The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Land O' Lakes Sports

Land O’ Lakes High head football coach resigns

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Land O’ Lakes High School’s varsity football program will have a new leader in 2018.

Brian Wachtel, the Gators head coach since 2011, stepped down following the team’s final regular season game on Nov. 3 — a 36-6 win over Fivay High School.

Wachtel, 39, announced his decision to principal Ric Mellin prior to the game.

Land O’ Lakes athletic director Michael Frump said the school will advertise the coaching vacancy after the Thanksgiving holiday

Brian Wachtel has stepped down as Land O’ Lakes High’s varsity football coach. A search for his replacement will begin after the Thanksgiving break. (Courtesy of Land O’ Lakes High School)

The Gators finished the 2017 season 4-5 overall, with a 1-3 district mark.

Wachtel’s entire seven-year run offered mixed results.

He posted just one winning season (8-2 in 2013) and a combined 25-42 record — including an 0-10 mark in 2011 where games were forfeited as a result of an ineligible player.

The Gators also failed to register a victory over rival Sunlake High School in the annual “Butter Bowl” during that period.

Wachtel came to Land O’ Lakes with considerable fanfare in 2011, after posting a 13-7 record in two seasons at Mitchell High School. His career as a coach began nearly 15 years ago as an assistant at his alma mater River Ridge High School, where he quickly rose up the ranks in the profession.

Land O’ Lakes historically has fielded one of the top football programs in Pasco County, earning a string of 14 straight playoff appearances from 1997 to 2009 under coaches John Benedetto and Matt Kitchie.

However, the recent success of other programs in the county and an ever-challenging district made winning consistently a tall task.

While the Gators win-loss column left much to be desired, Wachtel and his staff mentored several athletes who advanced to the college ranks, at the NCAA Division I, II and III, and NAIA levels. Among them is Samford University’s Shaheed Salmon, a preseason FCS All-American who’s quickly developed into one of the nation’s most productive linebackers.

Additionally, Wachtel this year coached five players who’ve been selected to the Pasco County Senior East-West Classic—wide receiver Taylor Winn, offensive tackle Justin Collier, offensive guard Guston Farr, defensive tackle Xavier Arroyo and linebacker Matt Geiger.

Projecting forward, the Gators next coach should have budding talent to work with — on both sides of the ball — in 2018.

Leading rusher Kyle Leivas, who tallied 1,050 yards and 12 touchdowns this season, is expected to return for his senior season, teaming up with a promising quarterback Ethan Forrester, who will be a junior next year.

And, that’s not all.

The Gators defense is expected to return its top three tacklers in linebackers Myron Bloom (76 tackles, two sacks) and Clayton Hendriksen (75 tackles, 1.5 sacks), and safety Nate Howard (66 tackles, one interception).

Published November 15, 2017

Sunlake golfer among local standouts at states

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Nearly two dozen high school golfers, boys and girls, from The Laker/Lutz News Coverage area competed in the 2017 Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) state tournament, which ran Oct. 31 to Nov. 8

Sunlake High’s Jordan Sarhaddi was one of the standouts.

Sunlake High junior Jordan Sarhaddi tied for 16th at the FHSAA 2A boys state golf meet, held Nov. 3 and Nov. 4 at El Campeon Course at the Mission Inn Resort & Club in Orlando. (File)

The junior tied for 16th in the 2A boys meet, shooting a +13 (75-82—157) at El Campeon Course at the Mission Inn Resort & Club in Orlando.

Only two other golfers from The Laker/Lutz News coverage area secured top 20 finishes: Freedom High senior Cy Storlien, who tied for 14th in the boys 3A tournament, and Freedom High junior Helena Noel, who tied for 17th in the girls 3A tournament. Both were individual qualifiers.

Sarhaddi’s strong showing at states is no surprise.

He took first place at districts and runner-up at regionals — firing 69 at both meets.

The state tournament, however, presented unique challenges.

There were elevation changes of more than 80 feet, cumbersome wind conditions and fast, complex greens.

Simply, the course “exposes every part of your game,” Sarhaddi said.

“The course was playing real difficult. There are not many low scores out there,” said Sarhaddi.

“I feel like I played better than my score showed both days, but it’s a tough golf course,” he said.

Sarhaddi last reached states as a freshman in 2015, where he finished 30th after shooting +30 over par.

Scores aside, Sarhaddi savored the chance to test his skill set and compete alongside his Sunlake teammates at the state meet.

The Seahawks finished 12th out of 16 teams in 2A.

“It’s definitely fun whenever you get to go with the guys who you’ve spent the entire season with and have practiced with them. You set your goals at the beginning of the season and this is what we wanted — we wanted to make it to states,” Sarhaddi said.

“We made it a lot of fun. It’s a great group of guys that we have, and they’re all fun to be around,” he added.

The state meet caps off what’s been a breakout campaign for Sarhaddi in 2017.

The Land O’ Lakes resident currently ranks fourth on the Premier Junior Golf Tour in the boys 16-18 division, with first place finishes at the St. Petersburg Country Club Junior Championship in May and the Crescent Oaks Junior Open in February.

He also ranks 13th on the Florida Junior Tour in the boys 16-18 division, earning several top 20 finishes at sanctioned tournaments over the summer.

Those performances have since caught the eye of Division I college programs, including the University of Florida and the University of Central Florida.

Sarhaddi, meanwhile, is gearing up for another busy offseason and a daily practice schedule that consists of countless hours of swing drills and short game work.

“I’m definitely going to stick with it. I’m going to keep the practice schedule going everyday and just really try to better myself — work harder with the practice, do everything I can to take care of my body and my golf swing,” Sarhaddi said.

“In the summer, I’ll try to qualify for the U.S. Junior Amateur and the U.S. Amateur. I really had a great summer this past summer, so I’m just really going to try to build on it and work up for the bigger tournaments coming up.”

Besides Sunlake, other local schools represented at states included Pasco High School (boys), Steinbrenner High School (girls) and Zephyrhills High School (girls). Wiregrass Ranch High freshman Norah Catlin was an individual qualifier in the 3A girls meet.

