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Land O' Lakes Sports

Seahawks girls soccer makes history this season

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Believe it or not, the Seahawks have never won a district championship.

That’s quite remarkable because the girls soccer team just made program history with its first state tournament appearance.

“I have five district runner-up trophies,” said longtime coach Jami Finan, who just finished her 12th season at the helm. “But this year, we got redemption.”

In program history, the team tends to lose out to nearby rival Land O’ Lakes. The Gators have taken the title, over Sunlake, five times.

The Sunlake Seahawks girls soccer team made history this season by making the program’s first state tournament appearance, and by winning its first-ever regional game. The Seahawks, led by longtime coach Jami Finan, went 13-3-1, including a 3-0 dominant win over nearby rival Land O’ Lakes High School in the region final on Feb. 14. (Courtesy of Cristian Ortiz)

This year’s redemption for the Seahawks (13-3-1), however, was historic because in the past, they’ve made the region tournament, but always bowed out in the quarterfinals — the first round.

“We’ve had a lot of great players come through the program,” Finan said, “but this season they played very well together and when they got the tactics down of playing together, that got them through to the next round.”

Despite a 2-1 loss to the Gators (15-6-3) in the district final match on Jan. 31 — but a 4-4 regular season tie on Dec. 13 — Sunlake finally made it out of the first round, thanks to a resounding 4-1 over Fort Myers Riverdale on Feb. 7.

This led to a home match hosting Sickles on Feb. 10, with the Seahawks winning 3-2 in dramatic, penalty-kick fashion.

“I think that, 100%, the student body, family members and our followers made it a totally different atmosphere (against Sickles),” Finan said. “Girls soccer has been good, but having some regional games on campus really let people see how next level we can be. … Because of (those games), the players became stars on campus or even when they were out and having dinner and people would congratulate them.

“Maybe, at a regular season game, we’d have about 20 (people) in the stands,” Finan added, “but with the regional games, there were so many more kids than I had ever seen at a soccer game.”

That atmosphere was also a factor in the region final — the rematch vs. Land O’ Lakes.

Finan knew she and her players would have to attack the game differently, especially against coaching legend Vicky King.

“We switched it up against Land O’ Lakes and moved people around (at positions and matchups) and just really capitalized on that,” Finan said. “We outplayed and out coached them.”

Not only did Sunlake beat Land O’ Lakes for the first time in five years, the Seahawks beat them by halftime, 3-0, which was the final score.

“That’s unheard of against them,” Finan admitted.

The win — fueled by two goals from junior Taylor Campbell, who tied the team record for most goals (26) and assists (15) in a season — propelled the Seahawks to their first state tournament appearance.

However, Sunlake would run into a gauntlet of a team in Miami Lourdes Academy, which is ranked eighth in the nation and sixth in Florida. Despite it being just 2-0 at halftime, a couple of quick goals — including one in which the referees didn’t check to see if goalkeeper Samantha Barnes was ready before kickoff — took the wind out of the players sails.

It was a tough game, but Sunlake did manage a goal, coming from sophomore Adia Symmonds, and her goal was the first scored against Lourdes in 11 games.

“It was a very stressful situation, not just because of the game and the opponent, but we didn’t know how we were getting there until the last minute,” Finan said. “But the whole school came to clap us out to the bus, and once on there, we were able to enjoy the trip down and the experience of being in the state tournament.

“Of course, we wanted it to go differently on the field, but it was very rewarding to see our team go to states.”

Now, having made history, Finan, and her team, have no plans on taking a step back. The Seahawks lose just three starting seniors, but return Campbell, Barnes (109 saves), Symmonds (16 goals) and Inna Neves (10 goals).

Besides, they have unfinished business.

“We have a very young team, so we’re locked and loaded for next year,” Finan said. “Now, it’s time to finally get that district title (laughs).”

Published March 01, 2023

Love serving little ones a tennis program

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Ryan O’Connor was a preemie.

He required lots of physical therapy due to hypertonia: a condition of too much muscle tone, making arms or legs stiff and hard to move.

Sophomore Ryan O’Connor gives a lob to a young tennis player during a session of Adaptive Tennis, a program he started at Land O’ Lakes High School. (Mike Camunas)

The Land O’ Lakes High sophomore International Baccalaureate (IB) student also took up youth tennis, which, in turn, helped him develop his muscles “where they needed to be.”

Now, O’Connor has turned his childhood adversity, and training, into a passion project that has been endorsed both by his school and the United States Tennis Association (USTA).

O’Connor created Tennis Starts With Love, an after-school adaptive program for children 10 or younger, which provides equipment and drills to work on hand-eye coordination, balance, dexterity or foot coordination issues.

All of this comes at no cost to the parents.

“This has been a passion project of mine,” said O’Connor, who is the No. 2 seed on the Gators boys tennis team. “I always wanted to bring my training in tennis to a place where I could make a difference. I worked on this proposal for almost a year and through the generosity of the USTA and my school’s blessing, this program finally has come together.

“I think, over time, it will definitely become more organized, but it is getting better each and every time we come out and run around and work on drills.”

Maxim Cohen, a 5-year-old from Land O’ Lakes, prepares to return a volley during a session of Adaptive Tennis at Land O’ Lakes High School. On Friday afternoons, Land O’ Lakes sophomore Ryan O’Conner, with the help of a few volunteer friends, leads less than 10 tennis players, ages 10 or younger, through drills to help them work on hand-eye coordination, balance, dexterity or foot coordination issues. It was a passion project of O’Connor, a sophomore tennis player for the Gators, and thanks to a generous donation and backing from the United States Tennis Association, he provides the program for free.

