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Lutz Sports

Chiefs wrap up Super Bowl season

December 28, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

Through 38 years of organized youth tackle football, the 2016 fall varsity season will go down as one of the Lutz Chiefs’ most dominant ever.

They went 14-1.

They were crowned Tampa Bay Youth Football League (TBYFL) Super Bowl champs.

And, they won “The Battle of the Bay,” toppling the best Pinellas County had to offer.

The Lutz Chiefs varsity team, made up of 13- and 14- year-olds, recently was crowned Super Bowl champs for the Tampa Bay Youth Football League (TBYFL). The Super Bowl victory marked the organization’s first championship since 2009 — and the first for a Chiefs varsity squad since 2006.
(Photos courtesy of James Monahan Photography)

All told, it was a remarkable year for the Chiefs 13-14-year-old division team.

In fact, the Super Bowl victory marked the organization’s first championship since 2009 — and the first for a Chiefs varsity squad since 2006.

As for the team’s lone blemish? It came in the form of a 12 to 6 overtime loss in the fifth game of the season.

Tom Wiltse, director of the Lutz Chiefs, described the season this way: “It’s just one of those things where everything kind of clicked. We knew we had a really good opportunity to go far this year.”

The outcome was perhaps a year in the making.

Many integral pieces — including a stable coaching staff — returned from a respectable two-loss 2015 season.

“We brought back a lot of the same players,” Wiltse said, “but, we picked up a couple of other key players — really good athletes.”

Getting the group to play as a cohesive unit, however, was the critical part, said Zack Kilburn, Chiefs varsity head coach.

“We had a great deal of talent,” Kilburn said, “but, the biggest success was for them to become a team.

“We had a bunch of kids that had been used to being the superstar at multiple levels… and we had to teach them to be a part of a team, and how to work through those aspects.”

That meant an enhanced focus on building positive character traits — like integrity and dedication, and honesty and sportsmanship.

A blitz-heavy defense helped propel the Lutz Chiefs to a 14-1 fall record.

“Talent can only take you so far,” said Kilburn, who’s coached with the Chiefs for more than a decade. “We had a big philosophy on concentrating on the little things — teaching these kids that the little things are going to make them successful in life, and on the football field.”

On the gridiron, the Chiefs coach said the Chiefs’ pressure-heavy 4-4 defense was “probably the biggest deciding factor” in the 14 wins — several of which were shutouts.

“We kind of adapt what our defense is doing,” Kilburn said. “We do a lot of blitzing to try to mix it up and confuse the opposing offense.”

Unsurprisingly, several names etched on the Chiefs’ 2016 varsity roster have lofty ceilings ahead.

Many will eventually dot the football rosters of area high schools like Steinbrenner, Freedom, Wharton and Gaither.

“I’d bet there’s seven, maybe eight kids that are going to be really good players in high school,” Wiltse said.

A few may even don Division I uniforms.

“When you’re moving up, the competition gets better…but we got a couple of kids that for sure are going to be playing DI football,” Wiltse said.

Reaching the game’s uppermost levels isn’t foreign to the Chiefs.

The organization has produced two current NFL players — wide receiver Nelson Agholor and quarterback Aaron Murray.

Both are Philadelphia Eagles, ironically.

Agholor, for one, is particularly passionate about his Lutz Chiefs playing days.

During the 2015 NFL offseason, he made an appearance at a Chiefs practice, where he spoke to current players about the bonds he formed throughout youth football.

There, Agholor proclaimed, “I’m a Chief for life.”

“It was just really, really cool.” Wiltse said of the memorable moment. “People got goosebumps.”

Agholor, like countless others, are part of what Wiltse refers to as ‘Chiefs Nation.’

The moniker — like the organization — casts a wide net. It describes current (and former) youth players and cheerleaders, along with families and other volunteers.

“We kind of got something special up here,” Wiltse said.

And, while winning games is important, the Chiefs director noted the organization’s purpose rests in “teaching family values.”

“I tell people all the time, ‘If you can get the infrastructure behind you, the wins…will come shortly thereafter,’” Wiltse said. “But, you got to build that infrastructure.”

Meantime, the varsity squad — and the Chiefs’ other age divisions— will shortly suit up for spring football, where practices begin Feb. 1.

They’ll compete in the Tampa Bay Extreme Spring Football (TBXSF) league, which has a short season league, and draws squads from Pop Warner and Pinellas County.

Simply put, the Chiefs will compete against teams they normally wouldn’t face.

“It’s pretty good at judging where your whole organization is when you’re playing some of these other teams,” Wiltse said.

For more information on the Lutz Chiefs, visit LutzChiefs.org.

Published December 28, 2016

Record 3-point shooter adds new challenges

October 19, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

Justin Dargahi, a record-holding three-point shooter, has added a few new challenges for 2016 and beyond.

First: Turn around the struggling Gaither High girls varsity basketball program.

Next: Set the world record for most three pointers made by a pair, in one minute.

Dargahi — the Guinness World Record for the most 3s made from NBA range (23 feet, 9 inches) in one minute (26) — first hopes to bring some cache to the Gaither High’s girls basketball program.

It won’t be easy for the former Land O’ Lakes High girls head JV (junior varsity) coach.

The Cowboys—which went a combined 5-38 the last two seasons—have had six straight losing seasons.

Yet, that doesn’t deter Dargahi, who will be the program’s fourth head coach in six years, once tryouts begin Oct. 24.

“I’m definitely looking forward to the challenge,” he said. “I love proving people wrong.”

He relishes it.

