Local Sports

McGough, local football star, excelling in USFL

June 13, 2023 By Mike Camunas

Alex McGough doesn’t mind being a local celebrity.

Not just in his hometown of Tampa — specifically the Lutz and Central Pasco areas — but also in Birmingham, Alabama, where he’s the starting quarterback for the United States Football League’s Stallions.

Former Gaither High star Alex McGough leads the United States Football League (USFL) with 16 passing touchdowns and helped lead his Birmingham Stallions to the 2022 championship. He went 7-for-10 passing for 77 yards and a touchdown. (Courtesy of Aliyah Hill)

“Alabama really loves their football and they’re not lying when they say it,” the former Gaither High football star said. “They support us and it’s great, and it’s fun to get recognized in town at the store or in a restaurant, be asked for a selfie. That’s nice, but I’m just really happy playing football again on a consistent basis.”

McGough was selected with the sixth pick of the first round of the 2022 USFL Draft by the Stallions, however, he suffered an ankle injury in the team’s first game on April 16, 2022. The Stallions went 9-1 that season and made it to the championship game vs. the Philadelphia Stars. McGough came into the game for the injured J’Mar Smith and went 7-for-10 passing for 77 yards and a touchdown, helping the Stallions earn their first USFL championship with a 33-30 win.

“Last season was an interesting roller coaster of things that led to that (performance in the championship game),” McGough said. “I just went into that game preparing like I always do and, unfortunately, I hate that he had to come out due to injury, but I just went out there and played like I always do and I was just happy we fought the way we did.

“It was pretty unbelievable how it all happened and the emotions of it didn’t hit me until the next day.”

It’s been a long journey for McGough, who started his high school football career at Wesley Chapel High before transferring to Gaither prior to his sophomore year. As a Cowboy, McGough passed for 1,727 yards and 22 touchdowns as a junior, then another 1,258 yards and eight touchdowns in his senior year in 2013 before signing with Florida International University (FIU).

“Yeah, of course, I think about those days, but I also think 10 years — it kind of just puts in perspective how fast it can go when you’re not paying attention,” McGough said.
While at FIU, McGough had a record-breaking career starting as a true freshman, throwing for 1,680 yards and 14 touchdowns and earning a spot on the Conference USA All-Freshman Team. As a sophomore, he set single-season records in pass attempts (420), completions (269), yards (2,722) and touchdowns (21).

Injuries limited his playing time as a junior, but he still threw for 1,891 yards and 13 touchdowns, and when his college career was over, he had a school-record 9,091 passing yards and 65 touchdowns in 45 games.

Alex McGough started his high school football career at Wesley Chapel High before transferring to Gaither High prior to his sophomore year in 2011. (File)

Then it was time for the National Football League.

The Seattle Seahawks took McGough in the seventh round (220 overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft, becoming the first quarterback drafted by that team since they selected Russell Wilson in 2012.

Unfortunately, though, McGough didn’t see any real NFL action, instead bouncing around on practice squads with the Seahawks, Jacksonville Jaguars and the Houston Texans.

He got a second stint with Seattle and even started a preseason game, but never got to play meaningful professional games until he was with the Stallions.

“I am happy I chose to stick with (football),” he said. “I mean, the goal is to get back to the NFL, but, again, I’m just loving being able to play regularly again.”

Not only is McGough playing regularly, he’s now one of the best USFL quarterbacks, leading the league with 16 passing touchdowns and is second in passing yards, with 1,822 yards.

With a record of 7-2 — which is first place in the South Division over the Memphis Showboats, New Orleans Breakers and Houston Gamblers, respectively — McGough and the Stallions are eyeing back-to-back USFL championships.

“Coach (Skip Holtz) really puts an emphasis on each week and comes in with the 0-0 (record) mindset,” McGough said. “We’re not to worry about the playoffs, but that we be better than the next team and handle each week like we should — and the chips will fall where they may.”

This year’s playoffs begin on June 24, with the championship game set for July 1.

As McGough continues the season, he still fondly remembers his “glory days” as a local football star — and celebrity.

“That’s why they call it glory days, right?” McGough said. “The goal was always to make it to the NFL and play at the highest level, but it’s hard to say I haven’t thought about that, but I don’t ever really think about it all the time or in the moment — I’m just trying to win games, like I always have either back home or at FIU or here in Birmingham.

“But (playing here in Birmingham) is going great and I’m really enjoying it.”

United States Football League (USFL)
Details: A professional American football minor league that began play on April 16, 2022. As of 2023, the league operates eight teams in four cities, seven of which are east of the Mississippi River. All eight teams bear the brands of teams from a previous incarnation of the United States Football League that operated from 1983 to 1985. The current USFL champions are the Birmingham Stallions, who won the league’s championship game against the Philadelphia Stars on July 3, 2022, 33-30.
For more information on the USFL, visit TheUSFL.com.

Published June 14, 2023

Gators continue softball dominance with state tourney appearance

June 6, 2023 By Mike Camunas

For Mitch Wilkins, and his Land O’ Lakes High Softball Team, it’s all about expecting the unexpected.

That’s what keeps the team grounded. And it’s also what keeps the Gators a dominant force season after season, including this year when they made a Class 6A state semifinal appearance for the second time in the past three seasons.

“We do have high expectations every year, but we don’t play the season that way,” the longtime coach said.

