Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Gators remain consistent amid coaching turnover

By Kyle LoJacono

The Land O’ Lakes boys tennis team has become accustomed to district championships during the last three seasons.

The Gators (5-1) lost only one regular season match in 2009 and then went a perfect 12-0 en route to the Class 2A-District 6 championship last year. Land O’ Lakes has done that despite having three different coaches in as many seasons.

Shawn McGee led the squad in 2009, but left to take a full time job at Saddlebrook Resort in Wesley Chapel. Shannon Aitken, a Land O’ Lakes graduate, took over on short notice in 2010, but had no previous tennis coaching experience.

“Shannon was a very successful athlete,” said Gators No. 1 player Colin Roller. “She won a soccer state championship, so she knew how to get physically ready to compete and about the mental side.”

In steps Jasalyn Gerazounis, who played and coached tennis at Carlow University in Pittsburgh. She relishes the challenge of taking over a successful program.

“It’s exciting,” Gerazounis said. “We had a lot of seniors, so they graduated. We definitely want to maintain the same level of success. It’s more difficult losing a lot of seniors, but we have a lot of talented freshmen coming in and we have a strong team. Each individual player brings something different to the table.”

Roller said it has been difficult to deal with three different coaches, but sees the positives as well.

“It’s tough having three coaches, but it keeps you on your toes,” Roller said. “One coach wants this and another coach wants that. You don’t know what coach you might have in college, so it helps you adapt. It helps you learn how to understand different patterns.”

The players all said Gerazounis is a good coach, but very tough.

“I just want them to expand their skill set and become better players this year,” Gerazounis said. “Get some experience and hopefully continued success. They’re doing well. I’m really proud of them. Every match they’re better than the last.”

One common theme is evident from the players and coach — footwork wins matches.

“I guess everyone could have better footwork,” Gerazounis said. “You can always run and play for a point a little bit better.”

Marnix Groenendijk, a junior, said of Gerazounis’ focus, “She’s really stressing our footwork. She lets us know it’s all about footwork.”

Roller is the only returning top-five player for Land O’ Lakes. For the most part, only the top-five players get into matches in high school tennis. Gerazounis said she is leaning on Roller as a leader.

“He’s our team captain,” Gerazounis said. “He’s our go-to guy. He always pulls through. He’s very talented.”

Roller, a junior, has yet to lose an individual match in the regular season in high school. He reached states alone as a freshman and helped guide the Gators to the event as a team last year.

“It was a lot of fun to go individually, but it was a lot better to go as a team,” Roller said. “We had the whole team, parents and coach. We didn’t expect to win the whole thing, but we went to try out best to win.”

Joining Roller in the top five are Groenendijk, Alex Wong, Harrison Luong and Erik Thielbar, a freshman.

“There wasn’t any intimidation joining a good team,” Thielbar said, who came from Pine View Middle. “I just came in and played.”

Tyler Sanders, also a freshman, also gets into matches on the No. 2 doubles team.

“We’ve got two great freshmen and they fit right in to what we did last year,” Roller said. “It’s like they’ve been on the team the last three years.”

That mix seems to be working, as the Gators have only lost to Gulf this year.

“It’s kind of a rebuilding year,” Groenendijk said. “We’re not great, but were doing pretty well. We’ve won a lot of matches and I’m actually surprised we’re doing so well.”

Groenendijk was the No. 6 player at the end of last season.

“I’ve been training a lot,” Groenendijk said. “I wanted to get good enough to get into matches. I worked a lot on my backhand and my footwork. About the middle of the season last year I decided I wanted to be in the top five. I wanted to get there, and I was going to do anything to get to the top five.”

Luong has a similar story of determination to get into the top five, but he worked his way up from the No. 10 spot last year.

“It feels great,” said Luong of getting into the top five. “During the summer I worked much harder to get better. I worked on everything.”

The Gators will compete in the 2A-6 tournament is the week of April 4-8 at Wesley Chapel.

By Kyle LoJacono

Wiregrass Ranch athletics experienced two firsts March 2 when Nicole Esposito and Noah Ravenna signed their letters of intent.

Appropriate, given the two were on teams that also made school history.

Esposito signed with Polk State College after spending the last four years as a midfielder and defender for the Bulls girls soccer team. She is the first soccer player, boys or girls, from Wiregrass Ranch to sign with a college.

“It’s a dream come true,” Esposito said. “I knew it was going to happen, but to see it become a reality is awesome.”

