The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Lutz Sports

Staying youthful, active — and all that jazz

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She never has a cheat day.

LaVerne Pace, who lives in Lutz, is easily the town’s most-active 100-year-old.

She can be found at the Jazzercise off Lutz Lake Fern Road up to five times a week, dancing away — or as much as she possibly can — during the high-energy exercise sessions.

Despite her age and varying operations over the years, she credits these classes to her excellent health, a desire to stay active and, of course, to developing dozens of friendships.

LaVerne Pace, a 100-year-old Lutz resident, works out up to five times a week at the Jazzercise studio in Lutz, as a way to stay active and healthy. The centenarian has been trying to stay active as much as she can, but also uses Jazzercise as a social outing and has dozens of friends, all of whom helped her ring in her 100th birthday on July 3 with a packed workout session. (Mike Camunas)

“I believe in keeping moving,” Pace said. “I march (in place) as much as I can and can’t (move my) arms and legs at the same time, but as long as I keep both moving when I can, then I know it’s a good workout.

“I just keep going (to class and in life),” she added. “All my friends are gone, but now these are my new friends! I attribute Jazzercise to reaching 100. I really do.”

Originally from Salida, Colorado, Pace moved to Miami at age 5. She grew up and attended school in Miami, visited the Everglades, occasionally, and became a junior high math teacher for 20 years.

She and her husband lived in Miami until 1989, before moving to Lutz. Her husband passed in 2001, after nearly 55 years of marriage.

But nothing — including having both her hips and a knee replaced and gallbladder removed — slowed her down.

She went to a Curves studio for years until it closed, took a few years off exercising and then took up Jazzercise in 2012. In doing so, she made dozens of friends, including more than 50 who showed up to her birthday workout class on July 3.

LaVerne Pace, who is 100 years old, can be found at Jazzercise up to five times a week. Besides helping her to stay fit, the Lutz resident uses Jazzercise as a social outing.

“I don’t have the words to explain how she motivates other people,” said Colleen Pedersen, co-owner of the Lutz Jazzercise. “To see anyone complain about an ache or pain, but then they turn and look at her — they say, ‘Well, if she can do it, I can!’

“She attributes coming (to Jazzercise) five times a week to her longevity and her health — she’s healthy as a horse!” Pedersen added. “She does what she can, and that’s more than people half her age that don’t exercise like her — they’re on oxygen tanks or have diabetes and because they’ve been sedentary for so long, they can’t do what LaVerne does.

“She’s always been moving and she still can move at her age.”

Despite being in great shape, there are some things that Pace cannot do on her own. She uses the aid of a walker, but also the aid of Jazzercise friends, who drive her to the classes.

“We’re Team Daisy!” said Pace’s daughter, Carolyn Sterger, who also works out at Jazzercise. “Like (the movie), ‘Driving Ms. Daisy.’ So we’re her tribe here. That’s why there were 65 or more people at Stonewater Grill (in Land O’ Lakes) for her birthday (lunch).

“When she goes to her physical, the doctor is like, ‘Can you raise your hands above your head?’ and she’s doing this (waving her arms like in class) and the doctor is like, ‘I’ve got people half your age who can’t do that right there!’

“Jazzercise has definitely helped her all these years,” Sterger added.

There might be another reason this great-grandmother has plenty of friends at Jazzercise. She’s also known as the “Boozy Baker.” Even though she doesn’t drink, she’ll make cakes with alcohol and give them to her friends at Jazzercise.

“Everyone does love those cakes,” Pace said. “Maybe that’s why I have so many friends!”

“No,” Pederson added. “This is her family, these are her friends, now, because she’ll tell you all her friends are dead — but they’re really here at Jazzercise. She’s like a grandma to my 12-year-old daughter.

“And it’s her upbeat personality. Who knows how much longer she has, but she doesn’t look 100 because when most people think of a 100-year-old, they don’t think of LaVerne.

“With her longevity, it makes you want to experience life the same way she has.”

Sterger agrees.

“I have more (surgical) hardware than she does and something is going to break on me — so, not sure I’ll make it to 100, but maybe genetics will help!” Sterger said. “She definitely keeps me going!”

According to Boston University centenarian statistics, only .27% of the 330 million U.S. population reaches age 100. That makes Pace a rarity — one who reached her goal to have 150 Jazzercise classes this year before her birthday.

Because she never took a day off.

“Oh yeah, I’m going to keep coming, probably until I drop dead here at Jazzercise (laughs). I’ve been very blessed with good health and family and friends,” Pace said. “I really never thought I’d reach 100 and I don’t know anyone else who has!”

Jazzercise
Where: 19012 First St., S.W., in Lutz
When: Open seven days a week for morning and afternoon sessions
Details: With locations all over the country, Jazzercise uses high-energy dance cardio, such as Cardio or Power Sculpt, to help participants get in shape.
For more information on the Lutz location, call 813-406-4707, or visit Jazzercise.com.

Published July 19, 2023

Steinbrenner seeks state tournament run

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Makenzie Reynolds has one thing on her mind.

It’s not the softball rankings, not the stats or awards she’s racked up this season, nor all the wins in the team’s record.

With the FHSAA Class 7A regional tournament starting May 11 and her Steinbrenner Warriors hosting Lakewood Ranch (16-10), the one thing on Reynolds mind is getting deeper in the postseason than ever before.

Perhaps all the way to the state tournament at Legends Way Ball Fields in Clermont.

Warriors senior shortstop, captain and University of Tampa signee Makenzie Reynolds was named The Florida Athletic Coaches Association (FACA) District 15 Class 7A Player of the Year on April 30 thanks to leading her team with a .418 average, 41 hits, 29 runs, seven doubles, six triples, a homer, 15 RBI and nine stolen bases. (Mike Camunas)

“Last year, we did lose a couple of our girls who were a big part of this team, but thankfully we picked it up and didn’t miss a step,” said Reynolds, a senior, who plays shortstop and is the team’s captain.

“We finally want to make it deeper in regionals. There’s always going to be some pressure, but, honestly, I love our team, and if we all play well together, I think that’s what’s going to do it for us,” added the University of Tampa signee.

However, just like last season, the Warriors (18-7-1) saw an early exit from the Class 7A-District 7 tournament, with rival Plant taking home the title on May 3.

This didn’t deter Steinbrenner, as rankings and strength of schedule still got the team into the regional tournament. 

But Reynolds knows it will take just as much, if not more, team effort to extend this year’s postseason run.

“I think if we stay up in the dugout, and everyone has a good attitude, and we play together as a team, I think we’ll go far,” Reynolds said. “Honestly, it’s just mainly playing as a team, which we know we’re capable of, and keeping up throughout the game and not let the small things get us down.”