The Land O’ Lakes High Softball Team traveled to Clermont to play in the Class 6A state semifinal on May 26 vs. Pace, but ultimately lost 3-0. They finished the season with a 19-12 record. (Courtesy of Land O’ Lakes High Athletics)

“We look at it one game at a time and at the beginning of every season, we tell the girls, we’re not going to talk about (the postseason) until we get there. We look at each game individually — we take it one opponent at a time.

“And they may talk about it amongst themselves,” Wilkins added. “They might say to each other that it will be cool to (go back to the state semifinals) and have their own expectations, but we just don’t go looking too far ahead into the season.

“Because anything can happen.”

Despite that, as well as being written off as a team that couldn’t make it as far as the Gators did, Land O’ Lakes made it back to the Class 6A state tournament. However, the Gators ultimately fell 3-0 to Pace High on May 26, in a game in which their bats were held at bay and their batters struck out 17 times.

“In that game, at the plate, we didn’t make the adjustments to finally break through,” Wilkins said. “We did get runners to second and third (base), but couldn’t get that key hit.”

Pace’s Jayden Heavener was the culprit that kept Land O’ Lakes (19-12) scoreless and held to just a single hit by senior Hannah Purcell. Heavener has been a thorn in the Gators side since she was a freshman in 2021, when two years ago, in the same 6A state semifinal, Heavener struck out 10 Gators.

However, Land O’ Lakes was able to get to the pitcher in the seventh and advance to the state championship, though had to settle for being the 6A runner up.

“We kept in the game,” Wilkins said. “We kept it close. As a coach, you can’t ask for more from your players.”

That was in big part due to senior pitcher Aliana Mercado, who, as Wilkins put it, “pitched her heart out.”

The Gators advanced to the Class 6A state final four with a 3-0 win over Bloomingdale on May 19. (Courtesy of Chantalle Spencer)

Mercado pitched the whole game, allowing three runs on three hits. She struck out seven. The Sunshine Athletic Conference East Pitcher of the Year finished the season with a 15-6 record, 167 strikeouts and a 2.02 ERA.

“I’d love to brag about my girls and how well they’ve done, but they still had to go out there and earn the respect and the wins,” Wilkins said.

“And this season, I think they did.”

And brag Wilkins will, as humble as he can still be.

While Wilkins is losing eight graduating seniors, he knows that players such as catcher Makenna Bellaire (.400 avg., 38 hits, 17 RBI, 9 doubles, 3 triples, 3 homers), second baseman Jadyn Spencer (.333 avg., 30 hits, 10 RBI, 7 doubles) and Purcell (.341 avg., 29 hits, 17 RBI, 8 doubles, triple, 3 homers) were key players for the Gators, especially down the stretch.

This also includes the return of centerfielder Nicol Werking, who was able to make it back in time for a postseason push after breaking her hand at the start of the season. Wilkins says getting Werking back was a stabilizing force in the outfield. But he reiterated injuries like this are among the factors that can influence a team’s performance each season.

Senior pitcher Aliana Mercado finished her final season as a Gator with a 15-6 record. She struck out 167 batters with a 2.02 ERA and three shutouts. (Courtesy of Chantalle Spencer)

“This is why you just look at one game at a time because you never know what could happen,” he said. “Plus, it’s a challenge to get (to the state tournament) and that is why we play a tough schedule every year, not to just prepare them for the postseason, but because strength of schedule helps us get into regionals without winning the district tournament.”

Indeed, the Gators did not win a district championship this season and were the No. 5 seed in the region tournament.

Wilkins feels losing 7-6 in 10 innings to Sickles in the district tournament told the players all they needed to know about advancing deep into the postseason once again.

“We did it without some of our key players (Mercado and third baseman Jailal Mitchell)” he added. “After that, they knew they could play with anyone.”

Which is how Wilkins and the returning Gators feel headed into this offseason. Even though they still won’t look too far ahead to what’s in store for 2024.

“I will tell you, next year, we will be competitive, and that’s the most you’ll get out of me,” Wilkins said with a laugh. “We’re not going to get too ahead of ourselves and say we’ll be great and, to me, that’s not being humble — it’s just where we need to be.

“We can come out with high expectations and small things can happen again and you’re not as good as you expected.

“But I’m really proud of our girls,” he added. “They give themselves an opportunity every year to compete at the highest levels and it takes skill, and a little bit of luck to go (as far as we did). Once they get to the playoffs, they really turn it up a notch and I love seeing that every year.”

Published June 07, 2023

2022-2023 Sunshine Athletic Conference Winter Awards

May 30, 2023 By Mike Camunas

The Sunshine Athletic Conference, which is made up of the 14 public high school athletic programs in Pasco County, announced its 2023 Spring All-Conference Teams and Players, voted on by the sports’ respective coaches. The awards are split into East and West divisions of the county. Here are the East Division first teams and the players and coaches of the year.