The program started in November and has had great success so far. O’Connor and other volunteers work with about a half-dozen players at the weekly, hourlong training session held Fridays at the courts on campus.

The kids run through warm-up and ball drills before putting in their hands the racquets provided by the USTA.

Parents watch from mini-bleachers as their kids overcome apprehensiveness and take to the physical activity and tennis instructions.

“He loves it,” said Rhona Fox, a Land O’ Lakes, whose 5-year-old son, Maxim Cohen, takes part in the program. “He’s home-schooled and starts kindergarten in August, so we’re using it as an opportunity to see what he likes — soccer, baseball, swimming, and now it’s tennis, which we love, too, because it’s ongoing. We’ll plan to be here as long as the coach keeps doing it.”

O’Connor noted: “We’re just trying to teach the coordination and dexterity of it all while incorporating a little bit of tennis. We go very slowly, step by step and then move forward with tennis. I really just want to focus on coordination and I know tennis will come to them.”

O’Connor said the program will run through the school year (end of May), and will accept more kids, but no more than eight to 10 because of his limited help. The program welcomes more volunteers.

The kids, however, are loving Tennis Starts With Love.

Alex Hackney, 4, of Land O’ Lakes, isn’t razzing the tennis ball, but gearing up to make a big return over the net during a session of Adaptive Tennis at Land O’ Lakes High School.

“It’s fun to be able to do this,” said player Merina Paulson, a 9-year-old from Lutz.  “I like being out there and playing and then we can hit the ball. That’s been a lot of fun.”

“I’ve learned how to hit the ball and get it over the net,” her brother, J.D., 6, added. “And, when I did (hit) it, it went over the net and that was pretty cool.”

The parents see their kids’ desire for the program.

“(This is) pretty much the only thing he gets in the car for, (laughs),” Fox said. “Usually, we have to chase him around, but he is always ready to come to tennis.

“It’s incredibly fulfilling to see him play this sport and also be with other kids.”

In the end, nothing makes a passionate project more worthwhile than, well, the passion for it.

“They are very passionate about it,” O’Connor said. “Tennis is an expensive sport and there are not many programs that are taking on younger children who might benefit from the muscular movements involved with tennis.

“So, when parents say that when Friday comes and their kids are very excited to come here, that’s, obviously, something that makes us very excited.”

Tennis Starts With Love Adaptive Program
When: Fridays, 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Where: Land O’ Lakes High, 20325 Gator Lane
Cost: Free
Details: A weekly, hourlong tennis program that benefits children, ages 10 or younger, by providing equipment and drills to work on hand-eye coordination, balance, dexterity or foot coordination issues. The program will run through the rest of the school year (end of May) and has a few openings available. Volunteers to help coach are welcome, too.
Info: Contact Ryan O’Connor at or 813-997-4613.

Published February 08, 2023

Merina Paulson, 9, of Lutz, works on her returns of soft volleys while working hard during the Adaptive Tennis Program at Land O’ Lakes High.
Land O’ Lakes High freshman Haily Salas works with 6-year-old J.D. Paulson during an hourlong Adaptive Tennis session.
Violet Swift, 7, of Land O’ Lakes, drives forward to return a volley during Adaptive Tennis.
Parents happily and proudly watch from the small stands at the tennis courts at Land O’ Lakes High School, as their kids run drills during Adaptive Tennis, which is after school on Fridays.

Players display skills at local tourney

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D.J. Ward, of Wesley Chapel, drives the basketball through two defenders during the Adult 3-v-3 Basketball Tournament on Jan. 21. (Mike Camunas)

Sometimes the calls went a certain way, just like the ball would fall through the hoop a certain way.

All in all, dozens of local basketball players laced up sneakers on Jan. 21 to play in the Adult 3-v-3 Basketball Tournament at the gym at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex. They had a blast and showed off hoops action for each other and spectators who attended.

Teams, made up of up to five adults all over 18, competed. The games began in the morning and went into the afternoon. Each team was guaranteed two games.

Play was relegated to a half-court. Scoring was reduced to one point for a regular basket and two points for a shot made beyond the three-point line.

Snacks and beverages were provided, including some from Aroma Joe’s, which was handing out A.J.’s Rush energy drinks.

Overall, the play was intense and competitive.

When they weren’t playing, however, the players enjoyed watching other games — and rooted for the competitors on the courts.

P

David Senyak, of Tampa, makes a pass during the Adult 3-v-3 Basketball Tournament at the gym at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex on Jan. 21.
Temple Terrace player Chris Gaines engages in a little keep-away during one of his games in the 3-v-3 basketball tournament.
Land O’ Lakes referee Richard Bolack makes a fun call during the Adult 3-v-3 Basketball Tournament at Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex on Jan. 21.
Land O’ Lakes resident Justin Pipes, left, is defended by Lutz resident Andy Luaces, during the Adult 3-v-3 Basketball Tournament at the gym at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex. Teams could have up to five players for subs and were guaranteed two games, as fans, and players on the other teams, would stand by to watch some good recreational basketball.
Land O’ Lakes player Dante Cannon drives past Lutz player Andy Luaces, as Cannon heads to the basket for a layup in the Adult 3-v-3 Basketball Tournament at the gym at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex.
Nick McElroy, of Tampa, takes a shot from well beyond the line on Jan. 21.
Clearwater player Herwick Pressoir readies to run a play while dribbling the ball at the top of the court.
Basketball action was on full display at the gym at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex on Jan. 21.
Andy Luaces, of Lutz, takes a long shot during the Adult 3-v-3 Basketball Tournament on Jan. 21.
New Tampa player K’Vaughn Joyner, left, and Wesley Chapel player Peter Schnidmiller take a breather on the bench during the Adult 3-v-3 Basketball Tournament at the gym at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex.

