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Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local Sports

Cypress Creek relishing its best season ever

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Cypress Creek High’s baseball team just finished 16-8, with the season ending in a state tournament second-round loss, but marks the furthest the Coyotes have ever advanced in the postseason. (Courtesy of Joe Neale).

The Cypress Creek High baseball team just completed its best season in the program’s brief history, being one of three Pasco County teams that advanced to the second round of the State Tournament.

Joining Mitchell and River Ridge, the Coyotes (16-8) narrowly lost in the Class 5A region semifinals to Eau Gallie 5-4 on May 12 and capped their most impressive season despite not winning a district title.

“There’s no real secret recipe except having the right mindset,” said coach Joe Neale, the program’s only coach. “I think the guys just put their heads down and worked harder than anyone else, and it paid off.”

Leading the way for Cypress Creek was third baseman Ethan Petry, who batted .479 on 34 hits with 18 RBI, nine doubles, two triples and a team-high six homers. Petry also stepped up on the mound this season, going 5-2 with a 1.97 ERA and a team-high 60 strikeouts. While the senior is committed to the University of South Carolina, the 6-foot-4, 220-pound right-hander has risen up the draft prospect charts as a two-way player.

“We’re definitely proud of what we accomplished, not just from a winning standpoint,” Neale said, “but with the guys we have and who they’ve become and are going to become. We’ve got three guys playing at the next level, a few more joining the military, and another who wants to work with youth players at the Little League level. That makes coaching even more satisfying.”

(Courtesy of Joe Neale).

Also bound for collegiate ball is Caden Kwiat, who is headed to East Georgia State College as a pitcher. On the mound, Kwiat went 4-3 with a 1.71 ERA and 49 strikeouts. Catcher Nick Sanchez is headed to Belmont Abbey College in North Carolina after batting .306 with 22 hits, 14 RBI, two doubles and two triples.

Despite not winning the district title, Neale was thrilled for the team to get its first state tournament win, especially after losing a big group of players in 2021 that had left many questions about its prospects.

“I think a lot of people thought we’d take a step back, but we responded well and had the kind of season we thought we could have after a 20-win season (last year),” Neale said. “Looking back at the stats and seeing that we had five one-run games and four extra-inning games just shows our fortitude and how we composed ourselves all season. I’m excited to see where we go from here.”

Published on June 1, 2022.

Bulldog blazes to track state title

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Maguire Neal got over one extra hurdle, to reach the top of the podium.

Zephyrhills High’s Maguire Neal took home the gold for the Class 3A 300-meter hurdles on May 13, giving him the first state title for that event in school history. Neal, who is committed to play football and run track for the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, won the event with a time of 37.31 seconds. (Mike Camunas)

That hurdle was a disappointing performance in the 110-meter hurdles. Had the Zephyrhills High senior track star done better, he’s not sure he would have had the drive to become the first Zephyrhills High athlete to bring home the 300-meter hurdles state title.

“When I did the 110, I didn’t do so hot,” the senior sprinter explained.

“(Doing poorly on the 110) pushed me harder to do better in the 300. I knew I’d have to go hard.

“I was nervous in the blocks, but once I was out of those, everything was smooth.”

“Honestly, it was a blessing in disguise — that he didn’t do so well in the 110 hurdles,” said Bryan Thomas, Neal’s coach. “I feel he would’ve been more complacent if he had been able to get on the podium.

“So not taking that podium (for the 110), he went out and ran the 300 with that edge that really helped. I’d never seen him attack the hurdles that way.”

Neal competed in four events at the Class 3A track and field state championships on May 13, at the Florida-Percy Beard Track Stadium at the University of Florida, in Gainesville.

In addition to the 110- and 300-meter hurdles, he also ran in the 100-meter and the 4×100-meter relay. 

It was finishing 10th in the 110 hurdles that proved to be the extra motivation.

“I’d been running the 300 hurdles since freshman year,” Neal said. “I was thinking, yeah, by senior year I should be close to or getting a state championship.”

He credits his sister, Maya, for helping him to become a better hurdler.

Indeed, Maya, was a track star at Zephyrhills, finishing in the Top 5, when she was a senior.