Additional Q&A with Sunlake’s Jordan Sarhaddi

On favorite moment from this past season:
“Regionals was probably the best that I shot, just because that even though I shot a 69, I started off much worse there, and I had to really fight back. I think I was 3 over par through six holes, and I really fought back. That was probably the best 69 I’ve ever shot as far as how I was playing because I really wasn’t playing that great, but I was able to scratch and claw, and make a few birdies coming in. …That was probably the best one because the stakes were the highest, too. We needed a good score to actually make it to states, which has been the goal the entire year.”

On his biggest golf strength:
“My short game has really been good for me the past three or four years because I’ve learned to salvage good rounds out of not playing so well— not hitting the ball as well as I know I can— but still being able to grind out pars and shoot decent scores, knowing I can rely on my short game even though I’m not hitting it great. I just know my own game. That’s one of my strengths as well, just knowing my own game and knowing how to almost outplay my competitors.  Even when I’m not hitting as well as they are, I know when the right moments are to come up clutch with a par save or something. That’s where I’ve really leaned on my short game, and I work on that really hard because it’s saved me many times, and it will continue to do so probably in the future.”

On what he’s looking to improve:
“I haven’t always been the most consistent ball striker as far as getting it to the green. Usually my iron play is a bit off, which exactly what was off at states, which is why I struggled in the last round.”

On which pro golfer he idolizes:
“My favorite ever is Tiger Woods. He’s always been the grinder, and he’s always known how to win and to close out tournaments. That’s the kind of player I try to be. I don’t think there’s anyone that I try to model my game after, but he’s definitely someone I look up to as far as what I’d like to be and what I’d like to do, if I do end up making it pro. That’s someone to really follow as a role model for what he’s done on the golf course.”

2017 FHSAA state golf meet results

Class 3A
Boys

Individual qualifier
Cy Storlien, senior, Freedom High School (Tied 14th) 71-81—152

Girls

Individual qualifier (s)
Helena Noel, junior, Freedom High School (Tied 17th) 77-74—151
Norah Catlin, freshman, Wiregrass Ranch (Tied 26th) 81-74—155

Steinbrenner Warriors—8th place 328-337—665
Anna Jansen, senior (Tied 39th) 77-84—161
Alexis Castillo, sophomore (Tied 48th) 79-88—167
Posie Farrelly, freshman (Tied 52nd) 88-80—168
Lindsey Kolano, senior (58th) 85-86—171
Mckenzie Kane, freshman (Tied 62nd) 87-87—174

Class 2A
Boys

Sunlake Seahawks—12th place (349-365—714)
Jordan Sarhaddi, junior (Tied 16th) 75-82–157
Damian Rhule, senior (Tied 38th) 83-82–165
Max Barile, freshman (Tied 54th) 81-91–172
Drew Taylor, senior (91st) 110-122–232
Colton Billet, sophomore (93rd) 126-110–236

Pasco High School—15th place (361-383—744)
Gabriel Fleck, senior (Tied 62nd) 89-87–176
Cole Darbyshire, junior (66th) 84-94—178
Christian Nieves, junior (Tied 80th) 90-101—191
Cade Darbyshire, senior (Tied 85th) 98-101—199
TJ Floberg, freshman (92nd) 117-117—234

Girls

Zephyrhills Bulldogs—16th place (438-437—875)
Emillie Alderman, junior (51st): 89-94–183
Hannah Sullivan, junior (76th): 111-107–218
Sydney Baldus, junior (87th): 117-118–235
Kenzi Ennis, senior (Tied 89th): 121-118–239
Ashley Regan, junior (95th): 143-122–265

Published November 8, 2017

Local athletes celebrate paralympic achievements

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Whenever she competes, 12-year-old Danielle Kanas gives it her all.

And that mindset has worked for the Martinez Middle School seventh-grader, who ran, swam, threw and jumped her way to 15 gold medals and six national records this summer at the Adaptive Sports USA Junior Nationals in Middleton, Wisconsin.

From left, Eric Lowry, 17, of Land O’ Lakes; Logan Krepop, 15, of Parrish; Andy Chasanoff, coordinator of Paralympic Sports Tampa Bay; and 12-year-old Danielle Kanas, of Lutz. The athletes won the Small Team Division at the National Junior Disability Championships, in Middleton, Wisconsin, combining for 18 gold, 11 silver and four bronze medals. (Kevin Weiss)

Kanas — a single-arm amputee, missing her left arm below the elbow — recently added another achievement to the ever-growing collection of honors in her trophy case.

She received the “Spirit of Excellence” award at the annual Paralympic Sport Tampa Bay Award (PSTB) Luncheon, held Sept. 30 at All People’s Life Center in Tampa.

The club’s highest honor, it recognizes courage, strength, determination and demonstration of a positive attitude as a role model.

Her life circumstances are distinct.

She was found in her infancy at a train station in China.

When sent to an orphanage in the Asian country, doctors determined the circulation in her left arm had been compromised, causing irreversible damage to her left hand and the lower part of her arm below the elbow. Both impaired areas were amputated.

She came from China to the United States as a toddler, settling in New Jersey with her adoptive mother, JoAnne Kanas.

Over the years, she’s received multiple prostheses, as well as occupational therapy beginning at Shriners Hospitals for Children — Philadelphia and now at Shriners Hospitals for Children — Tampa.

Yet, those challenges have not stopped her from living a well-rounded life.

Beyond athletics, Kanas is a “straight-A” student and member of the National Junior Honor Society, a Girl Scout, and patient ambassador at Shriner’s Hospital for Children—Tampa.

She’s also a talented guitar player, who’s served up renditions of the national anthem at various Shriners conventions.

Her advice to fellow amputees is to be ambitious, and not hesitate to try new things.

“Every time you try something new, it’s exciting to see what happens next, and to see what you can improve on,” Kanas said.

The involvement in athletics, meanwhile, elicits a smile on JoAnne Kanas’ face, noting it’s helped her daughter gain confidence over the years.

“It’s just fun to see her. She puts on her game face,” JoAnne Kanas said. “When you watch her compete, she’s serious. She goes out there and tries her hardest. I just like to see her enjoy it.”