 

 

 

 

Brothers at the corners

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David Harris never had to push his sons.

In fact, Dylan, Dustin and Dakota were always pushing him.

From left, it’s the Harris men: Dustin, Dakota, David (their dad) and Dylan, with the three siblings running a baseball camp at Wesley Chapel District Park from Dec. 19 through Dec. 21. Each of the brothers had successful high school careers at Land O’ Lakes High. Each also has found success at the collegiate and professional levels. (Mike Camunas)

“They were always coming to me and like, ‘Dad, let’s go shag balls or come throw us BP (batting practice),’” the patriarch Harris recalls. “So it’s fun to be around that and to see them out here (coaching) — all the years coaching them, it’s now great to see them do a little coaching, too.” 

The Harris brothers had a three-day baseball camp at Wesley Chapel District Park, with about 45 youth, middle school and high school-aged players in attendance. The three ball-playing brothers brought a wealth of knowledge they each have gained, both collegiately and professionally, since being standout players at Land O’ Lakes High.

“Just having the three of us in town, we don’t really have that anymore,” said Dylan, the oldest brother. “Even our dad being able to take off work and help out — it’s been a great three days having us all out here.”

“It is rare for us all to be together, but it was great to work together and bring what we know about baseball to some of these local kids,” added Dustin, the middle brother.

Dakota Harris, a former Land O’ Lakes Gators baseball player and current University of Oklahoma shortstop, gives out some directions during the Harris Brothers Baseball Camp at Wesley Chapel District Park.

“I think having the kids out here and teaching them what our dad taught us, there’s nothing like it,” concluded Dakota, the youngest brother. “It’s where you’re quote unquote working, but it doesn’t feel like work when you’re doing what you love — baseball.”

Each Harris brother has found his own level of success since graduating from Land O’ Lakes. Dylan (2013) went on to play in college at Nova Southeastern and Saint Leo University, before spending a few years in the Cincinnati Reds minor leagues.

Dustin (2017) is now an outfielder on the Texas Rangers 40-man roster, meaning he will be headed to their Spring Training Camp in 2023. He’s coming off an incredible season that included 17 homers for the Frisco RoughRiders, the Double-A affiliate for the Rangers. He also went 2-for-3 with an RBI in the MLB Futures game: the all-star showcase for the top prospects in the minor leagues.

And Dakota (2020) is headed to the University of Oklahoma as switch-hitting shortstop after a stellar year at Polk State. He was named the National Junior College Athletic Association co-Defensive Player of the Year and earned a Rawlings Junior College Gold Glove thanks to a .973 fielding percentage, committing just four errors in 150 chances and assisting on 28 double plays.

Dustin Harris, a Texas Rangers outfielder, signs a camper’s shirt following a camp led by him and his brothers at Wesley Chapel District Park.

Dakota also had a .347 avg., 36 RBI, nine doubles and five homers at the plate and stole 15 bases.

What makes all this even more impressive is that while being scouted and recruited at Land O’ Lakes, the three brothers had very little in the way of college offers or draft potential.

“Well,” said David, a former minor league ballplayer for the then California Angels, “it was partially (late) growth spurts and partially hard work and then the competition between brothers didn’t hurt either. Dylan started it off and the other two wanted to emulate that.”

“I’ve been fortunate to have the year I had,” said Dustin, who was drafted in the 11th round by the Oakland A’s in the 2019 draft and acquired by the Rangers in 2020 for a player to be named later. “I was undersized (coming out of high school), but that just left a chip on my shoulder. After that, I just put in the time and work, and it paid off.”

Dakota definitely wanted to emulate a brother.

“Once Dustin got drafted out of a junior college, I knew that’s what I wanted to do — sign with a juco (junior college),” Dakota said. “That way I was able to play right away out of high school and that paid off, too.”

Dylan Harris, a former Land O’ Lakes High and Cincinnati Reds minor baseball player, is all smiles, as he hosts a skills camp with his brothers.

For now, the Harris brothers will enjoy being together in their hometown, before Dustin heads to Arizona to start preparing for Spring Training and Dakota heads to Norman, Oklahoma, to start his first season for the Sooners in February.

They considered the camp a success. They were able to pass on their collective baseball knowledge, but didn’t have to push the kids too hard.

“We have the knowledge, combined, from different schools and organizations that we can pass on,” Dylan said. “Baseball is definitely my passion and I’m still around it even though I’m not playing anymore. … It was 100% very cool to be around (my brothers) again.”

“We’d been talking about something like (this camp) for a while,” Dustin said. “I think it was a good showing. I learned a lot about coaching, too, and about how to teach kids the way to do things in baseball.”

“I mean, it’s baseball, and we love it,” Dakota added. “Dad has always been hitting us ground balls and pitching us BP, but it’s also brothers helping each other out. It’s great to be able to get either of them on the phone and just talk baseball for advice to the next at bat.

“That’s how it is for brothers in baseball.”