Ravenna has been a four year starter for the Wiregrass Ranch football team, playing on both the offensive and defensive lines. He signed with Jacksonville University, the first Bulls football player to sign with a Division I program.

“I always wanted to pick the hat,” said Ravenna, who plans on studying aeronautics. “I got to pick the hat and it is the one that says JU Dolphins.”

Esposito said going to Polk State gives her the chance to transition into college both academically and athletically at a junior college for two years before moving on to a bigger university. She plans on studying athletic training.

“I’m very proud of her,” said Bulls girls soccer coach Erin Dodd, who played in college at the University of Memphis. “She has a great experience ahead of her. I know the experience I had when I played in college and she has a lot of great things to look forward to.

“You couldn’t ask for a better person on and off the field,” Dodd continued. “She’s a great person. She’s very positive. She’s a great leader. I can’t say enough about her.”

Esposito, a team captain, helped the Bulls win their first district tournament game in program history this year en route to the Class 4A-District 8 championship. The Bulls finished with a 23-3-2 record, the first 20-win season for the program, and reached the 4A regional finals.

Esposito had one goal and seven assists this season. She has recorded five goals and 23 assists during her four years at Wiregrass Ranch.

Amanda Devona coached the girls soccer team during Esposito’s first three years. Dodd took over this season, but it was not the first time she coached Esposito.

Dodd was also the Dr. John Long Middle girls soccer coach when that program started. On that inaugural Longhorns team was a younger Esposito.

“Both of my coaches have made me a stronger and better player,” Esposito said. “They taught me how to lead on the field and off the field. I owe it all to them.”

Ravenna was a key to the Bulls going 6-5 this year, the program’s first winning season. Wiregrass Ranch also won the 4A-6 championship, the first district title for the program. A turnaround from the team that went 1-9 in each of Ravenna’s first two years.

“It was literally building from the ground up,” Ravenna said. “It was going back to your fundamentals. Just building the program and every year getting better and better. This year we capitalized on our opportunities to win the district championship.”

Bulls football coach Jeremy Shobe became Wiregrass Ranch’s leader in Ravenna’s junior season after two years as an assistant. He also coached Ravenna while in middle school at John Long.

“This is really what you coach for,” Shobe said. “To build them into better young men and football players throughout the years in the program. He has the work ethic to do what it takes at a Division I program.”

Ravenna has high praise for his longtime coach.

“He’s not just a coach,” Ravenna said. “Since eighth grade he’s always been one of those people I’ve turned to. Whenever I have a rough time, he just talks me through it. He’s the best coach I could ever ask for.”

Ravenna recorded 31 tackles and two sacks this year. He was named to the All-Laker/All-Lutz News football defensive second team and he was part of the Wiregrass Ranch offensive line that earned offensive honorable mention.

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

First-year program has long-term goals for area soccer

By Kyle LoJacono

The FC Tampa Lutz Rangers soccer program is less than 1 year old, but the fledgling club already has its first undefeated team.

The U10 Lutz Rangers Juventus just completed a perfect 14-0 regular season competing against squads from around the Tampa Bay area. Juventus outscored their opponents 142-24.

Guiding the Juventus is Mark Pearson, who has also coached the Land O’ Lakes boys soccer team the last 15 years. He said the players have come a long way during the last year.

“Mostly in individual skills and team concept,” Pearson said. “That’s where the biggest improvements have been. I think both teams have improved immensely. I see them progressing each and every practice.”

Pearson, who also coaches another Rangers team in the same age group, said winning is not the biggest part of what he teaches the kids.

“At this age group they don’t technically have champions and we frown upon just winning,” Pearson said. “The concept is really more development. Next year in U11 they move more into champions with trophies. But believe me, the kids know.”

Pearson will continue to coach his two teams as U11 next year.

Before the Rangers program started, there was no competitive soccer club in Lutz or Odessa. The Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department expanded the Oscar Cooler Sports Complex last year in part to make room for new soccer fields.

“The location here at the sports complex is fantastic,” Pearson said. “People can get here from Lutz, but also the northwest corridor in Hillsborough, central Pasco, west Pasco. Really the access is great. You can come down (US) 41 or Dale Mabry and you can get here pretty quickly.”

Pearson said two of his players are from Wesley Chapel and one from Land O’ Lakes, but the majority, like Juventus member Robbie Soronellas, are from Lutz.

Soronellas played for Hillsborough County United before this season, which required a 45 minute car ride.

“We don’t have to go straight to practice when my mom picks me up,” Soronellas said. “We can go home and get ready or do other things because it’s closer.”