Second-year coach Jason Gordon agrees, adding the team’s experience will play a role.

“They know my expectations and they’re proven leaders and winners,” Gordon said. “They know how to come out and win, so that makes my job as a coach a lot easier.”

Also making it easier will be the Warriors top leader, Reynolds, who was named The Florida Athletic Coaches Association (FACA) District 15 Class 7A Player of the Year on April 30 thanks to leading her team with a .418 average, 41 hits, 29 runs, seven doubles, six triples, a homer, 15 RBI and nine stolen bases.

“She’s had a great year,” Gordon said. “Since Day 1, she’s been working hard, and leading the team in doubles and triples is no easy feat — she’s our leader out there at shortstop because she goes 110% all the time.

“She’s a coach’s dream and the kind of player you wish you had a whole team of — University of Tampa is getting a steal of a player.”

Reynolds added: “It feels good to be recognized, yeah, and it’s surprising, but I’m really thinking about playing deep into the postseason this year since it’s my final year.”

Junior Lily Holtje also is contributing on offense, with team highs in RBI (28) and homers (8), while senior Paige Bergen, has 23 RBI on 33 hits.

On the mound, freshman pitcher Lilly Patton had a breakout year, going 10-3 over 104 innings pitched, with a 2.68 ERA and 97 strikeouts.

Gordon knows it’ll take a team effort to finally push past the early regional rounds, but adds there’s extra motivation. The Warriors, all season, have felt slightly disrespected in the rankings, especially since district rival, Plant, has consistently been ranked ahead of them.

This is the same Panthers team Steinbrenner defeated twice this season: 5-2 on Feb. 23 and 3-2 on March 23.

“It’s definitely extra motivation, especially with them being in our district,” Gordon said. “We go out and beat them twice, but (we) feel we should be right there with them — and we might still have to beat them again at some point.”

“So, as long as we beat them again,” Reynolds added, “that’s fine with me where we’re ranked.

“We all play the same game, the same sport — I can’t or we can’t control that, so we’ll just go out and play and hopefully win and finally get those wins in the postseason when they matter.”

Softball regional quarterfinal games
Classes 2A-4A, May 10
Classes 5A-7A, May 11

Class 7A
No. 5 Lakewood Ranch at No. 4 Steinbrenner

Class 6A
No. 4 Charlotte at No. 5 Land O’ Lakes
No. 2 Sickles at No. 7 Gaither
No. 3 Bloomingdale at No. 6 Wiregrass Ranch

Class 5A
No. 2 Wesley Chapel at No. 7 Pasco

Class 2A
No. 4 Geneva at No. 5 Academy at the Lakes

*All games at 7 p.m. unless otherwise indicated.

Baseball regional quarterfinal games
Classes 2A-5A, May 9
Classes 6A/7A, May 10

Class 6A
No. 5 Wiregrass Ranch at No. 4 Land O’ Lakes
No. 6 Palmetto Ridge at No. 3 Gaither

Class 5A
No. 7 Zephyrhills at No. 2 Sebring
No. 6 Seabreeze at No. 3 Wesley Chapel

Class 2A
No. 3 Orangewood Christian at No. 6 Bishop McLaughlin
No. 7 Carrollwood Day at No. 2 Northside Christian

*All games at 7 p.m. unless otherwise indicated.

Published May 10, 2023

In a club all his own

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Counting all of the wins in John Crumbley’s coaching career would take some time.

While it wouldn’t take the four decades he’s been a high school baseball coach — one would have to count up to 800.

The longtime coach, who is the father of Steinbrenner High’s baseball program, has accumulated many accolades.

And, he just added another.

Steinbrenner High baseball coach John Crumbley became the first Hillsborough County coach to reach 800 career wins on April 12 when the Warriors defeated Land O’ Lakes High 10-5. Crumbley spent 22 seasons coaching at Jesuit High in Tampa and winning three state championships (1994, 1997, 2000) before briefly retiring in 2006. However, the love of the game brought him back and he started the Steinbrenner baseball program in 2010. Just six years later, he guided the Warriors to a state championship, the fourth title of his Hall of Fame career that spans four decades. (MIKE CAMUNAS)

His team defeated Land O’ Lakes 10-5 in an April 12 game, making Crumbley the first Hillsborough County coach to reach 800 wins.

“That’s pretty remarkable for a little kid from Tampa,” Crumbley said. “I think about how blessed I’ve been. It’s not just me — it’s having a passion for the game, and it can be humbling, but there also haven’t been too many bad days (coaching) either.

“I’ve been blessed — I truly have been.”

Being this blessed may be an understatement.

His list of honors, achievements and milestones makes the 62-year-old’s resume sound like a compilation several coaches.

He is a four-time state champion coach.

He has been inducted into three separate hall of fames in the state.

He is the winningest Hillsborough County baseball coach by a mile (801-267).

He’s won the highly-respected Saladino Tournament played by Hillsborough teams every Spring Break.

He’s even had a team named national champions, as well brought home two state runner up titles.

“I never did anything with numbers,” Crumbley said. “I never thought about those things — the wins or getting into a hall of fame. I just wanted to work hard, have a nice facility for the players.”

Crumbley, a Miami native who grew up in Tampa and is a 1978 Leto grad, became the Jesuit High baseball coach in 1985 after a short stint as an assistant coach at the University of Tampa, where he also played shortstop.

He coached Jesuit’s Tigers for 22 years and brought home state titles in 1994, 1997 and 2000. His 1997 team also earned a national title from Baseball America.

Crumbley retired from coaching in 2006, to watch his son, J.J., play for Florida Gulf Coast. But he remained Jesuit’s athletic director until returning to the dugout to launch Steinbrenner’s program in 2010.

“I would clip out all the articles and lay them on the dining room table,” Crumbley recalled. “That way my wife (Lisa) would see them, as a way for me to get consent to take the job (at Steinbrenner, which was about to open). Finally she said, ‘Go for it!’ but I also think she didn’t think I’d stay this long.”

In 2016, the Warriors won a state championship with Crumbley at the helm.

Two years later, the Florida High School Athletic Association inducted Crumbley into its Hall of Fame. He had already been inducted into Jesuit’s Hall of Fame in 1997 and Florida Athletic Coaches Association’s Hall of Fame in 2007.

Crumbley has come a long way since his first teaching job at Pine View Middle in Land O’ Lakes, where he would carpool with another legendary coach, Calvin Baisley.

It was Baisley, Land O’ Lakes High’s winningest coach, who embraced Crumbley when the Warriors defeated the Gators on their home field for win No. 800.