The Harris Brothers High School Career Batting Stats
Dylan Harris – Class of 2013
.397 avg., 89 hits, 76 runs, 41 RBI, 21 doubles, three triples, five home runs

Dustin Harris – Class of 2017
.415 avg., 68 hits, 50 runs, 28 RBI, 10 doubles, five triples

Dakota Harris – Class of 2020
.304 avg., 55 hits, 50 runs, 34 RBI, 13 doubles

Published December 28, 2022

Gators’ ‘rebuilding year’ ends in state semifinals

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It was a thrilling surprise.

The Land O’ Lakes Gators volleyball team was supposed to be rebuilding this season, having lost six of its top seven players from a year ago when it had its best record in program history and its second-straight conference championship.

Instead, this year’s Gators went 24-8, and had some impressive accomplishments. The team won its first district title in 33 years, its first regional title since 1987 and appeared in the Class 6A state tournament.

The Land O’ Lakes Volleyball team won its first district championship in 33 years, which then led to the Gators winning their first regional title since 1987. (Courtesy of Land O’ Lakes High Athletics)

Land O’ Lakes was topped 3-0 (25-17, 25-14, 25-19) at New Smyrna Beach, the third-ranked team in the state, on Nov. 5 in a state semifinal game.

“Yeah, (this season) kind of threw me, but it also surprised and thrilled me,” seventh-season coach Ike Klauka said. “It was a fun run we had there at the end of the year and to make it all the way to states, so the bar will be set high next year.

“Not just by me, but by the players, too,” he said.

So the Gators had a year that no one saw coming, except for maybe the players. Klauka said he was surprised by how fast the team improved and stepped up to go on a remarkable postseason run. It was one that included finally getting past Mitchell, a team that always seemed to keep the district title away from the Gators, as well as knock them out of the region tournament.

“We’ve got plenty of second-place district trophies, so, yeah, it was great to finally get a district title one,” Klauka said. “I told the players that we’d hang a district title banner (in the gym), but then they asked me (on Nov. 2 when the team swept Mitchell in the region final match) if we were going to hang a regional title one, too.

“I said we’ll look into it, because they earned it.”

The players certainly did, especially when Klauka brought in Jim Heidelberg to teach the new players stepping into a starting role the art of setting up the ball on the net.

“Once (Jim) was able to do that, I was able to focus on other stuff, as he has the brains for setting (the ball),” the coach added.

The move paid off, and it gave the Gators three players with more than 200 kills: Izabella Horruitiner (275), Carissa Mixon (216) and Sophie Puhala (206).

However, it was seniors Vanessa Campoe and Mariah Rosado who made the most of the setting lessons. Campoe and Rosado posted 489 and 322 assists, respectively, while junior Sydney Rolfe led the team with 339 digs.

Looking ahead to next season, the Gators expect to be in a good position to repeat their success from this year, especially since the team returns five starters and some freshmen that made an immediate impact this season.

Just consider that another surprise in a season that was filled with them.

“The bar will be set high, and the players already want to face the best of the best next year,” Klauka said. “I told them they can have a hand in making our schedule because they want to be ready for when they play the best teams out there.

“This year, they bought in and had an incredible season, one that was a lot of fun and one we won’t forget.”

Published November 09, 2022

Gators getting back to winning ways

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The Gators new first-year head coach is aptly named.

Dan Goodspeed.

The former NFL lineman took over as head honcho in May, but his shift in (good) coaching technique and (speedy) training style has already paid off.

First-year Land O’ Lakes High Football head coach Dan Goodspeed works with the offensive linemen during an afternoon practice. The Gators are off to a 4-0 start under Goodspeed, a former Tampa Bay Buccaneers lineman who was part of the Super Bowl winning team in 2003. (Mike Camunas)

Land O’ Lakes is off to a 4-0 start and is looking like one of the county’s top teams again.

“It’s still a work in progress, but we’re headed in that direction and (it is) reflected on the football field because football is fun — it should be fun,” said Goodspeed, who played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers when they won Super Bowl XXXVII in 2003. “You won’t hear any screaming out here, nothing negative — I don’t think there’s a need to berate players, so we want them to have fun and that’s part of the culture shift.

“(That’s a) tough thing to say, if we’re back, but (our players will) determine that with the work they’re putting in. Basically, on game day, I have a ticket to watch the best game in town, but it’s up to them to put in the work. We’re just here to guide them. It’s up to them to want it.”

When Goodspeed took over as head coach in May — becoming the fifth Gators coach since 2008 when the legendary John Benedetto retired — there was a whirlwind of changes.

Senior linebacker Justin Leivas (30 tackles) anchors a Gators defense that has allowed just 28 points in four games, including two shutouts (River Ridge, Wesley Chapel).

The previous coach, Trac Braughn, stepped down just days before spring football season began. Then, Land O’ Lakes saw its star quarterback, Kyle Horvath, transfer to nearby rival Sunlake, just after wrapping up a 2021 season in which he threw for 2,067 yards and 28 touchdowns.

And while last season may seem like a success at 9-1, the Gators played as an independent team. They stayed out of the Florida High School Athletic Association’s very tough Class 7A District 10 that featured Hillsborough County schools such as Armwood, Strawberry Crest, Tampa Bay Tech and Wharton. Land O’ Lakes was in rebuild mode following back-to-back losing seasons (3-15) in 2019 and 2020.

“Winning is fun, but the purpose is to get better at football,” Goodspeed said. “Everyone wants to count wins and losses, but we’re also developing young men to be better athletically and academically.