Soronellas said he started playing soccer at age 4.

“I like the attacking,” Soronellas said. “Scoring and assisting are the best parts. I like it when we score.”

One of those who travels all the way from Wesley Chapel to play in the program is Collin Corrao.

“I started playing because it just looked fun,” said Corrao, who first started playing at age 2. “My team in Wesley Chapel moved and I wanted to keep playing.”

Land O’ Lakes resident Drew Knutson is a member of Pearson’s other U10 squad.

“I’ve loved soccer since I was 2,” Knutson said. “I played with my dad in the backyard and it was so much fun. I wanted to play with better kids so I could get better.”

“The game is just awesome,” Knutson continued. “All the action you get. It’s amazing.”

One thing is evident at any Rangers practice. The coaches work hard to make sure the kids do not make the same mistake twice.

“Our main goal is to try and prevent bad habits later on in life,” Pearson said. “We try to teach them the right things at the right age so they never develop those bad habits. We start them early at 5, 6, 7 years old and if you do that, bad habits hopefully won’t happen.”

For example, while coaching one of the U8 teams in practice, Pearson saw one the children shooting the ball with his wrong foot every time. Pearson stopped practice to show the youngster why kicking it with the other foot will put the shot on net more often.

“He’s a really good coach,” Knutson said. “He makes sure you don’t do the same mistakes.”

Pearson, who grew up in Carrollwood, played with the old Black Watch Soccer Club in the mid 1980s.

“That’s when I got into competitive soccer, which was really in its infancy in the early ‘80s,” Pearson said. “Black Watch was really the forerunner of competitive soccer programs in this area and we’re hoping to model ourselves after those competitive programs.”

Now that the regular season is complete, the Juventus and other Rangers teams will move on to the tournament portion of the program. Pearson said his teams will play in one each month, with the next coming in Largo in March, one in west Pasco County in April and another in May at Disney World.

For more information on the Rangers, visit www.fctampalutz.com.

By Kyle LoJacono

Four years ago the Wesley Chapel baseball program had zero appearances in the regional tournament. A stark contrast from the squad that can make it four trips in four years if it makes it back this spring.

Chuck Yingling became the Wildcats coach for the 2008 season. Wesley Chapel was the district runner-up that year and the champion the last two.

“My goal when I interviewed for the job was to have people respect this place for baseball,” Yingling said. “I’ve lived out in this area for 15 years, even when I was coaching in Tampa. The sad thing was they had a beautiful complex, but people didn’t worry about playing here. Even if they were up, this school somehow found a way to give up the game. Our goal was build a system where they did the right things to win.”

That first year the team went 10-15, but that record improved to 24-4 last year, the first winning season in program history. The Wildcats (6-0) got all the way to the Class 4A regional semifinals for  the first time as well.

“We knew we had some good freshmen who are seniors this year,” Yingling said. “We came in and put in our system. The kids who were here bought in and we’ve had other good kids join since then. They were ready to have something stable and to be more competitive.”

One of the keys to that recent success is a very deep pitching staff. The rotation this year consists of senior righties Matt Wynne and Marcus Crescentini and the No. 1 pitcher Brandon Mumaw. Sophomores Chase Ingram and Hunter Robinson will be the main guys out of the bullpen.

“There’s definitely a competitive rivalry between the pitchers,” Crescentini said. “When I see Brandon or Matt do well, I want to go out and do even better.”

Crescentini went 3-0 with one save, a 2.24 earned run average (ERA) and 43 strikeouts in 2010, but was mostly in the bullpen. He has worked on his slider to give hitters a third pitch to focus one. It seems to be working, as he is currently 2-0 with 14 strikeouts and has yet to give up an earned run.

Wynne was 3-0 with two saves, 1.56 ERA and 27 strikeouts as the closer last year, and has picked up one win with a 0.78 ERA and 11 strikeouts in 2011. Mumaw, a senior lefty, was a perfect 6-0 with one save in 2010 with a 0.50 ERA and 47 Ks.

“I just hope it continues this year,” said Mumaw of not having a loss last season. “We have a really good team. We have good pitchers, but it helps when we score a lot of runs and have great defense behind us.”

Through his first three starts, Mumaw is 3-0 with a 1.70 ERA and a team-high 19 strikeouts. Mumaw was a big part of Wesley Chapel’s success last year, but a broken finger late in the season sidelined him for regionals.

“It was really bad sitting on the sidelines and watching us play,” Mumaw said. “I wanted to be out on the field, but I couldn’t. I’m really determined to help us go even further than we did last year.”