“Maya was great for us here at Zephyrhills, but she was like, ‘My brother is better,’” Thomas recalled. “She used to show me videos of him and say, ‘He’s going to come here and run — he’s at Centennial Middle!’ … Just seeing him develop over the years, I knew he was going to be something special. Seeing him become a state champ was just icing on the cake for him.

“It has been a blessing to coach this kid,” the coach added.

Thomas is no stranger to the track and field state championships. After winning the long jump state title in 2006 (and playing college football for the University of Florida and North Alabama), he returned to his alma mater as an assistant football coach in 2016.

Neal is the second state champ that Thomas has coached. The first was Cartrell Strong, who won the triple jump state title in 2019.

Thomas acknowledged that not only does running track run in the Neal family, but that the family support system was key for Maguire.

“As a coach, you wish every athlete had that,” Thomas said. “They’re at every event, they ask if they can help out the team with tents and water — they’re unbelievable. A lot of what he does on the field and on the track is for his family.”

Maguire said the support he receives from his family has been invaluable.

“My whole family has always had my back and has been at every race. “I couldn’t’ve (won states) without them,” he said.

Maguire Neal let his grandma, Leona Hiatt, wear his gold medal after he won the 300-meter hurdles state title on May 13. (Courtesy of Maguire Neal).

Initially, he couldn’t believe that he’d won the race.

“When I crossed the (finish) line I was just in shock, really. It finally hit me when the medal was put around my neck,” he said.

The athlete’s future is filled with possibilities.

He’s committed to play football, and run track, at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

He left for Charlotte on May 20, but will be back to attend Zephyrhills’ graduation at the University of South Florida on June 9. 

Now, as he graduates, he’ll leave high school with a little extra hardware.

On the podium

Several other track and field athletes shined during the state meets in May. Here are a list of the individuals that placed in the top three, in their respective events:

First (Gold)

Class 1A

300-meter hurdles – Camila Garaton – Carrollwood Day – Sr. – 44.88

Class 4A

1600 meter – Brooke Reif – Wharton – Sr. – 4:53.27

Second (Silver)

Class 3A

1600 meter – Alex Pena – Sunlake – Jr. – 4:14.18

3200 meter – Zack Poekert – Cypress Creek – Jr. – 9:16.93

Discus – Isaiah Tavo – Land O’ Lakes – Sr. – 51.59m

Class 4A

400-meter – Serenity Brazell – Wharton – Jr. – 55.03

Third (Bronze)

Class 1A

Discus – Leighann Hanley – Carrollwood Day – So. – 34.80m

Class 3A

Javelin – Aiden Marsh – Land O’ Lakes – Jr. – 52.32m

Published May 25, 2022

Splash for the cash

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Wyatt Deaton just kept swimming.

For 2 miles — raising $5,900 through his persistence.

“This makes me — it just makes me super proud,” said his mother, Michelle, a cancer survivor. “I know he’s doing it for me, so it just means the world.”

Wyatt Deaton, 11, of Wesley Chapel, swims at the pool at the North Shore Aquatic Complex in St. Petersburg during the Swim Across America fundraising event on May 7. Deaton swam 2 miles (or 30 laps in the pool) and raised $5,900 (and counting), the most for this swim event. (Mike Camunas)

The 11-year-old was powering through laps as part of Swim Across America (SAA), the nationwide fundraising event for cancer research, clinical trials and patient programs.

He did it for his mom who has secretory breast carcinoma, a rare form of cancer.

“I just wanted to do my part to raise money for cancer (research), because my mom’s cancer is very rare, and this helps finding rare cancers and helping people, like my mom, who have it,” Wyatt said.

With SAA, participants set a goal to raise a certain amount of money and distance they’ll swim — ranging from a half-mile to up to 2 miles.

Events are held both on open water and in aquatic center pools.

Wyatt planned to swim 2 miles in the Gulf of Mexico on May 7, however, poor weather changed those plans — forcing the event to be moved to the North Shore Aquatic Complex in St. Petersburg.

Wyatt Deaton, 11, of Wesley Chapel, is all smiles before hitting the pool at the North Shore Aquatic Complex in St. Petersburg during the Swim Across America fundraising event on May 7. He raised more than $5,900 for cancer research, clinical trials and patient programs.