Sophomore quarterback Mason Clarke, in his first year as starter, has thrown for 220 yards and four touchdowns, and also rushed for 243 yards and a score.

“When playing with the Bucs, as we made our home out here in Pasco County, I used to come here (to the games) on Fridays and watch those (Gators) teams (of the past) have that Land O’ Lakes football atmosphere and really saw what it meant. So I knew a shift in culture was important.”

Goodspeed specifically shifted the way the Gators train on the field and in the weight room. He brought in Chris May, director of sports performance at Saddlebrook Resort. May trains athletes in a wide range of sports, including football.

“That way we are doing training right, and not just running them until their tongues are hanging on the ground,” Goodspeed said. “We wanted to train explosiveness.”

Players are buying into the return of a winning culture and new techniques, which has them optimistic heading back into district play, which begins with a tough opponent: Mitchell on Sept. 30.

Senior wide receiver and defensive back Kennen Ayala leads the Gators with 11 catches for 180 yards and four touchdowns. He also has two interceptions and 12 tackles on defense.

Sophomore quarterback Mason Clarke, who earned the starting nod by throwing two touchdowns in the team’s Spring Game, is one of those players.

“With Coach Goodspeed coming in, I think we’re more of a team now,” Clarke said. “We’re still building the team skills, and that’s definitely shown with how we’re playing with this pretty big start. … That’s our goal — to play as a team finally, which feels good, just as much as it does winning.”

“It feels great,” agreed senior linebacker Justin Leivas, who has 30 tackles. “We’re playing some good football, so things have really been better as a team with Coach Goodspeed.”

For now, the Gators are focused on their first district game in two years, never wanting to look too far ahead on the schedule.

“We don’t have a lot of experience in things like coming from behind or protecting a lead,” Goodspeed said. “That’s something that comes from years of it happening, and a lot of these kids, that’s just never happened for them.

“Land O’ Lakes hasn’t had that for many years now, so we’re trying to instill that because once we get into a tough match, which we will be against Mitchell, we can say, ‘Hey, we’ve planned for this. We’ve practiced this,’ and we can go from there.”

Mitchell (3-2, 1-0) vs. Land O’ Lakes (4-0, 0-0)
When: Oct. 3, 7 p.m.
Where: John Benedetto Stadium at Land O’ Lakes High, 20325 Gator Lane, Land O’ Lakes
Coaches: Mitchell – Andy Schmitz; Land O’ Lakes – Dan Goodspeed
Outlook: The Gators are opening district play, while the Mustangs already defeated Wiregrass Ranch 50-6 on Sept. 16. Land O’ Lakes turns to its young quarterback, Mason Clarke, who has amassed 463 total yards and five scores. His top target has been senior Kennen Ayala, who has caught all of the team’s receiving touchdowns. … The Mustangs rely heavily on their running quarterback, senior Chris Ferrini, who has 11 total touchdowns, as well as 559 passing yards and 335 rushing yards. Mitchell has outscored opponents 155-65.

Class 4 Suburban, Region 2, District 6 Standings
Land O’ Lakes 4-0
Springstead 4-0
Mitchell 3-1
Sunlake 1-3
Wiregrass Ranch 1-3

Published September 28, 2022

Senior softballers in a league of their own

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When the league formed a decade ago, 10 players showed up.

“We just played rag-tag ball, a little scrimmaging,” said Lutz resident Charlie Bell, one of the 10 original players in the North Tampa Senior Softball League (NTBSS).

“Before long, we grew to 20 (players), then had two teams. By the end of that first year, we had 40 players.

John Smith connects for a hit while Walt Bruschi looks on during batting practice of the North Tampa Bay Senior Softball League. The league is celebrating its 10th anniversary, with games played on Fridays at Heritage Park in Land O’ Lakes. The league has seven teams and more than 100 participants, including players, umpires and scorekeepers. (Mike Camunas)

“Everyone knew someone who wanted to play.”

Now, as the NTBSS kicks off its 10-year-anniversary season on Sept. 9, there are more than 100 people involved, including players, umpires and scorekeepers. Seven teams will play through the playoffs and a championship in May.

“It was an adventure (10 years ago) because many of us were coming back to the game we hadn’t played in many, many years,” said Lutz resident Fred Eckstein, another one of the original 10.

“We blew up back then and even sometimes now, where we get a new influx of players. But the play is good, the camaraderie is good — it’s a real diverse group, too, given everyone’s backgrounds and where they are from, originally.

A dozen or so of the 100 players of the North Tampa Bay Senior Softball League await selection for their practice lineup at Heritage Park in Land O’ Lakes.

“It’s really just fun to hang out with all (the players).”

The league’s formation is credited to Walt Bockmiller, who is remembered fondly by original members, as well as honored on league shirts.

Bockmiller died in 2018, after years of running the league and being very active in the Land O’ Lakes and Lutz communities.

It was this publication in which he ran the ad that produced the original 10 players.

“They come and get a smile,” Bockmiller told The Laker/Lutz News in 2016. “They make errors, they hit and they have excitement. They do good, they do bad, but they all have fun.”

Current league commissioner Walt Bruschi didn’t know Bockmiller, but says his competitive spirit and love for the game is still apparent on the field at Heritage Park.

David Meadows, of San Antonio, fields a play at second and looks to make a throw to first during North Tampa Bay Senior Softball League practice.