Kanas’ favorite event is javelin. It’s clear why: her 19.66 meter throw is a national record — by 6 meters— for her age group in Adaptive Sports.

“I like to watch how it goes far in the distance,” Kanas said. She wants to break 20 meters next season, she said.

Besides the countless victories, Kanas recalls the memorable experience of traveling, for the third straight year, to the junior disability championships, the oldest and largest continuously held competitive sports event in the country for athletes with physical disabilities, ages 6 to 22.

Throughout the July trip, Kanas enjoyed dining out with teammates and excursions.

“It felt good to meet other people. We got to build friendships,” she said.

Kanas, however, isn’t the only local athlete shining in Paralympic sports.

Eric Lowry, a 17-year-old Land O’ Lakes resident, is another.

Lowry, who has spina bifida and competes from a wheelchair, also earned several medals this summer.

That includes a gold medal for his 190-pound bench press, an Adaptive Sports Junior national record.

Lowry, involved with Paralympic Sports Tampa Bay (PSTB) for nearly 10 years, said he recently picked up weightlifting, originally to complement track & field, swimming and archery events.

“I think it all goes together because you need strength to participate against your peers,” he said.

He offers advice for fellow amputees similar to Kanas’ suggestions.

“Try something before you give up, and if you like it keep doing it,” said Lowry, who attends Focus Academy, a charter school for special needs students in Tampa.

Andy Chasanoff, coordinator for PSTB, regularly coaches both Lowry and Kanas.

He said both are models for the program, stressing their positive attitude, hard work, enthusiasm and overall consideration for other teammates.

“They’re not only good athletes, but also they’re great kids,” Chasanoff said.

“They’re respectful, polite, honest. And, they want to be seen as athletes.”

Under Chasanoff’s guidance, Lowry, Kanas and 16-year-old Logan Krepop, of Parrish, led PSTB to its second straight Small Division Title at the national event.

“It’s never been about (the medals). It’s been about doing your best,” Chasanoff explained.

“I ask one question at the end of the meet: ‘Did you do your best?’ If you do your best, it doesn’t matter where you finish. They just happen to be very good, and we’re very humbled by it. But, it’s nice to see, and watch them grow,” he said.

Paralympic Sport Tampa Bay
As a signature program of Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation, the mission of Paralympic Sport Tampa Bay is to promote health, independence and personal growth through sports for people with physical disabilities. Paralympic Sport Tampa Bay (PSTB) is one of more than 100 community-based programs established by the Paralympic Division of the United States Olympic Committee.
It provides year round sports and recreation programs that promote physical activity, healthy lifestyles, and recreational and competitive sports opportunities for area children and adults with physical disabilities.

Here are few facts about the program:

  • More than 300 athletes participate in at least one PSTB program or event each year.
  • Ongoing programs are offered for athletes at all levels, from recreational to competitive elite, in multiple sports such as wheelchair basketball, track and field, tennis, swimming, and archery.
  • Periodic clinics are offered, in additional sports such as power lifting, golf, and water skiing.

Published Oct. 11, 2017

Sunlake keeps ‘Butter Bowl’ streak alive

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It wasn’t easy, but the Sunlake Seahawks secured its first win of the season — and maintained its dominance over the Land O’ Lakes Gators in the 11th annual “Butter Bowl” rivalry game, with a 37-20 victory.

Senior running back Bryant Beacham helped guide Sunlake to a comeback victory over Land O’ Lakes High, rushing for 143 yards and two touchdowns. (Courtesy of Tom Ketchum)

The Sept. 22 road win marks the Seahawks’ (1-3) eighth straight victory over the Gators (1-2) since the series began in 2007.

Trailing 14-3 midway through the third quarter, the Seahawks battled back with a potent rushing attack and key special teams plays, rallying to a 27-0 run.

Sunlake entered halftime with a 3-0 lead, but quickly surrendered two straight scores early in the third quarter — both touchdown runs by Gators running back Kyle Leivas.

Undeterred, the Seahawks answered with four consecutive touchdowns, taking advantage of solid field position to set up scoring drives.

The tide of the game shifted once Sunlake fullback Grant Henderson ripped off a 37-yard kick return to create an easy scoring opportunity at the Land O’ Lakes’ 25 yard line.

Minutes later, Sunlake defensive lineman Trent Shorey blocked a punt that was recovered by tailback Bryant Beacham, setting up a 16-14 lead early in the fourth quarter.

Despite a 37-20 loss, Land O’ Lakes sophomore quarterback Ethan Forrester showed promise, throwing for 243 yards and two touchdowns.

The Seahawks didn’t trail again.

Besides a dominant first-half defense and timely special teams plays, the Seahawks combined for over 300 rushing yards and five touchdowns, including two apiece by Beacham and Henderson.

Though it wasn’t enough, the Gators received a standout performance from sophomore quarterback Ethan Forrester, who threw for 243 yards and one touchdown on just 11 completions. He’s thrown for 439 yards through three games.

Next up: Sunlake travels to Springstead (2-1), while Land O’ Lakes travels to Cypress Creek. Both games are Sept. 29 at 7:30 p.m.

Key Stats:
Land O’ Lakes
Quarterback Ethan Forrester: 234 yards, one touchdown, 44 percent completion percentage

Tailback Kyle Levias: 130 all-purpose yards, two touchdowns

Wide Receiver Taylor Winn: 87 yards, three receptions, one touchdown

Safety/Wide Receiver Nate Howard: 13 total tackles; 70 yards on three receptions

Sunlake
Quarterback Hunter Watts: 45 yards passing, 88 yards rushing, one touchdown

Tailback Bryant Beacham: 143 yards on 17 carries, two touchdowns

Fullback Grant Henderson: 61 all-purpose yards, two touchdowns

Kicker Grant Presson: 32-yard field goal, four-of-five PATs (Point-after touchdowns)

Butter Bowl series history
Sunlake leads 8-3
2017: Sunlake 37, Land O’ Lakes 20
2016: Sunlake 21, Land O’ Lakes 3
2015: Sunlake 34, Land O’ Lakes 0
2014: Sunlake 42, Land O’ Lakes 14
2013: Sunlake 38, Land O’ Lakes 21
2012: Sunlake 18, Land O’ Lakes 6
2011: Sunlake (Land O’ Lakes forfeit due to recruiting violations)
2010: Sunlake 29, Land O’ Lakes 21
2009: Land O’ Lakes 42, Sunlake, 14
2008: Land O’ Lakes 28, Sunlake 0
2007: Land O’ Lakes 26, Sunlake 0

-Stats compiled using Maxpreps.com-

Published September 27, 2017

Local youth barefoot water-skier wins national title

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Brett Swanbom can be considered a rising star in the extreme sport of barefoot water-skiing.