Baseball
Team Champion: Land O’ Lakes, Wesley Chapel, Wiregrass Ranch
Player of the Year: Maddox McDougall, Wiregrass Ranch
Coach of the Year: Calvin Baisley, Land O’ Lakes

First Team
Pitcher: Maddox McDougall, Wiregrass Ranch, junior
Catcher: Guillermo Rivera, Wesley Chapel, junior
Infielder: Max Menendez, Cypress Creek, senior
Infielder: Isaiah Fudge, Wiregrass Ranch, senior
Infielder: Austin Dobbins, Zephyrhills, senior
Infielder: Bradon Durfee, Land O’ Lakes, senior
Outfielder: J.P. Pennella, Land O’ Lakes, senior
Outfielder: Cameron Oliver, Wiregrass Ranch, senior
Outfielder: Maddox Rivera, Zephyrhills, senior
Utility/Designated Hitter: Mills Carrillo, Wesley Chapel, freshman

Land O’ Lakes senior pitcher Aliana Mercado (Courtesy of Maddie McGinty)

Softball
Team Champion: Land O’ Lakes
Player of the Year: Courtney Marks, Wesley Chapel
Pitcher of the Year: Aliana Mercado, Land O’ Lakes
Coach of the Year: Mitch Wilkins, Land O’ Lakes

First Team
Pitcher: Aliana Mercado, Land O’ Lakes, senior
Catcher: Makenna Bellaire, Land O’ Lakes, sophomore
Infielder: Kylee Johnson, Wiregrass Ranch, senior
Infielder: Hannah Davila, Wesley Chapel, senior
Infielder: Mia Fields, Sunlake, junior
Infielder: Cat Durden, Pasco, junior
Outfielder: Courtney Marks, Wesley Chapel, junior
Outfielder: Ahmari Arca, Wesley Chapel, senior
Outfielder: Laila Woolfolk, Zephyrhills, sophomore
Utility/Designated Hitter, Designated Player: Ava Blakely, Wesley Chapel, junior

Boys Tennis
Team Champion: Wiregrass Ranch
Player of the Year: Ninad Raut, Wiregrass Ranch
Coach of the Year: David Wilson, Wiregrass Ranch

From left: Jeremy Caruso, Belal Mansour, Vlad Shumakov, Zak Herrmann and Ninad Raut are the Class 3A boys tennis team state champions. (Courtesy of Dave Wilson)

First Team
Ninad Raut, Wiregrass Ranch, senior
Vlad Shumaker, Wiregrass Ranch, senior
Zak Herrmann, Wiregrass Ranch, senior
Belal Mansour, Wiregrass Ranch, senior
Neil Patil, Land O’ Lakes, senior

Girls Tennis
Team Champion: Pasco
Player of the Year: Sofiya Janos, Land O’ Lakes
Coach of the Year: Jennifer Gaete, Land O’ Lakes

First Team
Kasey Lang, Pasco, junior
Madu Chander, Wiregrass Ranch, junior
Sofiya Janos, Land O’ Lakes, junior
Andria Wang, Land O’ Lakes, senior
Sydney West, Wiregrass Ranch, senior

Boys Track & Field
Team Champion: Sunlake
Track Athlete of the Year: Alex Pena, Sunlake
Field Athlete of the Year: Aidan Marsh, Land O’Lakes
Coach of the Year: Randall Reeves

Land O’ Lakes senior lifter Aidan Marsh, left, and Gators weightlifting coach Tyler Farr. (Courtesy of Krissie Marsh)

First Team
4 x 800 meter: Drew Zevin, freshman; Christian Hindman, freshman; Joshua Hindman, junior; Alex Pena, senior, Sunlake
110 meter hurdles: Jared Ryder, Sunlake, sophomore
100 meter: Damien Pickett Jr., Zephyrhills, sophomore
1600 meter: Zack Poekert, Cypress Creek, senior
4 x 100 meter: Jaylen Smith, junior; Benjamin Raines, sophomore; Roosevelt Miller, freshman; Jeremiah Bland, senior, Zephyrhills
400 meter: Damien Pickett Jr., Zephyrhills, sophomore
400 meter hurdles – Aiden Taylor, Wiregrass Ranch, senior
800 meter – Alex Pena, Sunlake, senior
200 meter – Damien Pickett Jr., Zephyrhills, sophomore
3200 meter:Cade Culpepper, Sunlake, sophomore
4 x 400 meter: Mason Spearin, junior; Jaime Candelaria, senior; Wyatt Chapman, senior; Tyler Dana, sophomore, Wiregrass Ranch
Shot put: Vincent Tre, Cypress Creek, senior
Pole vault: Nathan Lee, Sunlake, Senior
High jump: Kyden Wiley, Wiregrass Ranch, sophomore
Long jump: Damien Pickett Jr., Zephyrhills, sophomore
Triple jump: Jakobe Campbell, Zephyrhills, junior
Discus: Devin Gilbertson, Land O’ Lakes, junior
Javelin: Jack Niemann, Cypress Creek, junior

Girls Track & Field
Team Champion: Sunlake
Track Athlete of the Year: Aniyah Kitt, Land O’ Lakes
Field Athlete of the Year: Evyana Tavo, Land O’Lakes
Coach of the Year: Brett Hodros

First Team
4 x 800 meter: Kailyn Ford, freshman; Ally Moyer, junior; Annie Winborn, senior; , Abigail Williams, junior, Sunlake
100 meter hurdles: Victoria Fleming, Wiregrass Ranch, freshman
100 meter: Aniyah Kitt, Land O’ Lakes, junior
1600 meter: Ava Schmitt, Wiregrass Ranch, junior
4 x 100 meter: Layla Martinez, junior; Aniyah Kitt, junior; Taylor Graves, senior; Rebeca Quezada, junior, Land O’ Lakes
400 meter: Tiffany Colin, Wiregrass Ranch, senior
400 meter hurdles: Victoria Fleming, Wiregrass Ranch, freshman
800 meter: Ava Schmitt, Wiregrass Ranch, junior
200 meter: Aniyah Kitt, Land O’ Lakes, junior
3200 meter: Ava Schmitt, Wiregrass Ranch, junior
4 x 400 meter: Dalyn Brown, sophomore; Kenzye Gainey, senior; Victoria Fleming, freshman; Tiffany Colin, senior, Wiregrass Ranch
Shot put: Gainy Ruiz, Sunlake, junior
Pole Vault: Adoniyah Pearson, Cypress Creek, senior
High jump: Emma Stephens, Sunlake, sophomore
Long jump: Mackenzie Lachance, Cypress Creek, freshman
Triple jump: Taylor Graves, Land O’ Lakes, senior
Discus: Evyana Tavo, Land O’ Lakes, sophomore
Javelin: Marley Garrett, Land O’ Lakes, senior