Steinbrenner baseball coach John Crumbley is embraced by friend and fellow longtime baseball coach, Calvin Baisley, after the Warriors defeated the Gators 10-5 on April 12 for Crumbley’s 800th win. (MIKE CAMUNAS)

“I never imagined we’d be coaching this long or successfully,” said Baisley, who is Pasco County’s winningest baseball coach (633). “You don’t do it this long unless you love doing it, (but) I think it’s awesome (to get 800 wins) and it shows his commitment to the game.”

“I always thought of coaching as a fraternity,” Crumbly said. “Bais(ley), (former Ridgewood coach Larry) Beets, (longtime and late Gaither coach) Frank (Permuy), (former Jefferson coach) Pop (Cuesta), (longtime King coach Jim) Mac(aluso). I always looked up to those guys, so to be with them is incredible.”

Even more so than being in a fraternity of coaches, Crumbley has enjoyed the hundreds of players he’s coached, some of which have become successful coaches themselves.

That list includes Berkeley Prep’s coach Richie Warren, who played on Jesuit’s 2000 state championship team and already has 362 wins as a coach already. Warren also was Crumbley’s hand-picked replacement at Jesuit in 2007.

“I can’t say enough about what he’s done for me — I get goosebumps talking about him and what he means to me and my family,” Warren said. “I think, early on, that I wanted to be (No.) 9 (Crumbley’s number at Jesuit). I wanted to be just like him. But through conversations with him, he got me to look at the bigger picture, not just wins.

“He’s always been great at getting the most out of players and it shows with all these wins.”

Crumbley isn’t sure if 900 wins is in the lineup card, but says he plans to coach until he is 65 years old.

In the meantime, he’ll reflect on his career, mainly focusing on the people that have made it one heck of a ride so far.

“I think back to 1981, that year with Bais(ley) and I think, where did it go?! This is year 41!” Crumbley said.

“God has put a special blessing on me, my career and my family. The results, the titles, the lifelong friendships with players and coaches — it’s been really something.

“It’s been neat, and I’ve been blessed for every year and every win.”

Steinbrenner coach John Crumbley has several milestones in his coaching career that spans four decades. (MIKE CAMUNAS)

John Crumbley Coaching Milestones

No. 500 – Jesuit 13, Sarasota Cardinal Mooney 3, March 16, 2004

No. 600 – Steinbrenner 11, Cambridge Christian 0, March 18, 2011

No. 700 – Steinbrenner 6, Alonso 4, March 18, 2016

No. 800 – Steinbrenner 10, Land O’ Lakes 5, April 12, 2023

1994 Class 4A State Title – Jesuit 10 Clearwater 2

1997 Class 4A State Title – Jesuit 7, Pasco 1

2000 Class 4A State Title – Jesuit 4, Jacksonville Bishop Kenny 1

2016 Class 8A State Title – Steinbrenner 9, Oviedo Hagerty 4

Published on April 19, 2023.

Single-handedly throwing her own way

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Dani Kanas only needs the one arm.

To throw the javelin, to train, to drive a car, to go to school.

This is how she lives her life.

Dani Kanas is a senior javelin thrower for the Steinbrenner High in Lutz, but her journey started on the other side of the world. Kanas, 17, was abandoned at a train station as a baby, then taken to an orphanage, where an infection required the amputation of her arm. After being adopted and brought stateside, she took up field events at age 8 and it spurred a love for the sport. In November, she competed in the International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports (IWAS) World Games in Portugal, where she won a gold medal in javelin. (Mike Camunas)

“I just feel like an athlete,” the 17-year-old Steinbrenner High track and field thrower said. “There are times where I’m thinking I’m not able to do this or do certain workouts, but I am able to adapt — because you don’t always have to do it like everyone else. There’s a way to do it that works for you.

“I was able to find this sport and I’m so glad I did.”

She’s been successful in throwing the javelin, the discus and shot put.

Kanas has been so successful, she was selected as one of 30 athletes to represent Team USA in the International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports (IWAS) World Games. And on that world stage in November, in Portugal, Kanas did not disappoint.

She brought home three medals — a gold in javelin, a silver in discus and a bronze in shot put.

“It was a different experience because I’m used to being in the states,” Kanas said. “It was such a cool experience to see what it was like competing against people from different countries, and I enjoyed meeting other adaptive athletes from the states there, so it was a great experience to get to travel there and compete.

Dani Kanas also competes in the shot put and the discus. She brought home a silver in discus and a bronze in shot put from the IWAS games.

“Bringing back a medal was great, too!”

Javelin to the top
When Kanas was just a baby, she was abandoned at a train station in China.

She was rescued and taken to an orphanage, but an infection developed in her left arm, requiring amputation for her to survive.

She was adopted and brought to the states when she was about 18 months old.

As she grew older, she joined in all of the same games and activities as her able-bodied peers. She tried various sports, such as soccer, that didn’t require the use of both arms, but then attended an adaptive track and field camp until she was 8.

Once she had the chance to throw a javelin, the rest was history.

Dani Kanas hasn’t decided which college she will be attending, however, will go on a scholarship to programs such as Michigan or Alabama, both of which have adaptive sports and athletes.

“When I was younger, I thought my amputation was going to limit me, but as I started to compete, you learn that as an adaptive athlete, you kind of learn that it’s just another competition — no matter what.

“I was playing soccer at the time and just saw all these people at my school doing those things and I just thought that I would never be able to do certain things that other kids were doing,” she added.

“But now I’ve grown used to competing with able-bodied athletes.”

Besides competing in adaptive track and field competitions, she also competes for Steinbrenner against able-bodied student athletes from neighboring schools and teams. She is given no advantage, yet still holds her own, including taking the javelin event in the Steinbrenner Invitational this season.

Dani Kanas, a senior javelin thrower at Steinbrenner High, says she always wears her prosthetic while competing, as it helps with balance. She hopes to advance out of the district tournament in her final high school season.

“It takes a tough mindset to shrug all that off and compete against regular kids,” said Steinbrenner’s throwing coach Andre Washington, a 2016 grad and former thrower himself. “You see that in Dani, that there’s the want — it’s a want mindset — ‘I’m not going to let this one arm take anything away from me. I’m going to go out there and give it my all and win.’ … She thinks of herself as a regular person — which she is — and it’s her determination to be great that has gotten her to where she is today.

“(Her throwing with one arm) — blows my mind. It’s an incredible thing to watch.”

Ably determined
It’s hard not to notice Kanas’ determination, her drive, her desire to compete at the level she knows she’s capable of. It’s also hard not to notice that a one-arm thrower — wearing a prosthetic for some balance — is out there competing at a high level, already carrying around international medals.

