lakes or Wiregrass Ranch high schools, but one has been showcasing her talents 1,500 miles north.

Carly Clark, 18, is a senior at Miss Hall’s School in Pittsfield, Mass., but lives in Land O’ Lakes when the all girls college preparatory academy is not in session.

“A couple of my cousins went to private schools too in the area,” Clark said. “I wanted to go to a boarding school because it helps you get ready for college. It’s really good academically, but it also makes you ready for everything else. I’ve been living by myself for four years, so I can do my laundry and everything else that most kids have done for them at home.”

Carly Clark

Clark has a 3.4 unweighted grade point average, and has also been a star for the Hurricanes in two sports. She has been a defender on the varsity soccer team since her freshman year and is the catcher on the softball squad for the fourth straight year.

“My whole family is really athletic,” Clark said. “We do a lot of things outside all the time. My brother (Zachary) played hockey and my mom (Kris) is a body builder. I also used to ride horses and played hockey too.”

Clark was a co-captain for Miss Hall’s soccer team, which completed its season with an 8-6 record in November. Soccer is a fall sport in the north to avoid playing in cold weather. The Hurricanes came in fourth out of 30 teams in the New England Prep School Soccer Association (NEPSSA) Western Division regular season, missing the playoffs by two spots.

Clark’s efforts on the Hurricanes backline earned her a spot on the NEPSSA Western All-Star team despite missing the first half of the season with a twisted knee.

Christie Higuera, Clark’s soccer coach, said opposing coaches vote on who they think was the best player on the other team after each contest. The players with the most votes make the all-star game, which was played Nov. 14.

“I loved that she made the team, especially because of her injury,” Higuera said, who is also Miss Hall’s assistant dean of students. “It was the first time she made the team and it’s well deserved for the work she’s done.”

Clark said of being an all star, “There were a lot of good players. It was really exciting to play against the best players, and my team won 4-0.

Higuera said the all-star appearance is a fitting end for Clark’s time with the team.

“I remember seeing her at the first tryouts her freshman year,” Higuera continued. “You could tell she was an athlete. She was fit and strong as a freshman and could do everything demanded of her. She was also a voice of reason. She would listen to what’s going on and say something that always made sense. She was a calming voice.”

Clark scored two goals and recorded five assists while leading the Miss Hall’s defense during her four years, starting 49 of 62 games during that time. Now her attention shifts to softball in the spring, which she believes is her best sport.

Clark said she wants to play softball in college. She would prefer to attend a university in the south and added a few schools in Texas and Tennessee have asked for video of her playing. As for academics, Clark plans to major in psychology, but she is an athlete at heart.

“I’ve loved playing both sports here,” Clark said. “I was really surprised to make the teams as a freshman and it’s been great.”

Hillsborough track previews

By

Jeff Ditman brings football discipline to Gaither track

By Zack Peterson

Laker/Lutz News correspondent

This past season, the Gaither boys track team added a new addition to their roster — coach Jeff Ditman, who spent the fall coaching the Cowboys offensive line on the football field.

“I feel that from football I take a sense of discipline,” Ditman said. “It’s all about the little things like starting on time. The kids know what’s expected of them and that’s important.”

With the expectation of a Class 4A-District 6 championship in mind, the team has ramped up their workouts according to the multi-talented athlete Shug Oyegunle, who was also Gaither’s starting quarterback this season.

“We’ve got a young team that’s looking good,” said Oyegunle, a sophomore. “Everyday we’ve working hard, pushing it with our all and giving 100 percent.”

To claim a district title, the Cowboys will have to contend with the reigning champion Plant and runner-up Chamberlain. Gaither finished fifth in the district meet last year, ahead of only northern Hillsborough County Rival Freedom.

For Ditman though, commanding this team looks to be an exciting and different experience.

“Track’s a different animal,” Ditman said. “With football, everything can be very compartmentalized. Here, there are multiple scenarios. It’s not all black and white.”

Strength is key for Cowboys

For coach Caitlin Clay and the Gaither girls track program, the emphasis in the off-season has primarily been on muscular training.

“It’s a building year, but we’ve got some great sprinters and jumpers who can lead the team,” Clay said. “We’ve also incorporated time in the weight room to build muscle strength.”

Last year the Cowboys finished fifth in 4A-6. Wharton was the cream of the crop last season, taking 250 points in the district meet. The Wildcats closest competition was Alonso, which posted 114.

Gaither put up 51 points, but did send its 4×800 team to the regional meet as well as Kiana Bryant in the 100-meter and 200-meter dash; Clay wants to replicate the results.

Along with the extra weight training came the extra coaching to bring Clay some relief.

“Now that we’ve split up the coaches, I can work more closely with the distance group while they focus on their particular area of strength,” Clay explained.

Warriors look to build on cross country success

The Steinbrenner boys track team is still a very young program in a state of building, but its solid core of middle and long distance runners has the Warriors expecting success in year two.

Those longer distance runners mainly come from the Steinbrenner cross country team that finished as the Class 2A state runner-up this year. One of those who competed in the cross country final is senior Dan Sarver.

“We’re a lot better already,” Sarver said. “Within the first race, almost everyone broke their PR’s [personal records] from last year.”

The Warriors squad finished ninth in the 11-team Class 2A-District 9, but did send its 4×800 meter relay team to regionals. Sarver was a member of that foursome that went to regionals, along with his twin brother Matt, and sophomores Matt Magee and Oliver Ortiz.

According to Sarver, with a “strong, young group of runners looking to step up,” anything is possible for the team, which aspires to be a strong factor in the district tournament at the end of the season.

After defeating Gaither with a score of 104-25 Feb. 23, they are off on the right path.

Steinbrenner takes aim at district title

Lead by Ladd Baldwin, the Steinbrenner girls track team strives to pick up where it left off last year and work their way to a district championship.

“We were runner-up last year and 90 percent of our team is back this year,” Baldwin said. “We have some nice additions and a good variety of athletes.”

The Warriors competes in 2A-9, which includes teams like Wesley Chapel, Pasco and the defending district champion Jesuit. To cope with last year’s near district title, the Warriors expanded its roster to boost their depth.

“The way to win is in the depth,” Baldwin said. “Your one, two and three runners are all important, but so are your four, five and six runners who are also scoring points.”

With a bigger team, Baldwin believes the team can do great things.