“I didn’t know him, but from everything they told me about Walt, he loved the game,” Bruschi said. “One thing they don’t say about him, but which you can see here on the field even to this day, is that between the (base) lines, Walt was so competitive.”

Bell added: “It’s really all about what’s in the logo, which my son-in-law helped design. ‘Friendship. Fun. Fitness. Sportsmanship.’ This is what it was set up for and, before you knew it, it just became a whole community.”

This community forged friendships beyond the diamond. Players would, and still do, get together to do other activities, such as fishing, bowling or golf.

As competitive as the league can be, the play has been finely tuned so games are enjoyable. The league has a board that has worked hard to come up with rules and bylaws, which are mandated to keep the game fair and fun.

As John Espsito, of New Tampa, waits on deck, he tries to keep his head cool, while practicing with the North Tampa Bay Senior Softball League.

For example, players 75 and over can’t be thrown out at first base if they put a hit into the outfield, while courtesy runners are available for any players who struggle with baserunning.

“With some of these guys,” Bruschi said, “the mind will tell you that you can still do it, but the body might say, ‘No, you can’t.’ But we stick with it. Everyone out here is supporting and not getting down on someone just because they struggle.”

Also, Bruschi said, like a community, players’ support even extends to new players that show up and might not know anyone.

“I didn’t know anyone, but they said they’d put me on a team and then everyone hovered around me,” Bruschi said. “They asked, ‘Do you need a bat? Do you need a glove?’ Here’s one. I’ve got you covered.’ Everyone is so supportive, everyone supports the new guys. Always have and always will.”

The league holds a draft, that way no “super team” can be formed and dominate play. The league also accepts players throughout the season, and it is looking for more women to join.

For now, and this season, the league, and its players, looks to keep the competitiveness tradition alive, in a way to make Bockmiller proud.

“Everyone in this league is a class guy,” Bruschi said. “They’re dentists, doctors, lawyers, firemen — but you never know it. Because the guys out here are just the most unassuming, most humble guys ever. They’re out here just to have fun, not to bring their egos on the field.

“It’s a blessing, every day, that we’re out here — a blessing.”

North Tampa Bay Senior Softball
When: Games are played Friday mornings through May; practices are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings.
Where: Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes
Cost: $40 for the season
Details: The league is open to women over 50 and men over 60. The league has its own rules and adheres to the Senior Softball-USA (SSUSA) national rules of play.
Sponsors: ARC Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, AMI Recycling, Payne Environmental, Culinary Packaging, Limberg Ministries, HOJO Softball Inc., RIPA and Associates, Humana.
Interested players should contact Walt Bruschi at 330-701-0646 or , or Denny Kato at 727-215-5345 or . Info: NTBSS.net

Published September 07, 2022

North Tampa Bay Senior Softball League Commissioner Walt Bruschi is somewhat animated, as he chooses players for either hitting or fielding during a practice at Heritage Park in Land O’ Lakes.
Roger Smith, of Land O’ Lakes, connects with a pitch during batting practice with the North Tampa Bay Senior Softball League at Heritage Park in Land O’ Lakes.
Gil Morales, of Land O’ Lakes, starts a double play during a North Tampa Bay Senior Softball League practice at Heritage Park in Land O’ Lakes.
Joe DePompa, of Trinity, connects with a pitch as part of hitting practice of the North Tampa Bay Senior Softball League.

The strength of a mother

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If there’s anyone who knows what it’s like to exercise as a mother, and also while pregnant, it’s going to be Land O’ Lakes trainer Barb Ladimir.

She does, after all, have five kids.

“When you’re carrying a person, literally pushing on your abdomen, moving your pelvis, that’s going to put a strain on the back,” she said. “That’s why the program has you do it right, either during the whole nine months of the pregnancy or especially after the birth.”

Local trainer Barb Ladimir works with clients during a session of her Fitness 320 boot camps she hosts at varying locations in Land O’ Lakes. Ladimir, a mother of five, works with many women to help them get back into shape after giving birth. (Mike Camunas)

That’s why her fitness program, Fitness320, has different focuses to tackle certain types of aspects women will need, and eventually want, to get and remain healthy.

For starters, Ladimir hosts boot camps — group fitness classes for women.

The locations are in Pasco, but also are available in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties.

The boot camps provide a safe space for women — usually mothers looking to get back in shape — that are not a gym atmosphere and provide more one-on-one training expertise.

“When you get to a group fitness class, you’re going to see like 95% women,” Ladimir said. “Husbands sometimes show up to work out, but we don’t just have random men show up. Which is fine, because women love group fitness, and this is for women and moms who lead busy lives and to do it with a community of friends.”

As a mother, Ladimir knows that not everyone should jump right back into a boot camp, especially soon after childbirth. That’s why she also is a Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist, and certified to work with pregnant women and recent moms. That prompted her to create her Strong as a Mother program that integrates some aspects into the boot camps, but goes beyond those to target women’s cores. This is to make sure that after nine months, more damage isn’t done to the abdomen and core.

“Will I get you back to CrossFit or to running a marathon? Yes, of course,” Ladimir said. “But you can’t go from childbirth to six weeks later trying to lift too much weight or running 13 miles. Nor should you. (The) Strong as a Mother program should be given to women as like a fourth trimester.

Trainer Barb Ladimir works with Land O’ Lakes resident Cynthia Soto during a boot camp session as Kristin Sicuranza, of Trinity, right, puts in the work. Ladimir’s boot camps, which are part of her Fitness 320 program, are geared toward women and moms who lead busy lives, but are looking to get healthy and stronger with a community of friends.