Boys Lacrosse
Team Champion: Mitchell
Offensive Player of the Year: Anthony Iserino, Wesley Chapel
Defensive Player of the Year: Charlie Fisher, Mitchell
Coach of the Year: Ethan Quinn, Mitchell

First Team
Attack: Anthony Iserino, Wesley Chapel, junior
Attack: Garrett Schwartz, Wiregrass Ranch, senior
Attack: Noah Radle, Mitchell, senior
Midfielder: Chris Ferrini, Mitchell, senior
Midfielder: Jackson Payton, Wiregrass Ranch, senior
Midfielder: Riley Hagland, Mitchell, senior
Defender: Logan Falk, Cypress Creek, senior
Defender: Charlie Fisher, Mitchell, senior
Defender: Wyatt Quaife, Mitchell, senior
Goalie: Jacob Briggs, Land O’ Lakes, junior
Face-Off: Finn Hudson, Mitchell, sophomore

Girls Lacrosse
Team Champion: Mitchell
Offensive Player of the Year: Eva Risinger, Mitchell
Defensive Player of the Year: Carline Johnson, Mitchell
Coach of the Year: Linsey Hoskins, Mitchell

First Team
Offense: Megan Holleran, Wesley Chapel, senior
Offense: Isabella Colon, River Ridge, senior
Offense: Avery Smith, Cypress Creek, senior
Offense: Eva Risinger, Mitchell, senior
Offense: Paige Peters, Mitchell, senior
Offense: Jerianne Morris, Mitchell, senior
Defense: Ashlynn Hunter, Cypress Creek, junior
Defense: Ysabella Carbone, Cypress Creek, junior
Defense: Olivia Jacinto, Sunlake, senior
Defense: Olivia Dusch, Mitchell, senior
Defense: Julie Michael, Mitchell, senior
Goalie: Caroline Johnson, Mitchell, senior

Boys Weightlifting
Olympic Team Champion: Land O’ Lakes
Traditional Team Champion: Land O’ Lakes
Olympic Lifter of the Year: Malachi Woodard, Zephyrhills
Traditional Lifter of the Year: Aidan Marsh, Land O’ Lakes
Coach of the Year: Tyler Fara, Land O’ Lakes

Traditional First Team
119: Ethan Cantanas, Wiregrass Ranch, sophomore
129: Carlo Picciurro, Pasco, sophomore
139: Payton Cox, Wesley Chapel, senior
154: Malachi Woodard, Zephyrhills, sophomore
169: Diego Luna, Cypress Creek, senior
183: Tynan Lacrye, Zephyrhills, senior
199: Josh Poleon, Wesley Chapel, senior
219: Dean Gilbertson, Land O’ Lakes, junior
238: Justin Leivas, Land O’ Lakes, senior
Heavyweight: Aidan Marsh, Land O’ Lakes, senior

Olympic First Team
119: Ethan Cantanas, Wiregrass Ranch, sophomore
129: Jayden Cruzado, Cypress Creek, sophomore
139: Payton Cox, Wesley Chapel, senior
154: Malachi Woodard, Zephyrhills, sophomore
169: Tyler Hitchner, Zephyrhills, junior
183: Marcell Tucker, Zephyrhills, senior
199: Rodney Smith, Zephyrhills, junior
219: Devin Gilbertson, Land O’ Lakes, junior
238: Devin Leathers, Wiregrass Ranch, senior
Heavyweight: Aidan Marsh, Land O’ Lakes, senior

Published May 31, 2023

Hitting the gym — and the century mark

May 23, 2023 By Mike Camunas

Roy Caldwood is a risk taker — a rebel.

And, a humanitarian.

The 100-year-old veteran — who regularly stays fit and active by working out with a trainer at AdventHealth Wellness Center in Wesley Chapel — served as a Buffalo Soldier in World War II, encountering German infantry and Third Reich soldiers in Italy. He was a medic, caring for his brothers in arms in the 92nd Infantry Division Reconnaissance Troop Second Platoon.
“I will say this, it was a hell of an experience, a once in a lifetime experience, and what I learned was how it felt to live in a free society and a colorless society — because in Italy, it was color blind. You never heard the word ‘color’ in the two years I spent in Italy,” Caldwood said.

Roy Caldwood, a 100-year-old World War II veteran, works out with Mike Guerdan, a trainer at AdventHealth Wellness Center in Wesley Chapel, where Caldwood comes to stay active and in shape. The gym gave the New Tampa resident an honorary membership to thank him for his World War II service as a Buffalo Soldier in the 92nd Infantry Division Reconnaissance Troop Second Platoon and, well, also because he’s the only centenarian who works out at the Wellness Center. (Mike Camunas)

Nearly 80 years later, Caldwood has long been retired and has resided in New Tampa now for about a year. His wife of 73 years, Muriel, passed in the summer of 2022.