“You have room to improve. If you take over a great team, what are you trying to accomplish?” he said.

“Hopefully, we can increase our win total a lot just this coming year alone.”

It will be tough, he acknowledged, considering Gaither High plays in a highly competitive eight-team district (Class 8A, District 8).

It’s one stacked with perennial prep powerhouses in Wiregrass Ranch, Plant, Freedom and Steinbrenner high schools.

“It’s hard to win and advance anywhere when you have four or five great teams out of eight,” said Dargahi. “Luckily, we have a good three weeks of practice before the first game (Nov. 15).

His blueprint starts with building around junior Janae Lyle, the team’s top returning player (7.6 points per game, 4.9 rebounds per game, 1.9 steals per game).

“It is a lot of specifying toward your players’ talents,” said Dargahi, a former basketball player at Cambridge Christian School. “I refuse to go into the first game not having specified positions.”

It also includes implementing a pressure man-to-man defense to help close out one-possession games.

“I love pressing,” he said. “I love getting steals, turnovers. That’s how you score points,” he said.

“I think the best (coaching) aspect is game management,” he added.

When not on the sidelines, meanwhile, Dargahi will be spending ample time at the three-point line. The new Gaither coach is teaming up with Teddy Dupay — a former Florida Gators basketball standout (1998-2001) and current boys basketball coach at Cambridge Christian School — to break the Guinness World Record for most three-pointers made by a pair in one minute.

The current record is 19, set by Harlem Globetrotters’ Cheese Chisholm and Ant Atkinson. The previous record (15) was set by NBA all-stars Kevin Durant (Golden State Warriors) and Dirk Nowitzki (Dallas Mavericks).

Though Dargahi hasn’t set an official attempt date, he figures it will “definitely be before Thanksgiving (Nov. 24).”

Dargahi, who claims he makes anywhere from 75 percent to 80 percent of attempted 3-pointers, said the feat largely boils down to each participant making 10 shots. It’s possible, he said, considering both his and Dupay’s shooting prowess. (Dupay ranks 10th all-time in Florida Gators history for career 3-point field goals made with 188.)

“We’re both very confident with our shooting,” Dargahi said. “The good thing about this record — both shooters have to be awesome. You can’t have one guy carry it.”

But the difficulty, he said, lies in get enough shots up in 60 seconds.

“I don’t even know how many shots we can get up, to be honest. I’m guessing 25 to 30, at the most,” said Dargahi.

The strategy, he added, will include court positioning — the wings or the top-of-the-key — and conserving energy across multiple attempts.

“I think we’ll at least try it for an hour, or an hour-and-a half,” Dargahi said.

Perhaps one aspect working in the duo’s favor: home court advantage.

“I’ve shot more balls at Cambridge than any other gym,” he said. “There’s a little bit of a comfort zone.”

Additionally, Dargahi has been approved by Guinness to attempt world records for most individual free throws in one minute (51) and most individual three-pointers in two minutes (44).

“The free throw one is tough,” Dargahi said. “I just tried it once just to see, and I didn’t even get up 51 shots. I definitely have to speed it up to shoot. If I could get up just 55 (shots), I like my chances.”

Published Oct. 19, 2016

 

 

 

 

 

Area fall football preview: Hillsborough County

August 17, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

The 2016 high school football season is just around the corner, and several teams in The Laker/Lutz News’ Hillsborough County coverage area enter the year with intriguing storylines, standout players and must-see matchups.

Carrollwood Patriots
Coach: Lane McLaughlin (10th year)
2015 record: 7-4
Spring Game result: 14-7 loss to Victory Christian

Freedom Patriots
Coach: Floyd Graham (1st year)
2015 record: 3-7
Spring Game result: 7-0 win over King High

Gaither Cowboys
Coach: Jason Stokes (6th year)
2015 record: 4-6
Spring Game result: 7-0 win over Sickles High

Steinbrenner Warriors
Coach: Andres Perez-Reinaldo (5th year)
2015 record: 9-2
Spring Game result: 18-0 loss to Alonso High

Wharton Wildcats
Coach: David Mitchell (12th year)
2015 record: 8-2
Spring Game result: 14-0 loss to Hillsborough High

Three teams to watch:

 

The Carrollwood Day School Patriots are loaded with talented playmakers on offense. (Courtesy of Carrollwood Day School)
The Carrollwood Day School Patriots are loaded with talented playmakers on offense.
(Courtesy of Carrollwood Day School)

Carrollwood Patriots
The Patriots, coming off a 7-4 season, appear to be one of the more interesting teams in Tampa this year. Despite being a smaller school, their youthful talent rivals many of the area’s larger schools. Armed with a bevy of playmakers on offense — quarterback Raymond Woodie III, tailback Yahsin Wooten, and receivers Nazir Achecar and Markeis Colvin — the Patriots are likely to rack up a lot of yards and touchdowns against foes. But, in order to take the next step forward, the Patriots must find a few pass-rushers on defense that can pressure opposing quarterbacks and generate sacks, due to the departures of Zac Watson-Parcels (team-leading 11 sacks), Devon Connors (10 sacks) and Corey Shamley (seven sacks).