The 11-year-old, who lives in Land O’ Lakes, has the medals to prove it.

Swanbom won first overall in the boys B Division (12 & under) at the 2017 United States Barefoot Nationals on Aug. 5 in Polk City. There, he claimed gold medals in jump and slalom events, and a silver medal in tricks.

Land O’ Lakes’ Brett Swanbom won first overall in the boys B Division (12 & under) at the 2017 United States Barefoot Nationals, on Aug. 5 in Polk City. The 11-year-old barefoot water-skier claimed gold medals in jump and slalom events, and a silver medal in tricks. (Courtesy of Bob Swanbom)

In April, Swanbom entered — and won — his first-ever tournament — the 2017 PGA Opener in Palm Beach Gardens.

He also went on to win a handful of other tournaments in Florida and Texas over the summer.

Those achievements paled in comparison to capturing the boys B Division national barefoot title, however.

“It didn’t really feel like it did at nationals; people come from all over America (to compete),” said Swanbom, a sixth-grader at Pine View Middle School.

A relative newcomer to the sport, Swanbom began barefooting just about a year-and-a-half ago. He first learned from his father, Bob Swanbom, a former show skier on the Wisconsin-based Tommy Bartlett water-ski team.

It became clear Swanbom was a natural.

“He just excelled real fast,” his father said.

Barefoot skiing, also referred to as “barefooting,” is water-skiing behind a motorboat without the use of water skis. It requires skiers to travel at higher speeds than conventional water-skiing (30 to 45mph); the necessary speed required to keep the skier upright varies by the weight of the barefooter.

There are three events in traditional barefooting:

  • Tricks: The skier has two passes of 15 seconds to complete as many different tricks as possible. All tricks have specific point values depending on difficulty. The skier also is awarded points for the start trick they performed to get up.
  • Slalom: The skier has two passes of 15 seconds to cross the wake as many times as possible. The skier can cross the wake forward or backward, and on two feet or one foot.
  • Jump: The skier travels over a small, fiberglass jump ramp. They have three jumps and the longest one successfully landed counts.

Swanbom already has earned a name for himself in barefoot water-skiing.

He’s one of just 23 sponsored skiers by the World Barefoot Center (WBC) in Winter Haven, where he receives training and equipment perks.

There, he’s been called Brett ‘Slalom’ Swanbom, for his masterful displays in the wake slalom event.

Brett Swanbom is currently ranked 27th in the world in the boys junior division (17 and under), according to the World Barefoot Council’s latest rankings. He’s won several events since competing in April.
(Kevin Weiss)

“He’s very, very good at the slalom ski,” Brett’s father said. “They think someday he’ll beat (two-time World Barefoot Champion) Keith (St. Onge) in the world slalom record.”

David Small, one of Swanbom’s instructors at the World Barefoot Center, is spellbound by the 11-year-old’s slalom skills.

“As soon as he could stand up beyond the boat, he’d be tearing up the slalom,” said Small, the world’s top-ranked barefooter and a six-time world barefoot champion.

“Natural ability helps him. The power-to-weight ratio on that kid is unbelievable. He’s so strong, and he weighs next to nothing.”

Besides his moniker, Swanbom’s abilities spawned a new rule allowing the barefoot jump event for boys under 12 years old, colloquially referred to as the ‘Brett Rule.’

“…They didn’t allow 11 year olds to jump, so I said, ‘Well, how can he ever win boys B Division?’” Brett’s father recalled telling barefooting officials. “Now if you qualify, and they see you’re really a good barefooter, they’ll let you jump. You have to go through some qualifications. They just don’t want somebody to go out there and get hurt.”

Swanbom is currently ranked 27th in the world in the boys junior division (17 and under), according to the World Barefoot Council’s latest rankings. Many ranked higher are 15, 16 and 17 years old.

“I’m very proud of him,” his father said. “He’s accomplished a lot in a short period of time and, with the guys at WBC, he’s learning from the best.”

Swanbom stays humble, realizing there’s ways to go to reach the world’s elite.

“I’m not there yet,” he said, modestly. “I haven’t really mastered tricks. I haven’t really mastered slalom, either.”

Doing so is contingent on flawless barefooting technique.

“He’s progressed fast,” Small said, “so it’s our job to keep him mentally grounded so that he doesn’t act up, and really to solidify the fundamentals of the sport…so he can really push forward and compete at a high level.”

Meanwhile, Swanbom has incorporated several sophisticated tricks to his repertoire.

That includes ‘tumble-turns’ — a 360-degree spin while butt-sliding on the water, then coming back around with feet planted — and ‘toe-ups’ — where a skier, with one leg locked onto the ski handle, rocks their body up on the water on one foot, without using hands.

“When you learn new tricks and you finally get it after a long time, you’re relieved, but proud of yourself at the same time,” Swanbom said. “Some part makes you proud, some part makes it fun.”

During events, Swanbom focuses on setting personal-bests, rather than his opponents.

“It’s not about going against another person — it’s (about) going against you,” Brett said. “First, you try to beat yourself, then you worry about the other person. But, I don’t really do that much.”

“If you win or not, it doesn’t matter. It’s just like if you had fun,” he said.

“With the kids, it’s all about them having fun,” added Small. “He really enjoys the sport. So, it’s not like he’s going out there and training and not having fun.”

Swanbom someday hopes to compete professionally and set a world record “at least in one event.”

A more immediate goal is joining the United States World Team, perhaps even the 2018 junior squad.