He stays active by gardening and still does some traveling, and he works out with a hands-on trainer at AdventHealth Wellness Center, in Wesley Chapel.

The gym recently honored Caldwood, for his service and for being its only 100-year-old member, by giving him an honorary membership.

His daughter, Diane Royer, who also works out at the gym, thought it was a good way for him to remain active. But she also knew that this “risk taker” would need some guidance (a.k.a supervision).

“My role is to safeguard him, but if it was up to him, he would go (too) hard because he’s a risk taker, but also a humanitarian,” Royer said. “He’d be in here (at the gym) trying to help other people, which is all well and good, but I would feel bad if something happened to him.”

Caldwood works out with Wellness Trainer Mike Guerdan. The trainer keeps Caldwood grounded, even if the centenarian willingly does more than required.

“It can be tough to make sure he doesn’t do too much given his age, so I just want to make sure he doesn’t do anything too irresponsible and hurts himself,” Guerdan said. “He’s like a vintage automobile — you’ve got to drive him carefully.”

Royer worries her father might do too much — knowing his history as both a soldier and humanitarian.

Caldwood was awarded the Bronze Star for his actions in the war.

While in Italy, with the village his unit was occupying under imminent German attack, he and other medics volunteered to help the Italian villagers, but he also undertook a very dangerous mission.

New Tampa centenarian Roy Caldwood stays active and fit thanks to regular workouts at AdventHealth Wellness Center in Wesley Chapel, where he was bestowed an honorary membership as a thank you for his service in World War II.

He volunteered to escort a group of Italian women to go grocery shopping. They needed to pass through a section called “Purple Heart Stretch” because entering that war zone meant risking death.

“The Germans thought my actions were completely suicidal,” Caldwood recalled.

“That’s just Roy being Roy — always wanting to help somebody somehow, but also taking the road less traveled,” his daughter added. “For him, it’s go big or go home.”

When Caldwood finally did go home to his native New York, he spent more than 21 years in the New York City prison system as an assistant deputy warden and program director at Rikers Island. He worked in that system until 1976.

During that time, he was among six guards who were taken hostage during the 1972 Rikers Island Riot. Caldwood helped negotiate a peaceful resolution.

“Sometimes, you have to take a risk to help others,” said the author of “Making the Right Moves: Rikers Island & NYC Corrections.”

Roy Caldwood, at 100, still works out regularly with weights at AdventHealth Wellness Center, in Wesley Chapel.

The book recounts the story of the 1972 riot. In 2001, he was awarded the New York City Commissioner’s Award for Bravery and in 2016 received the New York City Department of Correction Guardian Association Medal of Honor, Valor & Merit.

Now, as he walks through the gym, sometimes wearing clothing honoring his Buffalo Soldier notoriety, Royer is still surprised no one notices.

“No one said anything when I put the year 1922 on the forms when signing him up,” she said. “I thought maybe they’re used to it — but here’s a 100-year-old Buffalo Soldier at this gym and no one knew! Which is okay because he’s working out and staying active.”

Guerdan agrees.

“It’s inspiring to see his work,” the trainer said. “It’s still pretty amazing to see him in the gym and handing him weights and he’s slinging it above his head and doing more than what I asked him to do.

“I hope I can still do that when I’m 100 or even younger!”

Caldwood — a rebellious, risk-taking humanitarian — doesn’t feel his age.

“I love this gym — and I like Mike (laughs),” Caldwood said. “But I don’t feel 100 — I’ve never been 100 before, so I don’t know what it’s supposed to feel like!

“But I’m going to keep working out and hopefully I’ll reach 101.”

Published May 24, 2023

Going about it the Ehrhard way

May 16, 2023 By Mike Camunas

Drew Ehrhard already was a legacy player before he crafted his own legacy.

As he grew up, the Wharton High School graduate and standout baseball player dreamed of following in his dad’s footsteps — by joining the perennial national championship contender University of Tampa (UT) Spartans’ baseball program.

University of Tampa sixth-year senior first baseman Drew Ehrhard has spent his career as a Spartan moving around to different positions. The 2019 national champion started at second base, also played third and shortstop, but then spent the entire 2022 season at catcher, a first for the Wharton High graduate. On May 11, Ehrhard hit a homer in a win vs. Newberry College to give him 340 career hits, the new program record. (Courtesy of University of Tampa Athletics)

His father, Rodney, played at UT from 1986 to 1987, before he went on to play in the New York Yankees organization. He was inducted into the UT’s Athletics Hall of Fame in 2016.

“Drew’s a Spartan, through and through,” longtime UT baseball coach Joe Urso said.

Ehrhard had some other college offers, while he was at Wharton, but his mind was made up — he was set on being a Spartan.

Drew Ehrhard hugs his teammates after the Spartans won the 2019 Division II Baseball National Championship in Cary, North Carolina — the program’s eighth title. (Courtesy of University of Tampa Athletics)

“I always knew UT was where I wanted to be,” Ehrhard said. “I’ve been truly blessed with my time here at Tampa — from the players to coach Urso to the fans and the support staff — truly a blessing.”

Ehrhard has blessed the Spartans, actually.