 

The Gaither High Cowboys are looking for a bounce-back season in 2016. (File Photo)
The Gaither High Cowboys are looking for a bounce-back season in 2016.
(File Photo)

Gaither Cowboys
Despite coming off a disappointing 4-6 season, the Cowboys should have plenty to be excited about in 2016. After ending the 2015 campaign on a three-game win streak, the Cowboys return several impact players, including senior running backs Alex Rodriguez (805 yards, five touchdowns) and TJ Williams (391 yards, three touchdowns), and senior linebackers Decalon Brooks (114 tackles, five sacks) and Estefano Feliciano (73 tackles, six sacks). Though the team has several experienced playmakers on both sides of the ball, Gaither’s success may be determined by quarterback play — which must become more efficient. Gavin Deboer, the team’s incumbent quarterback from last season, struggled at times as a sophomore (48 percent rate, 10 interceptions.) If he can improve his touchdown-to-interception ratio and find a few reliable pass-catchers, Gaither may be in store for a winning season.

Steinbrenner High’s Warriors look to build off their stellar 9-2 mark in 2015. (Courtesy of Steinbrenner High football)
Steinbrenner High’s Warriors look to build off their stellar 9-2 mark in 2015.
(Courtesy of Steinbrenner High football)

Steinbrenner Warriors
Coming off a breakout 9-2 season, the Warriors are looking to keep the upward momentum going in the 2016 campaign. With holes to fill on offense and defense, Coach Andres Perez-Reinaldo will need several players to step up this season. Gone are the team’s top two offensive skill players — running back Jay Dantley (1,269 yards, 13 touchdowns) and wide receiver Justin Moffatt (41 receptions, 641 yards, 8 touchdowns) — and the team’s top four leading tacklers from last season. On a positive note, junior quarterback Colin Wray looks to build off his stellar sophomore season (56 percent completion rate, 1,634 yards, 13 touchdowns) with a few reliable targets at his disposal in seniors Brett Bitter (35 receptions, 600 yards) and Carson Kaleo (34 receptions, 277 yards). Helping the Warriors immediately is the addition of hybrid linebacker Devon Connors (53 tackles, 10 sacks), a 6-foot-3, 234-pound senior transfer from Carrollwood Day School.

Three players to watch:
Gaither senior linebacker Decalon Brooks
Decalon Brooks, the son of former Tampa Bay Buccaneer great and NFL Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks, is quickly making a name for himself. Brooks, who led the Cowboys in tackles (114) in 2015, holds several Division I offers, most notably from Florida State University and the University of Louisville. An inside linebacker at Gaither, the undersized Brooks (5-foot-10, 197-pounds) figures to transition to the safety position in college. Brooks, a consensus three-star recruit, is lauded by scouting services for his “aggressiveness, agility, athleticism and blitzing ability.”

Carrollwood sophomore quarterback Raymond Woodie III
Raymond Woodie III, the son of University of South Florida defensive coordinator Raymond Woodie Jr., will be a name to remember for the next several years. Just a sophomore, the 6-foot-1, 185-pound dual-threat quarterback already has seven Division I offers, highlighted by the University of Southern California. In 2015, Woodie III put together a stellar season (1289 yards, 11 touchdowns.) More refined, he’ll likely raise his completion percentage (53 percent) and cut down on turnovers (nine interceptions) in 2016. Recruiting services praise the young quarterback for his “strong arm” and “ability to extend plays with his feet.”

Steinbrenner senior kicker Noah Ruggles
It’s not often a kicker makes a player-to-watch list, but Noah Ruggles is a rare case, considering he’s one of the top prep kickers in the nation. According to KohlsKicking.com, Ruggles is ranked No. 5 for the class of 2017, and holds an offer from Vanderbilt University. The 6-foot-3, 175-pound senior is known for his “leg speed and athletic frame.” Last season, Ruggles made 37-of-38 extra-point attempts and 8-of-13 field goals with a long of 51 yards for Steinbrenner. Kicking runs in the family — Ruggles’ older brother, Michael, earned a scholarship as a punter for the University of Texas at El Paso in 2013.

Three games to watch:
Sickles High at Steinbrenner High, Aug. 19, 7:30 p.m.
Two teams coming off terrific 2015 seasons face off in a Week 1 rivalry game. Steinbrenner has the benefit of not having to matchup against former Sickles quarterback Chris Oladokun (1,390 yards, 15 touchdowns), who recently graduated. The last time these teams met was in 2014 — Steinbrenner won 15-7.

Tampa Catholic High at Gaither High, Aug. 19, 7:30 p.m.
Gaither appears to be overmatched in this contest, but fans will get to see a lot of Division I talent on the field for both sides. If Gaither can play a ball-control game, leaving the prodigious Tampa Catholic offense on the sidelines, they have a chance to keep it close.

Carrollwood Day School at Cambridge Christian School, Oct. 28, 7:30 p.m.
With ample experience on offense, Carrollwood will look to avenge last season’s 21-12 defeat to Cambridge Christian School. It won’t be easy, considering Cambridge returns most of their impact players from its 12-1 team in 2015. Also of note, Cambridge was undefeated (8-0) at home last season. Nevertheless, expect to see a lot of big plays and offensive highlights in this contest.

Published August 17, 2016

No more slow-pitch softball for Lutz Leaguerettes

July 27, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

After 37 years, the Lutz Leaguerettes girls’ softball organization has discontinued its slow-pitch leagues.

The decision was made due to dwindling registration figures, and an overwhelming preference for fast-pitch, which was first introduced in the spring.

A survey and questionnaire by players and parents showed a 92-to-4 vote in favor of fast-pitch over slow-pitch, said Mike Cook, president of the Leaguerettes.

After 37 years, the Lutz Leaguerettes has discontinued slow-pitch softball. The organization now offers only fast-pitch and T-ball leagues. (File Photo)
After 37 years, the Lutz Leaguerettes has discontinued slow-pitch softball. The organization now offers only fast-pitch and T-ball leagues.
(File Photo)

The nonprofit league only had about 20 girls registered for slow-pitch in the spring, compared to about 200 for fast-pitch.