Buoys were set up in the pool, creating a circular track for the swimmers.

Wyatt was the youngest swimmer to swim 2 miles.

He set a fundraising goal of $2,000, but so far he’s raised $5,900, and counting.

He was the top fundraiser for the Tampa Bay SAA event.

“As a coach, it’s my job to set big scary goals, sometimes, for kids,” said Wyatt’s coach Brian Ahern, of the Tampa Elite Aquatics Mantarays (TEAM).

“Raising that much money was a big scary goal; swimming that far was a big scary goal, too, but I told him, if he raised that much money, I’d swim the 2 miles with him.

“The fact that he raised more than double that is just incredible,” Ahern said.

Wyatt Deaton gives his mom, Michelle, a loving look prior to the Swim Across America fundraising event on May 7. Michelle, a cancer survivor, is the reason Wyatt raised more than $5,900 for cancer research, clinical trials and patient programs.

Wyatt has been swimming since about age 5; he was in first grade when he found out about his mom’s cancer diagnosis.

“He was devastated, so he just read every book to learn more about it,” Michelle said. “I think that being able to do something as a child that makes a difference means a lot to him, and I can see him doing (SAA) for years and years to come.”

Wyatt is a straight-A, fifth-grader at Family of Christ Christian School in New Tampa.

He also competes with TEAM, which, as a team, has raised nearly $30,000 for SAA. The Tampa Bay event raised more than $136,000 for Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg.

Perhaps surprisingly, Wyatt didn’t take to the water quickly.

“When he came in, he had to learn the competitive strokes,” Ahern said.

In this year’s SAA swim, Wyatt and his coach completed their pledge swim on a warm Saturday morning, with Wyatt alternating between freestyle stroke and his on-the-nose but favorite stroke: “Yep, that’s the breaststroke,” he said with a smile and nod to his mom.

This was Wyatt’s third SAA, and he has already set a lofty goal for next year’s event.

He wants to raise $10,000.

Swim Across America
Info: There are several swim events across the country and state throughout the year. There is an upcoming swim at Hunters Green Pool in New Tampa at a date yet to be announced.
To donate to Wyatt’s fundraising, visit SwimAcrossAmerica.org/goto/Wyatt.

To learn more about Swim Across America or to donate directly to the organization, visit SwimAcrossAmerica.org.

Published May 18, 2022

Wyatt Deaton, 11, of Wesley Chapel, swims 2 miles at the North Shore Aquatic Complex in St. Petersburg prior to the Swim Across America fundraising event on May 7 with his Tampa Elite Aquatics Mantarays (TEAM) swim team coach Brian Ahern. TEAM has raised more than $29,000 for cancer research, with Deaton individually raising more than $5,900 of that total.
Michelle Deaton takes a photo of her son, Wyatt (green shirt, kneeling), with the rest of his Tampa Elite Aquatics swim team at North Shore Aquatic Complex in St. Petersburg, prior to the Swim Across America fundraising event on May 7.
Michelle Deaton, center, is all smiles as her husband, Rick, both look on as their son, Wyatt, 11, of Wesley Chapel, is interviewed by Swim Across America CEO Rob Butcher about raising over $5,900 — the most of any individual swimmer in the area.

The ‘devils’ are in the dirty details

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It’s about getting down and it’s definitely about getting dirty.

And, at Dirt Devils Speedway, the 1/5-mile clay oval track at 23846 State Road 52, in Land O’ Lakes, it’s all about speed, as well.

Georgia Posey, 12, of Plant City, races ahead in her white kart, while she is followed by Peyton Bronson, 10, of Plant City, in his black kart, at Dirt Devils Speedway in Land O’ Lakes. (Mike Camunas)

The track that opened in 1996 hosts go-kart practices, and races for kids and adults most Saturdays, weather permitting. The races even come with monetary prizes for the top three finishers in the varying heats and classes.

“I grew up around the race track and driving cars,” 17-year-old Lutz resident and driver Mariah Tirato said. “My grandfather and my dad, and all my uncles all drove go-karts and they just bought go-karts for us growing up. It’s a hobby I can do with my whole family. We’ll all be at the track, so I might as well drive.