“She’s one of our top throwers — obviously,” Steinbrenner’s longtime track and field coach Ladd Baldwin said. “She can throw for her size, too, because you’re not going to be wowed by her size — she’s not a big kid, at all, but her form is incredible and that’s what helps her to compete.

“She’s been wonderful here (at Steinbrenner) and she’s a great thrower — she’s just one of those kids who loves it and gets it.”

Her passion to compete is creating new opportunities, as collegiate adaptive sports programs in Michigan and Southern California have offered her scholarships. Kanas, however, is leaning toward an offer from Alabama.

“I never thought that would be a possibility,” Kanas added.

The possibilities are endless for this determined, yet still fully abled thrower, who can reach all those, and her goals, even with just the one arm.

“My goal is to show others — who may have a similar story to mine, who may be in a similar situation as me — that they shouldn’t let their disability stop them.

“I want to, and hope,” she continued, “I inspire them to go out and compete. I want them to know that this community (of adaptive athletes) exists and they shouldn’t just assume they can’t do it because they’re not able-bodied.”

Published March 08, 2023

‘Climbing’ to a Mr. Olympia title

By

Winston Sullivan took a gamble on himself.

And because of it, he’s now headed to Las Vegas.

Not for casinos and especially not the all-you-can-eat buffets, but for the 2022 Olympia Fitness & Performance Weekend starting Dec. 15, where he will compete as one of the top bodybuilders in the world.

Lutz resident and bodybuilder Winston Sullivan works out at Esporta Fitness in preparation for the Mr. Olympia Fitness & Performance Weekend starting Dec. 15 in Las Vegas. Sullivan, who has been doing professional bodybuilding for about eight years, qualified for the pinnacle of bodybuilding events in October and did so without the guidance of a trainer. (Mike Camunas)

“Here I am going to the biggest and best show in bodybuilding,” the Lutz resident said. “I never thought I’d ever be on the biggest stage. I’m very grateful for it all, especially when you take all the hard work you put in — you set a goal and go out and accomplish it.

“I never thought I’d be in Mr. Olympia — I really still can’t believe it.”

Sullivan’s disbelief stems from the fact that he’s doing competitive bodybuilding for just a short time — only eight years. He did so after a friend, who also used to bodybuild, egged him on to give it a try.

Initially, Sullivan, standing at 6-foot-2, 210 pounds, was skeptical because he wasn’t “trying to get big — I didn’t want to get too big, but he told me about the Men’s Physique Division.

“We don’t wear speedos, we wear board shorts,” he added. “It’s more about an aesthetic look — a beach body, so (my friend) kept pushing me and I finally said why not, but in my first competition I came in fourth. In my second I came in sixth.

“I was hooked then.”

Sullivan, a 37-year-old security guard, will compete for Men’s Physique Olympia. He is one of 60 competitors in this division and just one of 23 from the United States, with the others hailing from all over the world, such as Spain, France, Brazil, Iran, South Korea, Morocco, Australia, China and more.

However, what’s even more remarkable is Sullivan accomplished this feat, and his sculpted body, without the guidance of a trainer. He did it with just hours of working out at Esporta Fitness in Lutz, a meticulous dietary regimen and two gallons of water a day.

All that hard work, and strict diet, paid off: He won the 2022 Daytona Pro/Am Championships, which is what qualified him to compete at Mr. Olympia.

“The hardest part is being hungry,” Sullivan said. “Having two kids, they go to a party and come back with cupcakes, and I’m like, ‘Come on!’ Or, they’re like, ‘Daddy, we want McDonald’s,’ but then I get it for them, and my whole car smells like French fries!

“And I missed Thanksgiving — I didn’t get to eat any of that. I’m sitting at the table with tuna fish and sweet potatoes and they’re passing around pies in front of me! But the alternative is I don’t spend Thanksgiving with my family?! No thanks.”

Winston Sullivan, left, seen here with his fiancée, Tiffany Rudd, holds up the medal awarded to him for winning the Daytona Beach Pro/Am, the event that qualified him for the Mr. Olympia competition. (Courtesy of Winston Sullivan)

Despite no trainer and no one at his gym knowing he could become Mr. Olympia, Sullivan hasn’t been doing this alone.

His fiancée, Tiffany Rudd, and his two kids — Gabriel, 13, and Skylar, 8 — have been there every step of the way. They’ve been supportive — even though they do eat good food in front of him.

Rudd didn’t quite understand what bodybuilding was about, at first.

“It was hard for me to comprehend at first,” Rudd said. “It was a lot more gym hours, multiple times a day, so in any relationship, everyone has that moment: Is he really going to the gym? It takes a lot of trust in your partner, to trust they are where (they say) they are.

“Of course, I was supportive, but I didn’t understand it — not until I saw (him compete in a show). And it’s crazy to tell people, too. ‘What does he do?’ and tell people he’s a professional bodybuilder, but I have to tell them, ‘Yeah, what Arnold Schwarzenegger did!’ (laughs).”

Sullivan and Rudd, who are getting married this New Year’s Eve, understood the lifestyle change when he first started competing. The workouts, the different foods, the trips to shows — but they embraced all of it, which has paid off.

Now, they’re both going on their first trip to Las Vegas, excited to see what comes of what all the hard work may bring.

It was a gamble, but one very much worth making.

“It was a lifestyle change, which is tough, but we adjusted for him and love and support him,” Rudd said. “At first, I didn’t realize the dedication it would take, but admire him for his dedication. This opportunity is amazing for him, and I couldn’t be more proud of him.”

“It’s kind of fun to see how far you can push yourself and your body,” Sullivan added. “I look back at myself before (bodybuilding) and I’m like, ‘Wow.’”

“To see thousands of competitors, and they say you’re one of the top 60 guys in the world, that’s an accomplishment within itself, and I’m very excited to be a part of that.”

2022 Joe Weider’s Olympia Fitness & Performance Weekend
When: Dec. 15 to Dec. 18
Where: The Venetian Expo & Convention Center, Las Vegas
Details: Men and women bodybuilders from all over the world will compete in various categories, from the traditional Mr. and Ms. Olympia, Men’s and Women’s Physique Olympia and even Wheelchair Olympia.
Info: Visit MrOlympia.com.

Published December 14, 2022

Adapting to the right fit

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There are no physical limits.

Especially for these Adaptive CrossFit athletes.

At CrossFit AERO in Lutz, trainers have developed a modified program allowing individuals with permanent physical disabilities or severe injuries to complete the Workout of the Day, or WOD, and become comfortable with the fundamentals of functional movement.