At one point, the Leaguerettes had 400-plus girls playing in its slow-pitch leagues. But, that was before the rise in popularity of fast-pitch during the past few decades.

“The writing on the wall was that slow-pitch has pretty much fallen by the wayside,” Cook said. “The rest of the county and other areas don’t have slow-pitch available anymore, so we basically played among ourselves this past season.”

The Leaguerettes was the last recreational league in the county to offer slow-pitch softball to girls ages 5 to 18.

Other softball programs — the Brandon Leaguerettes, North Tampa Leaguerettes, Tampa Bay Velocity and FishHawk Miss Tampa Bay Softball — all transitioned exclusively to fast-pitch over the past few seasons.

“We found out how many other organizations were doing rec league fast-pitch, and we realized that we were able to compete against other organizations and other leagues,” Cook said. “It kind of gives the girls a different perspective.”

The league president said the introduction of fast-pitch was a strenuous one for the league’s board of directors, considering the significant variations in rules and regulations, age divisions and equipment.

“We had a lot to learn,” Cook said. “The move to fast-pitch had been brought up in the last few years, but logistically, it was a huge transition for us to make.”

Cook noted that over $2,000 worth of fast-pitch equipment was recently purchased, including softball pitching machines and catcher’s gear—leg pads, chest protector, mask and shin guards; protective face masks for all pitchers and infielders were also introduced.

One significant adjustment between fast-pitch and slow-pitch is the offensive strategy employed to try to win games.

In fast-pitch, the general offensive approach is to play ‘small ball,’ where bunting, slapping and hitting singles are heavily relied upon to generate runs. Conversely, offensive players in slow-pitch softball are often taught to hit the ball as far as possible, due to the relative ease at making contact.

“For us to learn the rules and transfer that information to the girls was a difficult task on the coaches, the player agents and the entire administrative portion of the league,” the league president said.

In the spring, 11 fast-pitch teams were formed across four age divisions — 8U, 10U, 12U and 16U.

“It probably exceeded expectations, because we didn’t really know what kind of response we were going to get,” Cook said.

The upcoming fall season may perhaps see an even larger response, since approximately 50 percent of the league’s current registered players will be new participants in the league.

While fast-pitch registration is open to girls ages 6 to 18, most of the league’s participants range from ages 10 to 14, Cook said.

“A lot of the girls, they think ‘fast-pitch’ is stressful competition, and they’re going to be playing with girls that are so far out of their skill level, but that wasn’t the case,” he said. “For probably about 70 (percent) to 80 percent of the girls, it was their first year playing fast-pitch as well.”

Jennifer Parry, the league’s secretary, told The Laker/Lutz News in January that the increased desire for young girls to play softball in high school has had a significant influence on the rise of fast-pitch.

“I think with the popularity of (former Olympic gold medalist softball pitcher) Jennie Finch, the Olympics and all these girls playing softball in college, it’s really changed softball for kids,” she said. “So many more kids want to play softball in high school, so they’re having to learn how to play fast-pitch.”

While slow-pitch will no longer be available, the league is bringing back T-ball leagues (ages 5 to 6) for the first time in several years.

“Basically it will be (softball) at a slower pace where we’ll be teaching them the fundamentals and the spirit of teamwork; it’s not about winning or losing at that age — it’s about learning the game and trying to have fun,” Cook said.

Refurbished fields will be another new feature this fall.

Cook said the five softball fields at both Oscar Cooler Sports Complex and Nye Park in Lutz are currently undergoing drastic renovations, including new clay field surface and new bases.

Player registration closes on Aug. 19, with fall practices starting Sept. 1. Opening Day is set for Oct. 1.

For more information, visit LutzSoftball.com.

Published July 27, 2016

He aims to make Gaither basketball ‘relevant’ again

July 20, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

The Gaither High School’s varsity boys basketball team hasn’t had a winning season since 2006, but new head coach Jose Jordan wants to change that losing trend.

“We need to raise the expectations,” said Jordan, who is stepping into the new role after spending the past four seasons as the program’s junior varsity (JV) coach.

Jose Jordan is Gaither High School’s new varsity basketball coach. He replaces Dwayne Olinger, who was the team’s head coach for 16 years. Jordan’s appointment was effective on June 20. (Courtesy of Jose Jordan)
Jose Jordan is Gaither High School’s new varsity basketball coach. He replaces Dwayne Olinger, who was the team’s head coach for 16 years. Jordan’s appointment was effective on June 20.
(Courtesy of Jose Jordan)

Jordan replaces Dwayne Olinger, who resigned after 16 seasons — the last 10 being consecutive losing seasons. Jordan’s promotion took effect on June 20.

“It’s a rebuilding program,” said Jordan, a former Gaither High point guard who graduated in 1988. “There’s no way around that.”

Jordan’s last head varsity boys basketball coaching job was at Seminole Presbyterian School (now Cambridge Christian) in the late 1990s. In total, Jordan has 22 years of basketball coaching experience.

Despite the program’s ongoing struggles, Jordan relishes the opportunity to become the head coach at his high school alma mater, especially since he already understands the inner workings of the school’s administration and athletics department.

“I’m very grateful for the job,” Jordan said, adding that he doesn’t think there’s another job in the county that he would have preferred.

But, the coach acknowledged it will take some time to turn around the basketball program and raise its level of expectations.