Caleb Harrod helps his son, Connor, into his race suit and helmet in the staging area prior, to a race at Dirt Devils Speedway in Land O’ Lakes.

“Plus, I love going fast.”

Indeed, most races and events at Dirt Devils is a family affair. Not only do the new managers, John and Brittany Townsend, have children who race go-karts, but the whole track and facility came about because of family racing.

The owner, Sammy Rodriguez, leased the track to the Townsends in January. After retiring from sprint car racing in 1992, he built the track as a way to stay around the sport and watch his then 12-year-old grandson, Aric Almirola, race. If that name sounds familiar, it’s because Almirola is now a three-time winning driver on the NASCAR Cup Series.

Rodriguez also built Dirt Devils because he was tired of going to tracks that were subpar. This happens to be the same reason the Townsends leased it from Rodriguez.

Dirt Devils Speedway owner John Townsend sends out drivers for a practice run on a Saturday afternoon.

“I was tired of going to race tracks that weren’t worth a dang,” John said. “So it was the same thing with me and Sammy. I figured why not just get a track that I know will be good, that I can make the best.”

Parents are noticing, as many of the families and drivers come long distances to Dirt Devils.

“Honestly, I like it a lot,” said Caleb Harrod, who brought his son, Connor, all the way from Bushnell to race at Dirt Devils. “It’s a beautiful track and great facility, so I have no complaints, at all. (Connor) said he had a lot of fun on his go-kart and that’s all I care about.”

Dirt Devils Speedway Race Director Dylon Ansel waves the checkered flag during a race at the 1/5-mile track on a Saturday afternoon in April.

Since taking over, the Townsends have poured their hearts, and their sweat, into Saturday races and events. John will man the pit area and race track — with help from his race director, Dylon Ansel —and Brittany works the ticket booth and concession stand.

They may look stressed running around talking to parents, helping out on the practices by pushing cars that spin out, and holding the mandatory driver’s meeting before the races, but the Townsends truly love their newly leased facility and the racing scene.

And, getting a little dirty in the process.

“I’ve been in the dirt business since I was in diapers,” John said. “But it’s a little different when you’re talking about material for a race track. We’re young and we took a gamble and there’s been a bit of a learning curve — but those who have been coming for a while are noticing that we will work hard to make this the best track around.”

Dirt Devils Speedway
Where: 23846 State Road 52, Land O’ Lakes
When: There are races Saturday afternoons, with the gates opening at 1 p.m., practices beginning at 4:30 p.m., and races later on in the evening.
Cost: $10 for adults and children; Children under 4 are free. $35 entry fee per kart per class. Rental of track is available, starting at $300 for four hours.
Details: Local racing track features go-karts driven by children and adults, and has been hosting races since 1996.
Info: Call 352-354-2562, or visit DirtDevilSpeed.com.

Published May 11, 2022

Teckla Egan-Hoffman, 9, of Holiday, makes the first turn on the 1/5-mile clay track at Dirt Devils Speedway, at 23846 State Road 52, in Land O’ Lakes.
Brody LoMeo, 12, of Sebring, gears up to get in some practice at Dirt Devils Speedway in Land O’ Lakes.
Dirt Devils Speedway Race Director Dylon Ansel waves the green flag during a kart run at the track on a Saturday afternoon in April.

Ways to have fun, during the dog days of summer

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The hot weather makes it feel like summer is already here — but soon, it will actually be upon us.

Schools will be on break, pools will be full of splashing swimmers, beaches will be crowded, and it will be time to find activities to fill those longer days.

Luckily, there is no shortage of things to do in Pasco County.

Check out these suggestions, intended to help you have an especially spectacular summer.

Summer Camps
Pasco Outdoor Adventures are summer day camps with several locations that are available for children ages 5 to 13. The camps will run from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., from June 13 through July 29. Activities include archery, arts and crafts, fishing, geocaching, hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, nature photography, paddle sports and more.

Locations include:

  • J. Ben Harrill Recreation Complex, in Holiday
  • Centennial Middle School, Dade City
  • Veterans Memorial Park, Hudson
  • Wesley Chapel District Park, Wesley Chapel
  • Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, Land O’ Lakes
  • Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, Land O’ Lakes
  • Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park, New Port Richey

Prices vary and space is limited.