“I don’t see why he can’t be on the U.S. team for the junior world championships, and start actively competing against the rest of the world,” Small said. “As long as he keeps enjoying it; he’s got the mental ability, and the physical ability to do it.”

It also doesn’t hurt that Swanbom resides in Central Florida, often referred to as the “Water Ski Capital of the World.”

“Florida’s a great place to water-ski because you can ski year-round,” Bob Swanbom said. “You can’t do that in Wisconsin, and you might not be able to do that in Utah, and in Texas you can’t, sometimes.”

Interestingly, Land O’ Lakes is home to a pair of the sport’s most recognizable names, as both Don Mixon Sr. and Don Mixon Jr., live in Lake Padgett. Mixon Sr. is the past president of the American Barefoot Waterskiing Association and a former coach of the United States Barefoot Team. Mixon Jr. is a former barefoot professional, winning the 1994 World Barefoot Championship in Sydney, Australia.

Published August 30, 2017

Land O’ Lakes coaches named nation’s best

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The accolades haven’t stopped for the Land O’ Lakes High Gators softball program, months after winning its first-ever fast pitch state title.

The latest award spotlights the team’s coaches.

The Gators coaching staff has been named the 2017 National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) High School Coaching Staff of the Year. The award came on July 27, and the Land O’ Lakes coaches beat out staffs from other top-tier programs in California, New Jersey, Illinois and Kansas.

The 2017 Land O’ Lakes varsity softball team show off their Class 6A state championships rings, during an Aug. 10 celebration at Beef O’ Brady’s at Wilderness Lakes. (Courtesy of Vinny Guarracino)

The recognition went to Gators third-year head coach Mitch Wilkins and assistants Edwin Rodriguez, Janet Sciales and Vinny Guarracino. They helped to guide the varsity team to a 29-3 mark, including a 3-1 victory over Plantation American Heritage in the Class 6A title game on May 20 in Vero Beach.

The staff previously was honored by the NFCA as South Region Coaching Staff of the Year on July 12.

Wilkins said the most recent NFCA honor was “completely surprising.”

“We were astounded to even be regional winners,” Wilkins said. “We were honored to just be nominated for regionals; I didn’t expect anything after that.”

Wilkins said he is glad the national honor recognized not only him, but his trio of assistants, too.

The entire staff, he noted, is diversified, each providing a crucial role in the team’s culture and achievements.

For instance, Rodriguez, the head junior varsity coach, instills discipline through development. Sciales, a hitting specialist, serves as a female soundboard for players. And Guarracino, the first-year volunteer assistant, provides the day-to-day exuberance.

“A lot of personalities that really work out well,” Wilkins said of the staff. “We’re all team players.”

“We each have our strengths and our skills,” added Sciales, who’s coached with Wilkins for six years, dating back to their stint at Hillsborough High School. “We all have our place and we function as a well-oiled machine, and none of us try to step on the other one’s toes. None of us bring a gigantic ego to (coaching).”

Guarracino concurred, saying the staff “works like one unit.”

The Land O’ Lakes Gators softball coaching staff was named the 2017 NFCA (National Fastpitch Coaches Association) High School Coaching Staff of the Year on July 27
From left, are Vinny Guarracino, Edwin Rodriguez, Mitch Wilkins and Janet Sciales. (Courtesy of National Fastpitch Coaches Association)

Part of that is the staff’s overall commitment to teaching the sport, explained Rodriguez, who has coached with Wilkins for three seasons.

“The passion that we have for coaching the girls and passing on knowledge makes us come together,” Rodriguez said. “It’s the love that we have working with the girls, because they’re receptive to (learning).”

But, the staff’s coexistence all starts with Wilkins, a retired Tampa police officer turned high school social studies teacher.

Besides the state title run—the first for any Pasco County school since 1992 — the Gators have gone a remarkable 80-9-1 in three seasons under Wilkins’ leadership, and they have firmly cemented themselves as a softball powerhouse beyond the Bay Area.

Guarracino, fresh to the coaching profession, described Wilkins as “a genius” and the main influence on starting his career.

“Coach is a little bit like a psychologist,” Guarracino explained. “He’s there for us, and he adapts his style of learning. I’m a big fan. He’s done a lot for me, and he’s been a big instructor for me.”

“Mitch knows more about ball than anybody I know, ever,” Sciales, a longtime coach herself, said. “He genuinely lives, eats and breathes softball. He thinks of things that I never even think of. He’s thinking two games in advance, three, five, seven games down the road. I’m thinking, ‘Let me just get to the next inning.’

“He’s always going to coaching seminars — anything he can do to get better.”

Sciales also noted Wilkins truly cares for each of his players.

“He’s so great with the girls, and he doesn’t yell,” Scales said. “I learned a long time ago that girls have to want to play for you. They need to want to perform for you, and he knows that. And, he’s very consistent with them, he never lies to them; he’s the fairest guy.”

She continued: “You will never find another coach that works harder to get his girls scholarships than him. He takes them to (softball) showcases, and he does that so they can get scholarships, and I don’t see a lot of other coaches doing that.”

For Wilkins, leading the Gators softball program is not about accolades or recognition.

Instead, “it’s all about the girls,” he said.

“Anything we can to do help them compete,” Wilkins said, “whether it’s helping them get a college scholarship, whether it’s helping them get prepared to move into college. Since I came aboard, every senior that’s come through the softball program and graduated (high school) has gone on to enroll in college.”

He stressed education “is first and foremost” for his players.

So, too, is “helping them become better people.”

“I just try and be that role model for them,” he said. “Show them that you don’t have get loud, and yell and scream and demean people, to get them to be motivated.”

Of course, the program’s success isn’t all about its coaches.

It’s about its deep roster, too.

“If we didn’t have the talent, then it’s almost impossible to get where we did,” Wilkins said. “What we do is try to develop their talent and do everything we can do to make sure they’re prepared for whatever situation comes up in a game.”

“You can’t win a race if you don’t have the horses,” Scales agreed. “It’s a combination of excellent athletes, great parents, and coaches being on the same page.”

Meanwhile, Gators players are appreciative for the makeup of the program’s coaching staff, and how each manages the team in practices and games.