“Most of the women coming to my classes, they may not be brand new moms, but they are moms, they’ve had kids and, most likely, they didn’t take care of their bodies afterward. That’s why the fitness program ensures they don’t get hurt, but still build strength in a progressive way.”

Jenny Hassenfelt, a 50-year-old mom of six, said these programs helped her get in shape, not only the right way, but in the best way.

“(Strong as a Mother and the bootcamps) really emphasize form and technique,” Hassenfelt said. “This really breaks it down and you’re really learning correctly how to work the right muscles and to stretch out any problem areas.

“My abs were pretty much shot from six kids — I never thought I would get them back or they wouldn’t stay flat. But these programs taught me how to breath and hold the core. I tend to slouch a lot, so she yells at me for that, but my stomach is a lot flatter than I ever thought it would be after six kids. I’ve done a lot of other programs and never, ever saw the results that I have seen with her.”

Hassenfelt knows being a new mother can come with the desire to get back to being and feeling healthier. And, she said, that also can be a tough road.

“I think (the boot camps are a) great place to start,” she added. “And Strong as a Mother, for people who have injuries, that’s a really good place for them to start. Boot camp gets them back into the right program, while Strong as a Mother teaches basics slowly, so they don’t get injured again,” she said.

At the boot camps, Ladimir isn’t there to be drill sergeant or a cheerleader. She’s there to be a teacher, teaching women the proper way to get back in shape and to be strong mothers.

“With Fitness320, that’s not a fitness reference, but the Bible verse (Ephesians 3:20) that says, ‘He is able to do immeasurably more than anything we can ask or imagine according to the power that is within us,’” Ladimir said. “The programs show you how you have more power within, and it’s my job, as a coach, to bring that out in these women.

“If I can empower these women with fitness, then I’ve done my job.”

Barb Ladimir

Fitness320
Details: A total encompassing workout program that can include Intentional 21 dietary programming that reduces inflammation; boot camp works out, in-person and via Zoom; and Strong as a Mother: a core-specific strengthening program for new mothers.
Info: Visit fitness320.com.

Published June 22, 2022

Wildcats way down in Key West

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From left: Academy at the Lakes players Liam Akins, Jonny Alvarez, Cole Syversen and Nick Cameron enjoy some fun and sun in the Florida Keys. (Courtesy of Ken Akins)

The Academy at the Lakes baseball team knows how to do Spring Break right.

During the private school’s recent vacation, coach Ken Akins took his ragtag Class 2A ball club on a weeklong, three-game trip down to the Florida Keys.

It’s a trip he started doing while at Carrollwood Day, so the players he coaches can experience an amazing trip during their high school career.

“It’s really a vacation, with baseball sprinkled in between,” Akins said. “We had a great time and this is always a highlight when we can make it happen. It’s all up to the families, so we try to make it the best family experience, too.”

The Wildcats started off the trip playing a game on March 28 vs. Coral Shores, which is in Tavnerier on Key Largo, but sadly they lost 1-0 on a walk-off double in the seventh inning. It continued on March 29 when AATL played Key West and lost 7-0.

“That team has 11 state titles,” Akins said. “We know we’re going against a powerhouse.”

The third day, March 30, the Wildcats were supposed to go on a snorkeling trip, however, the seas were too rough and the team ended up going to Key West for the team-building outing. Players and family would still be able to enjoy some fishing, paddle-boarding and other exploring, after finishing up the third game.

That game was an all-around team win on March 31, defeating Marathon 11-1 behind a five-inning, three-hit, eight-strikeout pitching performance from Nick Cameron. Vincent Verpault, Andrew Thalleen, Cole Syversen and Tanner Pelaez all drove in two RBI each.

“It was a phenomenal adventure,” Akins added. “I really like to take advantage of Spring Break and use it to get our 25 games in. We keep the family in mind with this trip, but then sprinkle in a little baseball, too.”

Published April 13, 2022

Imagine School boys soccer celebrates banner campaign

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Peter Arroyo dreamed of being able to hoist a Tampa Charter Athletic League (TCAL) soccer championship before he graduated from Imagine School at Land O’ Lakes.

The eighth-grader’s wish was actualized when the school’s boys middle school program won its first-ever title earlier this fall.

“I’ve been waiting to get this since the fifth grade,” said Arroyo, a captain and one of the Dragons leading scorers and distributers.

Imagine School finished the year with an impressive 10-1-1 mark, plus the showy gold hardware.

The Imagine School of Land O’ Lakes boys soccer program won its first-ever Tampa Charter Athletic League Championship earlier this fall. (Courtesy of Imagine School at Land O’ Lakes)

They entered the TCAL playoffs as the No. 2 seed, behind Terrace Community Middle School — the lone team they lost to 2-1 in a regular season contest.

After defeating Lutz Learning Gate Community School in the TCAL semifinals 2-1, the Dragons had the chance to exact revenge on Terrace Community in the championship.

The Dragons initially fell behind 1-0, but soon rattled off four consecutive goals — two scores apiece from Arroyo and fellow eighth-grade striker Preston Russo.

Motivational words from Dragons head coach Henry Cheung helped spark the offensive attack, after the team trailed early on.

Cheung recalled the watershed moment, “I told the team, ‘Hey, we can beat them,’ and I told them, ‘Hey, we’ve got to focus. This is it, this is the last game for some of these (eighth-grade) players, we have to go all out…’”

Fifth-grade left-wing striker Julian Cash also recollected the title game’s swing in momentum.