To find out more or to register, visit PascoCountyFl.net/4799/Pasco-Outdoor-Adventures.

Epperson Lagoon. Located at 31885 Overpass Road, in Wesley Chapel, the 7 acres of clear blue waters is open to the public for a daily fee. It features kayak and paddleboard rentals, an inflatable water park, food and drinks, and weekly gatherings such as trivia night and Movies on the Turf. (File)
Waterplay at Zephyr Park, 5039 Fourth St., in Zephyrhills, is a fully free water feature. It is open seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Other places in Pasco County to cool off are the pool at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, 3032 Collier Parkway; and the New Port Richey Recreation & Aquatic Center, 6630 Van Buren St. (File)
Flying Squirrel Trampoline Park. From dodgeball, to a rock wall, to arcade games, to foam ball pits to basketball and gladiator games, Flying Squirrel has bouncing fun for the whole family. Soon, the facility will have extended summer hours. Check its website for pricing information. (File)
BMX, Lake Park, 17302 N. Dale Mabry Highway, in Lutz, has several activities available all year long. But the Tampa BMX track is where bikers of all ages can ride the track after paying the $2 park entrance fee. (File)
There are dozens of local golf courses, from Saddlebrook in Wesley Chapel to Silverado Golf Club in Zephyrhills to Heritage Harbor in Lutz. Most, if not all, also host junior golf summer camps and leagues, as well as special rates for young golfers. There are a couple of putt-putt golf courses nearby: Plantation Palms Golf Club, 23253 Plantation Palms Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes; and Grove Mini Golf, the brand-new putt-putt facility at The Grove at Wesley Chapel, 6201 Wesley Grove Blvd., is tentatively scheduled to open May 27. (File)
The Lift Adventure Park
This wakeboard cable park, along with the inflatable Aqua Park, is located at SunWest Park at 17362 Old Dixie Highway, in Hudson. The facility also features a ‘beach,’ swimming areas, watercraft rentals and other amenities, for a daily entrance fee. (File)
The Sarah Vande Berg (SVB) Tennis Center in Zephyrhills features courts for tennis and pickleball, and a fitness center to help burn off some hours playing the paddle sport of your choice. Several youth tennis programs are available this summer at SVB, as are programs at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex and the Dade City YMCA. (File)
Rentals for kayaking are widely available across the area, including places like SunWest Park in Hudson, Salty Dog Kayak Rentals in Port Richey, Epperson Lagoon in Wesley Chapel, Weeki Wachee State Park in Brooksville, the Chassahowitzka River Boat Ramp in Homosassa, and even off the Dunedin Causeway between Caladesi Island State Park and Honeymoon Island State Park. (Mike Camunas)
Skate parks
There are several local skate parks, including:
• 3034 Collier Parkway, in Land O’ Lakes
• 20th Street and Alston Avenue, Zephyrhills
• 17302 Commerce Park Blvd., New Tampa
• 4680 W. Village Drive, Carrollwood (File)
Treehoppers This aerial adventure park, at 27839 St. Joe Road, in Dade City, offers 10 rope courses with more than 100 obstacles, all up in the trees. Late hours are available Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. (File)

 

 

Local driver has the right ‘Formula’

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Robin Bonanno isn’t about to slow down.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bonanno agreed.

She’s not looking for just any sponsor.

She wants one who “wants to build something.

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

Published April 27, 2022

This Saint Leo baseball coach makes history

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The wins just keep on coming for Rick O’Dette. And for Saint Leo University baseball, too.

The fifth-year coach recorded his 100th win with the Lions, when the team defeated Rollins College, on a score of 9-7, on March 27.

“It’s been great (being at Saint Leo),” O’Dette said. “I think it’s a hidden gem of a school and program, and I think that we’ve found the right recipe to be successful.”

Saint Leo baseball coach Rick O’Dette picked up his 100th win with the Lions on March 27 and his 600th career win on April 12. (Courtesy of Saint Leo University Athletics)

He attributes the team’s winning formula to achieving the proper mix of kids entering Saint Leo from high school, as well as transfers to the college from other programs.