In six seasons (he got an extra because of the 2020 COVID season), he’s a .335 career hitter. He broke the program record for most career hits — with a homer on May 11 vs. Newberry College, marking career hit 340 to surpass Ronnie Merrill.

“That’s been something I’ve been trying to do for a long time,” Ehrhard said. “Around Year 5 (2022), and when I realized there was going to be a Year 6 (this season), I started to realize that I had a chance when I needed around 70 hits and had already had a couple of 70-hit seasons.

“Everything that has happened in my career here has just been amazing.”

That includes becoming a national champion. In 2019, the Spartans defeated Colorado Mesa University in Cary, North Carolina, for the program’s eighth Division II National Championship.

Back then, he was playing second base, his original position. He had stints at third and shortstop, but when the 2022 season came around, Urso asked Ehrhard to play catcher, something he’d never done.

“He’s jumped around wherever we’ve needed him and always done well,” Urso said. “He started out at second base, but ended up catching the whole year. Then, when he’s back at second, we moved him to first (due to another player injury). He’s done an amazing job because Drew will jump through hoops for this university. He really cares about the uniform.”

Spartans first baseman Drew Ehrhard holds the records for most hits (340) in program history. (Courtesy of University of Tampa Athletics)

“I’ve always made it very clear that I’ll do whatever is best for the team,” Ehrhard added. “Coach heard me and took it to heart — he gave me a shot at catching, and it was a really cool experience. I’m having a lot of fun with the challenge of playing first, but second base will always have a special place in my heart (laughs).”

During his entire baseball playing career, Ehrhard has put his team first. Doing so has earned him numerous accolades.

As a senior at Wharton, he won the Tony Saladino Award, which is presented annually to the top senior player in Hillsborough County, after batting .422 with 35 hits, 24 RBI, nine doubles and four homers.

Scott Hoffman, the former Wharton coach who guided Ehrhard’s Wildcat years, is one of Ehrhard’s biggest fans.

As a senior at Wharton High, Drew Ehrhard was bestowed the Tony Saladino Award, which is presented annually to the top senior player in Hillsborough County, after batting .422 with 35 hits, 24 RBI, nine doubles and four homers. (Courtesy of Jarrett Guthrie)

“I’ve said this to pretty much anyone who would listen: Drew is what every coach or team needs,” Hoffman said. “He is, to me, what a student-athlete should be. Not everyone is wired that way, but if there was a picture of a student-athlete in the dictionary, it would be Drew.”

That’s why Urso turns to Ehrhard, as a leader, but also to run the offense. Ehrhard is asked to do the little things — to lay down bunts, take pitches for steals or set the lineup in motion as the No. 2 hitter.

“That’s the best part — others around him learn from his leadership and love for UT,” Urso said. “We were lucky because he grew up a Spartan and wanted to follow in (his) dad’s footsteps. He’s done his family and university proud.

“He’s really the truest team player and it’s easy for me to continue to build on the winning tradition when I have players like Drew who put everything into UT.”

Ehrhard will look to guide the Spartans back to the Division II World Series. The Spartans will need to be one of the eight regional champs, with No. 3 Tampa (40-9) playing in the South Region starting May 18.

Ehrhard, who is batting .375 with 37 RBI this season, wants a second ring to go with his from 2019.

Which, of course, would just add to his legacy.

“Job’s not done yet,” Ehrhard said. “We’ve still got a lot more left to play.”

Published May 17, 2023

Steinbrenner seeks state tournament run

May 9, 2023 By Mike Camunas

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

Running up to Boston

May 2, 2023 By Mike Camunas

Tia Pettygrue has been running toward this goal for about 12 years.

The 54-year-old New Tampa resident has qualified to run in the 128th annual Boston Marathon on April 15, 2024.

“It’s the Super Bowl for runners — because it’s the only one you have to qualify for,” Pettygrue said.

Tia Pettygrue, of New Tampa, trains at EōS Fitness, a new gym in Lutz, to prepare for the 2024 Boston Marathon. She recently qualified to run in the race after years of running and attempts. The 54-year-old financial advisor and certified running coach set a personal record of three hours, 53 minutes in a marathon in Newport News, Virginia. She will be one of 30,000 participants in the 128th Boston Marathon on April 15, 2024. (Mike Camunas)

It is still a ways off, but this longtime long-distance runner’s excitement hasn’t waned since qualifying for the event while setting a personal record (three hours, 53 minutes) in her 11th marathon — the Newport News One City Marathon — on March 5 in Virginia.

“I am so excited. I’m thinking about it every day, and I was looking at when I crossed the finish line — the race photographer got the best shots, with all the emotions. I relive it every day now, and I don’t usually buy race photos!

“I’m known for doing a jump picture after my races. People couldn’t believe I was able to do it after running a hard 26.2 miles,” she said, with a laugh.

But all laughing aside, Pettygrue has finally qualified for her dream race, but only after several unsuccessful attempts. Those efforts fell short due to time, or added pressures of the situation, or occasional injuries.

That’s why she joined the new EōS Fitness gym in Lutz. It has trainers, a wide variety of equipment, and various recovery apparatuses and techniques that come in handy for avid runners.

That’s especially true for Pettygrue, who has been running since the mid-’90s.

EōS personal trainer Anya Kalnins has been working with Pettygrue to help her gain more unilateral strength.

She said Pettygrue is one of her most advanced clients.