Stephanie Beaver, of Wesley Chapel, does a deadlift at CrossFit AERO during a session of Adaptive CrossFit. The program provides sessions for people with permanent physical disabilities or severe injuries to help them become comfortable with the fundamentals of functional movement. (Mike Camunas)

“The way we see it, with CrossFit, everything is scalable,” said Ellaine Sapin-Ancheta, the AERO Adaptive CrossFit director and head trainer.

“So, if there is a workout of the day — say its rowing — every single person that walks in the door, we want them to be able to do that, no matter what your ability or disability is,” Sapin-Ancheta said.

“As soon as they walk through the door, we try to modify it from what we see and what they tell us — that’s the beauty of CrossFit: to have functional fitness, safety for longevity, and to have fun with it.

“It may look different when they’re doing it, but they’re still working the same muscle groups,” she added.

Stephanie Beaver, a Wesley Chapel resident born with spina bifida, works handles connected to a fan bike at CrossFit AERO to get in her cardio during a session of Adaptive CrossFit.

Wesley Chapel resident Stephanie Beaver always thought she was in shape, until she tried Adaptive CrossFit, modified for her body.

“I’ve come a long way,” said the athlete who was born with spina bifida.

“The movements we do here translate into the things I have to do every day, from moving around at home or to picking things up. It just translates into everyday life for me, so that really helps a lot,” Beaver said.

“Never in a million years I thought I would ever be doing the things I am doing today while at CrossFit,” she added.

Sapin-Ancheta explained: “She thought she was fit, but she was always falling to the side with a certain move, so we worked really, really hard on core strength and she worked really, really hard to improve that.

Wesley Chapel resident Stephanie Beaver, who was born with spina bifida, gets in her wall ball reps with a medicine ball at CrossFit AERO.

“Sure, she looks good and she’s ripped, even now, but getting back into the chair from the floor is way easier for her than before, too.

“So, she has no function of her legs, so we just modify (workout moves) for her or all of our adaptive athletes. They might be doing something different, but we’re still trying to simulate the same function and growth as any other athlete.”

Indeed, Adaptive CrossFit athletes will perform traditional CrossFit moves — such as deadlifts, overhead presses, wall balls, even rowing — however, the modifications are individually customized for each athlete.

Beaver, for example, will use special handles attached to a fan bike that allow her to perform cardio exercises.

CrossFit AERO head coach and Adaptive and Inclusive Certified Trainer Ellaine Sapin-Ancheta watches intently as Stephanie Beaver works during a one-on-one Adaptive CrossFit session.

“When people see the things that I am doing here, they immediately want more information and, unfortunately, it is not at every gym,” Beaver said.

“And the community here is really nothing I’ve ever been a part of before,” Beaver added. “I don’t feel any different when I’m here, not like other gyms where I feel like I stand out. Everyone just sees me as another athlete here.”

With CrossFit, inclusivity is — and always has been — key. It’s no different with Adaptive CrossFit.

“I think that, like all of CrossFit, that really it’s about inclusivity,” AERO CrossFit owner Josh Willis said. “CrossFit is really about everyone being able to do it, so that means those with disabilities, too, and they are always welcomed into a CrossFit community.”

“I’m a physical therapist,” Sapin-Ancheta said. “I have always loved working with (people with disabilities), but (CrossFit) was not available to them and why not? They want to work out and be part of the community, as well.”

And it’s true — they just want to work out, too.

“It’s still CrossFit,” Beaver said, with a sly smile. “We still get our WOD in like anyone else.”

Adaptive CrossFit
Where: CrossFit AERO, 4450 Pet Lane, Suite 102, Lutz
Details: An athletic program that focuses on individuals with permanent physical disabilities or severe injuries. Sessions provide additional support and experience so impaired individuals can become comfortable with the fundamentals of functional movement. Sessions are open to every type of physical disability: amputation, limb salvage, neurological damage, sensory impairment or traumatic brain injury, and with or without mobility aids such as wheelchairs, hand crutches and so on.
Info: Email trainer Ellaine Sapin-Ancheta at ./">, or visit CrossFitAero.com.

Published September 21, 2022

Always so controlling

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These racers are always, even remotely, in control.

Lake Park in Lutz has always had an R/C, or remote control, race car track. It’s a little slice of clay dirt tucked toward the back of the park, providing an outlet for R/C enthusiasts to get outside and do a little racing.

Racers expertly maneuver their cars on the R/C race track at Lake Park in Lutz. (Mike Camunas)

“I would say it’s video game people — definitely hobby enthusiasts,” said Ryan Eckert, a Lutz resident who has been R/C car racing at Lake Park since 1997 and runs monthly weekend races at the track.

“Instead of playing video games, you’re out for a couple of hours, having a little fun and it’s kind of, techy, but it’s not a toy,” he said.

He continued: “Back in the day, you couldn’t buy R/C cars just anywhere like you can now. You can get an R/C car at Pep Boys, actually. It had to be specialty stores, but now that you can buy them anywhere, it’s a much easier hobby to get into.”

Lake Park R/C hosts races once a month except for during the summer because of the rain; however, the race track is open and available for use whenever Lake Park is open. Anyone can use the track at any time, but Eckert and the group maintain it when they can. It’s a dedication to a hobby, and sport, that starts at a young age.

Kurt Stephan, left, and Mitch Zeck, right, examine an R/C car following a race at Lake Park in Lutz.

“I think what got me into it was I wanted to race real cars, but my family couldn’t afford it,” Eckert said. “For sure, it is a lot safer to race remote control cars than real cars.

“Everyone has a blast, I think,” he added, “or I hope they do. I’ve always enjoyed this hobby and I’d like to see more kids, fathers and sons, and even novice drivers come out. All you need is a personal transponder to race.”

That personal transponder hooks into the car and allows Eckert to track lap times, provide stats and, of course, announce the winner. At the races, there are meets for both electric and nitro, or gas-powered, R/Cs. The latter requires actual pit stops to be fueled, which the length of the race also factors in.

Lake Park R/C already sees its fair share of families camp out for the day and make it an outing. Tampa resident Michael Abrahams does this with his son, Nixon, who just got an R/C kit for his birthday after showing an interest in racing.

A remote-controlled car makes a big jump on a hill obstacle at the R/C race track at Lake Park in Lutz.

“He’s into a lot of engineering, so he gets to work on the car, tinker with it and get his hands dirty,” Abrahams said. “It’s a great experience for him and he’s even learning a little something. … But the father/son bonding aspect? For sure. I’ll take that every weekend.”

Odessa resident, 13-year-old driver and the aptly named Ember Dirt, grew up around the R/C track, being “dragged” there by her father. So eventually, she wanted to get her hands on a controller.