O’Dette is no stranger to success. He came to Saint Leo from Saint Joseph’s College of Indiana, where he led the Pumas for 17 seasons, compiling a 494-407-4 overall record. So on April 12, O’Dette picked up his 600th career win when the Lions beat Florida Tech 8-2.

He now ranks fourth in total wins in the Sunshine State Conference among active head coaches, behind University of Tampa’s Joe Urso, Rollins College’s Jon Sjogren and Barry University’s Juan Ranero, respectively.

“It’s been a good year (so far),” said O’Dette, whose son, Ricky, is a pitcher at Wesley Chapel High. “I think we knew coming in we were a good team, but there is a lot of time to go here, but we’re playing at a good level.”

Saint Leo has been ranked as high as 12th in the Collegiate Baseball Newspaper NCAA Division II Top 30 Poll, and the Lions also saw the return of their No. 1 starter, Jared Beck — a 7-foot, left-handed pitcher projected to go high in the MLB Draft.

“Getting (Jared) back will be a big boost,” O’Dette said.

But for now, O’Dette wants his team to stay focused and not get too far ahead of itself, which means finishing out the season strong before hopefully a deep postseason run.

“I think the biggest thing for us is to get in the national tournament,” he said. “We have a mature lineup, really good stuff, and we’re getting the opportunity to use a lot of guys, and figuring out what’s clicking and working. I think we have an exciting opportunity to go far this season.”

Published April 27, 2022

Having fun throwing flags, in football

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This ain’t no Powder Puff game.

These athletes bring talents to the football field, passing and running the ball, pulling flags and scoring touchdowns.

And, yes, this is technically a non-contact sport, but these athletes also aren’t pulling any punches. Contact may happen occasionally during this 7-on-7 format because it’s inevitable. And it’s because these teams are good.

Hillsborough County has produced several state champions in this full, varsity sport, regulated by the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA).

Flag Football district tournaments start on April 25.

For now, we’re going to take a look at the four teams in our coverage area and see just how they are set up this season.

Patriots senior Ceniya King (Mike Camunas)

Carrollwood Day
Mascot: Patriots
Coach: Todd Broyles
Division: Class 1A-District 6

Outlook: The Patriots are a young team predominantly made up of freshmen, with just three seniors. However, that hasn’t stopped this team with a hot 4-0 record that outscored its opponents 96-6. The team with its great start looks to continue its winning ways deep into the postseason.

Player Rylee Texter says: “Our defense is pretty on point. Playing flag football is fun and competitive, and it’s not too serious where we get down on each other – we can uplift each other and just have fun.”

Coach Broyles says: “It’s a little cliche, but we’re getting better with every practice and every game. We may be a very young team, but they’re fast learners, very tenacious and quick to the ball. This is a great team.”

Patriots senior Ava Hanzelka

Freedom High
Mascot: Patriots
Coach: La’Shae White
Division: Class 1A-District 6

Outlook: The Patriots were a young team last year under coach La’Shae White, who was in her first season at the helm. And it showed, as they only won two games. This year, they have doubled that total, just five games into the season. Freedom put in a lot of offseason work and conditioning, and are out to show off its vast improvement from last season.

Player Ava Hanzelka says: “Compared to last year, we are doing great. We’ve made a lot of progress as a team and our relationships with one another. We’re a lot closer and we have a lot more fun together.”

Coach White says: “We were really locked in to get better in the offseason and so far its showing. Our girls are very competitive, but this is also fun for them. I think that’s very important to have out here.”

Warriors sophomore Kyra Patterson

Steinbrenner High
Mascot: Warriors
Coach: Greg Puskas
Division: Class 2A-District 7

Outlook: The Warriors are generally one of the better teams in the area, usually getting into some of the rankings. However, Puskas and company have a bit of a youth movement, and are adjusting to new faces. Steinbrenner is a very athletic team and will use several running plays with Kyra Patterson, a speedster that also runs track and field.

Player Elyse Thornton says: “We haven’t started as strong as we normally do, but we’re pushing through. Each game we’ve made progress and sometimes the results don’t show it, but we see how better we’re getting each time we come out.