The rotation has remained one of Wesley Chapel’s strengths in part because Yingling does not wear them out.

“Our pitching philosophy is we’re pitching for outs,” said Yingling, who was a pitcher and outfielder. “In Brandon’s first game he had 11 strikeouts, but had to use a lot of pitches and we took him out after five innings. That’s not what we’re looking for. We don’t want them to abuse their arms. You won’t see our kids throw 120, 130 pitches. We want to keep them healthy for themselves and also come district tournament time.”

Yingling describes himself as a coach who focuses on winning with pitching and defense instead of scoring a lot of runs. One of those who will be a big part of that run prevention is senior shortstop Geoff DeGroot.

“We’ve all been working really hard in the weight room during the offseason,” said DeGroot, a four year varsity player. “That’s where it all starts. Then it takes a lot of good work on the field and batting practice. We have our goals set high. We’re not settling for second best.”

The work in the weight room seems to have paid off for DeGroot, who put on about 20 pounds since last year. He is also batting .462 with seven RBI and five steals on the young season.

Junior third baseman Keegan Tanner is leading the Wildcats with 10 RBI while batting .353.

Wesley Chapel next plays on Tuesday, March 8 at 7 p.m. at Ridgewood.

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

The second annual Florida Four college baseball tournament was played March 1 at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa and five area athletes were on the participating teams. The University of South Florida defeated the University of Miami in the first game 4-2 and Florida State University beat the University of Florida 5-3.

Peter Miller born to play baseball

Lutz resident and Florida State University freshman Peter Miller cannot remember a time when he wasn’t playing baseball.

“I was born a baseball player,” said Miller, a pitcher and infielder. “I just fell in love with baseball. I love it all. I love being here watching the game, pitching, hitting the ball. Anything with baseball.”

Miller was homeschooled, but played baseball with Cambridge Christian. He had a .321 batting average with 24 RBI, 12 doubles, four triples and two homeruns as a senior. On the mound he had a 6-0 record with a 0.89 ERA and a team-high 65 strikeouts.

His numbers impressed enough to get a shot with the Seminoles.

“It’s unbelievable and when you get to the program you understand why FSU has one of the best baseball traditions in America,” Miller said. “The coaches, the players we push ourselves every day.”

Miller has shown he can deal with the pressure of big-time college baseball. In his first at bat Feb. 18 against Virginia Military Institute (VMI) he hit an RBI double. He is batting .600 with two RBI and a perfect fielding percentage through the Seminole’s first eight games.

“I wasn’t nervous,” Miller said of his first at bat. “These coaches prepare us. It was just going up there and playing baseball like I have my whole life.”

He has only pitched in one game, but had a perfect inning against VMI Feb. 20.

“I have to go up against our lineup every day, so I was prepared,” Miller said. “So to go up against teams with inferior lineups than what we have was like nothing. Try getting in there against our guys. That’s nerve racking.”

-Kyle LoJacono

Matt Campbell takes road less traveled

Matt Campbell has come a long way from pitching for Freedom.

Campbell, the Patriots pitcher of the year in 2006, is now in his senior season for the University of Florida.

“It’s all pretty surreal,” Campbell said.

However, the transition from northern Hillsborough County high school star to a key reliever on a team that reached the College World Series last year didn’t come without a few bumps in the road. By the end of his senior year at Freedom, Campbell wasn’t sure where he would continue his baseball career.

“I looked at some smaller schools, but I knew I’d be given the opportunity to walk on (at the University of Florida),” Campbell said.

Campbell would spend the next three years being a standout pitcher on the UF club baseball team. In 2009, he was named a first-team National Club Baseball Association All-American with a 7-1 record with three saves and a 0.16 ERA to go along with 63 strikeouts.

The righty was called up for the 2010 season and would contribute 11.1 innings and eight strikeouts without a single walk. He tied a career high with two strikeouts in two innings of work against UCLA in the Gators first College World Series game last summer. That success hasn’t stopped the senior reliever from trying to get better, however.

“I want to become a more complete pitcher and find my role on the team,” Campbell said.

So far in the 2011 season, Campbell has pitched a scoreless inning with one strikeout in his only appearance.

-Shawn Ferris

Bulldog living baseball dreams

Austin Adams has never been a stranger to hard work.

The University of South Florida (USF) pitcher and 2009 Zephyrhills grad has worked his way up from the little league at Sam Pasco Park to Division I baseball with the Bulls.