“Since my dad has always done it, I wanted to get into it as well — it’s fun,” she said. “It’s not just out here playing with toys. It takes practice and some strategy. My friends think that it’s just toys, but I try to get them to come down and see it’s more than that — I bet they will one day.”

Even if R/C racing is more than toys, it is, indeed, still fun for the drivers.

And that’s all Eckert wants, too.

“I think some people can be a little scared to race — hesitant about those who are too competitive,” he said. “I wish that wasn’t the case because I think people want to come out, race and just have fun. Yes, it’s a race, but it shouldn’t scare people away. I want it to be fun — that’s the whole thing about R/C racing.”

Lake Park R/C
Where: 17314 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Lutz
Details: The organization hosts races monthly, except during the rainy summer months. Most races are on the weekends, but the R/C track at Lake Park is available for visitors, as long as the park is open.
Info: Visit Lake Park R/C on Facebook.

Published July 13, 2022

The aptly named Ember Dirt, 13, of Odessa, expertly works her R/C race car around the track at Lake Park in Lutz.
Racers expertly maneuver their cars on the R/C race track at Lake Park in Lutz.
The R/C race track at Lake Park in Lutz is available for anyone to use at any time the park is open, but is primarily used and maintained by Lake Park R/C, which hosts monthly races on the weekends.
R/C car ‘crashes’ are just as common as their life-sized counterparts and that’s why several helpers will man the track, to straighten out the cars and put them back on track to race.
A remote-controlled car makes a big jump on a hill obstacle at the R/C race track at Lake Park in Lutz.
Ashton Offutt, left, and Mateo Amaya, both of Lutz, work on their remote-control race cars in the ‘garage,’ or tent situated near a pickup truck and table, during a weekend race at Lake Park in Lutz.

Local driver has the right ‘Formula’

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Robin Bonanno isn’t about to slow down.

At 59, as a breast cancer survivor and winner of multiple Formula racing championships, she isn’t ready to pump the brake just yet.

“Growing up in New Jersey, I always restored cars with my dad and just knew that I loved driving and wanted to do that,” said Bonanno, who now lives in Odessa.

“So when we moved to Florida, we bought a Ferrari and it just happened that my neighbor was a retired race car driver (Amos Johnson).

Robin Bonanno, of Odessa, has been around cars since she was young. Now, at age 59, she’ll be racing her new Formula Atlantic race car in June. (Fred Bellet)

“It kind of all just snowballed from there, and I have no plans to stop racing now,” said the woman, who has been racing for 22 years.

During that span, she’s been getting progressively skilled and faster.

She also has switched to more powerful cars, starting with a Triumph Spitfire, moving to a Radical race car, and eventually deciding to move to the open-wheel cars that are used in Formula racing.

Bonanno races in the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) and the South Atlantic Road Racing Championship (SARRC), which is held in seven different states. Running in those leagues has yielded 14 championships: three in the SARRC and 11 regional titles in the SCCA.

In June, she’ll unveil her newest ride: a Formula A car that can hit speeds up to 150 mph. She’ll debut that car at Sebring International Raceway.

Carl Lunderstadt has been married to Robin Bonanno for 15 years. His knowledge of racing is an asset to the team.

“I just knew, as a driver, I wanted to and had to go faster with a bigger, badder car — and that’s the Formula A.

“It’s harder and meaner to drive, so there’s a learning curve, but I’m looking forward to getting it out there,” she said.

As much as she enjoys the speed and the challenge, Bonanno wants everyone to know that there’s more to her than simply racing cars.

She’s also a pilot, a guitar player, a teacher, a wife and an aspiring inspirational speaker.

She hopes to inspire others to pursue their dreams — whether that be young girls at the race track who are looking up to her, or helping others to find their way in life.

“Women just line up and say, ‘I always wanted to do this or that’ and I say to them, ‘Well, why aren’t you doing these things?’ I want to be a role model and help young women, girls, men — help anyone do what I’m doing. I know it’s not for everyone, but I can help people do a lot of things they’ve always dreamed of doing.”

Robin Bonanno is accustomed to a race car’s speed. Here, she shows off the engine in her ‘Other Car,’ a Ferrari.

Bonanno’s husband of 15 years, Carl Lunderstadt, who also doubles as her crew chief and manager, knows she can be inspiring.

“I’ll say this about my wife, she is the best driver I’ve taught and I’ve taught a lot of drivers,” Lunderstatdt said.

They’re on the lookout for sponsors, which not only would benefit their race team, but also the sponsor, Lunderstatdt said.

“We could get any sponsor tremendous exposure because she’s good and a female driver,” he said.

They also can be beneficial to charitable causes, he said.

“We can draw an awful lot of attention to someone’s charity because we’re not in it to make a lot of money. We’re in it to do good, help promote a good charity, and enjoy it because it is a very enjoyable sport,” he said.

Bonanno agreed.

She’s not looking for just any sponsor.

She wants one who “wants to build something.

“I’m not looking for someone to throw money and say, ‘Go race,’ but to build something bigger and better. Because it’s nice to be looked up to, and if I can help someone, that’s all I want to do,” Bonanno said.

Published April 27, 2022

Sunlake boys finish third at state cross-country championships

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The Sunlake High School varsity boys cross-country team continued to show itself as among the state’s elite distance running programs and tops in Pasco County, and in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area.

The Seahawks finished in third place out of 32 schools in Class 3A at the FHSAA (Florida High School Athletic Association) State Cross Country Championships at Apalachee Regional Park, in Tallahassee.

The Sunlake High School varsity boys cross-country team finished third in the Class 3A state championship meet, representing the best finish among all local schools in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area. From left: Nathan Lee, Cason Meyer, Cade Culpepper, Alex Pena, Colby Robbins, Maximillian Goserud and Cody Smith. (Courtesy of Randal Reeves)

The 3A team crown went to Miami’s Belen Jesuit Preparatory School, which tallied 42 points after its top five runners went second, ninth, 10th, 14th and 17th place, respectively. It represents that private school’s fifth-consecutive state title and 13th all-time.

Second place went to Fort Myers High School, who tallied 132 points after its top-five finished seventh, 22nd, 37th, 44th and 50th.

Sunlake wasn’t far behind.

They tallied 151 points, as its fleet went third, 16th, 23rd, 58th, and 76th in the 3.1-mile course on Nov. 12.

Rounding out the top five team finishers were Fort Lauderdale’s St. Thomas Aquinas High School (201 points) and Naples High School (235 points), respectively.

Junior Alex Pena — who paced Sunlake with a third-place individual finish — broke the 16-minute mark by clocking a 15:46.8, a 5:04 per mile pace.