“They’re really laid back compared to other coaches; they’re not going to yell at you,” said recent graduate Jessie McCallister, a standout centerfielder on the state title team.

“Obviously, when we do things wrong they’re going to get on us, but most of the time they’re really understanding,” said Destiny Rodriguez, a junior utility player.

“They all help us differently; they always give us good advice,” said junior ace pitcher Callie Turner. “It’s good because there’s no yelling involved in it. Like, I don’t remember a time, especially in the past few years, of them yelling. It helps us, especially as girls, when we’re not yelled at.”

Published August 23, 2017

Local athlete relishes national team experience

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Alexis Kilfoyl has had a busy summer, as a member of the 2017 USA Softball Junior Women’s National Training Team.

The Academy at the Lakes pitching sensation is one of just 24 athletes on the prestigious roster, which features some of the nation’s top players under 19 years old.

After a weeklong training camp in mid-June, Kilfoyl and her Team USA comrades participated in a round of friendlies and exhibition games against elite travel teams from California, Florida, Massachusetts and Washington.

Alexis Kilfoyl is one of just 24 athletes on the 2017 USA Softball Junior Women’s National Training Team. She made the team in January, following a two-day selection process in Clearwater. (Courtesy of USA Softball)

They also competed in the World Cup of Softball XII in Oklahoma City earlier this month, squaring off against some of the top international teams, including Australia, Canada and Japan, among others.

Kilfoyl, who mainly served in a relief role, pitched in six games, posting a 5.04 ERA over 8.1 innings.

The toughest team faced?

“Japan really stood out,” Kilfoyl said. “They have a lot of talent.”

Altogether, the Team USA experience has been enjoyable and unique.

At 16, the right-hander is easily the youngest, and one of just three Floridians on the roster.

She made the team in January, following a two-day selection process in Clearwater.

“It’s very different,” she said. “Just knowing all the girls from all around the country and how they play and meeting them, it was really fun. Knowing (some) of the girls are already in college, the competition is legit.

“I’ve learned like how really high up on the scale the talent is,” she added.

Building relationships and making new friends has proven worthwhile, too.

Kilfoyl previously was familiar with just two other players — University of Alabama’s Elissa Brown and Kaylee Tow.

“I love meeting new people,” Kilfoyl said. “Pretty much everyone was new. Some were friends of friends, but it was my first time meeting them.”

The U.S junior national team is currently in Clearwater, competing in the 26-team WBSC (World Baseball Softball Confederation) Junior Women’s World Championship.

The summer experience also has given Kilfoyl the opportunity to receive top-level coaching, from the likes of Oregon State head coach Laura Berg, Arizona State head coach Trisha Ford, and University of Texas-Arlington head coach Kristie Fox.

“They’ve given us little tips that’ve helped, some in pitching, but definitely more in fielding,” Kilfoyl said. “It’s been more about fixing up little things.”

She added: “I was working just on having everything ready, like having all of my pitches ready when I throw them in a game. Coming up this season for softball, I’m actually going to work on my weaker points, like my rise ball.”

The U.S. squad is currently in Clearwater through July 30, competing in the 26-team WBSC (World Baseball Softball Confederation) Junior Women’s World Championship, trying to defend its 2015 title.

Kilfoyl, however, will be traveling to California, as a member of the Georgia-based East Cobb Bullets Fastpitch travel team. (The U.S. junior team roster was recently pared down to 17 players, with Kilfoyl named one of seven alternates.)

She’ll rejoin the U.S. junior national team Aug. 9 and Aug. 10 in Cincinnati, Ohio, for an exhibition game at the MLB RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) World Series. The RBI program is Major League Baseball’s youth initiative designed to provide young people from underserved and diverse communities with opportunities to play baseball and softball.

One of Tampa Bay’s elite softball prospects, Kilfoyl has always stood out on the diamond.

She’s played varsity softball since the seventh grade, and committed to Alabama her freshman year.

At 6-foot-1, she stands nearly a foot taller than most of her high school teammates.

She has the game to match, with a 68-mph fastball and signature drop-ball pitch.

Kilfoyl won 16 games as a sophomore last season, posting a 0.85 ERA and striking out 201 batters in 115.3 innings — guiding Academy at the Lakes to the Class 2A regional final.

The campaign earned her a nod to the Miracle Sports Class 2A All-State First Team.

“I worked on hitting my spots more consistently,” Kilfoyl said of her sophomore season. “Freshman year, I was kind of chaotic. I would just throw the pitch for no reason, and was a little more careless. But, this year we were playing better teams, where you have to step up your game and start throwing stuff for a purpose.”

Meanwhile, her development —along with fellow AATL teammates—excites her for the 2018 season.

Besides Kilfoyl, the Wildcats are stacked with gifted, young hitters, including freshman Brooke Blankenship (.522 average, six home runs) and Kendra Falby (.537 average, six doubles), and sophomore Jessica Mott (.522 average, nine doubles).

“People are definitely working harder,” she said. “Like all of the girls are playing in really good travel teams this summer, and traveling the country playing in the best tournaments. So, next year everyone’s going to come out a better player, and I think we have a chance to move on to states next year.”

Alexis Kilfoyl’s Academy at the Lakes varsity stats
Sophomore
Pitching: 16 wins, 0.85 ERA, 201 strikeouts in 115.2 innings
Hitting: .517 average, with five home runs, eight doubles and 36 RBIs

Freshman
Pitching: 11 wins, 1.36 ERA, 163 strikeouts in 103 innings
Hitting: .561 average, three home runs, six doubles, 20 RBIs

Eighth grade
Pitching: 12 wins, 0.72 ERA, 111 strikeouts in 87.1 innings
Hitting: .458 average, four home runs, eight doubles, 25 RBIs

Seventh grade
Pitching: 14 wins, 2.61 ERA, 118 strikeouts in 115.1 innings
Hitting: .309 average, four doubles, 12 RBIs

Alexis Kilfoyl’s other accomplishments:

  • First year Team USA member
  • 2016 Junior Olympic Cup Champion,
  • Placed third at 2015 USA Softball 14U Nationals
  • Named 2015 Team MVP at Gainesville GOLD USA Softball Nationals
  • Competed at 2013 USA Softball 12U Nationals
  • Played for the East Cobb Bullets Schnute 18U and Gainesville Gold McFadyen 16U

Q-and-A
What it means to represent the United States: “It’s a dream come true. It’s the biggest honor to wear the letters ‘USA’ across your chest.”