Coach Puskas says: “We have a really young group, but I think we’re a really good-looking group, too. We’re looking to make a few moves, win some games and get some really good momentum headed into the playoffs.”

Wildcats sophomore Jexenisse Turos

Wharton High
Mascot: Wildcats
Coach: Dylan Shearon
Division: Class 2A-District 6

Outlook: The Wildcats, arguably, have one of the toughest schedules, especially since they faced Newsome in their first week, then Alonso and Robinson, respectively. That’s a tough stretch to open the season, but it better prepares Wharton and its players for the postseason.

Player Kassidy Russell says: “People underestimate the sport because they think it’s just pulling a flag, when really it’s a lot more technical skills and a lot of hard work — but still a lot of fun.”

Coach Shearon says: “Our team has a tendency to focus on the negatives, which we need to stop. We started off on a tough patch, but we got through that, and we’re talented enough to not focus on negatives and be just as good a team as we know we are.”

Published April 20, 2022

Holding court after school

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Like a volley, these tennis players are ready to return to the court.

Ava Sambrano smiles as she coaches students during the after-school tennis program at Stewart Middle in Zephyrhills. The Sarah Vande Berg (SVB) Tennis Foundation sponsors the program, which meets twice a week. (Mike Camunas)

The Stewart Middle School students are taking part in an after-school tennis program put on by the Sarah Vande Berg (SVB) Center and Foundation.

The youths spend afternoons twice a week doing their homework and then heading out to the school’s tennis courts to learn the fundamentals of the sport. Plus, they get some exercise, too.

“They embrace getting the work and homework done, and then they pressure us, ‘OK, we’re done. Let’s go out to the court,’” coach Ava Sambrano said with a smile. “And, that’s because we keep it very fun. We teach them different drills, the different types of strokes with the racquets — we work on footwork, hand-eye coordination and keep it all fun because that’s what they look forward to.”

Sambrano is a coach from the SVB Center, which will provide this program twice a week through nearly the rest of this school year at Stewart Middle, 38505 10th Ave., in Zephyrhills.

The program, presented by the SVB Foundation’s Play Days program, explains tennis basics to many who have not been exposed to the sport.

It’s a way to provide those students with access to lessons and tennis equipment.

“Tennis can be a very expensive sport,” said Sambrano, who played college tennis and was a JuCo national champion. “It’s free (thanks to the Center and Foundation) for them to participate, so we try to bring a sport that they can do and enjoy. I think it’s great we can try to pass on these skills and some values that might prepare them for not only tennis, but in life, as well.

“Parents want them to do an activity,” she added. “A little after-school thing to do before they can be picked up. Many are from low-income homes, so we try to promote physical activity and fitness, and have a better focus on their life.”

And, it’s easy to see the kids are all on board, as Sambrano pointed out. The program has nearly 25 kids and each is eager to grab a racquet after school.

Zachary Causey, 13, returns a volley during the after-school tennis program at Stewart Middle in Zephyrhills.

“I’ve learned a lot here playing tennis,” student Charles Irving said. “It’s a lot of fun. I’m always looking forward to getting my work done, so we can get on the court.”

Trey Hochstetler, another student, said: “I really like tennis a lot. And I like tennis because it’s a sport I’m actually good at, and I plan on playing in high school and going to the (SVB) Center.”

Stewart Principal Joshua Borders hopes this tennis program will pave the way for additional after-school programs.

The school has athletic teams, but Borders wants to add other sports that offer similar after-school programs.

The programs can be a pipeline to high school teams, Borders said.

By getting an early start, the athletes will be better prepared if they would like to keep on playing, he added.

“We want to do more after-school programs with other spots, so, hopefully, with this success, we’ll be able to do that in the future,” Borders said.

Published April 13, 2022

Carlos Rivera, 13, takes some tennis instructions from Sarah Vande Berg Tennis Center coach Matt Walton, during the after-school program at Stewart Middle in Zephyrhills. Students do homework and other academic activities before hitting the court.
Students from Stewart Middle in Zephyrhills work on drills during the after-school tennis program that meets twice a week.

Wildcats way down in Key West

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Published April 13, 2022