“My goals are to make Gaither basketball relevant again and to compete for championships,” he said. “We’ve got a tough district…but I think that we can definitely compete.”

While the varsity squad is likely to “take some hits” in Jordan’s first season, he hopes the group can make significant improvements in his second and third seasons.

The rebuilding process will begin with players buying into Jordan’s coaching philosophy and core values.

“I want my players to play together, play for each other and play the game the right way,” he said.

“One of the expectations that I have is that you have to practice hard. A lot of young people think they can rise to the occasion — if you don’t rise to the occasion, you’re going to fall to the level of your preparation,” he said.

In the 2015-2016 season, Gaither finished 9-15, losing seven games by 20 points or more. As the program’s JV coach, Jordan witnessed many of those listless performances.

“We got our butts kicked some nights,” he said. “You could always say it’s a lack of talent, but I don’t like to use that excuse. I don’t think our guys played to their potential, but in all fairness, this is a very tough district. Freedom (High) has an excellent basketball team. So does Sickles (High) and Wharton (High). Those teams have been good for a while.”

He continued: “If we set expectations, we focus on the right thing and our preparation is better, we can turn it around sooner rather than later.”

To quickly steer the program in the right direction, Jordan said he plans to focus more on player development, and extensive strength and conditioning.

Advancing players’ overall skillsets — ball handling, passing, shooting and rebounding — also will be key, he said.

“I think our focus will not be so much on the Xs and Os — at least not initially; the focus will be on…improving our skills,” Jordan said.

Jordan said the team’s personnel will ultimately dictate the offensive and defensive playbook, but acknowledged Gaither will run an up-tempo style of offense with a pressing defense.

“We do like to get out and run every chance we get,” he said. “The more three-on twos, two-on-ones we can create, the better. Obviously, you want to be effective in your half-court offense…but if you’re playing five-on-five, your shooting percentage is going to go down.”

“I do like to play to press as much as we can, whether it’s full-court or half-court traps,” Jordan added.

The recently hired coach expects to have “six or seven” players returning from last year’s varsity team; he’s currently in the process of filling out the rest of the roster.

“The first place that we need to (look for players) is Gaither High School’s hallways,” he said.

Jordan is also actively seeking assistant coaches, which he referred to as an ongoing process.

“I’ve got some former players that I’m looking at joining the staff,” he said.

The school hasn’t hired a JV coach or varsity assistant, but Jordan said he has a list.

“Those are key positions, and I’ve got to make sure that we get those right,” Jordan said.

Published July 20, 2016

Steinbrenner pitcher makes national trial team

July 13, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

The accolades are piling up for Steinbrenner High School’s right-handed pitcher CJ Van Eyk.

He’s led Steinbrenner to its first state baseball title.

He’s been crowned the Florida Dairy Farmers’ Class 8A Player of the Year.

And now, the rising senior has achieved another prestigious accomplishment: pitcher on the USA Baseball 18U National Trial team.

Steinbrenner High’s CJ Van Eyk was one of 40 prep players selected to the USA Baseball 18U National Trial team on June 26. Six other players from Florida made the team. (Courtesy of Steve Fiorindo)
Steinbrenner High’s CJ Van Eyk was one of 40 prep players selected to the USA Baseball 18U National Trial team on June 26. Six other players from Florida made the team.
(Courtesy of Steve Fiorindo)

Van Eyk, a Florida State commit, was one of 40 players nationwide selected to the roster on June 26 following a scouting and evaluation period in Cary, North Carolina.

“It was definitely surprising, but I thought I had good shot,” Van Eyk said about his selection.

It wasn’t much of a shock for Van Eyk’s high school baseball coach, John Crumbley.

“He’s right up there with some of the top pitchers that I’ve coached in my career,” said Crumbley, who’s amassed four state titles and over 700 wins in his 25-plus year coaching career at Jesuit and Steinbrenner high schools.

“If he stays healthy, his upside is so high.

“Now, this is just going to put him in the national spotlight,” Crumbley said.

The trial games run from Sept. 11 to Sept. 15 in Houston, Texas, when the 20-man 18U National Team roster will be finalized. If Van Eyk makes the 20-man roster, he will participate in the COPABE Pan Am “AAA” Championships in Monterrey, Mexico, from Sept. 23 to Oct. 2.

Last season, Van Eyk proved to be one of the most dominant pitchers in the entire state. The 6-foot-2, 190-pound flamethrower ranked first in Class 8A in strikeouts (130) and wins (12), and fifth in earned run average (0.77).

With a four-pitch repertoire that includes a 92 mph fastball, high school opponents often left the batter’s box bewildered by Van Eyk’s pitching dexterity.

“When you’re throwing in the 90s, that usually gets attention,” Crumbley said. “His fastball has gotten more velocity as his career at Steinbrenner has gone along — I think the first thing that people see is his velocity that he has.”

Moreover, his other three pitches were just as demoralizing to opposing hitters, his high school coach said.

“They are all plus pitches that he’ll throw at any time,” Crumbley said. “Sometimes, he’ll get out more (batters) with his splitter or changeup. And, his curveball is devastating.”

Crumbley added Van Eyk’s competitiveness, too, is a key reason for his massive successes on the mound.

“He’s just goes at it and gets it done.”

With a goal of one day playing high-level professional baseball, Van Eyk is constantly honing his craft — he’s currently striving to throw his fastball in the mid-90s by the 2017 season.

“I’ve been working to get my velocity up, and keep commanding my pitches better,” Steinbrenner’s ace pitcher said. “There’s always room for improvement, no matter who you are or what you want to do.”