What she enjoys most about softball: “I love working together as a team and the friendships that I have made. I love how everyone is different and works hard in their position. I love the feeling of striking people out and know that if I don’t, I have a team behind me that has my back.”

How she got started playing softball: “I first watched my older brother play baseball when I was 5 years old, so I gave softball a try and absolutely hated it. My dad asked if I would continue to play if he coached the team, and I agreed. I was 7 years old at the time.”

-Stats compiled using maxpreps.com

Published July 26, 2017

Local pitchers delay pro careers for college

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Two of the area’s top pitchers are postponing their pro careers — for now.

Sunlake High School’s Tommy Mace and Steinbrenner High’s CJ Van Eyk — both selected in the middle rounds of June’s MLB Draft — have opted to forgo professional baseball contracts, and instead attend in-state Division I programs.

Sunlake High’s Tommy Mace, who was drafted in the 12th round of the 2017 MLB Draft, will pitch at the University of Florida.
(File)

Mace, drafted in the 12th round (347th overall) by the Cincinnati Reds, will pitch at the University of Florida, which last month won the 2017 College World Series — the first national title in program history.

Van Eyk, drafted in the 19th round (577th overall) by the New York Mets, will pitch at Florida State University, which reached the College World Series, but was later eliminated by Louisiana State University.

The draft-signing deadline was July 7; the draft featured 40 rounds and 1,205 picks in total.

Besides higher education, Mace and Van Eyk have a chance to further develop their pitching skillets with advanced college instruction.

Typically, that results in an improved draft stock — and larger corresponding signing bonuses.

Based on MLB guidelines, Mace and Van Eyk will be draft-eligible again in three years — players at four-year colleges and universities are eligible three years after first enrolling in such an institution, or after their 21st birthday (whichever occurs first).

Mace, a lanky 6-foot-7, 200-pound righty, was ranked by MLB.com as the No. 144 overall prospect in the 2017 draft.

The site lauds his projectable 94 mph fastball, and usable three-quarters breaking ball.

One of the more effective prep arms in the Tampa Bay area, Mace tallied a 1.29 ERA and 92 strikeouts in 70.2 innings, with an 8-2 record in 11 appearances — guiding Sunlake High to the Class 7A regional finals last season.

During his three-year varsity career, meanwhile, Mace won 19 games, posting a 1.65 ERA and 196 strikeouts in 165.2 innings.

Van Eyk was equally dominant throughout his prep career.

Steinbrenner High’s CJ Van Eyk, who was drafted in the 19th round of the 2017 MLB Draft, will pitch at Florida State University. (File)

The 6-foot-2, 195-pound righty was ranked by MLB.com as the No. 120 overall prospect in the 2017 draft.

In addition to a blistering 95-mile-per-hour fastball that displays movement and sink, Van Eyk features an effective curveball and changeup.

His senior season, however, was cut short due to arm soreness. In limited action, he posted a 0.73 ERA and 56 strikeouts.

But, throughout his three-year varsity career, Van Eyk was virtually unhittable, tallying a 0.60 ERA and 250 strikeouts in 173.2 innings, and winning 24 games.

Van Eyk surged onto the national spotlight last summer as a member of the USA Baseball 18-and-under team’s pitching staff, helping the squad win gold at the Pan American Championships.

Also in 2016, he led Steinbrenner to its first state baseball title in and was crowned the Florida Dairy Farmers’ Class 8A Player of the Year.

Van Eyk wasn’t Steinbrenner’s only drafted player.

His teammate, first baseman Patrick Morris, was selected in the 14th round by the Toronto Blue Jays.

Morris, however, opted to turn pro, inking a signing bonus in excess of $200,000.

Published July 19, 2017

Land O’ Lakes High softball wins state title

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They finally did it.

On May 20, the Land O’ Lakes High Gators unseated powerhouse Plantation American Heritage 3-1, claiming the Class 6A Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSSA) softball championship at Historic Dodgertown in Vero Beach.

The achievement marks the first fastpitch title for Land O’Lakes (29-3) and the first for a Pasco County program since Ridgewood High won in 1992.

On May 20, the Land O’ Lakes High Gators defeated Plantation American Heritage 3-1, claiming the Class 6A Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) softball championship at Historic Dodgertown in Vero Beach. The win marks the first fastpitch title for Land O’ Lakes (29-3) and the first for a Pasco County program since Ridgewood High won in 1992.
(Courtesy of Edwin Rodriguez, Land O’ Lakes Gators varsity softball)

Making the victory even sweeter: The Gators downed the same team that eliminated them in last year’s state semifinals.

And, it wasn’t the first time this postseason Land O’ Lakes exacted revenge.

The Gators twice beat Wesley Chapel High School — in districts and regionals —after the Wildcats bested them during an April 4 regular season game (2-0 loss).

Besides payback, the championship shows the Gators — in recent years one of the region’s premier softball program — can dethrone a state dynasty; American Heritage (25-4) was making its fourth straight championship game appearance and was trying to win its eighth title overall.

Likewise impressive, the Gators won in comeback fashion.

Trailing 1-0 in the bottom of the sixth inning, Land O’Lakes found timely hitting —base hits by Callie Turner and Tia Williams  — and benefitted from Patriot mistakes — hit by pitch, wild pitch— to build the lead for good.

Meanwhile, Turner, the team’s sophomore ace, kept the game within reach from the outset, pitching like she has all season long.

The University of Tennessee commit fired a complete game, allowing just five hits and striking out eight against a potent Patriots lineup (.447 team average, 24 home runs).

The Gators’ championship win culminated a pair of close playoff games.

The day before, on May 19, Land O’ Lakes edged North Fort Myers High 2-0 in the state semifinals.

And, on May 12, the Gators narrowly beat Springstead High 2-0 in the region finals.