Tia Pettygrue is overcome with joy and emotion after setting a new personal record at the Newport News One City Marathon, which qualifies her to run in the 2024 Boston Marathon. (Courtesy of Tia Pettygrue)

“She’s also very positive and always keeps her head high — even if she is a little injured, she doesn’t let it get her down,” Kainins said. “As you get older, your body does slow down, so recovery is key, but her training here is very impressive — you love to see that.”

Pettygrue will run long distance, outside, five days a week and then lift weights on another two.

As for her recovery at EōS, she calls it her “spa day.”

She’ll spend 15 minutes to 20 minutes in the hot tub, 10 minutes in the sauna, finish up in the massage chairs and then put in a little stretching.

Her work and her long journey led her to being selected for the EōS Fitness’ annual “Submit Your Fit” contest, which involves members from across the nation sharing transformational stories of how they embraced fitness to improve all aspects of their lives.

Pettygrue recalls the beginning of her journey to a more fit life.

“In 2008, on a cruise, someone I hadn’t seen in a while, said to me, ‘Tia, I didn’t even recognize you — you gained so much weight!’

”That’s what I needed to hear at the time.”

Tia Pettygrue poses with her husband, Johnny, after running the St. Pete Run Fest. Tia’s husband of 32 years is an avid long-distance runner, as well.

From there, she got back into long-distance running and signed up for the Gasparilla 15K.

Her husband of 32 years, Johnny, also is an avid runner, and he was ready to do the Gasparilla full marathon, a race that is now discontinued. He convinced PettyGrue to run with him and they have been hooked on running marathons and long races ever since. So much so, they plan trips around runs and then explore the city and area before and after the race.

In all, Pettygrue has run 158 half marathons, 11 marathons, a triathlon and an ultramarathon.

EōS Lutz fitness manager Emory Wolf-Bielawa thinks it’s awesome that Pettygrue has achieved her goal to run in the Boston Marathon.

“Just looking at her story and seeing all the highlights and photos and races she’s run, she’s come a long way,” Wolf-Bielawa said.

As Pettygrue prepares for the biggest race of her life, she will continue her work with Black Girls Run, a nonprofit aimed at getting young and adult black women out to exercise. Through the program, she has coached thousands of women as a certified running coach.

Her devotion to the sport is apparent to others.

“Honestly, I was wondering if I should go up there and support her as her coach! I’ve never been to Boston, so maybe I can make it a work trip — and to see her cross that finish line,” Kalnins said.

Now, Pettygrue is ready to cross the Boston Marathon finish line, after years of running toward it.

“It’s the runner’s Super Bowl — my Super Bowl,” she said, “and I can’t wait to run it — finally.”

Published May 03, 2023

Adaptive sports day is a home run

April 25, 2023 By Mike Camunas

It was a hit.

From Wesley Chapel to Land O’ Lakes, the Pasco County Parks, Recreation, & Natural Resources Department had itself quite the day — Adaptive Sports Day at Wesley Chapel District Park, as well as the “At Bat 4 Autism” Home Run Derby at the baseball fields at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex — with both events held on April 15.

Lauren Neal, of Ruskin, brings the basketball down court during a session of one of the four adaptive sports available at Adaptive Sports Day at Wesley Chapel District Park and Recreation Center on April 15. The event was sponsored by the Pasco County Parks, Recreation, & Natural Resources Department and designed to give individuals with a physical disability the opportunity to try different adaptive sports, from basketball, tennis, pickleball and archery. In all, about a dozen athletes and residents attended and were able to enjoy the sports and facilities. (Mike Camunas)

The activities were timed to bring attention to Autism Awareness Month, which is April, as well as to highlight the department’s Pasco Adaptive & Inclusive Recreation (P.A.I.R) program, which provides active events and activities for those with disabilities.

“I think we had a great turn out!” said Scarlet Lawhorne, recreation leader at Wesley Chapel Recreation Center. “Everyone had a great time and we’re happy with how it all turned out. We’re definitely going to try to make it a yearly thing and hopefully see even more (adaptive sports athletes) come out.”

Senior Recreation Coordinator Kimberly Miller said these two events were put on specifically this month as the department’s initiative to provide more adaptive sports for the county.

“While we have (P.A.I.R activities) all year long, this was our way of doing things during April for Autism Awareness Month,” she added.

At Adaptive Sports Day, about a dozen or so youth and adult participants with disabilities were able to give four adaptive sports — tennis, pickleball, basketball and archery — a try. While pickleball and tennis — put on by volunteers from the Sarah Vande Berg Foundation and USTA Florida, respectively — were brought into the gym because of the heat, archery and basketball were kept outside, with the latter sport seeing some fierce competition. That included stellar play from Team USA Wheelchair Basketball point guard Paul Schulte, who is a two-time Paralympic medalist.

Adaptive Sports Day only cost $5 per athlete and it provided sport wheelchairs for those who might not have them.

Over in Land O’ Lakes, the “At Bat 4 Autism” Home Run Derby had a couple dozen hitters pre-register and participate, however, organizers who braved the heat at the all-day event during Little League and softball games saw a lot of walk-ups pay just $3 for seven swings to be crowned home run champion.

In all, the organizers added, the department made a few hundred dollars off the home run derby, with those proceeds going to the P.A.I.R program.

“It was a great day, with these events,” Miller said. “We love getting this kind of support from the community for (the P.A.I.R) program and our department.

Published April 26, 2023

Tyler Keats, of Sarasota, returns a tennis volley inside the gym at Wesley Chapel Recreation Center during Adaptive Sports Day on April 15.