The lone runners in the 3A meet who finished ahead of Pena were Leon High School sophomore Patrick Koon (first place, 15:23.8) and Belen Jesuit sophomore Joshua Ruiz (second, 15:37.4).

Following Pena for Sunlake were seniors Colby Robbins (16:21.3) and Cason Meyer (16:21.3); freshman Cade Culpepper (17:03.1); and, senior Maximillian Goserud (17:16.9).

The Seahawks sixth and seventh varsity runners — whose scores aren’t tallied in the results — were junior Nathan Lee (17:47.7) and senior Cody Smith (18:16.7).
The timed average for the Sunlake boys was 16:36, equating to an average pace of 5:21 per mile. There was just a 1:31 gap between its No. 1 through No. 5 runners.

The Seahawks, coached by Randal Reeves, racked up a number of other accolades during the season — altogether sweeping conference, district and regional team titles.

Robbins took individual crowns at each of those three meets. This included recording the fastest time in county history (and setting a new Sunlake record) with a 15:14 mark on the school’s 5K home course at the Sunshine Athletic Conference (SAC) meet on Oct. 20.

The 2021 (FHSAA) Florida High School Athletic Association State Cross Country Championships was held Nov. 12 at Apalachee Regional Park, in Tallahassee.
(Courtesy of Florida High School Athletic Association)

Other individuals from The Laker/Lutz News coverage area also fared well in the 3A boys meet.

Cypress Creek High School junior Zack Poekert finished sixth overall, timing 16:05.

Zephyrhills High School sophomore William Poe took 26th, clocking 16:35.

The meet featured 234 runners.

Several local teams and individuals exhibited solid showings at the state finals across other classifications, too.

The Wharton High School varsity girls yielded the next best local team showing — finishing 10th in the Class 4A meet.

The Wildcats were paced by senior Brooke Reif — a University of Richmond signee — who finished fourth among all individual 4A girls, after running an 18:49.2, an average pace of 6:03 per mile.

The Sunlake girls went 14th in the 3A meet, while the Land O’ Lakes High School girls collected a 26th place finish.
The Steinbrenner High School boys program went 24th in the 4A contest.F
Land O’ Lakes native Elli Black — a home-schooled seventh-grader who runs for Tampa Cambridge Christian School — finished state third overall in the 1A girls meet, posting 18:26.4. The other state qualifying girls individual was Wiregrass Ranch freshman Ava Schmitt (48th, 20:27.3, 4A girls).

Roundup of local teams and individuals at the 2021 FHSAA Cross Country State Championships:

Boys

4A
Steinbrenner (24th)

Ronald Aeschleman, senior (57th, 16:52)

Sawyer Raveling, senior (111th, 17:37.1)

Jaden Simpson, senior (124th, 17:46.0)

Jacob Smith, junior (169th, 18:25.4)

Joaquin Abanses, freshman (170th, 18:26.3)

Brady Peifer, freshman (172nd, 18:28.3)

Eion McDarby, senior (212th, 19:49.7)

3A
Sunlake (third)
Alex Pena, junior (third, 15:46.8)

Colby Robbins, senior (16th, 16:21.3)

Cason Meyer, senior (23rd, 16:31.8)

Cade Culpepper, freshman (58th, 17:03.1)

Maximillian Goserud, senior (76th, 17:16.9)

Nathan Lee, junior (110th, 17:47.7)

Cody Smith, senior (148th, 18:16.7)

Indvidual(s)

Cypress Creek: Zack Poekert, junior (sixth, 16:05)

Zephyrhills: William Poe, sophomore (26th, 16:35.5)

 2A

No local teams or individual runners

 1A
No local teams or individual runners

 Girls

Class 4A
Wharton (10th)

Brooke Reif, senior (fourth, 18:49.2)

Alexi Amer, senior (51st, 20:30.8)

Alexandria Frye, senior (81st, 20:56.5)

Olivia Hammill, junior (109th, 21:18.3)

Aubrey Raile, junior (127th, 21:46.6)

Keira Moody, freshman (191st, 23:27.7)

Dana Robinson, senior (209th, 24:22.9)

 Individual(s)

Wiregrass Ranch: Ava Schmitt, freshman (48th, 20:27.3)

3A
Sunlake (14th)

Sara Ellingson, senior (54th, 20:15.7)

Shelby Viseur, senior (77th, 20:39.9)

Avery Pham, sophomore (78th, 20:41.1)

Abigail Williams, sophomore (89th, 20:49.8)

Jaiden Wickert, junior (128th, 21:35.8)

Emma Burleson, senior (145th, 21:57.8)

Ally Moyer, sophomore (165th, 22:22.6)

Land O’ Lakes (26th)

Maranda Hildebrand, senior (88th, 20:48.9)

Sara Ashley, senior (133th, 21:39.2)

Aileen Castillo, sophomore (152nd, 22:04.0)

Dixie Blessing, freshman (169th, 22:43.5)

Ava Adriana, sophomore (171st, 22:47.0)

Grace Connoy, sophomore (200th, 23:38.6)

Alli Laffler, freshman (202nd, 23:40.9)

 1A
Individual (s)

Elli Black, Cambridge Christian (Land O’ Lakes resident), eighth grade (third, 18:26.4)

Published Nov. 24, 2021

Sports agency in Lutz building reputation, clientele

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When conjuring up an image of a sports talent agent, the mind might wander to a sharp-tongued individual donning an expensive suit, wheeling deals and barking orders from an expensive downtown high-rise in Los Angeles, Miami or New York.

Think movies and television shows like “Jerry McGuire,” “Ballers,” and “Arliss.”

DNA Sports Management is a boutique sports agency firm situated off of State Road 54 in Lutz. The firm primarily represents professional football and hockey players. (Courtesy of DNA Sports Management)

But, David Walkowiak and Andre Kirwan aim to defy that stereotype. They operate a boutique sports agency firm out of Walkowiak’s law office, off State Road 54 in Lutz.

Walkowiak and Kirwan partnered around 2014 to form DNA Sports Management, a full-service sports agency that primarily works with professional football and hockey players.

Kirwan jokes the firm’s name sometimes gives the impression the duo is in an entirely different line of work — with people frequently asking if it’s a medical tech company.

The DNA moniker takes on multiple meanings.

For one, it ties in the first initial of Dave and Andre.

And, like the biological DNA, the firm asserts the tagline: “With You for Life.”

It also signals the team is available to help their clients even after their athletic career — providing guidance into the public and private sectors.

They’ve helped clients break into coaching and scouting, have written law school recommendations, and have helped another launch a rap career and establish contacts in the music and entertainment industry.