It was this drive and determination that landed Adams at George M. Steinbrenner Field March 1, as USF defeated perennial heavyweight Miami 4-2 in the second annual Florida Four. The experience was something that Adams will never forget.

“The atmosphere was great,” Adams said. “Playing against a powerhouse like Miami and getting the win was amazing.”

Although Austin didn’t see the field against the Hurricanes, each time he laces up his cleats he is reminded of a childhood dream that has come true.

“It’s a wonderful feeling,” Adams said. “Definitely a dream that I wanted to fulfill since little league and it’s been amazing.”

Adams has made one appearance through the Bulls first eight games and looks to make an impact in the coming months.

The right-handed physical education major is confident that USF will continue to build off the big win against Miami.

“It’s amazing,” Adams said. “We’re in the Big East and trying to go as far as possible. I think this team definitely has something special this year.”

-David Botello

Gators grad positive of future

Land O’ Lakes graduate Trey Dahl grew up not far from George M. Steinbrenner Field and was thrilled to play in the venue March 1.

“It’s definitely nice when a lot of people show up, too,” Dahl said of the near full stadium for the tournament.

The Land O’Lakes graduate notes there are definite differences in high school and college baseball.

“Even being in the locker room, to playing on the field, the game is quicker,” Dahl said. “There’s a lot more aspects of the game that you don’t really cover in high school that you do when you come to the divisional level.”

Dahl said San Francisco Giants pitcher Tim Lincecum is his strongest baseball influence, citing their physical similarities like their small stature. Dahl is listed at 6-foot, 175 pounds.

Last season he pitched nine innings, which were spread out between 15 appearances out of the bullpen. The lefty had nine strikeouts and a 5.00 ERA.

Dahl said if he went professional he would like to stay in Tampa and play for the Rays. However, he is headed for law school following his graduation.

-Leigh Ann Nicholson

Lutz resident makes UF squad

Lutz resident and Jesuit alumni Daniel Gibson is making a name for himself in college as a relief pitcher for the University of Florida (UF).

UF swept University of South Florida in the first series of the year. The Gators used 11 different pitchers in the opening weekend, including Gibson.

“When I am getting ready for a game it’s both mentally and physically,” Gibson said. “I’ll start in (batting practice) to warm up my arm and then pass the ball around a bit.”

Gibson chose to go to UF instead of signing with the Milwaukee Brewers, who drafted him in the 26th in the MLB draft. For him, the decision was easy.

“I was really excited to sign on with UF because I had been a fan of their baseball program,” Gibson said.

Gibson has pitched in two of the Gators first eight games. He has given up three hits, but has not allowed a run in his two innings. He also has two strikeouts.

-Molly Jacobson

By Kyle LoJacono

Mark Kantor was a constant on the Gaither football sidelines for nine seasons, and the veteran coach will remain in northern Hillsborough County this fall.

Kantor accepted an assistant position with Wharton. He is unsure what unit he will be leading, but is happy to remain a teacher of the game.

“Coaching is a passion I’ve had for 19 years,” Kantor said. “I’m very happy I’ll be teaching kids the game. You want to continue as a head coach, but I’ll still be doing what I love.”

Wildcats coach David Mitchell, who has led Wharton for six seasons, said he and Kantor have been friends for many years and believes in his ability as a coach.

“He was one of the first to talk to me about joining his staff,” Kantor said. “We’ve had a special bond during the last bunch of seasons. I entertained other options, but given our relationship and the fact that Wharton is 10 minutes from my house make it the right place.”

Kantor applied for several head coaching openings this offseason, including at Land O’ Lakes, Mitchell and East Bay. He is not sure how long he will be with Wharton, but said he has committed to the Wildcats through the fall season.

He does not know if he will get a teaching job at Wharton or will remain at Gaither. Cowboys principal Marie Whelan told Kantor he can keep his social studies job there if he wants it.

Kantor was the longest tenured football coach in Gaither’s 26-year history, but stepped down from the post in December after learning administration wanted to go in a different direction. He guided the Cowboys to three straight regional tournament appearances from 2006-2008, but his teams went 1-9 in 2009 and 3-7 in 2010.

Kantor did have the most wins of any coach in Cowboys football history, compiling a 42-55 record. He also helped 70 Gaither athletes sign letters of intent to play football in college.

Wharton went 3-7 last year, including a 10-0 victory at Gaither. The Wildcats will be in Class 8A-District 6 this season with Alonso, Bloomingdale and Plant, which was the 5A state runner up in 2010.