According to Crumbley, Van Eyk always showed flashes of potential, but said he really emerged toward the end of his sophomore year, when he finished 7-0 with a 0.16 ERA in 44.1 innings.

“As a ninth-grader he had a good arm, but I think he just needed to understand how to harness what he had because he was a little more inconsistent,” Crumbley said. “As a sophomore, we brought him along where he was pretty much the guy at the end after we used him more in relief (at the start of the season). We didn’t have to hurry him along — he was able to play infield and develop as a pitcher without being thrown to the wolves early on, so I think all that helped.”

Though the start of the 2017 high school baseball season is more than seven months away, Crumbley said his team is already eager to defend its state title, especially with its best player returning.

“This is the most returning pitching that got us to a high level, and more returning starters than we’ve ever had, so we’re excited,” Crumbley said. “We know the target will be on us.”

Van Eyk is also bullish on the Warrior’s 2017 prospects, and believes the team can repeat as state champs.

“I’m pretty confident in (the team), and I think we can do it again,” he said.

CJ Van Eyk
Pitching stats
Junior year: 12-1, 0.77 ERA, 130 strikeouts in 91 innings pitched
Sophomore year: 7-0, 0.16 ERA, 64 strikeouts in 44.1 innings pitched

–Stats compiled from Maxpreps.com

Published July 13, 2016

Steinbrenner and Gaither claim state titles

June 1, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

The varsity baseball teams for Steinbrenner and Gaither high schools each completed impressive seasons, with both teams capturing state titles.

Steinbrenner High School baseball players celebrate the school’s first varsity baseball state title. They defeated Oviedo Hagerty in a 9-4 win in the Class 8A Florida High School Athletic Association state championship game. (Courtesy of Steinbrenner High baseball)
Steinbrenner High School baseball players celebrate the school’s first varsity baseball state title. They defeated Oviedo Hagerty in a 9-4 win in the Class 8A Florida High School Athletic Association state championship game.
(Courtesy of Steinbrenner High baseball)

Steinbrenner took its first baseball state title with a 9-4 win over Oviedo Hagerty in the Class 8A Florida High School Athletic Association state championship game on May 21 at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers.

The Warriors (27-5) trailed Hagerty 4-1 in the sixth inning before erupting for an eight-run seventh inning, thanks to timely run production from junior Patrick Morris, and seniors Ryan Russell and Drew Burkhart.

On the mound, Morris and fellow junior Dave Crawford combined to pitch seven innings, giving up four runs (two earned).

The Warriors entered the state championship game on a 13-game winning streak, with their last defeat being a 7-3 road loss against Hillsborough High on March 29. For next season, the Warriors lose eight seniors, but return ace right-handed pitcher CJ Van Eyk (12 wins, 0.77 ERA, 130 strikeouts in 91 innings). Morris, the team’s top power hitter with four home runs and 11 doubles in 2016, also returns.

Gaither’s team prevailed in a nail-biting 2-1 extra-inning game over Venice High, securing the program’s first Class 7A FHSAA state championship.

Players from Gaither High School’s varsity baseball team signal that they’re No. 1. The team beat Venice High to secure the program’s first Class 7A FHSAA state championship. (Courtesy of Gaither High baseball)
Players from Gaither High School’s varsity baseball team signal that they’re No. 1. The team beat Venice High to secure the program’s first Class 7A FHSAA state championship.
(Courtesy of Gaither High baseball)

The Cowboys (20-9) held a 1-0 into the third inning before Venice tied the game 1-1. The Gaither offense finally got a spark in the eighth inning when leadoff hitter Jose Cadenas singled, and eventually scored the winning run on a Venice throwing error. Gaither senior pitchers David Masuck and Josh Bobrowski held Venice’s offense in check, combining to allow just one run on seven hits (no extra base hits), and one walk.

The Cowboys lose eight seniors from this year’s squad, including ace lefty Gavin Gillespie (0.79 ERA, 89 strikeouts in 88 and two-thirds pitched). However, second-year coach Nelson North will have the luxury of getting back five of the team’s top six hitters in 2017, including Cadenas, Chipper Holland, Kenny Rodriguez, Danny Gutcher and AJ Drisdom.

Steinbrenner and Gaither met once during the regular season, with the Warriors defeating the Cowboys 7-3 on March 31 at Gaither High.

–Information and statistics were gathered from FHSAA.org and Maxpreps.com.

Published June 1, 2016

Middle school wrestler to compete at nationals

May 25, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

Truman Noble, an eighth-grader at Martinez Middle School, has qualified to competed at a national wrestling tournament next month.

The wrestler, the son of Steinbrenner High wrestling coach Paul Noble, will face off in the USA Wrestling Schoolboy National Duals in Indianapolis, from June 8 to June 12.

To take part in the prestigious tournament, the 136-pounder first had to make the Florida Schoolboy National Team roster.

Truman Noble, left, grapples with fellow wrestler Justin Moran during a recent practice. (Courtesy of Paul Noble)
Truman Noble, left, grapples with fellow wrestler Justin Moran during a recent practice.
(Courtesy of Paul Noble)

He did that after winning his weight class (for his age group) at both the 2016 Father Devine National Qualifier, and the Freestyle and Greco Roman State Championships in Osceola.

“It felt good, it was shocking,” Noble said about making the roster. “I’m excited to see what I can do (at nationals).”

Despite Noble’s recent success, his father, Paul, noted that his son “struggled for years” at the sport until he began flourishing during the last 12 to 18 months.