“(Terrace Community) thought they would beat us because they beat us in the regular season and we were like, ‘That’s not going to happen,’ so they were like, ‘This is going to be easy game,’ and when they were up 1-0, they thought they were going to win, and then we come back, because they were (playing) lazy, right, thinking they were going to win.

“We come back, put the pressure on them, and win 4-1,” he said.

Altogether, securing the first title in team history “was kind of like really shocking and overwhelming,” Arroyo said, noting the weighty competition season long. “I’m still like shocked that we won,” he said.

Russo — who led the Dragons with 17 goals scored— likewise characterized the achievement as “hard to process.”

The banner campaign yielded more significance, given the program didn’t have a traditional season in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Last year, they scheduled an informal tournament with a couple other local schools.

Aside from successes, simply returning to an organized soccer season offered a breath of fresh air. “It just feels good, with the pandemic and all that, we just need something back to normalcy,” said Cheung.

Progression, from start to finish
Despite the overall record and final outcome, the Dragons banner season was consistently a work in progress, from start to finish.

Cheung acknowledged the 16-member team’s talented group of fifth-, sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders.

But getting them to work together as a cohesive, selfless group was an early task.

“They have their experience, and individually, they’re really good, but it’s that working together that I have to build them up throughout the season,” explained Cheung.

“I’m glad it worked out, because in the beginning, we struggled a little bit, because everybody, they have their own, ‘I want to take the ball, I want to take the chance,’ but we have to learn how to pass the ball, work as a team to move forward.

“I think that’s the most important part as a team, that we have learned this season — we work united, as a team,” he said.

Cash observed the team’s evolution in a similar lens, “In the beginning, we all just wanted to score goals and we wouldn’t pass the ball, but when we started passing the ball we played much better.”

The team’s talent and soccer instincts were other guiding factors, added Arroyo.

“We have a lot of athletes, a lot of speed,” said Arroyo. “Everyone that contributed to most of the goals has an attacking mindset. Like, they all know how to create plays, they all know what to do, and especially on defense, too. They know what to do on defense, they know when to do it, so,  it’s like very well-rounded team overall.”

Robust game planning was another component.

Cheung reviews film of all the team’s matches. He studies other opponents’ tendencies and varies formations from there, be it a defensive set or counter-attack. “We play two formations throughout the season,” the coach said.

Bittersweet memories
While Arroyo relishes helping make program history, it’s a somewhat bittersweet ending as he’ll soon embark on a new journey as a freshman at nearby Sunlake High School.

The team leader is going to most miss providing mentorship to the squad’s fifth-, sixth- and seventh-graders.

“Playing with the younger kids, teaching them the ropes and how to do it, I’m going to miss that a lot,” he said. “Like getting all of the eighth-graders together that play soccer, and teaching the fifth-graders how to play, it was just like a guiding lesson.”

He added, “As soon as we get to high school, everyone’s going to be older than us…and it’s not going to be as fun.”

Russo acknowledged that advancing to the prep ranks will offer a different dynamic for him, Arroyo and the team’s three other eighth-graders.

“It’ll be kind of like a restarting from the bottom, from the ones being taught what to do and how to play,” he said.

Cash takes a more upbeat, yet philosophical view on the exodus of eighth-graders. “One day, they’re going to be seniors and I’ll be a freshman, and it’s going to be an all-over repeating cycle — they’re going to tell me what to do in high school,” he said.

Though the Dragons will be without its leading scorer and team captain, they do return several other impact players, including its primary goaltender.

Cheung also is looking forward to seeing the advancement of each grade level, as well as some fresh faces that’ll enter the program.

The aim, of course, is to win another title.

“We’re going to go for No. 2, for sure,” the coach said. “I know we’re going to lose some of our good players, but I’m excited for the fourth-graders coming into fifth-graders.
“We’re a strong team, still. I think we should be good.”

Meanwhile, Cheung otherwise gets a kick out of seeing his players’ passion and enthusiasm for the game, harking back memories of his childhood growing up in Hong Kong, China.

“When I played at their age, seeing them play on the field, reminds me of myself when I played as a kid,” he said. “I enjoyed the moment, and so I want them to enjoy the moment, as well, so that’s why I became a coach.”

Imagine School Land O’ Lakes boys middle school soccer
10 wins, one loss, one draw
63 goals scored
12 goals allowed
Three shutouts

Game-by-game results
Regular season

  1. Lutz Prep (3-1 win)
  2. Sunlake Academy (10-0 win)
  3. Henderson Hammock (7-1 win)
  4. Innovation Prep (8-0 win)
  5. Hillsborough Academy (2-2 tie)
  6. Trinity School (5-2 win)
  7. Terrace Community (2-1 loss)
  8. Union Park (6-1 win)
  9. Learning Gate (3-2 win)

Playoffs

  1. Learning Gate (2-1 win)
  2. Terrace Community (4-1 win)

Roster
Peter Arroyo
Mathew Broderick
Jay Capelo
Julian Cash
Alessio Cullinan
Luca Greco
Trent Hamuay
Tyler Hamuay
Reece Lawrence
Nathan Merriman
Adrian Morales
Ethan Palazzi
Preston Russo
Elijah Tigue
Aidan Soto
Sebastian Suppa
Head coach: Henry Cheung

Published December 22, 2021