They regularly assist with housing issues, financial literacy, athletic training programs and are just there, sometimes, to lend an ear.

“We stay with these guys, whether they’re making millions of dollars or nothing, because we take this seriously,” Walkowiak says.

Kirwan asserts the firm’s priority is “do the right thing by players and not compromise integrity.”

In essence, Kirwan and Walkowiak are on call  24/7, Kirwan says.

“It’s just a matter of when life happens, so when they need us, they need us,” he says of DNA’s athletic clientele. “We’re taking calls on weekends, on evenings. If they had a bad practice, they’ll call us for a pep talk, so really, we’re family. We tell the parents, ‘We’re an extension of you…’”

David Walkowiak

Modest beginnings
DNA Sports started from humble beginnings.

The very first negotiated deal was on behalf of a player for the Triangle Torches, a little-known and now defunct professional indoor football team based out of Raleigh, North Carolina.

It was far from a headline-grabbing, multimillion dollar deal.

League players made around $150 per week and were given a couple food vouchers.

Now, the pair is working with several athletes who’ve gone on to have stints or extended action in both the NFL and CFL.

A new addition to the DNA roster is former USF record-breaking quarterback Quinton Flowers, who plays in the Fan Controlled Football league. Flowers also enjoyed stints with the Cincinnati Bengals (2018), Indianapolis Colts (2019) and XFL’s Tampa Bay Vipers (2020).

Another familiar face is former USF outside linebacker Nigel Harris. The former Hillsborough High standout is now on the CFL’s Saskatchewan Roughriders negotiation list and has previous experience with the Los Angeles Chargers, New York Giants, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Arizona Cardinals and Tennessee Titans.

Walkowiak estimates DNA Sports has represented “close to 100 players” since its inception. He  acknowledges many initial signings were reaches to have a legitimate shot in the pro football ranks, coming from the Division II and NAIA collegiate football ranks.

With time and experience, the firm now can be more selective with its client list.

“I think we learned a lot in the early years,” Walkowiak says. “We realized it’s not quantity. It’s not that you just sign everybody and hope one sticks, you know, it’s that we want to be a boutique agency, and one that really caters to all the needs.”

The firm has gone global to procure talent, too.

DNA Sports in November tabbed three Russian hockey player prospects to contracts — defenseman Artur Karmashkov, goaltender Ivan Veremchuk, and center Yuri Zholobov, respectively.

Karmashkov and Veremchuk have played in the KHL, the Soviet Union’s equivalent of the NHL, while Zholobov has had action in the Czech Republic’s premier professional leagues.

The signings were made possible with the help of former Tampa Bay Lightning winger Alexander Selivanov, the agency’s Director of European Scouting/European Agent.

Andre Kirwan

Further beefing up its ice hockey portfolio, DNA Sports recently hired Adam Bennett,  the No. 6 overall pick in the 1989 NHL Draft, to an advisory role.

Bennett, who bounced around professional leagues for six years, including playing for the Chicago Blackhawks and Edmonton Oilers, will be consulting primarily Florida-based hockey talent, helping them latch on with junior teams, colleges and so on.

The numbers guy
Walkowiak and Kirwan each bring their own set of unique backgrounds and experiences to the sports management firm.

Walkowiak is a self-professed “geek that loves numbers,” and describes himself as “the guy behind the scenes.” He previously worked closely with the Lightning’s former ownership group led by Henry Paul and Phil Esposito, assisting on tasks like arbitration, trades and player contract evaluations.

His career feats include facilitating the trade of then forward Jason Bonsignore and handling the arbitration case of then goaltender Daren Puppa.

On negotiating player contracts, Walkowiak calls the process “very similar to doing a comparative market analysis in real estate.”

With a passion for sports growing up and hockey in particular, Walkowiak “always wanted to be an agent.”

A practicing attorney since 1997 who specializes in real estate law, circuit civil and family law, Walkowiak figured he’d revisit this dream knowing pro athletes have landed larger and larger deals in recent years.

The tipping point came when Colorado Avalanche forward Gabriel Landeskog in 2013 signed a seven-year contract extension worth $39 million.

The report piqued Walkowiak’s interest.

Someone he never heard of was now “making Wayne Gretzky money,” he said, referring to arguably the greatest hockey player of all time, who retired in 1999.

Former USF record-breaking quarterback Quinton Flowers is one of the Lutz-based sports agency’s more prominent clients. (Courtesy of University of South Florida Athletics Department)

“For a period of about 15 years, to go from the greatest player that ever played the game, to almost the same amount of money for a guy that I had never heard of,” Walkowiak says. “I wanted to revisit that.”

The mentor
Kirwan, meanwhile, takes on more of the role of relationship-builder and athlete mentor. He often reminds clients and others to “stay humble, stay hungry and prayed up.”

Kirwan was a decorated athlete in his own right. He played nearly nine seasons with the CFL’s Toronto Argonauts, where he won a Grey Cup Championship as a starting wide receiver in 1997. He even had an NFL training camp stint with the San Francisco 49ers after graduating from Stanford University.

Kirwan understands the importance of an agent being forthcoming, and transparent, with athletes.

He once had to fire an agent from a high-profile firm for lying to him about sending his highlight film to NFL teams who’d expressed interest at the height of his CFL career. It could’ve been what Kirwan needed to break into the NFL at the time.

Kirwan often ponders if he would have been better served by a smaller, more personable firm like DNA Sports.

“I’ve sat on both sides of the table now.

“The No. 1 question I’d always ask an agent when I was interviewing them was, ‘Who else do you represent?’ and a lot of times you go for the shiniest objects, the biggest names and that’s what I ended up doing,” Kirwan explains.
“In essence, I should’ve gone to a boutique firm like us that really fought for my cause. Having had to fire an agent for lying to me, it’s even that more personal to me to do what we say we’re going to do,” he said, noting athletes are placing their futures in the firm’s hands.

Keeping momentum
So, what does the future holds for DNA Sports?

Perhaps the firm will venture into additional professional sports, such as basketball, soccer or track and field.

“We’re not opposed to branching out,” Kirwan says, but, “we don’t want to be a jack-of-all trades and a master of none.”

Whatever path they take, Kirwan and Walkowiak are bullish on the agency’s future prospects.

“It’s just a matter of time before we start having those first-rounders, those second-rounders,” Kirwan says, referring to top-flight NFL Draft prospects.

Says Walkowiak: “We’re excited. We have a lot going on. We’ve picked up quite a bit of traction lately.”

For information on DNA Sports Management, visit DNASportsManagement.com, email , or call 813-962-3176.

Published February 24, 2021