“He’s started to really turn the corner,” said Paul, who’s been coaching wrestling at Steinbrenner High since the school’s opening in 2009.

“His skillset has always been pretty high as far as his technique, but getting things done on the mat hasn’t always translated from drills to being able to do it in a match situation. That’s just really kind of started to happen in the last year to year in a half,” he added.

The high school coach attributes his son’s recent triumphs on the mat to a heightened maturity and an increased commitment to becoming a more refined wrestler. He noted that the middle-schooler trains nearly every day.

The wrestler concurred. He said he has improved by “working hard and not giving up” when he loses.

Having a passion for the sport, combined with a competitor’s mentality, doesn’t hurt, either.

“It’s just fun,” said Truman, who’s been wrestling since third grade. “I like to compete at anything, just like if it’s backyard football or something.”

His son shows immense potential, but Paul noted that Truman will likely be facing older wrestlers when he enters Steinbrenner High because of his weight class.

Many gifted ninth-graders competed in the 106-pound or 113-pound weight class, but Truman is competing at a heavier weight.

That means there will be a steeper learning curve in order to be successful, the high school coach explained.

“He’s going to come in at 132 or 138 (pounds), and those kids are going to be juniors or seniors in high school. It’s going to take more of an effort to get to where he wants to be,” Paul said.

That work starts with hitting the weight room extensively this summer.

“I think his technique is fine, he’ll just have to continually get stronger and be ready for kids that are going to try to get him off of his game, get him out of his comfort zone — that’s what they’ll try to do to freshmen,” Truman’s father explained. “Some juniors and seniors don’t wrestle all year long, so they get kids that they know are probably more skilled than they are…and they try to beat them just with their physical prowess.

“If he gets stronger, he’ll be better,” he said.

Truman agrees, but said, “it definitely helps” to have a father that can continue to develop his wrestling skillset. He’s also excited to work with his dad more frequently once he joins the Steinbrenner High wrestling team.

Paul is “excited” too, but acknowledges that of the two, Truman is likely more enthusiastic about the future father-son wrestling scenario at Steinbrenner High.

“It’s nerve-wracking a little bit,” Paul acknowledged. “It’s a little different when it’s your kid, but we’re looking forward to it.”

Published May 25, 2016

Area spring football preview: Hillsborough County

May 4, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

Spring football practices are underway for Hillsborough County schools in our coverage area. Programs such as Gaither High and Freedom High are hoping for turnarounds, while Steinbrenner and Wharton high schools are trying to build off last season’s successes. Carrollwood Day School fits the bill as a possible team on the rise for 2016.

 

Carrollwood Day School
Coach: Lane McLaughlin (10th year)

2015 record: 7-4       

Carrollwood Day School prep fans should be excited about the potential for an entertaining season, and not just because the private school’s football team will be playing at a brand-new athletic complex in 2016. A majority of Carrollwood’s young playmakers on offense return, including incumbent quarterback Raymond Woodie Jr., leading rusher Yahsin Wooten (740 yards, 8 TDs) and leading receiver Markeis Colvin (20 receptions, 501 yards, 4 TDs.) The Patriots also return their top two tacklers from last season in linebackers Ryan Verscharen and Stephen Walters, who will be seniors. Replacing the production of two sack artists in Zac Watson-Parcells and Corey Shamley will be key to take a step forward in 2016.

Freedom High School
Coach: Floyd Graham (1st year)
2015 record: 3-7

Freedom High School Coach Floyd Graham is likely in for a rebuilding year. (File photo)
Freedom High School Coach Floyd Graham is likely in for a rebuilding year.
(File photo)

It’s likely a rebuilding year for new Freedom coach Floyd Graham, who was officially hired on April 1. The good news for those that closely follow Freedom’s program is it’s something Graham should be able to handle, considering he created football programs from scratch at both Newsome and Steinbrenner high schools. However, Graham will have some uphill battles to climb in year one. Being hired in April doesn’t give him much time to implement his coaching philosophy, and develop a rapport with both players and assistant coaches. Also, the team is losing a plethora of seniors from 2015, including do-it-all playmaker Nasir Core.

Gaither High School
Coach: Jason Stokes (6th year)
2015 record: 4-6

In order to improve in 2016, the Cowboys must make some strides on the offensive side of the ball. The team scored nine points or fewer in six out of their 10 games. Luckily for Coach Stokes, bellcow running back Alex Rodriguez returns. Getting quarterback Gavin Denboer to cut down on his interceptions (10) is a must. The Cowboys defense should be able to hold its own, with the return of linebacker Decalon Brooks, last year’s leading tackler (114). The 5-foot-10, 190-pound Brooks, the son of Tampa Bay Buccaneers legend Derrick Brooks, is widely viewed as one of the top players in all of Tampa. The consensus three-star recruit already has Division I scholarship offers from Florida International University, Florida State University, University of Illinois and University of South Florida.

Steinbrenner High School
Coach: Andres Perez-Reinaldo (5th year)
2015 record: 9-2

The Warriors finally had a breakout season in 2015 under the tutelage of head coach Andres Perez-Reinaldo. Thanks to a potent offense and an at-times smothering defense, Steinbrenner’s only two setbacks last season were against dynasty prep programs in Manatee (Bradenton) High and Dr. Phillips (Orlando) High. On offense, quarterback Collin Wray (56 percent completion, 1,634 yards) returns, as do two of his favorite targets in Brett Bitter (35 receptions, 600 yards) and Carson Kaleo (34 receptions, 277 yards). Replacing the production of 1,000-yard rusher Jayquese Dantley is something the team will need to address. On defense, Coach Perez-Reinaldo and his staff must find some players that can carry the load, since the Warriors lose three leading tacklers in Tyler Mirabella, Patrick Lukert and Zack Deitz.