Robyn Stawski, of Tampa, works on aiming the bow during an archery session at an event offering athletes a different way to compete.

Jacob Paul, of Clearwater, gears up to return a tennis volley inside the gym at Wesley Chapel Recreation Center during Adaptive Sports Day.

Wesley Chapel resident and veteran Jerome Knight pulls back on his bow and takes aim during one of the four adaptive sports available to try at Adaptive Sports Day at Wesley Chapel District Park on April 15.

Shelton Mobley, of Temple Terrace, left, and Bradenton resident and Team USA Wheelchair Basketball point guard Paul Schulte battle for the ball during a game on Adaptive Sports Day in Wesley Chapel.

New Port Richey resident Isabella Thurman works on a return during a game of pickleball on the day highlighting adaptive sports.

In a club all his own

April 18, 2023 By Mike Camunas

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.

Digging deep in the sand

April 11, 2023 By Mike Camunas

Playing volleyball is just another day at the beach for them.

It doesn’t mean that the Saint Leo University Beach Volleyball players aren’t taking it seriously.

Saint Leo University beach volleyball player Aliya Fredette-Huffman dives to make a return during a training session. (Mike Camunas)

“It’s sandy and sunny and you get tan, so, unless you’re losing, there’s no complaints when you get to play this (sport) all the time,” said Jeanette Henderson, who is half of the team’s No. 1 duo. “I think beach volleyball is a lot more mental and I really appreciate that about the sport because that shows on the court — on the sand.”

Beach volleyball, which Saint Leo has been competing in since 2018, is a sport that may require more all-around skill than its indoor counterpart.

“Honestly, I think I had an easier time coming to beach volleyball because it was a little bit more individually focused and I could do a little bit of everything,” said Aliya Fredette-Huffman, who is Henderson’s playing partner. “With indoor, you pick one skill: you hit, you pass, you set, but here, on the sand, you can do it all — you have to do it all, which I really like because I enjoy doing all three (skills).

“Being an all-around player who can hit, set and pass is key.”

Jeanette Henderson, a Wharton High graduate, is one half of the No. 1 duo team on Saint Leo University’s Beach Volleyball team. Henderson, her playing partner Aliya Fredette-Huffman and their fellow teammates are headed to the 2022 Small College Beach Championship starting April 14, at Hickory Point Beach in Tavares. The Lions, who have four sandy courts on campus, are having a solid season under coach Natalia Koryzna, who also coaches the university’s indoor volleyball team.

Having the full-range skill set of a volleyball player comes in handy in beach volleyball because, unlike being a gym when the team has six players on the court, sandy matches are 2-v-2. Then, each team has five pairings, similar to how collegiate tennis matches are played. A pair must win two sets to take the match and a set is won by reaching 21 points first.

Since there are only two players, placement strategy is the real road to victory in beach volleyball.

The court dimensions are slightly smaller than indoor volleyball, but with only two players on each team, there’s much more area to place drop shots on the court.

“It’s significantly different than indoor because it’s more about perfecting placement and way more about the strategy it takes,” Lions coach Natalia Koryzna said. “You have more people to rely on when indoors, but out here in the sand, with just two people, it shows the players have to have the overall skills of every position of an indoor volleyball player.

“So you’re going to see a lot more 1-on-1 play, which you won’t see indoors.”

However, a handful of Lions’ beach volleyball players also play for the indoor team, For example, Henderson, who is a Wharton High graduate, was recruited for beach volleyball, but also walked on the indoor team.

Assistant coach Emily Kalmink said recruiting beach volleyball players in Florida can be easier since it’s more likely players will be good on the beach given the abundance of them in this state.

“I transitioned to beach (volleyball) a lot earlier, but being from (New Smyrna Beach), it was right up my alley,” Fredette-Huffman added.

Ignacia Cortinez jumps up to serve the ball across the Lions sandy court during a training session.

Saint Leo competes in the Division II level of college sports, however, according to the American Volleyball Coaches Association, “the popularity of beach volleyball has exploded over the last few years” and is “the fastest-growing NCAA sport over the last five years in Division I.”

It’s why the program is so young, but also doesn’t even have a full conference in which to hold a postseason tournament. Yet, after the team’s best season last year (22-13), Saint Leo continued those winning ways this season, finishing 15-8. The team is now headed to the Small College Beach Championships on April 14.

Last season in the same tournament, Saint Leo went 3-3 and won third in the silver bracket. This year, the Lions feel even more confident as they head to the sandy beach courts just off the shore of Lake Harris in Tavares.

“We have high expectations,” Fredette-Huffman said. “We’ve played some great teams and games and come away with some wins and also some losses, but the way the season has been going, we think we’re playing well enough to play with anyone.”

Henderson agrees, adding how close-knit the team has become in the two years under Koryzna has been crucial to their success.

“Our team chemistry is top tier,” Henderson added. “We all feel like family, like sisters and we hang out all the time together. So, it’s a lot like, even if you’re out there playing in the sand for a point or you’re not, you still feel like part of the team and want to be part of the team.”

AVCA Small College Beach Championships
When: April 14 to April 16
Where: Hickory Point Beach, 27345 State Road 19, Tavares
Details: On 21 professional-grade lighted, sand courts, universities will bring their squads of two-player teams to compete for Division II, III and NAIA Division titles.
For results or more information, visit avca.org/events/small-college-beach-champ.html.

Published April 12, 2023