For followers of Land O’ Lakes varsity softball, the championship isn’t an utter shock.

But, it’s likely eye-opening after last year’s graduation of Shannon Saile, one of the program’s all-time great pitchers.

Saile — now a freshman standout at Florida International University — amassed 517 strikeouts and a career 1.76 ERA in four seasons. She also compiled 41 wins, 31 complete games, 11 shutouts and five no-hitters in her prep career.

Moreover, Gators head coach Mitch Wilkins this season had to replace two key bats in then-seniors Tayler Holt (.347 average) and Kendall Tipton (.311 average).

No matter.

Projecting forward, a state title repeat in 2018 isn’t out of the question.

Armed with Turner (0.21 ERA, 249 strikeouts) and a budding star in sophomore Shelby Westbrook (2.10 ERA, 58 strikeouts in 43.1 innings), pitching won’t be an issue.

Hitting shouldn’t be a problem, either.

The Gators do lose centerfielder Jessie McCallister (.358 average, 17 RBIs) and outfielder Lexi Turner (.293 average, 19 RBIs).

But, the team returns just about everyone else, including sluggers Tia Williams (.444 average, 24 RBIs), Ashley Smith (.390 average, four home runs, 30 RBIs) and Brianna Lindner (.352 average, two home runs, 22 RBIs).

Not to be overlooked, Wilkins’ mentoring should provide a steadying force, too.

After a 13-13 mark in 2014, the team has since gone a combined 80-9 under Wilkins.

Published May 24, 2017

Servin’ aces on the sand

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When Bethany Randall began playing beach volleyball nearly two years ago, she never envisioned it could lead to a Division I athletic scholarship.

“It really just started with trying to get in shape,” said Randall, a Land O’ Lakes resident and senior at Seffner Christian Academy.

Starting next spring, Randall will play women’s beach volleyball at Jacksonville State University, a Division I school in Jacksonville, Alabama — roughly eight hours north of Tampa and about 90 miles west of Atlanta, Georgia.

That’s quite an achievement, considering the sport became sanctioned in Florida just last year — through a partnership with the independent Sunshine State Athletic Conference (SSAC) and the Florida Region of USA Volleyball.

Land O’ Lakes resident Bethany Randall began playing beach volleyball nearly two years ago. After competing in the sport as a senior at Seffner Christian Academy, she earned a scholarship at Jacksonville State University, a Division I school in Jacksonville, Alabama.
(Courtesy of Jeff Randall)

The inaugural 2017 season — comprised of 22 Florida schools — concluded in April with a state championship tournament at Hickory Point Beach, a 21-court beach volleyball facility in Tavares, Florida.

Besides Seffner Christian, several Tampa Bay area schools fielded squads in Year 1, including Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School, Carrollwood Day School and Indian Rocks Christian School.

Similar to many girls, Randall grew up playing indoor volleyball, taking up the sport in middle school and playing all through high school.

She — like many peers — initially viewed the sand-based sport as just a fun, noncompetitive alternative to oft-expensive indoor club leagues.

“Honestly, before I realized it was a college sport, I didn’t think of playing it,” Randall said.

Before long, however, she was hooked.

“I picked it up as quick as I could,” she said.

“It just turned into something she fell in love with,” added her father Jeff Randall, also Seffner Christian’s beach volleyball coach.

As passion for the sport grew, her skill did, too.

She became Seffner Christian’s top-seeded player this past season — catching the attention of college coaches.

Though she considered in-state schools such as Florida Gulf Coast University and Stetson University, Bethany Randall couldn’t resist the out-of-state university’s offerings.

“I liked the family atmosphere — (the coaches) put a big emphasis on that,” she said. “As for the scenery, it’s in the mountains, so it’s just a different experience than Florida,” she said.

Aside from the obvious, several distinctions exist between indoor and outdoor volleyball, beginning with the size of the half courts — a beach volleyball square is eight meters and the indoor square is nine.

Also, beach volleyball is played between teams of two rather than six, with no substitutions. Matches use rally scoring and are best-of-three sets played to 21, though the third set is played to 15.

Similar to high school tennis matches, sand matches are officiated by the players.

And, each team fields four pairs per match, though only the top three pairs, or seeds, count toward the final results.

The sand sport, according to Jeff Randall, lends itself to well-rounded players, as opposed to primarily offensive or defensive volleyball specialists prevalent with indoor volleyball.

“You’ve got to be able to do it all. You’ve got to hit, you’ve got to pass, you’ve got to serve, you’ve got to receive, you’ve got to block. You’ve got to do everything.”

It also requires more strategy and game planning, plus accommodating for factors like wind speed and sun direction.

“It’s like a pawn game,” Jeff Randall said.

That — and the added responsibilities having just one teammate — makes the sport more challenging than the traditional game, Bethany Randall said.
“It requires a lot more athleticism,” she said. “Just moving in the sand, you have to be able to (quickly) get back down and get back up.”

Even so, Bethany Randall finds the sport ” a lot more enjoyable” than indoor volleyball.

Thousands seem to agree, as its popularity nationwide has risen in the past decade.
According to the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA), nearly 500,000 females ages 13 to 25 have taken up the sport since 2007.

Women’s beach volleyball, moreover, has been labeled the fastest growing NCAA sport — ever.

In 2012, there were just 16 Division I teams. It since has burgeoned to 54 during the 2016-2017 season.

And whether it’s college or high school, it doesn’t take much to sponsor a program — mostly because of low overhead costs compared to other sports.

“It’s such as easy sport to field,” Jeff Randall said. “There’s little equipment — you buy two balls, you go to a public court; and, you really only need six girls.”

From a coaches’ perspective, Jeff Randall anticipates the sport soon will be played in dozens more Florida high schools, and eventually will be sanctioned by the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA), the main governing body for high school athletics in the state of Florida

“Five years from now, it’s going to be so different — every school will have a team,” he said, assuredly.

The sport isn’t just reserved for the younger generation, either.

“It’s something you can play a long time,” Jeff Randall said. “I’m 47 years old and am still playing fairly competitive, where a lot of sports you’re just done at a certain age.”

Published May 17, 2017