Wharton High School
Coach: David Mitchell (12th year)
2015 record: 8-2

The Wildcats enjoyed a successful 2015 campaign, with sizable victories over the likes of King High, Gaither High, Wiregrass Ranch and Leto High. However, it won’t be easy to replicate the scoring outputs (at least 30 points in seven games) from 2015. Coach Mitchell will have to replace quarterback Bryce Martin, leading rusher Miles Williams (1,102 yards, 10 TDs) and leading receiver Devontres Dukes (18 receptions, 360 yards) from last year’s squad. They also lost defensive stalwarts in linebacker Hayden Parks (75 tackles) and defensive lineman Godey Coleus (six sacks). One possible breakout candidate to watch is two-way player Shannon King, who will be a junior. The powerful 5-foot-10, 210-pounder rushed for nearly 400 yards, adding 6.9 yards per carry.

Published May 4, 2016

Local soccer player signs with Division 1 team

March 23, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

Mikey Connell — the son of a former local soccer legend — has signed a national letter of intent with the University of North Florida in Jacksonville.

The Steinbrenner High standout is the son of former Tampa Bay Rowdies star Mike Connell.

The 6-foot-1 midfielder will be coached at the Division I college by Derek Marinatos, who’s in his sixth year as UNF’s head coach.

Connell signed his national letter of intent with UNF on Feb. 3, two weeks after ending his high school soccer career.

Connell, left, was accompanied by his father Mike on National Signing Day on Feb. 3. Connell’s father played for the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the ’70s and ’80s. (Photos courtesy of Mike Connell)
Connell, left, was accompanied by his father Mike on National Signing Day on Feb. 3. Connell’s father played for the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the ’70s and ’80s.
(Photos courtesy of Mike Connell)

While Connell had a few other college offers, he decided on UNF after meeting with the coaching staff and visiting the campus.

The three-time All-County selection is relieved to have the recruiting process behind him.

“It was a very stressful process,” Mikey said, “because you’re always thinking about where you are. If a school doesn’t offer you, you’re thinking, ‘Oh no, I’m running out of time; signing day is coming up.’ Once I committed, it was easy going into the (soccer) showcases and just focusing on playing, and not worry about attracting coaches to my style of play.”

He will be joining a team which has finished over .500 for three straight seasons. The university became an even more attractive option for Connell after one of the team’s players, midfielder Alex Morrell (of Lakeland), was drafted 22nd overall in the 2016 MLS (Major League Soccer) SuperDraft.

“That was a big factor in my decision,” said Connell, who hopes to play professional soccer after he finishes college. “The fact they can produce those type of players gives me an opportunity to prove myself on that big stage.”

His father noted it was important to “put (Mikey) in the hands of someone that will take him to the next level.”

“Certainly, the coaching staff there understands the challenge of preparing players and delivering players to the professional ranks, which was very important,” Mike said.

This past season, Connell was one of the most productive players in Hillsborough County, scoring 26 goals and dishing out 19 assists.

“While he’s been a very, very good high school player, everything resets and now (he’s) going to go and have to do it again,” Connell’s father said about playing Division I soccer. “The fact that he has the opportunity to improve himself at this next level is all you ask for. Now, it’s up to him to go and understand the challenge.”

Steinbrenner High’s Mikey Connell will be playing Division I soccer at the University of North Florida in the fall. He scored 26 goals and dished out 19 assists this past season.
Steinbrenner High’s Mikey Connell will be playing Division I soccer at the University of North Florida in the fall. He scored 26 goals and dished out 19 assists this past season.

Throughout his illustrious high school career, Connell said he’s become more confident in his abilities, which is highlighted by his attacking style of play, and his penchant for facilitating scoring opportunities for teammates.

“I feel like I see things that most players do not see,” said Connell, who helped guide Steinbrenner to a district championship in 2014 and a regional championship in 2013. “I’m left-footed, so that’s a unique characteristic. I can take people on with the ball, I can score goals, and I can assist.

“I’ve really tried to hone my game into an all-around kind of player over the past few years.”

His father, a 10-year veteran of the Tampa Bay Rowdies, agrees with that assessment.

“He’s very confident receiving the ball and holding the ball when he has it. He doesn’t panic under pressure,” Mike explained. “His strongest asset is his vision of the game, the creative side of the game.”

Additionally, Mike said his son has become a “better leader of his teammates” since he started playing for Steinbrenner.

“He’s seeing the game on a bigger scale. …Just maturing with the game and the expectations of a bigger, stronger, more physical game,” Mike said.

Mike believes his son has the talent to play professionally, but adds there’s “still a lot of development to come.”

“There’s the right of passage to ‘fight the fight’ against everyone out there that may have that (professional) ambition,” Mike said. “Certainly, had he grown up in the soccer environments of South Africa or Europe, he would be further along.”

In addition to playing for Steinbrenner, Connell also plays for the Tampa Rangers, a club soccer team directed by his father.

The opportunity to be instructed by someone who’s played professional soccer for over a decade has been a key to Connell’s development.

“He’s the biggest impact on my life, coaching wise,” Connell said about his father. “He’s been my main coach since I was 11 when I was on his club team, and he’s been coaching me on my own whenever I started walking.

“He’s definitely been the biggest influence in my life on the game of soccer,” he said.

Published March 23, 2016

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